In the first part of our basic glossary of engineering design, we explored some terms essential to navigate this exciting discipline. Today we bring you the second part of this selection of useful terms. Proof of Concept Also known as proof of principle, this is a rough model made to test if an idea is…
As fascinating as it is, engineering design can prove difficult to understand without a good grasp of some basic concepts. The following are some terms you will come across often as you explore this vast and compelling discipline. Blueprint A technical drawing that shows in detail how to build or develop something. This term, that…
You may be familiar with the acronym PSEP without really knowing what those four letters stand for. PSEP stands for Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. This is an implementation plan established in 2014 by Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) to promote the continued safety of gas transmission pipelines. The basic goal of the plan is testing and…
In previous posts, we have defined engineering design and the engineering design process. As we have seen, engineering design is an important component of our society. But its benefits extend beyond the creation of useful things. Engineering design is also a thinking tool, and as such it offers several benefits to children. Introducing kids from…
Engineering design is all around us. It has been used to create everything from the chair you may be sitting on, to the device you are using right now to read these words. And yet, despite its ubiquity and importance, this field remains little understood. So much so, that the most common question related to…
Few people are as focused, organized, and goal-oriented as project managers. The secret of their mental and emotional discipline is a series of project management habits that anyone can adopt. Be Prepared One of the main tasks of a project manager is assessing potential setbacks. Risk management allows project managers to stay on top of…
Successful project management can be the difference between outstanding results and a project filled with disagreement and delays. From guidelines to a solid kickoff meeting to a simple way to ensure that a project stays on track, here are three keys for successful project management. Getting Off to a Good Start is Essential for Succesful…
The engineering design process is a crucial concept to understand engineering and the engineering mindset. However, people doing research on the Internet may find it strange that there are different versions of this process. Some champion a brief model with as few as four steps, while others propose a 12-step process. Faced with these diverging…
While bridges are structures essential to modern life, their origins date back to antiquity. Egyptians, Minoans, and Assyrians developed techniques to build bridges. However, it was with the Romans that bridge construction reached a degree of excellence that almost defies belief. Bridges and bridge building were part and parcel of life in Ancient Rome. The…
People tend to use the terms “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably; however, they are different materials. Cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mix of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel, while the paste consists of water and Portland cement. But what is Portland cement? Read on to learn more…