Sustainability is a current theme among all engineering projects in today’s world. This poses a challenge to engineers to design projects that encompass varying degrees of sustainability. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sustainability is a simple principal premised on the balance between humans and nature. The overarching goal is for both to thrive
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of millions of people globally. Across the US, people have experienced a shift in their daily way of life, their jobs, and family dynamics drastically over the past several weeks with the “stay-at-home” policy mandate. With this new norm and no immediate end to the quarantine and
What began as a crisis abroad has spun into a global health pandemic forcing everyone into extreme social isolation. Experts, scientists, and doctors warn everyone to avoid physical contact and maintain distance from one another. Each day, human interaction becomes less face to face and more virtual. Government officials have predicted the end date
When rain or other forms of precipitation fall to the earth in undeveloped areas, it typically soaks into the ground and/or is soaked up by surrounding vegetation. Any water that drains into nearby water systems is of good quality and does not have as many negative effects on the environment. However, this is a
Many engineers find themselves in management positions after they’ve passed the PE exam and obtained technical work experience in their specific field. It can be quite different from the role of the individual contributor, which is independent and responsible for assigned tasks. Engineering management, in most instances, is less about technical knowledge and more
If you work in the Design or Construction industry, you’ve heard of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. Many projects require an NPDES permit and this is all dependent on specific project parameters such as the scope of work, proximity of the project, and/or the potential adverse effects to the environment. This permit
Concrete is composed of Portland cement, water, and coarse and fine aggregates. Chemical admixtures are added to the mix immediately before or during placement. These are used primarily to reduce cost during construction, modify the properties of hardened concrete, and/or ensure quality during mixing, transporting, placing, and curing. Admixtures can enhance the durability, workability, and/or
Civil engineering is one of the oldest professions in the world. Remnants of the Great Wall of China or the pyramids of Egypt remind us of the role of civil engineers. This role has been well defined—design, build, and maintain infrastructure. However, the effects of climate change, increasing population, and emerging technologies cause civil
Engineering is a very challenging technical field that requires ongoing complex decisions. In the near future, these challenges will become even greater and require the need for agility through practical problem solving, innovation, and sustainability. Even those projects that are simple in scope will involve finding new technical approaches and creative ways to achieve
Stormwater is a major source of pollution in urban areas. When rain falls onto impervious surfaces (roofs, roads, and parking lots), stormwater drains into sewers and is discharged into water systems carrying pollutants (like oil, trash, and bacteria) with it. These impacts are long lasting and damaging to the environment. However, this is not true
