The 1973 Skyline Plaza collapse is a defining case study in construction-stage failure, where premature shoring removal, insufficient concrete strength, and sequencing errors led to a progressive collapse. This article examines the root causes and key lessons for professional engineers.
Was it ethical for Engineer Greg to be retained as an expert witness for the contractor under these circumstances?
This Earth Day, put your engineering brain to the test with this month's Pop Quiz for Engineers—no hard hat required, just a little green thinking.
Rudolf Diesel revolutionized mechanical engineering by developing a high-efficiency engine based on compression ignition. His work, rooted in thermodynamic principles, transformed global transportation and power systems. This article explores the engineering behind the diesel engine and its lasting impact.
The 1987 Schoharie Creek Bridge failure was not caused by material failure or structural overload. It resulted from foundation loss driven by hydraulic scour—a mechanism that was not fully appreciated at the time of design
Would it be a conflict of interest and therefore unethical for Engineer Alice to prepare a set of specifications for an air compression system and then have her company manufacture the air compression system under the facts?
This St. Patrick’s Day, test your luck with this month's Pop Quiz for Engineers. Will you be the lucky engineer to top the charts?
The Alaska Highway was not a failure, nor was it a disaster. It was an extraordinary engineering response to extraordinary circumstances. Built rapidly under wartime pressure, it achieved its strategic objective while revealing the limits of contemporary construction knowledge.
The 1993 Milwaukee water contamination was not caused by a single design flaw or mechanical breakdown. It resulted from a combination of inadequate pathogen barriers, limited monitoring capability, and delayed operational response within a system that appeared compliant and functional by regulatory standards.
Was it ethical for Engineer Walter to indicate to Client that Client should pay additional compensation for the preliminary investigation services Engineer Walter originally provided when Attorney Larry was Client's attorney?
