The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse

The first Tacoma Narrows Bridge was a suspension bridge in the state of Washington that spanned the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula. It opened to traffic on July 1st, 1940. Sleek and slender with a length of 7,392 feet, it was the third-longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, following the George Washington Bridge in New York City, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

By |2023-06-27T16:23:33-06:00February 23rd, 2023|Friday Famous Failures|4 Comments

The February Ethical Dilemma: Can a Proposal Be Too Detailed?

A village board made known its interest in receiving what it called “proposals” in connection to a contemplated water project, with an estimated construction cost of $500,000, to be financed in part with funds under a federal-aid program.

By |2023-06-27T16:10:45-06:00February 17th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|25 Comments

Riddle Me This: Knights or Knaves?

John was visiting an island where all the inhabitants are either Knights—always tell the truth, or Knaves—always lie. John meets three of the inhabitants. A woman named Jackie, and two men named Ben and Don. He asked Jackie “Are you a Knight?” She replied under her breath so he couldn’t hear her.

By |2023-06-27T16:18:55-06:00February 6th, 2023|Engineering Fun, Tuesday Tidbits|2 Comments

Smart Traffic Lights

Smart traffic lights are internet-connected vehicle traffic control systems capable of adapting traffic light activity based on information from sensors, edge devices, and video systems. They create a more intelligent traffic management system that reduces congestion and travel times, improves safety, and reduces carbon emissions.

By |2023-02-17T11:55:10-06:00February 6th, 2023|Tuesday Tidbits|2 Comments

The Minnesota I-35W Bridge Collapse

The I-35W Bridge was designed by the engineering firm Sverdrup & Parcel, with the blueprints receiving final certification in 1965. The structure complied with the 1961 standards of the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) and the 1964 standards of the Minnesota Highway Department.

By |2023-06-27T16:23:50-06:00January 26th, 2023|Friday Famous Failures|12 Comments

The January Ethical Dilemma: Referring Work to a Former Firm

Engineer Albert, principal in ABC Engineers, P.A., retires and sells his stock to ABC. He takes a 25% down payment with the remaining balance to be paid over a period of five years. After retirement, he offers his services to various clients as an advisory consultant—one who is not involved in design or planning, but rather assists them in decision-making.

By |2023-12-22T14:33:42-06:00January 16th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|24 Comments