Understanding Construction Contracts
A construction contract is a legally binding contract between an owner and a builder that defines compensation and how that compensation will be distributed during or after the completion of a ...
The Explosion of the SS Sultana
The SS Sultana was an impressive steamboat that ran regular trips up and down the Mississippi River during the Civil War. Then, in the wake of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the SS Sultana ...
The July Ethical Dilemma: Referral Fees
Engineer Ralph receives an unsolicited letter from a local, medium-sized general contractor. The contractor wishes to associate his firm with Ralph’s engineering firm, wherein he will refer clients to Ralph, and asks ...
July Pop Quiz for Engineers
Celebrate Independence…and hopefully celebrate a good score on today’s quiz. Are you smarter than an undergraduate?
Riddle Me This: Cake Slicing
You have a delicious round birthday cake. How many equal-sized pieces can you cut the cake into by making only three straight slices with a knife and without moving any of the pieces?
How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise
Negotiating a pay raise with your employer can be one of the more stressful experiences in your career. But, the ask could result in a positive pay off. The reasons for a pay raise vary from individual to individual. ...
The Best Advice for Engineers
Whether by looking at historical engineering disasters for what to avoid, or by studying feats of innovative engineering successes, it is clear that as engineers, we have much to gain from the knowledge ...
The Johnstown Flood
The rain pelted the men that desperately tried to save the dam, located 14 miles upstream of the town of Johnstown, PA in the southwest corner of the state. Hours earlier, Elian Unger, the president of the South ...
COVID-19: How Engineers Can Stay Productive While Working from Home
The global COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the world into upheaval, affecting nearly every aspect of life. As stay at home orders were announced in states across America, employees and employers were forced to explore telecommuting...
The June Ethical Dilemma: Review of Unpaid Work
Engineer Beth is retained by Client X to prepare plans and specifications for the construction of a commercial facility. Beth prepares the plans and specifications and delivers them to Client X, who submits them...