Category: Urban Systems

Dissolved Oxygen Depletion

Dissolved Oxygen Depletion

Dissolved Oxygen Depletion

02/20/26

“What depletes dissolved oxygen in water?”

Dissolved oxygen in water is vital for sustaining aquatic life and supporting aerobic microorganisms. However, if there are too many organisms consuming the dissolved oxygen, then it will eventually be depleted. Common culprits of Dissolved Oxygen Depletion include algal blooms from eutrophication, high water temperatures, low aquatic plant activity, low wind speeds, and large numbers of dead organisms. People must take care of water bodies to prevent dissolved oxygen depletion.

Road Paving

Road Paving

Road Paving

02/12/26

“Why do we need to pave roads?”

Roads are the lifeblood of civilizations, whether it’s the ancient Roman empire or the modern metropolises of the world. One of the most important aspects of roads is a smooth surface for people and vehicles to move across. Consequently, Road Paving, or building usable surfaces for roads, is an upkeep necessity. 

Superheated Water

Superheated Water

Superheated Water

02/10/26

“How can water stay in liquid form while hotter than its boiling point?”

Water at atmospheric pressure levels boils at 100 degrees celsius. But if water is subject to high pressures, it can become Superheated Water at higher temperatures. Superheated water is useful for a multitude of industrial applications such as cleaning and heating.

Air Voids in Asphalt Pavement

Air Voids in Asphalt Pavement

Air Voids in Asphalt Pavement

02/07/26

“Why are air voids in asphalt pavement so important?”

Asphalt pavement is composed of many different components. Air voids found in this substance play a key role in its uses. Air voids allow for thermal expansion and water storage in asphalt. Asphalt with excessive air voids handles heavy loads worse, while asphalt with too few air voids is less flexible. Precast porous concrete panels have extra air voids to allow for more water seepage. These are the properties of Air Voids in Asphalt Pavement.

The Difference Between Suppressed and Contracted Weirs

The Difference Between Suppressed and Contracted Weirs

The Difference Between Suppressed and Contracted Weirs

02/06/26

“What’s the difference between suppressed and contracted weirs?”

Weirs control water flow heights and measure discharge. Just like there are all types of water flows, there are all types of weirs. Suppressed weirs are simple rectangular blocks that allow the flow to completely pass through them. These are typically used for simple hydraulic and measurement needs. Contracted weirs are like suppressed weirs, except they have two equal-length blocks on top of the flat crest. This forces water to narrow and go through the small opening. Contracted weirs are more commonly used for flows with limited space, given the smaller area needed. This is The Difference Between Suppressed and Contracted Weirs.

Image credit: https://watershapes.com/

Pavement Milling

Pavement Milling

Pavement Milling

02/05/26

“Why do we remove the surfaces of paved areas during some infrastructure work?”

Pavement becomes worn out over time and needs repairs. This might require Pavement Milling, where the top layer of the road is ripped out before repaving. Developers can reuse the milled pavement into the new surface.

Image credit: https://www.everpads.com/

Reservoir Course (Porous Pavement) 

Reservoir Course (Porous Pavement) 

Reservoir Course (Porous Pavement) 

02/03/2026

“Where does porous pavement hold water?”

Porous pavement can hold water that enters its surface. But how exactly does it do that? Well, inside the porous pavement there is a section called a Reservoir Course. The reservoir course used air voids to hold water until it can infiltrate into soils or sub-drains away. The reservoir course can vary in size according to project needs and any applicable regulations.

Reservoir Course (Porous Pavement)

Reservoir Course (Porous Pavement)

Reservoir Course (Porous Pavement)

02/03/2026

“Where does porous pavement hold water?”

Porous pavement can hold water that enters its surface. But how exactly does it do that? Well, inside the porous pavement, there is a section called a Reservoir Course. The reservoir course used air voids to hold water until it can infiltrate into soils or sub-drains away. The reservoir course can vary in size according to project needs and any applicable regulations.

Image credit: https://water.phila.gov/

Retaining Walls

Retaining Walls

Retaining Walls

02/02/26

“How can we keep sloped or elevated soil from falling over?”

Many human-built landscapes have soil rising steeply above the ground. If left to itself, this soil would fall over with wind, water, and/or gravity. So how can we prevent this? Well, what if we were to build a wall that would keep the soil back as a dam does to water? Well, this is the idea behind Retaining Walls. People must design retaining walls to resist the lateral pressure of soil and any inclement elements.