"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Tag: Civil Engineering
Train Repair Financing
04/29/23
“How can we finance train repairs?”
Train repairs are an essential part of keeping rail service alive. However, train repairs require financial investment to go through. This Train Repair Financing can be accomplished in a multitude of ways, such as by raising bonds, private investment, and taxes.
Interchange Stations
04/22/23
“What are transit stations where you change from one route to another?”
Public transportation is a cornerstone of people’s transit lives all over the world. However, sometimes during a transit journey, one has to leave a vehicle on one route and transfer to another. This is accomplished at Interchange Stations. Interchange stations are cornerstones of the modern transit world.
Why Water Sources Are Often Polluted During War
04/12/23
“Why are water sources often polluted during times of war?”
Water is one of the most important resources for people. However, during times of war, sources of water are prone to contamination. This can come from weapon fire into bodies of water, contamination flowing from nearby damaged buildings, and even pressure from displaced populations fleeing to a specific area. This is Why Water Sources Are Often Polluted During War.
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Why Cities Near Bodies of Water Should Consider Requiring Building Elevation for Future Construction
04/10/23
“Why may cities near bodies of water want to require building elevation for future construction?”
May cities near bodies of water are going to face rising tides. This will lead to more frequent and deadly flooding and potentially permanent landscape erosion. However, if future buildings are elevated, they will be naturally adapted to the new climate paradigm. If all construction in flood-prone cities is elevated, then the entire community would benefit greatly. This is Why Cities Near Bodies of Water Should Consider Requiring Building Elevation for Future Construction.
Locomotives
04/07/23
“What powers trains forward?”
Trains are a marvel of the modern world. These powerful machines push forward at tremendous speeds and have powerful momentum. But how exactly are trains powered? Well, the driving force is an engine that propels the vehicle it inhabits and everything it’s attached to. These locomotives are the beating hearts of trains and are one of their most vital components.
Why Underinvestment Led to the 2023 Greek Train Crash
03/26/23
“Why did corruption lead to the 2023 Greek train crash?”
The 2023 Greek train crash has thrown the Mediterranean nation into a crisis. Dozens of people have lost their lives, and trust in government institutions has collapsed. But what exactly caused such mayhem? Well, over the past decade and a half, The Greek economy has been hit by multiple crises. After 2011 the remote surveillance and signaling system near the town of Larissa had fallen apart, and efforts to rebuild it have failed. This left the train system no way to avoid the collision rapidly. This is Why Underinvestment Led to the 2023 Greek Train Crash.
Image credit: static.politico.com
Why High-Speed Rail Can Increase National Cohesion
03/24/23
“Why can high-speed rail increase national cohesion?”
Communities being in close contact with each other can increase the cohesion felt between them. One of the ways contact is facilitated is by transport. The easier and quicker it is for communities to one another, the more together they will feel. With high-speed rail, this form of contact increases dramatically. People from Towns and cities hundreds of kilometers apart can get together in time, forming stronger bonds. This is Why High-Speed Rail Can Increase National Cohesion.
Why Tearing Down a Damaged Highway After a Disaster May Be More Financially Reasonable Than Rebuilding
03/23/23
“Why may tearing down a damaged highway after a disaster be more financially reasonable than rebuilding?”
When highways are rendered unusable from an earthquake, many peoples’ first inclination is to rebuild them. However, sometimes it might be more financially reasonable to completely tear it down. Take for example the Embarcadero Freeway. When it collapsed during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, cost estimates found that building a boulevard in its place would be nearly $20 million USD less expensive. The removal of such a barrier has also made the neighborhood more commercially viable, with shops, housing, and new jobs lining up everywhere. This just goes to show Why Tearing Down a Damaged Highway After a Disaster May Be More Financially Reasonable Than Rebuilding.
Why Metro Orgs Should Hire Engineers In-House
03/01/23
“Why should metro orgs hire engineers in-house?”
Metro orgs often don’t have the engineering personnel to build their long-term projects. However, when they outsource to a consulting firm, they run the risk of being overcharged and getting much less than they asked for. If metro orgs hire in-house instead, they can more diligently check the validity of the work being performed and have a much better performance. This is Why Metro Orgs Should Hire Engineers in House.
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