Shareable Electric Scooters – For or Against?
As the saying goes, “There are two kinds of people.” When the topic is shareable electric scooters, the line between “for” or “against” is clearly defined. Not many people are on the fence. A recent ASME article summarized the arguments for both sides very nicely. In fact, it might serve as a starting document for taking a fresh […]
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL – The Best Method to Help Me Prepare Well
“I passed the Civil Geotechnical PE Exam with a score of 79. Thank you for providing excellent tools for taking the test. It really was the best method to help me prepare well. I will be telling my colleagues about your course and how well it worked for me. Thanks again!” – PE, Texas Civil […]
Earthquake Hydrogeology
A new study shows earthquakes can shake up permeability and change groundwater behavior. Groundwater systems generally are made up of layers of permeable rock called aquifers separated by low-permeability layers called aquitards. When an earthquake shakes things up, the structure of these layers can change and cause an increase in stream flow as water is […]
Cactus to the Pollution Rescue
Could the humble cactus be the solution to our plastic waste problem? Chemical engineering professor Sandra Pascoe Ortiz is beta-testing an edible, biodegradable packaging material made from the juice of prickly pear cactus leaves. The juice “is a natural polymer that can be improved by combining certain substances to give it a similar appearance and […]
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL – Instrumental in Passing the Exam!
“After taking your course, I sat for the PE Civil Transportation Exam. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990. I have worked in the field for 27 years and this is my first time taking the exam. I received my NCEES results and I passed. Your course was instrumental in passing the exam.”– Brent Tucker, PE, […]
Concrete – The Most Popular Man-Made Material on Earth
I’m not surprised that concrete is the most used building material, but I was surprised to find it’s the second most used substance behind water. I don’t think I’ve ever had a construction project where we didn’t use concrete. A fascinating article talks about the past, present and future uses of concrete. – Jason Savage, DTC […]
Fish Friendly Hydro Power
A recent ASME article noted that in 2012 a Department of Energy study identified 54,000 Non-Powered Dams, dams with changes of elevation of 15 feet or higher, which could provide 13 gigawatts of power, enough to power 5 million homes. That potential is to say the least staggering. The primary reason that these “small dams” are […]
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL – All the Hours Paid Off!
“I participated in the 20-Week Review class for the Civil: Water Resources and Environmental exam. All of the hours put into studying and developing the materials following the Dr. Tom method paid off as I passed the Exam. One of the critical items to my success was understanding the test taking method of taking multiple passes […]
The Most Famous Crosswalk in the World
Crosswalks are intended to make crossing a road easier and safer for pedestrians. the world’s most famous crosswalk, on Abbey Road, of Beatles’ fame, just celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the photo that would make it a tourist destination. According to a CityLab article, this fame has turned a utilitarian and often-overlooked roadway feature into a would-be photo […]
Rolling Bridge – Good Design Never Gets Old
An 18th century bridge design could be taking on a new life through London architect Thomas Randall-Page. His rolling bridge design is a low tech and elegant solution that requires no motors or electricity. I could try to describe how it works, but this animation from a curbed.com article tells all. For a mechanical engineer this […]
