Erosion or Deep Seated Slope Stability Failure?
The Jurassic Coast of the southern shores of England form a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that is reminiscent of the California coastline with relatively high, near vertical slope faces above the beach. These shores are frequently exposed to aggressive coastal erosion and subsequent deep seated global stability failures, which pose a major hazard to […]
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL – “No Extra Nonsense”
“The DTC course was really helpful and I really appreciate how it made me feel like I could actually achieve and pass the PE exam (which I did thanks to you!). Your lessons are very clear and do not have extra nonsense like the MERM problems or anything. Thank you so much for everything.”– Erica […]
The World Wide Wind
A recent ASME article highlighted a new infographic from Cornell University researchers identifies the top 8 locations in the world for the placement of a wind energy system. The Infographic was developed by Dr. Sara Pryor and Dr. Rebecca Barthelmie and focuses on areas of stable and consistent wind. As the life cycle of a […]
FAQ – How To Prevent Cracks in Concrete?
I often get asked about why concrete cracks and how to prevent cracks in concrete construction. Generally speaking, concrete is going to do two things: 1) get very hard and 2) crack. Installation of control joints provides a location for the concrete to crack, thus “controlling” where the concrete cracks. Constructed joints are much more aesthetically pleasing than a […]
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL – Amazing Course!
“I PASSED THE EXAM (TFS)!!! I am completely over the moon right now and cannot thank you enough for this amazing course that you put together! After I completed the course I did all the lesson problems again, I retook all the quizzes and the 5-week practice exams, and I did the last two final […]
There’s a New Yacht in Town
In the yachting world, there are two major divisions, motor powered and sail powered. Not only is sail power quieter, with only the flapping of the sails in the wind and the sound of the hull slicing through the water, the power of the wind is freely available and clean. In contrast, motor power is definitely not […]
The Perfect Socially Distanced Vacation – With Manatees
Like many families these days, mine spent part of our holiday break socially-distanced in nature. For a combination of wildlife and warm weather, we traveled to Weeki Wachee, Florida to kayak and swim amongst the manatee in the crystal clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River. Kayaking is one of our favorite water activities because of the exercise […]
Miss Flying? Add a Little “Luxury Aviation” to Your Home Decor
Boeing is now “upcycling” retired aircraft parts and making them into “luxury aviation” furniture. Prices range from $5,500 to $19,500. What caught my eye was their top of the line chair at $19,500, made from the ejection seat on an F-4 Phantom II. Having flown in F-4’s in the Navy, it was like love at first sight all […]
Green Cement
A new electrochemical process for making cement has been developed by researchers at MIT. Although the process isn’t ready to scale yet, the potential to reduce greenhouse emissions from this critical building material is immense. Cement is currently responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions because the typical process for making Portland cement requires […]
New Trains Run on Hydrogen Fuel Cells – Only Waste Is H2O
I saw recently that a company called Alstom has created working trains that run on hydrogen and produce only water and steam emissions. Right now, the company’s trains have started a pilot program in Germany with two trains currently running. They plan to add 14 more by December 2021 and have announced expansion plans to […]
