Abstract This paper introduces and discusses pile tests methods - pile-load tests and integrity tests. The integrity tests include the acoustic test and the seismic test method. For each test the procedure and interpretation are discussed. Real-world cases are investigated and pictures are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are concluded in the end.
From the Paper "In carrying out a maintained load test to determine the load capacity of a pile, it is suggested that it is necessary first to estimate the load capacity so that a suitable loading and reaction system may be provided, and then to define some physical event by which "failure", and hence the ultimate capacity of the pile may be recognized. Among the commonly used definitions of the ultimate load capacity are: First--The load that causes a settlement equal to 10% of the pile diameter. Second?The load at which the rate of settlement continues undiminished without further increment of load, unless this rate is so slow as to indicate that settlement may be a result of consideration of the soil. For example, Qu in Figure 2 could be taken as the ultimate load."
Abstract This paper draws a line at the edge of ethics, focusing on genetic engineering. It uses the book "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelly to illustrate some its points and to draw the reader to certain conclusions, while giving a summary of the book.
From the Paper "Cloning, genetic engineering, DNA mapping, these words are no longer terms of science fiction, but terms that exist in our lives. While we, as a people, applaud our scientific achievements, there are questions that remain. Is it dangerous? Can there be unpredictable outcomes? What will happen?"
From the Paper "Genetic engineering is being used more and more in agriculture to produce plants which are resistant to disease and thus increase crop yields. This research paper will examine methods used to produce transgenic plants and an experiment which produced genetically engineered rice with resistance to sheath blight.
"Transgenic plants are produced for three major reasons. (Glick and Pasternack, 1998, p. 427). Firstly, transgenic plants often improve crop yields by inducing resistance to pests and other factors which affect the yield, or improving the ornamental value of plants by developing new colors, or strains resistance to certain climactic conditions. Secondly, transgenic plants can be used to produce medically and commercial important proteins and metabolites in large amounts under..."
From the Paper "The engineering definitions, methods of analysis, and significance of many elements of the study of fluid mechanics are presented.
Definitions and Fluid Properties
Fluids can be either liquids or gases, and fluid mechanics "refers to the study of the behavior of fluids, either at rest or in motion." Nunn elaborates that there are "two main physical properties defining a fluid: density and viscosity." Nunn then subdivides fluid mechanics into three major categories of ideal fluid flow, in which density is constant and viscous effects are negligible; compressible flow, in which density varies from place to place throughout the fluid and viscosity effects are trivial or..."
From the Paper "ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) WITH AIRLINER ON-BOARD COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF PASSENGER-CARRIED PORTABLE ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT
Introduction
Background on the Problem
Persistent reports have linked electromagnetic interference (EMI) with airliner on-board communications and navigation systems with the use on such aircraft of passenger-carried portable electronic equipment (Nordwall, 1993, p. 32). The problem is exacerbated by two developments--portable electronic equipment has proliferated, and the smaller size and low-voltage characteristics of modern aircraft electronics causes them to be increasingly vulnerable to EMI. In response to these events, some a..."
Examination of the ethical, environmental, social, economic & regulatory issues of dam building around the world. Discusses problems & benefits, examples (focusing on Egypt's Aswan Dam).
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 27 sources, 1997, $ 87.95
From the Paper "ETHICAL ISSUES OF DAMS
Introduction
With the possible exceptions of enterprises involving nuclear-fission or the incineration of hazardous wastes, no more socioculturally incendiary undertaking can be announced than the intention to construct a dam and reservoir project across a free-flowing stream. The ethical outrage heaped on sponsors of new projects is rivaled by the same antagonists' dyspepsia over sad outcomes at past reservoirs, whose dams' eventual removals with repairs of former conditions have been demanded by friends of the environment.
Explored here are current and past professional standards involving choices between right and wrong (i.e., ethics) that have been breached among politicians, economists, engineers, or..."
From the Paper "Social Responsibility of Engineers
Introduction
The social responsibility of engineers may be discussed at both general and specific levels. Further, when discussing the issue at either the general or the specific level, the assessment may be limited by the interests of the assessor or the audience. For the greater part, this essay approaches the assessment of the issue from the general level, with the discussion limited by the following major questions: How much control do engineers have over the social impacts of the technologies they create? Should engineers be regarded as having a greater influence over the direction and social consequences technological change than other groups of societal players? In the development of answers to these questions, the issue of the social..."
Abstract A thorough explanation on the make-up and functions of the Russian Kilo-Class 636 attack submarine. The paper includes information on the design, depths, propulsion, engines and speeds, technology, weapons, Soviet operations and inventory of the submarine.
From the Paper "Stealth is the most important element of a submarine. The Kilo was, at one time, the stealthiest submarine in the world. If necessary, she could completely shut down all systems, and just float beneath the surface, in order to avoid detection. A nuclear boat cannot do this because if the reactor were shut down, it would take equipment only available in port to start it up again."
Abstract In today's world, almost all forms of transportation rely on some form of an onboard device as a means of propulsion. This paper discusses the various types of laser propulsion (ALP, SLP, CW, RP, LSD, LSC, etc.) currently available and their development in the context of modern technology. It also addresses the scientific aspects of laser propulsion, with accompanying explanations of physical phenomena supporting such devices. Examples are illustrated with pictures and diagrams.
From the Paper "Due to the plasma basis of this method of propulsion, a liquid or gas is mandated as the type of fuel to be used. Early tests utilized hydrogen and nitrogen as reactant gases and liquids, however it was soon found that plain air worked nearly as well4. As a result, air-breathing lightcrafts quickly became the standard in LP research, for any reactive faults of air in comparison with other gases are dismissible when the lacking cost, and natural abundance of air are taken into account."
This paper is a complete engineering class group project to demonstrate the product development process for a Portable Compressed Air and Hydro-pneumatic Jack.
Abstract This paper presents a group engineering project from preselection between two products to market identification to manufacturing to prototype. The paper includes many tables and drawings.
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Product Planning
Mission Statement: Portable Compressed Air and Hydro-pneumatic Jack (car jack)
Mission Statement: Athletic Safety Support Pack
Identifying Customer Needs
Product Survey and Responses
Customer Needs Level of Importance
Product Specifications
Metric Level of Importance
Link Metric to Customer Needs
Benchmark on Customer Needs
Benchmark on Metrics
Assigned Marginal and Ideal Values for Metric Component Estimates
Final Metric Specifications
Product Uniqueness and Significance
Concept Generation
Clarify the Problem
Search Externally
Search Internally
Explore Systematically
Concept Selection
Concept Screening
Concept Scoring
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Manufacturing Cost
Reduction of Component Cost
Reduction of Assembly Cost and Supporting Production
Impact of DFM and Conclusion
Prototyping
Types and Purpose of Prototypes
Instructions for Tire Change
Prototype Uses
Prototype Strategy
Prototype Method(s)
Critique Evaluation
List of Sources
From the Paper "After careful evaluation of our two major products, we narrowed our focus to one, the Portable Compressed Air and Hydro-pneumatic Jack. Once we did this, we wanted to ensure that the product focused on customer needs. In order to understand where our product fulfilled customers? needs we identified the latent or hidden needs as well as explicit needs using a Product Survey and Response. We then used the result of the survey to provide a fact base for justifying the product specifications. We created an archival record of the needs activity using a table to ensure that no critical customer need was missed or forgotten."
From the Paper "Corrosion, in terms of drilling operations, was responsible for at least 70 billion dollars in losses in 1975, or 4% of the gross national product. Reportedly, 10 to 45% of that loss was preventable (Bertness and Chilingarian, 1983, 559). Understanding the causes of corrosion in terms of drilling operations is?tantamount to saving time and money. The trends towards drilling of deeper wells, the use of higher strength steels, the presence of higher stress levels and the use of lower pH drilling fluids all contribute toward increased corrosion susceptibility.
The destruction of metals by corrosion is caused by direct (...)"
Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie took advantage of the synergistic relationship between the nascent steel and rail industries to build an empire, besting along the way fellow business giants Rockefeller and Morgan.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, 1990, $ 63.95
From the Paper Introduction
"The development of the railroads was a key element in the expansion of the United States and in the economic well-being of the nation during the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. The railroad was a transportation and communication marvel compared to anything that had existed previously. It crossed the territories of the nation and made it possible to travel from one end of the country to the other or to send mail and goods along the same routes. The development of the railroads was itself a matter of business expansion on a grand scale, starting with small lines and ending with vast networks of tracks which nurtured cities and towns all along their length. In terms of business history, the development of the railroads was not only the first big business venture in America but also..."
This paper examines civil engineering education and professionalism: Education, ethics, professionalism, aesthetics, budgeting and role in rebuilding Kuwait.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, 1991, $ 47.95
From the Paper "This study will examine civil engineering education and professionalism for the purpose of making civil engineering more accessible and significant from the viewpoint of those not familiar with the field or its practitioners.
An event which has thrust civil engineering into the headlines around the world is the Persian Gulf War and the destruction carried out by Iraqi soldiers in Kuwait. Specifically, the issue involves the role of civil engineers in rebuilding Kuwait after that destruction.
A number of reports indicate that civil engineers--both military and civilian--are spending much of their energies and expertise on rebuilding a palace for the emir of Kuwait and putting less work into rebuilding the basic systems for sustaining the lives of ordinary citizens."
From the Paper "Genetic engineering is the term given to the process of producing living forms with altered characteristics by alteration of their genes, usually by implantation of genetic material from some other species into the DNA of the plant or animal to be modified. This report outlines the principles on which genetic engineering is based, and briefly surveys some of its economic and social implications.
Since genetic engineering burst on the public scene in the 1970s, few areas of scientific endeavor have been so subject at once to exaggerated fears and to exaggerated hopes. Genes are the fundamental building blocks of life, in the sense that it is essential a creature's genes that determine its nature, whether man or mouse or mulberry tree. To artificially manipulate genes thus rouses deep fears of scientific monkeying with the essence ... "
From the Paper "Introduction
The most important use of asphalt today is in road construction (Zakar 148). When it has been properly mixed with the correct aggregate material it becomes highly suitable for all kinds of pavement applications. It is also widely used to prepare the base of roads.
Asphalt road construction is multi-layered in form. The subgrade layer is itself covered by a base cover upon which is laid a final coating. Early classical base courses consisted of a handmade, packed layer which was then graveled. Later this technique of construction was replaced, on a global basis, by a flexible asphalt layer in which asphalt gravel or sand asphalt had been mixed (Ibid. 149).
Asphalt as a road construction and/or road repair solution..."
