Microalgae and Alternate Energy
In the recent past, there has been a lot of discussion and interest around the viability of first generation biofuels as environment-friendly alternatives to foreign oil, primarily because of their possible competition with food crops and the use of non-sustainable practices for their production. Scientists and research groups have been searching for other sustainable sources [...]
Is Biofuel a Cure for Climate Change?
In our fight against climate change, biofuels are considered as an eco-friendly alternative to oil-based fossils fuels, primarily because they help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Any solid, liquid or gas fuel that is derived from biomass such as plants, metabolic waste, and organic waste, is termed as biofuel. Biodiesel, biogas, and biomass are some of [...]
Hydraulic Fracturing and Contamination of Groundwater
The world’s near-future energy needs are primarily dependent on oil & natural gas. There are various techniques involved in the extraction of additional crude oil from underground oil and gas reservoirs. Hydraulic fracturing—informally called fracing (pronounced “fracking”) or hydrofracing—is the most common of these techniques. A significant number of oil & gas wells in the [...]
New Watershed Site From the EPA
Last week, the EPA went live with Watershed Central, a new website which provides information to aid in the design, implementation and management of watershed projects. According to the EPA, “the site includes guidance, tools, case studies, and data sets to help you share information, analyze data, and identify opportunities to initiate or strengthen your watershed efforts.”
Our Infrastructure’s Poor Grades
In January 2009, as the stimulus package was being debated on a national level, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a timely preview of a study it was working on. The study was a that graded many areas of our nation’s infrastructure. It was not pretty. Overall, the ASCE gave our infrastructure a D with no specific area receiving anything higher than a C. They also estimated that the nation would need to invest 2.2 trillion dollars over the next five years to have any chance of raising our grades.
My Favorite Engineering Jokes
In homage to April Fools’ Day (I know, we’re a little late), I’ve put together a few of my favorite engineering jokes.
3 Ways Civil Engineers Can Fight Global Warming
In the midst of the current economic crisis, it can be easy to forget about longer term problems like global warming. It seems like the global conversation always tends to be shortsighted and only addresses one problem at a time. I do not want to wait until our economy is up and running again before I address our other problems.
Solar and Hydrogen Powered Home
Mike Strizki, a civil engineer, has successfully harnessed solar and hydrogen power to provide 100% of the electricity needed for his home (and his car). His home system is broken down into four main parts: solar cells, a hydrogen fuel cell, storage tanks, and an electrolyzer. Here’s how it works: when the sun is shining, [...]
Newest Wonders of the World
I never cease to be amazed at how technology allows us to continue to push the barriers of what is possible. It seems that when rapidly evolving technologies are mixed with creative and ambitious people, groundbreaking projects always ensue. As a civil engineer, I continue to marvel at what humans have accomplished and are currently [...]
Engineering with Google
This past decade, Google has given us much. They have basically perfected the internet search, allowing anyone with a connected device to find information on anything they seek. With Adwords and Analytics, they have empowered web developers, giving them timesaving and efficient tools to manage their creative endeavors. They’ve given us Gmail and Blogger. We [...]
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