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 [...]

Re-engineering the Wheelchair

The world of automation has always amused me. I have always wondered what it would be like if we can automate our day-to-day activities to an extent where just the thought of doing something could actually translate into execution of that activity. For instance, I think of turning on a television set or switch to [...]

Flexible Concrete? No Longer An Oxymoron

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan has developed a concrete material that bends like rubber, cracks very little, heals itself with no manual intervention, and is almost as good as new concrete upon recovery, with its stiffness and strength intact.

Recycling with Civil Engineering

I recently came across a webpage from the EPA that describes a number of great uses for scrap tires in civil engineering applications. Apparently shredded tires offer significant cost and lifetime benefits for many civil engineering purposes. Also, many states offer grants and/or subsidies for helping reduce used tire stockpiles.

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 [...]

Wave-Piercing Speedboat

When I saw the video of this speedboat in action, I thought that it was some sort of ultra-modern military ship that could evade radar and the enemy. This mean machine from New Zealand has a unique wave-piercing hull that slices effortlessly through water.

And—as if that is not enough—this speedboat circumnavigated the globe in 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes. Maybe some of us will start to realize that renewable fueled vehicles can have both power and performance.