Engineering
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Early days of FEA
During the 1940s, the world was embroiled in World War II, and the demands for more advanced and efficient aircraft surged. Aircraft engineering faced challenges due to the increasing complexity of designs, as manufacturers aimed to build planes that were lighter, faster, and more durable. This pressure led to the development and early application of…
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Cavitation effect in concrete
Cavitation is a physical process that leads to surface pitting caused by the collapse of vapour bubbles, which results in a sudden rise in local pressure. In this article, we explore how this phenomenon can damage concrete. Damages by cavitation Cavitation can damage the concrete in the following ways: Shock Waves Generated by Bubble Implosion:…
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Science of engineering tapes
When one thinks about tapes, one might imagine a simple roll of something sticky. But dive into the aisles of a hardware store, and you’ll find a world of tapes with unique powers—some strong enough to fix a broken car bumper, others designed to hold up in the rain, and some even with colours and…
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Impact of finite element analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become a cornerstone in modern engineering, evolving from its humble origins into an advanced computational technique that touches virtually every aspect of structural, mechanical, and material engineering. Its development traces back to the mid-20th century, born out of the need for more accurate solutions to complex engineering problems that could…
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Most efficient trapezoidal section for flow propagation
Calculating the most efficient trapezoidal section of a canal is crucial for optimizing water flow and minimizing the construction cost. A trapezoidal canal section, characterized by its trapezoidal shape, allows for controlled flow and effective sediment transport. The most efficient trapezoidal section of canal can be calculated as follows Let, Base width of the canal=B…
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Durability of concrete in terms of water permeability
Permeability is one of the main indicator defining the durability of the concrete. In one hand, the permeability of the concrete can be high from the beginning of concrete life, in which case, the deterioration takes place rapidly during the service life. While in the other hand, the permeability of the concrete may gradually increase…
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Degradation of concrete by abrasion
Abrasion of concrete is progressive loss of concrete mass due to mechanical degradation such as friction, grinding action, impact, overloading and local crushing. Vehicular movement and pedestrian traffic causes abrasion. The worst effect of abrasion is caused by vehicle with studded/chain tyres. Similarly, in industrial buildings, the concrete floors are subjected to impact load and…
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Dual effect of silica fume in concrete
While silica can cause deterioration through ASR, when used properly, it significantly enhances concrete's durability and strength
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Economics of Akashi-Kaiko bridge
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, recognized as the world’s longest suspension bridge, spans a total length of 4 kilometers, with a suspended length of 2 kilometers. This engineering marvel, located in Japan, connects the two primary islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this bridge, and as a civil engineer, I can…
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Leaching in water retaining structures
Cement requires water to undergo hydration. However, after hydration is complete, excess water can dissolve the hydration products, causing leaching and weakening the structure. This issue is particularly critical for water-retaining concrete structures. For example, in dams, hydrostatic pressure and water permeability can cause the rapid leaching of these hydration products. This article examines the…