Practical Engineering

See engineering theory in practice. Learn common civil and mechanical engineering principles through fun, real-world examples and models.

1. Practical Engineering (April

• Hydrostatics
• Water hammer
• Steam hammer
• Vacuum phenomena in pipes
• Engineering hydrology and the 100-year flood
• Hydraulic river modeling
• Sinkholes and internal erosion

2. Practical Engineering (July

• Groundwater movement and the quick condition
• Expansive soils
• Mechanically stabilized earth

3. Practical Engineering (October

• Thermal expansion
• Tuned mass dampers for tall buildings
• The Hyatt Regency walkway collapse
• How land surveying works
• Concrete 101

4. Practical Engineering (April

• Concrete reinforcement
• Corrosion of steel reinforcement
• Prestressed concrete
• Comparison of modern and Roman concrete

5. Practical Engineering (October

• Hydraulic jumps
• Weirs
• Dangers of low head dams
• How underwater structures are built
• How spillways work
• Overview of the power grid

6. Practical Engineering (April

• How Electricity Generation works
• How Electrical Transmission Lines work
• Pumped storage
• How blackouts work
• How substations work
• How traffic signals work

7. Practical Engineering (October

• Hydraulic ram pumps
• Trompe air compressors
• Air lock in pipes

8. Practical Engineering (October

• How water towers work
• Thrust forces in pipes
• Canal locks

9. Practical Engineering (January

• Culverts used for drainage
• Road construction earthwork
• Geometric design of highways

10. Practical Engineering (April

• Asphalt pavement
• Potholes
• Permeable concrete

11. Practical Engineering (July

• Urban stormwater management
• Engineering hydrology and design storms
• Flood control infrastructure