Post 8: Construction of the New Dorms

A single project, such as the new dorm facility, include aspects that must be designed with a number of perspectives in mind.  Today we saw how that engineers must consider sound migration, fireproofing, earthquake protection, energy systems, communications, weather, and construction considerations when choosing materials and specific designs.

The engineer we met with today, Nathan Leigh, put together and maintains a great blog with construction updates and engineering musings located here:  http://www.uas.alaska.edu/facilities_services/fpc/const-update.html

For this week's blog post, I'd like you to discuss the field trip, read through Nathan's blog, and then find an article related to construction (this could manufacturing of devices) or any of the aspects we heard about today (sound engineering, fireproofing, radiant in-floor heating, etc.) to discuss.
  

Post 7: Seismic Design

Our speaker today gave a relatively technical talk about engineering design to protect structures from earthquakes.  Engineers always have to take risk factors into account in their designs: flood potential, avalanches, wind loads, etc.  The technical topics that Elmer discussed will all be part of the curriculum you will study as you move through the engineering degree: physics, calculus, unit conversions, strain and strain in materials, calculating factors of safety, etc.

Post your thoughts about today's talk, and find an article related to earthquake engineering to post and discuss.  Please post by Monday morning at 8:00 AM (3/3/2014).  

Post 6: Renewable Energy in Juneau and Beyond

Today's speaker, Alec Mesdag from AEL&P, is an energy specialist who has worked on various renewable energy projects from the design side to the consumer end, helping individual homeowners make better energy use decisions.  Please reflect on today's talk, post a link to a related article, and comment on the article as well.

As always, post by Monday morning at 8:00 AM.

Post 5: Chemical Spills in West Virginia

Just a reminder that we will not have class today.

For our blog post this week, please read these articles about the recent chemical spills in West Virginia: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/18/west-virginia-water-smell_n_4623369.html

and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20140211/apfn-wv--slurry-spill/?utm_hp_ref=business&ir=business

Engineers are often called on to design treatment systems, containment structures, and spill cleanup and site remediation.  Many times, these systems are mandated by regulations, but more often than not engineers have to use their best professional judgement to protect public safety in the face of incomplete information.  Post your thought and reflections on this issue by Monday, Feb 17 at 8:00AM.

Post 4: Fisheries Engineering and "Unsolicited" Advice

One of my goals for this course is to expose you to the breadth of the field of engineering in terms of the type of work they do, and the variety of engineers themselves and their experiences.  It's interesting to see how Bridget's life experiences really helped shape her skills (along with her education) and resulted in finding a job that is the right "fit" for her.  I encourage you to think about what you are passionate about and enjoy, and how you can incorporate this into your future career.

By Monday, Feb 10 at 8:00 AM, please post:

1. Your thoughts on today's seminar

2. A link to an article related to or inspired by today's talk, and

3.   A brief summary of the article, and what aspect interests you.