CE Orientation (Ancient and Modern CE) PDF
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This document provides an overview of civil engineering, including its key areas such as structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, and water resources engineering. It also covers the history of civil engineering, highlighting ancient civilizations' contributions, specifically ancient Egyptian engineering examples such as the pyramids and temples of Karnak, and the Nile River irrigation system.
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CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION CPE111 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION Schedule Day: Time: Grading System: 2 CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING? Civil engineering is a field of engineering that...
CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION CPE111 1 CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION Schedule Day: Time: Grading System: 2 CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING? Civil engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the design and construction of public works. Civil engineering applies physical and scientific principles to create and maintain infrastructure such as airports, bridges, buildings, canals, dams, pipelines, power plants, railways, roads, sewage systems, and more. Civil engineering aims to improve people’s lives by providing safe and efficient infrastructure. 3 KEY AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 1. Structural Engineering Focuses on the design and analysis of buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they can withstand various loads and forces. Uses principles of physics and materials science to create safe and durable structures. 4 KEY AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 2. Geotechnical Engineering Involves the study of soil and rock behavior to support the design of foundations, retaining walls, and other earth-related structures. Ensures stability and safety of structures built on or within the ground. 5 KEY AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 3. Environmental Engineering Aims to improve and protect the environment by developing systems for waste management, pollution control, and sustainable development. Involves water and wastewater treatment, air quality management, and environmental impact assessments. 6 KEY AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 4. Transportation Engineering Focuses on the planning, design, and operation of transportation systems, including highways, railways, airports, and public transit. Addresses issues such as traffic flow, safety, and efficiency. 7 KEY AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 5. Water Resources Engineering Deals with the management and distribution of water resources, including the design of hydraulic structures like dams, levees, and irrigation systems. Ensures adequate water supply, flood control, and sustainable management of water bodies. 8 KEY AREAS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 6. Construction Management Engineering Construction engineering is a specialized discipline within civil engineering that focuses on the planning, design, and management of construction projects. This field combines technical knowledge with project management skills to ensure that construction projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. 9 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 10 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Until modern times there was no clear distinction between civil engineering and architecture, and the term engineer or architect referred to the same person. The origins of civil engineering as a recognized profession in the Western world can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries (Age of Enlightenment), a period that encompasses the years leading up to and including the Industrial Revolution. 11 ANCIENT CIVIL ENGINEERING 12 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering - is characterized by remarkable feats of construction, infrastructure, and urban planning that laid the foundation for modern engineering practices. Various ancient civilizations made significant contributions to civil engineering, often using innovative techniques and materials to build structures that have stood the test of time. 13 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) ▪ Pyramids: The Great Pyramid of Giza is an engineering marvel, demonstrating sophisticated knowledge of geometry and construction. ▪ Temples: Massive stone structures like the Temple of Karnak, showcasing advanced construction techniques and architectural design. ▪ Irrigation Systems: Development of canals and basin irrigation to control the flooding of the Nile and support agriculture. 14 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Construction: The pyramid was built as a tomb Ancient Civil Engineering for the pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) around 2580 BC. It is believed to have taken Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) around 20 years to build, with a workforce of The Great Pyramid of Giza around 100,000 laborers. Size: The pyramid is an astonishing 481 feet (147 meters) tall and has a base perimeter of about 3,025 feet (921 meters). It is made up of around 2.3 million blocks of limestone and granite, weighing around 2.5 tons each. Shape: The pyramid's original height was around 491 feet (150 meters), but over time it has lost about 10 meters due to erosion and the loss of its outer casing. 15 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Purpose: The pyramid was built as a tomb Ancient Civil Engineering for Pharaoh Khufu, who was believed to Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) have been a god-king. The pharaoh's body was placed in a coffin made of gold and The Great Pyramid of Giza precious stones, and the pyramid was designed to protect him on his journey to the afterlife. Architecture: The pyramid's base is a square with each side aligned almost perfectly with the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). The sides slope inward at an angle of about 51.84 degrees, which is the same as the natural inclination of the Earth's axis. 16 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING The Great Pyramid of Giza 17 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) The Great Pyramid of Giza 18 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) The Great Pyramid of Giza 19 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Construction: The Temple of Karnak was built over a period of 4,000 years, with the earliest Ancient Civil Engineering structures dating back to around 1600 BCE Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) during the New Kingdom period. The construction process was gradual, with each Temple of Karnak pharaoh adding their own contributions to the complex. The temple complex covers an area of about 250 acres (100 hectares) and is considered one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Design: The temple's design is based on a series of courtyards and halls, with each section built around a central axis. The temple's foundation is made of limestone and granite, with the walls and pillars constructed using limestone and sandstone. 20 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Purpose: The Temple of Karnak was built as a Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) place of worship for the ancient Egyptians. The temple was dedicated to the god Amun, who Temple of Karnak was worshipped as the king of the gods. The temple complex served as a place for priests to perform rituals and offer sacrifices to Amun, as well as a symbol of the pharaoh's power and authority. The temple was also used as a place for the pharaohs to be buried, with many pharaohs constructing their tombs within the complex. The temple's sacred lake was used for purification rituals, and the obelisks were used as symbols of divine authority. 21 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) Temple of Karnak 22 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) Temple of Karnak 23 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) Temple of Karnak 24 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Construction: ancient Egyptian farmers were one of the first groups to practice agriculture Ancient Civil Engineering on a large scale, growing food crops such as wheat and barley, as well as industrial crops Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) such as flax for making clothing. To get the Nile River Irrigation System most out of the Nile's waters, ancient Egyptian farmers developed a system called basin irrigation. They constructed networks of earthen banks to form basins and dug channels to direct floodwater water into the basins, where it would sit for a month until the soil was saturated and ready for planting. Creating dikes, channels and basins to move and store some of the Nile waters required ingenuity and probably much trial-and-error experimentation for the ancient Egyptians 25 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Nile River Irrigation System Because the seasonal flooding of the Nile was so unpredictable, the Egyptians created the world’s first flood gauge. It was a vertical column sunk into the river bed and on which was drawn a series of lines reflecting water levels. Modified over several decades, they used it to predict the next flooding. This device was called the Nilometer. 26 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Basin Irrigation Ancient Civil Engineering works by directing water onto an almost level field where it may be allowed to Egyptian Civil Engineering (3000 - 2000 BC) pond for a predetermined time. Nile River Irrigation System 27 ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA 28 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Mesopotamian Civil Engineering (3000 - 600 BC) ▪ Ziggurats: Massive stepped structures serving as temples, like the Great Ziggurat of Ur, built using mud bricks. ▪ City Walls and Gates: Constructed to protect cities; notable examples include the walls of Babylon. ▪ Canal Systems: Extensive network of canals for irrigation, transport, and flood control, essential for agriculture and urban development. 29 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Construction: The Great Ziggurat of Ur was Mesopotamian Civil Engineering built in the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, (3000 - 600 BC) located in what is now modern-day Iraq. The Great Ziggurat of Ur ziggurat was constructed around 2100 BCE during the Ur III dynasty and took several decades to complete. The structure was built on a mud-brick platform and sun-dried bricks, with a base perimeter of approximately 215 meters (705 feet). The ziggurat consisted of seven levels, each level slightly smaller than the one below it. The structure was built using local materials such as clay, mud, and limestone. 30 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Mesopotamian Civil Engineering (3000 - 600 BC) Great Ziggurat of Ur Purpose: The Great Ziggurat of Ur was built as a temple complex dedicated to the Sumerian moon god Nanna (also known as Sin). The ziggurat was believed to be a connection between heaven and earth, and it played a central role in the worship and rituals of the ancient Sumerians 31 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Great Ziggurat of Ur 32 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Construction: The Walls of Babylon were built Mesopotamian Civil Engineering by the Neo-Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II (3000 - 600 BC) (605-562 BCE) during his reign. The walls were Walls of Babylon constructed around 575 BCE and took approximately 14 years to complete. The walls were built using limestone and bitumen, a type of tar-like substance, to bind the bricks together. The walls were constructed in multiple phases, with the outermost wall being the most impressive. 33 Walls of Babylon The Walls of Babylon were an engineering marvel of ancient Mesopotamia. The walls were designed to be strong and durable, with a complex system of gates, towers, and fortifications. Some of the innovative engineering features include: Thick walls: The walls were built with a thickness of up to 10 meters (33 feet), making them incredibly strong and resistant to attacks. Foundation: The walls were built on a foundation of clay and mud-brick, which provided stability and support. Bitumen mortar: The use of bitumen as a mortar helped to hold the bricks together and provide additional strength. Watchtowers: The walls featured watchtowers at regular intervals, providing vantage points for defenders to observe enemy movements. Gates: The walls had several gates, including the famous Ishtar Gate, which was decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. 34 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Purpose: Ancient Civil Engineering The Walls of Babylon served several purposes: Mesopotamian Civil Engineering (3000 - 600 BC) Defense: The walls were primarily built for defense, providing protection for the city from Walls of Babylon invaders and sieges. Symbol of power: The walls were a symbol of the power and wealth of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Urban planning: The walls helped to define the city's boundaries and shape its urban layout. 35 Walls of Babylon 36 Walls of Babylon 37 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Purpose: The primary purpose was to irrigate crops, particularly barley and wheat, which were essential for Ancient Civil Engineering the Mesopotamian economy. Mesopotamian Civil Engineering (3000 - 600 BC) Construction: The canals were built using local Canal System materials like clay, mud, and stone. The construction process involved digging trenches and then lining them with waterproof material. Diversion of rivers: The canals diverted water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which allowed for controlled water flow and reduced the risk of flooding. Branching canals: The main canal branched out into smaller canals, which distributed water to various regions, cities, and agricultural areas. 38 Canal System 39 Canal System The five main canals or arteries were all fed from the Euphrates and flowed in a southeasterly direction towards the Tigris, where they eventually merged. These canals served dual purposes: they facilitated navigation between the two rivers and irrigated the surrounding lands through an extensive network of distributaries, branch canals, and watercourses. 40 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Greek Civil Engineering (1200 - 200 BC) ▪ Large-Scale Buildings: Construction of temples like the Parthenon, employing advanced knowledge of materials and geometry. ▪ Theatres: Design of acoustically optimized open-air theatres, such as the Theatre of Epidaurus. ▪ Water Systems: Development of aqueducts and water supply systems, like the aqueduct of Samos. 41 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Design and Construction: The Parthenon was designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, Ancient Civil Engineering with the sculptor Phidias overseeing the decorative elements. Construction began in 447 BCE and took Greek Civil Engineering (1200 - 200 BC) around 15 years to complete. It is the largest Parthenon Doric-style temple of its time, with a rectangular floor plan and built on a 23,000-square-foot base. 42 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Purpose: The Parthenon was built to serve as a temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, Greek Civil Engineering (1200 - 200 BC) the patron goddess of the city of Athens. It Parthenon was also used as a place for worship, sacrifice, and public ceremonies. Artistic masterpieces: The Parthenon is famous for its stunning sculptures, including the frieze (a carved band that runs along the upper part of the wall) depicting scenes from ancient Greek mythology. The sculptures were created by some of the most renowned artists of the time. -consist of 46 columns 43 Parthenon 44 Parthenon The Acropolis, Athens, Greece 45 Parthenon Columns are slightly tilted that if you extend the columns they will meet at a certain height. 46 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Acoustics: The theatre's design is particularly Ancient Civil Engineering remarkable for its acoustic properties. The shape and size of the cavea (the tiered seating area) Greek Civil Engineering (1200 - 200 BC) allow sound to travel clearly to every corner of the Theatre of Epidaurus auditorium, making it one of the most acoustically perfect ancient theatres in the world. Architecture: The theatre is built into the hillside, with a capacity for approximately 14,000 spectators. The stage is surrounded by a semicircular orchestra and a proscenium arch, which was rare in ancient Greek theatres. Purpose: The Theatre of Epidaurus was primarily used for performances of tragedies and comedies, as well as musical events and other cultural gatherings. 47 Theatre of Epidaurus 48 Theatre of Epidaurus 49 Theatre of Epidaurus 50 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Design and construction: The aqueduct was built to supply water to the city of Samos from a spring Ancient Civil Engineering located about 12 kilometers away. The aqueduct's design was influenced by the Greek architect and Greek Civil Engineering (1200 - 200 BC) engineer Eupalinos, who also designed the Tunnel Aqueduct of Samos of Eupalinos. Tunnel and channel: The aqueduct consists of a 1,000-meter-long tunnel, which is considered one of the oldest and most impressive ancient tunnels in the world. The tunnel is carved into the rock and features a gentle slope to allow water to flow by gravity. Water supply: The aqueduct was designed to supply water to the city's inhabitants, as well as to the palace and temple complex. The water was used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. 51 Aqueduct of Samos 52 Aqueduct of Samos 53 Aqueduct of Samos 54 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) ▪ Roads: Extensive network of roads, like the Via Appia, built using layers of materials to ensure durability and drainage. ▪ Bridges: Construction of stone bridges, such as the Pons Fabricius, showcasing the use of arches and durable materials. ▪ Buildings: Development of concrete allowed for the construction of large and complex structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. ▪ Urban Infrastructure: Advanced urban planning, including forums, public baths, and sewage systems like the Cloaca Maxima. 55 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Oldest paved road: The Via Appia is considered Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) the oldest paved road in the world, with a surface Via Appia made of limestone and volcanic rock. Connection to Rome: The road connected Rome to the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, allowing for trade, commerce, and communication between the capital and other parts of the empire. Engineering marvel: The road was built with an impressive engineering feat, featuring a gradual incline, drainage systems, and a surface that was designed to withstand heavy use. 56 Via Appia 57 Via Appia 58 Via Appia 59 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Oldest Roman bridge: The Pons Fabricius is considered the oldest Roman bridge still standing Ancient Civil Engineering today, with an estimated construction date of Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) around 62 CE. Pons Fabricius Architectural innovation: The bridge was built using a innovative arch design, which allowed it to span the Tiber River without requiring supports or pillars in the water. Rome's first stone bridge: The Pons Fabricius was Rome's first stone bridge, marking a significant milestone in Roman engineering and architecture. Length and width: The bridge measures approximately 62 meters (203 feet) long and 5.5 meters (18 feet) wide. 60 Pons Fabricius 61 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Largest amphitheater: The Colosseum is the Ancient Civil Engineering largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, seating Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) up to 50,000 spectators. Colosseum Built for gladiatorial combat: The Colosseum was built in 72-80 CE during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was designed for gladiatorial combat, animal hunts, and other public entertainment events. Engineering marvel: The Colosseum's design is an engineering marvel, with a complex system of pulleys, counterweights, and ramps that allowed for quick set changes and efficient crowd movement. 62 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) Colosseum Hypogeum: The Colosseum's underground tunnels and chambers (hypogeum) housed gladiators, animals, and stage machinery. Aqueducts and fountains: The Colosseum was equipped with an advanced water system that included aqueducts, fountains, and a complex system of pipes and pumps. 63 Colosseum 64 Colosseum 65 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) The Cloaca Maxima was built during the 6th Cloaca Maxima century BCE, when Rome was still a small city-state. King Tarquinius Priscus, who ruled Rome from 616-579 BCE, wanted to create a clean and healthy environment for his citizens. The city was surrounded by swamps and marshes, which were breeding grounds for diseases. To address this issue, Tarquinius Priscus commissioned the construction of the Cloaca Maxima. 66 The Engineering Marvel HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING The Cloaca Maxima is an impressive feat of engineering, considering it was built over 2,500 Ancient Civil Engineering years ago. Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) The system consists of: Cloaca Maxima Tunnels and channels: The main tunnel is about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) long and has a diameter of about 1-3 meters (3-10 feet). Slopes and gradients: The tunnel has a gentle slope, allowing gravity to help move waste through the system. Pumps: There are several pumping stations along the route that use manual or animal-powered pumps to help move waste through the system. Catchment areas: The system collects wastewater from various streams and rivers around Rome, including the Tiber River. 67 Cloaca Maxima 68 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Chinese Civil Engineering (2100-1600 AD) ▪ Great Wall of China: An extensive fortification system built to protect against invasions, demonstrating large-scale construction techniques. ▪ Bridges: Innovative bridge designs, such as the Zhaozhou Bridge, which utilized an open-spandrel arch. 69 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across the northern borders of China to protect the Ancient Civil Engineering country from invasions by nomadic tribes. The wall stretches over 13,170 miles (21,200 km) from the Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) eastern coast of China to the western frontier, making it Great Wall of China one of the longest structures ever built. The first versions of the wall were constructed as early as the 7th century BC, during the Chu State period. However, the most famous and well-preserved version was built during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), when Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of a long wall to protect his empire from invasions. The wall was continuously expanded and fortified by successive Chinese dynasties, including the Han, Sui, and Ming dynasties. The most famous and well-preserved section of the wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). 70 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Longest wall in the world: The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world, surpassing Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) the Roman Wall in length. Great Wall of China Built over time: The wall was constructed over several centuries, with different dynasties contributing to its construction. The first versions were built as early as the 7th century BC. Multiple sections: The wall has multiple sections, each with its own unique characteristics and architecture. Some sections are more well-preserved than others, while some have been restored or rebuilt. 71 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) Great Wall of China Watchtowers and beacon towers: The wall features watchtowers and beacon towers, which were used for communication and defense purposes. Masonry construction: The wall is primarily made of stone, brick, and rammed earth, with some sections featuring wooden structures. 72 Great Wall of China 73 Great Wall of China 74 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING The Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as the Anji Ancient Civil Engineering Bridge, is a historic stone arch bridge located in Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province, China. It's one Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) of the oldest and most famous bridges in China, Zhaozhou Bridge dating back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). Oldest open-spandrel arch bridge: The Zhaozhou Bridge is considered one of the oldest open-spandrel arch bridges in the world, with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Original construction: The bridge was originally built during the Sui Dynasty, with the current structure being rebuilt in 1170 AD during the Jin Dynasty. 75 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) Zhaozhou Bridge Stone arch design: The bridge features a unique stone arch design, with 28 arches and a total length of 64.4 meters (211 feet). Historical significance: The Zhaozhou Bridge has played a significant role in Chinese history, serving as a vital transportation link and symbolizing the country's engineering prowess. 76 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Ancient Civil Engineering Roman Civil Engineering (27 BC - AD 476) Zhaozhou Bridge 77 MODERN CIVIL ENGINEERING 78 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Modern civil engineering involves creating and taking care of the structures and systems that are essential for today's society. This includes building and maintaining things like roads, bridges, buildings, water supply systems, and transportation networks. It uses new technologies, eco-friendly methods, and innovative materials to handle the challenges of growing cities, protecting the environment, and meeting people's needs. 79 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE): The tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 ft) tall, with a complex foundation system and high-strength concrete. Y-shaped floor plan: The building's Y-shaped design provides a more efficient use of space and reduces wind resistance. 80 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering High-strength concrete: The concrete used in the construction of the Burj Khalifa has a strength of over 30 MPa (4,350 psi), making it one of the strongest concretes in the world. Unique exterior cladding: The building's exterior is covered in a unique system of reflective windows and spandrel panels to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency. 81 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering The building has a total floor area of over 500,000 square meters (5.38 million square feet). The observation deck on the 124th floor offers breathtaking views of Dubai. 82 83 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Golden Gate Bridge The bridge's original cost was $35 million, which is approximately $1.2 Billion in today's dollars. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge with a main span of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters). It has a total length of 8,981 feet (2,737 meters) and a height of 746 feet (227 meters) above the water level. 84 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Golden Gate Bridge It spans almost two miles across the Golden Gate, the narrow strait where San Francisco Bay opens to meet the Pacific Ocean. The bridge's roadway is designed to withstand strong winds and seismic activity. The bridge's iconic orange color was chosen because it is said to be more visible in foggy conditions than other colors. 85 Golden Gate Bridge 86 Golden Gate Bridge 87 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Singapore's Gardens by the Bay The gardens are designed to be a tropical oasis in the heart of the city, featuring over 1.5 million plants and trees from around the world. The iconic Supertree Grove is one of the most popular attractions, featuring 18 towering tree-like structures that range from 25 to 50 meters tall. 88 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Singapore's Gardens by the Bay The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories are two massive glasshouses that recreate tropical environments from around the world. The Skyway walk is a 128-meter-long walkway that connects the Supertree Grove to the Marina Barrage. 89 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering Singapore's Gardens by the Bay The gardens feature a range of innovative technologies, including climate control systems, irrigation systems, and lighting systems that use energy-efficient LED lights. The park's iconic Supertrees are equipped with solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity. 90 Singapore's Gardens by the Bay 91 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering China's Three Gorges Dam Size: The dam is massive! It stretches 2,335 meters (7,664 feet) long, 181 meters (594 feet) high, and has a width of 235 meters (771 feet). Hydroelectric Power: The dam is a hydroelectric powerhouse, generating electricity for over 10 million households and providing a significant portion of China's energy needs. 92 HISTORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Modern Civil Engineering China's Three Gorges Dam Capacity: The dam has a capacity to generate up to 22.5 billion kWh of electricity per year, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world. Reservoir: The dam created a massive reservoir, known as Lake Three Gorges, which is approximately 660 kilometers (410 miles) long and has a storage capacity of over 39 billion cubic meters (13.6 billion cubic feet) of water. 93 China's Three Gorges Dam 94 China's Three Gorges Dam 95