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The Minnesota Department of Transportation collaborated with a team to design and construct an underground stormwater storage facility to address flooded roadways. The facility, the first of its kind in Minnesota, has a capacity of 14 acre-ft and consists of six interconnected cells. Innovative techniques such as diaphragm wall technology and soil nail walls were used in the construction. The facility diverts water from an existing stormwater pipe during wet-weather events. The design includes measures to control groundwater levels and prevent piping failure, and various monitoring techniques were employed to ensure safety and stability during construction. The document acknowledges the organizations involved in the project. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the design and construction of underground infrastructure in seismically active areas, with a focus on tunnels and shafts. It emphasizes the importance of unique perspectives, experience, and equipment in successfully completing these projects. The article also highlights the significance of seismic resilience and the consideration of earthquake intensity levels in the design process. Insights from engineers who have worked on major rail tunnel projects in the United States are provided, along with examples from projects in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The article underscores the need for careful planning and mitigation measures in seismically active regions, with a particular emphasis on seismic modeling, soil-structure interaction, and design strategies such as seismic isolation devices and enhanced structural performance. Lessons learned from previous projects continue to inform and refine design methods for tunnels in high-seismic areas worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the challenges faced in designing and constructing underground engineering projects in cold regions, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The presence of permafrost, which is frozen soil, presents unique difficulties due to its varying thickness and temperature. Changes in temperature and heat sources can impact the stability of structures built on or into permafrost. Engineers must consider these factors and adapt their designs accordingly. The article discusses the challenges faced in building structures on permafrost in Alaska, including settlement and instability caused by thawing ice-rich permafrost. Various techniques such as ground exploration, monitoring, and ground-freezing measures are used to mitigate these risks. The article also highlights seismic concerns and soil liquefaction that can occur when permafrost thaws. Successful examples of engineering in cold regions, such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, are mentioned, along with the measures taken to protect them from thawing permafrost. The article also emphasizes the importance of the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in studying permafrost and its response to climate change. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a detailed account of the construction process of the Space Needle in Seattle for the Century 21 Exposition. The tower's design was inspired by a dancer statue and aimed to promote science and technology. The construction involved geotechnical investigations, financing, and the installation of steel components and concrete foundations. The tower was designed to withstand strong winds and earthquakes and underwent wind tunnel tests. The construction process included the use of cranes, spud wrenches, and welders to connect the steel pieces and create the observation deck and restaurant. Despite challenges and controversies, the Space Needle became a popular attraction during the fair, with 2.65 million visitors. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the transformation of a large concrete bunker in Hamburg into a new urban garden and public space. The bunker, which was not being fully utilized, will now include a hotel, gymnasium, and cultural venues. The design incorporates terraced spaces with greenery, including full-sized trees, and includes irrigation and drainage systems. The project was a collaboration between residents, architects, and a real estate firm, and there are plans for various memorials to document the bunker's history. The design team had to carefully consider the structural load assumptions and minimize disruptions to the interior spaces. The article also discusses the structural design and construction of a vertical extension to the bunker. The team aimed to avoid reinforcing the existing top slab by directing additional forces from the new levels to the bunker's solid columns and walls. They initially considered a girder grillage concept but ultimately developed an alternative concept using stacked concrete walls to allow for public circulation and emergency escape routes. The design also included a new concrete lift shaft and new columns for horizontal stability. The structural analysis was conducted using a 3D finite-element model, and it was determined that the bunker's foundation slab could withstand the additional loads. The project also involved the installation of outdoor elevators and the creation of a city garden on the rooftops. Overall, the design team used innovative engineering solutions to successfully complete this complex urban development project. [Extracted from the article]

This article focuses on optimizing deep foundation designs in ephemeral streams to reduce costs. It explains the differences between perennial and ephemeral streams and how they impact the design of deep foundations. The article emphasizes the importance of accurately estimating pore water pressure (PWP) profiles in ephemeral streams for deep foundation designs, considering factors such as flood variations and the hydrogeologic setting of the stream. It suggests using laboratory tests and numerical models to estimate engineering properties of soils and evaluate infiltration fluxes and PWP profiles. The article concludes by highlighting the significance of accurate PWP estimation for structures in arid to semiarid regions, which are expected to expand due to global warming. [Extracted from the article]

The text provides an overview of the Assembly Atlanta project, which has contributed to the growth of Georgia's film and TV industry. The project, located in Doraville, Georgia, transformed a former brownfield that housed a General Motors assembly plant into a 135-acre mixed-use development. The site now includes studio buildings, public spaces, and amenities, including two stormwater ponds that can be used for filming water scenes. The construction of a large studio complex with 19 soundstages was completed in just two years, utilizing the tilt wall method for the studio buildings and incorporating filmable facades for outdoor scenes. [Extracted from the article]

The 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar were impressive examples of civil engineering, with unique designs inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture. The stadiums, such as Al Janoub and Lusail, were equipped with cooling systems to combat the high temperatures. All matches were held in a compact area in central Doha, making it easy for fans to attend multiple games in one day. The stadiums were designed to be sustainable, with plans to repurpose them after the tournament. The Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final game, featured a steel vessel structure and a lightweight spoke-wheel-type cable net system for the roof. The stadium can be adapted for various uses after the World Cup. The construction process involved careful monitoring and the use of adjustable connections to ensure accuracy. The World Cup also provided an opportunity for civil engineers to share knowledge and best practices. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Beneath the Surface," explores various engineering projects that take place underground. The first project discussed is the engineering challenges faced in cold climates, including unstable soils and permafrost. The next topic is the construction of seismically resilient underground infrastructure, particularly in urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The article then moves on to the Elizabeth line in London, which is described as the first heavy rail system to pass beneath the British capital. Lastly, the article discusses a stormwater storage facility located beneath Interstate 35W in Minneapolis. The upcoming issue will focus on artificial intelligence and its impact on the civil engineering field. [Extracted from the article]

Eco Material Technologies, based in South Jordan, Utah, has partnered with Houston-based Hive3D to 3D print sustainable houses in Texas. The houses are made from a green cement product called PozzoCEM Vite, which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional cement. The 3D printer used features a robot arm on a crawler system and can print houses in four sections, with each section taking about three hours to print. The houses are designed with curved and rounded exterior walls for stability in high winds and are pest resistant and fireproof. The walls are filled with foamed concrete for insulation and additional structure. Eco Material is also working on finding alternative sources of fly ash, a key ingredient in their green cement, as coal-fueled power plants are being replaced with other energy sources. [Extracted from the article]