Basic Concepts
What is the main job of a civil engineer?
To design and oversee the construction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
What is the primary goal of composting?
To decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.
What is the purpose of traffic signals?
To regulate the flow of traffic at intersections and improve safety by controlling when vehicles and pedestrians can proceed.
What is the purpose of a foundation in building construction?
To transfer the load of the building to the ground and provide stability.
What is a dam?
A structure built to block the flow of water in a river or stream.
What is the most common material used to build bridges?
Concrete or Steel
What does the term "renewable energy" mean?
Energy from sources that can be replenished, like solar or wind power.
What role do traffic engineers play in urban planning and development?
Traffic engineers analyze traffic patterns, design roadways and transportation systems, and recommend improvements to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in urban areas.
What is the main material used in building houses?
Wood
What is irrigation used for in agriculture?
To supply water to crops
What does CAD stand for in engineering?
Computer-Aided Design
What does the term "carbon footprint" mean?
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organisation, event, or product.
What are the benefits of using traffic roundabouts compared to traditional intersections with traffic lights?
Roundabouts typically reduce congestion, improve safety by reducing severe crashes, and often lead to lower long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional intersections.
What is the difference between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls in building construction?
Load-bearing walls support the weight of the structure above them, while non-load-bearing walls are primarily used to divide spaces and do not bear significant weight.
What is the main source of fresh water for most cities?
Rivers and lakes
Name the famous suspension bridge in San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge
What is the process of cleaning dirty water called?
Water treatment
Describe the concept of multimodal transportation planning, and provide an example of how it is applied in urban settings.
Multimodal transportation planning integrates various modes of transportation (e.g., walking, cycling, public transit) to create efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation networks. An example includes designing bike lanes and bus rapid transit systems alongside roadways to encourage alternative transportation options.
What is seismic design, and why is it important?
Seismic design involves designing buildings and structures to withstand earthquakes by considering factors like ground motion and building materials. It is important to protect structures and ensure safety during seismic events.
What is the term for the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable?
Desalination
What type of drawing shows the top view of a building or structure?
Plan view
What type of energy is generated using the heat from the Earth?
Geothermal energy.
What are some innovative technologies or strategies being used to improve traffic management in smart cities?
Examples may include real-time traffic monitoring systems, adaptive traffic signal control, and advanced data analytics to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.
What is the purpose of a shear wall in a building's structural system, and how does it differ from a typical load-bearing wall?
A shear wall is a structural element used to resist lateral forces such as wind and seismic activity by providing increased rigidity and strength to the building’s frame. It differs from a typical load-bearing wall, which primarily supports vertical loads (the weight of the structure above) rather than horizontal forces.
What is a reservoir?
A large natural or artificial lake used to store water.