OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH ENGINEERS COUNCIL

June 10, 2020

Wildfires-and-Civil-Engineering

Wildfires and Civil Engineering

Fire plays an important role in most wildland ecosystems. Vegetation often depends on fire to create a period of rebirth by removing dead materials and releasing nutrients back into the environment (Ainsworth and Doss, 1995). Across the United States, wildfires burn more than 4 million acres annually, costing Federal agencies above $768 million a year (1994-2002) in suppression alone (Butry et al., 2008).

Implementing-Critical-Systems-Heuristics

Implementing Critical Systems Heuristics and Soft Systems Methodology on Ogden Downtown Alliance’s Recycling Program

The overarching objective of the Ogden Downtown Alliance (ODA) is to bolster the city center through community engagement. The organization supports the growth of downtown Ogden by “increasing economic vitality and community vibrancy throughout Ogden’s Central Business District” (Ogden Downtown Alliance, 2018).

Failure-Analysis-man-looking-at-crumbling-structure

Failure Analysis — What to Do When a Part Breaks

Living in a material world, as we do, means that some of the physical objects surrounding us will break or change in a manner that renders them unusable: gear teeth wear, house pipes burst, car parts corrode, plastic becomes brittle, elastic stretches, and bolts shear, to name just a few. If the consequences of failure are minor, such as a light bulb burning out or tires wearing out, they are replaced and the old parts recycled or discarded.

Convergence-hands-holding-earth

Convergence

Around 1950, common career and business interests caused several professional societies to form the Utah Engineers Council (UEC). UEC currently consists of 18 member societies. This article focuses on the consequences of today’s driving forces.