Question

#1

You are overseeing the plans for construction of a new highway. Someone proposes using cheaper, substandard materials to control/treat water flowing off the construction site. The water on the construction site contains measureable concentrations of sediments, oils from vehicles, heavy metals, and components of asphalt. A recreational lake is nearby and downgradient from the construction site. This is a substantial slope (10% grade) across the site.

a) LIST the three pillars of sustainability and EXPLAIN how this issue connects to each pillar.

b) Assuming you are a licensed engineer, what is your ethical obligation to the public AND other licensed engineers working on this job? [Your response should cover ethical obligations to both parties.]

c) LIST and DESCRIBE at least two ways to control fluvial (water) erosion on this site.

Will like right away!!

Answer 1

A)

The goals of sustainable construction are to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Sustainable construction methods include:

• using renewable and recyclable resources;
• reducing energy consumption and waste;
• creating a healthy, environmentally-friendly environment and protecting the nature

The benefits of sustainable construction

Naturally, adopting sustainable construction methods will reduce your organisation’s impact on the environment. But there are more tangible benefits too which will help you demonstrate the value of sustainable construction beyond environmental concerns.

The truth of the matter is that green buildings do come with lower operating costs. In fact, research suggests that the use of the latest sustainable technologies in construction processes could potentially deliver a remarkable €410bn a year in savings on global energy spending.

There are also direct savings available for your organisation; by reducing waste, for instance, you will reduce the fees charged by your waste management company. By adopting more efficient vehicles, you will save on fuel costs.

And there is one more benefit that could have a huge benefit on your company; sustainable construction can help your organisation’s reputation by demonstrating your sense of corporate social responsibility.

B)

From energy usage to emissions, the construction industry has a huge impact on the environment.

Aside from the potential for building over wild habitats, the construction industry energy use is high. The heavy machinery used in construction still leans heavily on fossil fuels, and even inefficient electricity use can result in the unnecessary burning of fossil fuels further down the energy supply line. In fact, the construction industry accounts for an incredible 36% of worldwide energy usage, and 40% of CO2 emissions.

The fabrication and shipping of materials can have a great impact on carbon emissions. Mining for raw materials can result in the pollution of local water tables. The manufacture of concrete has resulted in over 2.8bn tonnes of CO2, a figure which is only going to keep increasing as 4bn tonnes of concrete is poured every year.

Construction can also result in hazardous waste, and the improper disposal of such waste can result in pollution that affects not just the environment, but also the health of people living in that area.

A sustainable idea as per the ethics of a engineer

With an increasing amount of attention on the environmental impact of every industry, more construction firms are going to adopt sustainable construction methods. But, for now, your organisation has an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Being able to boast of your green credentials will be a boost both to the natural environment, to the communities surrounding the build, and to your organisation’s reputation.

this is a most sustainable and nature friendly technic to avoid the pollution of the water from heavy waste deposite from site due to rainfall

Live willow stakes and willow spiling can provide protection and support to steep, eroding banks within a range of soil types and flows. They can also be used in combination with some of the other techniques described below. Willow stakes and spiling are one of the easiest and cheapest structures to install since they can be secured in place by simply hammering them into the bed or bank.

C)

THESE ARE THE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES ADOPTED TO REDUCE WATER EROSION IN SITE

Articulated Concrete Blocks

Articulated concrete blocks are revetment systems that can be constructed in a wide variety of shapes and thicknesses. The blocks form a grid of interconnected units used for erosion control on embankments of waterways and manmade drainage channels.

MSE Walls

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls have replaced many traditional concrete retaining walls in recent decades. MSE walls offer several advantages over conventional reinforced concrete walls, including ease and speed of installation. This system also is adaptable to a variety of sites.

Turbidity Barriers

Turbidity barriers are used to prevent soil erosion and migration of contaminants in water. They are typically made of a geotextile membrane that floats and is anchored to the bottom of the water body with weights. Sometimes turbidity barriers are used for supplemental sediment control.

Geotextiles

Geotextiles are commonly used to control erosion and improve soils over which roads, embankments, pipelines, and earth-retaining structures are built. Depending on the application, geotextiles may have an open mesh weave, a warp-knitted structure, or a closed fabric or nonwoven surface. The specific type of geotextile used is based on several criteria, including separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, sealing, and protection.

French Drains

A French drain is a system of underground piping—called drain tile—that channels surface and groundwater to an exit point. The drain tile may also be perforated to allow water to seep into the soil below the tile, while excess water travels to the exit point. French drains are installed with a slope of about 1 inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal run.

Soil Nails

Soil nailing provides a resisting force against slope failures and offers relatively quick installation. The basic installation procedure involves drilling into the soil and placing a series of steel bars—the nails—deep into the earth. The nails are capped at the surface with a facing to create a barrier similar to a retaining wall. Soil nails also can be driven into the soil and may or may not be grouted in place after installation.

Riprap

Riprap is a commonly used method to protect soil from erosion in areas of concentrated runoff. Riprap is a layer of very large stones interlocked together to act as a barrier on slopes that are unstable because of seepage problems or areas that are receiving a large, concentrated flow. This method is commonly used to minimize erosion of lake shores and riverbeds. Riprap often is installed over a synthetic geotextile membrane to prevent the soil from moving through the riprap.

Dust Control Methods

Dust control measures apply to any construction site where there is the potential for air and water pollution from dust traveling across the landscape or through the air. Dust also represents the potential for wind erosion. Common methods for dust control in soil include misted water, silt fences (and similar barriers), and polymer additives.