A Tale of Two Bridges

A Tale of Two Bridges PDF

Author: Stephen Mikesell

Publisher: University of Nevada Press

Published: 2017-04-03

Total Pages: 283

ISBN-13: 0874174678

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A Tale of Two Bridges is a history of two versions of the San Francisco—Oakland Bay Bridge: the original bridge built in 1936 and a replacement for the eastern half of the bridge finished in 2013. The 1936 bridge revolutionized transportation in the Bay Area and profoundly influenced settlement patterns in the region. It was also a remarkable feat of engineering. In the 1950s the American Society of Civil Engineers adopted a list of the “Seven Engineering Wonders” of the United States. The 1936 structure was the only bridge on the list, besting even the more famous Golden Gate Bridge. One of its greatest achievements was that it was built on time (in less than three years) and came in under budget. Mikesell explores in fascinating detail how the bridge was designed by a collection of the best-known engineers in the country as well as the heroic story of its construction by largely unskilled laborers from California, joined by highly skilled steel workers. By contrast, the East Span replacement, which was planned between 1989 and 1998, and built between 1998 and 2013, fell victim to cost overruns in the billions of dollars, was a decade behind schedule, and suffered from structural problems that has made it a perpetual maintenance nightmare. This is narrative history in its purest form. Mikesell excels at explaining highly technical engineering issues in language that can be understood and appreciated by general readers. Here is the story of two very important bridges, which provides a fair but uncompromising analysis of why one bridge succeeded and the other did not.

The Tale Of Two Bridges And The Battle For The Skies Over North Vietnam [Illustrated Edition]

The Tale Of Two Bridges And The Battle For The Skies Over North Vietnam [Illustrated Edition] PDF

Author: Major A. J. C. Lavalle

Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing

Published: 2014-08-15

Total Pages: 139

ISBN-13: 1782898921

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Illustrated with over 30 maps, diagrams and photos This is a story of war. A parable of men and machines, of friend and foe. A drama of moves and countermoves, played out in the skies over North Vietnam and having for its backdrop two bridges - the majestic Paul Doumer and the infamous bridge at Thanh Hoa. These bridges know well the script of war. The silent contrails high in the blue, the growing dialogue of anti-aircraft fire, the scream of engines, the thunder of bombs, all building to a crescendo. Then subsiding, only to start again in another act on another day. An old play that reopens regularly with new actors - and therein lies our tale. The curtain went up at the Thanh Hoa Bridge in April 1965, and, as the Vietnam drama unfolded, many new players made their acting debut. Fighters named “Thunderchief” and “Phantom,” missiles known as SAMs and SHRIKEs, bombs called “Walleye” and “Smart,” and the credits go on. Wild Weasel, Jolly Green, Young Tiger, and MIG Cap - all starred in our long running play as did such names as Carolina Moon and Flaming Dart. Names that flashed brightly across the stage and then were gone. Actors in a historical play that has now passed into history - leaving us to tell THE TALE OF TWO BRIDGES.

Between Two Bridges

Between Two Bridges PDF

Author: Victor Colaio

Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub

Published: 2009-03-31

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 9781439214480

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This is a personal story of living during a period of history in a New York City neighborhood that witnessed hardship,sacrifice,tragedy,discipline and an abundance of genuine happiness.

Contracts for Construction and Engineering Projects

Contracts for Construction and Engineering Projects PDF

Author: Donald Charrett

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2021-12-22

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 1000505707

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Contracts for Construction and Engineering Projects provides unique and invaluable guidance on the role of contracts in construction and engineering projects. The work explores various aspects of the intersection of contracts and construction projects involving the work of engineers and other professionals engaged in construction, whether as project managers, designers, constructors, contract administrators, schedulers, claims consultants, forensic engineers or expert witnesses. Compiling papers written and edited by the author, refined and expanded with additional chapters in this new edition, this book draws together a lifetime of lessons learned in these fields and covers the topics a practising professional might encounter in construction and engineering projects, developed in bite-sized chunks. The chapters are divided into five key parts: 1. The engineer and the contract 2. The project and the contract 3. Avoidance and resolution of disputes 4. Forensic engineers and expert witnesses, and 5. International construction contracts. The inclusion of numerous case studies to illustrate the importance of getting the contract right before it is entered into – and the consequences that may ensue if this is not done – makes this book essential reading for professionals practising in any area of design, construction, contract administration, preparation of claims or expert evidence, as well as construction lawyers who interact with construction professionals.

The Rise of Tourism on Martha's Vineyard

The Rise of Tourism on Martha's Vineyard PDF

Author: Thomas Dresser

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing

Published: 2013-04-09

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 1439670307

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Now known as a resort community and vacation destination, Martha's Vineyard was once a simple fishing and whaling community. From the popularity of the Methodist Campground, founded in 1835, the Vineyard soon blossomed into a summer vacation mecca, welcoming visitors to its quaint villages and scenic seashores. As whaling lost its economic dominance, tourism became the catalyst for a revived prosperity on the Vineyard. President Grant's visit to the Vineyard in 1874 drew national attention and marked the beginning of several presidential visits to the island. By 1900, Oak Bluffs had developed an amusement park atmosphere with the iconic Flying Horses, toboggan slide and grand seaside hotels. Join local historian Tom Dresser as he reveals the island's transformation into a premier tourist destination.

The Application of Contracts in Engineering and Construction Projects

The Application of Contracts in Engineering and Construction Projects PDF

Author: Donald Charrett

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-07-04

Total Pages: 479

ISBN-13: 1351006320

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Written by an engineer and construction lawyer with many years of experience, The Application of Contracts in Engineering and Construction Projects provides unique and invaluable guidance on the role of contracts in construction and engineering projects. Compiling papers written and edited by the author, it draws together a lifetime of lessons learned in these fields and covers the topics a practicing professional might encounter in such a project, developed in bite-sized chunks. Key topics included are: the engineer and the contract; the project and the contract; avoidance and resolution of disputes; forensic engineers and expert witnesses; and international construction contracts. The inclusion of numerous case studies to illustrate the importance of getting the contract right before it is entered into, and the consequences that may ensue if this is not done, makes The Application of Contracts in Engineering and Construction Projects essential reading for construction professionals, lawyers and students of construction law.

Danger Close

Danger Close PDF

Author: Steve Call

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press

Published: 2010-01-15

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 1603441425

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“America had a secret weapon,” writes Steve Call of the period immediately following September 11, 2001, as planners contemplated the invasion of Afghanistan. This weapon consisted of small teams of Special Forces operatives trained in close air support (CAS) who, in cooperation with the loose federation of Afghan rebels opposed to the Taliban regime, soon began achieving impressive—and unexpected—military victories over Taliban forces and the al-Qaeda terrorists they had sponsored. The astounding success of CAS tactics coupled with ground operations in Afghanistan soon drew the attention of military decision makers and would eventually factor into the planning for another campaign: Operation Iraqi Freedom. But who, exactly, are these air power experts and what is the function of the TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties) in which they operate? Danger Close provides a fascinating look at a dedicated, courageous, innovative, and often misunderstood and misused group of military professionals. Drawing on the gripping first-hand accounts of their battlefield experiences, Steve Call allows the TACPs to speak for themselves. He accompanies their narratives with informed analysis of the development of CAS strategy, including potentially controversial aspects of the interservice rivalries between the air force and the army which have at times complicated and even obstructed the optimal employment of TACP assets. Danger Close makes clear, however, that the systematic coordination of air power and ground forces played an invaluable supporting role in the initial military victories in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This first-ever examination of the intense, life-and-death world of the close air support specialist will introduce readers to a crucial but little-known aspect of contemporary warfare and add a needed chapter in American military history studies.

An Encyclopaedia of World Bridges

An Encyclopaedia of World Bridges PDF

Author: David McFetrich

Publisher: Pen and Sword Transport

Published: 2022-06-02

Total Pages: 354

ISBN-13: 1526794497

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Bridges are one of the most important artefacts constructed by man, the structures having had an incalculable effect on the development of trade and civilisation throughout the world. Their construction has led to continuing advances in civil engineering technology, leading to bigger spans and the use of new materials. Their failures, too, whether from an inadequate understanding of engineering principles or as a result of natural catastrophes or warfare, have often caused immense hardship as a result of lost lives or broken communications. In this book, a sister publication to his earlier An Encyclopaedia of British Bridges (Pen & Sword 2019), David McFetrich gives brief descriptions of some 1200 bridges from more than 170 countries around the world. They represent a wide range of different types of structure (such as beam, cantilever, stayed and suspension bridges). Although some of the pictures are of extremely well-known structures, many are not so widely recognisable and a separate section of the book includes more than seventy lists of bridges with distinctly unusual characteristics in their design, usage and history.