By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

Snow Removal Tips

As we have entered another winter season, it’s time to prepare for everyone’s favorite holiday activity: shoveling snow. Instead of suffering when shoveling, why not simplify the task with a few simple suggestions?

Before the snow falls, take some preemptive action. Anything that you don't want to be ruined by snow should be removed from your yard, including decorations, hoses, dog tie-outs, and children's toys. To avoid unintentional snow accumulation when it comes time to shovel, stake out garden beds or other areas of your yard that hold items that cannot be carried inside or kept in a shed. A little home surveying goes a long way!

To reduce how much clearing you’ll have to do, try obtaining a few waterproof tarps, and don’t forget to weigh or tie them down when being used to avoid them from flying away. Waterproof tarps can be positioned over sidewalks, walkways, and even vehicles to protect their surfaces and lessen post-snowfall cleanup. Before going outside to remove the tarps and make shoveling snow easier, wear gloves, boots with good traction, and layers of clothes. Remove the tarp once the snow stops falling to expose clear vehicles and/or pathways underneath. Even though it could take some shoveling to lighten the weight of the tarp, it still offers a good amount of protection.

Now, when it comes to shoveling snow, make sure you’re doing it correctly and safely. Do some research on the different types of shovels to determine which ones are the right fit for you. Shovels come in different types, shapes, and price points. After selecting the shovel that fits your needs best, make sure when raising the shovel, you bend at the knees rather than the back to protect your back. Consider not overfilling the shovel to avoid shoulder strain. Speed is not as important as safety! If possible, try to shovel the snow as soon as it stops snowing, as fresh snow tends to weigh less than snow that has begun to melt. And don’t forget to add salt on clear areas to avoid hard ice from developing, causing dangerous, slippery areas.

Have a safe winter!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

The Engineering Behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons

This week, on November 28, Thanksgiving will be celebrated. Although we will gather around the dinner table this Thursday evening, many people will begin the day by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you’ve ever wondered about all the science and engineering behind the parade, read on.

When engineering a new balloon design, creators first sketch out a diagram, which is examined and adjusted by engineering experts, to ensure that the design will safely float. Then dimensions are determined and a real-size clay model of the design is created, to calculate how much fabric and helium is needed.

The float then goes through months of testing, conducted by dozens of handlers. The tests are to ensure proper inflation and deflation, easy handling, etc. Then the finishing touches are added to the balloon.

Fun Facts:
• It takes 90 minutes to inflate a parade balloon and 15 minutes to deflate one.
• The average balloon requires 12,000 cubic feet of helium. That’s enough to fill about 2,500 bathtubs.

Balloon pilots must attend training and must be able to walk the parade route backwards. Balloon handlers support the pilot and help maintain control of the balloons. They must weigh at least 120 pounds and be in good health.

For more information about this year’s parade, go to: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

Engineering DIY Halloween Decorations

Halloween is defined by Britannica as “Contraction of All Hallows’ Eve, a holiday observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day." For decades, Halloween has been a popular holiday in the United States, celebrated by children and adults. Carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, wearing costumes, and eating candy are major parts of Halloween celebration traditions.

Engineering skills can be very convenient on Halloween, as engineers can utilize their knowledge to create do-it-yourself (DIY) Halloween decorations. Engineers can demonstrate their creativity and participate in enjoyable activities with their children, family members, or even friends by DIY Halloween decorations for their homes. Engineers can easily create homemade Halloween decorations that will make their homes spooky.

Here are some fun decoration ideas that would be a great fit for engineers:

• A pumpkin elevator can be made with pumpkins and a variety of recyclable materials;

• Germinating pumpkins can be made with pumpkins, seeds, and soil;

• Floating ghosts can be made of plastic pipettes;

• Spider webs can be made from yarn; and

• Paper bats can be made from paper.

Happy Halloween!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

Ancient Marvels in Engineering

Modern, high-tech design is typically what comes to mind when we think about engineering. But the strong engineering and design foundations of the past enabled many technological advancements, some of which are seen as wonders of the world today. The following are a few of the most inventive engineering achievements of all time:

  • The Great Wall of China: The Great Wall of China, at nearly 13,000 miles long, is the longest structure ever built. It was built over the course of 2,000 years. In addition to the actual wall, the structure includes 25,000 towers, castles, and other fortresses for soldiers to stay on alert against attack.
  • The Great Pyramid of Giza: The Great Pyramid were masterpieces of technical skill and engineering ability. The sides of the Great Pyramid are aligned perfectly with the four cardinal points of the compass. It is estimated that it took workers over 20 years to complete the construction of the Great Pyramid.
  • Taj Mahal: Beginning in 1631, the Taj Mahal's construction is estimated to have taken 22 years to complete. Even now, the Taj Mahal is still today one of the most recognizable buildings in the world of architecture.
  • Highways: The Romans built a sophisticated system of roads. Roman engineers designed highways to allow for water drainage. The Romans built over 50,000 miles of road by 200 A.D. Highways allowed the Roman legion to travel as far as 25 miles per day.
  • Panama Canal: Beginning in 1904, the Panama Canal is an international waterway that was built to enable ship traffic between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans saving traders a lot of time and money. The canal proved to be an exceptionally successful engineering project, despite being difficult to construct.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

What is Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)

Did you know that before the invention of Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) software, drafters and designers had to create models by hand using large sheets of paper and drawing boards? This process was not only labor-intensive but also very challenging to review and revise.

Fortunately, the field of engineering and design has undergone a revolution with the advent of CADD software. CADD is a software program used in architecture, engineering, and construction that makes it easier to sketch and create physical components or arrange procedures. One of the key advantages of CADD is its ability to streamline the design process. With traditional drafting methods, any changes or modifications to the design would require starting from scratch. However, with CADD, designers can easily make revisions, saving both time and effort. This flexibility allows for more efficient and accurate designs. Additionally, CADD software offers a wide range of tools and features that enhance the design process. These tools include the ability to create 2D and 3D models, generate detailed drawings, and analyze data. By utilizing these features, engineers and designers can visualize their concepts and identify potential issues. Another key advantage of CADD is that it also promotes collaboration among different firms involved in a project. With the software's ability to share and exchange design files, team members can easily communicate and work together, regardless of their physical location. This level of collaboration not only improves efficiency but also ensures that all parties are on the same page, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings. In terms of productivity, CADD greatly speeds up the design process. The increased productivity allows for faster project completion and ultimately leads to cost savings. This iterative process not only improves the quality of the final design but also fosters innovation and problem-solving skills. With its ability to create precise and accurate designs, CADD continues to shape the future of the industry, making it easier than ever to bring ideas to life.