"An outstanding resource on a wide range of civil engineering subjects for all readers. Wonderful for browsing, reading, or researching."
¡ªRob Tench, Library Journal
"[Engineering In Plain Sight] is a fun, informative book that helps educate on the world around us."
¡ªGeek_Dude, GeekTechStuff
"A plain explanation of every day engineering . . . [with] enough detail to satisfy even a lot of detailed questions about infrastructure."
¡ªLee Teschler, Design World Online
"Grady is the perfect person to explain engineering to us . . . he's a brilliant storyteller who can translate that knowledge into engaging tales that even the technically-challenged among us can dig into. His book [Engineering in Plain Sight] is the perfect extension of this unique skill set. By taking a concept usually applied to the natural world - a field guide! - and applying it to the, um, non-natural one, he's helped me understand for the first time basic but important things ... like how a cell tower actually works."
¡ªDavid Goldenberg, MinuteEarth
"Highly readable and illustrated with plenty of diagrams, making the material accessible to non-engineers . . . it would serve very well as a reference book for classrooms and the school library."
¡ªTerry Freedman, ICT & Computing in Education
"Perfect for those with a curious mind and restless imagination."
¡ªE.D. Corbeels, Purdue Reviewer
"Written for anybody that just wants to learn about the world around them . . . I highly recommend it."
¡ªIsaac Oakeson, Civil Engineering Academy
"This is a 'Bob the Builder' guide for young adults and older who are curious about common miracles of engineering. From asphalt to voltage regulators, they'll never look at the world the same."
¡ªThe Austin Chronicle
Chapter Page
Introduction x
1. Electrical Grid 1
Introduction 1
Overview of the Electrical Grid 3
Thermal Power Stations 7
Wind Farms 11
Transmission Towers 15
Transmission Line Components 19
Substations 23
Substation Equipment 27
Typical Utility Pole 31
Electrical Distribution Equipment 35
2. Communications 39
Introduction 39
Overhead Telecommunications 41
Underground Telecommunications 45
Radio Antenna Towers 49
Satellite Communications 53
Cellular Communications 57
3. Roadways 61
Introduction 61
Urban Arterial and Collector Roads 63
Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure 67
Traffic Signals 71
Traffic Signs and Markings 75
Highway Earthwork and Retaining Walls 79
Typical Highway Section 83
Typical Highway Layout 87
Interchanges 91
4. Bridges and Tunnels 95
Introduction 95
Types of Bridges 97
Typical Bridge Section 101
Overview of Tunnels 105
Tunnel Cross Section 109
5. Rail...ways 113
Introduction 113
Railroad Tracks 115
Switches and Signals 119
Grade Crossings 123
Electrified Railways 127
6. Dams, Levees, and Coastal Structures 131
Introduction 131
Shore Protection Structures 133
Ports 137
Locks 141
Levees and Floodwalls 145
Concrete Dams 149
Embankment Dams 153
Spillways and Outlet Works 157
7. Municipal Water and Wastewater 161
Introduction 161
Intakes and Pumping Stations 163
Wells 167
Transmission Pipelines and Aqueducts 171
Water Treatment Plants 175
Water Distribution Systems 179
Water Towers and Tanks 183
Sanitary Sewers and Lift Stations 187
Wastewater Treatment Plants 191
Stormwater Collection 195
8. Construction 199
Introduction 199
Typical Construction Site 201
Cranes 205
Construction Machines 209
Acknowledgments 213
Glossary 215
Index 239