Geotechnical Boring: Studying what lies under our feet

Topics: Geology | Tunnels

Geotechnical investigations are performed to learn about the physical properties of the rocks and soil near locations that are being considered for construction in a variety of situations. Before any ground level or underground work can be done, it’s necessary that those involved in completing the project know what ground conditions they are working with and what they may encounter as they progress. This information is important to ensure that they are using the correct tools for the job and that they will not encounter any unexpected obstacles.

The Decline of the American Passenger Railroad

Topics: History of Rail

Nevertheless, despite this planning and investment, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) still notes that much of the NEC’s infrastructure is beyond its useful life. According to ASCE, “U.S. rail still faces clear challenges, most notably in passenger rail, which faces the dual problems of aging infrastructure and insufficient funding.” As stated by the Northeast Corridor Commission (a Congressional organization established to develop coordinated strategies for improving the NEC’s rail network), “…the NEC has hundreds of miles of aging track bed, hundreds of century-old small bridges, over a dozen century-old major bridges and tunnels, and power supply and signal systems that still rely on 1930s technology… we must bear in mind that future work to replace these assets will require more sacrifice in the form of disruptions to existing train services.”

Railroad officials and employees celebrate the completion of the first railroad transcontinental link in Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869. The Union Pacific's Locomotive No. 119 (right) and Central Pacific's Jupiter edged forward over the golden spike that marked the joining of the nation by rail. | Andrew J. Russell creator QS:P170,Q4757433 Restoration by Adam Cuerden, East and West Shaking hands at the laying of last rail Union Pacific Railroad - Restoration, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

The Golden Age of Rail in the USA

Topics: History of Rail

A century ago the United States was a world leader in railway deployment and use. While freight rail remains a productive enterprise in the U.S., American passenger rail today has not kept pace with Europe and Asia. What happened to the great American railroad? Recent high-speed rail developments in California, Florida, Texas and superconducting maglev train technology along the Northeast Corridor indicate that a comeback is in the works.

Tunnels and Transport: A History of the Use of Tunneling Around the World

Topics: Tunnel Boring Machine | Tunnels

The history of man-made tunnels extends nearly as far back as that of human civilization. Tunnels are integral to the operations of and between cities. Modern tunnels functioning for water management, irrigation, sewage distribution, commercial delivery of goods or transportation of people are much like street roads, highways, surface railways, and sea lanes: arteries conducive to vital human activity and human flourishing.

Transportation Innovation: History of Maglev in the World

Topics: How Maglev Works | Maglev History

Superconducting maglev (SCMAGLEV) technology offers trains the potential to safely reach previously unimaginable speeds, surpassing all previous high-speed rail advances. In 2015, an SCMAGLEV train operated by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) broke the train speed world record by clocking in at 603 km/h (374 mph) at the Yamanashi Maglev line near Mount Fuji. With this technology, industry and society have the ability to revolutionize and improve congested transportation networks all across the globe while making your commute, leisure, and business travel a far more pleasant experience.