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7 Wonders of Modern Civil Engineering

By Samuel Wesley

Overview

Civil Engineering is a branch of science that can go back hundreds of years, and is known as the oldest engineering there is. There has always been, and always will be structures, roads, and buildings that will need to be constructed. Now days, people only focus on the things that are right in front of them. The modern world has many new structures that are massive and iconic that civil engineers work on for years. This has to do with the planning, construction, and maintenance that go on behind the scene. This helps people live in a society that is more efficient to get places, that look good, and accommodate people. The American Society of Engineers is a fantastic group that has created a list of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. These are civil engineered projects that are claimed to be the best ever constructed in the modern world. They are:

·     The Channel Tunnel

·     CN Tower

·     Empire State Building

·     Golden Gate Bridge

·     Itaipu Dam

·     Netherlands North Sea Protection Works

·     Panama Canal

7 Wonders

The Channel Tunnel

The Channel Tunnel, which is known to most people, is the underground tunnel (Chunnel) that connects Folkstone, England, and Coquilles, France. Since the beginning of the 1900s, the idea of having an underground transportation system was thrown around, but never taken seriously. In 1985, the Channel Tunnel group formed, consisting of 5 banks and 10 construction companies. In 1994, it finally was unveiled.

CN Tower

In 1968, the Canadian National Railway wanted to construct a large tower that would be able to transmit TV and Radio waves to the surrounding area of Toronto. After 5 years of planning and deliberating, construction started in 1973. It took 3 years to complete and was opened in June of 1976. At the time it set many records such as, worlds highest observation gallery, worlds highest glass floor, and worlds highest wine cellar.

Empire State Building

One of the most iconic buildings that is featured in many Movies and tv shows, the Empire State building is one of the tallest buildings in the world. Its completion in 1931 set it as the tallest building in the world, until the world trade center buildings were built right down the street in 1970. The construction and design was monumental for the city of New York, especially in the early 20th century. Its structure is considered one of the most memorable buildings in the world.

Golden Gate Bridge

When the Empire State Building was finished in the East, a new structure began in the west. The Golden Gate Bridge started Construction in 1933. The idea of connecting the San Francisco peninsula with the southern end of Marin County was thought of many years prior to that never acted on. After years of planning and construction, the bridge was finally completed in May of 1937. At this time, it became the longest bridge span of the world, with 200,00 people crossing it on the first day.

Itaipu Dam

In the 1960s, both Brazil and Paraguay needed alternative ways to supply electricity to people in both regions, next to the Parana river. This river, being the 7th largest in the world, was utilized. In 1984 construction was completed and the first power-generated unit was completed. Recently, in 2008, there was a record 94,684 megawatts powered from the dam. This was a record set by a single dam, where it supplied 90% of Paraguay’s electricity and 35% of Brazils.

Netherlands North Sea Protection Works

In 1953, a terrible storm plagued the Netherlands and killed 1800 people and ruined 10,000 homes. After this, the second part of this project was rushed into action. The delta project was finished in2010 in which a series of dams, floodgates, and storm surge barriers were built to where flooding and high volumes of water would prevent tragedies like the one in 1953. It is predicted that future construction will need to take place as more volume of water keeps moving forward.

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal was built over 50 miles over the Panama Isthmus. Its goal was to be able to go from the Atlantic Ocean, to the Pacific without having to go around the whole continent. It was designed to have a series of locks, which are like water elevators that are able to lower and higher boats over the 50 miles. After this was completed, this was the preferred route of travel by everyone who needed to go around South America. It was the first of its kind in improving time and efficiency for cargo ships and other boats.

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