Editor

Daniel Mehari is a highly skilled Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Civil and Architectural Engineering. With extensive experience in diverse construction projects, he has worked in various roles, contributing to the successful planning, execution, and management of civil infrastructure. As a technical writer, Daniel shares expert insights on Civil, Architectural, and Railway Engineering, ensuring well-researched, accurate, and industry-aligned content for professionals and students.

How to Correctly Construct Retaining Walls: A Complete Guide to Design, Materials, and Critical Factors

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Retaining walls are among the most challenging structures in civil engineering. They must simultaneously resist enormous lateral earth pressures, manage groundwater, adapt to variable site conditions, and maintain long-term stability—often for decades. Yet many construction failures occur not from lack of ambition, but from overlooking fundamental principles. This comprehensive guide addresses every critical factor that … Read more

Types of Architectural Arches: A Comprehensive Guide to Design, History, and Engineering

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The arch stands as one of humanity’s most significant architectural innovations, revolutionizing the way we span distances and support structures. Its use dates back approximately 4,000 years back to ancient Mesopotamia.. Its unique structural property sets it apart from simpler support systems that rely on vertical force distribution, in that arches employ the geometry to … Read more

Foundation Depth Selection for Houses: Key Factors and Considerations

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Choosing the correct foundation depth is one of the most critical decisions in residential construction, directly impacting the structural integrity, safety, and longevity of a building. The foundation depth must be carefully determined  based on multiple interconnected factors including soil conditions, building characteristics, environmental considerations, and local building codes. The selection of foundation depth is … Read more

Types of Railway Fastenings

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Fastenings: Securing the Rails Fastenings are crucial in securing the rails to the sleepers or ties. They include a variety of components such as clips, bolts, screws, and plates.  Their function is to transfer the loads from the rails to the sleepers and further to the track’s substructure, to maintain the gauge, and to prevent … Read more

The setting out of buildings

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Setting out is the first step in laying out design layouts onto a site plot. Setting out involves the locating of the house’s positions in plan and level; how they are executed differs depending on the site conditions and type of project. Setting out is done either by the owner or the municipality of the … Read more

How to Shore Load-Bearing Walls for Safe Opening Demolition

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Demolishing walls is a common aspect of house renovation projects, especially as open-plan living becomes increasingly popular in the modern housing market. Creating open spaces by removing interior walls and introducing new openings can dramatically improve a home’s layout, enhance natural light, and elevate the overall comfort and aesthetic appeal for occupants. Beyond aesthetics, these … Read more

Differences and Similarities Between Railway and Highway Alignment Design

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Geometric design practices for railways and highways share fundamental principles but differ significantly in execution due to operational requirements and vehicle dynamics.  The difference in operational characteristics and vehicle dynamics results in significantly different geometric constraints. Railways require gentler curves and more restrictive gradients due to the physics of steel wheels on steel rail systems … Read more