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Computerized Planning and Scheduling In 1917, Henry Gantt developed a method for effectively relating a list of activities to a time scale by drawing a bar chart that later became known as a Gantt chart. Activities are represented as bars on the chart, which are measured according to a timeline located across the top or bottom of the chart. Each bar is drawn from the starting time of the activity until its ending time. The Gantt chart has been widely used in depicting schedules for construction projects and has some very useful characteristics. Its primary advantage is that its simple graphic representation allows one to grasp schedule information quickly and easily. more.

Temporary Structures One property inherent to concrete is that it can be formed into any shape. The wet mixture is placed in a form constructed of wood, metal, or another suitable material to harden or set. The form must be assembled with quality workmanship with close attention to dimensional tolerances. Formwork should be strong enough to support the weight of the concrete and rigid enough to maintain its position and appearance. In addition, formwork must be tight enough to prevent water seepage and designed to permit ready removal. Because the formwork for a concrete structure constitutes a considerable item in the cost of the completed structure, particular care should be exercised in its design. more.

Professionalism and Ethics On the night of January 27, 1986, Roger Boisjoly, engineer with Morton Thiokol, faced a crisis. The Space Center was counting down to a shuttle launch the next morning. In a teleconference with the Space Center, however, his superior, Robert Lund, had conveyed the engineers' recommendation against launching. This recommendation was based on concerns about the ability of the O-rings to seal at low temperatures. more.