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Foundations of Engineering & Technology
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Technological advancements within manufac-
turing as well as other technological areas have
changed manufacturing processes over time. For
example, products were once primarily manufac-
tured item by item and custom designed by an
expert. However, within the last one hundred years,
manufacturing technologies have become much
more effi through assembly lines, quality ficient
control, computers, robotics, and standardization of
parts and job descriptions. These processes will be
further discussed in Chapters 14 and 15.
Engineers are challenged to design and develop
manufacturing technologies in an ever-changing
world. Global economies and ongoing develop-
ments require designing through engineering to
constantly react to new requests. One challenge is
to produce parts that have less of an impact on our
environment. Engineers must develop a sound final fi
product that minimally impacts the environment
during the manufacture process or procurement
of natural materials. For example, plastic bags can
cause damage to ecosystems, take a long time to
degrade, are toxic, and are highly dependent on
oil to produce. As engineers design new products
to replace plastic bags, they must not only consider
usefulness for the consumer, but also the materials
and processes used to create the product.
Construction Technologies
Construction technologies encompass the
design, assembly, and maintenance of structures.
This technology is largely related to civil engi-
neering and architecture. Examples of structures
are homes, schools, offi buildings, museums, and fice
monuments. See Figure 13-8. Construction tech-
nologies also include structures such as bridges,
dams, roads, and temporary storage facilities. See
Figure 13-9.
When designing new structures, engineers
must consider many factors, including the quality
of building materials, environmental forces such as
weather conditions, and the demands of users. They
must also understand and apply mathematical and
scientifi concepts such as material strength, loads, fic
and compressive and tensile forces. See Figure 13-10.
Engineers in the construction technologies
face challenges when designing new products
and systems. An aging infrastructure is one such
challenge. Many highways and bridges across the
United States are outdated and require attention.
Some need to be rebuilt, while others need fresh
ideas to be more sustainable, which means it is
capable of lasting for a long period of time. Designers
use their knowledge of manufactured products that
are stronger and more efficient than before. fi
Another challenge is the current demand and
regulations for construction technologies to address
green buildings, which are structures that are
Samot/Shutterstock.com
Figure 13-8. Many structures are designed for shelter,
while others serve different purposes. The Arc de
Triomphe is a monument in Paris.
Andrew Zarivney/Shutterstock.com
Figure 13-9. Construction technologies also include
structures such as bridges, dams, and roads.