Lecture 1

Question 1

Challenges of 21st Century

Answer 1

1. Population Growth
2. Energy
3. Water
4. Climate Change
5. Geohazards

Question 2

Around 100 years ago the population was mostly rural…

Answer 2

Now over 54% of the world population is urban increasing the risk of natural disasters

Question 3

Nuclear power vs Fossil Fuels

Answer 3

Fossil fuels kill less than nuclear power since they pollute more

Question 4

Which has the most fresh water:
Oceans
Lakes
Glaciers
Rivers
Swamps

Answer 4

LAKES

Question 5

How many times more than volcanic eruptions has CO2 been released?

Answer 5

60x

Question 6

What is the concept relating to natural disasters?

Answer 6

Magnitude and Frequency

Question 7

Economics of engineering design: known-knowns:

Answer 7

Expected performance with given design standards

Question 8

Economics of engineering design; known-unknowns

Answer 8

“Over design to compensate risk of failure”

Question 9

Economics of Engineering design: unknown-unknowns:

Answer 9

Caused by subsurface issues

Question 10

Tell me about the optimal replacement period graph

Answer 10

X - axis: average annual costs
Y-axis: average annul replacement period
Upper curve: total costs
Linear: initial investments
Lower curve: damage and maintenance