The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Shaping a Nation
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands as the world’s largest public engineering service, profoundly influencing the landscape and infrastructure of the continent. Their extensive work spans from battlements and bridges to roads and reservoirs, even contributing to space exploration efforts. For over two centuries, this organization has been at the forefront of national development, responding to both peaceful and wartime needs with unparalleled engineering prowess.
Monumental Engineering Feats
- Bradock Dam Project: A prime example of their innovative spirit is the Bradock Dam project, initiated on July 21st, 2001. This undertaking involved floating a massive 11,000-ton, 333-foot-long concrete dam section 27 miles up the Ohio River to Pittsburgh.
- Innovative Construction: This project marked the first instance of a dam being prefabricated in one location and then transported by water to its final destination. The design incorporated large, empty baffles within the dam sections, enabling flotation during its nautical journey.
- Unique Installation: Upon arrival, the floating structure was meticulously sunk onto a prepared underwater foundation near the Bradock River lock. The empty chambers were subsequently filled with concrete, establishing a groundbreaking method for dam construction.
Diverse and Far-Reaching Impact
The Corps’ responsibilities extend across a vast spectrum of engineering and construction. They are instrumental in creating and maintaining extensive inland waterways and coastal harbors, crucial for national commerce and defense. Their portfolio also includes massive civil works projects, monumental architectural designs, and critical battlefield engineering, demonstrating their adaptability and essential role in the nation’s progress.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| battlement | /ˈbætlmənt/ | A fortified parapet with indentations or embrasures. | They build battlements and bridges, roads and reservoirs. |
| reservoir | /ˈrɛzəvwɑːr/ | A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply. | They build battlements and bridges, roads and reservoirs. |
| pre-fabricated | /ˌpriːˈfæbrɪkeɪtɪd/ | Manufactured in sections to enable quick and easy assembly on site. | Built along the banks of the Ohio River, this marks the first time a dam has been pre-fabricated in one place, then moved by water to another. |
| baffles | /ˈbæflz/ | A device used to deaden sound or to divert or check the flow of a fluid, gas, or loose material. | The dam sections were designed with large empty baffles inside which aided in flotation during the nautical journey. |
| flotation | /floʊˈteɪʃn/ | The action of floating or causing to float. | The dam sections were designed with large empty baffles inside which aided in flotation during the nautical journey. |
| nautical | /ˈnɔːtɪkl/ | Of or concerning sailors or navigation; maritime. | The dam sections were designed with large empty baffles inside which aided in flotation during the nautical journey. |
| accessorized | /əkˈsɛsəraɪzd/ | Provided with a fashion accessory or accessories. | Once accessorized with a gate and walls, the floating mass was sunk onto a prepared underwater foundation. |
| rebar | /ˈriːbɑːr/ | A steel bar or mesh of steel wires used as a tension device in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures to strengthen and aid the concrete under tension. | At 333 ft long, 104 ft wide, and 50 ft high, this portion of the new Bradock Dam, which is bigger than a football field, was the largest cast piece of concrete and rebar ever to set sail. |
| meticulous | /mɪˈtɪkjʊləs/ | Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. | After years of meticulous building and planning, the dam is expected to be fully operational sometime in 2004. |
| encompassing | /ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/ | Surrounding and having or holding within. | Two to force engineering feats like this are the stock and trade of the Army Corps of Engineers, encompassing an enormous range of projects and concerns. |
Vocabulary Flashcards
Embedded Video:
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. They build battlements and bridges, roads and .
2. Built along the banks of the Ohio River, this marks the first time a dam has been in one place, then moved by water to another.
3. The dam sections were designed with large empty inside which aided in flotation during the nautical journey.
4. The dam sections were designed with large empty baffles inside which aided in during the nautical journey.
5. The dam sections were designed with large empty baffles inside which aided in flotation during the journey.
6. Once with a gate and walls, the floating mass was sunk onto a prepared underwater foundation.
7. At 333 ft long, 104 ft wide, and 50 ft high, this portion of the new Bradock Dam, which is bigger than a football field, was the largest cast piece of concrete and ever to set sail.
8. After years of building and planning, the dam is expected to be fully operational sometime in 2004.
9. Two to force engineering feats like this are the stock and trade of the Army Corps of Engineers, an enormous range of projects and concerns.
10. They build and bridges, roads and reservoirs.
Vocabulary Quiz
Fact or Fiction Quiz
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