UBC engineers want to save whales from drowning…in noise
Originally published in: UBC News Chronic ship noise can lead to stress, hearing loss and feeding problems for marine mammals like whales, dolphins and porpoises. UBC researchers are diving in to help address the issue. According to project lead Dr. Rajeev Jaiman, an associate professor in the department of mechanical engineering, propeller noise accounts for much of the acoustic barrage from ships. “Propeller noise can hit 170 decibels, the equivalent of a jet engine or a rocket lift-off,” said Dr. Jaiman. Popping and singing The reason for the noise is bubbles. The ship’s movement and its propeller’s rotation create steam bubbles that […]
Professor Nemy Banthia Recipient of Medal of Distinction
Dr. Nemy Banthia has been recognized for his contributions to the advancement of the Faculty’s vision, mission and mandate.
Dan Kovacek
Sessional LecturerHydrotechnical Engineering Contact Bio Dan Kovacek is a PhD candidate in hydrotechnical engineering supervised by Dr. Steven Weijs in the Department of Civil Engineering. His research interests are focused on the nature of uncertainty in water resources management and hydrology. Dan has over 15 years experience in engineering consulting in British Columbia, primarily supporting various aspects of hydropower planning, design, construction, and operation. Drawing from this experience, Dan taught a course in the fundamentals of run-of-river hydropower at BCIT from 2016-2019. Research Interests Water resources management, mountain hydrology, catchment hydrology, flood forecasting, uncertainty, information theory Awards 2020 – 2022: President’s […]
Study finds Vancouver can integrate new electric-powered mobility
Originally published by UBC Media Relations Love them or hate them, new mobility devices like e-bikes are here to stay. In one of the first large-scale studies to measure the real-world usage of these devices, UBC transportation researchers found that most other road users are comfortable sharing cycling lanes and off-street paths with these new modes of transport—despite some misperceptions of how fast these devices are actually going. Take electric bikes, currently enjoying a boom in Metro Vancouver and other cities. “Many people like electric bikes but others worry that they travel at high speeds, although in reality they don’t – […]
UBC Civil In The Media – Sensor network can reduce flood damage
Originally published in: Journal of Commerce Nemy Banthia, a professor of civil engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and his doctoral student Mohammed Farooq have developed a sensor network that can detect the early stages of mudslides and bridge foundation failures that are caused by flooding. What happens when rushing water assaults a bridge is not an academic question, as British Columbians found out recently. Torrential rain in November 2021 and the resulting floods damaged many bridges and caused one, at Merritt in B.C.’s interior to collapse. “Flooding causes foundation loss due to persistent, large-volume and high-velocity flows of […]
All CIVL courses to remain online until February 7, 2022
UBC Engineering returning to in-person classes on February 7.