Surely, design does make for beautiful structures. But at the basis of some world-renown structures are the foundations of sound, brilliant engineering. Here, we will go behind the scenes and look at some of the greatest modern engineering marvels around the globe.

1.Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge

A relatively new structure, this bridge was opened on June 30, 2011. It is located on the rail line between Shanghi and Nanjing in East China. This is the world’s longest bridge at 102.4 miles, held up by 2000 pillars and steel cables. Over 10,000 workers helped to build the bridge, which took four years and cost $8.5 million dollars.

2.Hoover Dam

Still one of the reigning champions in engineering greatness after all these years, the Hoover Dam, located in the Black Canyon between Arizona and Nevada is one of the greatest structures in the United States. Many tourists from Las Vegas come to see the greatness built by thousands during the 1930s. The Hoover Dam was built to turn the Colorado River into a hydroelectric power source for the area. The project cost over 100,000 lives and turned the flowing river into Lake Mead.

3.Millau Viaduct Bridge

Located in Southern France, this bridge connects the highway between Paris to Barcelona crossing the River Tarn. Architects and engineers worked side by side to not only make this a functional, safe passageway, but one that reflected the beauty of the plateau environment as well. Cable-styled columns hold the span, using minimum material, giving a delicate effect. Each of its columns rises higher than the Eiffel Tower. The road bridge spans four lanes over the River Tarn. It is currently the tallest bridge in the world.

4.Floating Green Eco Cities

What used to just be a movie fantasy is now attempting to come to life through the Lilypad Project. The eco-city islands can accommodate more than 50,000 residents at a time and support biodiversity. Collecting pools assemble water and filter it for use and solar panels provide energy.

5.Three Gorges Dam

Located in China, this dam is the result of the country’s hydro-engineering ambition. The dam spans the Yangtze River, and is the world’s largest power station in terms of capacity. The dam was not only intended to produce electricity, but decrease flooding in the area as well. However, the project has been plagued with problems since construction began in 1992. Over 16 million tons of concrete were poured into the giant barrier, creating a reservoir stretching almost the length of Britain. Besides the massive expense, over 1.4 million people have been displaced due to the project and still over 1,000 towns and villages have been flooded.

Contact The Talley Group to participate in some of the greatest engineering jobs in the world.

Scientists have created new kinds of particles, 1/100th the diameter of a human hair, that spontaneously assemble themselves into structures resembling molecules made from atoms. These new particles come together, or “self-assemble,” to form structures in patterns that were previously impossible to make and hold promise for manufacturing advanced optical materials and ceramics.

Crude oil prices rose slightly in electronic trading Oct. 30 in the New York market, but the front-month natural gas futures contract fell 3% on fear of extended power outages in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Using the legendary properties of heartwood from the black locust tree as their inspiration, scientists have discovered a way to improve the performance of softwoods widely used in construction. The method involves addition of similar kinds of flavonoid compounds that boost the health of humans.

Bombardier has appointed CAE as an Authorized Training Provider for pilot and maintenance training for all Bombardier business jets in Europe, announcing that they will establish a new Bombardier-dedicated training center in Amsterdam, scheduled to open in 2014. The facility will begin by offering pilot and maintenance training on Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft equipped with the Bombardier Vision Flight Deck. The site will complement CAE’s ATP location in London (Burgess Hill), U.K. which offers training for the Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Global Express and Global Express XRS aircraft, and in Amsterdam, which offers training on the Challenger 300 and 604.

When fully equipped, the facility will offer Level D full-flight simulators and an integrated suite of flight training devices and advanced classroom settings to provide both pilot and maintenance training for multiple Bombardier business aircraft platforms. The $12-$15 million investment will be borne almost completely by CAE. Visit www.bombardier.aero  for more information.

Bombardier has appointed CAE as an Authorized Training Provider for pilot and maintenance training for all Bombardier business jets in Europe, announcing that they will establish a new Bombardier-dedicated training center in Amsterdam, scheduled to open in 2014. The facility will begin by offering pilot and maintenance training on Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft equipped with the Bombardier Vision Flight Deck. The site will complement CAE’s ATP location in London (Burgess Hill), U.K. which offers training for the Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Global Express and Global Express XRS aircraft, and in Amsterdam, which offers training on the Challenger 300 and 604.

When fully equipped, the facility will offer Level D full-flight simulators and an integrated suite of flight training devices and advanced classroom settings to provide both pilot and maintenance training for multiple Bombardier business aircraft platforms. The $12-$15 million investment will be borne almost completely by CAE. Visit www.bombardier.aero  for more information.

Two decades ago, following the collapse of the USSR, the Sokol factory at Nizhny-Novgorod diversified into light aircraft manufacture to compensate for a falling off of MiG-29 fighter orders. The general-purpose Avia Accord 201 – six seats and a rear-loading door for light freight – was the result, but it failed to attract local buyers despite achieving Russian provisional certification.

California-based Discovery Aircraft now promotes the 201 and some beefier derivatives on the U.S. market. On two 210 hp. Continental IO-360s and Hartzell props it offers a useful load of 1,927 lb. and a cruising speed of 143 kt. Not fast, but neither is the stalling speed of 59 kt. Range is 1,350 nm. plus 45 minutes. Discovery supplies a Westernized cockpit with EFIS and promises eventual Part 23 certification. If water is your wont, a floatplane version already exists.

Two decades ago, following the collapse of the USSR, the Sokol factory at Nizhny-Novgorod diversified into light aircraft manufacture to compensate for a falling off of MiG-29 fighter orders. The general-purpose Avia Accord 201 – six seats and a rear-loading door for light freight – was the result, but it failed to attract local buyers despite achieving Russian provisional certification.

California-based Discovery Aircraft now promotes the 201 and some beefier derivatives on the U.S. market. On two 210 hp. Continental IO-360s and Hartzell props it offers a useful load of 1,927 lb. and a cruising speed of 143 kt. Not fast, but neither is the stalling speed of 59 kt. Range is 1,350 nm. plus 45 minutes. Discovery supplies a Westernized cockpit with EFIS and promises eventual Part 23 certification. If water is your wont, a floatplane version already exists.