Engineering in Nature

Engineered logjams are used as nature-based solutions for natural flood management. Logjams can create an upstream area of slower, deepened water based on the number, size, and packing density of the wood pieces. Here, we present new experimental results showing that when river rocks build up upstream of a logjam, the backwater rise is maintained including the step height. Under some conditions, this causes the water to speed up, not slow down! We discuss the dependence on step height and water depth and implications for design of nature-based solutions.

Join us to explore the mechanisms that cause major common earthquakes around the globe and discover how communities live alongside these natural hazards and plan emergency warnings through efficient disaster management.
The talk will explore the typical devastating effects caused by disastrous earthquakes internationally and the construction techniques that can be used to protect built assets, building contents and artefacts from strong ground shaking.
We will also discuss resilient engineering solutions, which address key challenges to protect critical infrastructure from future devastating earthquakes.

It is clear that wind power will be a significant part of our energy mix in a sustainable future. We are all familiar with the large offshore, coastal or hilltop horizontal axis wind turbines; but in what other directions is this industry heading? The University of Liverpool and Siemens Gamesa Wind Power Team will introduce you to their projects to develop innovative approaches to harnessing the power of the wind – from vibrating fingers for domestic use to floating offshore turbine walls to mobile turbines for food trucks.