Civil Engineering and Earthquake-Resistant Design

My Journey in Civil Engineering

My name is Alejandra Rubio Cardenas, and I am studying Civil Engineering at the Catholic University of Maule. I chose this path because I aspire to be a professional engineer. Currently, I am learning about the immense value of reinforced concrete in modern construction. Most buildings, dams, and bridges are built with this material because it is exceptionally strain-resistant.

We are learning how to design houses and apartments that can withstand high magnitudes on the Richter scale. These structures must incorporate a specific factor of safety. I am dedicated to studying Civil Engineering because I want to improve earthquake-resistant infrastructure in my country.

The Importance of Modern Infrastructure

Civil Engineering is a fascinating profession because engineers are constantly developing new projects for diverse infrastructure, including houses, bridges, dams, and roads. Engineering is always looking to improve human life through innovations like anti-earthquake buildings and aqueducts that carry water to people in valleys.

Civil Engineers are constantly innovating and researching the best materials to avoid deformation and fatigue in different structures. To achieve durability, engineers typically use a mix of concrete and steel known as reinforced concrete. I am working hard to become a Civil Engineer because I want to contribute to interesting projects for my country.

English Grammar: Present Continuous

Affirmative Form

Structure: Sujeto + verbo to be conjugado (is, are, am) + verbo terminado en -ing.

• I am sleeping (Yo estoy durmiendo)
• You are sleeping (Tú estás durmiendo)
• He is sleeping (Él está durmiendo)
• She is sleeping (Ella está durmiendo)
• It is sleeping (Eso/cosa/animal está durmiendo)
• We are sleeping (Nosotros estamos durmiendo)
• You are sleeping (Ustedes están durmiendo)
• They are sleeping (Ellos están durmiendo)

Negative Form

Structure: Sujeto + verbo to be conjugado (is, are, am) + not + verbo terminado en -ing.

• I am not sleeping
• You are not sleeping
• He is not sleeping
• She is not sleeping
• It is not sleeping
• We are not sleeping
• You are not sleeping
• They are not sleeping

Interrogative Form

Structure: Verbo to be conjugado (am, is, are) + sujeto + verbo terminado en -ing + ?

• Am I sleeping?
• Are you sleeping?
• Is he sleeping?
• Is she sleeping?
• Is it sleeping?
• Are we sleeping?
• Are you sleeping?
• Are they sleeping?

Wh- Questions in English

Las preguntas con "Wh-" son:

• What: Qué o cuál
• Where: Dónde
• When: Cuándo
• Which: Cuáles / Cuál
• Who: Quién
• Why: Por qué
• How: Cómo

Examples of Wh- Questions

• What is your name? (¿Cuál es tu nombre?)
• Where do you live? (¿Dónde vives?)
• When are you at home? (¿Cuándo estás en casa?)
• Which do you like best? (¿Cuál te gusta más?)
• Who is he? (¿Quién es él?)
• Why are you angry? (¿Por qué estás enojada?)
• How are you? (¿Cómo estás?)