Based on Lecture 5 (on complexity, failure and human nature) and Lecture 6 (on complexity, natural disasters and failure) as well as the videos in the folder entitled "Pickle Wreck Disaster Videos" in Documents and the ASCE report ("The New Orleans Hurricane Protection System: What Went Wrong and Why"), please answer the following questions and submit on your portfolio by the end of the day on Tuesday, April 10th.

1. How did (1) complexity and (2) human factors play a role in the train wrecks discussed in the videos? Your answer must include specific references to events, items or issues discussed in the videos. Discuss at least one feature developed for modern railroad systems which has been developed to improve reliability/avoid failure. (at least 300 words)

Maintanence is a big factor in engineering and can contribute to engineering failure. The neglegence of being unable to maintain the train was one of the main reasons for the Pickle Wreck Disaster. Because of a missing pin that connects a large part of the framework together, this has caused the foundation to weaken, and the moving train caused friction, shaking everything to collapse and cause the wreck.

Complexity plays a role in the train wrecks, because in engineering, the simplest way to bring about a product and/or service is the best efficient way. In the law of thermodynamics and the law of conservation of energy, when energy is initially changing to something else, some energy is converted to something else than that of the desired energy conversion. Therefore, some energy is "lost" due to efficiency of energy usage is not completely perfect. So when an engineer sets up a system from point A to point B, the road to that destination must be the shortest and simplest way to get the highest energy efficiency and possibly lowered cost as well as complication problem risks.

A feature developed for modern railroad systems which has been developed to improve reliability is its stronger and more efficient fuel tank engine. Depending on the country and its main energy source, public transportation like the Long Island Railroads in New York State, for example, will depend on the main electric grid that is run by PSEG. This electric grid is run by natural gas powerplants. Natural gas consists of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that can trap heat 

2. Explain how complexity of engineered systems and the stress placed on a system by extreme conditions (like a hurricane, tsunami or earthquake) can be an especially dangerous combination.  Give a detailed example of how these two factors have a synergistic effect in causing disaster. Also, cite any evidence you find for any "normalization of deviance" in your example. (at least 300 words)

If one part of an engineered system is damaged and/or corroded, the entire system could collapse because of the dependence on that specific area of the system. 

3. Suggest how an engineered system (like a transportation system, an energy generation and distribution grid, or a coastal city's infrastructure) can be designed to survive a natural disaster (taking into account the risks inherent in complexity). Cite references in your answer – you should use at least 2 or 3 references to real systems designed or under development and specifically show how the designers took past disasters into account. (at least 450 words)

Be sure to include a brief reflection at the end of the assignment which addresses (a) what you learned -- especially something new or unusual - from the assignments, and (b) how it builds on the other lessons and assignments in the course.

I have learned of the important key factors of engineering: complexity, human nature, and natural disasters. Complexity is essential, because in the field of engineering, we should lower the amount of complexity by making a simple product so that energy can be used efficiently as well as having less complications and errors from an area in the system that could be faulty that would affect other areas of the system. What I did find unusual was that engineers take in account that if natural disasters were to strike and constructs break, engineers would still count that as failure due to being unable to withstand nature's wrath. This definitely builds upon the