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Jun 20, 2012
Forensic Engineering Research Uncovers Lost Maya Engineering Landmarks
Publication: Forensic Engineering (2007)
Abstract
More than a millennium before Columbus landed on the new world, the Maya developed a culture with advanced scientific and technological capabilities. These distinctive scientific breakthroughs were developed without diffusion from outside cultures. For hundreds of years, amazing technical accomplishments of America's first civil engineers were jealously hidden by the mysterious rainforest. Recently the accomplishments of Maya Engineers have been uncovered by a new breed of forensic engineers. This new discipline of "archaeo-engineering" has uncovered evidence of the works created by ingenious Maya engineers. Archaeologists consider the Maya to be a Stone Age culture because they did not use bronze or iron implements. However, these professionals lack the technical training required to comprehend the sophistication of the Maya sciences which enabled them to create their technologically advanced society. This paper will concentrate on three salient Maya engineering breakthroughs that were combined synergistically to construct an engineering landmark of the ancient world. These Maya engineering landmarks have recently been uncovered by Archaeo-engineers using digital tools, state-of-the art computer modeling and simulation, and forensic engineering techniques developed by the Council for Forensic Engineering of the ASCE.
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© 2007 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Jun 20, 2012
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James A. O'Kon
P.E.
M.ASCE
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Save for later Item saved, go to cart Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.