The Mechanization of Construction Work

Man's conquest of his physical world has depended on intelligent methods and improvements, on development of tools and materials for construction, and particularly on productive application of power—first, hand power, then animal power, then steam, and finally electricity and internal combustion engines. Through this growing mechanization he has accomplished wonders. Although his works do not yet rival some of the early exploits—pyramids and obelisks—or anywhere near equal the Great Wall of China in total immensity, still today 's civil engineer is making remarkable records in terms of yield for unit effort expended. Modern examples of machines in earth excavation and transport, in all kinds of rock excavation, in sinking foundations, and in building with steel and concrete, show phenomenal results. The present challenge is therefore in the moral realm-to make civilization not bigger, but better.