Building Dams

Product Description
Dams change the landscape, providing reservoirs of freshwater and even producing electricity. Discover the engineering behind dams.
From School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-These examinations of large-scale infrastructure elements focus particularly on the role of civil engineers in planning and construction. Each volume opens with a lucid explanation of the chosen structure's function-"People and beavers are alike in one way," the author begins one, going on to explain why and how both build dams-and proceeding to present a historical overview, describing construction methods, and highlighting significant examples. The level of specific detail varies considerably; Stefoff differentiates between caissons and cofferdams, in Building Bridges, for instance, but only mentions three types of bridges. But along with mentioning significant design challenges, she considers relevant environmental issues in several volumes and even the value of dam removals. Pictures, mostly photos, take second place to the narrative throughout; in Building Roads, for example, Stefoff mentions several renowned ones but supplies illustrations for only a few (and no maps at all). VERDICT Though these titles have a few flaws, as case studies in engineering at work, they offer clear and cogent pictures.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.