Technology is crucial to not only surviving a hurricane like Katrina, but also to quickly returning to a normal life post-storm. New materials create stronger homes. Wireless keeps us in touch with rescuers. And levees, flood gates and massive pumps can keep homes dry.
One thing we can count on is there will be more Katrinas. Our features, podcasts and photos provide an inside look at what technologies worked during and after the hurricane.
Instant Wireless Speeds Katrina Recovery
Hurricane Katrina showed the value of wireless communications in an emergency. Wireless companies and network suppliers are still learning from the experience. Full Story
Bendable Concrete Protects Against Hurricanes
A bendable concrete composite developed at the University of Michigan is among new materials systems that show promise in protecting buildings from hurricane-force winds. Full Story
Simulation Software Plays a Role in Katrina Rebuild Effort
Using FEA and other simulation and computer-aided modeling software, engineers and scientists are able to recreate the effects of Katrina and leverage that data to aid in the rebuild effort. Full Story
Fixing New Orleans’ Flood Pumps
Did the engineers who built New Orleans’ huge flood protection pumps after Hurricane Katrina get a bad rap? Judge for yourself.
Full Story
Katrina's Mark on Technology
Not all technology is good, especially in the case of pre-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Full Story
Minneapolis Interstate 35 Bridge Collapse: A Structural Failure
The horrific and fatal Minneapolis, MN I-35W bridge collapse left us wondering what exactly went wrong. Our coverage examines the
engineering aspects of the disaster. Full Coverage
Fatigue Could Loom Large in Bridge Collapses
Metal fatigue could be a cause in structural failures like the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota. The challenge lies in recognizing it. Full Story
Boston's Big Dig: Materials Failure Led to Tunnel Collapse
Read all about the engineering failures behind Boston's Big Dig tunnel collapse. Full Coverage
Environmental Recorders Watch for Damage
Environmental recorders can be fastened to bridges to detect motion, giving engineers a non-intrusive way to tell when flaws exceed acceptable levels. Full Story
Purdue Team Simulates 9/11 WTC Attack
A Purdue University research team has developed a 3D animation and simulation project to depict using scientific evidence exactly what led to the World Trade Center's structural implosion. Full Story
In this podcast, Professor Victor Li of the University of Michigan discusses a new bendable concrete composite reinforced with fibers that can improve building and bridge construction. 7:44
After Katrina, Colonel Lewis F. Setliff III led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in rebuilding 220 miles of New Orleans’ hurricane protection systems. Computer simulation technology played a key role. 10:43
Browse through our gallery for an up-close look at the technologies that worked during and after Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina Recovery Information
USA.gov offers assistance post-Katrina and outlines what the government is doing to come to New Orleans' aid. Read More
National Hurricane Center
Green regulations have produced waves of industry confusion, and Design News Contributing Editor Rob Spiegel doesn’t expect things to clear up quickly. Visit his blog to discuss RoHS and other environmental issues. Read More
ReliefWeb
Visit this global hub for time-critical humanitarian information on emergencies and natural disasters. Read More
Instant Wireless Speeds Katrina Recovery
Hurricane Katrina showed the value of wireless communications in an emergency. Wireless companies and network suppliers are still learning from the experience. Full Story
Bendable Concrete Protects Against Hurricanes
A bendable concrete composite developed at the University of Michigan is among new materials systems that show promise in protecting buildings from hurricane-force winds. Full Story
Simulation Software Plays a Role in Katrina Rebuild Effort
Using FEA and other simulation and computer-aided modeling software, engineers and scientists are able to recreate the effects of Katrina and leverage that data to aid in the rebuild effort. Full Story
Fixing New Orleans’ Flood Pumps
Did the engineers who built New Orleans’ huge flood protection pumps after Hurricane Katrina get a bad rap? Judge for yourself.
Full Story
Katrina's Mark on Technology
Not all technology is good, especially in the case of pre-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Full Story
Minneapolis Interstate 35 Bridge Collapse: A Structural Failure
The horrific and fatal Minneapolis, MN I-35W bridge collapse left us wondering what exactly went wrong. Our coverage examines the
engineering aspects of the disaster. Full Coverage
Fatigue Could Loom Large in Bridge Collapses
Metal fatigue could be a cause in structural failures like the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota. The challenge lies in recognizing it. Full Story
Boston's Big Dig: Materials Failure Led to Tunnel Collapse
Read all about the engineering failures behind Boston's Big Dig tunnel collapse. Full Coverage
Environmental Recorders Watch for Damage
Environmental recorders can be fastened to bridges to detect motion, giving engineers a non-intrusive way to tell when flaws exceed acceptable levels. Full Story
Purdue Team Simulates 9/11 WTC Attack
A Purdue University research team has developed a 3D animation and simulation project to depict using scientific evidence exactly what led to the World Trade Center's structural implosion. Full Story
In this podcast, Professor Victor Li of the University of Michigan discusses a new bendable concrete composite reinforced with fibers that can improve building and bridge construction. 7:44
After Katrina, Colonel Lewis F. Setliff III led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in rebuilding 220 miles of New Orleans’ hurricane protection systems. Computer simulation technology played a key role. 10:43
Browse through our gallery for an up-close look at the technologies that worked during and after Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina Recovery Information
USA.gov offers assistance post-Katrina and outlines what the government is doing to come to New Orleans' aid. Read More
National Hurricane Center
Green regulations have produced waves of industry confusion, and Design News Contributing Editor Rob Spiegel doesn’t expect things to clear up quickly. Visit his blog to discuss RoHS and other environmental issues.
Read More
ReliefWeb
Visit this global hub for time-critical humanitarian information on emergencies and natural disasters. Read More
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