Fibonacci numbers reflect standardization in nature through their consistent appearance in growth patterns and structures, embodying efficient, repeatable designs. These numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …) govern the arrangement of natural forms, such as the spiral patterns in sunflowers, pinecones, and seashells, where seed or scale counts often match Fibonacci numbers.
This standardization optimizes space and resource distribution, ensuring maximum efficiency—e.g., sunflower seeds pack tightly without gaps. Leaf and branch arrangements (phyllotaxis) follow Fibonacci angles to standardize light exposure and growth. The sequence’s recursive nature mirrors nature’s iterative processes, like branching in trees or cell division, providing a universal template for scalable, stable structures.
The golden ratio, derived from Fibonacci numbers, further standardizes proportions in natural forms, from nautilus shells to galaxy spirals, revealing a mathematical blueprint that unifies diverse biological and physical systems.
Fibonacci used a hypothetical rabbit population to illustrate his famous sequence in his 1202 book Liber Abaci. He posed a problem: starting with one pair of rabbits that produces another pair each month, with each new pair becoming reproductive after one month, how many pairs are there after n months? This leads to the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …), where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. The rabbit scenario was a simplified model to demonstrate the sequence, not a literal study of rabbit breeding. Fibonacci’s work focused on mathematical patterns, not biological theorems.
Fibonacci numbers find applications in electrical power engineering through their mathematical properties, which can optimize design, analysis, and operation. Here are five applications:
Power System Network Analysis: Fibonacci sequences can be used in graph theory to model electrical networks. The recursive nature of Fibonacci numbers helps in analyzing hierarchical or layered network structures, such as transmission and distribution grids, to optimize load flow or fault tolerance.
Transformer Winding Design: The golden ratio, derived from Fibonacci numbers, can guide the geometric arrangement of transformer windings. This helps minimize electromagnetic interference and optimize the efficiency of power transfer by balancing inductance and capacitance.
Signal Processing for Power Quality: Fibonacci-based algorithms, such as those using the golden section search, are applied in digital signal processing to analyze power quality issues like harmonics or transients. These methods efficiently identify optimal frequency components in noisy power signals.
Renewable Energy System Optimization: In solar panel or wind turbine array layouts, Fibonacci-inspired spiral patterns (like the golden spiral) can optimize land use and reduce mutual shading or turbulence, improving energy capture efficiency in power generation systems.
Control System Tuning: Fibonacci numbers can inform the design of control algorithms for power systems, such as in PID controller tuning. The sequence’s recursive properties help in iteratively adjusting parameters to achieve stable and efficient grid operation under varying loads.
These applications leverage the mathematical elegance of Fibonacci numbers to solve practical engineering challenges in power systems.
“Buildings, too, are children of Earth and Sun.” — Frank Lloyd Wright:
Harvard University Dormitory Room | Smithsonian Museum | Thomas Warren Sears Collection
Today we sort through the best practice literature for designing and building education settlements with brick — the world’s oldest construction material. Masonry is a term used to describe the construction of structures using individual units that are bound together with mortar. Brickwork is a specific type of masonry that involves the use of bricks as the primary building units.
We use the terms interchangeably reflecting vernacular use in the literature. Brickwork in building construction lies in its ability to provide structural strength, fire resistance, thermal and sound insulation, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.
Use the login credentials at the upper right of our homepage.
The genius of bricklayers on view here. A wonderfully ornamental effect is achieved almost entirely through ingeniously combining 228*108*54mm cuboids of baked mud. No sculpted mouldings, no fine imported materials, just brilliant and thoughtful craftmanship. pic.twitter.com/KxZw2HmFLD
Masonry is a construction technique that involves the use of individual units, typically made of materials like brick, stone, concrete blocks, or clay tiles, which are bound together with mortar to create walls, columns, or other structural elements. Masonry has been used for thousands of years and remains a popular method for building various structures, including houses, commercial buildings, bridges, and more.
The key components of masonry construction are:
Masonry Units: These are the individual building blocks or pieces, such as bricks or stones, that form the structure. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
Mortar: Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is used to bind the masonry units together. It acts as both an adhesive and a filler between the units, providing strength and stability to the structure.
Masonry Workmanship: Skilled craftsmen, known as masons, are responsible for arranging and securing the masonry units with mortar. Their expertise ensures the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the finished product.
Masonry construction offers several advantages:
Durability: Masonry structures are known for their longevity and resistance to fire, weather, and pests.
Aesthetic Appeal: Masonry can be used to create intricate designs and patterns, making it a popular choice for architectural and decorative elements.
Energy Efficiency: Masonry walls have good thermal mass, which can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
Low Maintenance: Masonry structures typically require minimal maintenance over the years.
Masonry can be categorized into different types based on the materials and methods used. Some common forms of masonry include:
Brick Masonry: This involves using clay or concrete bricks to build walls and structures. It is widely used in residential and commercial construction.
Stone Masonry: Natural stones, such as granite, limestone, and slate, are used to create walls and structures in this type of masonry. It’s often used for historical or architectural projects.
Concrete Block Masonry: Concrete blocks are used to construct walls in this form of masonry, and it’s commonly seen in industrial and commercial buildings.
Reinforced Masonry: Steel reinforcement is incorporated into masonry walls to enhance structural strength.
Masonry is a versatile construction method that can be used in various applications, and it continues to be a fundamental part of the construction industry.
Founded in 1904 in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the ACI has the most widely adopted catalog of consensus-based standards for design, construction, educational programs, certification programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete — the most widely used construction material in the world.
Q. How is brickwork different from masonry? A. Brickwork and masonry are related terms in construction, but they are not exactly the same.
Masonry refers to the broader practice of building structures using a variety of materials like stone, brick, concrete blocks, or tiles. It encompasses all forms of stonework, brickwork, and blockwork. Masonry is a general term for the craft and the materials used in creating walls, structures, and even decorative elements in construction.
Brickwork, on the other hand, is a specific subset of masonry that involves the use of bricks as the building material. It focuses solely on the techniques and practices of laying bricks to build walls, arches, and other structural or decorative elements.
While all brickwork is masonry, not all masonry is brickwork. Masonry can also involve stone or other materials, whereas brickwork is specifically about bricks.
Q. What is the difference between cement and concrete? A. Cement and concrete are two different materials, although they are often used together in construction projects. Cement is a powdery substance that is used as a binder in building materials, while concrete is a composite material made up of cement, water, and aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone).
Cement is produced by grinding clinker (a mixture of raw materials such as limestone, clay, and iron ore) with gypsum and other additives, to produce a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with water to create a paste that can be used to bind building materials together, such as bricks or blocks, or to create mortars and grouts for masonry work.
Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates. The aggregates are typically added to provide strength and bulk to the concrete. The type and size of aggregates used can vary depending on the desired strength, texture, and other properties of the concrete.
Q. What skill standards are required of certified practitioners? A. Concrete work requires knowledge of materials, tools, techniques, safety practices, and local building codes. The specific skill standards may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the concrete work, as well as the location and applicable regulations. Some of the common skills and knowledge required for managing or installing concrete include:
Knowledge of materials: Understanding the properties of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and other materials used in concrete, as well as their interactions and effects on the final product.
Ability to read plans and specifications: Being able to interpret blueprints, drawings, and other project documents to understand the scope of work, the required concrete mix design, and any special requirements or constraints.
Concrete mixing and placement techniques: Knowing how to properly mix concrete ingredients, and how to place and finish concrete using various techniques and tools, such as screeds, trowels, and floats.
Safety practices: Understanding and following proper safety practices when working with concrete, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), using proper lifting techniques, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Knowledge of local building codes: Being familiar with local building codes and regulations related to concrete work, such as minimum thickness and strength requirements, reinforcement specifications, and other standards.
Q. What other organizations are involved in standards setting in this domain? A. There are several organizations that develop standards for concrete construction. These standards are used to ensure that concrete structures are safe, durable, and meet the requirements of building codes and regulations.
ASTM International: ASTM International is a global organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM has published many standards related to concrete materials and construction, including specifications for concrete mix design, testing methods for concrete strength and durability, and guidelines for concrete repair and maintenance.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA): The NRMCA is a trade association that represents producers of ready-mixed concrete and provides education and resources on the use of ready-mixed concrete. The NRMCA develops standards and guidelines related to concrete mix design, quality control, and sustainability.
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI): The ICRI is a professional association that focuses on concrete repair and restoration. The ICRI develops standards and guidelines for concrete repair and maintenance, including guidelines for surface preparation, repair materials, and application techniques.
With many non-profit organizations also challenged by the pandemic we are likely to see fewer experts at technology, finance and management gatherings where leading practice is discovered and promulgated. That does not mean that many gatherings will not be offloaded onto the internet but, with fewer paid experts involved, one wonders whether there will be fewer unpaid experts — or will there be more unpaid experts? We shall see.
Since the United States federal government can print money it is likely that more decision-making will be drawn back to Washington D.C. — where the money is. The likelihood that we shall see greater federal control over education facility industry originating at the federal level inspires a revisit of the United States standards system. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is the oversight agency and the American National Standards Institute is the private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.
Bricklayers, sometimes known as masons, are skilled craftsmen that must be physically fit, have a high level of mathematical skill and a love for precision and detail.
Bricklaying standards are guidelines and specifications that ensure the quality and safety of bricklaying work. These standards are often established by industry organizations, regulatory bodies, or national building codes. While specific standards may vary by region, some core bricklaying standards include:
Building Codes: Compliance with local building codes is essential. These codes provide regulations for construction practices, including specifications for masonry work. Bricklayers must adhere to the building codes relevant to the specific location of the construction project.
ASTM International Standards: ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) develops and publishes technical standards for various industries, including construction. ASTM standards related to bricklaying cover materials, testing procedures, and construction practices.
Masonry Construction Standards: Organizations like the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) in the United States publish standards specifically focused on masonry construction. These standards address topics such as mortar, grout, reinforcement, and structural design considerations.
Quality Control: Standards related to quality control in bricklaying include specifications for mortar mixtures, proper curing of masonry, and guidelines for inspecting finished work. Adherence to these standards helps ensure the durability and longevity of the masonry construction.
Safety Standards: Occupational safety standards, such as those outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, are critical for protecting workers on construction sites. These standards cover aspects like fall protection, scaffolding safety, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
Brick and Block Standards: Standards related to the dimensions, composition, and properties of bricks and concrete blocks are important for achieving structural integrity. These standards specify characteristics such as compressive strength, absorption, and dimensional tolerances.
Construction Tolerances: Tolerances dictate acceptable variations in dimensions and alignments in bricklaying work. These standards help ensure that the finished structure meets design specifications and industry-accepted tolerances.
Testing and Inspection: Standards related to the testing and inspection of masonry work help verify that construction meets specified requirements. This includes procedures for mortar testing, grout testing, and overall quality inspections.
It’s important for bricklayers and construction professionals to be aware of and follow these standards to guarantee the safety, quality, and compliance of their work. Additionally, staying informed about updates to industry standards is crucial as they may evolve over time to reflect advancements in materials, techniques, and safety practices.
– I am American 🇺🇸
– I’ve lived in Texas my entire life and never been outside the USA, YET.
– I’ve been mass reported by many haters, hi guys 🥱
– I own a Tile/Masonry business.
– My goal: Inspire others to Learn a Trade.
– I used to be a liberal, Thank God for 𝕏 opening my… https://t.co/6wYoxazTewpic.twitter.com/olmBRYCLPg
Anglosphere (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) ~ $31T (or ~32% of GGDP)
United States GDP $27T (or about 1/3rd of GGDP)
“Livres des Merveilles du Monde” 1300 | Marco Polo | Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Today we break down consultations on titles relevant to the technology and management of the real assets of education communities in the United States specifically; but with sensitivity to the global education markets where thousands of like-minded organizations also provide credentialing, instruction, research, a home for local fine arts and sport.
“Even apart from the instability due to speculation, there is the instability due to the characteristic of human nature that a large proportion of our positive activities depend on spontaneous optimism rather than on a mathematical expectation, whether moral or hedonistic or economic. Most, probably, of our decisions to do something positive, the full consequences of which will be drawn out over many days to come, can only be taken as the result of animal spirits — a spontaneous urge to action rather than inaction, and not as the outcome of a weighted average of quantitative benefits multiplied by quantitative probabilities. Enterprise only pretends to itself to be mainly actuated by the statements in its own prospectus, however candid and sincere that prospectus may be. Only a little more than an expedition to the South Pole is it based on an exact calculation of benefits to come. Thus if the animal spirits are dimmed and the spontaneous optimism falters, leaving us to depend on nothing but a mathematical expectation, enterprise will fade and die; — though fears of loss may have a basis no more reasonable than hopes of profit had before.”
Extended Versions Certain standards are required to be read in tandem with another standard, which is known as a reference (or parent) document. The extended version (EXV) of an IEC Standard facilitates the user to be able to consult both IEC standards simultaneously in a single, easy-to-use document.
A partial list of projects with which we have been engaged as an active participant; starting with the original University of Michigan enterprise in the late 1990’s and related collaborations with IEEE and others: (In BOLD font we identify committees with open consultations requiring a response from US stakeholders before next month’s Hello World! colloquium)
IEC/TC 8, et al System aspects of electrical energy supply
We collaborate with the appropriate ANSI US TAG; or others elsewhere in academia. We have begun tracking ITU titles with special attention to ITU Radio Communication Sector.
main(){printf("hello, world\n");}
We have collaborations with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Sapienza – Università di Roma, Universität Zürich, Universität Potsdam, Université de Toulouse. Universidade Federal de Itajubá, University of Windsor, the University of Alberta, to name a few — most of whom collaborate with us on electrotechnology issues. Standards Michigan and its 50-state affiliates are (obviously) domiciled in the United States. However, and for most issues, we defer to the International Standards expertise at the American National Standards Institute
* A “Hello, World!” program generally is a computer program that outputs or displays the message “Hello, World!”. Such a program is very simple in most programming languages (such as Python and Javascript) and is often used to illustrate the basic syntax of a programming language. It is often the first program written by people learning to code. It can also be used as a sanity test to make sure that a computer language is correctly installed, and that the operator understands how to use it.
“Le Lac Léman ou Près d’Evian au lac de Genève” 1883 François BocionISO and IEC Joint Technical Committee 1 is the work center for international information and communications technology (ICT) standards that are relevant to education communities. In accordance with ISO/IEC JTC 1 and the ISO and IEC Councils, some International Standards and other deliverables are made freely available for standardization purposes.
We at least follow action, and sometimes contribute data and user-interest perspective, to the development of standards produced by several ANSI-accredited ICT standard developing organizations — ATIS, BICSI, IEEE, INCITS, TIA among them. US-based organizations may communicate directly with Lisa Rajchel, ANSI’s ISO/IEC JTC 1 Senior Director for this project: [email protected]. Our colleagues at other educational organizations should contact their national standards body.
We scan the status of Infotech and Cloud standards periodically and collaborate with a number of IEEE Societies. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
