Hardinge Bridge, Bangladesh; An Engineering great creation of the world/ A histrorical Railway Bridge of Bangladesh

Introduction: 

During the inauguration of the historic Hardinge Bridge on March 4, 1915, Sir Robert William Gales, the chief engineer of the bridge project, said passionately, 'If the bridge that I have built is properly maintained, this bridge will last forever.' The year 2025 is coming, so even though Hardinge Bridge has reached 110 years old, there is no sign of aging on it. The traditional Hardinge Bridge of Bangladesh, an immortal creation of engineering feat, is still standing in Birdarp after centuries of witnessing many rulers-exploiters and generations.

About 110 years ago, this Hardinge Bridge was built on the banks of the Padma River, which flows over Bangladesh. At that time, the Padma River in Bangladesh was full of youth. Padma's youth is about to end now. But the eternally youthful Hardinge Bridge still stands tall on Padma's bosom. This historic bridge is one of the bridges in the north, south and east of Bangladesh. Hardinge Bridge connecting Pabna and Kushtia districts was once the longest railway bridge in Bangladesh.

 

History of Hardinge Bridge:

The establishment of the historic Hardinge Bridge has a long history. In 1889, the then British government proposed the construction of this bridge, feeling the need to establish an uninterrupted communication system with Assam, Tripura and the northern regions of present-day India. Although the proposal was not implemented at that time, the construction of the bridge was started after a few decades in 1909. The period of construction of the bridge was from 1909 to 1915.

The bridge was built by the tireless work of about 24 thousand 400 workers. According to the then estimates, the construction cost was 3 crore 51 lakh 32 thousand 164 rupees. The bridge was named Hardinge Bridge after the then Viceroy Lord Hardinge. The length of the bridge is 1 thousand 798.32 meters or 5 thousand 894 feet or 1.8 kilometers. There are two broad gauge railway lines above it. The bridge was designed by Alexander Meadows Rendell. The bridge has a total of 15 spans, each span being 120 meters long. This traditional Hardinge Bridge was opened on March 4, 1915.

During the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, the Pakistani army used to cross the bridge with tanks, military equipment and soldiers. On December 13, span number 12 was damaged when the Allied forces dropped bombs from aircraft aiming to corner the Pakistan Army. After independence the Indian government as usual repaired the bridge and restored it to its original position. After that, from October 12, 1972, trains started running over the bridge again.

Extensive survey was done for the construction of this bridge from 1902 AD to 1905 AD. Especially river governance is researched on river depth, river bed hardness etc. In 1907, the research team determined the location of the bridge and announced the conditions suitable for the construction of the bridge. In 1908, British engineer Sir Robert Gales took over the construction of the bridge after getting approval for the construction of the bridge. Sir SM Bendelegh was commissioned to design the bridge, Sir Francis Spring was commissioned to design the project, and Braithwaite & Kirk were the contractors. In 1909, a second round of survey was conducted for the construction of this bridge. In 1910-11 AD, the construction of dams to protect bridges on both banks of the Padma began. From 1,000 yards downstream to 6 kilometers upstream of this bridge, 16 million cubic feet of soil and 23,337,000 cubic feet of stone were used to construct the guide dam. The river, which was about 3 kilometers wide at that time, was narrowed to 1.81 kilometers by damming the Hardinge Bridge on both sides of Pakshi Bheramara-Pabna in Kushtia, Bangladesh, and the water flow capacity of the river stood at 2.5 million cubic feet during the construction of the bridge. In 1912, the construction of the guide banks and girders of the bridge began. After that, wells were dug to install the girders of the bridge. Each of its spans is constructed, measuring 345 feet and a half inches in length and 52 feet in height, from bearing to bearing. 1 thousand 250 tons of iron is spent for this. About 24 thousand workers labored for 5 years to build this bridge. A total of 299,000 tons of brick, 300,000 tons of steel, 1,700,000 drums of ordinary cement and 120,000 drums of kild cement (with special adhesive) were used in the construction. The construction of the bridge was completed at the end of 1914 AD. On January 1, 1915, the first freight train was run on the down line. The first trial train on the up line of the bridge was run on February 25. The bridge was officially inaugurated on 4th March. Passenger trains started running from this day. It was inaugurated by the then Viceroy of British India, Lord Hardinge. The total expenditure for the construction of this bridge was 3 crore 51 lakh 32 thousand 164 taka. Out of this, 1 crore 80 lakh 6 thousand 796 taka for span, 5 lakh 19 thousand 849 taka for land span, 94 lakh 8 thousand 346 taka for river speed control and 71 lakh 55 thousand 173 taka for railway line on both sides.

Special features of the bridge:

 

The deepest water under the bridge is 160 feet or 192 MSL below the lowest water mark. Among them, pillar number 15 well is installed 159.60 feet below the low water level and 190.60 feet below the maximum level i.e. 140 feet below the mean sea level. It was the deepest such foundation in the world at the time. The remaining 14 wells are installed 150 feet below the ground.

 

Chief Engineer Robert William Gales was awarded the title of Sir in recognition of the technique and beauty of the construction of this bridge.

 

During the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the bridge fell into East Pakistan. On December 10, 1971, the Pakistani army could not withstand the attack of the allied forces and retreated towards Dhaka. On the night of December 11, unable to withstand the Allied onslaught, Pakistani troops crossed the Hardinge Bridge towards Pabna. This time they damaged the bridge with mines to prevent the Allied advance. As a result, 12 spans were thrown from the bridge and fell into the river. Besides, the lower side of span number 9 is damaged.

 

After Bangladesh became independent, the British government quickly salvaged its span at their own expense and through the World Organization through Selcoke, the famous Singapore ship salvage company. For the repair of the bridge, India specifically contributed. Indian Eastern Railway Shri HK Banerjee, Chief Engineer Shri RK SK Singh Roy, Divisional Engineer, Shri PCG Majhi, Assistant Engineer participated in the repair of the bridge. In addition, among the engineers of Bangladesh were the then Chief Engineer of Railways Amjad Ali, Engineer in Chief Engr. Md. Imam Uddin Ahmed, Divisional Super M Rahman etc.  

 

Conclusion:

 

Finally, I can say that Hardinge Bridge of Bangladesh is an excellent creation of engineering craft. Congratulations and gratitude to all the engineers, technicians, workers and authorities who were tirelessly involved in the construction of this railway bridge, which is one of the oldest railway bridges in the world. May be many of them are not alive in this world, but their wonderful creations still exist in the world which are constantly being used for human welfare for communication.  

     

Losing temper in any work is good or bad? Is it good or bad to be short tempered? Can having a high temper be a good or bad thing? About this topic let's read of a Story

Losing temper in any work is good or bad? Is it good or bad to be short tempered? Can having a high temper be a good or bad thing?

In our daily life we ​​are involved in various useful tasks. To perform these important tasks, we have to talk to different people or communicate with people of different professions almost every day. Based on your work, you need to talk to the right person. But many lose their natural temper by saying this. As a result of which we sometimes lose our temper which is a bad omen for the future. However, many people irrationally consider showing temper to be good or a form of smartness. In fact, while asserting his greatness, the person who has lost his temper becomes arrogant without knowing it. Let's tell a short story about this. Then the matter will become very clear.

Mr. Nasir is the Managing Director (MD) of a company. So he will go to office like every day. His house is in Dhaka. And factory office at Savar, Ashulia. Ashraful Saheb is the private driver of MD. Although a private driver, Ashraful Saheb does a lot of MD's work. Get extra part of exchange salary. But his exchange driver, Ashraful, almost every day has a discussion with the MD on some work or the other. The driver does not argue with the MD on his own, but the MD verbally loses his temper with the driver and scolds him in various ways.

Driver Ashraful thought almost every day that he would quit the job today if he could not bear this reproach. But after thinking again, if you work somewhere else, you will have to do the same work, you will have to look for a job again, etc., the driver continues the job despite the MD's rebuke. So one day, like every day, driver Ashraful came to MD's office in the morning. The car is kept in the garage right next to the office. While taking out the car, the driver Ashraful checks all the devices of the car to see if the car is suitable for taking out on the road today or not. If convenient, he comes from the garage to the office to do the MD's personal work.

Driver Ashraful thought almost every day that he would quit the job today if he could not bear this reproach. But after thinking again, if you work somewhere else, you will have to do the same work, you will have to look for a job again, etc., the driver continues the job despite the MD's rebuke. So one day, like every day, driver Ashraful came to MD's office in the morning. The car is kept in the garage right next to the office. While taking out the car, the driver Ashraful checks all the devices of the car to see if the car is suitable for taking out on the road today or not. If convenient, he comes from the garage to the office to do the MD's personal work.

When the MD comes to the office, the driver Ashraful sits in the office and reads the office paper. MD came to his office around 12:30 PM. Esse continued to speak in his usual warm tone, asking the office T-boy to bring tea. Read the paper for a while. And while reading the paper, the driver called Ashraful. Ashraful frowns and says yes sir. In response MD said, today there is a lot of work. Ashraful says, yes sir. Sir, what are you doing... I told you to come to the office in the morning. What time did you come to the office today? In response, Ashraful said, Sir, around ten thirty in the morning. After hearing about 10:10, MD lost his temper. Shouted and said, that guy, your office is at 10 in the morning, and why are you here at 10:30? Ashraful said in a slightly scared voice, Sir, I was reading in the jam on the road. After hearing this, MD frowned and said, Why don't you leave the room early when you study? While saying these words, another MD from the office entered the room, but without paying any heed, the MD driver started scolding Ashraful for coming to the office fifteen minutes late. By that time the MD took out a check book from his office bag and said, Go take this check book and go to the bank. Withdraw fifty thousand rupees and submit it to M/s Harun Enterprises. Then there is a lot of work. I will go to Savar. But as MD was in a bad mood, he wrote one zero less while writing fifty thousand. That is, he wrote 5000. Not even written in words. He said write it down in words. After saying this, MD asked Ashraful to go to the bank quickly after signing the check. Driver Ashraful saw that the check had Rs 5,000/- instead of Rs 5,000/-. When he looked back at MD, MD said, what again? Go to the bank quickly.

The driver said, Sir, I think you have written wrongly. Hearing this, MD burst into anger. He said to Ashraful in anger, I have not done anything wrong. In response, Ashraful said very softly, Sir, you are writing one zero less than fifty thousand words. I wrote a zero in the word. MD said, well done. Now hurry to the bank. Ashraful went to the bank, withdrew the money and deposited the money in M/s Harun Enterprises as per the MD and came to the office. MD came to the office and said, Sir, I am depositing the money. Hearing about the deposit of money, MD burst into anger again. He said, I asked you to take the money and bring it to me. After hearing this, the driver Ashraful was surprised and said, "Sir, you did not say that fifty thousand taka should be withdrawn from the bank and given to Harun Enterprises." I came with it.

MD has actually forgotten that he himself told Harun Enterprises to give the fifty thousand rupees. But MD's mood got so bad that he started shouting with the driver Ashraful and scolding Ashraful. MD started saying I don't understand anything, I didn't ask you to give money to Harun Enterprises. I asked to bring it to me (MD). Driver Ashraful said, then I will return the money to you sir. But the MD did not pay attention to that. On the contrary, I never asked you to pay me, I asked you to bring it to me. Go...get money fast. After hearing MD's words, driver Ashraful said sorry sir. I am bringing the money immediately.

Ashraful went to M/s Haroon Enterprise and explained everything. After hearing everything, the Haroon Enterprise authorities returned the entire fifty thousand rupees to the driver Ashraful. Ashraful returned to MD with the money back. The money was returned to MDK. MD started counting the money well. Saw a thousand rupees less. Then MD was very angry. Angry MD said, have you removed a thousand rupees? Give 1000 rupees quickly. Driver Ashraful said, Sir I may be poor, but honest man. I don't have this money of yours. In fact, while counting the money, two five hundred taka notes fell from the MD's hand under the MD's table. In the meantime, MD and his driver Ashraful continued to argue. MD became very excited. Excited and started scolding Ashraful....at one stage MD clutched his chest with his left hand and fell on the floor of the office. Everyone in the office caught MD and brought him to the hospital. The doctor on duty at the hospital declared MD dead. (Innanillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raziun). MD died of heart attack. Finally MD went to his factory office in Ashulia, Savar today. We all went to the eternal abode of the grave.

Dear, visitors of this website, we have a lot to learn from this story. If the MD had kept his temper, he would not have misbehaved with the driver Ashraful in the first place. There was nothing wrong with him. Belittling people never earns respect from everyone. Driver Ashraful worked for the MD but never treated the MD with respect. Anger and loss of control over one's temper never bring good. So let's be patient in any difficult situation or bad time.

  

History of The Taj Mahal, Engineering wonder of still now modern world

One of the best wonders of the world is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Located on the banks of the Jamuna River in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a royal mausoleum and one of the most impressive engineering creations of all time. 

History of Taj Mahal: 

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this magnificent monument in memory of his wife Arjumand Banu Begum.

The construction of this monumental monument known as Taj Mahal or simply Taj started in 1632 AD. And the work was completed in 1648.

The Taj Mahal is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture. Its architecture combines Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles with remarkable skill.

Although the white marble domed royal mausoleum at the center of the Taj Mahal complex is generally the most admired and the center of attraction, the Taj Mahal as a whole is an intricate engineering and architectural feat. It listed the preserve as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. At the time it was called the world heritage's ever-acclaimed masterpiece.

In 1631 AD, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's second wife Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to their fourteenth child Gauhar Begum. Emperor Shah Jahan was deeply saddened by this death. He took the initiative to build the Taj Mahal to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife.

Construction of the Taj Mahal began immediately after Mumtaz's death. The main tomb was completed in 1648 AD and the surrounding buildings and gardens were completed five years later.    

Built in white marble, the Taj Mahal, like other Mughal mausoleums, has mainly Persian features, such as symmetrical buildings with iwans, large domes over arched doorways. The foundation structure of the tomb, set on a square altar, is huge and has several chambers. The main hall houses the memorial plaques of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, whose graves are one level below. 

The marble stone dome above the tomb is the most interesting part of it. Its size is almost the same as the base of the building, about 35 meters. The reason for this height is that the dome is placed on top of a 7 meter high cylindrical drum. 

Before the construction of the Taj Mahal was completed, Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, was imprisoned and deposed. He was kept under house arrest in Agra Fort. It is said that Shah Jahan spent most of the rest of his life staring fixedly at the Taj Mahal from the windows of the Agra Fort.

After Shah Jahan's death, Aurangzeb buried him next to his wife Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal. In the late 19th century, a part of the Taj Mahal fell into disrepair. During the Sepoy Revolution of 1857, the British soldiers defaced the Taj Mahal and the government officials took away the valuable sapphires from the walls of the Taj Mahal with batali.

In the late 19th century, Lord Curzon undertook a major project to rebuild the Taj Mahal. The work on the project was completed in 1908. He placed a large lamp (which was supposed to be modeled after one hanging in the Cairo mosque but the artisans of the time could not make it exactly) on the inner dais of the Taj Mahal. Similarly, the design of the garden was changed to English horticultural style. The garden in front of the Taj is still in that design. 

In the 20th century, great attention was paid to the maintenance of the Taj Mahal. During World War II, when the German Air Force and later the Japanese Air Force attacked the airspace in 1942, the then British government built a scaffolding over the Taj Mahal to protect it (see photo). Later, during the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 and 1971, the Taj Mahal was also covered with scaffolding so that enemy pilots could not see the Taj.

The most recent threat to the Taj Mahal is environmental pollution along the banks of the Yamuna River. Besides, acid rain caused by the oil refinery in Mathura (regarding that refinery, however, the Indian High Court has issued a ban).

Beauty of Taj Mahal: 

The beauty of Taj Mahal on full moon night cannot be expressed in words. It is like the water of a single point of view under the dome of time.       

World poet Rabindranath Tagore gave such an analogy while describing the beauty of Taj Mahal. But to be honest, no matter how many descriptions you hear, you can't understand how beautiful the Taj Mahal really is until you see it with your own eyes. Thousands of foreigners come to this country to see this seventh wonder of the world. Even the natives cannot resist the temptation to see the Taj. Be it daytime or full moon night, the beauty of the Taj is different at each time. Since that time, tourists can't resist the urge to take pictures in front of the single Taj Mahal.

The builder of this ancient monument of Agra was Mughal Emperor Shahjahan himself. On his instructions, this monument was built in memory of his late wife Mumtaz. Some say that this mahal is a symbol of the emperor's love for his wife. According to some, the emperor built this palace out of remorse after the death of his tortured wife. Many Munis have different opinions about these. This monument made of white stone hides various information, mysteries, and unknown history.

Names of Almighty Allah throughout Saud: 

Most of the manuscripts used on the walls of the Taj Mahal were taken from the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an. Apart from the walls of the Taj Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal and the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan were also inscribed with such verses. The Taj Mahal has 99 different names of Allah engraved as calligraphy inscriptions at different places. Engineers and Architects and Workers of Taj Mahal: The design of Taj Mahal is amazing    

Engineers and Architects Workers and design of Taj Mahal: 

The design of Taj Mahal is very interesting. The Taj Mahal was built mainly by a combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic sculptures. Following the principles of Persian and Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal is almost perfectly symmetrical. Minarets (towers), walls, rooms and even gardens are built following perfect symmetry. Taj Mahal is 5 feet taller than Qutub Minar. It is worth mentioning in this context that historians claim that all the craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal had their hands cut off. This arrangement is to ensure that such constructions are not made in the future. The chief engineer, architect of the Taj Mahal is Ustad Ahmed Lahri. 

Various Engineering Materials for Construction of Taj Mahal:

The materials that were used to construct the Taj Mahal were mainly brought from different places in India and all over the Asian continent. More than 1000 elephants were used to transport all these construction materials. The marble stones required to build the Taj Mahal were mainly purchased from different countries and different parts of India. 

The clear white marble in this was purchased from a place called Makrana in Rajasthan. Jets and crystals were purchased from China. The jumper was bought from Punjab. Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. Cornelia from Arabia. And turquoise marble was bought from Tibet. Taj Mahal Burial Mystery: Not only Mumtaz, Shah Jahan's other wives and beloved servants were buried in the Taj Mahal. But they are located outside the Taj Mahal. Although almost all areas of the Taj Mahal are symmetrical, the mausoleum is not symmetrical. Graves should never be decorated according to Islamic tradition. Perhaps this is why Shahjahan and Mumtaz were buried in a flat mausoleum below the inner chamber of the Taj Mahal.

Lord Curzon's name is engraved on a lamp inside the Taj Mahal. The stone weighs around 60 kg and is placed right in front of the main gate of the Taj Mahal. So that visitors can see it just by entering the Taj Mahal.

The four pillars or minar of the Taj Mahal are not standing straight but are slightly tilted outwards. The main reason behind such construction is that no natural calamities like earthquakes can damage it.

Taj Mahal was hidden! 

Many believe that during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, some British soldiers took the precious stones from the tomb walls.    

To prevent destruction, the Taj Mahal was covered with bamboo cages by the Archaeological Survey of India during World War II. From above it looked like a bamboo stockpile. The Taj was similarly covered during the 1971 war.

Summary: 

There are many engineering structures around the world that are unforgettable constructions. But we believe that the structure that Emperor Shah Jahan built for love can leave behind any engineering invention of the modern era. May the Taj Mahal live forever on earth as an immortal symbol of love.  

What is meant by engineering materials? What is the name of commonly used engineering materials? What is a brick? What are the harmful elements of brick soil? Mention the chemical composition of soil ideal for brick preparation. Write the properties of first grade brick. Write Short Note- (1) 1st Class or No. 1 Brick (2) 2nd Class or No. 2 Brick (3) 3rd class or No. 3 brick (4) Medium brick. Briefly describe any three field-tests used to determine brick quality.

 

*What is meant by engineering materials?

Answer: Materials of different quality, quality and strength are used in the construction of engineering materials. Engineers consider cost-effectiveness, safety, security, beauty and durability for construction. Materials used in engineering construction are called engineering materials. Examples of engineering materials are bricks, sand, iron, rods etc.

* What is the name of commonly used engineering materials?

Answer: Brick, stone, sand, cement, lime, plaster, wood, glass, iron and steel, paint, varnish, plastic, rubber, ceramic, clay, bamboo, wood, bitumen and bituminous materials etc.

* What is a brick? What are the harmful elements of brick soil?

Answer:  Brick is a material made from clay in molds of specific size which is very soft in raw state and becomes very hard when fired at high temperature. Bricks are used for building walls and khows. The harmful elements of brick soil are- 1. Extra lime 2. Excess organic matter 3. Presence of salts 4. Presence of pebbles 5. Presence of iron pyrites.

*Mention the chemical composition of soil ideal for brick preparation.

Answer: Chemical constituents of soil ideal for brick preparation are as follows-

1. Silica = 55%

2. Alumina = 30%

3. Iron Oxide = 8%

4. Magnesia = 5%

5. Lime = 1%

6. Organic matter = 1%

 

*Write the properties of first grade brick.

Answer:

1. Bricks shall be hard, durable, solid structure, free from cracks, cracks.

2. The color of the brick will be dark red color and the color is uniform.

3. Another brick or hammer will make a metallic sound.

4. Bricks shall be uniform in shape and surfaces shall be parallel but uneven.

5. A normal scratch with a nail or a nail will not leave a scar.

6. If soaked for 24 hours, it will not absorb more than 1/6 of its own weight in water.

7. Brick volume will not change when soaked in water or change in humidity.

8. The thermal conductivity of the best brick will be minimal.

9. Standard bricks are non-combustible and do not aid in combustion.

10. Bricks shall not contain excess lime or lime.

11. The dissolved salt content of bricks shall not exceed 2.5%.

12. The brick will not be under-burnt or over-burnt.

 

*Write Short Note- (1) 1st Class or No. 1 Brick 

(2) 2nd Class or No. 2 Brick  

(3) 3rd class or No. 3 brick 

(4) Medium brick.

Answer:

1st Class Brick: It is hard, durable, solid structure, free from cracks, cracks. It is dark red copper in color. It is non-flammable and does not aid in combustion. The proof size of first class brick is 240mm*112mm*70mm, weight is 3.125 kg and water absorption capacity is 15% to 20% of dry weight. The price of this brick is much higher than other bricks.

2nd Class Bricks: 2nd class bricks may be less red in color or solid like 1st class bricks but uneven in shape and size. Class 2 bricks have less smoothness on the outside. This class of bricks is burnt like the first class but with cracks in the brick. This brick breaks easily and absorbs 1/4 its weight in water when submerged in water for more than 12 hours. 3rd Class Bricks:

3rd class bricks are yellowish red in color. It is a softer and less burnt brick than 1st and 2nd class bricks. They are uneven and break easily.  

Medium Brick: Used for paving and as foundation or sub-floor soling. It is the broken part of the brick which means the brick is considered half when it is broken into half in size.

 

*Briefly describe any three field-tests used to determine brick quality:

 Answer:

1. A good brick nail will not scratch if you try to cut it. If it cracks, the brick is not good.

2. If a brick hits another brick with a metallic sound, then the brick is a good brick.

3. If two bricks are dropped from a height of 1.5m-1.7m like English letter T and do not break, then the brick is of good quality.