kenwen blog

In the article “How Volcanic Ash Strengthens A Roof Against Powerful Projectiles”, Williams (2019) states that the possibility of adding layers of volcanic ash on the roofs could mitigate the impact of volcanic projectiles on shelters around active volcanoes. Williams claims that scientists had discovered mountain huts were capable of providing life-saving shelter for hikers during the eruption that took place at Mount Ontake, Japan 2014. This finding inspired the scientists to further study on how the addition of volcanic ash on roofs could reduce impacts of projectiles. Through meticulous simulation, scientists were able to deduce that the thickness of ash deposit is proportional to the energy absorption rate. However, heavier loads of ash may affect the structural integrity of the roof. Further investigation still needs to be conducted to determine the optimum range of ash deposit layers, to achieve a balance between reducing impact of projectiles and risk of roof collapse.

Dear Professor Blackstone, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as a student in the CVE1281 Effective Communication module. My name is Ken Wen and I am an international student from Malaysia. Having graduated from Singapore Polytechnic last year gave me some fundamental knowledge of civil engineering. With this knowledge I am able to further my studies here in Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Since young, I was inspired by my father’s business and it sparked my curiosity in civil engineering. I was motivated to follow my father’s footsteps and become the successor of his business when he retires. The lack of ability to communicate effectively has been my greatest weakness. I always had issue with conveying my ideas to the audience, as I am not able to find the correct words to deliver my thoughts. I tend to stutter most of the time during oral presentation because I doubt the choice of words I use every time I explain something. I have a constant