Russell Colley

Russell Colley (1897-1975) was an American engineer and inventor, best known for his work in improving the design of residential hot water heaters and for developing the Colley Granular Fill Test, a geotechnical engineering method.

Colley's work focused primarily on the efficiency and safety of domestic hot water heaters. He made significant contributions to their design, leading to improvements in insulation, heating element placement, and overall energy efficiency. His designs were widely adopted by manufacturers, leading to safer and more cost-effective hot water systems for consumers.

Beyond his work with hot water heaters, Colley is also recognized in the field of civil engineering. He developed the Colley Granular Fill Test, which is used to determine the density and stability of granular materials used in construction projects. This test helps engineers assess the compaction of soil and other granular fills, ensuring the stability of foundations, roadways, and other structures.

Colley held multiple patents related to his innovations in both hot water heater technology and geotechnical engineering. He was a recognized expert in his fields and consulted on various engineering projects throughout his career.