A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.
Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.
A new study published in Frontiers found that virtual reality environments with green vegetation and colorful patterns increase heart rate and promote a pleasurable experience. Conversely, colorful patterns alone stimulate interest and fascination without the same restorative effect as nature.
Researchers developed a wood-based insulating material that offers superior thermal performance to existing plastic-based materials. The new aerogel-integrated wood material is created without adding additional substances and has the potential to replace fossil-based aerogels for energy efficiency and sustainable development.
A retrospective study examined deaths, injuries, and hospital costs after a 30-foot border wall was built in San Diego and Imperial counties. The study found that raising the US-Mexico wall resulted in increased migrant deaths, trauma center admissions, and severity of injuries.
A study examines the applicability of Cauchy and Cauchy-Froude laws to multi-storey masonry structures with flexible diaphragms. The findings suggest that these laws may be inadequate for heavy structures unless gravity is scaled.
A new study by MIT scholars confirms that physical proximity plays a crucial role in workplace collaboration. The study found that email exchanges occur more often among researchers whose workspaces are connected through indoor halls rather than outdoor paths.
The REGARD project, a collaborative effort between international universities, aims to develop competencies in rebuilding communities following disasters and conflicts. The final report presents a detailed summary of the findings, highlighting the built environment's role in supporting community resilience.
A new research project aims to introduce low-carbon concrete elements with high resource utilisation by reusing entire concrete elements from existing buildings as load-bearing structures in new buildings. The entire value chain is represented in the project.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology develop a fast and reliable method to detect defects in concrete structures using laser-induced plasma shock waves. The technique analyzes vibration patterns to identify Rayleigh waves, which can reveal the presence of cracks.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
Scientists have successfully engineered protein needles that can self-assemble into lattice structures and ordered monomeric states. The study's findings provide insights into protein-protein interactions and could lead to the development of biocompatible materials and targeted drug transports.
A $4.5 million civil engineering study simulates the impact of explosives on structures using a virtual reality platform to develop strategies for combat operations and protect people. The research, led by Hussam Mahmoud, aims to create more resilient structures that can withstand blasts and other forms of damage.
A study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.
A European project developed standard solutions for energy refurbishment, considering various climate zones. These packages include prefabricated façades, decentralized ventilation systems, and smart ceiling fans to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Pilot sites showed significant savings and improvements in tenant well-being.
A University of Missouri researcher is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to explore how time can factor in a building collapse. She's conducting thousands of hours of laboratory tests to determine the breaking points of reinforced concrete building materials.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed built-in resonators that can be cut into walls or vehicle material to suppress vibrations and reduce noise. The design has potential applications in soundproofing walls and building airplane frames that minimize sound intrusion.
A recent study by Aalto University and Finnish Environment Institute shows that shifting to wood in European construction can significantly reduce environmental impact. If 80% of new residential buildings were made of wood, they would store 47% of Europe's annual cement industry emissions.
Researchers at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a new construction technology using nanostructured high-strength lightweight concrete. The system increases load-carrying capacity by over 200% and offers enhanced corrosion resistance, frost resistance, and seismic activity tolerance.
A new UBC study suggests that renting out vacant residential parking stalls in Vancouver's West End could provide enough space for all residents and visitors. The researchers found that 46 properties have over 3,700 unused stalls, which could be converted into short-term parking with minimal modifications.
NYU researchers have developed a new game-based online simulation training program called ALIVE, which helps firefighters understand how to fight modern residential fires and minimize their cardiovascular risk. The training module is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
A North Carolina State University study analyzed survey results of 180 construction industry professionals to identify factors contributing to time buffers. The researchers found that protecting the reputation of the construction company and delays in obtaining necessary permits can significantly lengthen time buffers.
Researchers from TUM designed a smart wall panel to assist elderly people in their homes. The panel provides access to vital information, entertainment, and assistance with daily tasks. It also detects critical health issues and contacts healthcare professionals for support.
A recent study reveals Ottawa's unique geology amplifies seismic waves, exceeding expected National Building Code of Canada values. The area has experienced moderate shaking from earthquakes, but some areas have higher ground motion than others during larger events.
A team of Pitt and Carnegie Mellon researchers are leading a $2 million federally funded project to improve life-cycle assessments and predict environmental impacts. They aim to redesign the scientific method guiding sustainable construction and develop a digital simulator to predict a structure's ultimate footprint.
A new type of cement developed by a Purdue doctoral student can cure in below-freezing temperatures, addressing a long-standing issue for the construction industry. The innovation has significant implications for reducing costs associated with heating construction sites.
A delegation from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Project is meeting with South African astronomers to discuss collaboration on constructing a large astronomical telescope. The proposed telescope would be similar in design to the existing Hobby-Eberly Telescope, featuring an 11m primary mirror and 91 hexagonal segments.