Building Construction

City of Ottawa sits atop soil, geologic features that amplify seismic waves

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Pitt researchers lead $2 million effort to revamp scientific method behind green construction

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.

Doctoral student develops cement that cures below freezing

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.

U.S. And South African Astronomers Discuss BUilding Large Telescope

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.