Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
A McGill University-led study recommends cold-climate cities expand electric bus fleets and implement slow charging to optimize operations and reduce energy consumption. The approach aims to eliminate diesel reliance and minimize operating costs, making transit systems more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Researchers from Imperial College London and Arup have developed a new approach to designing tall buildings that uses the building's own mass to reduce movement in high winds and earthquakes. The system, which separates usable floors from the central core, reduces peak accelerations by up to 71% and base moments by more than 50%.
Researchers developed a cost-effective and sustainable approach to produce freshwater by capturing water vapor from the air using specialized materials. The wind-driven strategy utilizes hygroscopic polymer sponges integrated with wind-powered eddy current heating, generating up to 9.9 liters of water per day.
Professor Jun Yang, HKU engineer, wins State Natural Science Award for his groundbreaking research on soil anisotropy and its impact on geotechnical engineering. His work provides a comprehensive theoretical framework and advanced constitutive models that accurately predict soil strength and deformation.
Researchers developed an automated computer vision system to monitor long-term bridge damage using routine drone inspections. The framework enables the tracking of structural damage progression and measurement of severity, with a maximum error rate of 4.61% compared to manual measurements.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a greener alternative for fire-resistant concrete using waste-based geopolymer mortars. These materials retain high compressive strength even after exposure to extreme heat, making them ideal for construction applications where high temperatures are present.
Researchers studied deformation-accommodating support systems incorporating yielding elements to address squeezing ground deformation in tunnels. The study found that the deformation behavior of the entire support system changes depending on the installation angle of yielding elements.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University and Oxford Saïd Business School found that the entry of ride-hailing platforms drove measurable increases in economic output and intermittent employment. Regional GDP per capita increased, and the number of seasonal, temporary, or intermittent jobs rose after Uber and Lyft entered the region.
Children equipped with thermal cameras are helping redesign schools to cope with hotter summers by spotting heat hotspots and developing their own cooling solutions. The 'Heat-Cool' programme has shown that children as young as nine can use thermal imaging technology to investigate how heat builds up around their schools.
Two Lehigh University AI projects have been selected for funding from the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission. The RIVER-AI project will improve flood- and water-level prediction, while the REACT project aims to accelerate reactor-scale fusion energy by developing an AI-enabled digital twin. These awards strengthen Lehigh University...
Researchers found that sustained supershear earthquake ruptures produce stronger ground motion amplitudes and higher peak ground velocity up to 20 kilometers away from the fault. The duration of shaking also varies between subshear and supershear ruptures, with longer shaking near the fault due to a 'double punch' effect.
Researchers found that crowd crushes and stampedes may develop gradually through repeated physical contact and pushing. Understanding these conditions can help improve safety planning, reduce injuries, and identify high-risk zones.
A University of Houston professor is using artificial intelligence to connect roadway crash data, identifying pavement conditions associated with elevated crash risk. The study assesses pavement structure, surface condition, road geometry and crash records, helping transportation agencies select candidate pavement-safety projects.
Researchers have developed pressurized sand dampers that can withstand extreme temperatures and provide a cost-effective solution for structures. These dampers can be replaced or repaired quickly, reducing economic losses from vibrations in high-rise buildings.
TREASURES initiative builds on NUS CDE research strengths in environmental resilience and waste-to-resource technologies. The centre will support practical solutions for complex waste streams, transforming Semakau Landfill into a hub for resource recovery and reuse.
A EU research project has found that reducing average living space per person can lead to significant CO2 emission reductions in the European building sector. By minimizing living spaces, emissions can be reduced by up to 90%, meeting the EU's 2.0-degree climate target by 2050.
Researchers develop a comprehensive framework to predict drilling instability in backfilled ground, considering strength differences and asymmetry. The proposed design criterion aims to reduce inclined drilling deviations by at least 10 millimeters per meter of depth.
A new study suggests that pairing iron and manganese modified biochar with carefully chosen irrigation strategies can reduce cadmium and mercury buildup in rice. FMBC helped stabilize both metals while reshaping microbial processes to control methylmercury formation.
Researchers developed a multi-level decision-making model to select preventive maintenance measures on asphalt pavements. The study prioritized ultra-thin cover and composite seal coat technologies due to their balance between technical performance and economic benefits. The framework provides consistent recommendations for decision-ma...
A new design framework for bored piles in weathered sedimentary rocks enables more reliable foundation designs. The study analyzed 20 instrumented load tests, adjusting intact rock strength to account for weathering, revealing clearer differences between siltstone and sandstone.
A new winged composite pile system can enhance uplift resistance while reusing excavated soil, reducing off-site transport and minimizing waste. The study found that the optimal wing diameter varies with pile length, and shaft diameter has little effect on uplift resistance.
The study reveals that early-age concrete's reduction in strength originates from the irreversible loss of cohesive strength, while frictional effects become dominant as damage develops. This new experimental method separates cohesive and frictional contributions, providing a clearer way to understand early-age concrete's behavior.
Researchers found that ONIKURU's opening increased stay density near the facility and adjacent commercial areas, but decreased it around JR Ibaraki Station. The study used GPS trajectory data to measure the impact of walkable urban design initiatives on residents' behavior.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new design approach to reduce the cost of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by optimizing metallic fibers, which currently make up 70% of the material's price. The new design can help produce stronger and more environmentally friendly concrete while reducing costs.
MIT researchers developed a framework that allows users to apply constraints to algorithmically generated structures, making them more buildable. The approach has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in construction by up to 90% by designing structures with multiple materials and taking into account materials' properties.
A University of Houston engineering professor developed a mathematical model to help decision-makers decide where to spend limited dollars on infrastructure resilience. The model accounts for real-world uncertainty and identifies critical assets to invest in, providing the greatest benefit before disaster strikes.
Researchers developed a digital twin framework to predict permafrost degradation in Alaska's thawing permafrost. The framework uses real-time measurements and AI to simulate the physical properties of frozen soil, enabling more accurate predictions of climate change impact.
Historically rare coastal water level extremes are now occurring 12 times more frequently due to sea level rise. The increase is attributed to anthropogenic forcing, leading to a four-fold increase in the likelihood of these events.
A study found that south-facing green walls can improve indoor thermal conditions by up to 1.7°C and enhance outdoor thermal comfort through albedo effects. Low albedo exterior surfaces also improved outdoor thermal comfort by approximately 1.5°C, while high albedo surfaces reduced indoor temperatures.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a method to quantify CO2 absorbed by cementitious materials and its atmospheric contamination using carbon isotope measurements. This breakthrough aims to improve carbon accounting and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in concrete production.
A new study published in Biochar shows that the temperature used to produce biochar plays a decisive role in controlling nitrogen losses during food waste digestate composting. Hardwood biochar made at 400 °C reduced total nitrogen loss by 46.3% compared with composting without biochar, outperforming biochars made at 300 °C and 800 °C.
A new five-year field study suggests that pairing annual biochar amendment with water-saving irrigation can reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. Continuous biochar use maintained and strengthened methane mitigation over time, while a one-time application's effect weakened.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are designing how humans will build and survive on the moon, focusing on sustainable construction using lunar regolith. The institution's efforts aim to reduce costs associated with shipping materials to the moon, making it possible to produce rocket propellant locally.
Researchers used game theory to identify promising porous carbon materials made from agricultural and industrial waste. The study found that certain samples, such as rice straw-KOH-level 2, performed well in terms of surface area and pore volume, making them suitable for applications in soil amendment, water conservation, and pollutant...
A new study found that excavated urban soils in South Korea emit measurable amounts of CO2 and CH4, highlighting a previously overlooked climate cost. Researchers suggest simple practices like soil capping and biochar amendment could be integrated into construction workflows to mitigate these emissions.
A three-layer framework for rethinking how dams are managed at basin scale emphasizes engineering safety as the baseline, followed by multiobjective joint operations that translate ecosystem needs into operating rules. Digital-intelligent governance forms the frontier, coupling auditable governance with AI-enabled decision support.
A new design system for seismic performance offers distinct advantages over conventional designs, reducing internal forces and maintaining structural integrity. The integration of tuned mass dampers achieves significant vibration reduction rates.
Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that a fungus can break down hard-to-recycle construction waste and turn it into sustainable insulation. The resulting biomaterial has comparable thermal performance to conventional insulation products with significantly lower carbon emissions.
Researchers propose using basalt to produce cement, reducing CO2 emissions by over 80% and energy needs by less than 60%. This switch could improve industrial production efficiency and even provide feedstock for steel and aluminum production.
Researchers at TUM have developed a sorting process to extract recyclable plastics from end-of-life vehicle residues, producing materials that can be reused in new vehicles. The process shows promise in meeting EU quotas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) at NUS College of Design and Engineering aims to design the port of the future. The C4NGP focuses on creating sustainable ports with reduced environmental impact.
Researchers found that X-shaped sleepers break down impact loads into a dense, uniform network of force chains, reducing stress concentrations and enhancing interlocking between ballast particles. This spatially diffused load transfer mechanism improves trackbed stability and impact resistance.
A new type of concrete made from sugarcane waste shows improved mechanical performance and reduced carbon emissions. The study finds that replacing fly ash with sugarcane bagasse ash improves compressive strength by 41% and reduces CO2 emissions by 25-30%.
Researchers from South China University of Technology reconstructed the path and intensity of a devastating EF3-level tornado that occurred in Guangzhou, China on April 27, 2024. The study used a combination of UAV remote sensing, ground-based surveys, and mesoscale numerical simulation to analyze the tornado's damage mechanisms.
A new study from Drexel University finds that decentralized stormwater management strategies can significantly reduce flooding volumes, with a 11-13% decrease. These efforts include rain barrels, cisterns and water-efficient fixtures, which help minimize the amount of water flowing into sewer systems.
Dan M. Frangopol has been awarded the third ASCE Wellington Prize for his groundbreaking study on probabilistic connectivity assessment of road networks subjected to ground motion and tsunamis. The research provides a more realistic assessment of network performance under extreme conditions, helping engineers and planners identify vuln...
Researchers found that improved lighting design combined with modern LED technology can reduce household energy use and enhance comfort. The study showed a 15.3% reduction in energy consumption by optimising lighting planning and positioning using software-based approaches.
A national survey of Australian tunnel construction workers found significant silica dust exposure risks, with many reporting barriers to effective dust control measures. The study calls for stronger regulatory enforcement and oversight to prevent preventable disease in the high-risk industry.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an AI-driven framework to extract and analyze historical flood insurance maps, uncovering significant changes in flood hazard areas. The study reveals that flood risks have expanded in two areas and reduced in one, with critical consequences for resilience and exposure.
A recent study has developed an analytical model of downburst wind fields, which reproduces key observable features while adhering to fundamental mechanical principles. The model proposes a framework for assessing train overturning due to downbursts, with high train speeds identified as the most significant contributor to increased risk.
This study investigates the effects of high-volume fly ash on early-age characteristics and hardening properties of concrete. The results show that fly ash can improve fresh concrete workability but delays setting time. However, moderate fly ash replacement achieves excellent long-term strength and stiffness.
A study by Brown University and Columbia University found that road infrastructure isolates communities, leading to increased schizophrenia-related hospital visits. The Community Severance Index measures physical and social disconnection using roads, traffic, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure.
Process water from hydrothermal carbonization contains substantial amounts of nutrients and organic compounds, making it a nutrient-rich resource for crop production and environmental management. Diluting the liquid or using pre-treatment methods can reduce risks associated with its use.
A new study reveals a post-pandemic cycling boom in major cities, with fatality rates dropping by up to 88% in Paris, 82% in London, and 62% in New York City. The improvement is attributed to the expansion and improvement of cycling infrastructure, including cycleways separated from motor vehicle traffic.
A new study analyzing nearly 100 travellers' diaries reveals that turnpiking improved road conditions, reducing danger and speeding up journeys. The toll-funded system made a major contribution to the Industrial Revolution by reducing freight rates and enabling faster stagecoach travel.
Researchers develop signal-processing method to suppress distortions, achieving 6mm spatial resolution in single-ended Brillouin sensing. This enables early detection of damage or abnormal conditions in aging infrastructure.
A new method, MIDA, uses physics-based ground motion simulations tied to earthquake magnitude to better assess seismic performance of near-fault structures. This approach reduces subjectivity and nonphysical distortion, providing a more stable and realistic prediction of structural response.
A University of Kansas engineer is conducting research on outdated manufactured housing wind-safety codes, which have remained unchanged since 1994. The study uses a hurricane simulator to test the structural response and failure points of manufactured homes under varying wind conditions.
Researchers discovered that carefully selecting the temperature used to produce biochar can optimize both environmental performance and compost quality. Biochar produced at a moderate temperature achieved the optimal balance between ammonium adsorption and microbial nitrification, resulting in a 46.3% reduction in total nitrogen loss.