Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
A new study from Tulane University reveals that parts of New Orleans are sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of elevation loss annually. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the city's flood defenses remain effective.
Dan M. Frangopol, a pioneer in life-cycle civil engineering, has been recognized by the International Association of Structural Safety and Reliability (IASSAR) for his sustained service to the organization. He is the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, established in 2013.
Two Purdue researchers received funding to advance university innovations. Andrew Mesecar aims to develop new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma using patented enzyme inhibitors. Meanwhile, Pablo Zavattieri is working on a patent-pending system to address saltwater intrusion in the Panama Canal.
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread collapse of vulnerable buildings that led to majority of deaths and destruction. The report calls for adopting modern seismic building codes and prioritizing retrofitting of existing structures.
Researchers at University of South Australia develop a new material using water treatment sludge and blast-furnace slag, showing over 50% stronger compressive strength and resistance to acid degradation. The discovery has the potential to extend service life of sewage pipes, reduce maintenance costs, and promote circular economy.
A new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that coastal flooding is occurring more frequently than previously thought. The study found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding.
The article discusses recent advancements in pipeline safety technologies, including defect detection, environmental risks monitoring, and structural integrity assessment. The integration of high-grade steel, large-diameter pipelines, and unconventional energy sources has introduced new complexities to pipeline safety.
A new study published in Science finds that strong climate policy can preserve twice as much ice as current warming trajectories, even if temperatures stabilized today. At a 1.5°C temperature increase, 53% of global glacier mass could be preserved, alleviating hazards like flooding and freshwater deficiency.
A study uses a probabilistic life cycle approach to evaluate the carbon emission intensity of magnesium silicate hydrate cement (MSHC), finding that its low-carbon characteristics vary depending on mix proportions and Mg/Si ratio. Machine learning techniques improve accuracy and provide reliable scientific evidence for the construction...
Researchers at UCF used a combination of emerging technologies to evaluate the safety of concrete bridges. By combining infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis, they can quickly identify defects and prioritize repairs.
Researchers found that socially and economically marginalized groups face higher earthquake risk due to housing conditions, income, language, and race. Governments can design more inclusive emergency response strategies by integrating social vulnerability measures into disaster-risk assessments.
The new simulator successfully reproduced the main characteristics of tornado-like vortices, including velocity and surface pressure fields. The results showed that fan speed had little effect on vortex structures, while swirl ratio significantly influenced them.
Reginald DesRoches, Rice University President, has been elected to the 2025 class of ASCE distinguished members for his groundbreaking research in earthquake engineering and disaster resilience. He is recognized for his leadership and mentorship in improving engineering education.
Engineers at Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology have created a method to reinforce structures without creating new weaknesses. The approach uses microstructures designed to protect against multiple loads, allowing designers to counter various stresses simultaneously.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a holistic solution for structural monitoring, combining various technologies to provide usable findings for service life forecasts and proactive maintenance planning.
A research team at HKU has developed a computational tool called Argo to track antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environmental samples, providing insights into their transmission and associated risks. The tool uses long-read sequencing and can accurately identify and quantify ARGs, enhancing host identification accuracy.
A new numerical computer model tracks how pollution travels through Galveston Bay, helping scientists understand water movement in estuaries. The model is critical for evaluating climate variability and sea level fluctuation impacts on coastal communities, guiding better decisions to keep water clean and prevent flooding.
A new AI-powered training platform is being developed to simulate pipeline incidents and provide real-world scenarios for pipeline operators. The platform will use artificial intelligence to create a realistic environment where teams can practice handling hazardous conditions and responding to emergencies.
The journal is inviting submissions on AI for engineering, focusing on novel methodologies and applications to solve real-world problems. Submissions can cover various areas such as intelligent manufacturing, energy, transportation, and medicine.
University of Missouri researchers developed a method using lidar and AI to analyze pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle interactions at traffic signals. The approach aims to enhance driver awareness, reduce accidents, and improve mobility.
Researchers used reinforcement learning to simulate coastal defense strategies against sea level rise and flooding, finding dynamic seawalls to be more cost-effective than traditional methods. The study aimed to address uncertainty in long-term climate change mitigation efforts and provide a flexible approach for communities to prepare...
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new way to improve textile-based filters by coating them with MXene nanomaterial. The non-woven polyester textile coated with a thin layer of MXene nanomaterial can turn it into a potent filter capable of pulling some of the finest nanoparticles from the air.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new membrane that allows water to flow eight times faster while maintaining high salt rejection rates. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective desalination systems, lowering costs and increasing access to clean water.
A recent study led by Qian found that income, rather than proximity, is the dominant factor in determining who benefits most from public EV infrastructure. Wealthier individuals have more flexibility to spend time at charging stations while charging their vehicles, whereas lower-income communities struggle to integrate public charging ...
Researchers at Purdue University are studying mosquito antennae to develop acoustic sensors that can detect natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. By mimicking the unique structure of these antennae, they hope to create more sensitive sound-detection technology.
Professor Dan Frangopol has made transformative contributions to structural reliability, optimization, and sustainable infrastructure management. His work represents the dedication to research and scholarship that Lehigh University strives to cultivate.
Purdue University engineers have found that household products like air fresheners and wax melts can release nanoscale particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. These nanoparticles are formed when fragrances interact with ozone, potentially posing risks to respiratory health.
Researchers developed a five-minute quality test for sustainable cement industry materials, reducing testing time from seven days to just five minutes. The test uses colorimetry and camera technology for real-time quality control of calcined clays, which can partially replace ordinary Portland cement.
The University of Bath's RENEW research center has published a manifesto on regenerative design and engineering to address the climate crisis. The guidebook provides a framework for creating 'Net Positive' buildings, technologies, and systems that renew unity with nature.
A study presents an open-access tornado database for mainland China, revealing a spatial concentration of tornadoes in Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces. The data shows that tornadoes are most frequent in summer, peaking in July, with high-intensity tornadoes (EF2 and above) calculated for specific counties.
A new mesoscale mechanical discrete model simulates fracture behavior of micro fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) with increased accuracy and computational efficiency. The model successfully reproduced experimental results in various tests, including tension, splitting, and four-point bending tests.
A new hybrid machine learning model predicts ultimate axial strength of CFRP-strengthened CFST columns with high accuracy, enabling safer and more efficient designs. The model can be used to optimize construction processes and enhance the safety of structures at a lower cost.
A new publication provides comprehensive guidance for public drinking water system staff on responding to wildfire damage, outlining key findings from previous disasters. The guidance aims to improve detection of chemical contamination, reduce customer notification delays, and restore safe drinking water delivery quickly.
Researchers from ETH Zurich developed hygroscopic wall and ceiling components that can significantly reduce humidity in heavily used indoor spaces, resulting in a 75% reduction in discomfort index compared to conventional painted walls.
A new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University suggests that storing carbon in buildings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers calculated that using carbonated aggregates to make concrete could absorb a gigaton of CO2 annually.
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
Researchers develop PSO-BP neural network to predict CO₂ hazard distance after pipeline rupture, reducing computational demands. The model is consistent with CO₂ concentration diffusion results.
Researchers are developing new ways to harvest and adapt energy from everyday home activities, such as turning a doorknob or opening a fridge door. This technology aims to create smart interfaces that can power appliances and assist people with disabilities, increasing energy efficiency and accessibility.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
Researchers create SciAgents framework to autonomously generate and evaluate promising research hypotheses in biologically inspired materials. The framework uses graph reasoning methods to organize relationships between scientific concepts, mimicking biological systems.
The authors introduce advanced methodologies for integrating maintenance strategies and structural health monitoring to extend infrastructure service life. Topics include data-driven decision-making, multi-objective optimization, cost-benefit analysis, and the role of data analytics in managing uncertainties.
The new compression-casting technology improves concrete properties without chemical additives, promoting sustainable construction and reducing CO2 emissions. The study reveals superior mechanical properties, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, making it a game-changer for the construction industry.
Researchers developed a machine-learning tool that provides accurate predictions for flood-prone areas, using historical data and weather-based predictors. The model can predict short-term river discharge with high accuracy, giving real-time data on water movement through the river.
The university introduces Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Double Major Bachelor of Engineering Science in Process Engineering and Synthetic Chemistry to address global demand for roboticists. The programs incorporate AI-related elements and are designed to provide students with a unique skill set.
Research from an interdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech has shown that sewage surveillance is more efficient and comprehensive than testing individuals in detecting antimicrobial resistance. The study revealed significant correlations between antibiotic resistance genes and socio-economic factors, highlighting the need to address thes...
Researchers used muscovite mica to quantify chemomechanical weakening in materials. The study found that the surface condition of muscovite affects its degradation and failure, with dry conditions causing more deformation before failure.
A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.
Baise's research has spanned earthquake site response, liquefaction, site characterization, regional wave propagation, ground motions models and earthquake damage assessment. She uses data-driven approaches to learn from observational data and was an early adopter of machine learning methods in model development.
A UTEP student has developed an innovative method to desalinate water, which converts over 90% of salt water to fresh water. The new technique, called salt-free electrodialysis metathesis, uses ion exchange membranes and electrical currents to separate salt from water.
A machine learning model predicts soil behavior during earthquakes, identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction and providing contour maps for safer construction sites. The study uses geological data to create detailed 3D maps of soil layers, improving prediction accuracy by 20%.
Researchers at Rice University develop OpenSafe.AI, a system that leverages responsible AI and hazard models to provide timely insights for emergency response organizations and communities before, during, and after tropical cyclones and coastal storm events. The goal is to enable better preparation and navigation for severe weather.
Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.
The system removes salt from water at a pace that closely follows changes in solar energy, maximizing the utility of solar power. It produces large quantities of clean water despite variations in sunlight throughout the day, making it an attractive solution for communities with limited access to seawater and grid power.
A novel radiant-convective heating terminal is proposed to improve indoor thermal environments and energy efficiency in intermittent heating scenarios. The study shows that the terminal can stabilize room temperatures within a comfortable range of 18-22°C and demonstrates better performance than conventional radiators.
Researchers developed a novel stress–strain model that considers stress-path dependency to accurately predict FRP-confined UHPC behavior, addressing a critical gap in current models. The study reveals the formation of major diagonal cracks causes non-uniform lateral expansion, decreasing effective confining pressure.
A new study reveals that extreme heat significantly alters how people go about their daily lives, reducing outdoor activities and shifting transportation choices. Vulnerable groups, such as low-income individuals without access to cars, face the biggest challenges in coping with extreme heat.
A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
Researchers at Purdue University found that autonomous vehicles can interpret and respond to commands from passengers using large language models like ChatGPT. This technology allows the vehicle to personalize its driving to a passenger's satisfaction and take into consideration traffic rules, road conditions, and weather.