Researchers developed an AI-driven framework using XGBoost to evaluate asphalt pavement skid resistance under various conditions, achieving over 90% prediction accuracy. The model identified fractal dimension as the core predictive factor, highlighting the role of texture complexity in skid resistance.
SourceELSP·JournalSmart Construction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2025
The international journal aims to leverage cutting-edge research findings to promote civil engineering's intelligent transformation. Key priorities include serving as an innovation hub, building an intellectual support base for strategic underpinning, and establishing a cross-disciplinary convergence platform.
MIT researchers analyzed a recently discovered Pompeii construction site to shed new light on ancient Roman concrete, which has endured for thousands of years. They found that hot-mixing was indeed used by the Romans, contradicting ancient texts and providing valuable insights into a material with self-healing properties.
Researchers will develop strategies to stabilize eroding channels and enhance flood-warning capabilities using artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to improve stormwater management and environmental protection in the region with forecasts suggesting population growth could double by 2050.
Researchers developed a three-stage framework to analyze uncertainties in energy transitions, focusing on climate change and institutional inefficiency. The Puerto Rico case study shows that these factors are crucial in determining total system costs.
A new study assesses various wall and floor types for their climate impact and acoustic performance, finding that timber outperforms standard steel studs in terms of climate friendliness. The research also highlights the importance of considering both acoustic comfort and environmental sustainability when designing buildings.
Researchers at University of East London found that discarded seashells can be transformed into a low-carbon concrete ingredient, reducing carbon emissions by up to 36%. The study suggests a promising opportunity for industry to adopt sustainable cement alternatives.
Researchers develop a novel integrated data model that merges construction and geospatial information standards to manage bridges' 3D geometry data and maintenance records. This framework enables accurate damage location assessment, repair prioritization, and predictive maintenance, leading to improved infrastructure safety and longevity.
Researchers propose technology using multimodal information from LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and thermal camera to reconstruct transmission line geometric profile and estimate sag. The approach can predict how the shape of the TL would change under extreme thermal conditions.
Bahaa Eltahawy's dissertation highlights the importance of integrated cybersecurity strategies for protecting critical infrastructure. The study reveals that current standards have limitations and proposes a model that expands protection into seven domains.
A University of Houston scientist teams with international partners to map Antarctica's glaciers, revealing tidal movements and retreat rates up to 700 meters per year. The dataset provides the most detailed view yet of how glaciers interact with the ocean, enabling better understanding and modeling of sea-level rise.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an immersive digital co-pilot to support conservators in restoring historic buildings. The tool uses spatial computing technologies and augmented reality to provide structural analysis insights, enhancing decision-making and disseminating heritage knowledge.
Researchers propose a novel approach to ensure uniform backfilling throughout borehole depth, addressing immediate safety concerns and long-term sustainability. The circulating mixing method improves process parameters and quality control through advanced numerical simulations.
Shared houses in Tokyo are marketed as lifestyle-driven homes focusing on comfort, connection, and personal growth. The study reveals that properties near train stations emphasize accessibility and neighborhood convenience, while those farther away highlight natural surroundings and social interaction.
Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.
The GBCESC 2025 conference aims to exchange technical knowledge and innovative solutions in green building, civil engineering, and smart city fields. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings.
Pedro J.J. Alvarez has been awarded the 2026 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Civil Engineering for his groundbreaking research on water quality engineering. His work spans nanotechnology, microbiology, chemistry, and hydrogeology to make water cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.
The 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering and Smart Construction (ICCESC 2025) aims to bridge academic accomplishments with industrial progress. The conference covers various areas of interest including civil engineering, smart construction, and intelligent technologies.
Researchers from Chung-Ang University have developed a novel AI-based approach for producing high-fidelity and defect-aware ultrasonic images, outperforming traditional techniques. This technology has the potential to revolutionize non-destructive testing in industries such as semiconductors, energy, and automotive.
A PhD student at Lehigh University is working with Siemens to develop real-time monitoring and control tools for hyperscale data centers. The goal is to create a localized power network that can operate independently of the main grid, reducing power demands from artificial intelligence and increasing energy efficiency.
The research partnership aims to develop stronger aluminum alloys for high-performance applications. Three projects focus on reducing iron impurities through electrical or chemical approaches.
Researchers warn of structural weakening in urban areas as a result of groundwater overexploitation, posing risks to millions of people. Satellite radar data reveals nearly 1.9 million people exposed to subsidence rates greater than 4 millimeters per year.
Researchers developed a novel framework to capture dynamic nature of social networks, finding that scattered seeds of connections only grow when nourished, while policy restrictions can cut network growth by almost one-third.
A team of Pitt engineers has created self-powered spinal implant technology capable of transmitting real-time data from inside the body. The innovation utilizes new human-developed composites known as metamaterials to harvest energy and transmit signals wirelessly.
Researchers at CU Boulder developed a framework for creating trustworthy AI tools that benefit people and society. Key findings include the importance of understanding individual trust inclinations, considering user demographics and cultural norms, and prioritizing transparency and technical reliability.
Researchers propose using the Agent Deed Consequence (ADC) model to program ethical values into smart city technologies. The model captures human moral judgments by considering agent intent, deed, and consequence, enabling AI systems to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate orders.
Researchers have developed a calculation method enabling fair comparisons of energy consumption between pulp and paper companies, with potential to reduce fossil fuel usage and release raw materials. The new methodology could contribute to increased efficiency and a changed approach to energy audits.
Lowering residential speed limits to 30kph significantly boosts bicycle riding safety without affecting car trip times, according to a study. The reduction in traffic stress leads to more people choosing bikes as a safe mode of transport.
Researchers found that biochar can dramatically reduce erosion by 45% and improve soil's ability to store water, even under intense rainstorms. Biochar also improved soil structure and increased infiltration, making vineyard soils more resilient to extreme weather.
A study of 744 bridges worldwide reveals that North American and African bridges are most at risk, with spaceborne monitoring able to detect problems before they become disasters. The proposed solution integrates satellite data into risk frameworks to significantly lower the number of high-risk bridges.
Professor Dan M. Frangopol, Lehigh University's inaugural Fazlur R. Khan Endowed Chair, was recognized for his work on life-cycle civil engineering at the 21st International Probabilistic Workshop in Germany. He is widely credited with establishing this field and has authored over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles.
A new study found that historic droughts could become common for Gatún Lake, the main source of water for the Panama Canal locks. The study projects that water levels will decrease and increase evaporation under high-emissions scenarios.
Researchers created a high-resolution 3D liquefaction hazard map using machine learning and geotechnical data. The model accurately predicted soil properties and liquefaction risk, identifying high-risk areas in reclaimed coastal zones and river floodplains with unprecedented clarity and precision.
Researchers at MIT developed a new approach to design complex material structures that account for 3D printing limitations, improving reliability in aerospace and medical applications. The technique enables precise control over material performance and reduces deviations from intended mechanical behavior.
The CERCat consortium aims to improve the field of catastrophe modeling by uniting academic rigor with practical expertise, driving real-world solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The consortium is prioritizing projects on multihazard fragility curves, wildfire fragility curves, and AI-powered post-disaster damage assessment.
The SWiM project aims to develop intelligent and sustainable cooling systems that can reduce energy consumption in large cities by up to 30%. The system will use district heating and cooling technologies, combining expertise from Singapore and Denmark.
A new smart tracking system uses barometric sensors and LoRaWAN to measure height and identify materials on multi-story construction sites. The system has been tested in controlled environments and shows promise for improving material tracking and reducing waste and costs.
A survey by University of Washington researchers found that participants with a negative view of public charging were less likely to choose an electric vehicle than those with a moderate view. Participants demanded strikingly large concessions, such as a 30% discount or 366 extra miles of range, before choosing an EV.
The project, designed by Juan José Castellón, represents a powerful model of interdisciplinary collaboration between Rice's School of Architecture and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The modular system collects and cleans rainwater through hollow ceramic structural columns and a lightweight canopy membrane.
Researchers applied particle physics techniques to measure sediment buildup in underwater infrastructure using muography, a noninvasive imaging technique. They successfully identified locations with high levels of sediment buildup and plan to deploy permanent detectors for round-the-clock monitoring.
Researchers developed a data-driven macroscopic mobility model that relies on simple observations from city planners' routine data collection. The D3M model can accurately represent diverse traffic conditions and simulate complex system-level dynamics.
Researchers developed a strain-controlled testing method for evaluating liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils, reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 60%. The new method yielded consistent results, improving urban resilience and reducing economic losses in earthquake-prone regions.
Researchers create a biohybrid supercapacitor by embedding energy-producing bacteria in cement, storing electrical energy and regenerating its capacity. The material shows promising potential for future development and can recover up to 80% of its original energy capacity.
A team from UPV and UVigo has discovered the hidden mechanisms that prevent bridges from collapsing under extreme events. They found that damaged bridges can still withstand loads greater than they normally bear, thanks to latent resistance.
Researchers at the University of Chicago created an unprecedented approach to urban development using high-resolution data. The analysis shows that cities with better infrastructure have better developmental outcomes, and that improving access can improve residents' well-being beyond just physical needs.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of hidden motions in granular materials like soil and snow, which can control their movement. This discovery could help understand how landslides and avalanches work, as well as benefit industries such as construction and grain filling.
Researchers Kent Harries and Luisa Molari are advancing sustainable bamboo construction by sharing experience and insight to standardize its use. Bamboo, with its strong culms and effective carbon sequestration, holds promise for affordable housing globally.
A new study by York University researchers found that a machine learning-enabled tool, Safe Water Optimization Tool (SWOT), can deliver safe drinking water at nearly three times the rate as compared to standard practices. The SWOT has been shown to achieve safe water for 90% of households in humanitarian response settings.
Purdue researchers found that heat-based hair care routines release significant amounts of airborne nanoparticles, posing serious health risks. The team's study reveals that using typical store-bought hair care products can expose individuals to upward of 10 billion nanoparticles in a single session.
Researchers create digital twin facility management system for relocatable modular buildings, improving asset management and decision making. The DT-FMS enhances the lifecycle management of RMBs, minimizing waste and maximizing value through reuse and reconfiguration.
The book provides a roadmap for sustainable and ethical leadership in engineering management, focusing on ESG reporting, CSR integration, and industry-specific insights. It offers practical tools and strategies for professionals to make informed decisions that reduce ecological impact and improve resource efficiency.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used machine learning algorithms to predict bearing layer depth and assess liquefaction risk. The study found that random forest models outperformed others, especially with increasing spatial data density.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched a new journal, Civil Engineering Sciences, which aims to publish interdisciplinary and cutting-edge works on discoveries and innovations in civil engineering. The journal will promote future reform and innovation in civil engineering science and technology.
The study developed a three-dimensional heat transfer model to analyze energy pile performance in soft clay soils. The results revealed thermal interference and crowding effects, but also introduced practical multiplier factors to simplify predictions and reduce computational resources.
Researchers in Spain and Italy design a new type of asphalt that uses recycled materials from cigarette butts to improve its crack resistance. The additive increases the material's ductility and flexibility, while also reducing manufacturing temperature and energy consumption.
Researchers from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have identified US dams with the highest probability of overtopping, classified as large and high hazard. The study found an increasing trend in critical overtopping probabilities and a decline in non-critical overtopping probabilities since 1973.
Drexel engineers create vascular network within cement-based building materials that can help passively regulate surface temperature, reducing energy loss in buildings. The approach is inspired by nature's circulatory system and uses phase-change material to maintain a desired indoor temperature.
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.
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.
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.