Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
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.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.
The new material resists cracking and avoids sudden failure, unlike conventional brittle cement-based counterparts. By manipulating the structure of the material itself, researchers achieve significant improvements in toughness without additional material.
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.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that traditional stormwater infrastructure design can exacerbate flooding during severe weather events. The problem lies in the failure to recognize flood connectivity, leading to unanticipated interactions between different stormwater systems.
Engineers at MIT have developed a physics-based model that accurately represents airflow around rotors under extreme conditions. This new theory has the potential to improve rotor blade designs and optimize wind farm layouts for maximum power output and safety.
Researchers have developed piezoelectric smart aggregates for structural health monitoring, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of concrete structures. This technology promises to reduce maintenance costs and improve overall safety, marking a new era in infrastructure management.
Researchers found that using firebricks to store industrial process heat could cut capital costs by $1.27 trillion and reduce air pollution, leading to faster transition to clean energy.
A new AI-powered predictive model can generate comprehensive soil liquefaction risk maps, enabling urban planners and engineers to visualize high-risk areas and make informed decisions. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting soil classifications and N-values, validating its effectiveness in enhancing urban resilience.
Recent advancements in China have transformed large-span arch bridge construction, showcasing cutting-edge techniques and innovative materials. The country's landmark bridges, such as the Pingnan Third Bridge and Tian'e Longtan Bridge, exemplify these breakthroughs.
A new study by Utah State University explores the potential of collaborative modeling to improve reservoir operations and adapt to variable inflow and declining storage. The research involved 26 Colorado River Basin managers and experts who used Google Sheets during video calls to discuss consuming, banking, and trading water.
Researchers developed a knowledge graph methodology to optimize spatial arrangement of underground powerhouses, enhancing digital intelligent design and operation. The approach addresses existing challenges in spatial arrangement, paving the way for improved accuracy and efficiency in hydropower engineering projects.
A study published in Journal of Intelligent Construction explores using roller-integrated compaction monitoring technology combined with RTK-BDS to enhance compaction quality assessment. The approach demonstrated CMV's reliability as a compaction quality indicator, showing strong correlation with compactness.
A team of Lehigh University researchers led by Professor Muhannad Suleiman is working to develop floating offshore wind platforms that can harness both wind and wave energy. The goal is to create more efficient and resilient structures that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
A new US-based database of hurricane evacuation orders can help leaders and communities increase resilience, create better policy, and ultimately reduce loss of life. The HEvOD database includes nationwide public-facing evacuation orders from 2014-2022, offering insights into effective strategies for future emergencies.
Researchers developed a novel method to estimate modulation amplitude and determine spatial resolution in Brillouin optical correlation-domain reflectometry (BOCDR) without costly equipment. This innovation simplifies the process, reducing costs and enhancing convenience.
A hybrid disaster response approach that combines local data collection with remote expertise saved lives in the Haiti earthquake. Traditional Haitian construction techniques proved to be more effective than modern approaches, with certain homes built using these methods performing better in the earthquake.
Researchers review performance and durability of ultra-high-performance concrete, engineering cementitious composites and composite bridge deck systems. High-performance materials show superior fatigue resistance and crack resistance.
Research by Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that converting vacant homes in old new towns into healthcare facilities can slow population decline. This urban transformation can enable older adults to remain in their communities, promoting healthy and connected living.
A new study assesses the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on concrete structures in China's plateau region. The researchers introduce a spatiotemporal distribution model to analyze F–T action levels and create a nationwide zonation for improved infrastructure durability.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite that mimics the strength and flexibility of seashells, increasing crack resistance and ductility. The composite, inspired by nacre's microstructure, exhibits improved fracture toughness and deformability, making it potentially tougher, safer, and more durable.
The two-year program will help recruit, teach, and graduate the next generation of water pipeline managers. The GLWA faces significant employee recruitment, training, and retention challenges due to technological advances in the water sector.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a more accurate method for tracking reservoir evaporation rates, accounting for factors not considered by current methods. The new algorithm reveals a clear geographic distribution and strong seasonality of evaporation throughout Texas.
Researchers developed a predictive model that maps soil-bearing layer distribution, enabling city planners to assess site suitability and optimize building design. The model improves prediction accuracy by combining geotechnical data and geographic coordinates.
Mim Rahimi, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER award to advance electrochemical carbon capture by employing engineered soft interfaces. His research aims to enhance carbon dioxide separation performance and system energetics.
A new study finds that urban office buildings continuously release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the outdoors, similar to traffic emissions. The research team measured VOC concentrations in a high-performance office building and found indoor levels 2-15 times higher than outdoors.
The study found that green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, wetlands, and street trees are effective in cooling urban heat, with temperature reductions ranging from 9.63°C to 17.7°C. A nine-stage framework has been proposed to facilitate GBGI implementation and maximize benefits.
Researchers developed adhesive hydrogel coatings that eliminate fibrosis, a common issue with medical implants. The coatings bind devices to tissue and prevent the immune system from attacking them.
A new study introduces a high-performance rail inspection system using YOLOv8 for fast and accurate defect detection. The system achieved up to 281.06 FPS on desktop systems and 200.26 FPS on edge computing platforms, increasing processing speeds while maintaining high accuracy levels.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to analyze the behavior of granular materials, revealing their internal forces and shapes in 3D detail. This breakthrough may lead to better understanding of landslides and industrial processes.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that low- to mid-level flooding events are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can overwhelm the system and cause a flood downstream. The study developed a mathematical framework to identify vulnerabilities in stormwater systems, allowing municipalities to assess their risks.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an origami system that can create load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters. The system uses a uniform thickness approach to bolster weight-bearing capacity. With this breakthrough, communities can quickly rebuild facilities damaged by natural disasters or construct in ch...
A research team at Lehigh University has received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop an alternative concrete binder using low-temperature calcined clays. The goal is to produce a material with properties similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but without greenhouse gas emissions.
A new traffic signal concept, known as the 'white phase,' uses autonomous vehicles to expedite traffic flow at intersections. The concept has been shown to improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially when autonomous vehicles make up a higher percentage of traffic.
A novel path choice model elucidates the influence of different attributes on pedestrians' local and global path choices. The study reveals that pedestrians locally perceive and react to environmental attributes like green views, guiding urban planning decisions.
A recent study by Drexel University shows that sound waves can reveal the composition of buried water lines, allowing for the speedy removal of lead service lines. The technique uses ultrasonic stress wave propagation to detect unique acoustic signatures for each type of pipe, making it a promising alternative to invasive testing methods.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology develop new methodology to accurately simulate soil behavior in rigid state, leveraging MSP method and Bingham fluid biviscosity model. The study highlights the impact of parameters on simulation accuracy and computational costs.
The University of Manchester has received a £4.2 million funding award to tackle the UK's most challenging resilience and security problems. The project, SALIENT, will drive interdisciplinary research on robust supply chains, global order, and technological security.
A team of researchers identified a significant Mw7.5 earthquake in Japan as exhibiting characteristics of a 'seismic dragon king', demonstrating predictability. The study analyzed data from the Japan Meteorological Agency's focal mechanism catalogue using the load-unload response ratio (LURR) method.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an artificial 'worm gut' that can efficiently break down plastics using microbes found in worms' guts. The artificial system replicates the natural process of worms breaking down plastics and has potential for biotechnological approaches to process plastic waste.
A new machine learning approach combines computer vision with deep-learning algorithms to pinpoint problem areas in concrete structures. The system enables efficient identification and inspection of cracks using autonomous robots, reducing the overall inspection workload.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Researchers found that neighborhoods within 3 kilometers of an Amazon last-mile delivery station experience twice the amount of delivery van and truck traffic as farther-away areas. These neighborhoods are disproportionately home to low-income households and people of color, who order 14% fewer packages than average. The study highligh...
Drexel University's 'BioFiber' technology uses living tissue systems to stabilize and heal damaged concrete. The system incorporates biomineralizing bacteria that can create a stone-like material to repair cracks in concrete, improving durability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The university has received $1 million to advance wildfire risk science and train scientists to translate findings into tangible outcomes for communities. A new graduate program will combine civil engineering and forest engineering, resources and management.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
Purdue University researchers discovered that hair care products release potentially harmful chemicals into the air during use, with decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5 siloxane) being the most concerning chemical. The study found that inhaling these chemicals can pose health risks to humans and has significant environmental implications.
Researchers discover chemical injection strengthens sandy soil through increased cohesion and internal friction angle, with no long-term strength loss. The treatment also enhances water-sealing capacity, mitigating flood risks and improving infrastructure durability.