Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
A study by Hiroshima University researchers detected illegal international mercury trade using discrepancies in mirrored trade data from the United Nations Comtrade. The method, which analyzed export and import statistics, can help assess the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that maintaining an indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is associated with relatively lower rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Indoor conditions outside this range are linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes.
New research by University of Pittsburgh scientists finds that concrete pavements are sensitive to sharp air temperature variations during the day, even in mild climates. This can lead to devastating consequences for infrastructure, such as potholes and cracks, with thicker pavements being more vulnerable.
The study developed an extended deep Q-network (EDQN)-incorporated context-based meta-RL model that can autonomously detect traffic states, classify regimes, and assign signal phases. The model outperformed existing algorithms in simulation experiments and showed adaptability to new tasks without adjusting parameters.
Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.
A survey by Osaka Metropolitan University found that disaster emergency wells complemented the Kumamoto city government's emergency water supply, speeding up water delivery and improving access. However, some welfare facilities did not use emergency wells despite being nearby, highlighting the importance of publicizing their locations.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that mobile phones can collect useful structural integrity data while crossing bridges. The study found that information about bridge vibrations can be extracted from smartphone-collected accelerometer data, and that this method could add years to a road bridge's lifespan. By leveraging crowdsourced...
Researchers at Rice University have engineered bacteria to quickly sense and report on the presence of various contaminants. The living bioelectronic sensors can be programmed to identify chemical invaders and report within minutes by releasing a detectable electrical current.
Researchers developed high-capacity free-space optical links using unipolar quantum optoelectronic devices, achieving unprecedented data rates of up to 30 Gbit/s at 31-meter distances. The system's performance is resistant to weather conditions and showcases potential for fast, long-range optical links.
A team of CSU researchers has designed a model that can predict which buildings will survive a wildfire, allowing for more effective fire mitigation strategies. By analyzing community networks and incorporating graph theory, the model achieves accuracy rates of up to 86% in predicting building survival.
New research reveals a relationship between virus concentration and organic carbon in wastewater treatment plant effluents. The study found that viruses can affect the concentration of organic carbon, leading to potential negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems nearby.
Researchers found that controlling human mobility in specific areas according to infection levels can effectively reduce COVID-19 transmission. The studies suggested that walkable cities and mask use may play a role in reducing new infections.
A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.
A new analysis by University of Kansas researchers shows that tectonic drivers, such as river steepness and seismic activity, dominate the strength of connectivity in hillslopes across the continental United States. High connectivity zones are associated with increased landslides, while low connectivity zones promote wetland development.
A study has mapped streamflow alterations across the continental US, using measurements from over 7,000 stream gauges. The dataset provides valuable data for determining societal impacts on ecosystems and setting environmental flow standards.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a chiral structure to block all vibration modes in a specific frequency band, effectively reducing any vibration. This innovation has significant implications for various fields like mechanical structures, buildings, and civil engineering.
A new study examines the impact of sea level rise on building foundations and proposes a method for inspection and repair to lower costs. The researchers estimate that the annual repair cost for foundations in Mobile, Alabama, could total $90 million by 2100.
The new Engineering Research Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3) will advance the future of smart streetscapes with cutting-edge technologies. The center aims to improve quality of life, enhance social equity, and stimulate economic development through innovative smart city solutions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.
A new online tool from NIST offers a solution to regularly check ventilation by measuring indoor carbon dioxide levels. The Quick Indoor CO2 (QICO2) calculator takes into account factors like occupants, outdoor CO2 levels, and building size to provide accurate results.
Scientists developed a novel multilayer coating to improve the longevity of steel, increasing its lifespan by up to 400 hours. The coating, comprising three layers, was found to provide higher resistance to rust than conventional Zn coatings.
The 13th Five-Year Plan set goals for green building technologies to improve planning and design, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, high-performance structures and materials, and green construction systems. Despite progress, the number of certified buildings remains low, highlighting challenges in implementing these technologies.
Researchers analyzed the catastrophic failure of Japan's Misasa Railroad Bridge, revealing that flood hydrodynamic forces exceeded seismic design standards by nearly double. The study recommends increasing space under bridges to reduce submersion and designing structures to withstand overflow.
The study highlights opportunities for robotics to support human activities, foster innovation, and enhance monitoring. However, it also identifies potential threats such as exacerbating inequalities and diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification of negative impacts and ...
Researchers developed a computational model to determine optimal places for electric vehicle charging facilities and powerful stations without straining the local power grid. The model considers travel flow, user demand, and regional power infrastructure needs.
Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.
Using denitrifying bacteria in recycled coarse aggregate concrete increases its strength and durability, reducing water absorption by 33% and improving compressive strength by 30.3%. The novel method offers an environmentally friendly solution to enhance freeze-thaw resistance.
The NTU team has developed a process using industrial carbide sludge and urea to create biocement, which can strengthen soil, reduce water seepage, and even repair rock carvings. The biocement-making process generates fewer carbon emissions and requires less energy compared to traditional cement production methods.
A new study by Hiroshima University introduces a novel AI-based technique for estimating site amplification factors from microtremor data. The model demonstrated potential as a predictive tool for characterizing site amplification factors, but notes are needed for further optimization with a larger dataset.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Researchers at UBCO's School of Engineering have developed a new, faster method for analyzing toxic waste materials using fluorescence spectroscopy and convolutional neural networks. This method can detect key toxins such as naphthenic acids in oil sands samples, providing a low-cost alternative to current methods.
A new study by Rice University engineers suggests that wind and solar projects could eliminate the need for coal in Texas, drastically reducing pollution. The research uses optimization modeling to identify the least-cost combinations of proposed wind and solar projects that can replace coal-fired power generation.
A new research project aims to introduce low-carbon concrete elements with high resource utilisation by reusing entire concrete elements from existing buildings as load-bearing structures in new buildings. The entire value chain is represented in the project.
A study from the University of California, Davis, found that reducing leaks in urban water systems can be a highly effective and cost-competitive method for saving water. The research suggests that leak reduction is the most cost-effective tool in an urban water manager's toolkit, with estimated savings of $277 per acre-foot.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.
A new study suggests that digital financial services, intended to reduce inequality, may actually amplify economic disparities among women in developing countries. The study found that physical infrastructure, mobile phone network quality, education, and wealth all play a significant role in determining access to digital finance.
Researchers develop liquid-gas absorption system to store thermal energy in chemical potential, achieving 33% greater energy storage density. The new method uses ionic liquids as absorbents, offering a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions from thermal energy.
A Rice University-led study finds that gas flaring from oil and gas fields in the US contributed to dozens of premature deaths in 2019 due to black carbon particle emissions. The researchers estimated that 26-53 deaths were directly attributable to air quality associated with flares.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology develop a fast and reliable method to detect defects in concrete structures using laser-induced plasma shock waves. The technique analyzes vibration patterns to identify Rayleigh waves, which can reveal the presence of cracks.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have successfully used a quantum gravity gradiometer to detect an object hidden below ground, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive underground mapping, with potential applications in ind...
Researchers developed a highly efficient wave-based acoustics simulation that can accurately estimate the acoustics of large-scale interior spaces. The method uses a time-domain Finite Element Method to consider frequency-dependent characteristics of sound absorption materials, enabling precise modeling and high-speed estimations.
A new study using advanced radar technology has recorded Antarctic glaciers losing ice at unprecedented rates, threatening global climate risks. The research team plans to expand its findings to giant and fragile West Antarctica neighbors, including the Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers.
A West Virginia University researcher is studying the American implementation of turbo roundabouts, designed to limit weaving and lane changing movements. The study aims to reduce conflict points and severity of crashes, with a focus on gauging motorists' responses via computerized driving simulations.
A team of researchers from Penn State has developed a method to optimize acoustic and structural properties of concrete floor slabs. The study found that shaped structures can improve sound insulation performance while reducing embodied carbon emissions.
Researchers from UOC-led OptimalSharing@SmartCities project will analyze inhabitants' mobility patterns and demands to design more efficient shared transport practices. The project aims to develop agile optimization algorithms capable of processing large volumes of data in real-time for dynamic system coordination.
A new open-source tool called SwolfPy helps solid waste systems achieve environmental goals by assessing various options in one place. The tool identifies the range of best possible options for users, depending on their priorities.
Researchers have found that special treatment of minerals called zeolites can efficiently remove methane from the air, with advantages over other methods. The process converts methane into carbon dioxide, which is less impactful in the atmosphere than methane.
Researchers are working on developing low-cost, environmentally benign materials that can selectively remove nutrients from municipal and agricultural wastewaters. The goal is to create novel materials for the recovery of phosphates and nitrates, which could become valuable, environmentally friendly fertilizers for agricultural fields.
A new project led by University of Illinois researchers will develop machine learning models to predict the reactivity of thousands of organic contaminants in engineered and natural environments. This will help scientists better model pollutant fate and transport, leading to more accurate contaminant risk assessments.
A $4.5 million civil engineering study simulates the impact of explosives on structures using a virtual reality platform to develop strategies for combat operations and protect people. The research, led by Hussam Mahmoud, aims to create more resilient structures that can withstand blasts and other forms of damage.
Researchers at MIT created a computational tool to minimize embodied carbon in truss structures by choosing between timber and steel. The analysis suggests that substituting materials or changing the structure can significantly reduce emissions, with potential savings of up to two times current levels.
Researchers from South Korea have demonstrated that applying an electric field during air stripping can significantly improve ammonia removal efficiency from wastewater. The study found that electric fields with alternating current of 50 MHz and power of 15 V/cm increase efficiency from 51% to 94%, even under sub-optimal conditions.
The research team developed a technology for remotely assessing the condition of a building during an earthquake based on the readings from the building's seismometer. The new method uses CNN machine learning to quickly assess damage levels and determine if a building can continue to be used.
Researchers at Rice University are creating a 3D-printed smart helmet with embedded sensors to protect soldiers' brains against kinetic or directed-energy effects. The program aims to modernize standard-issue military helmets by incorporating advances in materials, image processing, artificial intelligence, and energy storage.
New research suggests tidal stream power can provide 11% of the UK's current annual electricity demand, with potential environmental impact comparable to climate change. To achieve this, around 11.5 GW of tidal stream turbine capacity is required, with major grid infrastructure needed for development.
A 13-year-long study finds that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) coatings can sustain concrete structures for extended periods. The study tested FRP and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) systems under various environmental conditions, revealing significant impact on bond behavior.
A $1 million NSF Award supports a project to create an open underground infrastructure map to improve disaster resilience in New York City. The Unification for Underground Resilience Measures (UNUM) project will standardize data sharing and visualization, enabling faster response times and increased safety.
Travelling fires, which burn locally and spread across entire floors over time, can cause significant structural damage in large open-plan spaces. Researchers at Imperial College London have found that these lesser-known fires are a concern for buildings with fuel-rich environments, such as warehouses and offices.