Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
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.
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.
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.
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.
Furst and Graham will evaluate the effect of extreme heat on disinfection efficacy and failure risk, using simulated distribution system studies for conventional chlorine and chlorocyanurates. They anticipate chlorocyanurate disinfection to be most resilient to high temperatures.
Scientists from Japan create a new, more efficient form of liquefied stabilized soil from construction waste that can fill narrow spaces and be pumped over long distances. The material has improved flowability and lower environmental impact, making it suitable for large-scale civil engineering projects.
Researchers from Texas A&M University's Department of Geography and collaborating departments aim to improve understanding of how environmental hazards influence human health outcomes. The project, 'Climate-LEAD,' will create robust models using localized data to inform decision-making in vulnerable communities.
A team has developed a comprehensive platform called HydroBIM for digital design, intelligent construction, and smart operation of hydropower engineering projects. The platform improves efficiency by 1.5 to 2 times compared to conventional methods, enhancing cooperation, work efficiency, and information integration.
The University of Missouri's Missouri Work Zone Safety Center of Excellence aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in highway work zones through research and outreach. The center will focus on integrating emerging technologies, data analysis, and countermeasures to address distracted driving and other safety concerns.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
A University of Illinois Chicago-led study investigates the aftermath of the East Palestine chemical spill, collecting data on residents' experiences and communication from authorities about water quality. The project aims to improve disaster response and provide new findings on the relationship between people and critical infrastructure.
Researchers develop low-cost, scalable energy storage system using cement and carbon black. The technology facilitates renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power by providing stable energy networks.
A team of researchers developed a solution using GPT-4 to automate analysis of building operational data, providing comprehensive support for energy management. The codes generated by GPT-4 demonstrate high accuracy in energy load prediction and fault diagnosis.
Researchers developed a liquid nanofoam cushion that can absorb and dissipate high-force blows in collisions, reducing the risk of injury. The material is more flexible, comfortable to wear, and can be designed as lighter and smaller protective devices.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a novel brine treatment technology called electrodialytic crystallization that reduces energy consumption and cost of brine crystallization. The technology uses an electric field to induce salt crystallization without using costly evaporation methods.
Researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln are working on safeguarding US military base entry points against EV threats, focusing on high-speed ramming and zero-to-60 acceleration. The team will employ digital simulations and physical crash tests to refine barriers designed to withstand such impacts.
A study examined the seismic performance of 12 hospitals in Turkey's southcentral region, finding that base-isolated structures performed better than fixed-base ones during the 2023 earthquakes. The report provides valuable insights for policymakers and engineers to enhance hospital resilience and disaster response strategies.
Researchers at MIT have created a metal-free, Jell-O-like material that can conduct electricity similarly to conventional metals. The material is made into a printable ink, which the researchers patterned into flexible, rubbery electrodes.
Researchers develop AI-based method to quantify cracking patterns in reinforced concrete structures, enabling more accurate and efficient assessments of structural damage. The approach uses graph theory and machine learning algorithms to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each set of cracks, allowing for quick and consistent evaluations.
A new Danish research project, CP-SENS, aims to develop a digital twin platform for the mechanical and construction industries. The project will provide companies with access to intelligent IT systems tailored to their needs, enabling them to adopt digital twins without significant financial investment.
A WVU researcher is developing a data-driven approach to enhance roadway maintenance operations, incorporating AI analysis of real-time data from sensors on consumer cars and roadside observation stations. The goal is to minimize time and resources spent on less affected roadways, reducing winter maintenance costs and time.
Researchers at SMU measured Dallas's resilience using anonymous cell phone data before, during, and after the February 2021 North American winter storm. The study found that Dallas recovered almost immediately after the winter storm ended, indicating a great degree of resilience among its residents.
Researchers found that trusted change agents can alter consumer behavior to maintain adequate supply levels. The top three themes of disaster-related buying behaviors are precaution, anticipation, and social cues.
Researchers highlight the need for a coherent international framework for decommissioning offshore structures due to limited evidence on their environmental impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for consensus on future approaches as an estimated 1,800 offshore wind turbines will require decommissioning by 2030.
The new model maximizes coverage area and minimizes response time, accounting for hot spots. It outperformed existing techniques in computational testing, improving response times regardless of traffic size.
The WVU SMARTER center aims to improve mobility in rural areas through self-driving cars, ride-sharing services, and bike sharing. The center will develop infrastructure and technology barriers to ensure accessibility for all people.
Researchers have developed a novel photoelectrochemical ultraviolet photodetector that can detect two types of ultraviolet light using a multilayered nanostructure. The detector's performance can be regulated through light intensity and external bias, enabling easy adaptation to environmental changes.
Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.
Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.
Designing low-carbon multi-storey buildings requires focusing on efficient shapes, structural frames, limited window sizes, and ventilation with heat recovery. The study found that these elements can save up to six gigatonnes of carbon by 2050 and reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 28-44%.
A team of MIT researchers has created an 'unclonable' label system to combat counterfeit seeds in Africa, where fake seeds can cost farmers up to two-thirds of expected crop yields. The system uses biodegradable silk-based tags with unique codes that cannot be replicated.
A new course at Norwegian University of Science and Technology teaches risk management and resilience in maritime digital security. Despite the importance of training, many deck officers reported uncertainty about handling cyber incidents on board.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.
The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.
A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a new method to monitor flocculation and mixing in real-time, allowing for more precise control over the process. This technique reduces energy consumption by halving the workload and improving precision.
A recent study, led by Purdue University researchers, identified key decisions and resource limitations during the Marshall Fire in Colorado. The findings highlight ways to minimize drinking water safety risks and expedite recovery for wildfire-vulnerable communities.