Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
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.
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 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.
Researchers found that certain nanomaterials break down rapidly when exposed to light but decompose slowly in its absence. This discovery highlights the need for better understanding of nanomaterial behavior under environmental conditions.
A University of Missouri researcher is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to explore how time can factor in a building collapse. She's conducting thousands of hours of laboratory tests to determine the breaking points of reinforced concrete building materials.
Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.
Researchers from Incheon National University developed two new ANFIS-based models to estimate photovoltaic power generation ahead of time by up to a full day. The hybrid algorithms combined traditional ANFIS with particle swarm optimization methods, outperforming other models in predicting solar system values.
Shiloh Deitz's dissertation project focuses on filling the data gap for accessible pedestrian routing and tools, particularly for persons with limited mobility. The research evaluates AI methods and critical geoAI to improve data quality and enhance independent travel options.
Cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, caused by urban infrastructure absorbing heat. Researchers propose applying cooler surfaces to strategic locations to decrease cost and increase usage, offering an effective solution for resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Aleksandar Stevanovic, University of Pittsburgh associate professor, receives Fulbright Specialist Program award to develop Intelligent Transportation Systems in Serbia. The project aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon footprint in urban networks.
A UTA research team is testing a geothermal de-icing system on an operational bridge to assess its performance under real-world conditions. The system, designed by Xinbao Yu and Anand Puppala, uses heating fluid to melt ice and snow from beneath the bridge deck.
Dr. Nick Fang is developing a statewide guidance manual for early warning systems and a flood information system for Houston, using $250,000 grants from the TWDB and city of Houston. The tools aim to enhance flood resilience in Texas communities, providing real-time warnings and predictive analytics.
The summit will discuss strategies for Biden's infrastructure programs, their implications on the Korean New Deal, and opportunities for grand economic collaboration. It will also feature talks on integration of US national infrastructure investment plans and Korea's Digital Green New Deal.
Shanjiang Zhu is developing an Android version of the InfraHub smartphone app to report bicycle and pedestrian facility issues. The project also includes social media outreach to encourage users to report facility issues.
A new study predicting human exodus in Bangladesh due to sea-level rise and climate change has significant global implications. The research model considers economic and human behavior factors, predicting that districts along the Bay of Bengal will be the first impacted, triggering a ripple effect across the country.
Community newspapers across the US are reevaluating their business models in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing self-advocacy and exploring new revenue streams. Journalists are now open to discussing the challenges facing their profession and recognizing the importance of community investment.
Seven African organizations have received funding for innovative COVID-19 data projects from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, GovLab, and AFD. The projects aim to address social, economic, and health challenges in Africa through new collaborations with non-traditional datasets.
Anna Choromanska receives $532,892 grant to develop efficient deep learning training strategies and promote STEM education. Her work has significant implications for various industries and society, highlighting the impact of young researchers in academia.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from CISA to develop a system for identifying and prioritizing high-value assets in state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. The two-year pilot program aims to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
The Advanced Laser Light Source Laboratory (ALLS) at INRS has received significant funding to upgrade its laser facilities, enabling researchers to access revolutionary applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science. This upgrade positions INRS as a leader in ultrafast science and quantum technologies.
Kathleen Smits, a UTA civil engineering associate professor, has received two grants to investigate leak detection and repair methods for underground pipelines. Her team will create models to understand gas migration speeds and develop methods to measure gas buildup above ground.
A novel method for measuring spatial dependencies uses mathematical techniques normally used for time-series analysis to identify influences between geographic phenomena in small data sets. The approach allows for robust inferences of influences and interpolations to intermediate areas or distant regions, even with limited data.
Kathleen Smits' innovative approach links environmental data with gas concentration readings to understand leak severity and migration. The research aims to examine reoccurrence of leaks, urbanization effects, and repaired leaks that continue to vent, providing critical insights for industry and regulators.
A new research project funded by TxDOT aims to examine the effectiveness of green pavement markings on Texas streets. The study will investigate the use, safety, longevity, and performance of these markings, which are painted green to increase visibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
The study found that long-period buildings experienced the most amplification of shaking from the Ridgecrest earthquake, with maximum amplification occurring in the western part of the L.A. basin and the south-central San Fernando Valley. This could result in high-rise buildings in those areas experiencing shaking four times larger tha...
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has released a comprehensive dataset tracking human interactions outside COVID-19 hotspots. The data set, which includes location information and behavioral choices, will aid in the development of machine learning models to predict virus transmission.
Maggioni's project examines precipitation and its impact on hydroclimatic hazards in the region. Researchers aim to provide new knowledge on changing precipitation patterns and their effects on hydrologic processes.
Cornell University engineers are designing the nation's first statewide Internet of Things public infrastructure to provide universal network coverage and promote responsible data-sharing in underserved areas.
A research team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a novel approach to fabricating MXene films that can effectively block electromagnetic interference. The drop-casting method on pre-patterned hydrophobic substrates resulted in a 38% enhancement of EMI shielding efficiency over conventional methods, making it scalable an...
George Mason University researchers will acquire a reconfigurable computing system, Gunston, to support diverse areas of scientific research and education. The system, based on OpenStack architecture, will provide traditional HPC and virtualized environments to meet the growing needs of researchers.
A team of researchers led by Elisa Riedo demonstrated a method for fabricating high-quality p-n junctions on single atomic layers of molybdenum disulfide, enabling bipolar conductivity in 2D semiconductors. The technique uses thermal scanning probe lithography to create nanoscale-resolution doping patterns.
A team of researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering used machine learning to reverse-engineer 3D-printed composite parts, demonstrating a method to capture fiber orientation with high accuracy. The study highlights the potential risks of intellectual property theft in 3D printing and emphasizes the need for secure toolpaths.
The Data Assembly aims to inform policymakers on responsible data re-use for COVID-19, balancing benefits and costs. The project explores public concerns and perspectives on data governance.
Di's project aims to develop a novel modeling and simulation platform to project future mixed-traffic dynamics and assist in socially optimal policy-making. She will leverage her expertise in travel behavioral modeling and network optimization to create a game-theoretic framework that incorporates game theory, dynamic control, data sci...