Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
A proposed US carbon-capture network, funded by new tax credits, could capture up to 30 million metric tons of CO2 annually, doubling current global emissions reductions. The network would transfer captured CO2 from ethanol refineries in the Midwest to oilfields in Texas for enhanced oil recovery.
A UBC study analyzed pedestrian behavior at a busy intersection in Kamloops, B.C., finding that over a third of pedestrians were distracted by their cellphones. Distracted pedestrians had slower walking speeds, more unstable gait patterns, and took longer to cross the road, increasing the risk of conflicts with vehicles.
A team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering made surprising findings about the physics of water entry, particularly with solid objects in the water. The study revealed unexpected effects, including a decrease in pressure near a solid cylinder and an increase in pressure towards the keel of a wedge.
A research team of engineers, led by Professor Camillo Nuti at Roma Tre University, investigated the Leaning Tower of Pisa's survival despite strong earthquakes. The team found that dynamic soil-structure interaction (DSSI) helped the tower survive due to its unique combination of height and foundation soil stiffness.
Researchers tracked ransomware payments over two years to identify patterns and key findings. South Koreans are disproportionately impacted, with $2.5 million of ransomware payments made within the country. The study also found that most ransomware operators use a Russian Bitcoin exchange, BTC-E, to convert bitcoin to fiat currencies.
Dr. Mohammad Najafi is leading a $53,000 research project to examine the safety risks of steam sealing in repaired pipes, focusing on emissions and worker protection.
A UTA researcher is leading a $400,000 project to create new pipeline-coating technology for six state transportation departments. The goal is to extend the design life of storm-water pipes and culverts by up to 50 years.
Researchers developed a neural network-based model to assess coastal communities' resiliency to hurricanes. The model forecasts storms in terms of impacts, rather than just wind speed, and has been tested during real-time storms, including Hurricane Harvey.
A new study reveals that America's power supply might be more adaptable to climate change due to maintenance and efficient energy technology. However, further research is needed to understand the collective strengths and vulnerabilities of the US power grid under climate conditions.
Tandon researcher Jin Montclare develops phosphotriesterase (PTE) variants to neutralize toxic chemical agents, including VX and organophosphorus compounds. Her goal is to create stable, robust, and effective antidotes with improved therapeutic efficacy.
A new national report provides comprehensive guidelines for innovative water-saving techniques, emphasizing safe expansion of water reuse systems. Decentralized non-potable water systems, which use local water sources, are highlighted as a promising approach to reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent.
D.J. Seo, a UTA professor, will use a $281,790 grant to implement hyper-resolution modeling in the National Water Model, allowing for street-resolving details and more accurate flooding predictions. The resulting model will enable officials to pinpoint specific neighborhoods impacted by flooding.
Seongjin Noh, a UTA civil engineer, has received a two-year grant to improve the quality of forecasts based on the National Water Model. He will use data assimilation to create a streamflow data assimilator that can predict floods and droughts more accurately.
A new study by QUT suggests that toll roads and tunnels can be made more cost-effective by putting a dollar value on the savings from traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution. The research found that governments should consider benefits beyond financial analysis when deciding on infrastructure investment.
The Columbia Engineering team will design a methodology to test various adaptation strategies and their ability to protect interdependent infrastructure. They will investigate physical, protective options such as sea-walls and elevating houses to reduce damage from storm-induced flooding.
Researchers at NYU Tandon have devised an application called IllusionPIN that uses a hybrid-image keyboard to make it difficult for observers to discern PINs or access codes. The technology was tested in simulated shoulder-surfing attacks, with no successful attempts made.
The iSeeFlood app, developed in 2016, is designed to gather data on flash floods, which can be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists. The app, which has now been made available for iPhones, encourages users to report flooding incidents, providing valuable information for cities and emergency services.
The University of Texas at Arlington team will inspect 350 concrete manhole shafts for corrosion, measuring hydrogen sulfide and other parameters to prioritize protection. The study aims to develop a system for prioritizing manhole protection, benefiting the city's infrastructure and water engineers.
A group of NYU Tandon School of Engineering researchers have discovered ways to deliberately embed hidden flaws in CAD files to thwart intellectual property theft. By intentionally inducing defects that disappear under specific conditions, manufacturers can prevent counterfeit parts from being produced.
NYU Tandon and Michigan State University researchers discovered that partial fingerprints can be used to trick biometric security systems, making them more vulnerable. The study found an average of 92 potential MasterPrints for every batch of 800 partial prints, highlighting the need for multi-factor authentication schemes.
A new EU report highlights knowledge gaps in reducing risks linked to space weather and recommends policy, industry, and science collaborations to close these gaps. The report also emphasizes the need for early warning systems and better communication between science and industry.
A new automated system, called CRAQ, detects cracks in the steel components of nuclear power plants using an advanced algorithm and machine learning technique. The system outperformed two others under development, providing more robust results by processing multiple video frames and filtering out falsely detected cracks.
Researchers at NYU Tandon are developing a deep learning system that enables self-driving cars to navigate and respond to changing road conditions. The system uses data from onboard sensors and information from HERE HD Live Map, a cloud-based service for automated driving.
James H. Garrett Jr., dean of the College of Engineering, was elected for contributions to computing and civil engineering. Vijayakumar Bhagavatula, a professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, was elected for research contributions to pattern recognition. This marks the 143rd year of AAAS Fellows selection.
The ADVANCE grant aims to create an inclusive academic culture to encourage women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. Clemson will implement measures to improve the campus climate, mentorship, and family-friendly policies to retain female faculty members.
David A. Sabatini, OU professor, receives the Steven K. Dentel Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors Award for Global Outreach for his outstanding contributions to environmental engineering and science outreach activities globally. The award acknowledges his work as director of the OU Water Technologies for Em...
Cybersecurity researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a unique chip that checks for sabotage and detects malicious circuitry. The chip uses an embedded module to prove its calculations are correct and an external module to validate those proofs, providing a safety net against hardware defects.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new system to predict floods in real-time using advanced computing resources. With the National Flood Interoperability Experiment (NFIE), they can forecast floods continually, improving the accuracy and speed of flood warnings for communities nationwide.
A Northwestern University class estimated the costs and benefits of securing water heaters against earthquake damage. The study concluded that investing in water heater protection would yield a low return on investment compared to buying lottery tickets with high jackpots.
Pedestrians perceive higher safety in streets with white light compared to yellowish lights, possibly due to improved face identification. The study also found that high blue-wavelength lights inhibit melatonin levels more effectively.
A Kansas State University study found that the High Plains Aquifer's groundwater depletion peaked in 2006 and is expected to decrease by 50% over the next 100 years. Researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 wells and developed a logistic equation to project future water levels through 2110.
Virginia Tech has won a $2.5 million grant to establish its own center for earth and environmental nanotechnology infrastructure, part of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure network. The center will focus on characterization, fabrication, and analysis of nanomaterials in soil, water, air, and biological systems.
Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's dactyl club can filter out certain frequencies of shear waves, making it an effective material for body armor and athletic gear. The study aims to develop synthetic materials with similar filtering properties for various industries, including aerospace and automotive.
A multidisciplinary team of NYU researchers suggests that temperature changes in the tissues of the body be used as a safety metric for mobile devices operating at mmWave frequencies, rather than power density. They propose using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor thermal changes and ensure device safety.
Notre Dame researchers have created a paper test card that can detect low-quality antimalarial drugs with high sensitivity and accuracy. The test card uses 12 colorful chemical tests to identify the presence or absence of key ingredients, helping people in developing countries identify suspicious medications before they harm patients.
A team of researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington is exploring ways to use geothermal energy to make bridges and overpasses safer during winter weather. By pumping groundwater through a circulation pipe, they can warm the bridge deck to melt ice and snow, reducing treacherous road conditions.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher has been awarded a $220,000 Caltrans project to analyze and evaluate California's bridge foundations for safety and compliance with federal AASHTO standards. The research will also consider external factors such as vehicle load, weight, speed, and earthquakes.
Researchers investigate the communications behind swarming behavior using a combination of robotic replicas and live zebrafish, shedding light on the complex information flow within animal groups. The study's findings have implications for behavioral brain research and neuropsychobiology.
The VuePod allows users to explore 3D environments created from point data, including images captured by LIDAR and drones. This enables engineers to detect changes in natural landscapes and monitor infrastructure more effectively.
A team of international researchers, led by Professor Wayne Brodland from the University of Waterloo, found that wounds knit together through a complex process involving cellular crawling and contraction. This discovery has potential applications in addressing major health issues such as birth defects and cancer
A groundbreaking nationwide study found that people of color are exposed to 38% higher levels of nitrogen dioxide outdoor air pollution compared to white people. The health impacts are substantial, with an estimated 7,000 deaths from heart disease among nonwhites each year if they breathed the lower NO2 levels experienced by whites.
The Penn State-led team aims to improve existing hydrological predictions and study the coupling of water with its environment. The goal is to create a strategic tool to assist in decision-making for extreme weather events.
A University of Texas at Arlington civil engineer will investigate the impact of technology on pedestrian safety, sustainable commuting practices and driver safety. The research aims to develop comprehensive, more livable transportation solutions that prioritize community and public health.
Seventy-seven wildfires have been reported in Saskatchewan, with the largest burning over 247 acres. The province's 'observation zone' policy allows fires to burn naturally, reducing suppression costs.
The University of New Hampshire professor Paul Kirshen will discuss the need for cities to adapt to changing climates. He'll present a case study of East Boston's coastal vulnerability and stress the importance of taking steps today to prepare for future events.
A study suggests that Toronto can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 31-71% by 2031 by implementing a low-carbon urban infrastructure plan. The aggressive scenario includes retrofitting all existing buildings, using renewable heating and cooling systems, and proliferating electric cars.
A study by University of Iowa researchers predicts that North Atlantic tropical storms will become more intense as CO2 levels rise, with potentially devastating consequences for the East Coast US. The research used computer models and scenarios to examine projected changes in storm intensity and frequency.
A UT Arlington civil engineering assistant professor is teaming up with a private sector engineer to develop a tool for rehabilitating manholes. The project aims to improve the structural capabilities of common manhole materials and provide vital information for decision-makers.
Warming temperatures have rendered the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map obsolete, shifting cold-weather zones northward. Dr. Nir Krakauer's analysis found that over one-third of the country has shifted half-zones and over one-fifth has shifted full zones, allowing for more frequent updates to gardening plans.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that multinational firms perform better over time, especially when they have a global strategy and coordinate efforts across multiple countries. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 48,000 firms, also found that firm size does not affect success in multinationality.
A team of scientists at CU Denver has developed a novel energy system that increases the amount of energy harvested from microbial fuel cells by more than 70 times. This breakthrough improves energy efficiency and enables active extractions of electrons from bacteria.
A comprehensive supply chain map reveals challenges in accessing anti-malarial drugs in Africa due to economic, political and infrastructural barriers. Local transport options like donkey carts and bicycles should be considered for rural areas.
A two-year energy audit by McMaster University identified significant energy conservation measures that could save Hamilton schools almost $2.4 million annually. The audit found opportunities to install advanced heat recovery systems, boilers, solar, and wind generating systems.
A Virginia Tech engineer is leading a government team to investigate the geotechnical impacts of the magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The team will focus on documenting extreme events and their effects on infrastructure.
A WSU researcher is conducting a four-year project to better understand how practicing civil engineers learn and apply engineering concepts. The study aims to develop a model of engineering thinking and research-based curricular materials based on the engineers' actual use of concepts.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by treating municipal wastewater solids at higher temperatures. This approach can destroy up to 99.9% of bacterial genes that confer resistance, making it a potential tool in the fight against superbugs.
Holly Morris and Randy Atkins received the IEEE-USA Award for Literary Contributions Furthering Public Understanding of the Profession. Their award includes a $1,500 honorarium for their live coverage and podcast reporting on engineering innovations.
Researchers found that a mix of purchasing options can significantly lower costs and increase available water, while avoiding supply failures during droughts. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of buying diverse stocks with water risk management.
Amy Cerato, a University of Oklahoma assistant professor, has been selected for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She is being recognized for her research on designing robust foundations in marginal soils, which could save the US billions annually by repairing infrastructure built on expansive soil.
A team of University of Minnesota students, ReachOut Water Solutions, has won the Acara Challenge to provide clean water to thousands of residents in Mumbai's slums. Their plan combines source water storage, ultraviolet treatment, and a novel distribution system to supply 50 liters of clean water per day.