Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
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.
A North Carolina State University study reveals painted road markings outperform thermoplastics in reflecting headlights, helping states comply with federal safety standards and reduce painting costs. The research found that paint reflects more light when driven in the direction of application, saving states millions.
The accelerating urbanization presents a critical component in maintaining stable societies and ensuring quality of life. The integration of information technology into conventional infrastructure systems poses significant challenges due to the complexity of interactions between various systems.
The NRL's Rampant Lion II survey built on the success of Rampant Lion I, completing a geophysical and remote sensing survey of Afghanistan. The upgraded sensor suite collected nearly 30 Tbytes of raw data, advancing airborne remote sensing techniques and supporting the warfighter and economic infrastructure development.
Dr. Thomas H. Wakeman III, a Research Professor at Stevens, has been awarded New Jersey's 'Educator of the Year' by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He is the Deputy Director of Stevens' Center for Maritime Systems and has expertise in port security.
California's Central Valley faces significant risk of floods with extensive loss of life and billions in damages. The University of Maryland engineers recommend a comprehensive flood-risk abatement strategy focusing on land-use planning and ecosystem restoration.
Felice Frankel, a renowned scientific imagist, has been awarded the 2007 Lennart Nilsson Award for her exceptional work in creating crystal-clear scientific illustrations. Her photographs reveal previously invisible aspects of the world and have captivated the attention of scientists and the general public alike.
Leslie R. Brunell, a lecturer at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been named ASCE Educator of the Year for her energy and care in the classroom. Her success in arranging student project sponsorships and internships with major engineering firms is also recognized.
Researchers have modeled past tsunamis to determine the likelihood of future waves and potential impacts on cities along the Sumatran coast. The study reveals that coastal communities face substantial exposure to tsunami surges, particularly in cities like Bengkalu and Padang.
The American Institute of Physics and Acoustical Society of America sponsor the 2006 Acoustics Writing Awards. The awards recognize outstanding popular works on acoustics by journalists or professionals. Entries must be published between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005.
A Senate committee hearing explored the cause of levee failures in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The investigation found that a soft, spongy layer of swamp peat underneath some levee sections may have contributed to breaches, and further analysis is needed to determine its extent.
A recent Penn State study suggests that increasing the truck driver's hours of service beyond 10 hours leads to a significant rise in the risk of crashes. The most concerning increase occurs within the 9th, 10th, and 11th hours of driving.
A University of Toronto study found that upgrading to R2000 homes can save up to $818 a year in energy costs. Homeowners can generate an annual cash flow of $423 by increasing mortgage payments, making energy-efficient homes a financially attractive option.
A new University of Southern California study finds that a tsunami in the region could cause significant economic losses, with Long Beach suffering an estimated $3.6 billion in damage. The study estimates potential damage ranging from $7 billion to $42 billion, with effects felt across Southern California.
A simulation study by Penn State found that underride guards with diagonal struts increase impact resistance, while a height of 16 inches provides the best balance between risk reduction and vehicle penetration. The study aimed to inform the development of rear crash protection devices for heavy trucks.
Researchers found that in-car traffic guidance systems cause a temporary increase in accident risk after drivers are informed of traffic congestion and change their routes. However, the accident risk drops significantly when safety measures such as route selection criteria are added to the system.
A NASA experiment has yielded new insights into the internal fabric of soil and powders under very low confining pressures. The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment showed unusual density patterns and unique shear band formations, which could lead to improved engineering standards and disaster preparedness.