Articles tagged with Civil Engineering
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.