Articles tagged with Construction Engineering
A new study reveals that downtown Houston skyscrapers designed to withstand hurricanes are actually more vulnerable to intense, localized wind forces called downbursts. The research found that these strong winds can cause significant damage to facade panels, cladding, and windows on lower floors.
Researchers developed a five-minute quality test for sustainable cement industry materials, reducing testing time from seven days to just five minutes. The test uses colorimetry and camera technology for real-time quality control of calcined clays, which can partially replace ordinary Portland cement.
The University of Bath's RENEW research center has published a manifesto on regenerative design and engineering to address the climate crisis. The guidebook provides a framework for creating 'Net Positive' buildings, technologies, and systems that renew unity with nature.
A recent discovery in the Amazon reveals a unique drainage and irrigation system that enabled the Casarabe society to produce maize throughout the year. This innovation allowed for at least two harvests of maize per year, ensuring a stable food supply.
A new automated job hazard analysis tool promises to significantly reduce workplace accidents and improve safety in the construction industry. The University of South Australia's research team has built a 'knowledge graph' to predict hazards, which can be analysed in real-time to identify potential risks and control measures.
Researchers from ETH Zurich developed hygroscopic wall and ceiling components that can significantly reduce humidity in heavily used indoor spaces, resulting in a 75% reduction in discomfort index compared to conventional painted walls.
A new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University suggests that storing carbon in buildings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers calculated that using carbonated aggregates to make concrete could absorb a gigaton of CO2 annually.
The Graz University of Technology has developed a modular timber high-rise building system that combines prefabricated 3D timber modules with open load-bearing structures. This allows for flexible adaptations, extended operating life, and reduced resource consumption. The system enables targeted repairs and replacements of individual m...
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a digital monitoring system to prevent costly mistakes in concreting processes. The system uses sensors and algorithms to measure and analyze various parameters, providing real-time warnings for potential issues, and eliminating the need for rework.
Devin Harris and his team have developed an augmented reality app, STRUCT-AR, that allows students to 'stress test' virtual bridges, beams, frames, and trusses. The app, which is set to be tested this spring, aims to improve students' understanding of structural behavior by providing a more interactive and immersive learning experience.
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects applied origami techniques to create living buildings that respond to environmental factors. The researchers combined human design creativity with computational intelligence to increase the effectiveness of designs for environmentally responsive building technologies.
A machine learning model predicts soil behavior during earthquakes, identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction and providing contour maps for safer construction sites. The study uses geological data to create detailed 3D maps of soil layers, improving prediction accuracy by 20%.
Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Wavelogix a two-year, $999,910 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant. The funding will help the company develop a complete solution for scaling up production of its REBEL concrete strength sensors, enabling faster and data-driven decisions in construction engineering.
A team of researchers from Aalto University has developed a bio-based binder material that can significantly reduce carbon emissions from infrastructure construction. The technology binds CO2 gas in a stable, solid carbonate form within the cementitious clay layer, making ground improvement itself carbon-negative.
A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.
The new material resists cracking and avoids sudden failure, unlike conventional brittle cement-based counterparts. By manipulating the structure of the material itself, researchers achieve significant improvements in toughness without additional material.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.
By combining design schemes with robotic additive manufacturing, researchers increased crack resistance in concrete by up to 63% compared to conventional cast concrete. The technique relies on mechanisms that shield cracks, interlock fractured surfaces, or deflect cracks from a straight path.
Recent advancements in China have transformed large-span arch bridge construction, showcasing cutting-edge techniques and innovative materials. The country's landmark bridges, such as the Pingnan Third Bridge and Tian'e Longtan Bridge, exemplify these breakthroughs.
Researchers at Princeton and UCLA developed a passive mechanism to cool buildings in summer and warm them in winter by restricting radiant heat flows. Common materials like polyvinyl fluoride and plastics can be adapted for this purpose, achieving energy savings and thermal comfort beyond traditional building envelopes.
A hybrid disaster response approach that combines local data collection with remote expertise saved lives in the Haiti earthquake. Traditional Haitian construction techniques proved to be more effective than modern approaches, with certain homes built using these methods performing better in the earthquake.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite that mimics the strength and flexibility of seashells, increasing crack resistance and ductility. The composite, inspired by nacre's microstructure, exhibits improved fracture toughness and deformability, making it potentially tougher, safer, and more durable.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method of monitoring infrastructure using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing systems. This technology allows for early detection of issues, reducing the need for time-consuming repairs.
RMIT's low-carbon concrete has been shown to recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, reducing cement requirements by half. The new mixture also performs exceptionally well over time, with large concrete beam prototypes meeting Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.
Researchers have introduced the 8IMEM quantification method to evaluate regolith solidification techniques, finding regolith bagging as the highest-rated technique. The study proposes a four-stage plan for lunar infrastructure construction, with regolith bag technology as a solution for lunar base construction.
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
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...
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 developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.
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.
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.
Researchers in Panama have created a novel insulation material using rice husk and cellulose, reducing plastic consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The material has competitive thermal conductivity compared to natural and recycled insulation materials.
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.
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.
The University of Illinois will establish a new research center dedicated to autonomous construction technologies, focusing on control systems, expert systems, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing technologies. The center aims to translate emerging technologies into real-world solutions for the US Army and State of Illinois.
Researchers analyzed over 650 dam removal projects and found median costs vary by height, with the Northwest accounting for the highest cost. The tool will help decision-makers manage large numbers of aging dams approaching obsolescence.
A new recycling method for carbon and glass fibre composites has been developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, which can reduce energy use by 70% and preserve mechanical properties. The approach ensures increased material recovery and improved energy efficiency compared to previous methods.
The SRF Operations team at Jefferson Lab has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring quality management for production and delivery of excellent products. The certification requires a process-based system with documentation to address every requirement.
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 team of scientists, including a University of Central Florida researcher, is developing oyster-based shoreline protection for U.S. coastlines. The project aims to create self-repairing reef-mimicking structures to mitigate coastal flooding and erosion.
A Texas A¼M researcher has received a $3M NSF grant to test 3D printing living matter for substituting petroleum-based plastics in packaging, furniture and construction industries. The project aims to create locally available materials that can generate domestic jobs.
Researchers have engineered yeast Ogataea polymorpha to produce fatty alcohols from sole methanol by coupling peroxisomal metabolism. This approach improves cellular fitness and enables high-level production of up to 3.6 g/L. The study provides a feasible engineering strategy for sustainable production of fatty alcohols.
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%.
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 University of Central Florida researchers found that people who are more environmentally friendly and satisfied with their life are more likely to cycle post-pandemic. The survey analysis of over 7,000 respondents showed a significant increase in cycling intentions among women without vehicles and full-time employees.
PhD candidate Benjamin Stavnar Elveli's research investigates how different types of steel plates behave under combined ballistic impacts. His work aims to establish guidelines for lightweight, resistant structures. The study shows that simplified approaches can have weaknesses, highlighting the need for accurate computer simulations.
Researchers at UCF have developed single-atom platinum catalysts that reduce the amount of precious metals needed in catalytic converters. These improvements can enhance catalytic performance while minimizing environmental harm.
A $2.3 million grant from the US Department of Energy funds a 'solar testbed' at I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont, supporting research on battery storage, grid integration, and cybersecurity. The project aims to assess solar panel health and monitor grid interactions with solar power.
Researchers found that global wave models can vary in their estimates of extreme wave heights by up to 20 feet, which can lead to underprotected areas during extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for considering multiple models and modern observational data to better assess offshore and coastal risks.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
Researchers uncover ancient manufacturing strategy that incorporates self-healing functionalities into Roman concrete. Hot mixing process allows for faster construction and enhanced durability through spontaneous cracking and recrystallization.
Researchers have made significant progress toward creating robots that can build nearly anything, including vehicles, buildings, and even bigger robots. The new system uses complex voxels that can carry power, data, and force, enabling the building of structures with intelligence.
Researchers developed an intelligent compaction technology that integrates into a road roller, assessing real-time the quality of road base compaction. This improves road construction, reducing potholes and maintenance costs, leading to safer and more resilient roads.
A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an algorithm that enables 2D materials to maintain their mechanical strength after conversion into 3D structures. The algorithm is inspired by kirigami art and mimics the structure of nacre, a natural shell coating known for its robust mechanical properties.
A new study examines the impact of sea level rise on building foundations and proposes a method for inspection and repair to lower costs. The researchers estimate that the annual repair cost for foundations in Mobile, Alabama, could total $90 million by 2100.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed an invisible coating that can 'fireproof' wood by forming a char that expands to prevent combustion. This technology has the potential to reduce costs and improve fire resistance, making it an attractive solution for the construction industry.
Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.
Using denitrifying bacteria in recycled coarse aggregate concrete increases its strength and durability, reducing water absorption by 33% and improving compressive strength by 30.3%. The novel method offers an environmentally friendly solution to enhance freeze-thaw resistance.