Articles tagged with Construction Materials
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new design approach to reduce the cost of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by optimizing metallic fibers, which currently make up 70% of the material's price. The new design can help produce stronger and more environmentally friendly concrete while reducing costs.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a method to quantify CO2 absorbed by cementitious materials and its atmospheric contamination using carbon isotope measurements. This breakthrough aims to improve carbon accounting and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in concrete production.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new bio-based material using yeast, cellulose, alginate, glycerol, and water. The material can be 3D printed, has customizable properties, and is biodegradable, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.
A new study transforms spent coffee grounds into a high-performance, biodegradable thermal insulation material with potential applications in buildings and packaging. The material achieved comparable thermal conductivity to commercial expanded polystyrene and showed biodegradability under enzyme treatment.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are designing how humans will build and survive on the moon, focusing on sustainable construction using lunar regolith. The institution's efforts aim to reduce costs associated with shipping materials to the moon, making it possible to produce rocket propellant locally.
A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a prefabricated brick wall system that can be dismantled and re-used without being destroyed. The system reduces CO2 emissions by up to 60% compared to conventional construction methods, offering significant environmental benefits.
Researchers developed a cellulose-based aerogel inspired by white beetles' optical structure, achieving high solar reflectance and infrared emissivity through hierarchical photonic scattering networks. The material achieved daytime subambient cooling of up to 7.1 °C and reduced building energy consumption by 43.5% on average.
Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.
Wavelogix, a concrete sensor manufacturer, has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to refine and scale its Rebel concrete strength sensing system. The system enables faster, data-driven decisions through real-time concrete strength monitoring.
Researchers have developed a new framework to detect possible damage in concealed cold-formed steel construction framing materials, utilizing ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence. The technology allows for rapid detection of damage, enabling inspectors to verify only flagged spots without removing walls or cladding.
University of Pittsburgh engineers develop predictive models for longitudinal cracking on concrete pavements to improve road performance and reduce repairs. The project aims to create a nationwide infrastructure solution by pinpointing root causes and developing mechanistic-empirical models.
A team from UCO develops a 100% recycled paving block made from mollusk shells and mining waste, replacing natural aggregates and conventional cement. The block meets mechanical, durability, and safety criteria without using single natural material, contributing to circular economy and decarbonization in the construction sector.
The University of East London and STRABAG UK have developed a pioneering low-carbon grout that replaces traditional cement-heavy annulus grout, reducing embodied carbon by over 61%. The innovation uses repurposed construction waste and agricultural by-products to create a sustainable alternative.
MIT engineers have designed a 3D-printed floor truss system made from recycled plastic, which exceeds building standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The printed flooring can hold over 4,000 pounds and weighs about 13 pounds per truss, making it a lighter alternative to traditional wood-based trusses.
A laboratory study found that adding biochar to living wall substrates improves thermal insulation while retaining moisture more efficiently. Biochar-amended mixes showed lower thermal conductivity and improved moisture retention, reducing irrigation demand and weight when fully saturated.
A new framework developed by researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology enables builders to reuse structural elements confidently, extending the lifespan of used concrete by 50-100 years. The study's findings show that reusing concrete is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions and reduce waste in construction.
Researchers developed a high-resolution 3D ultrasonic imaging system for concrete that automatically adapts to different materials, improving contrast between defects and background material. The system uses a wide range of frequencies and can handle diverse materials without manual tuning.
Researchers from Hanbat National University develop switchable thermochromic transparent woods for smart windows, blocking UV radiation and reducing thermal conductivity. The material enables energy-autonomous light regulation and protects skin without sacrificing visible light.
MIT researchers analyzed a recently discovered Pompeii construction site to shed new light on ancient Roman concrete, which has endured for thousands of years. They found that hot-mixing was indeed used by the Romans, contradicting ancient texts and providing valuable insights into a material with self-healing properties.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute created a carbon-negative building material called enzymatic structural material (ESM) that offers a new alternative to traditional concrete. ESM sequesters more than 6 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter, reducing emissions by nearly 80% compared to conventional concrete.
A new study assesses various wall and floor types for their climate impact and acoustic performance, finding that timber outperforms standard steel studs in terms of climate friendliness. The research also highlights the importance of considering both acoustic comfort and environmental sustainability when designing buildings.
Researchers warn of structural weakening in urban areas as a result of groundwater overexploitation, posing risks to millions of people. Satellite radar data reveals nearly 1.9 million people exposed to subsidence rates greater than 4 millimeters per year.
The global construction sector's carbon footprint is projected to double by 2050, driven by cement, steel, and brick emissions. A material revolution is needed to reduce reliance on these materials and explore low-carbon alternatives.
Researchers at Wuzhou University and Guangzhou University in China explored gemstone polishing waste as a possible additive in cement. Their study found that the waste significantly enhances thermal conductivity up to 159% and reduces electrical resistivity by up to 94% in cement, revealing an unexpected potential for 'smart' materials.
Engineers at RMIT University have developed cardboard-confined rammed earth, a novel building material that uses locally sourced materials and reduces waste going to landfill. The material boasts one quarter of the carbon footprint of concrete and can be made on-site using cardboard formwork.
The BRIDGES proposal aims to develop a circular bioeconomy in the southeastern US by converting perennial agricultural grass crops into consumer goods. This initiative will create new markets for farmers and produce needed products while developing the region's workforce, ultimately providing access to high-paying jobs.
The authors argue that energy availability has driven architectural design throughout history, with fossil fuels transforming buildings in the 17th century. They challenge conventional wisdom on sustainability, highlighting the high energy costs of modern minimalist designs like the Seagram Building.
Researchers create a biohybrid supercapacitor by embedding energy-producing bacteria in cement, storing electrical energy and regenerating its capacity. The material shows promising potential for future development and can recover up to 80% of its original energy capacity.
Brazilian researchers have developed a ceramic clay that is lighter than traditional materials by adding algae from the Sargassum genus. The addition of sargassum reduced the apparent density of lightweight ceramic clay aggregates, improving thermal comfort and reducing environmental harm.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of hidden motions in granular materials like soil and snow, which can control their movement. This discovery could help understand how landslides and avalanches work, as well as benefit industries such as construction and grain filling.
Researchers Kent Harries and Luisa Molari are advancing sustainable bamboo construction by sharing experience and insight to standardize its use. Bamboo, with its strong culms and effective carbon sequestration, holds promise for affordable housing globally.
Researchers investigated the sustainability of ancient Roman concrete, finding that reproducing its recipe would require comparable energy and water, emitting similar CO2. However, Roman concrete's heightened durability might make it a more sustainable option due to reduced maintenance needs, potentially reducing environmental impact.
Scientists have identified a reliable method to achieve stabilization in compressed earth blocks using recycled glass particles and lime. Testing showed that a mix of 10% lime and 10% recycled glass produced the strongest blocks with no cracking under intense pressure.
Drexel engineers create vascular network within cement-based building materials that can help passively regulate surface temperature, reducing energy loss in buildings. The approach is inspired by nature's circulatory system and uses phase-change material to maintain a desired indoor temperature.
In a groundbreaking pilot project, South Sioux City has constructed a 4,000-foot stretch of Foundry Road using two million recycled plastic bags. This innovative asphalt blend aims to reduce plastic waste while improving road durability under varied weather conditions.
A research team is integrating microorganisms into façade coatings to create 'living tattoos' on building walls. These organisms will protect surfaces from weathering, store CO2, and filter pollutants from the air.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have created a formula for a self-repairing grout that can seal cracks in large buildings. The grout incorporates crystalline additives, which react with water to generate crystals capable of sealing cracks, minimizing infrastructure deterioration.
A novel construction material FHPRC boasts excellent mechanical properties and is suitable for super-high-rise structures. The research optimizes tensile behavior by combining UHPC with high ductility and crack control capacity of engineered cementitious composite.
Researchers develop advanced materials from plant waste, enhancing wood strength without increasing weight or harming the environment. The treatment used is simple, cost-effective and safe, making it a potential replacement for traditional construction materials.
Aerial robots can access rough terrain and great heights, reducing material consumption and making construction sites safer. Future drones will need to overcome technological hurdles, including interdisciplinary coordination and autonomy, to be used for industrial purposes.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a simple but effective method for detecting early wood coating deterioration, which can extend the life of wooden structures and improve sustainability. The approach combines mid-infrared spectroscopy with machine learning to predict the extent of deterioration, allowing for early...
Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt and LEIZA aim to analyze 4,000 stamped bricks from the Roman period to gain insights into brick production and use in ancient Trier. The study may reveal previously unknown construction projects and provide a model for integrating archaeological and archaeometric methodologies.
Researchers develop sustainable passive cooling solution using mycelium-bound composites, outperforming conventional insulation materials in tropical climates. The 'fungi tiles' mimic an elephant's ability to regulate heat from its skin, improving cooling rates and thermal conductivity.
A novel carbon-neutral grout, CSRGF, has been developed by recycling waste fluids from geothermal energy harvesting plants, addressing environmental challenges in traditional grouting methods. The new material shows remarkable performance, with a 50% increase in liquefaction resistance and superior water-sealing properties.
A new study introduces an AI-powered framework that uses deep learning and remote sensing to accurately identify building materials, enabling customized material intensity databases for diverse regions. This technology facilitates sustainable urban planning, reduces embodied carbon, and enhances energy efficiency in smart cities.
Filipino researchers have discovered that Taal volcanic ash can be used as a sustainable and lightweight alternative to expensive materials like concrete and lead. The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in the ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties, making it effective for shielding against harmful X-rays and gamma rays.
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 smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.
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...
A new study by Finnish researchers found that recycled plastic railway sleepers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, with potential savings of up to 3,610 tCO2e per year. The production process for these plastics requires less energy and generates fewer emissions than traditional materials like steel and concrete.
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.
A new MOF has been developed using a 'Merged-Net Strategy' inspired by skyscraper architecture, resulting in enhanced porosity and structural stability. The material exhibits superior water adsorption capacity and reusability compared to conventional MOFs.
Engineers at RMIT University have designed a self-locking tubular structural system inspired by curved-crease origami that can be packed flat for easier transport. The system transforms into strong building materials, suitable for large-scale use, with capabilities to support heavy loads.
Researchers create interlocking glass bricks that can withstand pressures similar to concrete blocks, aiming to reduce embodied carbon in construction. The 3D-printed bricks are designed to be reused and repurposed, promoting a circular construction method.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a world-leading structural battery that can halve the weight of laptops and make mobile phones as thin as credit cards. The battery has increased its stiffness, allowing it to be used in vehicles, increasing their driving range by up to 70 percent on a single charge.
Researchers at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have developed a new AI system that can detect asbestos in roof images with high accuracy, enabling its removal. The system uses freely available aerial photographs and has demonstrated an accuracy of over 80%, making it more scalable and adaptable than previous methods.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure significantly associated with cancer mortality and all-cause mortality. Further studies needed to replicate findings and understand underlying mechanisms.