Articles tagged with Construction Materials
Researchers created BioPykrete, a material that's 10 times stronger than ordinary ice and can absorb 70 times more energy before breaking. The cellulose network and protein connections slow down crack propagation, preventing it from spreading quickly.
A new study has calculated the weight of 606 million buildings globally, revealing patterns in material-use efficiency across cities. Cities with dense, uniformly short buildings maximize floor space per person while minimizing materials used.
The Urban Mining Screener tool helps assess the potential resources within existing buildings, enabling recycling, reuse, and more accurate planning of building material flows. By analyzing geodata and building archetypes, the tool estimates materials used in buildings, providing valuable information for demolition contractors, manufac...
Researchers have created a recipe for 3D printing houses on Mars using Martian rocks, gelatin, and yeast. The resulting living building material is strong and can be broken down, recycled, and reused, making it a promising solution for low-energy construction and a circular economy on the Red Planet.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that straw could provide a sustainable solution to meet the UK's housing targets, reducing emissions and storing carbon. The study suggests that scaling up straw construction could store between 1.8 and 3.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Researchers have developed an electrically powered plasma heating method to produce cement without burning fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions by nearly 100 times. The new method lowers waste heat and introduces nanoscale defects that improve the strength of cement.
A recent review of 40 studies on building resiliency found that most life cycle assessments fail to consider key aspects of inoperability, leading to underestimated environmental costs. A new framework developed by Fernanda Cruz Rios factors in the environmental costs and benefits of resilience, informing designers' choices on building...
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a cooling ceramic wall that utilizes porous ceramic cubes and energy-efficient evaporative cooling. The prototype, on display at TU Graz campus, significantly lowers the temperature by up to seven degrees Celsius in hot environments.
The US has launched a new national center to help strengthen its cement and concrete supply chain at a time of rising demand and increasing imports. The ACCENT Center will accelerate the development of advanced materials and manufacturing processes, closing critical gaps between laboratory research and field performance.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a greener alternative for fire-resistant concrete using waste-based geopolymer mortars. These materials retain high compressive strength even after exposure to extreme heat, making them ideal for construction applications where high temperatures are present.
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 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.
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.
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 propose using basalt to produce cement, reducing CO2 emissions by over 80% and energy needs by less than 60%. This switch could improve industrial production efficiency and even provide feedstock for steel and aluminum production.
A new type of concrete made from sugarcane waste shows improved mechanical performance and reduced carbon emissions. The study finds that replacing fly ash with sugarcane bagasse ash improves compressive strength by 41% and reduces CO2 emissions by 25-30%.
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.