Articles tagged with Man Made Structures
A US study found that affluent neighborhoods are at higher risk of fire, but tend to recover faster, with 78% of severely burned areas failing to return to pre-fire temperatures within five years. Higher-income areas also experienced smaller losses in vegetation and recovered temperatures more quickly.
Vikas Khanna, a leading sustainability scholar, has been appointed Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Pitt. He will focus on integrating AI into curricula, developing public health and computing graduate pathways, and strengthening research in water, environment, and public health. Khanna has a strong track record of resea...
A €8 million Horizon Europe grant will fund a project to develop practical tools and a transferable framework for creating sustainable neighborhoods. The Regenerative Neighbourhood Design Tool will help communities play a more active role in planning decisions, using immersive AR and VR tools to model and evaluate designs.
A new study estimates that decommissioning subsea oil and gas pipelines could release 4.5 to 500 tonnes of microplastics into the North Sea each year. The research highlights the potential environmental risks of legacy plastics and recommends integrating environmental consequences into decommissioning decision-making.
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 have developed pressurized sand dampers that can withstand extreme temperatures and provide a cost-effective solution for structures. These dampers can be replaced or repaired quickly, reducing economic losses from vibrations in high-rise buildings.
A study found that south-facing green walls can improve indoor thermal conditions by up to 1.7°C and enhance outdoor thermal comfort through albedo effects. Low albedo exterior surfaces also improved outdoor thermal comfort by approximately 1.5°C, while high albedo surfaces reduced indoor temperatures.
Researchers discovered a new cave cricket species, Dolichopoda balrogi, thriving in man-made tunnels on the Greek island of Kastellorizo. The species, found exclusively in a tunnel system, highlights the importance of exploring artificial underground environments for unique endemic species.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a system to mimic natural structures' microstructural patterns and mechanical properties. By combining origami and tensegrity, they found that the same equation describes both engineering structures, enabling designers to create irregular shapes with less computational complexity.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an AI-driven framework to extract and analyze historical flood insurance maps, uncovering significant changes in flood hazard areas. The study reveals that flood risks have expanded in two areas and reduced in one, with critical consequences for resilience and exposure.
A new study analyzing nearly 100 travellers' diaries reveals that turnpiking improved road conditions, reducing danger and speeding up journeys. The toll-funded system made a major contribution to the Industrial Revolution by reducing freight rates and enabling faster stagecoach travel.
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.
As climates become more extreme, traditional building designs are failing to keep people safe and comfortable. A new generation of architects is creating climate-ready buildings that can maintain comfortable temperatures independently from the grid, using local natural resources like sun, wind, and ground-sourced energy.
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences has launched ClimateDataForBuildings, an open platform providing energy and climate modelling data for over 3,600 European locations. The platform delivers high-resolution CERRA reanalysis data for building performance and HVAC design.
Researchers developed a winged composite pile foundation system to enhance wind resistance and utilize surplus excavated soil. The study found that larger expanded base wing diameters significantly increased uplift resistance, while soil density and surface characteristics of the steel components also played crucial roles.
Nature-based solutions can significantly reduce flood impacts by slowing and absorbing runoff, offering added benefits such as improved air quality and biodiversity. Public awareness and education are key to expanding support for these approaches, with communities needing clear communication about flood risks and benefits.
A newly designed mechanophore, called DAANAC, was developed to provide early warning against mechanical failure while resisting heat and UV. It features a stable and fluorescent diarylacetonitrile radical coupled to an alkoxycarbonyl radical that quenches fluorescence.
The Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard uses stream gauge data and terrain-based models to generate flood inundation maps, providing critical information for emergency management. The dashboard is a result of collaborative research efforts between KU researchers and state agencies, utilizing science and research for the benefit of the state.
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.
A study by Penn State researchers found that using electricity for space heating can significantly reduce on-site household energy consumption. The team also identified other factors, such as the use of electric water heaters and construction methods, that contribute to energy savings.
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 from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have identified US dams with the highest probability of overtopping, classified as large and high hazard. The study found an increasing trend in critical overtopping probabilities and a decline in non-critical overtopping probabilities since 1973.
Two Purdue researchers received funding to advance university innovations. Andrew Mesecar aims to develop new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma using patented enzyme inhibitors. Meanwhile, Pablo Zavattieri is working on a patent-pending system to address saltwater intrusion in the Panama Canal.
Using site characterization data from multiple disciplines, researchers can now accurately predict the occurrence of marine landslides. The correct sequence of site investigations and integration of data is crucial for maximizing information and confidence in landslide models.
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology built three embankment dams to divert lava flows in Iceland, delaying the molten lava by up to 16 days. The dams were constructed using in situ material and showed promising results in protecting civil society and critical infrastructure.
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a holistic solution for structural monitoring, combining various technologies to provide usable findings for service life forecasts and proactive maintenance planning.
A McGill University researcher has discovered a 15th-century Zapotec site in southern Oaxaca, Mexico, was a sprawling fortified city with over 1,100 buildings. The city's layout suggests the Zapotecs had a well-organized social structure and level of agency in negotiating with the Spanish.
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 Bangor University study found that looking at nature during urban walks reduces anxiety and enhances restorative feelings. Guided participants focused on greenery, such as trees, for improved mental well-being metrics.
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.
A new study finds that urban office buildings continuously release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the outdoors, similar to traffic emissions. The research team measured VOC concentrations in a high-performance office building and found indoor levels 2-15 times higher than outdoors.
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.
A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.
Researchers discovered a 4,750-year-old circular plaza with monumental megalithic stones in northern Peru's Callacpuma archaeological site. The structure dates back to the Late Preceramic Period and is one of the earliest examples of such architecture in the Americas.
A new machine learning approach combines computer vision with deep-learning algorithms to pinpoint problem areas in concrete structures. The system enables efficient identification and inspection of cracks using autonomous robots, reducing the overall inspection workload.
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 at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.
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.
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.
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 study has mapped streamflow alterations across the continental US, using measurements from over 7,000 stream gauges. The dataset provides valuable data for determining societal impacts on ecosystems and setting environmental flow standards.
A new online tool from NIST offers a solution to regularly check ventilation by measuring indoor carbon dioxide levels. The Quick Indoor CO2 (QICO2) calculator takes into account factors like occupants, outdoor CO2 levels, and building size to provide accurate results.
A new research project aims to introduce low-carbon concrete elements with high resource utilisation by reusing entire concrete elements from existing buildings as load-bearing structures in new buildings. The entire value chain is represented in the project.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology develop a fast and reliable method to detect defects in concrete structures using laser-induced plasma shock waves. The technique analyzes vibration patterns to identify Rayleigh waves, which can reveal the presence of cracks.
Researchers discovered that volcanic aggregate and chemical interactions strengthen Caecilia Metella's tomb, exceeding male contemporaries' monuments. The study, published in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, shows how leucite crystals dissolve over time to remodel concrete cohesion.
Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.
Researchers developed an innovative method using acoustic lighthouses to reduce bird strikes with tall human-made structures. By broadcasting specific sounds, these 'acoustic lighthouses' minimize the risk of collisions without visually disturbing birds.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have figured out the fundamental mechanisms behind the stability of bendable tubes, including drinking straws. By introducing pre-stress into the material, they found that the structure becomes more stable in a bent configuration, contrary to intuition.
Researchers monitoring natural rock arch vibrations found daily changes can predict potential collapse. The study uses resonance frequencies to forecast an arch's stability, with results suggesting no imminent failure.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered a pyramid in El Zotz, Guatemala, that provides new information about the Maya civilization. The temple features ornate masks depicting different phases of the sun and stucco carvings revealing how the Maya conceived of the heavens.
The new material has one of the widest photonic band gaps reported, enabling control over light flow in applications like low-threshold lasers and solar cells. The structure's unique fabrication technique allows for complex designs that could also be used as microelectromechanical systems or biological devices.
A significant majority of displaced rural populations want to return to their villages, but few have actually done so due to conflicting ideas about 'returning'. The Turkish army and government agencies are hesitant to allow the return of rural populations, fearing they may support the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).
A team of six Brown University professors will explore the human brain's function using tiny electronic structures, potentially enabling computers to mimic human capabilities. The five-year grant aims to develop nanotechnology that can stimulate and record brain cells.