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New design approach may help slash the price of ultra-durable concrete

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

UCO designs a 100% recycled paving block made from mollusk shells and mining waste

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.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalMaterials and Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Taller doesn’t mean terrible: How smart design can lower carbon emissions for residential buildings

Researchers found that concrete slab size is the worst offender in terms of carbon emissions, with changing this feature alone able to save large amounts of emissions. Optimize design decisions such as floor thickness, building materials, and construction culture to reduce pollution.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·DateMar 3, 2026

New research enables safe reuse of concrete

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.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials and Structures·DateJan 28, 2026

Technology not growing fast enough to decarbonize steel and cement industries by 2050

A new study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies shows that current infrastructure deployment is insufficient to meet Paris Agreement targets, requiring a shift in how materials are used or consumed. The study estimates that feasible supply of steel and cement within a carbon budget will fall short of expected global dem...

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Reading between the cracks: artificial intelligence can identify patterns in surface cracking to assess damage in reinforced concrete structures

Researchers develop AI-based method to quantify cracking patterns in reinforced concrete structures, enabling more accurate and efficient assessments of structural damage. The approach uses graph theory and machine learning algorithms to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each set of cracks, allowing for quick and consistent evaluations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

How long can fiber reinforced polymer sustain concrete structures? Scientists answer

A 13-year-long study finds that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) coatings can sustain concrete structures for extended periods. The study tested FRP and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) systems under various environmental conditions, revealing significant impact on bond behavior.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Parametric analysis on collapse-resistance performance of reinforced-concrete frame with specially shaped columns under loss of a corner column

The study found that increasing beam section height and lower steel bar rebar ratio significantly improves collapse-resistance capacity. Meanwhile, lengthening the specially shaped column limb only enhances stiffness, while slab upper and lower steel bar rebar ratios increase the frame's stiffness and collapse-resistance capacity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Construction and Building Technology Journal·DateSep 2, 2016