Articles tagged with Structural Engineering
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers have discovered a highly complex structure in the mantis shrimp's club that enables it to withstand 50,000 high-velocity strikes. The unique structure could inspire new materials for military body armor, vehicle frames, and aircraft frames, reducing weight while maintaining impact resistance.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to assemble crystalline structures using varying concentrations of microscopic particles and magnetic fields. They demonstrated the creation of over 20 programmed structures, paving the way for advanced optics, data storage, and bioengineering applications.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have designed a method to evaluate different conductors for use in metamaterial structures. The team evaluated various conducting materials, including graphene and high-temperature superconductors, but found that silver and gold remain the best conductors for use in metamaterials.
A Wayne State University researcher is working on a new method to calculate the odds of structural failure in complex engineering structures. The goal is to achieve greater consistency within a structure while maintaining feasible computational costs. This approach has wide-ranging implications for various fields, including electrical,...
Researchers will subject concrete footings and steel columns to simulated earthquake stresses to understand their behavior. The study aims to make skyscrapers safer and less expensive to build by optimizing foundation design.
The Christchurch earthquake ruptured a previously unmapped fault, causing widespread liquefaction-induced damage. Eight papers focus on structural and geotechnical damages associated with strong ground motion shaking.
Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley developed a technique to direct benign viruses to self-assemble into thin-film structures with complex properties. By controlling the physical environment, they created films with specific bending properties and guided cell growth, shedding light on biological tissue assembly in na...
Researchers used a 16-foot-high steel bridge and four hydraulic shake tables to test the seismic behavior of a curved bridge with vehicles in place. The results will be used to frame changes to current codes and lead to safer bridges during strong earthquakes.
Researchers warn that building codes may overestimate safety in regions prone to both seismic and wind hazards, increasing the risk of structural damage. A new method assesses combined risks using a common metric, showing that dual-hazard conditions can double the risk of failure.
Researchers link inadequate connections between building members to excessive damage from tornadoes. While modern codes are generally adequate, their enforcement is often lax. The study's findings underscore the need for better building practices and code compliance to reduce storm damage.
University of Illinois researchers developed a simple method to create intricate lattice structures using triblock Janus spheres. The innovative material exhibits self-assembly capabilities, enabling the creation of porous sheets with tailored properties for specialized filtering applications.
Scientists have created tiny spheres that can form unusual structures by attracting and repelling each other in water, leading to the discovery of a new class of smart materials. The researchers hope to explore colloid properties and engineer more unnatural structures.
Australian researchers found that as fatigue progresses, speech slows and variations in pitch increase, indicating a loss of control over the muscles producing speech. The study provides a novel method for analyzing the effects of fatigue on the central nervous system through acoustic analysis.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have imaged atomic structural changes in sapphires that control their properties. These changes, called dislocations, involve small rearrangements of aluminum atoms and can affect the material's electrical, chemical, and magnetic properties as well as its strength and durability.
The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, a magnitude 7.9 rupture, resulted in over 80,000 fatalities and left four million homeless. The event showcased China's capability to demonstrate its earthquake science program to the global community.
Researchers propose using wireless nano sensors to monitor structures for early crack detection and structural damage. The feasibility study suggests these sensors could improve safety by detecting problems before they become critical.
A team of US engineers is traveling to Chile to document the effects of a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on February 27. The team will focus on soil and geologic conditions, as well as the performance of engineered structures in the quake.
A five-person team from the University of Washington assessed damage in Haiti after a magnitude-7 earthquake. The team found that much of the loss of human life could have been prevented by using earthquake-resistant designs and construction.
Cornel Sultan's research aims to develop new controllable structures with 'tensional integrity' using insights from cell biology. This could lead to improvements in tissue and organ reconstruction, energy harvesting and robotics applications.
Researchers at UC San Diego's Englekirk Structural Engineering Center conducted comprehensive shake tests on semi-gravity reinforced concrete cantilever walls. The project aims to improve the seismic design of California's thousands of miles of retaining walls, ensuring safer transportation systems.
Stanford researchers recommend vertical evacuation as a safer alternative to fleeing tsunamis, but only if buildings are reinforced to withstand both earthquakes and tsunamis. The approach could save thousands of lives, especially in cities like Padang where residents live in high-risk zones.
This pioneering research projects recreate authentic sounds of the past using acoustics, enhancing our understanding of heritage and its impact on daily life. By studying past events through sound, researchers improve acoustic preservation of old buildings and design new ones to mitigate noise pollution.
The research team will investigate the role of structural components in knee ligament sprains, combining micro-mechanical models, molecular models, and biological and mechanical experiments. The study aims to clarify micro-structural changes associated with partial and complete tears.
A UT Knoxville-led research project is exploring the East Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ) to better understand seismic activity and its impact on future earthquakes. The study aims to provide new information on past quakes and inform the planning of new large engineered structures.
Researchers have developed a microscope capable of live imaging at double the resolution of fluorescence microscopy using structured illumination. This advancement will help scientists study cellular behavior and mechanisms important for human disease with enhanced detail.
Researchers use simulated earthquake tests to improve seismic assessment tools and critical retrofit designs for non-ductile reinforced concrete frames with masonry-infilled walls. The project aims to assess the resistance of these structures under realistic seismic load conditions, developing reliable analytical models to evaluate the...
The study analyzed the angular rotation of gecko joints during locomotion on horizontal surfaces, revealing spatio-temporal rotation trajectories. It also compared the movement patterns of geckos on vertical walls, showing differences in joint angles and limb phases.
A team of researchers at UCLA has modeled the structure of the largest cellular particle ever crystallized, proposing ways to engineer vaults for targeted drug delivery. The proposed atomic structure consists of a barrel-shaped shell with 96 identical protein chains, offering a human-friendly nanocontainer for therapeutic applications.
Researchers have developed a way to use carbon nanotubes to stop bullets from penetrating material and even rebound their force. This could lead to more effective bulletproof materials that avoid blunt force trauma and critical organ damage.
Researchers develop technique to identify and repair small cracks in high-performance aircraft wings and polymer composites. A structure infused with electrically conductive carbon nanotubes can detect and repair stress-induced cracks, regaining 70% of its original strength.
New research from MIT reveals a unified explanation for bone's toughness, incorporating several previously proposed theories. The study finds that bone's atomistic structure plays a crucial role in a toughening mechanism that allows it to tolerate small cracks and maintain its strength.
Shirley J. Dyke successfully tested wireless sensors in a simulated structural control setting, demonstrating their potential to reduce damage from earthquakes. The technology has the potential to enable less manpower requirements and far less remodeling of existing structures.
Engineers at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering used a virtual building to test the impact of the 1994 Northridge earthquake on a 275-ton structure. The virtual model allowed researchers to visualize data from over 600 sensors, gaining new insights into structure performance and enabling 'what if' simulations.
MIT researchers have made a breakthrough in creating morphing vehicles by utilizing rechargeable batteries. The team's innovative approach involves using the expansion and contraction of solid compounds to actuate large-scale structures, allowing for seamless shape changes.
The MIT team uses particle-spring systems to create three-dimensional designs that can find a structure's most efficient form in minutes. Historically, finding new structural forms required physical means, but this method offers a more efficient and sustainable approach.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a computational platform to calculate wind loads and structural capacities of low-rise buildings. The goal is to appreciably reduce damage and increase safety for residential, institutional, and commercial structures vulnerable to extreme winds.
Nine UCSD students are conducting nine-week research projects in Japan, Taiwan, and Australia through the Pacific Rim Undergraduate Experiences (PRIME) program. They will work with local researchers to develop their skills in cyberinfrastructure and cultural understanding.
Researchers fabricate polymer 'nanobrushes' and other 'smart' molecules with potential uses in analyzing individual cell proteins and detecting chemicals. The molecular dimensions of these nanostructures allow for scalable chemistry and could enable tiny ELP arrays to screen protein contents.
Scientists tested a synthetic earthquake on a half-real building with conventional and simulated steel support columns. The experiment, called the 'Multi-Site Online Simulation Test,' used grid-linked machines to create a realistic simulation of an earthquake, producing a profusion of real-time data.
Engineers mimic nature's solution to a classic problem in aerospace engineering by recreating part of a horse bone's unique structure. The biomimetic plate pushes stresses away from holes, resulting in increased strength and reduced weight.
Researchers have developed a new technique to improve earthquake resistance in highway structures using epoxy and flexible materials like glass or carbon fibres. This method can strengthen concrete structures up to five times and extends their lifespan, providing crucial seconds for evacuation during earthquakes.
A team of students and researchers from Clemson University test eight houses in coastal South Carolina to determine the most effective hurricane retrofits. The study uses various methods, including cranes and vacuum chambers, to simulate real-life conditions and evaluate the performance of different retrofit measures.
Researchers will use shake tables, centrifuges, and tsunami wave tanks from desktop workstations to conduct experiments. The virtual laboratory, NEESgrid, will connect researchers and facilities across the US, fostering collaboration and accelerating seismic design and hazard mitigation.
Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center are testing thin-walled membranes for use in large space structures. The lightweight materials could revolutionize space exploration with reduced costs and increased efficiency.
David V. Rosowsky, a Clemson civil engineering associate professor, has received the Dow Outstanding New Faculty Award for his groundbreaking work in wind engineering research and teaching. He is part of a team that developed methods to make homes better able to withstand high winds, utilizing Clemson's unique wind-load test facility.