http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/construction/ Engineering and Construction News. From electronic walls to new corrosion-resistant building materials, read about new materials and methods for the construction industry. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/construction/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161253.htm Scientists have developed a new building material that is fire resistant to temperatures in excess of 1100 degrees Celsius, is made largely from recycled material and is as versatile as concrete. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134709.htm Coastal towns and cities in the northwest are woefully unprepared for a large-scale natural disaster. In response, geotechnical engineers are working to develop a series of tsunami evacuation buildings up and down the northwest coast. They would be the first buildings of their kind in the United States. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105631.htm Could sustainable architecture address pollution, climate change and resource depletion by helping us build self-sufficient, off-grid, housing from "waste," including vehicle tires and metal drinks containers? That's the question researchers in Australia are trying to answer. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008133455.htm Silicon, the most important semiconductor material of all, is usually considered to be as brittle and breakable as window glass. On the nanometer scale, however, the substance exhibits very different properties, as Swiss researchers have shown by creating minute silicon pillars. If the diameters of the columns are made small enough, then under load they do not simply break off, as large pieces of silicon would, but they yield to the pressure and undergo plastic deformation, as a metal would. This discovery opens the way for completely new design techniques from a materials point of view for mechanical microsystems and in the watch industry. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008133455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122325.htm Weather conditions such as wind and snow loads can cause failure and collapse of supporting structures in roofs and similar constructions. Based on new hybrid intelligent construction elements (HICE), researchers in Germany have developed a shell structure which is able to adapt to changing environmental conditions. In a further step, the scientists will now use their knowledge to develop machines from these new structural elements which will also be able to react to their environments and adapt to given conditions. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006173553.htm A fabric-covered, steel frame practice facility owned by the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys collapsed under wind loads significantly less than those required under applicable design standards, according to a new report. Located in Irving, Texas, the facility collapsed on May 2, 2009, during a severe thunderstorm. Twelve people were injured, one seriously. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006173553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927164027.htm Not all that long ago, hybrid vehicles were still really exotic. Now, you see them more and more frequently on our roads. However, hybrid cars are not mass-produced as their production costs are still relatively high. A researcher has now developed a new concept that integrates power electronic functions and an electric motor, which could reduce the costs of producing hybrid cars. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927164027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm Researchers in Louisiana are conducting innovative research on geopolymer concrete and providing ways to use a waste byproduct from coal fired power plants and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm Every year European roads are built and repaired to the tune of several billion Euros. Intensive efforts are underway all over the world to get 'more road for your money' by developing better methods for both design and quality control of materials. One problem is that today there are no good methods for checking how robustly and safely the roads were built. Therefore they often don't last as long as they were supposed to and more money has to go to road construction. But now a young scientist has developed a method where sound waves can reveal what a road looks like underneath and thereby show whether it is being properly built. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910121811.htm To protect from potential terrorist attacks, federal buildings and other critical infrastructures are made with special windows that contain blast-resistant glass. However, the glass is thick and expensive. Currently, researchers are developing and testing a new type of blast-resistant glass that will be thinner, lighter and less vulnerable to small-scale explosions. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910121811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112759.htm A new earthquake-resistant structural system for buildings, just successfully tested in Japan, will not only help a multi-story building hold itself together during a violent earthquake, but also return it to standing up straight on its foundation afterward, true and plumb, with damage confined to a few easily replaceable parts. During testing on a massive shake table, the system survived simulated earthquakes bigger than either the 1994 Northridge earthquake or the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151002.htm It takes just seconds for tall buildings to collapse during earthquakes. Knowing what's happening in those seconds can help engineers design buildings that are less prone to sustaining that kind of damage. But the nature of collapse is not well understood. That's why researchers are trying an innovative "hybrid" approach to testing that may provide a safer, less expensive way to learn about building collapses. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720102010.htm Tough new fire-resistant coating materials called HIPS ("hybrid inorganic polymer system") are showing they can take the heat. HIPS coatings can withstand temperatures of over 1000°C compared to current commercial coatings used on building materials and structures which break down at between 150-250°C. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720102010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805075644.htm A 1930s house built in 2008 is about to undergo the first of three energy efficiency upgrades which will ultimately convert an energy inefficient house into a zero carbon home designed to meet the Government’s 2016 carbon dioxide targets for all new housing. The results of this research will be relevant to millions of householders across the UK. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805075644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714165056.htm A new study demonstrates that the behavior of fiber reinforced polymer reinforced concrete columns is very similar to that of the conventional steel counterpart. Thus, for structures that function in harsh environments like coastal regions, or for structures that support sensitive equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging units; the use of FRP is emerging as a valuable option. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714165056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716093512.htm Could straw houses be the buildings of the future? That’s what researchers will be testing this summer by constructing a “BaleHaus” made of prefabricated straw bale and hemp cladding panel. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716093512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626141231.htm Researchers are studying the effects of integral bridge expansion resulting from heat to make integral bridges a more viable alternative. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626141231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080523.htm Scientists have developed a new material by applying a biotechnological treatment to paper sludge. In many cases, the new material could replace plastic packaging and certain building materials. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065515.htm The first home in the UK which can learn from its residents and take decisive action and text if it is being burgled or the door has been left unlocked, will be unveiled this week in Cairo. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150137.htm Engineers aim to improve the reliability of lead-free soldering alloys that are used to make electronic devices. This would help with the implementation of environmentally-friendly materials in electronics production. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171507.htm Civil engineers have for the first time identified what causes the most frequently used building material on earth -- concrete -- to gradually deform, decreasing its durability and shortening the lifespan of infrastructures such as bridges and nuclear waste containment vessels. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144213.htm Experts have evaluated the best building design and construction practices to reduce wind pressures on building surfaces and to resist high winds and hurricanes in residential or commercial construction. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602192559.htm The secret of a successful sandcastle could aid the revival of an ancient eco-friendly building technique, according to new research. Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602192559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529185009.htm The fifth largest and newest water tunnel in the United States has just been completed. The tunnel has been under construction for more than a year, holds thousands of gallons of water and has taken more than 5,000 man hours to build to its current state. Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529185009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518121000.htm Many scientists currently think at least 5 percent of humanity's carbon footprint comes from the concrete industry, both from energy use and the carbon dioxide byproduct from the production of cement, one of concrete's principal components. Sun, 24 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518121000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426094254.htm In 2006, a concrete panel weighing several thousand pounds fell onto traffic in Boston's Big Dig tunnel, crushing a car and killing a motorist. The alleged cause -- and subject of a multi-million dollar settlement -- was faulty epoxy that allowed bolts in the ceiling to wiggle loose. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426094254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426094559.htm Checking natural gas pipelines for wear and tear costs big bucks. Sections of pipe must be manually exhumed to be tested for cracks or corrosion with acoustic or magnetic scanners. Scientists are now developing a way to monitor pipes continuously and remotely using embedded, low-power ultrasonic detectors. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426094559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422175336.htm A newly developed concrete material can heal itself when it cracks. No human intervention is necessary -- just water and carbon dioxide. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422175336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416161137.htm Researchers are implementing a self-powered monitor system for bridges that can continuously check their condition using wireless sensors that "harvest" power from structural vibration and wind energy. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416161137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090414172917.htm A one-story masonry structure survived two days of intense earthquake jolts after engineering researchers put it to the test. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090414172917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403104229.htm It huffed and puffed, but the 82-ton-force, earthquake-simulation shake table could not knock down the straw house designed and built by University of Nevada, Reno alumna and civil engineer Darcey Donovan. The full-scale, 14-by-14-foot straw house, complete with gravel foundation and clay plaster walls, the way she builds them in Pakistan, was subjected to 200 percent more acceleration/shaking than was recorded at the 1994 Northridge, Calif. earthquake, the largest measured ground acceleration in the world. Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403104229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326114411.htm Chemists have demonstrated that incorporating chemically treated carbon nanotubes into an epoxy composite can significantly improve the overall toughness, fatigue resistance and durability of a composite frame. The discovery could lead to tougher, more durable composite frames for aircraft, watercraft and automobiles. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326114411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324111816.htm Restoring teeth to offer not only a beautiful smile but also a highly resistant one is the ultimate goal of the project undertaken by researchers in Spain. To this end, they have concluded that the ideal material for designing posts, which serve to bond the restored piece to the root, is glass fiber. Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324111816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085313.htm Pre-Roman atrium houses exhibited a striking number of similarities as part of a long Italic building tradition. A Dutch researcher has analysed the measurements of primary mansions in Pompeii. As buildings were constructed according to a standard model, the adaptations to that model, required by the economical, practical and social demands of any particular project, provide a lot of information about the social significance of the houses of Pompeii’s elite. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303082813.htm People are always looking for ways to make something less expensive and more environmentally friendly -- and researchers have now figured out how to do both of those things at once when raising the large scale buildings of the future. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303082813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227080558.htm Researchers have simulated an off-the-charts earthquake in a laboratory to test their new technique for bracing high-rise concrete buildings. Their technique passed the test, withstanding more movement than an earthquake would typically demand. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227080558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223083354.htm European researchers have made a laboratory-scale photoelectric panel which, apart from fulfilling the function of converting solar light into electricity, solves the problems of integratability and availability that current technology presents. Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223083354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090216092720.htm Discarded electronic hardware, including bits and pieces that built the information superhighway, can be recycled into an additive that makes super-strong asphalt paving material for real highways, researchers in China are reporting in a new study. They describe development of a new recycling process that can convert discarded electronic circuit boards into an asphalt "modifier." Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090216092720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211120939.htm Engineers have developed a method that is expected to double the service life of concrete. The key is a nano-sized additive. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211120939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210125429.htm Civil engineers using a specialized laboratory have demonstrated the effectiveness of a simple, inexpensive method to strengthen buildings that have a flaw making them dangerously vulnerable to earthquakes. Sat, 21 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210125429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090219101704.htm Researchers are determining ways to speed the return of residents to their homes in the wake of natural disasters. The first step is providing better, more accessible information about available tools and technologies to homeowners, builders, architects and others, according to experts. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090219101704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090203192427.htm The software code underlying violent computer games can be used to train people in fire safety, new academic research has found. Commercial games such as Doom 3 and Half Life 2 can be used to build virtual worlds to train people in fire evacuation procedures by applying the games' underlying software code, according to researchers. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090203192427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205083531.htm Test tube chemistry just took a leap down in size to the nano-scale, with new test-tubes measuring only about one billionth of a meter across. The scaling factor is like scaling up from a normal test tube to one a hundred kilometers across. When chemistry is performed in a conventional manner in laboratory test tubes, the reactions that occur are a result of billions and billions of molecules reacting with each other and with anything else we put into the tube. Being able to watch or control chemical reactions between individual molecules at this scale is like understanding and then controlling the interaction between two people on a tube train while you are sitting in the International Space Station! Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205083531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204170129.htm Researchers in California are reporting an advance toward the long-sought goal of "invisible electronics" and transparent displays, which can be highly desirable for heads-up displays, wind-shield displays, and electronic paper. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204170129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090121144101.htm Electronic systems that can withstand high-strain deformations are of growing importance, because of their ability to make possible biomedical devices and other applications, difficult to develop with conventional technologies. A new mechanical design can be used to build stretchable electronics that function during stretching, compression, bending, twisting and other types of extreme mechanical deformation, without a reduction in electronic performance. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090121144101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209100938.htm For a long time, chromium plating protected car bodies against rust, but this has been prohibited since 2007. However, chromium-free coatings are not suitable for universal use; they have to be adapted to the respective application. A new chromium-free coating can help. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209100938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081204133649.htm Recent simulated earthquake tests conducted by engineers are expected to lead to retrofit schemes that make historic buildings safer. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081204133649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120144246.htm The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released its final report on the Sept. 11, 2001, collapse of the 47-story World Trade Center 7 in New York City. The study is strengthened by clarifications and supplemental text suggested by comments on the draft WTC 7 report, but the revisions did not alter the investigation team's major findings and recommendations, including identification of fire as the primary cause for the building's failure. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120144246.htm