ScienceDaily: Civil Engineering News

Change in cycle track policy needed to boost ridership, public health

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:16 EDT

Bicycle engineering guidelines often used by state regulators to design bicycle facilities need to be overhauled to reflect current cyclists' preferences and safety data, according to a new study. They say that US guidelines should be expanded to offer cyclists more riding options and call for endorsing cycle tracks -- physically separated, bicycle-exclusive paths adjacent to sidewalks -- to encourage more people of all ages to ride bicycles.

New insights into how materials transfer heat could lead to improved electronics

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:56:56 EDT

Researchers have published new insights into how materials transfer heat, which could lead eventually to smaller, more powerful electronic devices.

Nanoscavengers could usher in next generation water purification

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:15:15 EDT

A new synthetic nanoparticle could disinfect, depollute, and desalinate contaminated water and then get removed magnetically. This improves upon existing technologies through ultraresponsiveness to magnetism.

Engineers design, test taller, high-strength concrete towers for wind turbines

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Engineers have designed and tested a concept for concrete towers to replace the steel towers used for wind turbines. The concrete towers could be a practical way to raise turbine towers from today's 80 meters to the better winds at 100 meters or higher.

How long do insects last?

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Researchers have shown that although insects are made from one of the toughest natural materials, their legs and wings can wear out over time.

Potential of best practice to reduce impacts from oil and gas projects in the Amazon

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:31 EDT

Hydrocarbon exploration and production continues to press into the most remote corners of the western Amazon, one of the most biologically and culturally diverse zones on Earth. A new best practice framework that combines technical engineering criteria with ecological and social concerns could reduce the negative environmental impacts of such development, according to new research.

New measurement tool is on target for the fast-growing MEMS industry

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

As markets for miniature, hybrid machines known as MEMS grow and diversify, researchers have introduced a long-awaited measurement tool that will help growing numbers of device designers, manufacturers and customers to see eye to eye on eight dimensional and material property measurements that are key to device performance.

Bug's eye inspires hemispherical digital camera

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Inspired by the complex fly eye, a research team has developed a hemispherical digital camera with nearly 200 tiny lenses, delivering exceptionally wide-angle field of view and sharp images. The new camera -- a rounded half bubble, similar to a bulging fly eye -- has 180 microlenses mounted on it, allowing it to take pictures across nearly 180 degrees. Only a camera shaped like a bug's eye can do this.

Zinc: The Goldilocks metal for bioabsorbable stents?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:44:44 EDT

Stents can be lifesavers, propping open blood vessels to allow for healthy blood flow. But the longer a stent is in the body, the greater the risk of side effects such as inflammation and clotting. Designing a stent that will dissolve harmlessly after the artery has healed has been a challenge. Now scientistsare experimenting with a novel material that may lead to a new generation of bioabsorbable stents: zinc.

Researchers tackle collapsing bridges with new technology

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:41:41 EDT

Researchers have proposed a new technology that could divert vibrations away from load-bearing elements of bridges to avoid catastrophic collapses. The “wave bypass” technique has many similarities to those being used by researchers looking to create Harry Potter-style invisibility cloaks, which exploit human-made materials known as metamaterials to bend light around objects.

Optimizing nanoparticles for commercial applications

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:49:49 EDT

Nanoparticles are used in many commercial products catalysts to cosmetics. A review describes recent work on the three main nanoparticles used in photocatalytics, UV-blocking and sunscreens.

Seeding a new kind of concrete

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:25:25 EDT

Sunflower seed husks, a huge waste product of the vegetable oil and food industry, could be used as an environmentally friendly filler, or aggregate, for concrete according to Turkish researchers. The team demonstrated that the use of husks reduces the density of concrete as well as boosting the material's resistance to cracking after exposure to icy then thawing conditions.

Supertough, strong nanofibers developed

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:23:23 EDT

Materials engineers have developed a structural nanofiber that is both strong and tough, a discovery that could transform everything from airplanes and bridges to body armor and bicycles.

New fatigue model leads to more durable ships

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:09:09 EDT

Scientists have developed a model making it possible to determine how fatigue sets in with various welded steel materials. The model allows for the development of lighter structures, and as a consequence, more energy-efficient ships.

Near-field behavior of semiconductor plasmonic microparticles measured

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:30:30 EDT

For the first time, researchers have measured nanometer-scale infrared absorption in semiconductor plasmonic microparticles using a technique that combines atomic force microscopy with infrared spectroscopy.

Plant protein shape puzzle solved by molecular 3-D model

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:25:25 EDT

Researchers believe they have solved a puzzle that has long vexed science. The researchers provide the first three-dimensional model of an enzyme that links a simple sugar, glucose, into long-chain cellulose, the basic building block within plant cell walls that gives plants structure. Cellulose is nature's most abundant renewable biomaterial and an important resource for production of biofuels that represent alternatives to fossil fuels.

Experts propose research priorities for making concrete 'greener'

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:28:28 EDT

According to a new report, the potential engineering performance, energy-efficiency and environmental benefits of making concrete greener -- reducing its sizable carbon footprint without compromising performance -- is a challenge worth undertaking.

Sorting out Parkinson's protein structure: Computer modeling may offer hints for new drug-design strategies

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:16:16 EDT

Clumps of proteins that accumulate in brain cells are a hallmark of neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Over the past several years, there has been much controversy over the structure of one of those proteins, known as alpha synuclein. Computational scientists have now modeled the structure of that protein, most commonly associated with Parkinson's, and found that it can take on either of two proposed states -- floppy or rigid.

Imaging methodology reveals nano details not seen before: Understanding nanoparticles at atomic scale in 3-D could improve materials

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:41:41 EDT

Scientists have produced 3-D images and videos of a tiny platinum nanoparticle at atomic resolution that reveal new details of defects in nanomaterials that have not been seen before.

Nanofoams for better body armor, blast protection

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:51:51 EDT

Engineers are developing nanofoams that could be used to make better body armor; prevent traumatic brain injury and blast-related lung injuries in soldiers; and protect buildings from impacts and blasts. It’s the first time researchers are investigating the use of nanofoams for structural protection.

Ash from refuse could become hydrogen gas

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Every year, millions of tons of environmentally harmful ash is produced worldwide, and is mostly dumped in landfill sites or, in some countries, used as construction material. The ash is what is left when rubbish has been burnt in thermal power stations. A researcher has now developed a technique to use the ash to produce hydrogen gas.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Operations helps launch pad of the future take shape

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:11:11 EDT

The launch pad of the future is taking shape at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as the Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Program office, along with Center Operations, continues with upgrades and modifications to Launch Pad 39B, where the agency's Space Launch System (SLS) will lift off with the Orion spacecraft atop it, sending humans to new destinations in the solar system.

Mobile LIDAR technology expanding rapidly

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:12:12 EDT

A new report on the uses and current technology of mobile LIDAR has just been completed and will help more managers and experts understand, use and take advantage of this science that promises to change the way we see and record the world around us.

Researchers building stronger, greener concrete with biofuel byproducts

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:41:41 EDT

Civil engineers are adding bioethanol byproducts to cement to reduce concrete's carbon footprint and make it stronger.

New technique creates stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:04:04 EDT

Researchers have developed a new technique for creating stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys that have potential structural applications in the automobile and aerospace industries.

How earthquake damage can impact building fire safety performance

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:12:12 EDT

Damage to building structural elements, elevators, stairs, and fire protection systems caused by the shaking from a major earthquake can play a critical role in the spread of fire, hamper the ability of occupants to evacuate, and impede fire departments in their emergency response operations. These are among the conclusions of a groundbreaking study of post-earthquake building fire performance conducted in 2012 by fire protection engineering researchers.

New design could reduce complications in hip replacement

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 EST

Andrew Murtha, a second-year medical student, hopes to specialize in orthopedic medicine. A unique opportunity to collaborate with experienced researchers not only gave him a head start in his medical career, but also allowed him to develop a new design for an artificial hip that should help reduce post-operative complications.

Creating next-generation materials able to operate in the toughest environments

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:30:30 EST

Scientists have launched a new research project to develop next-generation materials able to operate in the most extreme environments.

Self-healing protective coating for concrete

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:40:40 EST

Scientists are reporting development of what they describe as the first self-healing protective coating for cracks in concrete, the world's most widely used building material. The material is both inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

Forging a new periodic table using nanostructures: Artificial atoms and bonds provide a new set of building blocks for future materials

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST

Scientists have developed a new set of building blocks based on nanoparticles and DNA. Using these tools, scientists will be able to build -- from the bottom up, just as nature does -- new and useful structures. The research team has already built more than 200 different crystal structures with 17 different particle arrangements. Some of the lattice types can be found in nature, but many are new structures that have no naturally occurring mineral counterpart.

Tough, light and strong: Lessons from nature could lead to the creation of new materials

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:18:18 EST

In a sweeping review of the field of bio-inspired engineering and biomimicry, two engineers have identified three characteristics of biological materials that they believe engineers would do well to emulate in human-made materials: light weight, toughness and strength.

Safe glass facades for buildings

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:55:55 EST

Glass facades are attractive, but they also have to be safe. Say if a bomb were to go off nearby, would they withstand the blast? Researchers are using a shock tube to find out, and one of their projects is a new building complex in San Francisco.

Engineers show feasibility of superfast materials: 'Organic topological insulators' for quantum computing

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:24:24 EST

Engineers demonstrated it is feasible to build the first organic materials that conduct electricity on their edges, but act as an insulator inside. These materials, called organic topological insulators, could shuttle information at the speed of light in quantum computers and other high-speed electronic devices.

Quake test: Can NYC's row houses handle an earthquake?

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:45:45 EST

Researchers will conduct a rare -- if not unprecedented -- large-scale earthquake simulation to determine how vulnerable New York's unreinforced masonry buildings (row houses) are to temblors.

Wireless power transfer technology for high capacity transit

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:01:01 EST

Scientists have developed a wireless power transfer technology that can be applied to high capacity transportation systems such as railways, harbor freight, and airport transportation and logistics. The technology supplies 60 kHz and 180 kW of power remotely to transport vehicles at a stable, constant rate.

Virtual vehicle vibrations: Predicting role of posture in traffic collision injuries

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:24:24 EST

A researcher has designed a computer program that allows engineers to accurately predict the role posture plays in transferring the stress of vehicle motion to bone and muscle in the head and neck.

New light shed on the mysteries of spider silk

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:22:22 EST

Researchers have now measured all of the elastic properties of an intact spider's web, drawing a remarkable picture of the behavior of one of nature's most intriguing structures. The work could lead to new "bio-inspired" materials that improve upon nature.

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:13:13 EST

Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and over 70 percent of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031.

Cargo container research to improve buildings' ability to withstand tsunamis

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:21:21 EST

A research team has determined just what the impact of cargo containers could be and will present findings at an international conference in June. The goal is to supply structural engineers with information to design buildings in areas vulnerable to tsunamis.

Mystery surrounding the harnessing of fusion energy unlocked

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:53:53 EST

Scientists have answered the question of how the behavior of plasma -- the extremely hot gases of nuclear fusion -- can be controlled with ultra-thin lithium films on graphite walls lining thermonuclear magnetic fusion devices.

Novel materials shake ship scum

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:52:52 EST

Just as horses shake off pesky flies by twitching their skin, ships may soon be able to shed the unwanted accumulation of bacteria and other marine growth with the flick of a switch.

Evolution inspires more efficient solar cell design: Geometric pattern maximizes time light is trapped

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:13:13 EST

Using a mathematical model based on natural evolution, researchers have developed an organic solar cell design that could pave the way for more efficient, less expensive solar energy.

Soft nanoscale 'Lego' built in the computer

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:58:58 EST

Scientists have developed a new method for the construction of building blocks at the nanoscale.

Using snail teeth to improve solar cells and batteries

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:14:14 EST

A professor is using the teeth of a marine snail found of the coast of California to create less costly and more efficient nanoscale materials to improve solar cells and lithium-ion batteries.

Sustainable reinforcement for concrete has newly discovered benefits

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:37:37 EST

Fashionable people may turn up their noses at jute -- the cheap fiber used to make burlap, gunny sacks, twine and other common products -- but new research is enhancing jute's appeal as an inexpensive, sustainable reinforcement for mortar and concrete.

New nanoscale coating won't get wet; Repels most liquids

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:35:35 EST

A nanoscale coating that's at least 95 percent air repels the broadest range of liquids of any material in its class, causing them to bounce off the treated surface, according to the engineering researchers who developed it.

Bringing fusion electricity to the grid

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:06:06 EST

The European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) has published a roadmap which outlines how to supply fusion electricity to the grid by 2050. The roadmap to the realization of fusion energy breaks the quest for fusion energy down into eight missions. For each mission, it reviews the current status of research, identifies open issues, proposes a research and development program and estimates the required resources.

Noise protection: Multifunctional and aesthetical

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:33:33 EST

Noise abatement is growing in importance, thus, the demand for better acoustic building components raises. Scientists are developing new solutions: aesthetically good looking and flexibly applicable microperforated sound absorbers.

'Tricorder' closer to reality: Portable X-ray source could put medical diagnosis and terrorism prevention in the palm of the hand

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:20 EST

The hand-held scanners, or tricorders, of the Star Trek movies and television series are one step closer to reality now that an engineering team has invented a compact source of X-rays and other forms of radiation. The radiation source, which is the size of a stick of gum, could be used to create inexpensive and portable X-ray scanners for use by doctors, as well as to fight terrorism and aid exploration on this planet and others.

Biological concrete for constructing 'living' building materials with lichens, mosses

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:03:03 EST

It is a material that improves thermal comfort in buildings and helps to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Microwave-assisted method for producing thin films

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:36:36 EST

Scientists have demonstrated that assembly of so-called thin films is possible at low temperatures. They are working toward the assembly of thin films in a variety of materials.

Paper waste used to make bricks

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:40:40 EST

Researchers have mixed waste from the paper industry with ceramic material used in the construction industry. The result is a brick that has low thermal conductivity meaning it acts as a good insulator. However, its mechanical resistance still requires improvement.

Liquid metal used to create wires that stretch eight times their original length

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:14:14 EST

Researchers have created conductive wires that can be stretched up to eight times their original length while still functioning. The wires can be used for everything from headphones to phone chargers, and hold potential for use in electronic textiles.

New method for estimating thermal comfort in low-energy buildings at the design stage

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:17:17 EST

Indoor environments that are too hot, too cold or draughty create discomfort and lower human productivity. A new method for estimating the actual level of human thermal comfort in low-energy buildings has been developed in Finland. The method is also the first of its kind to be integrated with a building simulation tool. Factoring in the different ways in which buildings are used and the different kinds of people using them at the design stage can help to improve energy efficiency and human comfort.

Foam's future seen in space and industry

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Materials designed with specialized thermal properties have been integral components of NASA's space shuttles and other launch vehicles for many years. Now, two thermal insulation systems developed by scientists at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida may have application for future exploration programs, as well as the commercial world.

New geometries: Researchers create new shapes of artificial microcompartments

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:09:09 EST

Researchers have figured out how to mimic the different shapes of microcompartments found in nature. The findings could have implications in materials research, targeted drug delivery, and more.

Best of both worlds: Hybrid approach sheds light on crystal structure solution

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:03:03 EST

Understanding the arrangement of atoms in a solid is vital to materials research -- but the problem can be difficult to solve in many important situations. Now, by combining the work of two different scientific camps, researchers have created an algorithm that makes crystal structure solution more automated and reliable.

Space-age ceramics get their toughest test

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:47:47 EST

Space-age ceramics at their best promise advanced jet and gas turbine engines that burn with greater fuel efficiencies and less pollution. Scientists have developed the first mechanical test rig for obtaining real-time X-ray computed microtomography images at ultrahigh temperatures for improving the composition and architecture of advanced ceramic composites.

Plastics used in some medical devices break down in a previously unrecognized way

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:11:11 EST

Scientists have discovered a previously unrecognized way that degradation can occur in silicone-urethane plastics that are often considered for use in medical devices. Their study could have implications for device manufacturers considering use of these plastics in the design of some implantable devices, including cardiac defibrillation leads.

Doctoral student unravels 'tin whisker' mystery

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:42:42 EST

A doctoral student has discovered how and why tin whiskers grow. These hair-like fibers of metal grow out of the tin used as solder and coating on many electronic circuits. The presence of these whiskers can cause short-circuits since they act as bridges to conduct electricity to closely-spaced parts, a problem expected to become more prevalent as devices are designed smaller and smaller.