Construction

Video: Glass flood walls prevent flooding while maintaining the view

By Lisa McDonald / April 6, 2022

Flood walls are traditionally made of concrete, but a few manufacturers are exploring the use of glass in flood wall design to maintain views of the surrounding area. See some examples of these glass walls in real-world applications.

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Video: 2021 Brick in Architecture Awards demonstrate brick’s ‘infinite’ design versatility

By Lisa McDonald / March 9, 2022

Since 1989, the Brick Industry Association has sponsored the Brick in Architecture Awards to recognize exceptional uses of clay brick in architecture. The 49 global winners for the 2021 awards include entries spanning the United States, Australia, Canada, and Mexico.

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New analysis model determines reliability and sensitivity of cold-bent curtain wall glass

By Lisa McDonald / February 8, 2022

Cold bending is a method commonly used to form curved glass for curtain walls. Researchers in China developed an analysis model to determine the reliability and sensitivity of glass formed this way.

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New geopolymer mortars and nano alumina protect concrete against sulfate attack

By Lisa McDonald / January 28, 2022

Sulfate attack is one of the most damaging causes of concrete deterioration. Two studies published this month look at the potential of new geopolymer mortars and the addition of nano alumina to improve concrete’s resistance to sulfate attack.

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Video: Tonga builds its climate resilience

By Lisa McDonald / December 15, 2021

Pacific Island nations are among those most at risk from climate change. The Kingdom of Tonga is one Pacific Island nation that exemplifies the work being done in this region to build climate resilience.

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Access covers demonstrate potential of recycled glass–polymeric composite

By Lisa McDonald / November 16, 2021

Finding new applications for recycled glass brings the material ever closer to reaching its sustainable potential. Three researchers at RMIT University developed a process for creating glass–polymeric composites from recycled glass, which could be used for various building components such as access covers.

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Accounting for nonlinearity—constitutive relations improve modeling of fiber-reinforced polymer composites

By Lisa McDonald / October 8, 2021

Modeling the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composites is difficult because of their nonlinear response to external stimuli. Constitutive relations offer one way to account for the nonlinearity, and a team of researchers in Russia used this approach to model polymer composites designed as shut-off valves for pressure vessel service equipment.

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Video: Green ceramics for sustainable housing development

By Lisa McDonald / September 1, 2021

Sustainable manufacturing is about more than just recycling—it involves rethinking the way we collect, process, and reuse materials as well. A university–industry partnership in Australia looks to develop apartments that are made primarily with green ceramics and other repurposed waste materials.

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Video: Considerations of colored concrete

By Lisa McDonald / July 28, 2021

Adding pigment to cement is one way to produce colored concrete. Researchers in China and Morocco showed that the content and purity of the pigment can have adverse effects on the cement’s properties.

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Video: Glass bridges—designing for safety

By Lisa McDonald / June 23, 2021

In recent years, China has undergone a glass bridge building boom as local authorities seek to entice tourists. Despite the brittleness of glass, civil engineers explain how careful design can ensure the safety of bridges built from this material.

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