Construction

A creeping suspicion—modified concrete creep model considers drying-induced damage

By Lisa McDonald / February 21, 2020

Existing creep damage models for concrete assume compressive and tensile creep are identical, but recent experimental evidence suggests otherwise. Researchers from the United Kingdom and China propose a modified model that accounts for drying-induced damages and load eccentricity to more accurately model creep.

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Bacteria bind bricks to create sustainable living building material

By April Gocha / February 4, 2020

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder designed a living building material cemented together with cyanobacteria-secreted calcium carbonate—offering possibilities for construction in resource-limited settings.

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Video: 3D-printed homes for those in need

By Lisa McDonald / January 8, 2020

Texas-based construction company ICON built the first permitted 3D-printed house in 2018. Now, working with nonprofit organizations New Story and ÉCHALE, ICON completed the first two of 50 planned 3D-printed houses to help local communities in Mexico.

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Video: Effectively pour concrete in cold weather

By Lisa McDonald / December 18, 2019

Though construction season is mainly ended for the year, sometimes critical construction projects cannot wait until spring. Learn how to effectively pour concrete in cold weather.

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Video: How to create a float for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Lisa McDonald / November 27, 2019

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a float for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Find out the steps involved in the design process and take a look at the five new floats that will debut this Thanksgiving!

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Porcelain enamel in history: The all-ceramic homes of World War II

By April Gocha / November 26, 2019

Porcelain enamel is found in various products, places, and applications in modern homes, but at one point in history, it looked like houses would be made entirely of this material. Learn the history of the Lustron homes that served as a quick and low-cost solution to the post-World War II housing crisis.

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Power over Ethernet: The wire(not)less future of smart buildings

By Lisa McDonald / November 22, 2019

Many companies tout wireless devices as key to the Internet of Things. In the case of smart buildings, though, Ethernet cables may be the best way to achieve IoT. Learn what Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers smart buildings and take a look at a new hotel that uses PoE.

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Ceramics and glass make a home, plus more inside December 2019 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / November 21, 2019

The December 2019 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring ceramic and glass materials in a house—is now available online. Plus—ceramicSOURCE 2020 and C&GM (new!)

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Video: The rising popularity of fiber cement siding

By Lisa McDonald / September 18, 2019

Fiber cement is an increasingly popular material for house siding. Find out the history of the material, how it compares to other common siding materials, and how it is produced.

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Video: How long should highway construction actually take? Piezoelectric sensors may offer more precise answer

By Lisa McDonald / September 11, 2019

Highway construction can take longer than is necessary if cars drive on the concrete before it has fully matured. Purdue University researchers are working with the Indiana Department of Transportation to test piezoelectric sensors that measure concrete strength.

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