Engineers at Florida International University (FIU) have created a system that sprays ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) onto structures. Such concrete not only has the potential to patch walls, fix pipes and restore drainage culverts, it can make these structures stronger than they were in the first place. More than 40,000 bridges in the USA are deemed structurally … [Read more...] about Spray-on concrete breakthrough could transform bridge repairs
Construction
Sea sponge inspires super strong compressible material
Inspired by a deep-sea sponge, engineers at RMIT University in Melbourne have developed a new material with remarkable compressive strength and stiffness that could improve architectural and product designs. The double lattice design was inspired by the intricate skeleton of a deep-sea sponge, known as Venus’ flower basket, that lives in the Pacific Ocean. Post-doctoral … [Read more...] about Sea sponge inspires super strong compressible material
Coffee concrete wins national research award
An innovative technique for turning coffee grounds into construction material has won an award at Universities Australia’s Shaping Australia Awards in the Problem Solver category, after gaining the most votes from the public. Rajeev Roychand, Professor Jie Li, associate professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, Mohammad Saberian, Professor Chun Qing Li and Professor Guomin (Kevin) … [Read more...] about Coffee concrete wins national research award
Hurricane-proofed skyscrapers unexpectedly vulnerable to ‘bouncing’ winds
Researchers at Florida International University have demonstrated that tall buildings and facade systems designed to withstand hurricanes are vulnerable to ‘downbursts’, winds that are expected to become more common as the climate warms. Houston boasts 50 buildings more than 150 metres tall. These were designed to withstand hurricanes, to which Texas is prone. However, on 16 … [Read more...] about Hurricane-proofed skyscrapers unexpectedly vulnerable to ‘bouncing’ winds
Bath engineers and architects launch manifesto on regenerative design
A team of engineers, architects and researchers from the University of Bath have published a manifesto on ‘regenerative’ design and engineering, providing a guide to confronting the climate crisis and creating ‘net-positive’ buildings, technologies and systems. Freely available online, RENEW: a manifesto for regenerative design and engineering, demystifies the regenerative … [Read more...] about Bath engineers and architects launch manifesto on regenerative design