Simulating Damage Propagation in Composite Materials Through a Novel Computational Method to Realize High-Quality CFRPs
CFRPs are lightweight materials with remarkable mechanical properties. However, their design involves many time-consuming experiments, which drives up costs. To tackle this issue, researchers present a new and computationally efficient approach to simulate damage propagation in CFRP laminates. Image credit: Chenyu Wang and Toshio Nagashima from Sophia University Researchers propose a quasi-3D extend finite element method that could help lower the costs of designing carbon fiber reinforce...
Green construction boost as new service provides transparent environmental data on concrete products.
Major step forward for sustainability reporting and green construction Production of Environmental Product Declarations on-demand allows concrete producers to show the environmental impact of their products Governments and authorities are mandating use of EPDs for green construction, for example with introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act in the USA. The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and consultants WAP Sustainability have taken a major step towards greener con...
Scientists Knit Futuristic Eco-Building Designs Using Fungal Networks
FIGURE 1. BioKnit self-supporting structure exhibited in the OME, Newcastle University (Image credit: Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment). Mycocrete, a paste made with fungi, can be combined with a knitted textile framework to create environmentally friendly constructions Scientists have developed mycocrete, a paste made with the root network of fungus called mycelium, as a building material. Injecting this into a knitted textile framework creates a composite material whic...
Swiss Steel continues research for climate protection
New alloying technologies improve steel Witten/Emmenbrücke. High-alloy steels often consist of more than 30 percent alloying metals. These steels are used in high-performance machinery, among other things. The ecological footprint of these metals is large, but the Swiss Steel Group is reducing it with new technologies and procedures. with new technologies and procedures. Through the targeted use of special scrap, the Swiss Steel Group has succeeded in significantly reducing emissions....
AISI Publishes New Cold-Formed Steel Research Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has published a new research report, “RP23-01: Analytical Equations for Critical Local Buckling Stress of Lipped Channels.” The report provides analytical equations for calculating the critical load buckling stress of lipped channels with or without punchouts under compression and bending. The research was funded by AISI and the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) and performed under the Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium (C...
Lorin Highlights Anodized Aluminum for Architectural Applications
High quality material featured in award winning buildings across the globe Muskegon, MI- Lorin Industries, Inc., the global industry leader in the innovation and production of coil anodized aluminum, highlights its anodized aluminum for architectural applications. Lorin’s coil anodizing process builds an anodic layer from the aluminum, bonding it to the surface at the molecular level, thus protecting the aluminum from the elements. The anodized aluminum will not chip, flake, peel, or c...
Automated window shades show potential for significant energy savings, Illinois Tech study finds
Image: Infrared image showing the temperature of the window with (left) and without (right) insulating shades. Research done at Willis Tower in Chicago shows that automated insulating window shades can significantly reduce energy consumption, with strong positive response from office users CHICAGO— Automated insulating window shades can cut energy consumption by approximately one-quarter and may recoup the cost of installation within three to five years, according to a landmark study...
Simpson Strong-Tie Participates in 7.7 Moment Magnitude Earthquake Test of 10-Story Mass Timber Building
Tests conducted by the NHERI TallWood Project aim to establish the seismic resiliency of mass timber construction with simulations of both the 1994 Northridge and 1999 Jiji earthquakes. Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, announced today the successful completion of a series of seismic tests on the tallest building yet subjected to earthquake simulations. Tests on the 10-story mass timber structure were conducted a...
Updated AISC Specification for Safety-Related Steel Structures for Nuclear Facilities Available for Public Review
CHICAGO - A draft of the next edition of the AISC Specification for Safety-Related Steel Structures for Nuclear Facilities (AISC N690) is now available for public review and comment. The 2024 update of N690 will supersede the 2018 version. The updated version includes: Updates to generally align with the 2022 edition of the Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360) New provisions to address differential settlement and elevated temperatures Modifications to the non...
Improved AWWA C904 Important for Underground Potable PEX Water Service Line Installation
The updated AWWA C904-22 can help installers meet the rapidly growing need to replace lead pipes with PEX. Photo courtesy of PPI-member company REHAU. Helps with Push for Lead Pipe Replacement by PEX Fueled with $15 Billion in Fed Funds IRVING, Texas - According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) the updated AWWA C904-22 contains information for the proper installation of underground PEX potable water service lines that is important and helpful especially with the growing ne...
Stormwater Interview with Robert Page, P.E., Vice President, HNTB
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Expansion
February Issue 2026
