MSU researchers explore emerging market for mass timber in Michigan
A photo taken of the inside of MSU's STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Mass-timber beams and panels are integrated into and showcased throughout the building. Mass timber, engineered wood known for its strength and sustainability, has been used inside and outside of Michigan more frequently over the past decade to build and design large buildings. By: Jack Falinski, falinsk2@msu.edu East Lansing, Mich. — To see the future of how buildings are constructed in both Michigan and the...
Rice husk and recycled newspaper may be the eco-friendly insulation material of the future
Scientists develop an insulation material made of rice husk and cellulose; an eco-friendly mix based on materials often considered waste Building is an energy, plastic, and emissions intensive sector. Using environmentally friendly materials might pave the way towards reducing its carbon footprint. Now, researchers have tested the suitability of a mix of rice husks and cellulose – both materials that otherwise would end up in landfills or garbage incineration plants – as a building material....
Polyethylene Pipe Grades Discussed in New technical Document
Covers Performance Requirements and Details Comparisons IRVING, TX - The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) today announced the publication of a new document that provides the technical basis for comparing PE 100-RC to PE4710 pressure pipe. Called PPI TN-68, Historical Review of the PE 100-RC Concept – How PE4710 Compares to PE 100-RC, it will provide a perspective on the Slow Crack Growth (SCG) resistance requirements for the PE 100-RC designation in comparison with the North American...
Developing carbon-negative cementitious materials, giving new life to ‘unusable’ waste
ROLLA, Mo. – A Missouri University of Science and Technology research team was recently awarded $2.5 million in funding to find new ways to turn waste products into supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) – plus use those materials to store carbon permanently in concrete. “Years ago, SCMs were used as a cheap option to replace some Portland cement and also have a stronger and more durable concrete mixture,” says Dr. Hongyan Ma, Francisco Benavides Scholar and associate professor of civil...
Applying Spray Foam Insulation On and Around Plastic Pipes
Figure 1: The first layer of SPF insulation is stopped when it reaches the pipe (left), just barely touching or encasing it. After sufficient cooling time, the second layer of SFP insulation is sprayed over the pipe to the required thickness (right). New Technical Document Details Proper Steps for Use IRVING, Texas - A new technical document that addresses techniques for the safe and proper use of spray polyurethane foam insulation on and around plastic pressure pipe materials h...
AISI Publishes New Research Report for Cold-Formed Steel Deck Applications
WASHINGTON, DC –The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has published a new research report, “RP23-02: Influence of Support Attachment Pattern on the Out-of-Plane Buckling Capacity of Steel Deck.” RP23-02 is available for free download in the AISI Design Resources section at www.buildusingsteel.org. The research was undertaken to determine if the diaphragm testing used to develop AISI S310-20, North American Standard for the Design of Profiled Steel Diaphragm Panels, 2020 Edition, coul...
Bendheim Channel Glass Achieves EPD and HPD
The façade of the Fort York Visitor Centre in Toronto, designed with channel glass from Bendheim. This problem-solving material now carries both an Environmental Product Declaration and a Health Product Declaration. [Photo credit: Riley Snelling] Material transparency supports sustainability NEW YORK, N.Y.—Bendheim’s channel glass, manufactured by Glasfabrik Lamberts of Germany, now carries both an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and a Health Product Declaration (HPD), support...
Effects of Chlorine Dioxide on Plumbing Systems Addressed in New Technical Document
Pressure pipe materials CPVC, PEX, PE-RT, PP-R, and PP-RCT. Investigation Results by Plastics Pipe Institute Now Available IRVING, Texas - The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has released a new technical document that reports on the association’s findings about the compatibility of plastic piping materials with chlorine dioxide (CIO2) when used in hot- and cold-water plumbing distribution systems. Prepared by PPI’s Building & Construction Division, PPI TN-67 Chlorine Dioxide an...
Three Applications Where Composites Beat Metals
By Matthew Bloise, Greene Tweed For decades, various types of metals have been the go-material across most industries. In many applications, plastics are quickly replacing metals, and only what couldn’t be converted to plastic due to performance limitations has generally stayed metal. There is a material category that combines the strength of metal and the benefits of plastics. That category is composites, and we will explore three specific domains: aerospace, along with two applications in o...
Purdue researchers develop a new type of intelligent architected materials for industry applications
Products made with intelligent architected materials developed at Purdue University have the ability to change from one stable configuration to another stable configuration and back again. The technology is being tested in new aircraft runway mats, nonpneumatic tires and other applications. Purdue University civil engineers are testing materials for transportation, military and other real-world applications WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University civil engineering researchers have dev...
Stormwater Interview with Robert Page, P.E., Vice President, HNTB
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Expansion
February Issue 2026
