Building & Construction Industry News & Analysis

A Non-Metallic Alternative to Structural Steel

Although steel will continue to dominate the realm of structural building materials for the foreseeable future, pultruded fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) is an attractive alternative that offers superior corrosion resistance and higher strength-to-weight ratios.

Air Conditioning Use Expected to Triple by 2050, According to Report

With an estimated 1.6 billion buildings worldwide currently outfitted with air conditioning units, research from the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that number will increase to 5.6 billion by the year 2050.

Watch: Smart Window Development, the Skim Reaper, Wet Wipe Ban in UK

This week's engineering brief covers smart windows, ATM security and the UK's wet wipe ban.

Jeddah Tower - Building a Skyscraper on Sand

If all goes as planned, by 2020 pilgrims entering Jeddah will witness a modern marvel, a skyscraper more than 1 km in height.

Here's What's in California's New Rooftop Solar Mandate

The solar PV mandate could add $9,500 to the cost of an average home, but may cut energy and maintenance expenses by up to $19,000 over 30 years.

Nano-sized Cellulose Fibers are Stronger than Steel

The material could be used in composites for cars, bikes or medical implants.

The Biggest Hurdles You'll Need to Overcome When Cooling Your Warehouse

To address warehouse climates HVAC components need to overcome a laundry list of challenges. From air leaks, vaulted ceilings, inadequate insulation and over-sized doorways to circulation requirements, building codes and safety regulations, a significantly large fan is simply not enough. Or is it?

These 4 Finalists Will Compete to Renovate the Eiffel Tower

The project will see the teams revise the approach to the 324-meter tower, rethink access to its elevators and make improvement to reception and work spaces.

Earthquake Engineers Find Out How The Leaning Tower of Pisa has Survived Major Earthquakes

Since the middle ages, multiple strong earthquakes have hit the area, yet the tower is still standing—albeit leaning.

TVA Protects 2 Nukes from Floods and Rebuilds a Leaky Dam

Worries over big floods and the remote possibility of a dam failure led TVA to take on big infrastructure projects.

Smart Windows are an Illuminating Development

Window glass incorporating micro mirrors functions as compound parabolic concentrator lenses to optimally reflect sunlight with low restrictions in visibility.

3 Robots Will Work Construction Starting This Fall

The robots include a Robo-Carrier, a Robo-Welder and a multipurpose robot that handles construction work for ceilings and floors.

This Landmark Skyscraper Is Getting 80 New Elevators

The modernization project will provide more efficient elevator service for tenants and visitors, reducing travel time during peak hours by up to 30 percent and cutting energy costs by an estimated 35 percent.

These Three Ventures Were Shortlisted for $3.3bn Bridge-Tunnel Project

The project will build a new four-lane bridge-tunnel and widen the existing four-lane segments of I-64 to ease congestion between two Virginia cities.

Norway's Fjords to Become Zero Emission Zones

In eight years’ time, Norway’s fjords are expected to become zero emission zones — a move that would likely impact the cruise ships and ferries bringing tourists to one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

Nanodiamonds Turn into a Controllable Light Source with a Higher Purcell Factor

Researchers from ITMO University have developed the first nanodiamond-based light source.

Some Companies in China Monitor Workers' Emotions with AI

Worker safety is often a concern for employers, particularly for those in high-stress professions such as construction and transportation, for instance. One solution that helps to keep workers safe and subsequently helps to keep costs related to accidents and mishaps down is being employed by a number of companies in China.

Building and Construction