Experts
5 Technologies Impress Public Works Professionals
Brief Geographic information systems and asset-management technology top a list of five leading technologies in public works cited by about 6,000 professionals globally. Rounding out the top five in a poll by the American Public Works Association are technology...
Expert Offers Advice on Investigating Concrete Cracks
Brief In this article, ACI Fellow Kim Basham outlines best practices for evaluating cracks in concrete before designing or conducting repairs. Critical evaluation factors include crack width, dormancy and reinforcement materials. Insight Cracks may represent...
Concrete with Recycled Materials Performs Well
Brief Researchers in Italy say they have improved the performance of concrete by replacing 5% of the cement with recycled concrete powder. They also found concrete with 75% recycled materials also displayed good mechanical performance, durability and water...
Hong Kong High-rise Project Shows How Prefabricated Building Method Can Get Work Done Faster, at Lower Cost
Brief Crews used 3,726 prefabricated concrete modular units to cut nine months off the construction time for an apartment building in Hong Kong, according to study at the University of Hong Kong. Building authorities in Hong Kong hope to use the method for additional...
7 Ways Construction Can Leverage the Power of Big Data
Brief industry, but data management poses a challenge, writes Bill Vellante of Infor. Vellante reviews seven steps toward better management, beginning with leveraging technology that quickly sorts through data and identifies items for immediate action. Insight...
Emerging Robotics Technology May Lead to Better Buildings in Less time
Brief Researchers at Purdue University are testing a robotic system with an end effector that lets construction materials be placed and fastened in the same operation with the same arm. The system relies on computer vision algorithms to detect building elements and...
How Smart Buildings Combat Health Concerns
Brief Sensors, advanced filtration technology and preventive maintenance can help buildings address health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Tim King and Ray Mans write. Sensors and analytics can be used to monitor building occupancy, provide contact...
Construction Connections Go Real-time with 5G
Brief The nearly instantaneous speeds offered by 5G technology can be transformative for construction sites, offering real-time, cable-free digital connections and access to highly data-intensive applications. Cradlepoint's James Bristow explores how Taylor...
Concrete Beam Design: How Concrete Beams React to Being Bent
Brief An engineer must take into account when choosing between balanced concrete, under-reinforced concrete or over-reinforced concrete for a beam to support a building. "In most circumstances, under-reinforced section concrete beams are generally preferred to either...