In this section, Informed Infrastructure compiles infographics from trusted sources that reveal insight on infrastructure spending. We also compile some of the top infrastructure stories that shouldn’t be missed. For ongoing news coverage, turn to Informed Infrastructure online (www.informedinfrastructure.com), our Twitter feed
(@IInfrastructure) and our weekly e-newsletter.

Breaking, Evolving News Stories Affecting Infrastructure

On March 23, 2018, the U.S. Congress passed a $1.3-trillion fiscal 2018 spending package that would increase funds for an array of federal infrastructure programs by a total of $21.2 billion. Despite a veto threat, President Trump signed the bill into law the same day.

Earlier in March 2018, U.S. President Trump announced a plan for tariffs on steel and aluminum, two cornerstones of the infrastructure industry. An exemption system is being worked out as to which countries and products would be affected by the tariffs. And on March 22, Trump signed a memorandum announcing tariffs on about $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, following a seven-month investigation into intellectual property theft.

To stay on top of these fast-developing stories, regularly visit informedinfrastructure.com, where updates and analysis are continually posted.

AISI Publishes New Report on Thermal Analysis of Cold-Formed Steel Wall Assemblies

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) published the findings from research conducted to support the development of a calculation methodology for determining the U-factors and R-values for wall assemblies containing cold-formed steel. The research project was conducted by Morrison Hershfield Ltd. (MH) and involved detailed thermal modeling simulations of 27 steel stud assemblies that varied by insulation thickness, insulation placement and steel stud depth. A summary of the project, findings and analysis are published in “RP18-1: Thermal Analysis of Cold-Formed Steel Wall Assemblies.” A free download is available at http://bit.ly/2FVKJxS.

AISI Publishes New Report on Thermal Analysis of Cold-Formed Steel Wall Assemblies

A figure shows a modeled ASHRAE 795-RP validation assembly.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) published the findings from research conducted to support the development of a calculation methodology for determining the U-factors and R-values for wall assemblies containing cold-formed steel. The research project was conducted by Morrison Hershfield Ltd. (MH) and involved detailed thermal modeling simulations of 27 steel stud assemblies that varied by insulation thickness, insulation placement and steel stud depth. A summary of the project, findings and analysis are published in “RP18-1: Thermal Analysis of Cold-Formed Steel Wall Assemblies.” A free download is available at http://bit.ly/2FVKJxS.

Cloud-Based Seismic Monitoring Transforms Earthquake Event Reporting for Buildings

A shake event report can be delivered moments after an event occurs, containing information required by a structural engineer to help determine if a building is safe.

Trimble 4D Go for Buildings processes data from Trimble’s REF TEK monitoring hardware installed in buildings and delivers immediate notification of seismic activity, providing real-time information that can be used for faster decision making regarding structural integrity and occupant safety.

The system monitors building movement and determines peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), response spectral acceleration (RSA) and other critical parameters that enable structural engineers to determine the building’s movement during an earthquake.

Ash from Dinosaur-Era Volcanoes Linked with Shale Oil, Gas

According to a new study from Rice University geologists, nutrient-rich ash from an enormous flare-up of volcanic eruptions toward the end of the dinosaurs’ reign kicked off a chain of events that led to the formation of shale gas and oil fields from Texas to Montana.

Advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing during the last 20 years led to a U.S. energy boom in “unconventionals,” a category that includes the shale gas and “tight” oil found in shale fields like the Cretaceous Eagle Ford and Mowry as well as older fields such as the Barnett and Bakken.

Although the published study looked specifically at the Cretaceous and North America, researchers believe arc volcano flare-ups at other times and locations on Earth may be responsible for other hydrocarbon-rich shale deposits.

New App Enables Contractors to Access Installation Information on the Go

Advanced Drainage Systems introduced its “ADS Installation Guides” mobile application, offering everyday installation instructions for its thermoplastic pipe products. The app is a resource to provide guidance on the installation of ADS pipe used in stormwater management and sanitary sewer applications.

Nitrogen-Catching Bioreactors Effective In Mid-Atlantic

Bioreactors, which are woodchip-filled ditches and trenches, often are used near crop fields to filter the water running off of them. The woodchips enhance a natural process called denitrification that prevents too much nitrogen from getting into other bodies of water such as rivers and streams.

“This process is a natural part of the nitrogen cycle that is done by bacteria in soil all around the world,” explained Laura Christianson, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois. “In a bioreactor, we give these natural bacteria extra food—the carbon in the woodchips—to do their job. These bacteria clean the nitrate from the water.”