Construction Industry is failing to Slow Climate Change
According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program, to achieve sustainable infrastructure, construction must adopt new technology and materials. It reveals that the construction sector accounts for 38% of all energy-related CO2 emissions, increasing in 2019 to their highest level yet at around 10 GtCO2, and is failing to slow Climate Change or contribute to the 2016 Paris Agreement sustainability goals. This contrasts with the manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors,...
Tires turned into graphene that makes stronger concrete
Rice University scientists have optimized a process to turn rubber from discarded tires into turbostratic flash graphene. The graphene is highly soluble, which makes it ideal for composite materials, including cement in more environmentally friendly concrete. (Credit: Tour Research Group/Rice University) Rice University lab’s optimized flash process could reduce carbon emissions HOUSTON – This could be where the rubber truly hits the road. Rice University scientists have optimized...
WSP USA to Help Deliver Landmark Confluence-1 Fiberoptic System
Ultra-high capacity undersea telecommunications network the first to link critical communications hubs along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard between New York and Miami. NEW YORK — The recently finalized partnership of Confluence Networks, LLC and MasTec, Inc. has selected WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services firm, to assist in completing its Confluence-1 fiberoptic cable system. An alternative to the existing terrestrial network, the cutting-edge subsea project will prov...
GPA makes major infrastructure investment
SAVANNAH, Ga.– On Monday, the Georgia Ports Authority Board approved capital improvement projects that will increase the Port of Savannah’s container capacity by 20 percent. “Right now, we are moving container volumes that we did not expect to see for another four years,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “Our employees are working very hard to ensure we continue to provide our customers with world-class service. Additionally, we are expediting capacity projects that will increase the...
National Building Museum Reopens on April 9
The Great Hall. Photo by Kevin Allen Three New Exhibitions, a Welcoming Visitor Center, and the Beloved Museum Shop Available to All, Fridays Through Sundays WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Friday, April 9, 2021, the National Building Museum will reopen after a 16-month closure due to restoration work and the COVID-19 pandemic. In its 41st year as the only U.S. cultural institution dedicated to the built environment, the Museum will once again welcome everyone to experience stories about the struct...
Aramco and American Concrete Institute Announce New Center of Excellence for Nonmetallics in Building and Construction
Aramco Americas becomes founding member of US-based innovation hub New center aims to achieve more sustainable building solutions through advances in nonmetallic technologies FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Aramco and the American Concrete Institute (ACI) announce the launch of NEx: A Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials to develop and promote the use of nonmetallic materials in the construction sector. Based at ACI World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michiga...
Mega Jack 800 fleet expansion supports smarter project efficiencies
New equipment expands fleet of heavy lift jacks Mammoet, the world’s largest engineered heavy lifting and transport service provider, is expanding its range of innovative equipment with the addition of ten new towers for its Mega Jack 800 system. Bringing the total number of Mega Jack 800 towers to 22, this will increase the global availability of an innovation that has been proven to reduce risk and improve efficiency across projects such as civil infrastructure renewal, port expansions and...
April 2021 Trends
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. ASCE 2021 Infrastructure Report Card Released: U.S. Gets ‘C-’ Grade The American Socie...
Hilltip Brings HTrack™ Tracking System Technology to the North American Market
The HTrack system uses HillTip’s easy-to-use StrikeSmart™ controller, which is placed in the cab and connects to IceStriker and SprayStriker products. LAKESIDE PARK, KY – Hilltip has introduced its HTrack™ online tracking software to the North American market. Compatible with all models of HillTip’s IceStriker™ and SprayStriker™ spreaders and de-icing sprayers, the software allows winter service professionals to track and manage all of their HillTip equipment via computer, tablet or smar...
AISC Names 2020 Safety Award Winners
CHICAGO – The American Institute of Steel Construction is pleased to recognize more than 135 steel fabricators and erectors for their outstanding safety records in 2020. Most of this year's winners have earned the Institute's top safety award, the Safety Award of Honor, which is presented for a perfect record of no disabling injuries (DART=0--see below for more info about DART data). "2020 really underscored the importance of safety. These awards are a powerful reminder of what truly makes...