Civil Engineering Content

Nitrogen-eating Microbes Could Prevent Building Collapse in Earthquakes

Andy Fell — January 11, 2023 - 4:03pm

Naturally occurring microbes could help stabilize the ground under buildings during earthquakes due to the way they reduce the water content in soils, according to new research. This novel microbe-based technique costs half as much and results in far lower carbon emissions than existing soil stabilization methods, as researchers presented at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2022 in Chicago Dec. 14.

Investigating Bridges Under Pressure

Andy Fell — July 12, 2022 - 10:04am

Can a bridge withstand an earthquake? One of the big unknowns is how far a bridge might settle from seismic shaking, especially if the shaking triggers a quicksand-like soil response called liquefaction.

The House That Doesn’t Burn

Anonymous — June 30, 2021 - 3:53pm

Discover how ΢��Ƶ researchers are exploring the use of compressed earth blocks to construct affordable, fire-resistant homes for wildfire-prone areas.