International engineering consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff have designed the world's first recycled plastic railway bridges for the US Army at Fort Eustis, Virginia, USA.
The bridges use Recycled Structural Composite (RSC), a thermoplastic material manufactured by Axion International Holdings from recycled domestic and industrial plastic, which can support up to 30 tonnes.
Axion's RSC technology was developed in conjunction with scientists at Rutgers University, where it was patented.
RSC technology represents another truly historic event for both structural engineers and environmentally-conscious individuals across the nation. Utilising RSC technology, structures are built with cheaper costs compared to similar steel, wood or concrete structures.
Furthermore, the bridges require very little maintenance and have the same life expectancy as conventionally-built ones.
The recycled plastic bridge has completed trials last May and commercial applications are expected to start in June 2010.
Furthermore, the bridges require very little maintenance and have the same life expectancy as conventionally-built ones.
The recycled plastic bridge has completed trials last May and commercial applications are expected to start in June 2010.
A Window That Serves Dual Purpose
Sunlight is an endless source of energy. Solar panels have been around for many years and are usually installed on the rooftops to generate electricity. In a new twist to solar panel structural applications, Hua Qin has produced solar panel windows. These solar windows are capable of generating 2 Watt per square feet.
They are slightly foggy and can replace conventional glass windows.The windows can come in slightly hazy to opaque. Generally, the lower the transparency of the window, the higher the power output of the solar windows.
For more information, please visit: http://www.wareground.com/articles/hua_qin_solar_glass_generates_electricity_lets_most_of_the_sun_shine_in
For more information, please visit: http://www.wareground.com/articles/hua_qin_solar_glass_generates_electricity_lets_most_of_the_sun_shine_in
Self-healing Concrete
Michelle Pelletier, a University of Rhode Island master's degree holder from Woodsocket, RI has invented a new form of concrete that can “self-heal” when damaged. By inserting a micro-encapsulated sodium silicate agent into a concrete matrix, the concrete is able to self-repair itself when tiny cracks form. These tiny ruptures break the capsules of sodium silicate which form a plug to seal the cracks.
The sodium silicate reacts with the calcium hydroxide naturally present in the concrete to form a calcium-silica-hydrate product to heal the cracks and block the pores in the concrete. The chemical reaction creates a gel-like material that hardens in about one week.
There a two unique features about this material. Firstly, it can have a localized and targeted release of the healing agent only in the areas that really need it. Also, Pelletier's healing mix recovers 26 percent of the original strength of the concrete block (after being stressed to near breaking) compared to just 10 percent recovery by current repair methods using standard mixes.
This self-healing concrete will help to extend the life of the structure, helping builders save cost in the long run.
There a two unique features about this material. Firstly, it can have a localized and targeted release of the healing agent only in the areas that really need it. Also, Pelletier's healing mix recovers 26 percent of the original strength of the concrete block (after being stressed to near breaking) compared to just 10 percent recovery by current repair methods using standard mixes.
This self-healing concrete will help to extend the life of the structure, helping builders save cost in the long run.
