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The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. has undergone a renovation and expansion project to improve accessibility and enhance its role as a cultural institution. The historic library, designed by Paul Cret and completed in 1932, has been transformed by KieranTimberlake, with the addition of a below-grade space that includes a new entrance, exhibition halls, a learning lab, and offices. The project involved excavating thousands of cubic yards of earth and coordinating closely with contractors to ensure the preservation of the building's original elevations. The renovation also included interior enhancements such as the addition of a café in the Great Hall and the installation of compact shelving in the stacks. The project, which cost $54.5 million, offers a model for other institutions seeking to expand while working within the limitations of historic buildings. [Extracted from the article]

A pair of steel-clad apartment buildings have been constructed next to an adapted historic waterworks in Winnipeg's Exchange District. The original pumping station, built in 1906, was closed in 1986 and faced multiple failed attempts at revival. However, the architecture firm 5468796 Architecture successfully integrated an office, restaurant, and housing units into the existing building, while also adding two five-story housing blocks. The design emphasizes externalized circulatory corridors and incorporates thoughtful material choices and spatial solutions. The project preserves the heritage of the original building while creating a modern and vibrant addition to the cityscape. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the design and construction of 8 Bishopsgate, a 50-story tower in London. The tower was carefully designed to comply with planning regulations and protect views of important landmarks, such as St Paul's Cathedral. It features a stepped profile with stacked boxes and a taut glass envelope, creating a sleek and inviting interior. The tower also includes amenities such as outdoor terraces, a restaurant, and a viewing gallery. Sustainability was a priority in the design, with features such as on-floor air-handling units and a double-skin facade. The tower's construction utilized a steel frame, reinforced-concrete cores, and a lean foundation design to reduce the use of materials and minimize environmental impact. Overall, 8 Bishopsgate is a high-quality and environmentally conscious addition to London's skyline. [Extracted from the article]

The Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project is a government-led initiative to address climate predictions and flood risks in Louisiana's southwestern coastline. It involves raising buildings and restoring coastal lands to protect communities and the local economy. However, experts are concerned about the project's long-term effectiveness due to climate change and rising sea levels. Louisiana has lost a significant amount of coast to erosion, and Cameron Parish is projected to be the hardest-hit area. The project aims to preserve acres through ecosystem restoration, but some experts advocate for managed retreat instead. The project faces challenges and local residents are uncertain about their future. [Extracted from the article]

The present work intends to provide physical insights into the vibro-acoustic performances of coupled orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shell-inner foundation system, which have seldomly been conducted from the perspective of wave propagation. A semi-analytical method integrating the modified variational method and Kirchhoff-Helmholtz integral equation is first proposed for the vibro-acoustic responses of the model. The displacements and acoustic pressure are analytically expanded by Fourier series along circumferential direction, which reduces the structure-fluid coupling to a one-dimensional problem. The accuracy of the theoretical method are demonstrated by numerical method. Then the vibro-acoustic performances of the model are analyzed using wavenumber analysis method, by which the wave spectrum and supersonic intensity are obtained. The study indicates that the inconsistency between structural vibration and acoustic radiation results from the discrepancy in radiation efficiencies of helical wave components, and the subsonic helical wave close to the radiation circle can radiate to the far-field more efficiently than the wave away from the circle. Further, compared to the stiffened cylindrical shell, the foundation strengthens the coupling effect of helical waves, induces more abundant helical waves near the radiation circle, and further leads to more acoustic resonance peaks, which shows negative effects on acoustic performances of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popular Mechanics has released its annual Tool Awards package, which features a list of the best tools in different categories. The winners were chosen based on their performance and functionality. Some of the winning tools include the Milwaukee 2838-21 18-Volt Cordless Router Kit, the Bosch GNB18V-12N 18-Volt Concrete Nailer, and the Ingersoll Rand Model D5421 20-Volt Hammer Drill Driver. The document provides a comprehensive list of various tools and equipment, describing their features, performance, and durability. It aims to assist library patrons in their research and decision-making process. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the transformation of a large concrete bunker in Hamburg into a new urban garden and public space. The bunker, which was not being fully utilized, will now include a hotel, gymnasium, and cultural venues. The design incorporates terraced spaces with greenery, including full-sized trees, and includes irrigation and drainage systems. The project was a collaboration between residents, architects, and a real estate firm, and there are plans for various memorials to document the bunker's history. The design team had to carefully consider the structural load assumptions and minimize disruptions to the interior spaces. The article also discusses the structural design and construction of a vertical extension to the bunker. The team aimed to avoid reinforcing the existing top slab by directing additional forces from the new levels to the bunker's solid columns and walls. They initially considered a girder grillage concept but ultimately developed an alternative concept using stacked concrete walls to allow for public circulation and emergency escape routes. The design also included a new concrete lift shaft and new columns for horizontal stability. The structural analysis was conducted using a 3D finite-element model, and it was determined that the bunker's foundation slab could withstand the additional loads. The project also involved the installation of outdoor elevators and the creation of a city garden on the rooftops. Overall, the design team used innovative engineering solutions to successfully complete this complex urban development project. [Extracted from the article]

This article focuses on optimizing deep foundation designs in ephemeral streams to reduce costs. It explains the differences between perennial and ephemeral streams and how they impact the design of deep foundations. The article emphasizes the importance of accurately estimating pore water pressure (PWP) profiles in ephemeral streams for deep foundation designs, considering factors such as flood variations and the hydrogeologic setting of the stream. It suggests using laboratory tests and numerical models to estimate engineering properties of soils and evaluate infiltration fluxes and PWP profiles. The article concludes by highlighting the significance of accurate PWP estimation for structures in arid to semiarid regions, which are expected to expand due to global warming. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, dynamic impedances of the Combined Piled Raft Foundation (CPRF) are calculated based on the coupled BEM-FEM approach. The piles, raft, and internal soil domain (near filed) are modelled with the finite element method (FEM). In contrast, truncated soil (far field) is modelled with the boundary element method (BEM). The piles and raft are perfectly bonded with the soil where rigorous pile-soil and raft-soil interaction conditions are imposed. The dynamic impedances are calculated under the horizontal, vertical, and rocking modes of vibration for the CPRF with 2 × 2 pile group. The parametric study is carried out for the CPRF to portray the influence of pile-soil stiffness, pile length, pile spacing, and raft thickness. In addition to the parametric study, the dynamic response of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) structure is carried out using the proposed spring-dashpot model. Results are compared with those obtained using FEM model. It can be concluded that the present model can simulate the seismic behavior of NPP under varying earthquake frequency and PGA with good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar were impressive examples of civil engineering, with unique designs inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture. The stadiums, such as Al Janoub and Lusail, were equipped with cooling systems to combat the high temperatures. All matches were held in a compact area in central Doha, making it easy for fans to attend multiple games in one day. The stadiums were designed to be sustainable, with plans to repurpose them after the tournament. The Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final game, featured a steel vessel structure and a lightweight spoke-wheel-type cable net system for the roof. The stadium can be adapted for various uses after the World Cup. The construction process involved careful monitoring and the use of adjustable connections to ensure accuracy. The World Cup also provided an opportunity for civil engineers to share knowledge and best practices. [Extracted from the article]

The text provides an overview of the Assembly Atlanta project, which has contributed to the growth of Georgia's film and TV industry. The project, located in Doraville, Georgia, transformed a former brownfield that housed a General Motors assembly plant into a 135-acre mixed-use development. The site now includes studio buildings, public spaces, and amenities, including two stormwater ponds that can be used for filming water scenes. The construction of a large studio complex with 19 soundstages was completed in just two years, utilizing the tilt wall method for the studio buildings and incorporating filmable facades for outdoor scenes. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents an application of the boundary element method (BEM) in engineering to numerically analyse the integrity of cast-in-place concrete foundations, as in the case of concrete piles, using a developed system composed of an artificial heat source, thermometers coupled with metal reinforcement and mathematical algorithms. This type of integrity monitoring of concrete piles is present in recent articles where temperature measurements occur only during the cement curing process, related to the cement hydration reaction in a time interval of a few days. However, the innovation proposed in this study refers to the possibility of continuous monitoring of the pile, considering the installation of an artificial heat source, whose temperature measurements will allow evaluating the positioning of the metal reinforcement inside the pile, in order to identify possible concreting anomalies and/or exposure of metal rods to the ground, where metal corrosion can be more pronounced. The diffusion equation with heat generation and the D-BEM formulation is used to simulate a cross-section of the set of soil and concrete pile with metal reinforcement in different situations. Details on the formulation of boundary elements used, as well as numerical results on the feasibility of the methodology developed to monitor the integrity of cast-in-place concrete foundations, are presented below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mork-Ulnes Architects has designed an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Marin County, California, that serves as a temporary home for a family of three while their main house undergoes renovation. The ADU is located on a hillside and has a limited footprint of just over 300 square feet. To maximize space, the architects used a "Swiss Army knife" approach, incorporating a movable kitchen island, a Murphy bed, and a flexible living space. The interior is clad in unvarnished ply boards, and the shower room utilizes its surroundings to visually elongate the limited volume. The design of the ADU is a response to the increasing demand for ADUs in California as a solution to the housing shortage. [Extracted from the article]

Ulm and his colleagues say a concrete block equivalent to a cube 3.5 metres on each side could store 10 kilowatt-hours of energy (PNAS, doi.org/km64). A MIXTURE of cement and charcoal powder could enable houses to store a full day's worth of energy from renewable sources in their concrete foundations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the construction of a new welcome center at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine and its impact on the relationship between the park and the region's Wabanaki Nations. The initial designs for the center were criticized by representatives from the Wabanaki Nations for not acknowledging the region's Indigenous past. As a result, the designs were revised to incorporate an Indigenous perspective, and the center will feature exhibits and artwork that highlight Wabanaki culture and history. The center aims to attract more visitors to the monument and promote a sense of recognition and pride among Native people in Maine. [Extracted from the article]

Mary Kathleen, a uranium-mining town in northwestern Queensland, was put up for auction in April 1983 after the closure of its uranium mine the previous year. The auction resulted in the dismantling of buildings and the removal of infrastructure, leaving behind concrete foundations and empty roads. The town had a history of conflict among its residents, with tensions arising from shared accommodation and a scarcity of single women. After the closure, Mary Kathleen became the site of Australia's first major uranium mine rehabilitation project, and today it attracts tourists despite its mild levels of radioactivity. [Extracted from the article]

Stanzin Chozang, an architect from Ladakh's Leh, has been working to bring professional expertise to the region's traditional building practices. In the past, Ladakhis have built their own homes using local materials such as stone, mud, and grass. Chozang believes that these age-old tactics provide better thermal comfort compared to modern materials like concrete. He incorporates natural materials into his designs, such as using a waterproofing solution mixed with Multani mitti, a mineral-rich topsoil, instead of paint. Chozang's work combines contemporary design with sustainable and cost-effective solutions. [Extracted from the article]

Linden, Brown raised the entire structure 18 inches to put in concrete foundations. DESIGN VANGUARD 2023 AS THE FIRST project of their newly minted firm, Brent Linden and Chris Brown transformed a 90-year-old barn into a rich blend of winery and three-dimensional puzzle. Gradient House and Studio Linden, Brown transformed a postwar house into a new residence and home studio for a local design business. [Extracted from the article]

Eco Material Technologies, based in South Jordan, Utah, has partnered with Houston-based Hive3D to 3D print sustainable houses in Texas. The houses are made from a green cement product called PozzoCEM Vite, which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional cement. The 3D printer used features a robot arm on a crawler system and can print houses in four sections, with each section taking about three hours to print. The houses are designed with curved and rounded exterior walls for stability in high winds and are pest resistant and fireproof. The walls are filled with foamed concrete for insulation and additional structure. Eco Material is also working on finding alternative sources of fly ash, a key ingredient in their green cement, as coal-fueled power plants are being replaced with other energy sources. [Extracted from the article]

This book was designed and used as a textbook for an innovative course to familiarize potential mathematics majors with the advantages of a computer-algebra system (CAS) in exploring mathematical topics. Author Granville explores the nature, purpose, and uses of proofs in mathematics. While applied mathematicians are interested in finding and applying optimal methods, Trefethen feels that pure mathematicians prefer to sharpen and generalize results, with an eye to the future rather than the present. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the foundations and structural dynamics of skyscraper and tower design, referencing the history of structural design from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. An overview of bedrock foundations in Manhattan, New York City, New York, including its impact on the construction of the World Trade Center in New York City, is provided. The construction of Millennium Tower in San Francisco, California is discussed.

In this paper, soil-structure interaction problems are analysed using a three-dimensional formulation obtained by combining the Boundary Element Method (BEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM). Structural elements that interact with the soil are modelled with the FEM. Soil, which is considered as a semi-infinite, homogeneous, linear elastic and isotropic medium, is modelled with the BEM using Mindlin's fundamental solution. A pile is discretized by several three-dimensional finite beam elements. A plate is discretized by finite flat shell elements, making it possible to consider the bending and membrane effects. The vertical and horizontal loads in the plate-pile-soil system are directly applied to the plate. This approach allows for a static analysis of the full interaction between capped pile groups or piled rafts and the soil. The developed formulations can also be extended to dynamic or non-linear analyses. Coupling between the BEM and FEM is performed through a mixed formulation in which the matrix of the soil's influence coefficients obtained by BEM is added to the stiffness matrix of the structural elements obtained by FEM, resulting in an equivalent stiffness matrix. Numerical examples of the plate-pile-soil interactions are solved, and their results are compared with those of other formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Making use of a mixed variational formulation including the Green function of the substrate, a finite element model is derived for the static analysis of Timoshenko beams in bilateral frictionless contact with an elastic half-space. Numerical results are obtained by adopting locking-free Hermite polynomials for the Timoshenko beam and piecewise constant reaction over the soil. Foundation beams loaded by forces and couples at the midspan illustrate accuracy and convergence properties of the proposed formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the underlying structure of mountain ranges. Possibility for nature to support mountains by solid rock foundations and the buoyancy of light material floating on heavier substrates; Efforts of George Everest to survey the topography of the Himalayan mountain range and determine its mass; Discovery of the missing mass; Concept of isostasy from George B. Airy; Confirmation of the varying thickness of the Earth's crust.

Something strange is happening to the world of IT. As technological innovation drives businesses to become more productive, innovative and agile, it's simultaneously driving those tasked with protecting these new networks and systems to breaking point. Complexity might be hidden from the end user, but it's making the job of the IT security function more challenging by the day. As technological innovation drives businesses to become more productive, innovative and agile, it's simultaneously driving those tasked with protecting these new networks and systems to breaking point. Complexity might be hidden from the end user, but it's making the job of the IT security function more challenging by the day. This can sometimes make it difficult for security practitioners to filter out the noise and remember what's really important. Organisations need to focus on the end user and adopt basic best practices to ensure their security is built on a solid foundation, argues Jon Fielding of Apricorn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the architectural design of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, designed by architecture firm HOK, and BuroHappoid Engineering, discussing the design of the foundations by Sykes Consulting Inc., the facade of the stadium, and the design of the roof.

This paper deals with transient analysis of simply-supported orthotropic single-layered graphene sheet (SLGS) resting on orthotropic visco-Pasternak foundation subjected to dynamic loads. The size effect is taken into account using Eringen's nonlocal theory due to its simplicity and accuracy. In order to present a realistic model, the material properties of graphene sheet are supposed viscoelastic using Kelvin–Voigt model. Based on the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT), equations of motion are derived using Hamilton's principle which are then solved analytically by means of Fourier series-Laplace transform method. The present results are found to be in good agreement with those available in the literature. Some numerical results are presented to indicate the influences of size effect, elastic foundation type, structural damping, orthotropy directions and damping coefficient of the foundation, modulus ratio, length to thickness ratio and aspect ratio on the dynamic behavior of rectangular SLGS. Results depict that the structural and foundation damping coefficients are effective parameters on the transient response, particularly for large damping coefficients, where response of SLGS is damped rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the construction of the 68,700-seat Baku Olympic Stadium near the shore of the Caspian Sea in the centuries-old city of Baku, Azerbaijan. The concept applied an advanced modeling approach and a structural design that incorporated piled raft foundations used in high-rise structures. The foundation system selected for the design and construction of the stadium is also tackled.

The article focuses on the importance of innovation in the construction industry, particularly in response to evolving building codes and the need for more efficient and cost-effective construction methods.

The article offers archaeology news briefs as of October 2013. The foundation of a gasometre, a cylinder used to hold gas for lamps, that was built in 1837, has been uncovered in Montreal, Quebec. Archaeologists in England have opened a railway tunnel used in 1793 to connect limestone quarries. Beads made from a meteorite have been discovered in 5000 year old grave pits in Egypt.

The article reports on the discovery of the brick foundation of one of the oldest African American churches called the First Baptist Church at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia on October 7, 2021. A tornado in 1834 destroyed the structure that was built by free and enslaved people in 1818. Colonial Williamsburg used layers of soil and artifacts including a one-cent coin to locate the foundation. It mentions that majority of Williamsburg residents in the late 18th century were African Americans.

The article offers information on how to determine the best foundation types for offshore wind farms in different locations, wind conditions, and water depths. It states that offshore wind power is an attractive alternative especially in the northeastern part of the U.S. where there is high electricity cost and obstacle for transmission line construction. It says that greater water depths and larger turbine systems associated with the installations require wind turbine support structures.

The article presents information on earthbag construction. It is noted that structures made from earthbag, bags containing earth, offer a cool space during summer and protection from cold in winter. It is asserted that building permits are not needed because structures are below minimum set by building codes. A rubble trench foundation is needed as base for the earthbag structure.

The article offers news briefs from the Midwest Archives Conference (MAC) in the U.S. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has debuted its first digital collection on DigitalPast in March 2009. The Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) has been awarded a grant of $498,000 by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for support of its African-American materials Survey Initiative. Scott Manning Stevens was appointed as the new director of its league by the Newberry Library.

The article focuses on the development of the new type of caisson based on the biological wisdom embodied in trees in China. It notes that trees can grow taller than the other plants since they have strong root systems. This suggests engineers that they can take advantage of their interaction between soil and structures through the creation of these roots for caissons. It points out that the roots used for caissons can be manufactured off-site and are relatively easy to install in various conditions.

Abstract: This paper investigates the nonlinear response and bifurcation of rotor with Squeezed Film Damper (SFD) supported on elastic foundation. The motion equations are derived. To analyze the bifurcation of nonlinear response of SFD rotor, the Floquet Multipliers is obtained by solving the perturbation equations with numerical method. For computing Floquet Multipliers, a novel method is presented in this paper, which can begin integration at the stable solution. Simulation results are given in two figures. One figure, which consists of eight subfigures, gives the effect of rotating speed on the response of SFD damper supported on elastic foundation: with increasing rotating speed, the nonlinear response evolves from quasi-period to period, then jumps between different periods, and finally returns to quasi-period; the corresponding bifurcations are saddle-node bifurcation and secondary Hopf bifurcation. The second figure, which consists of six subfigures, shows that: the support stiffness has large influence on the response of bearings and film force in SFD; large support stiffness can lead to oil whirl in SFD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Statistical learning theory based on real-valued random samples has been regarded as a better theory on statistical learning with small sample. The key theorem of learning theory and bounds on the rate of convergence of learning processes are important theoretical foundations of statistical learning theory. In this paper, the theoretical foundations of the statistical learning theory based on fuzzy number samples are discussed. The concepts of fuzzy expected risk functional, fuzzy empirical risk functional and fuzzy empirical risk minimization principle are redefined. The key theorem of learning theory based on fuzzy number samples is proved. Furthermore, the bounds on the rate of convergence of learning processes based on fuzzy number samples are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tower 2, a recent addition to Plaza 66, in Shanghai, China, posed a number of engineering challenges, among them determining solutions for poor foundation conditions in an area that sees seismic activity and typhoons and constructing a complex steel roof lantern with two-way slopes. Because the tower is linked by a bridge to a sister structure recently completed at the site, differential settlement also was a significant issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a narrative of how the author created his dream home. Plans were developed for their house using graph paper, a scale model and an engineering span table to determine the sizes of load-bearing frame members. In addition to the fiberglass insulation between the studs, the author applied an exterior layer of one-and-a-half-inch-thick extruded polystyrene foam to the outside face of the structure. The hand-cut limestone foundation walls sit on ultra-smooth bedrock, with scratch marks cut by glaciers.

Abstract: In this paper, a new boundary/domain element method is developed to analyse plates resting on elastic foundations. The developed formulation is then used in analysing building raft foundations. For more practical representation, the considered raft plate is treated as thick plate with free edge boundary conditions. The soil or the elastic foundation is represented as continuous media (follows the Winkler assumption). The boundary element method is employed to model the raft plate; whereas the soil is modelled using constant domain cells or elements. Therefore, in the present formulation both the domain and the boundary of the raft plate are discretized. The associate soil domain integral is replaced by equivalent boundary integrals along each cell contour. The necessary matrix implementation of such formulation is carried out and explained in details. The main advantage of the present formulation is the ability of analysing rafts on non-homogenous soils. Two examples are presented including raft on non-homogenous soil and raft for practical building applications. The results are compared with those obtained from other finite element and alternative boundary element methods to verify the validity and accuracy of the present formulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a guide on building a strong and energy-efficient house. Factors to consider in designing the structure; Durability of the building's foundation; Use of foam board in creating a virtual model for the structure; Benefits of structural insulated panels. INSET: Build it Yourself and Save Money.

In this article, we report a study of the field behavior of various types of concrete foundations used in greenhouses in Almería, Spain. The relationship between foundation displacement and maximum uplift load was evaluated in terms of the effects of the depth of the foundation, the diameter of the foundation base, and the geometry of the failure surface. The results of the field trial are compared with results from simulation studies using finite element analysis and from the use of empirical formulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents assumptions and suggestions on landscaping. Coordination between planting and foundations of the home; Effect of plant arrangements on the garden; Contrast between closed and open space.

Describes the design of the foundation system for the elevated Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station at the geographic South Pole. Use of snow settlement analysis as part of the feasibility study for the project; Considerations for the foundation system design; Details on superstructure and roof framing systems; Use of a jacking procedure to accommodate snow accumulation.

The article discusses the LKCMedicine has hosted several prominent international and national symposiums and research workshops that was held during the first half of 2019. It mentions LKCMedicine becomes a gateway for outstanding local and international collaborators and talents to meet with the School's faculty to discuss avenues for future research; and providing opportunities for the faculty and researchers to learn from and leverage on new knowledge, and skills.

A first person narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of building a masonry fire pit.

The article looks at the design of a library annex being constructed at the Lake Shore Campus of Loyola University Chicago in Illinois in 2007. Designed by the architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, the building features a doublewall system of glass panels on its western facade and a single-layer glass wall on its eastern side. The structure will be supported on a foundation of grade beams and drilled piers.

The article presents various questions and answers about gardening. One question asks if planting trees next to houses is trouble for the foundation. Another question asks how to treat a moonflower vine seed to make it germinate faster. Another reader asks how to increase the berry production on her Red Sprite winterberry hollies.

The article reports on the use of two exterior end cores in constructing the Torre Repsol tower in Madrid, Spain. According to Greg Lakota, a principal of Halvorson and Partners, the exterior end cores for the tower are massive reinforced-concrete structures. It uses a soil-supported concrete mat foundation rather than a concrete mat supported on concrete piles.