Encardio Rite, a global leader in infrastructure health instruments, data logging, and data for infrastructures, underscores Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) 's importance in ensuring modern construction projects' safety. With a legacy spanning over five decades, the company's state-of-the-art instruments have been instrumental in safeguarding iconic structures worldwide. Structural health monitoring is vital for ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure. By continuously tracking and analyzing the condition of buildings, bridges, and other structures, we can detect and address potential issues before they escalate, preventing accidents and costly repairs. In the realm of civil engineering, remarkable structures like the Burj Khalifa, Los Angeles Metro, Marina Bay Sands, and Gotthard Base Tunnel have become safer and sustainable through technological advancements in structural health monitoring. With these technological advancements, such as instrumentation, data loggers, and structural health intelligence platforms, even the most minor failures in such structures that can lead to property damage and pose risks to human life are being mitigated. This article delves into the importance of Infrastructure Health Monitoring and geotechnical instrumentation in ensuring the safety of construction projects and nearby assets. Understanding Structural Health Monitoring: SHM is not just about preventing sudden failures; it's about ensuring the longevity and safety of structures. Geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring provide invaluable data about a structure's performance, allowing for timely interventions and informed decision-making. Reasons for Structural Failures: From design oversights to geological challenges and material degradation, structures face numerous threats. SHM's role is pivotal in offering early warnings to avert potential disasters. The Role of Structural Health Monitoring: Beyond the economic implications, public safety is paramount. SHM provides the data that decision-makers need to ensure both. Importance of SHM at Different Stages: Site Investigation: Understanding the site's strengths and weaknesses is crucial before laying the first brick. SHM sensors and geotechnical instruments provide insights into soil permeability, pore pressure, and more. Design Verification: As construction progresses, validating design assumptions becomes vital. Real-time data can highlight the need for design tweaks, ensuring the structure's integrity. Construction Control: SHM aids in determining the construction pace, ensuring the foundation and materials remain uncompromised. For instance, Encardio Rite's temperature meters were pivotal at the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, helping manage the concrete pouring temperature and preventing potential issues. Structural Health Monitoring and instrumentation are indispensable components in ensuring the safety and stability of construction projects. By providing valuable data at various stages, these monitoring processes significantly prevent structural failures, safeguard property, and protect human lives. ''Our commitment to safety and innovation has positioned Encardio Rite at the forefront of structural health monitoring. From skyscrapers to tunnels, our technology ensures that structures stand tall and safe," - says Ritvick Bhalla, Innovation and Growth Manager at Encardio Rite. For more, visit our websites: https://encardio.com/?utm_source=PRRelease&utm_medium=Google&utm_id=Offpage https://www.encardio.com/structural-monitoring?utm_source=PRRelease&utm_medium=Google&utm_id=Offpage About Encardio Rite Encardio Rite, a pioneer in manufacturing sophisticated geotechnical and infrastructure health instruments, was incorporated in 1966 with the primary objective of developing, manufacturing, and marketing Instruments involving high technology and providing associated services. From bridges to tunnels, dams to mines, and high-speed rail to construction, our sensing products have helped us fulfill our purpose of bringing safety to structures. From the highest building to the deepest tunnel in the world, our work has led to over 1000 km of monitoring - over 250 km of Metro tunnels, 325 km of Rail and road tunnels, 200 km+ of sewer tunnels, 200 Dams across the world, 100 high-rise buildings, historical monuments, and 8000 online groundwater wells. Our distinguished client list includes Samsung Engineering, Larsen & Toubro, Atkins, Ohla, Strabag, Acciona, and Zublin. Stay updated with our latest projects and insights by following us on LinkedIn or contact us at geotech@encardio.com

by sunconengineers In India, we are undergoing a lot of development and along with the other developments, there is upfront work going on for cleaning, rejuvenation, and redevelopment of rivers and riverfronts. With the increase in population and respectively increased industrialization, Earthians started degrading our rivers by dumping chemical wastes from factories and sewer lines, dumping wastes and garbage in rivers progressed to pollution and depletion of water. In ancient India, it was seen that rivers were flowing to their most capacity even in Summers. But the scenario is completely different nowadays. It is hardly any river in India that can be seen flowing freely. Hence rejuvenation has been introduced to make the river young as it was all over again. Externally rejuvenation can be done by prioritizing to limitations of dumping waste and chemically treated water, etc. by using water treatment techniques. With the hopes increased with the successful rejuvenation of the river Ganga, it is now instantiated for a lot of rivers across India. The mission is to rejuvenate and immortalize the dying rivers and make them flow in their natural state beautifully like in old times. The project is considered successful and can be revitalizing as seen in the Topographic surveys done of the river basins/ banks using the survey technologies such as Total Stations (TS), Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Learn more: Topographic Surveys Generally, the waterfront is the zone of interaction between urban development and the water and can be easily identified and designed by Topographical survey and Photogrammetric Survey methods. A waterfront area is considered a unique and irreplaceable resource where it is the interface between land, water, air, sun, and productive plants. Moreover, the waterfront is classified as a place integrating the land with water and has a natural attraction to people. The river’s natural sea lines such as meanders backwater, water lands, and gradually sloped banks serve essential ecological functions which benefit the ecosystem as a natural cleanser and flood storage. For designing a river waterfront as per the required specifications and attributes, designing and estimation are done for the construction on the basis of activities such as Topographical Survey, Soil Investigations, designs, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and socio-impact assessment. On the basis of these, detailed estimates are prepared which are further used for Detailed Project Report Preparation which will lead the construction activities. Definition of Waterfront Waterfront can be defined as direct access to a natural or manmade waterway such as a lake, river, or canal. It is separated from the water by a right-of-the-way private road or unopened road. Waterfront creates pleasant environments to live and recreate. Factors that are directly affected to contribute a resurgence of waterfront development. Along with the availability of cleaner water and land, the historic presentation movement, citizen activism and leadership, and urban revitalization. Methodology for Riverfront Development The aim of the project should be to transform the riverfront to create a recreational and entertaining cultural platform serving the city with new happiness and a place to get together. The goal is to plan a development that would be oriented toward creating an urban farm that is wholly consistent with the physiographic feature of the area. Families can spend time with their loved ones with the mesmerizing sound of the flowing river and the surrounding ambiance. The project would look into ways to rejuvenate urban life and the space through improved quality of life, facilitating recreational and cultural activities, organizing informal businesses, and designing better public spaces with creative amenities. The urban form integrated with the natural landscape would create an enriching experience by responding to the context of water and the existing diversity of activities thereby, create a visually dominant landmark.

Construction Market Overview Construction is an inherently high-risk, high-cost, long-term activity and low-margin business with countless opportunities for miscoordination, miscommunication, and disconnected processes (Stella Xu, 2020). The construction industry in the UK contributes to a turnout of £110 billion per annum with a 7% contribution to GDP and accounts for approximately 3 million jobs, 10% of total employment in the UK (Wiki, 2021). As boldly stated in the UK government publication “Construction 2025” in 2013 some ambitious goals were set for the future strategy of the construction industry. A 33% reduction in the initial cost of construction and the whole-life costs of built assets and a 50% reduction in the overall time, from inception to completion, for newbuild and refurbished assets were set to be achieved (Construction2025, 2013). The Golden Triangle Furthermore, the goals set completely align with the primal pillars of the project management practice also defined as the golden triangle, driven by objectives of cost, time and quality as seen in Figure 1 and 2 where different iterations of the principles are visualised. Project managers of civil engineering projects will play a vital role in achieving these set goals through improving the processes and systems used in delivering projects. Construction projects can vary from very small local magnitude to large national dimensions with inherent features that make them complicated enterprises to run (e.g.HS2) characterised by high levels of complexity, uniqueness of works, uncertainty, extensive planning, and construction scheduling. Hereafter comes the role of the project manager who is responsible for the development and delivery of a project to the client’s requirements and specifications. Since the 1950s and the origins of the cold war, the uses of the project management discipline in the construction industry have developed excessively. Now, as an established discipline, management of whole projects from client’s idea to funding coordination, project managers (PM) have the responsibility of control and delivery of the procurement, production, administration, design, construction, and personnel management of projects. As defined by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) the primary purpose of project management is to add significant and specific value to the process of delivering construction projects (CIOB, 2014). This could be achieved by the systematic application of project management values focused on the core constraints of time, quality or cost with a whole life cycle perspective of the project also known as the triple constraints (CIOB, 2014). Discover Udemy Courses on Project Management: Every project, no matter the size has different phase points throughout the start and completion of the project. The objectives of every project should be defined at the feasibility stage hence the contract signed with the chosen contractor should outline and emphasise the expected deliverables and requirements as provided by the client. However, contractors mostly overlook the essentiality of objectives of quality and time since the cost is usually the most important determinant of selecting contractors in the current competitive construction industry (He, 2014). Cost, Time & Quality In general, when the construction time is shortened the cost subsequently should increase as the two are correlated. By using less efficient equipment, using no innovative technologies available as well as hiring the minimum number of workers will lead to a longer duration to complete activities on site. Also, due to contractors reducing their profit margins to win work over tenders and also promising quick construction schedule may lead to low quality of works. Having this approach on projects for example highway bridges will result in fast deterioration of the structure such as corrosion on structural steel, hence increasing extensively the maintenance cost (CIOB, 2014) (Lock, 2013). Nevertheless, a construction manager should be capable to balance the cost, time and quality of a project from the early planning phase using all the tools available to make accurate and to the point decisions on the golden triangle objectives (He, 2014). Read more about the complexity and correlation of time, cost and quality/performance of construction projects with a focus on understanding the key areas of action of large civil engineering projects here. Useful Books The role and responsibility of the Project Manager in advising the client on procurement. Due to client inexperience in procurement systems, the role and responsibilities of the project manager in advising the client on procurement entail guiding the client on the relative benefits and disadvantages of each option, related to the particular circumstances of the project, for the benefit of the client (CIOB, 2014). In terms of procurement strategy, the project manager should establish the procurement brief, setting out the appropriate method of selection as well as implement the procurement strategy and outline the project management functions agreed under the contract (Harris & McCaffer, 2013). The project manager has the responsibility to identify the project function in terms of time, cost and performance constraints as per client satisfaction (Morledge & Smith, 2013) and influence the resources required to ensure the success of the project such as the appointment of the architect, quantity surveyor and other consultants. Special attention should be given to maintaining the standards of the strategy set throughout all stages of the project (Morledge & Smith, 2013). Moreover, a key responsibility the project manager holds is to keep clear communication with all the key players and to try to minimise conflict within the delivery of the project (Morledge & Smith, 2013). As an employer’s representative the project manager is directly accountable and responsible to provide expertise and advice to the clients in regards to the complexity of choosing the right procurement system with the aim to seek a satisfactory outcome. Resources CIOB, 2014. Code of Practice for Project Management for Construction and Development. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. Construction2025, 2013. Industrial Strategy: government and industry in partnership, London: HM Govrnment. Dalton, M., 2008. Why Public Sectors projects fail. In: s.l.:construction manager, p. 23. He, W. H. a. X., 2014. An Innovative Time-Cost-Quality Tradeoff Modeling of Building Construction Project Based on Resource Allocation. The Scientific World Journal, Volume 2014, p. 10. Hong Zhang, F. X., 2010. Fuzzy-multi-objective particle swarm optimization for time–cost–quality tradeoff in construction. Automation in Construction, Volume 19, pp. 1067-1075. Harris, F. & McCaffer, R., 2013. Modern Construction Management. Seventh Edition ed. s.l.:Wiley-Blackwell. Lock, D., 2013. Project Management. 10th Edition ed. s.l.:Taylor & Francis Group. Oakervee, D., 2019. Oakervee Review, s.l.: s.n. Potts, K., 2008. Construction Cost Management. London: Taylor & Francis. Pratley, N., 2020. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/03/at-307m-per-mile-of-track-can-the-cost-of-hs2-be-justified Stella Xu, D. H. R. H. C. K. S., 2020. Enhancing Construction Project Management through AI. [Online] Wiki, 2021. Designing Buildings Wiki. [Online] Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/UK_construction_industry

by Najeeb Himas Mohammed (Quantity Surveyor) A concrete estimator is a professional who is responsible for estimating the quantity and cost of materials needed for concrete construction projects. These projects can range from small residential tasks like driveways and sidewalks to large-scale commercial and infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and buildings. The primary role of a concrete estimator is to provide accurate cost estimates and project specifications to help clients, contractors, and project managers make informed decisions. Key responsibilities of a concrete estimator include: 1. Quantity Estimation Concrete estimators calculate the amount of concrete, reinforcement, forms, and other materials required for a project. This involves interpreting architectural and engineering drawings, understanding project specifications, and accurately quantifying the materials needed. 2. Cost Estimation Estimators determine the cost of materials, labor, equipment, and other project-related expenses. They consider factors such as current market prices for materials, labor rates, equipment rental costs, and any other relevant expenses. 3. Bid preparation For construction projects that involve competitive bidding, concrete estimators prepare detailed and competitive bids. A well-prepared bid includes an accurate estimate of costs, ensuring that the contractor has a realistic understanding of the financial requirements of the project. 4. Collaboration Estimators work closely with architects, engineers, project managers, and subcontractors to gather necessary information and clarify project requirements. Effective communication is crucial to ensuring that estimates align with project expectations. 5. Documentation Concrete estimators create detailed documentation of their estimates, including breakdowns of costs, quantities, and any assumptions made during the estimation process. This documentation helps in tracking and comparing actual project costs with initial estimates. 6. Market Research Estimators need to stay informed about industry trends, material costs, labor rates, and other factors that could impact the accuracy of their estimates. Regular market research ensures that estimates remain current and reliable. 7. Software and Tools Concrete estimators often use specialized software and tools to assist in their estimation process. These tools can help streamline calculations, generate reports, and improve the overall accuracy of estimates. 8. Risk Assessment Estimators assess potential risks and uncertainties that could affect project costs, such as changes in design, scope, or unexpected site conditions. They may include contingency allowances in their estimates to account for these uncertainties. 9. Value Engineering Concrete estimators may suggest alternative materials or construction methods that could potentially reduce costs while maintaining project quality and integrity. Overall, the role of a concrete estimator is crucial to the success of construction projects, as accurate estimates play a significant role in project planning, budgeting, and decision-making.

To calculate the feasibility of a steel structure design, you need to have a solid understanding of several key areas. Here are the fundamental knowledge areas you should learn the following: Structural Analysis First, you'll need familiarity with structural analysis, which is the study of how structures respond to external stresses by determining internal forces and deformations. Basic structural analysis techniques (such as truss analysis and beam analysis) and the principles of equilibrium and statics are included in this category. Structural Mechanics Learn the fundamentals of structural mechanics, such as stress, strain, and the relationship between the two (Hooke's law). Dead loads, live loads, wind loads, and seismic loads are only a few of the many types of loads that can be applied to a building. Steel Design Codes and Standards Study the relevant design codes and standards for steel structures in your region or country. These codes provide guidelines for the design, construction, and safety of steel structures. Some commonly used codes include the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Steel Construction Manual, Eurocode 3, and British Standards (BS). Structural Design Principles Learn the structural design principles particular to steel structures, including choosing the right components (beams, columns, connections), ensure stability, strength, and serviceability in your designs, and account for different types of loads and how they interact. Structural Materials and Properties Learn about the strength, elasticity, and ductility of structural steel. Study the various characteristics of steel sections and how they respond to varied loads. An understanding of complementary materials, such as concrete for composite buildings, may be useful when working with steel. Structural Connections Study the design and behavior of steel connections. Connections play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of the overall structure. Learn about various connection types, such as bolted, welded, and moment connections, and their design considerations. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Structural Analysis Software Familiarize yourself with CAD software (such as Staad Pro, Etabs, etc.) for creating and visualizing steel structure designs. Additionally, learn how to use structural analysis software to perform calculations and simulations, which can aid in verifying the feasibility of your design.

Throughout history, human civilizations have been drawn to the depths beneath the Earth's surface, seeking refuge, resources, and solutions to various challenges. From ancient catacombs to modern subways, humans have continuously made impressive strides in underground engineering. Ancient Underground Wonders - The roots of underground engineering can be traced back to antiquity when ancient civilizations crafted subterranean structures for various purposes. The ancient Egyptians built grand catacombs and tombs, such as the Valley of the Kings, preserving their Pharaohs for eternity. Similarly, the ancient Romans constructed vast networks of aqueducts and tunnels, such as the Cloaca Maxima, to supply water to their thriving cities. These early feats of engineering laid the foundation for future generations to venture deeper into the Earth. The Renaissance of Mining and Tunnels - The Middle Ages marked a resurgence of underground engineering as mining and tunneling techniques advanced significantly. Miners developed innovative methods to extract valuable resources, contributing to the prosperity of nations and the emergence of modern economies. Notable examples include the historic salt mines of Hallstatt, Austria, and the mining towns of the Harz Mountains in Germany. As mining flourished, tunneling technologies also improved, leading to the construction of impressive transportation tunnels, connecting distant regions and revolutionizing trade and commerce. Subways and Urban Undergrounds - The Industrial Revolution brought forth a new era of urbanization, prompting the need for efficient transportation systems in burgeoning cities. The London Underground, inaugurated in 1863, stands as the world's first underground metro system and exemplifies the revolutionary concept of moving people underground. Soon after, other cities across the globe embraced the idea of subways, resulting in underground rail networks that facilitated mass transit and transformed urban living. Epic Underground Infrastructure - In the 20th and 21st centuries, humans pushed the boundaries of underground engineering to unprecedented heights. Massive projects, such as the Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel), linking the United Kingdom and France, and the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the longest and deepest railway tunnel in the world, demonstrated our ability to conquer formidable geographical barriers. These feats of engineering not only facilitated faster transportation but also fostered economic integration and cultural exchange between nations. The Rise of Subterranean Cities - As urban populations continue to surge, the concept of subterranean cities has gained traction. Forward-thinking urban planners and architects have proposed innovative designs that utilize underground spaces for various functions, from transportation hubs and shopping complexes to sustainable energy solutions and even entire subterranean living quarters. These underground cities offer a glimpse into the future of urban planning and sustainability, where we make the most of limited surface space while preserving the natural environment. Invention of Geotechnical Engineering Some of the most impressive subterranean structures on earth would not exist without the invention and progression of geotechnical engineering. Some examples of those feats of engineering are: Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland): The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel, stretching 57.1 kilometers (35.5 miles) through the Swiss Alps. It provides a crucial rail link between northern and southern Europe, significantly reducing travel times and increasing transport capacity. Delaware Aqueduct (USA): The Delaware Aqueduct is one of the longest tunnel systems in the world, supplying water to New York City from reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. The main tunnel stretches over 137 kilometers (85 miles) and plays a vital role in providing water to millions of people. Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel): Also known as the Eurotunnel, this engineering marvel connects the United Kingdom and France. It consists of three tunnels, with two for trains and a smaller service tunnel. The tunnel is approximately 50.45 kilometers (31.3 miles) long and facilitates transportation between the two countries. Seikan Tunnel (Japan): The Seikan Tunnel is the world's longest undersea tunnel, spanning 53.85 kilometers (33.46 miles) and connecting the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. A significant part of the tunnel is beneath the seabed of the Tsugaru Strait. Stockholm Metro (Sweden): The Stockholm Metro features some of the most impressive and artfully decorated underground stations in the world. Over 90 of its 100 stations showcase unique designs and artwork, making it often referred to as the world's longest art gallery. Cu Chi Tunnels (Vietnam): The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. They served as hiding spots, supply routes, and living quarters for the Viet Cong soldiers, showcasing the ingenuity of underground construction and warfare tactics. Kishanganga Hydropower Tunnel (India): This tunnel is part of the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant and stretches over 23 kilometers (14 miles) through the Himalayas. It diverts water from the Kishanganga River to a power station, generating clean electricity. Taipei Metro (Taiwan): Taipei Metro is known for its advanced underground stations and efficient transportation system. The Xinyi Line station at Taipei 101, for example, has an impressive underground design and architecture. Moscow Metro (Russia): The Moscow Metro is renowned for its stunning underground architecture and ornate stations. Some stations resemble grand underground palaces with chandeliers, mosaics, and intricate designs. These structures would not exist without the continued innovation of the engineering field. In 2023 as the world embraces the era of digital transformation, the field of geotechnical engineering is also witnessing its next big shift with the advent of advanced technologies. Civils.ai, a pioneering company at the forefront of this change, is playing a crucial role in shaping the next phase of evolution for geotechnical engineering. It is a cutting-edge technology company that specializes in the application of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics to geotechnical engineering. They provide access to community tools such as design calculators, borehole digitizers, and AI assistants. By harnessing the power of these technologies, Civils.ai aims to revolutionize the way geotechnical data is collected, analyzed, and utilized to make informed decisions in infrastructure projects. References https://civils.ai/

System boundaries as set by the BS 15978 determine the processes taken into consideration of the object of environmental assessment of construction projects as seen in the Figure above. Cycle phases are classified into stages of the material production and transportation to site, construction processes, in use, and end of life, as described in detail below. Further for simplicity, definitions for the purpose of this study carbon emissions associated with modules A1 to A5 are defined as capital carbon. • A1-A3 (Cradle to Gate) Product stage also known as ‘cradle to gate’ and modules A1–A3, are carbon emissions (kgCO2e) released during raw material extraction, processing, manufacture (including prefabrication of components or elements), and transportation of materials between these processes until the product leaves the factory gates to be taken to site. Recommended to you: Declare: The building product nutrition label • A4-A5 (Construction process stage) Modules A4 to A5 are associated with the embodied carbon released during the transport of materials/products to the site (A4), the energy usage due to activities on site (machinery use, etc.), and the carbon emissions associated with the production, transportation, and end of life processing of materials wasted on-site (A5) (O P & J J, 2020) (15804:2012, 2020). • B1-B7 (Use Stage) The usage stage includes the carbon emissions released due to use, maintenance, repair, replacement, refurbishment, and operational energy. Module B4 (replacement) is often the focus of the use stage when embodied carbon is being considered (O P & J J, 2020) (15804:2012, 2020). • C1 – C4 (End of Life) End of life stage, modules C1–C4 are emissions released during decommissioning, stripping out, demolition, deconstruction, transportation of materials away from the site, waste processing and disposal of materials (O P & J J, 2020). The best practice for analysing the core values of a modern net-zero infrastructure project is by adopting a life cycle approach to the whole life span of stages A1-C4 from the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing component products of build assets to operation and disposal, and to the potential beyond End of life of assets. A reliable and comparable environmental methodology as per BS EN 15978 should be adopted based on the study scope with the minimum required calculation including Module A1-A5 as outlined in (O P & J J, 2020). As stated in ‘How to calculate embodied carbon’ (O P & J J, 2020), 50% of emissions of a project are associated with the material selection of embodied carbon (A1-A3) where the most analysis should be done to identify hotspots early in the project. LCA as defined by ISO 14040 As defined by ISO 14040 an LCA analysis should consist of the phases illustrated in Figure above. A partial LCA framework is established including elements such as the study goal, the system boundary, scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation of results. Useful Reading A set of embodied carbon calculation principles for the structural engineering community to follow Calculating embodied carbon in the same rigorous way across all designs will allow meaningful comparisons to be made between structural schemes, developing our understanding of embodied carbon as well as how the industry can most effectively reach net-zero carbon. This guidance is equally applicable to infrastructure and building projects. The calculation of embodied carbon must become a key part of every design process. Such efforts support the immediate need to reduce resource demand and increase reuse and recycling to enable a circular economy. This guidance will: Help you select and specify materials that are efficient while ensuring they're safe and durable Establish an agreed set of principles for the measuring of embodied carbon Reduce the amount of carbon you use in your projects Quantify the benefits of low carbon design to the client and society Inform you about alternative ways you can move towards net zero carbon design This guide has been translated into an open-source Excel estimator, The Structural Carbon Tool. The tool is free to download and can be used to quickly identify ways in which to minimise embodied carbon on your designs. The guide supports legislation by UK Parliament to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and forms a part of the response of The Institution of Structural Engineers to implement the necessary changes in the profession to respond to the climate emergency. IStructE has built a portfolio of guidance documents, FAQs and articles related to embodied carbon. The guide also supports the sustainability-related core tasks in The Structural Plan of Work 2020. References: - https://www.thenbs.com/PublicationIndex/Documents/Details?DocId=299697

Have you ever wished you could extract data from a document by simply asking it a question? Your long hours of reading and Ctrl + F have not been sufficient. Your eyes are strained trying to comb through pages of technical jargon. Look no further, because CivilsGPT is here to help. Developed by civils.ai, this advanced platform combines state-of-the-art technology with the efficient organization to streamline your engineering workflows. With CivilsGPT, you have the power to create a repository to store and interact with your most important Engineering design documents. What sets this document storage solution apart is its unique capability to train an AI assistant using your own knowledge and experience. By simply adding documents to the repository, you can enhance your AI's abilities and create a customized digital assistant that offers valuable insights and support. This investment in your personal archives will prove invaluable as they become an abundant source of knowledge and expertise for your future career endeavors. Moreover, the platform prioritizes the utmost security and privacy, ensuring that all your data remains confidential. As engineers and designers, it is crucial to keep our work in the hands of professionals. CivilsGPT goes beyond being a mere assistant; it can perform automated engineering analysis to free up more time in your workflow. Once your AI is trained, you can effortlessly navigate through your documents and extract data in the format you need. The AI can generate text summaries, lists, and tables, and identify trends within your documents. Additionally, it can perform basic engineering calculations to verify your design proposals against regulations and codes, helping you detect errors. Getting started takes 4 simple steps (click here for access) Upload your PDF documents Wait for your AI assistant to process and create a knowledge base from the documents Ask your AI questions about multiple documents at once in the chat box Your AI assistant will read your documents and answer your question Here are some examples of documents that you can upload: Site reports Design codes Project specs Design calculations Geotech reports Environmental reports Once you upload these documents, you can ask specific questions about their contents. The AI can handle documents of up to approximately 2000 pages. If the AI doesn't have the answer, it will inform you that the information is not available in the report. So, how does CivilsGPT work exactly? We utilize a technique called AI embeddings to create a semantic similarity index for the PDF report's content. When you ask a question about the document, the software compares your question to different sections of the report to identify the most semantically similar section that potentially answers your question. We then send that question, along with the relevant section of the report, as a prompt to an LLM (language model) to generate an answer to your question and reference the page number. We use the semantic similarity index because there is a token limit when querying the LLMs we employ, and sending the entire report content would exceed the limit and be less efficient. If you're interested in building your own system, you can read about LangChain, which is helpful in this regard. CivilsGPT has the potential to be useful not only for technical and design documents but also for summarizing contract documents and quickly identifying project scope, even when time is limited, during the initial stages of a construction project. Additionally, as design codes evolve and new editions are published, CivilsGPT can meticulously scan through code sections, ensuring that no small and easily overlooked details are missed. With CivilsGPT, you have a trusted ally for your engineering endeavors. It simplifies document analysis, improves accuracy, and saves you valuable time and effort. The most remarkable thing about Civils.ai besides the technology is the price, all of this plus the full suite of all their Engineering calculators for Geotechnical, Structural, and Tunnelling calculators is available for just $10 per month, making it one of the most affordable AI products on the market today.

Many contractors feel that the estimation stage is a small part of the overall construction project; however, you must know that it is the most challenging aspect. The estimation stage is a very crucial stage that you cannot rush or avoid. There are many estimation techniques that you can use to simplify the process, but you cannot ignore them. If you want to make the estimation process easy, you must divide the project into various tasks and compare them with similar projects and complete them accordingly. Expertise and experience play a crucial role because only when you combine them can you increase the accuracy of construction estimation. However, you must know that having unrealistic expectations from your analysis is wrong because you cannot have 100% accurate predictions regarding the financial landscape. There are a variety of elements that may affect the course of the project, some of which you may control and prevent from becoming a significant problem. Listed below are some common mistakes that can help you have a construction estimation that is quite precise. Poorly noting down the requirements If you note down the requirements in an inaccurate manner, then you will not get a correct estimate. Registering the condition is essential because you have to mention the correct details. After all, estimating unknowns during the construction process is extremely difficult, even if you hire a reputed construction estimation consultant. You need to keep accurate details. They will use these details to come up with a correct bid. Staying over-optimistic If you mainly estimate on the best-case scenario, then it is wrong because you have to take into account tiles and unforeseen circumstances which might occur during the project; no construction project can work with 100% capacity; errors and problems are bound to happen while the construction is going on your project can be held due to delay in customer approvals, breakdown of equipment or difficulty in sourcing the right kind of construction materials. If you do not make an estimate considering construction estimating resources, it will lead to disappointment later. Giving in to external pressures Customers often have unrealistic expectations when they are planning a construction project. Their expectations might not have much basis and reality, and you might be expected to deliver good quality work quickly or within a tiny budget. Challenges will improve your team, but chasing unrealistic work targets will only lead to reputational damage and failure. Hence when you are providing estimates to your customers, you must communicate what you can reasonably achieve. Always know that successful calculations require experience in vision. Technology can help you simplify the task of estimating the construction process and prevent any pitfalls. If you make predictions for your construction project based on the best-case scenario, it is highly a poor practice, but on the other hand, making estimations based on just-in-case techniques is also not the suitable method; you have to find and in between space to come up with an accurate estimate. If you go over budget to be on the safe side, you will not be able to impress your clients. Hence, it is highly advised that you consult experts to understand the scope of construction to come up with realistic predictions based on knowledge and experience.

𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly known as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment with the help of ac infinity within the landscape. 👉Natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water 👉human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans 👉abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions. Landscaping is both science and art and requires good observation and design skills. A good landscaper understands the elements of nature and construction and blends them accordingly. Landscaping proves beneficial to our properties in the following ways; #1. Landscaping Preserves The Environment Sprawling cities hurt the environment. We know the negative consequences of deforestation and shrinking green spaces. Landscaping provides an opportunity to preserve and protect the environment. Planting native flora, avoiding chemicals, and addressing environmental problems keep green spaces healthy and thriving. #2. Landscaping Helps In Managing Soil-Pollution Factory pollution is one of the most serious types of pollution. The areas around factories are poisoned by toxic waste, chemical spills, and emissions. Simply getting rid of all the factories isn’t feasible at this point. Landscaping can help mitigate some of the issues. How? Plants purify the soil contaminated by factories. Certain plants like alfalfa and sunflower are so good at this, they’re nicknamed “superplants.” The official term is “phytoremediation.” #3. Landscaping Helps To Clean The Air Plants clean the air as well as the soil. Trees are especially effective at this purification. The world’s forests absorb around ⅓ of global emissions each year. Tree leaves (and the leaves of all plants) absorb pollutants like smoke, ozone, and nitrogen oxides, filtering them from the air. Cities can purify polluted air by adding more landscaping. Landscapers need good plans in place. Not any plant will work. The best trees will have large leaves. Planners also need to consider factors like water availability, spacing, and wind patterns. #4. Landscaping Creates A Cooling Effect Cities can get very hot, creating what’s known as “heat islands.” This is when the temperature in the city is much warmer than in nearby rural areas. The presence of concrete, cars and other human activities are responsible. To stay cool, people run their air conditioners more. Trees are nature’s air conditioners. They reduce the temperature in a heat island. On a summer day, a backyard with trees will be 6-degrees cooler than a yard without trees. Even when you aren’t directly in the shade, the surrounding temps go down. This means people will use their air conditioners less, significantly reducing emissions. #5. Landscaping Prevents Soil Erosion Erosion is a serious issue. It leads to increased pollution and sedimentation in rivers and streams. Waterways get clogged, which kills fish and other species. Erosion also destroys fertile land and leads to more flooding. Landscaping, especially grass and shrubs, hold the soil together with their roots. Landscaping that prioritizes erosion issues and water management keep the problem at bay. #6. Landscaping Improves People's Mental Health Studies consistently show that being in nature is good for a person’s mental health. It can improve their memory, reduce stress, and boost feelings of happiness. Nature is so powerful that something as small as one tree or a single houseplant can improve mental health. In our world today, there’s a mental health crisis. Landscaping can play an important role in healing. #7. Well Maintained Landscaping Protects Homes & Building The presence of plants and trees is worthwhile, but there’s a balance required. If left to her own devices, Mother Nature will take over. For homeowners, this can be a serious problem. The roots of trees and plants can damage the foundation of a house and get into the plumbing. Overgrowth from branches can also cause issues, though these are usually easier to spot quickly. For nature and humans to live in harmony, healthy maintenance is necessary. Landscapers that value environmental health and sustainability will work without hurting the greenery. #8. Landscaping Increases The Resal Value Of Your Properties Proper landscaping will add value to your home. Landscaping and lighting can be the difference between selling or not selling your home. It is estimated that professional landscaping can increase the property’s value by 10 to 12 per cent. And, if you are considering selling your home, a poorly landscaped yard can lower your property’s value significantly. #9. Landscaping Gives Curb Appeal To Your Properties A well-landscaped yard makes the property look as put together as a man in a well-tailored suit. But it isn’t just about the flower beds: it’s about the shrubbery, trees and accents as well. Don’t overlook the condition of your lawn either. If you give all of your attention to the flowers beds and accents but neglect the lawn, it still won’t look good. The nicer and more put together your yard looks the better you, and your neighbours will feel. You might even inspire your neighbours to have their yards landscaped as well. #10. Incorporating landscape lighting can actually provide added security Another aspect of landscaping that is hugely popular and has become a staple of so many homes across America is quality, professional landscape lighting. Not only does this lighting improve curb appeal, but can also deter thieves, illuminate your walkways at night, as well as keep away wild animals. It is essential to understand what type of landscape lighting you need, as it can vary drastically depending on where you live in the country. A landscape lighting electrician in Norwalk might recommend a completely different product lineup and lighting design plan than an electrician out of Austin, as the weather expectations and overall climate is completely different in Texas as compared to Connecticut. For this reason, you should consider speaking to a professional before tackling a project such as landscape lighting on your own.

Investigations are ongoing into the origin of the recently discovered sinkhole and the potential influence the contractor excavating in the area may have had on the local geology. Sinkholes are a naturally occurring phenomenon and are not always linked to man-made influence. While no one wants to be held accountable for unfavorable circumstances, the connection between the firm and the emergence of the large sinkhole has raised eyebrows. High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd is a public company, owned entirely by the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT), and it is the company building Britain’s new high-speed railway: High Speed 2 (HS2). The project is divided into phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion between 2029 and 2033, pending approval for later stages. The railway will stretch from London to Manchester, with additional branches to Birmingham and the East Midlands. HS2 will be the second high-speed line in Britain, after High Speed 1, which connects London to the Channel Tunnel. HS2 Rail Line Map HS2 Ltd contractor, Align, acknowledged the appearance of a significant sinkhole near a river in Buckinghamshire. The sinkhole, described as “quite sizeable,” has been discovered close to Shardeloes Lake near Amersham and has been cordoned off and is situated near a public right of way. An email sent by Align informed local residents that the sinkhole measures approximately six meters in diameter and five meters in depth and affirmed that “The landowners have been alerted, and their livestock has been swiftly relocated to ensure their safety.” The sinkhole emerged in close proximity to a completed section of the HS2 tunnel, however, the tunneling operation was permitted to continue. The gravity of the situation prompted HS2 to involve the Environment Agency and initiate dialogue with the landowner, signaling the seriousness of the matter. This sinkhole occurrence marks yet another setback in the already controversial HS2 construction endeavors. Previous incidents involving mysterious “bubbling pools” between February and April, along with complications in Ruislip, have hurt the project. The Birmingham to Crewe section of the track has suffered delays, while the costs of the ambitious undertaking are skyrocketing in the tens of billions of public money. Sinkhole relative to the size of a man In response to the sinkhole, Paul Jennings of the River Chess Association, an organization dedicated to monitoring HS2’s activities and advocating for clean water, has taken action. Jennings proactively reached out to the Environment Agency, urging an immediate halt to any further work until a thorough investigation can be conducted. Acknowledging the potential impacts, he also requested Thames Water to suspend the water supply to HS2 in the affected area until the matter is resolved. Jennings stated that over the past ten years, they have consistently alerted HS2 to the inevitable consequences of tunneling through unstable chalk. Tunneling through chalk presents significant challenges due to its susceptibility to collapse and fragmentation. Careful design of grouting and support systems during excavation is imperative to mitigate the risk of collapse. The leader of Buckinghamshire Council said there have been warnings for years that something like this could happen. “We’ve been warning for the best part of twelve years,” said Councillor Martin Tett. As images of the sinkhole circulated on social media, a wave of suspicion washed over anti-HS2 campaigners who wasted no time in directing their messages to HS2 on Twitter, bluntly urging them to cease their digging activities. Responding to the mounting concerns, an HS2 spokesperson acknowledged the situation, referring to the sinkhole as a “small area of ground movement” situated above the Chiltern tunnels. While investigations are still underway, the spokesperson attributed the occurrence to pre-existing ground conditions. They assured the public that the site has been sealed off and posed no imminent danger to the community, however, doubts linger in the air, fueling suspicions about the true cause of the sinkhole. Whilst HS2 or Align have not received any direct blame for the sinkhole, investigations are ongoing to determine its origin. Engineers and builders must embrace accountability when their work deviates from the intended outcome, recognizing the importance of learning from failures and taking responsibility for the consequences, in order to drive continuous improvement and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. Digging tunnels in stable soil is of paramount importance to avoid the occurrence of sinkholes. Sinkholes are formed when the ground collapses or subsides due to various factors, such as unstable geological formations, water erosion, or human activities. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the ground conditions helps in understanding the geological features, potential hazards, and stability of the surrounding terrain. This knowledge allows engineers and planners to design and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks and ensure the structural integrity of the tunnel. By gaining insights into the ground conditions, including soil composition, water tables, and potential geological faults, potential dangers can be identified and addressed before construction begins. This proactive approach helps to safeguard the lives of civilians and enhances the overall safety of the tunneling project in densely populated areas. One effective method for assessing preexisting ground conditions at a site is by utilizing the underground mapping feature provided by civils.ai. This advanced technology offers valuable insights into the subsurface environment, enabling engineers and planners to make informed decisions during the tunneling process. By leveraging civils.ai’s underground mapping feature, users gain access to comprehensive data on geological characteristics and soil composition. The mapping feature utilizes detailed 3D models of the subsurface which enables accurate identification of potential risks that could affect the safety and feasibility of tunnel construction. The use of civils.ai’s underground mapping feature enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of preconstruction surveys, ensuring a thorough understanding of the ground conditions and promoting the successful and safe execution of tunneling projects in areas where lives are at risk. References Civils.ai Discover the future of Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Design with AI-powered tools. Access geotechnical and project…civils.ai Big sinkhole appears above HS2 tunnel | ITV News Play Brightcove video A large sinkhole has appeared above a tunnel built for the HS2 high speed rail line near Little…www.itv.com HS2 contractor confirms 'sizeable' sinkhole in Buckinghamshire The firm constructing the HS2 high-speed rail line has confirmed that it is investigating the emergence of a sinkhole…www.theguardian.com HS2 Ltd (High Speed Two) Archives Read the latest news, articles and white papers from HS2 Ltd (High Speed Two)www.globalrailwayreview.com

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, there is a growing interest in sustainable building practices. Sustainable materials are those that have a minimal impact on the environment during their entire life cycle, from production to disposal. Also Read: Life cycle stages in Construction works as per BS EN 15978: 2011 Reduced Environmental Impact Using sustainable materials in building construction can help reduce the carbon footprint of a building and minimize the environmental impact of the construction process. For example, materials such as bamboo, recycled steel, and reclaimed wood can be used instead of traditional materials like concrete and virgin wood, which have higher carbon footprints. Energy Efficiency Sustainable materials are often chosen for their energy-efficiency properties. For example, insulation made from recycled materials can help reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a building. Similarly, energy-efficient windows and doors made from sustainable materials can reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. A 2021 report to the UK Parliament estimated that investments worth between GBP35 billion and GBP65 billion are needed to bring all homes up to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Standards by 2035 Healthier Indoor Environment Sustainable materials can also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Many conventional building materials contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact indoor air quality. In contrast, sustainable materials are often non-toxic, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are made from natural materials. For example, natural cork flooring can be used instead of synthetic carpeting, which can emit VOCs and trap allergens. Durability and Longevity Sustainable materials are often chosen for their durability and longevity. Building with sustainable materials can help ensure that a building lasts longer and requires fewer repairs over time. For example, clay tiles and metal roofing are both durable and long lasting, making them a sustainable choices for roofing materials. Cost Savings While sustainable materials may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional building materials, they often provide cost savings over time. For example, using insulation made from recycled materials can help reduce energy costs and lower utility bills. Similarly, durable materials that require fewer repairs and replacements over time can save on maintenance costs. Conclusion Using sustainable materials in building construction can provide a wide range of benefits, including reduced environmental impact, energy efficiency, a healthier indoor environment, durability and longevity, and cost savings. By using sustainable materials in building construction, we can help create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. In summary, incorporating sustainable materials into building construction is a smart choice for both the environment and the bottom line. Whether it's through reduced environmental impact, increased energy efficiency, or healthier indoor environments, sustainable materials offer a multitude of benefits that are worth considering for any construction project. REFERENCES Reduced Environmental Impact: "Sustainable Building Materials." U.S. Green Building Council, https://www.usgbc.org/education/sessions/sustainable-building-materials-0 "Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3)." Building Transparency, https://buildingtransparency.org/ec3/ Energy Efficiency: "Energy Efficient Buildings." U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/energy-efficient-buildings "Energy-Efficient Windows." U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/energy-efficient-windows Healthier Indoor Environment: "Indoor Air Quality." Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq "Healthy Materials Lab." Harvard University Graduate School of Design, https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/project/healthy-materials-lab/ Durability and Longevity: "Durability." U.S. Green Building Council, https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction/v4/materials-and-resources-credit-building-product-disclosure-and-optimization-environmental-product-declarations/durability "Roofing Materials." U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/roofing-materials Cost Savings: "Lifecycle Cost Analysis Tool." U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/lifecycle-cost-analysis-tool "Cost-Effective, Sustainable Design Strategies." U.S. Green Building Council, https://www.usgbc.org/articles/cost-effective-sustainable-design-strategies. co-author: ChatGPT