Introduction The importance of infrastructure projects cannot be overstated, as they significantly impact the development of any society. Whether undertaken by the public or private sector, these projects require meticulous planning and consideration of the human and economic factors involved. Infrastructure projects provide economic benefits by creating jobs, boosting production, and increasing economic growth while improving access to basic necessities such as food, water, healthcare, and education. These also enhance public safety through the use of disaster-resistant buildings, flood barriers, and early warning systems. Additionally, incorporating sustainable design and construction techniques in infrastructure projects can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change effects. These projects also drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and social development, providing new opportunities with emerging technologies like high-speed internet and smart transportation systems. Therefore, infrastructure projects are crucial to saving humanity by facilitating access to basic needs, promoting economic growth, improving public safety, encouraging sustainable development, and driving innovation. Also Read: Redefining “value” in the value engineering process The Benefits of Data-Driven Decision-Making for Businesses Top 10 Infrastructure Projects Benefitting Humanity Several infrastructure projects benefit humanity as a whole and transcend national borders, as they have a global impact. Here are a few examples: International Space Station (ISS): The ISS is a collaborative project between multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe, and Japan. It is a research laboratory in space and serves as a platform for scientific experiments and technological developments that benefit humanity as a whole. It provides a unique opportunity for international collaboration and cooperation in space exploration and research. This collaboration with other nations can provide access to useful extra expertise, shared costs, and the pursuit of complementary lines of effort, all of which serve to eliminate unnecessary duplication of efforts in the scientific and technological areas. From one end to the other, the space station stretches for 109 meters (356 feet), or about the length of an American football pitch minus one yard for the end zones. Fig 1: International Space Station Courtesy: NASA Large Hadron Collider (LHC): The LHC is a particle accelerator located at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. It is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator and is used to study the fundamental building blocks of matter. The collider is located in a circular tube that is 50 to 175 meters (164 to 574 ft) below the earth. The discoveries made at the LHC have global implications, including the potential to improve medical imaging and cancer treatments. Fig 2: Large Hadron Collider Courtesy: CERN The Suez Canal: Suez Canal is an artificial waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, allowing for efficient shipping routes between Europe and Asia. The Suez Canal was 200–300 ft wide at the top, 72 feet wide at the bottom, and 25 feet deep when it was opened for shipping. Until it was built, ships bound for Asia had to make the long trek around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. Fig 3: Suez Canal Courtesy: Encyclopedia Britannica Global Seed Vault: The Global Seed Vault is a secure facility located on the island of Spitsbergen in Norway. It serves as a backup storage facility for the world's seeds and is designed to protect the world's biodiversity and food security. The average length of a seed room is 27 meters (88.6 ft). Fig 4: Global Seed Vault Courtesy: Smithsonian Magazine Panama Canal: The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, providing a crucial shipping route for goods between the east and west coasts of the Americas. The canal allows ships to bypass the long and dangerous journey around South America's southern tip, reducing shipping time and costs, increasing efficiency, and boosting economic growth and development for countries worldwide. It is around 82 kilometers (2,69,029 ft) long, and the average depth through the Gaillard (Culebra) Cut is 13 meters (43 ft). Furthermore, the canal has contributed to the development of Panama's infrastructure, including ports, railways, and highways, allowing for improved connectivity within the country and to other countries in the region. Fig 5: Panama Canal Courtesy: World Atlas The Mekong River Commission: The Mekong River Commission is an intergovernmental organization that manages the Mekong River's resources, providing clean water for drinking, irrigation, and power generation, benefiting millions of people across Southeast Asia. However, climate change is affecting the Lower Mekong River Basin, which includes Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam, posing a risk to ecosystems, economic growth, long-term viability, and social stability. The region faces challenges such as dangerous navigation, increased costs to preserve coastal infrastructure, and threats to roads and water supply infrastructure due to heavier rainfall, flooding, and landslides. The river basin is the tenth largest in the world. Fig 6: Mekong River Commission Courtesy: Mekong River Commission The Channel Tunnel: The Channel Tunnel connects the United Kingdom and France, providing a direct link for trade and transportation across the English Channel. Travel time between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe has been drastically reduced because of the Channel Tunnel. Before the tunnel was built, traveling from London to Paris by train and ferry took about six or seven hours. The same trip on a train may now be made in two and a half hours. The tunnel is now an extremely important piece of infrastructure for moving people, goods, and services. A service tunnel, 4.8 metres (15 ft 9 in) in diameter, connects the two train tunnels, which are 7.6 metres (24 ft 11 in) in diameter, 30 metres (98 ft) apart, and 50 kilometres (31 km) in length. Massive quantities of chalk were removed by the TBMs. Crushed chalk was combined with water and sent inland behind a 37-meter-tall dam in France. In order to make a landscaped platform at the base of Shakespeare Cliffs near Dover, engineers on the British side exploited the chalk. Fig 7: The Channel Tunnel Courtesy: CNN The Three Gorges Dam: Located in China, the Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydroelectric power station, providing clean energy to millions of people across the country. It has a height of roughly 181 meters (594 feet) and a length of roughly 2,335 meters (7,770 feet). However, not everyone was in favor of the project, despite claims that it would prevent catastrophic floods along the Yangtze, improve inland trade, and supply central China with much-needed electricity. Fig 8: Three Gorges Dam Courtesy: France 24 The Transcontinental Railroad: Completed in the late 1800s, the Transcontinental Railroad in the United States connected the East and West coasts, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people across the country and contributing to the economic growth and development of the nation. The railway, which covered over 2,000 miles between Iowa, Nebraska, and California, drastically shortened the time to reach the West from around six months to only four. Once the track was finished, it only took a week to cross the United States, a time savings of several months. With a direct route between the two coastlines, Western economies could more easily sell their products in Eastern markets. Fig 9: Transcontinental Railroad Courtesy: BBC The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge: The world's longest sea-crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, facilitating trade and transportation across the Pearl River Delta. The total length of the sea bridge, including access roads, is 55 kilometers (1,80,446 ft), making it the longest in the world. The bridge's goals were to provide a new land transport link between the east and west banks of the Pearl River to accommodate the growing demand for passenger and freight land transport between Hong Kong, the mainland (especially the region of Pearl River West), and Macau, and to contribute to the prosperous and environmentally responsible growth of all three cities. Fig 10: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Courtesy: DW Conclusion Infrastructure projects can have a significant impact on the development and progress of nations. However, it is essential to carefully consider the costs and benefits of such projects and ensure that they are implemented in a sustainable, environmentally responsible, and equitable way. Governments must prioritize the needs of their citizens and communities, ensuring that infrastructure projects benefit everyone, not just a privileged few. References https://earth.esa.int/web/earth-watching/image-of-the-week/content/-/article/hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge/index.html#:~:text=The%20functions%20of%20the%20bridge,enhance%20the%20economic%20and%20sustainable https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/transcontinental-railroad https://www.britannica.com/topic/Three-Gorges-Dam https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/what-do-civil-engineers-do/the-channel-tunnel#:~:text=The%20Channel%20Tunnel%20has%20cut,same%20journey%20in%202.5%20hours. https://www.mrcmekong.org/our-work/topics/climate-change/ https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2019/07/22/how-the-panama-canal-reshaped-the-economic-geography-of-the-united-states/ https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/international-cooperation-and-continuing-exploration-space https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-history/a-brief-history-of-the-suez-canal/

Introduction The Library and Learning Centre (LLC) at the University of Economics and Business in Vienna is an outstanding example of contemporary architecture. The LLC is a statement in modern design that boasts stunning, cutting-edge curves, asymmetrical angles, and graceful, flowing lines. It serves an essential purpose for the university's community for learning and research. Architect: Zaha Hadid Façade Engineer: Arup Berlin Capacity: 24000 Students and 1800 Staff Gross area: 42,000m2 (net area of 28000m2) Structures dimensions: 30m- five-storey building (136m x 76m) The building includes: Language Laboratory, Data Center, Book Shop, Training rooms, Auditorium and Cafeteria. The building includes: Language Laboratory, Data Center, Book Shop, Training rooms, Auditorium and Cafeteria. The Structural Arrangement The LLC building stands tall at eight stories, with a sprawling 28,000 square meter floor area. This ambitious shape is realized with reinforced concrete, a material known for its ability to shape complex curves, cantilevered beams and more. Its exterior is designed from a series of connected horizontal slabs and interlocking vertical walls in an artistic pattern meant to recall the ebb and flow of a river. The slabs and walls are connected to a network of reinforced concrete columns and beams, comprising a structural framework to keep everything in place. The columns are placed strategically to contribute to the building's support and elevation of the cantilevered sections. The beams span the distance between the columns, giving supplementary support to the slabs and walls. The LLC building’s internal composition consists of a grand central atrium, a three-story-high space with a glazed ceiling, enabling it to be brightened by natural sunlight. The atrium serves as the main area for circulation, allowing people within the building to orient themselves and swiftly and easily navigate between floors and sections. How Loads are carried through the structure In general, loads in buildings are carried through a combination of structural elements such as columns, beams, and slabs, as well as foundation systems. The specific load-carrying systems used in a building depend on various factors, such as the building's height, the type of construction, and the materials used. In a library and learning center, the load-carrying systems are typically designed to accommodate the weight of books, furniture, and people, as well as other equipment and materials that are commonly used in such facilities. The structural elements used to carry these loads may include reinforced concrete or steel columns, beams, and slabs, as well as various types of foundation systems, such as spread footings or piles. The structural system of the library and learning center is primarily composed of reinforced concrete columns and beams. These elements form a grid-like pattern that distributes loads of the building evenly throughout the structure. The columns are arranged in a staggered pattern, which helps to create a sense of movement and dynamism within the building. The floor plates of the building are also made of reinforced concrete and are supported by columns and beams. One of the key features of the library and learning center is the large central atrium that runs through the center of the building. This space is open to the sky and provides natural light to the lower floors of the building. The atrium is also a key structural element of the building, as it helps to distribute loads of the building evenly throughout the structure. The atrium is supported by a series of diagonal columns that are arranged in a V-shaped pattern. These columns help to transfer the loads of the building to the foundation. About the Architect Zaha Hadid was a world-renowned architect who passed away in 2016. She was known for her innovative and avant-garde designs that often pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in architecture. Here are a few examples of her most famous works: The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan: This cultural center is one of Hadid's most famous works and is known for its sweeping curves and undulating form. The MAXXI National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Rome, Italy: This contemporary art museum features a complex network of intersecting concrete forms that create a dynamic and fluid space. The Guangzhou Opera House in Guangzhou, China: This futuristic opera house is a stunning example of Hadid's signature style, with its curving lines and fluid forms. The London Aquatics Centre in London, UK: Built for the 2012 Olympic Games, this sports center features a distinctive wave-like roof that was designed to resemble a flowing river. The Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg, Germany: This science museum is a striking example of Hadid's use of bold geometric forms and dramatic angles. About the Contractors The Library and Learning Center, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects—the British architecture firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid—was constructed in 2013 by the Austrian construction company Strabag, who is one of Europe's biggest firms in the business. With ATP Architects and Engineers overseeing the project, it has become a landmark in Vienna and won numerous accolades for its innovative and captivating design. The extraordinary design of the Library and Learning Center stands as a magnificent display of modern architecture, featuring curves, dynamic lines and a transparent glass façade that allows onlookers to view the breathtaking cityscape around it. This infrastructure certainly leaves a lasting impression on the future of Vienna. Construction Material Used The University of Economics and Business in Vienna is home to a modern architectural marvel: the LLC. This unique structure was crafted with various construction materials, from precast concrete panels to glazed surfaces and custom windows; from steel structural elements to aluminum window frames; from white limestone façade accents to interior wood walls. All of these materials come together to create a timeless building that is both beautiful and functional, enabling users to benefit from an inspiring and comfortable environment. Concrete was implemented in the LLC as both a structural material and a design element, with white precast concrete panels adorning the structure's curved surfaces. This allowed for heightened precision in the fabrication process and a reduced-site construction time. Glass also plays a role in the LLC's design, with its number of windows and glazed surfaces admitting natural light deep into the interior. In this way, the use of glass serves both aesthetically and functionally, creating a more open and connected atmosphere. The strength and durability of steel make it an ideal material for modern construction. Accordingly, the LLC utilizes steel columns, beams, and supports to bear its weight. This also allows for a greater flexibility in design, as the structure can feature large open spaces without the need for load-bearing walls. The malleability of aluminum makes it an excellent material for custom window and door fabrication. The result is an aesthetically pleasing structure whose custom window sizes and shapes complement the building's flowing form. Finally, stone and wood are used for their enduring beauty and sustainability. The white limestone used on the building's façade harmonizes with the precast concrete, while the interior wood walls create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Conclusion The Library and Learning Centre in Vienna, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is a stunning architectural achievement - combining functionality and aesthetics in remarkable synergy. Its sleek, curving lines and bold angles effortlessly blend with the surrounding urban landscape and create an awe-inspiring sight. Inside, the building's spacious, light-filled rooms are designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and sustainability - emphasizing energy efficiency. With its striking design and attention to detail, this memorable architectural masterpiece is certain to be an inspiring source of learning and knowledge for years to come - revolutionizing the education sector. References: https://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/18/library-and-learning-centre-at-the-university-of-economics-business-by-zaha-hadid-architects/ https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/projects/llc-vienna/ https://www.archdaily.com/523598/library-and-learning-centre-university-of-economics-vienna-zaha-hadid-architects https://www.arup.com/projects/library-learning-centre-vienna

Whether you are working on concept design, temporary structures, or stress analyses, Civil engineering is a challenging profession that requires precise calculations and accurate measurements. As a civil engineer, it is important to have access to reliable and efficient tools to help streamline the design and construction process. Fortunately, there are free online calculators available that can assist civil engineers in performing complex calculations quickly and accurately. In this article, we will discuss five of the best free civil engineering calculators that can help boost your productivity and save you time on your next project. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student just starting out in the field, these calculators can be invaluable resources for any civil engineer looking to improve their efficiency and accuracy without the high price tag. Beam Calculator The civils.ai free beam calculator is a valuable tool for structural engineers involved in the design of beams. This calculator can be used to analyze various types of beams, including simply supported beams, cantilever beams, and continuous beams. One of the key benefits of this calculator is that it can create bending moment diagrams, shear force diagrams, and measure deflection for an indeterminate beam span. This information is critical for assessing the strength and stability of a beam and can help engineers determine the appropriate beam size and material for a given project. The calculator also allows engineers to specify the beam geometry and point loads or distributed loads, which enables them to accurately model real-world scenarios. By inputting the correct information, engineers can quickly obtain results for maximum bending moment, shear forces, reaction forces, and deflection using real steel section properties. The ability to obtain accurate results quickly is particularly useful for engineers who need to make design decisions on tight deadlines. This calculator can save significant amounts of time and effort compared to manual calculations and reduces the risk of errors that can occur during manual calculations. Steel Section Calculator The free steel section calculator from civils.ai is an essential tool for civil engineers involved in the design of steel structures. This calculator is designed to help engineers quickly search through steel section tables of supplier steel sizes and steel properties to automate their steel design process. One of the key benefits of this calculator is that it allows engineers to calculate bending moments, shear forces, and axial forces for different steel beam sizes, steel columns, or cantilevers, including steel hollow sections. This information is critical for assessing the strength and stability of steel structures and can help engineers determine the appropriate steel section size and material for a given project. In addition, the calculator can provide engineers with detailed information on the properties of various steel sections, including their cross-sectional area, the moment of inertia, and section modulus. This information is important for accurately modeling and analyzing steel structures and can help engineers make informed design decisions. The ability to automate the steel design process is particularly useful for engineers who need to make design decisions quickly and efficiently. By inputting the correct information, engineers can obtain results for different steel section sizes and properties, which can help them optimize their designs and reduce the risk of errors. Bearing Capacity Calculator The soil-bearing capacity calculator from Civils.ai is a highly useful tool for geotechnical engineers involved in the design of building foundations and footings. The calculator allows engineers to check the bearing capacity of soil using the Terzaghi bearing capacity equations in accordance with European construction regulations (Eurocode 7). Bearing capacity is a fundamental calculation required for ensuring the safety and stability of building foundations and footings. It is the capacity of the soil to support a vertical load without excessive deformation or failure. The soil bearing capacity is determined by the soil type, its strength, and the depth of the soil layer. The soil bearing capacity calculator takes into account a variety of factors, including soil type, soil strength, and load transfer into the ground. It uses empirical shape factors to determine the maximum allowable bearing pressure for a particular soil type and condition. This information is critical for ensuring the safety and stability of building foundations and footings, as well as for determining the appropriate type and size of foundation to be used. Tunnel Settlement Calculator The tunnel settlement calculator from Civils.ai is an important tool for Tunnel Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers involved in the design and construction of tunnels. This calculator is designed to predict the maximum short-term and long-term tunnel settlement and potential building damage, which are critical factors in ensuring the safety and stability of the tunnel and surrounding structures. The calculator is based on the method put forward in the paper "Prediction of ground movements and assessment of the risk of building damage due to bored tunneling" by Burland et al (1977). This method takes into account a number of factors that can influence tunnel settlement, including the diameter and depth of the tunnel, the type of soil, the distance from the tunnel, and the nature of the ground surface. By inputting the relevant parameters into the tunnel settlement calculator, engineers can quickly and accurately predict the maximum short-term and long-term settlement of the tunnel and surrounding structures. This information is essential for designing appropriate support systems for the tunnel, as well as for assessing the potential risk of damage to nearby buildings and other structures. One of the key benefits of the tunnel settlement calculator is its ability to provide accurate predictions of settlement and potential building damage in a timely and efficient manner. This information is critical for ensuring the safety and stability of the tunnel and surrounding structures and can help to inform design decisions and mitigate potential risks. Overall, the tunnel settlement calculator from Civils.ai is an essential tool for Tunnel Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers involved in the design and construction of tunnels. Its ability to predict maximum short-term and long-term tunnel settlement and potential building damage based on the method put forward by Burland et al (1977) makes it an invaluable resource for ensuring the safety and stability of tunnels and surrounding structures. Retaining Wall Calculator Retaining walls are structures that are commonly used in civil engineering to hold back soil and prevent it from sliding or collapsing. They are typically used in situations where there is a significant change in elevation, such as a steep slope or hillside. Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, stone, brick, or timber. A retaining wall calculator, such as the one offered by civils.ai, can be extremely useful for geotechnical engineers in designing and analyzing retaining walls. The calculator allows the engineer to input specific parameters such as soil properties, wall dimensions, and loading conditions to determine the stability of the wall. The calculator uses the Eurocode 7 regulations, which are the European standards for geotechnical design. The engineer can calculate the overturning moment, sliding forces, and bearing capacity of the wall, based on the lateral earth forces acting on the wall. This allows the engineer to determine the most suitable wall design to withstand the specific loads and conditions. The retaining wall calculator also considers long-term drained conditions and the groundwater level at the ground surface level, providing a more comprehensive design approach. The limit state approach used by the calculator ensures that the design is based on a predetermined level of safety, which is essential for ensuring the stability and durability of the retaining wall. Free online calculators for civil engineers are highly valuable tools that can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of civil engineering projects. With the availability of specialized calculators for various engineering tasks, from beam and steel section design to soil bearing capacity and retaining wall calculations, civil engineers can now perform complex and time-consuming calculations quickly and accurately. These calculators save engineers significant amounts of time and effort, enabling them to focus on other aspects of the design and construction process. Overall, the use of free online calculators for civil engineers is an excellent way to increase productivity, improve accuracy, and streamline the design and construction process. References Civils.ai - Discover the future of Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Design with AI-powered tools. Access geotechnical and project…civils.ai

I know you probably don't want to read another blog discussing the detrimental effects of climate change yet again, but the reality is that we cannot afford to ignore its impact on our planet. Among the many threats posed by climate change, one of the most alarming is the rising sea levels. Rescuers evacuate residents from their flooded homes in Bekasi in February 2021, as heavy rain inundated the city on the outskirts of Jakarta. (Photo by Rezas/AFP via Getty Images) The implications of such an event would be catastrophic, resulting in the loss of critical infrastructure, cultural landmarks, and homes for millions of people. In this article, we will take a closer look at three cities in Asia that are particularly vulnerable to this impending threat and explore how they plan to prevent it: Jakarta, Indonesia Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Bangkok, Thailand Jakarta, Indonesia is one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world, sinking at a rate of up to 25 cm per year due to a combination of natural and human factors. The city is also facing the threat of rising sea levels and severe flooding. One major influence on Jakarta's sinking infrastructure is the land. It is built on swampy land and is heavily reliant on groundwater for its water supply. Over the years, the excessive extraction of groundwater has caused the land to sink. Jakarta has experienced rapid population growth and urbanization over the past few decades too, which has led to the construction of large buildings and infrastructure projects. The weight of these structures on the already sinking land has further accelerated the sinking of the city. Deforestation in the surrounding areas of Jakarta has led to soil erosion, which has caused sediment to be deposited in the city’s waterways. This sediment reduces the capacity of rivers and canals to hold water and increases the risk of flooding. To address these issues, the Indonesian government announced in 2019 that it would move the capital city Jakarta, a megacity of 10.5 million, to a newly constructed city on the island of Borneo, 2,000 km (1,250 mi) away mainly because Jakarta is sinking. The new capital will be built on the island of Borneo, specifically in the provinces of East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan. The government hopes that the relocation will help to alleviate the problems caused by Jakarta’s sinking, as well as redistribute development and economic growth across different parts of the country. The move to a new capital also presents an opportunity for the Indonesian government to design and build a city from scratch, incorporating modern infrastructure and sustainable technologies to reduce environmental impacts. The project is expected to take several years to complete, with estimates suggesting that the new capital could be ready by 2024 or 2025. However, the move has been met with some criticism, as some experts argue that it may not solve the underlying issues of climate change and overpopulation that have led to Jakarta’s sinking in the first place. Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City, also know wn as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis located in southern Vietnam. Unfortunately, it is also one of the cities that are at risk of sinking due to several factors. The city’s location in an area of land subsidence, caused by extensive groundwater extraction, along with high tides, heavy rains, and overflow in the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers, makes it particularly vulnerable. Almost 45% of the city sits less than one meter above sea level, leading to recurrent floods. Unfortunately, housing developments have replaced vital tide-draining swamps that once protected these flood-prone areas, resulting in record-breaking river tides. These floods not only cause millions of dollars in damage but also put hundreds of thousands of people’s lives at risk. In the face of global temperature rise, sea levels are expected to increase by over one meter by 2100. As a result, almost 20% of Ho Chi Minh City’s area will be inundated, which will displace almost 7 million people. The majority of those affected will live in the Can Gio coastal district, according to Earth.Org’s sea level rise projections. Ho Chi Minh City is taking various measures to address the issue of sinking, which is caused by subsidence. Some of the actions taken by the city include measures to manage groundwater extraction and reduce the demand for groundwater. This includes promoting the use of surface water for industrial and agricultural purposes and encouraging households to use rainwater and treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes. The city is also working on developing a comprehensive land use plan to manage the use of land and ensure that it is sustainable. This includes zoning regulations, building codes, and the creation of green spaces and public parks to reduce the amount of concrete and asphalt in the city. The city is investing in upgrading its infrastructure by improving drainage systems, building new bridges and tunnels, and constructing new wastewater treatment facilities to reduce the amount of groundwater extraction needed. Ho Chi Minh City has been working with international organizations, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to share knowledge and expertise on subsidence management and identify solutions that can be implemented in the city. Overall, Ho Chi Minh City is taking a multi-faceted approach to address the issue of sinking, recognizing that it is a complex problem that requires a combination of short-term and long-term solutions. Bangkok, Thailand Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is projected to be the world’s most vulnerable city due to rising sea levels. The city, with an average elevation of only 1.5 meters above sea level, is already experiencing the consequences of this climate change-induced phenomenon. In 2011, devastating floods claimed hundreds of lives and submerged a fifth of the city. Unfortunately, the situation is only expected to worsen. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts that by 2070, five out of the 10.7 million inhabitants of Bangkok could be at risk of flooding. However, the government’s inaction is turning this forecast into a grim reality. Torrential rains exacerbate the problem, and the inadequate drainage system does little to prevent severe flooding, which can last up to two months in some cases. The risk of sinking in Bangkok is exceptionally high, primarily caused by ocean thermal expansion and ice melting. When combined with the projected rise in extreme weather events, it is predicted that up to one-third of the Thai capital could be entirely submerged by 2050, leading to the displacement of up to 11 million people. Bangkok is planning short-term and long-term solutions to prevent the city from completely sinking. One approach is to adopt nature-based solutions, such as gardens, green roofs, and the restoration of urban wetlands, which can absorb additional water. They are currently a concrete jungle with little permeability. Even a moderate amount of rainfall (4 mm) can inundate the city. Another approach is to build “pocket parks” in vacant plots of land, between and underneath expressways, and other empty spaces, prioritizing construction with storing stormwater in mind to reduce the city’s flooding risk. Additionally, wastewater and stormwater can become alternative and more sustainable sources of water supply for the city. Above is a photo of one of the larger anti-flooding projects, Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, an 11-acre green space that can hold up to a million gallons of rainwater in Bangkok Overall, all of these cities have one thing in common and that is the need for drastic measures to be implemented for years to come to prevent further sinking. We can summarize those universal measures as: Reduction of groundwater extraction: To address the sinking of cities caused by excessive groundwater extraction, some cities are implementing policies and regulations to reduce the pumping of groundwater. This may include the development of alternative sources of water, such as surface water or desalination. Building resilient infrastructure: To help prevent damage from sinking ground and floods, cities are investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and adapt to changing environmental conditions. This may include the construction of flood barriers, seawalls, and green infrastructure such as parks and green roofs. Land subsidence monitoring: Many cities are implementing programs to monitor the subsidence of land and identify areas that are at high risk of sinking. This information can help inform policies and strategies to address the problem of sinking cities. Sustainable urban planning: Cities are also adopting sustainable urban planning practices to reduce the impact of urbanization on the environment and prevent further land subsidence. This may include the promotion of green spaces, compact and mixed-use development, and the use of sustainable building materials. Climate change adaptation: To address the threat of rising sea levels and other impacts of climate change, cities are implementing strategies to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This may include the development of early warning systems, the relocation of vulnerable communities, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. These measures are important steps toward addressing the problem of sinking cities, but more work is needed to ensure that cities are sustainable and resilient in the face of changing environmental conditions. Understanding what's happening underground requires data, which is typically gathered by geotechnical engineers through subsurface investigations. This data could be used to study changing groundwater levels, soil strength, stresses, and the impacts of construction and climate change. It's important to note that remediation and solutions require participation from both the civilian and infrastructure communities. However, capturing this data for an entire city can be challenging and time-consuming. Using traditional 3D modeling software can also be tedious. Civils.ai is a software that could revolutionize how we approach geologic data by providing 3D models of subsurfaces. Civils.ai is creating a platform to provide access to reliable and much-needed data about underground conditions today and documenting changes over the next several decades. References Civils.ai Discover the future of Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Design with AI-powered tools. Access geotechnical and project…civils.ai Sea Level Rise Projections: 10 Cities at Risk of Flooding | Earth.Org The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts that by 2100, sea levels could be - as much as 1.1…earth.org Short and Long-Term Solutions to Bangkok's Ever-Growing Vulnerability to Floods and Other Climate… Ten years ago, Thailand faced its worst ever flooding which killed over 800 and caused over US$45 billion in damage…th.boell.org The world's coastal cities are sinking, but not for the reason you think Coastal cities like and face the prospect of massive flooding as sea-levels rise. Yet some cities are confronting an…qz.com Rising Seas Will Erase Bangkok by 2050 - Thailand Business News New research shows that rising seas could affect three times more people by 2050 than previously thought, according to…www.thailand-business-news.com How decades of flooding prompted the 'new' Jakarta move Jakarta is polluted, overcrowded and sinking, due to the ever-worsening floods. A $35bn plan, which should be completed…citymonitor.ai https://www.businessinsider.com/bangkok-park-holds-a-million-gallons-of-rainwater-to-prevent-flooding-2018-7

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. There are cards available for different levels of workers in the construction industry. Although it is not a legal requirement to have a CSCS card today, large construction companies consider them indispensable. It's an excellent addition to your skill set and shows that you are knowledgeable about safety and health. Employers in the UK will see that you have the necessary training to work on-site and that you follow all routine procedures. Who is CITB? The Construction Industry Training Board is the CITB. They conduct the safety and health tests required to be eligible for a CSCS Card. This educational training organization issues the mandatory tests for obtaining a CSCS Card. CSCS Card Guide Many cards can be obtained throughout a construction worker’s career. Each card is valid for five years after approval. Many managers in the industry aim to obtain a CSCS Black Card. This card is the highest-ranking CSCS Card and demonstrates your managerial competence. Green Card (Labourer card) This card can be obtained by workers who have been trained as construction workers or laborers in a construction setting. This card proves that the worker has valid skills and is able to perform their duties on-site. Read more about the Green Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/labourer/ Red Card Depending on your experience, there are four versions of the red card. All red cards can be temporary. These are the four types: general trainee, technical supervisor, manager, or apprentice. The red card is generally for people just starting out in the construction industry, for those who will soon move to another role, or for those who temporarily enlisted. Read more about the Red Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/apprentice/ https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/experienced-technical-supervisor-or-manager/ https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/experienced-worker/ https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/trainee-card/ https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/industry-placement-card/ Blue Card Blue cards are available to those who have been deemed 'Skilled Workers'. This means that they have successfully completed a relevant qualification, such as an NVQ/SVQ course. This is also possible if an employer has approved you for an apprenticeship. Read more about the Blue Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/skilled-worker/ Gold Card For proving your expertise and training in your chosen field, gold cards are a great card. Advanced Craft cards can only be issued to individuals who have completed a relevant NVQ course at Level 3, or higher, and are approved by the relevant authorities. For experienced supervisors who have NVQ or equivalent qualifications in Level 3 or 4, the other gold card can be obtained. Read more about the Gold Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/advanced-craft/ https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/supervisory/ White Card The second highest-achieving card in the organization is the white card. These cards are only for professional members of top institutions that have been approved by the CSCS. This card is also known as a Professionally Qualified Person. Academically Qualified Person, the other white card, is for people who have earned degrees, diplomas, and other qualifications. This card is great for people who just completed a qualification and want to get into the industry. Read more about the White Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/professionally-qualified-person/ https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/academically-qualified-person/ Black Card This card is the most prestigious in the construction industry. A construction-related qualification at Levels 5, 6, 7, or 8 is required. This will prove that the person has both high education and expert management experience. Read more about the Black Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/manager/ Yellow Card Visitors to a site may be issued a yellow card, which is a temporary card. Although this card was removed from applications in February 2020 there may still be valid yellow visitor cards. Read more about the Yellow Card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/site-visitor/ Smartcards Each CSCS card is equipped with scannable chips that allow site managers to see which staff members have been trained. These cards can be used to track which site members have reported issues with safety equipment and track the stock of materials by scanning. haveIt allows contractors to communicate with each other and shares knowledge among site members via technology. It is now easier than ever for members to be certified and has completed the relevant training. In order to save money and increase the use of facial recognition software, the CSCS plans to issue more virtual cards. This will eliminate the problems of lost or fraudulent cards and create a safer work environment. CSCS Cards for Managers The CSCS Black Card is a top-ranking construction manager's card. To obtain this card, you need a lot of knowledge and experience. Just like all other CSCS cards, you will need to pass the CITB Health Safety and Environment Test. CSCS Cards For Visitors Visitors to construction sites who aren't qualified for construction purposes can use the CSCS Yellow Card. These are often outside contractors or overseers who visit the site regularly. How To Apply & Renew It is easy to apply for CSCS cards. The CSCS website is where you will submit your application. Once your CITB Health Safety and Environment Test is passed, you can apply. Because the safety and health portion of your application is the most important, it will ensure that safe construction practices are followed at work. Your card will be sent to you within 10 days after approval. It can take up five to six weeks for cards to arrive. If this happens, you should contact CSCS immediately. Online renewal is the easiest and fastest way to renew your CSCS Card. You can check the status of your card online, as well as its type and expiration. Apply here: https://www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards/health-and-safety-test/ Cards Price All CSCS cards will be subject to a £36 fee. £21 will be required to take the CITB's Health Safety and Environment Test. After completing all requirements, your card will be issued. It will be valid for five years. You will see the expiration date on the card's front, just like a bank card. Funding is possible, but you must meet certain conditions. Often, agencies and construction companies will cover the cost of your CSCS cards so you can work on-site. It is worth it as a small investment that will bring you a lot of benefits. You'll be able to show off your safety and health knowledge at work every day. Health, Safety, and Environment Test First, a CSCS Card is essential to demonstrate your ability to enforce safety and health regulations. This is essential when you work on a construction site. It is important to pay attention when working with heavy machinery, heights, and other risk factors. The test covers five areas, including legal safety and welfare. You won't be able to apply for your CSCS card if you don't pass this test. You'll need to take the CITB test again until you pass. CSCS Card Checker You can also renew your CSCS card online. The CSCS card finder shows you which relevant tests you have passed and what courses you are currently completing. Online, you can check your card via the CITB website. This tool can be used to check if your card has expired.

Whether for seasonal enjoyment or weekend refreshment, it is exciting to build a beautiful waterfront home. Such a commodity is always in demand as no one would want to miss out on natural landscapes, a serene atmosphere, wildlife, and a calming place to relax. But there are limited natural water features in the world and most of them are highly expensive. Hence, the best option is to hire a professional waterfront home architect that can make your dream of having a waterfront home come true. These professionals take the advantage of the surrounding design and aesthetics of a home to create an exquisite space. However, creating these spaces is expensive. So, here are 5 essential features for waterfront home architects that you must unfailingly consider! Avoid the Reflection and Glare Facing a huge waterbody and reflecting sun rays can create glare. Using professional-quality glass limits glare when the sun reflects on water at particular angles. Shutters and blinds function as excellent barriers to maintaining interior ambiance. Introducing shorefront windows is another wonderful way to reduce external noise and reduce heat. With proper planning, you can enjoy the location and size of your waterfront home. Experienced waterfront home designers use mindful interventions and considerations to allow you to be close to the water without indulging in a non-invasive affair. Long-Lasting Building Materials Building a waterfront home is a serious matter. You cannot go with just any type and quality of the material. It is essential to consider materials with high durability and rich aesthetic value. Professional residential architects pivot their designs in a way to include more oceanfront–friendly materials. It shields your interior from high winds while delivering an outstanding residing experience even during summer days. The materials selected must be able to tolerate the daily exposure to salty and moist air and must withstand the extreme winds on the oceanfront. Whether you desire for a sheltered balcony or a screened porch, using the right quality and type of materials will ensure you get the best outcome. Invest in Outdoor Areas Outdoor living spaces are of great significance for a waterfront house. It goes a long way to maximize the amazing water view. For example, creating a deck, balcony, or other exterior living space is more inviting for homeowners and their guests. Experienced waterfront home designers can convert the existing exterior space to an open lanai, which is free from obstructions like railings, columns, and other structures. As a result, homeowners can enjoy a clear, pristine view of the water body. Other elements to consider for enhancing the outdoor experience for homeowners are designing a grilling space, spa, pool, firepit, comfortable seating space, and an alfresco kitchen. For cold months, the outdoor space can be integrated with a fireplace that makes the area cozy and comfortable. Also, invest in high-quality outdoor furniture that can withstand extreme external temperatures. The outdoor interior must be easy to maintain and free from delicate elements so that they look beautiful and do not require regular maintenance. Consider an Open Floor Plan for Interiors The trend of open floor plans is always high in demand and when it comes to waterfront homes, they are the best option. Fewer indoor walls mean fewer obstructions and a clear view of the gorgeous backdrop. It also provides a clear gateway to sun rays during winter. If the interiors of your house have walls blocking such views, you must hire a redesign expert to get an open floor plan. Think of walking into a house that looks straight out to your favorite water body. Or consider having a candlelight dinner under the clear view of the moon without being outdoors? Open indoor spaces let you get connected to the natural beauty of the surroundings while being protected from external effects. By enhancing the layout of your home, you can enjoy a practical panoramic site of the water. A good design can convert these possibilities into a reality and create endless moments of relaxation and inspiration. Meticulously Design Windows Facing the Water For new construction, consider hiring an architect to ensure the house is properly oriented with adequate ceiling windows to offer an unimpeded view. The bigger the area span windows have, the larger the view, and integrating a glass-style window accommodates the ability to achieve beautiful views. Introducing corner windows into the home design can add breathtaking immersive views. Any selected option will let in a drastic amount of natural light and offer exceptional water views. Though water views are a priority, it is necessary to consider comfort as well. It means considering the sunlight level. Homeowners must not be woken in the early morning right when the summer light streams in, but maybe want to see that light rolls around at the correct time. Based on the angle, windows are positioned correctly, functionality is a vital consideration. Numerous window treatments do not block outdoor views, including smart or darkening blinds, which can be tucked or opened away easily. To address the heat concerns, one finest way is an eco-friendly home investment and installing double-glazed windows with glass that provides heat reflectivity. It ensures that the temperatures are more comfortable. Homeowners can consult an experienced builder or architect to maximize the water views without affecting regular lifestyles. One of the major advantages of living in a waterfront house is its interaction with the environment. By introducing precise features in your waterfront house, you can create a stunning and inviting design. Hence, do consider the above-mentioned aspects while building your waterfront home or consult the experts. Contact OneSpace Design Studio for Best Waterfront Home Designs OneSpace Design Studio is a leading residential interior design studio in Virginia Beach. They provide top-notch residential and commercial architectural services. You can hire them to avail of stunning waterfront home architecture within your budget. They offer a 3D interior rendering service as well that gives you a clear vision of the design before it is finalized. Contact them to get the best design solutions from expert and experienced professionals for your waterfront home project.

INTRODUCTION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing 3D building data during its development. BIM is a complex multiphase process that gathers input from team members to model the components and tools that will be used during the construction process to create a unique perspective of the building process. The 3D process is aimed at achieving savings through collaboration and visualization of building components into an early design process that will dictate changes and modifications to the actual construction process. It is a very powerful tool that when used properly will save money, time and simplify the construction process. For more stories visit Structure's Insider Archives Building Information Modeling Applications The BIM application process can be used during design and architecture process creating a clear picture used for better and more integrated designs. The software will be used to foresee problems and coordination between different contractors and as a way to generate construction documents and process that will later be implemented during the physical process. It is ideal when there are many trades executing at the same moment or when schedules are compressed. There are multiple applications for BIM so it can be used by the following groups: Architecture Sustainability Structures MEP Construction management Utilities Road construction Scheduling Property management Are you a civil engineering professional working in the UK? Participate in this research study with the purpose to critically evaluate various aspects of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and assess the factors surrounding the digital transformation of construction-related SME’s in the UK. Participate Now Industry groups are trying to develop one standardized BIM model that can be used to integrate all different types of modelling systems. By doing this, they will facilitate the coordination and communication in the design-construction-operation team under one single platform. The purpose of this movement is to create a single data centre, with multiple CAD and specs depending on the discipline that you are working for. All data will then come together allowing it to be used for take-offs, analysis, coordination and important project milestones. This effort will help standardize the process and will establish a base that can be used during the bidding process so everyone can be judged using some standard guidelines. The BuildingSmart Alliance, a council of the National Institute of Building Sciences, in Washington, D.C., is leading these efforts towards a National BIM Standard. For more info visit: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/introduction-to-building-information-modeling-bim-845046 Are you a civil engineering professional working in the UK? Participate in this research study with the purpose to critically evaluate various aspects of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and assess the factors surrounding the digital transformation of construction-related SME’s in the UK. Participate Now

It's no secret that the construction industry has been slower than many other industries to adopt digital technology, but there is increasing recognition of the benefits that digitalization can bring. Digital tools and technologies can increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, improve safety, and enable better collaboration and communication among stakeholders in the construction process. The construction industry, which contributes 13% to the global GDP and is responsible for roughly one-third of global CO2 emissions, has close connections and implications with various activities such as logistics, mechanics, and land management. Furthermore, it is an integral part of our daily lives, and its significance should not be underestimated. The construction sector plays a crucial role in shaping our surroundings, including streets, parks, highways, airports, homes, and schools, and also influences the quality of the air we breathe. The digitization of this industry can help address sustainability challenges that are sure to progress unless something is done. For example, digital tools can help optimize building design and energy use, reduce waste and material consumption, and improve the monitoring and maintenance of buildings over their lifecycle. Digital technologies can also support the adoption of circular economy principles, which prioritize the reuse and recycling of materials and resources. One remarkable example of how digitization can transform the way we understand and interact with our physical environment is the recent unveiling of the digital twin of Singapore. By creating a detailed 3D model of the entire nation, Singapore has provided a platform for developing and testing new technologies and urban planning strategies in a virtual environment. Bentley Systems' tools, along with other technologies such as GIS, lidar, and imagery data, were instrumental in the creation of this digital twin. The process of transforming raw data into reality mesh, building, and transportation models was accelerated, allowing for the efficient creation of a comprehensive and detailed model of the country. The potential applications of this digital twin are vast, ranging from urban planning and transportation to emergency response and disaster management. It can be used to simulate and test different scenarios and strategies, allowing for more informed decision-making and better outcomes. Moreover, the digital twin of Singapore could be a significant step towards the development of the metaverse - a virtual world that merges with the physical world. By providing a detailed and accurate representation of Singapore, the digital twin could serve as a starting point for the creation of a larger, interconnected virtual world that spans multiple nations and regions. Singapore, being an island nation, faces significant challenges from rising sea levels due to climate change. However, the country is leveraging its integrated digital twin infrastructure to mitigate these challenges. By providing a single, accurate, reliable, and consistent terrain model, the infrastructure is supporting the national water agency in resource management, planning, and coastal protection efforts. The benefits of the digital twin infrastructure extend beyond climate change response, as it is also aiding in the rollout of renewable energy. Through the use of an integrated source of building model data, the infrastructure has helped craft a solar photovoltaic (PV) roadmap to meet the government's commitment of deploying two gigawatts peak (GWp) of solar energy by 2030. One significant advantage of a digital twin over a traditional map is its ability to be constantly updated with new data. However, achieving this requires a sophisticated data management platform capable of collecting and updating data collected from different sources to represent the city's separate yet interconnected digital twins. According to Hui Ying Teo, a senior principal surveyor at the Singapore Land Authority, for a digital twin to achieve its full potential, it should represent not only the physical space but also the legal space, such as cadaster maps of property rights, and the design space, such as planning models like building information modeling (BIM). City and national governments face the challenge of converting individual data silos containing geographic, infrastructure, and ownership records into unified digital twins. However, this is a daunting task due to the differences in data capture methods, file formats, and data quality and accuracy. Governments must also create digital twins while respecting the privacy of citizens, confidentiality of enterprise data IP, and security of the underlying data. To overcome these challenges, governments must explore various strategies to transform data silos into unified digital twins. In Singapore, government agencies previously conducted their own topographical surveys to aid in planning decisions, leading to duplicate efforts due to differing timelines. To address this issue, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) partnered with Bentley Systems to implement a "capture once, use by many" strategy. The SLA used lidar and automated image capture techniques to rapidly map the nation, reducing costs from SGD 35 million to 6 million and time from two years to eight months. This approach enabled the creation of an open-source 3D national map that can be used by various government agencies, authorities, and consultants. Over a period of forty-one days, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) successfully captured over 160,000 high-resolution aerial images, which were then transformed into a 0.1-meter accurate 3D reality mesh covering the entire country. The SLA utilized Bentley's ContextCapture tools to create this mesh. Additionally, the SLA employed Bentley's Orbit 3DM tool to convert over twenty-five terabytes of local street data into the digital twin. To ensure data standardization, the team used LAS and LAZ for point cloud data, GeoTIFF to align imagery with physical spaces, and CityGML to support vector models and surfaces. The implementation of a digital twin city offers numerous benefits for both citizens and urban planners. It allows for the simulation and visualization of urban development scenarios, which can facilitate evidence-based decision-making, reduce costs, and optimize resource allocation. A digital twin city also has the potential to improve the quality of life for residents by enhancing infrastructure, and public services, promoting sustainable development, and creating more efficient and livable urban environments. Furthermore, the data collected from a digital twin city can provide insights for scientific research, urban innovation, and policy-making. As technology advances and cities become more complex, the implementation of digital twin cities is becoming increasingly important to help us better understand, manage, and improve the urban environment. Ultimately, access to digital open data can help create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society, where innovation and creativity can thrive. Singapore's implementation of digital geospatial and construction data in a digital city model is just the beginning. Civils.ai is making the lives of Geotechnical Engineers easier by utilizing open data. Introducing their new product George, the AI borehole log digitizer, which automates the usually boring and tedious task of reading and transcribing information from geotechnical reports. With their advanced technology, civils.ai is helping to extract data directly from PDF site investigation reports and turn them into digital files. They’ve been hard at work digitizing the publicly available data across London and have already digitized almost 20% of the city's geology. They are now offering out their tool to allow you to digitize your own private reports and store your digitized files in your own private repository, making manually transcribing from PDFs a task of the past. Maybe London will soon have an underground digital twin thanks to civils.ai! References https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/digitization-will-raise-construction-to-the-modern-day/ https://oroinc.com/b2b-ecommerce/blog/digital-transformation-in-construction/#:~:text=Some%20examples%20of%20digital%20transformation,technologies%2C%20or%20laser%20imaging%20systems. https://venturebeat.com/business/how-singapore-created-the-first-country-scale-digital-twin/

What is ESG? Environmental, social, and corporate governance is an approach to evaluating the extent to which a corporation works on behalf of social goals that go beyond the role of a corporation to maximize profits on behalf of the corporation's shareholders. What are environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria? Environmental criteria focuses on topics such as nature, carbon neutrality, waste, pollution, and animal treatment. GHG reporting and sustainability reporting are now at the top of the list that investors acknowledge. Social criteria may include with whom businesses have relationships whether they are sustainable vendors or if they help build up the community with their resources. This also includes human rights of employees, communities and others in the supply chain. Governance criteria include keeping transparent accounting records, avoiding conflicts of interest between board members, and that stockholders are able to vote on important matters. Other concerns would be management structure, employee relations and retention, and compensation of wages. Source: Net0 Terminology List Carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) The EU taxonomy GAR GHG emissions NGFS PAIs Physical risk (climate change stress testing) SFRDR TCFD Transitional risk (climate change stress testing) Carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) Carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2e means the number of metric tons of CO2 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas The EU taxonomy The EU taxonomy is a classification system, establishing a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities. It could play an important role helping the EU scale up sustainable investment and implement the European green deal. The EU taxonomy would provide companies, investors, and policymakers with appropriate definitions for which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable GAR Green Asset Ratio (GAR) key performance indicator (KPI) under the Taxonomy Regulation shows the proportion of exposures related to Taxonomy-aligned activities compared to the total assets of those credit institutions GHG emissions Greenhouse gases, or GHGs, are compound gases that trap heat or longwave radiation in the atmosphere. Their presence in the atmosphere makes the Earth's surface warmer. Sunlight or shortwave radiation easily passes through these gases and the atmosphere. Also for you: Environmental regulations in construction — What’s changing? Risks and due diligence involved in an SPC green energy investment project NGFS The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) is a network of 114 central banks and financial supervisors that aims to accelerate the scaling up of green finance and develop recommendations for central banks' role for climate change PAIs Principal Adverse Impacts (PAIs) – Negative, material, or potentially material effects on sustainability factors that result from, worsen, or are directly related to investment choices or advice performed by a legal entity Physical risk (climate change stress testing) https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/15/california-storms-biden-major-disaster-atmospheric-rivers-forecast Physical risk refers to the financial impact of a changing climate, including more frequent extreme weather events and gradual changes in climate, as well as of environmental degradation, such as air, water, and land pollution, water stress, biodiversity loss and deforestation, and more SFRDR Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) is a European regulation introduced to improve transparency in the market for sustainable investment products, to prevent greenwashing and to increase transparency around sustainability claims made by financial market participants TCFD leased climate-related financial disclosure recommendations designed to help companies provide better information to support informed capital allocation Transitional risk (climate change stress testing) Scenario for physical and transition-risk levels (ECB economy-wide climate stress test | Source: https://www2.deloitte.com/ch/en/pages/risk/articles/tcfd-and-why-does-it-matter.html Transition risk refers to the negative impact that the introduction of climate policies to reduce CO2e emissions could have on certain high-emitting firms. Yet policies to limit carbon emissions, such as a carbon tax, could increase the costs of raw materials and energy, or require businesses to carry out a costly and large-scale overhaul of their production processes to eliminate the use of carbon. Share of firms exposed to physical and transition risk by European Country (ECB economy-wide climate stress test)

Due diligence As wind energy reached a total of 51.8 billion euros in investment in the year 2019 (Wind Europe, 2020), due diligence becomes an important part of an investment evaluation. In the case of the investment summarised in this report, 2 years (2021-2023) were spent before the final commitment to the project funds was made and financial closure was concluded. The three main components of due diligence are technical, financial, and legal (Blaiklock, 2014). Technical due diligence For example, investors and lenders may seek third independent professional advice on technical matters of design and specifications of the proposed project and seek advice if the project is commercially viable based on the maturity of the technology applied. Financial due diligence Furthermore, due diligence may be required to double-check the integrity and projections undertaken in the cash flow model and sensitivity analysis by the financial advisors. This could be found necessary by the investors and lenders as the models could be used in a later stage for renegotiation of energy tariffs. Legal due diligence Lastly, legal advisors will have the responsibility to review documents and laws such as licensing and permits required, environmental liabilities, relevant statutory instruments required for the project, the enforceability of contracts, local laws, and more (Blaiklock, 2014). Risks Risk is uncertainty and various risks can be a risk to investors and may not be a risk to lenders and vice versa (Blaiklock, 2014). Risks and uncertainties become apparent by carrying out a sensitivity analysis but sometimes are also very difficult to predict based on the nature of the project. A list of possible overall and specific risks and risk mitigations possibly to be encountered in the project assessed in this report are listed in the table below. References Blaiklock, M., 2014. Infrastructure Finance Handbook : Principles, Practice and Experience. London: Euromoney Books Deloitte, 2014. Establishing the investment case of Wind power , Copenhagen: Deloitte.

by 2050 Materials Building regulations are crucial drivers for change. Over the last decade, regulatory compliance was concentrated on LED bulbs, energy-efficient ventilation and insulated buildings. Today, the focus is shifting more and more towards material selection and upfront carbon. Designing with operational carbon in mind is obviously helpful, yet not adequate to ensure future compliance and long-term asset value. Energy and carbon metrics are complementary and are key factors in decarbonizing the building stock. More governments are starting to realize that regulating and enforcing thresholds in the operational aspect of buildings is insufficient when trying to build a net-zero society. In order to reduce the embodied carbon in the material selection and specification process, new requirements need to be introduced with limited values based on whole-life carbon assessments. The introduction of embodied carbon regulations needs to be implemented at a global scale. Countries such as Denmark, France and the Netherlands are leading the way in this space. The current status in Europe Here’s a summary of the most impactful regulations driving embodied carbon accounting in Europe: Germany, Belgium, UK, and Switzerland: All 4 countries have introduced LCA requirements for public projects and state-owned buildings. In addition, the Mayor of London has introduced a requirement for all major referable projects to calculate and reduce whole life-cycle carbon (WLC) emissions to fully capture a development’s carbon impact. Netherlands: All new commercial and residential buildings with a GIA larger than 100m2 need to calculate and report their embodied impacts based on a standardized and simplified national LCA methodology. France: The new building regulation (RE2020) introduced by the French government aims to address the environmental impact of new buildings by enforcing the combination of whole-life carbon accounting and energy performance targets. This is supported by the E+C- label, which standardizes and simplifies a national LCA methodology to ensure compliance. Finland and Sweden: Both countries have developed whole-life carbon databases in line with standardized and simplified national LCA methodologies, to pave the way for whole-life carbon accounting and future regulation. Sweden plans to introduce CO2 thresholds for new buildings by 2027 and Finland by 2025. Denmark: The Danish government introduced targets and carbon thresholds in the building regulations for whole life carbon which come into effect in 2023, embracing both embodied and operational carbon in all buildings over 1000m2 in any sector. Regulatory thresholds for smaller buildings are expected to be enforced by 2025. Further to the introduction of new government regulation, several industry groups in Europe and the UK (such as ACAN, Architects Declare and Part Z) consisting of sustainability specialists, designers and contractors are advocating for more aggressive action plans to address the climate emergency. Part Z proposes an amendment to the UK Building Regulations, outlining the requirements on the assessment of whole-life carbon emissions, and limiting of embodied carbon emissions, for all major building projects. Can operational carbon regulation pave the way for embodied carbon accounting? The importance of embodied carbon emissions will increase dramatically as more buildings are constructed and renovated to higher energy performance and efficiency standards. The enhancement of operational performance in new buildings and retrofits is expected to create a multiplier effect on two fronts: The overall energy consumption of buildings is reduced, and this automatically turns into a minimum requirement. Embodied carbon becomes the most significant area of carbon emissions over the lifetime of a building. Therefore, it makes sense to focus on untapped carbon savings and set targets for emissions from the extraction, manufacturing and construction processes in building materials and products. How do you measure whole-life carbon emissions? Multiple standards and professional statements have already been released to provide guidance and outline how to measure whole-life carbon emissions. Some of the most relevant are: BS EN 15978: Defines the general structure and definition of stages in the life cycle of buildings, according to the European standard for the environmental assessment of buildings and the sustainability of construction works. ISO 21930:2017 & EN 15804: Provide the principles, specifications and requirements for developing Environmental Product Declarations. EN 15643–5: Outlines how to assess the sustainability of buildings and civil engineering works. RICS Professional Statement — Whole-life carbon assessment for the built environment: Sets out specific mandatory principles and supporting guidance for the interpretation and implementation of EN 15978 methodology. Carbon management and accounting needs to be more accessible to industry stakeholders. The ultimate goal should be to regulate embodied carbon in the same manner that energy performance is currently mandated, including robust and standardized calculation methods at affordable prices. Countries that have taken a progressive approach on operational carbon regulations, are also first to enforce embodied carbon thresholds. Integrate resilience in your design Designing today with future compliance in mind isn’t easy, no doubt. 2050 Materials is making this viable through easy-to-use tools integrating product-specific data. Implementing such a mentality into the early design stages directly contributes to delivering long-term asset value for your clients. Besides, it helps you demonstrate a “best-in-class” approach, visionary qualities, and new era creativity.

Definitions Dynamic Analysis All real physical structures, when subjected to loads or displacements, behave dynamically. The additional inertia forces, from Newton’s second law, are equal to the mass times the acceleration. If the loads or displacements are applied very slowly then the inertia forces can be neglected and a static load analysis can be justified. Hence, dynamic analysis is a simple extension of static analysis. - CivilDigital Dynamic analysis is used to evaluate the impact of transient loads or to design out potential noise and vibration problems.As experienced development engineers our contribution to a dynamic evaluation rarely stops at the analysis output. - TRIVISTA Static Analysis Static analysis is an essential procedure to design a structure. Using static analysis, the structure's response to the applied external forces is obtained. Moreover, the static analysis is performed when the structure is subjected to external displacements, such as differential support settlements -ASCE The major differences between the dynamic and static design of structure include: The design seismic force and its distribution to different levels along the building's height and to the various lateral load-resisting parts must be determined by dynamic analysis. A structure's reaction to external forces can be determined via static analysis. When comparing dynamic and static analysis, the amount of acceleration in the applied action relative to the structure's natural frequency is what differentiates the two. It is possible to simplify the analysis to static form if the load is applied slowly enough, thereby eliminating the inertia forces. Therefore, the study of how structures respond to dynamic loading is known as structural dynamics. Humans, wind, waves, vehicles, earthquakes, and explosions are all examples of dynamic loads. Dynamic loads can be applied to any structure. Modal analysis, temporal analysis, and dynamic displacements are all accessible through dynamic analysis. External displacements, such as differential support settlements, necessitate a static study of the structure. Also for You: The Complexity of the Copenhagen Opera House roof |Finite Element Analysis using LUSAS