Green Building
Sep. 23rd, 2024 05:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithHere are two interesting articles about new materials useful in green building.
New 'bone-inspired' concrete is 560% stronger, without using plastics or fibers
Researchers at Princeton University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have created a new type of concrete that’s 560% stronger, simply by using less materials.
The new concrete, which is full of hollowed-out shapes, was inspired by the cortical bone structure of the human femur.
I'm laughing because Roman concrete often included amphorae: tiny ceramic pots that created bubbles to lighten and strengthen the build.
With 'walkable solar panels,' these inventors just paved the way for new eco-friendly architecture
“With advanced materials and engineering, our PV floors are built to withstand heavy foot traffic, impacts, and abrasions, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability,” the press release continued.
Currently, Ankara Solar offers two standardized sizes of flooring: a 30-watt panel measuring 420 mm and a 120-watt panel measuring 820 mm. They are designed to be used for indoor and outdoor spaces, with a non-slip surface that resists “even heavy rains.”
“In an era where sustainability is paramount, our PV floors offer an elegant solution to reducing carbon footprints and promoting energy efficiency,” The company pledges.
Now, there's one more big challenge: dirt. Solar panels need to stay clean, because dirt will reduce their efficiency. However, they may work nicely for applications like those shown in the picture: a plaza that's meant to be kept clean for activities.
New 'bone-inspired' concrete is 560% stronger, without using plastics or fibers
Researchers at Princeton University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have created a new type of concrete that’s 560% stronger, simply by using less materials.
The new concrete, which is full of hollowed-out shapes, was inspired by the cortical bone structure of the human femur.
I'm laughing because Roman concrete often included amphorae: tiny ceramic pots that created bubbles to lighten and strengthen the build.
With 'walkable solar panels,' these inventors just paved the way for new eco-friendly architecture
“With advanced materials and engineering, our PV floors are built to withstand heavy foot traffic, impacts, and abrasions, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability,” the press release continued.
Currently, Ankara Solar offers two standardized sizes of flooring: a 30-watt panel measuring 420 mm and a 120-watt panel measuring 820 mm. They are designed to be used for indoor and outdoor spaces, with a non-slip surface that resists “even heavy rains.”
“In an era where sustainability is paramount, our PV floors offer an elegant solution to reducing carbon footprints and promoting energy efficiency,” The company pledges.
Now, there's one more big challenge: dirt. Solar panels need to stay clean, because dirt will reduce their efficiency. However, they may work nicely for applications like those shown in the picture: a plaza that's meant to be kept clean for activities.
