Previous Polls
October 18 - October 22, 2021
In new guidance issued by President Joe Biden, federal contractors and subcontractors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8. Do you believe this is a fair and effective way to combat the spread of COVID-19?
October 18 - October 22, 2021
Following the collapse of a Miami Beach residential building on June 24, residents in nearby condominium buildings began requesting property inspections, leading to official reports of safety concerns in other buildings. Because of the severity of the building collapse, do you believe close inspection of each of the condominiums on Miami Beach should be inspected?
October 11 - October 15, 2021
Tesla Energy, along with Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Dacra, announced a new initiative for the first Tesla Solar neighborhood, a sustainable residential community. The project’s goal is to create an energy-neutral, solar-based community that can be a blueprint for large-scale housing projects internationally. Do you believe this initiative will be successful?
October 11 - October 15, 2021
A fourth-year forensic science student from the University of Toronto, Bethany Krebs, discovered a form of abrasive blasting that could be more efficient in revealing fingerprints than conventional dusting methods. By using abrasive blasting, Krebs argues that the methodical, uniform technology of abrasive blasting minimizes the risk of error that comes with traditional fingerprinting. Do you believe this new method of fingerprinting will eventually be used by forensic departments?
October 4 - October 8, 2021
Researchers from the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science announced the development of a new coating strategy for semiconductors that provides corrosion protection, improves efficiency and could even lower the cost of solar fuel production by producing solar fuels when semiconductors are illuminated. However, the illumination process is prone to corrosion and could lead to the need for frequent materials replacement. Do you believe a more sustainable form of corrosion protection, such as the one developed by Yale researchers, is adaptable on a larger scale?
October 4 - October 8, 2021
The U.S. Energy Information Administration issued an independent statistics and analysis report, revealing that large-scale U.S. solar capacity growth is expected to exceed wind growth for the first time in history. However, given the uncertainty related to ongoing economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the forecasted increase in electricity sales, do you believe sustainable energy will continue to be adapted on a large scale?
September 27 - October 1, 2021
With fall protection violations making the list of most frequently cited standards for the past decade, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be making random weekend safety inspections of construction sites in Colorado. Do you believe these surprise inspection measures should be adopted nationwide?
September 27 - October 1, 2021
In an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint, the U.K. recently announced that it will be using 3D-printed concrete for its new high-speed rail system. The 3D-printed concrete, made with a unique strengthening internal structure, is slated for testing. Do you believe this is a viable replacement for traditional concrete?
September 20 - September 24, 2021
As France continues to work toward the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral, it has been reported that the restoration cannot begin until the melted scaffolding is dismantled piece-by-piece to avoid a collapse that would put other parts of the building in jeopardy. Despite this setback, along with delays due to COVID-19, President Emmanuel Macron wants the restoration of Notre Dame to be completed in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Do you believe this is a viable timeline?
September 20 - September 24, 2021
Researchers from the Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute developed a new approach to monitoring regional levels of SARS-CoV-2 by looking at wastewater. This approach, known as wastewater-based epidemiology, sees researchers analyzing sewage samples for levels of coronavirus infection. Do you believe this approach should be used nationally to monitor local levels of COVID-19 infection?
September 13 - September 17, 2021
Researchers in Finland say they have found a way to turn wood waste into a coating that resists abrasion, stains and sunlight better than traditional coatings by using lignin, a natural polymer in wood. Do you believe the U.S. should try to adopt this practice of utilizing lignin to strengthen wood on a larger scale?
September 13 - September 17, 2021
In the U.S., Virgin Hyperloop announced a partnership with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to study options of building a hyperloop connecting Pittsburgh, Columbus and Chicago. With the first test containing human passengers successfully completed in November 2020, what do you think is a feasible timeline for the hyperloop to be built between the three states?
September 7 - September 10, 2021
One significant change to California’s 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards sees the code applying not only to homes, but businesses, as well, requiring solar panels and battery storage in commercial spaces. Do you believe the code should expand even further into commercial space, or should it be mostly limited to residential housing?
September 7 - September 10, 2021
In 2020, the U.S. Navy began exploring digital twin technology to identify damage, corrosion and alignment issues more quickly. How quickly do you believe this technology will be adapted on a nationwide, industrial scale?
August 30 - September 3, 2021
According to a team of researchers, the implementation of a transparent graphene veil can prevent up to 70% of pigment fading in painted artworks. Given the health and safety concerns associated with engineered nanoparticles, do you think the coatings protection outweighs the risk?
August 30 - September 3, 2021
Oregon lawmakers recently passed legislation requiring that the state’s power grid reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and 90% by 2035. When do you think the nation will have similar plans for power grid decarbonization for each state?
August 23 - August 27, 2021
A recent report from construction software company Levelset found that 11% of construction business always get paid in full—a reported 75% drop compared to pre-pandemic. If applicable, how has your own business been affected regarding on-time payments?
August 23 - August 27, 2021
Recently, Great Britain’s Network Rail looked to fiber-reinforced polymer, a more lightweight material capable of being installed in just days as compared to weeks, for what they’re describing as the next generation of footbridges. Do you think the modular design and lightweight concept will be adopted by other countries in the future?
August 16 - August 20, 2021
Researchers at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology have reportedly developed a new technique for strengthening and healing concrete: this time, by utilizing watermelon seeds. Do you think the biocementation could prove beneficial to the industry?
August 16 - August 20, 2021
In a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, it was announced that the state of New Jersey could not block construction of the PennEast natural gas pipeline on state lands. Do you think the use of eminent domain power will be used to progress other infrastructure projects in the nation?
August 9 - August 13, 2021
Following an inspection sweep in New York City earlier this year, the Department of Buildings shut down 322 construction sites due to hazardous conditions and issued more than 1,129 violations for safety issues and non-compliance issues. Do you think these types of sweeps are beneficial for industry safety?
August 9 - August 13, 2021
The Montana Department of Transportation recently announced plans to paint a walkway on the Beartracks Bridge in downtown Missoula with a concrete stain slated to reduce surface temperatures. If successful, do you think the coatings should be adopted for walkways in other, warmer states in the U.S.?
August 2 - August 6, 2021
Researchers from Northwestern University say they have developed a new transparent coating that can be used to capture droplets and aerosols—effectively removing them from the air—with a focus on surfaces such as plexiglass barriers and face masks. What do you think is an ideal timeline for the coating to be approved for commercial use?
August 2 - August 6, 2021
In Dodge v. People’s Trust Insurance Company, 2021 WL 2217299 (4th DCA Jun. 2, 2021), a Florida court ruled that rust and corrosion of water pipes is considered an “act of nature.” While corrosion is inherently a natural process, do you believe within the context of deterioration of cast iron pipes under a home, that it is in fact:
July 26 - July 30, 2021
In a recent collaboration, scientists from the Swinburne University of Technology and the Hebei University of Technology converted construction waste into an eco-friendly concrete 3D printing material. With this research in mind, alongside other recent pushes for 3D green printing, do you think the industry is approaching an increase in recycled green building materials?
July 26 - July 30, 2021
In June, Canadian pipeline company TC Energy Corp. announced that it was officially canceling the $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline project. Do you expect other oil and gas pipeline projects will succumb to the same fate?
July 19 - July 23, 2021
The London office of architecture firm Perkins&Will recently announced tis development of a searchable directory of sustainable products to help minimize the carbon footprint of interior projects. Do you think the directory will be beneficial to the industry?
July 19 - July 23, 2021
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced the reinstatement of a pilot program aimed at aiding minority and disadvantaged people by ensuring local hiring for public works construction projects. Do you think the workforce program will help those in economically or socially disadvantaged communities create careers?
July 12 - July 16, 2021
The New York State Senate and State Assembly recently passed legislation that extends full and complete liability to the general contractor or construction manager on a project for any non-payment of wages by any subcontractor on private construction projects. Do you think similar legislation should be adopted across all states?
July 12 - July 16, 2021
Co-founder and Chief Executive Josh Giegel of American transport tech company Virgin Hyperloop recently announced that commercial operations could happen as early as 2027. Do you think this estimation is accurate?
July 15, 2021
Based on your experience regarding coatings projects, what option best describes the amount of money spent (from the project's total cost) on buying or renting coating application equipment required for a project’s completion:
July 5 - July 9, 2021
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recently confirmed that the U.S. Green Building Council is piloting a new credit for the installation of cool exterior walls in new homes, schools and commercial buildings for the purpose of mitigating urban heat islands. Do you think the pilot credit will inspire more facility owners to integrate cool walls?
July 5 - July 9, 2021
The Biden administration recently approved the construction and operation of Vineyard Wind 1, the nation’s first large-scale offshore windfarm. Do you think the nation will reach its goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind in America by 2030?
June 28 - July 2, 2021
Specialty polymers company Kraton Corporation recently received an emergency exemption from the EPA for the deployment of its BiaXam copolymer for specific applications to help protect against SARS-CoV-2. Do you think similar exemptions will be provided for protective coating use on high-contact surfaces as social distancing restrictions are lifted?
June 28 - July 2, 2021
In April, the City of Miami announced that it would be investing nearly $4 billion in spending over the next 40 years in an effort to keep the city dry from rising seas. Do you believe other coastal communities will be making similar announcements in the near future?
June 21 - June 25, 2021
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto recently issued an Executive Order to create a city-led deconstruction policy for buildings—disassembling a building instead of demolishing it. Do you feel other cities should adopt similar policies to remediate blight and divert building materials from landfills?
June 21 - June 25, 2021
Recently, Wyoming announced its intentions to sue other states blocking its exports of coal—an issue that’s resulting in the shutdown of its coal-fired power plants. Do you think it’ll be the only state to send such a strong message?
June 14 - June 18, 2021
Engineers from Purdue University recently created what they’re calling “the whitest paint yet.” How long until you think building and facility owners will be able to utilize the coating to cool down their buildings as intended?
June 14 - June 18, 2021
In a recent study, researchers from UGA suggested a new way to prioritize bridge maintenance by looking at time-dependent element interactions, also known as coactiveness. While bridges have an average 75-year lifespan, the researchers claimed that by employing their maintenance method, the infrastructure lifespan could be extended beyond 100 years. Do you foresee the method being adopted by DOTs or other associations such as the FHWA or ARTA?
June 7 - June 11, 2021
Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health released the Worker Well-Being Questionnaire, a survey intended to help researchers, employers, workers, practitioners and policymakers understand workers’ health and target interventions to improve well-being. Do you think the free tool will prove beneficial to the industry?
June 7 - June 11, 2021
Last month, the largest U.S. refined products pipeline system, Colonial Pipeline, shut down all its operations after experiencing a ransomware attack. Do you think the cyberattack was enough to push for increased cyber security on the nation’s infrastructure?
May 31 - June 4, 2021
A study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine associated paint-stripping chemical methylene chloride to more deaths than what has previously been acknowledged by the Environmental Protection Agency. With this information in mind, do you feel the chemical should have been fully banned by the Agency back in June 2020?
May 31 - June 4, 2021
President Joe Biden recently developed a set of actions aimed at catalyzing offshore wind energy capable of triggering more than $12 billion per year in capital investment in projects on both U.S. coasts and tens of thousands of jobs, among other benefits. If successfully carried out, do you think the new energy push will offset the losses experienced in the oil and gas industries?
May 24 - May 28, 2021
The National Association of Home Builders, along with industry partners, hosted a COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Week in Construction last month. Do you think the industry could use more like-events to encourage construction professionals to get vaccinated?
May 24 - May 28, 2021
To restore a 19th-century bridge in Minneapolis, officials from Collins Engineers recently announced that they’d be working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on incorporating Microsoft HoloLens headsets with software from Bentley Systems. If the virtual inspections are sufficient, do you think other DOTs will adopt the software as well?
May 17 - May 21, 2021
The New York City Department of Buildings has recently begun piloting a new Remote Video Inspections program that will replace in-person visits for some construction inspections. Do you think other states will adopt a similar program?
May 17 - May 21, 2021
Construction is finally underway for what is being dubbed as the world’s longest 3D-printed pedestrian concrete bridge in the city of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. How long until you think the record is beaten?
May 20, 2021
What type of coating do you use most frequently on water/wastewater projects?
May 10 - May 14, 2021
In March, Massachusetts introduced legislation to require solar roofs on new residential and commercial buildings. The Solar Neighborhoods Act was reportedly filed at the beginning of the month, with a companion bill filed in the Senate. Do you foresee similar legislation being proposed in more states?
May 10 - May 14, 2021
Now that it’s been officially released, what is your favorite aspect about the new, independent, Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings magazine?
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