Previous Polls
September 9 - September 13, 2019
In July, an Italy-based project titled, “Urban Flying Opera,” used drones to paint a large-scale graffiti project with the aim to beautify the city of Torino. With more stories of drones being utilized for this type of coatings work, do you think the technology has the potential to eventually replace commercial painters?
September 9 - September 13, 2019
Toward the end of July, President Donald J. Trump signed an order that would promote the expanded use of American-made iron and steel in federal projects. The “Buy American” platform is slated to push the domestic content threshold from 50% to 95%. Do you believe this will help to boost the U.S. industrial economy?
September 2 - September 6, 2019
A recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that in many climates in the United States, the use of “cool” exterior walls could lead to annual heating, ventilation and air conditioning energy cost savings up to 11% for stand-alone retail stores, 8.3% for single-family homes and 4.6% for medium-sized office buildings. Do you believe the cost savings is worth sacrificing a building's style?
September 2 - September 6, 2019
Announced in mid-July, a historic Pennsylvania bridge will be the first in the U.S. to use an electrically isolated tendon system (EIT), which helps to detect corrosion on post-tension tendons with reported minimal changes to construction schedules. Would you consider using this technology?
August 26 - August 30, 2019
Last month, the New York State Assembly approved legislation establishing a PaintCare program—a paint stewardship program involving paint manufacturers and producers in conjunction with the American Coatings Association that allows consumers to recycle specific types of paint. Do you think the program will help or hurt local governments with paint collection and disposal services already in place?
August 26 - August 30, 2019
In the beginning of July, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $33 million contract for four miles of border wall work in Texas. Environmental regulations including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, among others, for this section of work, were waived. Do you think this is the best policy to speed up the construction?
August 19 - August 23, 2019
Researchers from Columbia University have recently developed a new coating material inspired by the Saharan Silver Ant to keep buildings cool. According to physics professor Nanfang Yu and his team, the developing coating can reflect up to 99% of sunlight. Slated to require more research and testing, when do you predict the technology will be released into the market?
August 19 - August 23, 2019
As reported by the Center for Climate Integrity early last month, various U.S. coastal communities are expected to pay $416 billion in seawall protection services over the next 20 years. Do you think all 50,000 miles worth of coastal barriers will be successfully installed or will we see the abandonment of waterfront communities?
August 12 - August 16, 2019
In New York City, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders recently passed Senate Bill S6599, which sets a net-zero emissions economy goal by 2050. Joining six other states with zero-emission electricity goals or requirements, do you think the U.S. will eventually have similar legislation pass in all 50 states?
August 12 - August 16, 2019
Last month, SSPC and NACE confirmed that merger talks were beginning to make headway. With organizations expected to host a membership vote by the second quarter of 2020, do you think industry professionals will be ready to adapt to this possible change?
August 5 - August 9, 2019
In June, ground broke on the $2 billion, 170-mile passenger South Florida Rail Project, which will connect Orlando and South Florida. Expected to remove 3 million cars from Florida roadways between the points of travel, do you believe the infrastructure will pay for itself?
August 5 - August 9, 2019
In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new lead standards to protect children, lowering dust-lead hazards from 40 micrograms of lead per square foot to 10 micrograms on floors and 250 micrograms to 100 micrograms on windowsills. In addition to the grant program passed in March, do you believe the EPA’s efforts will prove effective?
July 29 - August 2, 2019
In June, Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis went on record to say that Pittsburgh’s International Airport couldn’t afford to not rehabilitate the facility. Although PIT only sees a fraction of annual passengers since its opening in 1992 (from 38 million to 8 million), do you agree that a $783.8M project—that includes decreasing the size and upgrading the terminals—is necessary?
July 29 - August 2, 2019
The Florida Department of Transportation recently released information on an $802M infrastructure plan slated to take place in Miami over the next four years. The project involves a new six-arch bridge and rehabilitation to three major highways, all slated to be constructed at the same time. With holidays, weather, special events and unforeseen circumstances all taken into account, do you think the project will be successfully completed by fall 2023?
July 22 - July 26, 2019
Recently, Louisiana’s Sunshine Bridge was struck a second time since its last incident in October. According to reports, Dank Silver (the tanker ship involved) damaged the fender system that serves to protect the bridge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett noted that the structures themselves are designed to handle this kind of damage, however, with reoccurring instances and increased water traffic, do you think fenders are the best option for bridge protection?
July 22 - July 26, 2019
With responses due for the “Building a Safer Future” by July 31—a fourth consultation on improving fire and structural safety for high-rise housing in the United Kingdom involving various revisions including: increased residential building height; revised concept of duty holders; and stronger voices for residents (to name a few)—do you think the new Implementation Plan will help to prevent future tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire?
July 15 - July 19, 2019
Plans were released for what Canada is dubbing the “world’s tallest hybrid building.” With more architects and design-build contractors choosing timber for green building standards, do you think more cities should be following this model for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
July 15 - July 19, 2019
In Michigan, Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, suggested selling several state-owned transportation assets to raise money to rehabilitate various roads and highways versus raising the state’s fuel tax. Do you think this is a good idea?
July 8 - July 12, 2019
Last month a panel of judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rolled back an injunction that halted construction on the Keystone XL oil pipeline. According to the panel, the lawsuit was dismissed due to a new presidential permit. Do you expect we will see more exercises of presidential authority for pushes of this kind of infrastructure in the future?
July 1 - July 5, 2019
In May, the French Senate passed a bill requiring Notre Dame to be rebuilt to its “last known state.” Do you think this is the rightful decision for the historic landmark, or would a proposed innovative design have been more appropriate?
July 1 - July 5, 2019
Recently in South Carolina, the Ben Sawyer Bridge had to close due to heat, which ultimately caused the bridge to become stuck partially open. Do you expect we will see more of these instances throughout the summer?
June 24 - June 28, 2019
Last month, President Donald J. Trump announced the lift of United States’ tariffs on steel and aluminum products for Canada and Mexico. Do you agree with this move?
June 24 - June 28, 2019
Last month, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi opened what is being touted as the world’s widest suspension bridge in the world. With six lanes of traffic running in each direction, the Rod al-Farag Axis Bridge is intended to shift traffic, ultimately decreasing travel time around Cairo and on various highways. Do you believe other major cities could benefit from this type of massive infrastructure?
June 17 - June 21, 2019
A team of scientists from the University of Cambridge has developed the smallest pixels ever made with the help of a thin polymer coating. With hopes to one day use the product for displays on the exterior of buildings, how soon do you think we can expect to see this technology?
June 17 - June 21, 2019
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, external corrosion was the culprit that caused an offshore pipeline to spill roughly 140,000 gallons of crude oil into Refugio State Beach, California. Do you think a better inspection system could be implemented to prevent these types of ocean-based hazards?
June 10 - June 14, 2019
Recently, Colorado passed The Human Right to Work With Dignity Act (HB-1267) into law, which officially makes wage theft over $2,000 a felony theft. Do you think this legislation should be adopted in all U.S. states?
June 10 - June 14, 2019
Researchers from the Corrosion and Coatings Engineering Branch at Naval Surface Welfare Center, Carderock Division are currently evaluating coatings that could possibly mitigate corrosion on Navy vessels. How soon do you think we could see these developing products on the market?
June 3 - June 7, 2019
At the tail end of April, NYC passed a green roof bill, requiring all new commercial and residential buildings in the city to have 100% green roofs made up of plants, solar panels or small wind turbines—or a combination of all three. Do you think 100% coverage is an achievable goal?
June 3 - June 7, 2019
In Dubai, a $13.6 billion Mohammed Bin Rashid Maktoum Solar Park has completed its fourth phase of construction, including the base of a concentrated solar tower (slated to be the tallest in the world). With the ability to power 1.3 million homes, cutting 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually, do you think more countries should be funding these kinds of solar-powered innovations?
May 27 - May 31, 2019
AkzoNobel, along with a consortium of 13 partners, launched a new research project aiming to collect wasted solar energy absorbed by buildings in April. In a plan to create both transparent- and opaque-type panels that won’t disrupt the building’s aesthetics, do you think we will eventually see the finished product on all types of building exteriors?
May 27 - May 31, 2019
In a recent report conducted by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, just over 47,000 bridges in the United States are classified as structurally deficient or in poor condition. However, the rate at which these bridges are improved is at its lowest point since the Association began monitoring the data. Why do you believe this might be?
May 20 - May 24, 2019
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with the city’s Department of Buildings, announced just last month that there would be major updates taking effect in the city’s building code, including reducing barriers to cost-effective construction and developing a wider range of materials and technologies. The changes represent the first major revisions to the standard in 70 years. Do you think other cities are in need of these kinds of upgrades?
May 20 - May 24, 2019
A bill was filed by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, after a Florida county’s Bee Ridge treatment facility witnessed a pipe burst, releasing an estimated 900,000 gallons of wastewater, some of which flowed into a stormwater system and out into Sarasota Bay. The proposal suggests that if another sewage spill were to occur, $1 would be fined for every gallon lost. Do you think this legislation will encourage more improvements in wastewater infrastructure?
May 13 - May 17, 2019
Recently, Tnemec acquired manufacturer company ProPolymer Coatings. Do you think these new products will be a profitable addition?
May 13 - May 17, 2019
In April, a stress corrosion crack was to blame for a gas pipeline explosion that occurred just north of Mexico, Missouri. Reports indicate that the pipeline was previously tested in 2015, involving a magnetic field test. However, when a hydrotest was taken of the pipe following the incident, the test failed four times prior to its success. Do you believe pipeline inspections should be using hydro-technology over magnetic methods?
May 6 - May 10, 2019
At the end of April, President Trump and Democratic congressional leaders announced the agreement of a $2 trillion infrastructure plan. However, no agreements were made on how the plan would be paid for. In anticipation of what ideas will be brought to the table in the next bipartisan meeting, how do you think Congress will decide to fund this proposal?
May 6 - May 10, 2019
Tragedy struck Paris last month when the Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire, which destroyed the spire and two-thirds of the wooden roof. Since the incident, an international competition has been launched in efforts to recreate the spire and damaged areas, slated to be built by 2024. Do you think it’s possible that a design can be chosen and completed in this short five-year time frame?
April 29 - May 3, 2019
Recent testing has revealed that a nanostructured chemical vapor deposition coating, which provides resistance to water droplet erosion and solid particle erosion, extends the life of steam turbine blades. With these new findings, do you expect more steam and gas turbine blades will have this type of coating?
April 29 - May 3, 2019
Late last month, Saudi Arabia firm Elite for Construction & Development Company purchased The Bod 2, a modular gantry-based 3D construction printer. With the ability to produce buildings 12-by-27-by-9 meters, as well as three-story structures of 300 square meters per floor, do you think other commercial-based companies could benefit from having a similar system?
April 8 - April 30, 2019
SSPC and NACE have announced that they will be discussing “synergistic opportunities” amongst one another. Do you think this is a good idea?
April 22 - April 26, 2019
U.S. Rep. Llyod Smucker, R-Pennsylvania, introduced two bills last month that would create a new immigration visa system for construction and other non-farm work, as well as potentially provide more money for career training and apprenticeships. Regarding the proposal, do you think this solution will prove more useful in the current worker shortage or cause more problems in decreasing wages?
April 22 - April 26, 2019
Late last month, North Dakota-based contractor claimed that his company could build 234 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border wall for $1.4 billion, a fraction of the funding requested by the president. Do you think that we will see other companies speaking up to compete for a cheaper solution?
April 15 - April 19, 2019
Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, recently brought forth a bill that would set a statewide standard for those working outdoors in relation to heat illness prevention. Currently, OSHA has guidelines and recommendations to avoid heat hazards, but there is no set standard for heat exposure. Should OSHA write its standards or should warmer states be pushing their own legislation?
April 15 - April 19, 2019
Last month, Elon Musk and The Boring Company announced its plans for an underground express tunnel in Las Vegas. With various tunnels already completed and others still in the making, none are officially up and running. How soon do you think passengers will be able to experience this hyperloop travel?
April 8 - April 12, 2019
In March, the EPA issued a final rule to prohibit the manufacture and importing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride in all paint removers for consumer use, but not for contractors and professionals. Based on the number of health risks, medical claims and even deaths, do you think this is fair to workers who will have to continue to work with the common chemical?
April 1 - April 5, 2019
Recently, an opening ceremony was held for the debut of New York City’s $25 billion Hudson Yards development, which includes a 150-foot-tall interactive centerpiece dubbed "the Vessel." Do you think other U.S. cities will be inspired to start building more innovative structures?
April 1 - April 5, 2019
Researchers from Michigan State University plan to add more data-tracking sensors to the Mackinac Bridge. With progression of the prototypes since 2016, do you think this kind of technology will make its way to assist the preservation/management of other bridge structures?
March 25 - March 29, 2019
UNStudio and Monopol Colors recently announced that they've developed a new "extremely reflective white paint" that has been given a Total Solar Reflectance rating of 80—about 5-10 points above other white paints, according to the companies. Do you think we'll start to see even higher TSR scores as research goes on?
March 25 - March 29, 2019
Border wall prototypes (worth $3 million) were recently demolished, after serving their purpose for the Trump administration. With an additional $20 million used to pay for prototypes and smaller mock-ups by the Dept. of Homeland Security in 2017, which have also since been dismantled, do you think the extensive testing period will pay for itself in the years after the final structure is complete?
March 18 - March 22, 2019
With China’s Crystal skybridge (also known as a "horizontal skyscraper," which connects several high rises) set to open later this year, do you think we will see other dense cities making use of connecting their existing structures in the sky for more commercial and residential space?
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