Previous Polls
February 22 - February 26, 2021
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the final risk evaluation for n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), ruling that there are unreasonable risks to workers and consumers in 26 out of 37 conditions of use. Do you agree with the ruling?
February 22 - February 26, 2021
At the beginning of 2021, SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International, The Worldwide Corrosion Authority officially launched their newly combined organization: The Association for Materials Protection and Performance. Do you feel the combined organization will provide more value to the coatings industry than when the organizations were separate?
February 15 - February 19, 2021
In January, Notre Dame Cathedral officials reported that they were considering implementing lasers for the decontamination and cleaning efforts of the structure. Would you ever consider this technology to weed out contamination without using chemical or mechanical abrasion?
February 15 - February 19, 2021
Based on nanomaterial cement mixture research conducted by Penn State University scientists, do you think the nanomaterial is promising for the sealing leaks in oil and gas industry?
February 8 - February 12, 2021
In December, former President Donald J. Trump signed the “Executive Order on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture,” which orders all federal buildings in Washington, D.C., as well as new federal courthouses and certain other federal buildings be designed in “classical” or “traditional” styles of architecture. Do you think the EO will overly confine architectural style?
February 8 - February 12, 2021
Toward the end of 2020, former President Donald J. Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, which allotted $10 billion for highway infrastructure programs. Do you think the funds are enough to make up for the losses in state transportation revenues and make up transportation system maintenance?
February 1 - February 5, 2021
Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler recently unveiled a new National Recycling Goal that aims to increase the national recycling rate to 50% by 2030. Do you think the endeavor will successfully create more jobs and help to conserve natural resources?
February 1 - February 5, 2021
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has recently awarded a $600,000 grant to Rolls-Royce University materials science and engineering professor and technology center director Elizabeth J. Opila with the aim to increase turbine engine coatings’ temperature tolerance by 200 degrees Celsius. If successful, do you see the coatings being utilized in other infrastructure forms?
January 25 - January 29, 2021
Regarding the PaintSquare Connect product pavilions, is there a pavilion that you would have liked to see more contractors or suppliers?
January 25 - January 29, 2021
At the end of November, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced that the city had decided it would repair the West Seattle Bridge, as it was the quickest, most cost-effective option. Do you think the decision will prove wise in the long run?
January 18 - January 22, 2021
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, alongside local airport officials, recently announced that work to modernize and upgrade Los Angeles International Airport Terminals 2, 3, and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) would finish 18 months ahead of schedule. Do you think other commercial projects will see an uptick in reduced work schedules despite COVID-19 restrictions?
January 18 - January 22, 2021
Regarding the PaintSquare Connect curriculum, what tracks would you have liked to see more content?
January 11 - January 15, 2021
If participating in the PaintSquare Connect Rewards Program, what are you doing the most to rack up points?
January 11 - January 15, 2021
Recently, Virgin Hyperloop announced that it has successfully conducted its first trial involving human passengers in its levitating hyperloop capsules. While the trial only reached 107 mph, how long until you think tests will be conducted at full speeds (600 mph+)?
January 4 - January 8, 2021
In a new study by the University of Oregon’s Institute for Health in the Built Environment, a team of academics and industry partners are looking at how mass timber could be used in healthcare construction projects. Do you think the building material is could better benefit the industry?
January 4 - January 8, 2021
In November, the Biden-Harris transition team announced a plan to tackle climate change. Do you think Congress will support carbon capturing and storage infrastructure projects?
December 21 - December 23, 2020
In November, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a new city ordinance, banning the use of natural gas or other fossil fuels in all new residential and commercial building construction projects. Do you think other cities will follow suit?
December 21 - December 23, 2020
Last month, United States Federal Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order to the Small Business Administration to release the names and precise loan amounts of all Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan borrower recipients. Do you agree with the need for transparency?
December 14 - December 18, 2020
Recently, international engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti announced the launch of a software that uses artificial intelligence to identify and assess damage and deterioration in building envelopes and structures. Do you think the T2D2 software will be successfully adopted by building inspectors?
December 14 - December 18, 2020
The United States Navy recently announced the launch of its new research competition, “Rust-A-Thon.” Do you think the endeavor will prove effective in developing new protective coating materials?
December 7 - December 11, 2020
With the public comment period slated to come to a close next week regarding the revised draft risk evaluation for C.I. Pigment Violet 29, do you think the industry will choose to more strictly regulate the chemical?
December 7 - December 11, 2020
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department, in collaboration with Arizona State University, recently completed a series of cool pavement applications around the city. If proved to help reduce heat island effect, do you think other cities located in warmer climates will adopt the technology?
November 30 - December 4, 2020
London-based Heatherwick Studio recently released design plans for a proposed flood-resistant ecological park in San Francisco’s South Beach neighborhood. Do you think expect other new coastal commercial projects will take similar approaches to potential flood protection?
November 30 - December 4, 2020
The Long Ridge Energy Terminal recently announced plans to convert its 485-megawatt combined-cycle power plant to run on carbon-free hydrogen. While its slated to be the first-of-its-kind for the nation, how soon do you think other plants will start making conversions to carbon-free energy production?
November 23 - November 27, 2020
The U.S. Green Building Council reported last month that more than 130 LEED projects have engaged in its Safety First pilot credits in support of “healthy reopening plans in response to the pandemic.” Do you think the number of projects will continue to increase?
November 23 - November 27, 2020
For the first time in American history, the U.S. Department of Transportation released a National Freight Strategic Plan regarding long-term investments in infrastructure, the workforce and other essential parts of the freight system. Do you think the plan will help maintain the nation’s competitive edge across major industries like agriculture, manufacturing, energy production and e-commerce?
November 16 - November 20, 2020
In October, the National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded the University of Connecticut $768,000 in federal funding for the continued research on premature degradation of concrete foundations containing pyrrhotite. Do you think the grant will help UConn develop a reliable and efficient way of testing the corrosive mineral?
November 16 - November 20, 2020
Reports have recently indicated that businesses that received Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic could experience higher taxable revenues. If you or your company received a PPP loan, do you plan to apply for loan forgiveness or use the tax write offs and pay the loan back?
November 18, 2020
How likely is it you will participate in a future virtual event?
November 9 - November 13, 2020
In recent reports by both the Associated Builders and Contractors and Associated General Contractors of America, data showed an increase or rebound in employment and construction backlogs. Do you think the industry is out of the weeds regarding the negative impacts experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic?
November 9 - November 13, 2020
Last month, engineers from RMIT University announced the development of an eco-friendly, zero-cement concrete that can withstand corrosive acidic environments, commonly observed in wastewater infrastructure. How long until you think the material is commercially available?
October 30 - November 7, 2020
On Nov. 10-12, Technology Publishing Co. will be hosting its virtual coatings event, PaintSquare Connect! What are you most looking forward to about the multi-day event?
November 2 - November 6, 2020
Next week Technology Publishing Co. will be hosting its virtual coatings event, PaintSquare Connect! What are you most looking forward to about the multi-day event?
October 26 - October 30, 2020
Last month, the National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers announced the official opening of the $5 billion SoFi Stadium—one of the most expensive stadiums ever built. Although spectators won’t be able to visit the structure until 2021, do you think the stadium will eventually pay for itself?
October 26 - October 30, 2020
Recently, researchers from Kazan Federal University published a paper detailing how sunflower oil could be useful in corrosion prevention. In the study, the multifunctional oil-inhibitor proved successful in protecting surfaces against gas hydrates and pipeline corrosion. Could you see the biodegradable oil being used in future corrosion protection practices?
October 19 - October 23, 2020
In late August, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—released guidance on counterfeit respirators. Do you believe the guidance has had a positive impact on how employers can keep their employees safe?
October 19 - October 23, 2020
Recently, two court-mandated engineering reports found that an 18-foot-high section of the border wall in Mission, Texas, was at risk of failure should the structure endure a “high flow event” from the nearby Rio Grande River. To mediate the structure’s current erosion and concrete cracking, nonprofit Fisher Sand and Gravel plans to conduct increased inspections, plant grasses and add a layer of rocks. Do you think the plan will work to resolve the issues?
October 12 - October 16, 2020
At the end of August, the AGC found in a recent survey that, despite COVID-19-related project delays and cancellations, the demand for skilled laborers remained high. In the survey, some firms reported that funding or assistance from the federal government would help the industry, do you agree?
October 12 - October 16, 2020
In September, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic issued a Request for Proposals worth up to $5 billion in foreign and domestic construction projects for an eight-year, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Global Contingency Construction Multiple Award Contract. However, the contracts’ incumbent expiration date isn’t until March 2024. Do you think the early RFP will provide the Navy with more project flexibility?
October 5 - October 9, 2020
In August, the DOL issued its Final Beryllium Standard for Construction and Shipyards. According to OSHA, the final rule is slated to impact approximately 12,000 workers employed in nearly 2,800 establishments. When do you think affected entities will successfully reach compliance?
October 5 - October 9, 2020
Last month, construction of the two 318-meter-high towers for Turkey’s 1915 Canakkale Bridge, set to be the longest suspension bridge in the world, reached completion. Slated to have a 2,023-meter-long (over 6,600-foot-long) main span, how long do you think the structure will be able to hold the world record?
September 28 - October 2, 2020
In the wake of a new construction schedule, DEMAG CC-8800—the world’s fourth-largest crawler crane—has begun work on the $1.66 billion Las Vegas’ MSG Sphere. While the crane is reported to weigh 869 tons, an 850-ton counterweight is slated to be added for stability. Do you feel these measures will prove successful in lifting the 182-ton center compression ring for the domed roof?
September 28 - October 2, 2020
Recently, New York officials announced that the Hudson River rail tunnel project had climbed $275 million in price and delayed the project’s start date by another year. Still requiring the approval for a February 2018 draft environmental impact statement and confirmed financial backing, do you believe the project will stay on the new timeframe?
September 21 - September 25, 2020
Last month, a new wearable exoskeleton was unveiled with the aim to help contractors, tradesman and management tackle health and safety as well as labor shortage challenges. Do you think these goals will be achieved by this type of product?
September 21 - September 25, 2020
A recent study has found that bird death from collisions with turbine blades dropped by 71.9% when one of the blades is painted black. Do you think that this technique will become popular?
September 14 - September 18, 2020
The Seattle Department of Transportation is considering whether to repair or replace the West Seattle Bridge (built in 1984) after serious cracking was found in March and emergency work went underway. What do you think the bridge’s fate will be?
September 14 - September 18, 2020
Chemists have reportedly developed a method to make or modify “smart bricks,” that they say can store energy until required for powering devices. The trick is a polymer coating. Do you think this technology will eventually be commonly used?
September 8 - September 11, 2020
Last month, a gas explosion in Northwest Baltimore killed two people and seriously injured at least seven others. While the cause is still unknown, reports have been documenting the city’s aging gas infrastructure, which was installed in the 1960s. Do you think that's the culprit?
September 8 - September 11, 2020
An industry professional in New York was recently sentenced to 24 months in prison for evading taxes on more than $420,000. Do you think that penalty was warranted?
August 31 - September 4, 2020
SSPC and NACE within the last month have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge as well as unveiling ad-hoc committees to assist in the details of the merger. In addition to this, the two announced a handful of virtual town hall meetings to take place over the next few weeks. Do you plan on attending a meeting?
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