TAG GROUP: Structures

Weekly Poll (65)

A published study on the extent of pyrrhotite-related damages on concrete foundations found that the negative effects on concrete are largely limited to non-residential buildings and are not widespread in municipal or public structures. Because of its limited negative effects, do you believe pyrrhotite should continue to be used in non-residential buildings?

As a result of London's fatal Grenfell Tower fire last June, government officials in the United Kingdom officially announced a ban on combustible materials in the exterior walls of new residential buildings that are 18 meters and taller. Do you think these measures are sufficient?

A Maryland county is the latest jurisdiction to consider banning pavement sealers containing coal tar and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Should these products be banned?

Plans are in place for offshore wind development both off the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. and in the Great Lakes. Is your business preparing for the coating work that will come with more U.S. offshore wind structures?

Do you belong to any water-industry groups (AWWA, WEF) in addition to coatings- or corrosion-related associations?

NASA recently revealed the finalists for its latest Mars habitat design competition. Is it worth our time and money to work on structures to house people on Mars?

Researchers at the University of Michigan, funded by the Navy and Air Force, are working on "omniphobic" coatings they say could reduce friction for ships in the water. Will hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings soon be ready for heavy-duty marine use?

Domino's last week announced a plan to fund road repairs in towns that apply for its help. Should a pizza shop be in the business of fixing infrastructure?

The Canadian government recently decided to buy Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline to ensure that a planned expansion to the line happens. Was this a wise choice?

Elon Musk's Boring Company is seeking an exemption from a traditional environmental review for its tunneling project, but neighbors are suing to make sure a review takes place. Should L.A. require a full review?

New reports indicate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency may not reimburse California fully for repairs to the Oroville Dam. Should FEMA step in to help?

The U.S. military has expressed recently that it would like to block offshore drilling and wind projects in some U.S. waters where it operates. Should military exercises trump energy development at sea?

Last month’s Gulf of Mexico offshore drilling lease auction offered more acreage than any before it, but resulted in only about $3.5 million more in bids compared with last year’s auction. Will energy companies be investing considerably more in U.S. offshore drilling in the coming years?

A federal appeals court recently sent a pipeline approval back to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, asking FERC to consider the greenhouse-gas effects of the product the pipelines will move as part of its environmental impact. Will this ruling change the way pipelines are permitted in the U.S.?

A plan for a bullet train in Texas continues to move forward, while Caltrans recently released a report supporting its plans to expand rail travel in California. How great a role will rail play in the next 20 years of transit development in the U.S.?

A German energy company recently became the first to use thermal spray aluminum to protect the monopiles of a new offshore wind farm. Will TSA soon become the standard for protecting these assets?

Business magnate Elon Musk announced a plan to construct tunnels under cities for the purpose of using high-speed electric sleds to maneuver vehicles around traffic. Is this plan feasible?

The Trump administration is looking to expand offshore drilling off of U.S. coastlines. Good idea or bad?

The new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur, California, will be constructed using the “roller launch” or “bridge launch” method. Are you familiar with this method of bridge construction?

Wood Mackenzie predicts that oil and gas project spending will be up worldwide this year for the first time since 2014. Are you expecting a boost in business as a result?

How has the downturn in oil and gas production affected your business?

Should more states consider usage fees for motorists in order to help fund transportation infrastructure?

With the costs, time delays and structural problems involved in new rail transportation projects in Australia and California, should engineers be looking at Hyperloop-like alternatives, which can be built at a fraction of the cost, for future projects?

Engineers in England plan to build a new pedestrian- and bicycle-only bridge to serve the type of transportation Europeans embrace. Do you think infrastructure projects like this in the U.S. would encourage Americans to do more walking or biking?

Some roadways, like the new LBJ Expressway in Dallas, are charging varying toll rates, based on traffic volume and peak usage times, as a means to repay private investors in public-private partnership (P3) highway projects. Do you think this is a wise move?

Transcontinental crude oil pipelines are facing opposition due to concerns over corrosion-related leaks or spills. Is the opposition for this reason warranted?

Do you agree with the Japanese government’s decision to scrap Zaha Hadid’s design for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after construction cost estimates nearly doubled for the venue?

Researchers are currently developing a glass-based coating for ships and rooftops. Do you believe this will be beneficial for protecting them from heat and sun?

Drones are seeing more use in infrastructure work. Does your company plan to use them?

Worker fatalities are on the rise in the energy industry. Why do you think that is?

Five years after the deadly BP explosion in the Gulf, which aspect of the offshore industry still needs the most safety attention?

The owner of a nationally protected mansion in the UK is facing a prison term for modernizing the home in violation of the law. Does the punishment fit the crime?

A Chinese company has 3D-printed a five-story apartment building. Would you live in it?

What is the best way to fund infrastructure maintenance in the U.S. going forward?

The Keystone XL pipeline project is back on hold after a presidential veto, while the State Department reviews the project again. No action date has been set. What should happen next?

Bill Gates and other private owners of an otherwise-sound bridge are under pressure to paint it. What maintenance duties do private owners of infrastructure have?

A building collapse in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter has raised concern over city building inspections, which do not include structural interiors. What do you think of this policy?

How well do you think weight limits are being enforced on bridges and highways?

San Francisco has slapped "Earthquake Warning" labels on buildings whose owners are not complying with a new retrofit program. Owners are crying foul. What do you think?

New York City will allow a developer to build a separate entrance ("poor door") and elevator for tenants in lower-income units of a new rental property. What do you think?

A California utility wants the authority to remove trees and structures from private property if they threaten pipeline integrity. What do you think?

What is your general opinion of local historical commissions?

Neighbors in a historic district are protesting a nearly completed modernist home that the historic commission approved, then a city board rejected. A judge may order the home torn down. What do you think?

The U.S. State Department has put an indefinite hold on the Keystone XL pipeline, due to 2 million new public comments and a lawsuit in Nebraska. What do you think?

The new color of the Jimmie Davis Bridge in Louisiana is being chosen by a public vote. (Note: Voting ends May 2.) Good idea or bad idea?

What aspect of building performance and aesthetics most interests you?

Some in the U.S. Congress have proposed allowing the states, rather than the federal government, to oversee the U.S. highway and surface transportation system. Good idea or bad idea?

Generally speaking, do you think that constructing Olympic and World Cup venues is worth the investment?

Generally speaking, which type of infrastructure do you think poses the greatest safety concern today?

A California judge has handed three former makers of lead-based paint their first big defeat and a $1.15 billion abatement tab. Good call or bad call?

Some men’s prison cells and boys’ locker rooms have been painted pink in order to soothe or humiliate occupants. What do you think of this idea?

What is your preferred social media tool for business?

What do you advise President Obama on the Keystone XL Pipeline project?

What sort of name would be best for the New International Trade Crossing between Detroit and Ontario?

The buyer of a foreclosed, century-old home sold for $3,600 was awarded $115,000 because she did not receive an EPA lead notice. Who should be responsible for such notifications?

Federal lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to allow homeowners to opt out of the EPA’s lead-safe painting requirements. Do you support this plan?

President Obama has proposed a “Fix it First” program for infrastructure, funded by a public-private Partnership to Rebuild America. What should Congress do with these ideas?

New Jersey has decided to waive some environmental permitting requirements to allow for the immediate rebuilding of public infrastructure that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Good or bad idea?

Some cities are considering regulating exterior paint colors for commercial buildings. Is this a good idea?

What area of infrastructure is most likely to see the next major failure, due to neglect?

What is the best way for the US to invest in its infrastructure needs?

How much of the existing commercial building stock will be retrofitted with energy-efficient components (walls, curtain walls, roofs) in the next 10 years?

In terms of both esthetics and building envelope performance, which of the following types of exterior cladding materials would you prefer to use for urban residential construction?

What does Japan's nuclear crisis mean for the future of nuclear power in the US?

What do you think of President Obama’s six-year, $556 billion infrastructure/transit proposal?

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