Innovation

Hitachi unveils first next-gen wheel loader Hitachi has unveiled the ZW220-7, it first Stage V-compliant wheel loader. The new machine is said to put operators in complete control of their workspace with industry-leading safety features and comfort in the cab. With an operating weight of 18,190–19,450kg and net power of 157kW (210hp), the ZW220-7 has a heaped bucket capacity (ISO) of 2.8–10.0 cubic metres. Described as the safest machine in the market, the ZW220-7’s aerial angle camera system provides operators with a 270° bird’s-eye view of the job site, while the rear obstacle detection and warning system alerts them immediately...

Cheap, tough and green: why aren't more buildings made of rammed earth? Beautifully rendered: rammed earth walls don’t typically need decorating. Author provided Daniela Ciancio, University of Western Australia It’s fair to say that rammed earth, as a construction technique, has stood the test of time. It has been used to create buildings around the world whose beauty and robustness are still visible today, like the Alhambra in Spain and the Great Wall of China, both built more than 1,000 years ago. Traditional rammed earth is made of a mix of clay-rich soil, water and a natural stabiliser such as...

How we can recycle more buildings Thinking big. Shutterstock Seyed Ghaffar, Brunel University London More than 35 billion tonnes of non-metallic minerals are extracted from the Earth every year. These materials mainly end up being used to build homes, schools, offices and hospitals. It’s a staggering amount of resources, and it’s only too likely to increase in the coming years as the global population continues to grow. Thankfully, the challenges of sustainable construction, industrial growth and the importance of resource efficiency are now clearly recognised by governments around the world and are now at the forefront of strategy and policy....

Sustainable cement: the simple switch that could massively cut global carbon emissions DmytroPerov / shutterstock Brant Walkley, University of Sheffield August 22 is Earth Overshoot Day, which marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. This results from massive consumption of ecological resources and accumulation of waste. A large portion of this comes from heavy industry and the way we build our cities. Interestingly, Earth Overshoot Day in 2020 is almost exactly two years since Greta Thunberg initiated the first school strike for the climate. Over the...

New Construction Materials Could Solve Plastic Waste Problems The manufacturing world has embraced plastic due to its versatility and affordability. Plastics, however, are challenging to recycle and the vast majority of plastic bags, bottles, and plastic consumer goods end up packing landfills and polluting landscapes and oceans. This unwanted material has inspired entrepreneurs to rethink the waste as a resource. Their efforts have resulted in lightweight and durable construction materials that incorporate plastic waste. Coffee Waste Meets Plastic Waste Coffee drinkers around the world recognize the country of Columbia as a premier grower of the beloved beans. The country, like...