Observation of the phase transition of liquid crystal defects for the first time

Researchers observed the phase transition of topological defects formed by liquid crystal (LC) materials for the first time. The phase transition of topological defects can be difficult to understand for a layperson but it needs to be studied to understand the mysteries of the universe or the underlying physics of skyrmions, which have intrinsic topological defects.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170602112827.htm

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New ceramic nanofiber 'sponges' could be used for flexible insulation, water purification

Ceramic materials tend to shatter when deformed, but new research shows a way of using ultra-thin ceramic nanofibers to make squishy, heat-resistant sponges with a wide variety of potential uses.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170602143758.htm

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Meet the most nimble-fingered robot ever built

Roboticists have a built a robot that can pick up and move unfamiliar, real-world objects with a 99 percent success rate.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170601192717.htm

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Engineering consultant Morgan Tucker goes under

Engineering consultant Morgan Turker has been placed into administration with all 65 staff made redundant.

The firm had its headquarters in Newark and offices in London, Leeds and Nottingham.

Morgan Tucker had been looking for investors for months after facing cash flow problems.

A statement from administrator FRP Advisory said: “Partners from FRP Advisory, the business advisory firm, have been appointed as administrators to Newark-based Morgan Tucker Ltd, the engineering services business with branches in Nottingham, Leeds and London.

“The company had faced severe financial pressure for a number of months and had sought new investment which ultimately did not come to fruition.

“The company engaged consultants from FRP Advisory to seek buyers for the business, although, despite interest from number of parties, this was not successful.

” With cash-flow becoming unsustainable the company was subsequently left with no viable alternative other than to seek the protection of administration.

“Upon appointment of administrators, the company ceased trading and all 65 staff were made redundant. The priority of the administrators for the time being is to assist those made redundant with their timely applications to the Redundancy Payments Service.

“The administrators will seek to realise the company’s assets in accordance with their statutory duties.”

Morgan Tucker was confirmed in April as making the NCE100 list for 2017 organised by New Civil Engineer.

Morgan Tucker said at the time: “The entry process was very detailed and examined all areas of the business.

“The NCE 100 showcases excellence in civil engineering by ranking the top 100 firms against New Civil Engineer’s five core pillars.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/02/engineering-consultant-morgan-tucker-goes-under/

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Researcher's 'miracle material' discovery could end cracked smart devices

A new material could finally bring an end to the misery of cracked smartphone and tablet screens, report investigators.

from Engineering and Construction News – ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170602084423.htm

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Construction growth rebounds to 17-month high

Construction buyers have reported business rising at the fastest rate for 17 months.

The latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 56 in May – up sharply from April’s figure of 53.1.

Soaring residential workloads and sustained growth in civil engineering where the main drivers.

And their was more good news as material price inflation bottomed-out to a seven month low.

Tim Moore, Senior Economist at IHS Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI, said: “May’s survey data reveals that the UK construction sector has started to recover strongly from its slow start to 2017.

“House building was the key growth driver, with work on residential projects rising at the fastest pace since December 2015.

“A sustained rebound in residential building provides an encouraging sign that the recent soft patch for property values has not deterred new housing supply.

“Instead, strong labour market conditions, resilient demand and ultra-low mortgage rates appear to have helped boost work on residential development projects in May.

“Civil engineering continued to flourish, helped by a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects.

“However, commercial building was trapped in the slow lane amid reports highlighting that heightened economic uncertainty is holding back client spending.

“The forward-looking elements of the latest survey are reassuring for the construction sector, notably the acceleration in new business growth to its strongest so far this year.

“On the price front, while construction costs have ratcheted up over the past six to nine months, the wave of inflation from imported materials now appears to have passed its peak.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/02/construction-growth-rebounds-to-17-month-high/

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Piling market booming for Aarsleff

Piling specialist Aarsleff is reporting no signs of a construction slowdown following a raft of contract wins.

The firm is gearing-up to start work on a series of new sites this summer including resi piling work for Aspen in Huntingdon and Keepmoat in Newport.

Sheet piling work will also start this month at Withersea near Hull on the beach.

Foundations Estimator Nathan Follows said: “The market is very buoyant as the construction industry moves more and more towards an offsite built foundation.

“In a competitive market place where clients are looking for both value and speed of installation, our system, alongside recent advances in our installation methods, have helped Aarsleff secure work in both the residential and commercial sector.

“A collaborative approach with other Aarsleff departments means we can now provide a service beyond the foundation solution, with a recent residential project secured for both ground beams and retaining walls.

“As production levels increase at our new facility in Tuxford, we are well placed to position ourselves as one of the key providers in the foundation sector”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/06/02/piling-market-booming-for-aarsleff/

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