Research Team 251

Nanotechnology and Its Impact on Construction

Purpose, Objectives, and Scope of the Research

This research aims to review the current nanotechnology programs and to identify 3 to 5 application areas that could benefit from a close collaboration between the engineering and construction industry and the research community. The research will review nanotechnology programs and summarize the existing knowledge and understanding of nanotechnology, explore existing nanotechnology ideas, needs, and products in various industry fields, learn from their history and experiences during product implementation, and quantify their potential value and implementation for construction. Benefits and limitations of selected nanotechnology applications will be evaluated for high impact potential in construction.

Specific Objectives of the Research

to better understand nanotechnology in the context of construction.
to evaluate existing applications in nanotechnology and research in progress for specific development and application to construction.
for major applications in nanotechnology, catalog description, projected impacts, benefits, and limitations.
to recommend at least 3–5 nanotechnology products with likely high impact on construction applications and which address specific needs of CII Member companies.
to identify partners for potential collaboration within the industry and R&D recommendations for further development.
to strategize a plan for the development of an educational and training component for CII Member companies to increase awareness in nanotechnology.

Scope and Key Scope Limitations

This is a special CII project that will start in the fall of 2007 and complete in the summer of 2008 with the majority of the work being completed by April 30, 2008. Due to the short period for research, a normal size research team is not anticipated, but rather the PIâ€™s will work with selected industry experts and members of the Breakthrough Strategy Committee, although nominations for team participation will still be accepted for consideration. A presentation to the 2008 CII Annual Conference is expected.

The research will focus on heavy industrial project applications (e.g., pipe fitting, corrosion, coatings), the building construction industry (e.g., lightweight and stronger materials, surface characteristics), the transportation infrastructure (e.g., durable materials for road construction and maintenance), and information technology (e.g., rapid data transfer and other enabling field communication technologies). The following nanotechnology areas will be reviewed: production of nanomaterials, coatings and pigments, construction materials, cosmetics, detergents, electrical and electronic equipment, energy sources, food processing, medical applications (including veterinary medicines), paper manufacturing, agrochemicals and plant protection products, plastics (including food packaging), textiles, transport-lubricants and fuel additives, and weapons and explosives.

Expected Project Deliverables

a background on nanotechnology’s origin, reason for exploitation, success stories and failures, significant existing applications and advances being made, and product development under-way.
a review and analysis of likely nanotechnology products with high potential impact and capabilities for construction.
a survey of CII member companies to determine expected trends, expectations arising from a phase-in of nanotechnology products in construction.
the identification of nanotechnology programs, industry partners, and essential steps to achieve industry needs and research interests.
a research summary and report with full documentation of all performed research.

Last modified and verified on 8-22-07 by The CII Webmaster