A recent spate of sinkholes due to failing infrastructure in the U.S. points to neglected maintenance.
From early December through April 2017, 39 significant sinkholes related to failing infrastructure struck across the country. One person was killed and four were injured in the incidents. In addition, extensive evacuations and disruption of utilities resulted.
In December, a football-field-sized hole suddenly swallowed parts of three houses and a section of road in a Detroit suburb. Typical causes of these collapses are crumbling water, drain, and sewer pipes. Cities beset by budget problems are at particular risk.
A recent report by the American Society of Civil Engineers said that public spending is running far short of what's needed to replace water and wastewater systems. ASCE said the funding gap was estimated at $105 billion today, up from $55 billion in 2010.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2019
Registration now open for LEED v4.1 for New Construction and Interior Spaces
Emphasizes human health and integrative building design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2019
AEC professionals should push for net zero projects
Educate and lead clients to more sustainable choices, says LEED fellow.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2019
OSHA unaffected by federal government shutdown
Agency fully funded for first nine months of 2019.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2019
Hackers can easily take control of construction cranes
Potential for serious harm is real, say researchers.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2019
Initiative will introduce open-source software for commercial and public building retrofits
Energy analysis tool will identify energy efficiency opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2019
Texas city sues developer over changes in $1 billion mixed-use project
Revised plan eliminated 8-acre lagoon, trolley, show fountain, and reduced retail space.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2019
First resilience benchmarks for U.S. communities released
Provides way to evaluate current state of resilience and guidance for areas of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2019
California mass timber building competition kicks off January 15
Competition will award $500,000 in grants to teams who design innovative buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2019
Hazard mitigation provisions in codes save lives and protect property
New NIBS study finds that adopting 2018 Intl. Codes generate $11 benefit for every $1 invested.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2019
Ontario building first to achieve zero-carbon designation by Canada GBC
Geothermal heating, living wall among notable features.