In a turbulent year, readers were drawn most to news of paradigm-shifting innovations. Here is a selection of the most viewed stories in 2016.
1. France to pave 1,000km of road with solar panels
For more international stories visit the CIOB’s global construction website GCR
The most controversial story of the year. Some readers applauded, while many others said this will never work. The comments themselves are as interesting as the story.
2. Kajima to develop extraterrestrial construction machinery
Following on from an earlier story about space elevators, Japan continues to think extra-terrestrially.
3. Solar paving to make first public US appearance on Route 66
The idea may not work, but it is proving difficult to suppress…
4. Mexican scientist creates glow-in-the-dark cement
“Claiming the engineered cement can last a hundred years, he says it could make roads and structures glow in the dark, cutting the cost of street-lighting…”
5. Chinese infrastructure group offers $1bn for Liverpool FC
Still up in the air. Liverpool’s principal owner John W. Henry this month appeared to deny the rumour.
6. $2.7bn Dubai Metro scheme comes down to two-horse race
Two consortiums comprising five different nations were shortlisted to build the metro line that will prepare Dubai’s transport system for the 2020 Expo. The winner was the Alstom one.
7. Why China can build high-speed rail so cheaply
Cheap labour, a strong central authority, and standardised technical approaches help a lot.
Read the rest of the article at GCR
