Construction Physics

Construction Physics delves into the evolution and impact of construction technologies and methodologies, from historical breakthroughs to modern challenges. It explores the significance of infrastructure and development processes, the regulatory landscape, and proposes forward-thinking solutions to pressing issues such as energy strategy and environmental concerns.

Construction Technology and History Infrastructure Development Energy Production and Policy Environmental Impact and Regulation Productivity and Efficiency in Construction Public Health and Building Standards

The hottest Substack posts of Construction Physics

And their main takeaways

The grid part II - the golden age of the power industry

11274 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🔬 Science Electricity Industry Infrastructure Regulation Environmental Impact
  1. In the 1930s, federal projects like the Hoover Dam increased electrification and capacity, but growth slowed due to the Great Depression.
  2. Post-World War II saw the Golden Age of the electric power industry with massive growth in electricity generation, consumption, and industry assets.
  3. The end of the Golden Age came in the late 1960s due to factors like environmental concerns, technical challenges, and the 1973 energy crisis, leading to rising costs and stagnation.

The dream of deregulation - the grid part III

9812 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
💼 Business Energy Regulation Competition Market Policy
  1. Electric power in the US was historically monopolized by utility companies, but cracks in the system started to appear in the 1960s and 1970s.
  2. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 revolutionized the energy industry by creating a new class of independent power producers called Qualifying Facilities, leading to an increase in non-utility electricity generation.
  3. Deregulation of the electric power industry began in the 1990s and 2000s, with the unbundling of generation and transmission services, creation of new power suppliers like Exempt Wholesale Generators, and the establishment of Independent System Operators and Regional Transmission Organizations to introduce competition.
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On Klein on Construction

10021 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🔬 Science Construction Regulations Productivity Costs Technology
  1. Construction industry productivity issues may be due to organized special interests influencing the process with complex regulations and stakeholder approvals.
  2. Regulations have increased costs in construction through additional input requirements and negotiation delays.
  3. Increased regulation in the construction industry might not be causing productivity stagnation more than in other sectors, but it is a significant factor to consider.

Book Review: Healthy Buildings

6681 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Environmental Impact Work Environment
  1. Healthy Buildings book focuses on how indoor environments impact health and productivity.
  2. Improving ventilation and air quality indoors can lead to better cognitive performance and reduce the spread of airborne pathogens.
  3. Creating standards for healthier buildings may require government incentives rather than relying solely on voluntary certifications.

Chinese Commercial Aircraft Reading List

208 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Aerospace Manufacturing Reports National Security Industry Trends
  1. Learning about China's aircraft industry can be challenging, but there are valuable resources available. These include government reports, media articles, and books that cover the topic.
  2. RAND reports are particularly useful for understanding the progress of Chinese aerospace. They provide in-depth analysis on various aspects of commercial aircraft manufacturing in China.
  3. If you're interested in this field, starting with reputable reports can give you a solid foundation, even if they are not easily readable like a typical book.

Boeing Reading List

208 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Aviation
  1. The aircraft industry has many enthusiasts interested in commercial aircraft aspects for fun.
  2. This post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. There are extremely accurate flight and air traffic control simulators available.

Could we stop Yellowstone from erupting with a giant geothermal power plant?

213 HN points • 25 Apr 23
🔬 Science Geothermal Energy Climate Impact
  1. Yellowstone National Park sits on top of a supervolcano that could have catastrophic eruptions
  2. Using a giant geothermal power plant to bleed off heat from the magma chambers could prevent Yellowstone from erupting and generate electricity
  3. Developing such technology could provide benefits beyond just Yellowstone and address a major risk to civilization

Airport Reading List

0 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🚌 Education Reading List
  1. The post lists helpful sources for learning about airports and their construction.
  2. The sources are listed in order of usefulness, with some marked as 'Recommended to Read' for actually interesting reading.
  3. Readers can subscribe to access more content from the author.

Machine Tool Reading List

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology
  1. The machine tool industry has been extensively studied.
  2. Many sources discuss the industry's decline in the 1980s.
  3. Less information is available on the industry's evolution since then.