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The News 27/08/2025

Temperature Control in Mass Concrete: Solutions & Lessons from the Hoover Dam

In mass concrete construction, the heat of hydration has always been a “hidden variable” that troubles many engineers and contractors. When cement reacts with water, an enormous amount of heat is generated and trapped inside the massive concrete body. Without proper control, excessive temperatures and the temperature gradient between the core and the surface can cause dangerous thermal cracks, threatening both the durability and safety of the structure. This challenge is not just theoretical—it has been marked in history with a classic lesson: the Hoover Dam (USA), one of the greatest concrete megastructures of the 20th century. Containing millions of cubic meters of concrete, the dam would have taken hundreds of years to cool naturally. Engineers had to devise unprecedented solutions: segmenting the mass, actively cooling it through a network of circulating cold-water pipes, and applying a combination of innovative measures to bring the concrete temperature down to safe levels.

Low-E Glass: Structure, Types, and Technical Specifications (U-value, SHGC, Sound Insulation, Reflectivity)

Have you ever wondered why modern buildings with large glass facades remain cool in the summer yet warm in the winter? The secret lies in Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass technology. In contemporary construction, glass is no longer just a material for natural lighting but also an essential solution for enhancing a building’s energy efficiency. Low-E glass is coated with an ultra-thin, nearly invisible layer of metal oxide that works “intelligently” to control heat radiation. It allows natural daylight to enter while blocking most infrared and ultraviolet rays that cause heat buildup and potential health risks. Thanks to these properties, this advanced glass not only creates a more comfortable living environment but also significantly reduces heating and cooling costs, while contributing to sustainability and environmental friendliness in modern architecture.
Distinguishing Natural Quartz and Quartzite – No More Confusion

In the world of natural stone, quartz and quartzite are two names that are often confused—not only because their names sound similar, but also because their appearance shares many similarities. However, they are entirely different materials in terms of origin, structure, and performance characteristics. Quartz is typically an engineered stone, created by combining crushed quartz crystals with resin and additives, while quartzite is a natural stone formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. This difference not only impacts the value of the material but also determines its durability, heat resistance, and suitability for various applications. Understanding how to distinguish between quartz and quartzite will help you choose the right stone for your needs, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your investment.
Tile Slip Resistance: 4 Globally Accepted Testing Methods (ASTM, ISO, DIN)

In areas with high slip risk—such as bathrooms, swimming pools, public lobbies, or sloped surfaces—selecting tiles with adequate slip resistance is essential. To accurately assess this property, there are currently four widely used testing methods, each aligned with different international standards and suited to specific applications. This article will help you understand each method, how to interpret the results, and how to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
Hinoki Wood in Modern Bathroom Design: A Natural Material for Relaxation Spaces

Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress – Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a precious type of wood native to Japan, known for its light color, fine grain, and pleasant natural aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant properties, Hinoki has long been used in traditional architecture, such as temples, onsen bathtubs, and especially saunas. With its calming fragrance and exceptional durability, Hinoki is increasingly favored in modern bathroom design, offering a luxurious and serene experience for users.
Eco-Friendly Paving: Let the Water Flow Through

In the context of rapid urbanization, localized flooding and water pollution are becoming increasingly severe, particularly due to stormwater runoff on impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Permeable pavers have emerged as an advanced, environmentally friendly construction material designed to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants at the source. Not only do these pavers allow for rapid water drainage, but they also act as a primary filter that traps dust, heavy metals, and vehicle-related contaminants, thus improving urban environmental quality. This material is a part of the new wave of sustainable construction trends, widely adopted in developed countries but still relatively new in Vietnam.
Combining Integrated Circuits and Sensors in Bricks: A Smart Architecture Solution

In the era of digital technology and the explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), architecture is no longer merely the art of construction—it has evolved into an intelligent ecosystem, where buildings can sense, analyze, and respond to their environment. One of the most advanced solutions driving breakthroughs in modern construction is the sensor-embedded brick with integrated circuits. This is no longer a passive traditional building material, but rather a “sensing brick,” equipped with internal sensors and processing microchips capable of measuring temperature, humidity, vibration, and impact forces, and wirelessly transmitting data in real-time. The application of this technology in construction not only enhances the ability to monitor structural safety but also unlocks the potential for smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings. This topic aims to clarify the role of integrating sensors and microchips into building bricks, the manufacturing process, and notable practical applications.

Latest Blog

The News 27/08/2025

Temperature Control in Mass Concrete: Solutions & Lessons from the Hoover Dam

The News 22/08/2025

Low-E Glass: Structure, Types, and Technical Specifications (U-value, SHGC, Sound Insulation, Reflectivity)

Have you ever wondered why modern buildings with large glass facades remain cool in the summer yet warm in the winter? The secret lies in Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass technology. In contemporary construction, glass is no longer just a material for natural lighting but also an essential solution for enhancing a building’s energy efficiency. Low-E glass is coated with an ultra-thin, nearly invisible layer of metal oxide that works “intelligently” to control heat radiation. It allows natural daylight to enter while blocking most infrared and ultraviolet rays that cause heat buildup and potential health risks. Thanks to these properties, this advanced glass not only creates a more comfortable living environment but also significantly reduces heating and cooling costs, while contributing to sustainability and environmental friendliness in modern architecture.

The News 15/08/2025

Distinguishing Natural Quartz and Quartzite – No More Confusion

In the world of natural stone, quartz and quartzite are two names that are often confused—not only because their names sound similar, but also because their appearance shares many similarities. However, they are entirely different materials in terms of origin, structure, and performance characteristics. Quartz is typically an engineered stone, created by combining crushed quartz crystals with resin and additives, while quartzite is a natural stone formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. This difference not only impacts the value of the material but also determines its durability, heat resistance, and suitability for various applications. Understanding how to distinguish between quartz and quartzite will help you choose the right stone for your needs, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your investment.

The News 07/08/2025

Tile Slip Resistance: 4 Globally Accepted Testing Methods (ASTM, ISO, DIN)

In areas with high slip risk—such as bathrooms, swimming pools, public lobbies, or sloped surfaces—selecting tiles with adequate slip resistance is essential. To accurately assess this property, there are currently four widely used testing methods, each aligned with different international standards and suited to specific applications. This article will help you understand each method, how to interpret the results, and how to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

The News 01/08/2025

Hinoki Wood in Modern Bathroom Design: A Natural Material for Relaxation Spaces

Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress – Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a precious type of wood native to Japan, known for its light color, fine grain, and pleasant natural aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant properties, Hinoki has long been used in traditional architecture, such as temples, onsen bathtubs, and especially saunas. With its calming fragrance and exceptional durability, Hinoki is increasingly favored in modern bathroom design, offering a luxurious and serene experience for users.

The News 22/07/2025

Eco-Friendly Paving: Let the Water Flow Through

In the context of rapid urbanization, localized flooding and water pollution are becoming increasingly severe, particularly due to stormwater runoff on impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Permeable pavers have emerged as an advanced, environmentally friendly construction material designed to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants at the source. Not only do these pavers allow for rapid water drainage, but they also act as a primary filter that traps dust, heavy metals, and vehicle-related contaminants, thus improving urban environmental quality. This material is a part of the new wave of sustainable construction trends, widely adopted in developed countries but still relatively new in Vietnam.

The News 11/07/2025

Combining Integrated Circuits and Sensors in Bricks: A Smart Architecture Solution

In the era of digital technology and the explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), architecture is no longer merely the art of construction—it has evolved into an intelligent ecosystem, where buildings can sense, analyze, and respond to their environment. One of the most advanced solutions driving breakthroughs in modern construction is the sensor-embedded brick with integrated circuits. This is no longer a passive traditional building material, but rather a “sensing brick,” equipped with internal sensors and processing microchips capable of measuring temperature, humidity, vibration, and impact forces, and wirelessly transmitting data in real-time. The application of this technology in construction not only enhances the ability to monitor structural safety but also unlocks the potential for smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings. This topic aims to clarify the role of integrating sensors and microchips into building bricks, the manufacturing process, and notable practical applications.

The News 03/07/2025

Harm-Free Construction: Mycelium Bricks and a Sustainable Future

The rapid growth of the construction industry has significantly contributed to global resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the search for environmentally friendly alternative materials has become a critical necessity. One promising direction is the use of mycelium bio bricks, a type of bio composite material that can self grow and bind organic substrates.

The News 30/06/2025

3D Concrete Tiles – Elevating Aesthetics and Technology for Living Spaces

3D concrete tiles are a modern type of building and decorative material, made from concrete or geopolymer, with a raised three-dimensional surface featuring geometric, natural, or artistic patterns. Thanks to their strong visual effects, 3D concrete tiles not only provide high aesthetic value but also help improve sound insulation, thermal resistance, and waterproofing. With advantages in durability, ease of construction, and environmental friendliness, especially when combined with recycled materials such as ground brick waste, 3D concrete tiles are becoming an ideal material solution for both interior and exterior modern spaces.

The News 25/06/2025

Photoluminescent Concrete – The Intersection of Technology and Elegance

Amid rapid urbanization and rising aesthetic demands in modern construction, smart and sustainable materials are gradually replacing traditional solutions. Among them, luminescent concrete has emerged as an innovative trend that combines lighting functionality with the mechanical durability of conventional concrete. Not only does it offer a distinctive visual appeal, but it also enhances safety, conserves energy, and improves spatial efficiency in low-light environments. With vast potential for applications in transportation infrastructure, landscape architecture, and smart urban design, this material is paving the way for new directions in the construction industry during the era of green technology.

The News 23/06/2025

Repairing cracks in concrete using the MICP method.

With the increasingly strong trend of construction development, the number of new construction projects is rapidly increasing over time. However, this process also comes with issues related to construction quality, as some projects do not meet standards or deteriorate quickly, leading to the appearance of cracks on the concrete surface. These cracks not only affect aesthetics but also pose dangers to users, reducing the lifespan of the structures. Recognizing these shortcomings, the MICP method (Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation) has been researched and applied as an effective solution. This method helps to repair cracks in concrete, creating a protective layer and enhancing the structure's resistance to environmental impacts, thereby increasing the lifespan and ensuring safety for construction projects.

The News 19/06/2025

Computer Vision in Construction – Enhancing the Processing of Recycled Aggregates from Waste Concrete

In the context of an urgent global shift toward green materials and sustainable development, recycling concrete from demolished structures has become a significant trend. Instead of being discarded, this old concrete is processed and reused as aggregate for new concrete, contributing to waste reduction and minimizing environmental impact. However, to ensure the quality and accuracy of the recycling process, it is essential to thoroughly understand the characteristics and properties of these “new aggregates” when used in fresh concrete mixtures. In this context, the application of computer vision technology emerges as an innovative approach—allowing for precise analysis and evaluation of material features, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of recycled concrete processing.

The News 02/06/2025

Marble Natural Stone: The Ultimate Guide to Its Types, Uses, and Beauty

Marble natural stone is one of the most prized materials in architecture, design, and sculpture. Renowned for its elegant veining, luxurious texture, and broad color palette, marble continues to be a symbol of timeless sophistication. Whether showcased in ancient sculptures or contemporary luxury homes, marble’s enduring charm makes it a top choice for designers and homeowners alike. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the origins, properties, types, colors, quarrying process, applications, and care tips for marble natural stone—everything you need to know before choosing marble for your next project.

The News 12/05/2025

Unlocking Tradition: The Application of Mortise and Tenon Structure in Cultural and Creative Product Design

The mortise and tenon structure, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese architecture and furniture, is gaining new relevance in modern cultural and creative product design. As a unique joinery method developed over thousands of years, this technique embodies both aesthetic beauty and structural intelligence.

The News 21/04/2025

Self-Cleaning Smart Surfaces: Nano-Coating Solutions for Modern Architecture & Engineering

For architects and engineers committed to sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics, self-cleaning surfaces represent a cutting-edge innovation. These advanced materials, inspired by nature and powered by nanotechnology, offer a low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution for modern buildings and infrastructure. Whether integrated into façade systems, glazing, solar installations, or public infrastructure, self-cleaning coatings reduce the need for manual washing, preserve material integrity, and improve hygiene—making them ideal for today’s performance-driven design.

The News 09/04/2025

Made in Japan: Earthquake-Proof Floating Homes with Air Danshin Technology

Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, is leading the way in developing innovative earthquake-proof housing solutions. A standout among these is the levitating house by Air Danshin Systems Inc., a revolutionary technology designed to protect lives by lifting homes off the ground during seismic activity. The concept is simple but brilliant: if buildings kill people during earthquakes, why not temporarily lift them away from danger?

The News 31/03/2025

Taipei 101 tower : Masterpiece in Earthquake resistant

On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, causing extensive damage across the country and leaving over 140 people dead. The full extent of destruction was initially unclear, particularly in Myanmar, where a civil war has further complicated rescue and recovery efforts. Neighboring Thailand also felt the impact, with at least six fatalities in Bangkok following the collapse of a high-rise under construction. While this tragedy unfolded, it raises a crucial question: how do some countries successfully build earthquake-resistant structures? One of the best examples is Taiwan.

The News 28/03/2025

Using Oysters to Protect Bridge Piers: From Folk Knowledge to Sustainable Construction Solutions

Throughout the history of hydraulic construction, the Chinese have relied on folk wisdom to protect bridge foundations and piers from water erosion and the impact of currents. One of the most unique and effective methods is the use of oysters—marine organisms with the ability to adhere firmly to hard surfaces, forming a natural protective layer for structures. Based on real-world observations, this method has gradually been researched and applied in modern construction, becoming a sustainable building solution.