What civil engineers are reading this week

• Machine learning helps scientists map nitrous oxide emissions, raising resilience

  A hybrid modeling tool improves nitrous oxide emissions prediction accuracy, helping address a potent greenhouse gas driving rising temperatures. Learn about the hurdles the team faced.

• As extreme rainfall overwhelms Chicago’s sewers, the city tries a new approach

  A $12 million pilot for underground stormwater storage targets flooding in historically underserved neighborhoods.

• Researchers develop AI tool to ease water conflict between farms and chip plants

  As drought hits much of the U.S., researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model to help manage competition between agriculture and semiconductor manufacturing for water resources.

• Federal government launches groundbreaking electric plane pilot program in Virginia

  The program, driven by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, is designed to accelerate the safe integration of advanced air mobility into U.S. national airspace.

• ASCE president: Transportation engineers must navigate the sustainability interchange

  “Transportation engineers ... have the power to shape a more sustainable future,” writes ASCE 2026 president and transportation engineer Marsha Anderson Bomar. “Challenge the status quo.”

• State DOTs highlight several key bridge efforts

  Key bridge projects and bridge funding initiatives were recently highlighted by state departments of transportation in Ohio, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Kentucky.