What civil engineers are reading this week

• Could small modular reactors satisfy hungry data centers’ demands for power?

  Factory-built nuclear reactors promise compact footprints, high-energy density, and predictable operating costs. Are they feasible? An ASCE member and energy geotechnics expert explores their potential.

• Collapse of 19th century artificial embankment breaches British canal

  A canal breach early Monday sent two narrowboats tumbling into a sinkhole and left others stranded, caused by the collapse of an artificial embankment that had stood for more than 200 years.

• Construction starts tumble 20.5% amid megaproject pullback

  Only two projects over $1 billion broke ground in November, according to Dodge Construction Network, but second half momentum was still robust.

• Record-breaking drilling expedition solves 2011 Japan earthquake mystery

  A Guinness World Record drilling expedition discovers a layer of clay between tectonic plates that acted as a lubricant to help enable the fourth-largest-recorded earthquake and tsunami.

• For design professionals, it’s critical that contracts define ‘consequential damages’

  A court rules that costs incurred for design errors were direct – not consequential – damages, meaning a mutual waiver did not protect the design professional. How can you protect yourself?

• EV motor invention could cut 1,000 pounds from vehicles while boosting range

  The motor weighs only 28 pounds but can deliver up to 1,000 horsepower at once or a sustained 469 to 536 horsepower for longer durations.