UTA In The News — Friday, April 9, 2021
Housing needs in Arlington
Hannah Lebovits, assistant public affairs and planning professor at UT Arlington, spoke to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the city of Arlington’s need for more housing. She said city leaders should prioritize housing that is both affordable to an array of residents and conducive to economic development in order to attract and maintain residents. Arlington officials and candidates are considering ways to meet the city’s housing demand while avoiding overbuilding.
Lifespan of roads
Ali Abolmaali, chair of the Civil Engineering Department and the Tseng Huang Endowed Professor, is leading a $2.8 million Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project that will scan pavements on Texas roads to determine their condition and remaining service life. Abolmaali and his team will evaluate more than 3,500 lane miles through TxDOT, Mirage News reported.
Batteries for drones
David Wetz, UTA electrical engineering professor, is helping develop a safer battery to power drones used to inspect mines for hazards, Mirage News reported. Wetz is part of a team working to design a battery that does not cause sparking, a danger in mines filled with hazardous, explosive gases, while meeting required power and energy demands. The battery must meet strict safety requirements outlined by the U.S. Mining Safety Hazard Authority.