Common questions about Infrastructure

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When did the term infrastructure emerge from the French word for foundation?

The term infrastructure emerged from the French word for foundation to describe military supply lines that supported armies in the field. It was not until the 19th century that engineers and economists began to systematically categorize these networks as a distinct field of study. By the 1980s, the United States National Research Council had formalized the definition of infrastructure as the physical components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to enable, sustain, or enhance societal living conditions.

What is the projected infrastructure investment gap in the United States from 2016 to 2025?

The gap between what is invested and what is needed in the United States is projected to be $2 trillion from 2016 to 2025. This underinvestment has left the country tied for second-to-last place globally in infrastructure spending as a percentage of GDP, with an average of just 2.4%. The American Society of Civil Engineers has been tracking the condition of these systems since the mid-20th century, publishing an Infrastructure Report Card every two to four years to grade the health of the nation.

How much concrete is used in construction compared to all other building materials combined?

There is twice as much concrete used in construction as all other building materials combined, making it the backbone of industrialization. The production of concrete contributes up to 8% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, and a tenth of the world's industrial water usage is from producing it. Most concrete structures last for 50 to 100 years, meaning that many of the infrastructures built within the last 50 years are now approaching the end of their lifespan.

What percentage of infrastructure spending in the United States comes from state and local governments?

State and local governments account for approximately 75% of spending on public infrastructure in the United States. Public spending on infrastructure has varied between 2.3% and 3.6% of GDP since 1950, with the current spending level of 2.4% placing the country at the bottom of global rankings. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the underfunding of infrastructure globally that has been accumulating for decades.

What are the specific components of green infrastructure used to manage water and reduce disasters?

Green infrastructure includes green roofs, trees, bioretention and infiltration practices, and permeable pavement. These systems provide ecological, economic, and social benefits, including positively impacting energy consumption, air quality, and carbon reduction. Green roofs reduce stormwater runoff by storing water in growing media, while trees intercept rain and support infiltration and water storage in soil.

Where is Masdar City located and what are its key sustainable infrastructure features?

Masdar City is a proposed zero emission smart city that will be contracted in the United Arab Emirates. The city will use groundwater, greywater, seawater, blackwater, and other water resources to obtain both drinking and landscaping water. No cars will be allowed in Masdar City, contributing to low carbon emissions within the city boundaries, and alternative transportation options will be prioritized during infrastructure development.

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