As more and more wind turbines pop up across the state and country, researchers at Iowa State University are studying a new way to build the towers that hold them up into the sky.

Grant Schmitz, a graduate student in the College of Engineering, says they’ve been testing the use of pre-cast hexagon-shaped concrete panels as the industry moves toward taller towers. He says one of the first advantages is cutting the need to truck the giant steel columns now used for the towers along highways.