Application of Bioengineering in Construction

Bio-cement and bio-concrete are innovative solutions for sustainable construction, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the durability and versatility of building materials. Bio-cement is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement, produced through Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), which mimics natural biomineralization processes. This method reduces CO2 emissions and enhances the strength and durability of construction materials. Bio-concrete incorporates bio-cement into concrete, creating a self-healing material. When cracks form in bio-concrete, dormant bacteria within the material become active in the presence of water, producing limestone to fill the cracks, extending the material’s lifespan and reducing the need for repairs. The environmental impact of traditional cement production is significant, with cement generation accounting for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. Creative solutions are needed to develop more sustainable construction materials, with some efforts using modern innovations to make concrete ultra-durable and others turning to science to create affordable bio-cement. The research demonstrates the potential of bio-cement to revolutionize sustainable building practices by offering a low-energy, low-emission alternative to traditional cement while also addressing environmental concerns. The findings suggest promising applications in various construction scenarios, including earthquake-prone areas, by enhancing material durability and longevity through self-repair mechanisms.

Study of Rice Husks and Expanded Polystyrene Composites for Construction Applications

In the current context of environmental challenges, this study focuses on developing innovative and eco-friendly composites using rice husk and recycled expanded polystyrene. This dual-responsibility approach valorizes a by-product like rice husk, often considered waste, and reuses polystyrene, a plastic waste, thereby contributing to CO2 emission reduction and effective waste management. The manufacturing process involves dissolving recycled polystyrene into a solvent to create a binder, which is then mixed with rice husk and cold-compacted into composite materials. The study examines the impact of two particle sizes (fine and coarse) and different proportions of recycled polystyrene binder. The results show significant variations in the mechanical characteristics of the composites, with Modulus of Rupture (MOR) values varying from 2.41 to 3.47 MPa, Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) ranging from 223.41 to 1497.2 MPa, and Stiffness Coefficient (K) from 5.04 to 33.96 N/mm. These characteristics demonstrate that these composites are appropriate for various construction applications, including interior decoration, panel claddings, and potentially for furniture and door manufacturing when combined with appropriate coatings. This study not only highlights the recycling of agricultural and plastic waste but also provides a localized approach to addressing global climate change challenges through the adoption of sustainable building materials.

Artificial Intelligence Prediction of One-Part Geopolymer Compressive Strength for Sustainable Concrete

Alkali-activated materials/geopolymer(AAMs),due to their low carbon emission content,have been the focus of recent studies on ecological concrete.In terms of performance,fly ash and slag are preferredmaterials for precursors for developing a one-part geopolymer.However,determining the optimum content of the input parameters to obtain adequate performance is quite challenging and scarcely reported.Therefore,in this study,machine learning methods such as artificial neural networks(ANN)and gene expression programming(GEP)models were developed usingMATLAB and GeneXprotools,respectively,for the prediction of compressive strength under variable input materials and content for fly ash and slag-based one-part geopolymer.The database for this study contains 171 points extracted from literature with input parameters:fly ash concentration,slag content,calcium hydroxide content,sodium oxide dose,water binder ratio,and curing temperature.The performance of the two models was evaluated under various statistical indices,namely correlation coefficient(R),mean absolute error(MAE),and rootmean square error(RMSE).In terms of the strength prediction efficacy of a one-part geopolymer,ANN outperformed GEP.Sensitivity and parametric analysis were also performed to identify the significant contributor to strength.According to a sensitivity analysis,the activator and slag contents had the most effects on the compressive strength at 28 days.The water binder ratio was shown to be directly connected to activator percentage,slag percentage,and calcium hydroxide percentage and inversely related to compressive strength at 28 days and curing temperature.

Exploring the Synergy: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforced Slab Incorporating Alccofine and M-Sand

Introduction: This study investigates the Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforced Slab Incorporating Alccofine and M-sand. Objective: Specific objectives include evaluating the mechanical properties and structural behaviour of steel and GFRP-reinforced one-way slabs and comparing experimental and theoretical predictions. Methods: Four different mix proportions were arrived at, comprising both conventional concrete and Alccofine-based concrete. In each formulation, a combination of normal river sand and M-sand was utilized. Results: Concrete with Alccofine exhibits superior mechanical properties, while M-sand incorporation minimally affects strength but reduces reliance on natural sand. GFRP-reinforced slabs display distinct brittle behaviour with significant deflections post-cracking, contrasting steel-reinforced slabs’ gradual, ductile failure. Discrepancies between experimental data and design recommendations underscore the need for guideline refinement. Conclusion: Alccofine and M-sand enhance concrete properties, but reinforcement type significantly influences slab behaviour. GFRP-reinforced slabs, though exhibiting lower values than steel, offer advantages in harsh environments, warranting further optimization.

Development and Characterization of Particle Boards Based on Sorghum Husk

This study tackles current environmental challenges by developing innovative and eco-friendly particle boards utilizing sorghum husk, combined with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). This dual eco-responsible approach valorizes sorghum husk, often deemed agricultural waste, and repurposes EPS, a plastic waste, thus contributing to CO2 emission reduction and effective waste management. The manufacturing process involves dissolving recycled polystyrene within a solvent to create a binder, which is then mixed with sorghum husk and cold-pressed into composite boards. The study explores the impact of two particle sizes (fine and coarse) and two different concentrations of the recycled EPS binder. Results demonstrate significant variations in the boards’ mechanical properties, displaying a range of Modulus of Rupture (MOR) from 0.84 MPa to 3.85 MPa, and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) spanning from 658.13 MPa to 1313.25 MPa, influenced by the binder concentration and particle size. These characteristics suggest that the boards can be effectively used in various construction applications, including interior decoration, false ceilings, and potentially for furniture and door manufacturing when combined with appropriate coatings. This study not only exemplifies the valorization of plastic and agricultural wastes but also offers a practical, localized solution to global climate change challenges by promoting sustainable construction materials.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Advanced Sheet Pile Curtain Design: Case Study of Cotonou East Corniche

This paper delves into the critical aspects of sheet pile walls in civil engineering, highlighting their versatility in soil protection, retention, and waterproofing, all while emphasizing sustainability and efficient construction practices. The paper explores two fundamental approaches to sheet pile design: limit equilibrium methods and numerical techniques, with a particular focus on finite element analysis. Utilizing the robust PLAXIS 2016 calculation code based on the finite element method and employing a simplified elastoplastic model (Mohr-Coulomb), this study meticulously models the interaction between sheet pile walls and surrounding soil. The research offers valuable insights into settlement and deformation patterns that adjacent buildings may experience during various construction phases. The central objective of this paper is to present the study’s findings and recommend potential mitigation measures for settlement effects on nearby structures. By unraveling the intricate interplay between sheet pile wall construction and neighboring buildings, the paper equips engineers and practitioners to make informed decisions that ensure the safety and integrity of the built environment. In the context of the Cotonou East Corniche development, the study addresses the limitations of existing software, such as RIDO, in predicting settlements and deformations affecting nearby buildings due to the substantial load supported by sheet pile walls. This information gap necessitates a comprehensive study to assess potential impacts on adjacent structures and propose suitable mitigation measures. The research underscores the intricate dynamics between sheet pile wall construction and its influence on the local environment. It emphasizes the critical importance of proactive engineering and vigilant monitoring in managing and mitigating potential hazards to nearby buildings. To mitigate these risks, the paper recommends measures such as deep foundations, ground improvement techniques, and retrofitting. The findings presented in this study contribute significantly to the field of civil engineering and offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of construction-induced settlement. The study underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and coordination between construction teams and building owners to effectively manage the impacts of sheet pile wall construction on adjacent structures.

Analysis of Economic and Socio-Environmental Indicators for Energy, Materials and Water Management and Proposal of Technologies and Alternatives for Sustainable Construction in Housing

The work presents technologies of materials,energy and water management that can be used for sustainable buildings,reducing costs and environmental impacts.The aim was to encourage the reduction of energy consumption,adequate water management and more sustainable material choices in new or existing buildings.For this,a diagnosis of existing technologies and alternatives was carried out in the first stage of the work.The second stage consisted of analyzing among the technologies and alternatives diagnosed from the methodology which can be applied in a fictitious case study of housing,its implementation and maintenance and viability analyzing,finally,environmental indicators,social and economic.The results showed that the best evaluated technologies/alternatives were in Energy:ventilation and natural light;in Water Management:double-action sanitary basin,flow restrictors,aerators with constant flow,and minicistern systems;and in Materials:bamboo,wood,soil-cement brick,earth,steel frame and wood frame,aggregate with ash from rice husks,aggregate with ash from sugarcane bagasse,glass,phase change materials,aggregate with residues of construction and demolition,Portland cement and cement with blast furnace slag;which can be used in the civil construction sector,and provide socio-environmental and economic benefits,encouraging new studies and its use for public/private buildings,aid in the elaboration of public policies to reduce costs and improve the quality of buildings.

Sustainable Construction --An International Comparison of Civil Engineering Students

Sustainable construction in the future will be influenced significantly by the beliefs and actions of civil engineering students studying at university today. A comparative investigation of the appreciation and attitudes regarding sustainable construction of civil engineering students at The NUCE （National University of Civil Engineering） in Vietnam, and the Universities of Loughborough and Liverpool in the UK were therefore conducted. Results indicate that students at all three universities appreciate the importance of the development of sustainable construction and have positive attitudes with regards to sustainability. Construction design and appropriate use of materials were two issues generally considered the most important with regards to sustainability, but were also thought to be adequately covered on the courses in all three institutions.

Strategies for Sustainable Environmental Management of Construction Activities in Ghana

The Ghanaian construction industry continues to improve by the recent intensification of infrastructure development by government and the private sector. Nonetheless, this is happening with a strong focus on economic development to the detriment of the environment these activities affect. This paper focuses on identifying the strategies by which sustainable environmental management could be structured to mitigate the impact of construction activities in Ghana. A mixed-method research approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 83 practitioners in the construction industry, while qualitative data were elicited from 18 Construction and Environmental Management practitioners. The mean scores indicated that all the 20 strategies for integrating environmental concerns into construction activities in Ghana were considered significant by the respondents. The empirical findings of the study indicate that for environmental concerns to be effectively integrated into construction activities in Ghana, a concerted effort will be required from the various actors within the construction industry. These include the role of clients in selecting environmentally conscious service providers, designers focusing on environmentally friendly construction materials and methods, reduce, recycling and reuse of waste materials, the commitment of government towards sustainable development, and well-structured educational campaigns to promote environmentally sustainable construction activities.

Measuring Contribution of BIM （Building Information Modeling） to the Construction Sustainability Goals

＂BIM （building information modeling）＂ and ＂sustainability＂ are two frequently used words in construction and academia today. BIM is a design-oriented tool, which generates a virtual three-dimensional model of a project. Sustainability refers to prudent use of earth＇s natural resources, and construction sustainability is the application of this principle to building activities. Societies in general and the construction industry in particular--one of the largest in terms of natural resources consumed and waste produced--place high hopes on BIM and the principles of sustainability to reduce consumption and waste and to increase industry productivity. BIM＇s capabilities and limitations, currently more focused on model creation and energy simulations, are not well understood as they relate to construction sustainability and its goals. No method yet exists to evaluate BIM＇s contribution comprehensively to construction sustainability goals. This study presents a construction sustainability goals contribution matrix for BIM. The matrix indicates that this contribution may be more limited than it is commonly thought.

The Contributions of Building Information Modelling to Sustainable Construction

Global concerns toward environmental issues have induced growing demand for new approaches in the construction because of its considerable impact on the environment and use of natural resources. Through using construction sustainability tools, methods and techniques, a greener design can be applied during various building phases. In this connection, it is argued that the analytical and integrated models applied by Building Information Modelling (BIM) may also facilitate this process to be performed more efficiently. BIM and construction sustainability are quite different initiatives, but both have received much attention in recent years in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. A rigorous analysis of the interactions between them implies that a synergy exists which, if properly it is understood that can be helpful to reduce the environmental impacts of the AEC industry. A BIM-based design model can contribute to sustainability through its three main dimensions which are environmental, economic and social. In this paper, by reviewing the existing literature on BIM and construction sustainability and using a matrix to analyze construction sustainability dimensions and BIM functionalities a number of interactions have been discussed. It can be concluded that despite there are many improvements in implementation of BIM in environmental and economic aspects of sustainability, its potential impact on social dimension has not been explicitly explored hence further studies need to be undertaken in this area.

A Case Study of VäxjöMunicipality’s Actions to Increase the Construction of Wooden Multi-family Buildings

Sweden has a housing shortage,which the Swedish authorities expect to continue until 2025.Producers of wooden multi-family houses have a relatively small market share in comparison to traditional building materials.The limited capability to fulfil the increased building demand also restricts the possibilities for development towards innovation,bio-economy and sustainability.The municipalities in Sweden have responsible for planning of the building development in their region based on their projected requirements and strategies.Combining this with a desire to develop sustainable building solutions based on wood increases the complexity.Currently,public building developments are achieved through the public procurement act or the land allocation activity,dependent on their development strategy.This normally involves the development of local strategies regarding,e.g.design,material choice and geographical development.By identifying market drivers enables improved market entry activities related to public building initiatives using wood-based solutions.Hence,by improving transparency in the land allocation activity generate enhanced possibilities for the companies to respond successfully to the requests submitted by the municipalities.This knowledge is used to better understand the required strategic development for the companies,the government and the municipalities to increase the use of sustainable building materials in Swedish multi-family housing projects.

Construction of Environment for Sustainable Human Rights Development

Today, we are gathered to welcome the opening of the Sixth Beijing Forum on Human Rights, which is co-sponsored by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development. Undoubtedly it is of positive significance that human rights experts and scholars in the international human rights field from many countries in the world have assembled together in this golden season to plan human rights develop- ment. On behalf of the State Council Information Office of China, I wouldlike to express warm congratulations to the opening of this forum, and sincere welcome to friends in atten- dance.

THE SYSTEMATIC COURSE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS:Building a Course in Sustainable Construction for Students in the U.S.A.

The construction industry actively adopts the concept of sustainability to not only minimize the impact on the environment but also increase social and economic benefits through accepting sustainable design and construction practices.This growing trend in sustainable construction requires both new knowledge and new skills for sustainability,in addition to conventional knowledge,such as scheduling,estimating,contracting,etc.Due to this paradigm change in the construction industry,construction programs in the U.S.A.should offer sustainable construction courses in order to teach sustainable knowledge,technologies and skills to their students before their entrance into industry.The purpose of this study is to develop a sustainable construction course designed for university construction programs using a systematic course development approach divided into three stages including preparation,development,and improvement.The course described in this paper is used to illustrate the systematic development process and can serve as an example for faculty at other universities on how to use such a method.During the preparation stage,a syllabus review is conducted in order to recognize and evaluate current sustainable construction courses offered by construction programs.In addition,in-depth literature review is performed to identify current trends in sustainable construction courses and related research.The development stage consists of:creating the framework for a sustainable construction course,choosing the goals and objectives for this course,choosing the contents of the course,organizing the chosen contents of the course,and planning the course schedule.At the improvement stage,the proposed course is improved,reviewed,and evaluated by experts from both the construction industry and academia through a detailed feedback process.From this systematically developed sustainable construction course,students in construction programs can learn basic knowledge of sustainability and the importance of sustainable design and construction.They will be exposed to different sustainable building rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED)and Green Globes,collaborative skills among construction participants,and the advantages and pitfalls of sustainable construction.In addition,construction students who become leaders in the industry will change the nature of the construction industry and society to help not only minimize environmental impacts caused by construction activities but also to secure our earth.

SDFLEX:A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

There is a growing recognition that highway construction and maintenance have major environmental impacts.Despite the lack of a clear protocol for designing and constructing an environmentally-friendly highway,the industry experimented with sustainable alternatives since the 1970s.With an ultimate goal to develop sustainable guidelines for highway construction practices,this paper presents a general framework for the design and construction of sustainable flexible pavement system.This framework follows a similar approach to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED®)methodology by employing a point system to award a rating that quantifies the sustainability of the structure.The proposed framework divides factors related to highway design and construction into six major categories:sustainable sites(eight points),energy efficiency(five points),site air quality(four points),materials(ten points),water efficiency(four points),and innovative and design process(three points).The developed rating framework,referred to as Sustainable Design of Flexible Pavements(SDFlex),may be used to award a certification for sustainable highway design and construction.Different levels of certification may be awarded depending on the total earned credits from the six categories(Platinum,Gold,Silver,and Certified).A maximum score of 34 may be achieved under the aforementioned categories.It is proposed that a highway construction that satisfies the prerequisites and achieves a passing score of 10 be awarded a certified rating.The developed framework takes into consideration available technologies and the nature of the highway industry.

Fire risk of green building technical components

The concept of the green building as sustainable construction has continuously been studied,developed and distributed.Technologies to realize the green building to use less energy,while protecting the environment and improving the quality of residences have increasingly been used in not only new buildings in the design phase,but also in existing ones to reduce the energy and environment loads.Therefore,the number of green buildings is increasing.However,there are some cases that green building technologies for low energy use,low carbon emissions and pleasant indoor environment violate fire safety standards;so it is imminent to address the issue.Furthermore,unlike continuous studies on development and distribution of green buildings,there are few studies on the issue because of the lack of fire safety awareness of green buildings.Therefore,this study intends to raise the awareness of fire safety awareness of green buildings through theoretical consideration and analysis of cases about green building technologies.

Building＇s Rehabilitation towards Sustainable Behavior

To achieve a sustainable building＇s behaviour and preserve the environmental balance, three laws must be taken into account （l） the resources＇ consume must not be faster than the rate at which nature can restock them, （2） the creation of systems that consume maximum energy-quality and （3） the maximization of the use of renewable and recycled materials. Therefore, the buildings＇ rehabilitation process must increase, instead of the proliferation of new buildings, in order to provide the sustainability of the built environment and minimize its ecological impact. The sustainable rehabilitation process is even more difficult in historical areas, in general sited in central zones of the urban mesh, with fragile comfort conditions and a rigid structure. In this paper, different evaluation tools for sustainable buildings were analysed in order to provide a set of evaluation criteria to be applied in the rehabilitation process in historical zones.

Green building research in South Africa:A scoping review and future roadmaps

The construction industry is recognised to pose serious environmental threats due to its anthropogenic activities.To confront this challenge,green building has been famed as an auspicious strategy to alleviate energy-related carbon emissions alongside climate change mitigation.Consequently,it has birthed diverse empirical studies and holistic reviews by the research community.However,these previous studies have been carried out from a global and continental viewpoint regardless of the green building development specifically in emerging economies.This present study seeks to fill the sparse research upshots on the synthesis of green building research at the country level with core focus on South Africa.In this light,the current study provides a scoping overview of the intellectual exploration on green building research in the South African context.The study’s findings highlight the varying growth regarding the subject matter,the drivers,drawbacks,and socio-economic issues confronting in developing green building projects in the country.To optimize the advancement of green building in the region,this study recommends the implementation of financing schemes,utilization of advanced digital technologies,and promotion of green and sustainable building curricula across the institutions as well as post-occupancy-related studies within the green building spectrum towards a safe and salutogenic built-environment in the country.

Biochar as construction materials for achieving carbon neutrality

Biochar is a waste-derived material that can sequester carbon at a large scale.The development of low-carbon and sustainable biochar-enhanced construction materials has attracted extensive interest.Biochar,having a porous nature and highly functionalised surface,can provide nucleation sites for chemical reactions and exhibit compatibility with cement,asphalt,and polymer materials.This study critically reviewed the state-of-the-art biochar-enhanced construction materials,including biochar-cement composites,biochar-asphalt composites,biochar-plastic composites,etc.The efficacies and mechanisms of biochar as construction materials were articulated to improve their functional properties.This critical review highlighted the roles of biochar in cement hydration,surface functional groups of engineered biochar for promoting chemical reactions,and value-added merits of biochar-enhanced construction materials(such as humidity regulation,thermal insulation,noise reduction,air/water purification,electromagnetic shielding,and self-sensing).The major properties of biochar are correlated to the features and functionalities of biochar-enhanced construction materials.Further advances in our understanding of biochar’s roles in various composites can foster the next-generation design of carbon-neutral construction materials.