Impacts of Nanotechnology Adoption on Sustainable Construction

Abstract

The architectural, engineering and construction industry plays a significant role in the development of any country but, the industry have been experiencing a number of challenges relating to safety, environmental issues and general performance especially as a result of continuous adoption of traditional and conventional construction materials. In a view to minimize these challenges and achieve sustainable development, this study examines the effects of the adoption of nanotechnology principle to traditional construction materials. A review of existing literature materials on nanotechnology, sustainable construction and construction materials results in identification of 12 major impacts of nanotechnology on construction materials. In designing the questionnaire for the study, these factors were subsequently adopted and the research instruments were distributed to construction professionals, that is, quantity surveyors, engineers, construction managers, project managers and architects, in private and public establishments in Gauteng region of South Africa. The adoption of nanotechnology will not only help in reducing waste and provide new means of innovation but will also aid reforming of existing environmental remediation techniques. However, the adoption may also result in adverse effects on environment and human health if not properly managed by experts and concerned regulatory agencies. This indicates that as beneficial as the concept of nanotechnology may be to the performance of architectural, engineering and construction projects, care should be taken by contractors or developers, construction professionals and regulatory agencies, to understand and apply the principle in accordance to standards and regulations to avoid any potential negative results.