ABSTRACT NaOH was used as a solid alkali initiator for fly ash eco concrete. The porosity, water permeability, compressive strength, pH, vegetative and microscopic properties of eco concrete with different fly ash contents were studied. The results show that the activation effect is best when the solid NaOH doping is 2% of fly ash. Under this condition, the 28d compressive strength of alkali-activated fly ash eco concrete was the highest when the fly ash content was 17%, reaching 19.15 Mpa, and the mechanical properties were effectively improved, its permeability and porosity meet the engineering application standards. The surface porosity of each section is similar to the law of total porosity, and the size and number of pores are suitable for plant growth. Manila grass has better alkali tolerance and is more affected by pore size. At 43d, the plant height, root length, and LRWC grown in FA0% and FA7% were the best, and the plant height could reach up to 23 cm. In addition, through SEM and EDS analysis of the sample, it was found that the amorphous product of the sample was mainly N(C)–(A)-S-H gel, which can form an interconnected spatial network structure and has strong bonding ability.

ABSTRACT As the most popular form of major trans-regional infrastructure, the expansion of high-speed railway (HSR) has resulted in some inequities, such as imbalanced development between regions and apparent gaps between social groups. This paper innovatively proposes the concept of “end-to-end equality (ETEE)” to comprehensively evaluate the equity of the whole process of public access to HSR services from three chronological phases: equality of opportunity, procedural equality, and equality of outcome. Subsequently, the impact pathways between the three are analyzed by means of structural equation modeling, using the Xiamen–Shenzhen high-speed railway (XS HSR) as an example. The following main conclusions are then drawn: For one thing, all three stages have prominent positive influences on the ETEE of HSR, where equality of outcome has the largest influence and equality of opportunity has the smallest. For another, procedural equality influences equality of outcome, whereas equality of opportunity is influenced weakly, if at all. It is revealed that procedural equality and equality of outcome are the key points for realizing end-to-end equality of China's HSR, which makes an important implication for the construction and operation of high-speed railway and provides a comprehensive assessment framework for the ETEE of major trans-regional infrastructures.

ABSTRACT This study presents a literature review on human centric lighting, utilizing solid-state lighting and switchable glazing, which has immense potential to create comfortable and productive environments. Windows and shading devices of a building are the essential components that allow natural daylight to enter indoors, thereby maintaining a relationship between the interior and exterior environments. Artificial light sources are always integrated with natural light to provide the right lighting environment. Achieving a balance between natural and artificial light is crucial; the efficiency depends on how effectively artificial light is combined with daylight. This paper explores the benefits of intelligent solid-state lighting and switchable glazing technology in creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. Lighting metrics for assessing circadian entrainment and algorithms for optimizing visual and thermal comfort along with energy efficiency are the main topics of concern. By optimizing lighting and temperature control, workplaces can increase productivity and promote circadian entrainment. This review considers papers mainly from 2004 to 2023, challenges and problems in implementation, along with future directions are also considered. If the right spectrally controllable source is designed by giving a suitable light exposure for the right duration, it is possible to achieve comfort, health, and energy efficiency. This integrative lighting solution provides new and innovative ways to enhance our daily lives. Climate-responsive algorithms seem more reliable for switchable glazing; overall circadian performance improves when mixed with natural light.

ABSTRACT Low-income homeowners often face higher utility bills due to the poor condition of their homes, leading to increased energy and water consumption. This study examines the feasibility of low-cost renovations for these homes using optimization modeling. Twenty-three self-implementable retrofits were identified, with their costs and economic and environmental benefits calculated. An optimization model was then developed to find the best retrofits within a homeowner's budget, aimed at minimizing Global Warming Potential (GWP) and maximizing energy savings. The model was applied to a low-income home in Illinois, USA, with results showing that even small investments can yield significant savings and quick payback, along with reduced GWP. For example, a $200 investment can save over $500 and cut 2.6 tons of carbon emissions, while $2000 can lead to over 43% energy savings and a 65% reduction in emissions. The study further emphasizes that water conservation is as critical as energy conservation in creating sustainable homes.

ABSTRACT Reducing energy consumption in the production process of lightweight concrete facade panels, utilizing recycled materials, minimizing waste, enhancing strength-to-weight ratio and durability, as well as ensuring ease of service and assembly, play a significant role in sustainability. Previous studies have been conducted to improve the thermal insulation properties of these panels; however, these studies were limited and produced conflicting results regarding sustainability. Additionally, due to a high number of influencing parameters, a definite procedure for determining the optimal mix ratio for lightweight concrete facade panels was not established. This study aims to determine the optimal proportions of coarse/fine aggregates, lightweight aggregates, and recycled aggregates for lightweight facade concrete mixes in terms of weight/strength and thermal insulation performance criteria. The goal is to develop a sustainable lightweight concrete facade panel with sufficient strength for building facades, high insulation capacity, maximal usage of recycled aggregates, while being as low weight as possible. Within the scope of this study, a total of 15 different lightweight concrete mixtures were produced by substituting various ratios of pumice, perlite, and recycled concrete aggregate for fine aggregate in the control mix containing 100% limestone as fine aggregate. The cement content, coarse aggregate amount, coarse/fine aggregate ratio, and slump value were kept constant for all produced mixtures. It was determined that the mixture containing 40% recycled concrete aggregate and 60% pumice as fine aggregate exhibits superior performance in terms of unit volume weight, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. Within the scope of the study, 15 different lightweight concrete mixtures were produced by substituting various proportions of pumice, perlite, and recycled concrete aggregate in place of fine aggregate in a control mixture containing 100% limestone as fine aggregate. In all produced mixtures, the cement content, coarse aggregate amount, coarse/fine aggregate ratio, and slump value were kept constant. It was determined that the mixture containing 40% recycled concrete aggregate and 60% pumice as fine aggregate exhibited superior performance in terms of unit weight, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity.

ABSTRACT Wood-based composites are a popular construction material, however, the use of formaldehyde adhesives as binders in their production can have toxic health effects. In addition, the increase in agricultural industry has resulted in an increase in agricultural waste, which often goes unprocessed and disposed of improperly. To address these issues, this study focuses on the production of composite boards made from a mix of agricultural residues and plastic waste, as a way to reduce the use of formaldehyde adhesives. The study aimed to determine the feasibility of using plastic waste as a binder, and evaluated the properties of the composite boards produced, including moisture content, thickness swelling, flexural strength, tensile strength, and thermal conductivity, compared to traditional plywood products. The composite boards were made from a mix of 55%, 60%, and 70% agricultural residues (rice straw and corn cob) and 45%, 40%, and 30% plastic waste (polypropylene and polyamide). The boards were produced using heat compression at 190°C and 220°C for 12 minutes, yielding a density of 400–900 kg/m3. The results showed that increasing the amount of plastic waste in the mix led to a decrease in density, water absorption, and thickness swelling, but an improvement in bending resistance and tensile strength. The composite boards made with higher amounts of plastic waste also had lower thermal conductivity. These results provide guidelines for the use of waste materials to produce composite boards that meet standards for architectural applications.

ABSTRACT This article discusses the utilization of industrial construction waste for resource recycling and disposal. It focuses on researching a new water-resistant, self-healing soil curing technology called “road liquid,” which is a fly ash-based soil curing agent. This technology is used for the curing of industrial construction waste disposal methods. For the first time, the soil curing agent is mixed into the construction waste along with cement stabilization. Different amounts of mixing are used as controls to evaluate the performance of the curing material after the construction waste is cured. The study focused on the material properties of cured construction waste, specifically examining strength, water resistance, and self-healing properties. The study showed that the curing agent “road liquid” enhanced the strength, water resistance, and selfhealing properties of the cured construction waste at various cement dosages. The 7-day unconfined compressive strength of recycled aggregates with a 5% cement dosage, added with the curing agent “road liquid,” was higher than that of recycled aggregates with a 6% cement dosage without the curing agent “road liquid.” The experimental results show that using this type of granular solid waste as pavement base material is more practical for engineering purposes. The curing agent “road liquid” can enhance the curing effect of recycled aggregate, thereby reducing the need for cementitious materials and achieving cost savings for the project.

ABSTRACT This research investigated the key factors that influenced patients’ individual thermal sensations in a rehabilitation ward. Maintaining thermal comfort is important for occupant's well-being in healthcare facilities. The commonly used Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) thermal comfort model has limitations on considering an individual's needs, especially if the individual has impaired health. There was a lack of thermal sensation studies in medical settings. This study conducted a ten-week fieldwork in a real rehabilitation environment in order to develop a thermal sensation analysis model that could help understand individual patient's thermal needs. Traditional statistical models and artificial neural network (ANN)-based models, using real-world data including spatial and healthcare-related parameters, were established for a comparative study. The results of the study unveiled the substantial influence of spatial and healthcare-related parameters on inpatients’ indoor thermal sensations. Furthermore, the ANN-based model demonstrated better performance in aligning with real-world conditions and in providing more accurate prediction outcomes compared to the traditional statistical model. These findings can be used by hospital designers and engineers to optimize the overall quality of the thermal environment within a healthcare environment.

ABSTRACT The presence of traditional school buildings in Egypt led to the absence of environmentally friendly buildings, which contributes to endangering the environment and promoting climate change. To attain sustainability, it is imperative to establish a harmonious interaction between the environment and buildings. The purpose of the present research is to study the microclimate impact with and without landscaping on the thermal performance of a building (traditional building, shipping container with and without insulation) and the material impact on the environment. Program simulation tools such as Envi-met, Design Builder, and One Click LCA are used to apply the methodology of the research. It includes a case study on New-Assiut City in Egypt, proposing four scenarios. The outcomes indicate that the thermal performance of a shipping container building is comparable to that of a traditional building. The reuse of shipping containers has a lower environmental impact than a traditional building. In addition, the presence of landscaping such as trees significantly lowers the dry bulb temperature and operative temperature of the building. The outcome implies that the Egyptian government must enhance the sustainability of reusing shipping containers as a green building to reduce the negative impacts that existing constructions have on the environment and people.

ABSTRACT Green construction practices can minimize buildings’ significant environmental effects, conserve resources, and provide economic benefits such as lower operating costs and enhanced property values. In Africa, the need for sustainable practices is critical due to the rapid urbanisation and population growth rates. However, research on stakeholders’ influence and receptiveness to green buildings is limited. Our study draws on the experiences of 38 green building experts from five African countries affiliated with either EDGE, LEED, Green Star or DGNB. Our findings indicate that construction professionals and private sector developers are the most receptive, environmental agency regulators are indifferent, and interest groups are the least receptive. In addition to construction professionals and private sector developers, local regulatory authorities are among the most influential stakeholders in construction projects. Further analysis of the nexus between receptiveness and influence suggests local regulatory authorities and landowners are less receptive than influential, highlighting a disconnect inhibiting green building adoption. This disparity suggests that policies and sensitization campaigns must actively consider the different stakeholders’ motivations and the balance of power in the African context towards promoting sustainable building practices to secure a more sustainable future.