Ceiling Tiles Research Articles

Black ceiling tiles reduce occupational ultraviolet light exposure from phototherapy cabinets.

Phototherapy clinics administer ultraviolet (UV) light to patients using phototherapy cabinets. The UV radiation from these cabinets is reflected on the white ceiling tiles of the clinic and is then redirected toward both staff and patients in the area. This is particularly problematic for clinical technologists who must undertake dosimetry in these areas and have a specific time (often as low as 30 min) before they reach their maximum exposure limit. By replacing white tiles with black ones, which absorb any stray radiation, we were able to reduce stray reflection by almost 90%, prolonging the time to maximum exposure by nearly 10 times. We present these findings to encourage other similar clinics to undertake the simple protocols outlined in this article, which will significantly improve staff and patient safety.

Economic sustainability assessment of a gypsum ceiling tile with polyurethane foam waste

The amount of plastics deposited in the environment is constantly increasing. To improve their circularity, numerous research lines emerge, such as the creation of new construction materials that incorporate polymeric waste. This practice manages to extend the life cycle of the waste, avoids the consumption of limited natural resources and gives the product additional characteristics. The re-use of polyurethane foam waste as a substitute for gypsum in ceiling tiles carries technical improvements such as a decrease in the weight of the material and in its thermal conductivity, maintaining a positive fire reaction performance. The goal of this work is to analyse its economic viability. For this, the financial assessments of the PU-Gypsum product and its standard alternative are compared. The results show that the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) of the new precast is 6% cheaper. Despite the fact that the waste processing entails an extra cost, this is widely offset by the increase in the factory’s production capacity due to its shorter drying time. The manufacturing stage represents 3/5 of the total cost for both materials. The PU-Gypsum precast is an ideal market alternative to the traditional gypsum one with improved properties and proficient in an economic level.

Towards an ecological transition in the construction sector through the production of new eco-efficient products

The economic model of the construction sector is becoming more circular by emphasizing sustainability at all stages from the design, the production phase, the installation, the use, the removal and finally its transport to landfill. This work analyses the influence of added polyurethane foam waste from refrigerated industry on the technical properties (bulk density, water vapor permeability, and reaction to fire performance). The environmental properties were also measured through a comparative Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) between the traditional gypsum ceiling tile and a new organic one. The re-use of polyurethane waste in ceiling tiles causes technical improvements. The most relevant improvements noticed are the decrease in the density (28%), reduction in thermal conductivity (27%) and A1 classification for fire reaction. The comparative (LCA) between both tiles shows that the new product that incorporates polyurethane waste has significant improvement in CO2 (14%) and lower use of energy during the manufacturing process (14%). The following impact categories were also reduced: 9% in the case of the acidification of the ground and water, 9% for eutrophication and 31% reduction for non-hazardous waste. This work intends to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of polyurethane gypsum products.

Mechanical and acoustical evaluation of bio-based composites made of cork granulates for acoustic ceiling tiles

This work is a study about new acoustic panels made of cork granulates coming from stopper by-products to be used as acoustic ceilings tiles, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Cork granulates were bonded with water-based epoxy and acrylic resins. The obtained panels were acoustically and mechanically tested. The results showed values of sound absorption coefficient close to 0.50 and acceptable flexural strength for their use as suspended ceiling tiles. Therefore, these bio-based panels could be used as an alternative product to the traditional materials used for noise control applications inside commercial spaces like closed entertainment areas.

Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Gypsum-Agricultural Waste Composites for Developing Eco-Friendly False Ceiling Tiles

This paper aims to facilitate in the reduction of issues related to agricultural wastes such as disposal and burning by incorporating two widely produced agricultural wastes in Pakistan, i.e., Rice Husk and Wheat Straw, in gypsum false ceiling plates to develop an eco-friendly construction product. There is an increased focus of research on the development of such eco-friendly gypsum products to make the use of gypsum sustainable. Composites containing agricultural residues with four different replacement levels of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight are developed along with a control mix containing 100% gypsum. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the developed composites are investigated. Also, the false ceiling plates are made using the developed composites and their flexural behavior is compared with that of the control specimen containing 100% gypsum. The results showed that density and shore C hardness reduced with increasing the amount of agricultural waste while the water absorption remained similar up to a dosage of 7.5%. Except for the 10% wheat straw dosage, flexural and compressive strength of developed composites showed a decrease with the increase of wheat straw and rice husk dosages but remained above the acceptable values of 1 MPa and 2 MPa, respectively, as per BS EN 14246. For the same replacement level, the composites containing wheat straw showed relatively inferior mechanical properties results as compared to those containing rice husk. The thermal conductivity test showed better thermal performance of the composite mixes as compared to the reference mix. The bending test on false ceiling plates showed that all the plates satisfied the minimum flexural strength criteria as per BS EN 14246 and the flexural strength of plates increased up to a replacement level of 5% for both the agricultural wastes.

Full vs. Empty

Full vs. Empty

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) between standard gypsum ceiling tile and polyurethane gypsum ceiling tile

In this paper, the LCA of two gypsum ceiling tiles is compared, the first one is a traditional gypsum tile and the second is a new eco ceiling tile in which polyurethane foam waste has been incorporated. Both tiles were made at one of the largest gypsum tile factories in Europe. The life cycle assessment has been considered from cradle to grave for which the corresponding production stages have been defined. This includes the extraction and transportation of raw materials, the manufacturing process, transportation to the client, the use of the product and the end of its useful life. The results show that the tile with polyurethane has a better environmental performance than the standard commercial ceiling tile. This is quantified as a 14% reduction in energy consumption, a 14% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 25% reduction in water consumption compared with the standard tile, all the while maintaining the technical performance. An analysis of the results suggests that the new eco product has a competitive advantage on the market thanks to its environmental improvements and good technical performance.

Thermal-emission assessment of building ceilings from agro-industrial wastes

Most of the building ceiling tiles used today from studies, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composite ceilings, cardboard, plywood, particleboard, are flame friendly. Except for asbestos, which is confirmed to emit asbestosis, cancer from asbestos; already warned by the Environmental Protection Agencies and other health standard organizations. Studies have shown inherent harmful elements associated with the use of PVC Ceiling composite, plant-based ceiling, and asbestos, which propagate noxious emission at the instance of fire; their widespread use is quite enormous. The noxious behaviour during an inferno is a representation of the elemental make-up of these ceiling materials. Moreover, their vulnerability due to emission and combustion threat call for alternative materials with eco-friendly constituents for building ceiling applications. Problems associated with these building ceilings during fire include noxious gaseous emissions; fuel for the flame from ignition from other roof frame structures; after flame effect of inhaling poisonous gasses against the recommended exposure limit of 35 ppm by the World Health Organization (WHO). Flame retardance is credited to asbestos. However, for other ceiling tiles, some of the challenges of high heat flux, high thermal conductivity, and combustibility tendencies, are still current issues. The undesirable side effects of using ceiling tiles have necessitated a replacement with suitable flame retardant and eco-friendly influences. This is made to bear by appropriate material selection and by employing industrial wastes and agricultural wastes coupled with suitable binders to solve flame propagation challenges. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a flame retardant ceiling composite that will solve the identified anomalies in the existing ceiling tiles in the market in building industries. The developed materials are tested for thermal and emission characteristics to ascertain their integrity by employing advanced test equipment. The result shows that there are low values in thermal conductivity of the developed building ceiling samples. Sample 2 has the lowest value compared to the developed and existing ceiling tiles, much < 0.0802 W/mK, which is a desirable property in ceiling application. Low thermal diffusivity is required to suppress flame propagation. This is exhibited by sample 1, with a value of 0.85 × 10−8 m2/s as the lowest amongst developed ceiling samples The result showed null and negligible SO2 detection for all samples. The three samples' time to attain pre-set temperature varies in the ascending order of sample 1 at 24 min, sample 3 at 37 min, and sample 2 at 42 min. Sample 3, 0.6Aldr0.34Cmt0.05G0.01OBS; Sample 2, 0.6Aldr0.32Cmt0.05G0.03OBS and sample 1, 0.6Aldr0.3Cmt0.05G0.05OBS are in the order in terms of safe emission characteristics while sample 2 ranks best in terms of flame retardancy.This study has established that the developed building ceiling composite material is flame retardant capable of preventing fire propagation, unlike the flammable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ceiling composite. The developed building ceiling composite can minimize the emission of harmful elements in the make-up of the ceiling, as revealed in the results. The tiles are alternative to both noxious PVC and asbestos ceiling tiles. Oil beanstalk is a novel material introduced as a reinforcement to the developed composite. The manufacturing industries should explore materials with excellent eco-friendly flame retardant constituents to encourage sustainable building production.

Because a Small Kindness Can Carry Us Through.

Because a Small Kindness Can Carry Us Through.

Teaching robots to perform quasi-repetitive construction tasks through human demonstration

Robots can assist workers in performing physically-demanding construction tasks, which are typically quasi-repetitive, wherein the geometry of the workspace is dissimilar despite similar tasks. As a result, robots must determine motion trajectories based on the encountered workspace geometry. Learning from Demonstration (LfD) methods have the potential to be used in teaching robots specific tasks through human demonstration, such that robots can then perform learned tasks under different conditions. In this paper, the LfD method is investigated to teach robots how to perform quasi-repetitive construction tasks. Considering ceiling tile installation as the experimental process, the tasks of maneuvering and positioning tiles in a ceiling grid are defined as the target knowledge to be learned. Using a set of human demonstration videos, the designed approach first translates the physical work context, e.g., the pose of the tile, to the target digital twin, i.e., the workspace as-perceived by the robot. The Reinforcement Learning method is then applied to generate the control policy for the robot to perform the subsequent tasks. The proposed method is evaluated in the Robot Operating System (ROS) Gazebo simulator using a KUKA mobile industrial robotic arm emulator and 60 different scenes as test cases. The results show a 78% success rate in installing ceiling tiles based on 3000 virtual and 85 real demonstration videos. The success rate tends to continually rise with an increase in the number of real demonstration videos, confirming the promise and applicability of the LfD method in teaching robot apprentices to perform quasi-repetitive tasks on construction sites.

Guideline: Auditory processing and perception disorders: Proposal for treatment and management of APD : S1 guideline of the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology

Despite normal hearing thresholds in pure-tone audiometry, 0.5-1% of children have difficulty understanding what they hear. An auditory processing disorder (APD) can be assumed, which should be clarified and treated. In patients with hearing loss, this must first be compensated or resolved. Only hereafter can a suspected APD be confirmed or excluded. Diagnosis of APD requires that a clear discrepancy between the child's performance in individual auditory functions and other cognitive abilities be demonstrated. Combination of therapeutical modalities is considered particularly more beneficial in APD patients than a single modality. Treatment modalities should consider linguistic and cognitive processes (top-down), e.g., metacognitive knowledge of learning strategies or vocabulary expansion, but also address underlying auditory deficits (bottom-up). Almost 50% of children with APD also have a language development disorder requiring treatment and/or dyslexia. Therefore, each therapeutic intervention for a child with APD must be individually adapted according to the diagnosed impairments. Musical training can improve phonologic and reading abilities. Changes and adaptations in the classroom are helpful to support the weak auditory system of children with APD. Architectural planning of classrooms can be a means of ensuring that direct sound is masked by as little diffuse sound as possible. For example, acoustic ceiling tiles are suitable for reducing reverberant and diffuse sound.

Removal performance of formaldehyde by ceiling tiles as sorptive passive panels

In this study a ceiling tile (CT) was selected as a sorptive passive panel, and the effect of environmental conditions on its formaldehyde removal efficiency was evaluated. Experiments were performed in a 0.4 m3 chamber with the air flow rate of 0.2 m3 h−1, the air exchange rate of the 0.5 h−1, and the loading ratio of 0.23m2m-3. The range of temperature humidity levels varied between 21 °C ± 2 °C–26 °C ± 2 °C, and 30% ± 5%–75% ± 5%, respectively, to simulate the indoor conditions for Canadian homes during most months of the year. Results demonstrated formaldehyde removal efficiency between 40% and 75% depending on the applied environmental conditions. GC/MS and HPLC trace analyses revealed that only very low concentrations of by-products were formed. The by-product formation increased slightly when exposing the ceiling tile to relatively high relative humidity (RH = 75%) and temperature (T = 26 °C). Given a loading factor of only 0.23 m2 m−3in our test chamber, which in most scenarios underestimates the loading factor in real settings, our findings suggest that ceiling tiles used as passive removal panels have the potential to lower formaldehyde concentrations under the Health Canada's guideline for residential settings under real-life conditions.

Optimal cost-efficiency solution of acoustic treatment for a complex meeting room

Achieving high acoustic quality in meeting rooms is important for intelligibility therefore several measures are needed especially in reflective high volume rooms. This article tackles the method and the solution to renovate a complex enclosure. The study is divided in multiple stages: development of the 3D room model exported in ODEON acoustic software, validation of the actual condition of the room with measurements, proposing and analysing different acoustic ceiling tiles and finally selecting the optimum solution based on the cost and efficacy in reducing the reverberation time (RT). The measured RT was four times higher (3.45 sec at f=1kHz) than the recommended value (0.9 sec at f=1kHz). The numerical simulation results were in accordance with the experimental measurements with errors of less than 0.2 sec. Using the difference between the RT obtained with the acoustic measures and the optimum RT we were able to calculate an efficiency that was later on compared with the cost of the solution. As a conclusion, due to a large diversity of acoustic ceiling types with different prices and sound absorption coefficients it is important, especially for complex room geometries, to run simulations and to perform a cost-efficiency analysis.

Analysis of Regular Perforated Metal Ceiling Tiles

Analysis of Regular Perforated Metal Ceiling Tiles

Impact of Environmental Modifications to Enhance Day-Night Orientation on Behavior of Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

ObjectivesTo determine whether environmental rearrangements of the long-term care nursing home can affect disruptive behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residents with dementia. DesignProspective 6-month study. SettingThe study was conducted before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) environmental rearrangements [skylike ceiling tiles in part of the shared premises, progressive decrease of the illuminance at night together with soothing streaming music, reinforcement of the illuminance during the day, walls painted in light beige, oversized clocks in corridors, and night team clothes color (dark blue) different from that of the day team (sky blue)]. ParticipantsAll of the patients (n = 19) of the protected unit were included in the study. They were aged 65 years or older and had an estimated life expectancy above 3 months. MeasuresNumber and duration of disruptive BPSD were systematically collected and analyzed over 24 hours or during late hours (6:00-12:00 pm) during each 3-month period. ResultsThere was no significant change in the patients' dependency, risk of fall, cognitive or depression indexes, or treatment between phase 1 and 2. Agitation/aggression and screaming were observed mainly outside the late hours as opposed to wandering episodes that were noticed essentially within the late hours. The number of patients showing wandering was significantly lower over 24 hours during phase 2. The number of agitation/physical aggression, wandering, and screaming and the mean duration of wandering episodes were significantly (P = .039, .002, .025, and .026 respectively) decreased over 24 hours following environmental rearrangements. Similarly, a significant reduction in the number and mean duration of wandering was noticed during the late hours (P = .031 and .007, respectively). ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that BPSD prevalence can be reduced following plain environmental rearrangements aimed at improving spatial and temporal orientation.

Design of Adhesive-free Bio-based Suspended Ceiling Tiles Using Nanocellulose

An adhesive-free, bio-based suspended ceiling tile (nanocellulose ceiling tile (NCT)) with mildew and mold resistance, fire retardancy, and water repellence was developed and compared with commercial products (M257, M266, and M935). The NCT produced the greatest contact angle values: 145.0° (1.37% coefficient of variation (CV)) on the top surface, 137.8° (2.15% CV) on the bottom surface, and 142.2° (3.41% CV) on the edges. The thermal resistivity (R-value) of the NCT was also greater (3.14 °F∙ft2∙h/BTU (1.32% CV)), so the thermal conductivity (k-value) was lower (0.046 W/(m∙K)) than the compared commercial products (M257, M266, and M935). The NCT demonstrated resistance to mildew and mold growth, with zero defacement. Each product (NCT, M257, M266, and M935) evaluated was fire retardant, with zero horizontal flame propagation. The results showed that the NCT was an advanced ceiling tile prototype treated against fire, water, and mildew and mold growth throughout its thickness, with promising results compared to current ceiling tiles on the market.

Recurrent carbon footprint assessment and forecasting for conventional housing in tropical regions: A Malaysian case study

Almost all life cycle assessment methods of carbon footprint for conventional housing in tropical region have either ignored the impacts of recurrent carbon or considered based on random assumptions. To ensure the green and sustainable urban built environment, particularly in tropical regions, an accurate monitoring and control of carbon footprint requires a comprehensive assessment of all phases of project life cycle, including maintenance. This article presents an innovative and dynamic approach of forecasting of carbon footprint including the recurrent carbon by combining a statistical (simple and multiple regression) and simulation (3D parametric prototyping) technique in a partial LCA (cradle to site) study for a tropical built environment. The developed multivariable regression model satisfied the statistical criteria of an efficient and consistent tool as the average percentage error of the predicted and observed values was found within the acceptable range. The average contribution of CO2 ranged from 2.0 tons to 40 tons for 25 to 100 year of service life span. Ceramic tiles, false ceiling, plaster and roof tiles remained the top materials. The model validation observed an acceptable average error range from (−) 3.24% to (+) 8%. The study analyzed the factual recurrent carbon footprint impacts and justified the importance of its inclusion in preemptive mitigation toward sustainability concerns at very early stage of the housing project. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 839–849, 2018

P.5.f.009 - Antipsychotic use and behavioural and psychological symptoms in institutionalized elderly

To determine whether environmental rearrangements of the long-term care nursing home can affect disruptive behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residents with dementia.Prospective 6-month study.The study was conducted before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) environmental rearrangements [skylike ceiling tiles in part of the shared premises, progressive decrease of the illuminance at night together with soothing streaming music, reinforcement of the illuminance during the day, walls painted in light beige, oversized clocks in corridors, and night team clothes color (dark blue) different from that of the day team (sky blue)].All of the patients (n = 19) of the protected unit were included in the study. They were aged 65 years or older and had an estimated life expectancy above 3 months.Number and duration of disruptive BPSD were systematically collected and analyzed over 24 hours or during late hours (6:00-12:00 pm) during each 3-month period.There was no significant change in the patients' dependency, risk of fall, cognitive or depression indexes, or treatment between phase 1 and 2. Agitation/aggression and screaming were observed mainly outside the late hours as opposed to wandering episodes that were noticed essentially within the late hours. The number of patients showing wandering was significantly lower over 24 hours during phase 2. The number of agitation/physical aggression, wandering, and screaming and the mean duration of wandering episodes were significantly (P = .039, .002, .025, and .026 respectively) decreased over 24 hours following environmental rearrangements. Similarly, a significant reduction in the number and mean duration of wandering was noticed during the late hours (P = .031 and .007, respectively).Our study demonstrates that BPSD prevalence can be reduced following plain environmental rearrangements aimed at improving spatial and temporal orientation.

Análise da influência da variação das superfícies refletoras na disponibilidade de iluminação natural no ambiente interno na extensão de sua profundidade

O estudo parte da hipótese de que a disponibilidade da luz natural no ambiente interno sofre influencias das características das superfícies refletoras internas. O objetivo é investigar o comportamento da curva isolux de um ambiente interno em função da variação de suas superfícies refletoras. A análise do ambiente em estudo é realizada por meio da construção de curvas isolux em pontos específicos do ambiente, e dos percentuais de horas em função dos intervalos das UDI (Useful Daylight Illuminance), em horários e dias do ano pré-estabelecidos. Os valores utilizados para a construção da curva isolux são gerados através das simulações do software TropLux, num ambiente de geometria retangular com abertura voltada para a orientação Norte, na cidade de Vitória (latitude 20° 19' S), utilizando céus padrões da CIE (Commission Internationale L´aclairage). Os resultados mostram que para o Céu 3, a variação das características de reflexão das superfícies refletoras internas contribuem com insignificantes aumentos na média anual de Iluminância interna. Para o Céu 7, a variação das características de reflexão das superfícies refletoras da parede e piso contribuem para pequenos aumentos na média anual de Iluminância interna no ponto 2 (1,0 m da abertura). Para o Céu 12, a variação das características de reflexão das superfícies refletoras do teto, parede e piso contribuem para pequenos aumentos na média anual de Iluminância interna somente nos pontos mais próximos da abertura, onde as superfícies refletoras do piso e teto tem contribuição mais relevante até o ponto 3(1,5 m da abertura), e a parede tem contribuição relevante somente no ponto 2 (1,0 m da abertura). Palavras-chave:, , , l.

Linear static analysis of perforated plates with round and staggered holes under their self-weights

Perforated plates with round holes which are manufactured easily offer the wide area of applications such as metal ceiling tiles, air condition grilles, etc. In this study, optimum hole size and shape of perforated plates with round and staggered holes investigated using mid-point deflections of perforated plates under their self-weights. Analyzed plates are simply supported on their four sides. Analysis results are obtained by using APDL codes for ANSYS. The square perforated plates are examined in terms of mid-point deflections by changing numbers, radii and locations or their holes. The graphics showing the relationship between the number of holes and mid-point deflections of the plates were presented to indicate the effects of geometric discontinuities. The graphics and formulations presented in the study could be useful to determine the design parameters and perforating operations of the perforated square plates with round and staggered holes.