False Ceiling Research Articles

Analysis of the Choice of Cement in Construction and Its Impact on Comfort in Togo

The cement industry, a key player in globalization and urbanization, has replaced traditional shelters with modern buildings, raising environmental concerns. This study examines the use of cement in construction in Togo, its impact on residents’ thermal comfort, and adaptation strategies for sustainable construction and well-being. The research was conducted in Lomé, Atakpamé, and Kara through documentary research, photography, household surveys, interviews, and temperature recordings, involving 646 households and nine interviews. Findings reveal a high use of cement due to availability, ease of use, strength, affordability, and aesthetics. Cement houses are generally less comfortable than earthen houses, particularly in hot climates. Lomé and Kara experience higher discomfort, while Atakpamé has lower discomfort despite cement dominance. Thermal comfort varies more during the day. Residents adopt strategies like sleeping outside, wearing light clothing, installing awnings and false ceilings, planting trees, staying hydrated, taking cool showers, and ventilating rooms.

Development and characterization of new lightweight waste-based plaster composites for building applications

The development of new environmentally friendly construction materials that incorporate waste as an alternative to traditional raw materials is becoming increasingly important and necessary for the construction sector. Gypsum plasters composites are characterised by their versatility and wide range of applications in precast construction due to their excellent technical performance and low cost. This research presents a new material that incorporates EPS waste in solution and recycled rubber aggregates as secondary raw materials, partially replacing traditional plaster material. In this way, partial mass substitutions of up to 12.5 % have been achieved compared to the reference composites without additions. The results show how the incorporation of EPS in solution allows a more homogeneous integration of the residue in the plaster composite matrix. Although it is true that the incorporation of both residues has slightly reduced mechanical resistance to bending and compression, reaching minimum values of 3.71 MPa and 5.08 MPa respectively, the results obtained greatly exceed the minimum values required by current regulations. On the other hand, in the study conducted with prefabricated false ceiling plates, it has been observed that the combined effect of both residues allows for greater resistance to simple bending than traditional composites, with a reduction in bulk density and thermal conductivity of up to 30.1 % and 26.5 %, respectively. Thus, this work presents a viable alternative for the development of new plaster composites that are more sustainable, lightweight and conducive to advancing towards the industrialisation of the construction sector.

Effect of Mercerization on Mechanical Properties of <i>Grewia Optiva </i>Natural Fiber Polymer Composites

The concerns towards sustainable development have triggered the need of adopting biodegradable products in different applications. The natural fibers are being widely explored in the field of composites for various applications. Sustainable architecture is also seeking the research and development of new materials to minimize the negative environmental effect of the traditional structural materials. A bast fiber obtained from Grewia Optiva (G.O.) tree is abundantly available in the sub-Himalayan terrains and is still underutilized in the field of biocomposites. The promotion of G.O. fiber in fabrication of biocomposites may give a source of income and employment to rural hilly populations. This research work utilizes the G.O. fiber collected from the Okhalkanda block of Nainital district of Uttarakhand to develop biocomposites. The effect of mercerization on the water absorption behavior and mechanical properties has been also studied. It is found that the treatment of fibers with NaOH reduces the water absorption tendency of G.O. Natural Fiber Reinforced Biocomposites (NFRB) upto 41.05% and the mechanical properties are also improved by appreciable amount. The tensile and flexural strength obtained are 141.45 MPa and 109.84 MPa respectively for mercerized fiber reinforcement. Impact strength and mode-I fracture toughness have been recorded as 11.97 KJ/m2 and 1.85 MPa√m respectively. SEM images of fractured surfaces indicate good bonding of mercerized fibers as compared to untreated fibers with epoxy matrix. Hence the Grewia Optiva biocomposites have potential to be used in different architectural applications like wall panels, false ceilings, doors, windows, etc.

A Comparative Model of Thermal Performances Between a Modern and Classic Habitat for A Hot and Humid Tropical Climate: Case of Guinea

The objective of this research is to carry out a comparative study between a classic habitat and a modern habitat in order to understand which of the two is more efficient for a humid tropical area. To do this, a digital modeling of the heat transfer phenomena in the different components of the habitat was highlighted for a habitat made of stabilized earth bricks, a roof made of transparent tiles, false ceilings made of rectangular panels containing phase change material, concrete floor and a classic habitat made from local materials is presented. To show the reliability of this study, we validated our habitat model integrating phase change material through an experimental study carried out by researchers B. ZIVKOVIC and I. FUJII. A study on the temperature distributions at the level of certain components of the habitat done, and the influence of the variation of certain parameters was highlighted to know the thermal behavior of the two habitats. Furthermore, a comparative study was performed between the interior and exterior temperatures of the south walls of habitats incorporating PCM and without PCM, which are the components most exposed to solar radiation whose maximum values are respectively 33°C and 34, 5°C and 33.15°C against 47°C. Keywords: Performances, thermal, bioclimatic, PCM, Tropical climate, Guinea.

An Experimental Study on the Efficacy of Local Exhaust Systems for the Mitigation of Exhaled Contaminants in a Meeting Room

In industrial applications, local exhaust systems have been used extensively for capturing and confining contaminants at their source. The present study investigates the efficacy of these systems in mitigating the spread of exhaled pollutants by combining them with mixing and displacement ventilation. Experiments were conducted in a simulated meeting room with six closely situated workstations, featuring five exposed persons (simulated with heated dummies) and one infected person (simulated with a breathing manikin). Six overhead local exhaust units, merged with panels, corresponding to workstations, were installed using a lowered false ceiling. Additionally, a table plenum setting for air inlets was introduced to enhance displacement ventilation effectiveness along with local exhaust systems. Results from 16 experimental cases are presented, using the local air quality index and ventilation effectiveness in the breathing zone. The local exhaust system improved the local air quality at the measuring locations closest to the infector in almost all test scenarios. The improvement, particularly significant with displacement ventilation, marked a maximum 35% increase in the local air quality index adjacent to the infector and 25% in the entire breathing zone of the tested meeting room. Moreover, the table plenum settings, coupled with displacement ventilation, further enhanced conditions in the breathing zone. Under the specific conditions of this investigation, the number of operational local exhausts had a marginal impact on mixing ventilation but a significant one on displacement ventilation tests. The efficacy of local exhaust systems was also influenced by the levels of heat gains present in the room. Overall, the study aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to identify sustainable solutions to mitigate indoor airborne diseases with a combination of supply and local exhaust units.

How can desks and ceilings influence room acoustic criteria in classrooms? Findings from measurements and wave-based simulations

Sound diffusion is essential in achieving the required speech intelligibility criteria in classrooms (T;30, C;50, STI). Predictive formulas employed and recommended by international standards generally rely on the ideal diffuse-field theory, notwithstanding its applicability limitation in most feasible real-world scenarios. Yet, along with the sound-absorbing features of the surfaces, it is crucial to quantify any potential diffraction effect caused by furnishing elements and ceiling treatments. The present work uses acoustic measurements and wave-based numerical models to explore the impact of desk layouts and materials in false ceilings on sound diffusion. The single desk arrangement increases the sound diffusion, here quantified in terms of measured T;30 standard deviation, more than other furniture layouts, e.g., desks arranged in circles. Moreover, preliminary results from acoustic measurements and finite-element analysis show that inhomogeneous treatments of the suspended ceiling – porous and perforated modules – increase sound diffusion through material discontinuity even at low frequencies. The match between predictive formulas, experimental results, and simulations confirms the reliability and accuracy of the acoustic design process when involving diffraction effects.

Initiative to Increase the Circularity of HDPE Waste in the Construction Industry: A Physico-Mechanical Characterization of New Sustainable Gypsum Products

The annual production of plastic waste worldwide has doubled in just two decades, with approximately 390 million tonnes of plastic waste now being generated. In this context, the construction industry must move towards the development of new, more sustainable materials made under circular economy criteria. In this work, a physico-mechanical characterisation of gypsum composites with the incorporation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste, replacing 2–4–6–8–10% by volume of the original raw material, has been conducted. The results show how the incorporation of these plastic wastes improves the water resistance of the gypsum material without additions, as well as producing a decrease in thermal conductivity and greater resistance to impact. On the other hand, it has been found that, as the percentage of recycled raw material added increases, the mechanical resistance to bending and compression decreases, leading to fracture due to a lack of cohesion between the matrix and the waste. Nevertheless, in all the cases studied, mechanical strengths higher than those established by the EN 13279-2 standard were obtained. Thus, the results confirm the viability of these secondary raw materials to be used in the development of new products for sustainable building, especially in the design of prefabricated panels for false ceilings.

Optimal selection of false ceiling systems in healthcare buildings: a multidimensional hierarchical analysis for sustainability

ABSTRACT False ceilings are non-structural elements present in buildings of all types. They act as passive protection elements and give the rooms in which they are located significant technical capacities. For healthcare buildings, false ceiling systems require a higher level of qualification than in other buildings, with strict requirements for acoustic insulation, fireproof stability, resilience, and noise absorption. In addition, they require exhaustive analysis, design, and sizing processes to ensure a high degree of reliability. This fact complicates their optimal selection. In this study, a multidimensional comparative analysis was made of 14 false ceiling systems that predominate in Spain's healthcare infrastructure. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied according to five pre-defined variables (LCA, Unit price, Working time, Thermal conductivity, and Maintenance accessibility) based on the technical, environmental, economic, and temporal dimensions. Life cycle assessment was used to define and quantify the environmental variables’ characteristic impact parameters. The optimal solution was found to be the removable mineral fibre system, with a value of 0.82 AHP pt/m2. This system has good technical properties and facilitates maintenance and cleaning tasks. In contrast, the continuous cement board false ceiling system was found to be the least favourable, with a score of 0.18 AHP pt/m2. The knowledge gained from this study will favour optimal decision-making in sizing healthcare infrastructure by providing a detailed view of that infrastructure to those responsible for its engineering, thereby enhancing the socioeconomic and environmental benefits.

Impact of courtyard on indoor thermal environment in vernacular row houses of warm and humid climate: case study of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACTIn this study, three typologies of houses were studied to reinforce the benefits of the courtyard. The row houses with courtyards, i.e. Category A, were analysed to identify parameters responsible for improved thermal performance. A field investigation was conducted in July and December 2021 to study the row houses of the Edalakudy settlement in Nagercoil town, Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, a state in India. The dependent and independent variables were analysed to determine the appropriateness and thermal performance of the courtyard. The results emphasized the importance of the inclusion of a designed courtyard. An effectively designed courtyard can reduce the temperature to 2–4°C. High thermal mass, increased ventilation, external shading, sky view factor of 0.18 – 0.3, false ceiling, and linear placement of openings along the courtyard reduced the temperature. Finally, recommendations were developed based on the findings. The recommendations delineate efficient design and utilization of the courtyard in row houses of warm and humid climates.

Achieving acoustic comfort in the library: a sound masking initiative

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the sources of noise generation in a library and suggest the implementation of a sound masking system to provide acoustic comfort, maintain speech privacy and create an environment more engaging for the users. Design/methodology/approach Analyzing the existing literature and exploring the existing practices as observed in different libraries, the study gives an overview of the sound masking initiatives in libraries. Findings With practical examples of libraries, the study demonstrates how a sound masking system has been implemented to invoke better acoustic design in the library. The expansion of various activities in the library and a gradual shift from individual attention to a collaborative approach necessitates a strong focus on the acoustic design architecture of the library. The study showcases how the libraries adopt sound masking with the introduction of acoustic panels, dual panel partitions, sound-absorbent false ceilings, sound insulation, sound isolation and noise-dampening measures, installing furniture with sound containment features, adopting vibration control mechanism, mounting of white noise machines, etc., keeping the aesthetic quotient of the library alive. Originality/value The study attempts to show the current practices of the adoption of the sound masking system in libraries and promotes collaborative reading with the creation of an acoustic design-influenced library environment to control noise and reverberation and provide a comfortable reading environment.

Machine learning driven smart fire safety design of false ceiling and emergency response

In modern buildings, false ceilings are widely used for building services systems and aesthetic purposes, but they also pose challenges in terms of fire safety. A fire accident typically results from the failure of multiple safety measures or components. In many fire accidents, fire and smoke reached the false ceiling and kept spreading in the interstitial space without any detection. This study first generates a numerical database of false ceiling fire scenarios by varying the room dimensions, false-ceiling leakage area, fire size and locations. Then, a smart model based on machine learning to predict the fire smoke motion below and above the false ceiling is developed. The trained model is capable to predict the activation time of fire detectors and sprinklers for any given false ceiling design and fire scenario. This methodology enables a designer to generate multiple fire scenarios and determine the available safe egress time (ASET) for performance-based fire engineering designs especially in terms of fire detection time. In case of a real fire, with the data feed from the fire sensor network, the trained machine learning model can further predict the critical building fire events with the false ceiling, such as multi-compartment fires, smoke in the evacuation path, and structural failures. This work proposes a smart framework for improving the building fire safety design of false ceilings and the sensor-driven fire forecast to support firefighting.It enhances the emergency response processes by enabling dynamic risk assessment through prediction of critical events.

Effect of fibre loading on mechanical properties of jute fibre bundle reinforced gypsum composites

Gypsum plasterboards are widely used in interior decoration like false ceilings, wall partitioning etc. The main component of this plasterboard is gypsum, which is a mineral material. These boards contain poor mechanical strength with lower durability. The addition of natural fibres in these plasterboards can be useful to achieve better mechanical properties. Since Jute fibre is abundant in Bangladesh and its usability in reinforced composites is well established, for this reason, jute fibre was selected to do the research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of jute fibre on the mechanical properties of the gypsum plasterboard. To make this board, Plaster of Paris and water were thoroughly mixed to make a suspension first. Different fibre loadings of 2, 4, 6, and 8% were incorporated into gypsum composites. Reinforcement of 6% fibre provided the highest tensile properties, but 8% fibre loading showed inferior tensile and flexural properties. Impact test results showed a gradually improving nature with fibre loading, and hardness values showed a decreasing trend in hardness with higher fibre loading. FTIR results and SEM images confirmed that no significant chemical bonding took place in the composites, instead, the composite depended mainly on the mechanical bonding among the reins crystals and between the fibre and gypsum matrix.

Effect of Fiber Loading on Thermal Properties of Cellulosic Washingtonia Reinforced HDPE Biocomposites

In this research work, we aim to study the effect of the incorporation of vegetable fiber reinforcement on the thermo-mechanical and dynamic properties of a composite formed by a polymeric matrix reinforced with cellulosic fibers with the various Washingtonia fiber (WF) loadings (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by wt%) as reinforced material in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Biocomposites to evaluate the optimum fiber loading of biocomposites. In addition, several characterization techniques (i.e., thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA)) were used to better understand the characteristics of the new composites prepared. With these techniques, we managed to verify the rigidity and thermal stability of the composites so elaborated, as well as the success of the polymer and the structural homogeneity of the obtained biocomposites. Hence, the biocomposite with the best ratio (HDPE/20WF) showed a loss modulus (E″) of 224 MPa, a storage modulus (E′) of 2079 MPa, and a damping factor (Tanδ) of 0.270 to the glass transition (Tg) of 145 °C. In addition, thermomechanical analysis (TMA) of the biocomposite samples exhibited marginally higher Ts compared to the HDPE matrix. The best results were recorded with biocomposites with 20% WF, which showed better thermal properties. This composite material can be used as insulation in construction materials (buildings, false ceilings, walls, etc.).

Influence of Natural Convection Ventilation of the Space Between the Roof and the False Ceiling on the Distribution of the Temperature in a Room

Influence of Natural Convection Ventilation of the Space Between the Roof and the False Ceiling on the Distribution of the Temperature in a Room

Development of a composite product from fibre yielding crop residues

Particleboard is one of the wood-based composite products, developed from wood and wood industry waste in admixture with an adhesive by thermos-compression. Wood is gradually becoming scarce due to deforestation and it leads to search for an alternative raw material. Jute, flax, and hemp plants are important fibre yielding industrial crops since their respective farming provides economic support to the developing nations from the rural areas. After the extraction of fibres from them, a lot of biomasses in terms of shives and sticks are generated as agricultural waste, and recently, these lignocellulosic biomasses have attained a special attention for the development of medium density particleboard. In this present work, an attempt has made to study the effect of flax shive and jute stick particle blends in admixture with phenol formaldehyde resin on the performance of the particleboard in terms of density, modulus of rupture and water swelling. The particle size distribution, bulk density, chemical composition, thermal properties, and surface chemistry of jute stick and flax shive have studied to assess their compatibility. Results inferred that a 50% jute stick: 50% flax shive combination based particleboard met the desirable properties of a medium density particleboard and showed higher performance than other combinations. It could be concluding that the combined use of biomass residuals for the development of a potential industrial product like packaging box, furniture, false ceilings etc, and it could open a new avenue to their farmers for the creation of wealth from the waste.

Potential of waste woven polypropylene fiber and textile mesh for production of gypsum-based composite

The huge production of woven polypropylene bags has led to an increase generation of plastic waste. The recycling of waste woven polypropylene bags and textiles in construction applications can be a viable option. Therefore, an attempt has been made to utilize the woven polypropylene fibers and textiles in the production of gypsum-based composite false ceiling tile for an economical and sustainable construction product. In the current research work, different water-to-powder ratios (0.6 %, 0.7 %, 0.8 %, 0.9 %) and fiber contents (0.25 %, 0.35 %, 0.45 %, 0.55 %) in the gypsum-based composite were prepared. Flexural plates with different thicknesses (18, 15, 12, and 9 mm) incorporating different recycling fibers and reinforced with different types of meshes were manufactured to produce sustainable gypsum-based plates. The physical properties, compressive and flexural strength properties of the fiber-reinforced gypsum-based composite were also evaluated. The textile and woven polypropylene fiber mesh reinforced gypsum false ceiling plates were compared with the control specimen. The results revealed that the density of gypsum-based composite decreased up to 26 % with the increase in the proportion of waste fiber contents. The compressive and flexural strength of gypsum-based composites exhibited a decrease with an increase in fiber contents and water-to-powder ratio. However, all the specimens satisfied the acceptable limit of 1 MPa and 2 MPa, respectively, according to BS EN 14246. The bending strength of all the plates incorporating different fiber content and thicknesses satisfied the minimum specified flexural strength criteria according to BS EN 14246. Moreover, the plates with different thicknesses and fiber contents also satisfied the minimum specified flexural criteria except for the plate with a thickness of 9 mm. However, all the plates with varying thicknesses and reinforced mesh have also satisfied the minimum load criteria specified by BS EN 14246. Thus, it can be envisioned that the woven polypropylene fibers and textiles can be effectively utilized to produce sustainable gypsum-based composite leading to reduce waste generation.

Management of encephalomyocarditis virus infection in Italian pig farms: a case report

BackgroundEncephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) has been isolated from many animals, frequently as the cause of fatal myocarditis, but pigs are the most susceptible domestic specie. The virus was isolated in swine farms since 1958 in Panama and Europe from cases of sudden death in young pigs, and the main origin of outbreaks has been assumed to be local rodent populations. There is no treatment for the disease.Case presentationThe clinical case describes an outbreak of encephalomyocarditis virus in a farrowing (farm A) and a weaning (farm B) site, with mortality that reached 24.2% in suckling piglets and 7.7% in weaners. The farms were located in an endemic Italian area, and the outbreak was characterised by high mortality with sudden death and clinical signs due to heart failure (trembling, dispnea and fever). The rodents control program was the key action in managing the outbreak. However, in the weaning site, the lack of rodent program in some unexplored areas of the barn (false ceiling) was responsible of a longer time of resolution of the outbreak. An unusual support treatment approach from human medicine suggestion was also applied using acetylsalicylic acid for its antiphlogistic and antithrombotic effects.ConclusionsTo control the rodent population in a pig farm is often difficult and requires a deep knowledge also of the rodents habits. Considering the lack of treatment for the disease and the absence of available vaccines in several Countries, acetylsalicylic acid might be of interest for further studies as an important support for pigs’ recovery.

Mixing materials in false ceilings to increase sound diffusion in education spaces

According to the International standards on education spaces, in situ acoustic tests should achieve specific reverberation time targets. Since the match between predictive formulas and measurements increase with the sound field diffuseness, it is extremely important to pursue such condition through proper design choices. For example, false ceilings can play a key role in controlling room acoustic features; however, the use of such elements is generally considered only for absorption purposes. For this reason, the present work concerns mixing materials in false ceilings within a group of teaching spaces here taken as case studies. The alternation of materials with different acoustic impedances has been investigated through experimental acoustic measurements and numerical models in order to assess the related sound diffusion increase. The ceiling treatment here proposed proved to be an efficient and smart method to exploit diffraction effects along material discontinuities junctions. The match between early design predictive formulas and the results of the acoustic measurements enhanced the reliability of the acoustic design process and set up a potential new guideline for indoor acoustic treatments.

Characterization and under Water Action Behaviour of a New Plaster-Based Lightened Composites for Precast.

Plaster is a construction material widely used for the production of prefabricated parts in building construction due to its high capacity for hygrothermal regulation, its good mechanical performance, and its fireproof nature, among other factors. Its historical use has been linked to ornamental elements, although more recent research is oriented towards the industrialisation of plaster composites and the design of prefabricated parts for false ceilings and interior partitions. In this work, the behaviour against water of four new plaster-based composite materials is studied, using additions of two types of super absorbent polymers (sodium polyacrylate and potassium polyacrylate) and a lightening material (vermiculite) in their manufacturing process. In addition, the transmission of water vapour through the samples was studied together with the water absorption capacity of the samples in order to check the suitability of the use of plaster-based materials exposed to these environments. The results of this study show that composites with the addition of super absorbent polymers as well as vermiculite significantly improve their water performance compared to traditional materials up to 7.3% water absorption with a minimal (13%) reduction in mechanical strength compared to current materials with similar additions. In this sense, a plaster material is obtained with wide possibilities of application in the construction sector that favours the development of sustainable and quality buildings, in line with Goal 9 for Sustainable Development included in the 2030 Agenda.

Energy-Performance Concrete Roof Slabs in Hot Climates Using Air Ventilation and False Ceiling with Baffles Shape: A Numerical and Modeling Study

The thermal performance of a concrete roof between the main slab (concrete slab) and secondary slab (gypsum board) has been investigated in this work with and without a ventilator. The hourly averaged climatic data (combined optical and thermal condition) of the external roof surface was used as the resource for the boundary conditions of Erbil city (Kurdistan Region, Iraq). The results of measuring the effects of using a ventilator between the concrete slabs and gypsum boards indicated that the moving air in the layer between slabs by using the ventilation process has more effect in cooling roofs and the room temperature had less than that of slabs that do not use ventilation, and so using baffle shape gypsum board as the secondary slabs for air turbulence to increase air velocity, the number of mass flow rates have more efficient in the cooling process and fast the cooling process, the surface temperature was reduced by (4.5oC and 3.6 oC) with the mass flow rates of (3.5kg/s) and (2kg/s) respectively, this is due to moving air makes roof slab cool and loss the heat that transfers through the slabs, so using this technique for an exciting roof is a good choice