Sustainable Construction Principles Research Articles

Evolution of Confinement Stress in Axially Loaded Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Stub Columns: Study on Enhancing Urban Building Efficiency

In the context of green building and sustainable urban development, understanding the mechanical behavior of structural components like concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns is crucial due to their improved load-bearing capacity, energy efficiency, and optimized material usage, which enhance structural resilience and sustainability. This research addresses the complex development of confining stress and its impact on the concrete core (CC) behavior within these columns, which are essential for urban infrastructure. Through extensive numerical studies, this study proposes a model to estimate the confining stress in axially loaded CFST short columns. Study findings reveal that the confinement effectiveness is influenced by variables such as compressive strength (CS) of the concrete, cross-sectional shape, and depth-to-wall thickness percentage. Additionally, the confinement is also significantly affected by the yield strain of steel εy/εc to the peak strain of unconfined concrete εc. A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was built for the simulation of the columns’ nonlinear behavior and was rigorously validated against experimental data. This model aids in the design and implementation of more efficient and resilient urban structures, supporting the principles of sustainable construction. The study underscores the importance of structural integrity in sustainable urban development and provides valuable insights for improving the design of green building materials.

Enhancing High-Temperature Performance of Flexible Pavement with Plastic-Modified Asphalt.

Previous studies indicate that traditional asphalt mixtures lack the ability to withstand the stresses caused by heavy traffic volumes under high temperatures. To enhance the rutting resistance of flexible pavement under high levels of temperature and loading, extensive laboratory experiments were carried out. A 60/70 grade bitumen was used as a neat sample for comparison. The study introduced three distinct polymers, polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), at varying concentrations by weight into the neat bitumen. Initially, conventional tests were performed to evaluate the conventional properties of both the neat and modified bitumen, while aggregate tests assessed the mechanical properties of the aggregates. Subsequently, a Marshall mix design was performed to determine the optimum bitumen content (OBC) in the asphalt mixture. Finally, wheel-tracking tests were performed under a specific load and temperature to investigate the rutting behavior of the modified asphalt mixtures. The results of this comprehensive study revealed that the modified asphalt mixtures displayed improved resistance to rutting compared to the neat asphalt mixture. Furthermore, it was also observed that the LDPE exhibited a superior performance against rutting, followed by the PP and ABS. At polymer contents of 3%, 5%, and 7%, the LDPE achieved reductions in rut depth of 13%, 24%, and 33%, respectively, outperforming both PP- and ABS-modified asphalt. These findings not only enhance our understanding of asphalt behavior under diverse conditions but also highlight the potential of plastic-modified asphalt as an effective solution for mitigating rutting problems in road pavements. By incorporating plastic modifiers into asphalt mixtures, this approach aligns with the principles of sustainable construction by reducing plastic waste while improving pavement durability and performance.

Utilization of High-Performance Concrete Mixtures for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

The presented experimental program focuses on the design of high-performance dry concrete mixtures, which could find application in advanced manufacturing technologies, for example, additive solutions. The combination of high-performance concrete (HPC) with advanced or additive technologies provides new possibilities for constructing architecturally attractive buildings with high material requirements. The purpose of this study was to develop a dry mixture made from high-performance concrete that could be distributed directly in advanced or additive technologies of solutions in pre-prepared condition with all input materials (except for water) in order to reduce both financial and labor costs. This research specifically aimed to improve the basic strength characteristics—including mechanical (assessed using compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, and flexural strength tests) and durability properties (assessed using tests of resistance to frost, water, and defrosting chemicals)—of hardened mixtures, with partial insight into the rheology of fresh mixtures (consistency as assessed using the slump-flow test). Additionally, the load-bearing capacity of the selected mixtures in the form of specimens with concrete reinforcement was tested using a three-point bending test. A reference mixture with two liquid plasticizers—the first based on polycarboxylate and polyphosphonate and the second based on polyether carboxylate—was modified using a powdered plasticizer based on the polymerization product Glycol to create a dry mixture; the reference mixture was compared with the developed mixtures with respect to the above-mentioned properties. In general, the results show that the replacement of the aforementioned liquid plasticizers by a powdered plasticizer based on the polymerization product Glycol in the given mixtures is effective up to 5% (of the cement content) with regard to the mechanical and durability properties. The presented work provides an overview of the compared characteristics, which will serve as a basis for future research into the development of additive manufacturing technologies in the conditions of the Czech Republic while respecting the principles of sustainable construction.

Analysis of the life cycle concrete with the addition of polypropylene fibers

In accordance with the principles of sustainable construction, the results of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique are useful inputs to the decision-making process when designing a building. This article presents such an analysis of a finished building product, which is a modified concrete mix. The calculations took into account the phases of the A1–A4 cycle, i.e. from the extraction of raw materials to the transport of the finished material to the construction site. Test results for concrete mixes and 28-day solid concrete are presented in tabular form. Based on all the test results obtained, it was found that the addition of waste polypropylene fibres has a positive effect on the key properties for the floor concrete. It has been found that proper processing of banding tapes or other polypropylene waste into macro-fibres can be a good example of proper waste management and can contribute to a significant reduction in residual waste. This additive is emission-free and sourced from recycling, making it an excellent alternative to commonly used dispersed reinforcement.

Hygrothermal Performance of the Hemp Concrete Building Envelope

The search for environmentally friendly and low-carbon-footprint construction materials continues progressively. Researchers are now interested in innovative materials that connect with the principles of sustainable construction, and materials such as hemp concrete prove to be promising. This article presents the results of a study that aimed to evaluate the hygrothermal performance of hemp concrete integrated into the building envelope using the hygrothermal tool WUFI Pro 6.2. The simulation model was compared and verified with existing models before its utilization for this study. The results of this verification were in good agreement, which gave us more confidence in its application for further parametric studies of building envelopes in hot climate zones. Three wall systems were simulated: (i) a wall system with hemp concrete, (ii) a compressed earth block wall, and (iii) a cement block wall. The most important variables used in the simulations were the hygrothermal properties of the materials or wall components and the incident solar radiation. The simulation results showed that hemp concrete has good thermal performance and temperature and humidity regulation capabilities of the building envelope. The interior surface temperatures of the hemp concrete walls were between 22.1 °C and 24.6 °C compared to the compressed earth block and cement block walls, where the surface temperatures were between 22.0 °C and 27 °C and between 21.2 °C and 28.7 °C, respectively, and between 23 °C and 45 °C for the exterior temperatures. These values remain the same with the increase in exterior temperatures for hemp concrete walls. In conclusion, hemp concrete could be a great alternative material for use in construction for hot climate zones.

The performance optimization of concrete bricks using a sagu fiber

Sagu (sinonggi/kapurung) is a typical food of the Tolaki ethnic group. Sagu (Metroxylon sagu rottb) is an endemic plant in Southeast Sulawesi Province. So far, sagu waste in the form of fibers (sagu fiber) has not been optimally utilized. Sagu fiber waste is only left to mount; some are dumped into the river, so it is feared that it could pollute the environment. Through innovation in reducing waste in the principles of sustainable construction, sagu fiber will be used as an added material to manufacture concrete brick wall pairs. This study aimed to test the compressive strength and water absorption capacity of sagu fiber concrete bricks with variations of 0%, 50%, 60%, and 70% sagu fiber under the sand. This study uses an experimental method with stages such as preparing work tools and work materials, making test objects, and testing. Data were analyzed using mathematical formulas for the compressive strength of concrete bricks and water absorption capacity, compared with SNI 3-0349-1989 for solid concrete bricks, and analyzed comparatively. Based on the test results in this research laboratory, it is concluded that a balanced composition to get good quality is found in 70% sagu fiber and 30% sand.

Experimental analysis of timber-concrete composite behaviour with synthetic fibres

With the growing importance of the principles of sustainable construction, the use of load-bearing timber-concrete composite structures is becoming increasingly popular. Timber-concrete composite offers wider possibilities for the use of timber in construction, especially for large-span structures. The most significant benefit from combining these materials can be obtained by providing a rigid connection between the timber and concrete layers, which can be obtained by the adhesive timber-to-concrete connection produced by the proposed stone chips method. A sustainable solution involves the abandonment of steel longitudinal reinforcement. The use of such a solution in practice is often associated with fears of a fragile collapse. Therefore, the issue of how to increase the safety factor of the proposed material is topical now. The experimental investigation is made to determine the effect of synthetic fibre use on timber-concrete composite behaviour by testing a series of timber-concrete composite specimens with and without fibres in the concrete layer. The obtained results show that adding 0.5 % of synthetic macro fibres allows to abandon the use of longitudinal steel reinforcement and prevents the formation of large cracks in concrete and the disintegration of the concrete layer in case of collapse.

A framework to evaluate sustainable construction principles in government building projects: the case of Jordan

PurposeThis study aimed to provide a framework that includes the principles of sustainable construction to evaluate their application in the construction of government building projects in various environmental, economic, and social aspects distributed over the project phases throughout its life cycle.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods from literature review and analysis of sustainability assessment tools were used to design the framework. The designed framework included six main categories, comprising 19 indicators that include sustainable building principles to assess application levels in government construction projects. It was used to evaluate applying sustainability practices in Jordanian government construction projects. 133 questionnaires were distributed to a convenience sample of three government institutions concerned with the design, implementation, and management of government buildings in Jordan.FindingsAfter collecting the quantitative data, the results showed that there is an application of six sustainability principles during the initial planning, analysis, and design stages of Jordanian government construction projects. The results focused on the application levels in social sustainability principles versus environmental and economical, especially in the operating stages during the project life cycle.Originality/valueThis study contributes by providing a tool to evaluate the sustainability of government construction projects and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of these types of buildings in both the short and long term by making them more sustainable. Subsequently, recommendations are made on reorienting government construction projects toward a sustainable building approach.

Green building as a direction of sustainable development: essence, tasks, principles, benefits, prospects

The construction industry plays an important role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reducing the impact on climate change through the introduction of green building principles. So the article has been devoted to this type of construction as an important area of sustainable development. The interaction of climate change and construction activities has been substantiated in the article. Tasks and principles of sustainable construction have been analyzed. The economic, ecological and social benefits of green construction have been studied. The difference between traditional and green construction has been described. The current state of development of sustainable construction in Ukraine and the world has been considered. Prospects for green construction in Ukraine have been identified. The urgency and necessity of its implementation in our country have been proved.

Identification of development drivers of using “green” technologies in investment and construction projects of the Russian Federation

A high level of energy consumption per GDP unit is typical for the territories of the Russian Federation. Technical wear and tear and obsolescence of technological and energetic equipment, high energy losses in buildings and structures are the main reasons that caused a high level of energy intensity of GDP. Rapid population growth and competition for limited resources have further increased the need to design and construct buildings using sustainable construction technologies. These buildings must be able to maintain quality of life and ultimately ensure longterm human survival. The construction industry plays an important role in preserving the environment through the rational use of resources and assets that require the immediate massive implementation of the principles and methods of sustainable construction. One of the components of the principles of sustainable construction is the use of “green” technologies in construction projects, reconstruction, and overhaul of structures. The Russian Federation has a huge potential in reducing the negative impact of the construction industry on the environment and the social sphere. That is why it is very important to develop methodological foundations which are conducive to the successful development of the so-called “green” construction market in all regions of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the main constraints to the development of “green” technologies. This article is intended to identify obstacles to the implementation of the “green” construction from the general contractors’ point of view. The article identifies points of growth based on the identified problem areas. Growth points are needed to form further positive dynamics of construction volumes using “green” technologies. The identified development drivers will contribute to the expansion of demand and provide a multiplicative stimulating effect on related sectors of the investment and construction complex soon.

Building Sustainability Assessment Methods: current update

The major reason that promoted the development of systems to support environmental performance assessment of buildings was the effective realisation, in some countries, that they were unable to say how sustainable a building was. Later researchers and government agencies understood that assessment tools are the best method to demonstrate the level of sustainability of all types of constructions. These can improve the education for a sustainable society, because it can promote understanding between the principles of sustainable construction and the user. Within this, several countries have developed their own methods for sustainability assessment adapted to their reality and presenting them as capable of guiding the overall performance of this sector. Most of these methods are based on local rules and legislation, in locally conventional construction technologies, with the default weight of each indicator set according to the actual local socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts. Through the years, these methods have contributed to the growth of the awareness about criteria and objectives of sustainability, and they have been improved to a more holistic approach. They become a reference to assess the sustainability of buildings in particular and construction in general.This paper proposes to present the evolution of these methods after twenty-five years, comparing and critical analysing the most recognised ones. It will expose the results of comparation, regarding criteria, weights and final scores, and presented the new path these methods are now tracing. A new trend for method to support design rather than certifying an erected building is also presented. In conclusions it will be discussed the pros and cons of the appearance of them and their improvements.

Improving Sustainability in University Environment: The Stakeholders’ Viewpoints

Improvements on practices and materials have made it reasonable to do what might have been unlikely just few years ago; however, much remains to be done in order to reduce the environmental impact of our structures so as to achieve sustainable built environment. The study therefore assessed the sustainable practices in a university environment in North East Nigeria with a view to developing strategies that will improve sustainable construction in the built environment. This was done through the interview of six stakeholders who played active roles in the design, construction and occupation of the buildings. In addition, document analysis was carried out on the design and change orders. Findings indicated that users’ need and sustainable resources were incorporated during the design stage; the use of locally sourced materials during construction stage was also evident. Several challenges were also encountered such as how to integrate sustainable and innovative materials and with the features that were obtainable in North-East Nigeria, incomplete design information and specifications because designers were United States based who had limited information on the terrain of the location. The strategies adopted were traceable to the design and construction stages of the buildings based on the lessons learnt from the 1st building. The study has been able to give several insights in terms of innovations adopted in the construction of two buildings using sustainable construction principles which could be leveraged on by other institutions of higher learning in terms of theoretical and practical perspectives for students and practitioners in the industry when they are engaged in similar projects.

Sustainable construction practices in the execution of infrastructure projects

PurposeIn responding to global issues of creating sustainable development, the Indonesian government has enacted regulations (i.e. Ministry of Public Works and Housing No. 05/PRT/M/2015) on the implementation of sustainable construction in infrastructure project execution. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the means of implementing sustainable principles in the execution of infrastructure projects in Indonesia by the main construction service providers and their partners. A lesson-learned is presented as a source of knowledge to underpin the extensive implementation of sustainable principles in the construction of infrastructure projects leading to an integrated approach in creating a sustainable infrastructure that fulfills the requirements of sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThe method used is questionnaire surveys with Indonesian construction practitioners who are working on building construction, road and bridge construction, water facilities construction and house and settlement construction.FindingsFrom the results, the practices of sustainability principles by construction service providers in infrastructure project execution are imperative from the project procurement phase. The evaluation continues to the phase of construction project execution, which reveals the inconsiderable performance of sustainability indicators due to current constraints on the implementation of sustainability principles.Originality/valueThis research looks into the existing gaps between sustainable construction principles and their practical implementation in Indonesian infrastructure projects. This will foster a holistic approach in the practice of undertaking sustainable procurement processes, thus reinforcing project management techniques in the phase of sustainable construction project execution. This also strengthens the interrelated roles and responsibilities of project stakeholders by taking into account principles of safety, balance and the harmony of infrastructure and the environment.

Evaluation of Traditional Şirince Houses According to Sustainable Construction Principles

Sirince is a village which has unique traditional building samples and which is heavily influenced by the influx of tourists in the summer season for the last decade. Many buildings in Sirince have changed function due to tourism activities and a significant amount of them have been renovated. Besides, some new buildings has been constructed from modern building materials such as reinforced concrete in the settlement. Since the management plan has not yet put into force in the region, excessive interventions can be seen in renovations and restorations. However, the settlement is still facing a decrease in population for some reasons. In order to preserve the population of Sirince the sustainability of the region has to be ensured and the existing historical and architectural texture has to be preserved. This study mainly focuses on the evaluation of Sirince according to sustainable construction principles and suggests some interventions in order to increase the sustainability. As a first statement it can be mentioned that, tourism has to be viewed as a means rather than an end to improve the sustainability of the settlement. The constructions has to be carried out according to ecology based principles, a healthy built environment has to be created and non-renewable natural sources has to be used efficiently to increase the sustainability in constructions. Excessive restoration interventions has to be prevented, traditional materials and techniques has to be preserved. Reusing and recycling of materials has to be evaluated in order to make environment-friendly applications.

REVIEWING GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES ON IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION

Sectoral development activities, lack of standards on eco-systematic approach, prioritizing short-term outcomes, and ignoring the holistic and comprehensive prospects of sustainability have led to environmental degradation. Therefore, the Indonesian government has realized the importance of implementing sustainable development concepts in every phase of infrastructure project life-cycle. This paper reviews the existing government regulations on sustainable construction implementation guidelines, which underlie the execution of infrastructure project throughout five phases of project life-cycle, namely (1) programming, (2) technical planning, (3) construction execution, (4) utilization, and (5) demolition. A relook at existing regulation in term of providing more technical concepts on implementing the sustainable principles throughout the infrastructure project life-cycle is necessary to help both the construction services users and providers in implementing sustainable construction principles in Indonesia. The outcome of this review can serve as a guide to develop a technical concept for the implementation of the sustainable construction in infrastructure projects in order to create sustainable development in Indonesia.

Sustainability assessment of construction practices in India using inductive content analysis of research literature

A triple-bottom-line (TBL) centric review and assessment of construction practices in India has been conducted using qualitative, inductive content analysis of 68 research papers. The analysis resulted in creation of 13 categories, with 6 categories under social, 4 categories under environmental and 3 categories under economic dimensions. The categories, interpreted in light of an existing sustainable construction framework, revealed wide divergence between the current construction practices in India and those required for sustainable construction under all three dimensions. Using a Concept Map, the complex inter-relationships between various categories are demonstrated and measures required to ensure compliance with sustainable construction principles are highlighted. The concept map also provides multiple propositions that hold significant promise for future research on sustainable construction in India. This study contributes to better understanding of the broader sustainable construction scenario in India and can be used by industry practitioners, researchers as well as policymakers.

Sustainability of Construction Processes – Requirements, Criteria, Evaluation Concept

The application of the principles of sustainable construction in practice is covered by research and legislative works, the effect of which are standards and other documents helping designers and investors in the assessment of construction products and buildings in their life cycle. The research, presented in the literature, focus primarily on the study of environmental impacts, particularly in the phase of manufacturing building products. However, there are no in-depth studies on the assessment of construction processes. This paper focuses on the analysis and evaluation of construction processes, from the perspective of the sustainable development requirements. The proposed methodology allows a systematic analysis of the three pillars of sustainable construction, i.e. the environmental, economic and social aspects, based on quantitative assessment indicators. Due to a limited scientific recognition in the area of social aspect assessment, it was subjected to a particularly thorough analysis and a procedure allowing the evaluation of the impact of construction works on the neighbourhood (surroundings) was developed. Noise, emissions of substances as well as vibrations and shocks were considered as the representative indicators characterizing the social aspect of the effects of construction on the environment. This approach is justified by the high harmfulness of these factors to health in the work environment. Depending on the nature of the impacts, their values were determined based on the noise level (noise), the concentration of respirable dusts (emissions of substances) as well as peak particle velocity and vibration levels (vibrations and shocks). It is recommended to represent them in the assessment by multiplicity of standards or reference levels. The proposed method of analysis of building processes may be applied to the planning of construction works with the least adverse impact on the environment.

Executive Problems During the Realization of the Investment in Accordance with The LEED Certification Requirements – Case Study

Sustainable Construction (SC) occupies a significant place in the activities aimed at achieving the objectives of Sustainable Development (SD). The construction sector has been identified as one of six markets with high innovation potential and going to meet the challenge of taking a number of initiatives aiming to introduce principles of Sustainable Construction. One of the most dynamically developing SC initiatives is the implementation of international environmental certification of buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is among the most popular ecological certification systems, which is designed to provide building owners and managers with a tool to identify and implement practical and measurable solutions in the field of environmentally friendly building design, their construction, use and maintenance. The authors of the article had the opportunity to cooperate with the contractor during the realization of the facility according to the requirements of LEED, observing the implementation standards processes to be met by a certified building during its construction. A building for office use was erected in the center of one of the cities in Poland and aspired for the highest, platinum level in the LEED classification. During the process of erecting, the authors could observe difficulties in realizing the assumptions that the object should meet. In this article, will be presented selected from the occurred implementation problems that took place in the indicated facility.

The Utilization of Recycled Materials for Concrete and Cement Production- A Review

The utilization of recycled materials is one of the seven principles of sustainable construction. These principles based on the efficient use of resources were defined by the International Council of Building in 1994. Recycled materials such as recycled concrete aggregate or recycled brick aggregate from construction and demolition waste, waste glass from municipal waste or recycled waste gypsum from gypsum boards are able to use as replacement of primary raw materials in cement and concrete production. Concrete and cement production totally depends on the natural resources. The world production of concrete has been twelve times increased during last six decades. Nowadays, nearly one ton of concrete is produced each year for every human being in the world on average. On one hand, the use of recycled materials in cement and concrete production helps to reduce raw materials and urban land occupation. However, on the other hand, the recycled materials used as partial replacement of raw materials influence properties of final product. This paper reviews the different uses of recycled materials in cement and concrete production and the effect of the properties of these materials to the cement and concrete quality.

THE INTERACTION OF FLOODS WITH TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Current demands on transport infrastructure are very often associated with the terms of “sustainability, availability and affordability”. The first term directly refers to the basic principles of sustainable construction in transport infrastructure, primarily motorway and railways, and how they are related to a very significant consumption of land, energy and natural aggregates. This paper is focused on the other two terms, availability and affordability. These principles are intended to guarantee proper functioning of communication even in nonstandard situations such as natural hazards, most typically floods. To avoid a total collapse of transport infrastructure, the term robustness is often applied, recognizing that this term is not a substitute for another outcome – namely a more expensive structure. The paper shows the possibilities for elimination of the negative impact of floods on transport infrastructure as they relate to different types of interaction and different types of floods.