Utilization Of Sustainable Materials Research Articles

A Novel Technique for Substrate Toughening in Wood Single Lap Joints Using a Zero-Thickness Bio-Adhesive.

In contemporary engineering practices, the utilization of sustainable materials and eco-friendly techniques has gained significant importance. Wooden joints, particularly those created with polyurethan-based bio-adhesives, have garnered significant attention owing to their intrinsic environmental advantages and desirable mechanical properties. In comparison to conventional joining methods, adhesive joints offer distinct benefits such as an enhanced load distribution, reduced stress concentration, and improved aesthetic appeal. In this study, reference and toughened single-lap joint samples were investigated experimentally and numerically under quasi-static loading conditions. The proposed research methodology involves the infusion of a bio-adhesive into the wooden substrate, reinforcing the matrix of its surfaces. This innovative approach was developed to explore a synergetic effect of both wood and bio-adhesive. The experimentally validated results showcase a significant enhancement in joint strength, demonstrating an 85% increase when compared to joints with regular pine substrates. Moreover, the increased delamination thickness observed in toughened joints was found to increase the energy absorption of the joint.

Sustainable Improvements in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of AA2017-Aluminum Nitride Composites: A Comprehensive Investigation and Numerical Analysis

An AA2017-aluminum nitride composite was created through stir casting, and its tribological properties, like hardness and wear rate were examined by varying the aluminum nitride content from 5% to 15%. A numerical model was established to predict the wear rates of aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs), and the accuracy of the model was confirmed through an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings demonstrated that the addition of aluminum nitride to AA2017 resulted in improved mechanical and wear characteristics for the composites. Furthermore, the utilization of sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques underscores the potential for environmentally responsible engineering solutions in material science and manufacturing processes. Aluminum nitride emerged as a critical component in enhancing the wear resistance of the metal matrix composites, contributing to their overall durability and sustainability.

A timeless journey of strength and beauty: The potentials of the use of stone in architecture

Use of stone in architecture has been an enduring and timeless tradition throughout history, withstanding the test of time from ancient civilizations to today’s architecture. The durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal of stone make it an exceptional material for creating striking architectural designs. Stone has been used for centuries, as an integral part of architecture since ancient times and its importance still holds true in contemporary architecture being a popular building material today. In this context, this study examines the key features of stone that make it such a vital material for architectural design by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of using stone for architecture. The paper examines the role of stone in architecture and explores how contemporary projects have utilized stone in innovative and creative ways also delves into the significance and beauty of stone architecture, highlighting its history, durability and aesthetic appeal. The research methodology includes the analysis of case studies of contemporary projects crafted from stone, examining the design process, materials and techniques used. The case studies analyzed in this paper demonstrate the versatility of stone in contemporary architecture. The projects showcase how stone can be used in innovative ways, including the creation of sculptural forms, the incorporation of technology and the utilization of sustainable materials. The paper argues that stone's timeless qualities, durability and versatility make it an ideal material for contemporary architecture, particularly in achieving sustainability and aesthetic appeal. The study concludes that the use of stone in architecture remains crucial in creating robust, sustainable and attractive structures that stand the test of time.

The effect of recycled date palm tree fibers on the impact fatigue and residual static strength of adhesively bonded joints

The role of natural fibers on the impact fatigue strength of bonded single lap joints (SLJs) has been experimentally investigated. The use of natural fiber offers several advantages, including the potential to recycle natural resources and the utilization of sustainable materials. Four types of natural date palm tree fibers (DPTFs) including Rachis, Petiole, Bunch, and Mesh were used to improve the impact fatigue life and the residual static strength of joints after enduring repetitive low energy impacts. The fibers were treated by 6 wt% of NaOH solution and cut manually to short size (0.5–2 mm) and were used by weight ratios of 2 and 5 %. The results show that the addition of DPTFs to the adhesive layer significantly improves the impact fatigue strength of the reinforced joints compared to neat adhesive SLJs. The joints reinforced by 5 wt% and 2 wt% of Mesh improved the impact fatigue life of the joints by 197 % and 87 %, respectively. The impact fatigue life of the joints modified by 5 wt% of fibers was more than the joints reinforced by 2 wt%. Fractography analysis also showed that DPTFs make the crack propagation more stable and increase the strength of the tested joints on different conditions.

Identifying Risks in Implementing Sustainable Building Materials in Condominium Fit-out Projects Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Regardless of achieving sustainability through building materials, there are always risks when implementing new techniques and methods. Since this research focused on condominium fit-out projects' utilization of sustainable materials, it will be useful if risks associated should be identified and analyzed first. The motivation for risk identification in this research focused on the environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability and risk criteria were identified through various literature reviews. The criteria include the following RC1-Adopting with the utilization of sustainable materials, RC2-Appropriate material selections and specifications, RC3-Availability of sustainable materials, RC4-Affordability of sustainable materials, RC5-Project delivery and schedule, and RC6-Scheme of a life-cycle. Prioritization of risk criteria was conducted by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the ratings gathered from surveyed construction professionals. The data presented showed that a geometric mean (GM) of normalized principal eigenvector value made three (3) main criteria on top of the list. Namely, RC4 with GM=14.89% at rank number 3; RC6 at rank number 2 with GM=16.22%, and the criterion which garnered a unanimous ranking for all respondents at topmost priority is RC5 having a GM=38.77%. The results obtained can be a guide in planning, navigating, and obtaining significant and favorable results in sustainable initiatives.

On the influence of concrete-straw-plaster envelope thermal mass on the cooling and heating loads for different climatic zones of India

Incorporating insulation material in the building envelope is one of the simple yet effective passive techniques aimed at mitigating the energy consumption in buildings. The development and utilization of sustainable materials with heat insulating capacity as an alternative to synthetic insulations is a promising path towards reduced carbon footprint of buildings. The insulation potential of straw, an agricultural waste, in the context of the wide-ranging climate of India is the focus of the current work. Cooling and/or heating load analysis over 24 h of a representative summer and winter day is performed through transient numerical analysis for five climatic zones of India. Three building envelope configurations possible with retrofitting straw insulation (placed on the outside or inside or equally on either side) over existing walls/roof are compared. Four different thicknesses (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm) of the straw insulation are considered for analysis. Recommendations of envelope configuration with insulation are proposed based on energy and cost savings for the different climatic zones. Overall, the case of straw insulation split on either side performs the best. Energy savings in the range of 67–96% is achievable with the addition of just 10 cm thick straw across different climatic zones. The work also presents a comparison of the straw envelope performance against different types of envelopes based on sustainable materials found in literature.