SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Author(s):  
Deepa G. Nair

Affordable housing has become a dream to millions in the world today. Depletion of natural resources together with the increasing price of building materials has aggravated this issue. Sustainable construction is a technological practice that involves the effective utilization of local man power and locally available renewable resources in construction with the help of minimum infrastructure. Alternative technologies which eliminate or rather minimize the utilization energy intensive materials such as concrete, cement and steel form an identity of sustainable construction. Cost Effective and Environment Friendly (CEEF) technological options practicing in the state of Kerala, India is also considered as a sustainable construction practice focusing on affordable housing solutions in the State. This paper presents an overview of CEEF technologies and checks the sustainability of these technological options in the context of Kerala.

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (20) ◽  
pp. 6044
Author(s):  
Michał Łach ◽  
Kinga Pławecka ◽  
Agnieszka Bąk ◽  
Marcin Adamczyk ◽  
Patrycja Bazan ◽  
...  

The paper deals with the possibility of using Phase Change Materials (PCM) in concretes and geopolymer composites. The article presents the most important properties of PCM materials, their types, and their characteristics. A review of the latest research results related to their use in geopolymer materials is presented. The benefits of using PCM in building materials include the improvement of thermal comfort inside the building, and also the fact that the additive in the form of PCM reduces thermal gradients and unifies the temperature inside the concrete mix, which can reduce the risk of cracking. The paper also presents a critical analysis related to the feasibility of mass scale implementations of such composites. It was found that the use of PCM in sustainable construction is necessary and inevitable, and will bring a number of benefits, but it still requires large financial resources and time for more comprehensive research. Despite the fact that PCM materials have been known for many years, it is necessary to refine their form to very stable phases that can be used in general construction as well as to develop them in a cost-effective form. The selection of these materials should also be based on the knowledge of the matrix material.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-72
Author(s):  
M.T.R. Jayasinghe ◽  
C. Jayasinghe ◽  
K.K.G.K.D. Kariyawasam ◽  
L.I.N. De Silva

Increased demand for affordable housing and the limited availability of flat terrain for its construction are two major problems facing the provision of houses of acceptable quality in many countries around the world. There is limited research integrating the utilization of a stepped approach to sloping terrain with appropriate housing models to minimize slope instability potential. This paper introduces a new semi-tiered housing model where the footprint of the house is located on tiers prepared with short vertical cuts of 1.5–2m. Such vertical cuts are found to be stable with laterite soil which is a commonly available type of soil in the tropics. The excess soil generated from cut material was transformed into cement stabilized rammed earth, which is a cost effective material with low embodied energy. This is an ideal candidate for the construction of retaining walls and foundations, and such applications are demonstrated with adequate details. Further, many other types of sustainable building materials are highlighted with a case study of this housing model in a scheme of 13 housing units in Sri Lanka. The attention to detail required in construction and the applicability of alternative building materials and methods to improve the sustainability of such houses have been discussed in detail. These semi-tiered houses have the potential to address many of the current construction challenges.


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Raut

'Kathmandu Valley' is vulnerable to air pollution problem due to its topography, which restricts the wind movement and allows pollutants to remain within the valley. Brick kilns, operating in the Valley, are known to be a prime cause of air pollution. There are currently more than 125 brick kilns operating in Kathmandu valley deteriorating its air quality and degrading the health of the people living near the kilns. Recent studies have found that the concentration of particulate matter in the air in an area with brick kilns is three times higher when the kilns are operating than during the off-season. Similarly, the health of students studying at a school situated near a brick kiln was found to be significantly worse than that of students studying in a similar school but located in an area without brick kilns. Other environmental costs of the brick kilns are the reduction in the soil fertility, reduced visibility, drying ground water sources. The use of an old and inefficient technology called Bull's Trench kilns and low quality fuel are the main causes of the problem. Recently the government has decided to ban Bulls Trench brick kilns in Kathmandu in a year and a half. As a result, entrepreneurs are searching for environment friendly and cost effective alternative technologies. There are some technologies currently in practice in India like Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln, Fixed Chimney Kilns which are environment friendly and economically sound. Introduction to these technologies in Nepal can save both ecology and economy. Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 59-61, 2003


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Mohammadullah Hakim Ebrahimi ◽  
Philippe Devillers ◽  
Eric Garcia-Diaz

Afghanistan suffers from four decades of war, caused a massive migration of the rural population to the cities. Kabul was originally designed for 1,5 million people, where now 5 million people live. The importation of modern western styles housing for rapid reconstruction reveals apparent cultural conflict and significant environmental footprint. The new constructive cultures for sustainable reconstruction should necessary consider the use of local materials combined with modern technologies. Earthen architecture underlies the embodiment of Afghanistan architecture. The aim of this research is to revisit traditional afghan earthen construction with the tools of industrial modernity. Three soils of the Kabul region were first characterized. Then, sun-dried mud brick and compressive earth block, with and without stabilization have been prepared and tested in the laboratory to develop the most suitable earth construction element which is cost effective and easily available compared to the imported modern products.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-78
Author(s):  
Johnson Josiah Marut ◽  
John Okwe ALAEZI ◽  
Igwe Christopher OBEKA

The study reviewed Alternative Building Materials for sustainable construction towards sustainable development. The study was able to identify some Alternative Building Materials, their features, classes (types), and importance for sustainable construction toward sustainable development. The study uses a systematic literature review and content analysis. Some of the Alternative Building Materials include laterite soil, brick wastes, rice husk ash burnt refuse ash, fly ash, periwinkle shell powder, earthworm cast, pulverized burned clay, periwinkle shell aggregate, tubali, earth/mud blocks or bricks, laterite blocks, bamboo for roofing & ceiling, palm front roofing, clay/mud plaster. The classes of the Alternative Building Materials include: modified conventional industrial materials, unconventional/ indigenous/ traditional materials, and modified unconventional/traditional indigenous materials. The features of sustainable construction materials include recyclability, insulation and thermal conductivity and deconstruct ability, availability, manufacturing and price, flexibility and high life time expectancy. The importance of Alternative Building Materials includes: the protection of the environment through reduce energy use and also cutting down CO2 emission, provision of affordable housing, energy conservation, meeting increasing demands for housing stock, provision of employment opportunities, the development and propagation of indigenous technological ingenuity and skills of our local people. The study advocates for the integration of the entire stakeholders in the construction industry towards utilisation of Alternative Building Materials for sustainable construction towards sustainable development. The study also advocates for the cataloguing of all Alternative Building Materials so as to create awareness to all the potential clients and stakeholders of the industry regarding their availability and importance.


Author(s):  
Mr. Pravin Shinde

In India the demand for housing is ever increasing and hence there is an increase in demand for building materials. Providing affordable housing is a challenge for developing country like India. India have an shortage of millions houses. Now days, more than 17 million retired shipping containers are stacked on the port worldwide. Container building still facing the various challenges. To avoid this challenges GFRG panels use as a Walls and Roofs of container house. So, Container house using GFRG panels provide an adequate solutions to the various problems. Building materials which are energy efficient strong and durable at an affordable cost are in great demand GFRG panels are of much relevance in India where there is tremendous need for cost effective mass scale and rapid housing. They are not only eco-friendly, but also resistant to termites, heat, rot, corrosion, water and fire. Concrete infill with vertical reinforcement rods enhances its vertical and lateral load capabilities. Comparative studies of GFRG and conventional buildings have been carried out in the present investigation. Rapid wall panel provides speedier construction and leads to environmental protection. Subsequently, it is a perfect option building material to replace bricks or concrete blocks. GFRG wall is a green product which can erect a building fast in prefabricated method. This paper highlights the positive aspects of GFRG panels with respect to Time, cost of construction Strength, affordability, energy efficiency over the conventional construction materials and its suitability in the Indian Housing Scenario. This research aims in providing adequate shelter for all individuals that is one among the recent challenges long faced by the developing countries. Economical plan and development of structures, utilizing green material is an option in contrast to exhaustion of totals and increment in cost of concrete. Glass fiber reinforced gypsum panel (GFRG) is a green material, which is a rapid wall construction method and a cost effective construction process. With the end goal to enhance the productivity, and decrease of waste, the lean the development has been presented as another administration rule for better execution. In India, the usage of lean administration in the development industry is a noteworthy errand. Because of the absence of consideration and uneducated towards the lean administration guideline the proprietor, contractual worker, engineers and so on are as yet creating a stage to actualize this standard in their task. This venture primarily centers on to recognize the potential outcomes of execution of lean administration in the development industry. This paper shows the probabilities of compelling usage of lean administration guideline in the development industry, which can definitely diminish the use of time, increment the nature of work, and benefit rate by wiping out the wastage of materials. It finally, points in giving lodging to all classes of people, in this way enhancing the economy of India. Going through this study, it will explore & analyze some projects and case studies from many points of views, Geometrically, Architecturally, structurally, financially, and of course environmentally. The deployment of containers as building modules has grown in popularity over the past years due to their inherent strength, modular construction, and relatively low cost. Finally, conclusions are going to be drawn on the important worth of lean construction against the traditional practice with consideration for the future benefits within collaborative technological models.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilanjan Sengupta

Building construction sector can play a major role in reducing Greenhouse Gas emission through application of technologies aimed at reduction of use of building materials. Energy consumed during production of building materials and components plays a crucial role in creating environmental pollution. India is witnessing high growth in urban and rural housing, which needs more production of building materials. Permanent or semi-permanent type buildings which consume easily available conventional materials like brick, reinforced cement concrete etc. can be made Economic and Eco-friendly by lowering use of energy-consuming building materials through Cost-effective Construction Technologies. Buildings with Cost-effective Construction Technology can be designed within the parameters of the existing Indian Standards. Awareness generation among the users, proper technical and architectural guidance and easy availability of skilled manpower are of utmost importance for promotion of cost-effective technologies in India and to make them as the most acceptable case of sustainable building technologies both in terms of cost and environment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 469-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandip S. Magdum ◽  
Gauri P. Minde ◽  
Upendra S. Adhyapak ◽  
V. Kalyanraman

The aim of this work was to optimize the biodegradation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) containing actual textile wastewater for a sustainable treatment solution. The isolated microbial consortia of effective PVA degrader namely Candida Sp. and Pseudomonas Sp., which were responsible for symbiotic degradation of chemical oxidation demand (COD) and PVA from desizing wastewater. In the process optimization, the maximum aeration was essential to achieve a high degradation rate, where as stirring enhances further degradation and foam control. Batch experiments concluded with the need of 16 lpm/l and 150 rpm of air and stirring speed respectively for high rate of COD and PVA degradation. Optimized process leads to 2 days of hydraulic retention time (HRT) with 85–90% PVA degradation. Continuous study also confirmed above treatment process optimization with 85.02% of COD and 90.3% of PVA degradation of effluent with 2 days HRT. This study gives environment friendly and cost effective solution for PVA containing textile wastewater treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1772
Author(s):  
Bimpe Alabi ◽  
Julius Fapohunda

Adequate provision of affordable human settlements is a huge challenge in South Africa since its independence. This paper investigates the effects of the cost increase of building materials on affordable housing delivery in South Africa. With potential solutions for cost minimisation of building materials, with the aim of achieving affordable housing delivery in South Africa are provided. This study uses a sequential mixed methods approach, wherein surveys were conducted among the construction professionals (project managers, site managers architects, site engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, building materials suppliers, and government workers) in the construction industry within Cape Town, South Africa, who were considered as the research participants. The qualitative data obtained from the survey exercise were analysed using content analysis, while the quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive statistical technique on SPSS. The findings attained show fluctuation in construction cost and a rise in maintenance cost (caused by poor workmanship) as significant effects in the cost increase of building materials for affordable housing delivery. Adequate application of the recommendations given in this study will minimise the effects of high cost of building materials and enhance affordable housing delivery. Appropriate handling of the findings given in this study will reduce the effects of the high cost of building materials and augment timely delivery of affordable housing and stakeholders’ satisfaction.


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