Welcome to October 2024 issue of Engineering Sustainability. This issue presents six papers with diverse range of topics: responsible sourcing in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector (Ball et al., 2024); pore structure performance of dune sand mortar with ceramic waste (Ghrieb et al., 2024); asphalt pavement repair technologies and materials (Yao et al., 2024); constructing prefabricated subway stations under open excavation (Wu et al., 2024), impact of residential block morphology on outdoor thermal comfort (Sadeghian et al., 2024), and analysis of floating solar photovoltaic systems on hydro reservoirs (Mamatha and Kulkarni, 2024).
In the first paper, Ball et al. (2024) examines individuals’ lived experiences of the AEC sector’s uptake of BES 6001 (Framework standard for responsible sourcing; BRE, 2022). Employing a phenomenological methodology and semi-structured interviews, the authors aim to determine insights and themes, and propose methods for improving the sourcing process towards a more responsible and sustainable future. The study concludes with identification of benefits as well as barriers to implementing BES 6001 and provides recommendations for accreditation requirements and future revisions of the standard.
The second paper focuses on the application of construction waste in creating mortar. Ghrieb et al. (2024) presents an experimental study which investigates the effect of including crushed ceramic waste (CCW) and crushed brick waste (CBW) on mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of dune sand mortar. The results of this study demonstrate enhancements in compactness and mechanical strength of dune sand mortar as well as increases in dynamic modulus of elasticity as a result of replacing 15% of the sand with CCW and CBW. This in turn can contribute to manufacturing more economical and ecological mortars with potential applications in construction and rehabilitation of built environment structures.
Yao et al. (2024) provides a literature review of existing repair technologies and materials for asphalt pavements. Several repair technologies such as crack sealing, overlay and hot in-place recycling, as well as most common used repair materials (asphalt and cement) were discussed in the paper. The review also investigates and compares the performance, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of alternative repair materials including epoxy resin, polyurethane, and hydrogel. Preventative maintenance, emerging technologies such as self-healing and microcapsule technology, and novel innovative binder materials were recommended for the direction of the future development of asphalt pavement repair field of work.
The fourth paper by Wu et al. (2024) presents a modular design method as well as novel connection technologies for construction of prefabricated subway stations under open excavation. The paper states that prefabricated construction is important for efficient and sustainable development of rail transit infrastructure. The proposed fully prefabricated designs were applied to Shenzhen Metro in China. It is concluded that the proposed modular design method and prefabrication technology is sufficiently adaptable and is also beneficial for maintenance and replacement activities. The technology can be part of the solution to the spatial contradictions and assembly difficulties in the construction of subway stations through integration with a layered and periodic construction sequence.
Sadeghian et al. (2024) investigates the impact of residential block morphology on outdoor thermal comfort by conducting urban microclimate analysis. Using a descriptive-analytical method, four different design options of a residential complex in the City of Isfahan, Iran (with a hot-arid climate) were selected and assessed for outdoor thermal comfort and examination of microclimate parameters. The overall results indicate that in hot-arid climates, microclimate performance of diagonal building layouts, in terms of natural ventilation and being conductive to air changes, is better than those of other design options (compact linear, continuous curved, dispersed cubic); however, curved blocks demonstrated better performance in urban open spaces resulting in better airflow and reducing the urban heat island (UHI) effect.
The final paper of this issue (Mamatha and Kulkarni, 2024) deals with the analysis and conceptual hybrid design of an actual hydropower plant and a simulated floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) plant. The paper presents the feasibility of using FSPV in five reservoir dams in India considering relevant factors and metrics such as power generation, carbon dioxide reductions, water savings and extra hydropower by assessing two types of floating structures (type 1: floating platform and type 2: pontoon type). The results indicate that the proposed hybridisation leads to significant increase in energy generation, hydropower plant efficiency, cost and water savings, and carbon dioxide reductions. This will support diversification of energy portfolio, risk reduction and generation of sustainable energy which will ultimately promote sustainable development goals.
I hope you enjoy reading the full versions of the papers in issue 5 of Engineering Sustainability for 2024. I would encourage you to check the Virtual Library homepage of the journal on which you can find current and past issues as well as Ahead of Print articles.
