Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Sustainability

Discipline
Institution
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 1 - 30 of 427

Full-Text Articles in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Implementation Of Sustainable Project Management (Spm) In The Construction Industry In Indonesia, Ariq Farhan, Titi Sari Nurul Rachmawati Jul 2026

Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Implementation Of Sustainable Project Management (Spm) In The Construction Industry In Indonesia, Ariq Farhan, Titi Sari Nurul Rachmawati

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction industry contributes significantly to economic growth but also carries substantial environmental and social costs. Construction activities generate carbon emissions, consume natural resources, and produce large volumes of waste. Despite growing theoretical development of Sustainable Project Management (SPM) frameworks, empirical evidence on the actual level of SPM implementation in Indonesia's construction sector remains limited. This study aims to identify the factors that influence SPM implementation and measure the level of implementation as perceived by construction professionals. A quantitative survey was administered to 99 professionals across infrastructure, building, and industrial construction sectors in Indonesia. Data were collected through a Likert-scale …


An Ai And Iot Framework For Dynamic Optimization And Sustainability In Smart Cities, Zeinab E. Ahmed, Rashid A. Saeed, Salah Hagahmoodi, Mamoon M. Saeed, Khalid Hamid, Sally D. Abugasim, Eyman F. A. Elsmany Jun 2026

An Ai And Iot Framework For Dynamic Optimization And Sustainability In Smart Cities, Zeinab E. Ahmed, Rashid A. Saeed, Salah Hagahmoodi, Mamoon M. Saeed, Khalid Hamid, Sally D. Abugasim, Eyman F. A. Elsmany

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Smart cities are emerging as a critical solution for creating more efficient, sustainable, and comfortable urban environments. This transformation is primarily driven by the synergistic integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The IoT provides a pervasive network of connected sensors that collect real-time urban data, while AI serves as the analytical engine that processes this information to optimize city-wide systems. This paper presents a comprehensive framework that leverages this AI-IoT convergence for dynamic optimization to achieve long-term urban sustainability. The framework focuses on enabling intelligent, data-driven decision-making across core urban domains. The discussion and analysis …


From Aspiration To Obligation: A Contractual Sustainability Framework For The Egyptian Construction Industry, Salma Ali Jun 2026

From Aspiration To Obligation: A Contractual Sustainability Framework For The Egyptian Construction Industry, Salma Ali

Theses and Dissertations

The construction industry is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and 35% of total waste generation, making it one of the most significant contributors to the global sustainability challenge. In Egypt, that challenge takes a specific contractual form. Egypt’s construction sector contributes approximately 23% of national energy consumption, yet the survey findings reveal that 63.5% of construction professionals report that sustainability clauses rarely or never appear in contracts, and only 11.5% confirm the presence of enforceable provisions with measurable targets. This gap is structural rather than attitudinal. Competitive procurement penalises voluntary sustainability investment, and without contractual obligation, awareness …


A Hybrid Mechano-Thermal Route To Synthesize Reactive Pozzolans From Clay Minerals: A Case Of Kaolinite, Oluwadamilare Charles Adesina, Bryan K. Aylas-Paredes, Brian R. Cherry, Luciano A. Gobbo, Aditya Kumar, Narayanan Neithalath Jun 2026

A Hybrid Mechano-Thermal Route To Synthesize Reactive Pozzolans From Clay Minerals: A Case Of Kaolinite, Oluwadamilare Charles Adesina, Bryan K. Aylas-Paredes, Brian R. Cherry, Luciano A. Gobbo, Aditya Kumar, Narayanan Neithalath

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Aluminosilicate resources from unconventional sources offer promising potential for developing low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), yet their activation typically requires energy-intensive thermal processing. Kaolinite is a geographically abundant and highly attractive precursor clay mineral to reduce the clinker factor in concrete. By integrating mechano- and thermo- chemistry sequentially in a novel hybrid mechano-thermal activation (MTA) strategy for clay mineral activation, the dehydroxylation of pure kaolinite polymorphs KGa-1b and KGa-2 for enhanced pozzolanic reactivity is unlocked at temperatures that are lower than those needed for conventional thermal activation (TA). The mechano-chemical activation (MCA) step that induces significant structural defects and disorder …


Solar Charging Station For Construction Gang Boxes​, Scott J. Burfield Jun 2026

Solar Charging Station For Construction Gang Boxes​, Scott J. Burfield

Construction Management

This senior project explores the feasibility of a solar-powered charging system that attaches to the top of a construction gang box or knack box. The purpose of the project is to provide a cleaner and more convenient way to charge tool batteries and small devices on construction sites. Adding on, it will reduce reliance on generators, extension cords, and temporary power setups by being supplemental support. Research included interviews with construction electricians, product selection, cost estimating, energy calculations, and an evaluation of constructability and project risks. The proposed design uses a 100-watt solar panel, a portable power station, and a …


Building Services Engineering May/June 2026 Jun 2026

Building Services Engineering May/June 2026

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.


Mechanics And Physical Attributes Of Nature-Based Alterations: Rock Reinforcement And Urban Heat Island Assessment, Mary Chikondi Ngoma May 2026

Mechanics And Physical Attributes Of Nature-Based Alterations: Rock Reinforcement And Urban Heat Island Assessment, Mary Chikondi Ngoma

Dissertations

Ground improvement is critical to geotechnical and geo-engineering systems, where modification of the properties of geomaterials (rocks and soils) is required to maintain stability and prevent failure of infrastructure installed within and around them. This need has become increasingly important with rapid urbanization and population growth, which intensify demands on surface and subsurface systems and further challenge the performance of supporting geomaterials. As a result, there is growing interest in nature-based solutions, particularly biologically mediated processes such as biocementation, which can enhance the physical, hydraulic, and mechanical properties of geomaterials while offering environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional ground improvement techniques. …


Building Services Engineering March/April 2026 May 2026

Building Services Engineering March/April 2026

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.


Exploring The Stress-Strain Relationship Of Lightweight Concrete To Enhance The Lifecycle Performance Of Transportation Highways And Bridges, Fariborz M. Tehrani Apr 2026

Exploring The Stress-Strain Relationship Of Lightweight Concrete To Enhance The Lifecycle Performance Of Transportation Highways And Bridges, Fariborz M. Tehrani

Mineta Transportation Institute

Concrete is the primary construction material of bridges, roads, and other transportation infrastructure across the United States, but conventional normal-weight concrete (NWC) is heavy, prone to cracking, and expensive to maintain over time. This study examines the mechanical properties, durability, and lifecycle performance of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWC) and internally cured concrete (ICC) as alternatives in transportation infrastructure applications. Through laboratory testing, computer modeling, and lifecycle analysis, the research evaluates how these materials perform in terms of strength, flexibility, durability, cost, and environmental impact. The results show that LWC and ICC can meet required strength levels while being lighter and …


Sustainability In Concrete: Decision-Makers, Dismissal Points, And A Framework For Implementation, Max Dennison Apr 2026

Sustainability In Concrete: Decision-Makers, Dismissal Points, And A Framework For Implementation, Max Dennison

Construction Management

Concrete is essential to modern infrastructure, but is also one of the largest sources of embodied carbon, with cement production alone responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions. Although low-carbon and otherwise “sustainable” concrete technologies are growing, their use in everyday projects remains limited. This research investigates why sustainable concrete options are most often dismissed during the project lifecycle, who drives these decisions, and what conditions are needed to enable broader adoption. Using a combination of literature review and semi-structured interviews with professionals in contracting, life-cycle assessment, sustainability consulting, and materials production, the study maps decision points from …


Mechanical, Thermal And Fire Behaviour Of Hemp-Based Composites With Different Binders For Sustainable Building Applications, Anilcan Aygun, Fahri Birinci, Selim Aytac, Ali Kemal Ayan, Hasan Alp Sahin, Ibrahim Isildak Mar 2026

Mechanical, Thermal And Fire Behaviour Of Hemp-Based Composites With Different Binders For Sustainable Building Applications, Anilcan Aygun, Fahri Birinci, Selim Aytac, Ali Kemal Ayan, Hasan Alp Sahin, Ibrahim Isildak

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study investigates the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of hemp-based composites produced with traditional binders such as lime, cement, gypsum, clay, and water-based glue. Hemp fractions of different sizes (splinter, shiv, fiber and powder) were combined with these binders to manufacture cube and plate specimens, which were tested for physical, mechanical, thermal, and temperature resistance properties. The study aims to compare the mechanical, physical, thermal, and fire behaviour of these composites to assess their suitability for sustainable construction applications. The hemp-based composites were tested for unit weight, water absorption, compressive strength and thermal conductivity. Most specimens are lightweight (<1000 kg/m3), and exhibit good thermal insulation performance and high compressive deformability, making them suitable for seismic-prone regions. The glue-based composite had the lowest unit weight, measured as 330 kg/m3. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.051 to 0.243 W/m· K, with several mixtures performing better than natural pumice. While cement-based composites showed the highest compressive strength, ranging from 5.5 to 24.8 kg/cm2, natural hydraulic lime is the lowest. Water absorption was high, and moisture release occurred slowly across all hemp fractions. Combustion tests indicated that hemp-based materials have moderate temperature resistance, with charring temperatures ranging from 238–265°C for raw hemp and 300–385°C when mixed with binders. Overall, hemp-based composites are lightweight, eco-friendly, and suitable for non-load-bearing construction and insulation applications. However, improvements in moisture resistance and long-term durability are necessary to enhance their practical applicability.


Sustainability Tool Inventory, Robert Moore, James O'Donnell Mar 2026

Sustainability Tool Inventory, Robert Moore, James O'Donnell

Tools

The purpose of this inventory is to inform Irish organisations, including the private sector, public agencies and semi-states, about Sustainability Tool


Building Services Engineering January/February 2026 Mar 2026

Building Services Engineering January/February 2026

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.


Impact Of Glass Powder As A Sustainable Material On The Workability, Strength, And Durability Properties In High-Performance Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete: A Statistical Analysis, Ahmed Fathi Mohamed Salih Mar 2026

Impact Of Glass Powder As A Sustainable Material On The Workability, Strength, And Durability Properties In High-Performance Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete: A Statistical Analysis, Ahmed Fathi Mohamed Salih

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The global construction sector is increasingly challenged to balance environmental sustainability with the growing demand for durable, high-performance materials. As cement production continues to be a major source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, the incorporation of alternative, low-impact binders has become a key strategy for reducing the environmental footprint of concrete. In this context, glass powder (GP)—a finely ground industrial by-product rich in amorphous silica—has emerged as a promising partial replacement for Portland cement. Its pozzolanic reactivity contributes to improved hydration and matrix densification, while its use also supports circular economy principles by diverting waste glass from landfills. At the same …


Assessing The Current Experiences With Electrically- Powered Construction Vehicles Within The Heavy Civil Industry, Matthew Joseph Beauchesne Mar 2026

Assessing The Current Experiences With Electrically- Powered Construction Vehicles Within The Heavy Civil Industry, Matthew Joseph Beauchesne

Construction Management

Heavy machinery, such as cranes, trucks, dozers, and more, are a necessity to build dams, bridges, highways, and all the other types of projects within the Heavy Civil Construction industry. Traditionally, such machinery is powered using fossil fuels - gas or diesel - which in turn affects both the efficiency and emissions of these vehicles. This study focuses on the prospects of using alternative energy - namely electricity - to power such vehicles, and these electric variants differ from their fossil fuel using versions. The methodology of this paper involved seeking out construction contractors within the Heavy Civil sector who …


Case Study: The Benefits Implementing Azure 3d Printed Homes Onto Dignitymoves Project In San Luis Obispo, Lucy E. Heimer Mar 2026

Case Study: The Benefits Implementing Azure 3d Printed Homes Onto Dignitymoves Project In San Luis Obispo, Lucy E. Heimer

Construction Management

California is actively addressing the challenges of housing shortages and climate change. These challenges have shifted the construction industry, steering the market into finding more sustainable means of construction. This case study evaluates the sustainable benefits of modular construction fabricated by Azure Homes. The focused project is a DignityMoves project in San Luis Obispo where modular units are factory built in El Segundo, CA and set on site. DignityMoves is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide housing for unhoused individuals throughout California. Thus far, DignityMoves has opted to use prefabricated modular units as their primary means of construction on …


A Comparison Of Waste Management Practices In Residential And Commercial Construction, Jayce S. Ford Mar 2026

A Comparison Of Waste Management Practices In Residential And Commercial Construction, Jayce S. Ford

Construction Management

Construction Waste continues to be a major issue within the construction industry, affecting project costs, schedules, and environmental performance. A large portion of construction and demolition materials/ waste ends up in landfills. This is due to poor planning, limited worker training, and inefficient jobsite practices. This research-based senior project examines waste management efficiency on construction jobsites, while comparing and contrasting residential and commercial construction practices. The study evaluates how contractors manage material separation, recycling, reuse, and disposal of common construction waste. These include wood, drywall, concrete, metals, and packaging. A mixed-methods approach is used combining a review of academic and …


The Future Of Commercialized Bamboo Construction, Katie Hunt Mar 2026

The Future Of Commercialized Bamboo Construction, Katie Hunt

Construction Management

Bamboo construction is a niche area of research and development in the sustainable construction realm. The material has impressive structural properties and minimal carbon emissions relative to the world’s most common building materials (concrete, steel, and timber). It has long been used to build homes in tropical regions around the world. Outside of these regions, bamboo is rarely used for construction despite its abundant benefits as a sustainable building material. This report took an interview-based approach to address why bamboo is not more popular in the American commercial construction market and where it has potential for growth in the global …


Evaluating The Feasibility Of Recycled Asphalt Pavement And Warm Mix Asphalt In California Highway Construction, Ryan A. Milanesa Mar 2026

Evaluating The Feasibility Of Recycled Asphalt Pavement And Warm Mix Asphalt In California Highway Construction, Ryan A. Milanesa

Construction Management

California’s highway infrastructure faces increasing material costs, limited aggregate availability, and aggressive greenhouse gas reduction mandates. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) offers a practical solution to reduce virgin binder demand and improve sustainability. However, Caltrans maintains conservative RAP limits due to concerns regarding stiffness related cracking and long term durability. This research evaluates the feasibility of increasing RAP content to approximately 40% when combined with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies under California performance standards. A performance based framework was developed by reviewing federal guidance, peer-reviewed fatigue studies, life cycle cost analysis, and environmental assessment literature. Findings indicate that high RAP mixtures …


Development Of A Novel Innovative Umbrella Falsework System For Concrete Slabs, Abdelazem Hashim Feb 2026

Development Of A Novel Innovative Umbrella Falsework System For Concrete Slabs, Abdelazem Hashim

Theses and Dissertations

Formwork is one of the major elements that contribute to the cost and duration of concrete building projects. This is why optimizing such an element can lead to huge savings to all parties involved in the construction projects. With contractors facing huge challenges in such a competitive industry and employers seeking the least price and least duration for their projects, contractors are constantly under the obligations of finding the best alternatives to deliver their projects in terms of both time and money. Therefore, the main aim of this research project is to develop a falsework system, where the falsework system …


Proposed Modifications To The Egyptian Concrete Code Based On A Comprehensive Sustainability Assessment Of Portland Cement Alternatives For Climate Change Mitigation, Yasmin Elhakim Feb 2026

Proposed Modifications To The Egyptian Concrete Code Based On A Comprehensive Sustainability Assessment Of Portland Cement Alternatives For Climate Change Mitigation, Yasmin Elhakim

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change is a major challenge facing planet earth today. This phenomenon is foreseen to continue to represent a major concern for decades to come. The construction industry is one of the most polluting sectors worldwide and is considered one of the top greenhouse gas emitters. Egypt, in particular, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse effects of climate change. The construction sector plays a major role in Egypt’s economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP, yet it also represents one of the country’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. However, the Egyptian Concrete Code does not enforce the …


Multifunctional Green Wall Systems For Greywater Treatment And Hygrothermal Regulation In Egypt, Laila Ossama Mohamed Elhusseiny Abdelsalam Jan 2026

Multifunctional Green Wall Systems For Greywater Treatment And Hygrothermal Regulation In Egypt, Laila Ossama Mohamed Elhusseiny Abdelsalam

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing environmental concerns regarding climate change and the intensifying challenge of water scarcity in Egypt necessitate the development of innovative, sustainable, and resource-efficient strategies for wastewater reuse. In the built environment, greywater constitutes a significant, relatively low-contaminant wastewater stream that, if treated to comply with Egyptian Codes and relevant international standards, can be safely reused for non-potable applications such as irrigation, landscaping, and building services. This research investigates the efficacy of an integrated green wall panel system, installed on building façades, for decentralized greywater treatment under Egypt’s climatic and environmental conditions, while simultaneously enhancing hygrothermal performance to reduce building energy …


Towards Decarbonizing Concrete Industry In Egypt: Material Alternatives, And Economic Viability, Reem Gamal Jan 2026

Towards Decarbonizing Concrete Industry In Egypt: Material Alternatives, And Economic Viability, Reem Gamal

Theses and Dissertations

The construction industry remains one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, with cement and steel production accounting for approximately 15% of total emissions. As global infrastructure demands continue to rise, there is an increasing need for practical tools that support low-carbon construction practices in line with international climate commitments. This research presents the development and testing of a mathematical, adaptable decision support system designed to assess both the environmental and financial impacts of material selection in concrete production. Focusing on life cycle stages A1 to A3, raw material extraction, transportation, and manufacturing, the decision support system enables …


Accelerating Circular Economy Transition For A Sustainable Built Environment: A Systems-Based Framework, Radwa Walid Yassin Eissa Jan 2026

Accelerating Circular Economy Transition For A Sustainable Built Environment: A Systems-Based Framework, Radwa Walid Yassin Eissa

Doctoral Dissertations

"The Circular Economy (CE) has gained momentum as a transformative framework for steering the construction value chain towards greater sustainability. However, this transition requires shifts in production and consumption patterns, adoption of circular business models, and the replacement of linear practices. Despite growing interest, CE adoption in construction faces persistent challenges, including sectoral fragmentation, lack of integrated governance frameworks, and limited coordination among stakeholders. This dissertation aims to accelerate the CE transition in the built environment through a multi-scale, interdisciplinary approach spanning five modules: (1) Module 1 develops a construction value chain-structured portfolio of CE strategies and assesses their implementation; …


From Test Tracks To Carbon Tracks: Evaluating The Carbon Emissions Of Autonomous Vehicle Development, Sarah Deniz Dec 2025

From Test Tracks To Carbon Tracks: Evaluating The Carbon Emissions Of Autonomous Vehicle Development, Sarah Deniz

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Autonomous vehicle (AV) development has seen a sharp increase in the past 10 years, and there is a significant energy cost of training AVs to meet safety regulations. The training process includes virtual simulation training as well as physical training on public roads and within private testing facilities. The high energy expenditure associated with AV training has a respective environmental cost that can be quantified as a lifetime “carbon debt” of released carbon emissions. The environmental sustainability of AVs has not been thoroughly studied in currently available literature, and this paper showcases a model that quantifies the total “carbon debt” …


Piezoelectric Concrete: A Smart Material Approach For Energy-Harvesting Structural Technologies, Dianah Mazlan, Vynotdni Rathinasamy, Naveen Kumar, Liu Chunpeng, Elango Elango Dec 2025

Piezoelectric Concrete: A Smart Material Approach For Energy-Harvesting Structural Technologies, Dianah Mazlan, Vynotdni Rathinasamy, Naveen Kumar, Liu Chunpeng, Elango Elango

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The rapid growth of urban infrastructure demands innovative materials that not only support structural performance but also contribute to sustainability through energy harvesting. Piezoelectric concrete, which integrates ceramics, polymers, nanomaterials, and bio-based fillers into cementitious matrices, has emerged as a promising solution. This review systematically explores the fundamentals of piezoelectricity in concrete, highlighting how stress-induced electromechanical coupling enables both energy harvesting and structural health monitoring. The paper critically evaluates major material systems including PZT ceramics, PVDF polymers, hybrid nanocomposites, and emerging bio-based materials, alongside their integration strategies such as embedded and surface-mounted approaches. Applications across pavements, bridges, and smart buildings …


Mechanical, Durability, And Environmental Performance Of Limestone Powder-Modified Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, Yashovardhan Sharma, Meghana Yeluri, Srinivas Allena Dec 2025

Mechanical, Durability, And Environmental Performance Of Limestone Powder-Modified Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, Yashovardhan Sharma, Meghana Yeluri, Srinivas Allena

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) delivers outstanding durability and strength but typically relies on high Portland cement content. This study evaluates a 20% cement replacement with limestone powder (LP) in UHPC and benchmarks performance under two curing regimes: moist curing (MC) and warm bath curing at 90 degrees C (WB). Metrics include workability, compressive and flexural behavior, shrinkage, freeze-thaw resistance, chloride transport (surface resistivity, RCPT), material cost, and embodied CO2. LP improved fresh behavior: flow increased by 14.3% in plain UHPC and 33% in fiber-reinforced UHPC (FR-UHPC). Compressive strengths remained in the UHPC range at 28-56 days (approximately 142-152 MPa with LP), …


Time Series Modeling Of Land Use And Land Cover Classification Using Remote Sensing, Ahmed A. F. Abd El Hamed, Fawzi H. Zarzoura, Mahmoud El-Mewafi Dec 2025

Time Series Modeling Of Land Use And Land Cover Classification Using Remote Sensing, Ahmed A. F. Abd El Hamed, Fawzi H. Zarzoura, Mahmoud El-Mewafi

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Understanding land use / land cover changes is essential for planning sustainable development. It represents the transformation of the land due to human activities, which is related to sustainable development that aims to achieve the needs of the present generations without affecting the future. Land use / Land cover is studied in Al Alamein region, northern Egypt, with supervised classification methods using satellite images from Landsat 8 and Sentinel - 2A in 2023 and analyzes the accuracy assessment, which shows Maximum likelihood is better in both sensors achieving overall accuracy (91.80% and 91.02%) and kappa coefficient (0.814 and 0.8799). Then …


Concrete Masonry Unit Construction: Creating Educational Modules On Sustainability, Eric Dam Dec 2025

Concrete Masonry Unit Construction: Creating Educational Modules On Sustainability, Eric Dam

Construction Management

Concrete Masonry Units are one of the most widely used building materials due to their durability, fire resistance, low maintenance, and specifications. With the growing trend for sustainable construction, it is necessary to teach students how CMUs can contribute to improving environmental performance and dive deeper into multiple resource efficiency. This project developed an instructional module that introduces CMU materials, reviews performance and durability attributes of these materials, and how they are linked to well-known rating systems. The final module includes a presentation, three assignments, and one quiz that will reinforce student learning and refresh industry professionals' knowledge. The following …


Building Services Engineering November/December 2025 Dec 2025

Building Services Engineering November/December 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.