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Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Haruna Ibrahim, George Wardeh, Hanaa Fares and Elhem Ghorbel

The main aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of Anti-Crack HP 67/36 glass fibre on the mechanical performance of mortars made of cement, with a focus on…

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of Anti-Crack HP 67/36 glass fibre on the mechanical performance of mortars made of cement, with a focus on post-cracking evaluations using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental tests were carried out on 36-mm long fibres at 0.8% by volume and added to the normal strength (NSM), high strength (HSM) and high strength mortar with fly ash (HSMFA) mortars. CEM I 52.5 CP2 NF, CEM II/A-L 42.5 NF and CEM III/C 32.5 N-SR PM were used for each series of mortar to assess the performance of the glass fibres with the types of cement. F-class fly (FA) ash was used to reduce global CO2 emissions.

Findings

The mortar’s strength decreased as the cement types changed from CEM I to CEM II and III. However, due to changes in the portlandite content of the cement, water porosity increased for both types of mortar, without and with fibre. It was also found that using glass fibre increased flexural strength more than compressive strength, regardless of the type of cement used. For all the strength classes, it was found that the mortar mixes with CEM I had the highest critical crack opening (wc) and fracture energy (GF), followed by CEM II and III. No significant effects were observed in the mortar’s property by replacing fly ash (12%).

Research limitations/implications

Only mortars were formulated in this study, but the results must be verified at the concrete scale.

Practical implications

Validation of the DIC technique to characterize the post-cracking behaviour of cement-based material. Use of glass fibres to improve the material’s resistance to cracking.

Social implications

Use of CEM II and CEM III cements with low CO2 footprint instead of CEMI without altering the mechanical performance of the material.

Originality/value

The work is a further contribution to studying the cracking behaviour of several series of variable mortars depending on the resistance class and the type of cement used.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Xabier González Laskibar, Gaizka Insunza Aranceta and Izaskun Alvarez-Meaza

In a context of growing concern about the environmental and social crisis, education for sustainability has emerged as a key educational approach to address these challenges…

Abstract

Purpose

In a context of growing concern about the environmental and social crisis, education for sustainability has emerged as a key educational approach to address these challenges. University education plays a crucial role in training professionals who are aware of and committed to sustainability. This study aims to examine the impact of the socio-professional characteristics of university professors on the awareness and implementation of sustainability in teaching and research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the academics’ statements through a survey to describe the degree of awareness and implementation of sustainability at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and evaluates the influence that certain socio-professional variables can have on their commitment to sustainability. For this purpose, the paper proposes the use of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Findings

The research reveals that UPV/EHU is in the first phases of implementation of sustainability, indicating a low overall implementation. Therefore, it is proposed to promote internal awareness about sustainability, promote teacher training, integrate sustainability competencies in academic programs and promote research in areas with less scientific production related to sustainability, with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and gender equality to achieve greater integration of sustainability in the university. In the case of the UPV/EHU, the sustainable development champions fulfill the profile of a female professor, with full-time dedication and whose disciplinary area is a minority.

Research limitations/implications

This research has an individual framework and a static nature, and the results should be interpreted only in their context. Future research should have a national framework, a longitudinal nature and a broader range of university institutional agents. Another limitation of this methodology is the question coding process (Likert scales), which opens a wide range of subjectivity for the researcher.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that measures the degree of implementation of sustainability at the UPV/EHU with the aim of specifying its efforts in the implementation and promotion of sustainability.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Vasiliki Platitsa, Eleni Sardianou, Konstantinos Abeliotis and Roido Mitoula

This study aims to the perceptions of the administration of Greek universities on sustainable development and the role of the administration in the implementation of corresponding…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to the perceptions of the administration of Greek universities on sustainable development and the role of the administration in the implementation of corresponding practices. Specifically, it examines management’s perception and contribution to sustainable development and assesses the sustainability initiatives taking place in universities and the factors that influence their implementation. The obstacles and motivations in the implementation of these actions are also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

For the empirical analysis, a survey was conducted during the period March–June 2022, addressing questionnaires to 12 rectors or vice rectors dealing with the sustainability of the respective 12 Greek universities. Secondary data about their sustainability practices were also collected from the institutions’ official Web pages.

Findings

The results show that management’s perception of sustainable development mainly concerns the conservation of resources for future generations and the balancing of the economy. Moreover, the findings indicate that universities play a significant role in achieving sustainability by contributing to the educational process, conducting research and serving as a model of sustainability for both the educational community and society as a whole. Financial and institutional barriers are characterized as the most important obstacles for adopting sustainability practices. The most popular motives to promote sustainability issues are financial support of universities, in addition to the governmental support of the leadership and, in particular, of the rectorate authorities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first conducted among the Greek universities that focuses on administration’s viewpoint and contributes to the international dialogue on the implementation of sustainability by higher education institutions. The results provide preliminary evidence of top management responses to endorse sustainability activities at the higher education institutes in the broader area of Eastern Europe.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2022

Sara A. Abdoh

This paper discusses art and sustainability in the 21st century; therefore, we can't ignore the huge technological revolution that currently exists. Art throughout history has…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper discusses art and sustainability in the 21st century; therefore, we can't ignore the huge technological revolution that currently exists. Art throughout history has been associated to religion, politics and economics, but now it is also connected to technology. Hence, the question arises: Can digital technologies achieve sustainability? In this regard, the research will address the effective role of digital technology in achieving sustainability in art field and its practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research material is derived from my interviews with artists, professors, curators, gallerists and art historians. In addition to the references of sustainability in various fields that are related to art, as Sustainability has become a goal that all sectors are striving to achieve to preserve our planet, as much as we can, especially in the field of art which is closely related to the environment.

Findings

This paper explores the possibility of achieving sustainability in art field and its practices through digital technologies. In addition, it reveals that countries that have developed digital technologies are able to apply the digital technologies in art and its practices to achieve sustainability, in contrast, developing countries they could not achieve sustainability through digital technologies.

Originality/value

As part of a joint research project between a developing and developed country, the paper clarifies the different opinions from 14 countries about the extent to which sustainability in art is achieved through digital technology. It also outlines some successful and unsuccessful experiences in achieving sustainability in art.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

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