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21 – 30 of over 1000Giulia Romano, Claudio Marciano and Maria Silvia Fiorelli
Chapter 5 deals with key drivers allowing waste management systems to meet circular economy goals, targeting a zero waste approach aimed at eliminating waste and changing the…
Abstract
Chapter 5 deals with key drivers allowing waste management systems to meet circular economy goals, targeting a zero waste approach aimed at eliminating waste and changing the concept of waste into secondary materials. Case studies around Europe highlighted conditions and drivers of sustainable urban solid waste management systems; innovation, responsibility, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing are factors enabling effective and viable urban waste management.
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Federico Lanzalonga, Roberto Marseglia, Alberto Irace and Paolo Pietro Biancone
Our study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance decision-making processes to promote circular economy practices within the utility sector.
Abstract
Purpose
Our study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance decision-making processes to promote circular economy practices within the utility sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A unique case study of Alia Servizi Ambientali Spa, an Italian multi-utility company using AI for waste management, is analyzed using the Gioia method and semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Our study discovers the proactive role of the user in waste management processes, the importance of economic incentives to increase the usefulness of the technology and the role of AI in waste management transformation processes (e.g. glass waste).
Originality/value
The present study enhances the circular economy model (transformation, distribution and recovery), uncovering AI’s role in waste management. Finally, we inspire managers with algorithms used for data-driven decisions.
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Judith Amudjie, Kofi Agyekum, Emmanuel Adinyira, Samuel Amos-Abanyie and Victoria Maame Afriyie Kumah
This study examines the level of awareness and practice of the principles of circular economy (CE) among built environment (BE) professionals in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the level of awareness and practice of the principles of circular economy (CE) among built environment (BE) professionals in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire survey was used to solicit the views of 162 BE professionals working in construction, consulting and developer firms on the issue under investigation. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential analysis.
Findings
The findings revealed that the BE professionals possessed moderate awareness of the six CE principles (i.e. repair, recycle, reuse, renewable energy usage, reduce and redesign) examined. The findings further revealed that only two out of the six principles (i.e. repair and reuse) received some moderate level of practice among the professionals.
Practical implications
Practically, the findings would be relevant to government, policymakers, researchers and other construction professionals. For the government and policymakers, these findings would inform them on the laws and policies to enact to increase awareness and practice of CE principles. For researchers, these findings will assist in exploring gaps for further studies. For the construction professionals, the findings would inform them of the need to step up measures to practice the various principles of CE in their firms adequately.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into an under-investigated topic in the construction industry worldwide. It offers new and additional insights into the current state-of-the-art practice of CE principles among BE professionals.
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Franco Muleya, Bodwin Mulenga, Sambo Lyson Zulu, Sunday Nwaubani, Chipozya Kosta Tembo and Henry Mushota
This study aimed to investigate the suitability and cost-benefit of using copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete production. The study was motivated by the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the suitability and cost-benefit of using copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete production. The study was motivated by the accumulation and non-use of copper tailings in dams among them tailing dam 25 also known as TD 25 in Kitwe city of the Copperbelt province in Zambia that take up approximately 111 hectares of unused land.
Design/methodology/approach
Laboratory experimental approach of concrete production based on water/cement ratios of 0.3 and 0.5 was used because this was an exploratory study designed to establish the primary performance of concrete. In total, 30 concrete cubes were cast based on the two water-cement ratios. In total, 0% to 30% partial sand replacement with copper tailings was used in both mixes with the 0% copper tailings replacement being the control mix and reference point. Other concrete tests included workability, density, compressive strength and element composition analysis.
Findings
Results revealed that copper tailings from TD 25 were suitable for partial replacement of sand in concrete. Thirty per cent of sand replacement with copper tailings was established as the maximum replacement amount to produce optimum compressive strength values from both mixes. The drier mix of 0.3 water-cement ratios produced higher compressive strength results of 23 MPa at 28 days of concrete curing with 2.34% as optimum concrete cost reduction.
Practical implications
The research results provide the cost-benefit analysis and savings that can be attained from using cheaper copper tailings based concrete. The study further provided the quantity of land available for development arising from absorption of copper tailings as a sustainable construction material. The local authority now has statistics and numerical values that it can use to absorb copper tailings as a concrete raw material.
Originality/value
The study provides guidance on optimum concrete grade produced and cost reduction details of copper tailing-based concrete to support for local authorities in suitable land wand waste management using real data.
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Barbara Charalambidi, Panagiotis Markou, Argyro Drakakaki and Konstantinos-Alketas Oungrinis
This study aims to discuss the causes of short-lived structuring of contemporary buildings. The life expectancy of structures may be theoretically predefined during the state of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to discuss the causes of short-lived structuring of contemporary buildings. The life expectancy of structures may be theoretically predefined during the state of the design. This time period, known as the service life of structures, is determined by the load or the deformation level at which irreversible failures of the bearing structure may occur. On the other hand, planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence, observed in the western world since the first half of 20th century, are currently setting an economic reality and are part of an expanded framework that, apart from architectural structures, extends to all design fields. The effects of short-lived structuring on environmental and energy terms are presented and theoretical and experimental recommendations from the literature are cited, as well as recommendations that have already been successfully applied in some countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study aims to discuss the issues associated with short-lived structuring, durability and obsolescence of contemporary structures. For this purpose, theoretical and experimental recommendations from the literature are cited, via an extensive state of the art research.
Findings
Short-lived structuring has been a field of research during recent years. Terms such as durability are being introduced into Design Codes, while trends like perceived obsolescence and environmental impact raise issues for research. Moreover, the results of short-lived structuring are becoming more and more apparent, indicating an unsustainable reality. Issues like maintenance of structures, sustainability in design, corrosion effects, repair techniques and building waste management are an important field of research among the engineering community. In this study, the parameters affecting the lifespan of contemporary structures have been discussed.
Originality/value
The effects of short-lived structuring on environmental and energy terms are presented and theoretical and experimental recommendations from the literature are cited. The parameters studied herein concern material properties and design approach but also environmental and energy-related ones.
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Xuesong Lu, Yoonjae Lee, Shoufeng Yang, Yang Hao, Julian Evans and Clive Parini
The aim of this paper is to provide an easy method of extrusion freeforming to fabricate microwave electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) crystals. EBG crystals are periodic dielectric…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to provide an easy method of extrusion freeforming to fabricate microwave electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) crystals. EBG crystals are periodic dielectric structures that can block wave propagation and generate a bandgap. These crystals can be used in high capability antennae, electromagnetic wave semiconductors, microresonators, high‐reflectivity mirrors and polarizing beam splitters.
Design/methodology/approach
The effects of extrusion process parameters and paste characteristics were investigated. Finally, one‐period and two‐period woodpile EBG crystals with bandgaps in the frequency region of 90‐110 GHz were fabricated and the bandgap was measured.
Findings
The filament diameter is influenced by whether extrusion is carried out with or without a substrate and by the free fall‐distance from the nozzle. The quality of lattice structures is dependent on paste flow and properties. A ceramic paste with 60 vol. % (the fraction of ceramic powder based on solvent‐free polymer) was well suited to fabrication. The solvent content also influenced the fabrication. The experimental results show that under ∼12 per cent solvent mass fraction in the paste and relatively high extrusion ram velocity (more than 0.014 mm/s) at a pressure of 14 MPa, samples with high quality were fabricated.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates that the rapid prototyping method of extrusion freeforming can be applied for the fabrication of EBG crystals from ceramic powders and the important factors which influence the product quality are identified.
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Hanadi Al-Zubaidi and Rabab Allouzi
Cement can be replaced to reduce the energy consumption and the environmental impact of cement. Also, foamed concrete can be used structurally in residential buildings to reduce…
Abstract
Purpose
Cement can be replaced to reduce the energy consumption and the environmental impact of cement. Also, foamed concrete can be used structurally in residential buildings to reduce weight and improve thermal insulation. To achieve these two goals, this paper aims to investigate the effect of basalt powder as a partial replacement of either cement or sand.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper investigates the effect of basalt powder as a partial replacement of either cement or sand on the mechanical properties of foamed concrete used to cast slabs. First, mechanical properties of foamed concrete are tested with and without replacement of basalt. Then, six slabs of different thicknesses and mixes are investigated. The thicknesses considered are 150- and 200-mm slabs. The three mixes used to construct these slabs are foamed concrete with no basalt powder, foamed concrete with replacement of 20% of cement by basalt powder and foamed concrete with replacement of 20% of sand by basalt powder. The flexural behavior of these slabs is investigated.
Findings
All the slabs failed in the commonly intended flexural mode. The results show that the basalt powder acted as a strong filler material in the foamed concrete mix based on mechanical properties and flexural behavior. The proposed foamed concrete slabs can be used structurally in residential buildings.
Originality/value
A natural waste material that can be used to promote energy efficiency and reduce emission is basalt. In this paper, basalt powder is suggested to be used due to its chemical composition that is similar to cement. Also, basalt powder is low in cost as it is waste, while basalt aggregate is prepared, and it is only used as filler in paved roads. Accordingly, basalt is partially used instead of cement to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide that results from the cement manufacturing. Also, it is used as a partial alternative to sand which can be considered as a new stronger source as filling material used in the production of concrete.
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Aleksandra Drizo and Joseph Pegna
To provide a comprehensive state of the art review of environmental impact assessment (EIA) of existing rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid tooling (RT), and identify prospective…
Abstract
Purpose
To provide a comprehensive state of the art review of environmental impact assessment (EIA) of existing rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid tooling (RT), and identify prospective research needs.
Design/methodology/approach
The sparse literature on the EIA of RP and RT is balanced by that of the comparatively mature field of industrial ecology (IE). Hence, the review emphasizes portable IE measurement and evaluations methods. As RP and RT can also be viewed as design tools and mass customization manufacturing, other EIA may be needed.
Findings
The scarcity of research to date combined with rapid technological advances leaves a large number of unresolved issues. In addition, the special character of RP and RT, as design and manufacturing enablers implies that future research is needed.
Research limitations/implications
This review is drawn from a technology in rapid evolution. Hence, unresolved issues focus on technologies that already are on the market and the research needs are formulated in terms of state of the art process research.
Practical implications
As technological advances multiply, so does the number of unresolved environmental problems. The review of unresolved issues points to a pressing need to assess the consequences of RP and RT while identified research needs point the way to anticipated areas where further assessment methods will be needed.
Originality/value
This paper intends to raise awareness about the potential environmental impacts from RP and RT, by presenting the problems associated with current methods for measuring environmental effects and discussing some of the most urgent unresolved issues, specifically with respect to materials. Indirect effects of other uses of RP and RT are discussed only briefly for lack of available data.
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Walaa M. Abd El-Gawad and Wael Mohamed Abdelmaksoud
This study aims to investigate the possibility of synthesizing cobalt doped willemite ceramic blue pigment by using Egyptian white sand as environmental and economical raw…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the possibility of synthesizing cobalt doped willemite ceramic blue pigment by using Egyptian white sand as environmental and economical raw material for multi-applications in coatings and inks.
Design/methodology/approach
After the synthesis process, the prepared blue pigment was characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis technique. Then the blue pigment was integrated into both coating and ink formulations. The effect of the prepared multifunctional coatings on corrosion resistance and thermal stability was evaluated using different standard tests. Also, the effect of inclusion of blue pigment in flexographic printing ink formulation was done.
Findings
The results showed that the coating containing the cobalt doped willemite blue pigment offered good anticorrosive performance and high thermal stability. Additionally, the presented results revealed that integration of the blue pigment in flexographic printing ink formulation enhanced fineness, gloss, viscosity and color more than the commercial one “FX 430–201.”
Originality/value
In conclusion, relied on the eco-friendly principle which can be regarded as an economic and green strategy, it can be obtained that this new pigment can provide good multifunctions such as corrosion resistance and thermal stability in coatings and good fineness, gloss, viscosity and color in inks which can enable them to be widely applied in different industries.
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Alejandro Gallego-Schmid, Ximena C. Schmidt Rivera and Laurence Stamford
The implementation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprinting represents an important professional and research opportunity for chemical engineers, but this is not…
Abstract
Purpose
The implementation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprinting represents an important professional and research opportunity for chemical engineers, but this is not broadly reflected in chemical engineering curricula worldwide. This paper aims to present the implementation of a coursework that is easy to apply, free of cost, valid worldwide and flexible enough to cover such holistic topics.
Design/methodology/approach
An analysis of chemical engineering curricula worldwide, a literature review and the implementation of a coursework case study are detailed. The latter combines practical exercises using free LCA software, oral presentations and debates.
Findings
The coursework goes beyond the calculation of results, giving the students key transferable skills to increase their employability, such as the capacity to negotiate/discuss in groups, software learning and development of critical thinking. The course is affordable and flexible, enabling adaptation to different sectors and engineering schools. One limitation is the challenge of ensuring robustness and consistency in marking, but this has been already improved with a more explicit rubric. The feedback of the students confirms these findings, including the learning of transferable skills as the major advantage.
Originality/value
This paper addresses, for the first time, the current state of “life cycle thinking” teaching in the curricula of the top 25 chemical engineering schools worldwide, a literature review of previous experience and a description of a novel coursework taking a theoretical and practical approach to LCA, carbon footprinting and socio-economic sustainability via a free software and a comprehensive range of didactic activities.
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