The City of Saskatoon is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,100 km of roads including locals, collectors, arterials, and freeways. With the aged state of the road infrastructure, increasing budget constraints limit the City’s ability to maintain existing road infrastructure to an acceptable level of service and to construct new road infrastructure. The infrastructure demands related to urban growth within the City of Saskatoon have caused a shrinking aggregate supply and increasing aggregate demand. In turn, growing demand and dwindling resources for aggregate are resulting in rapid increases to road construction costs. Aggregate sources are a non-renewable resource in Saskatchewan. Therefore, road designers do not have an endless supply of quality aggregates. With limitations of the road building industry and the foreseeable economic growth projected for the City of Saskatoon, it is reasonable to expect that the unit costs of providing conventional pavement structures will continue to increase in Saskatoon. Presently, the primary conventional road building materials include well graded granular base material, subbase, crushed rock and a wearing surface of either conventional hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) or Portland cement concrete (PCC). To ensure long term pavement performance, quality aggregate sources are needed in all road design structural layers. Recent years have seen an increased need for substructure drainage systems, therefore increasing the need for high quality crushed rock. City of Saskatoon, like other urban centers, generates significant stock piles of concrete rubble annually. The primary objective of this research was to compare PCC material properties to those of conventional granular materials under realistic field state conditions. The second objective of this research was to validate the economic feasibility of using recycled PCC material within City of Saskatoon road structure through test section design and field test sections’ structural performance. Conventional and mechanistic material characterization was completed for recycled PCC well graded base course and recycled PCC drainage rock derived from PCC rubble, as well as conventional City granular base and drainage rock aggregates from typical City of Saskatoon stockpiles. Conventional testing completed on the samples included physical properties as required by COS aggregate specifications. Micro-Deval testing was also completed to compare the mechanical breakdown of the aggregates tested. Based on the results of the conventional tests performed, the recycled PCC well graded base and the recycled PCC drainage rock were found to meet COS base and drainage rock specifications, respectively. The recycled PCC well graded base material, recycled PCC drainage rock, COS granular base, and recycled PCC well graded base stabilized with different percentages of cement and slow setting type one (SS-1) asphalt emulsion were the research materials mechanistically tested. These materials were mechanistically tested using triaxial frequency sweep characterization to derive the mechanistic material constitutive relations across all the materials. Five repeat samples were gyratory compacted and tested at room temperature using the rapid triaxial testing. To characterize climatic durability, all the samples were moist cured for 28 days, characterized using the rapid triaxial test; then vacuum saturated and then characterized again using the rapid triaxial test. The mechanistic properties measured for the PCC material showed better climatic durability compared to those measured for the virgin aggregates, particularly after climatic durability testing. Prior to vacuum saturation, the conventional COS granular base had a peak dynamic modulus of 457 MPa. Under the same testing conditions, recycled PCC well graded base unstabilized had a stiffness of 1081 MPa; the stabilized PCC samples with two percent cement had a dynamic modulus of 1542 MPa. The radial micro strain and Poisson’s ratio were reduced for well graded PCC materials both unstabilized and stabilized compared to the conventional COS granular base. The conventional granular base had a peak radial micro strain of 194 compared to the untreated recycled PCC well graded base peak radial micro strain of 54 at the same testing parameters of low stress state at a testing frequency of 10 Hz prior to vacuum saturation. The conventional COS granular base samples failed under high deviatoric stress state at a 0.5 Hz testing frequency prior to vacuum saturation, whereas the PCC materials survived all testing frequencies and stress states. However, after vacuum saturation, the unstabilized recycled PCC well graded base samples failed under high stress state under a 10 Hz testing frequency. To validate field structural performance, two road structures within the City of Saskatoon were used as test sections in which recycled PCC drainage rock was used as a structural drainage layer. The first test section was constructed in the east bound lane of Marquis Drive, and the second was completed at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to construction of both the Marquis Drive and North Road test sections, both sections were tested for peak surface deflections using the heavy weight deflectometer. Segment 1 of Marquis Drive had an average pre construction surface deflection of 1.85 mm under a primary weight limit. Section 1 of North Road had an average pre construction surface deflection of 1.17 mm under primary weight limit. After construction was complete on both test sections using recycled materials including a PCC drainage layer, HWD testing showed post construction peak deflections were significantly lower than the deflections measured pre construction. Recycled PCC well graded base material performed well in mechanistic laboratory analysis. However, the material was not field tested in this research. Mechanistic laboratory and field analysis indicated that recycled PCC drainage rock aggregates met structural performance requirements. The capital cost analysis showed that using recycled PCC drainage rock can reduce the overall cost of road rehabilitation projects when compared to using conventional virgin aggregates, particularly crushed drainage rock. The Marquis Drive section had a cost savings of $89,000, and the University of Saskatchewan section had a cost savings of $75,800 when recycled materials were used in lieu of virgin aggregates to rehabilitate the pavement structure. In addition, no PCC was disposed of in the landfill, saving the City of Saskatoon tipping fees and extending the life of the landfill. This research showed that the crushed PCC rubble is both technically and economically feasible to use as high quality aggregates in City of Saskatoon streets. Based on the findings of this research, the City of Saskatoon should pursue the use of recycled PCC rubble aggregates in urban road construction.

Thesis (Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / The rate of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is growing at an alarming rate, especially in countries where markets are saturated with huge quantities of new electronic goods. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a substantial portion of the value contained in waste from WEEE although they are only 6% of the total weight. It is reported that WEEE is currently the fastest growing waste stream in South Africa as the general population’s access to electronic goods in the last decade has increased, especially access to mobile phones. PCBs are found in any piece of electrical or electronic equipment and consist of various metals including precious metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd). It is reported that gold has the highest economic incentive at 15,200 $ per ton of PCBs. The rapid introduction of new and advanced technology into mobile phones has caused mobile phones to have a relatively short life span, 1 to 2 years to be exact. Mobile phones printed circuit boards (MPPCBs) have more Au content compared to computer circuit boards. They contain 350 g/ton Au whereas computer (PC) PCBs contains 250 g/ton. This research project will recover gold from waste mobile phones PCBs pregnant ammonia thiosulphate leach solution using copper cementation. The cementation process is preferred to all the other technologies of metals extraction from solution due to ultrahigh purity metals that can be obtained and to the less consumption of materials and energy. Electronic parts on the PCBs were manually removed using pliers and screwdrivers. PCBs were then cut to smaller pieces of about 2 x 2 m. The pieces were crushed and milled respectively. Some of the particles were recycled back to the crusher to get finer particles. The particles were separated to particles of sizes between 0 and 1350 μm using a shaker. The comminuted fractions of the PCBs were then used in the leaching step. Batch cementation experiments were performed by bubbling N2 in glass reaction vessel with a working volume of 0.5 L. The reactor was connected to a circulating water bath for temperature control. The recovery percentage of gold at various temperatures, agitation speeds and different amounts of copper powder used, was determined while pH was monitored. The temperature was varied at 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C and the agitation speeds at 300 RPM and 900 RPM. Copper powder was added at 0.5 g/L, 1 g/L, and 1.5 g/L. Gold concentrations were measured by atomic adsorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses of the copper powder after cementation (precipitates) were used to determine the surface morphology and to evaluate the quantitative aspect of the precipitate. It was found that the recovery of gold from ammonia thiosulphate leach solution was greatly affected by agitation speed. At an agitation speed of 900 rpm, 40 °C and 0.5 g of Copper powder, 96% of the gold was recovered from the leach solution. The cementation rate increased as temperature was elevated from 30 to 40 °C, but slightly decreased as the temperature reached 50 °C. The change in experimental conditions affected the gold concentration on the precipitate recovered. This study will provide a possible solution to the WEEE problem and more specifically mobile cell phones, in South Africa.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Texas at Arlington, 2009.

Os Aluminetos de Ferro tem, dentre muitas características predominantes, excelente resistência à corrosão a altas temperaturas devido à formação de uma camada protetora de alumina que favorece a sua aplicação em ambientes agressivos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo estudar a produção de ligas a partir de matéria-prima reciclada e a cinética de oxidação em alta temperatura de 800 graus Celsius a 1100 graus Celsius em forno mufla sem atmosfera protetora com tempo de permanência no forno de 10, 50, 100 e 200h. As ligas estudadas se baseiam na composição básica Fe30Al6Cr (os números representam a fração molar dos componentes). Duas ligas, nomeadas (A) e (B), foram obtidas seguindo a mesma rota de processamento, porém, diferenciando os cadinhos de fundição o que resultou em concentrações de carbono diferentes e conseqüente diferença na fração volumétrica de carbonetos. As ligas foram analisadas através de difração de Raio X para determinação das fases presentes e microscopia eletrônica de varredura para caracterização microestrutural. Foram também, submetidas ao ensaio de solubilização por 10 horas a uma temperatura de 1200 graus Celsius e precipitação a 800 graus Celsius por 10 min para determinação da evolução microestrutural. O resultados das análises de microdureza Vickers no material em estados bruto de fusão e tratado termicamente serviram para caracterizar os carbonetos presentes, bem como a resistência intrínseca da matriz. Os resultados do ensaio de oxidação realizado em 16 amostras de cada liga são apresentados sob forma de curvas de ganho de massa por unidade de área, (deltam/S), versus tempo de oxidação, (t). A avaliação feita das curvas dos gráficos não foi suficiente para determinar à cinética de formação de óxidos. / Iron aluminides have, among many outstanding characteristics, excellent resistance to high temperature oxidation due to the formation of a protective alumina layer which favors its use in harsh environments. This work aims at producing iron aluminides-based alloy using only recycled raw material and characterizing the results of studies of oxidation kinetic at high temperatures of 800 Celsius to 1100 Celsius in muffle furnace without protective atmosphere with residence time in oven 10, 50, 100 and 200h. The investigated alloy are based on the nominal composition Fe30Al6Cr (The numbers refer to the molar fraction of alloys elementes). Two alloys, namely (A) and (B), were obtained following the same processing route using, however, different crucibles which resulted in different carbon concentrations and consequently in different carbide volume fractions. The alloys were analyzed by X-ray diffraction to determine the phases and scanning electron microscopy for microstructural characterization. Sample taken from both alloys were also subjected to solubilization for 10 hours at 1200 Celsius and precipitation at 800 Celsius for 10 min to determine the microstructural evolution. The analytical results of Vickers microhardness of the material both in the as cast state as well as in the heat treated states were used to characterize the carbides and matrix mechanical properties. Oxidation results carried out in 16 samples of each alloy are presented in the form of mass gain per unit area (deltam / S) versus oxidation time (t) curves. The evaluation of the graphics curves used to observe the linear behavior was not enough to determine the oxidation kinetics law.

This thesis proposes that internal combustion piston engines can help clear the way for a transformation in the energy, chemical, and refining industries that is akin to the transition computer technology experienced with the shift from large mainframes to small personal computers and large farms of individually small, modular processing units. This thesis provides a mathematical foundation, multi-dimensional optimizations, experimental results, an engine model, and a techno-economic assessment, all working towards quantifying the value of repurposing internal combustion piston engines for new applications in modular, small-scale technologies, particularly for energy and chemical engineering systems. Many chemical engineering and power generation industries have focused on increasing individual unit sizes and centralizing production. This "bigger is better" concept makes it difficult to evolve and incorporate change. Large systems are often designed with long lifetimes, incorporate innovation slowly, and necessitate high upfront investment costs. Breaking away from this cycle is essential for promoting change, especially change happening quickly in the energy and chemical engineering industries. The ability to evolve during a system's lifetime provides a competitive advantage in a field dominated by large and often very old equipment that cannot respond to technology change. This thesis specifically highlights the value of small, mass-manufactured internal combustion piston engines retrofitted to participate in non-automotive system designs. The applications are unconventional and stem first from the observation that, when normalized by power output, internal combustion engines are one hundred times less expensive than conventional, large power plants. This cost disparity motivated a look at scaling laws to determine if scaling across both individual unit size and number of units produced would predict the two order of magnitude difference seen here. For the first time, this thesis provides a mathematical analysis of scaling with a combination of both changing individual unit size and varying the total number of units produced. Different paths to meet a particular cumulative capacity are analyzed and show that total costs are path dependent and vary as a function of the unit size and number of units produced. The path dependence identified is fairly weak, however, and for all practical applications, the underlying scaling laws seem unaffected. This analysis continues to support the interest in pursuing designs built around small, modular infrastructure. Building on the observation that internal combustion engines are an inexpensive power-producing unit, the first optimization in this thesis focuses on quantifying the value of engine capacity committing to deliver power in the day-ahead electricity and reserve markets, specifically based on pricing from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). An optimization was written in Python to determine, based on engine cost, fuel cost, engine wear, engine lifetime, and electricity prices, when and how much of an engine's power should be committed to a particular energy market. The optimization aimed to maximize profit for the engine and generator (engine genset) system acting as a price-taker. The result is an annual profit on the order of \$30 per kilowatt. The most value in the engine genset is in its commitments to the spinning reserve market, where power is often committed but not always called on to deliver. This analysis highlights the benefits of modularity in energy generation and provides one example where the system is so inexpensive and short-lived, that the optimization views the engine replacement cost as a consumable operating expense rather than a capital cost. Having the opportunity to incorporate incremental technological improvements in a system's infrastructure throughout its lifetime allows introduction of new technology with higher efficiencies and better designs. An alternative to traditionally large infrastructure that locks in a design and today's state-of-the-art technology for the next 50 - 70 years, is a system designed to incorporate new technology in a modular fashion. The modular engine genset system used for power generation is one example of how this works in practice. The largest single component of this thesis is modeling, designing, retrofitting, and testing a reciprocating piston engine used as a compressor. Motivated again by the low cost of an internal combustion engine, this work looks at how an engine (which is, in its conventional form, essentially a reciprocating compressor) can be cost-effectively retrofitted to perform as a small-scale gas compressor. In the laboratory, an engine compressor was built by retrofitting a one-cylinder, 79 cc engine. Various retrofitting techniques were incorporated into the system design, and the engine compressor performance was quantified in each iteration. Because the retrofitted engine is now a power consumer rather than a power-producing unit, the engine compressor is driven in the laboratory with an electric motor. Experimentally, compressed air engine exhaust (starting at elevated inlet pressures) surpassed 650 psia (about 45 bar), which makes this system very attractive for many applications in chemical engineering and refining industries. A model of the engine compressor system was written in Python and incorporates experimentally-derived parameters to quantify gas leakage, engine friction, and flow (including backflow) through valves. The model as a whole was calibrated and verified with experimental data and is used to explore engine retrofits beyond what was tested in the laboratory. Along with the experimental and modeling work, a techno-economic assessment is included to compare the engine compressor system with state-of-the-art, commercially-available compressors. Included in the financial analysis is a case study where an engine compressor system is modeled to achieve specific compression needs. The result of the assessment is that, indeed, the low engine cost, even with the necessary retrofits, provides a cost advantage over incumbent compression technologies. Lastly, this thesis provides an algorithm and case study for another application of small-scale units in energy infrastructure, specifically in energy storage. This study focuses on quantifying the value of small-scale, onsite energy storage in shaving peak power demands. This case study focuses on university-level power demands. The analysis finds that, because peak power is so costly, even small amounts of energy storage, when dispatched optimally, can provide significant cost reductions. This provides another example of the value of small-scale implementations, particularly in energy infrastructure. While the study focuses on flywheels and batteries as the energy storage medium, engine gensets could also be used to deliver power and shave peak power demands. The overarching goal of this thesis is to introduce small-scale, modular infrastructure, with a particular focus on the opportunity to retrofit and repurpose inexpensive, mass-manufactured internal combustion engines in new and unconventional applications. The modeling and experimental work presented in this dissertation show very compelling results for engines incorporated into both energy generation infrastructure and chemical engineering industries via compression technologies. The low engine cost provides an opportunity to add retrofits whilst remaining cost competitive with the incumbent technology. This work supports the claim that modular infrastructure, built on the indivisible unit of an internal combustion engine, can revolutionize many industries by providing a low-cost mechanism for rapid change and promoting small-scale designs.

Os Aluminetos de Ferro tem, dentre muitas características predominantes, excelente resistência à corrosão a altas temperaturas devido à formação de uma camada protetora de alumina que favorece a sua aplicação em ambientes agressivos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo estudar a produção de ligas a partir de matéria-prima reciclada e a cinética de oxidação em alta temperatura de 800 graus Celsius a 1100 graus Celsius em forno mufla sem atmosfera protetora com tempo de permanência no forno de 10, 50, 100 e 200h. As ligas estudadas se baseiam na composição básica Fe30Al6Cr (os números representam a fração molar dos componentes). Duas ligas, nomeadas (A) e (B), foram obtidas seguindo a mesma rota de processamento, porém, diferenciando os cadinhos de fundição o que resultou em concentrações de carbono diferentes e conseqüente diferença na fração volumétrica de carbonetos. As ligas foram analisadas através de difração de Raio X para determinação das fases presentes e microscopia eletrônica de varredura para caracterização microestrutural. Foram também, submetidas ao ensaio de solubilização por 10 horas a uma temperatura de 1200 graus Celsius e precipitação a 800 graus Celsius por 10 min para determinação da evolução microestrutural. O resultados das análises de microdureza Vickers no material em estados bruto de fusão e tratado termicamente serviram para caracterizar os carbonetos presentes, bem como a resistência intrínseca da matriz. Os resultados do ensaio de oxidação realizado em 16 amostras de cada liga são apresentados sob forma de curvas de ganho de massa por unidade de área, (deltam/S), versus tempo de oxidação, (t). A avaliação feita das curvas dos gráficos não foi suficiente para determinar à cinética de formação de óxidos. / Iron aluminides have, among many outstanding characteristics, excellent resistance to high temperature oxidation due to the formation of a protective alumina layer which favors its use in harsh environments. This work aims at producing iron aluminides-based alloy using only recycled raw material and characterizing the results of studies of oxidation kinetic at high temperatures of 800 Celsius to 1100 Celsius in muffle furnace without protective atmosphere with residence time in oven 10, 50, 100 and 200h. The investigated alloy are based on the nominal composition Fe30Al6Cr (The numbers refer to the molar fraction of alloys elementes). Two alloys, namely (A) and (B), were obtained following the same processing route using, however, different crucibles which resulted in different carbon concentrations and consequently in different carbide volume fractions. The alloys were analyzed by X-ray diffraction to determine the phases and scanning electron microscopy for microstructural characterization. Sample taken from both alloys were also subjected to solubilization for 10 hours at 1200 Celsius and precipitation at 800 Celsius for 10 min to determine the microstructural evolution. The analytical results of Vickers microhardness of the material both in the as cast state as well as in the heat treated states were used to characterize the carbides and matrix mechanical properties. Oxidation results carried out in 16 samples of each alloy are presented in the form of mass gain per unit area (deltam / S) versus oxidation time (t) curves. The evaluation of the graphics curves used to observe the linear behavior was not enough to determine the oxidation kinetics law.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-100). / Concern for environmental degradation has been a motivating factor in the efforts to reuse or recycle construction and demolition waste. The intention is not only to reduce environmental desecration, but also to recycle the construction and demolition waste into potential building materials to be reused elsewhere. This study investigated the supply and demand of recycled construction materials in the Western Cape, and aimed to determine the perception held by important stakeholders about these materials. A qualitative analysis of the case study results revealed that poor waste management plans implemented on construction and demolition sites have affected the quality, supply and price of recycled materials. In addition to this it was also revealed that the negative perceptions regarding recycled materials were the major barriers to creating an established secondary market. Inadequate knowledge and experience were major contributors to resistance to change of perceptions. A case study was conducted on Malans Quarries Recyclers in order to determine the supply of raw materials (construction and demolition waste) reaching the recycling plant; the supply of recycled materials to the end user (consumer); and the recycling process that takes place. A sample of fifteen respondents from a variety of large, medium and small construction contractors, as well as consultants and civil engineering companies, completed a questionnaire to determine the demand for and perceptions about these materials. The qualitative analysis of the results of the questionnaires showed that the majority of respondents still preferred to use primary materials over recycled materials. However, it appears that the gap between respondents who prefer to use primary materials, and those who utilize recycled materials, has narrowed in comparison to results obtained in previous studies. It seems that there may be more usage of recycled materials in the future. The results also revealed that tax cuts, could be a good economic incentive to encourage the use of recycled material. The questionnaire results also revealed that the majority of the respondents believed that landfill taxes where not effective in discouraging the illegal dumping of waste, and that the lack advertisements, and difficulties in obtaining recycled materials played a crucial role in the under-use of recycled materials.

Long term durability is a major concern for wide-scale use of recycled aggregate materials in civil engineering construction. The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the damaging effects of combined wet-dry cycles and repeated mechanical loading in a recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) base course material made from recycled crushed concrete aggregate and cement. A coordinated experimental program followed by a mechanistic pavement modeling and life cycle analysis was conducted as part of this research study. This laboratory investigation was divided into three phases each consisting of both wet-dry exposed specimens (WD), and control or non wet-dry exposed specimens (NWD). Phase I experiments involved monotonic loading tests under compression and flexure to evaluate the strength properties. Phase II involved testing a total of 108 cylindrical specimens in cyclic compressive loading at three different stress ratios. After each regime of cyclic loading, residual compressive strengths were determined. In addition, the load-deformation hysteresis loops and the accumulated plastic deformation were continuously monitored through all loading cycles. Phase III included a flexural fatigue test program on 39 beam specimens, and fracture testing program on 6 notched beam specimens, each one having 19-mm initial notch. Traditional SR-N curves, relating the Stress Ratio (SR) with the number of cycles to failure (N or Nf), were developed. Fatigue crack growth rate and changes in Stress Intensity Factors were obtained to determine Paris Law constants and fracture toughness. A mechanistic analysis of a typical highway pavement incorporating RAC base was performed with KENPAVE program, followed by a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) using the GaBi software. It was found that the specimens subjected to wet-dry cycles suffered significantly higher damage expressed in terms of accumulated plastic deformation, and loss of residual compressive strength, modulus, fatigue endurance limit, and design life, compared to specimens not exposed to wet-dry cycles. Although such degradation in material properties are important considerations in pavement design, a concurrent Life Cycle Analysis demonstrated that recycled aggregate concrete base course still holds promise as an alternative construction material from environmental stand point. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

A urbanização acelerada e o rápido adensamento das cidades de médio e grande porte são fatores que vêm contribuindo para o aumento da quantidade de Resíduos da Construção Civil (RCC) nas cidades brasileiras. A problemática aumenta não somente pelo fato destes constituírem a maior fração em massa dos resíduos gerados nas cidades, mas também pela imprudência ou desconhecimento dos profissionais responsáveis que acompanham as obras. Como consequência ocorre a disposição inadequada dos RCC em locais clandestinos, terrenos baldios, praças, ruas ou encostas de rios. O descarte irregular destes é uma das principais causas da degradação do meio ambiente, com potencial de afetar a qualidade de vida da população, comprometer os recursos naturais e os ecossistemas. Nesse ínterim, este trabalho tem por objetivo investigar como os resíduos vem sendo gerenciados pelos profissionais que atuam com Arquitetura de Interiores no município de Caxias do Sul. A natureza do projeto de pesquisa classifica-se como exploratória, cujos dados primários são de natureza qualitativa, enquanto uma pesquisa posterior é feita para quantificar os dados iniciais obtidos, ambas as etapas envolvendo a elaboração de questionários. Assim, o processo de levantamento de dados necessários à realização da análise desse trabalho, sustentou-se por meio de uma entrevista de profundidade, seguida de uma pesquisa Survey, construída na forma estruturada e aplicada via computador. Ambas direcionadas à uma amostra de Arquitetos e Urbanistas que atuam no município. Os resultados obtidos da Pesquisa de Profundidade sugerem que os profissionais reconhecem a importância do meio ambiente para o bem-estar da sociedade como um todo, porém desconhecem sobre aspectos ligados à gestão, gerenciamento e atribuições legais relacionadas aos RCC. A análise dos resultados da pesquisa Survey reforça essa informação inicial, mapeando dados que mostram o baixo aproveitamento de resíduos na própria obra, a falta de segregação de resíduos, a prática de aterramento de RCC e a deposição irregular em terrenos baldios. Estes dados são fortes indicadores de que o segmento está operando em inconformidade com a legislação brasileira, carecendo de atenção, fiscalização e ações de educação ambiental. Tais medidas se fazem necessárias para se combater a degradação das áreas urbanas e se obter uma consequente melhoria da qualidade de vida da sociedade. / Submitted by Paula Leal (pffleal@ucs.br) on 2017-12-14T11:01:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Nadime Rissi.pdf: 7217805 bytes, checksum: 8d21c6a81eac13f14a258211c3eca295 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-14T11:01:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Nadime Rissi.pdf: 7217805 bytes, checksum: 8d21c6a81eac13f14a258211c3eca295 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / The fast urbanization and intensification of medium and large-size cities have increased the quantity of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) in Brazilian cities. The problem is not only because the largest waste fraction of CDW generated by cities, but also by imprudence or lack of knowledge of professionals that monitor construction works. The inappropriate placement of CDW occurs in illegal sites, wastelands, squares, streets or river slopes. The irregular disposal of CDW is one of the main causes of the environment degradation since it has the potential to affect the quality of life of the population, compromising natural resources and ecosystems. This study aims to investigate how wastes are being treated by professionals working with interior design in Caxias do Sul. The nature of the research project is explanatory, whose primary data are qualitative while a later research is done to quantify the initial data, involving the preparation of surveys in both stages. Hence, the data collection process required to perform the analysis started with an in-depth interview following by a survey research, which was structurally developed and applied via computer. Both processes were applied to a sample of architectures and planners from Caxias do Sul. The in-depth interview results suggest that professionals recognize the importance of the environment to the welfare of society, but ignoring aspects of operation, management and legal responsibilities to the CDW. The survey analysis enhances the initial information, mapping data that shows low achievement of wastes in civil constructions, lack of waste segmentation, practice of CDW grounding and irregular disposal of CDW in wastelands. These findings are strong evidences that the segment is not in accordance with the Brazilian law, lacking attention, inspection and environmental education. These actions are needed to tackle the degradation of urban areas and achieve improvements in society’s life quality.

Thesis (MTech (Built Environment))--Peninsula Technikon, 2001 / The construction industry globally, contributes between 18% and 24% of the GDP, and because of its labour intensive characteristics, contributes handsomely to total employment, forming important backward and forward linkages with the rest of the economy. Nevertheless, the extent and sophistication of these linkages crucially depend on the relative development of the construction industry relative to the overall economy. In the developing countries, these linkages are not very strong because of the use of informal materials, which is not commercialised and whose opportunity costs are often zero, and the huge imports of construction materials used in the modem sector of the economy. However, whether in the developed or developing economies, the construction industry is a major contributor to economic growth and development by providing the necessary infrastructure that facilitates production, consumption and recreational activities. In fulfilling these activities, the construction industry generates huge wastes of which only a tiny proportion are recycled and reused. However, in economies and countries where adequate and functional housing is a problem mainly due to lack of affordability, recycling and reuse of construction waste is a necessary prerequisite to enhancing housing affordability in these countries. This is the current situation that South Africa finds itself "''here because of its past history of 'apartheid', economic opportunities and amenities were denied to the blacks. There is nowhere that this deprivation is more pronounced than in the built environment sector where housing shortages and general disamenities prevail. High levels of unemployment further exacerbate the situation, - - which is a consequence of low skills and high illiteracy-rates. Thus, housing demand and supply by this group of the population are most likely, on the evidence available, to fall predominantly within the low-income housing category. Presently, all households falling into this category rely on financial assistance from the government to facilitate low-cost housing consumption because of pervasive poverty, which itself is due to the very high unemployment rate, illiteracy, lack of skills and general deprivation: a legacy of 'apartheid' policies enforced by previous government. The dilemma however is how to meet the huge housing demand within the limited resources available to the government on the one hand, and on the other, to satisfy such demand without compromising the environmental sustainability of the physical environment. Thus, the thesis aims to determine ways in which the construction industry could contribute to the sustainability of the carrying capacity of the biophysical environment and enhance social sustainability by facilitating affordability through the possible reductions to construction costs through recycling and reuse. By means of questionnaires and detailed interviews, underscored by a qualitative research approach, the potential of construction recycling and the possible contributions to environmental sustainability and housing affordability are determined. At completion, it is expected that this work will not only contribute to existing knowledge but would be of significance in terms of policy formulation to construction industry practitioners, central and local government policy makers, and other governmental and non-governmental organisations operating in the area of housing.