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. / 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.

Using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a replacement for natural aggregate in new concrete is a promising way to increase the overall sustainability of new concrete. This has been hindered, however, by a general perception that RCA is a sub-standard material due to the lack of technical guidance, specifically related to long-term durability, on incorporating RCA into new concrete. The goal of this research project was to determine whether current testing methods could be used to assess the potential alkali-silica reactivity of concrete incorporating RCA. The test methods investigated were ASTM C1260 and ASTM C1567 for assessing natural aggregate susceptibility to alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), and the ability of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to mitigate ASR, respectively. Seven different RCA sources were investigated. It was determined that ASTM C1260 was effective in detecting reactivity but expansion varied based on RCA processing. Depending on the aggregate type and the extent of processing, up to a 100% increase in expansion was observed. Replicate testing was performed at four university laboratories to evaluate repeatability and consistency of results. The authors recommend modification to the mixing and aggregate preparation procedures, when testing the reactivity of RCA using ASTM C 1260. This study also investigated the efficacy of replacing portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), known to mitigate alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete with virgin aggregates, to control ASR in concrete incorporating reactive RCA. The SCMs investigated as part of this study included: fly ash (class F), silica fume, and metakaolin. The results of modified alkali-silica reactivity tests, ASTM C1260 and ASTM C1567 (AMBT), are presented for two different recycled concrete aggregates when using 100% portland cement, binary blends of portland cement and fly ash, and ternary blends of portland cement, fly ash and metakaolin or silica fume. The results indicate that SCMs can effectively mitigate ASR in concrete made with RCA. A 40% replacement of portland cement with class F fly ash was able to reduce expansions to below 0.10% in the AMBT for concrete containing 100% of a highly reactive recycled concrete aggregate. A ternary blend, however, of portland cement with a class F fly ash and metakaolin was most effective for both RCAs tested in this study. Higher levels of mitigation may be required for some RCAs, compared to the level required to mitigate ASR in concrete made with their original natural aggregates, depending on the age and composition of the RCA. / Graduation date: 2012

Le projet de doctorat vise à présenter une nouvelle approche intégrée en support des opérateurs dans la gestion du processus de conception d'interventions de rénovation énergétique et architecturale du patrimoine bâti récent, grâce à l'emploie de solutions technologiques d'enveloppe innovantes. La recherche se fonde sur la collection d'un répertoire sélectionné des solutions architecturales et constructives d'enveloppe, nécessaire pour constituer une base valide sur laquelle étudier des solutions technologiques novatrices pour la réhabilitation énergétique des écoles dans l'après-guerre, en béton armé, généralement préfabriquées. Le projet identifie des processus constructifs éco-durables pour la conception des composants de façade “active”, adaptable et efficace, à assembler à sec, en conformité avec les exigences de performance requises par la réglementation actuelle. La recherche est finalisée à la gestion de l'ensemble du processus, soutenu par des systèmes de relevé géométrique, connectés aux logiciels de programmation paramétrique pour la modélisation des surfaces capables de s'adapter aux différentes morphologies du patrimoine existant. Ces outils informatisés CAO-FAO sont reliés aux machines à contrôle numérique CNC pour la fabrication des éléments de façade “sur mesure”. À démonstration de l'approche innovante proposée, deux possibles solutions d'enveloppes ont présentées, dans la ligne droit des principes de durabilité, comprise comme modularité, rapidité de mise en œuvre, réversibilité, récupération et réutilise des matériaux. En particulier, les solutions innovantes sont réunies par l'application d'une technique basée sur l'assemblage d'éléments préfabriqués, l'adoption d'un pavage hexagonal pour le dessin de la nouvelle surface d'enveloppe, et l'utilisation du même matériau isolant thermique, plastique et inorganique, recyclé, éco-durable, à faible impact environnemental (AAM - Alkali Activated Materials).Les solutions proposées, développées dans les sièges de cotutelle (Université de Bologne, Université Paris-Est) sont envisagées selon un protocole scientifique qui prévoit: conception du système constructif, analyse mécanique et thermique, expérimentation constructive, validation des techniques de mise en œuvre et des performances / The research is aimed at presenting a new integrated approach to aid operators and designers to manage the design process as a whole in refurbishment interventions of recent existing building stock, through the use of innovative technological envelope solutions. The study requires the acquisition of a selection of typological and constructive envelope solutions, as a starting point for the development of design solutions to be used for architectural renovation of schools built after the Second World War, in reinforced concrete and mostly prefabricated. The project identifies sustainable construction processes for the design of “active”, adaptive, efficient and dry assembled envelope components, in accordance with the performance requirements prescribed by current regulations. The purpose of the research is to manage the whole design process with the support of geometrical survey, connected to parametric programming software for modelling surfaces which can be adapted to the morphology of existing buildings. These computerized CAD-CAM tools are connected to CNC machines for “customized” industrialized production. To illustrate this innovative approach, two envelope solutions are proposed, according to the research paradigms and the principles of sustainability, meant as modularity, speed of setup, reversibility, recycling and reuse of materials with low environmental impact. In particular, the innovative solutions have in common the application of a technique based on the assembly of prefabricated components, the adoption of hexagonal patterns for the tessellation of the new surface of the façade, and the use of the same plastic and inorganic, recycled and sustainable, thermal insulation material (AAM-Alkali Activated Materials).The design solutions proposed are developed at the two sites involved in the joint

Le projet de doctorat vise à présenter une nouvelle approche intégrée en support des opérateurs dans la gestion du processus de conception d'interventions de rénovation énergétique et architecturale du patrimoine bâti récent, grâce à l'emploie de solutions technologiques d'enveloppe innovantes. La recherche se fonde sur la collection d'un répertoire sélectionné des solutions architecturales et constructives d'enveloppe, nécessaire pour constituer une base valide sur laquelle étudier des solutions technologiques novatrices pour la réhabilitation énergétique des écoles dans l'après-guerre, en béton armé, généralement préfabriquées. Le projet identifie des processus constructifs éco-durables pour la conception des composants de façade “active”, adaptable et efficace, à assembler à sec, en conformité avec les exigences de performance requises par la réglementation actuelle. La recherche est finalisée à la gestion de l'ensemble du processus, soutenu par des systèmes de relevé géométrique, connectés aux logiciels de programmation paramétrique pour la modélisation des surfaces capables de s'adapter aux différentes morphologies du patrimoine existant. Ces outils informatisés CAO-FAO sont reliés aux machines à contrôle numérique CNC pour la fabrication des éléments de façade “sur mesure”. À démonstration de l'approche innovante proposée, deux possibles solutions d'enveloppes ont présentées, dans la ligne droit des principes de durabilité, comprise comme modularité, rapidité de mise en œuvre, réversibilité, récupération et réutilise des matériaux. En particulier, les solutions innovantes sont réunies par l'application d'une technique basée sur l'assemblage d'éléments préfabriqués, l'adoption d'un pavage hexagonal pour le dessin de la nouvelle surface d'enveloppe, et l'utilisation du même matériau isolant thermique, plastique et inorganique, recyclé, éco-durable, à faible impact environnemental (AAM - Alkali Activated Materials).Les solutions proposées, développées dans les sièges de cotutelle (Université de Bologne, Université Paris-Est) sont envisagées selon un protocole scientifique qui prévoit: conception du système constructif, analyse mécanique et thermique, expérimentation constructive, validation des techniques de mise en œuvre et des performances / The research is aimed at presenting a new integrated approach to aid operators and designers to manage the design process as a whole in refurbishment interventions of recent existing building stock, through the use of innovative technological envelope solutions. The study requires the acquisition of a selection of typological and constructive envelope solutions, as a starting point for the development of design solutions to be used for architectural renovation of schools built after the Second World War, in reinforced concrete and mostly prefabricated. The project identifies sustainable construction processes for the design of “active”, adaptive, efficient and dry assembled envelope components, in accordance with the performance requirements prescribed by current regulations. The purpose of the research is to manage the whole design process with the support of geometrical survey, connected to parametric programming software for modelling surfaces which can be adapted to the morphology of existing buildings. These computerized CAD-CAM tools are connected to CNC machines for “customized” industrialized production. To illustrate this innovative approach, two envelope solutions are proposed, according to the research paradigms and the principles of sustainability, meant as modularity, speed of setup, reversibility, recycling and reuse of materials with low environmental impact. In particular, the innovative solutions have in common the application of a technique based on the assembly of prefabricated components, the adoption of hexagonal patterns for the tessellation of the new surface of the façade, and the use of the same plastic and inorganic, recycled and sustainable, thermal insulation material (AAM-Alkali Activated Materials).The design solutions proposed are developed at the two sites involved in the joint

An evaluation of electronic waste (e-waste) management in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality was undertaken in this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the electronic waste management practices such as generation, storage, collection, transportation and disposal in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. This was achieved through questionnaires distributed to residents in Namakgale and Phalaborwa residential areas, structured interviews with municipal workers under the Environmental Health Division and observation in the landfill site and collection points were also used in gathering information on the electronic waste management. In the study it was found that a wide range of electronic waste is generated and lighting equipment, small household equipment and ICT equipment are disposed of in large numbers in the study area. The municipality is responsible for waste management in the study area. Electronic waste generated is stored, collected and disposed together with all other domestic waste in the area. No segregation or recycling at household level was evident. It was also found that the municipality does not have a formal relationship with electronic waste recycling companies to eliminate the flow of electronic waste from households to the landfill site. A lack of own regulatory and by-laws on electronic waste was noted and seemed to be one of the challenges the municipality is facing. The findings highlighted the low level of community awareness regarding electronic waste. The study concluded that there is a lack or absence of good management of electronic waste storage, collection, transportation in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. From the study, it is recommended that there is a need for meaningful community awareness, environmental education, formulation of by-laws and formal recycling projects for effective electronic waste in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

E-waste is a world-wide, interregional, and domestic problem. E-waste management is a challenging task not only due to its speedily increasing volume but more outstandingly because of its hazardous nature. This study examined the e-waste management and disposal methods in the city of Addis Ababa to propose appropriate e-waste management model. Further, it attempted to comprehend the existing policy gap by identifying the different obstructions to the adoption of e-waste management policy. To this end, the study employs both descriptive and explanatory research designs. It selected 100 household heads from Bole and NSL sub-cities, 72 GSD personnel from the educational institutions and governmental sector offices, and 6 higher government officials. The quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS 21. Thus, the frequencies, the chi-square tests, t-tests, a one-way ANOVA, the partial and product-moment correlations, the ordinal, multiple and Poisson regression models were computed. The qualitative data were analysed using ATLAS ti 7. The findings of the study revealed that most of the respondents were not aware of e-waste and its management. The households generated about 4,010 number of non-functional, 2,077 obsolete, and 1,856 broken e-waste. Besides, the educational institutions and governmental sector offices generated about 11,153 non-functional, 15,911 obsolete, and 11,360 broken e-waste. The monthly income was statistically significant in the e-waste management whereas family sizes, gender, and educational qualifications were insignificant. The major e-waste causes encompass rapid obsolescence rate, breakage, and the demands for extra and innovative models or designs of electronic gadgets. The most common e-waste disposal method was storing. The recycling, reusing, donation, and refurbishing of e-waste had hardly been practiced. The study found the absence of good disposal methods and recyclers as the root causes for the prolonged storage and improper disposal of e-waste. E-waste laws, legislation, projects, activities, and recycling centres were non-existent. What is more, the administrative, economic, and socio-cultural challenges triggered the poor e-waste management of the city. Based on the findings, the study proposed a workable e-waste management model, which would most likely result in efficient and sustainable e-waste management in the city. Further, it calls for the stakeholders to work jointly to ensure proper e-waste management. / Geography / D. Lit. et Phil. (Geography)

An evaluation of electronic waste (e-waste) management in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality was undertaken in this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the electronic waste management practices such as generation, storage, collection, transportation and disposal in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. This was achieved through questionnaires distributed to residents in Namakgale and Phalaborwa residential areas, structured interviews with municipal workers under the Environmental Health Division and observation in the landfill site and collection points were also used in gathering information on the electronic waste management. In the study it was found that a wide range of electronic waste is generated and lighting equipment, small household equipment and ICT equipment are disposed of in large numbers in the study area. The municipality is responsible for waste management in the study area. Electronic waste generated is stored, collected and disposed together with all other domestic waste in the area. No segregation or recycling at household level was evident. It was also found that the municipality does not have a formal relationship with electronic waste recycling companies to eliminate the flow of electronic waste from households to the landfill site. A lack of own regulatory and by-laws on electronic waste was noted and seemed to be one of the challenges the municipality is facing. The findings highlighted the low level of community awareness regarding electronic waste. The study concluded that there is a lack or absence of good management of electronic waste storage, collection, transportation in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. From the study, it is recommended that there is a need for meaningful community awareness, environmental education, formulation of by-laws and formal recycling projects for effective electronic waste in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)