Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Mustaque A. Hossain / The use of economical and environmentally friendly recycled asphalt materials has become increasingly popular for asphalt pavement construction. Although reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) are typically used in hot-mix asphalt, increasing the amount of RAP and RAS materials increases the potential for premature pavement distresses, especially cracking. This research evaluated four recycled Superpave mixtures with different RAP and RAS contents from Kansas Department of Transportation projects. Two of the mixtures contained 10% RAP and 5% RAS, while the other two mixtures contained 25% RAP but no RAS. Illinois semicircular bending and Florida indirect tension tests were performed to assess mixture cracking and fracture properties. Results showed that mixtures containing 10% RAP and 5% RAS have relatively low fracture energy, creep compliance, energy ratio, and flexibility index but high resilient modulus. These results indicate that mixtures containing 10% RAP and 5% RAS are stiffer, more prone to cracking, and tend to absorb less fracture energy. Mixtures with 25% RAP and no RAS showed the opposite behavior.

Geopolymer concrete (GC) is a sustainable construction material and a great alternative to regular concrete. GC is a zero-cement material made from a combination of aluminate, silicate and an activator to produce a binder-like substance. This investigation focused on the effects of wet and dry cycles on the strength and durability of fly ash-based recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete (RAGC). The wet-dry cycles were performed approximately according to ASTM D559 standards. RAGC specimens with nearly 70% recycled materials (recycled aggregate and fly ash) achieved a compressive strength of approximately 3600 psi, after 7 days of heat curing at 60ºC. Although the recycled aggregate is prone to high water absorption, the compressive strength decreased by only 4% after exposure to 21 wet-dry cycles, compared to control specimens that were not exposed to the same conditions. Accordingly, the RAGC material developed in this study can be considered as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to cement-based regular concrete. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

To address the challenges associated with urban expansion and environmental changes, innovative interlocking concrete block pavement (ICBP) is being researched for usage in urban areas. The ICBP is designed to have higher durability and better long-term performance compared to traditional asphalt pavement. Using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) can provide many environmental benefits. The objective of this research is to investigate the mechanical properties of concrete with recycled materials. This also involves the assessment of deflection and stresses associated with ICBP using the finite element method. Four concrete mixtures with different RCA and SCMs contents were designed and cast. The RCA replacement levels were 20% and 40%, while slag and glass pozzolan were added to improve mechanical properties. The results showed that the use of RCA had adverse impacts on workability. The 28 days compressive strength of the Control Mix was 40 MPa. The compressive strength of Mix 3 was 40.5 MPa which was the highest strength among all mixtures. It demonstrated that a 40% RCA replacement level could have a non-negative effect on mechanical properties when the SCMs are added. A three-dimensional pavement model was established using ABAQUS software. The orthogonal experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of the length/width ratio of blocks, the block thickness, the elastic modulus, and the laying pattern of blocks on the deflection and von Mises stress of all ICBP models under the vertical load. Considering the deflection of the loading area, the length/width ratio had the greatest effect, then comes with thickness, elastic modulus, and laying pattern according to the Range Analysis. The bigger block size and higher elastic modulus of blocks could provide even better performance. Overall, the herringbone laying pattern is recommended as the optimum laying pattern with minimum deflection. It also contributes to better load spreading. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

This study arises out of the researcher’s experience in the fields of costume and fashion. It develops, through design practice and reflection, a design process for fashion wear made from post-consumer recycled materials. Theoretical analysis provides global, historical, philosophical and design contexts within which to develop an ethos for this variant form of fashion wear designated ReFashion. Differences in design process between conventional fashion and ReFashion are detailed to highlight the significance of provenance of materials in the light of a perceived need to slow down clothing production and consumption. This perception is informed by scientific predictions that failure to engage with urgently needed changes to the prevalent economic paradigm will result in planet earth reaching a tipping point with potentially disastrous results for its inhabitants. Fundamental to the ReFashion ethos is preparedness for a speculative post-apocalyptic future that might render the fashion system unable to operate as it currently does, necessitating a more self-sufficient approach to clothing needs, with an accompanying shift in perceptions of what is deemed fashionable. The theme Survivalist Fantasy provides a lens to bring conceptual and material aspects of the work into focus. Informed by sustainability, Survivalist Fantasy recontextualises a failure of sustainable initiatives on a global scale and their adaptation on a local scale specifically in the arena of clothing.

This study arises out of the researcher’s experience in the fields of costume and fashion. It develops, through design practice and reflection, a design process for fashion wear made from post-consumer recycled materials. Theoretical analysis provides global, historical, philosophical and design contexts within which to develop an ethos for this variant form of fashion wear designated ReFashion. Differences in design process between conventional fashion and ReFashion are detailed to highlight the significance of provenance of materials in the light of a perceived need to slow down clothing production and consumption. This perception is informed by scientific predictions that failure to engage with urgently needed changes to the prevalent economic paradigm will result in planet earth reaching a tipping point with potentially disastrous results for its inhabitants. Fundamental to the ReFashion ethos is preparedness for a speculative post-apocalyptic future that might render the fashion system unable to operate as it currently does, necessitating a more self-sufficient approach to clothing needs, with an accompanying shift in perceptions of what is deemed fashionable. The theme Survivalist Fantasy provides a lens to bring conceptual and material aspects of the work into focus. Informed by sustainability, Survivalist Fantasy recontextualises a failure of sustainable initiatives on a global scale and their adaptation on a local scale specifically in the arena of clothing.

Global concern about the environmental impacts of waste disposal and stringent implementation of environmental laws lead to numerous research on recycled materials. Increased awareness about the inherent engineering values of waste materials, lack of landfill sites and strong demand for construction materials have encouraged research on composite materials, which are either fully or partly made of recycled materials. This trend is particularly strong in transportation and geotechnical projects, where huge quantities of raw materials are normally consumed. Owing to the low mass-to-volume ratio, disposal of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a major problem. In addition, EPS recycling methods are expensive, labour intensive and energy demanding. Hence, this thesis is focused on the development of a new soil composite made by mixing recycled EPS with expansive clays. Given the high cost of damage to various buildings, structures and pavements caused by the unpredictable ground movements associated with expansive soils, it has been considered prudent to try and develop a new method of soil modification using recycled EPS beads as a swell-shrink modifier and desiccation crack controller. The innovative application of recycled EPS as a soil modifier will minimise the quantity of waste EPS destined to the landfill considerably. An extensive experimental investigation has been carried out using laboratory reconstituted expansive soils - to represent varied plasticity indices - consisting of fine sand and sodium bentonite. Three soils notated as SB16, SB24 and SB32 representing 16%, 24% and 32% of bentonite contents respectively were tested with four EPS contents of 0.0%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9%. The tests performed include compaction, free swell, swell pressure, shrinkage, desiccation, shear strength and hydraulic conductivity. All the tests have been performed at the respective maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content of the mixes. It has been observed that by mixing of recycled EPS beads with the reconstituted soil, a lightweight geomaterial is produced with improved engineering properties in terms of dry unit weight, swelling, shrinkage and desiccation. The EPS addition depends on the moulding moisture content of the soil. With increasing moisture content, additional EPS can be added. Also, there is a reduction in dry unit weight with the addition of EPS. Furthermore, the reduction of swell-shrink potential and desiccation cracking in soils, for example, is related to the partial replacement of soil particles as well as the elasticity of the EPS beads. There is a reduction in shear strength with the addition of EPS to soils. However, mixing of chemical stabilisers along with EPS can enhance the strength in addition to improved overall properties.

This study arises out of the researcher’s experience in the fields of costume and fashion. It develops, through design practice and reflection, a design process for fashion wear made from post-consumer recycled materials. Theoretical analysis provides global, historical, philosophical and design contexts within which to develop an ethos for this variant form of fashion wear designated ReFashion. Differences in design process between conventional fashion and ReFashion are detailed to highlight the significance of provenance of materials in the light of a perceived need to slow down clothing production and consumption. This perception is informed by scientific predictions that failure to engage with urgently needed changes to the prevalent economic paradigm will result in planet earth reaching a tipping point with potentially disastrous results for its inhabitants. Fundamental to the ReFashion ethos is preparedness for a speculative post-apocalyptic future that might render the fashion system unable to operate as it currently does, necessitating a more self-sufficient approach to clothing needs, with an accompanying shift in perceptions of what is deemed fashionable. The theme Survivalist Fantasy provides a lens to bring conceptual and material aspects of the work into focus. Informed by sustainability, Survivalist Fantasy recontextualises a failure of sustainable initiatives on a global scale and their adaptation on a local scale specifically in the arena of clothing.

This study arises out of the researcher’s experience in the fields of costume and fashion. It develops, through design practice and reflection, a design process for fashion wear made from post-consumer recycled materials. Theoretical analysis provides global, historical, philosophical and design contexts within which to develop an ethos for this variant form of fashion wear designated ReFashion. Differences in design process between conventional fashion and ReFashion are detailed to highlight the significance of provenance of materials in the light of a perceived need to slow down clothing production and consumption. This perception is informed by scientific predictions that failure to engage with urgently needed changes to the prevalent economic paradigm will result in planet earth reaching a tipping point with potentially disastrous results for its inhabitants. Fundamental to the ReFashion ethos is preparedness for a speculative post-apocalyptic future that might render the fashion system unable to operate as it currently does, necessitating a more self-sufficient approach to clothing needs, with an accompanying shift in perceptions of what is deemed fashionable. The theme Survivalist Fantasy provides a lens to bring conceptual and material aspects of the work into focus. Informed by sustainability, Survivalist Fantasy recontextualises a failure of sustainable initiatives on a global scale and their adaptation on a local scale specifically in the arena of clothing.

This study arises out of the researcher’s experience in the fields of costume and fashion. It develops, through design practice and reflection, a design process for fashion wear made from post-consumer recycled materials. Theoretical analysis provides global, historical, philosophical and design contexts within which to develop an ethos for this variant form of fashion wear designated ReFashion. Differences in design process between conventional fashion and ReFashion are detailed to highlight the significance of provenance of materials in the light of a perceived need to slow down clothing production and consumption. This perception is informed by scientific predictions that failure to engage with urgently needed changes to the prevalent economic paradigm will result in planet earth reaching a tipping point with potentially disastrous results for its inhabitants. Fundamental to the ReFashion ethos is preparedness for a speculative post-apocalyptic future that might render the fashion system unable to operate as it currently does, necessitating a more self-sufficient approach to clothing needs, with an accompanying shift in perceptions of what is deemed fashionable. The theme Survivalist Fantasy provides a lens to bring conceptual and material aspects of the work into focus. Informed by sustainability, Survivalist Fantasy recontextualises a failure of sustainable initiatives on a global scale and their adaptation on a local scale specifically in the arena of clothing.

This study arises out of the researcher’s experience in the fields of costume and fashion. It develops, through design practice and reflection, a design process for fashion wear made from post-consumer recycled materials. Theoretical analysis provides global, historical, philosophical and design contexts within which to develop an ethos for this variant form of fashion wear designated ReFashion. Differences in design process between conventional fashion and ReFashion are detailed to highlight the significance of provenance of materials in the light of a perceived need to slow down clothing production and consumption. This perception is informed by scientific predictions that failure to engage with urgently needed changes to the prevalent economic paradigm will result in planet earth reaching a tipping point with potentially disastrous results for its inhabitants. Fundamental to the ReFashion ethos is preparedness for a speculative post-apocalyptic future that might render the fashion system unable to operate as it currently does, necessitating a more self-sufficient approach to clothing needs, with an accompanying shift in perceptions of what is deemed fashionable. The theme Survivalist Fantasy provides a lens to bring conceptual and material aspects of the work into focus. Informed by sustainability, Survivalist Fantasy recontextualises a failure of sustainable initiatives on a global scale and their adaptation on a local scale specifically in the arena of clothing.