by Damilola Ayodele Ogundare, Oyetunde Oluwafemi Adeleke, Ayodeji Theophilus Akinbuluma

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2024, 4(1), pp 55-64; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v4i1.427

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Abstract Problematic subgrade soil such as clay is expansive by nature and is challenging to work with during pavement construction. In an effort to combat this issue and lower the rate of pavement failure on highway construction projects, cementitious industrial waste materials should be used. This study thus examined the influence of steel slag (SS) and calcium carbide waste (CCW) as stabilisers for clay soil. Chemical and mineralogical analyses of clay soil, SS and CCW were assessed while the stabilised soil were subjugated to Atterberg limit, compaction and california bearing ratio (CBR) tests. The existence of calcium oxide, iron oxide and calcium hydroxide in both the chemical and mineralogical constituents of SS and CCW indicate that they are binding materials which notably influences hardness and contributes more to the strength of the clay soil. With varied amounts of the additives (SS and CCR), the clay soil's liquid limit and plasticity index dropped from 54.0% and 13.8% to 43.5% and 9.2%, respectively. This significantly lowers the clay soil’s swell potential, increases its resilience, and decreases its infiltration capacity. The compaction characteristics revealed that SS and CCW enhanced the compactness of the clay soil signifying enhancement of the soil compaction properties. The CBR value of all the stabilised clay soils improve significantly with 40%SS + 60%CCW acquiring the maximum CBR of 17.3% and 29.0% compared with clay soil having CBR of 4.7% and 6.9% in soaked and unsoaked states respectively.[...] Read more. Full text

by Jen Hua Ling, Ahmad Baharuddin Abd. Rahman, Izni Syahrizal Ibrahim

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2024, 4(1), pp 20-41; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v4i1.393

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Abstract A grouted sleeve is a mechanical coupler used to join steel bars. It can be used to join precast concrete walls. Most grouted sleeves are pricey proprietary products. This study investigated the behaviour of a grouted sleeve made of steel pipe sections. The grouted sleeve was used as a wall panel connection. The specimens were subjected to three types of loads: tensile, shear, and flexural. The performance of the specimens was evaluated based on the load-displacement responses. For satisfactory bond strength, a bar embedded length of 11 times the bar diameter was required. The grouted sleeve performed well in tension but poorly in shear load. The service shear load was just one-third of the total load capacity. Thus, the grouted sleeve was not recommended for resisting shear load without shear keys to strengthen the joint.[...] Read more. Full text

by Abila Hena Anayet, Meor Mohammad Hilmi Bin Hamzah, Mohamed Zuhaili Mohamed Najib

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2024, 4(1), pp 42-54; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v4i1.411

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Abstract Composting, a crucial process in sustainable waste management, transforms organic matter into nutrient-rich compost, which is an organic byproduct of the decomposition process known as composting. Compost serves as a sustainable means of recycling various organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner, finding applications in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, urban agriculture, and organic farming. This paper investigated the complex factors affecting the maturity of compost, focusing on parameters such as temperature, pH, and moisture content. The breakdown rates of eight carefully regulated combinations were compared to a sample that had not been altered. The analytic results showed the volume loss over time was a critical component in determining the maturity of compost. Combinations two (Temperature=High, Moisture Content=High, pH=Low), three (Temperature=High, Moisture Content=Low, pH=High), and four (Temperature=High, Moisture Content=Low, pH=Low) showed the most percentage volume loss by day 46, indicating faster maturation compared to the uncontrolled group. In this volume loss comparison, the circular truncated cone formula played a crucial role in revealing the ideal combinations for compost maturation. This comprehensive study not only contributed valuable insights into optimizing composting conditions but also highlighted the diverse applications of compost. By examining the complex interactions between pH, moisture content, and temperature, this study enhanced our knowledge of sustainable waste-to-resource operations and effective composting techniques.[...] Read more. Full text

by Jen Hua Ling, Ji Wei Lau, Yong Tat Lim

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2024, 4(1), pp 1-19; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v4i1.391

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Abstract Polystyrene spheres can be used to substitute concrete in reinforced concrete slabs. Despite the weight, the structural performance of the slab would also be affected. This study investigated the behaviour of slabs containing polystyrene spheres under loads. Six specimens were fabricated and tested under the four-point load setup. The parameters studied included the diameters of the polystyrene spheres and the spacing between them. The polystyrene spheres reduced the slabs’ first crack load, stiffness, yield strength, and ultimate strength. The first crack, yield, and ultimate loads decreased by 22.3%, 2.1%, and 4.1%, respectively, when the polystyrene sphere’s diameter increased from 75 mm to 125 mm. As the polystyrene spheres’ spacing decreased from 50 mm to 10 mm, the first crack, yield, and ultimate loads dropped 14.2%, 9.2%, and 7%, respectively. Despite some limitations identified during the feasibility analysis, specimen SP3 was found feasible as a simply supported one-way spanning slab. In the specimen, the polystyrene spheres were 0.625 times the slab thickness in diameter and 2.5 times the concrete cover in spacing.[...] Read more. Full text

by Rachel Liong, Faisal Saud Binhudayb, Mohammed Elshikh, Salem Hesham

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 2024, 4(1), pp 65-74; https://doi.org/10.53623/csue.v4i1.440

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Abstract Due to rapid urbanization, the construction industry has expanded significantly to meet human needs. Controlling environmental impacts in the construction sector has become a major global issue. The implementation of environmental management practices in the construction sector has contributed to protecting the environment through various management methods. This review aims to provide an overview of environmental management practices in the construction industry in developed countries, including a review of the types of environmental management practices and government policies for adopting these practices. The current status of these practices in developed countries is discussed, as well as the barriers and prospects for environmental management practices. Challenges include behavior adoption, lack of material standardization, monitoring difficulties, and inefficient formation of temporary organizations. Cooperation among construction parties presents coordination issues, exacerbating uneven cost distribution and neglect of environmental impacts. Adoption of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems faces hurdles such as lack of management involvement, third-party interference, and lack of guidelines. Initiatives like Green Star struggle due to poor enforcement and organizational issues, hindering sustainable development. To accomplish the goal of sustainable development, additional environmental factors have been taken into account and discussed.[...] Read more. Full text