Monolithic Structure Technology: A New Construction Process to Enhance Traditional Construction

Let's imagine a low clay soil or aggregates, lime or cement and fibers; how can we create value with these three materials or rather how can we achieve an affordable, sustainable building with low environmental impact that requires less maintenance. The elimination of steel increases the life span of buildings by avoiding the corrosion of steel through the phenomenon of the concrete carbonation. So what is the proposed mix and with what mode can we build. The objective of this paper is to propose and evaluate a new construction technology: the technology of monolithic structures applied to low-rise buildings. This technology focuses on the valorization of local materials through a modern construction process.  Thus, in this paper we will describe this process, propose and analyze the adequate models in materials and architecture. Finally we will analyze the feasibility, the ecological and economic profitability of this technology. This construction process uses the same ingredients as traditional buildings, but with innovative approaches in design and execution

Hybrid construction technology, towards a mix that satisfies the requirements of the 21st century: state of the art and future prospects

Reinforced concrete is currently the most used material in construction, posing a significant environmental concern as GHG emissions and problems related to durability and recycling. Therefore, governments have started to encourage the usage of traditional buildings which offer interesting advantages. However, due to poor mechanical and technical performance, as well as a lack of regulations and know-how their usage is limited. The research work carried out on eco-materials has improved their mechanical performance as well as their water resistance. Despite the importance of this study, it is clear that the proposed ecological models cannot yet compete with modern constructions in terms of mechanical performance, rate of construction and economic efficiency. To combine the advantages of these two construction methods: the modern one with its better mechanical performance and economic efficiency, and the traditional one with its insulating power, ecological and bioclimatic aspects, it is proposed to investigate the aspects of the concept “hybrid building technology” which is less polluting, competitive and capable of reducing the impact of the construction on the environment. This article’s goal is to define the concept of hybrid construction technology via an analysis of two modern construction trends: sustainable construction techniques and reinforced concrete buildings. Furthermore, the article discusses several hybridization techniques in the building sector and offers some examples of hybrid construction technology models. Future prospects and recommendations for developing a hybrid building research field are also provided. As a conclusion, this third way in construction will allow for good outcomes in the reconciliation of construction, economics, and man with the environment

Multi-scale physico-chemical characterization of CEB/ANS bio-composites

In a vision to identify the non-linear behaviour of the compressed earth blocks (CEB) reinforced by the Argan nut shells particles (ANS) influenced by many parameters like the shape, the distribution and the quantity of the stabilizers, as well as the interactions between both phases: matrix and reinforcement. The use of numerical models seems to be indispensable. Yet, simulations of heterogeneous structures quickly become unaffordable by direct calculations on finite element software. Therefore, a homogenization of the experimental, analytical, and numerical macrostructure is performed. Thus, an overall micro-mesomacro approach to modelling the mechanical behaviour of CEB/CNA bio-composites has been established. It is mainly based on the notion of the representative elementary volume with two different structures (periodic structure and structure with a poisson distribution). The numerical and analytical homogenization results were validated by the Young’s modulus values resulting from the experimental compression test and the corresponding stress-strain curves

The behaviour of aluminum alloy 1050 sheet subjected to impact and perforation process: Experimental and numerical approaches

The mechanical behavior of aluminum alloy under impact loading using different configurations is described. Perforation tests are referred in this work at wide ranges of specimen using several projectile shapes to analyse their effect on the ballistic curve VR-V0 (conical, hemispherical and blunt), with a diameter of 6.mm. A wide range of impact velocities from 40 to 100 m/s has been used. Experimental and numerical analysis have been carried out to predict the mechanical behaviour of the studied aluminium alloy. This analysis has been done using a high-pressure gas gun. Specimens were prepared from standard 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thick aluminum sheets with 13x13 cm plates. The resistance and the energy absorbed by the aluminum sheets under dynamic load were obtained by measuring the initial and residual velocities of the projectiles. The experimental and numerical results are presented and compared in terms of ballistic curve VR-V0, a good correlation was observed

Utilisation of nut shell wastes in Brick, Mortar and Concrete: A review

Currently, growing activities in the construction sector have resulted in a rapid depletion of natural resources for building material production. On the other hand, agricultural industries generate a huge amount of residues/by-products every year around the world creating environmental concerns since most of these residues are burnt or disposed to the landfill. However, several current studies have presented the potential application of agricultural wastes in building material production owing to good physical and mechanical properties. Moreover, utilisation of such waste materials can contribute to reducing environmental impacts by proving alternative waste management strategies worldwide. This paper reviews some of the nut shell wastes (Argan nut, Brazil nut, Cashew nut, Groundnut, Hazelnut, Pistachio, Shea nut and Walnut) for the production of three groups of materials i.e. brick, mortar and concrete. Different properties of brick, mortar and concrete when admixed with nut shell wastes are discussed and compared with related standards. The review of literature exhibited an obvious potential of the nut shell waste as a partial replacement of conventional materials since most of the developed materials comply with the standards. However, a lack of studies on durability and thermal properties is observed. Besides, existing studies are inadequate to ascertain the potentiality of these wastes for reuse in building materials production. Therefore, extensive research is required to enhance the existing knowledge in this domain to achieve sustainable objectives in the construction industry