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Sustainable Civil Engineering

Research · June 2021

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20479.12966

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Sustainable Civil Engineering

Project Submitted as part requirement

for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in

Civil Engineering

By

Kale Khalid Ali

Haryar Farhad Bakir

June 2021

I
Sustainable Civil Engineering

Project Submitted as part requirement

for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in

Civil Engineering

By

Kale Khalid Ali

Haryar Farhad Bakir

Supervisor:

(Assist.Prof. Yassen Ahmed H.Amin)

June 2021

II
 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that we carried out the work reported in this report in the Department of

Civil Engineering, University of Sulaimani, under the supervision of Dr. Yassen Ahmed. We

solemnly declare that to the best of our knowledge, no part of this report has been submitted

here or elsewhere in a previous application for award of a degree. All sources of knowledge used

have been duly acknowledged.

Signature and Date Signature and Date

Kale Khalid Ali Haryar Farhad Bakir

MATRICULATION MATRICULATION
NUMBER NUMBER

III
 APPROVAL

This is to certify that the project titled “Sustainable Civil Engineering” carried out by Kale

Khalid Ali and Haryar Farhad Bakir has been read and approved for meeting part of the

requirements and regulations governing the award of the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

degree of University of Sulaimani, Sulaimanyah, Iraq.

Signature Signature

Dr.Yaseen A.
Name
Hamaamin

HEAD OF
Supervisor
DEPARTMENT

Board of examiners

Signature Signature Signature

Name Name Name

First examiner Second examiner Chairman of the board

IV
 DEDICATION

This research paper is dedicated to us for surviving the effects of COVID-19 pandemic for more than
a year while still completing a research paper despite the challenges we faced.

V
 AKNOWLEGEMENTS

The completion of this research could not have been possible without the help of a number
of academic individuals, their guidance is gratefully acknowledged.

We offer our sincere appreciations for our dear supervisor Dr. Yaseen Ahmed for his
continuous support, our research could not have been accomplished without his endless
efforts with us.

VI
 ABSTRACT

Despite the fact that civil engineering works to improve human quality of life on earth, but in doing
so they have a duty to subsequent generations to minimize the impacts that civil engineering
activities have upon the environment. Civil engineering projects demand energy during construction
and after construction, also building materials need energy for manufacturing. The duty and
responsibility of civil engineers arise here to reduce the impact of civil projects construction on
environment through reducing air pollution, reducing amount of materials to be used and using clean
energy.

In general, sustainable development can be defined as development that meets current needs without
compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs by attempting to balance social,
economic, and environmental effects.

In civil engineering, sustainability can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including reducing raw
material consumption and using recycled materials, low-energy buildings (passive houses), waste
water treatment plants, and lowering transportation costs.

VII
TABLE OF CONTENT

VIII
IX
X
LIST OF TABLES

XI
LIST OF FIGURES

XII
LIST OF ABBRIVIATION

XIII
XIV
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

We hold the future in our hands, together, we must ensure that our grandchildren will not have to
ask why we failed to do the right things, and let them suffer the consequences.

Ban Ki-moon

A significant twenty-first-century subject is sustainable civil engineering in design and construction

operations, which plays a key role in sustainable development. The United Nations (UN) defines
sustainable development as “development that meets current needs without compromising future
generations' ability to meet their own needs by attempting to balance social, economic, and
environmental effects.”

In civil engineering, sustainability can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including reducing raw
material consumption and using recycled materials, low-energy buildings (passive houses), waste
water treatment plants, and lowering transportation costs.

1.2 The significance of the study

In this scientific research we will put our main focus on how to obtain sustainability in civil
engineering and construction in order to solve the following issues:

• Economic: If a company is spending more money than what they are making, the company
will be “in the red” and within a period of time the company will fail. However, they have to consider
that the cost must be economical for both now and future design period, not only considering the
present but a long-term cost. This is the key concept of sustainability in economics of the
organizations and companies.

1
• Environmental: Building construction and demolition generates approximately 25% of the
municipal solid waste and 50% of the hazardous waste in the United States. Buildings use 40% of
the total energy resources and 16% of available water (U.S. Green Building Council 2008). Indoor
air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Building-related activities
are responsible for generating 35%–45% of the total carbon dioxide (CO2) generated in the United
States.

• Social: compared to environment and economic, social is the less quantitative pillar. Besides
giving solutions to the other two pillars, we will need to work for engaged communities, increase
social networks and the exchange of trust and resources within these networks. To be more specific,
sustainability should lead our communities toward social capital.

Figure 1.1: Components of sustainability in civil engineering (Credit: A Braham)

2
1.3 Objectives of the study

• Study the latest researches and papers on sustainable civil engineering.

• Identify the main factors that influence construction wastage, air pollution and
high energy buildings.

• Suggest practical ways to achieve sustainability in design and construction.

1.5 Report outline

1. Chapter one: An introduction about the research.

2. Chapter two: Literature review of the recent researches about sustainability.

3. Chapter three: Methodology

4. Chapter four: Discussion

5. Chapter Six: Conclusions and recommendations

3
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction:

In general, sustainable civil engineering is concerned with implementing sustainable development in

the construction sector, which is becoming increasingly important as the world's population grows.
Owing to the fear of losing the planet Earth, rising poverty, and social harm, the word "sustainability"
has gained popularity in recent years. Civil engineering sustainability may play a significant role in
these issues. Sustainable building techniques would aid in mitigating negative effects from
construction activities; all engineering fields should integrate sustainability into their practice in order
to increase everyone's quality of life.

2.2 Al-Tamimi, A.K. and his fellows (2011): tested two main components in
measuring sustainability to improve learning strategies which were ACI – Life 365
program and the direct measure. ACI-Life 365 program has successfully illustrated the
effect of changing selected parameters in the design of building on its sustainability level.
Sustainable buildings showed reduced final cost and increased service life. The direct
measure showed high success rate between 88%-94% which meets the threshold passing
criteria related to sustainability applications. The results had a good impact on the learners
and they showed strong interest in learning the concept of sustainability.

4
2.3 Xianglan Li and Li Guo (2015): studied the concept of sustainable civil
engineering and clarified that sustainability in construction is not all about needs of
economic and social development, but also environmental protection is the third pillar of
sustainability. Furthermore, the writers mainly focused on green construction materials and
using the researches and development results in civil engineering designs such as reducing
the use of raw material and waste treatment in order to benefit the survival of human and
health.

2.4 Jurgita Antucheviciene, Hojjat Adeli and his fellows (2017): stated that
sustainable decision-making in civil engineering, construction and building technology can
be supported by fundamental scientific achievements and multiple-criteria decision-
making (MCDM) theories, MCDM methods are applied in over 100 Web of Science
categories, including some other categories also related to civil engineering. These two
fundamentals together could make an economical manufacture.

2.5 M Khatibi (2019): Studied the Blå Jungfrun apartment project in Stockholm,
Sweden in which passive house concept is applied. The writer studied the economic
variability of the apartment by economic evaluation software OekoRat for a life span of 50
years, as well as annual energy requirement and social inclusion. A certain relation was
found between the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic and social)
in the passive house. Low energy buildings were suggested by the findings as a necessity
in achieving a successful sustainable system for buildings.

2.6 Debalina Sengupta, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi (2018): defined sustainable

manufacturing as certation of manufactured products by an economical process using less
energy, and minimum pollutions. Two effectives approach to improve sustainability in
manufacturing are (reducing energy consumption and reducing material waste), each of
them have their own process and they make a very sustainable manufacture.

5
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Environmental engineering:

The field of environmental engineering is vast. Chemistry, biology, ecosystems, air quality, hydraulics,
hydrology, and groundwater are only a few of the subjects covered by environmental engineers. Highly
engineered processes, such as drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment, are also covered in
environmental engineering. Other subjects that may not be as intuitive, such as air quality and the built
environment, incorporate basic environmental engineering principles. It's not shocking that there are
nearly limitless applications of sustainability in environmental engineering, given the wide variety of
topics. The environmental engineering topics discussed above are key to the United Nation’s 2007 11
indicators from the Commission on Sustainable Development Sustainable Development Goals, swhich
include poverty, health, climate, seas, freshwater, and economic development, are all important topics
in environmental engineering. The following four basic topics in environmental engineering can be
used to illustrate these indicators:

1. Low-impact development

2. Drinking water treatment

3. Wastewater treatment

4. Outdoor air quality

3.1.1 Low-impact development:

The natural environment is altered by the building of some civil engineering structure, such as a
landfill, a shopping center, or an airport terminal. Existing vegetation is removed in most cases, the
natural topography is transformed, and new structures are established. These activities are referred to
as growth, and they alter the hydrological cycle on a local level. Water is often collected and redirected
to detention ponds or storm sewers instead of dropping on the ground surface and naturally soaking
into the soil. Not only can these systems carry large amounts of water to different sites, but they are
often costly to construct and maintain. Exploring alternative design approaches that have a lower effect

6
on ecosystems may be a viable alternative to building these structures. Low-impact growth, or LID, is
the name given to these techniques. As previously said, one of the most important aspects of LID in
civil engineering is runoff. Aside from the expense, there are two disadvantages to diverting runoff.
To begin with, this water often picks up pollutants and takes them downstream, resulting in smaller
areas with higher pollutant concentrations and overburdening nature's ability to remove pollutants from
water. Second, water drainage will lower the groundwater level by diverting water that would
otherwise have percolated downward and naturally recharged the water table to another site.

3.1.1.1 Green roof:

Water does not penetrate into constructed structures since the tops of buildings are designed to be
impermeable. This impervious surface, on the other hand, channels water away from where it will
normally absorb into the ground, lowering the water table under the building and rising water flow
away from it. While a single structure is unlikely to have a major impact on an area's water table or
runoff, the more urbanized an area becomes, the more serious the issues with impervious surfaces
become. Green roofs may be a solution to these issues. Multiple layers of natural vegetation, synthetic
material, and impermeable material make up a green roof. Natural vegetation covers the structure's
surface, with a filter and drainage layer immediately under it. Roof drainage may be managed such
that the majority of water is directed downward into the water table directly underneath the structure,
rather than flowing to another location, with proper design. Finally, a protective layer and root barrier
are placed between the drainage layer and the structure's roof to defend the structure.

The General Services Administration, or GSA, has been a leader of green roof implementation in the
United States (GSA, 2011). Green roofs are divided into four categories by the GSA: single-course
extensive, multicourse extensive, semi intensive, and intensive. The thickness, type of drainage layer,
type of vegetation layer, and media type all influence these categories. The local environment, the level
of management that the owner is welcome to contribute in, and the structural capability of the building
that the green roof will sit on all influence the type of green roof that is preferred. Table 3.1 summarizes
the four types of green roofs, and Figure 1a through d shows typical cross sections of each type.

7
 Single- Course Multicourse Semi-Intensive Intensive
Extensive Extensive
Thickness (in) 3-4 4-6 6-12 >12
Drainage Layer Moisture Based on grouth Discrete Discrete
Management media thickness, drainage layer drainage layer
layer plants, and local
climate
Vegetation layer Sedum, other Sedum, other Meadow species, Similar to
succulents succulents ornamental ground level
varities, woody
perenials, turf
grass

Media Type Course Finer grained Multicourse Inetnsive

growth media
Irrigation None First year only Required for turf Required
grass
Prevalence Common Most common in Common Least common
internationally United States internationally

Table 3.1: Types of Green Roof Systems

8
Figure 3.1 Examples of types of green roof systems. (a) Single-course extensive.
(b) Multicourse extensive. (c) Semi-intensive.

9
 Figure 3.1(Continued) Examples of types of green roof systems (d) Intensive

3.1.2 Drinking water treatment:

Humans need 2.5– 3.0 L/day (0.7–0.8 gallons/day) for survival, 2–6 L/day (0.5–1.6 gallons/day)
for basic hygiene, and 3–6 L/day (0.8–1.6 gallons/day) for basic cooking needs, according to the
World Health Organization (WHO, 2013). The treatment is needed for uncooked water because it
may contain harmful microorganisms and organic or inorganic compounds that can cause
physiological effects or have a negative taste. Physical characteristics and contaminant controls are
the two main categories for evaluating drinking water. Turbidity, particles, color, taste and odor,
and temperature are all physical characteristics of natural water. Turbidity is measured in
nephelometric turbidity units and refers to the water's optical clarity (NTU). Particles are solids
that are suspended (>1 m), colloidal (0.001–1 m), or dissolved (0.001 m) and can be seen through
the naked eye. Dissolved organic matter, metallic ions, and turbidity all affect color, while
dissolved natural organic or inorganic constituents affect taste and odor.

There are several methods for calculating the long-term viability of water treatment technologies.
For sustainable technology, activated carbon adsorption, air stripping, clarifier/sedimentation basin
design, contaminant settling characteristics, softening mechanisms, flocculation design, osmosis,
ultrafiltration, or disinfection have all been investigated. As an example, the Langmuir isotherm,
as a part of activated carbon adsorption, will be examined here. Fixed-bed filtration units or
suspended-media contactors may be used for the adsorption operation. Water moves through 1–3
m of media in the fixed-bed geometry. The media is combined with the water in the suspended-

10
 media contactors and flows through the treatment plant with it. Sedimentation or filtration are
commonly used to filter the media. Various pollutants associated with taste and odor are transferred
from the water to the media during the adsorption process. The average diameter of activated
carbon particles in fixed bed is 0.5–3.0 mm (granular particles), while the average diameter of
activated carbon particles in suspended media is 20–50 m (powdered particles). Adsorption is a
mechanism that is in a state of equilibrium. The adsorbate is distributed between the aqueous and
solid phases according to the adsorption isotherm in order to reach and sustain equilibrium. This
is accomplished by balancing the fixed sites on the adsorbent surface (activated carbon) where
adsorbate (the contaminant) molecules may be chemically attached.

3.1.2 Wastewater treatment

According to the EPA, the average American uses 100 gallons (375 L) of water every day. The
United States generates approximately 27 billion gallons of wastewater per day (103 billion L/day)
based on a population of 320 million people and an estimate of wastewater output of 85 percent of
water usage (Henry and Heike, 1989).

This massive amount of wastewater presents a fantastic opportunity to introduce environmentally

friendly practices. Pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, and
disinfection (which is also called a tertiary treatment) are the five levels of wastewater treatment.
Floating debris (via screening) and grit (via gravity) are two types of larger particulate material
that can abrade piping and mechanical equipment during the treatment process. Solids are removed
in primary treatment by gravity settling in a sedimentation tank, with retention periods of around
2 hours. Secondary treatment extracts nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), while tertiary
treatment polishes the treated wastewater, such as by filtering out any residual fine particles.
Disinfection, in the process, destroys pathogenic species. Sustainable techniques can be used in
any of these five phases.

11
3.1.4 Outdoor air quality

The first instance of pollution most likely happened when people started lighting fires inside their
homes to heat the air and cook food. Indoor fires without exhaust vents are extremely unpleasant,
so chimneys were invented to divert pollution out of the house and into the outside air.
Furthermore, even something as seemingly insignificant as a personal grill in the backyard can
cause very small point source pollution. Despite the fact that the environment has an incredible
potential for dispersing contaminants, the advent of the industrial revolution and the establishment
of factories marked a turning point in the history of air quality. The emissions started to outpace
the atmosphere's capacity to spread the contaminants as a result of a combination of residential,
commercial, and industrial pollution sources. The problem was made worse by the fact that energy
demand was increasing at an exponential rate. Coal-fired power plants supplied the majority of
electricity during the industrial revolution. As a result, emissions from coal-fired power plants, as
well as pollution from residential, commercial, and industrial sources, wreaked havoc on air
quality. The most notable instance of London Fog occurred in 1879, when the sun could not be
seen for four months due to heavy pollution. The fogs persisted into the 1950s, with an estimated
4000 Londoners killed in a four-day fog in 1952. As a result of this incident, the English Parliament
passed the Clean Air Act in 1956, which has greatly improved the air quality over London over
time. The Air Pollution Control Act was passed in 1955, followed by the Clean Air Act of 1963,
with revisions in 1970, 1977, and 1990. Most developed countries, including the United Kingdom
and the United States, have passed some kind of Clean Air Act. Developing nations, on the other
hand, continue to face major challenges.

The World Health Organization considers readings of 25 g/m3 of particulate matter smaller than
2.5 m (PM2.5) to be the highest safe standard, but Beijing had some instances of readings just
under 300 g/m3 in 2015. This pollution is caused not only by traffic and factory pollution in
Beijing, but also by steel factories and power plants in Hebei Province, which surround Beijing.
The EPA has also set PM2.5 limits for six air quality index categories, with the following
breakpoints:

• Good: 0.0–12.0 μg/m3, 24-h average

• Moderate: 12.1–35.4 μg/m3, 24-h average

• Unhealthy for sensitive groups: 35.5–55.4 μg/m3, 24-h average

12
 • Unhealthy: 55.5–150.4 μg/m3, 24-h average

• Very unhealthy: 150.5–250.4 μg/m3, 24-h average

• Hazardous: >250.5 μg/m3, 24-h average

Although improvements in air quality are being made, there is still more work to be done.

3.2 Transportation Sustainability

The Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI) is one of the American Society of Civil
Engineers' specialization institutes. T&DI, like many other institutes, has a number of committees that
monitor and advance the institute's areas of interest. T&DI's committees deal with issues like aviation,
freight and logistics, infrastructure systems, rail and public transportation, roadways, and growth.
T&DI has a committee on sustainability and the environment that is part of the planning council. This
committee on sustainability focuses on all aspects of transportation engineering sustainability. This
chapter will cover four of those areas to provide a glimpse into how sustainability can be applied in
transportation:

1. Material reuse: RAP and RAS

2. Multimodal transportation

3. Intelligent transportation systems

3.2.1 Material reuse: RAP and RAS

Aggregate and asphalt binder are also used in asphalt mixtures. The aggregate, which makes up about
93 percent to 97 percent of the asphalt mixture by weight, is intended to act as a skeleton to support
the weight of vehicles driving over it.

The asphalt binder, which makes up 3–7% of the asphalt mixture by weight, is used to keep the
aggregate together and give the pavement framework some stability during traffic loading and ground
movement. However, due to natural weathering, the asphalt pavement loses its flexibility over time.
Sun and wind oxidation, moisture damage, and traffic damage are all examples of weathering.
Typically, this weathering is limited to the top layer of the asphalt surface system and does not reach

13
deeper than 1.5–2.0 inches into the pavement. As a result, it's normal to mill a pavement's current
surface course and substitute it with a new asphalt mixture. Recycled asphalt pavement, or RAP, is the
material milled from the current surface course of the pavement. Even though RAP has weathered, it
still has properties that might help asphalt concrete. In 2012, over 68.3 million tons of RAP were used
in asphalt mixtures, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) (Hansen and
Copeland, 2013). This RAP not only replaces aggregate, but also asphalt binder to some extent. The
use of RAP in asphalt mixtures is well-established. The National Cooperative Highway Research
Program (NCHRP) conducted a comprehensive study on RAP in asphalt mixtures mix design,
performance, and materials management (West et al., 2013). The use of RAP, even in large amounts,
is perfectly appropriate with proper design, according to the study, but good management practices are
needed for proper efficiency.

Recycled asphalt shingles, or RAS, are another material that can be used to replace asphalt binder in
asphalt mixtures. Asphalt shingles may come from scrap during production or be torn off roofs after
their useful life on a building has expired. RAS can be mixed into asphalt mixtures after some
processing. NAPA reported that 1.9 million tons of RAS were used in asphalt mixtures in 2012.
(Hansen and Copeland, 2013). Although RAS does not substitute aggregate in asphalt mixtures, it did
save approximately $228 million in 2012 by conserving approximately 2.1 million barrels of asphalt
binder. RAP saved even more material and money, saving nearly $2 billion by conserving over 19
million barrels of asphalt binder in U.S. highways. Although the use of RAS in asphalt mixtures is not
as common as that of RAP, there is still plenty of evidence that, with appropriate design and
management practices, RAS can be effectively used in asphalt mixtures (Ozer et al., 2013; Zhou et al.,
2013; Cooper et al., 2014).

3.2.2 Multimodal transportation

Passenger travel and freight movement should also be considered when evaluating modes of
transportation. Travel by car versus bus versus self-propelled travel (e.g., bicycles) is common in terms
of passenger travel. The European Cyclist Federation, for example, studied the effects of walking,
taking the bus, and driving a car. They discovered that driving generated 0.81 pounds per mile
(assuming an occupancy of 1.16 passengers per vehicle), taking the bus produced 0.34 pounds per mile
(assuming an occupancy of 10 passengers per bus), and biking produced 0.6 pounds per mile (assuming
an occupancy of 10 passengers per bus) (assuming one person per bicycle). CO2 emissions from cars
and buses were estimated based on emissions from fuel processing, distribution, and use, while CO2

14
emissions from biking were calculated based on the bicyclist's food production. Another advantage of
using public transportation and riding bicycles is that the number of vehicles on the road is reduced.
The density of vehicles on a city street for 60 people is depicted in a popular photograph from Munster,
Germany (Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1 Bicycle versus car versus bus vehicle density. (Credit: Carlton Reid.)

The 60 bicycles and one bus take up far less room on the road than the 60 individual vehicles. In
general, a highway improves the flow of traffic and the quality of service.

Many of these older studies, on the other hand, presume the use of conventionally driven and privately
owned cars. Furthermore, studies have been very one-dimensional, focusing only on the economic or
environmental impacts of public transportation. Latest studies have looked at electric vehicles and
buses, as well as incorporating ride-sharing ideas into their analyses. In addition, several recent studies
have broadened their focus to include more sustainability indicators in their analyses.

Latest studies have looked at electric vehicles and buses, as well as incorporating ride-sharing ideas
into their analyses. In addition, several recent studies have broadened their focus to include more
sustainability indicators in their analyses. For example, a 2014 study (Mitropoulos and Prevedouros,
2014) compared traditional internal combustion vehicles to hybrid electric vehicles, both with and
without car sharing, and rated these four classes against a traditional diesel bus and a hybrid diesel–
electric bus.

15
These six vehicle configurations were investigated through the lens of five different sustainability
principles:

1. Minimize environmental impacts

2. Minimize energy consumption

3. Maximize and support a vibrant economy

4. Maximize user and community satisfaction

5. Maximize technology performance to help a community meet its needs

Although the study was based on several assumptions, it was discovered that car sharing and electric
cars outperformed buses in terms of both passenger miles traveled (PMT) and vehicle miles traveled
(VMT).

3.2.3 Intelligent Transportation System

The Transportation Research Board's Executive Committee and the National Academies released a
review of six critical issues in transportation in 2013 (TRB, 2013). There is a debate about lost time in
traffic congestion in the first paragraph of the first page of content. The second critical issue, road
safety, is discussed a few paragraphs later, and the third critical issue, transportation's unsustainable
environmental effects, is discussed a few paragraphs later. These three observations, interestingly, are
nearly identical to Ban Ki-remarks moon's in the UN's discussion on sustainable mobility (UN, 2012).
Ki-remarks moon's focused on the need to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion for people
and freight, and reduce transportation systems' environmental effects. Intelligent transportation
networks, or ITS, are one possible solution for resolving these three comments and the discussion of
critical issues. Data on people and freight movement is collected, stored, analyzed, and disseminated
by ITS. ITS is a company that provides all modes of transportation with real-time travel information
and management models. ITS also help with incident/crash prevention, emergency response systems,
crash avoidance, and highway maintenance systems. ITS for drivers includes variable message signs
on the side of the road, onboard vehicle systems (such as lane departure warning systems), advanced
emergency braking systems, and onboard diagnostics.

16
3.3 Structural Sustainability

Because of structures, several young aspiring civil engineers join the field. Structures are the
extroverted side of civil engineering, whether they are towering skyscrapers or elegant bridges. There
are several viewpoints in the field of structures. For the sake of long-term sustainability we have
several options when it comes to materials, design, and assessment. also a variety of applications that
integrate sustainable practices. Here we are mentioning some important materials that will lead to a
both sustainable and economic construction.

3.3.1 Bamboo

Bamboo is widely acknowledged as one of the most environmentally friendly building materials
available. It has an incredible rate of self-generation, with some species rising up to three feet in 24
hours. Bamboo is a perennial grass, not a wood, and once harvested, it tends to spread and grow without
needing to be replanted. Bamboo has a high strength-to-weight ratio and incredible toughness — far
greater compressive strength than brick or concrete — so it can withstand a lot of abuse without
needing to be replaced as often as other fast-growing, renewable materials like hemp. As a result,
bamboo is an attractive choice for flooring and cabinetry. Bamboo uses less energy to move than many
other durable materials because it is lightweight. There are over 1200 species of bamboo in the world,
each with its own set of geometrical and mechanical properties Bamboo composites are of interest due
to their flexibility in shape and low variability in material properties. Bamboo, like plywood and
particle board, can be broken and reassembled in a more useful way. Bamboo seems to be a more
durable material than wood. When considering sustainability, however, it's also important to consider
the cost (economic pillar) and processing requirements (economic and environmental pillar). Bamboo
costs and processing needs will be higher in the United States due to a lack of availability, but the
economic and environmental impacts would most likely be lower in Southeast Asia, where bamboo is
more widely used than wood.

17
 Figure 3.3 Bamboo used as a scaffolding material in Hefei, China. (Credit: A. Braham.)

3.3.2 Precast concrete slab

This concrete slab is made at a manufacture's site and delivered to construction sites in whole pieces.
A lightweight filler, such as foam insulation, is also encased in the outer layers. Other versions,
including concrete blocks, are entirely made of concrete with wide, hollow air spaces. Since they can
withstand all types of weather, precast concrete slabs are widely used for walls and building façades.
they hold up well to all kinds of weather, but certain types can be used for floors and flat roofs,
especially roof decks. Since precast concrete slabs use much less energy to manufacture and install
than many conventional poured concrete alternatives, their sustainability factor is even higher.
Furthermore, instead of potentially exposing the material to a number of undesirable conditions when
curing it at a construction site, precasting concrete allows the material to be properly cured in a
regulated setting time. Improper curing can lead to cracks and structural faults within the concrete and,
in the worst cases, the need to demolish the new concrete and start over.

18
 Figure 3.4 Precast Concrete Slab

3.3.3 Fly ash

Coal combustion produces fly ash, which is a waste product produced by Coal-fired power plants and
blast furnaces. In certain concrete mixes, it can be used to replace up to 35% of the cement. For several
years, it has been widely used in large projects, but smaller local concrete suppliers are now starting
to offer it more frequently. One pound of carbon dioxide emissions will be saved for every pound of
fly ash used instead of cement. A standard two-car garage's concrete floor slab contains around 4,000
pounds of cement; thus, using 25% fly ash instead of cement would save 1,000 pounds of CO2. This
is the equivalent of one month's worth of pollution from a typical car. Using the 1,000 pound of fly
ash will save enough energy to power the average American home for 12 days, and save enough landfill
space for the solid waste generated by an average American for over 200 days. Fly ash is divided into
two types: Class C (high calcium) and Class F (low calcium). Both Class C and F fly ash have a
diameter of 10–15 m and a surface area of 10–15 m2.The specific gravity is 2.2–2.4, and the density
is 1–2 m2/g. Table 7.1 depicts some of the variations. Between the two groups, there is a difference in
mineral composition. Class C fly ash comes from anthracite and bituminous coal, whereas Class F fly
ash comes from lignite and subbituminous coal. Generally, if the carbon content of fly ash is greater
than 5%, it is not recommended for use in PCC.

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 𝒎𝒈𝑪𝒂(𝑶𝑯)𝟐 𝑺𝒊𝑶𝟐 (%) 𝑨𝒍𝟐 𝑶𝟑 (%) 𝑭𝒆𝟐 𝑶𝟑(%) Ca0 (%) Carbon (%)
Consumed/gram
Class C 500 >30 15-25 <10 20-30 <1
Class F 850 >50 20-30 <20 <5 <5

Table 3.2 Common characteristic of Fly ash

When calcium hydroxide is not available, fly ash with higher calcium levels exhibit cementitious
activity and will react with water to form hydrates. PCC benefits from this reaction because it increases
the cementitious binder process (calcium-silicate hydrates, or C-S-H), which improves long-term
strength and decreases permeability. Fly ash can affect the workability, water demand, setting time,
heat of hydration, and finishing and curing of fresh concrete. The addition of fly ash improves the
workability of the concrete, making it easier to place, consolidate, and finish. The increased
workability is due to the fact that fly ash has a relatively high fineness and low carbon content, which
reduces the need of water, As a result, when using Class F or Class C fly ash instead of Portland
cement, less water is needed. As a rule of thumb, for every 10% of fly ash substituted for Portland
cement, the water content can be decreased by 3%. Economically Since fly ash is less costly than
cement, fly ash-based mixes are typically less expensive than their cement-based counterparts.

3.3.4 Thermal Building Insulation Materials and Solutions

As the energy use in the building sector accounts for a large portion of the world's overall energy use
and greenhouse gas emissions, there is a demand to increase building energy efficiency. hence, terms
such as passive houses and zero-emission buildings are being introduced. Building thermal insulation
plays an important role in meeting the demands of increased energy efficiency. New insulation
materials and solutions with low thermal conductivity values have been developed and are being
developed to achieve the highest possible thermal insulation resistance every day.

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3.3.4.1 Thermal background
The main key property of a thermal building insulation material or solution is the thermal conductivity,
where the aim is to obtain the lowest possible value. Low thermal conductivity (W/(mK)) allows for
the use of thin building envelopes with high thermal resistance (m2K/W) and low thermal
transmittance U-values (W/(m2K)).
The total overall thermal conductivity λtot, i.e., the thickness of a material divided by its thermal
resistance, is in principle made up from several contributions:

λtot = λsolid + λgas + λrad + λconv + λcoupling + λleak (1)

Where;

λtot = total overall thermal conductivity

λsolid = solid state thermal conductivity
λgas = gas thermal conductivity
λrad = radiation thermal conductivity
λconv = convection thermal conductivity
λcoupling = thermal conductivity term accounting for second order effects between the various
thermal conductivities in Eq.1
λleak = leakage thermal conductivity

Each of the above thermal contributions must be reduced in order to achieve the lowest possible
thermal conductivity. The leakage thermal conductivity λleak, which defines an air and moisture
leakage caused by a pressure difference, is not termed as insulation materials and solutions are
supposed to be free of any holes that would allow such a thermal leakage to occur. The coupling term
λcoupling can be used to account for second-order effects in Eq.1 between the various
thermal conductivities This coupling effect can be very complicated, so it will not be discussed further
in this article. The coupling effect is normally assumed to be negligible in theoretical approaches to
the thermal efficiency of vacuum insulation panels (VIP). The solid-state thermal conductivity λsolid
is linked to thermal transport between atoms by lattice vibrations, i.e., through chemical bonds between
atoms. The gas thermal conductivity λgas arise as a result of gas molecules colliding and passing
thermal energy from one molecule to the next. The radiation thermal conductivity λrad is connected to

21
the emittance of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared (IR) wavelength region from a material
surface. The convection thermal conductivity λconv comes from thermal mass transport or movement
of air and moisture.
All these thermal conductivity contributions are influenced by temperature (or temperature
difference). To keep these specific thermal conductivities as low as possible, various thermal
insulation materials and solutions incorporate various techniques.

3.3.4.2 Traditional thermal building insulation

A brief overview of the most typical traditional thermal building is given below.

 Mineral wool
Mineral wool includes glass wool (fiber glass) and rock wool, which normally is produced as mats and
boards, but are also used as filling materials. Mineral wool items that are light and soft are used in
frame houses and other structures with cavities. When the thermal insulation is intended to bear loads,
heavier and tougher mineral wool boards with high mass densities are used. e.g. on floors or roofs,
Mineral wool may also be used as a filler material to fill various cavities and spaces. Typical thermal
conductivity values for mineral wool are between 30 to 40 mW/(mK). Temperature, moisture content,
and mass density all affect mineral wool's thermal conductivity.Mineral wool's thermal conductivity,
for example, will rise from 37 mW/(mK) to 55 mW/(mK) as moisture content rises from 0% to 10%.
Correspondingly Mineral wool products can be perforated, cut, and balanced on the construction site
without losing their thermal resistance.

 Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

EPS is made from small spheres of polystyrene (from crude oil) containing an expansion agent, such
as pentane C6H12, that expand when heated with water vapor. At their points of contact, the expanding
spheres are fused together. The insulation material is cast as boards or in a continuous process. The
pore structure of EPS is partially open. The thermal conductivity of EPS is usually between 30 and 40
mW/m2 (mK). The thermal conductivity of EPS varies with temperature, moisture content and mass
density. For example, raising the moisture content from 0% to 10% will increase the thermal
conductivity of EPS from 36 mW/(mK) to 54 mW/(mK). Correspondingly EPS products can be
perforated, cut, and modified on the construction site without losing their thermal resistance.

22
  Cork
The cork oak is used to make cork thermal insulation, which can be used as a filler material or as
boards. Cork's typical thermal conductivity values range from 40 to 50 mW/m2 (mK). Cork insulation
materials can be perforated, cut, and modified on the job without losing their thermal resistance.

 Extruded polystyrene (XPS)

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is produced from melted polystyrene (from crude oil) by adding an
expansion gas, e.g. HFC, CO2 or C6H12, where the polystyrene mass is extruded through a nozzle
and then compressed, allowing the mass to expand. Continuous lengths of insulation material are made.
hich are then cut after they have cooled. XPS has a closed pore structure. Typical thermal conductivity
values for XPS are between 30 to 40 mW/(mK). Temperature, moisture content, and mass density all
affect XPS' thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of XPS, for example, will rise from 34
mW/(mK) to 44 mW/(mK) as moisture content rises from 0 to 10%. XPS goods can be perforated, cut,
and modified on the construction site without losing their thermal resistance.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Sustainable engineering design and construction practices primarily reflect the use of alternative
sustainable materials such as renewable materials, materials that use less resources during extraction,
manufacture, or transportation, or materials that are recycled at the end of a project's useful life.
Specifying recycled products to be used on a project is often a part of sustainability considerations
during the design stage. Being able to minimize energy usage during construction and operations, or
using alternative, green energy technology, is another part of sustainability. Producing less waste and
recycling more waste are two sustainable waste management activities. In terms of pollution control,
the objectives are to minimize toxicity in building materials and goods, as well as noise and spatial
pollution. Evaluate if the materials removed from buildings are recyclable or reused when a building
is dismantled at the end of its useful life to incorporate sustainable practices into deconstruction
planning. Engineers and builders who have comprehensive knowledge about how to integrate
sustainable practices into projects during both the design and construction phases are more likely to
incorporate additional sustainable practices. Sustainability enhances our quality of life while also
protecting our ecosystem and natural resources for future generations. Going green and sustainable is
not only good for business; it also maximizes the long-term benefits of an environmental focus. In
addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources` to achieve sustainable
projects;

Performing lifecycle assessment from planning to reuse: project t participants should employ
rigorous lifecycle approaches to quantify the project's economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Using resources wisely; minimizing use of nonrenewable resources: Progressive reductions in

resource use for a given level of service and resiliency are required for sustainable development. The
civil engineer will evaluate the effectiveness of resource restoration or replenishment.

Planning for resiliency: Sustainability requires understanding the effects of natural and man-made
disasters, as well as changing conditions, on economic, environmental, and social resources.

Validating application of principles: Civil engineers must use metrics and rating systems like the
Envision rating system to guide project development and assess the application of these principles. For
a sustainable infrastructure.

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The following areas benefit the most from adopting sustainable practices when civil engineering
projects are designed in a sustainable manner:

 Alternative energy sources

 Sustainable heavy construction equipment and fuel sources
 Complying with government environmental regulations
 Design modifications
 Material production
 Material transportation
 Resource efficiency
 Selecting environmentally neutral materials
 Social and community impacts of projects
 Supplier and vendor social responsibility

Civil engineers are widely responsible for creating a sustainable world and enhancing the global
quality of life, they serve competently, collaboratively, and ethically as

 Planners, designers, constructors, and operators of society’s economic and social engine—the
built environment;
 Stewards of the natural environment and its resources;
 Innovators and integrators of ideas and technology across the public, private, and academic
sectors;
 Managers of risk and uncertainty caused by natural events, accidents, and other threats
 Leaders in discussions and decisions shaping public environmental and infrastructure policy

As previously stated, civil engineering will play a significant role in long-term growth and will have a
major impact on all three sustainability pillars. In addition, more detailed outcomes from sustainable
projects would include:

1. Achieve higher growth while reducing pollution and maximizing the efficient use of resources

2. Conserving and enhancing the resource base

3. Improve towns and protecting the quality of the countryside

25
4. Meeting essential needs for jobs, food, energy, water, and sanitation

5. Merging the environment and the economy in decision making

6. Reorienting technology and managing risks

26
 CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Sustainable development is a term that spans both time and space. Taking the theory of sustainable
development as guidance, earnestly implementing sustainable development thinking, actively building
green projects, and making due contributions to the sustainable development of our country and the
world are what civil engineering practitioners should do at work based on understanding the idea and
connotation of sustainable development. Three pillars make up sustainability: the economy, society,
and the environment. Informally, these concepts are referred to as profit, people, and planet.

• Economics, environment, and society are inextricably linked.

• Damage to the environment also damages the economy and society.
• Resources are finite, and the environment is not infinitely repairable.

Studying civil engineering material sustainability problems, emphasizing green and high-performance
materials, and converting research and development findings into realistic projects will lead to reduce
the usage of raw materials in production, use, and waste disposal, which has a negative effect on the
global climate. It is beneficial to the life and wellbeing of humans. From a long-term perspective, it
favors long-term growth for future generations.

Civil Engineering Principles and Practices for Sustainability, provides the body of knowledge relevant
to specific aspects of sustainability and infrastructure systems and projects. In particular, it begins by
addressing the three fundamental aspects of sustainability:

• Economic aspects

• Environmental aspects

• Social aspects

It goes on to address in more detail;

• Access and mobility

• Ecological systems

27
• Sustainable land use

• Community participation

• Sustainable project management

• Waste management

• Water resources

• Lighting, noise control, and air quality

• Resilience

Thus, striving for sustainability and engaging in sustainable development are key professional
responsibilities of civil engineers. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of
the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the
performance of their professional duties.

As a result of our research, we have come up with the following recommendations for civil
engineering in the Kurdistan Region to achieve sustainability:

• Civil engineers and the construction industry should be familiar with the term "sustainable
development" and its three pillars (environmental, economic and social)
• Reuse and recycle waste energy and materials
• Reduce the amount of energy and resources used through improving the efficiency of
systems, for example transport, and changing citizens' behaviors.

28
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