Advanced Materials Research Vols. 724-725

Abstract: A comparative study has been performed on the acid resistance of cement paste exposed to acetic acid (pH=4) and sulfuric acid (pH=2). The pastes are prepared by replacing 30% and 50% cement with limestone powder. Their properties and microstructures are investigated by using strength test, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The paper reveals that erosion extent of pastes depends mainly not only on the pH value of acid solution and the w/b ratio of pastes, but also on the limestone powder mixed that contributes partly to the hydration. Though gypsum and ettringite formations are dominant to the deterioration of pastes exposed to sulfuric acid solution, the degree of decrease for the compressive strength of specimens exposed to sulfuric acid is retarded compared with the specimens exposed to acetic acid. This is attributed to the product of gypsum, which delays the further erosion to the internal paste.

Abstract: Although energy saving building acts as an important part of sustainable development, our national building still consumes vast amounts of energy which tends to remain high. This absolutely goes against sustainable development. How to build an energy-saving building to achieve the harmonious development of our economy, society, environment and energy lies in the introduction of total cost management into construction project. This paper focuses on the discussion of the analysis on the relationship between energy-saving buildings and total cost management.

Abstract: The introduction of life cycle assessment (LCA) to the building industry is important due to its ability to systematically quantify every environmental impact involved in every process from cradle to grave. Within the last two decades, research on LCA has increased considerably covering from manufacturing of building materials and construction processes. However, the LCA application for buildings in Asia are limited and fragmented due to different research objectives, type of buildings and locations. This paper has attempted to collect and review the application of LCA in the building industry in Asia from the selected publications over the last 12 years, from 2001 to 2012. The result shows that most LCA research basic methodology is based on International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 14040 series but with variance. It is found that the operational phase consume highest energy and concrete responsible for the highest total embodied energy and environmental impact. It also suggested that building material with low initial embodied energy does not necessarily have low life cycle energy. Overall, findings from LCA studies can help to make informed decisions in terms of environmental impact and help realizing sustainable buildings in the future.

Abstract: This researcher conducted a study on the energy conservation policy of South Korean universities by identifying their energy consumption characteristics and potential factors for energy conservation. Conclusions of this research are: (1) electricity usage of those universities surveyed for this research shows that it is high during the winter season (December through February); (2) volume of gas usage was highest during the winter season (December through February); (3) the university surveyed for this research shows that it was able to achieve substantial results by reducing energy consumption and implementing conservation policy.

Abstract: Resource shortage and people’s concern about the problems in eco-environment deterioration will have a great influence on building energy efficiency. Building energy efficiency is base for achieving green reduction and energy conservation is the key point to green building design. This paper starts with green building concept and evaluation, studies the important role of science and technology in the development of green building and analyzes building energy conservation from three aspects: green materials, energy-saving measures and building practices. The paper aims to promote the development of China's green building in the new era.

Abstract: As an external shading facility for buildings, a new energy-saving external shutter is presented, which is intelligently controlled and without external power supply. The slats are driven by a motor which is powered by the third generation thin-film solar cells. The signals, which are measured by wind, light, rain and temperature sensors, are processed by a microcontroller system controlling the motor. According to a quick-response and high-efficiency control strategy, the movement of shutter is regulated to achieve the most comfortable indoor environment.

Abstract: This paper demonstrated on a new specific light brick work folw on the basis of analysis of the technical performance, the economic index and the market perspective, puts forward the technical path for China's development of light brick industry.

Abstract: In practical projects, prestressed reinforcement are arranged in concrete slab uniformly. According to the research, a new arrangement method of prestressed concrete slab is provided. This article discussed unbonded prestressed concrete slab system, and gives the theoretical calculation method. It can save more than 50% quantities of reinforcement, and has economic advantages than before.

Abstract: This paper deals with expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a potential source of smoke. We compared specific optical density of smoke from EPS and EPS strengthened by glass fibre mash and plaster which is used in external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS). There was used testing method by ISO 5659 Plastics Smoke generation Part 2: Determination of optical density by a single-chamber test. The samples were exposed to a constant 50 kW.m^-2 of thermal radiation. There was not used a pilot burner. During flame combustion samples evolved high amount of smoke. Samples from EPS released more smoke like samples with ETICS cover.

Abstract: In Malaysia, lighting is the second electric power consumption after air conditioning and it is increasing every year. Most of the lighting design standard for building in Malaysia is based on MS1525, and this being taken without further measure on daylight consideration. Movement from inefficient and unsustainable energy practice to more energy efficient initiatives is vital for building. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia as one of the major institutional building is consuming 9 to 16 million kWh per year. Thus, about 20% of energy consumed was from artificial lighting. This paper aim to highlights the cost benefit study of lighting retrofit, which integrates the utilization of daylight into existing building. Data for this study was obtained through illumination in-situ measurement on two types of artificial lighting with the inclusive of day lighting before and after lighting retrofit. The measurement was conducted in a typical building in Block C09 of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Annual saving and payback period were analysed from the collected data. It is estimated that total energy consumption decreasing around 47.7% over a year from 84,232kWh to 44,014kWh by retrofitted the fluorescent T8, 36W with fluorescent T5, 25W. The estimated total annual electricity bill saving is at RM11,073 (USD3500.00). The return in retrofitting cost is at 2.5 years payback period. The payback analysis portray that lighting design is best integrated with daylight. The significant amount of saving in energy consumption and the cost of retrofit is obtained by integrating daylight as a source of lighting for interior space.