Nanoparticles are defined as ultrafine particles sized between 1 and 100 nanometres in diameter. In recent decades, there has been wide scientific research on the various uses of nanoparticles in construction, electronics, manufacturing, cosmetics, and medicine. The advantages of using nanoparticles in construction are immense, promising extraordinary physical and chemical properties for modified construction materials. Among the many different types of nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes, silica, copper, clay, and aluminium oxide are the most widely used nanoparticles in the construction sector. The promise of nanoparticles as observed in construction is reflected in other adoptive industries, driving the growth in demand and production quantity at an exorbitant rate. The objective of this study was to analyse the use of nanoparticles within the construction industry to exemplify the benefits of nanoparticle applications and to address the short-term and long-term effects of nanoparticles on the environment and human health within the microcosm of industry so that the findings may be generalised. The benefits of nanoparticle utilisation are demonstrated through specific applications in common materials, particularly in normal concrete, asphalt concrete, bricks, timber, and steel. In addition, the paper addresses the potential benefits and safety barriers for using nanomaterials, with consideration given to key areas of knowledge associated with exposure to nanoparticles that may have implications for health and environmental safety. The field of nanotechnology is considered rather young compared to established industries, thus limiting the time for research and risk analysis. Nevertheless, it is pertinent that research and regulation precede the widespread adoption of potentially harmful particles to mitigate undue risk.

Nanoparticles in Construction Materials and Other Applications, and Implications of Nanoparticle Use

Impact of idling on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions and available idle-reduction technologies for diesel vehicles – A review

Permeability prediction and pore structure feature of pervious concrete using brick as aggregate

Characterization of pervious concrete using over burnt brick as coarse aggregate

Rheological properties and aging performance of sulfur extended asphalt modified with recycled polyethylene waste

Agartala, capital of Tripura, India faces traffic congestion particularly in the different road intersection due to rapid and uncontrolled development by an unacceptable level of disparity in transportation demand and supply scenario resulting in environmental degradation as well as delay and fuel loss. When the vehicles are waiting for their turn to clear the intersection, the drivers normally keep the engines of their vehicle on and unnecessary hoot horns. As a result vehicle delay, fuel loss & noise level are increased particularly at the signalized intersection. 5 (five) representative signalized intersections of varying traffic volume have been selected in this study to ascertain delay, fuel loss & noise level during idling of vehicles. The study indicates that the noise level exceeds permissible levels and vehicular delays are high as more than 60 sec/vehicle during peak hour at all important signalized intersections. The study reveals that North Gate intersection is found to be the busiest intersection as well as the noisiest intersection. In North Gate, during daytime noise level is in between 66.7 dB (A) to 108.6 dB (A) and during night time 60.4 dB (A) to 100.9 dB (A) which is ill effective on human health and environment. In Math Chowmuhani intersection fuel loss is maximum comparing to other four intersections.  A direct correlation between vehicular delay versus noise level, traffic volume versus delay and traffic volume versus noise level have been proposed. These equations could be used as an effective tool in traffic management, land use planning and pollution control. After implementation of remedial measures, vehicular delay, fuel loss and noise level of all signalized intersection of Agartala city can be reduced. Delay, fuel loss and noise level at different signalized intersection of Agartala city and strategies to control the noise pollution have been discussed in this paper. Keywords: Signalized Intersection, Average Daily Traffic (ADT), Noise Level, Fuel loss

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Delay, fuel loss and noise pollution during idling of vehicles at signalized intersection in Agartala city, India

The paper describes an investigation into mechanical properties of brick-stone bituminous concrete mix. The effect of brick-stone mix on various mechanical properties of the bituminous concrete such as Marshall stability, flow, Marshall Quotient (stability to flow ratio), Indirect Tensile Strength, stripping, rutting, and fatigue life of bituminous concrete overlay has been evaluated. In this study over-burnt brick aggregate (OBBA) and stone aggregate (SA) have been mixed in different ratios (by weight) such as 20 : 80, 40 : 60, 60 : 40, and 80 : 20, respectively. The laboratory results indicate that bituminous concrete, prepared by 20% brick aggregate and 80% stone aggregate, gives the highest Marshall stability. This bituminous concrete mix shows considerable improvement in various mechanical properties of the mix as compared to the other mixes.

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Evaluation of the Properties of Bituminous Concrete Prepared from Brick-Stone Mix Aggregate

There are different places in India where natural stone aggregates are not available for constructional work. Plastic coated OBBA can solve the problem of shortage of stone aggregate to some extent. The engineers are always encouraged to use locally available materials. The present investigation is carried out to evaluate the plastic coated OBBA as an alternative material for bituminous road construction. Shredded waste plastics are mixed with OBBA in different percentages as 0.38, 0.42, 0.46, 0.50, 0.54, and 0.60 of the weight of brick aggregates. Marshall Method of mix design is carried out to find the optimum bitumen content of such bituminous concrete mix prepared by plastic coated OBBA. Bulk density, Marshall Stability, flow, Marshall Quotient, ITS, TSR, stripping, fatigue life, and deformations have been determined accordingly. Marshall Stability value of 0.54 percent of plastic mix is comparatively higher than the other mixes except 0.60 percent of plastic mix. Test results are within the prescribed limit for 0.54 percent of plastic mix. There is a significant reduction in rutting characteristics of the same plastic mix. The fatigue life of the mix is also significantly higher. Thus plastic coated OBBA is found suitable in construction of bituminous concrete road.

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Study on Plastic Coated Overburnt Brick Aggregate as an Alternative Material for Bituminous Road Construction

The present investigation is carried out to propose the use of cement coated over burnt brick aggregate in the preparation of bituminous concrete mix. The effect of cement on various mechanical properties such as Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient (stability to flow ratio), indirect tensile strength, stripping, rutting and fatigue life of bituminous concrete overlay has been evaluated. In this study, different cement percentages such as 2, 3, 4 and 5 % by weight of aggregate have been mixed with Over Burnt Brick Aggregate (OBBA). The laboratory results indicate that bituminous concrete prepared by 4 % cement coated OBBA gives the highest Marshall stability. The bituminous concrete mix with 4 % cement shows considerable improvement in various mechanical properties of the mix compared to the plain OBBA concrete mix.

Effect of Cement on Properties of Over-Burnt Brick Bituminous Concrete Mixes

Construction and maintenance of a large number of road networks result in degradation of environment and depletion of natural resources chiefly: raw materials. As a mitigation strategy, sustainable and smart pavement technologies were developed and practiced with a view to balancing the performance criterion and need for utilization of waste materials. In this connection, the use of plastic waste in pavement construction has gained popularity. Despite the numerous studies available in the literature that evaluated the different performances of plastic modified asphalt mixtures, the effect of different levels of plastic inclusion and its associated performance improvement is a major research interest. Thus, the objective of the study was to utilize waste plastic in asphalt pavement construction and evaluate the effect of different levels of plastic inclusion. In this study, shredded waste plastics were added into mix starting from 2% by weight of asphalt binder to 12% with a successive increment of 2% through dry mix process. Different aggregate tests were performed to observe the effect of aggregate coating with plastic. After that, the Marshall test, retained stability, dry–wet and freeze–thaw indirect tensile strength tests were conducted upon modified and control asphalt mixes. Experimental results indicated that the physical properties of aggregate improved with the increment of the plastic content. It was possibly due to the improvement in adhesion between the aggregates with the presence of plastic. Also, ITS (dry, wet and freeze–thaw) increased due to plastic modification of mix. Further, an improvement in stability was observed due to plastic modification of mix. Thus, it can be also observed that the strength of the bond between the aggregate and the binder enhanced with the addition of plastic to the mix. Overall, it can be concluded that utilization of road plastic not only improved the environmental sustainability but also enhanced the pavement performance.

Dipankar Sarkar

Papers

Delay, fuel loss and noise pollution during idling of vehicles at signalized intersection in Agartala city, India

Evaluation of the Properties of Bituminous Concrete Prepared from Brick-Stone Mix Aggregate

Study on Plastic Coated Overburnt Brick Aggregate as an Alternative Material for Bituminous Road Construction

Effect of Cement on Properties of Over-Burnt Brick Bituminous Concrete Mixes

Performance Characteristic Evaluation of Asphalt Mixes with Plastic Coated Aggregates