Woodhead Publishing Nonconventional and Vernacular Construction Materials: Characterisation, Properties and Applications (Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering)

In the context of the sustainability agenda, the conservation movement, and current interest in cultural identity and its preservation, there is a growing enthusiasm for traditional building systems with a low environmental impact, using materials that do not require industrial processing, from rammed earth to innovative bamboo-based materials. This interest relates both to original structures in vernacular materials, and the role that these materials can play in new structures. In some cases these non-conventional and vernacular materials are offering new solutions to design, performance, cost, and sustainability challenges that are not being met by standard contemporary construction materials.The first edition of this book met the need for definitive content on material types and their applications; the second edition extends this with case studies, and information about the relevant codes and regulations, and how they apply (or do not apply) to nocmats. Leading international experts have contributed chapters focusing on current applications and engineering of these construction materials. Opening with a historical survey of nonconventional materials, Part 1 includes a review of vernacular construction and a discussion of the future directions for nonconventional and vernacular materials research and their applications. Chapters in Part 2 focus on natural fibres, including their application in cementitious composites, non-cementitious composites and straw-bale construction. In Part 3, chapters cover the use of industrial byproducts and natural ashes in cement mortar and concrete, and construction using soil-cement blocks, clay-based materials, adobe and earthen materials and ancient stone masonry. Timber, bamboo and paper construction materials are investigated in Part 4 of the book. In this revised edition all chapters have been updated to cover the latest research and bets practice. In addition, a range of new case studies have been added, making this book a tru