CEST Club of NIT Rourkela

Being from country like India where the cyclones are not a new concept, there are certain bases that should be covered before building. For example, light weight structures, ill constructed unreinforced structures, creation of funnel effect due to poor planning etc. It is more about the method of using a material rather than the type of material. The things that should always be taken care of while building in a cyclone proof area are   If building in a region of high wind speed, then try to create some natural barrier.          Design should be symmetrical. If unsymmetrical corners should be dealt with additional care.         Flatness of the roof should not be more than 22 degrees and overhangs more than 18 inches should be avoided.         Secure the ridge by collar ties, gussets or metal straps.         Recommended gauge of sheets should be provided for roofs....

Permanent Modular Construction PMC is an innovative, sustainable construction delivery method utilizing offsite, lean manufacturing techniques to prefabricate single or multi-story whole building solutions in deliverable module sections. PMC structures are intended to remain in one location for the duration of their useful life and then again shifted to another location. Material for traditionally built and modular homes are the same as wood, steel or concrete. The buildin gs are completed 60-90 % offsite in a factory-controlled environment and transported & assembled at the building site which results in accelerated project timelines, more economical pricing, and less. The entire process of modular construction places significance on the design stage. The use of advanced CAD systems, 3D printing and manufacturing control systems are important for modular construction to be successful. Advantages: Indoor Construction: The assembly becomes more durable to weather. Low wast...

Building Integrated Photovoltaics(BIPV) As the world’s demand and focus on renewable and non-polluting energy, together with energy efficiency, are ever-increasing, zero energy and zero-emission buildings are rapidly drawing attention. A zero-energy or zero-emission building harvests energy from its surroundings and from the Sun. Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, where solar cells are integrated within the climate envelopes of buildings, utilize solar radiation to produce electricity. BIPVs offer an aesthetic, economical and technical solution to integrate solar cells harvesting solar radiation to produce electricity within the climate envelopes of buildings. The BIPV systems replace parts of the conventional building materials and components in the climate envelope of buildings, such as the roofs and facades. BIPV systems are generally considered as a functional part of the building structure, or they are architecturally integrated into the building’s design. Hen...

For generations, concrete has been used as a building material in the world of construction, used in everything from roads to building bridges. When constructed correctly and under the right conditions, the structures last for 50 to 100 or more years. But no matter whether the concrete is reinforced or preserved, it will eventually crack with time due to rain, wind, and shifts in the earth's crust. It is a common problem found in structures that allows debris and moi sture to creep inside and slowly eat away the reinforced steel and finally crumbling the structure. But, a renowned microbiologist, Henk Jonkers introduced a new kind of concrete which has self-healing properties and might just prove immune to decay, that is, bio concrete. To heal cracks in the concrete, Jonkers chose bacteria, which is able to produce limestone on a biological basis. The concrete can actually rebuild itself as moisture enters the cracks, gaps, and holes. The moisture disintegrates the biodegrad...

The Taj Mahal displays golden proportions in the width of its grand central arch to its width, and also in the height of the windows inside the arch to the height of the main section below the domes. . The Parthenon displays golden ratios in the height of the cross beams in relation to its height, and also in the rectangular designs below the sculptures. Even if the Golden Ratio wasn’t used intentionally in its design, Golden Ratio proportions may still be present as the a ppearance of the Golden Ratio in nature and the human body influences what humans perceive as aesthetically pleasing. . This ratio – 1:1.61, for those are wondering – occurs over and over again in nature. It is found in everything from the shape of our universe, the structure of clouds, and even the proportions of the human body. Humans have incorporated it into everything from mathematics, to artwork, and music. With such varied applications, it should come as little surprise that this ratio is rooted in arc...

Plastic bags that are commonly used for packaging causes serious environmental problems. The accumulation of plastic bags increases every year. They can last in the environment for 1000 years without getting disintegrated. Disposal of a large quantity of plastic bags may cause serious land, water, and air pollution. The reuse of plastic bags can be done as one of the constituent materials for concrete, as plastic fiber improves certain properties of concrete. MATERIALS 1. Cem ent - Ordinary Portland cement of 43 grade confirming to IS 8112-1989 is used. 2. Fine Aggregate – Natural river sand is used as fine aggregate, having properties which are determined by performing tests as per IS 2386(Part I). The results are: 3. Coarse Aggregate – Crushed granite stones from local quarries are used as coarse aggregates. The maximum size of the coarse aggregate that can be used is 20 mm. The properties of aggregate are determined by conducting the test as per IS 2386(Part III). The result...