Sustainable housing in Australia: development of rammed earth materials and quantification of environmental benefits of their wider use

Alexandra Meek

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions is critical to mitigate climate change. The building industry can contribute through the use of lower-embodied energy building materials. Rammed earth materials stabilised with alternatives to cement have been developed using industrial by-products and activators, sodium hydroxide or hydrated lime, or with no activator. Strength and durability testing demonstrated that the materials are suitable for low-rise construction. Life cycle assessment showed that greenhouse gas emissions per vertical square metre of wall could be reduced by up to 73% when compared to conventional building materials. Government policy mandating use of such materials should follow.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Elchalakani, Mohamed, Supervisor
  • Lumley, Sarah, Supervisor
  • Beckett, Chris, Supervisor
  • Ciancio, Daniela, Supervisor
Thesis sponsors
Award date29 Oct 2020
DOIs
Publication statusUnpublished - 2020

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