Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
nature of concrete, which in turn will create the scientifi c basis for the
development of more eco-effi cient concrete. In Chapter 3, the use of
nanoparticles to produce concrete with high strength and high durability is
discussed, while Chapter 4 looks at the development of self-sensing con-
crete with nanomaterials. This feature enables the assessment of strain or
stress variations in concrete structures. This not only allows savings in terms
of structure inspections but also removes the requirements for conservation
processes which are rather expensive. Chapter 5 deals with the use of nano-
technology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel, which is the
most widely used metallic alloy in modern industry, for structural applica-
tions. In Chapter 6, nanoclay-modifi ed asphalt mixtures are discussed,
showing the importance of nanoclay in improving the stability, resilient
modulus and indirect tensile strength of asphalt mixtures. The use of nano-
clay allows a superior performance compared to that of unmodifi ed bitumen
to be obtained. Finally in Part I, in Chapter 7 safety issues related to nano-
materials are reviewed; this chapter highlights some crucial issues relevant
not only to construction industry practitioners but also to health profession-
als. It covers the potential health hazards of the nanomaterials utilized in
construction, describes the lifecycle of nano-enabled structures, and analy-
ses toxicity profi ling for nanomaterials.
The importance of energy effi ciency in buildings is the subject of Part II
(Chapters 8-12). This section opens with Chapter 8 which reviews tech-
niques for producing thin fi lms and nanostructured coatings for energy
applications. Chapter 9 covers high performance thermal insulators, namely
nanoporous thermal insulators and partial vacuum thermal insulators, while
Chapter 10 reviews the use of silica nanogel to produce highly energy-
effi cient windows and skylights. Switchable glazing technology is the subject
of Chapter 11, which also reviews progress in electrochromics and thermo-
chromics. Switchable glazing technology refers to 'materials and devices
[that] make it possible to construct glazings whose throughput of visible
light and solar energy can be switched to different levels depending on the
application of an electrical voltage or on the temperature', which is an
important feature in energy effi ciency technologies. Chapter 12 closes Part
II, and looks at the importance of photovoltaic technology for energy effi -
ciency. It reviews the advantages and limitations of fi rst and second genera-
tion photovoltaic cells and also examines the third generation and, most
importantly, the role of nanotechnology in the development of highly effi -
cient low cost photovoltaic cells.
Part III (Chapters 13-16) looks at photocatalytic applications. Chapter
13 concerns the photocatalytic capability of concrete, mortar and plaster
that contain semiconductor nanoparticles, and reviews their self-cleaning,
air depollution, antibacterial and anti-vegetative properties. This chapter
describes existing patents and standards relating to photocatalytic cementi-
Search WWH ::
Custom Search