Nonconventional and Vernacular Construction Materials: Characterisation, Properties and Applications

Nonconventional and Vernacular Construction Materials: Characterisation, Properties and Applications, Second Edition covers the topic by taking into account sustainability, the conservation movement, and current interests in cultural identity and its preservation. This updated edition presents case studies, information on relevant codes and regulations, and how they apply (or do not apply) to nocmats. Leading international experts contribute chapters on current applications and the engineering of these construction materials. Sections review vernacular construction, provide future directions for nonconventional and vernacular materials research, focus on natural fibers, and cover the use of industrial byproducts and natural ashes in cement mortar and concrete.

Takes a scientifically rigorous approach to vernacular and non-conventional building materials and their applicationsIncludes a series of case studies and new material on codes and regulations, thus providing an invaluable compendium of practical knowhowPresents the wider context of materials science and its applications in the sustainability agenda

Part 1: Nonconventional and Vernacular Materials 1. What we learn from vernacular construction 2. Introduction to nonconventional materials and an historic retrospective of the field 3. Future directions for nonconventional and vernacular material research and applications 4. Characterization of vegetable fibers and their application in cementitious composites

Part 2: Natural Fibres 5. Natural fibre-reinforced noncementitious composites (biocomposites) 6. Straw bale construction

Part 3: Concrete and Mortar 7. Utilization of industrial by-products and natural ashes in mortar and concrete: development of sustainable construction materials 8. Dry-stack and compressed stabilised earth-block construction 9. Unfired clay materials and construction 10. Earthen materials and constructions 11. Ancient stone masonry constructions

Part 4: Timber, Bamboo and Paper 12. Nonconventional timber construction 13. Bamboo material characterization 14. Bamboo design and construction 15. Engineered Bamboo 16. An Engineered bamboo for structural applications 17. Paperboard tubes in structural and construction engineering