Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Civil Engineering

First Advisor

Abu-Lebdeh, Dr. Taher

Abstract

More production equals more waste, more waste creates environmental concerns of toxic threat. An economical viable solution to this problem should include utilization of waste materials for new products and one that minimizes the heavy burden on the nation's landfills. The importance of recycling is huge because it saves natural resources, saves energy, reduces solid waste, reduces air and water pollutants, and reduces greenhouse gases. The construction industry can start being aware of and take advantage of the benefits of using waste and recycled materials. Studies have investigated the use of acceptable waste, recycled, and reusable materials and methods. The use of swine manure, animal fat, silica fume, roofing shingles, empty palm fruit bunch, citrus peels, cement kiln dust, fly ash, foundry sand, slag, glass, plastic, carpet, tire scraps, asphalt pavement, and concrete aggregate in construction is becoming increasingly popular due to the shortage and increasing cost of raw materials. In this study a survey was conducted to find out the current practices of the uses of waste and recycled materials in the construction industry. The results proved that companies are not aware of what's available to use or the quality of the materials performance or the cost savings or any other benefits including environmental. Based from the results of the survey the following research was conducted to create better documentation for Green Building, connecting researches and contractors with an overview of what recycled materials are available for different construction applications.

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