QC Green construction Awarness
Module 1
Photo-Catalytic Construction Materials and Reduction in Air Pollutants
Gather information and analyse the chemistry, effectiveness, environmental fate and transport and cost
benefits of adding titanium dioxide to construction materials to reduce air pollutants.
Background:
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For over the last four years, the European Union has been testing the pollution reduction
capability of construction materials that contain titanium dioxide. In the presence of sunlight,
plaster, mortar, concrete and architectural coatings (paint and similar coatings) containing
titanium dioxide can change the chemical composition of air pollutants, which are then washed
harmlessly away.
The performance of these materials is being tested by a European consortium of private
companies, research institutions, and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre as part
of a program for innovative construction materials to help in the fight against air pollution. This
work is a result of the EU’s Photo-catalytic Innovative Coverings Applications for De-pollution
Assessment Project.
While tests are still underway, some preliminary results demonstrate that the photo-catalytic
process works to reduce pollution. In 2002, after 7,000 square meters of road surface in Milan,
Italy, were covered with a photo-catalytic cement material, there was up to 60 percent
reduction in the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at street level, researchers report.
Currently, several photo-catalytic processes using the new materials and coatings are being
studied at the INDOORTRON test facility in Ispra, Italy, a facility of the Physical and Chemical
Exposure Unit of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre Institute for Health and
Consumer Protection.
The de-pollution properties of these materials are based on the semi-conducting photo-catalytic
titanium dioxide. The coatings containing titanium dioxide seem effective because air
turbulence constantly carries NOx and other volatile and semi-volatile compounds over the
surface of buildings. The molecules stick to the surface long enough for the oxidation process to
break them down. Nitrogen oxide gases and organic compounds diffuse through the porous
surface and stick to the titanium dioxide Nano-particles of the construction materials and
coatings Absorption of UV light by the incorporated titanium dioxide leads to its photoactivation, and then the activated titanium dioxide degrades the pollutants absorbed onto the
particles. The acidic products created by this process are washed away by rain and/or
neutralized by alkaline calcium carbonate contained in the materials.
Titanium is a mineral found in sands in several African countries and in Australia.
Environmentalists warn the mining of titanium produces acid and can poison nearby water
bodies
Expected Output:
Training will consist of a review of existing research and address the following:
1. Assess data from the EU’s Photo-catalytic Innovative Coverings Applications for De-pollution
Assessment Project.
2. Analyze the effectiveness of construction materials using titanium dioxide. To what degree are
pollutants reduced? What is the likely fate and transport of titanium dioxide if it is introduced into the
environment in construction materials?
3. Compare the cost of adding titanium dioxide to construction materials against the anticipated
pollution reductions.
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Proposal Requirements
The written proposal should include the following:
1. Introductory statement that demonstrates an understanding of the subject matter.
2. Description of researcher’s(s’) qualifications to perform the study and applied public policy research.
If available, please include evidence of successful and timely completion of projects for public sector
clients.
3. Explanation of how the desired data will be gathered and reported on.
4. A specific timeline for completing the project requirements in the allotted period.
5. A proposed budget that indicates the portion to be devoted to faculty time (including incidental
expenses) and any need for non-incidental operating expenses.
6. At least two references who could advise the Faculty Research Fellows staff on the quality and
timeliness of the principal researcher’s work.
7. Telephone and e-mail address for principal researcher(s).
8. A resume or vita for each person funded under the project.
9. Sign-off of local campus research office is preferred, but not required.
Proposals should be no longer than seven pages (excluding vitas).
This onsite information seminar is aimed at not only resident project representatives on construction
projects, but also project managers, contract administrators, architects, engineers, owners, and
supervisory and field management personnel. The focus is on the resident project representative and his
interaction with all these parties and the problems they encounter and must resolve. The seminar
analyses the construction process to include project delivery systems, documentation, responsibilities,
authorities, specifications, preconstruction operations, scheduling, construction operations, risk
allocation, and information technology. Attendees will learn procedures and contract specification
language that help minimize disputes and avoid claims.
Instructor – James F Hayden: MSc construction Management, Certified Masonry Information
Technologist, Master Mason License registered masonry engineer Information Technologists MIA.
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