Evaluation of Issues in Using Advanced and Sustainable Engineering Materials

For decades advanced engineering materials have been promising to expand and transform the engineering design and construction field. Materials such as fibre composites, geopolymers and cross laminated timbers boasting to impact the sustainability, economic cost, environmental resilience and energy management of the built environment in an effort to aim toward achieving sustainable development. However, their take up by industry leaders such as; consulting design engineers, construction contractors and local government has not been nearly as rapid as anticipated. The construction industry is considered to be one of the major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions with research conducted in the United Kingdom estimating that the construction industry is attributing to approximately 50% of greenhouse gases (Akan, et al., 2017). Therefore it is detrimental that sustainable materials and practices be implemented into the construction industry. The methodology used for this research project involved a thorough literature review into the following advanced engineering materials: Carbon Fibre Reinforcing Polymers, Cross-laminated timber and Geopolymers used in-lieu of cement in concrete. Findings from the literature review were then summarised and tabulated in report format. Relevant local case studies were found where these materials had been used and a cost-benefit analysis was undertaken to determine the extent of proposed benefits and costs. A questionnaire was then designed and distributed to focus on issues that have impacted the take-off of Advanced Engineering materials – particularly in the North West NSW region. Results from the questionnaire were critically analysed and summarised in report format so that issues effecting the take-up by industry could be easily evaluated. Finally, the critical issues or factors that have arisen across the board from the research that was conducted for all three materials researched include; the lacking premonition for sustainable development, lack of relevant training and awareness, lack of Australian design standards, lacking material availability, durability and cost