Sustainable development through appropriate technologies in civil engineering

Appropriate technology is small-scale technology which is simple enough that people can manage it directly and on a local level. Appropriate technology makes use of skills and technology that are available in a local community to supply basic human needs such as gas and electricity, water, food, and waste disposal. Although the technology involves simple, easy-to use and repair designs, it is based on sophisticated, 20th-century technologies. Appropriate technology may involve judicious use of high energy materials to improve the properties of resulting composite materials. It will also involve development of eco-friendly processes to solve environmental problems. The development of appropriate technology in materials, products and services may demand simple cost effective equipments, machinaries and process. Therefore, this technology may involve other disciplines like mechanical, chemical and electronics.This technology will help to set up medium to small scale industries, transfer of technology from lab to land, up-gradation of local skill, proper use of agricultural waste, waste materials and bi-products from industries, local development of people through participation in it directly or indirectly. This technology will sensitize the common people to understand about the alternate materials & technologies which will go a long way in achieving goal of sustainable development towards affordable housing. This technology will improve the scope for self development, practical experience, interaction with industries and entrepreneurship development opportunities. Thus, appropriate technologies will help sustainable development of the region through use of local materials and skills and hence reduce the pressure on conventional costly materials and process. The paper presents areas in civil engineering where appropriate technologies can be successfully used where cost reduction in construction and energy is of prime importance