Contribution 18
Submitted by: Cristina Vulpe, The University of Western Australia, Australia
Environmental advantages and alignment with the UN’s SGDs of rammed earth constructions
Sample Description
(1) Course Name/Type: Environmental geotechnics / Optional unit for 3rd and 4th year Bachelor of Engineering students
(2) Course Emphasis: MSW, TSF stability, seepage, static and cyclic liquefaction, slope stability, contaminant transport, rammed earth constructions
(3) Descriptive Title of Sample: Environmental advantages and alignment with the UN’s SGDs of rammed earth constructions
(4) Brief Teaching Note:
Traditionally, environmental geotechnics (or geo-environmental engineering) is passive and/or reactive. It looks at diminishing a potential environmental disaster. Words associated with this area include: “contain”, “mitigate”, “remediate”, “reduce”, “alleviate”.
e.g., tailings storage facilities, landfills.
A more progressive approach to environmental geotechnics is to provide direct and/or proactive environmentally friendly solutions. The infrastructure’s purpose is to add and enhance sustainability practices. Words associated with this area include: “clean energy”, “zero footprint”, “circular economy”.
e.g., geothermal energy, rammed earth structures
(5) References: Fernandes, J., Peixoto, M., Mateus, R., and Gervásio, H. (2019). Life cycle analysis of environmental impacts of earthen materials in the Portuguese context: Rammed earth and compressed earth blocks. Journal of cleaner production, 241 – 118286.
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