Current Science

Pramod Khadilkar ¹, Shridhar Lokras ², H. I. Somashekar ², B. V. Venkatarama Reddy ², Monto Mani ²

Affiliations
1 Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
2 Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

What is the scope and responsibilities of design? This work partially answers this by employing a normative approach to design of a biomass cook stove. This study debates on the sufficiency of existing design methodologies in the light of a capability approach. A case study of a biomass cook stove Astra Ole has elaborated the theoretical constructs of capability approach, which, in turn, has structured insights from field to evaluate the product. Capability approach based methodology is also prescriptively used to design the mould for rapid dissemination of the Astra Ole.

Keywords

Capability Approach, Design Evaluation, Design Life Cycle, Improved Cook Stoves.

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B. V. Venkatarama Reddy ¹

Affiliations
1 Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the design of a manually operated soil compaction machine that is being used to manufacture stabilized soil blocks (SSB). A case study of manufacturing more than three million blocks in a housing project using manually operated machines is illustrated. The paper is focussed on the design, development, and evaluation of a manually operated soil compaction machine for the production of SSB. It also details the machine design philosophy, compaction characteristics of soils, employment generation potential of small-scale stabilized soil block productions systems, and embodied energy. Static compaction of partially saturated soils was performed to generate force-displacement curves in a confined compaction process were generated. Based on the soil compaction data engineering design aspects of a toggle press are illustrated. The results of time and motion study on block production operations using manual machines are discussed. Critical path network diagrams were used for small-scale SSB production systems. Such production systems generate employment at a very low capital cost.

Keywords

Compressed Earth Block, Soil Compaction, Soil Block, Toggle Press.

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B. V. Venkatarama Reddy ¹, H. Hemanth Kumar ², S. N. Ullas ³, K. Gourav ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
2 KSCST, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
3 Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
4 Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru 570 008, IN

Abstract

Construction industry consumes natural resources in bulk quantities for various products such as bricks/blocks, mortar, concrete, etc. Indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources to meet the ever-expanding needs of the construction sector is posing serious environmental concerns and resulting in scarcity of natural raw materials. At the same time, a large volume of non-organic solid waste (NOSW) is being generated through various anthropogenic activities. It is challenging to find environmentally safe and economically viable solutions for handling such waste materials. This article discusses the construction industry scenario in India, some estimates of NOSW and strategies for their utilization. Few case studies of R&D work on the possibilities of utilizing NOSW for construction products are illustrated. In particular, the technical feasibility of utilizing construction and demolition (C&D) waste and iron ore tailings (IOT) as raw materials for construction products is highlighted. Experimental results presented here on the properties of mortar and concrete when C&D waste and IOT are used as an alternative to fine aggregate for replacing the scarce river sand are promising, showing immense potential for utilizing NOSW for the manufacture of construction products and materials.

Keywords

Aggregates, Construction Materials, Iron Ore Tailings, Solid Waste.

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