Danielle Densley Tingley | University of Sheffield - Inglaterra

• Grant number: 16/50422-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: August 26, 2017
• End date: September 09, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Construction Industry
• Agreement: Newton Fund, with FAPESP as a partner institution in Brazil
• Principal Investigator: Holmer Savastano Junior
• Grantee: Holmer Savastano Junior
• Visiting researcher: Danielle Densley Tingley
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Sheffield, England
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The provision of housing and the sustainable and resilient infrastructure is one of the key societal challenges faced by highly populated, growing economies, such as Brazil. The development of sustainable cities is seen as a crucial strategy in eliminating extreme poverty and raising living standards, particularly for those in slums and informal settlements; whilst urbanization presents opportunities for increased employment and productivity. However, the greenhouse gas emissions impact of infrastructure and urbanization cannot be underestimated. As developing countries urbanize and increase infrastructure provision, there are huge demands on material resources, and this in turn has significant impacts on global greenhouse gas ernissions. Thus, use of natural, lower impact materials, or existing waste materials are key opportunities to be explored to lessen the environmental impacts of urbanization, whilst maintaining the social and economic benefits. This visit will develop the foundations and the network for a major research proposal which develops innovative uses of Brazilian natural materials and waste products. The broad project aim is to develop viable engineering solutions that can satisfy the performance demands of modem construction, with a reduced cost and minimized environmental impact. This visit will explore two key areas: 1) the use of non- conventional natural materials in construction, particularly exploring fast growing, renewable materials native to Brazil, and 2) the valorization of high volume waste stockpiles, which are currently landfilled, with no economic value, turning these into valuable construction materials, whilst reducing the environmental problems from the disposal of agricultural and industrial wastes. (AU)