Abstract
No-fines concrete construction (NFCC) has not been used historically in regions subject to significant seismic activity. This research project aims to investigate whether the adoption of NFCC would increase chances of survivability particularly a reduction in mortality in an earthquake event compared with other forms of construction that are currently used but fail due to limitations on resources and other extraneous factors.
This study has identified what is currently happening in relation to building performance in earthquakes and how these factors are affecting casualty numbers. Consideration is given to the problems that are being addressed and those that are not or cannot be dealt with. This research has found that new or novel methods of construction are not being considered to the extent they potentially could be. The conclusion of this study is that there is a need for new construction solutions to be developed that could potentially reduce serious damage and resulting casualties.
Through experimental research it has been confirmed that no-fines concrete can be satisfactorily made with recycled aggregate (RCA) and that construction of certain categories of buildings using this construction solution (NFCC) has the potential to lead to reduced casualties in future earthquakes. At the same time, NFCC, a novel construction method in regions prone to earthquake, would make beneficial use of available resources (RCA) and place reduced demands on limited resources such as construction control.
This study has identified what is currently happening in relation to building performance in earthquakes and how these factors are affecting casualty numbers. Consideration is given to the problems that are being addressed and those that are not or cannot be dealt with. This research has found that new or novel methods of construction are not being considered to the extent they potentially could be. The conclusion of this study is that there is a need for new construction solutions to be developed that could potentially reduce serious damage and resulting casualties.
Through experimental research it has been confirmed that no-fines concrete can be satisfactorily made with recycled aggregate (RCA) and that construction of certain categories of buildings using this construction solution (NFCC) has the potential to lead to reduced casualties in future earthquakes. At the same time, NFCC, a novel construction method in regions prone to earthquake, would make beneficial use of available resources (RCA) and place reduced demands on limited resources such as construction control.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Master of Science by Research (MSc(R)) |
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| Award date | 8 Jul 2025 |
| Place of Publication | Kingston upon Thames, U.K. |
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| Publication status | Published - 21 Nov 2025 |