Which Floor Materials Stop Us Slipping?

By RISC | 1 week ago

We often see warnings to drive slowly in the rain – but people are also at risk of slips and falls!Many people get hurt on wet floors. Injuries can be severe. The vulnerable and elderly can even die. More than 1 in 3 older adults (60+) fell and hurt themselves in 2023, according to the Division of Injury Prevention, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. These falls involve 180,000 outpatient treatments and 90,000 hospitalizations each year.. and cause about 1,200 deaths!​Slipping and tripping is the leading cause of falls in the elderly, accounting for 61.97% of those needing medical treatment in 2022 (20,741 cases). These numbers show that falls cause enormous damage. Prevention is vital. According to World Health Organization (WHO) research, falls stem from:​• Biology, including neurological illnesses, physical decline, balance, and vision.​• Behaviors such as using certain medications, drinking alcoholic beverages, wearing shoes with no tread, changing position quickly.​• Economic and societal reasons, such as living alone and not having enough money to modify the indoor and outdoor environments. ​• Environmental factors such as slippery, uneven flooring, varying levels, insufficient illumination, objects blocking the walkway, lack of handrails. ​​​Since aging is inevitable, older adults are most at risk. But anyone can fall from toddlers to pregnant women and those with physical limitations. ​So how can we prevent accidents? ​Living spaces should have anti-slip materials appropriate for each location to lower the risk of slipping and falling for everyone. ​Room function determines the risk level for area. Where the floor might get wet from water, rainwater, or oil, floor materials need a higher anti-slip value (learn more about the R value at https://risc.in.th/th/knowledge/slippery-problems-lets-get-to-know-r-rating-in-flooring-material).• For general usage areas in the house, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and walkways, select materials with an anti-slip value of at least R9. ​• For dry bathroom floors like toilets and sinks, select materials with an anti-slip value of at least R10. For wet bathroom floors like showers and bathtubs, select materials with an anti-slip value of at least R11. ​• For food preparation area floors, select materials that have a slide resistance of at least R10. ​• Select slip-resistant materials for kitchen flooring and outdoor spaces like pathways and parking lots (minimum R11 rating). ​• For outdoor spaces with high slopes, select materials with a slip resistance of at least R12. ​Standard flooring materials should have slip resistance test results from the manufacturer. However, if there is no slide resistance, you can employ the following methods: ​• High friction materials, such as rubber and vinyl, provide good surface adherence and high slip resistance. ​• To improve slide resistance, roughen the surface, groove it, add grout lines, or create mosaics. ​ Figure 1 Example of roughening the surface​   Figure 2 Example of grooving the material​ Figure 3 Example of adding grout lines​ Figure 4 Example of creating mosaics​ If you are unable to replace the original slippery materials, apply anti-slip rubber sheets, tapes, or coatings, depending on the location. ​Non-wet surfaces require extra attention. For example, when concrete, stone, and tile floors are exposed to water, their slip resistance rating is frequently reduced compared to when the surface is dry. You can follow these steps: ​• Regularly clean and dry indoor locations and use caution when wet from cleaning agents. ​• Outdoor areas should have a roof, drain wells, and no standing water. Avoid using them during or after rain. ​​For cleaning, materials with a high slip resistance rating may have a rough surface, so choose a surface type that can still be cleaned well and has a low porosity material, decreasing dirt on the surface that might cause slipping when wet. ​Floor colors or patterns should be visible and show whether the floor is flat or on different levels. Do not focus solely on appearance. Consider the quality of the view to avoid accidents. Having the same color and pattern on the stairs makes it difficult to detect the different level floor. Choose a color and pattern that stands out as a decorative border on the floor.​ Figure 5 Examples of colors and patterns that may cause accidents​ Also choose floor materials for adequate lighting and clear visibility of the walking path and surroundings. Remove obstacles from the walkway. Install handrails to help support the body where there are changes in levels, ramps, or along key walkways. All these are tips can help provide a safe environment that reduces injuries and potential losses.​Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISC​References:​2023 Annual Report, the Division of Injury Prevention, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (https://ddc.moph.go.th/dip/journal_detail.php?publish=15746)​WHO global report on fall prevention in elderly (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241563536)​

Innovations in Carbon Capture for Construction

By RISC | 2 months ago

CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) is a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from factories or direct air. Once captured, the CO₂ can be used in various applications, such as enhanced oil recovery or the production of chemicals and materials, providing economic value while reducing emissions. Alternatively, the captured CO₂ is securely stored underground in geological formations, ensuring that it remains sequestered and does not contribute to climate change.During all these major efforts, construction is playing its part and taking on new ideas. The industry is starting to use new carbon capture tech to cut emissions and even turn them negative. By adding carbon capture to building materials, construction can switch from releasing greenhouse gases to removing them. This article will look at some key materials and methods to make carbon capture work in construction, showing how the industry can significantly help tackle climate change.Carbon-Cured ConcreteOne promising approach is carbon-cured or carbonated concrete, where waste CO₂ is injected into the fresh concrete mix. The carbon dioxide reacts with cement to form calcium carbonate nanomaterials that get permanently embedded in the concrete matrix, trapping the CO₂.[1] This process can sequester 5-20% of the concrete's weight as CO₂ while also increasing compressive strength.[2] Systems have been developed to capture CO₂ directly from industrial sources like power plants or cement kilns and transport it to concrete batch plants for utilization.[3][4] The resulting carbon-cured concrete is stronger and has a lower carbon footprint.Carbon Mineralization ProductsOther researchers are exploring ways to mineralize captured CO₂ into solid carbonates that can be used as construction materials themselves. At UCLA, CO₂ was mineralized with industrial brine wastes into calcium and magnesium carbonates that could replace some cement or aggregate components.[5] These mineralized CO₂ products could potentially be used in concrete or as construction binders or aggregates.Integrated Carbon Capture SystemsAn MIT team designed an electrochemical system that captures CO₂ from a cement plant's emissions and converts it into synthetic limestone (CaCO₃) pellets that are then incorporated back into the concrete production process on-site.[6]Biomass and BiocharPlant biomass can also help capture and store carbon in construction through approaches like biochar. Biochar is a carbon-rich solid produced by heating biomass such as wood waste in a low-oxygen environment. Studies found adding biochar to concrete could increase strength while permanently sequestering the biomass carbon.[7]Timber ConstructionUsing timber and mass timber products is one of the most straightforward ways constructions can become carbon-negative. As trees grow, they absorb CO₂ from the air through photosynthesis, storing it in their woody biomass. Using this timber in buildings keeps the sequestered carbon locked up for decades. Lifecycle assessments show wood buildings can have substantially lower embodied carbon than steel or concrete structures.[8] New mass timber techniques allow larger timber buildings up to 18 stories tall.[9]Overcoming ChallengesOvercoming challenges in implementing carbon capture in construction is paramount given the sector’s substantial carbon footprint and the high costs and energy intensity involved. The key hurdles for validating permanent CO₂ sequestration include ensuring occupant comfort and safety. While material-based CCUS technologies such as timber construction and biochar composites offer immediate opportunities, their CO₂ absorption capacity is limited. Chemical-based solutions such as CO₂-cured concrete show promise but require thorough evaluation of environmental tradeoffs. Collaborative efforts are crucial to facilitate CCUS implementation aligned with sustainable development goals in cities, including advancing research, providing incentives, securing financing, fostering public engagement, and integrating systems planning. Ultimately, overcoming challenges will pave the way for carbon capture technologies to play a vital role in urban decarbonization and the transition to net negative emission assets. Story by Difei Miao RISC Advisor, CCUS Research Project Consultant, Nanotech SpecialistReferences:1. Ravikumar, D., Zhang, D., Keoleian, G. et al. Carbon dioxide utilization in concrete curing or mixing might not produce a net climate benefit. Nat Commun 12, 855 (2021). (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21148-w)2. Reuters. "Concrete traps CO2 from soaked air in climate-friendly test." Reuters, February 3, 2023. (https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/concrete-traps-co2-soaked-air-climate-friendly-test-2023-02-03/)3. American Chemical Society. "New Way to Capture and Recycle Carbon Dioxide from Industrial Emissions." ACS PressPac, August 2023. (https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2023/august/new-way-to-capture-and-recycle-carbon-dioxide-from-industrial-emissions.html)4. Kulasuriya, C.; Vimonsatit, V.; Dias, W.P.S. Performance based energy, ecological and financial costs of a sustainable alternative cement. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021, Volume 287.5. La Plante, E.C.; et al. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2021, 9 (32), 10727-10739. 6. MIT News (2022). Cracking the carbon removal challenge. (https://news.mit.edu/2022/cracking-carbon-removal-challenge-verdox-0915)7. Mensah, R.A.; et al. Biochar-Added Cementitious Materials—A Review on Mechanical, Thermal, and Environmental Properties. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9336. (https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169336)8. Andersen, C.E.; et al. Embodied GHG Emissions of Wooden Buildings—Challenges of Biogenic Carbon Accounting in Current LCA Methods. Frontiers in Built Environment 2021, 7.9. Autodesk. "Mass Timber Construction." https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/articles/mass-timber-construction

How to Select Insulation for Well-Being​?

By RISC | 5 months ago

The last post (https://bit.ly/49Perie) looked at how insulation can keep your home cool and save on air conditioning. ​​Let’s now look at the best type of insulation to use and where to put it.​Thermal insulation should be under the roof and ceiling in areas that receive direct heat. Insulation that can block and absorb heat well has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity (K-Value). Insulation that reflects heat includes aluminum foil, which is lightweight, provides good moisture protection, is flame retardant, does not shrink, is long-lasting, and is resistant to rodents and insects.​Another factor is openings that can let in heat, such as between walls or around doors and windows. You can line such areas with closed cell foam, or synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or synthetic rubber. Choose a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient and thickness. Heat resistance improves with thickness. Insulation also blocks and absorbs sound, minimizing noise transfer between rooms.​Also choose materials free from asbestos and dangerous contaminants such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. Insulation should also be moisture-resistant to prevent fungi and have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as indicated by the Low VOCs or Zero VOC label. Materials must not be flammable or should self-extinguish. They should also not emit dangerous compounds from combustion. Above all, choose eco-friendly options from long-lasting natural, recycled, or recyclable materials. ​​​Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISC​

Escape the Summer Heat with Insulation

By RISC | 6 months ago

Even though it's only March, the weather is already blistering hot. You might be starting to wonder how we can survive April.​The issue isn’t just air temperature. It’s also the cost of power, whether you use an electric fan, air conditioner, or refrigerator to cool down. But thermal insulation can make your home more livable.​Thermal insulation uses materials that slow or prevent the flow of heat. These are often porous materials with limited thermal conductivity. The porous structure is packed with air bubbles that help minimize heat flow via conduction and convection. Some forms of insulation also reflect heat back. Thermal insulation is typically put under the roof, on the ceiling, between walls, or between doors and windows.​Thermal insulation is extremely effective at reducing the transfer of heat from the outside into the house, particularly during the summer. When hot air enters the residence, it makes the air conditioner work harder. As a result, the amount of electrical energy consumed will also grow. Installing insulation will help to minimize the flow of hot air into the home. As a result, the temperature inside the house is not higher than outside. Furthermore, in foreign countries during the winter, it can restrict the passage of heat from inside the house to outside, allowing the temperature inside the room to be maintained and the house to remain warm.​There are numerous types of insulation, including synthetic rubber, synthetic fibers, rock fibers, polymer foam, and aluminum foil. Choose insulation with a low thermal conductivity (K value) or a high thermal resistance (R value) to minimize heat flow into the residence. Importantly, select a material that is safe for human health, moisture, and mold resistant, flame retardant, or emits harmful compounds during combustion.​The eco-friendly trend is currently popular. To achieve low or negative greenhouse gas emissions, people are using insulation made from natural materials such as cellulose, rice straw, hemp, oak wood, or fungi (mycelium). This is critical for selecting construction materials for transitioning to a low-carbon society.​Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISC ​Referencehttps://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation

5 Eco-Friendly Material Trends in 2024​

By RISC | 7 months ago

Discover the top 5 eco-friendly material trends for 2024. Every year, new trends emerge in the fashion, vehicle, and technology industries. Design and construction are meanwhile building the circular economy to save the world, slow global warming, and improve health. These trends influence how we choose construction materials. ​Let’s look at 5 eco-friendly architectural material trends in 2024. ​• Locally Sourced Material: Using locally produced materials reduces carbon footprint emissions from international transportation while also supporting the local economy.​• Recycled Material: Scrap construction materials or waste can be recycled as ingredients in manufacturing. Improvements to create upcycled materials can increase product value, decrease landfill waste, make better use of available resources, and optimize benefits throughout the product's life.​• Bio-Based Materials: Natural materials such as wood, bamboo, mycelium bricks formed from fungi, and hemp are becoming increasingly popular and are being researched and developed to be more useful in the construction sector. These materials can be continuously grown and replaced, making them more sustainable than concrete, which cannot be replaced by mountains. Furthermore, these natural minerals improve mental health. ​• Smart Materials: The development of materials with improved qualities, such as self-repairing concrete, changeable building walls based on temperature and light, and energy-efficient roof tiles are all becoming a more realistic option in the future.​• Health Material: Since materials affect people inside buildings, materials should be chosen for their properties regarding health, such as non-toxic materials with low toxins, low-VOC materials, materials that reduce the accumulation of dust, mold, and bacteria, or materials that improve air quality and the indoor environment, such as air purifying paint, antiviral tiles, and curtains. This trend in health materials continues to gain traction, and new materials are becoming available. This is a topic frequently discussed in the marketplace.​Each material has unique features that are determined by its intended use, budget, building technique, and the vision of project owners and designers. However, this green materials movement symbolizes a global trend toward sustainable, innovative, and health-focused materials for all well-being in architecture and construction design, as people pay greater attention to the environment and their health.​Story by Tiptaptim Sunpaechudasil, Senior Sustainable Designer, RISC​

New Year Gifts for the World​

By RISC | 8 months ago

New Year is nearly here. If you're looking for a gift, why not give something eco-friendly?​Climate change is a cause for concern. We should consider the environment more when purchasing a gift to avoid producing garbage and becoming a burden to our world.​New Year gift ideas for eco-friendly furniture and home decorations are a great option that appeals not only for long-term use but also a cozy atmosphere. Each item is also eco-friendly because designers must take care of each detail, from the design process to material selection, manufacturing, and disposal after use. These products may be recyclable or biodegradable to have the least environmental impact.​Choose furniture with a simple design and a focus on usability and eco-friendly materials for a sustainable home. ​- Natural materials, such as wood, offer strength and durability over a long lifecycle. They’re also recyclable. Choose furniture made from forest planted (FSC) trees or from recycled wood.​- Home decorations from recycled materials include upcycled carpet from plastic bottle waste, reducing the use of new resources and plastic waste. Another intriguing idea is to use plastic with natural biodegradable materials or upcycled products for home decorations.​- Local materials such as rattan, bamboo, or various woven materials reduce carbon footprint from transport and manufacturing while also supporting jobs in the community.​- Low-toxic materials avoid chemicals in furniture manufacturing such as glue, lacquer, or wood dye with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and urea formaldehyde, which harm the environment and our health. Choosing low-formaldehyde furniture certified by European standards is important.​Lots more eco-friendly home decoration items are available, such as household appliances made from rubber trees, organic cotton bedsheets, pillows from recycled cotton fibers, or curtains from natural linen.​ ​RISC hopes that this post will give you ideas for New Year gifts, such as eco-friendly furniture and home decorations that will last long and avoid creating waste and burdening the environment. Let’s ensure our gifts make us, our loved ones, and our world happier.​Story by Tiptaptim Sunpaechudasil, Senior Sustainable Designer, RISC​

Sand Crisis: Will Sand Run Out?

By RISC | 9 months ago

Ever wondered what would happen if sand vanished from the world?​UNEP warned last year that we should prepare for a sand crisis as a new disaster. Are we really running out of sand? How could it affect us?​Sand is the world’s most mined mineral because it’s an important material for industries including glass, electronics, chips, smartphones, and cosmetics. Sand is the primary raw material in the construction industry for concrete and cement as well as asphalt roads.​This crisis could mark a turning point in construction. ​Each year, 40-50 billion metric tons of sand is used solely in the construction industry, up 300% in just 20 years amid urbanization, urban population growth, and infrastructure development.​What will happen if we continue to use sand irresponsibly until there’s a global sand shortage?​The ecosystem will become out of balance because sand grains contain important nutrients for animals such as birds and many sea fish, harming food chains and ecosystems. Sand is also essential for water balance. Flooding will become more common and more severe.The second impact will be on many industries that use sand as a component, particularly construction, because most buildings are made of concrete with sand as the primary raw material. If we keep building the same buildings, there may be no resources left to build with in the future.​So how should we respond to this crisis?​We must shift from traditional construction methods into new processes to reduce the use of sand, such as reusing old concrete by crushing it into aggregate, finding alternative materials, and developing new technologies such as timber construction (because we can't create new sand, but we can grow new forests).​Story by Tiptaptim Sunpaechudasil, Senior Sustainable Designer, RISC

How “Biochar” Captures Carbon

By RISC | 10 months ago

Charcoal is familiar as a fuel for cooking, grilling, and preparing foods. But there’s another form of charcoal that can help minimize carbon dioxide emissions.​"Biochar" is carbon from biomass. Agricultural waste such as branches, bark, rice straw, and maize cobs goes through a pyrolysis process, which involves burning it at high temperatures from 500 to 1000 °C in an oxygen-free environment. Biomass has a strong porous structure that stores carbon from photosynthesis for growth. When it decays, carbon dioxide is released into the environment again. Turning biomass into biochar prevent carbon dioxide from being released.​Biochar can hold up to 2 tons of CO₂/ton CO₂, making it helpful in the construction business. Cement takes a lot of energy and emits a lot of carbon dioxide. Concrete is the most often used building material. Incorporating biochar, with negative carbon dioxide emissions, as an ingredient in concrete to replace cement or rocks and sand results in concrete with lower or negative carbon dioxide emissions. Using lots of biochar improves some features such as mechanical strength, electromagnetic wave prevention, and sound insulation.​Biochar is also used as a carbon dioxide absorbent material because to its porous structure and large surface area. Carbon dioxide can be absorbed and stored in this porous structure. Enhancing the surface with chemicals such as hydroxide or amine boosts its ability for surface adsorption.​Through research and development, worthless biomass resources may help save our planet.​Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISC ​​References:​Zhang, Y., He, M., Wang, L. et al. Biochar as construction materials for achieving carbon neutrality. Biochar 4, 59 (2022). ​Biochar as a building material: Sequestering carbon and strengthening concrete,https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy22osti/82445.pdf ​Shifang Guo, Yuqing Li, Yaru Wang, Linna Wang, Yifei Sun, Lina Liu, Recent advances in biochar-based adsorbents for CO2 capture. Carbon Capture Science & Technology, 4 (2022).

Fire-Resistant Brick from Cigarette Butts

By RISC | 11 months ago

The National Statistical Office estimates that Thailand in 2021 had about 9.9 million smokers, out of 57 million Thais aged 15 or over, which is a cause for concern over health. But there's another issue.​Smoking creates a lot of waste. Thailand generates 2.5 billion cigarette butts, of which many end up in public spaces, including sidewalks, parks, and roads, as well as beaches. They affect nature, the environment, and living beings. We might overlook the risks because we’re used to the sight.​But butts contain a lot of carcinogenic compounds. They can contaminate water and harm microorganisms and aquatic species. In the soil, they harm plant growth as well as benthic creatures. Toxins can enter our bodies through drinking water, meat, or vegetables. Cellulose acetate, a substance used in cigarettes, is made from plants but cannot be biodegraded and takes over ten years to decay, leaving waste in the environment.​Many countries have made significant attempts to address the issue of cigarette butts, ensuring proper disposal so they don’t harm the environment.​RMIT University in Australia studied the use of cigarette butts for making fire-resistant bricks. The addition of 1% cigarette butt waste by weight resulted in fire-resistant bricks that were as robust as regular bricks but weighed less. Thermal conductivity is reduced for insulation and reduced energy consumption in building and manufacturing by cellulose acetate. Less energy is required to heat bricks. There’s also no need to be concerned about harmful chemicals in butts contaminating the environment. The chemicals are held within the porous brick structure and don’t flow out to the exterior.​Inventions can help decrease cigarette butt waste. But butts should be disposed of in specified areas and not left in natural regions. Because, in the end, humans are affected.​Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISC ​References:​https://phys.org/news/2020-09-cigarette-butts-recycled-bricks-step-by-step.html​Mohajerani, A.; Qun Hui, S.; Shen, C.; Suntovski, J.; Rodwell, G.; Kurmus, H.; Hana, M.; Rahman, M.T. Implementation of Recycling Cigarette Butts in Lightweight Bricks and a Proposal for Ending the Littering of Cigarette Butts in Our Cities. Materials 2020, 13, 4023. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13184023​https://ddc.moph.go.th/brc/news.php?news=22385&deptcode=brc&news_views=1559​https://www.pptvhd36.com/news/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A1/173199​

Low-Carbon Wood Fiber Insulation

By RISC | 11 months ago

Building is a key sector for the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.​Construction emits a lot of greenhouse emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions include embodied carbon and operation carbon. Embodied carbon is critical to attaining this goal, particularly in newly constructed structures, whose emissions depend on design and construction methods.​ Embodied carbon is carbon derived from construction materials. We must start building with low-carbon materials.​ Many entrepreneurs have attempted to develop new production techniques and creative construction materials to reduce carbon emissions. These low-carbon material include wood fiber insulation.​ Low-carbon wood fiber insulation is a single-layer board with a maximum thickness of 240 mm created from only 2 ingredients: pine wood fibers from sustainably planted forests (Forest Stewardship Council, FSC) and ammonium salts as a fire retardant. These are biodegradable and derived from natural resources. Natureplus© has validated this low carbon wood fiber insulation as a European biologically safe insulating solution. It also satisfies low-carbon material criteria and has received Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification. This wood fiber insulation product can be used in any part of the structure.​ What makes wood fiber insulation so environment friendly?​​Because this insulation is entirely made of wood fiber or biodegradable natural material from sustainably grown forests, it produces very low carbon emissions when calculating embodied carbon value from the first raw material production process to the end of the life cycle, when compared to non-biodegraded common petroleum insulation such as polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, or even fiberglass insulation.​Construction is shifting from concrete structures to wooden structures (timber construction), and the trend of using natural materials such as wood will encourage innovative material development to be used in various parts of buildings as much as possible to achieve net zero carbon emissions in 2050. MQDC aims for "Nature Positive & Carbon Negative 2050” to create a positive impact on nature and net negative carbon emissions."Find out more about low-carbon wood fiber insulation at https://gutex.co.uk/product-range/product-properties/recyclability/​Story by Tiptaptim Sunpaechudasil, Senior Sustainable Designer, RISCReferences:​ https://www.carboncure.com/concrete-corner/what-is-embodied-carbon/ https://www.gutexcz.com/files/downloads/08_katalogy_en/GUTEX_EN_BR_ProductApplications_2022-01_Lay01.pdf