URBANIZATION WITH WASTE WHEEL-INFUSED CONCRETE
ABSTRACT :
Leaving a livable environment for future generations will positively contribute to economic and social development. In building sustainable cities, concrete mortars prepared with
components of whey (referred to as Whey), considered waste, will reduce disaster damage and enable the construction of environmentally friendly and health-friendly structures.
Furthermore, the WHEY-infused concrete mortars we developed in our project will provide long-term protection against acid rain and sulfate salts during the restoration of historical and cultural artifacts. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in our project.
Concrete strength tests, durability (acid attack tests), and sulfate attack tests were conducted through controlled experiments. The test results revealed that WHEY-inflicted concrete had a longer setting time than concrete samples used in contemporary building construction. In this case, it was concluded that concrete can be used as an environmentally friendly concrete
admixture to retard its setting time. Admixtures used to retard concrete setting time are harmful to the environment and cause pollution of natural resources. Furthermore, data
obtained from controlled experiments support the fact that Whey additive -added concrete is more resistant to abrasion and damage in building soils and concrete exposed to environmental factors such as sulfate attack and acid attacks. This will be a significant advancement in sustainable, environmentally friendly urbanization. Buildings constructed with durable organic-added building materials will reduce the cost of damage caused by environmental factors. This will have a positive impact on the economic development of sustainable cities.
The limited number of previous studies on this topic highlights the originality of our project and its potential to make significant contributions to environmentally friendly, sustainable urbanization.
GOALS:
Whey containing high organic components, released uncontrolled into the environment, promotes the proliferation of pests and harms ecosystem balance.To enable the use of a protein-rich source like whey as an additive in concrete as a reliable construction material. The proteins contained in Whey can be used as a setting time retarder in concrete mortars prepared with lactose and lactic acid bacteria. This will extend the workability of concrete in hot weather, provide advantages in transporting concrete to distant construction sites, and in large-volume concrete pours. Expansion and cracking occur in concrete due to external sulfate attack in construction sites. Test the resistance to sulfate attack between -added concrete and conventional concrete. Acid attack, also known as acid attack, causes damage by causing expansion in concrete. To compare the durability (acid attack) between Whey additive -added concrete and conventional concrete. One of our primary goals is to open up new areas for the utilization of whey in construction materials. Emphasizing the importance of using whey-based concrete, which contains whey and acts as an engineer in many metabolic reactions, as a building and construction material is among
our primary goals.
METHODOLOGY:Our project utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods included: literature review, collection of statistical data such as archived documents, descriptive and thematic content analysis, and discussion-building through analytical generalization. Visual, numerical, and verbal analyses were conducted using phenomenological and action research designs. Inferences were drawn using inductive reasoning. Expert interviews were conducted. For our project, we contacted the Istanbul Chamber of Civil Engineers and visited building inspection firms where we could conduct concrete durability tests. Quantitative Research Methods: Concrete Compression Tests: Controlled tests were conducted between Whey-added concrete and conventional C35 concrete samples.
Concrete mixtures were prepared in cylindrical specimens with dimensions of 150 mm3 x300 mm. In the test for sulfate attack on concrete caused by external environmental factors, Whey-added concrete and C35 concrete were subjected to a 5% sodium sulfate solution for 72 hours under identical conditions to compare sulfate attack. For the acid attack tests of concrete, a 98% sulfuric acid solution was applied to PAS-added concrete and C35 concrete specimen (3535) under identical conditions for 72 hours. The dependent variable was resistance to acid attack and sulfate attack, while the independent variable was whey additive.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
The lower compressive strength test results for the Whey-added concrete sample compared to the standard C35 concrete samples should be considered due to the concrete setting time and the amount of liquid added to the concrete. In this case, due to the longer setting time of
Whey-added concrete, it can:
- Concrete pouring at remote construction sites
- Forming concrete in hot weather
- Trapping heat within the concrete for extended periods
- Facilitating shaping
- Increased structural strength in the long term
- Reduces workability loss in concrete
- Increases frost resistance in cold climates.
- Provides advantages in the construction of high-rise buildings such as residences.
The fact that whey-added concrete is morphologically identical to standard concrete will have a positive impact on the preservation of cultural heritage, restoration of historical monuments,
and the construction of environmentally sustainable cities. Repeating the long-term tests we
conducted supports the use of Whey, the project we developed, in sustainable,
environmentally friendly urbanization.
Whey is a waste material that requires utilization because it causes environmental pollution,
increases pests in the ecosystem, and accelerates putrefaction and decay. Using Whey as an additive in concrete production, especially in construction materials with limited utilization
areas, would be an alternative.
Whey contains organic molecules, which does not harm the environment or the ecosystem.
Therefore, it should be preferred over chemicals used in construction materials that can be harmful to human health. This ensures sustainable, environmentally friendly urbanization.

STEM education integration consultant teacher: Öznur Demircan/Türkiye
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