Research Methodology and Process

This assignment details the various stages involved in conducting research. It begins with selecting a research topic and gathering information from secondary sources. Students will then create a layout for their work, conduct a literature review, and formulate a research plan. The process continues with selecting appropriate research techniques, collecting primary data, analyzing the collected information, drawing conclusions based on findings, and finally writing a rough draft and submitting the completed work.

Running head: SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Sustainability in construction management
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

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Table of Contents
Section 1: Research aim(s), rationale and objectives.................................................................2
1.1Research aim(s).....................................................................................................................2
1.2Research rationale.................................................................................................................2
1.3 Research objectives..............................................................................................................3
Section 2: Research plan for one year of research.....................................................................3
Section 3: Research plan for 11 week research..........................................................................7
References................................................................................................................................10
Appendices...............................................................................................................................12
Appendix A..............................................................................................................................12
Appendix B..............................................................................................................................13

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Section 1: Research aim(s), rationale and objectives
1.1 Research aim(s)
The research aims to investigate the effective use of supplementary cementitious
materials through adding or replacing of cement or make aggregation of concentration in
order to strength as well as physical properties. The utilization of waste materials like such as
coconut shell is one of the by-products of coconut. On the other hand, fibres are very small as
well as made from iron ore. Hence, it is required to test and get the result. The research also
aims to compare the outcomes with different materials suits to replacing cement as well as
provides effective results compare to others.
1.2 Research rationale
Almahmoud and Doloi (2015) stated that supplementary cementing materials have a
role to concrete properties. The instances are fly ashes and slag cement as well as silica fume.
It is used individually with Portland or mixed cement or distinctive combinations. The
cementing materials are generally focus in making mixtures more economical and minimize
permeability and increase strength and different focused properties. The utilization of silica
rich SCMS can influence specific amount of hydrates formed as well as volume, porosity as
well as durability of the materials (Zhang et al. 2014). On the other hand, supplementary
cementitious materials are generally used in concentrating mixtures as replacing portion of
clinker in a cement or replacement of the portion of cement in focused. Hence, practice is
favourable in the industry. On contrary, higher long-term strength as well as enhanced with
lower cost and lower environmental effect. Higher long-term strength and enhanced long-
term durability are the major advantages of it. In addition, the materials are used in Portland
cement concentrate for several years and there are many benefits received.

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Hardin and McCool (2015) mentioned that it becomes important to replace cement of
fly ash as well as ground blast furnace slag. (Hardin and McCool 2015). (Kankhva et al.
2016). Hence, it is important to research on the effective use of supplementary cementitious
materials in order to strength and physical properties.
1.3 Research objectives
The research has following objectives.
 To conduct a test that concentrates mix of taking cement, coconut shells,
aggregates as well as fibres
 To obtain the value from the test and compare with different by-products or
materials
 To ensure the results with excellent workability and early setting time along
with high compressive strength
 To recommend solution for overcoming the issues or challenges generated
from the test
Section 2: Research plan for one year of research
The creation of research plan regarding the effective use of supplementary
cementitious materials includes several phase. In this perspective, creating Gantt chart is
useful for making plans as well as scheduling of the projects. It can enable to identity the
shortest completion time for the project (Marcelino-Sádaba et al. 2015). It is important to
choose developing some contingency time for the project. For instances, allowing ethical
approval or collection of date taking longer compared to plan or considering new information
that is thrown up with the help of data analysis. The factors are subject of risk evaluation.
There are several planning tools like diagrams of network, critical path analysis as
well as program assessment and review technique charts. Everything can assist in defining

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particular sequence as well as timings of the project (Almahmoud and Doloi 2015).
Corresponding the measures of success for the project could be the process of interview and
gathering data for range as well as quality of suggestions to enhance reading lists and uptake
of annotated lists and effect on grades of student as well as quality of the suggestions to
enhance lists of reading. In order to utilize in concrete, supplementary cementitious materials
are referred to as mineral admixtures. It requires encountering the demands of established
standards. In addition, supplementary cementitious materials can be utilized to minimize
generation of heat related to cement hydration and minimize potential for thermal cracking in
the structural components. The materials can modify micro-structure of concrete as well as
minimize permeability and minimizing penetration of water as well as water-borne salts into
the concrete. Most of the supplementary cementitious materials minimize internal expansion
of concrete for chemical attack. Hence, resisting the process of freezing and as thawing
cycles needs the utilization of air-entrained concrete. Moreover, the optimum combination of
several materials varies for different performance system. Thus, it is important to research on
the topic selected in the present study.
Significance of pulverise fuel ash cannot be neglected. In this perspective, it is
important to carry out a research in order to evaluate several fresh of the concretes by
addition of supplementary cementitious materials in ternary as well as binary system. At
present days, concrete industry in under pressure in order to reduce energy usage as well as
emissions of greenhouse gas. In this perspective, it is important to couple with the interest in
order to seek low-energy and low CO2 binders is considered as an interest in searching reuse
of the waste material that is used as supplementary cementing materials. Thus, it becomes an
important topic for the researchers to analyze the effectiveness of supplementary
cementitious materials.

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In the one-year research plan, it is required to divide the tasks in multiples phases.
One of the phases of doing research is selection of topic for the research. According to the
selection, relevant literatures are required to search. After finding the previous study, it is
important to set research aims and objectives for research (Russell-Smith and Lepech 2015).
It would be helpful for the researcher to conduct in proper way. Setting of research rationale,
problem statement and background of the study are useful to be interested in the area of the
research.
Supplementary cementious materials are generally utilised in the concrete mixtures
replacing the portion of clinker or replacing the portion of cement in concrete. It is favourable
to the industry and usually resulting in concrete with comparatively lower cost as well as
lower environmental impact. The materials are used in Portland cement concrete for several
years as well as many of the effects are understood. The test variables consisted of the
supplementary cementious variables.
Walker (2015) stated that the second phase of the research includes gathering of
secondary sources like books, journals and websites. In this phase, it is important to
understand the physical, chemical as well as mechanical properties of the building by adding
the materials. According to present knowledge in the construction industry, agro waste from
specific plants as well as trees like rice husk ash and hazel nutshell along with straw ash and
sugarcane bagasse ash (Zhang et al. 2014). On the other hand, secondary data from particular
sources stated that, industrial slag are not being utilized for full extent of liable and utilised so
that slags have pozzolanic properties.
Several researchers have done investigation on how of supplementary cementitious
materials can give an impact on fundamental properties of concrete products. In the research,
meeting can be organized in one-year plan. It is circulated to the respondents. Data collection

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and analysis phase is an important phase of the research. It consists of collecting data from
secondary sources or primary sources. In the present research, primary data are collected by
organizing survey and interview with professionals involved in the industry. There are
several issues discussed in interview.
In the present study, test variables are consisted as the type as well as the amount of
supplementary materials like those that PFA as well as GGBS are considered. The materials
can enhance strength as well as durability properties of concrete. Supplementary cementious
materials like PFA as well as GGBS are included in this. Large amount of waste materials as
well as by-products are produced from manufacturing procedure, service industry as well as
municipal solid wastes. It results solid waste management as one of the major environmental
issues across the world. Increasing awareness regarding environment and scarcity of land-fill
space along with ever increasing cost are considered in this aspect.
In addition, the research requires including a literature survey focusing on specific
materials that are selected for the particular project. The current literature consists of
contacting particular states for field experience with the chosen materials. Moreover, life
cycle economies are related to the literature study (Jonas et al. 2017). The concentration of
the project needs to include field trails as well as less laboratory work. The researchers need
to attempt the process of documenting chemical mixture chosen for the project.
On the other hand, research methodology is one of the most important phases in
research. The phase consists of selection of methodological tools that would be helpful to
conduct the research in right way (Murray 2017). Methodological tools like research
philosophy, research design and research approach are selected. Proper and suitable
methodological tools are considered in the research. Along with these, collecting data from
reliable sources is considered as significant for the research. On the other hand, it is important

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to select the right form of data analysis. In the present study, quantitative data analysis will be
selected for the research (Ary et al. 2018). It helps to get results for the research and giving
conclusion and recommendation for the project.
The bleeding rate test requires to be added to experimental plan. However, it is
important to focus on experimental plan requires to be balanced including cold as well as hot
conditions of the research. Hydration reactions are included in ternary mixtures. Creswell and
Creswell (2017) commented that supplementary cementitious materials can represent broad
class of predominately. It is also important to find the opportunities of the project. The
mixtures are generally known as ternary mixtures when additional cementitious materials that
are combined with Portland cement (Diaz-Loya et al. 2017). However, performance is
broadly described in terms of expanded durability compared to increased compressive
strength. For the purpose of the report, it is important to generally inset chemically listed
compared to effort.
Timeline of 1-year plan
(Refer to Appendix A)
Section 3: Research plan for 11 week research
Research on supplementary cementing materials is an important topic as several types
of materials and its usage are related to it. Geopolymer can be poised to redefine cement in
construction industry. It is a synthesized inorganic material used for various applications like
waste encapsulation, construction products and heat-resistant ceramics. Hence, for the current
research geopolymer is chosen to be the most effective one (Li et al. 2018). The collection of
data to be conducted must be done from secondary sources. This must include studying of
various books and journals using real life hard copies and searching online.

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Since the infrastructure has been developing throughout the world, demand for
ordinary Portland cement rises exponentially. Various researches has shown that production
of every tone cement have been releasing about one ton of carbon-dioxide towards the
atmosphere (Lv et al. 2017). This is because of calcinations of the limestone along with
combustion of fossil fuel. Production of cement has been largely energy intensive and has
consumed substantial quantity of natural resources. It is seen that geopolymer has the ability
to create hard chemical bonding with aggregates based on rocks (Amin and Bassuoni 2017).
The fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete has been a latest composite material. Here fibers
are introduced within the matrix. This is as a micro reinforcement for developing properties
of strength. Thus, a literature review must be conducted on different research works. These
research works must be done from the topic of geopolymer concrete and impact of fiber on
mechanical properties.
Regarding research methodology the study must start with investigating material
properties, primary study of strength property of mortars and concrete mix design. It must be
mainly studied for selecting optimum mix for meeting economy and performance criteria.
Every ingredient for manufacturing concrete is to be gathered from the local market instead
of major constituent. Regarding high strength concrete and slight adjustment for
proportioning ingredients the activity must be done to gain target strength.
In the next stage few geopolymer concrete mixtures must be used and tested for
assessing the strength properties like split tensile strength, compressive strength, bond
strength and flexural strength (González-Taboada et al. 2017). Further, they can be tested for
examining the behavior while exposed for water and fire. Moreover, the “Young’s Modulus”
can also be determined for those mixes.

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The next stage comprises of testing applicability of optimized mixture to the primary
structural reinforced columns and elements. Investigation of capacity of lead bearing of
slender and short column must be done with square and circular shapes, morality, various
sectional properties and concrete comprehensive strengths as different test parameters.
Lastly, in the final stage of the research methodology adaptability and feasibility of
the concrete as a commercial product for making that more viable is construction industry is
to be researched. This must be done by assessing cost of manufacturing of one cubic meter of
concrete and compared with cost of OPC concrete. This can be leading to elimination of
usage of Portland cement in the phased way for ultimately having sustainable scenario for
many generations waiting in the future.
Next, conclusions are to be drawn, showing, geopolymer falling with a wide group of
ceramic materials serves as an alternative approach for conventional cements. However,
construction problems, cost of production, mix design complexity and many more have been
various causes that can never be welcomed in this kind of concretes. Hence,
recommendations are to be made at last, regarding the various methods in which geopolymer
is useful and trusted enough to be usable in construction industry.
Timeline of 11-week plan
(Refer to Appendix B)

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References
Almahmoud, E. and Doloi, H.K., 2015. Assessment of social sustainability in construction
projects using social network analysis. Facilities, 33(3/4), pp.152-176.
Amin, M. and Bassuoni, M.T., 2017. Response of concrete with blended binders and
nanoparticles to sulfuric acid attack. Magazine of Concrete Research, pp.1-16.
Ary, D., Jacobs, L.C., Irvine, C.K.S. and Walker, D., 2018. Introduction to research in
education. Cengage Learning.
Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D., 2017. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Diaz-Loya, I., Juenger, M., Seraj, S. and Minkara, R., 2017. Extending supplementary
cementitious material resources: Reclaimed and remediated fly ash and natural
pozzolans. Cement and Concrete Composites.
González-Taboada, I., González-Fonteboa, B., Pérez-Ordóñez, J.L. and Eiras-López, J., 2017.
Prediction of self-compacting recycled concrete mechanical properties using vibrated
recycled concrete experience. Construction and Building Materials, 131, pp.641-654.
Hardin, B. and McCool, D., 2015. BIM and construction management: proven tools,
methods, and workflows. John Wiley & Sons.
Jonas, S., Murtagh, W. and Bonadonna, M., 2017. Released for Public Comment: Space
Weather Benchmarks and Operations‐to‐Research Plan. Space Weather, 15(2), pp.282-282.
Kankhva, V., Uvarova, S. and Belyaeva, S., 2016. Development of the scientific and
methodological assessment tools of sustainability of the investment and construction complex
in Russia and its structural elements in terms of organizational and economic
changes. Procedia engineering, 165, pp.1046-1051.

11SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Li, Y.C., Min, X.B., Ke, Y., Chai, L.Y., Shi, M.Q., Tang, C.J., Wang, Q.W., Liang, Y.J., Lei,
J. and Liu, D.G., 2018. Utilization of red mud and Pb/Zn smelter waste for the synthesis of a
red mud-based cementitious material. Journal of hazardous materials, 344, pp.343-349.
Lv, S., Hu, H., Zhang, J., Luo, X., Lei, Y. and Sun, L., 2017. Fabrication of GO/Cement
Composites by Incorporation of Few-Layered GO Nanosheets and Characterization of Their
Crystal/Chemical Structure and Properties. Nanomaterials, 7(12), p.457.
Marcelino-Sádaba, S., González-Jaen, L.F. and Pérez-Ezcurdia, A., 2015. Using project
management as a way to sustainability. From a comprehensive review to a framework
definition. Journal of cleaner production, 99, pp.1-16.
Molina-Moreno, V., Leyva-Díaz, J.C., Sánchez-Molina, J. and Peña-García, A., 2017.
Proposal to Foster Sustainability through Circular Economy-Based Engineering: A Profitable
Chain from Waste Management to Tunnel Lighting. Sustainability, 9(12), p.2229.
Murray, R., 2017, February. Ocean Research in the Coming Decade: Plan Structure and
Content Overview. In 2017 AAAS Annual Meeting (February 16-20, 2017). aaas.
Russell-Smith, S.V. and Lepech, M.D., 2015. Cradle-to-gate sustainable target value design:
integrating life cycle assessment and construction management for buildings. Journal of
Cleaner Production, 100, pp.107-115.
Walker, A., 2015. Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.
Zhang, X., Wu, Y., Shen, L. and Skitmore, M., 2014. A prototype system dynamic model for
assessing the sustainability of construction projects. International Journal of Project
Management, 32(1), pp.66-76.

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Appendices
Appendix A
Main activities/ stages 1st-2nd
month
3rd
month-
5th
month
6th
month-
7th
month
8th
month
-9th
month
1
10th
month
1
11th
month
1
12th
month
Selecting topic 
Data collecting from secondary sources  
Creating layout 
Literature review   
Formation of research Plan  
Selection of the proper Research
Techniques
 
Primary data collection  
Analysis and interpreting of Data
Collection
 
Findings of the Data 
Conclusion of the Study 
Forming Rough Draft  
Submission of Final Work  

13SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Appendix B
Main activities/ stages Week
1
Week
2-3
Week
4-5
Week
6-8
Week
9
Week
10
Week
11
Selecting topic 
Data collecting from secondary sources  
Creating layout 
Literature review   
Formation of research Plan  
Selection of the proper Research
Techniques
 
Primary data collection  
Analysis and interpreting of Data Collection  
Findings of the Data 
Conclusion of the Study 
Forming Rough Draft  
Submission of Final Work  