1 Module 2 – Introduction to Civil Engineering

Societal and Global Impact of Infrastructure

Unit – 1, Infrastructure

Introduction to sustainable development goals

Sustainable development may be defined as ‘the successful management of resources for
development to satisfy, the changing human needs, while maintaining or enhancing the ability
of environment and conserving natural resources’.

There are two aspects of sustainable development,

i) Inter – Generational equity [i.e., to hand over a safe, healthy and resourceful
environment to our future generations] and
ii) Intra – Generational equity [i.e., technological developments which promote
economic growth of the poor countries to narrow wealth – gap between different
nations].

Strategies suggested for sustainable development are as follows:

i) To use locally adaptable, eco – friendly and resource efficient technology, which
will use less resources and produce minimum waste.
ii) To adopt 3-R approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle approach) which emphasizes
minimization of resources use, using them again and again and recycling the
materials to decrease pressure on our existing natural resources and reduce
generation of wastes.
iii) To promote environmental education and awareness at all levels of education right
from school stage to the university level to inculcate a feeling of belongingness to
the earth. It will greatly help in changing the thinking and attitude of the people
towards our earth and environment.
iv) To utilize resources as per carrying capacity of the environment i.e., consumption
of resources should not exceed their regeneration and changes should not be
allowed to occur beyond the tolerance capacity of the environment.

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Smart City Concept

A smart city is a place where traditional networks and services are made more flexible,
efficient, and sustainable with the use of information, digital and telecommunication
technologies to improve the city’s operations for the benefit of its inhabitants.

The different components of a smart city include,

i) Smart infrastructure
ii) Smart transportation
iii) Smart energy
iv) Smart healthcare
v) Smart technology

Today, Information and communication technology (ICT) are enabling keys for transforming
traditional cities into smart cities. Internet of things (IOT) and big data (BD) make smart cities
efficient and responsive.

The infrastructure of the smart city includes physical information and services. The physical
infrastructure is the structural entity of the smart city including buildings, roads, railway tracks,
power supply lines and water supply systems.

The purpose of smart city concept is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life
of people by enabling local area development and harnessing technology. Area based
development will transform existing areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better
planned ones, thereby improving livability of the whole city.

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Clean City Concept

The clean city initiative is an innovative intervention that aims to redefine the plastic waste
disposal system by creating value and wealth from plastic waste and on doing so empowering
the people of a country to create a better future for themselves and for the environment.

Vadodara, which used to be known as Baroda, the cultural capital of Gujarat, is the third largest
city in western India. The city bounced to the 13th rank in the swachh survekshan rankings. The

PROF. LIKHIT M L, ASST PROFESSOR, DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VEMANA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 3
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city post some marks in door to door collection, sweeping, and transportation as well as
processing of disposal of waste.

Awareness programs to promote clean city involves,

i) Painting of the walls with the pictures of clean and green city, so that people can be
inspired towards clean city by seeing these pictures.
ii) Various talks on awareness can be conducted to inspire citizens for cleanliness.
iii) The dustbins can also be painted with clean city pictures.
iv) People who have an approach towards cleanliness will be rewarded and appreciated.

New Delhi is very keen to accelerate Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the center is considering a
proposal to ask private companies and Public Sector Undertaking’s (PSU) to spend around 30%
of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds on cleanliness program.

Proposals to promote clean city includes,

i) Bicycle sharing system.

ii) Carbon credit – Waste disposal units, plantation companies, chemical plants and
municipal units can sell carbon credits. (Indian is one of the countries that have
credits for emitting less carbon).
iii) E- Rickshaw.

Safe City Concept

Safe city is a community based initiative that leverages partnerships and technology to help
communities and businesses to reduce crime and creates an environment where people feel safe
and secure.

Components of Safe City are as follows,

i) Intelligent safety technologies for surveillance, search detection and identification.

ii) Centrally managed technologies of police and integrated rescue system.

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iii) Security components of individual systems.

iv) Intelligent technologies of crisis management to support decision making, early
warning, monitoring and forecasting emergencies and environmental situations.
v) Healthcare and relevant data and centers for data processing, that will administer
the city closely.
vi) Informational and cybernetic security.

Sustainable development Goal index.

India Ranks Year

121 2022
120 2021
117 2020
115 2019
116 2017
110 2016

Various goals to improve sustainable development goal index includes,

i) Zero hunger
ii) Good health and wellbeing.
iii) No poverty
iv) Quality education
v) Gender equality.
vi) Clean water and sanitation.
vii) Affordable and clean energy.
viii) Decent work and economic growth
ix) Industry, innovation and infrastructure growth
x) Partnership for the goals with reduced inequality.
xi) Sustainable cities and communities.
xii) Responsible consumption and production.
xiii) Climate action.
xiv) Life on land and below water.
xv) Peace, justice, and strong institutions.

PROF. LIKHIT M L, ASST PROFESSOR, DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VEMANA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 5
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Unit 2, Environment

Water Supply and Sanitary systems.

Water supply: infrastructure that includes all the structures which are required to intake water,
conveyance of water to treatment place, water treatment plant, water storage system and then
distribution system.

Intake from source

Major sources of water is surface water like rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc., and ground water like
aquifer water i.e., infiltrated rainwater. Treatment of saline water is expensive and it is utilized
rarely.

Water is taken from the surface source by intake structure, while ground water from boring and
pumping to the treatment place.

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Water storage and distribution

Depending upon the elevation with respect to ground, water storage reservoir may be classified
into,

• Surface reservoirs
• Elevated reservoirs

For an efficient distribution system adequate water pressure is required at various points.
Depending upon the level of water source, topography of the area and other local conditions,
the water may be forced into the distribution system by following ways,

• Gravity system.
• Pumping system.
• Combined gravity and pumping system.

Water Sanitary System

Domestic wastewater is collected through sewage pipe network i.e., sewage system. Storm
water can be collected with sewage or separately. Storm water can be drained in water bodies
directly. While domestic sewage or industrial effluent needs to be treated before disposal. In
rural areas, domestic wastewater is disposed either in open or through septic tank, which
perform waste digestion process.

PROF. LIKHIT M L, ASST PROFESSOR, DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VEMANA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 7
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Urban Air Pollution Management

Most polluted cities in India

Ghaziabad, Delhi, Noida, Bandha Wari, Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Faridabad, Patna, Jodhpur,
etc (Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar). 22 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities are in India, with
Delhi being ranked as the most polluted capital city globally.

At least 30.7% of deaths in India can be attributed to air pollution from fossil fuels that means
about 2.5 million people die every year after breathing toxic air. Punjab has the highest number
of cancer cases in the country today. Many think it is due to the contaminated water and soil.

Causes of air pollution

Burning of fossil fuels, automobiles, agricultural activities, factories and industries, mining
activities, domestic sources.

Effects of Air Pollution

i) Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of red blood cells and tissues. This leads to
headaches and anemia.
ii) Nitrogen dioxide causes lung irritation and damage.
iii) Sulphur dioxide causes breathing problems for healthy people. It causes cough, eye
& nose irritation, heart diseases, reduces resistance to colds and pneumonia.
Environmental effects involve damage to plants and trees.
iv) Global warming, acid rain, effects on animals, ozone layer depletion.

Control / Management of Air Pollution

1. Industrial estates should be established at a distance from residential areas.

2. Use of tall chimneys shall reduce the air pollution in the surroundings and compulsory
use of filter and electrostatic precipitators in the chimneys.
3. Removal of poisonous gases by passing the fumes through water tower scrubber or
spray collector.
4. Use of high temperature incinerators for reduction in particulate ash production.
5. Use of non-lead antiknock agents in gasoline.
6. Industrial plants and refineries should be fitted with equipment for removal and
recycling of waste.

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7. Attempt should be made to develop pollution-free fuels for automobiles, e.g., alcohol,
hydrogen, battery power. Automobiles should be fitted with exhaust pipes.
8. Growing plants capable of fixing carbon monoxide, e.g., Phaseolus vulgaris, coleus
blumei, Daucus carota, Ficus variegate.
9. Afforestation of the mining area on a priority basis.
10. Development and employment of non-combustive sources of energy, e.g., nuclear
power, geothermal power, solar power, tidal power, wind power.

Implementation of Smog Free Tower

It is a campaign for clean air led by daan roosegaarde to reduce air pollution and provide an
inspirational experience of clean future. Smog free tower provides a local solution of clean air
in public spaces. It is 7 meters tall, equipped with ecofriendly technology to produce smog free
air, cleans 30,000 m3 per hour and uses a small amount (1170 Watt) of green electricity. Delhi’s
first smog tower is also being constructed.

It is successfully implemented in south Korea, China, the Netherlands and Poland.

PROF. LIKHIT M L, ASST PROFESSOR, DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VEMANA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 9
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Solid waste management

Any substance that is discarded is designated as waste. In any human society, bulk solid wastes
are produced as a by product of the normal and fundamental activities of living. These wastes
are rudimentary as food scraps, ash from fires, an excreta from human and animals. Nowadays,
the amount of waste is staggering and becoming a serious problem.

Sources and origin of wastes

i) Wastes from human dwelling (Domestic wastes):

Domestic waste includes a variety of discarded materials like broken furniture, discarded food,
polythene bags, empty metal and aluminum cans, scrap metals, glass bottles, wastepaper,
diapers, cloth/rags, food waste etc.

ii) Construction / Building wastes:

The construction and repairs activities in the building produce a lot of waste in the form of
broken bricks, tiles, plaster, stones, concrete, iron scrap and pieces of wood and glass.

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iii) Wastes from hospitals / dispensaries:

Especially from the pathology labs, a huge amount of wastes in the form of empty bottles of
glucose and other medicine catheters, syringes, needles, cotton bandages, broken plasters.
These wastes need to be disposed in ways with great care.

iv) Wastes from garages and automobiles:

Usually in workshops and garages, while cleaning and repairs of automobiles are carried out,
a lot of dirt and dust sticking to the body of automobiles are removed as waste. E.g.:
Unserviceable parts, used engine oil, grease and coolants.

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v) Wastes from industries:

These wastes include chemicals, asbestos, paints, solvents, fly ash, metal scraps, plastic
rubber, used batteries, petrochemicals dyes, oils, grease, certain synthetic materials.

Classification of wastes

1. Biodegradable wastes:

The waste materials that can be degraded by microorganisms are called as biodegradable
wastes. These wastes include vegetable peelings, discarded food, tea leaves, eggshells etc. they
do not cause much harm to the environment.

2. Non – biodegradable wastes:

The wastes that cannot be degraded by microorganisms are called non – biodegradable wastes.
These wastes include polythene bags, scrap metal, glass bottles, plastic, metal and aluminium
cans etc.

3. Toxic wastes:

The poisonous wastes are called toxic wastes. Such wastes include pesticides, acids, alkalis,
cyanides, heavy metals. They pose serious threat to the life of the organisms.

4. Non – toxic wastes:

The non – poisonous wastes which do not pose any threat to the life. Such wastes include glass,
ceramics, paper, wood scrap etc.

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5. Biomedical wastes:

These wastes are released by the hospitals and clinics and include cotton, syringe, glass and
plastic bottles and various wastes produced in hospitals.

vi. E – Waste (electronic waste):

E- Waste is the outcome of modern informational technology. A complete set of computer

weighs about 32 kg having several chips and circuits.

Identification Of Landfill Sites

A landfill is a carefully designed and monitored structure that isolates trash from the
surrounding environment (e.g., groundwater, air, rain). This isolation is accomplished with the
use of a bottom liner and daily covering of soil.
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Why landfills are important?

To prevent contamination of waste into the surrounding environment, especially groundwater

due to open dumping. Some materials cannot be recycled or used for energy or composted.
Increasing population results in an increase in waste.

Advantages of Landfilling:

1. Burying can produce energy by the conversion of landfill gas i.e., methane and carbon
dioxide.
2. Landfill by products can be used as direct / indirect fuel for combustion.
3. East monitoring due to specific location.
4. Can be reclaimed and can be used as parks or farming land.
5. All recyclable materials can be used before closing.
6. Organics materials can also be separated and used for compost or production of natural
gas.

Disadvantages:

1. Problems faced when poorly designed or operated.

2. Areas surrounding the landfills become heavily polluted.
3. Dangerous chemicals can seep into the ground water system.

Classification:

Sanitary landfills, municipal solid waste landfills, construction and demolition waste landfills,
industrial waste landfills, secure landfills.

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Criteria for site selection:

1. Nearby waste processing facility.

2. Soil conditions and topography.
3. Surface water hydrology.
4. Large enough to last for 20 to 25 years.
5. A buffer zone of no development shall be maintained around landfill site.

Urban Flood Control

Causes of urban flooding

1. Heavy rainfall / flash floods: water of heavy rainfall concentrates and flows quickly.
2. Lack of lakes: Lakes can store the excess water and regulate the flow of water.
3. silting the drains which could carry large amounts of sediments and deposits.
4. Lack of attention to the nature of hydrological system.
5. Lack of flood control measures.
6. Trespassing on water storm drains. The areas which were essentially created by the
storm water.
7. Population pressure: Because of large amount of people, more materials are needed
like wood, land, food etc.

Impacts

1. Loss of human life.

2. Flooding of hosing, commercial and industrial properties
3. Flooding of streets, intersections, and transportation systems.
4. Economic losses.
5. Health hazards.
6. Combined sewer overflows.

Flood Management Planning

1. Replenishing ground water.

2. Supplementing domestic water supply.
3. Capturing water for irrigation.
4. Protecting public health.
5. Providing open space and parklands.

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Unit – 3, Built environment.

Energy Efficient Buildings

An energy efficient building creates comfortable living conditions inside the dwelling with the
least possible amount of energy consumption maximizing efficiency in the use of resources.
Measures to make a building energy efficient encompass the building’s entire life cycle. The
construction process itself is going into the operation, maintenance cycle and demolition phases
of building.

An energy efficient building keeps the building fully functional and thermally comfortable for
its occupants as well. With the cost of energy increasing and the energy crisis being an
imminent reality, the need to provide energy efficient building designs becomes more
important.

As per energy statistics data obtained for 2017 of India from the ministry of statistics and
program implementation, buildings account for the 2nd highest consumption of energy after
industries. In energy efficient buildings, the mode of use of the internal environment is a central
issue. The accurate prevision of the operations or building devices, for example shading and
window opening / closing is of fundamental importance.

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Working of energy efficient buildings

• The development of energy efficient buildings is the most appropriate option for
reducing the load of cooling and heating bills.
• To optimize the supply and demand of energy and to ensure sustainable developments.
• The passive solar homes must include the following components to work with even
more efficiency such as
i. Properly oriented windows.
ii. Thermal mass.
iii. Distribution mechanisms.
iv. Proper conduction system.
v. Convention of heat.
vi. Radiative loss
vii. Strict control strategies.

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Recycling

The best way to tackle the plastic – disposal problem is to adopt suitable methods.

• To Recycle: to treat or process used materials or waste so we can use these materials
again. This stops us from wasting useful materials.
• Recycling is important because,
1. It reduces the number of fresh raw materials we use.
2. It reduces the amount of energy we use.
3. It reduces air and water pollution.
4. It lowers the amount of greenhouse gases.

Examples of Recycling

1. Reusing plastic bags when you go to the supermarket.

2. Recycling paper so it can be processed and used again.
3. Melting food cans made from steel and making them into new food cans.
4. Instead of throwing away uneaten food, you can compost it.
5. We can recycle compost, metals, glass, plastics, paper, aluminum cans, newspaper,
steel cans, glass, cardboard.

Importance of recycling to people.

1. No space for waste, our landfill sites are filling up fast, almost all landfills will be full
in a few years.
2. Reduce financial expenditure in the economy, making products from raw material costs
more than if they were made from recycled products.

Advantages of recycling

1. Protects the environment.

2. Reduces energy consumption.
3. Reduces pollution.
4. Reduces global warming.
5. Judicial and sustainable use of resources.
6. Conserves natural resources.
7. Reduces the amount of waste produced.

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Disadvantages of recycling

1. Not always cost effective.

2. Recycled products may not last for long.
3. High initial cost.
4. Not widespread on a large scale.

Temperature And Sound Control in Buildings

The evolution of climate control evolved from fire pit to stove to a boiler in the basement. Heat
is transported through the building using water or steam.

Windows are designated to let in light, and also provide ventilation. The building design
allowed for ventilation includes double hung windows and transforms above doors. Electricity
allowed for a constant source of ventilation with the incorporation of fans, designed to let
outside air in and take inside air out.

Today’s buildings are sealed from the exterior and breathe through their climate control or
HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation and air conditioning systems).

PROF. LIKHIT M L, ASST PROFESSOR, DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, VEMANA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 19
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HVAC systems are designed to remove perimeter heat gained from solar radiation. Supplement
perimeter heat loss moving from the inside out remove heat gained from lights, machinery, and
people. These systems are designed to provide ventilation by moving air in and out of the
building in a loop with a percentage of air always from the outside.

Sound Control

The construction techniques of walls, windows, doors and floor / roofs and selection of
appropriate building materials play a vital role in sound control in a building.

The discomfort of noise within the building goes on increasing if the structural elements within
the building too don’t show any resistance against the noise. The massiveness of a material is
an efficient parameter that resists noise (wall mass and thickness must be increased). Sound
transmission can be resisted by the usage of airspace between the two partition walls.

Increase airspace width of walls, increase the stud spacing, usage of sound absorbing blankets
in the gaps of the air space reduces sound transmission in the walls. Below is an image represent
single leaf, double leaf and a double leaf door with absorbing blankets to control noise in
buildings and transmission of sound.

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Security System

Security systems are mandatory for any kind of building. They ensure consistency in business
operations, tangible assets, intellectual property and security to human life. Commercial
properties, airports, retail stores, industrial companies, financial and public institutions,
electricity, oil and gas companies as well as residential complex require unique safety and
security measures as each property is vulnerable to various hazards.

How to construct a building with a security system?

First and foremost, we need to assess the potential risks, which largely depend on the type of
building / organization in question. System implementation, which is very significant for your
association. (i.e., access control, video surveillance. Intrusion alarm, electronic sensors, fire
safety, intercom, central monitoring.

Purpose of security system and its types in a building

To protect against various thefts, damage to properties and losses.

1. Physical guards
• Static and non-static
• Armed
• undercover
2. physical barriers
• windows
• burglar bars
• gates and screens
• doors
• trellis door
• fence: (electric, diamond mesh, bumped wire)
3. access control
• turnstiles
• locks
• biometric, card, face, iris, pin readers.
• Electric motors and boom gates.
4. Fire systems
• Fire detection
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• Fire suppression
• Fire hose and extinguishers.
5. CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television)
• Static cameras
• PTZ cameras
• Infrared cameras
• Video door phones
6. Alarms
• Fixed alarm.
• Fire alarm.

Smart Buildings

A building that provides a productivity and cost effective environment through optimizing of
its four basic components such as structure, systems, services and management and the inter
relationships between them is termed as a smart building.

Many new buildings are being constructed with complex building automation systems. Sensors
and control systems create rich information streams. Access to these streams is restricted and
the information could be useful to building users as well as administrators. It uses the latest
technologies available to provide services, monitor safety and control the comfort of the
inhabitants.

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