Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Aubrey Fixen, Senior Toriahna Thomas, Senior Zachary Santiso, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Aubrey Fixen
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Marwa El-Sayed
Abstract
The intensity of wildfires in California has increased and led to deterioration of the environment, loss of life and property, and economic concerns due to reconstruction costs and disaster relief efforts. Hence, further study into sustainable fire-resistant building materials for homes is becoming necessary. This research aims to develop a strategy for incorporating sustainable fire resistant materials into building practices in wildfire-prone areas in Los Angeles County, California, as this community has been greatly impacted by the wildfire. To explore this issue, the “Courthouse" sustainability model is used as a framework to analyze and understand the problem, providing insight into its current impacts and possible sustainable approaches. The Courthouse sustainability model is similar to the three-legged chair model, where the three pillars of society, economy and environment are the pillars, and the roof is sustainability. The societal pillar is evaluated based on its ability to effectively reduce the impact of fires and save homes and communities. Evaluation of the economy pillar is conducted by comparing costs of materials and assessing their longevity. Lastly, the environmental pillar is judged based on the material’s compliance with environmental standards, such as the California Green Building Standards (CAL Green) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines on sustainable materials. Success of this study will be measured through comparative analyses between sustainable and traditional fire-resistant materials including cost analysis, assessment of clean production practices- such as reducing emissions, minimizing waste, and using renewable or recycled materials in the manufacturing process- and enhanced performance comparisons. The United Nations sustainable development goals that align with this project include: the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal, the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal, and the Life on Land goal. Additionally, a stakeholder analysis is completed to identify key individuals and organizations involved and their influence on sustainable decisions. This work has the potential to influence policies, guide construction practices, and contribute to long-term wildfire resilience.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Comparative Analysis and Integration of Sustainable Fire-Resistant Building Materials for Homes
The intensity of wildfires in California has increased and led to deterioration of the environment, loss of life and property, and economic concerns due to reconstruction costs and disaster relief efforts. Hence, further study into sustainable fire-resistant building materials for homes is becoming necessary. This research aims to develop a strategy for incorporating sustainable fire resistant materials into building practices in wildfire-prone areas in Los Angeles County, California, as this community has been greatly impacted by the wildfire. To explore this issue, the “Courthouse" sustainability model is used as a framework to analyze and understand the problem, providing insight into its current impacts and possible sustainable approaches. The Courthouse sustainability model is similar to the three-legged chair model, where the three pillars of society, economy and environment are the pillars, and the roof is sustainability. The societal pillar is evaluated based on its ability to effectively reduce the impact of fires and save homes and communities. Evaluation of the economy pillar is conducted by comparing costs of materials and assessing their longevity. Lastly, the environmental pillar is judged based on the material’s compliance with environmental standards, such as the California Green Building Standards (CAL Green) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines on sustainable materials. Success of this study will be measured through comparative analyses between sustainable and traditional fire-resistant materials including cost analysis, assessment of clean production practices- such as reducing emissions, minimizing waste, and using renewable or recycled materials in the manufacturing process- and enhanced performance comparisons. The United Nations sustainable development goals that align with this project include: the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal, the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal, and the Life on Land goal. Additionally, a stakeholder analysis is completed to identify key individuals and organizations involved and their influence on sustainable decisions. This work has the potential to influence policies, guide construction practices, and contribute to long-term wildfire resilience.