Thesis proposal - Investigating and mitigating shrink crack fo...

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EWB partner Build up Nepal (BUN) was established following the 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu. BUN focuses on promoting compressed bricks made from a mixture of stone dust, cement and water or soil, cement, and water. These materials are mixed and then compressed using a machine provided by BUN. Since its start BUN has supported over 200 small companies, contributing to the construction of more than 10,000 houses across Nepal. Their efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions and created over 2,000 full-time jobs, 25 % women. Interlocking bricks, designed like LEGO blocks, are BUN's main product. These bricks, with their reinforcement solution, are easy to assemble and earthquake-resistant, very suitable for construction in earthquake-prone regions like Nepal.

The issue of cracks appearing in houses built with interlocking bricks is a significant concern, especially since it tends to be more pronounced compared to houses built with fired red bricks. Experts have identified these cracks as shrinkage related. To effectively address this problem, the project will focus on understanding the underlying causes, such as material properties and environmental factors, and developing strategies to eliminate or minimize crack formation. Also, the project may include further developing methods for effective monitoring and control of cracks to ensure long-term durability and quality of the structures. Additionally, it could propose ways of mitigating the risk for cracks developing.

Minimum commitment

The scope can be adapted to be either a Master or a Bachelor thesis with one or two students.

When and where the opportunity takes place

Start: From spring 2026 Location: This work should preferably be done in Kathmandu at BUN.

Location

Göteborg

Purpose

Type of work

Utbildning

Commitment

Dag
Helg
Kväll

Other

Kan ta emot engelsktalande personer

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Engineers Without Borders Sweden / Ingenjörer utan gränser

Engineers Without Borders is a volunteer-driven, values-led organisation committed to humanitarian engineering. For more than 17 years, the organisation has been united by a singular vision and mission: to engage, inspire, and unite people through engineering to build sustainable communities. By mobilising technical expertise, Engineers Without Borders creates long-term solutions that strengthen communities around the world. Ingenjörer utan gränser är en ideellt driven och värderingsstyrd organisation som arbetar med humanitär ingenjörskonst. I över 17 år har organisationen förenats av en gemensam vision och mission: att engagera, inspirera och ena människor genom ingenjörskonst för att bygga hållbara samhällen. Genom att mobilisera teknisk expertis skapar Ingenjörer utan gränser långsiktiga lösningar som stärker samhällen världen över.

Se alla uppdrag hos Engineers Without Borders Sweden / Ingenjörer utan gränser

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