Application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the

sustainable built environment

Ranjith Gammampila*, Priyan Mendis, Tuan Ngo, & Lu Aye

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010
*
gaminig@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract:

Nanotechnology is widely regarded as one of the twenty-first centurys key technologies, and its
economic importance is sharply on the rise. In the construction industry, nanomaterials has potentials
that are already usable today, especially the functional characteristics such as increased tensile
strength, self-cleaning capacity, fire resistance, and additives based on Nano materials make common
materials lighter, more permeable, and more resistant to wear. Nanomaterials are also considered
extremely useful for roofs and facades in the built environment. The Nano materials also expand
design possibilities for interior and exterior rooms and spaces. Nanoinsulating materials open up new
possibilities for ecologically oriented sustainable infrastructure development. It has been demonstrated
that nanotechnology has invented products with many unique characteristics which could significantly
provide solutions current construction issues and may change the requirement and organization of
construction process.
A sustainable development is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs. The integration and application of nanotechnology
products in to the built environment certainly can fulfil the underlying principle of achieving a truly
sustainable development needs with economic, environmental and social considerations.

This paper examines and documents applicable nanotechnology based products that can improve the
sustainable development and overall competitiveness of the construction industry. The areas of
applying nanotechnology in construction will be mainly focused on: (1) lighter and stronger structural
composites, (2) low maintenance coating, (3) better properties of cementitious materials, (4) reducing
the thermal transfer rate of fire retardant and insulation, and (5) construction related nano-sensors.
The paper also examines the potential advantages of using nanotechnology based products in
reducing the life cycle energy, reduction of material usage and enhancing the useable life span.

KEYWORDS:
Built Environment, Nano Material, Nano Sensors,