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The principal objective of this paper was to assess the physical properties and weight or structural implications of some potential green roof growth media compositions practicable for use in the Nigerian built environment. The study carried out an essential selection of material constituents of growth media blends mixed in a 3:1:1 ratio of natural stone-based gravels, soil and compost respectively. Six substrate blends based on later-ite stones, ory and empirical field evaluation methods. The results revealed that the granite-based blend is the heaviest sample with 1,713.30 kg/m3 in its saturated state, while the lightest in weight is the pumice blend with 869.30 kg/m3 which is 50.7% less than the granite blend. The heaviest and the lightest outlined models were subsequently subjected to a weight analysis on a proposed reinforced concrete flat-roofed structure. The results showed that all the extensive green roof samples fall within the IBC stipulated range. The heaviest granite substrate obtained a design load of 0.951 kN/m2, while the lightest pumice blend recorded a design load of 0.576 kN/m2. Hence, it stands to offer an optimum alternative in green roof retrofitting projects for existing flat-roofed buildings. The study, therefore, submits that all samples evaluated involve readily available materials in the studied area and can be used with respect to their characteristic properties as presented in this study. It also serves as a reference point for all stakeholders in the research and building construction industry in Nigeria and beyond.
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The principal objective of this paper was to assess the physical properties and weight or structural implications of some potential green roof growth media compositions practicable for use in the Nigerian built environment. The study carried out an essential selection of material constituents of growth media blends mixed in a 3:1:1 ratio of natural stone-based gravels, soil and compost respectively. Six substrate blends based on later-ite stones, ory and empirical field evaluation methods. The results revealed that the granite-based blend is the heaviest sample with 1,713.30 kg/m3 in its saturated state, while the lightest in weight is the pumice blend with 869.30 kg/m3 which is 50.7% less than the granite blend. The heaviest and the lightest outlined models were subsequently subjected to a weight analysis on a proposed reinforced concrete flat-roofed structure. The results showed that all the extensive green roof samples fall within the IBC stipulated range. The heaviest granite substrate obtained a design load of 0.951 kN/m2, while the lightest pumice blend recorded a design load of 0.576 kN/m2. Hence, it stands to offer an optimum alternative in green roof retrofitting projects for existing flat-roofed buildings. The study, therefore, submits that all samples evaluated involve readily available materials in the studied area and can be used with respect to their characteristic properties as presented in this study. It also serves as a reference point for all stakeholders in the research and building construction industry in Nigeria and beyond.

Weight and structural considerations of potential green roof growth: Media compositions for the Nigerian building industry

Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The principal objective of this paper was to assess the physical properties and weight or structural implications of some potential green roof growth media...

Weight and structural considerations of potential green roof growth: Media compositions for the Nigerian building industry

Published Online: Jun 20, 2024

Page range: 24 - 29

Received: Apr 17, 2024

Accepted: Jun 04, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2024-0009

Keywords
green roof, growth-media composition, substrate weight, lightweight construction

© 2024 Murtala Muhammad Salihu et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Weight and structural considerations of potential green roof growth: Media compositions for the Nigerian building industry

Published Online: Jun 20, 2024

Page range: 24 - 29

Received: Apr 17, 2024

Accepted: Jun 04, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2024-0009

Keywordsgreen roof, growth-media composition, substrate weight, lightweight construction

© 2024 Murtala Muhammad Salihu et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
green roof, growth-media composition, substrate weight, lightweight construction