http://hdl.handle.net/11189/1908 2026-09-04T06:44:08Z 2026-09-04T06:44:08Z Victor, Riaan Jaco Pallav, Kumar Pourbehi, Mohammad S. http://hdl.handle.net/11189/10693 2026-08-14T20:45:49Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quasi-static analysis of fire-damaged non-pareille manor house gable wall Authors: Victor, Riaan Jaco; Pallav, Kumar; Pourbehi, Mohammad S. Abstract: This research analyses how the front gable wall of the Non-Pareille manor house behaves structurally following a fire incident at the house. A basic micro-model was created, incorporating material characteristics obtained from non-destructive testing. Organised based on different zones, the unique material characteristics, showing variability across the wall, are visually depicted and included in the FE model. A thorough quasi-static analysis evaluated how the wall responded to gravity loading in two different scenarios. This research highlights the importance of implementing sustainable conservation strategies in heritage structures. By analysing the structural behaviour of the Non-Pareille manor house and demonstrating the benefits of roof reconstruction, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge. It provides valuable insights for heritage conservation practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in preserving our cultural heritage.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Harris, Felicity Kloot, Bruce Smit, Renee http://hdl.handle.net/11189/9951 2025-08-13T20:45:29Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Me as an engineer: career aspirations and expectations of South African first-generation engineering students Authors: Harris, Felicity; Kloot, Bruce; Smit, Renee Abstract: This paper reports on the findings from a larger project that focuses on the career expectations of a group of first-generation students at a university of technology in South Africa. For many first-generation students, walking the pathway to realising the dream of becoming an engineer involves two new experiences, higher education and the engineering profession. For both these environments, there is no inter-generational experience to tap into. A deeper understanding of engineering, and exposure to the engineering industry, only happens during their studies. The theory of possible selves was used as a theoretical framework for this investigation, drawing on the notion of elaboration, which is the extent to which an individual knows enough about the possible self and the pathway needed to achieve that possible self. Through semi-structured interviews, participants told the story of their journey into studying engineering in higher education and shared the experiences that formed their future selves. The data collected answered the research question: What factors influence the shift from career aspirations to expectations in the elaboration of the possible self for first-generation students? The data revealed that most students had the aspiration to become an engineer before they completed their high school. This aspiration was, however, moulded by limited information on what engineering is, the qualifications required to enter the workforce at the professional level they desire, and the period of time it would take them to realise the vision they have for themselves as a practising engineer.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Maduna, Lebo Patnaik, Asis http://hdl.handle.net/11189/9940 2025-08-05T10:43:40Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Challenges and future directions in sustainable textile materials Authors: Maduna, Lebo; Patnaik, Asis Abstract: The fashion and textile industry are regarded as one of the biggest polluters due to the amount of raw materials used in the manufacturing process as well as resources used which are not sustainable. Consumers are buying and disposing of products rapidly with no regard to how their behaviour is fuelling an increasing number of waste that ends up in landfills and incineration plants. Traditional linear way of disposing material or product waste is not sustainable as fossil fuel sources used to produce synthetic fibres are finite and the same applies to natural fibres as the land and other resources are limited. This chapter discusses fashion and textile factors that have an influence on sustainability. Various factors such as recycling, reduce, reuse, redesign, eco-labelling and consumer behaviour influence sustainability and should be carefully managed. Fibre blending poses a serious challenge in the recovery of fibres from fashion and textile products as different fibres react differently depending on the recovery method used. Dyes impart colours to products and must be recovered as they can cause damage to the environment. Consumers drive the demand for products, and their purchasing behaviour has an influence on raw materials sustainability and environment protection.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Maduna, Lebo Patnaik, Asis http://hdl.handle.net/11189/9939 2025-08-05T10:45:35Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Introduction to sustainable fibres for fashion and textiles Authors: Maduna, Lebo; Patnaik, Asis Abstract: Fibres are the backbone of the fashion and textile industry and their sustainability and environmental impact are felt along the value chain. The survival of the industry and protection of the environment depend on the sustainability of the fibres and the subsequent downstream methods. Natural and man-made fibres are used to manufacture fashion and textile products. Cotton dominates the category of natural fibres, whereas polyester dominates the man-made fibre category. Natural fibres are more suitable to be used as sustainable fibres as they cause minimal damage to the environment and in contrast man-made fibres are not as they are not from renewable sources. Polyester has a higher carbon footprint than cotton; however, when it comes to water consumption, cotton consumes more water than polyester. Recycling, reduce and reuse of waste especially in cotton and polyester fibres is important in achieving sustainability goals. Recycling, reduce and reuse take away waste that would have ended up in landfills and incineration resulting in environmental problems. Designers are encouraged to customize their design and make products that can be worn in all seasons and they must use fibres and dyes that do not damage the environment and use less energy. Fibre materials that are flexible, durable and last longer resulting in a reduced need for new fibres to make new products. Consumers play an important role in protecting the environment by buying environmentally friendly products made from sustainable fibres.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z