<p dir="ltr">Engineers Without Borders Sweden is a volunteer based and value driven organization Engineering for Humanity. For over 15 years, we have been driven by a single goal: build a sustainable future for communities around the world. With sustainability and long-term thinking as guidance, we mobilize our engineering expertise to provide innovative solutions empowering communities today and ensure their resilience tomorrow.<br></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Background</strong></p><p dir="ltr">EWB is partner of Build up Nepal (BUN), that was established following the 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu. BUN focuses on promoting compressed bricks made from a mixture of stone dust or soil, cement, and water. These bricks are produced using machines provided to small enterprises. Since its inception, BUN has supported over 300 small companies, contributing to the construction of more than 10,000 houses across Nepal. Their efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions by 100,000 tonnes and created over 2,000 full-time jobs, with women making up a quarter of the workforce. Interlocking bricks, designed like LEGO blocks, are BUN's main product. These bricks are not only easy to assemble but are also earthquake-resistant, making them particularly suitable for construction in earthquake-prone regions like Nepal. Some illustrations:<em></em><br></p><figure><img src="https://images.teamtailor-cdn.com/images/s3/teamtailor-production/gallery_picture-v6/image_uploads/fc20db1b-55e9-4883-8a1f-0fac18858789/original.jpeg" alt="Build up Nepal.jpg"></figure><p><strong>About the position</strong></p><p dir="ltr">In 2024, an <a href="https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1880292&dswid=239">exam work</a> by Linn Bogren revealed that increasing the water content in the brick mix could significantly enhance strength due to improved workability. A specific change from 6% to 10% water content demonstrated a doubling of strength. In response, BUN has decided to set a new target mix of 8% water with 7% cement, down from the previous 10% cement. BUN has also begun retraining enterprises on this new method, which will be followed by continuous monitoring to ensure consistency. The key question is whether more water can be added to the mix while considering potential risks such as bricks breaking during production, alterations in surface texture and changes in other performance parameters. The compressive strength must be maintained at the target level with minimal variation. The ultimate objective is to reduce cement content further without compromising brick quality, primarily measured by compressive strength.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Conditions:</strong><em><br></em></p><p dir="ltr">The scope can be adapted to be either a Master or a Bachelor thesis with one or two students.</p><p dir="ltr">Start: Spring 2025. Apply latest October 2024</p><p dir="ltr">Location: The work can be done in Nepal or in Sweden with preference for work in Kathmandu at BUN.<br><br></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Questions?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">We are reviewing applications continuously. For further information or questions please contact <a href="mailto:ashish.m@buildupnepal.com">Ashish Maharjan</a>, who is working for BUN in Kathmandu.</p><p dir="ltr">Contact can be taken with <a href="mailto:linn.bogren@live.se">Linn Bogren</a> who finished a study on brick strength optimisation based on water content and compression in 2024. Also take part of her <a href="https://www.ewb-swe.org/stories">Travel dairy</a>.</p><p>You can also contact <a href="mailto:henrik.gustavsson@ewb-swe.org">Henrik Gustavsson</a> project manager for EWB BUN cooperation and <a href="mailto:raine.isaksson@ewb-swe.org">Raine Isaksson</a> Associate professor in Quality Management and EWB member working actively with BUN.<em></em><br><br>We look forward to your application!</p><hr><p dir="ltr"><em>Engineers Without Borders Sweden is promoting equality and inclusivity. We are strengthened by our differences. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for the position, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, religion, disability or sexual orientation. S<em>elected applicants are expected to register as members to act as an EWB-SWE´s volunteer.</em></em><br></p> •
Last updated on Sep 25, 2024