An Investigation into the Potential of Paper and Cardboard Products as Alternative Building Materials in Uganda`S Building Industry
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Abstract
From ancient times, paper has served as a material to write on. Through paper, messages were exchanged, history was recorded and commodities were wrapped. Paper and its derivative forms have hardly been explored as a building material in Uganda despite their availability and affordability. This can be attributed to the wide spread ignorance and indifference to the concept of recycling and re-use in Uganda. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of paper and cardboard products as building materials in the context of Uganda`s building industry. The research methods that were employed in this study included Observation, Photography, sketches, face to face interviews and literature review. In general, the research was found that paper-based materials have not widely been used in Uganda, their application being mainly as wall finishes. A review of the case studies disclosed that the array of paper-based materials has been used in the construction of structures, both temporary and permanent including emergency housing, primary school buildings, bridges and pavilions among others, as well as in product and interior design. In general, the recommended uses of the materials are based on their unique material characteristics, particularly low cost, recyclability and short life span. The applications comprise structures both temporary and permanent structures, as well as a number of building components such as temporary retail structures, temporary event structures, housing and other permanent low-rise buildings.