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| report:sus [2026/06/13 16:02] – [5.3 Economical] team4 | report:sus [2026/06/13 16:21] (current) – [5.6 Summary] team4 |
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| ==== 5.4 Social ==== | ==== 5.4 Social ==== |
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| | The integration of the Smart Module also creates social value by generating data that can be used by research institutions and environmental organizations for marine monitoring and scientific research. The Smartlogger can help improve understanding of marine ecosystems and support better environmental decision-making. |
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| The integration of environmental sensors also creates social value by generating data that can be used by research institutions and environmental organizations for marine monitoring and scientific research. This can improve understanding of marine ecosystems and support better environmental decision-making. | The project is also aligned with the market strategy by focusing on partnerships with offshore wind farms, coastal authorities, research institutions, and environmental organizations [(un_sdg17)]. By integrating Reef Blocks into existing marine infrastructure, the project promotes collaboration between technical and environmental stakeholders while reducing the need for additional construction. |
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| The project is also aligned with the market strategy by focusing on partnerships with offshore wind farms, coastal authorities, research institutions, and environmental organizations [(un_sdg17)]. By integrating artificial habitats into existing marine infrastructure, the project promotes collaboration between technical and environmental stakeholders while reducing the need for additional construction. | In the long term, this approach can support sustainable fisheries, marine conservation efforts, and stronger cooperation between organizations involved in ocean management. |
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| In the long term, this approach can support sustainable fisheries, marine conservation efforts, and stronger cooperation between industries involved in ocean management. | |
| ==== 5.5 Life Cycle Analysis ==== | ==== 5.5 Life Cycle Analysis ==== |
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| The life cycle of the project is considered from material selection to end-of-life, with the aim of reducing environmental impact while maintaining long-term functionality. | The life cycle of the project is considered from material selection to end-of-life, with the aim of reducing environmental impact while maintaining long-term functionality. |
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| In this project, the material phase focuses on choosing durable and environmentally responsible materials. The final design uses basalt fiber-reinforced concrete. Basalt fibers are made from natural volcanic rock and are known for their resistance to corrosion and chemical stability in seawater, which makes them suitable for marine environments [(FIORE2015)]. | In this project, the material phase focuses on choosing durable and environmentally responsible materials. The final design uses basalt fiber-reinforced concrete. Basalt fibers are made from natural volcanic rock and are known for their resistance to corrosion and chemical stability in seawater, which makes them suitable for marine environments [(FIORE2015)]. |
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| During the manufacturing phase, the reef structure is produced through concrete casting, while the monitoring system is assembled separately as a detachable smartlogger. The smart box in this smartlogger contains the battery, microcontroller, SD card, and sensors. Keeping the electronic components separate helps avoid embedding electronics directly into the permanent structure and reduces unnecessary material waste. | During the manufacturing phase, the Reef Block is produced through concrete casting, while the monitoring components are assembled separately inside the removable Smartlogger. The Smartlogger contains the battery, microcontroller, SD card, and sensors. Keeping the electronic components separate helps avoid embedding electronics directly into the permanent Reef Block and reduces unnecessary material waste. |
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| The testing phase focuses on checking both the structural performance of the habitat and the operation of the monitoring system. Special attention is given to battery life, waterproof protection, sensor accuracy, and reliable data collection because these factors affect maintenance needs. | The testing phase focuses on checking both the structural performance of the Reef Block and the operation of the Smartlogger system. Special attention is given to battery life, waterproof protection, sensor accuracy, and reliable data collection because these factors affect maintenance needs. |
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| The structure is also designed for long-term use in marine environments. Its geometry includes cavities and irregular surfaces that help algae, microorganisms, and small marine species attach to the structure over time. | The Reef Block is also designed for long-term use in marine environments. Its geometry includes cavities and irregular surfaces that help algae, microorganisms, and small marine species attach to the structure over time. |
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| To reduce environmental risks, the smartlogger is designed as a removable unit that is not cast into the main reef structure. It is mounted on a separate support frame and secured to the module block with a chain, which keeps the smartlogger connected to the reef structure and gives the diver a clear point to attach a hook or line. During maintenance, battery replacement, data collection, or repairs, only the smartlogger is lifted from the seabed, while the main reef structure stays in place. This also helps reduce the risk of long-term marine pollution from electronic components. | To reduce environmental risks, the Smartlogger is designed as a removable unit that is not cast into the main Reef Block. It is mounted on the Smartlogger attachment and secured to the Reef Block with a chain. This keeps the Smartlogger connected to the reef structure and gives the diver a clear point to attach a hook or line. During maintenance, battery replacement, data collection, or repairs, only the Smartlogger needs to be removed, while the Reef Block stays in place. This also helps reduce the risk of long-term marine pollution from electronic components. |
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| | At the end of its life cycle, the Reef Block is intended to remain in the marine environment and continue functioning as an artificial reef that supports biodiversity [(SELLA2015)]. Electronic components can be removed and reused in future systems, which helps reduce waste. |
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| At the end of its life cycle, the structure is intended to remain in the marine environment and continue functioning as an artificial reef that supports biodiversity [(SELLA2015)]. Electronic components can be removed and reused in future systems, which helps reduce waste. | |
| ==== 5.6 Summary ==== | ==== 5.6 Summary ==== |
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| This chapter has examined the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the project, together with a life cycle perspective, in order to evaluate its overall sustainability. The analysis highlights the importance of minimizing environmental impact while ensuring long-term functionality, economic viability, and social value. | This chapter has examined the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the project, together with a life cycle perspective, in order to evaluate its overall sustainability. The analysis highlights the importance of minimizing environmental impact while ensuring long-term functionality, economic viability, and social value. |
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| Based on this sustainability analysis, the team selected a modular habitat design combined with a separate monitoring system and the use of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete as the primary structural material. This choice is supported by its durability, resistance to marine conditions, and suitability for long-term deployment without causing environmental harm. In addition, the separation of electronic components from the main structure contributes to reducing pollution risks and improving resource efficiency. | Based on this sustainability analysis, the team selected a modular Reef Block design combined with a removable Smart Module and basalt fiber-reinforced concrete as the primary structural material. This choice is supported by its durability, resistance to marine conditions, and suitability for long-term deployment while reducing environmental risks. In addition, the separation of electronic components from the main Reef Block contributes to reducing pollution risks and improving resource efficiency. |
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| Consequently, the solution was designed with features that support sustainability throughout its lifecycle. These include a structure that can integrate into the marine ecosystem over time, a modular and retrievable sensor system that enables maintenance without disturbing the habitat, and a design that promotes marine colonization through varied shapes and surface characteristics. Together, these elements ensure that the system not only minimizes negative environmental impacts but also contributes positively to marine biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health. | Consequently, the solution was designed with features that support sustainability throughout its life cycle. These include a Reef Block that can integrate into the marine ecosystem over time, a removable Smartlogger that enables maintenance without disturbing the Reef Block, and a design that supports marine colonization through varied shapes and surface characteristics. Together, these elements help the system reduce negative environmental impacts while supporting marine biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health. |
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