Application of Nanotechnology in Iraqi Construction Projects

The great potential of nanotechnology in the construction sector, through many applications, such as innovative building materials and intelligent building systems. The paper aims to determine the level of knowledge for Nanotechnology in Iraqi Construction Projects. These knowledge levels are essential to develop construction project management, then identification obstacles to application Nanotechnology in Iraqi projects. The closed questionnaire using items of question measured by five-points Likert scale, including structured-questionnaires (n = 68), interviews (n = 12). Lacks the set of knowledge currently required to be qualified and effective in practice for use in the construction industry.


Introduction
Project management problems take on particular−importance in-nanotechnology because of the innovative character of the projects-to be implemented [1]. Understanding and controlling materials at the level of individual atoms and molecules in nanotechnology within the range of 1-100 nm (10 -9 m) and the creation of materials, systems, and devices with unique properties and new functions [2]. Nanotechnology signifies the main opportunity for the construction industry to develop new products [3], high performance, Promote quality, energy efficiency, economic sustainability by balancing environmental requirements and reduce maintenance costs [4]. Nano modifications increase the strength of current or innovative materials when applied in the construction industry .Improved physical properties (strength and durability) [5], Reduced construction costs due to the cheapness of raw materials [6], More Sustainable Construction [7,8].

Nanotechnology for concrete
The compressive strength for concrete increases via added nano-SiO2 at an early age [9]. Enhanced pore volume distribution can occur by filling the pores between cement particles with nano-scale. Besides; can close tiny cracks on the concrete surface by Using fiber sheet containing nano-silica particles and hardeners permeate [10]. Adding a small amount of carbon nanotubes to the Portland cement developed the mechanical features. Moreover, increase the compressive and flexural strength to the reference samples deprived of the reinforcement [11,12]. Admixture fly ash (industrial waste products) with the cement led to reduce the requirement for cement and funding to sustainability, also improves concrete durability and strength [13].

Nanotechnology for steel
Copper nanoparticles added to steel reduce surface unevenness and increase safety thus avoiding fatigue cracking [14]. Weld toughness increased when added Nanoparticles of magnesium and calcium [15]. MMFX2 is produced by MFX Steel Corp, nanostructure modified steel, USA. MMFX2 steel has a lower  [16]. Steel cables are used in the construction of bridges and pre-cast of concrete, and stronger cable materials will reduce costs and construction time [5].

Nanotechnology for Coatings
Paint containing nanoparticles or nanolayers was developed for: an anti-corrosion or caring coatings for components; thermal control, self-cleaning, antibacterial coatings for work surfaces; anti-reflection coatings for glass/windows; and more durable paints and anti-graffiti coating for buildings such as concrete walls [13] and structures 10]. Epoxy nanocomposite coatings with SiO2, Fe2O3, TiO2, ZnO, and clay nanotubes were successfully produced on a steel substrate at a concentration of the total weight of epoxy resin [17].

Sensors Nanotechnology for
Micro electrical and Nanomechanical systems sensors(MEMS) have been advanced in production to . [18] and the environment condition materials/structure performance observe and control the Incorporated MEMS sensors can be consumed to observe a range of concrete properties, including temperature, humidity, humidity, chloride ions, water-related degradation, and carbon dioxide [13].

Nanotechnology for glass
TiO2 coating captures and destroys organic and inorganic air pollutants and bacterial membranes through a photocatalyst process. Self-cleaning assets for Nano TiO2 useful in windows. Also, NanoTiO2 coverings can be applied to building exteriors to inhibit pollutants, and thus reduce a facility's keep costs [15].

Nanotechnology for wood
Nanotubes or nanofibers in composite wood, make elements (wood tissue) twice as strong as steel.
Harvesting these nanofibers will clue to a different paradigm in sustainable construction because production and use will be part of a renewable cycle [6].

Nanotechnology for Insulation
Efficient insulation methods and materials in buildings is an important aspect of sustainability through efficient use of energy. Buildings consume more energy produced, and households account for a quarter of carbon emissions, which come from meeting space heating needs [14]. Air gel which has a treble density of air but has great strength and insulation capabilities. Air gel, currently used in solar collectors, is solid, but so transparent that it looks like a hologram [19].

Information and Sample
In this study the questionnaire consists of two main parts, the first part is the level of knowledge of nanotechnology in Iraqi construction industry (8 factor). Part two especially obstacles of implementation nanotechnology in Iraqi construction projects (13 factor). The five-dimensional Likert scale was used in the questionnaire, the rating from small scale (1) to high scale (5) including −questionnaires (n = 68), interviews (n = 12). The target group are engineers who work in construction design, supervision, implementation, and maintenance engineers (architecture, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers) and any related engineering specialty.

Measurements
The first step measures the validity and reliability of the questionnaire by Cornbrash's Coefficient Alpha method and Half Split method. After that, finding the descriptive Statistics (The mean, Standard deviation) then finding Relative Important Index (RII), 0ne sample t-taste. The second step includes the test of hypotheses by the inferential statistics test, ANOVA test (One-way Analysis of Variance) [20].

Statistical Tools
The Statistical-Package for Social-Sciences (SPSS version 23) is used in the analysis of data.

Results and Discussion
3.1. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire As shown in Table 1, the result of validity and reliability for the questionnaire by Cornbrash's Coefficient-Alpha method and-Half-Split technique [21]. The coefficient alpha (Cα) and Guttman splithalf Coefficient was calculated for two parts, the result ensures the reliability of the questionnaire, because the reliability outcomes are higher than 0.6.

The Descriptive Statistics
The knowledge level of nanotechnology containing eight questions to evaluate the level of knowledge by specialists in Iraq. And obstacles to the implementation of nanotechnology covering 13 questions.
The five-dimensional Likert scale was used in the questionnaire, the rating from small scale (1) to high scale (5) including −questionnaires (n = 68). This data was presented to the participants' views. As shown in Table 2 the descriptive statistics of the questionnaire results.

Relative Importance Index (RII) of nanotechnology in Iraq
Offered to the participants and take their views about these factors then analyzed. The analysis by SPSS 23, includes a one-sample t-test (2-tail), P-value, Relative Importance Index RII, and rank factors that are offered in Table 3. Citing of values that ranking based on the highest RII, mean and the lowest SD, if some items have similar RII, Means, as in the case of (B6, B1), (B8, B2), and (B12, B3). It was important to determine the neutral value of RII and compares the total RII with the neutral value of RII. Consequently, the neutral value for RII is (3/5)×100 = 60%. Based on all of that, and as shown, the level of knowledge for nanotechnology in Iraq as Low level. Regarding results for all items of the part of Nanotechnology obstacles, they show that the Mean for all those items equals 4.11 and the total RII equals 82%, which is greater than 60% Also, the value of t (tabulated t), at a degree of freedom 67and significance level = 0.05, equals 1.996, as shown the value of t-test greater than the value of t (1.996), P-value of all items a smaller than the significance level 0.05.

Hypothesis related to respondents' profiles
By taking into account the percentage knowledge of nanotechnology, One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) provides a parametric statistical test of whether the Means of several groups (more than two) are equal or not (by using the F-ratio). As shown in table 4.
The critical value of F at degree of freedom = [(K-1), (N-K)] at the significance (probability) level (α) = 0.05, df = [(4-1), (68-4)] = [3,64] and critical value of F at significance (Probability) equals 2.75. We used one-way ANOVA to test the differences among the opinions of the respondents taking into account the Percentage knowledge of nanotechnology. Regarding F-test, the significance values for Apart P-value < 0.05. Also, the values of the F-test for A-part are greater than the critical value of F 2.75.

Conclusions and Recommendations
Based on the results of the study, the level of awareness of nanotechnology is low by engineers in the Iraqi construction. Also, there is a statistically significant dissimilarity between academic professionals and engineers working in the fields of design, implementation, and supervision. And we found the obstacles of nanotechnology are substantially affecting the adoption of nanotechnology in Iraqi construction. Academic institutions and universities should play a key role in introducing engineers to nanotechnology concepts, functions, and benefits. This can be done by conducting various workshops and providing technical training courses in the application of nanotechnology in construction properly.