Berhan M. Ahmed

The challenge of biomimetic design for carbon‐neutral buildings using termite engineering

Abstract  The main aim of this paper is to present humanity and termites as design partners in the creation of a new dimension of ecosystem understanding. The paper by Turner and Soar, “Beyond biomimicry: What termites can tell us about realizing the living building” (2008) opens up a new era in how we think of human habitations, not only on earth, but perhaps on other planets, and using the termite model as the corner stone of innovative engineering. We know that termites are masters of constructing ‘buildings’ that meet all nutrition, energy, waste disposal needs, shelter, and food sources for many other animals and insects. We need to emulate the symbiotic abilities of termites to survive over time, for we all live on this symbiotic planet, and symbiosis is natural and common.

Evaluation of borate formulations as wood preservatives to control subterranean termites in Australia

Abstract The termiticidal efficacy of sodium octaborate tetrahydrate, boric acid, borester-7, and tri-methyl borate as wood preservatives was evaluated after each was impregnated into seasoned sapwood of Pinus radiata D. Don and Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell in laboratory bioassay against Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt). There was clear difference between the different borate retentions in treated and untreated blocks, mass loss, and mortality rate of the termite used in the bioassay units. After 8 weeks of laboratory bioassay, the results suggested that borate was toxic to termites even at 0.24% m/m BAE and caused significant termite mortality, but termites were not deterred from attacking the borate-treated timber at a higher retention of >2.0% m/m BAE. These laboratory results indicated that the minimum borate treatment required to protect timber against termite attack and damage was >1.0% m/m BAE.

Potential Impact of Climate Change on Termite Distribution in Africa

Termites (Order: Isoptera) constitute an integral component of various ecosystems in Africa. Termites are also amongst the most difficult insects to study because of their cryptic behaviour and natural nesting habitat. There are around 2600 species of termites in 280 genera which have been described worldwide and about 39% of the total termite species are found in Africa. Termite identification is crucial to understanding termite distribution and their relationship to climate change. Some termite species are well known pests of agricultural crops, forest trees, wood products and timber-in-service causing considerable damage in Africa. This review paper attempts to collate information on African termite distribution and climate change and highlights some knowledge gaps. Africa is the origin of the termite family of Macrotermitinae. The paper focuses more on economically important termite species in Africa. The use of traditional identification methods coupled with molecular techniques in resolving some of the challenges in termite distribution with particular reference to climate change in Africa are discussed. There is scant information on published literature on the impact of climate change on

Biodeterioration of treated Pinus radiata timber by Australian decay fungi and the termite Coptotermes acinaciformis in laboratory bioassays and field conditions

Abstract The resistance of Pinus radiata sapwood blocks treated with a boron-based preservative to biodeterioration by five Australian wood destroying fungi [Fomitopsis lilacino-gilva, Coniophora olivacea, Gloeophyllum abietinum (boron resistant), Serpula lacrymans and Perenniporia tephropora] was investigated. A phenyl pyrazole termiticide (fipronil) was also incorporated into the formulation to determine whether its presence affects biological efficacy. A linseed oil, liquid wax, terebene and trimethyl borate formulation inhibited decay by the trial fungi. Incorporation of fipronil did not affect the fungicidal properties. Fipronil alone exhibited no fungicidal activity. The termiticidal activity of fipronil was assessed (termite field test) in a formulation incorporating a fungicide, water repellent and drying agent in an alternative solvent carrier to that previously reported. The biological activity of the test compound was not diminished in this system. The 1-year progress performance of an ongoing in ground graveyard trial of similarly treated stakes, exposed to numerous termite species and decay fungi in tropical field conditions, is also presented. The predominant biological agent at the field site is the Australian subterranean termite Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt). Treated stake samples of the Australian softwood Pinus radiata were exposed.

Biomimicry of Termite Social Cohesion and Design to Inspire and Create Sustainable Systems

Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a new discipline that studies natures best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. The core idea of biomimicry as enunciated by the Biomimicry Institute (Anon 2008) is that nature, imaginative by necessity, has already solved many of the problems we are grappling with. Margulis (1998) considers that the major kinds of life on Earth are bacteria, protoctists, fungi, animals and plants. All have become the consummate survivors. They have found what works, what is appropriate, and most important, what lasts here on Earth. This is the real news of biomimicry: After 4 billion years of research and development, failures are fossils, and what surrounds us is the secret to survival. Termites have been experimenting for over 300 million years on our symbiotic planet and their current abundance and distribution attests to their co-evolutionary success. If we want to consciously emulate natures genius, we need to look at nature differently. In biomimicry, we look at nature as model, measure, and mentor (Anon 2008; & 2011). Nature as model: Biomimicry is a new science that studies nature’s models and then emulates these forms, process, systems, and strategies to solve human problems – sustainably. Nature as measure: Biomimicry uses an ecological standard to judge the sustainability of our innovations. After nearly 4 billion years of evolution, nature has learned what works and what lasts. Nature as mentor: Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature. It introduces an era based not on what we can extract from the natural world, but what we can learn from it. Capra (1997) takes the view that we need to become ecologically literate. Being ‘ecoliterate’ means understanding the principles of organisation of ecological communities (i.e., ecosystems) and using those principles for creating sustainable human communities. We need to revitalise our communities – including our educational communities, business communities, and political communities – so the principles of ecology become manifest in them as principles of education, management, and politics.

Evaluation of bulk orthotropic properties of heavy plywood bridge decking

This paper devises a method for modelling the bulk orthotropic properties of heavy plywood bridge decking described in Australia as Bridgewood, which can be customized in terms of the number of plies it consists of and also the direction of the grain for each ply to distribute its strength and stiffness characteristics laterally and longitudinally. Modelling plywood decking in finite element programs (FE) represents a problem, as an example a 166 mm deep plywood deck will contain approximately 50 × 3 mm thick single veneers that ideally should be represented individually in any complete bridge superstructure model. When taken over a 12 m span on a 3.2m wide bridge deck the FE model grows to an unmanageable size if element aspect ratios are to be held to no greater than 4 as recommended in Strand 7 (the FE software used). The size of the FE model was reduced whereby Bridgewood was treated as an orthotropic material with bulk elastic properties. A smaller model is used first in which the veneers are represe...

Termite Preferences for Foraging Sites

Termite interaction with soil and its manipulation create spatial variability via the nests and other structures they build using mainly finer materials from surrounding soils. Their preference for particular nesting and foraging conditions profoundly affects the physical as well as microbial properties of soils. Their activities to transport soil and water as well as establish and maintain symbiotic relationship with some microorganisms create suitable nesting and foraging places. They also create fertile area in an otherwise barren landscape. More knowledge on their interaction with soil and preferential foraging might help in understanding the conditions under which they are spreading beyond their usual climatic zones. Their potential for improving poor soil conditions into productive ones is also immense. This chapter details termite soil interaction and their preference for foraging sites in different environmental conditions.