Special Issue "Sustainability of Constructions - Integrated Approach to Life-time Structural Engineering"

Guest Editor
Prof. Dr. Luís Bragança
Director of the Building Physics & Technology Laboratory, Civil Engineering Department, University of Minho, Azurem, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal
Website: http://www.civil.uminho.pt/
E-Mail:

Dear Colleagues,

The action COST-C25 aims to promote a scientific understanding of life-time engineering and to boost science-based advancement of sustainable construction in Europe. The action is focused on an integrated approach to deal with the end-products of construction, clearly targeted at the development of R&D and engineering methods from structural point of view. It aims at providing the construction sector with a new framework and ideas based on the integration of approaches and results of ongoing research and development projects. The Action will establish a broad network of European universities and other research centers in the field of structural engineering in order to transfer the state-of-art of technologies, design methods and practices through the existing and new links of members of the Action in several international organizations. The Action involves collaborative analysis of results concerning design and assessment methods and tools, advanced materials and technologies as well as construction processes, both for new constructions and the rehabilitation of the existing ones.

Prof. Dr. Luís Bragança
Guest Editor

Related Conference

COST-C25

Title: Sustainable Aluminium Systems
Authors: S. R. Ermolli ¹, O. Cocen ², E. Efthymiou ³
Affiliations: ¹ Arch, Faculty of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
² Msc Arch, Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, Yasar University, Izmir, Turkey
³ Institute of Steel Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; E-Mail vefth@civil.auth.gr
Abstract: In the present paper, an analytical presentation of some popular aluminium sys-tems that contribute to sustainability of structures is presented. Special emphasis has been shown to the properties of aluminium members, while the influence of these systems in the overall performance of the structure regarding environment and economy is described. In par-ticular, characteristics of aluminium elements as high reflectivity and recyclability and their role into life cycle analysis (LCA) are analysed, while the connections between energy efficiency and conservation of buildings and aluminium applications is discussed. Building applications such as curtain walls, window frames and facades sheets are presented and thoroughly investigated regarded environmental and economic aspects. Furthermore, many innovative techniques, where aluminium elements collaborate with other systems in order to produce renewable energy c.f. eg solar panels and photovoltaics are being introduced. Finally, environmental innovations like optimised ventilation mechanisms and light and shade management systems based on aluminium members are presented.

Title: Assessment of Building Sustainability
Authors: Luís Bragança ¹, Ricardo Mateus ¹ and Heli Koukkari ²
Affiliations: ¹ University of Minho, Department of Civil Engineering, Guimarães, Portugal; E-Mails: braganca@civil.uminho.pt (L.B.); ricardomateus@civil.uminho.pt (R.M.)
² VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland; E-Mail: Heli.Koukkari@vtt.fi
Abstract: The concept of sustainable building is usually related to environmental characteristics although the social, economic and cultural indicators of the life-cycle impacts are of substantial importance. Any building level assessment method is complex and involves contradictory aspects; emphasizing the qualitative criteria only increases confusion. The R&D and standardization is thus concentrated to transparency and usability of the environmental methods. Other directions of research are aiming at performance-based design and methods to take regional and cultural aspects into account. In this paper, perspectives of the sustainability assessment of a whole building are presented based on the state-of-the art, feasibility study on performance analysis and development of extended LCA for buildings. Based on the case studies of building sustainability assessment using various tools, the environmental indicators were shown to be often of lesser importance than the other, soft ones. At the end, will be presented and discussed the steps to develop a building sustainability assessment method for residential buildings.

Title: LCA databases (EPD vs Generic data)
Authors: Luís Simões da Silva ¹, Daniel Grecea ², Guri Krigsvoll ³, Helena Gervásio ⁴, Rijk Blok ⁵ and Yesim Aktuglu ⁶
Affiliations: ¹ ISISE, Departament of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; E-Mail: luisss@dec.uc.pt
² University “Politenica” Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania; E-Mail: daniel.grecea@ct.upt.ro
³ Oslo University College/SINTEF, Oslo, Norway; E-Mail: Guri.Krigsvoll@sintef.no
⁴ ISISE, GIPAC Ltd, Coimbra, Portugal; E-Mail: hger@dec.uc.pt
⁵ Technical University of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands; E-Mail: R.Blok@tue.nl
⁶ Faculty of Architecture, Dokuz EylulUniversity, Izmir, Turkey; E-Mail: yesim.aktuglu@deu.edu.tr
Abstract: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is time consuming and this is mainly due to the inventory stage, when data is collected for each unit process in the analysis. Currently there are many databases available, however data regarding the same process can vary from database to database and this can lead to significant deviations in the results of the LCA. Many issues contribute to the differences between data in current databases, namely: definition of the system boundary, cut-off rules, allocation procedures, accurate quantification of data, level of uncertainties in data, different sources of information, reliability of data and source, age of the data, geography of data, etc. Also, the main problem when dealing with data from different databases is the information contained in each dataset. This information is not always clear or is not available. To overcome some of these problems Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are being developed. The aim of the EPD’s is to standardize data and to make inventory a more reliable and clear process. Unfortunately, for the time being, only a few processes have EDP available and databases are still the mainly resource to conduct LCA. It is the objective of the present paper to (i) present a review of available databases; (ii) describe the typical structure of a LCA database; (iii) perform a comparative evaluation of the outputs of a LCA analysis for steel using various databases; and (iv) to discuss the contribution of the EPD’s towards the standardization of databases.

Title: Energy in the Sustainable European Construction Sector
Authors: Heli Koukkari ¹, Markus Kuhnhenne ² and Luís Bragança ³
Affiliations: ¹ VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland; E-Mail: Heli.Koukkari@vtt.fi
² Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule RWTH, Aachen, Germany; E-Mail: mku@stb.rwth-aachen.de
³ University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal; E-Mail: braganca@civil.uminho.pt
Abstract: Energy use in the construction sector consumes non-renewable resources and adds the greenhouse gases that are the main cause for the Climate Change. In the EU, the residential and tertiary sector buildings consume roughly 40% of total final energy use. Together with environmental pressure, the import dependence calls for urgent measures to reduce energy demand. The consumption tends to increase, especially that of electricity. In order to turn the development, the EU is planning to set the objective of 30% reduction of the final energy use of buildings. The technologies needed in the construction sector are those that reduce the overall energyconsumption of buildings, especially during their operational time, and those that produce electricity and heat in cleaner ways. The alternatives to solve the serious problems should be search from integrated approaches including technical and structural systems and potential of emerging technologies and new materials. Improvement of the energy-efficiency of buildings should be developed parallel with all aspects of environmentally, economically and socially sustainable construction sector. To the objectives, reliability of assessment and user-orientation of planning and design are of great importance.

Title: An Approach for an Integrated Design Process Focussed on Sustainable Buildings
Authors: Heiko Trumpf ¹, Heide Schuster ², Klaus Sedlbauer ³ and Werner Sobek ¹
Affiliations: ¹ Werner Sobek Ingenieure, Stuttgart, Germany; E-Mail: Heiko.Trumpf@WernerSobek.com (H.T.)
² Werner Sobek GreenTechnologies, Stuttgart, Germany; E-Mail: heide.schuster@WSGreenTechnologies.com
³ Fraunhofer-Institut für Bauphysik, Stuttgart, Germany
Abstract: This paper is a contribution towards an integrated design process focussed on sustainable buildings. It considers the project partners involved throughout the planning progress and responsible for the implementation of a green design. A fully ecological design is achieved by the concept of triple zero which is explained and defined as a principal target. The paper also proposes a new certification procedure offering a comprehensive assessment and classification of buildings.

Title: Life Cycle Assessment – General Methodology
Authors: R. Blok ¹, C.S. Giarma ², D. K. Bikas ², K. Kontoleon ² and H. Gervasio ³
Affiliations: ¹ TU/e, University of Technology Eindhoven, The Netherlands; E-Mail: R.Blok@tue.nl
² Civil Engineering Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; E-Mails: bikasd@civil.auth.gr (D.K.B.); karolos_kontoleon@yahoo.com (K.K.); chgiarma@civil.auth.gr (C.S.G.)
³ ISISE, GIPAC, Lda., Coimbra, Portugal; E-Mail: hger@dec.uc.pt
Abstract: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the most comprehensive approach to deal with impacts of material goods on their environment. The method entails compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs (flows) for a system and then evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those flows. The general LCA methods have reached a higher level of consensus with the ISO standardisation on LCA. Further harmonisation on a number of issues that remain unsolved, however, is still desirable. The level of implementation in building and construction varies over different countries. As an example the situation in Greece is discussed. It is the purpose of this paper to review the general methodology of LCA and discuss further developments.

Title: Life Cycle Assessment – State-of-the-Art
Authors: H. Gervásio ¹ and L. Simões da Silva ²
Affiliations: ¹ ISISE, GIPAC, Lda., Coimbra, Portugal; E-Mail: hger@dec.uc.pt
² ISISE, Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; E-Mail: luisss@dec.uc.pt
Abstract: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the most comprehensive approach to deal with impacts of material goods on their environment. The method entails compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs (flows) for a system and then evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those flows. Although many developments are being made within the scientific community in order to improve the framework of LCA, this approach has been used since the end of the 60’s. It is the purpose of this paper to review the state-of-the-art of LCA methodologies and discuss further developments.

Title: Voluntary Building Environmental Assessment Systems and LCA
Authors: Manuel Duarte Pinheiro and Filipa Fonte
Affiliation: LiderA System , Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; E-Mail: manuel.pinheiro@civil.ist.utl.pt (M.D.P.)
Abstract: Voluntary Building Environmental Assessment Systems (BEAS) are increasing, nevertheless the average of LCA criteria in these systems are one criteria with LCA requirements and that their weight inside each system varies from 0% and 6,9%, being the average for all the considered systems of 0,03%. BEAS could improve, namely walking in the path towards sustainability, with special focus at performance orientations, enlarging their scope, considering in their assessments the entire life cycle. A useful way to get these is to increase LCA approach into BEAS in a multi-approach witch could also be seen as a way to promote more practical LCA solutions.

Title: National and International (ISO and CEN) Standardisation Relevant for Sustainability in Construction
Authors: Guri Krigsvoll ¹, Marina Fumo ² and Renata Morbiducci ³
Affiliations: ¹ Oslo University College/SINTEF Building and Infrastructure, Oslo, Norway; E-Mail: guri.krigsvoll@sintef.no
² Dipartimento di Progettazione Urbana, via Forno Vecchio, 36, 80134, Napoli, Italy; E-Mail: mfumo@unina.it
³ DICAT, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, via Montallegro 1, 16145, Genova, Italy; E-Mail: morbiducci@diseg.unige.it
Abstract: Sustainability in construction has a short history in terms of principles, standardisations and applications. From the Brundtland Report “Our Common Future” (UN WCED, 1987) in which the concept of sustainable development was coined, the term “sustainability” was used more and more, by industry and common people, and also in the construction field. The new vision of the resource deficits and climate impacts, and the social responsibility between North-South as well as between generations, gave growth to the idea of sustainable design and construction. The need for analyses, assessments and comparison where noticed by the international, and consequently national, organisations for standardisation, which started to develop standards for the application of sustainable principles, mainly environmental aspects, in construction. The paper is giving an overview of existing and planned standards, and giving examples on how to use the standards as framework for development of methods and tools for assessment.

Title: Sustainability of Urban Infrastructure
Authors: M. Sijanec Zavrl ¹, M. Tanac Kiray ²
Affiliations: ¹ Building and Civil Engineering Institute ZRMK, Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-Mail: msijanec@gi-zrmk.si
² Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Architecture, Izmir, Turkey; E-Mail: mine.tanac@deu.edu.tr
Abstract: The scope of the paper is to give an overview of different approaches to evaluation of urban infrastructure sustainability. In this context urban infrastructure covers transportation, energy, water, sewage and information networks as well as waste management and bluegreen infrastructure, in terms of supply and demand side. A common effort of partners in COST C8 in defining the methods, indicators and criteria for evaluation of sustainability, summarized in a guidebook for decision makers in local authorities, is presented. The information about best practice projects in sustainable urban infrastructure is given and illustrated with an overview of identified cases. COST C8 project was focused rather on technical view of infrastructure than on social and economical, although the later were not neglected. In addition the FP6 project PETUS will be briefly presented. It aims at giving a complete survey of tools for evaluation of urban sustainability, with respect to the particular scope and level of the analysis.

Title: A Sustainable Waste Management Strategy: Construction & Demolition Waste
Authors: R. P. Borg
Affiliation: Department of Building & Civil Engineering, Faculty of Architecture & Civil Engineering, University of Malta, Malta; E-Mail: ruben.p.borg@um.edu.mt
Abstract: Malta is a small Island State, with a high population density, and consequently large demands on the land use. The extensive pressure on the limited mineral resources is a major concern. The disposal of waste, particularly excavation, construction and demolition waste also constitutes a major challenge. The Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands is considered to be an integrated approach to waste management. Its objectives are assessed with reference to construction and demolition waste. The drawbacks and benefits of relevant proposals that are considered for implementation and discussed by stakeholders in various instances are analysed. Different potential options are discussed and include the utilisation of disused quarries for the disposal of inert waste, land reclamation, and the potential use of waste material in civil engineering applications including the use of waste material in concrete. Practical short and long term solutions need to be assessed in terms of environmental impact and economic feasibility. The aim is to promote the conservation of resources, and to exploit construction and demolition waste as a potential resource.

Title: Recycled Concrete as Aggregate for Producing Structural Concrete
Authors: M. Malešev ¹, V. Radonjanin ¹ and S. Marinkovic ²
Affiliations: ¹ Faculty of Technical Sciences, Depart. for Civil Engineering, Novi Sad, Serbia; E-Mail: radonv@uns.ac.rs (V.R.)
² Faculty of Civil Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract: A comparative analysis of experimental investigation of properties of fresh and hardened concrete with natural coarse aggregate, combination of natural and recycled coarse aggregate and with recycled coarse aggregate, is presented in the paper. Three types of concrete mixtures were encircled by this experimental research. Kind and quantity of coarse aggregate were varied in the following way: the first concrete mix has 100% natural river coarse aggregate (R0), the second concrete mix has 50% natural river coarse aggregate and 50% recycled coarse aggregate (R50) and the third concrete mix has 100% recycled coarse aggregate (R100). Ninety nine samples were formed for the testing of basic properties of hardened concrete. On the basis of obtained test results and their analysis it was concluded that concrete mixtures with recycled aggregate are very similar to concrete mixes with natural aggregate if rules for design and production of this new concrete type are taking into account. Obtained test results of hardened concrete samples showed that recycled aggregate concrete had satisfactory performance that did not differ from properties of ordinary concrete significantly, if quality recycled concrete coarse aggregate was used. For example, mechanical properties of all three kinds of concrete (concrete compressive strength, splitting and flexural strength) had almost the same values.

Title: Sustainable Aluminium Systems
Authors: S. R. Ermolli ¹, O. Cocen ² and E. Efthymiou ³
Affiliations: ¹ University of Federico II, Naples, Italy; E-Mail: russermo@unina.it
² University, Izmir, Turkey; E-Mail: ogetcocen@gmail.com
³ Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; E-Mail: vefth@civil.auth.gr
Abstract: In the present paper, an analytical presentation of some popular aluminium systems that contribute to sustainability of structures is presented. Special emphasis has been shown to the properties of aluminium members, while the influence of these systems in the overall performance of the structure regarding environment and economy is described. In particular, characteristics of aluminium elements as high reflectivity and recyclability and their role into life cycle analysis (LCA) are analysed, while the connections between energy efficiency and conservation of buildings and aluminium applications is discussed. Building applications such as curtain walls, window frames and facades sheets are presented and thoroughly investigated regarded environmental and economic aspects. Furthermore, many innovative techniques, where aluminium elements collaborate with other systems in order to produce renewable energy c.f. eg solar panels and photovoltaics are being introduced. Finally, environmental innovations like optimised ventilation mechanisms and light and shade management systems based on aluminium members are presented.

Title: Service Life Methodologies
Authors: W. Trinius and C. Sjöström
Affiliation: Centre for Built Environment, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden; E-Mails: Wolfram.trinius@hig.se (W.T.); Christer.sjostrom@hig.se (C.S.)
Abstract: This paper gives a brief introduction into the concepts related to service life planning. Service Life Planning is subject of international standardization, and the ISO 15686 series identifies the elements need to perform service life planning of construction works. The standardization work was initiated partly on the basis of the requirements expressed in the European Directive on Construction Products, and establishes valuable links to the concepts of performance based building and sustainability in building construction.

Title: Modelling of Corrosion Damage for Metal Structures
Authors: R. Landolfo, L. Cascini and F. Portioli
Affiliation: University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy; E-Mails: landolfo@unina.it (R.L.); lucrezia.cascini@unina.it (L.C.); fportiol@unina.it (F.P.)
Abstract: The durability of metal structures is strongly influenced by damage due to atmospheric corrosion, whose control is a key aspect for design and maintenance of both new constructions and historical buildings. Nevertheless, only general provisions are given in European codes to prevent the effects of corrosion during lifetime of metal structures. In particular, design guidelines such as Eurocode 3 do not provide models for the evaluation of corrosion depth which are able to predict the rate of thickness loss as a function of different influencing parameters. In this paper, a report is presented on the modelling approaches of atmospheric corrosion damage of metal structures which are available in both ISO standards and the literature. A comparison among the selected degradation models is shown in order to evaluate the possibility of developing a general approach to the evaluation of thickness loss due to corrosion.

Title: Fatigue of Steel and Composite Bridges
Authors: U. Kuhlmann, H.-P. Günther, J. Raichle and M. Euler
Affiliation: Institute of Structural Design, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany; E-Mails: sekretariat@ke.uni-stuttgart.de (U.K.); Gunter.Hauf@ke.uni-stuttgart.de (H.-P.G.)
Abstract: Fatigue is a major aspect within the design and maintenance of steel and composite bridges during their whole life time. The current fatigue design procedure according to Eurocode offers a straight forward concept that allows in most cases for an appropriate and economical design, including vital elements that are necessary for the future demands in terms of sustainable engineering. From the structural point of view some modern trends in the design of steel and composite bridges however take place in the area of lightweight, slender and aesthetically attracting structures that need concerning fatigue and durability particular considerations. This paper aims to give an overview of the currently existing fatigue design procedures according to Eurocode, and to summarise some results of ongoing fatigue research work in the field of high strength steel, post-weld treatment methods, hollow sections joints and headed studs as shear connectors.

Title: Systematic Monitoring of Civil Structures
Authors: T. Rauert ¹, B. Hoffmeister ¹, C. Heinemeyer ¹, J. Radic ², J. Bleiziffer ² and O. Hechler ³
Affiliations: ¹ RWTH Aachen, Lehrstuhl für Stahlbau und Leichtmetallbau, Aachen, Germany; E-Mails: tim.rauert@stb.rwth-aachen.de (T.B.); hoff@stb.rwth-aachen.de (B.H.); hei@stb.rwth-aachen.de (C.H.)
² University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Zagreb, Croatia; E-Mails: jradic@grad.hr (J.R.); jbleiziffer@grad.hr (J.B.)
³ ArcelorMittal Commercial Sections S.A., Luxembourg; E-Mail: oliver.hechler@arcelormittal.com
Abstract: Monitoring techniques develop rapidly due to enhancements in the field of sensor technology, data acquisition and transmission, storage capacity and evaluation methodologies. Further the acceptance by building owners increases because monitoring becomes an efficient instrument to reduce inspection and maintenance costs and it helps to extend significantly the service life. However monitoring activities yield only to reasonable results if the monitoring concept is coherent and the aims of the campaign are clearly defined. That comprehends that the consequences arising out of the monitoring results are treated with a well defined package of measures. This contribution regards the general aspects of monitoring outlining how a systematic approach in terms of monitoring civil structures is achieved. In addition two projects currently conducted by the authors are presented to outline the wide application area of monitoring activities. The first example deals with two concrete bridges in Croatia, which are set in highly aggressive maritime environment. They are equipped with monitoring systems to observe the structural behaviour and the environmental influence to facilitate bridge maintenance during service. Within the second example a monitoring campaign of a filler beam railway bridge in Germany is presented. The medium span bridge is part of a high-speed line, which allows for velocities up to 250 km/h. The aim of this campaign is to get more information about the dynamic system behaviour and to improve the current design concept.

Title: Sustainable Mixed Building Technologies Applied to Residential Buildings: Some Romanian Examples
Authors: D. Dubina, V. Ungureanu and M. Mutiu
Affiliation: Department of Steel Structures and Structural Mechanics, Civil Engineering Faculty, “Politehnica”, University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania; E-Mails: dan.dubina@ct.upt.ro (D.D.); viorel.ungureanu@ct.upt.ro (V.U.)
Abstract: Four examples of sustainable mixed building technologies, which combine steel and timber in the framing and different materials for cladding, roofing and flooring, in order to obtain highly performance thermo-energetic properties are presented. Some innovative design solutions have been used in these projects. Three examples present single family houses and one a block of flats, all of them built in Romania. All the buildings are located in medium and high seismic regions. The paper presents aspects related to design and detailing, as well as solutions for cladding and roofing, including structural features, thermo-energetic performance and cost efficiency analysis.