Infrastructures

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14 pages, 4051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Optical Response of Opaque Urban Envelope Materials: The Case of Madrid

by Gloria Pérez, Fernando Martín-Consuegra, Fernando de Frutos, Arturo Martínez, Ignacio Oteiza, Borja Frutos and Carmen Alonso

Infrastructures 2022, 7(9), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7090116 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2005

Abstract

The optical response of opaque materials in an urban envelope plays an important role in a city’s energy exchange with the environment as it defines the absorption of radiation and emission of heat. In the present work, the most common surfaces of the [...] Read more.

The optical response of opaque materials in an urban envelope plays an important role in a city’s energy exchange with the environment as it defines the absorption of radiation and emission of heat. In the present work, the most common surfaces of the finishing materials of pavement and walls in the city of Madrid (Spain) were identified, and their reflectance was measured in situ to determine their solar absorptance and color coordinates. Most of the selected pavement showed a relatively high solar absorptance in the range of 0.87 to 0.60, while in vertical surfaces, the range was 0.85 to 0.29. The variations of the color coordinates obtained for pavement were 27.1, 11.4, and 6.7 for ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb*, respectively. Significantly higher values were obtained in the case of vertical surfaces (47.5, 20.5, and 23.6, respectively). The results were included into a database intended to be the seed for a catalogue of the experimental thermo-optical properties of opaque envelope materials in Madrid. The catalogue will be useful for the analysis of the stimuli generated by the urban environment for citizens and for achieving more reliable results from energy simulation tools in the search for strategies to improve urban comfort and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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9 pages, 1666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Cementitious Tile Adhesives’ Workability and Mechanical Performance with the Use of Recycled Materials

by Ana Lourenço, Luís Silva, Vera Fernandes and Pedro Sequeira

Infrastructures 2022, 7(9), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7090111 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2971

Abstract

The impact that construction has on sustainability as a relevant consumer of materials is well known, especially with regard to cement, which contributes to high CO₂ emissions. It is well known that in tile adhesives, cement add positive technical contributes, supporting tensile [...] Read more.

The impact that construction has on sustainability as a relevant consumer of materials is well known, especially with regard to cement, which contributes to high CO₂ emissions. It is well known that in tile adhesives, cement add positive technical contributes, supporting tensile adhesion, especially after water immersion and freeze–thaw cycles. On the other hand, it is also known that that it is possible to replace Portland cement with alternative sources, such as blast furnace slag, fly and bottom ashes, or other pozzolanic materials. Even so, other materials can be also used to contribute to additional performance. This work intends to prove that using recycled materials or by-products is not just a potential way to replace existing materials, improving environmental sustainability, but also contributes additional value to mortars, such as cement-based tile adhesives. Different recycled waste materials are introduced to a cement-based tile adhesive and the evaluation of properties according to EN 12004 is conducted. The results show how the introduction of recycled rubber can contribute to improve the workability of a tile adhesive, acting as a lightweight aggregate. Moreover, it can contribute to reducing the dynamic elasticity modulus; thus, it has a potential contribution to reduce global tensions in tiling systems, and the adhesion results are maintained by the introduction of slag, another recycled material. The weight reduction reduces mortar consumption, one of the main targets to support indicated strategy and justify a more sustainable performance. The results indicate that the introduction of rubber and slag provide good technical and mechanical performance for the mortars, as well as excellent workability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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22 pages, 10469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Envi-Met for the Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions’ Potential Benefits in Industrial Parks—A Case Study of Argales Industrial Park (Valladolid, Spain)

by Felipe Macedo Alves, Artur Gonçalves and M. Rosario del Caz-Enjuto

Infrastructures 2022, 7(6), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7060085 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5022

Abstract

Urbanization causes major changes in environmental systems, including those related with radiation balances and other meteorological conditions because of changes in surfaces and the physical environment. In addition, cities generate specific microclimates as a consequence of the diverse conditions within the urban fabric. [...] Read more.

Urbanization causes major changes in environmental systems, including those related with radiation balances and other meteorological conditions because of changes in surfaces and the physical environment. In addition, cities generate specific microclimates as a consequence of the diverse conditions within the urban fabric. Industrial parks represent vast urban areas, often neglected, contributing to the degradation of the urban environment, including poor thermal comfort as a result of soil sealing and low albedo surfaces. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can promote the mitigation of the anthropic effects of urbanization using nature as an inspiration. The present study, aimed at estimating the microclimate conditions in a fraction of the Argales industrial park in the city of Valladolid (Spain), with the use of the ENVI-Met software, assesses the current situation and a planned NBS scenario. Base scenario simulation results demonstrate different conditions across the simulations, with higher temperatures on sun-exposed surfaces with low albedo, and lower temperature spots, mostly associated with shadowed areas near existent buildings. After the simulation of the NBS scenario, the results show that, when compared with the base scenario, the projected air temperature changes reach reductions of up to 4.30 °C for the locations where changes are projected from impervious low albedo surfaces to shaded areas in the vicinity of trees and a water body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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13 pages, 1668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Method to Design Solar Photovoltaics to Reduce Energy Consumption of Aeration Tanks in Wastewater Treatment Plants

by Enrico Zacchei and Antonio Colacicco

Infrastructures 2022, 7(6), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7060079 - 6 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are considered good renewable energy technologies due to their high production of clean energy. This paper combines a PV system with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which are usually designed separately. For this, a recent methodology was adopted, which provides [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are considered good renewable energy technologies due to their high production of clean energy. This paper combines a PV system with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which are usually designed separately. For this, a recent methodology was adopted, which provides direct steps to estimate the peak powers of PV plants (PVPs) by using the airflow of blowers. The goal was to reduce the energy consumption of aeration tanks in WWTPs. Analytical equations and parameters based on the air temperature, solar irradiation, biological kinetic, dissolved oxygen, and mechanical oxygenation are adopted. The key parameter in this methodology is the air temperature variation that represents an approximated temperature in the WWTP’s oxidation tanks. It is shown, through the analysis of small WWTPs, that since the temperature changes for each season, there is a peak in the function of the quantity of oxidation, which is high in the summer season. Further, the curve trends of temperature for WWRPs are similar to PVPs. Therefore, it could be possible to design the PV system with the WWTPs well. The results show that the air temperature curves increase in a directly proportional way with the consumption of energy from oxidation blowers; this could induce a more conservative PVP design. Furthermore, the results show that the mean trend of the energy consumption of the analyzed aeration systems reaches about 8.0% at a temperature of 20–25 °C, covering a good part of the oxidation tank consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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11 pages, 1918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcalar Design: An Approach to Biodesign in the Built Environment

by Ana Goidea, Dimitrios Floudas and David Andréen

Infrastructures 2022, 7(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7040050 - 1 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4649

Abstract

Biodesign holds the potential for radically increasing the sustainability of the built environment and our material culture but comes with new challenges. One of these is the bridging of the vast differences of scale between microbiological processes and architecture. We propose that a [...] Read more.

Biodesign holds the potential for radically increasing the sustainability of the built environment and our material culture but comes with new challenges. One of these is the bridging of the vast differences of scale between microbiological processes and architecture. We propose that a transcalar design approach, which weaves together nonlinear dependencies using computational design tools and design methodologies through the biological generation of architectural components, is a way towards successful design implementations. Such design processes were explored in a laboratory-based fabrication and study of a column element. This column, named Protomycokion, serves to illustrate how design methodologies, particularly through the use of a demonstrator artefact, can serve to navigate the multiple scales, disciplines, and experiments that are necessary to engage the complexities of biodesign. Transcalar design processes embrace the adaptability, variability and interdependence of biological organisms and show possible gains with regard to material sustainability and increased performativity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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16 pages, 9645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the Height of Buildings on the Maintainability of Natural Stone Claddings

by Cláudia Ferreira, Ana Silva and Jorge de Brito

Infrastructures 2022, 7(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7030044 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2276

Abstract

The buildings’ surroundings’ environmental exposure conditions (e.g., orientation, location, altitude, distance from the sea, temperature, precipitation, presence of damp, exposure to prevailing winds, among others) have a considerable influence on the performance and durability of their envelope. Furthermore, the intensity of these conditions [...] Read more.

The buildings’ surroundings’ environmental exposure conditions (e.g., orientation, location, altitude, distance from the sea, temperature, precipitation, presence of damp, exposure to prevailing winds, among others) have a considerable influence on the performance and durability of their envelope. Furthermore, the intensity of these conditions can vary significantly with the height of the building and, consequently, influence the degradation of different parts of the same building in different ways. In a tall building, the upper part is more prone to higher solar radiation levels, temperature variations, and exposure to wind–rain action. On the other hand, external elements at the bottom are more susceptible to high levels of pollution, especially in city centres. In this sense, the main purpose of this study was to analyse the degradation processes in buildings with different heights and understand whether the processes and maintenance requirements are statistically different. A sample of 203 natural stone claddings (NSC), located in Portugal, was used as case study. The sample was collected based on the diagnosis of the degradation condition of these claddings through in situ visual inspections. To predict the degradation process of NSC over time, a stochastic service life prediction model, based on Petri nets (PN), was implemented. This model allows evaluating the performance of NSC by encompassing the uncertainty of the future performance of the claddings. The results obtained through the degradation and maintenance models were compared with real case studies to highlight the real impact of buildings’ height subjected to environmental exposure conditions on the maintainability of NSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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23 pages, 3085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability in the Civil Construction Sector Supported by Industry 4.0 Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities

by Jacqueline de Almeida Barbosa Franco, Ana Mariele Domingues, Nelson de Almeida Africano, Rafael Mattos Deus and Rosane Aparecida Gomes Battistelle

Infrastructures 2022, 7(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7030043 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 9890

Abstract

The civil construction sector is under pressure to make construction processes more sustainable, that is, aligned with economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Thus, the research question considers: How do Industry 4.0 Technologies help civil construction face challenges and identify new opportunities to become [...] Read more.

The civil construction sector is under pressure to make construction processes more sustainable, that is, aligned with economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Thus, the research question considers: How do Industry 4.0 Technologies help civil construction face challenges and identify new opportunities to become sustainable? The general objective of this work is to offer a current overview of publications that associate the civil construction sector; Industry 4.0 Technologies and sustainability, and identify the challenges and opportunities of the Industry 4.0 Technologies set to contribute to sustainability achievement. The research method was a bibliographic review combined with bibliometric analysis in SCOPUS databases. The results show that civil construction faces the challenge of reducing the consumption of natural resources, ensuring safe work, and optimizing processes, especially handwork. However, the insertion of Industry 4.0 Technologies into civil construction has allowed sensors, robots, modelling and simulation systems, artificial intelligence, and drones to have their productivity, efficiency, safety, strategic and environmental management enhanced. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 Technologies can contribute to civil construction through innovative, sustainable, and technological solutions focused on the flow of work, which can provide growth through the balance of costs/benefits in the management of projects and works. Thus, it is expected that this article will contribute to discussions around the possibility of construction becoming sustainable with the support of Industry 4.0 Technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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17 pages, 6025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Discussion on Winter Indoor Hygrothermal Conditions and Hygroscopic Behaviour of Plasters in Southern Europe

by Alessandra Ranesi, Magda Posani, Rosário Veiga and Paulina Faria

Infrastructures 2022, 7(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7030038 - 9 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2716

Abstract

In Southern European countries, due to the specific climate, economy and culture, a permanent heating practice during winter is not widely adopted. This may have a significant effect on the performance of indoor coating materials, typically tested considering hygrothermal conditions in the range [...] Read more.

In Southern European countries, due to the specific climate, economy and culture, a permanent heating practice during winter is not widely adopted. This may have a significant effect on the performance of indoor coating materials, typically tested considering hygrothermal conditions in the range of 33–75% relative humidity (RH) and 20–25 °C, which are common in continuously heated buildings. In this study, the indoor climate of four bedrooms located in Lisbon, Portugal, was monitored under operational conditions. Based on the data monitored in the case studies, characteristic ranges of indoor hygrothermal conditions were defined and compared to those considered in standard test procedures. In addition, numerical simulations were adopted to compare the hygroscopic performance of four plasters under operational conditions observed on-site. Results show that the four rooms, intermittently heated or unheated, do not provide comfort conditions over 50% of the wintertime, with temperatures lower and RH higher than the ones recommended by the standards. The MBVs resulting from simulations (under operational conditions) are qualitatively in agreement with the MBVs obtained under standard testing conditions. Nonetheless, future studies are recommended to evaluate if standard tests are quantitatively representative of the hygroscopic performance of coating materials in the Southern European scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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15 pages, 4366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Thermal Characterization of Two Construction Solutions with and without Incorporation of Macroencapsulated PCM

by António Figueiredo, Filipe Rebelo, António Samagaio, Romeu Vicente and Jorge Lira

Infrastructures 2022, 7(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7030027 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3194

Abstract

Improving the energy efficiency of new and existing building stock while fostering the use of renewable energy is one of the major goals of the Renovation Wave initiative promoted by the European Union. In this framework, the present research focuses on the design [...] Read more.

Improving the energy efficiency of new and existing building stock while fostering the use of renewable energy is one of the major goals of the Renovation Wave initiative promoted by the European Union. In this framework, the present research focuses on the design of an innovative and efficient construction solution for an external envelope and internal partitions that can improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort in lightweight construction technology for buildings. The use of phase change materials (PCMs), particularly in the macroencapsulated form, in building construction solutions or components enhances the buildings’ thermal mass without significantly increasing the solutions’ weight. Therefore, the solution herein developed is essentially targeted at lightweight building technology since the incorporation of a macroencapsulated PCM core will allow to store and release large amounts of energy per volume unit, in order to attenuate high indoor temperature fluctuations. In the scope of this study, the use of a thermally active core in a lightweight construction solution was designed and thermally characterized. Thus, an experimental campaign on the thermal properties of the solution containing macroencapsulated PCMs was performed, intended for applications in two twin full-scale cold-formed steel lightweight tiny houses. Regarding the hot box heat flux meter approach, the results revealed the following: good correlation between thermal conductivity and mean specimen temperatures for both construction assemblies tested, and significant thermal amplitude reduction with the use solution containing the macroencapsulated PCM core. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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23 pages, 3876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Wastes as Aggregates for Eco-Efficient Boards and Panels: Screening Tests of Physical Properties and Bio-Susceptibility

by Eleonora Cintura, Paulina Faria, Marta Duarte and Lina Nunes

Infrastructures 2022, 7(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7030026 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3204

Abstract

Screening tests were developed or adapted from RILEM recommendations, standards and past studies, and carried out to characterize some agro-industrial wastes and to assess their feasibility as aggregates for eco-efficient building composites. Spent coffee grounds, grape and olive press waste and hazelnut shells [...] Read more.

Screening tests were developed or adapted from RILEM recommendations, standards and past studies, and carried out to characterize some agro-industrial wastes and to assess their feasibility as aggregates for eco-efficient building composites. Spent coffee grounds, grape and olive press waste and hazelnut shells were used, as well as maritime pine chips as control material. Particle size distribution, loose bulk density, thermal conductivity and hygroscopicity properties were analysed. The selected bio-wastes did not show good thermal insulation properties if compared with some bio-wastes already studied and used for thermal insulation composites. Values of loose bulk density and thermal conductivity were between 325.6–550.5 kg/m³ and 0.078–0.107 W/(m·K); moisture buffering values higher than 2.0 g/(m²·%RH). Biological susceptibility to mould and termites were also tested, using not yet standardized methods. The low resistance to biological attack confirms one of the greatest drawbacks of using bio-wastes for building products. However, final products properties may be changed by adding other materials, pre-treatments of the wastes and the production process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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17 pages, 5152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current Practice and Potential Associated with Timber-Based Solutions for Buildings Retrofitting

by Cláudio Meireis, Filipa S. Serino, Carlos Maia, André C. Fontes and Jorge M. Branco

Infrastructures 2022, 7(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020025 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4389

Abstract

Current buildings are responsible for the highest energy consumption, exceeding polluting sectors such as industry and transports. In Portugal, a large part of the building stock was built in the 1970s and 1980s, but buildings dated from the 1960s and 1970s are the [...] Read more.

Current buildings are responsible for the highest energy consumption, exceeding polluting sectors such as industry and transports. In Portugal, a large part of the building stock was built in the 1970s and 1980s, but buildings dated from the 1960s and 1970s are the ones with the most anomalies and worst quality of construction and, therefore, worst energy performance. The renovation of those buildings can represent an excellent opportunity to correct and improve their energy deficiency and, with that, to promote a more sustainable building stock. The ETICS system is the most used for the renovation of buildings in Portugal due to its lower cost, quick application and thermal efficiency, but it doesn’t solve other problems that may exist, such as structural safety and interior organization of the existing building. The application of prefabricated systems in the envelope has proved to be successful in improving energy efficiency, allowing new volumes and extra areas while contributing to the structural resilience of existing buildings. This paper aims to describe the current situation of the buildings renovation in Portugal and to discuss the potential of innovative envelope retrofitting solutions, using natural materials like timber, and is more concerned with the problems of existing buildings and the need for comfort and space for the occupants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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24 pages, 3474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Human Development at the Municipal Level: A Data Envelopment Analysis Index

by Pedro A. B. Lima, Gilberto D. Paião Júnior, Thalita L. Santos, Marcelo Furlan, Rosane A. G. Battistelle, Gustavo H. R. Silva, Diogo Ferraz and Enzo B. Mariano

Infrastructures 2022, 7(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7020012 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4220

Abstract

The development of indexes for human development and environmental sustainability issues are an emerging topic in the current literature. However, the literature has put less emphasis on municipal indexes, which is the focus of this research. In this paper, we considered municipal environmental [...] Read more.

The development of indexes for human development and environmental sustainability issues are an emerging topic in the current literature. However, the literature has put less emphasis on municipal indexes, which is the focus of this research. In this paper, we considered municipal environmental management as the adoption of environmental activities and the development of infrastructural and technical capacities in municipalities. This article aims to create a sustainable human development index with municipal data from the state of São Paulo in Brazil. Using information from the Municipal Human Development Index (IDHm) and the GreenBlue Municipal Program (PMVA), we applied the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique to connect human development and environmental sustainability in 645 Brazilian municipalities. Our findings show that regions with higher human development present better DEA scores on the Sustainable Human Development Index. In contrast, regions with a low or a middle level of human development do not present significant change considering both dimensions. Moreover, our findings reveal that PMVA certification has a different and statistically significant impact on the DEA score considering certified, qualified, or not qualified regions. We found similar results for urbanized and service-oriented municipalities. Our indicator is an essential and straightforward tool for regional policymakers, helping to allocate resources and to find human development and environmental sustainability benchmarks among developing regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from CEES 2021, the first International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (Coimbra, 2021), on the topic of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies)

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