Search Results (3)

Material selection is essential for advancing sustainability in construction. Biocomposites contribute significantly to raising the awareness of materials derived from biomass. This paper explores the design development and application of novel natural fibre pultruded biocomposite profiles in a deployable system. Development methods include geometrical studies to create a system that transforms from flat to three-dimensional. Physical and digital models were used to refine the geometry, while connection elements were designed to suit material properties and deployability requirements. The first case study, at a furniture scale, demonstrates the use of the profiles connected using threading methods to create a lightweight multifunctional deployable system enabling easy transport and storage. This system can be locked at various heights for different purposes. The realised structure weighs 4 kg, supporting weights up to 150 kg. The second case study applies the system architecturally in an adaptive kinetic facade, adjusting to the sun’s position for optimal shading, providing up to 70% daylight when open and as little as 20% when closed. These two structures validate the developed deployable system, showcasing the versatility of biocomposite profiles in such configurations. This approach enhances sustainability in architecture by enabling lightweight, adaptable, and eco-friendly building solutions. Full article

Material selection is crucial for advancing sustainability in the building sector. While composites have become popular, biocomposites play a pivotal role in raising awareness of materials deriving from biomass resources. This study presents a new linear biocomposite profile, fabricated using pultrusion technology, a continuous process for producing endless fiber-reinforced composites with consistent cross-sections. The developed profiles are made from flax fibers and a plant-based resin. This paper focuses on the application of these profiles in tensegrity systems, which combine compression and tension elements to achieve equilibrium. In this study, the biocomposite profiles were used as compression elements, leveraging their properties. The methods include geometrical development using physical and digital models to optimize the geometry based on material properties and dimensions. A parametric algorithm including physics simulations was developed for this purpose. Further investigations explore material options for tension members and connections, as well as assembly processes. The results include several prototypes on different scales. Initially, the basic tensegrity principle was built and explored. The lessons learned were applied in a final prototype of 1.5 m on a furniture scale, specifically a chair, integrating a hanging membrane serving as a seat. This structure validates the developed system, proving the feasibility of employing biocomposite profiles in tensegrity configurations. Furthermore, considerations for scaling up the systems to an architectural level are discussed, highlighting the potential to enhance sustainability through the use of renewable and eco-friendly building materials, while promoting tensegrity design applications. Full article

As the construction industry moves toward sustainable building practices, incorporating wood-based materials into building envelope systems has become a priority. This paper investigates the environmental impact of three custom bio-composite Façade System Modules (FSMs) through an Embodied Carbon Assessment (ECA), focused on the Global Warming Potential indicator of life cycle stages from cradle to practical completion (A1–A5). The evaluated FSMs were developed within the Basajaun H2020 project (G.A. 862942), by substituting and combining conventional materials with other bio-composite products to form hybrids from bio-based polymers and wood. A benchmark ECA was conducted, simulating alternative FSMs devised with common practice solutions for the curtain wall façade to facilitate a comprehensive comparison. The life cycle inventory encompassed detailed technical information, fostering the utilization of primary data for accuracy. The study particularly highlights considerations over three technological systems of the modules that incorporate increased use of wood-based components and a novel bio-composite material: the frame profiles, the insulation equipment, and the seal system. Despite the challenges due to the Basajaun FSMs’ weight, the findings reveal that replacing the currently used materials with wood-based materials and bio-composites reduced the embodied emissions, particularly substituting aluminum frame profiles. The insights presented here offer indicators toward circular, environmentally conscious, bio-composed building envelopes, emphasizing the need for continued analysis and refinements as a consequence of increasing the accuracy of the available primary data from the supply chain and concerning end-of-life scenarios. Full article