Research project 2020
ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION,
EFBUCO

Soheyl Sazedj
Jorge Cruz Pinto
Ljiljana Cavic

Abstract

Construction materials have distinguished energy consumptions and different emissions of carbon dioxide from fabrication up to application. The processes needed to transform the raw materials into the final product contribute to the differences in embodied energy EE and gas emissions GE of these materials. In an environmental assessment one wonders what kind of constructive solution is environmentally more favorable. A study already developed by the Principal Researcher refers to the environmental comparison of reinforced concrete and clay bricks [11]. In the previous study, through a digital three-dimensional building model the required data was analyzed. The building model is once considered with a reinforced concrete structure, consisting of columns, beams and slabs, with brick walls. Then, structural masonry with clay blocks in the exterior and interior walls is studied. Both models are analyzed in two versions. In the first version the slabs are of reinforced concrete and in the second version the slabs are built in pre stressed concrete beams and clay blocks. The building model represents for all solutions equal conditions. All construction materials for the structure and the exterior walls are considered regarding LCA, excluding materials that are equal for both cases. The comparison is limited to the quantification of the most important environmental parameters, the EE and GE. The results of this study show that the Masonry Model Version 1 has a 11% reduction in GE and 12% reduction in energy consumption EC, while Version 2 of both models has a 39% reduction in GE and 41% reduction in EE in case of Masonry Model and 30 % reduction in GE and 32% EE in case of the Concrete Model compared to the concrete model with reinforced concrete slabs. These differences are due to the reduction of reinforced concrete, which is more significant in Versions 2. Data on individual construction materials concerning their GE and EE are available but the data is of little use in the context of architectural design. The question, which inevitably remains unanswered, “Which construction process and material is more environmental friendly for my project?” becomes the starting point of the following proposal. The three aspects of sustainable construction, GE, EE and economy; depend very much on the quantity of material to use. The quantities differ between construction systems to use, which are also in function of the architectural design. The right decision to cover this issue must be taken in the initial phase of a project. Researches on this field are mainly not covering this subject and are evaluating materials in existing buildings. Comparing existing buildings are not conclusive as they are not equal in architecture. As the EE is in function of quantity of construction materials, the challenge is to inform the consumer at the initial phase of design and not at the end as it happens with the costs. So far no methodology is available to provide the EE and costs upfront in combination with the architectural design and the construction technology to be applied. The right choice on this matter can also be connected to a reduction of final costs, as the materials costs are also dependent on the quantity. This fact makes this information even more attractive to project owners and it underlines also the novelty of this research. This kind of information is on scientific basis not available and can contribute to the mentioned policies supported by the EU Commission. This highlights the novelty of this research regarding the methodology, the model developed and the results to expect. They are widely applicable and the objective is to analyze and compare all construction technologies. Accomplishing targets are: presenting the results as a guideline, creating a software of easy access, that permits to obtain environmental and cost indicators in the preliminary phase of a architectural project, developing prefabricated elements in conformity with the results obtained that facilitate construction and rehabilitation projects. The research group consists of a full professor, Jorge Cruz Pinto, an assistant professor, Ljiljana Cavic, both architects, and an assistant professor, Soheyl Sazedj (Principal Researcher), civil engineer. All members collaborate equally in all tasks, except the software development that will be executed by BOLD International, an IT company. Prof. Sazedj is responsible for the comparison of the construction techniques the compilation and dissemination of the results, the software development and the negotiations with industries or patenting. Prof. Jorge Cruz Pinto is the co-coordinator and responsible for the development of the prefabricated elements and the fabrication of the prototypes. Prof. Ljiljiana Cavic will specially assist both concerning development and design. Two scholarships, master's degree18 months and doctorate for 27 months, will be available to participate in this research.

Team

Architectural Technology: Soheyl Sazedj (CIAUD, FA-UL)
Architectural Conception: Prof. Jorge Cruz Pinto (CIAUD, FA-UL)
Prof. Ljiljana Cavic (CIAUD, FA-UL)