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New use of an Ag electrode and a potentiodynamic method to control the presence of chlorides in porous media like concrete
No full textChloride detection in porous materials is important for the soil characterisation and the durability control of reinforced concrete structures. Chloride content in soil can affect soil fertility, and the presence of chlorides in reinforced concrete structures can trigger the corrosion of reinforcement, which leads to structure failure. In both cases, the material in which chlorides are detected is a porous medium. Traditionally in this type of materials, chlorides have been controlled by means of tedious laboratory tests, in which specimens of the material are used, as are passive sensor systems like potentiometric sensors. In the former, tests are usually costly and do not allow effective control in real time. In the latter, as the sensor is not excited, overlapping reactions occur on its surface that can lead to errors when estimating chloride content. In aqueous media, chloride detection is efficiently carried out by electrochemical sensors using potentiodynamic techniques. However, they have hardly been employed in porous media, in which the porous network contains the so-called "pore solution". The present work aims to evaluate the feasibility of using an Ag electrode together with a triangular sweep potentiodynamic signal using concretes of different porosities as a porous medium. This opens up a new study field in electrochemical sensor technology
Identification and management of emerging vulnerabilities in the real estate sector through the real estate rating terminal
No full textGiven the importance of the real estate sector in the creation of economic activity in a country, it is necessary to control the vulnerabilities that may compromise its normal functioning. To the traditional risks that affect the real estate sector: rate increases, economic decline, labour market, etc., new ones are added, such as climate and other types of physical risks, which are increasingly topical in all areas of the economy. This highlights the need to have not only risk indicators that can anticipate unwanted situations, but also tools that allow the management of these indicators and the information required to treat them appropriately. In recent times, many investors in the real estate sector have seen their property portfolios affected due to extreme weather conditions. This new type of risk indicator is increasingly important as necessary information for decision making in real estate businesses. This work analyses the developments that have arisen in a real estate rating terminal as a tool for the management of all types of real estate risks and risk-based asset rating, making special mention of these latest risks
Urban heat islands' effects on the thermo-energy performance of buildings according to their socio-economic factors
No full textUrban areas experience the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which affects the thermal comfort and energy consumption of buildings. These consequences could vary depending on the socio-economic status of the neighbourhoods. Few studies have investigated how UHI affects socio-economically contrasting districts in thermal comfort and energy performance. Therefore, the primary goal of this research is to evaluate and compare the energy efficiency and thermal comfort conditions of residential buildings in the same city (Temuco, Chile) but located in socio-economically contrasting neighbourhoods. Urban weather files were first modelled in four urban zones using UWG software. Also, EnergyPlus building simulations were conducted to evaluate discomfort hours in adaptive comfort models and energy performance. The results showed annual average UHI intensities between 1.5 and 2.5 K. Urban–rural cooling energy load differences ranged between 12.47% and 38.92%, while heating energy load differences ranged between −20.47% and −81.95%. These distinctions depended on the urban zone, residence model analysed, or energy building standard applied. Similarly, urban-rural differences in thermal comfort times varied from 0.5% to 100%. Results illustrate that the risk of overheating could increase in socio-economically vulnerable areas. This issue could worsen if urban segregation continues to generate poor urban design in low-income districts
Risk Factors and Environmental Preventive Actions for Aspergillosis in Patients with Hematological Malignancies
No full text(1) Background: Aspergillus spp. is a widely distributed filamentous fungus in the environment due to its high sporulation capacity. Currently, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most common invasive fungal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies, with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The multifactorial nature of the disease requires appropriate risk stratification to enable the most appropriate preventive measures to be adapted and implemented according to the characteristics of the patient. In this sense, the present research aims to identify recent risk factors and environmental control measures against invasive aspergillosis to establish preventive actions to reduce the incidence of invasive aspergillosis in hospitals. (2) Methods: We conducted a qualitative systematic review of the scientific literature on environmental risk factors and preventive measures for invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic malignancies. The Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were consulted, following the PRISMA and STROBE guidelines. (3) Results: Adequate implementation of environmental control measures is presented as the most efficient intervention in terms of prevention to decrease the incidence of invasive aspergillosis in hospitals. Neutropenia, fungal contamination, insufficient environmental control measures in hospital and home settings, length of hospital stay, and anemia, are identified as independent risk factors. We show that HEPA, LAF, and Plasmair® systems are suitable methods to reduce the concentration of airborne fungal spores. Antifungal prophylaxis did not significantly influence IA reduction in our study. (4) Conclusions: Proper professional training and environmental control measures in hospitals are essential for the prevention of invasive aspergillosis. We should optimize risk stratification for patients with hematologic malignancies. Antifungal prophylaxis should be complementary to environmental control measures and should never be substituted for the latter. Studies should also be undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of environmental control measures against IA at patients' homes
Assembleable system for support on slabs and base for execution of facades and party walls of double-leaf non-structural factory enclosures, has third support area that is located on exterior face of element and is configured to support leaf of enclosure
No full textNOVELTY - The system has a prefabricated element (1) that includes a first support area (4) is located below, and is configured to support the element itself on a floor edge of a building. A second support area (5) is located superiorly on an interior face of the element and is configured to support the second leaf of an enclosure. A third support area (6) is located superiorly on an exterior face of the element and is configured to support the first leaf of the enclosure. The second support zone and the third support zone are configured as a space that defines an air chamber (8). USE - Assembleable system for support on slabs and base for execution of facades and party walls of double-leaf non-structural factory enclosures. ADVANTAGE - The system has a simple structure, easy to install and economical way. The prefabricated assembleable for support in floors of double-leaf factory enclosures provides the thermal insulation and drainage of humidity from the interior of the chambers of the enclosures. The various inconveniences due to their omission or incorrect execution on site of the system are significantly reduced. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of the element of the assembleable system for support on slabs and base. 1Prefabricated element 4First support area 5Second support area 6Third support area 8Air chambe
Life-Cycle Assessment and Environmental Costs of Cement-Based Materials Manufactured with Mixed Recycled Aggregate and Biomass Ash
No full textThe development of new building elements, such as concrete and mortar with sustainable materials, which produce a lower carbon footprint, is an achievable milestone in the short term. The need to reduce the environmental impact of the production of cement-based materials is of vital importance. This work focuses on the evaluation of the life-cycle assessment, production costs, mechanical performance, and durability of three mortars and three concrete mixtures in which mixed recycled aggregates (MRAs) and biomass bottom ash from olive waste (oBBA) were included to replace cement and aggregates. Powdered MRA and oBBA were also applied as complementary cementitious materials with a reduced environmental footprint. Chemical and physical tests were performed on the materials, and mechanical performance properties, life-cycle assessment, and life-cycle cost analysis were applied to demonstrate the technical and environmental benefits of using these materials in mortar and concrete mixtures. This research showed that the application of MRA and oBBA produced a small reduction in mechanical strength but a significant benefit in terms of life-cycle population and environmental costs. The results demonstrated that finding long-term mechanical strength decreases between 2.7% and 14% for mortar mixes and between 1.7% and 10.4% for concrete mixes. Although there were small reductions in mechanical performance, the savings in environmental and monetary terms make the feasibility of manufacturing these cement-based materials feasible and interesting for both society and the business world. CO2 emissions are reduced by 25% for mortar mixes and 12% for concrete mixes with recycled materials, and it is possible to reduce the cost per cubic meter of mortar production by 20%, and the savings in the cost of production of a cubic meter of concrete is 13.8%
The House of the Inhabitant Who Refused to Participate by John Hejduk, from the Wall House to the Masque
No full textThe article is a reflection on John Hejduk s project The House of the Inhabitant who Refused to Participate, focusing on the expression through drawing and sketching. In this project, the person inhabiting the house exposes their activities to the public space. The citizen of Venice confronts the dwelling from the public space in a project that serves as a preamble to the Masques, spanning from 1980 to 2000, and with a precedent in the Texas Houses, Diamond Houses, and Wall Houses. The events presented in the proposal introduce new expressions in architecture linked to other art-related forms of expression. The visibility of domestic activities happening within the house highlights architectural actions often overlooked due to the suggestion of revealing the hidden. Hence, the expression through sketches
Adaptive Comfort Potential in Different Climate Zones of Ecuador Considering Global Warming
No full textEcuador is a country with several climate zones. However, their behaviour is similar throughout the year, with no peaks of extreme temperatures in the various seasons. This paper is a first approach to study the adaptive comfort behaviour in several areas and populations of the country. Considering the ASHRAE 55-2020 model, energy simulation programmes are applied not just to the current climate scenario but also to the climate change scenarios of 2050 and 2100. The results of locations are analysed and compared to determine their performance. Thanks to their climate characteristics, adaptive comfort models could be applied as a passive strategy, using natural ventilation for building indoor comfort improvement, particularly social dwellings. According to previous studies, some prototypes have not considered the climate determinants in each region. Given the geographic situation of the study areas, the adaptive comfort model could be applied in all cases. Percentages of application of natural ventilation and heating and cooling degree hours have similar behaviours according to the climatic region, with a variation greater than 30% among them
How can housing design and transformation promote resilience to different crises?
No full textSince the 90s, an increasing number of unexpected crises and disruptions have emerged (e.g., wars, pandemic, extreme heatwaves, heavy flooding, and forest fires around the world) (Wheeler 2022). At present, the probability of these and new, different crises and disruptions happening simultaneously is on the increase (Schrecker 2012). The way all housing is designed, and transformed, plays an important role in both mitigating and adapting to the singular and simultaneous impact of these different crises and disruptions, and in safeguarding citizens. This chapter aims to synthesise and illustrate 1) knowledge about the role housing design and transformation plays as part of a resilient society and 2) the key principles of greenery, diverse and adaptable, social, and inclusive and equitable infrastructures to maximise their benefits at different scales (i.e., macro, meso, and micro level), while avoiding unintended consequences, such as gentrification, loss of community, unaffordable housing. In summary, living environments need to be adaptable, diverse, inclusive, and co-produced with inhabitants, where green and social infrastructures are prioritised in order to promote resilience and wellbeing (Castaño-Rosa et al. 2022)
Paver-shaped lightweight cement prefab using industrial waste products of polymer origin and glass fibre
No full textThe present invention relates to a lightweight cement prefab using industrial waste products of polymer origin and glass fibre, manufactured in the shape of a paver for flooring and other similar construction units in building and civil engineering. The cement prefab contains a commercial cement composition; aggregate; ground waste product from recycled entire vehicle roofs consisting of a polymer matrix and glass fibre, which is incorporated by replacing it with aggregate in percentages ranging from 20% to 60% by volume, with respect to the weight of the binder or cement; additives in a proportion of 0.8% with respect to the weight of the binder and water, in order to develop innovative and ecologically sustainable solutions by manufacturing prefab pavers for use in building and civil engineering