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Adaptation of rural residential buildings in a Mediterranean climate to climate change: A case study of La Rioja (Spain)
No full textClimate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the building sector and rural areas in particular should be prioritised due to their special characteristics. In this work, ways to adapt rural residential buildings in a Mediterranean climate to climate change via energy renovation were studied, taking La Rioja (Spain) as a case study. Different energy renovation solutions were evaluated under different climate change scenarios considering the possible evolution of the climate zones. The energy and economic impacts of these energy-renovated buildings were compared to those of existing buildings. Nearly zero-energy buildings were achieved by changing the thermal envelopes and their corresponding interior partitions. The study discovered that, on the one hand, the heating energy demand was reduced while the cooling energy demand was increased, thus reducing the total energy demand; on the other hand, the best energy renovation solution entails compliance by nearly zero-energy buildings with current building thermal regulation for the current climate zone. This work can serve as a guide to establish and promote energy renovation policies that are effective in addressing climate change and are economically viable. Furthermore, the methodology developed and the results obtained can be extrapolated to other cold Mediterranean climate zones
Upcycling EPS waste and mineral wool to produce new lightweight gypsum composites with improved thermal performance
No full textEnergy efficiency and waste management are crucial for sustainability of construction sector. In this research, a new gypsum composite material is presented in which traditional raw materials have been partially replaced by thermal insulation waste from facades energy retrofitting projects, using an innovative process to recover this waste. Consequently, a novel lightweight gypsum composite has been developed with a replacement of up to 14.7 % by weight of the original material with EPS waste, adding mineral wool as reinforcement fibres (0.375 %wt.). Thus, thermal behaviour analysis of these new composites has been conducted, both material itself and of its performance as part of a real construction system, including finite element analysis of the construction system. In addition, the physicochemical, physical and mechanical characterisation of the new composites has been carried out. Results show that the developed new material has a density 20.3 % lower than the traditional gypsum composite, resulting in a 30.4 % reduction in thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the use of these new lightened gypsum composites as finishing boards in lightweight steel frame (LSF) wall systems reduces the overall thermal resistance of the wall by up to 10.6 % with just 25 mm thickness. On the other hand, the mechanical resistance of this new material exceeds the reference values established by current standards, ranging between 4.18 and 1.87 MPa for flexural strength and between 7.87 and 4.27 MPa for compressive stresses. Additionally, the developed composites have shown a reduction in both total and capillary water absorption compared to traditional gypsum by 19.6 % and 40.0 % respectively, enhancing the material’s durability and its excellent thermal properties throughout its lifespan
Assessing Indoor Hygrothermal Conditions in Unfavourable Scenarios: Open Windows in a Residential Building in the Coastal Mediterranean Summer Climate
No full textScientific research has identified different adaptive behaviours that influence thermal comfort in buildings. Depending on factors such as ventilation mode, building type, or occupant age, those user actions are diverse and include air conditioning and fan usage, window and/or door opening, curtain and/or blind usage, cloth adjustment, and beverage drinking, among many others. Especially in the Mediterranean summer climate, façade openings are likely to be a direct inflow of hot air. Focusing on the case study of a residential building with a robust envelope, this chapter aims to assess the impact of keeping windows open on indoor temperature and relative humidity
An in vitro demonstration of a passive, acoustic metamaterial as a temperature sensor with mK resolution for implantable applications
No full textWireless medical sensors typically utilize electromagnetic coupling or ultrasound for energy transfer and sensor interrogation. Energy transfer and management is a complex aspect that often limits the applicability of implantable sensor systems. In this work, we report a new passive temperature sensing scheme based on an acoustic metamaterial made of silicon embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. Compared to other approaches, this concept is implemented without additional electrical components in situ or the need for a customized receiving unit. A standard ultrasonic transducer is used for this demonstration to directly excite and collect the reflected signal. The metamaterial resonates at a frequency close to a typical medical value (5 MHz) and exhibits a high-quality factor. Combining the design features of the metamaterial with the high-temperature sensitivity of the polydimethylsiloxane matrix, we achieve a temperature resolution of 30 mK. This value is below the current standard resolution required in infrared thermometry for monitoring postoperative complications (0.1 K). We fabricated, simulated, in vitro tested, and compared three acoustic sensor designs in the 29–43 °C (~302–316 K) temperature range. With this concept, we demonstrate how our passive metamaterial sensor can open the way toward new zero-power smart medical implant concepts based on acoustic interrogation
Deformation and degradation study using point clouds in natatio of the Western Baths at La Alcudia in Elche (Alicante)
No full textThis paper deals with the study of construction and geometry, as well as with the analysis of deformations and active degradations of the natatio belonging to the Western Baths in La Alcudia archaeological site. Its location in Elche-Alicante, Spain (Colonia Iulia Ilici Augusta), is widely known for the discovery of The Lady of Elche in 1897. The dimensions of this natatio in the frigidarium are 6.60 x 9.30 m (22 x 31 Roman feet) and 1.50 m deep, making it one of the largest Roman swimming pools documented to date on the Iberian Peninsula. The natatio has several cracks sealed with materials used in earlier interventions at the end of the third century. Its comparison with the hypothetical original form allowed the researchers to quantify the current deformations. A damage evolution study has been made comparing the 2016 point cloud with the 2022 cloud, both obtained by light detection and ranging (LIDAR). There is evidence that an active process of degradation and deformation is gradually increasing damage to the pool. By studying the geometry and constructive systems of the natatio, relevant data to understand the historical evolution of the Western Baths have been provided. A results analysis conclusion is that the pool was built in two different stages. The eastern half corresponds to the original natatio, while the western half was extended or rebuilt after having collapsed. The early abandonment of the use of the natatio was most likely due to deformations caused by differential settlement; this occurred when the western half was cemented on landfill between the ancient wall and that of the last third of the 1st century AD
Upcycling expanded polyethylene waste for novel composite materials: Physico-mechanical, hygrothermal and life cycle assessment
No full textRecycling plastic waste is a major challenge today, but it also offers an opportunity to create sustainable building products and promote a circular economy in construction. The aim of this article is to evaluate a new lightweight plaster composite incorporating expanded polyethylene (EPE) packaging waste for lightweight steel frame (LSF) partition walls. Mechanical and hygrothermal characterization and environmental life cycle assessment are carried out on these composites with a replacement of up to 30% of the original raw material by volume. The results show that the alternative plaster has 21.7% grater flexural strength in plates than required by standards. In addition, the reduced water vapour permeability of these materials makes them more resistant to damage in high humidity environments. On the other hand, the lightened composites have 43.9% lower thermal conductivity than the reference material, increasing the thermal resistance of LSF partition walls by 20.3%. Finally, cradle-to-gate global warming potential is reduced by up to 30% compared with the 100% virgin EPE. These results are encouraging and present a significant opportunity to advance the development of sustainable novel prefabricated modular building products
Examining the Drivers to Support Improved Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review Using a Systematic Approach
No full textWith the rapid pace of global urbanisation, construction demolition waste (CDW) constitutes roughly 36% of the total solid waste deposited in landfill sites worldwide, thereby posing a significant challenge to the sustainability of the construction industry. To address this issue, circular economy strategies are proposed as a solution. This paper systematically analyses 55 research articles published in leading peer-reviewed English-language scholarly journals over the past decade. It aims to identify and categorise drivers for enhanced CDW management by synthesising findings from previous research to support the principles of a circular economy. Utilising a PESTLE model for classification and analysis provides valuable insights into disparities and distinctions among categories, regions, and countries. The resulting analysis yields valuable insights into enablers and trends, with the aim of making a substantial contribution to mitigating the impact of construction activities and thus fostering the establishment of an efficient circular economy within the sector
Use of LiDAR Technology for the Study and Analysis of Construction Phases and Deformations in the Gothic Church of Biar (Spain)
No full textThis work provides new data on the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Biar, combining the investigation of documentary sources with the analysis of the geometry obtained using LiDAR technology and the study of stone materials. This monument has a Proto-Renaissance façade of great architectural value, as it was the first building in the province of Alicante, in Spain, to use Renaissance decorations at the beginning of the 16th century. Its main façade reflects the four centuries of its construction from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The building has been digitised using LiDAR technology and photogrammetry. The graphic representation of the point cloud obtained from the aforementioned techniques makes it possible to study deformations in colour gradient with respect to a reference plane. The results obtained after the analysis of these data show that the method used in this work has served to detect and corroborate the constructive evolutions of the church obtained from the documentary sources investigated. This work serves as an example for similar works, proposing the incorporation of the analysis of anomalies in the geometry of the facings as a new variable that should be considered to complement the rest of the usual studies, bringing to light deformations and irregularities that at first sight may go unnoticed
Fire-resistant performance of new sustainable waste-lightened composites with glass and basalt fibres reinforcement
No full textIn recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the incorporation of plastic wastes into gypsum or plaster compounds with the aim of achieving more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Despite the vulnerability of plastic materials to high temperatures, it is not common to analyze the behavior of these new compounds in case of a fire. In this study, different lightweight plaster compounds have been developed, partially replacing the original raw materials with plastic waste in dissolution up to 23.5% and reinforced with glass and basalt fibers. After exposing the compounds to real direct fire, mechanical characterization (flexural strength, compressive strength, surface hardness tests) and physicochemical characterization (XRD, TGA) have been carried out, including the calculation of CO and CO2 emissions associated with the combustion of the compounds, as well as imaging by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the reduction in the density (between 15%−24%) of the new compounds favored lower temperatures during exposure to flames, preventing material cracking. Likewise, the new composites experienced a loss in flexural strength between 44%− 51%, and a drop in compressive strength between 2%− 63%, being these losses in strength lower than those experienced by the reference composites. The addition of glass fibers demonstrated to confer better flexural behaviour to the compounds with added waste, while the basalt fibers were more efficient in compression. Furthermore, the estimated toxic emissions produced during the combustion of the designed compounds did not exceed the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) values established by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), remaining below 2000 ppm/h for CO and 40,000 ppm for CO2. This study contributes to a better understanding of the behavior of plaster compounds with incorporation of plastic waste in case of fire, highlighting the developed materials as a viable alternative for the production of more environmentally friendly prefabricated products
Following the Circular Economy in European rural municipalities through the Spanish Urban Agenda
No full textThe Circular Economy (CE) is a driver of change and regeneration at a global level, and especially for rural areas. However, there is a missing link regarding the CE in municipalities, i.e. at the macro level encompassing the built environment, which is even more pronounced concerning rural environments as a result of an existing scientific literature primarily focused on large cities. The present paper addresses these issues by means of parallel analysis of two key research axes targeting, on the one hand, the concept of CE tailored to the field of study of the built environment and, on the other hand, the implementation of CE in European rural areas. The former puts forth an adapted definition of CE, while the latter generates a database tool for CE strategies based on benchmark CE and sustainability databases, relying on the case study strategy adopted: the Spanish Urban Agenda. This analysis allows for a broader relevance of findings, as it can be extrapolated to other international official documents, on top of illustrating the CE decision-making process applied to municipalities and its respective strategy selection