196,130 research outputs found
La Camera dello Scirocco di Villa Naselli di Gela a Palermo
No full textL'articolo tratta il complesso della Camera (o Stanza) dello Scirocco di Villa Naselli Ambleri a Palermo, una delle poche superstiti e meglio conservate dell'agro palermitano. Tipologicamente, una Stanza dello Scirocco è una struttura sotterranea artificiale, costruita in prossimità di una sorgente d'acqua per riprodurre le piacevoli condizioni di frescura che si possono avvertire in una caverna naturale. I manoscritti e i documenti d'archivio riportano che, in questi luoghi, i nobili amavano trascorrere del tempo in compagnia di parenti ed amici per sfuggire alla calura estiva, banchettando e rinfrescandosi nell'acqua fresca. Dopo aver inquadrato la borgata della Grazia (oggi Villagrazia), dove il complesso ricade, il contributo descrive l'evoluzione storico-costruttiva della Camera, soffermandosi su materiali e tecniche costruttive impiegate nonché i criteri di raffrescamento passivo che, attivati principalmente da una torre del vento di epoca medievale, permettono alla Camera di Ambleri di attivare una costante circolazione d'aria (un unicum nel panorama del tipo) e mantenere, quindi, un micro-clima particolarmente piacevole
La chambre climatique du Laboratoire de Construction de DARCH UNIPA - La camera climatica Laboratorio di Edilizia del DARCH UNIPA
No full textIl Progetto CUBÂTI ha permesso di acquistare una camera climatica indispensabile alle attività di ricerca che il Progetto stesso si prefiggeva. Tra queste, di particolare importanza è stata l’esecuzione di prove di durabilità sui materiali sperimentali prodotti al fine di poter validare una reale applicabilità dei prodotti nell’ottica dei principi di qualità in edilizia.The CUBÂTI Project made it possible to acquire a climatic chamber that was indispensable for theresearchactivitiesthat the Project itself setout tocarryout. Among these, of particular importancewas theperformance of durability tests on the experimental materials produced in order to validate a real applicability of the products in viewof theprinciplesofquality in construction.Le projet CUBÂTI a permis l'acquisition d'une chambre climatique indispensable aux activités de recherche que le Projet visait. Parmi celles-ci, la réalisation de tests de durabilité sur lesmatériaux expérimentaux produits a été particulièrement importante afindepouvoir valider une réelle applicabilité des produits au regarddes principes de qualité dans la construction
Implementing Circular Economy Strategies for Applications in Construction: Optimizing Cellulose-Based Waste in Building Materials
No full textIntegrating wastes in construction and building materials represents a
promising possibility to implement circular economy (CE) in construction. This
approach, conceived to find a solution to the massive waste generation, is recognized
for its sustainability and efficiency as it exploits unused materials as valuable
resources for the production of novel building materials. In this context, special
attention is given to cellulose fibres, used for their lightweight nature andmechanical
strength that can be exploited to improve materials performance for applications
in construction. This paper offers an overview on cellulose-based wastes
use in construction, exploring characteristics and potential applications. As some
relevant examples, cellulose fibres can serve as lightening elements in building
blocks and reinforcement in cementitious composites. Moreover, cellulose fibres
show a high-energy performance with reduced environmental impact compared
to other insulating materials. Furthermore, that significantly contributes to the
energy efficiency in buildings. In order to decrease reliance on virgin fibres, three
types of cellulose-based wastes are discussed: olive stones (as agricultural waste),
waste-paper (as municipal waste), and paper industry by-products (as industrial
waste). The analysed residues, that integrate technological innovation and environmental
awareness, outline a prospective scenario in which the development of
novel constructionmaterials is in line with the environmental standards, following
the principles of the CE and energy efficiency strategies. This study is component
of two PhD theses focusing on the reutilisation of wastes from various sectors in
the field of building materials. More particularly, one of these is developed under
the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and is aimed at investigating
green solutions to improve the energy efficiency in buildings by valorising and
reusing secondary raw materials
Building Sustainability with Volcanic Ash: A Green Roof System Innovation
No full textThis research introduces a novel approach to urban sustainability
through the application of volcanic ash in green roof systems. Addressing the ecological
challenges of urban heat islands and biodiversity loss, the study explores
the potential of volcanic ash as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional
green roof materials. Its unique properties, including superior water
retention, effective drainage capabilities, and beneficial minerals, are thoroughly
investigated.
The methodology involves the systematic collection and processing of volcanic
ash samples, followed by a series of comprehensive analyses. These include
particle size distribution, compaction characteristics, and hydraulic properties. The
study provides a comparative evaluation of volcanic ash in green roof applications,
highlighting its advantages such as lower energy requirements for processing,
reduced structural load, and potential for decreased long-term maintenance costs.
Furthermore, the environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and alignment of volcanic
ash use with global sustainability goals are critically assessed. Moreover,
building energy simulation is implemented to simulate the energy performance of
a building equipped with a volcanic ash-based green roof system in comparison
to commercial substrates and estimate the possible real efficacy of the proposed
solution.
The research concludes that volcanic ash significantly enhances the sustainability
and resilience of urban environments, offering a scalable and environmentally
friendly solution for green infrastructure development. It paves the way for
further exploration and application in urban settings, promoting ecological balance
and advancing sustainable urban planning
Wood Industry Wastes Valorisation and Reuse for a Greener Architecture
No full textThis study is part of a PhD research supported by PNRR aimed to
provide concrete actions to implement greener constructive practices in response
to the EU Green Deal and the demand of sustainability in construction. In particular,
this paper analyses how wastes from the wood industry can be reused
for applications in construction, in light of the circular economy (CE) and the
industrial symbiosis. The analysed wastes derive from various processes and their
heterogeneous nature often makes their incorporation into novel products complex.
Additionally, they may contain contaminants, such as glues or chemicals,
that may limit the reuse options or require special handling procedures. However,
by addressing these issues through appropriate manufacturing processes and sustainable
practices, wood waste reuse can offer significant environmental benefits,
such as reducing wastes quantity and saving natural resources, or technological
benefits by bringing innovation and sustainability to the sector. Once wood assortments’
manufacture was briefly outlined, the various types of waste resultant from
each processing phase are analysed to explore possible recycling opportunities and
identify challenges and prospects for more efficient, rational, and sustainable management.
The study proposed here, focuses on the analysis of materials, products
and systems that reusewastes from thewood industry and the possible applications
in construction. Among these, for example, thermoacoustic panels, polymer-based
biocomposites,wood-cement panels and blocks are discussed. Furthermore, attention
is given to microlaminated wood technology, currently considered a technological
implementation to traditional laminated wood. Finally, the crucial role of
wood waste recycling as a CE approach is underlined, emphasizing the fundamental
contribution to environmental sustainability, the mitigation of climate change,
and the creation of new markets and jobs in the construction context
RECYCLING SPENT COFFEE WASTE FOR INNOVATIVE THERMO-PLASTERS: DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOTYPE
No full textThis paper presents an experimental study aimed at testing the real energy performance of a thermo-plaster prototype made of an ordinary mortar boosted by various percentages of spent coffee ground. That is one of the wastes of the brewing process that are usually disposed of in landfill with great concerns for the possible environmental footprint due to its organic nature and possible harmful components. In this paper, the mortar was manufactured froman ordinary Portland cement and sand, partially substituted by the waste. Specimens characterization is briefly outlined and a careful examination of the thermal properties is carried out. A plastering prototype was manufactured and placed in a simple building model subject to thermal load to test the actual heat flow across the produced finishing layer. Tests demonstrate that the developed product well acts as insulating material with important repercussions on the construction sector in terms of technological innovation and sustainable progress for a more efficient and green architecture in light of the circular economy
Building the space: vaults’ geometry and stereotomy. Materials and architectural technologies in the Mediterranean area
No full textCostruire una volta ha sempre nei secoli rappresentato un’arte pratica che si nutriva del contributo di chi operava in cantiere: indispensabile risultava la tecnica, il sapiente taglio della pietra e l’opportuna collocazione della stessa nel gioco statico dell’organismo murario.
Un sapere tecnico, questo, che combinava l’estetica con la organizzazione strutturale della fabbrica costruenda; l’esperienza pratica aveva dettato a muratori e scalpellini i precetti in merito ai differenti compiti organizzativi e alle relative gerarchie degli esecutori dell’opera edilizia, all’attrezzature e alle macchine da cantiere, agli utensili e alle lavorazioni da usare, incentivando una spiccata attitudine al disegno (di architettura in genere, di figura e di ornato in dettaglio), unico ed efficace strumento di comunicazione.
In area mediterranea per l’edilizia che definiremmo “diffusa” o “di base” si operavano scelte di comodo, dettate dal senso pratico di economia e sfruttamento delle risorse locali disponibili, mentre per l’edilizia di pregio – monumentale o specialisitica- l’estro creativo e la dimestichezza con le strutture che avevano i tecnici sceglievano geometrie e modalità costruttive anche sperimentali e originali; in entrambi i casi, questa dicotomia rappresenta una ricchezza e un valore aggiunto, nei secoli mai venuti meno.In the history of construction, the erection of a vault has always been an architectural/engineering challenge. Such a structures, indeed, were able to cover large spaces with complex geometries and a high effort in design and construction. Often, beyond the successful examples, many failures occurred along with disastrous collapsing and changes of mind. In any case, the whole available apparatus of structural and technological knowledge was exploited, leaving a large space to imagination and experimentation. On the other side, consolidated structural and architectural schemes were often taken from the rule of the art or from manuals. Technological innovation were always merged with the science of construction, with design and drawing – of the whole structure as well as of meticulous illustrations – and with a wise usage of traditional local materials.
Stereotomy is the true heart of the vaulted construction. A precise science able to shape the constitutive material, the stone, with an absolute precision, useful not only to the statics of the system but also to the aesthetic output of the pushing structure. In this work many examples and constructive experiences are reported and compared. Furthermore, originalities and typologies are highlighted to show how the technical knowledge was highly transversal and shared, thanks to a large diffusion of ideas and artisans through the various countries
Interventi di lotta contro le termiti nella cinquecentesca villa Naselli di Gela Ambleri a Palermo
No full textThe presence of termites is one of the most frequent and troublesome causes of deterioration to the wooden parts of historical and artistic building. The presence of termites cannot easily be detected as they build hidden tunnel to facilitate undisturbed movement from their nest to the wooden structure that they infest, making treatment harder. In this work we are going to discuss the presence of two species of termites in a XVI C. villa in the suburbs of the city of Palermo, Villa Naselli di Gela Ambleri, where termites have infested some wooden window frames, built at the beginning of the last century. Particularly, we are going to look at the damage caused and the way the problem was resolved. The choice of the intervention techniques will be examined along with the financial implications to the private owner of this historical complex. The intervention used tried to mediate between the technical requirements of termite prevention / control and the financial commitment faced
Valorisation and Reuse of Cereal Wastes for Construction Applications in a Circular Economy Perspective: A Review of the State of the Art
No full textNowadays it is well-known, also by the general public, that the uncontrolled
use of non-renewable natural resources, the energy demand increase, and
the pollutants emission into the atmosphere have a devastating impact on the environment,
on human health, and the society in general. In this scenario, construction
is a high concerning sector; hence, there is an urgent need to employ materials
with low environmental impact for all those activities connected to the sector,
such as construction or redevelopment of buildings, structures and infrastructures
according to the required high-performance standards. Moreover, another problem
is the generation of enormous quantities of wastes and by-products whose
disposal often poses many difficulties, not considering that the usual landfilling
causes an additional environmental burden. This study is a part of a doctoral
research supported by a PNRR project aimed at the R&D of materials, products
and systems for buildings energy improvement, through the valorisation and reuse
of secondary raw materials. In particular, this work presents the state of the studies
on wastes deriving from the cereal sector, analyzing how they can be reused
for the production of more sustainable building materials intended for energy
performance improvement as demanded by the current European and national
regulations. Cereal wastes reuse, like most of those resulting from the agricultural
sector, represents a valid opportunity for a greener construction, also promoting a
sustainable approach from the circular economy perspective and in line with the
Minimum Environmental Criteria. Therefore, valorisation and reuse of recycled
materials in construction would not only reduce their environmental impact, but
would also contribute to increase sustainability in construction, a sector that still
presents many critical issues connected not only to the actual construction practices,
but also to all those activities of production and management that characterize
buildings
Architectural Engineering for Rehabilitation of Historical Architecture. A Tool for Safeguard and Revitalization of Palermo's Historical Center
No full textThe contemporary rehabilitation of historical buildings, characterized
by a high monumental value, with particular reference to those in the historical
center of an urban area, represents a significant instrument for urban renewal, revitalization,
and economic development of an entire city. Within the framework of
such interventions, this paper examines an ongoing building restoration project in
the historical center of Palermo, aimed at highlighting the pivotal role of knowledge
in the design of these interventions. More particularly, the considered restoration
site is fully described in its technical and operational aspects, strictly linked to the
discipline of the technical architect, to show the higher scientific value that knowledge
acquires while transposing research into a concrete engineering/architectural
action that could be reproduced in similar cases.
The objective of the described site is preserving and enhancing the building
while adhering to the materials and construction techniques characteristic of the
local architecture. The comprehensive examination of this structure, grounded in
the principles of applied research on rehabilitation interventions, in compliance
with historical architectural norms and technical regulations, is not merely focused
on the original intervention but is contextualized within a broader vision of rehabilitation.
This vision, albeit perhaps progressing at a slow pace, is crucial for the
growth of the entire city, fostering continuous engagement and repopulation by
the residents of Palermo and beyond.
The historical center, once neglected for many years, now represents an
urban space housing an artistic and cultural heritage of significant international
importance, with substantial growth potential for the entire metropolitan area
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