Novel biomass fly ash-based geopolymeric mortars using lime slaker grits as aggregate for applications in construction: Influence of granulometry and binder/aggregate ratio

Abstract This work discusses the influence of the aggregate granulometry and the binder/aggregate ratio on the engineering properties of novel green geopolymeric mortars. Two wastes generated by a Portuguese Kraft pulp industry are employed to manufacture the material: lime slaker grits (used as aggregate) and biomass fly ash (to partially replace the metakaolin − 70 wt% substitution). The novel geopolymeric mortars could find innovative applications as sustainable construction materials. The studied mix design foresees the use of several grits granulometric ranges and ratios binder/aggregate to discuss workability, water sorptivity, and mechanical performance of the novel mortars. To date,…

Constructive characters of the Western Sicilian masonry in the XVIII and XIX centuries

La tradizione costruttiva di apparecchi murari nella Sicilia occidentale - soprattutto a causa dei frequenti terremoti che si verificarono a Palermo tra i secoli XVIII-XIX (il più distruttivo avvenuto nel 1726, seguito da quelli del 1751, e 1823) - impose la realizzazione di nuovi tipi di muratura che, nel rispetto dei precetti della regola dell'arte, suggeriscono metodi più severi di quella che si può definire la "buona" costruzione muraria, sia nella scelta dei materiali che nell'adozione di nuove tecniche costruttive. La cultura tecnica di quel tempo era in grado di definire metodi costruttivi, introducendo appropriati miglioramenti e sperimentazioni, che promossero nuove conoscenze, tec…

Unexplored alternative use of calcareous sludge from the paper-pulp industry in green geopolymer construction materials

Abstract Calcareous sludge is an alkaline waste produced by the paper pulp industry that is commonly disposed of in land-fill. However, recent studies and the European regulations discourage such practice. This work investigates an alternative and innovative way to recycle and reuse this waste, as filler, in the production of green geopolymeric mortars intended for applications in construction. This is the first time that this calcareous sludge is used to produce novel waste-based materials, in both construction and geopolymer technology. The novel alkali-activated mortar also uses biomass fly ash – another slightly investigated waste stream – to substitute the metakaolin (70 wt% substituti…

Architectural technologies for life environment: spent coffee ground reuse, a novel way to intend architectural and engineering products?

Green architecture is the novel trend in construction that considers innovative materials and solutions to architectural design and engineering build. Then the use of advanced organic materials and renewable energy resources are the new path followed by “bio-designers”. In this context, particularly important are the novel economic and social criteria, often related to ethical issues, whose aim is generating a low environmental impact. In fact, bio-architectural construction contemplates the reuse of industrial bio-wastes to manufacture novel green materials with enhanced performances. The main approach behind a green building is that the whole construction life cycle must be eco-sustainabl…

Innovative Recycling of Lime Slaker Grits from Paper-Pulp Industry Reused as Aggregate in Ambient Cured Biomass Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers for Sustainable Construction Material

Lime slaker grits and biomass fly ash are solid wastes produced by the Kraft paper-pulp industry that are commonly disposed of in landfill. However, recent studies and European regulations discourage such disposal practices. This work investigates an alternative and innovative way to recycle and reuse these wastes in the production of green geopolymeric mortars intended for application in the construction industry. Here, biomass fly ash was used as the main source of alumino-silicate in the binder precursor (70 wt.% substitution to metakaolin), and grits (ranging from 1&ndash

Smart technological tools for rising damp on monumental buildings for cultural heritage conservation. A proposal for smart villages implementation in the Madonie montains (Sicily)

The Madonie district, in the inner Sicily, is composed of 21 villages, custodians of heritage, traditions, and values that constitute the identity of this area, now exclusively entrusted to the collective memory of an increasingly elderly and inactive population. In the study area, full of tangible and intangible heritage, technological tools, can revitalize and reuse examples of architecture, especially monumental, whose main problem is a deep rising damp affecting the masonry. That is particularly critical for the historic/traditional architectures. This research implements, in one of the villages of the enclave, a new technology system, namely Information and Commu- nication Technology (…

Anti-tubercolosis dispensary and sanatorium: shape, function and technology

Nel panorama delle architetture nosocomiali introdotte dalla specificità dei metodi di cura otto-novecenteschi, il dispensario antitubercolare ed il sanatorio hanno un alto valore di rappresentatività ed il loro studio risulta di estremo interesse per quanti si approcciano al vasto tema dell’edilizia sanitaria e dei materiali e tecniche costruttive ad essa associati. Il proliferarsi, infatti, della tisi costrinse l’Italia a dotarsi di una specifica tipologia edilizia per debellare una malattia davvero temuta, che confluirono in scelte e connotazioni distributivo-funzionali, formali e tecnologiche specialistiche, proprio perché specifica era la patologia da trattare. Il sanatorio, infatti, d…

Vanadium dioxide and gold nanocomposite films for glazing application

Vanadium dioxide is a material with great potential as an intelligent glazing material. The technology is based on a metal to semiconductor transition (MST) where there is an associated structural change from the higher temperature rutile structure to the lower temperature monoclinic structure. This structural transition results in significant changes in optical properties and electrical conductivity. Hybrid aerosol assisted and atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition methodology has been utilised, to produce thin films of gold nano-particle vanadium dioxide nanocomposites. Good surface coverage is observed comparable to that of APCVD processes and a variety of different film thickn…

A sustainable replacement for TiO2 in photocatalyst construction materials: Hydroxyapatite-based photocatalytic additives, made from the valorisation of food wastes of marine origin

The use of waste materials and by-products in building materials is of increasing importance to improve sustainability in construction, as is the incorporation of photocatalytic materials to both combat atmospheric pollution and protect the structures and façades. This work reports the innovative use of photocatalytic hydroxyapatite (HAp) based powders, derived from Atlantic codfish bone wastes, as an additive to natural hydraulic lime mortars. HAp is the main component of bone, and hence is non-toxic and biocompatible. This is the first time that such a calcium phosphate-based photocatalyst, or indeed any fish/marine derived wastes, have been added to building materials. A key factor is th…

Nanotechnologies for architecture

In architecture and building practise, the development of new materials such as the nanostructured materials, and especially the nanocomposite, will lead to a revolution in the way we think about buildings and living. New materials, new methods, new structures will allow us construct higher and bigger enhanced buildings, structures and infrastructures with new functionalities and new perspectives. In this research we will analyze how these new technologies will change, or are still changing, the construction world.

Analytical studies of the Sirocco room of Villa Naselli-Ambleri: A XVI century passive cooling structure in Palermo (Sicily)

Abstract This work focuses on a passive cooling architecture particularly popular from the Renaissance in Palermo area, as building sumptuous suburban villas became a real hobby for the Sicilian aristocracy. A Sirocco room is an artificial subterranean construction, built close to a water spring in order to reproduce the pleasant conditions of freshness that could be experienced in a natural cavern. In these places, nobles used to spend their time with friends to escape from the hot summer. The room of Villa Naselli-Ambleri is nowadays the best preserved in Palermo thanks to its owners’ conservation care and it is unique for its cooling operating principle. The above-mentioned consideration…

Templated growth of smart nanocomposite thin films: Hybrid aerosol assisted and atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition of vanadyl acetylacetonate, auric acid and tetraoctyl ammonium bromide

Hybrid aerosol assisted and atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition methodology has been utilised to produce nanocomposite thin films of gold nanoparticles and vanadium dioxide from vanadyl acetylacetonate and auric acid. The addition of tetraoctyl ammonium bromide (TOAB) to the precursor Solution gave control of the size and distribution of gold nanoparticles in the vanadium oxide matrix. These reactions led to vanadium dioxide films with reduced crystallite sizes and enhanced thermochromic properties. The films were analysed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their optical and thermochromic behaviour was also determined, This h…

Riuso e riciclo nell’industria delle costruzioni: nano-malte fotocatalitiche innovative da scarti industriali valorizzati

Questo lavoro discute della produzione di nanomalte innovative eco-composite per intonaco, progettate per combattere l’inquinamento impattante sull’involucro edilizio. I campioni sono costituiti da calce idraulica naturale funzionalizzata da vari tipi di fotocatalizzatori, prodotti a partire da scarti di industrie siderurgiche ed alimentari. Sono state condotte indagini chimico-fisiche ed, in particolare, è stata valutata l’attività fotocatalitica. Le analisi hanno dimostrato che i predetti scarti possono essere utilmente riciclati per produrre una nuova generazione di materiali da costruzione innovativi, sostenibili, economici e multifunzionali.

Valorisation of industrial iron oxide waste to produce magnetic barium hexaferrite

Barium M-type hexagonal ferrite (BaM, BaFe12O19) is an immensely important magnetic material, which we have successfully made from the simple valorisation of Fe-rich industrial waste from steel wire drawing, with addition of BaCO3 and heating in air to 1000 degrees C. The optimum ratio of Fe. Ba (producing 86 wt% BaM) was found to be 11: 1 (non-stoichiometric), and secondary phases of alpha-Fe2O3 (non-magnetic) and ZnFe2O4 (poorly antiferromagnetic) were always present. This material consisted of small submicron platelets. A hard magnetic ferrite was produced with Ms=48.6 A m(2) kg(-1) and H-c=211.5 kA m(-1). The highest density was achieved by sintering samples with Fe: Ba ratios of 11: 1 …

Timber framed with masonry infill: a historical anti-seismic device. The Portuguese Pombaline gaiola.

La ricostruzione postsismica e la prevenzione sismica sono stati da sempre un fondamento costruttivo.Questo studio analizza la tipologia costruttiva della gaiola pombalina, un sitema costruttivo e strutturale molto diffuso in Portogallo ma non solo, adottato a Lisbona a seguito del terremoto del 1755. Si analizzano i materiali e le tecniche costruttive, gli elementi utili al rinforzo e consolidamento della struttura muraria, ampiamente diffuso in area mediterranea a partire dal XVIII secolo.Questo sistema costruttivo può e deve anche oggi essere considerato un utile presidio antisismico da riconoscere e preservare da interventi incolti, se non addirittura da incongrue demolizioni. Post-seis…

Pyrolysed cork-geopolymer composites: A novel and sustainable EMI shielding building material

Abstract In this investigation, and for the first time, pyrolysed sustainable cork was used to produce waste-based geopolymer-cork composites with enhanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties. The influence of the pyrolysed cork amount and the geopolymer porosity on the EMI shielding ability of the composites was studied. The maximum total shielding effectiveness (SET) values achieved by these novel building materials (−13.8 to −15.9 dB) are equal to any other reported geopolymer microwave (MW) absorbers over the X-band, despite containing much lower carbon content. In addition, our composites were produced using an industrial waste (biomass fly ash) as raw material and …

THE SICILIAN DEFENSIVE SYSTEM: THE COASTAL TOWERS. THEORY AND TECHNIC MEET IN UNIQUE LANDMARKS

Sicily has historically experienced a massive colonial occupation due to its strategic position among the Mediterranean Sea. Still today, its tactical importance is under everybody’s eyes with at least 15 NATO’s headquarters. Thus, it’s easily understandable how defending such a large territory was particularly important which, in turn, meant guarding and protecting more than 1600 km of coasts, leading to a possible supremacy on the trading routes through the Mediterranean area. This work will analyse the Sicilian coastal towers, a real typology that exploited traditional construction technologies and local materials integrated by instances of military engineering, in a continuous relations…

Bivalve mollusks shells valorisation and recycling: market potentiality and novel building products

Construction is a fundamental driver of the world economy, recognized as a sector that generates a great contribution to the social and economic development. At the same time, it shows an enormous environmental impact through an unstoppable consumption of non-renewable resources, a high energy consumption, and an associated atmospheric emission of pollutant. Consequently, the research and development of novel and green production processes and sustainable building materials is of paramount importance. The sustainability of materials and production processes could be improved by enhancing and reusing wastes from various industrial sectors. In this paper, the fishery sector will be analysed, …

Architectural technologies for life environment: improving sustainability by reusing wastes in novel geopolymeric mortars

Recently, implementing construction to a more sustainable industry has become a focal point in the international debate due to the huge volume of non-renewvable raw materials and energy consumed every year, along with the significant emissions of green-house gases and global warming, often associated to the supplementing industries. Besides, valorisation and reuse of industrial wastes and by-products is a viable alternative to the traditional industrial system, becoming a compelling topic to improve processes and materials sustainability. This paper fo- cuses on the development of a novel class of green geopolymers, worldwide considered a solid and sustainable alternative to Portland cement…

Vanadium dioxide and gold nanocomposite films for glazing applications

Vanadium dioxide is a material with great potential as an intelligent glazing material. The technology is based on a metal to semiconductor transition (MST) where there is an associated structural change from the higher temperature rutile structure to the lower temperature monoclinic structure. This structural transition results in significant changes in optical properties and electrical conductivity. Hybrid aerosol assisted and atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition methodology has been utilised, to produce thin films of gold nano-particle vanadium dioxide nanocomposites. Good surface coverage is observed comparable to that of APCVD processes and a variety of different film thickn…

Hybrid Chemical Vapour Deposition: Gold and Vanadium Dioxide Nano-composites for Smart Windows

Dried-fruit shell reuse in green construction and building materials

Bio-architecture is a new way of designing and building in line with the European Green Deal and in light of the circular economy principles. This new green approach is guiding the entire construction life cycle toward eco-sustainability and environmental friendliness, from the beginning to the end of the building process. In addition to the use of environmentally-friendly and high-performance building and construction materials, it is necessary to use new technologies that can reduce the environmental footprint. This paper aims to examine the possible reuse of biological wastes of agricultural origin of the Mediterranean basin, whose massive production generates a number of problems for th…

Nanocomposite, an innovative route to large structure and infrastructure protection. A case of study: CNT-doped polyurea

<p>In this work we focus on experimental studies of polymer-nanocomposites intended for passive protection of civil structures. The material consists of a polyurea-matrix enhanced by different quantities of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Several tensile and cyclic tests are performed to evaluate and characterize the mechanical behaviour of this new material. Furthermore, we subject the material to accelerated thermal aging and study its performance deterioration which is fairly unknown. The results on the unaged specimens are intuitive and indicate that an arbitrary amount of CNTs may result in suboptimal performance. More specifically, 1% in weight of CNTs yields the best mechanical p…

Coffee biowaste valorization within circular economy: an evaluation method of spent coffee grounds potentials for mortar production

Abstract Purpose Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are biowastes extensively generated within the coffee supply chain. Nowadays, their disposal represents an increasing environmental concern due to its toxicity and organic nature. With the estimated increase of coffee production and consumption in the upcoming years, there is an imperative need to find a proper reverse option, along with a novel industrial application, which allows for the valorization of this coffee by-product within a circular economy perspective. This study aims at investigating a potential reuse of spent coffee grounds to produce novel construction materials to be used for sustainable buildings. Methods After having illustrate…

Compatible rehabilitation of the Sicilian rural architecture: the case study of "Calcibaida" in Caltavuturo

The Sicilian common typological form of rural estate is the masseria, typical of the latifundium. More particularly, it is a large fortified farm built to control and manage a vast land-property, the old fiefdoms. This paper will analyse the masseria Calcibaida as an eminent example of the mentioned Sicilian rural world. Calcibaida is located in the territory of Caltavuturo, in the centre of Sicily, within the mountain landscape of the Madonie mountains. The complex consists of a compact aggregate of buildings with an internal courtyard and a close large warehouse, further embellished by a fine drinking trough. The typological characteristics, materials and construction technologies of the …

Photocatalytic nano-composite architectural lime mortar for degradation of urban pollutants under solar and visible (interior) light

Abstract Recent advances in nano-technology and nano-additives can give enhanced properties to natural hydraulic lime (NHL), creating a multifunctional material. We have prepared a novel nanocomposite, made of a commercial mortar with 1 wt% and 5 wt% added titania nanoparticles (NPs). These TiO 2 NPs are themselves doped with 1 mol% silver, to give the material enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. The Ag-doped TiO 2 NPs were made from a simple, costs effective, aqueous green nanosynthesis process, and the end material only contains 0.01–0.05% Ag. As this mortar is intended to both combat atmospheric pollution, and create more durable/lower maintenance building facades (plas…

Selection of novel geopolymeric mortars for sustainable construction applications using fuzzy topsis approach

Construction is recognized as one of the most polluting and energy consuming industries worldwide, especially in developing countries. Therefore, Research and Development (R&amp

NANOARCHITECTURE: A NEW CREATIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION

Object of this work is the construction industry that, until the industrial revolution, has always been a major human activity and nowadays still represents a massive sector of production. Nevertheless, it often deals with coarse components and systems as, in the last century, investments in research remained lower than in other industrial sectors as army, medicine, etc.. Only recently, with the development of technology and the advances in materials science and engineering, a new generation of products, that are both of higher performance and more economically viable, is to be realizing as a competitive route to achieve a real sustainable growth and innovation. Nowadays, the market show hu…

Functional Thin Films for Glazing Application

Vanadium dioxide is a thermochromic material with great potential for use in intelligent glazing. The thermochromic properties result from a metal to semiconductor transition (MST) where there is an associated structural change from the higher temperature rutile structure to the lower temperature monoclinic structure. This structural transition results in significant changes in optical properties and electrical conductivity. Various chemical vapour deposition (CVD) methodologies have been utilised, to produce thin films of vanadium dioxide. Different strategies are presented for the inclusion of metal dopants and the production of nano-composites. The use of a surfactant molecule, tetraocty…

Architetture artificiali “per via di levare”. Una cava di calcarenite.

Nel 1756, Pietro Bellaroto acquistò una chiusa di "terre scapole" nella Fossa della Garofala; questa gli fu poi alienata nel 1759 a favore di Giovanni Gerardi. Per tutto il XVII secolo il Bellaroto aveva iniziato a coltivare una cava di pietra (pirrera, dal termine spagnolo pedrera), la cui produzione lapidea venne utilizzata per la costruzione di molti edifici palermitani, intra ed extra moenia; la cava veniva chiamata pirrera di Bellaroto e la pietra prodotta era definita "forte", di buona qualità.

Mix design and mechanical performance of geopolymer binder for sustainable construction and building materials

Sustainability in construction is a major concern worldwide, due to the huge volume of materials and energy consumed by this sector. Associated supplementing industries (e.g. Portland cement production) constitute a significant source of CO2 emissions and global warming. Valorisation and reuse of industrial wastes and by-products make geopolymers a solid and sustainable via to be followed as a valid alternative to Portland cement. In this work the mix design of a green fly ash-based geopolymer is evaluated as an environmentally friendly construction material. In the pursuit of sustainability, wastes from a regional kraft pulp industry are exploited for the material processing. Furthermore, …

Recycling mussel shells as secondary sources in green construction materials: a preliminary assessment

This paper reports the development of novel green bio-composite mortars obtained by reusing mussel shells, a waste from the fish canning industry, as recycled aggregate, used for the first time in total substitution to the traditional sand. It suggests that this is a valid alternative to their usual disposal in landfills because the organic matter is potentially dangerous to humans and the environment. Different waste-based cementitious mixes were tested and compared to a traditional OPC mortar. The manufacturing process was performed at ambient conditions (20 °C, 65% RH) with highly sustainable results and consisted of simple operative steps reproducible in a real building site. The engine…

Architectural technologies for life environment: passive cooling strategies in the architectures of the Mediterranean area.

The Mediterranean area is a highly interesting place where various States, characterised by different people, histories, and cultures face. Reigns, religions, powers, state structures, people, nationalities, etc., everything seems to be extremely different and far. On the contrary, there are some cultural points that are much closer than they officially appear. Indeed, historically, the commercial trades between the various countries have always been highly intense and the Christian and Muslim reigns, even if in a continuous state of conflict, were reciprocally linked by deep (financial) interests. Therefore, that translated in a wide trade of goods that moved on the Mediterranean Sea acros…

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION

Architectural technologies for life environment: biomaterials for an eco-efficient and sustainable architecture.

Bio-based architecture (usually known as green architecture) is a new way of thinking, designing, and building according to innovative ethical, economic and social criteria, aimed at creating a partnership between innovation and low environmental impact. In fact, bio-architectural constructions contemplate the use of advanced materials, often of organic nature, and renewable energy resources. In this sense, it could be interpreted as a new architectural movement that tends to employ new materials essentially derived from natural elements: stone, such as lime, agricultural wastes, such as potato peel, straw, hemp, farming wastes, such as wool, etc.. Wide use is also given to the reuse of ind…

From lab to industry: Scaling up green geopolymeric mortars manufacturing towards circular economy

Abstract Construction is nowadays considered an extremely energy intensive industry and one of the main sources of environmental pollution in the world. Therefore, the research and the development of novel energy-saving manufacturing processes and sustainable construction materials is more than ever urgent and challenging. This paper aims at identifying the industrial process for the production of novel geopolymers to be used as a greener substitute for cement, especially the Portland one, widely used for structural applications to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Here, the materials sustainability and the manufacturing process are improved by valo…

The dammuso: constructive characters of the traditional stone buildings of the isle of Pantelleria (Sicily)

Pantelleria, a volcanic island between Tunisia and Sicily, is characterized by a highly windy territory constantly hit by the sun. This harsh environment forced the inhabitants to build in an extremely effective way against the natural elements. This paper investigates constructive technologies, local materials, and phases of construction of the traditional rural houses, the dammuso, a Sicilian word meaning “vaulted-building”. It is a traditional passive cooling building characterized by a cubical shape covered by a vaulted-roof. This typology can be found almost everywhere in the isle, both old and pretty new, as the only one permitted. The minimum configuration unit is a cube made of bear…

Fabbricare nel recinto di pietra. Tipologie edilizie e sistemi costruttivi della città storica.

Lo studio che si vuole esporre in questo saggio – iniziato nel 2018 – è frutto del lavoro di un gruppo di ricerca formato dai proff. Tiziana Campisi (coordinamento e direzione della unità di ricerca), Simona Colajanni e Manfredi Saeli (componenti dell’unità di ricerca) e da quattro giovani allieve ingegneri, ora professioniste (Alessandra Botindari, Matilde Ciccia, Rossana Ciardiello e Irene Machì) del Corso di Laurea magistrale quinquennale a ciclo unico in Ingegneria edile-architettura (LM4) dell’Università di Palermo, che hanno condotto ricerche relative all’analisi tipologico-costruttiva e dei caratteri di vulnerabilità dell’edificato storico nell’ambito del Laboratorio di laurea dal ti…

Nanotecnologie per le costruzioni: nuovi materiali ed edifici dalle alte prestazioni

In architecture and building practise, the development of new materials such as the nanostructured materials, and especially the nanocomposite materials, will lead to a huge revolution in the way architects and engineers think about planning and building as well as living inside new high-performance structures. New materials, new construction procedures and technologies, new structures will allow us construct higher and bigger enhanced buildings, structures and infrastructures with new and enhanced functionalities and perspectives. In this study we will analyze how these new technologies will change, or are still changing, the construction world.

Aristocratic palaces in the XVIII century in Palermo : The construction site of Merendino-Costantino palace

Palermitan XVIII-century palaces constitute a proper housing typology aimed to reach the highest standards of artistic quality and representativeness. Supported by unlimited financial resources,aristocrats commissioned to famous architects the design and the direction of their construction-sites; nevertheless, technologies were essential and often influenced by an instance of economy with the most effective exploitation of local resources. This work focuses on the constructive specificities of the Palermitan palaces, with reference to the construction history of the Merendino-Costantino Palace, one of the most representative of the historical centre. Its history defines a repertory of const…

Nano-composite thermochromic thin films and their application in Energy-efficient glazing

A hybrid atmospheric pressure and aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition strategy is presented as a facile route for the production of vanadium dioxide nano-composite thin films. The effect of the inclusion of gold nanoparticles and the use of a surfactant molecule, tetraoctylammonium bromide, is discussed. The films were fully characterised using a wide variety of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy. It is shown that micro-structural changes brought about by careful control of film growth conditions, and/or the use of surfactant, lead to an enhancement of thermochromic properties. Gold nano…

Public wash-houses in Portugal: spaces of aggregation and sanitary aid. The case of study of the city of Aveiro

This paper investigates the typology of the Portuguese public wash-houses that represents a very important sanitary aid and a space of social aggregation. More particularly, the most common features of such a typology will be outlined: architectural configuration, materials and technology, constructive characteristics, hydraulic equipment, historical evolution. These simple but highly functional little buildings are spread across the whole country and had been extremely important for the population since the middle age. In the last two centuries, new wash-houses were built, also following the scientific advances and the novel health requirements that spread in Europe between the XIX and XX …

Development of energy-saving innovative hydraulic mortars reusing spent coffee ground for applications in construction

This paper reports the development of green bio-composite mortars, obtained reusing spent coffee ground (SCG), an agri-food residue, in the light of the Circular Economy approach. This process can boost the sustainability in Construction and proposes an alternative to SCG disposal in landfill, potentially dangerous to humans and the environment. For the first time, specimens were produced and compared using different blends of conventional hydraulic binders (ordinary Portland cement and natural hydraulic lime); SCG partially substituted sand (up to 15 wt.%, with a 2.5% increment) for the aggregate mix. The manufacturing process was performed at ambient conditions (20°C, 65% RH) resulting hi…

NUOVI VETRI TERMOCROMICI: ANALISI DEI CONSUMI ELETTRICI NEL MODELLO DI UN EDIFICIO (NEW THERMOCHROMIC GLAZING: ENERGY CONSUMPTION ANALYSIS IN A BUILDING MODEL)

In this work we tested the energy performance of the new thermochromic glazing developed at the University College London (UCL) under the supervision of Prof. Ivan P. Parkin. The aim of this study is understanding how efficient these coating could be if applied in several climate conditions at different latitudes in the northern hemisphere and in different kind of buildings in comparison to some products by Pilkington Glass UK.

Green geopolymeric concrete using grits for applications in construction

Abstract This work investigates the production a green geopolymer-based concrete for a sustainable construction material using biomass wastes from a kraft pulp industry: fly ash (as main alumina-silicate source) and grits (as aggregate). Moreover, a simple, reproducible, ambient temperature, and low-cost manufacture is followed. Mix design aims to maximize wastes incorporation and optimize the mechanical performance. Preliminary tests indicate that the used wastes may be successfully employed to produce green geopolymeric concretes with satisfying mechanical performance (up to 18 MPa), according to the European standards. Furthermore, they represent a viable solution to reduce the environme…

Thermochromic Thin Films: Synthesis, Properties and Energy Consumption Modelling

Thermochromic materials such as vanadium dioxide have been postulated for use in “SMART” windows for a number of years. Such windows work by exploiting a structural phase change from an infra-red transmissive state to a infra-red reflective state. Significant challenges still remain before such materials will be able to find wide spread use. In this mini review we discuss the nature of this thermochromic transition with reference to the latest research work in the field. We pay particular attention to challenges such as film colouration, transition temperature, and transition hysteresis. We describe the most up to date strategies for addressing these challenges, considering advanced synthes…

Hybrid aerosol assisted atmospheric pressure Chemical Vapour Deposition: a facile route toward nano-composite thin films?

A hybrid chemical vapour deposition strategy is presented as a facile route for the production of vanadium dioxide nano-composite thin films. The effect of the inclusion of gold nano-particles and the use of a surfactant molecule; tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB), is discussed. The films are fully characterised and it is shown that micro-structural changes lead to an enhancement of thermochromic properties, whilst gold nano-particles lead to a change in the films optical properties. Optical data is used in energy modelling studies to elucidate the films potential as an energy saving coating in architectural glazing.

Novel green bio-composite geopolymeric thermo-plasters for innovative building applications: upcycling spent coffee ground

This study proposes the reuse of spent coffee ground and biomass fly ash in the development of green geopolymeric thermo-plastering for innovative building applications. The former waste is the major residue of the brewing process, that is usually used as fertilisers or disposed of in landfill with extreme harmfulness for the natural environment. The latter is an industrial waste generated during the Kraft paper-pulp process, that is usually landfilled. The mortar is produced with a combination of metakaolin (30 wt.%) and biomass fly ash (70 wt.%), and natural siliceous sand filled with spent coffee ground (up to 17.5 wt.%). The high amount of reused waste makes the material an optimum cand…

Architectural technologies for life environment: Spent coffee ground reuse in lime-based mortars. A preliminary assessment for innovative green thermo-plasters

Spent coffee ground, the residue obtained from the brewing process, is the primary unavoidable (inedible) waste from the coffee consumption. As coffee production and beverage consumption are increasing worldwide, a more sustainable waste management is required since the usual disposal in landfill is a liability to both humans and the environment. This paper is aimed at showing a possible alternative reuse of coffee ground wastes in novel green building materials intended for thermo-plastering applications in construction, in a circular economy context. Coffee waste was used in various percentages (up to 17.5%) to assess the engineering performance of the produced bio-composite mortars. The …

Mixed Stone-timber Masonry in Traditional Construction: Structural, Architectural and Anti-seismic Features across Europe

This paper investigates the stone masonry with timber reinforcement through the European traditional and historical architecture. It is a remarkable practice consisting of combining different materials to build up a masonry. This technology shows a wide variety of typological, formal, and technological types of buildings across Europe as it is strongly influenced by the nature and availability of local materials, the cultural aspects of the various communities, and the soils geological nature. As a consequence, the same constructive typology is based on different premises and leads to many interesting results. In this paper the various uses of such a mixed stone-timber masonry are shown in …

NANO, SMART AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN CONSTRUCTION

Si può generalmente affermare che l’industria delle costruzioni costituisca un settore capace di attivare grandi attività economiche e di spe- rimentazione, anche se spesso esso utilizzi componenti e sistemi abbastanza obsoleti, se paragonati ad altri settori industriali quali, ad esempio, quello bellico o farmaceutico. La ricerca e lo sviluppo di materiali innovativi costituiscono una priorità delle agende scientifiche di parecchie Nazioni, con investimenti - sia nel pubblico che nel privato - di diversi milioni di dollari l’anno. La scelta tra i nuovi materiali avanzati è sempre più vasta ed articolata, con una capillare attenzione rivolta sia alle prime fasi della progetta- zione che all…

Una punteggiata di pietra in simbiosi con il paesaggio rurale e urbano in Sicilia. Abbeveratoi, fontane, lavatoi e cisterne nella tradizione costruttiva

on è difficile riconoscere, nella distesa arsa dal sole della campagna siciliana e nei centri storici, una vera e propria punteggiata di micro-architetture in pietra: si tratta di piccoli o grandi abbe- veratoi, con annessa fontana pubblica e talvolta anche un lavatoio, il cui intervallo in termini di distanza o ubicazione derivava dal ruolo servente del manufatto rispetto al feudo di appartenenza, o dalla vicinanza alla sorgente d’acqua che lo alimentava, dalla prossimità a una masseria o villa su- burbana, un mulino, una cartiera, un castello o monastero, una strada a forte transito di viandanti o a diffuso traffico di animali; se essi ricadevano all’interno di un abitato, la localizzazio…

Nuovi rivestimenti termocromici a scala nanometrica per vetrate architettoniche depositati tramite la tecnica AA/AP CVD

The aim of this work is to study and analyse new thermochromic coatings for architectural glazing carried out using a novel hybrid technique called Aerosol Assisted and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapour Deposition (AA/AP CVD). This work was carried on at he University College London (UCL) – Chemistry Department – Christopher Ingold Laboratories – London (UK), under the supervision of the Prof. Ivan P. Parkin, with the collaboration of Dr. Clara Piccirillo and Dr. Russell Binions. The activities completed were the depositions of Gold-doped Vanadium (IV) Dioxide coatings and their chemical and physical analysis.

Energy modelling studies of thermochromic glazing

Theoretically thermochromic glazing has the potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings by allowing visible light for day lighting, reducing unwanted solar gain during the cooling season, whilst allowing useful solar gain in the heating season. In this study building simulation is used to predict the savings made by novel thermochromic glazing coatings compared to standard products, for locations with different climates. The results suggest that thermochromic glazing can have a significant energy saving effect compared to current approaches.

The sirocco chambers: passive cooling structures in the XVI century Palermo area

In the past centuries, the plain surrounding the city of Palermo saw the construction of tens of suburban manor houses, called villas, which were referred to as “places of delight” for the amenities they offered during the good season. These architectural machines were built by aristocrats to make living in the countryside more pleasant and to exhibit their families’ richness and power. Among the delights, the Sirocco rooms were very common in Palermo from the Renaissance, and especially beyond to the XVIII century. They were artificial subterranean structures, built close to a water spring in order to reproduce the pleasant conditions of freshness that could be experienced in a natural cav…

Energy modelling studies of enhanced glazing.

The research on new “energy materials” is a very interesting field of study in the direction of energy saving control in the building construction sector. Lots of studies have been carrying on to develop new enhanced glazing, new synthesis and analysing procedures but simulating their real behaviour is often very difficult and expensive. The easiest way to test the energy performance of new enhanced glazing, in this work doped vanadium (IV) dioxide thermochromic glazing, is to simulate the way they would respond if they were installed in a building. The software used to perform such simulations is Energy Plus™ which is an energy analysis and thermal load simulation program. The aim of this …

TAKING INSPIRATION FROM NATURE: RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR A GOOD BUILDING PRACTICE

Sin dai tempi antichi si sono sfruttati gli alberi ed altri elementi vegetali per scopi costruttivi: la natura, in generale, è stata di ispirazione e ha insegnato una serie di regole, a lungo imitate ed applicate. Alcune delle numerose specie arboree hanno rappresentato, infatti, degli esempi per le costruzioni primitive e, successivamente, per gli stili architettonici classici: possiamo annoverare i primi rifugi estemporanei ed ispirati a criteri di urgenza e praticità, o anche ben più ragionati edifici, fatti di elementi vegetali assemblati fra di loro. Questi manufatti architettonici richiamavano la natura nel suo fiorente sviluppo e nel sapiente e preciso equilibrio. L’architettura clas…

Structural Uses of Stone and Timber in The European Historical Construction

This paper investigates the stone masonry with timber reinforcement through Europe. It is a remarkable practice, either historical and contemporary, consisting of combining different materials to build up a masonry. This technology shows a wide variety of typological, formal, and technological types of buildings across Europe as it is strongly influenced by the nature and availability of local materials, the cultural aspects of the various communities, and the soils geological nature. As a consequence, the same constructive typology is based on different premises and leads to many interesting results. In this paper the various uses of such a mixed stone-timber masonry are shown in relation …

Taking inspiration from nature: rules and procedures for a good building practice

Sin dai tempi antichi si sono sfruttati gli alberi ed altri elementi vegetali per scopi costruttivi: la natura, in generale, è stata di ispirazione e ha insegnato una serie di regole, a lungo imitate ed applicate. Alcune delle numerose specie arboree hanno rappresentato, infatti, degli esempi per le costruzioni primitive e, successivamente, per gli stili architettonici classici: possiamo annoverare i primi rifugi estemporanei ed ispirati a criteri di urgenza e praticità, o anche ben più ragionati edifici, fatti di elementi vegetali assemblati fra di loro. Questi manufatti architettonici richiamavano la natura nel suo fiorente sviluppo e nel sapiente e preciso equilibrio. L’architettura clas…

Interventi di lotta contro le termiti nella cinquecentesca villa Naselli di Gela Ambleri a Palermo.

The 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 res…

Influence of sol counter-ions on the visible light induced photocatalytic behaviour of TiO2 nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are attracting increasing interest because of their superior photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. Here, aqueous titanium oxy-hydroxide sols were made, using a green synthesis method, from the controlled hydrolysis/peptisation of titanium isopropoxide. Three different mineral acids were used to peptise the sol (HNO3, HBr and HCl), and provide counter-ions. The influence of nitrate or halide sol counter-ions on size distributions of the starting sols were measured via photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Semi-quantitative phase composition analysis (QPA), on the gels thermally treated at 450 and 600 degrees C, was carried out via Rietveld refine…

Templated growth of smart coatings: Hybrid chemical vapour deposition of vanadyl acetylacetonate with tetraoctyl ammonium bromide

Hybrid aerosol assisted and atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition methodology has been utilised to produce thin films of vanadium dioxide from vanadyl acetylacetonate. Tetraoctyl ammonium bromide (TOAB) was used in the aerosol precursor solution. The films were analysed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their optical and thermochromic behaviour was also determined. It was found that the use of TOAB had a templating effect that led to a halving in the particle size and that this consequently led to a significant decrease in the thermochromic transition temperature of the films to 34 8C.

Timber anti-seismic devices in historical architecture in the Mediterranean area

Questo lavoro esamina l’uso di un dispositivo strutturale in legno storico utilizzato come rinforzo della muratura per i sistemi di prevenzione sismica nell'area mediterranea. Tale tecnologia viene realizzata mediante un telaio tridimensionale tridimensionale di legno incorporato nella muratura di pietra per legare insieme le varie parti strutturali e contribuire alla resistenza sismica complessiva. Molto spesso, questo principio costruttivo fu esteso non solo per le parti più deboli, ma per l'intero edificio, creando nuove configurazioni strutturali che erano in grado di assorbire gli effetti delle azioni sismiche. Dalle esperienze costruttive di epoca romana (opus craticium), questo siste…

Luoghi di delizie nella Palermo del XVI secolo. Il caso di villa Naselli-Ambleri.

di Ambleri per sovrintendere una vasta proprietà agricola. Dal XVI secolo questa struttura rurale iniziò ad essere ingentilita secondo canoni rinascimen- tali per diventare una nobile casena suburbana per la delizia dei suoi proprie- tari che, ieri come oggi, erano soliti intrattenersi «con cavalieri e dame, amici e parenti, [nella] comodissima e faustosa stanza» dello Scirocco. Dalle prime fonti alle ultime modifiche del XX secolo, si analizzano le fasi evolutive del complesso architettonico che rappresenta oggi un caso di buona conservazione dei beni culturali privati a Palermo.

Architettura emergenziale: buone pratiche esecutive

This paper provides a comparative overview of different types of (temporary) shelters that have recently been used in various field locations in response to a forced displacement due to disastrous events. In particular, possible strategies useful to increase the sustainability of the humanitarian response and reduce the carbon footprint, while ensuring the adequacy and suitability of the shelters themselves, are here explored. This study investigates a systematic design framework that is often constrained by many obstacles such as the limited availability of low-cost materials, and a lack of local labour experience. To reduce the negative impact of a disaster, especially in the developing c…

Institute of the Holy Heart in Palermo. Architectural and technological proposal of rehabilitation intervention for post-pandemic social housing.

Close to the historical city centre, the prince Pignatelli built his villa-palace in the 18th century. Later it became the headquarter of the Order of the Holy Heart that instituted a school attended by the highest society. The 11430 m2 historical building (ground floor, first and second floor), along with its monumental garden (about 9600 m2), was abandoned by the nuns in 2008. The novel ownership is aimed at restoring and re-functionalising the complex, a kaleidoscope of urban-architectural and technological stratifications, located in a crucial point of Palermo still waiting for a new season of requalification, being also close to the Zisa castle, included in the UNESCO Arab and Norman i…

The coffee-house: Upcycling spent coffee grounds for the production of green geopolymeric architectural energy-saving products

This study investigates a possible alternative reuse of spent coffee grounds (SCG), the major residue of the brewing process, to manufacture green geopolymeric materials for innovative building applications in energy-saving construction, in line with the European Green Deal towards zero-energy building. Specimens were prepared by a combination of biomass fly ash from the Kraft paper-pulp process, as raw material (70 wt%), and SCG (up to 17.5 %), as filler. The high amount of reused bio-wastes makes the material fit the requirements for the Minimum Environmental Criteria (MEC) certification, in light of the Circular Economy (CE) approach. Sustainability is also boosted by the manufacturing p…

Gothic architecture: technologies and construction site management

During the Gothic times, between the XIV and the XV centuries, depending on the location, many interesting developments occurred. Such an architectural movement moved towards completely new directions and ideas if compared to the previous centuries’ construction. First of all the concept of the space, inner or external, that became highly polycentric and driven to the highness and to a certain dematerialization of the solids. Such a novel vision was often related to the new religious fervour of that time. Some examples are the reduction of the masonry’s sections, a massive usage of large coloured glazing, and the creation of light groined vaults. On the exterior, all of that corresponded to…

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION: JUST FASHION OR REAL POTENTIALITIES?

Developments of technology and advances in materials science and engineering are leading to a new generation of products that may represent a competitive route to achieve a real sustainable growth in construction. Currently many nano-based products are available on the global market: smart-materials, nano- composite materials, nano-devices, etc.. Further nanotechnologies enable new developments: materials and products are fast emerging or exist in bulky and expensive forms in other industrial sectors. Anyway, a great deal of research, directly focused in construction’s applications, should be done. This paper is aimed to discuss such an increasing trend and analyses the global market. A gen…

Aristocratic power exaltation between XVI and XVIII centuries in Palermo Area: psychological and symbolic aspects behind suburban villas' construction. Architectural composition, materials and constructive techniques

From ancient times, due to a very favourable climate, and the presence of many pure water sources, the “Golden Valley” surrounding the city of Palermo saw the settlement of an elaborate system of rural farms, “industrial” buildings. During the XVI century, and especially towards the XVIII century, spending some time in the countryside became a real trend for the urbanized Sicilian aristocracy. Thus, such buildings were slowly renewed into sumptuous suburban palaces to exhibit feudal family richness and power as well as to make living in the countryside more pleasant. In western Sicilian area, the architectural typology of the suburban villa is locally characterized by a mixture of the luxur…

Public wash-houses in the ninetheenth and twentieth centuries. Architectural solutions for social hygiene in Italy and Portugal

From the XIX century, the new studies and discoveries in medicine, biology, and infectious diseases produced a great impact not only in people life, but also in construction. The “hygienist” engineer, as a new professional figure, spread out with the aim of designing “health” buildings according to the novel hygienic standards, typologies and functions, materials and technologies. Among the various typologies, the public wash-houses played an important role in guarantying the personal and public hygiene and preventing the diffusion of epidemics throughout the urban environment. This paper analyses the public wash-houses that, despite their architectural simplicity, played an extremely impor…

Optimisation of Thermochromic Thin Films on Glass; Design of Intelligent Windows

Theoretically thermochromic glazing has the potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings by allowing visible light for day lighting, reducing unwanted solar gain during the cooling season, while allowing useful solar gain in the heating season. In this study building simulation is used to predict the savings made by novel thermochromic glazing coatings compared to standard products, for locations with different climates. The results suggest that thermochromic glazing can have a significant energy saving effect compared to current approaches.

Masserie: Manor farms in Sicily. Typological characters, preservation and reuse

The Sicilian land tenure was always characterized by the presence of latifundium. Such a land exploitation intimately influenced not only the farming techniques but also the population identity and farms’ typology. The Sicilian (and south-Italian) common typological form of rural estate is the masseria. More particularly, it is a large fortified farm built to control and manage a vast land-property, the old fiefdoms. This work focuses on the cultural and economic background, taking motion from the ancient feudality, that led to the construction and development of the masserie in Sicily. The typological characters, that deeply reflect the rural location and society, will be discussed: typolo…

Straw as a contemporary biomaterial: energetic efficiency and enviromental sustanaibility

Questo studio ha lo scopo di segnalare ricerche e applicazioni in ambito costruttivo europeo e non solo della paglia, con particolare attenzione all'efficienza energetica e al comfort abitativo. Il riciclo e riutilizzo dei materiali naturali sono gli obiettivi principali nella scelta di paglia come materiale da costruzione, consentendo di adottare un approccio metodologico complessivo, che potrebbe prendere in considerazione l'intero edificio del ciclo di vita. Partendo dalla storia dell'utilizzo di paglia nella costruzione edilizia, saranno riportati molti esempi di edifici che utilizzano tale materiale all'interno del loro involucro e struttura. Le caratteristiche principali della paglia …

Modica: la fabbrica della città

PREMESSA. Non crediamo sia necessario soffermarsi sul fondamentale ruolo della manualistica come base conoscitiva e tecnica nel progetto di recupero. Ma chi analizza l’architettura storica di aree ristrette, connotate il più delle volte da specificità e tipicità, sa bene che la “regola dell’arte universale” è una contraddizione in termini, e che nell’architettura dei nostri centri urbani pluristratificati necessitano la valorizzazione e la tutela della varietà e della differenza, della dimensione locale come alternativa ad una condizione periferica. Ciò comporta la necessità di acquisire, attraverso l’approfondimento delle tipologie di base e delle caratteristiche dei materiali, sia morfolo…

La street art come motore di recupero e rigenerazione urbana delle aree interne. Un progetto condiviso per lo sviluppo di smart villages nell'area Madonita

The Madonie district, one of the 72 pilot areas of the National Strategy for Inner Areas in Italy in the center of Sicily, is composed by 21 municipalities that really have a great potential, due to their historical background and natural landscape, but it needs new strategies to emerge. Many people from northern cities have returned to their home villages in recent years, to live and work, but they have not found some important and necessary services as there are in smart cities, and to date, these villages do not adopt smart strategies. Many changes need to be made, one solution is to transform them into smart villages through rehabilitation, such as improving the historic center with str…

Acciones para mejorar la eficiencia energética en los edificios en Europa: estado del arte sobre los standards técnicos

The paper is aimed at reviewing the state of the art of the European technical normative implementation during the last decades concerning the building energy efficiency. Indeed, it is well acknowledged that the present building stock is largely obsolete and inefficient: in the European context alone, around 75% of the buildings is not energy efficient and most are expected to be in use until 2050. Consequently, buildings require not only a general rehabilitation, to extend, or even avoid, its end-of-life time, but also a complete afterthought of their energy performance. That is extremely urgent to improve the overall sustainability of the construction sector that, alone, is one of the mai…

Bio-based Materials. Standardizzazione e processi per la commercializzazione

Il contributo si occupa degli aspetti normativi nel campo della produzione e uso di una malta con componenti organici derivanti dal riciclo di scarti agricoli e silvo-pastorali. Viene prestata attenzione alla normativa internazionale più diffusa e nota, a quella europea e a quella italiana. La riduzione del consumo di suolo e di risorse lapidee, degli scarti, la limitazione dell’utilizzo di materiali di cava naturali sono solo alcuni benefici che hanno indotto la comunità scientifica a investire nell’uso di materie prime-seconde di origine vegetale, ecosostenibili; oggi, lo stato dell’arte è molto ricco. Tuttavia, non ci sono ancora normative tecniche e procedurali relative ai materiali che…

Recupero e rigenerazione urbana della cava e dell’area dello Stazzone in contrada Cappuccini. Luci e ombre sotto piazza sant’Anna.

In questo saggio sono illustrati gli studi su un’area marginale del centro storico di Alcamo condotti da un gruppo di ricerca del Circes, costituito dai proff. Tiziana Campisi (coordinamento e direzione della unità di ricerca), Simona Colajanni e Manfredi Saeli (componenti dell’unità di ricerca) e - per allora – dall’allieva ingegnere Alessandra Foderà, con la collaborazione esterna del geologo dott. Antonio Bambina. Il centro storico di Alcamo, per la sua complessità e articolazione, può costituire un contesto particolarmente idoneo per supportare sperimentazioni progettuali basati sulla utilizzazione dei più aggiornati strumenti di recupero e rigenerazione. Negli ultimi anni, infatti, la …

Almond shell reuse: a viable non-conventional aggregate for sustainable building materials

Bio-based or green architecture is a new way of designing and building in line with the European Green Deal and in light of the Circular Economy principles. The main green approach directs the whole construction life cycle to be eco-sustainable and environmentally friendly from the beginning to the end of the building process. Beyond the use of eco sustainable and highly performing structural materials, new technologies able of reduce the environmental impact of buildings must be used. This paper is aimed at reviewing the possible reuse of bio- wastes of agricultural origin whose massive production generates a number of issues for their treatment and disposal. In particular, this study will…

Upside-down ship’s kel-shaped vaults as a contemporary design criteria. The case of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza in Guimarães (Portugal)

A contemporary worldwide trend is exposing the structural elements of a building to create an articulate and complex architecture whose lines of force give robustness, stability and, at the same time, a sort of lightness and frivolity to the entire construction. However, the combination between the visual conception of architecture and the principles of statics is not new to the world of construction. Exposed structure as a design approach may be observed in many historical buildings, either public, religious or private, and in several cultural and geographical areas where exposed structures communicate power, solidity, and rigour along with an instance of economy and lightness. In this wor…

ALKALI-ACTIVATED MORTARS FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL: EFFECTS OF BINDER-TO- AGGREGATE RATIO AND CURING CONDITION

Valorisation and reuse of industrial wastes has become a worldwide compelling topic to improve the sustainability of processes and materials. This paper discusses an alternative way to recycle the biomass fly ash, generated by the kraft pulp industry, to manufacture novel geopolymeric mortars intended for applications in construction. Biomass fly ash was used as a raw material, in partial substitution of the commonly used metakaolin, natural siliceous sand as aggregate. The followed manufacture process is highly simple and reproducible. Various proportions binder to aggregate were tested to study the effect on the final mortars properties. The mortars mechanical resistance was also studied …

Mix design and mechanical performance of geopolymeric binders and mortars using biomass fly ash and alkaline effluent from paper-pulp industry

Abstract This work investigates the use of biomass fly ash (BFA) and an alkaline effluent (AEF), both generated from the Kraft pulp industry, in the preparation of geopolymeric binders and mortars for construction applications. BFA replaced the metakaolin (MK) while the AEF substituted the distilled water used to dissolve NaOH pellets. The mix design aims to maximize the amount of both the wastes and to optimize the materials properties, such as workability and mechanical performance. At the same time, also the environmental impact decreases enhancing the materials' sustainability and facilitating the circular economy. For the previously optimized BFA/MK ratio (70/30 wt.%) several NaOH/Na2S…