Research Method for the Selection of Building Materials and a Model Proposal

Orkun Alptekin,Gulser Celebi

doi:10.13189/eer.2018.060603

Abstract

In environmentally-friendly architectural approaches, the importance of the building materials in the construction of buildings is undeniable. As with all products, the environmental effect of building materials is defined according to many environmental impact classes, and the values of such classes expressed in line with various criteria. In an environmentally-friendly architectural approach, criteria, such as embodied energy and local resource reserves play a significant role in the selection of materials. Therefore, a mixed material selection method that allows the comparison of different criteria and that lists them as part of a multiple-criteria decision-making method is indispensable when deciding upon the most appropriate materials. This study proposes a material selection model that is based on the Life Cycle Assessment method, and which can be used by all architects and disciplines, particularly in the construction sector. This study tests the model to support its validity.

Highlights

The increasing need for the efficient use of resources has resulted in increased efforts to improve and measure the environmental performance of buildings in many countries
This has led to a major problem for architects in the selection of appropriate materials according to different environmental impact classes
A study conducted by Verbeeck and Hens, which compared the embodied and primary energies in residential buildings found that the initial embodied energy of a 30-year-old structure constitutes 1/4 of the total energy used, and that this ratio increases, if the building is insulated [2]

Summary

Introduction

The increasing need for the efficient use of resources has resulted in increased efforts to improve and measure the environmental performance of buildings in many countries This has led to a major problem for architects in the selection of appropriate materials according to different environmental impact classes. A method in which all environmental impact classes for a given building material are assessed according to their predetermined degree of importance and reduced to a single criterion will bring considerable convenience to the selection of materials.

Materials and Methods

Testing of the Model and Results

Ceramic

Findings

Conclusions