Analysis Of Building Materials Research Articles

Analysis and Definition of Restoration Strategies with H-BIM Applications. The Case Study of Vittorio Giorgini's “Casa Esagono” in Baratti, Italy

Abstract This contribution is focused on the “Casa Esagono” realized in 1957 by Vittorio Giorgini in Baratti (LI), Italy. The research objective is to lay the foundations for a restoration plan of this experimental wooden architecture, which is now in precarious conditions due to its location near the sea, and whose constructive features, has always raised great questions about the technical feasibility of a full restoration. The paper describes the workflow for the implementation of the H-BIM model, aimed to organise all the data deriving from the historical and on-site research, and the restoration programme. The historical analysis about the house and the architect was the basis for the geometric survey and the analysis of building materials. All building components were subjected to visual analysis aimed to identify deterioration forms. The proposed conservation approach aims to maintain as much of the original elements as possible, while increasing their durability. H-BIM revealed to be the ideal tool to manage the entire restoration process, whose ultimate goal is to celebrate Giorgini's work, to exploit the potential of the house as a cultural attraction.

Analysis of building materials used for the construction of family houses in the boundaries from Cradle to Gate with Options

The purpose of the research work is to analyse environmental impacts of building materials applied to the construction of family houses in the boundaries Cradle to Gate with Options. Within Life cycle analysis (LCA), environmental impacts such as global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion (OP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), non-hazardous waste disposal (NHWD) and biogenic carbon storage (BGS) are determined by using One Click LCA tool. This approach is selected to bring information about current state of construction trend used in Slovakia, to set a starting point for further critical reviews of different strategies as well as to inform about the impact significance of current selection of building materials. Results show that the biggest contribution to GWP are triple glazed exterior wooden doors and windows with aluminium elements, thermal insulation and reinforced concrete.

TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION MILITARY ENGINEERING FACILITIES RUBAS FORTIFICATION VI C. (EAST CAUCASUS)

The article reviews building techniques, used for constructing a monumental fortification of the 6th century, erected in the river-valley of Rubas, near the village of Kommuna, Derbent region of the Republic of Dagestan. The site includes six objects different in layout and construction, connected with building junctions into a single object – a construction of arched type, Wall 1, Long wall 2, Stepped structure 6, Wall 3, Platform 5. Analysis of the excavation material shows that the technology of their building was due to the functional purpose of these objects. Moreover, each of the architectural structures was built with the use of unique building techniques, variety of masonry, as well as the sizes of stone blocks and plates. The aim of the research is to conduct the analysis of the technological methods of constructing multi-type military-engineering fortifications; to determine the links of technological methods with the object’s functional purposes; to determine the level of development of construction engineering and architecture in the Peri-Caspian region in the era of the Great Migration of Peoples and the significance of this site as a military-defensive construction. The research methodology includes a detailed analysis of technological methods for the construction of military engineering structures; carrying out the classification of methods for the construction of defensive objects and the system of laying stone structures; analysis of building materials used in the construction of structures. The analysis of the excavation materials of the Rubas fortification shows that, according to the technology of construction, this object is close to the Derbent defensive complex of the middle 6th century (large stone blocks; massiveness of structures; the use of “opus quadratum” masonry; the presence of a bonding lime mortar, etc.). According to the main indicators (monumentality and functional orientation), this structure belongs to a series of barriers in the Western Peri-Caspian, built by Persia with the financial assistance of Byzantium in the era of the Great Migration of Peoples, typologically and chronologically similar to Derbent.

Critical evaluation of socio-cultural and climatic aspects in a traditional community: a case study of Pillayarpalayam weavers' cluster, Kanchipuram

Protecting vernacular architecture is important because it reflects a treasure-trove of local information, including climate responses, functions and the socio-cultural context. This study aimed to assess and evaluate the spatial and climate response features of the vernacular weavers’ settlement in Pillayarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. This precinct, delineated as a heritage zone under the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme by the Government of India, consists of a large number of traditional weavers’ residences that have cultural and social significance. The methodology comprised primary documentation and unstructured interviews to assess the architectural and anthropological development of the settlement. The study and analysis were conducted at three levels—dwelling, cluster and street. Spatial analysis was carried out to understand the relationship between different weaving activities and their physical setting. Analysis of building materials and construction techniques was carried out to understand the climate response features. The traditional dwellings accommodated the spaces for the weavers to live, as well as functioning as a workspace. It was observed that many houses had undergone alterations to adapt to family needs while some houses had been demolished and replaced by concrete structures. The traditional craft of weaving was losing its importance and only few weavers in this cluster had retained the traditional living and working space. These vernacular dwellings need to be preserved because they represent a unique typology and are evidence of traditional knowledge and culture. Guidelines and recommendations have been proposed to conserve the intangible values such as culture, lifestyles, social factors, and production methods, in addition to conserving the vernacular built heritage and workspaces of this traditional and unique craft industry.

Acquisition System Verification for Energy Efficiency Analysis of Building Materials

Climate change and fossil fuel depletion foster interest in improving energy efficiency in buildings. There are different methods to achieve improved efficiency; one of them is the use of additives, such as phase change materials (PCMs). To prove this method’s effectiveness, a building’s behaviour should be monitored and analysed. This paper describes an acquisition system developed for monitoring buildings based on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and with a 1-wire bus network as the communication system. The system is empirically tested to prove that it works properly. With this purpose, two experimental cubicles are made of self-compacting concrete panels, one of which has a PCM as an additive to improve its energy storage properties. Both cubicles have the same dimensions and orientation, and they are separated by six feet to avoid shadows. The behaviour of the PCM was observed with the acquisition system, achieving results that illustrate the differences between the cubicles directly related to the PCM’s characteristics. Data collection devices included in the system were temperature sensors, some of which were embedded in the walls, as well as humidity sensors, heat flux density sensors, a weather station and energy counters. The analysis of the results shows agreement with previous studies of PCM addition; therefore, the acquisition system is suitable for this application.

Reconsideraciones sobre materiales cerámicos romanos de construcción: economía, logística y factores sociales en el suministro de tejas a Dorchester en el Támesis, Oxfordshire

Este trabajo analiza el suministro de materiales constructivos cerámicos de época romana de Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. La mineralogía y la composición química del material latericio se han analizado con láminas delgadas y microscopía electrónica de barrido. En el caso de esta “pequeña ciudad” romana se ha demostrado la presencia de una producción local de tegulae que, en ocasiones, se transportaban a 50 Km de distancia por carretera. La composición del material empleado para la fabricación de algunas tegulae es análoga a la utilizada en la producción de grandes jarras de almacenamiento en las cercanías del parque de Stowe, Buckinghamshire. En este sentido, se analizan los mecanismos y la logística que permitieron la producción y el transporte a larga distancia de estos materiales y se discuten los factores sociales y económicos que intervinieron en su proceso de producción y adquisición. El estudio demuestra, además, la importancia de la investigación de estos elementos constructivos sencillos que ofrecen para registro arqueológico informaciones y visibilidad a los estratos sociales más bajos.

Хроматографический анализ строительных материалов

Хроматографический анализ строительных материалов

From monument to geosite: a geomatic approach to link geological and cultural heritage

This short note aims to raise the awareness in geological heritage and geoconservation focusing on the links between geomatic and historical/archaeological heritage.The main goal of this research is to identify an approach that shows how Geological and Cultural Heritage are so strictly linked one to each other to be considered different pieces of the World's evolution puzzle. Geological heritage has an important role for understanding the World heritage, representing a tangible asset of human and natural developments. Starting from minero-petrographic analysis of building materials of historical and archaeological assets in Italy, it is possible to carry out a study about their mining area, tools and extraction, quarrying methods and transportation. The results of this approach represent a preliminary step toward the integration of geology and archeology into an holistic analysis. Moreover they have valuable potential for protection and conservation, education and sustainable development, in accordance with the UNESCO guidelines and criteria for establishing National Geoparks.

Risk management of the negative impacts of building materials produced of production wastes on the environmental medium

Basing on life cycle analysis of building materials produced of waste products the authors defined the formation stages of environmental risks of adverse impacts on the environment. The studies have revealed that one of the main environmental risks is the occurrence of secondary emission of pollutants from building materials produced of waste products when used by the end-user, which is not taken into account by the existing regulatory documents defining the environmental safety of construction materials. The questions of prevention of the possible negative impact of the construction materials based on or with addition of production waste while their use on the environment and population as a result of a number of natural and anthropogenic factors, which can lead to negative ecological effects, which are difficult to forecast, are not regulated enough. In the present conditions of the absence of regulatory framework of their ecological safety the wide use of production waste for obtaining construction materials without account for the possible ecological risks may lead to technogenic burden exceeding the acceptable level.The authors defined the main ways to reduce the environmental risks when using the resource potential of waste for the production of building materials by reducing the emissions of these pollutants while reducing their permeability.

Types of homes and ways of life: a territorial analysis of the environmental determinants that factor into the proliferation of malaria vectors in the rural region of Allada in Benin

Anthropogenic factors, as well as environmental factors, can explain fine-scale spatial differences in vector densities and seasonal variations in malaria. In this pilot study, numbers of Anopheles gambiae were quantified in concessions in a rural area of southern Benin, West Africa, in order to establish whether vector number and human factors, such as habitat and living practices, are related. The courtyard homes of 64 concessions (houses and private yards) were systematically and similarly photographed. Predefined features in the photographed items were extracted by applying an analysis grid that listed vector resting sites or potential breeding sites and also more general information about the building materials used. These data were analysed with respect to entomological data (number of mosquitoes caught per night) using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Three recurrent habitat/household types and living practices were identified that corresponded to different standards of living. These were related to the average number of mosquitoes captured per night: type I=0.88 anopheles/night; type II=0.85; and type III 0.55, but this was not statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis test; p=0.41). There were no significant relationships between the number of potential breeding sites and number of mosquitoes caught (Pearson's correlation coefficient=-0.09, p=0.53). ANCOVA analysis of building materials and numbers of openings did not explain variation in the number of mosquitoes caught. Three dwelling types were identified by using predetermined socio-environmental characteristics but there was no association found in this study between vector number and habitat characteristics as was suspected.

The ECCOMAT Program for the Selection of Ecological Materials in Order to Ensure a Healthy Built Environment

The quality of the indoor environment is a determining factor for health due to fact that people spend most of their lives inside the buildings. In the current context, the entire construction industry is confronted with particular priorities regarding the execution of sustainable buildings. Designers and constructors have become increasingly aware of the wide spectrum of issues that affect the environment and health, but they face a confusing number of possible actions and solutions, which makes the selection of materials difficult. The paper presents the calculation program developed based on the ECCOMAT analysis method, which is a tool designed to offer the users multiple possibilities for the management and analysis of building materials, helping them obtain in an easy and rapid way the optimal solution. The application field is the design and construction of buildings with ecological materials and the extension of research in order to obtain new ecological materials.

Microscopic analysis of building materials high school 'Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj' Novi Sad

This paper presents the results of microscopic analysis and chemical composition of building materials ,ie. bricks and connective material removed from the facade of the high school 'Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj' in Novi Sad. The goal is to, based on the results of SEM and EDS analysis of microscopic images, as well as on the basis of photographs made IR - camera, and a comparative analysis of the brick, which is, for sure, knows that is baked, prove that high school facade 'Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj' in Novi Sad terracotta. On the basis of chemical analysis it can be concluded that the addition of iron and aluminum are also traces of magnesium, titanium and alkali metals as impurity substances are clay. Inhomogeneous structure is observed in the micrographs confirmed at the ceramic substance, type of bricks and can only be used for construction. The presence of iron oxides suggests that the facade of the high school 'Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj' in Novi Sad terracotta.

Analysis of Building Materials for Indoor Thermal Performance and Thermal Comfort

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest on energy saving in building sector.Passive cooling is considered the best strategy for improving the indoor thermal conditions and comfortwith lowest cost energy usage. In air-conditioned era, however, many designers have fully forgotten that the main objective of building thermal comfort is not to cool the whole space but rather the resident of the building with the least energy consumption. This investigation is about discussing some of the available passive cooling strategies based on experimental investigations. Results from this study showed that building materialsaffect the indoorair temperature, which in turn willaffect the indoor thermal comfort. Design strategies more suitable under tropical humid climatic conditions were suggested.

Research of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Method for Wood Density Determination

Wood is a remarkably versatile building material. Density is an important indicator of woods properties, which directly impact on the physical, mechanical and processing and using performance. Therefore, it is very significant to research wood density. To predict China fir density, this paper use near-infrared spectroscopy and wavelet transform threshold, wavelet transform modulus maxima and moving variance method to de-noise near-infrared spectroscopy of the first derivative of the wood. We also build wood density partial least squares analysis model and compare them with the model built by the traditional near infrared spectral preprocessing methods. The results show that wavelet transform and moving variance can effectively remove noise in the derivative spectra and improve the accuracy of the spectral analysis model, which means the introduction of Near Infrared Spectroscopy has a great prospect of application in the analysis of building materials.

Photon attenuation, natural radioactivity content and radon exhalation rate of building materials

High concentrations of natural radionuclides in building materials can result in high dose rates indoors, from both internal and external exposure. In dose calculations, the main radionuclides of interest are 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. Usually much attention is paid to 226Ra due to 222Rn exhalation and the subsequent internal exposure. Other radionuclides of the uranium series such as 238U and 210Pb, emitting low energy photons are not usually determined and an assumption of radioactive equilibrium is made. The above assumption is seldom checked mainly because of the difficulties in the γ-spectroscopic analysis of low energy photons. For the determination of radionuclides emitting low-energy photons, in samples like building materials where intense self-absorption of the photons exists, a method for self-absorption correction has been developed. The method needs as input the linear attenuation coefficient μ for the material under analysis. This paper presents: 1. Correlations in the form μ= f( ρ, E) developed for the estimation of the linear attenuation coefficient μ (cm −1), as a function of the material packing density ρ (g cm −3) and the photon energy E (keV), for building materials as well as other materials of environmental importance. 2. Gamma-spectroscopic analysis techniques used for the determination of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th and 40K in environmental samples, together with the results obtained from the analysis of building materials used in Greece, and industrial by-products used for the production of building materials. Among the techniques used, one is based on the direct determination of 226Ra and 235U from the analysis of the multiplet photopeak at ∼186 keV. 3. Results from radon exhalation measurements of building materials such as cement and fly-ash and building structures conducted in the radon chambers in our Laboratory. Based on the above results, dosimetric calculations are also reported.

Household and Family at Moche, Peru: An Analysis of Building and Residence Patterns in a Prehispanic Urban Center

The Moche was the last complex society to develop on the Peruvian north coast during the Early Intermediate Period (200 B. C.-700 A. D.). While archaeological research on the Moche has traditionally concentrated on the impressive marks of political and religious power, we know relatively little about Moche household organization and patterns of residence. In this research, conducted at the eponymous site of Moche, I identify three types of architectural organization relating to both residential and nonresidential spaces. An analysis of building materials and architectural superposition suggests a close relationship among construction quality, household size, and occupational continuity, in the case of residential architecture. The observed differences, I argue, reflect strategies of household social reproduction among Moche's urban population that depend largely on socioeconomic status. I also contend that different forms of labor were responsible for the construction of residential compounds and other specialized areas, the function of which may not be primarily residential. This research emphasizes the great potential of studying domesticity in prehistory as well as the dynamics of urban construction and suggests methods effective for the reconstruction of household forms and change in sedentary societies.

Proposal of methods for developing healthy building materials: Laboratory and field experiments

Abstract The state‐of‐the‐art of testing building materials for the emission of volatile organic compounds are reviewed and a set of methods to develop healthy building materials arc presented. Results of this laboratory showed that potential polluting building materials may be identified by comparison of headspace analyses of building materials with sampling of the indoor air. Qualitative GC/MS headspace analysis of building materials revealed that some materials acted as a sink for VOC emitting elsewhere in a building. The analysis also provided information of undesirable organic compounds emitting from materials. The combination of headspace analysis and sniffing of the eluting VOC provided a tool for substitution of malodorants, and development of an odourless building sealant.