1.
Mathern, Alexandre, 1986
(författare)
Addressing the complexity of sustainability-driven structural design: Computational design, optimization, and decision making
2021
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Being one of the sectors with the largest environmental burden and high socio-economic impacts sets high requirements on the construction industry. At the same time, this provides the sector with great opportunities to contribute to the globally pursued sustainability transition. To cope with the increasing need for infrastructure and, at the same time, limit their sustainability impacts, changes and innovation in the construction sector are required. The greatest possibility to limit the sustainability impact of construction works is at the early design phase of construction projects, as many of the choices influencing sustainability are made at that point. Traditionally, an early choice of a preferred design is often made based on limited knowledge and past experience, considering only a handful of options. This preferred design is then taken on to the successive stages in the stepwise design process, leading to suboptimization. Alternatively, many different design choices could be considered and evaluated in a more holistic approach in order to find the most sustainable design for a particular application. However, finding design solutions that offer the best sustainability performance and fulfil all structural, performance and buildability requirements, require methods that allow considering different design options, analysing them, and assessing their sustainability. The aim of this thesis is to explore and develop methods enabling structural engineers to take sustainability objectives into account in the design of structures. Throughout this thesis, a number of methods have been explored to take sustainability aspects into account in the structural design process. As a first step, highly parameterized computer codes for sustainability-driven design have been developed. These codes interoperate with FE analysis software to automatically model and analyse design concepts over the whole design space and verify compliance with structural design standards. The codes were complemented with a harmonized method for life cycle sustainability performance assessment, in line with the state-of-the-art standards. Here, sustainability criteria were defined covering environmental, social, economic, buildability and structural performance for multi-criteria assessment of design concepts. To identify the most sustainable designs within the set, multi-objective optimization algorithms were used. Algorithms that address the high expense of constraint function evaluations of structural design problems were developed and integrated in the parameterized computer codes for sustainability-driven design. To ensure the applicability and validity of these methods, case studies based on real-world projects and common structural engineering problems were used in this thesis. Case studies for bridges and wind turbine foundations as well as a benchmark case of a reinforced concrete beam were investigated. The case studies highlight the potential of the methods explored to support the design of more sustainable structures, as well as the applicability of the methods in structural engineering practice. It is concluded that it is possible and beneficial to combine computational design, life cycle sustainability assessment, and multi-objective design optimization as a basis for decision making in the design phase of civil engineering projects. A wide adoption of such a sustainability-driven design optimization approach in structural engineering practice can directly improve the sustainability of the construction sector.
2.
3.
Armesto Barros, Jesús, et al.
(författare)
Recent and future trends of onshore wind turbine foundations
2022
Ingår i: Proceedings of the IABSE Symposium Prague 2022: Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures. - 9783857481819
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
The decarbonization of the economy and the growing need for electricity are two trends that call for greener energy sources. Wind is a growing renewable energy source, which is expected to become the first source of power in the European Union in the next decade. In particular, onshore wind energy is expected to double by then. Fundamental structural components of wind turbines are their foundations, which are large structures associated with important material consumption and many construction challenges. The dimensions of these foundations are continuously increasing as turbines with taller towers and larger rotor diameters are being built. Designing cost- and material-efficient foundations is crucial to reduce the economic and environmental impact of wind energy. An important factor to successfully address these evolving requirements in the planning and design process is to build on the experience from previous projects. The aim of this work is to investigate the evolution of onshore wind turbines and its consequences on the design and climate impact of gravity foundations by analysing data from Swedish wind farms set in operation between 2013 and 2022. The evolution of turbine size, and foundation dimensions, reinforcement layout, material types and quantities, and embodied carbon are analysed in this paper.
4.
Nielsen, Stig Anton, 1981
(författare)
Propositional architecture and the paradox of prediction
2015
Ingår i: Archidoct Vol. 4. - 2309-0103. ; 4, s. 72-85
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
What if we could predict trends, rising phenomena and future necessity in our build environment? If we could trace behaviors and forecast the needs for the future? If we had a tool for proposing architecture, that was able to point out potentialities and suggest additions, subtractions and modifications.If Architects had a tool to predict future demands, modification of the build environment could meet the changing behaviors and emerging phenomena in society. Research on existing building stock is reviewed in a context where prediction on complex indeterminate environments is possible. And an entirely new type of architectural tool is proposed, an algorithm for prediction.The algorithm, capable of making prediction in unstructured environments, is presented, and basis and idea of the algorithm is described in detail. The discussion focus on possible applications for this new tool, and the paradox of prediction is debated. Finally, improvements to the computational system are proposed.
5.
Säwén, Toivo, 1993
(författare)
Early Stage Architectural Design Practice Perspectives on Life Cycle Building Performance Assessment
2023
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Architectural practitioners can avoid negative social and environmental impacts of new construction by making decisions supported by impact quantification during design processes. However, most software tools developed for such quantification see little use in practice, especially in early design stages when decisions have the greatest influence. To identify ways for software developers to overcome this situation, a thorough literature meta-review of previously performed tool reviews was combined with interviews applying a practice lens. The first key finding is that a possible explanation for the low tool uptake in practice could be a missing practice perspective in previous tool development efforts. In a literature meta-review of publications on life cycle building performance tools identifying previously applied perspectives, most previous tool reviews were found to support tool development and selection, while disregarding how tools can be integrated in existing practices and design processes. As a proposed solution, a framework for defining software requirements using a practice perspective was developed. The second key finding is that a practice perspective could be applied during software development by implementing qualitative methodologies. Nine architectural practitioners in Sweden, Norway and France were interviewed using the interview to the double, a projective technique in which the interviewee is asked to describe their next workday in detail so that their tasks can be assumed by an imagined body double. The design activities described by the respondents were sequenced into user narratives which could serve as starting points for participatory software development processes within the architectural practice. The outcomes - a proposed framework for practice-centric software requirements, and a proposed methodology for collecting these requirements using a practice lens - indicate a research direction toward software development efforts which aligns with design process, architectural practice, and tool user needs. In the next stage of the research this direction will be pursued through application of the developed methodologies in participatory development case studies in early-stage architectural design practice.
6.
Jalilzadehazhari, Elaheh, 1985-, et al.
(författare)
Achieving a trade‐off construction solution using BIM, an optimization algorithm, and a multi‐criteria decision‐making method
2019
Ingår i: Buildings. - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI. - 2075-5309. ; 9:4, s. 1-14
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The Energy Performance of Building Directive obligated all European countries to reduce the energy requirements of buildings while simultaneously improving indoor environment quality. Any such improvements not only enhance the health of the occupants and their productivity, but also provide further economic benefits at the national level. Accomplishing this task requires a method that allows building professionals to resolve conflicts between visual and thermal comfort, energy demands, and life‐cycle costs. To overcome these conflicts, this study exploits the incorporation of building information modelling (BIM), the design of experiments as an optimization algorithm, and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) into a multi‐criteria decision‐ making method. Any such incorporation can (i) create constructive communication between building professionals, such as architects, engineers, and energy experts; (ii) allow the analysis of the performance of multiple construction solutions with respect to visual and thermal comfort, energy demand, and life‐cycle costs; and (iii) help to select a trade‐off solution, thereby making a suitable decision. Three types of energy‐efficient windows, and five types of ground floors, roofs, and external wall constructions were considered as optimization variables. The incorporation of several methods allowed the analysis of the performance of 375 construction solutions based on a combination of optimization variables, and helped to select a trade‐off solution. The results showed the strength of incorporation for analyzing big‐data through the intelligent use of BIM and a simulation in the field of the built environment, energy, and costs. However, when applying AHP, the results are strongly contingent on pairwise comparisons
7.
Mathern, Alexandre, 1986, et al.
(författare)
Sustainability-driven structural design using artificial intelligence
2019
Ingår i: 20th Congress of IABSE, New York City 2019: The Evolving Metropolis - Report. ; , s. 1058-1065
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
The construction industry is responsible for a large share of the global environmental impact. The need for addressing sustainability and increased competition calls for the development of innovative design methods that include sustainability in a transparent way. The aim of this work is to propose a framework to use machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for structural design optimization based on sustainability and buildability criteria. AI opens up new possibilities to optimize and assess structures early in the planning and design stages. In that way, it is possible to decrease the negative and enhance the positive environmental, economic and social impacts and create a more time‐ and cost‐effective design process. The work is meant to serve as a first step toward the development of AI‐based methods in the construction industry, which can bring digitalization in the construction industry to a new level and create new services and business models.
8.
Thomas, Jean-Baptiste, et al.
(författare)
A comparative environmental life cycle assessment of hatchery, cultivation, and preservation of the kelp Saccharina latissima
2021
Ingår i: Ices Journal of Marine Science. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1054-3139 .- 1095-9289. ; 78:1, s. 451-467
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Seaweed cultivation and processing industries could contribute to sustainable blue growth and the European bioeconomy. This article contributes a case study evaluation of environmental sustainability of preserved brown seaweed Saccharina latissima by means of environmental life cycle assessment of a pilot facility in Sweden. The study accounts for nutrient bioremediation and carbon capture and includes two alternative hatchery processes, a 2-ha longline cultivation, and four alternative preservation methods (hang-drying outdoors, heated air-cabinet drying, ensiling, and freezing). The study found that as a result of carbon capture and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake (bioremediation) by seaweed, more CO2 and PO4 equivalents are (temporarily) absorbed than emitted by the supply chain. The extent of emissions is most affected by preservation methods undertaken. Impact profiles of the supply chain show that the greatest impact shares result from freezing and air-cabinet drying, both the two most energy-intensive processes, followed by the cultivation infrastructure, highlighting strategic optimization opportunities. Hatchery processes, harvesting, and the low-energy ensilage and hang-drying outdoors were found to have relatively small impact shares. These findings presage the environmentally friendliness of seaweed-based products by documenting their potential to mitigate eutrophication and climate change, even when taking a life cycle perspective.
9.
Method and models used in the project Pathways to Sustainable European Energy Systems
2011
Samlingsverk (redaktörskap) (refereegranskat) abstract
This book describes the research that has been carried out during the first period (2006-2010) of the Alliance for Global Sustainability (AGS) project "Pathways to Sustainable European Energy Systems". this interdisciplinary project involves more that 40 researchers and addresses various aspects of the challenges faced in transforming the European energy system. Presented in this book are the energy-related methods and models that originate from different scientific disciplines and traditions and that were applied in the Pathways project. Some of the analytical tools are well-known, well-documented, and widely used in academic research. Others have been developed (or refined) during the Pathways project and are therefore unique. The chapters of this book cover around 30 different methods and models used in the Pathways project and presents an overview of the processes through which the research was conducted and the methods and models were co-ordinated.
10.
Bjorn, A., et al.
(författare)
Review of life-cycle based methods for absolute environmental sustainability assessment and their applications
2020
Ingår i: Environmental Research Letters. - : IOP Publishing Ltd. - 1748-9326 .- 1748-9318. ; 15:8
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
In many regions and at the planetary scale, human pressures on the environment exceed levels that natural systems can sustain. These pressures are caused by networks of human activities, which often extend across countries and continents due to global trade. This has led to an increasing requirement for methods that enable absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA) of anthropogenic systems and which have a basis in life cycle assessment (LCA). Such methods enable the comparison of environmental impacts of products, companies, nations, etc, with an assigned share of environmental carrying capacity for various impact categories. This study is the first systematic review of LCA-based AESA methods and their applications. After developing a framework for LCA-based AESA methods, we identified 45 relevant studies through an initial survey, database searches and citation analysis. We characterized these studies according to their intended application, impact categories, basis of carrying capacity estimates, spatial differentiation of environmental model and principles for assigning carrying capacity. We then characterized all method applications and synthesized their results. Based on this assessment, we present recommendations to practitioners on the selection and use of existing LCA-based AESA methods, as well as ways to perform assessments and communicate results to decision-makers. Furthermore, we identify future research priorities intended to extend coverage of all components of the proposed method framework, improve modeling and increase the applicability of methods. © 2020 The Author(s).
11.
Wallbaum, Holger, 1967
(författare)
Sustainability indicators for the built environment - the challenges ahead
2008
Ingår i: Proceedings of the 2008 World Sustainable Building Conference, 21-25 September 2008, Melbourne, Australia. - 9780646503721 ; 2, s. 1292-1298
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
Methods and tools including sustainable development indicators (SDIs) are important aids to the implementation of sustainable development in the construction industry. Through a qualitative analysis, a variety of methods which are widely used internationally can be assessed to establish their compliance with the general requirements of sustainable development. This paper looks at five fundamental criteria: holism, lifecycle assessment, directional certainty, traceability/transparency and local suitability. Most methods more or less meet these requirements, in which users play a central role in compliance. This paper identifies a number of remaining knowledge deficits: the recording and analysis of sociocultural indicators, additional environmental indicators such as land use, resource intensity, interior quality and usability, and a more detailed understanding of building usage and decommissioning costs. In addition to these knowledge deficits, and for a variety of reasons, there is also an implementation deficit: the practice of sustainable construction is lagging far behind the theory.
12.
Dervishaj, Arlind
(författare)
Sunlight Autonomy for Sustainable Buildings and Cities : Maximizing daylight potential outdoors and indoors
2024
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
Daylight, both outdoors and indoors, is essential for human well-being. However, daylight provision often faces challenges in various climates and locations, due to factors such as shortcomings in regulations, urban densification, deregulation or special exemptions, and the limitations of existing daylight and sunlight evaluation methods. To address these issues, we propose the Sunlight Autonomy, a new methodology and set of metrics, that aims to overcome the limitations of existing early-stage daylighting metrics and is valuable for urban planning and architectural design purposes.
13.
Dervishaj, Arlind, et al.
(författare)
Modelling Precast Concrete for a Circular Economy in the Built Environment : Level of Information Need guidelines for digital design and collaboration
2023
Ingår i: eCAADe 2023. - Brussels, Graz : Graz University of Technology Faculty of Architecture. ; , s. 177-186
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in adopting circular approaches in the built environment, specifically reusing existing buildings or their components in new projects. To achieve this, drawings, laser scanning, photogrammetry and other techniques are used to capture data on buildings and their materials. Although previous studies have explored scan-to-BIM workflows, automation of 2D drawings to 3D models, and machine learning for identifying building components and materials, a significant gap remains in refining this data into the right level of information required for digital twins, to share information and for digital collaboration in designing for reuse. To address this gap, this paper proposes digital guidelines for reusing precast concrete based on the level of information need (LOIN) standard EN 17412-1:2020 and examines several CAD and BIM modelling strategies. These guidelines can be used to prepare digital templates that become digital twins of existing elements, develop information requirements for use cases, and facilitate data integration and sharing for a circular built environment.
14.
Salzer, Corinna, 1984, et al.
(författare)
Innovation for Low-Rise Construction in the Urban Tropics: Utilization of Structural Bamboo for Cost-Efficient Housing
2015
Ingår i: 8th Conference of the International Forum on Urbanism (IFoU). - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI.
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
This paper deals with a cost-efficient construction technology using load bearing bamboo for urban low-rise housing in tropical Asia-Pacific. The potential of the technology to be applied at larger scale is discussed at the example of the Philippines as pilot country for its application. The assessment of alternative construction methods such as this one is motivated by a tremendous need for more affordable, sustainable and resilient housing around the globe. The urban poor, being the most underserved group in need of housing, often cannot afford conventional building technologies offered by the formal industry. Using locally available bamboo as structural component within the introduced standardized and quality controlled construction method is an entry point to provide performing and safe housing at lower cost. The paper highlights, however, that cost-efficiency and technical performance are not the only requirements for innovations to succeed on a market, especially due to the complex challenge of urban poor housing. Through learnings from the construction of 50 houses in the Philippines and interviews with various stakeholders along the value chain of the technology, barriers and opportunities for a scale-up are retrieved. For this paper, a conflated none-exhaustive overview of the identified aspects is documented. It was found that both barriers and opportunities directly linked to this technology are closely tied to a complex local value chain which ranges from upstream supply of raw material to downstream customer acceptance. The pilot application has shown further, that participatory product development reduces the acceptance barrier significantly by directly addressing the needs of low income customers. Material and skills availability, enabling policies and approval by legal entities as well as sustainability in supply of the organic raw material play important roles too. This complex set of interlinked aspects needs to be addressed according to targets in implementation-pace, and -scale as well as its intended social value creation. While multi-stakeholder participation is required for a successful up-scaling, a facilitating social enterprise, providing knowledge and services around the technology, can guide through the up-scaling.
15.
Ekener, Elisabeth, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
Developing Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment methodology by applying values-based sustainability weighting - Tested on biomass based and fossil transportation fuels
2018
Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 181, s. 337-351
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The production and use of transportation fuels can lead to sustainability impacts. Assessing them simultaneously in a holistic way is a challenge. This paper examines methodology for assessing the sustainability performance of products in a more integrated way, including a broad range of social impacts. Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) methodology is applied for this assessment. LSCA often constitutes of the integration of results from social LCA (S-LCA), environmental life cycle assessment (E-LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC). In this study, an S-LCA from an earlier project is extended with a positive social aspect, as well as refined and detailed. E-LCA and LCC results are built from LCA database and literature. Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodology is applied to integrate the results from the three different assessments into an LCSA. The weighting of key sustainability dimensions in the MCDA is performed in different ways, where the sustainability dimensions are prioritized differently priority based on the assumed values of different stakeholder profiles (Egalitarian, Hierarchist, and Individualist). The developed methodology is tested on selected biomass based and fossil transportation fuels - ethanol produced from Brazilian sugarcane and US corn/maize, and petrol produced from Russian and Nigerian crude oils, where it delineates differences in sustainability performance between products assessed. The outcome in terms of relative ranking of the transportation fuel chains based on sustain ability performance differs when applying different decision-maker profiles. This result highlights and supports views that there is no one single answer regarding which of the alternatives that is most sustainable. Rather, it depends strongly upon the worldview and values held by the decision maker. A key conclusion is that sustainability assessments should pay more attention to potential differences in underlying values held by key stakeholders in relevant societal contexts. The LCSA methodology still faces challenges regarding results integration but MCDA in combination with stakeholder profiles appears to be a useful approach to build on further.
16.
Glass, Jacqueline, et al.
(författare)
Future use of life-cycle assessment in civil engineering
2013
Ingår i: Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Construction Materials. - : Thomas Telford Ltd.. - 1747-650X .- 1747-6518. ; 166:4, s. 204-212
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
A LimesNet mission to Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, is reported in this paper. The aim of the mission was to explore new ways of exploiting the untapped potential of life-cycle assessment, its application in the civil engineering and construction industries and, specifically, to debate the associated trade-off decisions for reinforced concrete structures (buildings and civil engineering). Life-cycle assessment is an important tool in sustainable design; engineers need robust life-cycle assessment data and must balance this with operational performance considerations (e.g. energy consumption, durability). Through the mission it was clear that much could be learned from the Swedish experience. The UK team noted the importance of life-cycle assessment studies which allow building performance and construction products to be benchmarked and the role of emerging European standards (e.g. product category rules for construction and the development of environmental product declarations). Valuable lessons exist for consulting engineers and materials manufacturers, and there is a need for the greater inclusion of life-cycle assessment skills in the civil engineering education curriculum.
17.
de Klijn-Chevalerias, M., et al.
(författare)
The Dutch approach for assessing and reducing environmental impacts of building materials
2017
Ingår i: Building and Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0360-1323. ; 111, s. 147-159
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Buildings are one of the largest consumers of energy and materials, and hence they are also one of the largest contributors to negative environmental impacts. Traditionally, energy consumed by buildings during their operation phase was the most significant in their lifecycles and far exceeded the embodied energy. However, in contemporary low-energy buildings, the embodied energy is proportionally higher because of the prevalent use of energy-intensive materials. To determine the embodied energy and environmental impacts of building materials, the Dutch have developed an assessment method, which has also been adapted by BREEAM-NL. This paper offers an overview of the Dutch approach for assessing the environmental impacts of building materials and demonstrates its practical application. The use of the Dutch Assessment Method to identify, and quantify materials-related design improvements has been demonstrated through an exemplifying case study. It has been identified that the environmental impact of a building is largely influenced by the material choices made at the early design stage of the project.
18.
Dymitrow, Mirek, et al.
(författare)
Crossing dichotomies and breaking mental patterns: Green business development when all else fails?
2017
Ingår i: 8th International Scientific Conference “Rural Development 2017: Bioeconomy Challenges”, 23–24 November, 2017 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Obtaining sustainable and inclusive societal organization is not merely a simple matter of ‘doing it’ by subscribing to some winning formula. Given that conceptual frameworks always guide our thoughts, judgments and actions (Latour, 2013; Harvey, 1996; Dennett, 1993), the ways in which we relate to concepts chosen to serve as guiding forces for future development will eventually determine its outcome. As scholarly evidence continuously suggests the concepts ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ are increasingly recognized as artificial barriers for conducting sound and integrated development endeavors in a globalized reality of interconnectedness. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eradicate poverty, shield the planet and safeguard prosperity for all, commitment to universal access to healthy food year round has become an important agenda point. This, however, has been exacerbated by binary thinking and separate ways of doing policy. This paper aims to share experiences from a unique project launched in the northern parts of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city. While the area offers ample resources and immense opportunities for areal economies, it at the same time remains one of Gothenburg’s most segregated, with high levels of unemployment, ill health and crime. The uniqueness of the project lies not only in its way of abridging the rural-urban divide, but also by consciously deferring from the debilitating rhetoric of previous ‘immigrant policies’, and instead focusing on agricultural productivity, small-scale food producers and sustainable food strategies. Such exhortations to bridge between philosophical and material polarities, however, have not come without conceptual and practical challenges, something this paper aims to subsume and open up to debate.
19.
Lee, Christina, 1992
(författare)
A Life Cycle Approach to Environmental Sustainability in Aggregate Production Systems
2024
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Rock materials, such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock, serve as the foundation of our society. Known collectively as aggregates, these materials are essential for building foundations, concrete, and roads, making them the second most extracted material globally after water. Since these materials are often extracted directly from nature, responsible production is crucial to ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Meeting sustainability objectives requires comprehensive environmental reporting to fulfil Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) demands. In response to this need, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have gained prominence in the construction sector. However, EPDs, based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), do not fully capture all relevant environmental aspects for aggregate extraction and production facilities, often referred to as quarries. This highlights the need for a holistic perspective when it comes to environmental management. EPDs can also cause challenges for producers who may face resource constraints, data collection difficulties, and limitations in environmental knowledge during the process of producing an EPD. Moreover, regarding EPDs solely as communication tools overlooks a value creation opportunity to identify environmental improvements in production systems. Therefore, integrating LCA with production simulations can enhance environmental management, necessitating the development of tools that simplify and support producers in this endeavour. This thesis proposes a tool structure based on the development work of an industry-specific EPD software tool, and explores its integration into environmental management practices for quarries, with the aim of improving environmental performance. By identifying potential industry-specific environmental impacts, the thesis highlights knowledge gaps and delineates the limitations of LCA tools when combined with production simulations aiming towards a more holistic perspective of environmental performance. Additionally, it offers recommendations for best practices in combining LCA tools into quarry environmental management to overcome limitations, and identifies key areas where industry improvements can be achieved.
20.
Silfwerbrand, Johan, et al.
(författare)
Performance-based requirements in design-build contracting for highway construction and maintenance
2019
Ingår i: FIB 2018 - Proceedings for the 2018 fib Congress. - : Federation Internationale du Beton (fib). ; , s. 470-478, s. 470-478
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
Design-build contracts with performance-based specifications are believed to raise productivity and the innovation rate. However, performance-based requirements used in specifications for highway and bridge contracts may suffer from being too detailed or too difficult to verify. A Swedish research project has been devoted to this issue. The aims were (i) to develop a definition of performance-based requirements and (ii) to evaluate performance-based requirements used in Swedish design-build contracts. The project consisted of three parts: (i) literature survey, (ii) investigation of current documents produced and used by the Swedish Transport Administration for design-build contracts, and (iii) case studies of six design-build contracts with performance-based requirements, including an analysis of specification documents and interviews with both client and contractor project managers. Current performance-based specifications show different degrees of detail. Measurable requirements are more frequently used on roads, and in particular on road surfaces, than on bridges. Further development is needed to promote technical innovations. Less detailed specifications and a shift to design-build-operate contracts with prolonged maintenance responsibility would also encourage the choice of more durable and long-lasting (=sustainable) solutions. The emphasis on Life Cycle Cost (LCC) in the reformulated contract award criteria in the EU public procurement directive might be insufficient to strengthen the competitive power of concrete pavements as compared to asphalt pavements, unless specifications are supported by Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and the choice of contract type is reconsidered.
21.
Frischknecht, Rolf, et al.
(författare)
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Geosyhnthetics versus Conventional filter layer
2013
Ingår i: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. - 9782859784744 ; 4, s. 3203-3206
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
Geosynthetics made from plastics can replace filter layers made of gravel. In this article goal and scope, basic data and the results of a comparative life cycle assessment of gravel and geosynthetics based filter layers are described. The filter layers of a road made of 30 cm gravel and a filter geosynthetic, respectively, form the basis for the comparison. The filter layers have the same technical performance and the same life time of 30 years. The product system includes the supply of the raw materials, the manufacture of the geotextiles and the extraction of mineral resources, the construction of the road filter, its use and its end of life phase. The life cycle assessment reveals that the geosynthetics based filter layer causes lower environmental impacts per square metre. The cumulative greenhouse gas emissions amount to 7.8 kg CO2-eq (mineral filter) and to 0.81 kg CO2-eq (geosynthetic filter). The variation of the thickness of the gravel based filter layer confirms the lower environmental impacts of a geosynthetics based filter layer. Environmental impacts of the geosynthetic production are dominated by the raw material provision (plastic granulate) and electricity consumption during manufacturing.
22.
Bannova, Olga, 1964
(författare)
Extreme environments - Design and human factors considerations
2014
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
The starting point of this research is based on my experience at SICSA performing research and design for extreme environments, including orbital and lunar planetary facilities, disaster shelters, polar stations and offshore surface and submersible habitats. This thesis explores what aspects and issues of design and planning processes in extreme environments have to be addressed in a similar way and therefore may be used as a basis for further work toward PhD thesis to develop a methodological planning tool or matrix. That "tool" will be proposed for the purpose of facilitating a dialogue between all parties involved during developments in extreme conditions of Polar Regions.This work investigates both sides of any activity's planning process for Polar Regions: physical conditions and human factors and as an important part of the latter – possible human error complications. The complexity of the problem calls for a multi-disciplinary approach where the many facets of sustainability have to be also addressed. Dealing with the difficulty of combining multiple components is a role for an architect as a facilitator for a dialogue between all actors involved in development activities in extreme environments.Although requirements and hardships specific to diverse extreme environments are outlined at the beginning of the text, the study is later more focused on polar and boreal sites and based on two case studies located there. The text is also based on an overview of related to research problem technical papers, discussions with professionals about their work experience with projects in extreme conditions, and students' workshops debating strategies to form sustainable behavior and design practices.This study finds that an interdisciplinary, comprehensive approach includes highlighting influences upon general habitat requirements, and constraints upon delivery, construction, and special provisions for safety and hazard intervention. Optimization of such design requirements based on a summary of design considerations will be a key element for future development of systematic planning approach.In summary, the next steps of the research advancement are outlined; emphasizing the importance of equal attention to all elements of the project development, including human factors and psychological aspects, in design and planning processes. Such an approach is essential to enable successful sustainable development and maintenance practices.
23.
André, Hampus, 1989
(författare)
Resource and Environmental Impacts of Resource-Efficiency Measures Applied to Electronic Products
2018
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Natural resources such as ecosystems, land, water and metals underpin the functioning of economies and human well-being, and are becoming increasingly scarce due to growth in population and affluence. Metals are increasingly demanded for their specific properties as modern technology develops. The dependence on metals is of growing concern due to the environmental impacts related, for example, to energy use and local impacts from mining, as well as the scarcity risks posed by socio-economic, geological and geopolitical constraints. Thus, there is a clear need to use metals and other natural resources more efficiently. The vision of a circular economy has been proposed as a way to do this, for example by improving durability, reusing, repairing and recycling. Such so-called resource-efficiency (RE) measures are commonly assumed to be environmentally beneficial, although the evidence is not plentiful. It is plausible that focusing on recirculating products and materials could shift burdens to other environmental impacts or life cycle stages. It has therefore been argued that a life cycle-based approach, such as in life cycle assessment (LCA), is useful to critically assess the environmental implications of RE measures. LCA aims to quantify the environmental impacts of products over their entire life cycles - from cradle to grave - assessing a wide range of impacts such as toxicity, climate change and metal resource use. For metal resource use, however, there are a number of perspectives as to what constitutes the actual environmental problem. These perspectives are represented in a variety of life cycle impact assessment methods (LCIA) which have previously been shown to give diverging results. Electronic products are emblematic of metal resource use challenges since they deploy a broad spectrum of scarce metals. This thesis aims to provide knowledge on the potential for RE measures to reduce the environmental impacts of electronic products, by addressing the following research questions: (1) What resource-efficiency measures result in reduced potential environmental impacts and resource use – for what types of products and under what conditions? (2) How does extended use of electronic products through design for increased technical lifetime, reuse and repair affect environmental impacts, particularly metal resource use? (3) How does the application of different LCIA methods for metal resource use influence interpretations of resource-efficiency measures applied to electronic products? This thesis builds on three appended papers which are all based on comparative assessments of resource efficiency, studied as resource use and environmental impacts per function delivered, using LCA and material flow analysis. The results indicate that extended use of electronic products through increasing technical lifetimes, reusing and repairing, is generally resource-efficient. Exceptions may occur, however, if extended use is insufficient to motivate impacts from producing more durable products or spare parts. Use extension of electronic products leads to resource efficiency in two distinct ways: through the intended use extension and by increasingly steering material flows into recycling. Further resource efficiency could be realised by combining RE measures over the entire life cycles of products. With regards to metal resource use, the choice of LCIA method can influence the interpretation of the results of RE measures for electronic products. Therefore, it is advisable to use several complementary LCIA methods to minimise the risks of overlooking potentially important resources issues. Furthermore, better understanding and transparency of such issues is valuable in order to provide more comprehensive information to decision-makers.
24.
Gustafsson, Marcus, 1987-, et al.
(författare)
Techno-economic analysis of energy renovation measures for a district heated multi-family house
2016
Ingår i: Applied Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-2619 .- 1872-9118. ; 177, s. 108-116
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Renovation of existing buildings is important in the work toward increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The present paper treats energy renovation measures for a Swedish district heated multi-family house, evaluated through dynamic simulation. Insulation of roof and façade, better insulating windows and flow-reducing water taps, in combination with different HVAC systems for recovery of heat from exhaust air, were assessed in terms of life cycle cost, discounted payback period, primary energy consumption, CO2 emissions and non-renewable energy consumption. The HVAC systems were based on the existing district heating substation and included mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and different configurations of exhaust air heat pump.Compared to a renovation without energy saving measures, the combination of new windows, insulation, flow-reducing taps and an exhaust air a heat pump gave up to 24% lower life cycle cost. Adding insulation on roof and façade, the primary energy consumption was reduced by up to 58%, CO2 emissions up to 65% and non-renewable energy consumption up to 56%. Ventilation with heat recovery also reduced the environmental impact but was not economically profitable in the studied cases. With a margin perspective on electricity consumption, the environmental impact of installing heat pumps or air heat recovery in district heated houses is increased. Low-temperature heating improved the seasonal performance factor of the heat pump by up to 11% and reduced the environmental impact.
25.
Ylva, Berglund, et al.
(författare)
Framsynt efterord
2013
Ingår i: Mellanrum. Fem års seminarier om social hållbarhet och stadsutveckling i Göteborg.
Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
26.
Hallberg, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
On the use of open bim and 4D visualisation in a predictive life cycle management system for construction works
2011
Ingår i: Electronic Journal of Information Technology in Construction. - 1403-6835 .- 1874-4753. ; 16, s. 445-466
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Construction works are in periodical need of performance upgrade such as maintenance, repair and rehabilitation (MR&R). Facility managers are responsible to fulfil this need during the whole life cycle of the construction works in a manner that maximises the economical profit, minimises the environmental impact and keeps the risk of failure at a low level. A prerequisite for efficient facility management (FM) is long-term planning of MR&R actions. This requires management of a large amount of information, a process that includes gathering, storing, processing and presentation of data. With the development of open Building Information Models (open BIM) and standardisation of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) new possibilities of efficient management of FM information have emerged. Due to its parametric and object-oriented approach, the open BIM-concept rationalises the information management and makes it more cost effective. This paper discusses how open BIM, with the aid of IFC, and Product Life Cycle Support (PLCS) may facilitate the implementation of a predictive Life cycle Management System (LMS) and by that improve the feasibility for adopting long-term and dynamic maintenance strategy in the FM process. A case study on the use of a commercial BIM-based design tool as information repository and media to present life cycle information within the context of the LMS concept on a hospital building is also presented. The case study shows that the build-up of the information becomes simpler, more clear and efficient compared to a traditional database solution, as it is done with parametric objects. However, the basic BIM can not serve for all LMS functions. There is still need for development of a BIM integrated LMS solution that may support prediction of life cycle performance and maintenance needs. Such a solution needs to be communicative to any open BIM software and thus has to be built upon open standards for exchange of building information, e.g. the IFC standard, and life cycle oriented standards like PLCS. Additional focus is put on 4D simulation and visualisation. Simulation and visualisation of long-term performance of buildings is of crucial importance when improving the feasibility for adopting a long-term and dynamic maintenance strategy in the FM process. © 2011 The authors.
27.
Du, Guangli, 1985-, et al.
(författare)
Life cycle assessment as a decision support tool for bridge procurement : environmental impact comparison among five bridge designs
2014
Ingår i: The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0948-3349 .- 1614-7502. ; 19:12, s. 1948-1964
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The conventional decision-making for bridges is mostly focusing on technical, economical, and safety perspectives. Nowadays, the society devotes an ever-increased effort to the construction sector regarding their environmental performance. However, considering the complexity of the environmental problems and the diverse character of bridges, the related research for bridge as a whole system is very rare. Most existing studies were only conducted for a single indicator, part of the structure components, or a specific life stage. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an internationally standardized method for quantifying the environmental impact of a product, asset, or service throughout its whole life cycle. However, in the construction sector, LCA is usually applied in the procurement of buildings, but not bridges as yet. This paper presents a comprehensive LCA framework for road bridges, complied with LCA ReCiPe (H) methodology. The framework enables identification of the key structural components and life cycle stages of bridges, followed by aggregation of the environmental impacts into monetary values. The utility of the framework is illustrated by a practical case study comparing five designs for the Karlsnas Bridge in Sweden, which is currently under construction. This paper comprehensively analyzed 20 types of environmental indicators among five proposed bridge designs, which remedies the absence of full spectrum of environmental indicators in the current state of the art. The results show that the monetary weighting system and uncertainties in key variables such as the steel recycling rate and cement content may highly affect the LCA outcome. The materials, structural elements, and overall designs also have varying influences in different impact categories. The result can be largely affected by the system boundaries, surrounding environment, input uncertainties, considered impact indicators, and the weighting systems applied; thus, no general conclusions can be drawn without specifying such issues. Robustly evaluating and ranking the environmental impact of various bridge designs is far from straightforward. This paper is an important attempt to evaluate various designs from full dimensions. The results show that the indicators and weighting systems must be clearly specified to be applicable in a transparent procurement. This paper provides vital knowledge guiding the decision maker to select the most LCA-feasible proposal and mitigate the environmental burden in the early stage.
28.
Ek, Kristine, 1975, et al.
(författare)
Multi-criteria decision analysis methods to support sustainable infrastructure construction
2019
Ingår i: IABSE Symposium, Guimaraes 2019: Towards a Resilient Built Environment Risk and Asset Management - Report. ; , s. 1084-1091
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
The construction of infrastructure projects represents a large sustainability impact, both positive and negative. Increased positive and reduced negative impacts can be achieved through better design and planning of the construction. To make more sustainable choices, well‐defined predictive sustainability assessment methods are required. Multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a well-suited method for predictive sustainability assessment. This paper evaluates two MCDA methods for sustainability assessment of infrastructure construction and exemplifies their application with two case studies. The aim of this paper is to discuss if the methods are suitable for identifying the most sustainable alternative during the procurement process of an infrastructure project. It is recommended that MCDA methods are further developed to comply with the recently published EN standard on sustainability assessment of civil engineering works.
29.
Rempling, Rasmus, 1976, et al.
(författare)
Performance requirements for Swedish transport infrastructure - A pre-study of challenges and possibilities
2022
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
In recent years, significant worldwide research has been conducted regarding the performance assessment of bridges and the concept of performance indicator has been introduced However, there are still significant discrepancies in how these indicators are obtained and used. Simultaneously, it is desirable to achieve processes and methods that are direct, i.e. that measured values are directly compared with projected values over time. This project concerns methods for verification of technical performance requirements. The feasibility study brought together interdisciplinary researchers, consultants, and entrepreneurs to gather knowledge, anchor the research agenda, and implement performance requirements. The project concludes that there is a need for a “Holistic multi-parameter verification/validation system” that relies on the knowledge gained in structural health monitoring research.
30.
Ek, Kristine, 1975, et al.
(författare)
A harmonized method for automatable life cycle sustainability performance assessment and comparison of civil engineering works design concepts
2020
Ingår i: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. - : IOP Publishing. - 1755-1307 .- 1755-1315. ; 588:5
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
The life cycle sustainability performance of civil engineering works is increasingly important. The possibility to influence the sustainability of a project design is larger in the conceptual stage than in later stages. Better-informed decisions regarding design choices’ impact on sustainability can be made by comparing conceptual project designs based on an assessment of their life cycle sustainability performance. It is essential that concepts are assessed in a harmonized way and compared impartially. Current standards provide the general framework for the assessment of sustainability performance, but do not give detailed guidance on calculation of sustainability indicators and their aggregation. Since design in automated systems is becoming increasingly common, there is a growing need for machine-readable data and automatable assessment methods. Assessment methods which can be applied using open-access data is important to achieve fair competition. This paper aims to provide a method for life cycle sustainability performance assessment and comparison of civil engineering works design concepts, possible to apply using open-access Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and life cycle assessment (LCA) data. The purpose is to enable fair and automatable sustainability assessments of design concepts, to facilitate impartial comparisons of such assessments as a basis for choosing sustainable designs. A literature review of relevant standards and scientific papers on sustainability assessment of construction and civil engineering works was performed. A harmonized, fair and automatable method for life cycle sustainability assessment and comparison of civil engineering works design concepts, well-suited for optimization purposes, is presented. However, the aim currently limits categories and indicators possible to include. The proposed method includes guidance on the calculation of environmental, social and economic indicators, based on LCA, life cycle costing (LCC) and external costs, and aggregation using normalisation and weighting factors of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). The proposed method allows for an impartial comparison of the sustainability of design concepts, resulting in better-informed decisions.
31.
Kans, Mirka, 1971, et al.
(författare)
The development of a cloud-based information system for gravel road maintenance
2022
Ingår i: International Journal of COMADEM. - : COMADEM International. - 1363-7681. ; 25:2, s. 31-38
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The gravel road network is an essential function for rural residents and entrepreneurs. Traditional maintenance of gravel roads is well-functioning but provides a relatively high maintenance cost per unit length of the road. In addition, every maintenance action and extraction and transport of new gravel contribute to increased climate impact and resource depletion. Today, maintenance planning is carried out periodically based on the maintenance history, which also is reflected in the economic models and procurement methods. Current maintenance plans may be enhanced and will not be a reliable basis in the future, for instance due to climate change. Instead, real needs and conditions must be given greater consideration. Today, appropriate maintenance management systems are lacking, e.g., to be able to evaluate maintenance deficiencies, prioritize objects and choose the appropriate maintenance action. Moreover, the knowledge available at specific stakeholders is not shared with other actors. In this paper, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system for gravel road maintenance is proposed in the form of a cloud-based system covering the information needs of stakeholders in the gravel road maintenance ecosystem. Requirement specifications are given for the subsystems intended for the maintenance executioner and the maintenance planner. The specifications are based on workshops and interviews conducted with stakeholders, where requirements were acquired using techniques such as User stories, Use case scenarios, and mock-up prototypes. System examples corresponding to the requirements specifications are also given.
32.
European Energy Pathways - Pathways to sustainable european energy systems
2011
Samlingsverk (redaktörskap) (refereegranskat) abstract
To meet the challenge of climate change, the world must substaintially reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). this must be accomplished in a way that maintains security of supply and competitiveness.This book presents to pathways towards sustainable European energy systems - the "Policy Pathway" and the "Market Pathway". These to pathways differ with respect to where the main responsability lies for transforming the energy system in following the pathway. The Policy pathway takes its departure from the EU Energy and Climate Package, and has a strong focus on targeted policies that promote energy efficiency and energy from renewable sources. The Market Pathway relies more on the market to transform the energy system, and presents a future in which the cost associated with emitting CO2 (and other GHGs) is the dominating policy measure.This book describes the research that has been carried out during the first period (2006-2010) of the AGS project "Pathways to Sustsainable Energy Systems". This interdisciplinary project involved more than 40 researchers and addressed various aspects of the challenges faced in transforming the European energy system. The chapters in this book cover more than 30 topics and presents an overall picture of the results obtained to date from various activities in the Pathways project.
33.
Amon, Francine, et al.
(författare)
Fire Impact Tool- Measuring the impact of fire suppression operations on the environment
2021
Ingår i: Fire safety journal. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0379-7112 .- 1873-7226. ; 120
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
In Sweden the responsibility for environmental damage when emergency responders are called to an incident is increasingly focussing on the responders. The problem is that most incident response personnel do not have the training and expertise to assess the environmental consequences of their suppression operations. The Fire Impact Tool was developed for training responders about how fire effluents and suppression media affect air, surface/groundwater and soil. The tool has three interdependent parts: fire models (for vehicles and enclosures), an environmental risk assessment (ERA) model for local impacts, and a life cycle assessment (LCA) model for global impacts. Users can create two scenarios that are compared with a reference case in which responders arrive at the incident and prevent the fire from spreading beyond the vehicle or enclosure but do not suppress the fire. The Fire Impact Tool is not intended for use during an actual fire incident. This work does not answer every question for every possible fire scenario, but it does provide a framework for deeper, broader, more comprehensive training and pre-planning. This is a necessary step toward a future in which responders are prepared to make informed decisions about firefighting strategies and tactics that include environmental consequences.
34.
Ekström, Daniel P T, 1976, et al.
(författare)
Climate impact optimization in concrete bridge construction
2017
Ingår i: IABSE Conference, Vancouver 2017. - : International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). - 9783857481536 ; , s. 1161-1168, s. 1161-1168
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
Estimates indicate that the total climate impact, from a lifecycle perspective, generated by Swedish construction processes reaches the same magnitude as emissions from all passenger cars in Sweden. A large part of the emissions from construction of roads and railways arise from production of steel and concrete used in bridges and other infrastructure structures. In this research, several cases of existing concrete bridges have been investigated. The case studies are in a very firm way analyzed, and then opportunities for reducing climate gas emissions are described and elaborated upon. Accordingly, design and dimensioning through the use of today's technology and material selection are discussed. Without developing new ways to construct bridges, or comparing concrete with other materials, a useful guide on how to use technology and opportunities that are available for constructing climate smarter versions of standard bridges today is developed and described.
35.
36.
Täljsten, Björn, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
Assessment of prestressed concrete bridges - challenges
2020
Ingår i: IABSE Symposium, Wroclaw 2020. - Zürich : International Association For Bridge And Structural Engineering (IABSE). ; , s. 487-494
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
Prestressed concrete bridges are important parts of our infrastructure. They are susceptible to different kinds of deterioration processes. Examples of damages and deficiencies are cracking, corrosion, voids, bond loss, reduction of cover layer, delamination, fatigue and loss of stiffness and strength. This necessitates methods to continuously assess their condition in order to avoid problems that might lead to shorter service life or reduction of structural integrity. Many of the existing prestressed bridges in Europe are now approaching their design life length. However, with proper and continuous inspection, monitoring and assessment, we may plan proactive maintenance and the structural safety can be assured or – if necessary - increased. This will save both money and decrease the environmental impact of the structure.
37.
Najjar Azali, Negin, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
On the Need of BIM Implementation in the Historical Buildings Renovation : An Analytical KMS-based Approach Toward Upgrading the Existing Renovation Design Methods to the Building Information Model in Iran
2016
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the new trend in accordance with the management of the information related to building design and construction; some countries such as Denmark, Singapore and the United Kingdom have mandated the implementation of BIM method for their public construction projects and considered BIM documentation/implementation as a part of their national regulations/codes. So far, there is not such a ground rule/platform in Iran to provide and improve public construction/design contracts based on BIM implementation. This gap makes the management of the generated associated knowledge difficult to capture and eventually would not support the needed effective dissemination of the prospect knowledge. Particularly the practical implementation, the associated knowledge acquisition, and application of BIM remain a major issue, in our case for the renovation projects in Iran, although the related software are in common usage. The ultimate goal of this paper is to gain a more acute perspective into the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) through the renovation of the cultural/historic places/buildings and the related innovative operational approach, addressing various projects around the world by developing a conceptual model as a Knowledge Management System (KMS); it reveals that BIM adaptation for public historical renovations in Iran which not only helps to mitigate the Knowledge Management problems but also attract global actors to participate in the mentioned field beside the platform development of the KM. The establishment of the KMS and the associated dynamism must be through the core management approach and strategy of the contributing enterprises, providing the human, financial and material resources to the process; additionally, it is essential to capture and systematized generated information and knowledge throughout the lifecycle of the renovation projects. The methodology is based on a literature review of the BIM-oriented renovation investigating of the actual projects and the development of a conceptual model toward fulfilling the gap of the key management factors such as indecisive sustainability, weak project execution, unclear or divergent project goals, lack of funding or resources, lack of design and renovation standards, etc. By implementation of BIM as a knowledge-based approach in the renovation of historical and cultural projects, our conceptual model uses BIM as an information exchange framework to manage knowledge in renovation project. The paper concludes with a potential broad discussion of suggestions supporting the adaptation of BIM at the renovation stage of historical projects in Iran based on the research findings.
38.
Bin, Jiang, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
Automatic generation of the axial lines of urban environments to capture what we perceive
2010
Ingår i: International Journal of Geographical Information Science. - London : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1365-8816 .- 1365-8824 .- 1362-3087. ; 24:4, s. 545-558
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Based on the concepts of isovists and medial axes, we developed a set of algorithms that can automatically generate axial lines for representing individual linearly stretched parts of open space of an urban environment. Open space is the space between buildings, where people can freely move around. The generation of the axial lines has been a key aspect of space syntax research, conventionally relying on hand-drawn axial lines of an urban environment, often called axial map, for urban morphological analysis. Although various attempts have been made towards an automatic solution, few of them can produce the axial map that consists of the least number of longest visibility lines, and none of them really works for different urban environments. Our algorithms provide a better solution than existing ones. Throughout this paper, we have also argued and demonstrated that the axial lines constitute a true skeleton, superior to medial axes, in capturing what we perceive about the urban environment.
39.
Mathern, Alexandre, 1986, et al.
(författare)
Practical metamodel‑assisted multi‑objective design optimization for improved sustainability and buildability of wind turbine foundations
2022
Ingår i: Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1615-1488 .- 1615-147X. ; 65:2
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
In this work, we study the potential of using kriging metamodelling to perform multi-objective structural design optimization using finite element analysis software and design standards while keeping the computational efforts low. A method is proposed, which includes sustainability and buildability objectives, and it is applied to a case study of reinforced concrete foundations for wind turbines based on data from a large Swedish wind farm project. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate the influence of the penalty factor applied to unfeasible solutions and the size of the initial sample generated by Latin hypercube sampling. A multi-objective optimization is then performed to obtain the optimum designs for different weight combinations for the four objectives considered. Results show that the kriging-obtained designs from samples of 20 designs outperform the best designs in the samples of 1000 designs. The optimum designs obtained by the proposed method have a sustainability impact 8–15% lower than the designs developed by traditional methods.
40.
Holmquist, Hanna, 1982, et al.
(författare)
What difference can drop-in substitution actually make? : A life cycle assessment of alternative water repellent chemicals
2021
Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 329
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in durable water repellents (DWRs) on outdoor garments and manufacturers are currently phasing out hazardous PFASs. A critical question is: which alternatives should be chosen? The answer should depend on a holistic assessment, but the published inventory data and methodological guidance for assessing PFAS in products is slim and typically limited to hazard assessment. We aim to provide a holistic assessment of the potential environmental consequences of this phase out of DWRs, going beyond the more traditional hazard-focused substitution assessment to also include a broad life-cycle-based assessment of PFASs and their drop-in alternatives. In this study, potential environmental consequences of the phase out were evaluated by applying a life cycle assessment (LCA) to shell jackets with side-chain fluorinated polymer based (i.e., PFASs) or non-fluorinated alternative DWRs with the aim to support a substitution assessment. We demonstrated an innovative approach to impact assessment by inclusion of PFAS related fate and toxicity and invested effort towards contributing new primary inventory data by using a combination of industry dialogue and performance measurements from our larger project context. From a methodological point of view, this paper demonstrates the state-of-the-art in product LCA of persistent textile chemicals and identifies the current limits of this assessment approach. It also delivers new LCI data of use to other analysts. The LCA results in this paper suggest that jackets without PFASs are environmentally preferable. Potential problem shifting due to increased washing and reimpregnation of the jackets did not outweigh PFAS-related potential toxicity impacts as indicated by LCA results. Based on the results presented here, specific DWRs within the non-fluorinated DWR group could not be identified as preferable to others. This LCA does however provide a relevant starting point for more detailed studies on specific DWR systems and it supports moves to phase-out PFASs from non-essential DWR uses. © 2021 The Authors
41.
Kurkinen, Eva-Lotta, et al.
(författare)
Energy and climate-efficient construction systems : Environmental assessment of various frame options for buildings in Brf. Viva
2018
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
In the collaborative forum Positive footprint housing® Riksbyggen is building the Viva residential quarter, which is a sustainability project at the very forefront of what is possible with contemporary construction. The idea is that this residential quarter should be fully sustainable in ecological, economic and social terms. Since 2013, a number of pilot studies have been completed under the auspices of the Viva project framework thanks to financing from the Swedish Energy Agency. The various building frame alternatives that have been evaluated are precast concrete, cast in-situ concrete and solid wood, all proposed by leading commercial suppliers. The report includes a specific requirement for equivalent functions during the use phase of the building, B. An interpretation has been provided that investigates the building engineering aspects in detail, as well as an account of the results based on the social community requirements specified in Viva, durability, fire, noise and energy consumption in the Swedish National Board of Building, Planning and Housing building regulations (BBR), plus Riksbyggen’s own requirements, Sweden Green Building Council’s Environmental Building Gold (Miljöbyggnad Guld) and 100-year life cycle. Given that the alternatives have different long-term characteristics (and also that our knowledge of these characteristics itself varies), these functional requirements have been addressed by setting up different scenarios in accordance with the EPD standard EN 15978. Because Riksbyggen has specified a requirement for a 100-year life cycle, we have also opted for an analysis period of 100 years. The results show no significant differences between concrete and timber structures for the same functions during the life cycle, either for climate or for primary energy. The minor differences reported are accordingly less than the degree of uncertainty involved in the study. The available documentation on the composition of the relevant intumescent paint coating on solid wood frames differs from source to source, so it was not possible to fully allow for the significance of this. The LCA has not included functional changes in the building linked to load-bearing characteristics, noise, moisture, health or other problems that may result in increased maintenance and replacement. The concrete houses have been dimensioned for 100 years, for instance, in accordance with tried and tested standards and experience. The solid wood house is not dimensioned in the same way, and this has led to us having to assume various scenarios.The results also show the following:• The uncertainties involved in comparing different structures and alternative solutions are very significant. The results are affected by factors such as life cycle, the functional requirements taken into consideration, transportation, design and structural details, etc.• Variations in the built items and a considerable degree of uncertainty in the assumptions make it difficult to obtain significant results on comparisons. Only actual construction projects with known specific data, declared from a life cycle perspective that takes into account actual building developer requirements and involving different scenarios (best, documented and worst-case) for the user stage can currently be compared.• In the other hand, comparisons restricted to different concrete structures only, or to different timber structures only, ought to involve a lower degree of uncertainty. These would then provide results that are significant as well as improvement requirements that are relevant.• There is potential for improving concrete by imposing requirements on the material• There is potential for improving solid wood frames by developing and guaranteeing well-documented long-term characteristics for all functional requirements.The LCAs were performed as an iterative process where all parties were given the opportunity to submit their viewpoints and suggestions for changes during the course of the work. This helped ensure that all alternatives have been properly thought through.Because, during the project, Riksbyggen opted to procure a concrete frame, in the final stage the researchers involved focused on ensuring the procurement process would result in the concrete frame as built meeting the requirements set out above. As things currently stand, the material requirements for the concrete are limited by the production options open to the suppliers, and this is therefore being investigated in the manufacture of precast concrete frames for the Viva cooperative housing association.
42.
Nair, Gireesh, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
Adoption of energy efficiency measures in swedish detatched houses
2009
Ingår i: International Scientific Conference on Energy systems with IT, March 11-12, in connection with 'Energitiget 2009', Stockholm, Sweden.
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
The paper focuses on Swedish homeowners’ need for and perceptions about adopting building envelop energy efficiency measures such as improved windows and attic and wall insulation. The results of a questionnaire surveying 3000 randomly selected homeowners during the summer of 2008 revealed that about 70-90% of the respondents had no intention of implementing such a measure over the next 10 years. The main reasons for non-adoption were that homeowners were satisfied with the physical condition, thermal performance, and aesthetics of their existing installations. A greater proportion of respondents perceived that improving attic insulation has more advantages than other measures, but windows were more likely to be installed than attic insulation was to be improved. Respondents gave high priority to economic factors in deciding on an energy efficiency measure, while environmental aspects were given lower priority. Hence, economic incentives could be useful in promoting the adoption of building envelope energy efficiency measures. Interpersonal sources, construction companies/installers, and energy advisers were important sources of information for homeowners as they planned to install energy efficiency measures.
43.
Davidsson, Simon, et al.
(författare)
A review of life cycle assessments on wind energy systems
2012
Ingår i: The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0948-3349 .- 1614-7502. ; 17:6, s. 729-742
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat) abstract
PurposeSeveral life cycle assessments (LCA) of wind energy published in recent years are reviewed to identify methodological differences and underlying assumptions.MethodsA full comparative analysis of 12 studies were undertaken (10 peer-reviewed papers, 1 conference paper, 1 industry report) regarding six fundamental factors (methods used, energy use accounting, quantification of energy production, energy performance and primary energy, natural resources, and recycling). Each factor is discussed in detail to highlight strengths and shortcomings of various approaches.ResultsSeveral potential issues are found concerning the way LCA methods are used for assessing energy performance and environmental impact of wind energy, as well as dealing with natural resource use and depletion. The potential to evaluate natural resource use and depletion impacts from wind energy appears to be poorly exploited or elaborated on in the reviewed studies. Estimations of energy performance and environmental impacts are critically analyzed and found to differ significantly.Conclusions and recommendationsA continued discussion and development of LCA methodology for wind energy and other energy resources are encouraged. Efforts should be made to standardize methods and calculations. Inconsistent use of terminology and concepts among the analyzed studies are found and should be remedied. Different methods are generally used and the results are presented in diverse ways, making it hard to compare studies with each other, but also with other renewable energy sources.
44.
Dervishaj, Arlind
(författare)
From Sustainability to Regeneration : a digital framework with BIM and computational design methods
2023
Ingår i: Architecture, Structures and Construction. - : Springer Nature. - 2730-9886 .- 2730-9894. ; 3:3, s. 315-336
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Design methods, frameworks, and green building certifications have been developed to create a sustainable built environment. Despite sustainability advancements, urgent action remains necessary due to climate change and the high impact of the built environment. Regenerative Design represents a shift from current practices focused on reducing environmental impacts, as it aims to generate positive effects on both human and natural systems. Although digital design methods are commonly employed in sustainable design practice and research, there is presently no established framework to guide a digital regenerative design process. This study provides an analysis of existing literature on regenerative design and digital design methods and presents a framework based on building information modelling (BIM) methodology and computational design methods, that can be applied to both urban and building design. This framework identifies digital tools and organizes indicators based on the pillars of climate, people, and nature for regenerative design, drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of literature, including standards, sustainability frameworks and research studies. The framework is illustrated through a case study evaluation. The paper also highlights the potential and limitations of digital methods concerning regenerative design and suggests possibilities for future expansion by incorporating additional quantifiable indicators that reflect research developments, to achieve positive outcomes.
45.
Roupé, Mattias, 1975, et al.
(författare)
Immersive visualization of Building Information Models
2016
Ingår i: Living Systems and Micro-Utopias: Towards Continuous Designing, Proceedings of the 21st International Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA 2016). - 9789881902672 ; , s. 673-682
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat) abstract
The design process of a building often involves many different actors and people with different experiences, level of knowledge and ability to interpret information. The most common information media in these processes are 2D-drawings, documents and 3D images of design. These media can be difficult to interpret and understand and could cause communication difficulties and design errors. However, in this context, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) have been shown to offer an efficient communication platform. In this paper we present and evaluate a portable immersive visualization system that uses the BIMs directly from the design tools. The system is validated in a real construction project, where the dif-ferent disciplines in the design process used the system. The result was collected through interviews and observation during usage of the system. All the participants expressed that this type of visual interface helped them to get another level of understanding and perception of space, which lead to better decision-making process and resolving of design issues.
46.
Gluch, Pernilla, 1968, et al.
(författare)
Charting corporate greening: environmental management trends in Sweden
2014
Ingår i: Building Research and Information. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1466-4321 .- 0961-3218. ; 42:3, s. 318-329
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
In order to understand the long-term change processes, a longitudinal study of the Swedish construction industry is presented. This examines the long-term environmental attitudes and practices within this industry, particularly the trends and significant changes in corporate environmental management and performance. The results from three surveys undertaken in 2002, 2006 and 2010 indicate that environmental work is becoming institutionalized as astrategic part of the companies’ business, environmental management activities and integrated within the companies’ work practices. Also evident is a greater maturity and raised ambitions in companies’ environmental actions. Legislative pressures have become a reduced driver; instead there is increased pressure from, and need for cooperation with, a larger variety of stakeholders and across disciplines. Environmental management systems have been widely adopted, meaning that practice relies on self-surveillance and voluntary actions. A consolidation of environmental management is observed within the companies, as well as an emerging business niche of environmental expert consultancy. The perceived effects on competitiveness and financial performance remain unclear, implying that there are other motivations for environmental change than financial and legal justifications.
47.
Mangold, Mikael, 1982, et al.
(författare)
Building ownership, renovation investments, and energy performance - A study of multi-family dwellings in Gothenburg
2018
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 10:5
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The European building stock was renewed at a rapid pace during the period 1950-1975. In many European countries, the building stock from this time needs to be renovated, and there are opportunities to introduce energy efficiency measures in the renovation process. Information availability and increasingly available analysis tools make it possible to assess the impact of policy and regulation. This article describes methods developed for analyzing investments in renovation and energy performance based on building ownership and inhabitant socio-economic information developed for Swedish authorities, to be used for the Swedish national renovations strategy in 2019. This was done by analyzing measured energy usage and renovation investments made during the last 30 years, coupled with building specific official information of buildings and resident area characteristics, for multi-family dwellings in Gothenburg (N = 6319). The statistical analyses show that more costly renovations lead to decreasing energy usage for heating, but buildings that have been renovated during the last decades have a higher energy usage when accounting for current heating system, ownership, and resident socio-economic background. It is appropriate to include an affordability aspect in larger renovation projects since economically disadvantaged groups are over-represented in buildings with poorer energy performance.
48.
Norrman, Jenny, 1971, et al.
(författare)
The significance of planning and management of the subsurface to achieve sustainable cities
2020
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Introduction: The subsurface is the foundation upon which all cities rest. But the subsurface is not only a construction basis which provide physical space for infrastructure and the possibility to create a better surface living environment: the subsurface is a multifunctional natural resource. Apart from physical space, it provides water, energy, materials, habitats for ecosystems, support for surface life, and a repository for cultural heritage and geological archives. Currently, the subsurface is often utilised according to the “first-come-first-served” principle, which hinders possibilities to take strategic decisions on prioritisation and optimisation of competing subsurface uses, as well as fair inter- and intragenerational distribution of limited natural resources. A great disadvantage is the invisibility of the subsurface and consequently a lack of understanding of it as a multifunctional resource: the recently launched concept of geosystem services could help mitigate its underrating. Methods: In order to better acknowledge and lift forward the significance of the subsurface in achieving a sustainable future, the 17 SDGs are scrutinized in relation to the resources of subsurface, and specifically how better planning and management of the subsurface can contribute in achieving the goals. Results: Subsurface planning and management is relevant to at least seven (3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13) out of seventeen SDGs. Although the subsurface is not explicitly mentioned in the SDGs (except for aquifers), the subsurface can significantly contribute in achieving several of these goals. Conclusions: Sound planning and management of the subsurface can support the achievement of the mapped SDGs in various ways. The subsurface must be recognised as a precious and multifunctional resource which require careful planning and sensitive management in accordance with its potential and its value to society. Grant support: Swedish Research Council Formas (942-2016-50), Swedish Rock Engineering Research Foundation (BeFo 385), Swedish Institute Visby Programme (23887/2017).
49.
Reindl, Katharina, 1984-
(författare)
Implementing energy measures in renovations for multi-family dwellings : Influence and practice of professionals
2017
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
Aging buildings will sooner or later be in need of renovation, which opens opportunities to reduce energy use. Even if economically feasible energy measures or technologies exist, they are not always implemented, leading to an energy efficiency gap. This dissertation deals with how energy measures are handled and why they are enabled or disabled during the planning and design of renovations. During renovations, different kinds of building professionals are engaged, here referred to as middle professionals. The meeting practice of the professionals is investigated, with a focus on how the middle professionals exert influence from the middle-out and to the top and bottom, and how and why they enable or disable measures aimed at energy efficiency or reduction. Three renovation projects are followed in the municipality-owned housing company Stångåstaden, in Linköping, Sweden. The housing company’s goal is to reduce the amount of purchased energy by 25% by 2025. Methods applied during the research are semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis. The conclusions show that energy measures were implemented, but more can be done in renovations. Predefined meeting agendas make the process efficient but not flexible, thus it can be difficult to introduce innovations and alternative ways of thinking into the process. The professionals usually selected measures they had used before. Energy calculations attracted little interest compared to the aggregated knowledge from previous projects, and experience and tacit knowledge were highly valued. This and more lead to a renovation process where it is difficult for energy to enter the current meeting practice.
50.
Degraded and restituted towns in Poland: Origins, development, problems : Miasta zdegradowane i restytuowane w Polsce. Geneza, rozwój, problemy
2015
Samlingsverk (redaktörskap) (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt) abstract
One of the less known problems in settlement geography is the issue of so-called degraded and restituted towns. This lack of reconnaissance, however, is perhaps less the result of the towns’ scarcity than their specificity of being ‘awarded’ or ‘deprived of’ an urban label by means of strictly socio-political actions. Degraded and restituted towns, hence, are spatial units made ‘urban’ or ‘rural’ instantaneously, irrespective of their de facto state along what is widely considered a gradual path of (de)urbanization. Instead, they become compartmentalized into two constructed spatial categories that have survived the onslaught of material transformations and philosophical repositioning through different whims of time. While ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ are conceptual binaries that certainly need to be treated with caution, their cultural salience may cause tangible consequences within national administrative systems that abide by a formalized rural-urban distinction. This issue becomes particularly important for settlements that clearly transcend any imagined rural-urban divide, i.e. those, whose material and immaterial characteristics seem counterfactual to their assigned category. It is also crucial in formal practices designed to avert such counterfactualities, but whose ran-domness of approach more creates confusion than helps straighten out a historical concoction. Both processes, nonetheless, lend ‘urbanity’ and ‘rurality’ a resonance of objectivity, justifying their use as guides for a host of developmental endeavors, despite subverting a much more intricate reality. Degraded and restituted towns are direct derivatives of this. Drawing on the above-mentioned irreconcilabilities, the aim of this book is to present and scrutinize degraded and restituted towns through the example of Poland, where these towns occupy a special niche. For one, Poland, due to its chequered and variegated history, is home to a conspicuously large number of degraded (831) and restituted (236) towns; for another, Poland’s relentlessness of formalizing ‘urbanity’ as a category of statistical, political and cultural guidance has a direct bearing on the lives of the towns’ residents. Realizing the intricacy of degraded and restituted towns in the face of commonplace ru-ral-urban ideations, the editors and the 17 contributing Authors of this book have made an effort to capture the towns’ complexity with special foci on their shrouded origins, developmental specificity and incurred problems. Owing to the involvement of researchers from different scientific disciplines and subdisciplines, the undertaken project has helped elucidate the problem from multiple perspectives: spatial, social, demographic, economic, environmental, historical, architectural, cultural, legal and philosophical. Allocated into 17 chapters, not only have the presented interpretations allowed for a first interdisciplinary synthesis on the topic, but they also helped outline some prospective directions for future research. Moreover, collecting materials of such diversity into an amalgamated whole has helped identify specific discourses that enwrap the concept of “urbanity” when seen through its oscillations within formal contexts, and to which degraded and restituted towns serve as expendable game pieces. By combining knowledge arrived at through ontologically and epistemologically different approaches, the incremental contribution of this book as a whole could be summarized in two attainments: a) extending theoretical frameworks used to study degraded and restituted towns in terms of definition, conceptualization and assessing predispositions for future de-velopment on account of their spatial, legal, socio-economic and historical charac-teristics; b) initiating an anticipated discussion on a number of important and current topics re-lated to the practices of degradation and restitution that have not received adequate attention, e.g., the urbanity-vs.-rurality paradox, the changeability of human settlement forms vs. the consequences of rigid spatial categorizations; the role of various actors in shaping the socio-economic reality under the guise of an ossified binary; or identifying spatio-conceptual conflicts as future challenges for local, regional and national policy.
