Work packages

In the following, a summary of the collaborative research project with its different work packages is presented. The different work packages have been consciously chosen according to the aim of the project. They are all subjected to the same theme which is to pave the way for a material/component passport. Whereas all WP’s are mutually interconnected, each constitutes an integral part of the project. However, a central role is given to WP 7. Within this WP all relevant information from the other WP’s will be centralised.

Work package 1 – Flexible Architecture: What kind of building design allows architectural cycles?

The goal is to develop architectural typologies and constructive principles which would allow further uses after the first cycle of a building. Firstly, in the sense that a building could be easily deconstructed and reconstructed on another site. Secondly, in the sense that a building could host after its first cycle other uses (a parking space could be transformed into dwellings or offices…). This work package will closely interact with the work package 2.

The objective: the creation of a compendium of completely flexible architectures that would be able to smoothly react to different needs of the territory of Luxembourg and thus respond – in terms of architecture – to the concept of circular economy.

Coordination: PhD: N.N. // Main coordinator: Prof. Hertweck // Co-coordinators: Dr. Schäfer, Prof. Waldmann

 

Work package 2 and 3 – Development of new structural composite flooring systems based on the construction materials concrete – timber and concrete – steel

The structural components will be optimized by using a holistic approach to reduce consumption of energy, natural resources and CO2 emissions. Thus, the structures will be optimised considering the whole life cycle of buildings by using criteria of life cycle assessment and energy consumption. This will be done in close collaboration with work package 4 and 5.

The objective: Modular, flexible, re-usable, prefabricated slabs made of reinforced or prestressed concrete and timber.

Coordination: PhD: N.N., N.N. // Main coordinator: Prof. Waldmann (for timber – concrete solution), Dr. Schäfer (for steel composite slab solutions) // Co-coordinators: EMPA Zurich, Prof. Knoploch Ruhr-Universität Bochum // Partners: Mr. Feider from Schroeder & Ass. and Mr. F. Braun from CDCL, Lindab S.A., CLE S.A., Fedil SteelConstrcution.

 

Work package 4 – Predictive modeling and integrated simulation of 3D concrete degradation

The work package aims at (a) developing a unified deterministic 3D continuum model for concrete hydration including shrinkage/creep assuming visco-plastic behaviour and a damage model, (b) deriving the level of damage” and (c) making available an open-source simulation tool for concrete aging using FEniCS. These aforementioned objectives will be supported by working in close collaboration with WP 2.

The objective: Create and test a unified model of the coupled thermo-hygro-chemo-mechanical (THCM) behavior of concrete structures subject to varying external conditions and prediction of their structural integrity over the entire lifetime.

Coordination: PhD: N.N. // Main coordinator: Prof. Zilian // Co-coordinators: Prof. Waldmann // Partners: TU Braunschweig: DFG-Graduiertenkolleg 2075.

 

Work package 5 – Energy efficiency and life cycle optimization of building elements in re-usable modular building architecture

With the advancements in energy efficiency during the use phase, the relative impact of the construction materials and of the structural solutions gain in importance. The main optimization potential for this embedded environmental impact lies in the recycling and reuse of modular elements and structural components; so the modular concepts and structural components developed in WP2 shall be evaluated and optimized. However, their design also influences the energy demand linked to the heating, ventilation, and cooling of the created volumes and the possibilities for different technical building installation concepts.

All these aspects will be analyzed in a holistic approach by using the principles of life cycle assessment and the outcomes will be used in the development of the new building concepts and components presented in WP1 and WP2.

The objective: Energy and environmental analysis as well as optimization of the developed modular re-usable structural components and building design during the use phase and the embedded environmental impact by their production and re-use/recycling.

Coordination: PhD: N.N. // Main coordinator: Prof. Scholzen // Co-coordinators: Prof. Waldmann, Prof. P. André (Université de Liège)

 

Work package 6 –Building Information Modelling and As-built Data Acquisitions for Eco-Construction and Sustainable Development

The objective: Develop BIMs for selected ECON4SD example buildings and investigate modern 3D data capturing technologies for as-built data acquisition within the optimized and highly sustainable construction environment; Develop BIM for example buildings; Define and develop data protocols for Interaction BIM – Bank; Simulate and Optimize Construction/Deconstruction Process; Investigate 3D data capturing technologies for as-built data acquisition; during construction/maintenance/deconstruction; Investigate and develop procedures for automated data extraction from point clouds

Coordination: PhD: N.N. // Main coordinator: Prof. Felix Norman TEFERLE // Co-coordinators: Prof. Waldmann, External Academic Advisor: t.b.c., External Industrial Advisor: Mr Toumpsin

Work package 7 – Material and component bank

Within this work package, all information from WPs 1 to 6 are centralized, analyzed and prepared. The principles of modular re-usable eco-construction will be applied to a virtual building by using the developed components and methods of WP2. The newly developed components with their connections will be implemented on a virtual building which is based on the architectural typologies of WP 1. The materials/ components will be assessed by including also a de-valorization of the material due to aging aspects using the results of WP 3. A life cycle analysis on the level of this pilot building will be performed.

The objective: Holistic interpretation of the results of all previous work packages and development of a material and component bank leading to a pilot of CE material/component passport for a virtual building.

Coordination: Main coordinator: Dr. Gaochuang Cai. // Co-coordinators: Prof. Waldmann // Partners: ProGroup S.A.

 

The NEEDS and CONTRIBUTIONS between the WPs