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Description
Combine energy efficiency with the recovery of waste, namely plastics and RCD, as well as to encourage an increase in prefabrication (modular construction) in the construction industry. optimize a commercial solution with a modular enclosure, produced by the consortium''s industrial partner, consisting of modular panels (SIP - structural insulated panels) with approximately 3m2 consisting of a central body of high-thickness thermal insulation (> 15cm) In addition to the use of waste for the development of new materials, the reuse of the envelope panels will be promoted, due to their modular characteristics, as well as the reuse of wood from the OSB panels. jobs created. Construction and demolition waste saved in the supported sectors. Innovative solutions for increased resource efficiency piloted. SMEs supported.
Summary of project results
The project aims to respond directly to the objectives defined in the MFEEE 2014-2021, allied to existing national strategies, aligning with priority areas such as Energy, Habitat, Materials and Raw Materials, as well as Advanced Production Systems and Human Capital. and Specialized Services, through the development of waste-recycling eco-nanomaterials incorporated into high energy-efficient modular construction systems. Aligning the project to various levels of action has a much broader impact on related sectors. Thus, it is intended to contribute broadly to the promotion of Circular Economy and decarbonization, meeting the main areas of action of the Environment Programme.
Collection, transport, treatment and packaging of waste to be included in innovative formulations. Their provenance will be exclusively national, in sufficient quantity for future needs. Waste will be treated at different levels, with one research team concerned with the nano scale and one with the macro scale. To obtain nanomaterials from recycled demolition materials such as window glass (SiO2), ceramic (ZrO2 and Al2O3) and plastics sand, we will use simple and practical processes. The goal will be to optimize existing processes, making them more environmentally friendly, thus reducing material waste and encouraging recycling.
Characterization of waste at macro and nano level, to be included in the finishing mortar and insulation of the core of the SIPs. An exhaustive characterization different types of waste will be made, including construction and demolition waste, plastic residues, glass and slag from incineration of municipal solid waste at the physical, mechanical and environmental levels. Nanomaterials will be included in the formulations to improve transport property and durability (nanossílica from glass powder), promote fracture toughness (Al2O3 nanoparticles from ceramic wastes) and decrease thermal conductivity coefficient (plastic sand from PVC waste and solid waste).
Characterization and study of mechanical, hygrothermal performance and durability of innovative outdoor mortar and thermal insulation product for the central area of the SIPs, including the contribution of plastic fibres, either in terms of mechanical and hygrothermal performance. At the level of nanomaterials, the size, distribution and shape in the performance of the finishing mortar will be studied (improved durability, mechanical strength, fractures and elasticity).
Pastes with the most satisfactory preliminary mechanical tests will be characterized in terms of hygrothermal, durability and environmental performance. These tests will then be used to apply for an environmental product declaration to ensure marketing certification.
Pastes validated at the level of mechanical performance tests will be subjected to a second screening related to their hygrothermal performance. For this purpose, they will be used for the manufacture of panels, which are then installed in climate chambers with a capacity of about 4 m2 specimens to measure their thermal resistance under different temperature and relative humidity conditions. These panels are then subjected to mechanical testing.
This project presented a high innovative character for circularity in the construction sector, having explored new materials and products with potential use in modular construction.
The core insulation material and finishing plaster solutions enabled the production of the SIP panel plaster system. A wall prototype (2x2 m2) was also produced. The selected formulations provided excellent thermal insulation characteristics and a good compromise with mechanical resistance.
It is worth highlighting the achievement of results beyond expectations, and the creation of synergies not only between partner entities but also between different national and international interlocutors.
The project contributed to increasing resource efficiency in the construction sector by developing innovative solutions, which include core insulation solution and finishing plaster.
The materials were developed without the addition of Portland cement, with good mechanical and hygrothermal properties that can be incorporated into prefabricated modular panels; less plastic incorporated into modular panels. The indicators relating to the forecast of annual consumption of incorporated waste highlighted the significant potential impact of incorporating these materials into new construction solutions.
As this is a pilot project in this area, the project activities will continue beyond its execution period, namely in improving the tested solutions and their potential for large-scale use.
The Good Practice Guide prepared by the project aims to be a source of inspiration and help in making decisions for the recovery of waste, from the perspective of circularity from design, with greater durability and energy efficiency.
Summary of bilateral results
The proje.ct had a Norwegian partner - SINTEF - who contributed with expertise in building physics and laboratory testing, material science, material technology, and environmental analysis, including life cycle assessment (LCA)