Luleå University of Technology
Civil, environmental and natural resources engineering
Bolivian diatomite was successfully used as a silica source for the synthesis of zeolite Y. Prior to synthesis, the diatomite was leached with sulfuric acid to remove impurities and aluminum sulfate was used as an aluminum source. The raw... more
Bolivian diatomite was successfully used as a silica source for the synthesis of zeolite Y. Prior to synthesis, the diatomite was leached with sulfuric acid to remove impurities and aluminum sulfate was used as an aluminum source. The raw materials were reacted hydrothermally at 100 C in water with sodium hy-droxide and different Na 2 O/SiO 2 ratios were investigated. The final products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, gas adsorption and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Diatomites originating from different locations and therefore containing different types and amounts of minerals and clays as impurities were investigated. After optimization of synthesis time, zeolite Y with low SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 ratio (3.0e3.9) was obtained at a high yield for high alkalinity conditions (Na 2 O/SiO 2 ¼ 0.85e2.0). Lower Na 2 O/SiO 2 ratios resulted in incomplete dissolution of diatomite and lower yield. Nevertheless, decreasing alkalinity resulted in a steady increase of the SiO 2 / Al 2 O 3 ratio in zeolite Y. Consequently, it was possible to synthesize almost pure zeolite Y with a SiO 2 / Al 2 O 3 ratio of 5.3 for a Na 2 O/SiO 2 ratio of 0.6, albeit at a low yield. In this respect, diatomite enables the synthesis of high silica zeolite Y and behaves similarly to colloidal silica in traditional syntheses, with both sources of silica having in common a high degree of polymerization. Interestingly, the presence of minerals and clays in the starting diatomite had marginal effects on the outcome of the synthesis. However, their dissolution resulted in presence of calcium and magnesium in the zeolite Y crystals. Finally, overrun of all investigated compositions resulted in the formation of zeolite P nucleating and growing onto dissolving zeolite Y crystals, which was shown to be triggered when aluminum was completely depleted at high alkalinity.
Urban form can moderate the effects of weather on human movement. As such, the interrelationship between built environment, weather and human movement is a critical component of urban design. This paper explores the impacts of weather on... more
Urban form can moderate the effects of weather on human movement. As such, the interrelationship between built environment, weather and human movement is a critical component of urban design. This paper explores the impacts of weather on non-motorised human movement (soft-mobility). Throughout we look at soft-mobility from the citizen's perspective and highlight the barriers to soft-mobility in winter. The aim of this study was to test the traditional pallet of winter city urban design considerations. Those of solar-access, wind and snow management and explore other weather and terrain conditions that act as barriers to soft-mobility in winter. This study is based on survey responses from 344 citizens in the sub-arctic area of Sweden. Outcomes from the research highlight that rain, icy surfaces and darkness are today's most significant barriers to soft-mobility in winter. Results from this study link changing barriers to soft-mobility in winter with climate change. The paper concludes that future urban design and planning for winter cities needs to consider a wider pallet of weather conditions, especially rain.
This paper reports the results of three innovative laboratory tests implemented during winter 2013 in the framework of the Climate for Culture European Project (2009–2014). Thermal analysis was used to assess the heating efficiency of... more
This paper reports the results of three innovative laboratory tests implemented during winter 2013 in the framework of the Climate for Culture European Project (2009–2014). Thermal analysis was used to assess the heating efficiency of some heaters with different power consumption, geometric shape and dimensions.
Experimental laboratory results were obtained under natural indoor environmental conditions and the outcomes were applied to a real case study of two churches on the Italian Alps during the Friendly Heating project.
Results provide useful information to help final users and/or conservators to exploit at the best the heating efficiency of some heaters on the basis of the geometric characteristics of the elements and represent helpful advices for their installation, considering both the optimal position for the maximum comfort performance and the need for not exceeding specific risk thresholds for artwork preservation.
Experimental laboratory results were obtained under natural indoor environmental conditions and the outcomes were applied to a real case study of two churches on the Italian Alps during the Friendly Heating project.
Results provide useful information to help final users and/or conservators to exploit at the best the heating efficiency of some heaters on the basis of the geometric characteristics of the elements and represent helpful advices for their installation, considering both the optimal position for the maximum comfort performance and the need for not exceeding specific risk thresholds for artwork preservation.
The book reports the results of the EU funded project "Climate for Culture" developed under the 7th Framework Programme under Grant Agreement No. 226973
- by Jonathan Ashley-Smith and +2
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Authors present an ongoing research to balance conservation, users’ comfort and energy efficiency of an important masterpiece of post-war architecture. The Collegi of the University of Urbino consist of 5 dormitories hosting more than... more
Authors present an ongoing research to balance conservation, users’ comfort and energy efficiency of an important masterpiece of post-war architecture. The Collegi of the University of Urbino consist of 5 dormitories hosting more than 1,000 students within a 62,000 m2 surface. Architect Giancarlo De Carlo designed this complex beside the Renaissance city center, from 1962 to 1983.
This paper presents some outcomes form the “Keeping it modern” research program financed by the Getty Foundation which aims at providing the Collegi with a sustainable conservation plan. The goal is to lower heating and operational costs in order to allow more funds in conservation activities. Specific issues regard:
- the striking dimensions of the complex
- the constructive features (brickwork walls, exposed concrete structures, single-glazed windows)
- the lack of data about the hygrothermal performances.
These problems are quite common in XX century built heritage, where energy performances can be even poorer than those of pre-industrial buildings are. The research includes:
- a hygrothermal analysis of a representative selection of rooms;
- a proposal for the energy retrofitting, through a building-HVAC model;
- a test on a pilot site.
Authors have monitored surface temperatures, indoor air temperature and humidity for one year. Temperature and humidity distribution was mapped through a digital psychrometer. Thermal imaging has been used to detect heat losses, thermal bridges and heat gains due to the solar radiation. Data have fed a building-HVAC model, which was a reference to design an appropriate strategy for retrofitting and improving the energy efficiency of the complex. Some solutions are cur-rently being implemented on a pilot site. The building performances before and after retrofitting are compared.
On a methodological side, this research confirms that a solid knowledge about each case is required to support a retro-fit proposal, even when regarding a XX century building. The results provide indications to merge conservation and sustain-ability of XX century buildings, given that the cultural value of such a huge heritage is often disregarded in energy retrofit interventions.
This paper presents some outcomes form the “Keeping it modern” research program financed by the Getty Foundation which aims at providing the Collegi with a sustainable conservation plan. The goal is to lower heating and operational costs in order to allow more funds in conservation activities. Specific issues regard:
- the striking dimensions of the complex
- the constructive features (brickwork walls, exposed concrete structures, single-glazed windows)
- the lack of data about the hygrothermal performances.
These problems are quite common in XX century built heritage, where energy performances can be even poorer than those of pre-industrial buildings are. The research includes:
- a hygrothermal analysis of a representative selection of rooms;
- a proposal for the energy retrofitting, through a building-HVAC model;
- a test on a pilot site.
Authors have monitored surface temperatures, indoor air temperature and humidity for one year. Temperature and humidity distribution was mapped through a digital psychrometer. Thermal imaging has been used to detect heat losses, thermal bridges and heat gains due to the solar radiation. Data have fed a building-HVAC model, which was a reference to design an appropriate strategy for retrofitting and improving the energy efficiency of the complex. Some solutions are cur-rently being implemented on a pilot site. The building performances before and after retrofitting are compared.
On a methodological side, this research confirms that a solid knowledge about each case is required to support a retro-fit proposal, even when regarding a XX century building. The results provide indications to merge conservation and sustain-ability of XX century buildings, given that the cultural value of such a huge heritage is often disregarded in energy retrofit interventions.
The paper is based on experience developed in several years of teaching conservation of modern heritage in schools of architecture, international Erasmus workshops and doco- momo workshops to students coming from all over the world, with... more
The paper is based on experience developed in several years of teaching conservation of modern heritage in schools of architecture, international Erasmus workshops and doco- momo workshops to students coming from all over the world, with different cultural and educational backgrounds.
Modern architectural heritage masterpieces have a high potential for pedagogic purposes, especially in helping students to develop a critical thinking on (modern) heritage preservation. During these courses students are guided through an in-depth analysis of a speci c building, or buildings, in order to de ne intervention strategies and to develop a preservation project. The analysis of the buildings – ranging from historical understanding of the radical ideas of modern architects to eld survey, archival and bibliographical research, and analysis of uses, problems, materials and decay – is the starting point of a continuous challenge to common- place, standard solutions, to established beliefs about the modern heritage and about the contemporary role of the architect.
All this is made possible through the application of a teaching method within which the theory of conservation and practice of design proceed at the same pace, in a spiral process of mutual awareness. This method is the most appropriate to engage students with preser- vation and reuse of modern architecture, meant as essential tools for their future profes- sional background, rather than as separate elds of action. The project is a mean to pinpoint the subtle contradictions of the discipline and an occasion to develop the required critical knowledge to translate theoretical positions in a sound approach to the transformation/ evolution of built heritage.
Modern architectural heritage masterpieces have a high potential for pedagogic purposes, especially in helping students to develop a critical thinking on (modern) heritage preservation. During these courses students are guided through an in-depth analysis of a speci c building, or buildings, in order to de ne intervention strategies and to develop a preservation project. The analysis of the buildings – ranging from historical understanding of the radical ideas of modern architects to eld survey, archival and bibliographical research, and analysis of uses, problems, materials and decay – is the starting point of a continuous challenge to common- place, standard solutions, to established beliefs about the modern heritage and about the contemporary role of the architect.
All this is made possible through the application of a teaching method within which the theory of conservation and practice of design proceed at the same pace, in a spiral process of mutual awareness. This method is the most appropriate to engage students with preser- vation and reuse of modern architecture, meant as essential tools for their future profes- sional background, rather than as separate elds of action. The project is a mean to pinpoint the subtle contradictions of the discipline and an occasion to develop the required critical knowledge to translate theoretical positions in a sound approach to the transformation/ evolution of built heritage.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the cross-fertilisation process between the concept of resilience and building conservation. The authors discuss how the conservation field can address new issues posed by climate change... more
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the cross-fertilisation process between the concept of resilience and building conservation. The authors discuss how the conservation field can address new issues posed by climate change and whether the concept of resilience plays a role within the framework of sustainable building conservation.
Design/methodology/approach
Starting from the use of resilience as a “travelling concept”, different interpretations of the term emerging from different fields are compared and interrelated in order to understand how this concept can impact future research in building conservation.
Findings
In addition to summarising recent developments in conservation theory with a special focus on how sustainability has influenced the field, this work also suggests some lines of research where resilience could foster interdisciplinary approaches to building conservation and presents some controversial outcomes.
Originality/value
The paper raises a discussion on how the concept of resilience could renew the field of building conservation, helping contemporary society to address the challenges of climate change.
The purpose of this paper is to describe the cross-fertilisation process between the concept of resilience and building conservation. The authors discuss how the conservation field can address new issues posed by climate change and whether the concept of resilience plays a role within the framework of sustainable building conservation.
Design/methodology/approach
Starting from the use of resilience as a “travelling concept”, different interpretations of the term emerging from different fields are compared and interrelated in order to understand how this concept can impact future research in building conservation.
Findings
In addition to summarising recent developments in conservation theory with a special focus on how sustainability has influenced the field, this work also suggests some lines of research where resilience could foster interdisciplinary approaches to building conservation and presents some controversial outcomes.
Originality/value
The paper raises a discussion on how the concept of resilience could renew the field of building conservation, helping contemporary society to address the challenges of climate change.
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