Fernando Pacheco-Torgal – författare

Since 1930 more than 100,000 new chemical compounds have been developed and insufficient information exists on the health assessment of 95 percent of these chemicals in which a relevant percentage are used in construction products. For instance Portland cement concrete, the most used material on the Planet (10.000 million tons/year that in the next 40 years will increase around 100 %) currently used in around 15% of total concrete production contains chemicals used to modify their properties, either in the fresh or hardened state.

Biopolymers are materials that are developed from natural resources. They reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. There is a worldwide demand to replace petroleum-based materials with renewable resources.

Currently bio-admixtures represent just a small fraction of the chemical admixtures market (around 20%) but with environmental awareness for constituents in construction materials generally growing (the Construction Products Regulation is being enforced in Europe since 2013), the trend towards bio-admixtures is expected to continue.

This book provides an updated state-of-the-art review on biopolymers and their influence and use as admixtures in the development of eco-efficient construction materials.

Provides essential knowledge for researchers and producers working on the development of biopolymer-modified construction materials Discusses the various types of biopolymers currently available, their different production techniques, their use as bio-admixtures in concretes and mortars and applications in other areas of civil engineering such as soil stability, wood preservation, adhesives and coatings All contributions are made from leading researchers, who have intensive involvement in the design and use of biopolymers in construction materials

From long-standing worries regarding the use of lead and asbestos to recent research into carcinogenic issues related to the use of plastics in construction, there is growing concern regarding the potential toxic effects of building materials on health. Toxicity of building materials provides an essential guide to this important problem and its solutions.Beginning with an overview of the material types and potential health hazards presented by building materials, the book goes on to consider key plastic materials. Materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds, are then explored in depth, before a review of wood preservatives and mineral fibre-based building materials. Issues related to the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning are the focus of subsequent chapters, followed by discussion of the range of heavy metals, materials prone to mould growth, and antimicrobials. Finally, Toxicity of building materials concludes by considering the potential hazards posed by waste based/recycled building materials, and the toxicity of nanoparticles.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Toxicity of building materials is an invaluable tool for all civil engineers, materials researchers, scientists and educators working in the field of building materials.Provides an essential guide to the potential toxic effects of building materials on healthComprehensively examines materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compoundsLater chapters focus on issues surrounding the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning

Eco-efficient Repair and Rehabilitation of Concrete Infrastructures provides an updated state-of-the-art review on eco-efficient repair and rehabilitation of concrete infrastructure. The first section focuses on deterioration assessment methods, and includes chapters on stress wave assessment, ground-penetrating radar, monitoring of corrosion, SHM using acoustic emission and optical fiber sensors. Other sections discuss the development and application of several new innovative repair and rehabilitation materials, including geopolymer concrete, sulfoaluminate cement-based concrete, engineered cementitious composites (ECC) based concrete, bacteria-based concrete, concrete with encapsulated polyurethane, and concrete with super absorbent polymer (SAPs), amongst other topics.

Final sections focus on crucial design aspects, such as quality control, including lifecycle and cost analysis with several related case studies on repair and rehabilitation. The book will be an essential reference resource for materials scientists, civil and structural engineers, architects, structural designers and contractors working in the construction industry.

Delivers the latest research findings with contributions from leading international experts Provides fully updated information on the European standard on materials for concrete repair (EN 1504) Includes an entire sections on the state-of-the-art in NDT, innovative repair and rehabilitation materials, as well as LCC and LCA information

Covering the latest technologies, Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction provides an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction. The book contains a special focus on applications concerning concrete and cement, as nanotechnology is driving significant development in concrete technologies. The new edition has 14 new chapters, including 3 new parts: Mortars and concrete related applications; Applications for pavements and other structural materials; and Toxicity, safety handling and environmental impacts.

Civil engineers requiring an understanding of eco-efficient construction materials, as well as researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry will find this updated reference to be highly valuable.

Addresses issues such as toxicity and LCA aspects New chapters covering safety handling on occupational exposure of nanoparticles and the assessment of personal exposure to airborne nanomaterials Discusses the effects of adding nano-particles on the durability and on the properties of geopolymers

Eco-efficient Materials for Reducing Cooling Needs in Buildings and Construction: Design, Properties and Applications provides a comprehensive review on building envelope materials and technologies for reducing cooling needs in buildings. The book offers in-depth analysis of the performance of new innovative materials and technologies used in pavements, facade and roofing materials, PCMs and chromogenic smart materials. Includes practical case study examples of their applications in building and construction. The book is an essential reference resource for researchers, architects and civil engineers, city planners, product developers, manufacturers, and other professionals working in eco-efficient cooling materials and sustainable and zero-energy building design. Offers a comprehensive review of building envelope materials and technologies for reducing cooling needs Features practical case studies, which are fundamental for building design and applications Provides in-depth analysis of performance for different materials and technologies Features brand new chapters on pavements, facade and roofing materials, PCMs and chromogenic smart materials

Adapting the Built Environment for Climate Change: Design Principles for Climate Emergencies analyzes several scenarios and proposes various adaptation strategies for climate emergencies (heat waves, wildfires, floods, and storms). Divided into three themes, the book offers an organized vision of a complex and multi-factor challenge. It covers climatic resilience and building refurbishment, implications for service life prediction and maintainability, and climate adaptation in the maintenance and management of buildings. Sections cover infrastructure materials, climate emergency adaptation and building adaptation to heat waves, wildfires, floods and storms.

The book will be an essential reference resource for civil and structural engineers, architects, planners, designers and other professionals who have an interest in the adaptation of the built environment against climate change.

Presents technical solutions for adaptation of the built environment against climate change Features multiple authors spanning both engineering and architectural disciplines Proposes a systematic approach to implement low carbon solutions and build capacity to make successful transitions to a resilient city

Eco-efficient Repair and Rehabilitation of Concrete Infrastructures, Second Edition provides an updated, state-of-the-art review of the latest advances in this important research field. The first section is brought fully up-to-date and focuses on deterioration assessment methods. The second section contains brand new chapters on innovative concrete repair and rehabilitation materials, including fly ash-based alkali-activated repair materials for concrete exposed to aggressive environments, retrofitting of concrete structures with biomaterials, and the assessment of concrete after repair operations and durability of concrete repair. The final section has been revised to include new chapters on climate change’s influence and life cycle assessment (LCA). These chapters include deterioration of concrete infrastructure due to climate change, influence of climate change on bridge deterioration, probabilistic modeling of chloride diffusion in repaired reinforced concrete structures, and LCA of concrete repaired with recycled aggregates.

Presents the latest research findings on eco-efficient repair and rehabilitation of concrete infrastructuresProvides comprehensive coverage from damage detection and assessment, to repair strategies, and structural health monitoringDiverse author base offering insights on construction practice and employed technologies worldwideIncludes a section on innovative repair and rehabilitation materials, as well as case studies on life cycle cost analysis and LCA

Reuse of Plastic Waste in Eco-efficient Concrete presents the latest research findings on the application and use of recycled plastic waste in sustainable construction. Divided over four parts, the book's chapters cover various techniques for processing and separation of plastic wastes; use of recycled plastics as aggregates in modified concrete; as well as lightweight reinforced concrete applications too. There is also an entire section dedicated to asphalt mixtures. It also provides technological solutions on how recycled plastic wastes can be applied in concrete manufacturing.This will be a valuable reference source for academic and industrial researchers who are working with waste materials and the use of recycled plastics in concrete, as well as for civil and structural engineers, polymer production technologists, and concrete manufacturers.

Describes the main types of recycled plastics that can be applied in concrete manufacturingPresents, state-of-the art knowledge on the properties of conventional concrete with recycled plasticsDiscusses the technological challenges for concrete manufacturers for mass production of recycled concrete from plastic wasteCovers lifecycle cost analysis, production challenges, and long-term performance analysis

Advances in Bio-Based Materials for Construction and Energy Efficiency fills a gap in the published literature, discussing bio-based materials and biotechnologies that are crucial for a more sustainable construction industry. With comprehensive coverage and contributions from leading experts in the field, the book includes sections on bio-based materials and biotechnologies for infrastructure applications, bio-based materials and biotechnologies for building energy efficiency, and other applications, such as using biotechnology to reduce indoor air pollution, for water treatment, and in soil decontamination. The book will be an essential reference resource for academic researchers, civil engineers, contractors working in construction works, postgraduate students and other professionals.Covers recent trends on bio-based materials and biotechnologies for eco-efficient constructionFocus on sustainability and green conceptsIncludes infrastructure applications, building energy efficiency and biotechnologyPresents cutting-edge technologies that includes the use of nanocellulose, geopolymer mortars using agricultural waste, and photosynthetic panels made of algae-laden biological materials

Advances in Sustainable Masonry Bricks and Blocks: Design Optimization, Bio-based Material Incorporation, and Industrial Waste Valorization is a comprehensive reference resource that addresses the latest advancements and innovations in this field. This book explores novel sustainable masonry innovations in design optimization, bio-based materials, and industrial waste valorization. Part I investigates novel structural strategies-topological interlocking blocks modeled and fabricated in UHPC with an MCDM framework for reusability, a PRISMA-guided review of hygrothermal performance in insulated composite masonry, and a self-sensing brick system enabling continuous structural health monitoring. Part II delves into bio-reinforcements: Juncus-fiber-stabilized compressed earth blocks, fiber-reinforced soil units, glycoprotein stabilizers inspired by termite mounds, lime-hemp and sugarcane bagasse insulation for CEB walls, waste-glass-infused clay bricks, and rice-husk-ash geopolymer blocks. Part III valorizes community and industrial by-products-paper, plastics, bagasse ash, marble and stone dust, coal ash-into fired and unfired masonry, and applies geopolymers to stabilize earth materials. Across experimental research, systematic reviews, full-scale testing, and case studies, it advances durable, high-performance bricks and blocks with reduced environmental impact.Addresses the latest research findings and practical applications related to sustainable masonry materialsIntroduces cutting-edge approaches such as topological interlocking blocks, self-sensing masonry elements, bio-inspired stabilizers, and geopolymer-enhanced composites.Combines experimental research, systematic literature reviews, multi-criteria decision-making models, full-scale hygrothermal testing, and case studies to evaluate performance, durability, environmental impact, and reusability.

As the environmental impact of existing construction and building materials comes under increasing scrutiny, the search for more eco-efficient solutions has intensified. Nanotechnology offers great potential in this area and is already being widely used to great success. Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction.Following an introduction to the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials, part one considers such infrastructural applications as nanoengineered cement-based materials, nanoparticles for high-performance and self-sensing concrete, and the use of nanotechnology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel for structural applications. Nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures and safety issues relating to nanomaterials for construction applications are also reviewed before part two goes on to discuss applications for building energy efficiency. Topics explored include thin films and nanostructured coatings, switchable glazing technology and third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells, high-performance thermal insulation materials, and silica nanogel for energy-efficient windows. Finally, photocatalytic applications are the focus of part three, which investigates nanoparticles for pollution control, self-cleaning and photosterilisation, and the role of nanotechnology in manufacturing paints and purifying water for eco-efficient buildings.Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is a technical guide for all those involved in the design, production and application of eco-efficient construction materials, including civil engineers, materials scientists, researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry.Provides an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable constructionExamines the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materialsConsiders a range of important infrastructural applications, before discussing applications for building energy efficiency

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials. Part one discusses the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to building materials as well as eco-labeling. Part two includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building. Part three includes case studies applying LCA methodology to particular structures and components. Reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials Provides a thorough overview, including strengths and shortcomings, of the life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-labeling of eco-efficient construction and building materials Includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials provides essential reading about materials for the construction industry in the twenty-first century. It covers the latest findings in the field, especially the toxicity aspects, embodied energy, construction and demolition wastes, the use of wastes in concrete, masonry units, materials reinforced with vegetable fibres, earth construction, the durability aspects, and also the importance of nanotechnology to the development of more environmentally-friendly materials.Based on more than nine hundred references, Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials is of fundamental importance to academics, engineers and architects who are dedicated to the creation of a greener and more holistic construction industry.

The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 19 May 2010. For new buildings, the recast fixes 2020 as the deadline for all new buildings to be “nearly zero energy” (and even sooner for public buildings – by the end of 2018).

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials provides essential reading about materials for the construction industry in the twenty-first century. It covers the latest findings in the field, especially the toxicity aspects, embodied energy, construction and demolition wastes, the use of wastes in concrete, masonry units, materials reinforced with vegetable fibres, earth construction, the durability aspects, and also the importance of nanotechnology to the development of more environmentally-friendly materials.Based on more than nine hundred references, Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials is of fundamental importance to academics, engineers and architects who are dedicated to the creation of a greener and more holistic construction industry.

The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 19 May 2010. For new buildings, the recast fixes 2020 as the deadline for all new buildings to be “nearly zero energy” (and even sooner for public buildings – by the end of 2018). This book gives practitioner an important tool to tackle the challenges of building refurbishment towards nearly zero energy.This book is welcome at this time and sets the scene for professionals whether practitioners or researchers to learn more about how we can make whether old or new buildings more efficient and effective in terms of energy performance.

Masonry walls constitute the interface between the building's interior and the outdoor environment. Masonry walls are traditionally composed of fired-clay bricks (solid or perforated) or blocks (concrete or earth-based), but in the past (and even in the present) they were often associated as needing an extra special thermal and acoustical insulation layer. However, over more recent years investigations on thermal and acoustical features has led to the development of new improved bricks and blocks that no longer need these insulation layers. Traditional masonry units (fired-clay bricks, concrete or earth-based blocks) that don't offer improved performance in terms of thermal and acoustical insulation are a symbol of a low-technology past, that are far removed from the demands of sustainable construction.This book provides an up-to-date state-of-the-art review on the eco-efficiency of masonry units, particular emphasis is placed on the design, properties, performance, durability and LCA of these materials. Since masonry units are also an excellent way to reuse bulk industrial waste the book will be important in the context of the Revised Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC which states that the minimum reuse and recycling targets for construction and demolition waste (CDW) should be at least 70% by 2020. On the 9th of March 2011 the European Union approved the Regulation (EU) 305/2011, known as the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and it will be enforced after the 1st of July 2013. The future commercialization of construction materials in Europe makes their environmental assessment mandatory meaning that more information related to the environmental performance of building materials is much needed. Provides an authoritative guide to the eco-efficiency of masonry units Examines the reuse of waste materials Covers a range of materials including, clay, cement, earth and pumice

Putting forward an innovative approach to solving current technological problems faced by human society, this book encompasses a holistic way of perceiving the potential of natural systems. Nature has developed several materials and processes which both maintain an optimal performance and are also totally biodegradable, properties which can be used in civil engineering.Delivering the latest research findings to building industry professionals and other practitioners, as well as containing information useful to the public, ‘Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering’ serves as an important tool to tackle the challenges of a more sustainable construction industry and the future of buildings.