Characterization and modelling of bio-based insulation materials in the building envelopes for low carbon buildings

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Wood based materials are well recognized as the most environmentally friendly choice in low-rise building constructions, while interest has been increasing around the world in their use for mid-and high-rise buildings as well. However, more understanding is needed to take advantage of biobased building materials in more challenging applications, where the building envelope plays key role in terms of protecting the structure, controlling the energy efficiency of the building and providing a safe and pleasant environment for its occupants. The advancement of construction concepts utilizing biobased materials requires a better understanding of the material's behavior in the complete building system. About 70% of the buildings envelope is insulation materials and commonly made of finite resources like glass fiber, rock wool, or expanded plastics. Developments of insulation materials from renewable resources are therefore of great interest. The overall objective of this proposed program is to advance the understanding of biobased insulation materials' physics and their impacts on the behavior in wood-based building systems towards the design of better building envelopes to advance the application of sustainable construction practices. This program will pursue four specific objectives: 1) Further developing new biobased envelope materials; 2) Characterization and modelling of these new materials as components in a complex system of the building envelope; 3) Developing strategies to maintain the integrity and long-term performance of the envelope system. The first two objectives are about improvement of wood-based envelope systems, where proper modelling requires characterization of the envelope components and their relations in the system. To ensure the accuracy of a model, all characteristics must be validated through testing and analysis. Once validated, these improved models will enable the iteration and refinement of new materials and envelope systems. The third objective of this program will focus on the problems associated with moisture. The control of moisture levels inside a building's envelope is critical for successful advancement of wood-based construction systems, where moisture transfer and ventilation of building system envelopes may be developed, tested and validated. The use of biobased materials in buildings construction still has a great deal of unexplored territory, where potential economic and societal benefits from an expanded use of these low carbon construction technologies represent a great opportunity for Canada and the rest of the world. Rightfully so, Canada is striving to be a global leader in these technologies. In alignment to Canada's initiatives towards a more sustainable society, this five-year research program will advance the understanding of biobased materials' physics and the design of better building envelopes.