PhD project:  increasing material circularity within structural timber systems

To reduce carbon emissions, pressure on primary resources and the waste stream we generate, the construction sector offers great potential. One way is to replace classic building materials with less carbon-intensive alternatives, such as wood. This increased use of wood makes its sustainable, efficient and long-lasting application all the more important. To ensure a long service life of materials and components, the reuse of structural elements in further life cycles is a priority. 

This PhD project investigates structural concepts for resource-efficient wood buildings that are designed for reusability. Reversible connections are a critical element in the design for disassembly that enables reusability. The performance of suitable connections is tested experimentally, considering both ultimate and serviceability limit states. Moreover the efficient use of materials in the building system is investigated and evaluated with life cycle assessment. 

Due to the collaboration with 6 other LIFELINE-2050 participants, a holistic assessment framework will be developed that considers multiple perspectives and resources such as materials, water, energy and space.

Supervisor

Haris Stamatopoulos

Co-Supervisor:

Francesco Mirko Massaro

Research Areas:

Structural system, load-bearing elements, reversible connections, timber, glulam, threaded rods, LCA, biogenic carbon, reuse, DfD, circularity,