The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Jorge De Brito - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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condition based maintenance strategies to enhance the durability of Etics
Sustainability, 2021Co-Authors: Claudia Ferreira, Jorge De Brito, Ana Silva, Ilidio S Dias, Ines FlorescolenAbstract:The increase of awareness with sustainability and the desire of reducing the energy consumption in the construction sector haved increased the application of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) across Europe in the last decades. Nevertheless, the implementation of appropriate maintenance strategies is still neglected. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of different maintenance strategies. For that purpose, a condition-based maintenance model, based on Petri nets, is used to evaluate three maintenance strategies: MS1—total replacement only; MS2—combination of minor intervention and total replacement; and MS3—combination of cleaning operations, minor intervention, and total replacement. In the end, a multi-criteria analysis is used to discuss the impact of the three maintenance strategies proposed, evaluating the remaining service life, the global costs over time, the Etics’ degradation condition, and the number of replacements (end of service life) over the time horizon. For this purpose, a sample of 378 Etics was analysed, based on in situ visual inspections, carried out in Portugal. The results from this study reveal that maintenance plays an important role to increase the durability of Etics, and therefore their sustainability. Regular maintenance can promote the extension of the Etics’s service life between 88% and 159% (between 15 to 27 years), improve the global degradation condition of the Etics, and reduce the impact on users by reducing the number of deeper interventions. Further research is essential to optimise the maintenance strategies (time interval between inspections, stakeholders’ performance criteria, and environmental exposure).
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computational models applied to the service life prediction of external thermal insulation composite systems Etics
Journal of building engineering, 2020Co-Authors: Joao Tavares, Ana Silva, Jorge De BritoAbstract:Abstract The degradation of the built environment, associated to high maintenance and repair costs, increases the relevance of the studies about the durability of construction elements. External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) are a relatively recent cladding solution with a growing use in the construction industry, due to their advantages. This study proposes a methodology to predict the service life of Etics, through two computational methods: artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic systems. The proposed models lead to an average estimated service life of 21 years, considering a sample of 378 Etics located in Portugal, which is in accordance with the empirical knowledge and other studies related with the durability of these cladding systems. The results obtained in this study aid in the adoption of more durable and sustainable solutions at the design and maintenance stages, improving the quality of the adopted construction solutions, and reducing the costs of these elements during their life cycle.
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Application of the factor method to the service life prediction of Etics
International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 2018Co-Authors: Cristina Marques, Jorge De Brito, Ana SilvaAbstract:This study intends to develop a methodology for service life prediction of Etics (External Thermal Insulation Composite System), based on the factor method. The methodology adopted is based on data collected during visual inspections of buildings under current conditions of occupation and exposure, contemplating the degradation mechanisms and the characteristics of Etics. This research can also provide a suitable tool to aid the planning, implementation and rational use of building management systems in several ways, namely: i) improvement of the materials’ performance, based on the optimization of maintenance actions, use of resources and maintenance costs; ii) selection of the best constructive solution, based on the knowledge of the evolution of degradation of Etics, according to their characteristics; iii) analysis of the economic and environmental impacts of buildings during their life cycle, based on the knowledge of the number of replacements required during this period of time.
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architectural integration of Etics in building rehabilitation
Journal of building engineering, 2016Co-Authors: Claribel Fernandes, Jorge De Brito, Carlos Oliveira CruzAbstract:Abstract Etics (external thermal insulation composite system) is one of the most frequently used thermal retrofitting solutions in the construction market. This study examines the architectural integration of this system in the rehabilitation of facades. When thermal retrofitting of the outer envelope is required to comply with thermal code demands Eticss have to be harmonised with the various elements of the facade. To that effect, several proposals for the architectural integration of the system are made, and relevant parameters of costs, durability, feasibility and architectural integration are analysed for each of the solutions.
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inspection and diagnosis system of Etics on walls
Construction and Building Materials, 2013Co-Authors: Barbara Amaro, Jorge De Brito, Diogo Saraiva, Ines FlorescolenAbstract:Abstract This paper describes an expert knowledge-based system for Etics (External Thermal Insulation Composite System) on walls, which enables facilitating and standardising inspection, diagnosis and repair of Etics. The system includes specific tools that provide information to aid in the analysis of degraded Etics and lead to the preparation of solid and reliable reports. Types of anomalies, their related causes, auxiliary tests to be performed in situ and repair techniques applicable to Etics systems are listed and classified. The relation between these parametres is expressed through correlation matrices, validated and adjusted through data obtained from inspections carried out on a sample of 146 facades with Etics cladding. The relevant descriptive information is gathered in individual files for every anomaly, plus diagnosis-aiding method, and maintenance and repair techniques. Additional statistical analysis was performed, leading to conclusions on the most sensitive aspects of this system.
Ines Florescolen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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condition based maintenance strategies to enhance the durability of Etics
Sustainability, 2021Co-Authors: Claudia Ferreira, Jorge De Brito, Ana Silva, Ilidio S Dias, Ines FlorescolenAbstract:The increase of awareness with sustainability and the desire of reducing the energy consumption in the construction sector haved increased the application of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) across Europe in the last decades. Nevertheless, the implementation of appropriate maintenance strategies is still neglected. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of different maintenance strategies. For that purpose, a condition-based maintenance model, based on Petri nets, is used to evaluate three maintenance strategies: MS1—total replacement only; MS2—combination of minor intervention and total replacement; and MS3—combination of cleaning operations, minor intervention, and total replacement. In the end, a multi-criteria analysis is used to discuss the impact of the three maintenance strategies proposed, evaluating the remaining service life, the global costs over time, the Etics’ degradation condition, and the number of replacements (end of service life) over the time horizon. For this purpose, a sample of 378 Etics was analysed, based on in situ visual inspections, carried out in Portugal. The results from this study reveal that maintenance plays an important role to increase the durability of Etics, and therefore their sustainability. Regular maintenance can promote the extension of the Etics’s service life between 88% and 159% (between 15 to 27 years), improve the global degradation condition of the Etics, and reduce the impact on users by reducing the number of deeper interventions. Further research is essential to optimise the maintenance strategies (time interval between inspections, stakeholders’ performance criteria, and environmental exposure).
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performance parameters of Etics correlating water resistance bio susceptibility and surface properties
Construction and Building Materials, 2021Co-Authors: Joao Luis Parracha, Ines Florescolen, Giovanni Borsoi, Rosario Veiga, Lina Nunes, Amelia Dionisio, Gloria M Gomes, Paulina FariaAbstract:Abstract The use of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) significantly increased in the last decades due to their enhanced thermal properties, low installation cost and ease of application, not only in new constructions but also for thermal retrofitting of building facades. These multilayer rendering systems are constantly exposed to weathering agents and anthropic factors which can lead to physical-mechanical and aesthetical anomalies and thus affect their durability. However, possible synergetic effects among these agents are often neglected by international technical documents on the evaluation of the effectiveness and durability of Etics. With the aim of filling this gap, moisture transport properties (capillary water absorption, water vapor permeability, water absorption under low pressure, and drying kinEtics), thermal conductivity, mould susceptibility and surface properties (color, gloss, and roughness) of twelve commercially available Etics were assessed and discussed. Possible links between these factors were analyzed and Etics performance parameters were defined. Results demonstrate that a deeper knowledge of the correlation among Etics properties can effectively contribute to the evaluation of the efficiency and long-term durability of these systems.
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a review of the challenges posed by the use of vacuum panels in external insulation finishing systems
Applied Energy, 2020Co-Authors: Marcio Goncalves, N Simoes, C Serra, Ines FlorescolenAbstract:Abstract The worldwide demand for energy efficiency calls for improvements in the thermal performance of buildings. As a result, there is a growing interest in the use of high-performance insulation materials such as vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). Due to their low thermal conductivity, high insulation levels can be achieved with thinner walls than is possible with conventional thermal insulation materials. An interesting solution might be to combine a vacuum insulation panel with the well-known external thermal insulation composite system (Etics). However, in terms of practical application and long-term performance, this solution needs to be looked into further. This paper aims to review the challenges posed when using VIPs in the external insulation of buildings. First, the main advantages and anomalies of Etics are identified, after which the available VIPs solutions intended for external insulation are explored. Some case studies are presented and the main conclusions that may be drawn from these are highlighted. The difficulties of incorporating VIP products into Etics are addressed. These include adapting/introducing covering layers to allow flatness and facilitate the handling of the products, defining and assessing a suitable fixation system, and ensuring the connection between construction elements. The main concerns regarding the Etics with a VIPs solution are also discussed, such as edge thermal bridging, service life performance and installation, and the economic viability of the solution. Finally, we propose guidelines for performing a good evaluation of Etics solutions that use VIPs.
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inspection and diagnosis system of Etics on walls
Construction and Building Materials, 2013Co-Authors: Barbara Amaro, Jorge De Brito, Diogo Saraiva, Ines FlorescolenAbstract:Abstract This paper describes an expert knowledge-based system for Etics (External Thermal Insulation Composite System) on walls, which enables facilitating and standardising inspection, diagnosis and repair of Etics. The system includes specific tools that provide information to aid in the analysis of degraded Etics and lead to the preparation of solid and reliable reports. Types of anomalies, their related causes, auxiliary tests to be performed in situ and repair techniques applicable to Etics systems are listed and classified. The relation between these parametres is expressed through correlation matrices, validated and adjusted through data obtained from inspections carried out on a sample of 146 facades with Etics cladding. The relevant descriptive information is gathered in individual files for every anomaly, plus diagnosis-aiding method, and maintenance and repair techniques. Additional statistical analysis was performed, leading to conclusions on the most sensitive aspects of this system.
Ana Silva - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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condition based maintenance strategies to enhance the durability of Etics
Sustainability, 2021Co-Authors: Claudia Ferreira, Jorge De Brito, Ana Silva, Ilidio S Dias, Ines FlorescolenAbstract:The increase of awareness with sustainability and the desire of reducing the energy consumption in the construction sector haved increased the application of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) across Europe in the last decades. Nevertheless, the implementation of appropriate maintenance strategies is still neglected. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of different maintenance strategies. For that purpose, a condition-based maintenance model, based on Petri nets, is used to evaluate three maintenance strategies: MS1—total replacement only; MS2—combination of minor intervention and total replacement; and MS3—combination of cleaning operations, minor intervention, and total replacement. In the end, a multi-criteria analysis is used to discuss the impact of the three maintenance strategies proposed, evaluating the remaining service life, the global costs over time, the Etics’ degradation condition, and the number of replacements (end of service life) over the time horizon. For this purpose, a sample of 378 Etics was analysed, based on in situ visual inspections, carried out in Portugal. The results from this study reveal that maintenance plays an important role to increase the durability of Etics, and therefore their sustainability. Regular maintenance can promote the extension of the Etics’s service life between 88% and 159% (between 15 to 27 years), improve the global degradation condition of the Etics, and reduce the impact on users by reducing the number of deeper interventions. Further research is essential to optimise the maintenance strategies (time interval between inspections, stakeholders’ performance criteria, and environmental exposure).
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computational models applied to the service life prediction of external thermal insulation composite systems Etics
Journal of building engineering, 2020Co-Authors: Joao Tavares, Ana Silva, Jorge De BritoAbstract:Abstract The degradation of the built environment, associated to high maintenance and repair costs, increases the relevance of the studies about the durability of construction elements. External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) are a relatively recent cladding solution with a growing use in the construction industry, due to their advantages. This study proposes a methodology to predict the service life of Etics, through two computational methods: artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic systems. The proposed models lead to an average estimated service life of 21 years, considering a sample of 378 Etics located in Portugal, which is in accordance with the empirical knowledge and other studies related with the durability of these cladding systems. The results obtained in this study aid in the adoption of more durable and sustainable solutions at the design and maintenance stages, improving the quality of the adopted construction solutions, and reducing the costs of these elements during their life cycle.
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Application of the factor method to the service life prediction of Etics
International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 2018Co-Authors: Cristina Marques, Jorge De Brito, Ana SilvaAbstract:This study intends to develop a methodology for service life prediction of Etics (External Thermal Insulation Composite System), based on the factor method. The methodology adopted is based on data collected during visual inspections of buildings under current conditions of occupation and exposure, contemplating the degradation mechanisms and the characteristics of Etics. This research can also provide a suitable tool to aid the planning, implementation and rational use of building management systems in several ways, namely: i) improvement of the materials’ performance, based on the optimization of maintenance actions, use of resources and maintenance costs; ii) selection of the best constructive solution, based on the knowledge of the evolution of degradation of Etics, according to their characteristics; iii) analysis of the economic and environmental impacts of buildings during their life cycle, based on the knowledge of the number of replacements required during this period of time.
Rosita Norvaišienė - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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resistance of Etics with fire barriers to cyclic hygrothermal impact
Sustainability, 2021Co-Authors: Rosita Norvaišienė, Vincent Buhagiar, Pawel Krause, Arūnas BurlingisAbstract:The article presents the results of a set of hygrothermal experiments of an external wall insulated with an Etics. As an add-on to previous studies, thermal insulation in the form of polystyrene with an additional horizontal strip of mineral wool was used. Laboratory tests were carried out in accordance with ETAG 004. The Etics test rig was composed of combustible expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) and horizontal strips of noncombustible mineral wool (MW) fire barriers over windows. The physical and mechanical properties of four types of finishing renders (without an additional reinforcement mesh in base coat of the fire barriers) were analyzed across full hygrothermal cycles in a climate chamber. Temperature sensors were mounted onto different Etics layers to collect thermal data during the weathering. The testing of Etics regarding their hygrothermal performance revealed that there were no visible defects on any renderings and over the junctions depending on the type of used insulation materials. Results also showed that the joints of EPS and MW have approximately half of their bond strength from polystyrene strength.
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Investigation of mechanical resistance of external thermal insulation composite systems (Etics)
Journal of Building Engineering, 2020Co-Authors: Rosita Norvaišienė, Vincent Buhagiar, Arūnas Burlingis, Kęstutis MiškinisAbstract:Abstract This paper investigates the mechanical resistance of Etics, with different types of thin-layer rendering, by means of hard body and point load impacts on such surfaces. Core materials, made of different thicknesses of EPS (expanded polystyrene) were also tested for their resilience to such loads, as well as the elasticity of widely-used applied rendering. Test results focused on the possible impact level on Etics in use. The robustness of the output results and testing methodology can be replicated and used independently by any stakeholder in the construction industry. The aim of the research is to develop a reliable method to determine the elasticity of the rendering which can be used to predict the mechanical resistance of Etics. This paper presents the results of a study on the influence of a particular component of Etics systems on their overall impact resistance, based on standards and modified methods. A novel simplified device for testing the rendering bending angle was designed, constructed and tested. The device investigates the rendering elasticity of Etics. Results indicated that, with an increasing angle of cracking, the more elastic coats crack less while being subjected to an applied point load.
Joao Tavares - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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computational models applied to the service life prediction of external thermal insulation composite systems Etics
Journal of building engineering, 2020Co-Authors: Joao Tavares, Ana Silva, Jorge De BritoAbstract:Abstract The degradation of the built environment, associated to high maintenance and repair costs, increases the relevance of the studies about the durability of construction elements. External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (Etics) are a relatively recent cladding solution with a growing use in the construction industry, due to their advantages. This study proposes a methodology to predict the service life of Etics, through two computational methods: artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic systems. The proposed models lead to an average estimated service life of 21 years, considering a sample of 378 Etics located in Portugal, which is in accordance with the empirical knowledge and other studies related with the durability of these cladding systems. The results obtained in this study aid in the adoption of more durable and sustainable solutions at the design and maintenance stages, improving the quality of the adopted construction solutions, and reducing the costs of these elements during their life cycle.