The gap between Near Zero Emissions Buildings and the Spanish building regulation

[EN] Due to the effects of climate change, energy has become one of the most relevant topics nowadays. Because of the increasing amount of electronic devices, the dependency to energy consumption is increasing every year. At the same time, in order to avoid the devastating effects of global warming, it is crucial to find ways to lower the energy consumption in buildings. In recent decades, the building regulations have been updated several times to account for this changing reality. However, is the local Spanish energy regulation restrictive enough to reach Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)? This study aims to answer this question through a case study. A single-family house built in Valencia in 2013 has been analyzed by comparing the current state and how it would have been constructed under the updated legislation. The work is conducted through energy simulation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The energy simulation is performed with OpenStudio, which uses the calculation engine EnergyPlus. The LCA was carried out using SimaPro and the Ecoinvent database. By analyzing the results obtained in both cases, it is possible to analyze the effectiveness of the CTE DB HE 2019 compared to the applicable norm in 2013 in terms of reducing energy consumption and the CO2 equivalent emissions. It can be concluded that although the current legislation is a significant improvement over previous ones, it is not enough to reach NZEB.Quintana Gallardo, A. (2023). The gap between Near Zero Emissions Buildings and the Spanish building regulation. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 648-656. https://doi.org/10.4995/VIBRArch2022.2022.1516264865

Estudio del aumento de la difusión del sonido producida por cristales de sonido

El presente trabajo trata el estudio de la difusión y los parámetros acústicos, en una pequeña sala usando la técnica de simulación de Diferencias Finitas en el Dominio Temporal. El estudio se realiza en 3 condiciones diferentes: La primera de ellas con la habitación con las paredes lisas reflejantes, la segunda con las paredes recubiertas con Difusores basados en Cristales de Sonido y la tercera con las paredes recubiertas con Difusores basados en Cristales de Sonido optimizados. Los parámetros acústicos y de difusión no solo se estudian objetivamente a través de la respuesta impulsiva del recinto, sino que además se realiza una encuesta a diferentes músicos profesionales para saber si ellos son capaces de notar la diferencia entre las tres diferentes configuraciones, escuchando como sonaría una pequeña pieza musical interpretada por un Fagotista si ese recinto estuviera construido.The dissertation deals with the study of the scattering and acoustics parameters, in a small room using the simulation technique of Finite Differences in Time Domain. The study is made in three different conditions: the first one is with flat walls, the second one with the walls covered with Sonic Crystal Sound Diffusers y the third one with the walls covered with optimized Sonic Crystal Sound Diffusers. The sound and scattering parameters are studied not only mathematically through the impulse response of the room, but also with inquiry to a different professional musicians to know if they feel the difference between the three room configurations, hearing how an small musical piece interpreted by a bassoon would sound if the room were constructed.Quintana Gallardo, A. (2015). Estudio del aumento de la difusión del sonido producida por cristales de sonido. Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/56872TFG

Social housing in the Dominican Republic, a study on thermal comfort

[EN] The accelerated growth of cities entails challenges in all sectors, and specifically, it has a close relationship with the construction sector. The Dominican Republic is a country where urban growth is increasing considerably, representing a problem of great magnitude in terms of the construction of social housing to reduce the housing deficit. In the social housing projects in Santo Domingo, the energy conditions are non-existent. There are no previous studies on the thermal comfort of those buildings. For this reason, this study seeks to analyze thermal comfort and energy efficiency in these types of housing through an energy simulation.The energy simulation is carried out through OpenStudio, which uses the Energy Plus calculation engine. A type of model was analyzed for the determination of temperatures and ranges of thermal comfort to evaluate its behavior for 24 hours in different months. The calculations obtained from the energy consumption due mainly to the variation of the comfort temperature indicate that the temperature variation is very similar in the selected months, with a maximum temperature of 27.3ºC in the hottest month and a minimum temperature of 26 .8ºC in the coldest month. Finally, due to the warm climate that prevails in the area, a high comfort temperature is recorded in these types of dwellings. To improve the comfort conditions in this type of dwelling, it is necessary to add thermal insulation and control the solar gains effectively.Acosta Medina, DT.; Quintana Gallardo, A.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2023). Social housing in the Dominican Republic, a study on thermal comfort. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 668-677. https://doi.org/10.4995/VIBRArch2022.2022.1521266867

The influence of acoustic standards in construction: a case study of social housing in Argentina

[EN] Exposure to high noise levels greatly impacts human health. For this reason, it is necessary to take into account the acoustic conditioning of built interior spaces, since human beings spend a large part of their time in them. To this end, each country must regulate and promote good construction practices that guarantee the mental and physical comfort of its occupants. In the case of Argentina, there is an insufficiency in the development of laws and regulations on acoustic architecture and even more so on acoustics in homes. In this sense, this study aims to evaluate the current acoustic comfort presented by public housing in Argentina, highlighting the existing legal gaps, and enabling recommendations in this regard, taking Spain as the country of reference. This country is taken since Argentine legislation has traditionally replicated European and Spanish standards instead of American ones. To this end, a systemic review and comparison are made between the laws and architectural acoustic regulations of Argentina and Spain. The observation of the noise protection standards in closed areas of these countries will be deepened. For a better understanding of these and to meet the objective, a prototype of public housing was needed in different parts of the country through the PRO.CRE.AR plan is taken as a case study and verified according to each standard. IRAM and UNE. As a relevant result, it is shown that the houses built by the State only partially verify the admissible minimums proposed by the regulations. The lack of laws and complementary documents focused on acoustic conditioning is concluded through the case study.Saez, V.; Quintana Gallardo, A.; Garzón, B.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2023). The influence of acoustic standards in construction: a case study of social housing in Argentina. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 588-596. https://doi.org/10.4995/VIBRArch2022.2022.1520458859

The First 3D-Printed Building in Spain: A Study on Its Acoustic, Thermal and Environmental Performance

[EN] The first 3D-printed building in Spain is the object of this study, and it is presented and physically described herein from different points of view. This study combines on-site measurements, simulations, and a life cycle assessment to assess some relevant parameters concerning the acoustic, thermal and environmental performance of the 3D-printed house. The main objectives are to analyze whether the house complies with the acoustic and thermal regulations and to assess whether it can act as a sustainable alternative to conventional masonry construction, especially when time plays an important role. The build surface (3D prototype) of the house is approximately 23 m2. The internal space includes a living room (12.35 m2), a bedroom (7.36 m2) and a bathroom (3.16 m2). The total surface of the house is 22.87 m2 and it has a volume of 64.03 m3. The acoustic insulation was measured according to the ISO 9869-1:2014 standard. In terms of the acoustic insulation, the sound reduction index was tested following the guidelines of the ISO 140-5:1999 standard. Additionally, the study includes a comparative life cycle assessment comparing the 3D-printed façade with two conventional wall typologies. The 3D-printed house displays an excellent thermal performance, with a measured thermal transmittance of 0.24 Wm¿2K¿1, suitable for all Spanish climate zones. Regarding the acoustic insulation, the measured global sound reduction indexes of the façades range from 36 to 45 dB, which is adequate for areas with noise levels of up to 75 dB. The environmental results indicate that 3D-printed façade manufacturing emits 30% more CO2e than a façade constructed using concrete blocks and 2% less than a masonry block wall. Overall, this study shows that, in addition to its multiple advantages in terms of the construction time, the studied 3Dprinted house has similar acoustic, thermal and environmental traits to the most common construction typologies. However, it cannot be considered a sustainable construction method due to its high amount of cement.Salandin, A.; Quintana-Gallardo, A.; Gómez Lozano, V.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2022). The First 3D-Printed Building in Spain: A Study on Its Acoustic, Thermal and Environmental Performance. Sustainability. 14(20):1-21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013204121142

Environmental evaluation of a self-compacted clay based concrete with natural superplasticizers

[EN] Cement concrete is the most widely used construction material worldwide due to its favourable mechanical characteristics. However, it is responsible for 8% of the total carbon emissions in the world, which are generated mainly during the production of clinker. Due to that fact, finding alternatives to cement for some applications in which it is not strictly needed should be a priority. In this study, a self-compacted clay-based concrete with natural superplasticizers based on natural tara tannins is presented. The main objective of the study is to determine if this clay-based concrete can be a sustainable alternative to conventional cement concrete as the main component in structural slabs. The methodology of the study is divided into two parts. First, the self-compacting clay concrete is characterized to determine its mechanical properties. Secondly, a comparative Life Cycle Assessment is conducted to determine the difference between the impacts generated by one square meter of self-compacting cement concrete and one of self-compacting clay concrete. The characterization of the material showed that this self-compacting clay concrete is suitable for some building elements such as structural slabs while avoiding the energy consumption needed to produce conventional concrete. The environmental impact results showed that using self-compacting clay concrete instead of the cement-based material decreases 90% of the carbon emissions and 80% of the overall environmental impact. After the completion of the study, it can be stated that the presented material is a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete for building structural slabs.Romero Clausell, J.; Quintana-Gallardo, A.; Hidalgo Signes, C.; Serrano Lanzarote, AB. (2021). Environmental evaluation of a self-compacted clay based concrete with natural superplasticizers. Materials and Structures. 54(1):1-16. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-020-01586-611654

So Similar, So Different: Diving in the Physical and Acoustic Features of Two theatres. A Case Study

[EN] The study of the acoustic conditions of Concert Halls, Theatres, and Opera House offers the possibility of understanding better the behavior of those spaces. Many researchers have dealt with the physical and acoustic characteristics of landmark venues that host live performances, but many of them still need to be characterized and studied. The present work aims to perform a comparative analysis of two theatres. We have chosen two theatres with similar characteristics except one, the volume of the main hall in this case: the Olympia Theatre and the Talia Theatre, both located in the city of Valencia (Spain). We want to get deeper into the factors that influence how a certain space sounds. More specifically, the ratios between stage area and audience area. We have collected geometrical data of both spaces, such as room volume, fly-tower volume, audience surface, stage surface, stage opening surface area, acoustical surface area, etc.; and material and architectural detail data to determine the absorption coefficient of the different surfaces of the space. Moreover, we will conduct acoustical measurements surveys in both theaters. To summarize, we will work in a three-axis strategy: geometric, acoustic absorption and onsite analytic data, to evaluate the influence of the different parameters in the acoustic behavior of the room and the relationships between them.Pérez-Aguilar, B.; Quintana-Gallardo, A.; Llopis Reyna, A.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2021). So Similar, So Different: Diving in the Physical and Acoustic Features of Two theatres. A Case Study. Archidoct. The e-journal for the dissemination of doctoral research in architecture. 17(1):1-11. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/19060311117

The Environmental Impacts of Disposable Nonwoven Fabrics during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study on the Francesc de Borja Hospital

[EN] Hospitals generate huge amounts of nonwoven residues daily. This paper focused on studying the evolution of nonwoven waste generated in the Francesc de Borja Hospital, Spain, over the last few years and its relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective was to identify the most impacting pieces of nonwoven equipment in the hospital and to analyze possible solutions. The carbon footprint of the nonwoven equipment was studied through a life-cycle assessment. The results showed an apparent increase in the carbon footprint in the hospital from 2020. Additionally, due to the higher annual volume, the simple nonwoven gown used primarily for patients had a higher carbon footprint over a year than the more sophisticated surgical gowns. It can be concluded that developing a local circular economy strategy for medical equipment could be the solution to avoid the enormous waste generation and the carbon footprint of nonwoven production.: This research was funded by the Fisabio Fundation under the 2020 call for grants for preparatory actions and joint innovation projects between the research staff of the Universitat Politècnica de València and professionals of the Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomèdica de la Comunitat Valenciana, grant number A45, project name Compensación de la generación de residuos textiles hospitalarios generados por la crisis de la COVID-19 con un modelo de economía circularQuintana-Gallardo, A.; Del Rey, R.; González-Conca, S.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2023). The Environmental Impacts of Disposable Nonwoven Fabrics during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study on the Francesc de Borja Hospital. Polymers. 15(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym1505113015

The Acoustic and Cultural Heritage of the Banda Primitiva de Llíria Theater: Objective and Subjective Evaluation

[EN] La Banda Primitiva is one of Europe's most notable symphonic civic bands. Located in Ll & iacute;ria (Val & egrave;ncia, Spain), part of the UNESCO creative cities network, its theater was designed by Joaqu & iacute;n Rieta, one of the most relevant Valencian architects of the twentieth century. This study analyses the current state of the theater, its relevance to the town's cultural heritage, and how it has evolved over the years in terms of its acoustic performance. The objective is to understand how the theater's acoustics have evolved over the years and to unveil the reasons behind the preference of the regular audience for specific areas of the venue, considering if these tendencies are influenced by tradition rather than the current auditory experience. The theater's acoustics were studied with objective and subjective parameters. The objective parameters were assessed by conducting on-site measurements and ray-tracing simulations. One hundred and three musicians answered a survey of auralizations to evaluate subjective acoustic parameters. Three musical pieces were recorded in an anechoic chamber and convoluted by the impulse response of the venue at different positions to obtain the auralizations. The results show that the objective acoustic parameters do not differ significantly. Overall, the reverberation time was longer before the renovation. Regarding subjective testing, the sample only shows a subtle tendency (57%) towards preferring seats on the second balcony. For that reason, it can be concluded that there is no evidence to support the claim that the seats located on the second balcony have better acoustics than those in the stalls.A.Q.-G. gratefully acknowledges receiving funding from the Spanish Ministry of Universities and the Polytechnic University of Valencia under the 'Plan de Recuperacion Transformacion y Resiliencia' (investment funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU).Pérez-Aguilar, B.; Quintana-Gallardo, A.; Gasent-Blesa, JL.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2024). The Acoustic and Cultural Heritage of the Banda Primitiva de Llíria Theater: Objective and Subjective Evaluation. Buildings. 14(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings1408232914

Life-Cycle Assessment and Acoustic Simulation of Drywall Building Partitions with Bio-Based Materials

[EN] The ecological transition is a process the building industry is bound to undertake. This study aimed to develop new bio-based building partition typologies and to determine if they are suitable ecological alternatives to the conventional non-renewable ones used today. This work started with the development of a bio-based epoxy composite board and a waste-based sheep wool acoustic absorbent. Six different partition typologies combining conventional and bio-based materials were analyzed. A drywall partition composed of gypsum plasterboard and mineral wool was used as the baseline. First, a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment was performed to compare their environmental impacts. Secondly, a mathematical simulation was performed to evaluate their airborne acoustic insulation. The LCA results show a 50% decrease in the amount of CO(2)equivalent emitted when replacing plasterboard with bio-composite boards. The bio-composites lower the overall environmental impact by 40%. In the case of the acoustic absorbents, replacing the mineral wool with cellulose or sheep wool decreases the carbon emissions and the overall environmental impact of the partition from 4% and 6%, respectively. However, while the bio-based acoustic absorbents used offer good acoustic results, the bio-composites have a lower airborne acoustic insulation than conventional gypsum plasterboard.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness (BIA2013-41537-R). The project was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and it is included in the R+D National Programme for Research Aimed at the Challenges of Society.Quintana-Gallardo, A.; Alba, J.; Rey Tormos, RMD.; Crespo, J.; Guillén Guillamón, IE. (2020). Life-Cycle Assessment and Acoustic Simulation of Drywall Building Partitions with Bio-Based Materials. Polymers. 12(9):1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091965S11612