Artículos (Construcciones Arquitectónicas I (ETSA))

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/11307

Examinar

Mostrando 1 - 20 de 500

An open-source urban digital twin for enhancing outdoor thermal comfort in the city of Huelva (Spain)
(MDPI, 2025-09-29) López Cabeza, Victoria Patricia; Videras Rodríguez, Marta; Gómez Melgar, Sergio; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; TEP206: SATH Sostenibilidad en Arquitectura, Tecnología y Patrimonio: Materialidad y Sistemas Constructivos
Climate change and urbanization are intensifying the urban heat island effect and negatively impacting outdoor thermal comfort in cities. Innovative planning strategies are required to design more livable and resilient urban spaces. Building on a state of the art of current Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) for outdoor thermal comfort analysis, this paper presents the design and implementation of a functional UDT prototype. Developed for a pilot area in Huelva, Spain, the system integrates real-time environmental data, spatial modeling, and simulation tools within an open-source architecture. The literature reveals that while UDTs are increasingly used in urban management, their application to outdoor thermal comfort remains limited and technically challenging, especially in terms of real-time data, modeling accuracy, and user interaction. The case study demonstrates the feasibility of a modular, open-source UDT capable of simulating mean radiant temperature and outdoor thermal comfort indexes at high resolution and visualizing the results in a 3D interactive environment. UDTs have strong potential for supporting microclimate-sensitive planning and improving outdoor thermal comfort. However, important challenges remain, particularly in simulation efficiency, model detail, and stakeholder accessibility. The proposed prototype addresses several of these gaps and provides a basis for future improvements.
The impact of the bill of quantity export process from BIM on the accuracy of the LCA results
(MDPI, 2025-10-21) Potrč Obrecht, Tajda; Veselka, Jakub; Plazza, Daniel; Ortmann, Michael; Alaux, Nicolas; Soust-Verdaguer, Bernardette; Kaushal, Deepshi; Passer, Alexander
The construction industry is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, buildings have the potential to play a central role in climate change mitigation. It is also known that building projects are unique and complex, which is why a high degree of process automation is necessary. Two key methods can be employed to calculate the environmental impacts of a construction process: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Currently, both methods are being considered as a part of advanced building projects. Database (BIM) models can be used as a precise inventory of materials and as an input for LCA. This study aims to (1) review the current status of published BIM-LCA workflows, (2) use a common case study among participants from various countries to compare the individual workflows and the calculated results, (3) identify potential sources of errors in all workflows on the common case study, and (4) provide recommendations and suggestions for developing BIM-LCA models based on the example of the common case study. The outcomes show that the main sources of differences emerge from not including all materials or from the inconsistencies in the exported material lists of the bill of quantities. The reasons for the missing materials stem primarily from the inadequate decomposition of composite materials, oversight of certain materials, and exclusion of thin materials such as foils. Inconsistencies arise from the incorrect handling of composite materials, the grouping of similar materials, and rounding inaccuracies. These issues highlight that errors occur early in the life cycle inventory phase, which forms the foundation of subsequent LCA phases, thereby impacting the final results and potentially leading to inaccurate assessments of environmental impacts. Ensuring accuracy at this stage is therefore critical for supporting reliable sustainability assessments. Consequently, recommendations are proposed to mitigate errors across various stages of the process to enhance the accuracy of LCA outcomes.
A framework for building sustainability assessment for developing countries using F-Delphi: Moroccan housing case study
(MDPI, 2025-10-21) Rharbi, Noussaiba; García Martínez, Antonio; El Asli, Abdelghani; Oulmouden, Safae; Mastouri, Hicham; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; TEP130: Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Sostenibilidad: Acústica, Iluminación, Óptica y Energía
International building sustainability assessment tools (BSATs) offer a comprehensive framework for assessing environmental, economic, and social sustainability. However, these tools cannot fill the gap between their standards and the regional needs of developing countries such as Morocco. This paper presents a new framework to assess the sustainability of buildings in Morocco. The methodology proposed is the Fuzzy Delphi method to minimize the list of indicators with the help of 14 local experts and give an appropriate weight to the indicators and sub-indicators. The two-round analysis found a balanced weighting for the environmental, economic, and social dimensions, with the social pillar ranked highest in importance. A hierarchical framework of six consensus-based categories and 63 sub-indicators was developed. Consensus was measured using the dispersion threshold approach ≤ 0.2. The results show that waste and pollution (0.80), adaptability and resilience (0.78), and resources (0.75) are prioritized over the innovation category. Notably, sewage management, water reuse, and public infrastructure emerged as critical sub-indicators. A comparative evaluation against local BSATs from the region—Ethiopia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Oman—revealed convergence in core indicators like energy and water, yet divergence in economic and resilience criteria, reflecting regional specificities. This work contributes to the literature by presenting a validated, expert-driven assessment tool that aligns with local needs, offering a practical basis for national green certification and sustainable housing policy in Morocco and similar contexts.
Experiments on Microclimatically adapt a courtyard to climate change
(IOP Publishing, 2023) Naboni, Emanuele; Siani, Rosella; Turrini, Marcello; Touloupaki, Elefteria; Gherri, Barbara; De Luca, Francesco; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
Climate change impacts biodiversity, the use of public spaces, as well as building energy demand, and health in Mediterranean cities. The courtyard is a common typology of private/public open space in the area, which, according to previous research, is substantially affected by climate change. The main reasons are to be found in limited ventilation and the significant amount of radiation received by upper surfaces. A preliminary microclimate, simulation-based evaluation of mitigation strategies to adapt and capitalize on climate changes is here performed through the assessment of a series of analyses using reference year 2020 and 2080. The study addresses a representative courtyard, San Sepolcro cloister (Parma, Italy). One mitigation strategy is explored, limiting direct solar radiation. The shading system, which reduces solar radiation, arises from a process of morphogenesis based on solar parameters and exploits a strategy with vertical structures typical of some cacti, following the biomimicry approach of imitating natural strategies. In this case, the imitation regards both form and function, as well as the generative process. The research was conducted through parametric and generative design in Rhino-Grasshopper and environmental analysis in ENVI-Met. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was the reference index for the assessment of thermal comfort. The shading system allows for improving thermal comfort, through protection from the sun's rays and the non-obstruction of the vertical ventilation of the courtyard.
Escenarios de luz
(Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Sevilla, 2025) Muñoz Heras, María del Olvido; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
Las fotografías de arquitectura de la obra final construida suelen ser fotos de encargo donde se muestra el espacio vacío. Si en las exposiciones se mostrara la obra habitada como final natural del proceso creativo arquitectónico, la arquitectura se vería de otra manera y las personas ajenas a nuestra profesión podrían, igual que nosotros, soñar y desear vivir en espacios de mayor calidad. No se puede desear lo que no se conoce. Como arquitectos hacemos cientos de fotografías, las imágenes de la obra habitada son un tema pendiente. Es fundamental fotografiar dejando ver la vida para fomentar el deseo por la buena arquitectura. Si bien el espacio público se está empezando a fotografiar habitado no sucede igual en el espacio privado. En estas imágenes tomadas en las últimas viviendas realizadas por Elisa Valero a los pies de la Alhambra encontramos un buen ejemplo.
Gypsum plasterboard waste as a raw material for the production of new eco-friendly plaster composites: the case of the Spanish industry
(Elsevier, 2025) Pérez Gálvez, Filomena; Pedreño Rojas, Manuel Alejandro; Morales Conde, María Jesús; Romero Gómez, María Isabel; Rubio de Hita, Paloma; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; Didáctica de las Matemáticas
This study aims to identify the possibilities of recycling plasterboard waste from industrial and construction and demolition works. Plasterboard waste samples from the main Spanish manufacturers were analysed in different conditions to assess their potential recyclability with the minimum environmental impact possible. Until now, other authors published contradictory information regarding the topic, as it varied greatly depending on the type of waste used. Thus, the main aim of this research is to help create a common recycling protocol to allow researchers and companies to carry out a proper treatment of this residue. The analysis aims to define the optimal temperature and heating time (when applicable) in order to achieve the mechanical performance requirements by standards. In that sense, it is important to note that the results achieved in this research are not only applicable to Spain, the largest producer and exporter of plasterboard on the European continent, but also to other European countries. The experimental procedure followed two possible scenarios. The first scenario (Phase 1) analysed the possibility of completely replacing commercial gypsum for construction (CG-C) with gypsum plasterboard waste with no previous heating treatment. A possible second stage (Phase 2) was contemplated, in which different temperatures and heating times were studied for the waste. Results showed that heating at 150 ◦C during 3 h was enough for all the producers to achieve an optimal mechanical performance. Also, the compressive strength of the best producer scenario reached 8.40 MPa, which was 38.7% higher than that of CGC.
Automating data integration for construction Life Cycle Assessment Using fuzzy matching and supervised learning
(2025) Gachkar, Darya; Gachkar, Sadaf; Ghofrani, Erfan; García Martínez, Antonio; Angulo Bahón, Cecilio; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
Automating data-driven processes in construction is critical for enhancing efficiency and reducing human intervention. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in construction relies on the seamless integration of construction and environmental databases; however, manual processes are time-consuming and error-prone. This paper presents a methodology that fully automates data integration using fuzzy string matching and Random Forest (RF)-based supervised learning. The approach ensures accuracy and efficiency while eliminating manual effort. When applied to the Andalusia Construction Cost Database (BCCA) and ecoinvent databases, the methodology achieved high accuracy and reduced manual intervention time by 90%. This scalable solution advances automation in construction by facilitating real-time decision-making, improving digital workflows, and supporting sustainable construction practices through AI-driven data management.
Seasonal analysis of thermal comfort in Mediterranean social courtyards: a comparative study
(Elsevier, 2023) Diz Mellado, Eduardo María; López Cabeza, Victoria Patricia; Rivera Gómez, Carlos Alberto; Galán-Marín, Carmen; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
Neighbourhoods in cities generate social inequality risks due to outdated climate passive control infrastructures. Previous research has explored thermal comfort related to health emergencies in energy-poverty areas. However, there is scant research on the courtyard’s thermodynamic performance and its implication on thermal comfort throughout the year. This study evaluates that performance in Seville’s social housing courtyards in extreme seasons. Monitoring campaigns were conducted to assess courtyard temperatures linked to outdoor environment. Results show that temperatures within the courtyards were 8.6–12.1 ◦C lower than the outdoor environment during the warm season and up to 3.3 ◦C warmer at night during the cold season. Thermal comfort in courtyards could reach comfortable conditions during 92% of the daytime hours in summer, reducing the sensation of extreme cold by more than 6 ◦C in winter when evaluated using Physiologically Equivalent Temperature. This highlights the ability of courtyards to mitigate health risks linked to extreme temperatures
Efficacy of the CHRONOlight biodynamic lighting system for control of nosocomial Gram-negative pathogens
(Elsevier, 2025) Pérez Palacios, Patricia; Bustamante, Pedro; Domínguez Amarillo, Samuel; Caro Ayora, María José; Acosta García, Ignacio Javier; Rodríguez Martínez, José Manuel; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; Microbiología
Objectives Health care–associated infections are a growing public health concern, with hospitals acting as reservoirs for pathogens. The rise in antimicrobial resistance worsens the issue. This study tested the effectiveness of the biodynamic lighting system (CHRONOlight) at varying ultraviolet (UV) light times and energy levels to reduce nosocomial gram-negative pathogens. Methods Eight clinical isolates, representing different gram-negative pathogens, were selected from the Andalusian reference laboratory. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC were used as control strains. Different inoculums were exposed to type C UV light (UV-C) doses 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0 W/m2 (corresponding to an irradiation flux of 100%, 75%, and 50%, respectively, with spectral peaks at 270 nm) during 15, 30, 45, 60, and 300 seconds and type A UV light (UV-A) (380 nm) during 30 minutes. The bactericidal effect was considered when cellular viability decreased by ≥3-log10 colony forming unit/ml. UV-C light-surviving isolates were sequenced (Illumina MiSeq) and analyzed to identify mutations associated with UV-C light survival. The development of antibiotic resistance after UV-C exposure were also studied for the same surviving isolates. Results The efficacy of the CHRONOlight biodynamic lighting system varied by exposure time, UV dose, and bacterial species. E. coli isolates showed bactericidal effects within 15-30 seconds at 100% UV-C intensity, whereas Klebsiella pneumoniae required 30-45 seconds. P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii showed activity in 15-30 seconds, but clinical A. baumannii needed longer exposure, especially at lower UV-C intensities. No reduction in cell viability was seen with UV-A exposure. Gene mutations related to metabolism, stress response, motility, and virulence were found in survivors, and no cross-antibiotic resistance developed in surviving isolates. Conclusions CHRONOlight biodynamic lighting system is a novel broad-spectrum lighting prototype designed to effectively reduce the viability of gram-negative bacteria within short exposure times (30-300 seconds) through UV-C emission. This makes it a promising strategy for minimizing nosocomial infections in health care settings.
Dynamic lighting in a Pediatric ICU: Effects on staff visual comfort and circadian biomarkers
(Elsevier, 2026) Aguilar Carrasco, María Teresa; Fernández-Agüera, Jessica; Álvarez López, Ana Isabel; Álvarez Ríos, Ana Isabel; Domínguez Amarillo, Samuel; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (MECD). España
Various regulations and standards propose optimal thresholds for metrics related to the visual system, such as illuminance, and those related to circadian rhythms, such as circadian stimulus. Establishing optimal thresholds is crucial in shift-based workspaces—like hospital intensive care units, where the electric lighting impacts staff, affecting visual comfort, circadian rhythms and job performance, ultimately influencing patient health. However, recommended thresholds often misalign with real-world conditions. There is a contradiction between static illuminance thresholds and variable CS thresholds, which depend on whether melatonin should be promoted or suppressed. Furthermore, thresholds are often set without considering space characteristics, activities or user needs. The recommended lighting levels remain largely unchanged, failing to reflect actual requirements. This study discusses the daily time-adjustment of static electric lighting configurations with illumination levels differing from the recommended levels oriented to the needs of ICU healthcare staff and their visual comfort, as determined through user satisfaction surveys. To ensure that the established lighting does not negatively impact health and circadian rhythm synchronization, experiments have been conducted, and blood and urine samples have been collected to measure the values of key biological markers cortisol and melatonin. While the study does not aim to present the optimal lighting solution, it provides effects of two practical scenarios comparison respect to a typical lighting fixture applicable in ICU settings. Special consideration is given to minimizing the impact on patients during night shift as a boundary condition among compatibility with medical surveillance, recognizing that total darkness is not feasible in such environments.
Las esculturas de cemento de Ricardo Bellver en la Portada de la Asunción de la Virgen. Catedral de Sevilla
(Universidad de Sevilla, 2025) García Martínez, Elena; García Pérez, Ángel Luis; García Rodríguez, María Antonia; Guerra-Librero Fernández, Fernando; Hoyos Alonso, Pilar de; Navarro Casas, Jaime; Pérez García, Pedro Pablo; Sánchez Marqués, Isabel; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; TEP130: Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Sostenibilidad: Acústica, Iluminación, Óptica y Energía
La puerta principal de la Catedral de Sevilla estuvo inacabada hasta el último año del siglo XIX. Para su decoración se contrató a Ricardo Bellver, quien en una primera fase esculpió el tímpano, y en una segunda fase las esculturas de las jambas y estribos, utilizando la técnica del moldeo y vaciado con un nuevo material, un cemento natural. El objetivo del artículo es presentar los estudios preliminares que han permitido esclarecer parte de la polémica sobre el uso del cemento, gracias al estudio de los materiales y técnicas empleados, dentro del marco de un proyecto de investigación del conjunto escultórico.
UTHECA_USE: a multi-source dataset on human thermal perception and urban environmental factors in Seville
(MDPI, 2025-09-16) Hernández Barba, Noelia; Rodríguez Gallego, José Antonio; Rivera-Gómez, Carlos; Galán-Marín, Carmen; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; TEP206: SATH Sostenibilidad en Arquitectura, Tecnología y Patrimonio: Materialidad y Sistemas Constructivos
This paper introduces UTHECA_USE, a dataset of 989 observations collected in Seville, Spain (2023–2025), integrating microclimatic, personal, and urban morphological data. It comprises 55 variables, including in situ measurements of air and globe temperatures, humidity, wind speed, derived indices such as the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), demographic and physiological participant data, subjective thermal perception, and detailed urban form characteristics. The surface temperature data of urban materials are included in a subset. The dataset is openly accessible under a permissive license, and this data descriptor documents the collection methods, calibration, survey design, and data processing to ensure reproducibility and transparency. The UTHECA project aims to develop a more accurate and adaptive outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) assessment model to guide effective, inclusive urban strategies to improve human thermal perception and climate resilience. UTHECA_USE facilitates research on outdoor thermal comfort and urban microclimates, supporting diverse analyses linking human perception, environmental conditions, and urban morphology.
A multidimensional approach to mapping urban heat vulnerability: integrating remote sensing and spatial configuration
(MDPI, 2025-08-14) Alnajjar, Sonia; García Martínez, Antonio; López Cabeza, Victoria Patricia; Al-Azhari, Wael; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; TEP130: Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Sostenibilidad: Acústica, Iluminación, Óptica y Energía; TEP206: SATH Sostenibilidad en Arquitectura, Tecnología y Patrimonio: Materialidad y Sistemas Constructivos
This study investigates urban heat vulnerabilities in Seville, Spain, using a multidimensional framework that integrates remote sensing, Space Syntax, and social vulnerability metrics. This research identifies Heat Boundaries (HBs), which are critical urban entities with elevated Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) that act as barriers to adjacent vulnerable neighbourhoods, disrupting both physical and social continuity and environmental equity, and examines their relationship with the urban syntax and social vulnerability. The analysis spans two temporal scenarios: a Category 3 heatwave on 26 June 2023 and a normal summer day on 14 July 2024, incorporating both daytime and nighttime satellite-derived LST data (Landsat 9 and ECOSTRESS). The results reveal pronounced spatial disparities in thermal exposure. During the heatwave, peripheral zones recorded extreme LSTs exceeding 53 °C, while river-adjacent neighbourhoods recorded up to 7.28 °C less LST averages. In the non-heatwave scenario, LSTs for advantaged neighbourhoods close to the Guadalquivir River were 2.55 °C lower than vulnerable high-density zones and 3.77 °C lower than the peripheries. Nocturnal patterns showed a reversal, with central high-density districts retaining more heat than the peripheries. Correlation analyses indicate strong associations between LST and built-up intensity (NDBI) and a significant inverse correlation with vegetation cover (NDVI). Syntactic indicators revealed that higher Mean Depth values—indicative of spatial segregation—correspond with elevated thermal stress, particularly during nighttime and heatwave scenarios. HBs occupy 17% of the city, predominantly composed of barren land (42%), industrial zones (30%), and transportation infrastructure (28%), and often border areas with high social vulnerability. This study underscores the critical role of spatial configuration in shaping heat exposure and advocates for targeted climate adaptation measures, such as HB rehabilitation, greening interventions, and Connectivity-based design. It also presents preliminary insights for future deep learning applications to automate HB detection and support predictive urban heat resilience planning.
Methodology for the use of aerial thermography as a validation method for outdoor thermal comfort simulations
(Elsevier, 2025-10) López Cabeza, Victoria Patricia; Videras Rodriguez, Marta; Gómez Melgar, Sergio; Andújar Márquez, José Manuel; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; TEP206: SATH Sostenibilidad en Arquitectura, Tecnología y Patrimonio: Materialidad y Sistemas Constructivos
The urban heat island (UHI) effect underscores the importance of outdoor spaces in urban planning and design, where thermal comfort has become a critical consideration. Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) is a dominant factor influencing human thermal perception, making its accurate simulation essential for creating comfortable urban environments. Despite the widespread use of simulation tools, a significant gap exists in their validation, particularly during early design stages. This study introduces a novel methodology for calibrating and validating longwave MRT simulations using aerial thermography, providing a practical and robust approach to improving simulation accuracy. As an example of the proposed methodology, a practical application is carried out using Ladybug Tools® (LBT), a widely used simulation tool known for its powerful features, open access, and integration with early-stage design workflows. It was used to simulate an open space located in Huelva, Spain, under summer conditions. The calibration process refines parameters such as albedo, shading, and grid resolution, ensuring results align with ASHRAE guidelines. The findings demonstrate that, after calibration, LBT can effectively predict MRT, with minor discrepancies attributed to inherent model limitations. This study highlights the potential of aerial thermography to enhance the reliability of MRT simulations across diverse platforms, providing urban planners and designers with a valuable framework for assessing thermal comfort. By bridging a critical validation gap, this work supports the development of more sustainable and thermally comfortable urban spaces, paving the way for broader applications in urban planning and climate adaptation strategies.
Teaching innovation and the use of social networks in architecture: learning building services design for smart and energy efficient buildings
(Emerald, 2018) Domínguez Amarillo, Samuel; Fernández-Agüera, Jessica; Fernández-Agüera Escudero, Patricia; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; TEP1000: Comfort, Health and Energy Use in Buildings
Today's buildings are evolving from structures comprising unchanging, static elements scantly able to interact with their surroundings, towards complex systemic compounds with an impact on the environs that entails more than mere anthropic alteration. In pursuit of energy efficiency and true sustainability, buildings must acquire the ability to interact as well as to generate synergies. The most prominent features of this approach are energy management and information flows which, intelligently designed, not only enhance buildings’ capabilities, but also introduce a significant change in their relationship with the surrounds (‘smart cities’) and its inhabitants. This new paradigm calls for revisiting undergraduate architectural instruction, adopting a more complex overview of energy use and management in the design process, regarding buildings as dynamic rather than static entities. The methodology focuses on creating learning environments that favour students’ participation in problem solving and assessment, encouraging teamwork based on case studies and stressing the connection between this new architecture, ICTs included, and social networks as participatory design tools. These ideas were implemented in a pilot learning experience conducted at the University of Seville for undergraduate students. The use of ICTs and the collaboration of non-academic experts were observed to further student promotion and projection beyond the academic environment and introduce them to the professional community.
Talleres: Espacios para educar la mirada
(Editorial Universidad de Sevilla, 2025) Muñoz Heras, María del Olvido; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
Integral analysis of indoor environmental quality in a hemodialysis unit: Indoor air quality and airborne diseases relative risk
(Elsevier, 2025) Rodríguez, Diana; Jiménez, Elena; Quiles Zafra, Rafael; Acosta García, Ignacio Javier; Bustamante, Pedro; Campano, Miguel Ángel; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
Monitoring indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is essential in healthcare facilities, particularly in hemodialysis (HD) units where vulnerable patients remain for 4–5 h per session several times per week. This study conducted an integrated assessment of hygrothermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), and airborne infection risk in an HD unit under two scenarios: natural ventilation and controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV). IAQ was evaluated through CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, ozone, and particulate matter (PM0.3, PM2.5, PM10), while hygrothermal comfort was monitored via air temperature and humidity, Relative infection risk was estimated using CO₂-based modeling adapted from the Wells–Riley approach. Results showed that CMV maintained CO₂ below 800 ppm, meeting Spanish regulatory standards, whereas natural ventilation was insufficient despite high envelope permeability. PM2.5 and PM10 remained within WHO guidelines, but peaks of PM0.3 were observed, emphasizing the need for finer particle control. Infection risk was strongly influenced by activity level and mask use, with healthcare workers posing greater risk than patients. Deficient filter maintenance compromised pollutant removal, occasionally increasing PM during CMV operation. These findings highlight the necessity of optimized and well-maintained ventilation systems to balance air quality, comfort, and infection control in HD environments, offering methodological insights extendable to other healthcare settings.
Reducing Global Warming Potential in Cement Production: A Comparative Study of Slate and Marble Waste as Sustainable
(IOP Publishing, 2025) Silva Calderón-Morales, Bianca Rafaela; Costal, Glauber Zerbini; García Martínez, Antonio; Pineda Palomo, Paloma; García-Tenorio García-Balmaseda, Rafael; Estructuras de Edificación e Ingeniería del Terreno; Física Aplicada II; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I
This study evaluates the reduction of Global Warming Potential (GWP) in Portland cement production through the incorporation of industrial waste from marble and slate as supplementary cementitious materials. Partial clinker substitutions between 5% and 20% were analyzed, assessing mechanical performance through compressive strength tests and environmental impact using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The results demonstrated that replacing 20% of clinker with waste led to significant reductions in CO2 emissions: 16.44% for marble and 15.72% for slate. Formulations with 10% and 15% substitution showed the best balance between mechanical performance and environmental impact, meeting regulatory resistance requirements. Transportation logistics proved crucial, with longer distances negatively impacting GWP. The study concludes that reusing these residues represents a viable strategy to mitigate the environmental impacts of the cement industry, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and promoting more sustainable construction practices.
Laser scanning and photogrammetry for graphic analysis and heritage documentation: the Lopera tower, a 14th-century Castilian fortress
(MDPI, 2025-08-07) Molina Rozalem, Juan Francisco; Rodríguez Medina, Jesús; Acosta García, Ignacio Javier; Expresión Gráfica y Arquitectónica; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; HUM799: Estrategias de Conocimiento Patrimonial; TEP130: Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Sostenibilidad: Acústica, Iluminación, Óptica y Energía
Spain is among the European countries with the greatest number of preserved castles and defensive structures—some estimates place the total at around 10,000, the majority of which date back to the medieval period. Yet, surprisingly, many of these fortifications remain uncatalogued and in an advanced state of ruin. This study focuses on a small fortress that has been overlooked by historiography and neglected by public authorities, yet which still stands after seven centuries: the Tower of Lopera, a castle belonging to the so-called Banda Morisca (the frontier of Al-Andalus in the 14th century). Using a combination of digital documentation techniques—namely, portable laser scanning, photogrammetry (via drone and camera), and digital image processing software—we have been able to digitize, geometrize, and document both the surviving architectural remains and their immediate physical environment. Rather than pursuing the latest technological innovations, this methodology prioritizes practical and realistic solutions based on the resources typically available to cultural heritage administrations. Our work serves two main objectives: to demonstrate the viability of applying such tools to this typology of architectural heritage and to conduct a detailed graphic and geometric analysis of the structure. Given the abundance of similar abandoned fortresses in Spain, the findings presented here could inform future heritage documentation strategies on a broader, potentially national, scale.
Evaluation of optimum thermal insulation for mass walls in severe solar climates of northern Chile
(MDPI, 2025-07-21) Verichev, Konstantin; Díaz López, Carmen; Loncomilla Huenupán, Gerardo; García Ruiz, Andrés; Construcciones Arquitectónicas I; Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (Chile); TEP206: SATH Sostenibilidad en Arquitectura, Tecnología y Patrimonio: Materialidad y Sistemas Constructivos
The Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) methodology is widely used to determine the optimal thickness of thermal insulation for walls and roofs. The results depend on several factors, such as the degree day calculations method, the ambient or sol–air temperature, base temperature variations, and the heat capacity of the thermal envelope elements. This study aims to analyze the impact of solar radiation on mass walls with different orientations in five cities in northern Chile, which have severe solar climates. The goal is to determine the optimal thickness of expanded polystyrene insulation using the LCCA method, considering solar radiation, a varying base temperature, and validating results by analyzing the energy demand for heating and cooling of a typical house. The findings show that excluding solar radiation in the LCCA methodology can lead to an underestimation of the optimal insulation thickness by 21–39% for walls in northern Chile. It was also found that using variable monthly threshold temperatures for heating and cooling based on the adaptive thermal comfort model results in a slight underestimation (1–3%) of the optimal thickness compared to a constant annual temperature. An energy simulation of a typical house in five cities in northern Chile showed that neglecting the effect of solar radiation when determining the thermal insulation thickness for the studied wall can lead to a minor increase in heating and cooling energy demand, ranging from approximately 1% to 9%. However, this study emphasizes the importance of applying optimal insulation thickness for cities with more continental climates like Santiago and Calama, where the heating demand is higher than cooling.

Examinar

Envíos recientes