Performance validation and manufacture feasibility for an advanced constructive system considering facilities integration

Abstract

The growing demand to save material and energy resources, and increasing concern over environmental issues, are forcing solutions that entail a lower environmental impact of the materials and products used. This is particularly relevant for internal wall partitions which, due to their volume, greatly contribute to the environmental repercussion of buildings. A significant percentage of this impact is waste derived from the integration of plumbing and electricity installations. The present research deals with the development of a new ceramic system for partitions and internal facade sheets that enable the integration of facilities with minimum waste generation. The proposed ceramic system ensures an appropriate thermal, acoustic and mechanical performance. In addition to the design description and manufacturing process, acoustic performance is measured by empirical validation, while thermal performance by numerical simulations via the finite element method (FEM). Mechanical performance is assessed by a set of experimental tests carried out on masonry walls subject to different load types, and by FEM simulation. From the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the innovative masonry unit fulfills all the thermal, acoustic and mechanical requirements prescribed for partition systems, even improving on the results for conventional solutions.