Combining seismic retrofit with energy refurbishment for the sustainable renovation of RC buildings: a proof of concept. Issue 7 (19th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marini, Alessandra; Passoni, Chiara; Belleri, Andrea; Feroldi, Francesca; Preti, Marco; Metelli, Giovanni; Riva, Paolo; Giuriani, Ezio; Plizzari, Giovanni
• Is Part Of: European journal of environmental and civil engineering. Volume 26:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 2475
• Page End: 2495
• Publication Date: 2022-05-19
• Subjects: Sustainable building renovation -- seismic and energy refurbishment -- modern RC buildings -- engineered exoskeletons -- life cycle thinking -- building retrofit from outside -- enhancement of camouflage practice; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Civil engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1080/19648189.2017.1363665
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1964-8189

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, an integrated approach targeting sustainability, safety and resilience is envisioned for the renovation of the post-Second World War RC buildings clustered in urban outskirts. The solution stems as an enhancement of the widespread camouflage practice, which targets energy efficiency and architectural restyling by complementing the building with a technological double skin, self-supported on an independent exoskeleton. Based on this integrated approach, the exoskeleton can be further engineered to also enable structural safety and resilience. Life cycle thinking is addressed to re-conceive traditional structural design approaches, guaranteeing safety, while minimising costs and environmental impacts over the building life cycle. Accurate selection of materials and dry technologies enables adaptability, reparability and maintenance, and total recyclability/reuse at end-of-life. The intervention is carried out from outside, avoiding relocation of the inhabitants and possible building downtime. The paper introduces a possible framework for engineers, technologists and architects to design new holistic renovation interventions, for which innovative solution sets are required. Possible structural techniques to be coupled with energy refurbishment are proposed. As a proof of concept, the envisaged holistic renovation strategy is applied to a reference building, and benefits entailed in combining structural safety measures within an integrated intervention are commented.