Author

KUS, H. and EDIS, E.
Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Architecture
GÖCER, Ö. and ÖZKAN, E.
Beykent University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture

Abstract

Pumice aggregate concrete hollow wall blocks are increasingly used for masonry walls in Turkey. However, there is lack of reliable technical information about the characteristics of these blocks and knowledge on particularly the hygrothermal performance of external walls built with these blocks. An extensive research project has been conducted, investigating hygrothermal performance of external walls made of pumice aggregate concrete blocks, including energy and economic efficiency through the life cycle. The research program includes (i) laboratory studies of material characteristic tests and hotbox measurements, (ii) computational simulation studies of thermal and moisture performance, (iii) field studies of block production plants, construction sites and existing buildings, and (iv) sustainability and environmental performance analysis in terms of life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. Adopting an integrated and holistic approach, research has been undertaken into the performance of blocks in different circumstances such as (i) pumice aggregate concrete composite material, (ii) wall block components, (iii) masonry wall elements, and (iv) building system as a whole. In this introductory paper, different stages of the complete work are briefly presented and discussed.

Key words
Pumice aggregate concrete hollow wall blocks are increasingly used for masonry walls in Turkey. However, there is lack of reliable technical information about the characteristics of these blocks and knowledge on particularly the hygrothermal performance of external walls built with these blocks. An extensive research project has been conducted, investigating hygrothermal performance of external walls made of pumice aggregate concrete blocks, including energy and economic efficiency through the life cycle. The research program includes (i) laboratory studies of material characteristic tests and hotbox measurements, (ii) computational simulation studies of thermal and moisture performance, (iii) field studies of block production plants, construction sites and existing buildings, and (iv) sustainability and environmental performance analysis in terms of life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. Adopting an integrated and holistic approach, research has been undertaken into the performance of blocks in different circumstances such as (i) pumice aggregate concrete composite material, (ii) wall block components, (iii) masonry wall elements, and (iv) building system as a whole. In this introductory paper, different stages of the complete work are briefly presented and discussed.