MB
M. Bilow
info
Please Note
<p>This page displays the records of the person named above and is not linked to a unique person identifier. This record may need to be merged to a profile.</p>
14 records found
1
Towards Environmentally Sustainable Bio-Based Load-Bearing Components in Buildings
The Feasibility, Early-Stage Development and Testing of Five Possible Building Components to Meet Specific Performance Requirements
Conference paper
(2025)
-
S. Ghosh, N. Merhi, L.L. Neuhaus, P.K. Sathyamurthy, E. Sel, M. Bilow, O. Ioannou, M. Overend
The growing demand for sustainable building materials is stimulating considerable research on bio-composites intended for the construction sector. Despite the technical challenges associated with their durability and fire resistance, bio-composites can provide environmentally friendly, load bearing components with useful mechanical properties. This paper provides an overview of the current research activities at TU Delft Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology in exploring five plant fibre reinforced polymer (PFRP) composites for various load-bearing applications. In addition to mechanical performance and durability, each bio-composite achieved one or more characteristic that improves the environmental sustainability of the bio-composite, namely: 100% bio-based; fabricated with simple low-tech equipment; sourced from bio-genic waste streams; assembled into a functional meta composite; formable into complex 3D shapes; and reformable at end of life. The findings presented in this paper provide useful insights of the material selection and manufacturing methods for each of the PFRPs and corresponding data from the performance testing. Moreover, the paper provides overarching observations across the five bio-composites and key recommendations for the future development of environmentally sustainable PFRP load-bearing components.
...
The growing demand for sustainable building materials is stimulating considerable research on bio-composites intended for the construction sector. Despite the technical challenges associated with their durability and fire resistance, bio-composites can provide environmentally friendly, load bearing components with useful mechanical properties. This paper provides an overview of the current research activities at TU Delft Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology in exploring five plant fibre reinforced polymer (PFRP) composites for various load-bearing applications. In addition to mechanical performance and durability, each bio-composite achieved one or more characteristic that improves the environmental sustainability of the bio-composite, namely: 100% bio-based; fabricated with simple low-tech equipment; sourced from bio-genic waste streams; assembled into a functional meta composite; formable into complex 3D shapes; and reformable at end of life. The findings presented in this paper provide useful insights of the material selection and manufacturing methods for each of the PFRPs and corresponding data from the performance testing. Moreover, the paper provides overarching observations across the five bio-composites and key recommendations for the future development of environmentally sustainable PFRP load-bearing components.
Glass serviceability limits
New evidence from human-centred studies
Journal article
(2024)
-
Mohammed Hassen, Pedro de la Barra, Sagar Oke, Mauro Overend, Marcel Bilow, Alessandra Luna-Navarro
The performance of the building envelope is crucial for minimizing operational carbon emissions of buildings and maintaining indoor comfort. Contemporary building envelopes, such as engineered glazed façades, achieve high performance levels but often add a significant amount of embodied carbon. There is therefore an incentive to reduce the thickness of the glass panels, but the minimum thickness possible is often not governed by strength or manufacturing limits but rather by the deflection (serviceability) limits. Despite objective criteria guiding serviceability limits, user acceptance of deformation remains unexplored, leading to conservative designs. This paper introduces a novel method for measuring user satisfaction with glass deformations, aiming to establish acceptance thresholds comparable to objective criteria. The study involves a novel experimental campaign to assess volunteers' levels of perception and acceptance of various glass deformations. The glass was deformed using a bespoke electro-pneumatic system at levels corresponding to below, above, and at the current serviceability limit. The results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring human responses to deformations in the glazing and provide essential data for setting serviceability limits. The experiments and corresponding user satisfaction feedback indicate that the current serviceability limit of L/50, may be relaxed, thereby presenting opportunities for material efficiency, such as the adoption of thinner glass in facades. The methodology effectively captures human responses, revealing that changes in reflection were the primary reason for the perception of movement; leading to a higher perception of glazing movement and a lower acceptance at night. Overall, participants felt safe regardless of their prior knowledge on glass properties, and providing this information to participants did not improve acceptance, which was already sufficiently high. The findings from this research fill an important knowledge gap in understanding user acceptance of glass deformations, crucial for comprehensive user satisfaction assessments and evidence-based reductions in glazing thickness.
...
The performance of the building envelope is crucial for minimizing operational carbon emissions of buildings and maintaining indoor comfort. Contemporary building envelopes, such as engineered glazed façades, achieve high performance levels but often add a significant amount of embodied carbon. There is therefore an incentive to reduce the thickness of the glass panels, but the minimum thickness possible is often not governed by strength or manufacturing limits but rather by the deflection (serviceability) limits. Despite objective criteria guiding serviceability limits, user acceptance of deformation remains unexplored, leading to conservative designs. This paper introduces a novel method for measuring user satisfaction with glass deformations, aiming to establish acceptance thresholds comparable to objective criteria. The study involves a novel experimental campaign to assess volunteers' levels of perception and acceptance of various glass deformations. The glass was deformed using a bespoke electro-pneumatic system at levels corresponding to below, above, and at the current serviceability limit. The results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring human responses to deformations in the glazing and provide essential data for setting serviceability limits. The experiments and corresponding user satisfaction feedback indicate that the current serviceability limit of L/50, may be relaxed, thereby presenting opportunities for material efficiency, such as the adoption of thinner glass in facades. The methodology effectively captures human responses, revealing that changes in reflection were the primary reason for the perception of movement; leading to a higher perception of glazing movement and a lower acceptance at night. Overall, participants felt safe regardless of their prior knowledge on glass properties, and providing this information to participants did not improve acceptance, which was already sufficiently high. The findings from this research fill an important knowledge gap in understanding user acceptance of glass deformations, crucial for comprehensive user satisfaction assessments and evidence-based reductions in glazing thickness.
Journal article
(2024)
-
Menandros Ioannidis, Faidra Oikonomopoulou, Telesilla Bristogianni, Marcel Bilow, Anna Maria Koniari
Glass casting displays great forming potential allowing for the realisation of three-dimensional glass elements of virtually any shape and size, as showcased in glass art. Disposable mould technology seems to be ideal for the fabrication of such customised and complex geometries, including for architectural and structural cast glass components deriving from structural topology optimization, since it offers great shape freedom and cost effectiveness. However, currently, glass casting on disposable moulds faces the major drawback of a resulting rough and opaque glass surface quality, requiring considerable post-processing to yield a glossy, smooth surface. This in turn results in a compromised dimensional accuracy and on increased time and production costs. If the surface remains unprocessed, it can greatly affect not only the visual but also the mechanical properties of the cast glass element. Aim of this research is to improve the surface quality of complex glass components cast in disposable moulds, directly during demoulding, reducing in this way the need for post-processing. To achieve this the research focuses on exploring ways to pre-process disposable moulds. In specific, the research focuses on series of kiln-cast laboratory experiments at various maximum firing temperatures / annealing schedules involving the use of two different types of disposable moulds, 3D-printed sand moulds and silica plaster moulds (Crystalcast®), and the application of refractory coatings, coating combinations and protective layers. The experimental work conducted thus far indicates that the best results are obtained at the lowest maximum temperature tested (870 °C), with the combination offering the best finishing quality to be a synthetic (ceramic) sand mould coated with Crystalcast® and Zirkofluid® (6672, 1219). Scaling-up of the kiln-cast prototypes unveils a complex correlation between the maximum dwell time at the maximum firing temperature and the casting effectivity/ performance of mould materials and coatings.
...
Glass casting displays great forming potential allowing for the realisation of three-dimensional glass elements of virtually any shape and size, as showcased in glass art. Disposable mould technology seems to be ideal for the fabrication of such customised and complex geometries, including for architectural and structural cast glass components deriving from structural topology optimization, since it offers great shape freedom and cost effectiveness. However, currently, glass casting on disposable moulds faces the major drawback of a resulting rough and opaque glass surface quality, requiring considerable post-processing to yield a glossy, smooth surface. This in turn results in a compromised dimensional accuracy and on increased time and production costs. If the surface remains unprocessed, it can greatly affect not only the visual but also the mechanical properties of the cast glass element. Aim of this research is to improve the surface quality of complex glass components cast in disposable moulds, directly during demoulding, reducing in this way the need for post-processing. To achieve this the research focuses on exploring ways to pre-process disposable moulds. In specific, the research focuses on series of kiln-cast laboratory experiments at various maximum firing temperatures / annealing schedules involving the use of two different types of disposable moulds, 3D-printed sand moulds and silica plaster moulds (Crystalcast®), and the application of refractory coatings, coating combinations and protective layers. The experimental work conducted thus far indicates that the best results are obtained at the lowest maximum temperature tested (870 °C), with the combination offering the best finishing quality to be a synthetic (ceramic) sand mould coated with Crystalcast® and Zirkofluid® (6672, 1219). Scaling-up of the kiln-cast prototypes unveils a complex correlation between the maximum dwell time at the maximum firing temperature and the casting effectivity/ performance of mould materials and coatings.
Energy-efficient buildings tend to cause thermal discomfort due to overheating during summers. With the advent of climate change and increasing outdoor temperatures, the risk of overheating will be exacerbated. Henceforth, the building design must be future proof or robust for climate change. Passive design strategies applied to the building envelope are crucial in reducing the energy demand and provide thermal comfort. However, it is essential to determine their performance in the presence of climate uncertainties, especially in the early design stage. Therefore, the paper illustrates an assessment method for investigating the robustness of the building envelope in curbing the risk of overheating in future climate change scenarios of 2050 and 2085. The study focused on educational buildings as thermal discomfort due to overheating affects students' productivity. The study analysed the performance of different passive design strategies applicable at building envelope in reducing overheating risk and evaluated the robustness using the statistical method of “best-case and worst-case scenario”. The robustness assessment method found fixed or dynamic shading, reduced window to wall ratios, albedo effect of the building envelope, and mixed-mode ventilation strategy with P.C.M. panels as the most robust design solutions. However, ventilative cooling would have limited application towards the latter part of the century
...
Energy-efficient buildings tend to cause thermal discomfort due to overheating during summers. With the advent of climate change and increasing outdoor temperatures, the risk of overheating will be exacerbated. Henceforth, the building design must be future proof or robust for climate change. Passive design strategies applied to the building envelope are crucial in reducing the energy demand and provide thermal comfort. However, it is essential to determine their performance in the presence of climate uncertainties, especially in the early design stage. Therefore, the paper illustrates an assessment method for investigating the robustness of the building envelope in curbing the risk of overheating in future climate change scenarios of 2050 and 2085. The study focused on educational buildings as thermal discomfort due to overheating affects students' productivity. The study analysed the performance of different passive design strategies applicable at building envelope in reducing overheating risk and evaluated the robustness using the statistical method of “best-case and worst-case scenario”. The robustness assessment method found fixed or dynamic shading, reduced window to wall ratios, albedo effect of the building envelope, and mixed-mode ventilation strategy with P.C.M. panels as the most robust design solutions. However, ventilative cooling would have limited application towards the latter part of the century
Interlocking cast glass assemblies are a promising solution for architectural cast-glass applications aiming for high transparency and a reversible structure that allows the reuse of the glass components (Oikonomopoulou et al.,2018; Oikonomopoulou,2019b). In such a system, an interlayer material between the glass elements is essential, to assist the homogenous stress distribution and account for the surface microasperities of the glass elements. Towards circularity, this material should be dry (and not an adhesive), allowing for the eventual disassembly of the system. Previous experimental work by (Aurik at al.,2018; Oikonomopoulou at al.,2019b) has focused on the use of PU and PVC interlayers as suitable candidates; the focus in those studies has been solely placed on the mechanical performance of the interlayer material. This research provides a review of potential material candidates suitable for interlayers of an interlocking cast glass assembly based on a set of revised design and performance criteria that are divided into primary and secondary. Furthermore, the impact their unique material properties have on the potential application of the interlocking system is examined. The whole process, from fabrication to construction of the entire assembly, based on an assumed building scenario, is presented in a chain reaction manner, whose starting point is the interlayer itself. After defining the design criteria the interlayer should adhere to, the proposed candidates are: PETG sheets (Vivak®), Neoprene, Aluminum, Laminated Polyurethane (PU) and a Soft-core aluminum interlayer. The unique properties and fabrication challenges of all five proposed interlayers are considered, as well as their properties in relation to assembly, which leads to the development of two distinct assembly sequences. The main distinction concerns the interlayers that risk creeping and those that do not. The research concludes with a comparison between the interlocking assembly and the other glass block assemblies currently applied.
...
Interlocking cast glass assemblies are a promising solution for architectural cast-glass applications aiming for high transparency and a reversible structure that allows the reuse of the glass components (Oikonomopoulou et al.,2018; Oikonomopoulou,2019b). In such a system, an interlayer material between the glass elements is essential, to assist the homogenous stress distribution and account for the surface microasperities of the glass elements. Towards circularity, this material should be dry (and not an adhesive), allowing for the eventual disassembly of the system. Previous experimental work by (Aurik at al.,2018; Oikonomopoulou at al.,2019b) has focused on the use of PU and PVC interlayers as suitable candidates; the focus in those studies has been solely placed on the mechanical performance of the interlayer material. This research provides a review of potential material candidates suitable for interlayers of an interlocking cast glass assembly based on a set of revised design and performance criteria that are divided into primary and secondary. Furthermore, the impact their unique material properties have on the potential application of the interlocking system is examined. The whole process, from fabrication to construction of the entire assembly, based on an assumed building scenario, is presented in a chain reaction manner, whose starting point is the interlayer itself. After defining the design criteria the interlayer should adhere to, the proposed candidates are: PETG sheets (Vivak®), Neoprene, Aluminum, Laminated Polyurethane (PU) and a Soft-core aluminum interlayer. The unique properties and fabrication challenges of all five proposed interlayers are considered, as well as their properties in relation to assembly, which leads to the development of two distinct assembly sequences. The main distinction concerns the interlayers that risk creeping and those that do not. The research concludes with a comparison between the interlocking assembly and the other glass block assemblies currently applied.
Productontwikkeling
Het bouwen van prototypen als proefondervindelijke onderwijsmethode
Bouwkunde aan de TU Delft is bekend om zijn maquettehal. Toen Bouwkunde nog in het oude gebouw zat was er ook een maquettehal en ook toen was het een prachtige plek waar men een groot aantal verschillende maquettes kon zien. Voor bezoekers van Bouwkunde is de maquettehal vaak de meest leuke plek omdat hier blijkbaar architectuur vormgegeven wordt. In deze tekst willen wij kijken naar maquettes, maar ook naar de verschillende doelen en de noodzaak om maquettes te maken. En als laatste de vraag te beantwoorden waarom het maken van een model of maquette ook voor productontwerp een belangrijke rol speelt.
...
Bouwkunde aan de TU Delft is bekend om zijn maquettehal. Toen Bouwkunde nog in het oude gebouw zat was er ook een maquettehal en ook toen was het een prachtige plek waar men een groot aantal verschillende maquettes kon zien. Voor bezoekers van Bouwkunde is de maquettehal vaak de meest leuke plek omdat hier blijkbaar architectuur vormgegeven wordt. In deze tekst willen wij kijken naar maquettes, maar ook naar de verschillende doelen en de noodzaak om maquettes te maken. En als laatste de vraag te beantwoorden waarom het maken van een model of maquette ook voor productontwerp een belangrijke rol speelt.
TCompared to flat sheets of float glass, cast glass components have a thicker geometry and thus a high buckling resistance. This buckling resistance in combination with the high compressive strength of glass make cast glass components suitable for the construction of fully transparent shell structures that are mainly subjected to compressive stresses. Shell structures often have the shape of surfaces with varying Gaussian curvature. When constructing such a shell structure out of cast glass components, components of varying geometries are needed. An adjustable mould was developed that can be used for the casting of glass components (i.e. voussoirs) of varying geometries. The possible voussoir geometries that can be cast in the adjustable mould are limited to voussoirs with planar, convex, polygonal intrados and extrados. These voussoirs can be used to construct fully transparent shell structures. The voussoirs are dry-assembled with a rubber interlayer in between. Tongue and groove shaped interfaces ensure an interlocking connection. By tessellating a shell structure, the shell structure is divided into a discrete number of voussoirs that can be cast in the adjustable mould. Several aspects have to be taken into account when optimizing the tessellation pattern including planarity, interior angle size, face size and alignment to the flow of forces. A design was made of a shell structure that covers the courtyard of the Armamentarium in Delft. This shell structure served as a case study used to demonstrate the tessellating process and the use of the mould developed during this research.
...
TCompared to flat sheets of float glass, cast glass components have a thicker geometry and thus a high buckling resistance. This buckling resistance in combination with the high compressive strength of glass make cast glass components suitable for the construction of fully transparent shell structures that are mainly subjected to compressive stresses. Shell structures often have the shape of surfaces with varying Gaussian curvature. When constructing such a shell structure out of cast glass components, components of varying geometries are needed. An adjustable mould was developed that can be used for the casting of glass components (i.e. voussoirs) of varying geometries. The possible voussoir geometries that can be cast in the adjustable mould are limited to voussoirs with planar, convex, polygonal intrados and extrados. These voussoirs can be used to construct fully transparent shell structures. The voussoirs are dry-assembled with a rubber interlayer in between. Tongue and groove shaped interfaces ensure an interlocking connection. By tessellating a shell structure, the shell structure is divided into a discrete number of voussoirs that can be cast in the adjustable mould. Several aspects have to be taken into account when optimizing the tessellation pattern including planarity, interior angle size, face size and alignment to the flow of forces. A design was made of a shell structure that covers the courtyard of the Armamentarium in Delft. This shell structure served as a case study used to demonstrate the tessellating process and the use of the mould developed during this research.
A book about a university docent and one of his courses – why would you do that? And what is the academic impact?
...
A book about a university docent and one of his courses – why would you do that? And what is the academic impact?
Journal article
(2018)
-
Christian Louter, Michele Akilo, Tillmann Klein, James O'Callaghan, Bahareh Miri, Tim Neeskens, Rafael Ribeiro Silveira, Özhan Topcu, Iris van der Weijde, Congrui Zha, Marcel Bilow, Michela Turrin
Thin glass – such as commonly applied for displays and touchscreen on electronic devices like smartphone and tablets – offers interesting characteristics for architectural applications. Due to its high strength and small thickness the glass can easily be bent in architecturally appealing curvatures, while the small thickness of the glass offers a significant weight reduction compared to traditional window glazing. This paper explores the potential of thin glass for architectural applications and reports on two thin glass concepts that are currently under investigation at TU Delft. The first concept concerns flexible and adaptive thin glass panels that can change their shape in response to external parameters. The second concept concerns thin glass composite panels in which thin glass facings are combined with (3D printed) core elements to create strong, stiff yet lightweight glass façade panels. From initial design explorations and prototyping, it can be seen that both concepts are very promising and viable for further in depth investigations.
...
Thin glass – such as commonly applied for displays and touchscreen on electronic devices like smartphone and tablets – offers interesting characteristics for architectural applications. Due to its high strength and small thickness the glass can easily be bent in architecturally appealing curvatures, while the small thickness of the glass offers a significant weight reduction compared to traditional window glazing. This paper explores the potential of thin glass for architectural applications and reports on two thin glass concepts that are currently under investigation at TU Delft. The first concept concerns flexible and adaptive thin glass panels that can change their shape in response to external parameters. The second concept concerns thin glass composite panels in which thin glass facings are combined with (3D printed) core elements to create strong, stiff yet lightweight glass façade panels. From initial design explorations and prototyping, it can be seen that both concepts are very promising and viable for further in depth investigations.
In 2014, a 3D-printed Canal House by DUS architects caught the attention of the world – including President Obama. The 3D Print Canal House proved the potentials of Additive Manufacturing for architecture and construction. Additive Manufacturing provides the architect with completely new solutions for realising tool-less production methods while allowing maximum freedom of design. Additive Manufacturing is ideally suited for Rapid Prototyping. It is possible to manufacture physical presentation and functional prototypes with complex shapes quickly and cost-efficiently without the need for manual processing – directly using three-dimensional CAD construction data. This makes the entire product development process considerably faster.
Imagine 10 explores the potentials of Additive Manufacturing for architecture by charting the current state of technology, discussing its implications for design and construction processes, and presents research projects as well as concept ideas for future Additive Manufacturing applications.
...
Imagine 10 explores the potentials of Additive Manufacturing for architecture by charting the current state of technology, discussing its implications for design and construction processes, and presents research projects as well as concept ideas for future Additive Manufacturing applications.
...
In 2014, a 3D-printed Canal House by DUS architects caught the attention of the world – including President Obama. The 3D Print Canal House proved the potentials of Additive Manufacturing for architecture and construction. Additive Manufacturing provides the architect with completely new solutions for realising tool-less production methods while allowing maximum freedom of design. Additive Manufacturing is ideally suited for Rapid Prototyping. It is possible to manufacture physical presentation and functional prototypes with complex shapes quickly and cost-efficiently without the need for manual processing – directly using three-dimensional CAD construction data. This makes the entire product development process considerably faster.
Imagine 10 explores the potentials of Additive Manufacturing for architecture by charting the current state of technology, discussing its implications for design and construction processes, and presents research projects as well as concept ideas for future Additive Manufacturing applications.
Imagine 10 explores the potentials of Additive Manufacturing for architecture by charting the current state of technology, discussing its implications for design and construction processes, and presents research projects as well as concept ideas for future Additive Manufacturing applications.
The Prototyping efn Mobile programme ‘emerging envelope’ develops innovative façade constructions with international student teams of the European Façade Network (EFN). The inspiring energy of workshops and 1:1 mock-up buildings generates a plethora of new ideas for intelligent, adaptive and sustainable façades. From adaptive building envelopes to sustainable end-of-life concepts, from user-interacting building envelopes to low-budget façades for various climate zones, this book provides innovative ideas and intelligent solutions for future-proof façade design and construction. Imagine is a series of publications that investigates technology and material development to provide architects and designers with ideas for their designs
...
The Prototyping efn Mobile programme ‘emerging envelope’ develops innovative façade constructions with international student teams of the European Façade Network (EFN). The inspiring energy of workshops and 1:1 mock-up buildings generates a plethora of new ideas for intelligent, adaptive and sustainable façades. From adaptive building envelopes to sustainable end-of-life concepts, from user-interacting building envelopes to low-budget façades for various climate zones, this book provides innovative ideas and intelligent solutions for future-proof façade design and construction. Imagine is a series of publications that investigates technology and material development to provide architects and designers with ideas for their designs
The ‘LIGHTVAN’ research aims to optimize the lighting design for healthy schools and modern senior housing and care homes with regards to the use of light as a cheap and important source of energy A multi-functional mobile light laboratory was built into a delivery van, the LIGHTVAN. This LIGHTVAN has two clear aims: With this mobile light laboratory we can travel to the living environment of specific groups of people, such as children and seniors, so that they may be subject to specific age-dependent light studies. In this moving laboratory measurement equipment is present for this purpose and a table and chairs for the various subjects. Testing of luminance and color contrasts are possible, as well as the testing of “light and shadow” patterns. Even small eye tests can be performed. In addition, the rear side of the delivery van is adapted so that with opened doors all kinds of innovative facades can be tested. The LIGHTVAN travel to different locations to be accommodated and be positioned towards various sun directions. Several passe-partouts are available for building physics measurements of different facades sizes in order to allow test-subjects to indicate their preferences for specific facades in terms of comfort.
...
The ‘LIGHTVAN’ research aims to optimize the lighting design for healthy schools and modern senior housing and care homes with regards to the use of light as a cheap and important source of energy A multi-functional mobile light laboratory was built into a delivery van, the LIGHTVAN. This LIGHTVAN has two clear aims: With this mobile light laboratory we can travel to the living environment of specific groups of people, such as children and seniors, so that they may be subject to specific age-dependent light studies. In this moving laboratory measurement equipment is present for this purpose and a table and chairs for the various subjects. Testing of luminance and color contrasts are possible, as well as the testing of “light and shadow” patterns. Even small eye tests can be performed. In addition, the rear side of the delivery van is adapted so that with opened doors all kinds of innovative facades can be tested. The LIGHTVAN travel to different locations to be accommodated and be positioned towards various sun directions. Several passe-partouts are available for building physics measurements of different facades sizes in order to allow test-subjects to indicate their preferences for specific facades in terms of comfort.