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From TTU College of Architecture

Adaptive Material Systems for Scalable Building Envelope Components

NSF SEED proposal 11_2009

In this research, the rules, selection and performance criteria for smart materials will be developed for an adaptive scalable building envelope component strategy. This will be based on emerging trends in mechanics and science of materials, material response sensing systems and the architectural parametric design process. Traditionally, the design and construction of building envelopes involve the use of multiple layers of different materials to achieve a wide array of functionalities including strength, light filtering, thermal insulation, sound insulation, weather resistance and architectural appearance. However, this layering approach introduce inefficiencies and also create a number of joints and interfaces, which ultimately act as weak links in the building envelope causing durability problems. The goal of this research is to develop one intelligent and versatile material system, which adapts to structural loads and provide opportunities to develop self-sensing capabilities in the material to achieve energy efficiencies and environmental comfort. This can be achieved by integrating the design process constraints with opportunities from emerging material and construction systems. This strategy enables each phase of the material system development to account for critical downstream design constraints, construction scenarios and efficiencies needed for a possible self-sustaining system state. The research goal will be achieved through an interdisciplinary effort involving the following disciplines: (1) material science for design and characterization of specific materials, (2) materials and structural engineering to evaluate structural performance, (3) architecture to develop guidelines for the adaptive design process involving building form, appearance, utility and material- and construction specifics, (4) sensing and information technology to integrate and control the smart building envelope. The uniquely interdisciplinary nature of the research plan also provides an opportunity to develop an educational framework for Integrated Sustainable Building Design.

The intellectual focus of this research proposal is to develop an adaptive material system for the building envelope to optimize material use and to integrate additional functions such as self-sustaining energy production, climate control inside the building and lighting control. The inspiration for this research approach is the way natural organisms evolve their structure and shape in response to environmental changes. This research is an interdisciplinary collaboration to tap into synergies within the research team to integrate material properties, architectural design, structural behavior, building requirements and new modes of production.

1st proposal, Requested amount: $ 452,485

Research team:
P.I. Prof. Pongratz Christian R, M.Arch, College of Architecture; Co-P.I.s : Prof.Dr. Rivero, Iris; Industrial Engineering; Prof. Bae, Sangwook; Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering; Prof. Parameswaran, Siva; Ph.D., DIC, Mechanical Engineering, Director CFD Lab; Prof. Hope-Weeks Louisa, Ph.D., Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry; senior personnel: Prof. Senadheera, Sanjaya; Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering; Prof. Rice, Jennifer; Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering;

emergent design potential diagram

link to> pongratz perbellini research