Evaluating the Feasibility and Sustainability of Bio-composite Building Components: A Case Study on the Load-bearing Bio-composite Roof Element at Neuron Education Centre, TU/e

This proposed project is based on the idea that sustainable design and resource efficiency are closely tied to material selection and manufacturing methods. By incorporating sustainable design strategies early in the design process and integrating renewable materials, exciting opportunities for the circular built environment can be realised.
To explore this concept, the renovation of the Laplace building at the TU/e campus has been chosen. Instead of traditional roof solutions, a bio-composite alternative roof element has been developed for the main atrium roof of this building. The design research primarily focused on implementing load-bearing bio-composites and utilised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to assess their environmental impacts throughout their entire life cycle. Quantitative and qualitative studies were conducted to examine the integration of bio-composites into structural elements, specifically the roof. Alternative options and solutions were considered, discussed, and compared in terms of their suitability for circular buildings. This case study examined various alternatives and evaluated the initial experiences with the development of the bio-composite roof, aiming to provide insights into future circular bio-composite material solutions for roofs. Recommendations were also formulated to advance the knowledge and experience of using circular solutions and bio-composite materials in the building industry.
The study presents the results of a comparative life cycle assessment of a load-bearing bio-composite roof element to analyse its environmental impact across its entire life cycle. Different design options were explored to demonstrate the potential of incorporating bio-composites as load-bearing structural materials. The main input and output flows in the production of the bio-composite, specifically the flax fibre-based Natural Fibre-Reinforced Bio-polymer (NFRBP) composite roof, were identified. The study addressed the processes that contribute the most to the life cycle damages resulting from bio-composite production. Additionally, the environmental impact of the bio-composite roof element was compared to that of a conventional roof element with the same function, providing insights into the environmental impact of novel NFRBP composites compared to traditional construction materials. The study discussed the environmental benefits and stressors associated with NFRBP composites in comparison to the conventional option. The analysis revealed mixed results regarding the sustainability of bio-composites, with climate change, land use, and water scarcity being identified as significant environmental indicators, particularly in relation to flax fibre production. The material production, maintenance, and replacement stages were highlighted as the most critical life cycle stages due to the unknown service life of NFRBP composites.
By assessing industry needs, hidden environmental impacts, and examining the mechanical and environmental properties of current and future generations of bio-composites, an optimal life cycle for a bio-composite roof element was formulated. The study also compared alternative end-of-life scenarios for NFRBP composites, including mechanical and thermo-chemical recycling, to highlight the importance of considering end-of-life pathways when using these alternatives in building construction. Conventional roof elements were found to be less environmentally impactful compared to NFRBP composites due to the well-established production and end-of-life knowledge. The study suggests the development of various end-of-life scenarios for NFRBP composites, in addition to improving their durability.
Furthermore, this EngD project is closely aligned with the Interreg NWE Smart Circular Bridge research project and the OPZuid Living Lab Structural Health in Bio-Based Constructions project, both of which aim to promote the use of natural resources in the construction industry.