Composite Façade Elements with Self-Cleaning Surface made of UltraHigh-Performance Concrete (UHPC)

Abstract

In the framework of the European project H-House various concrete façade elements were developed with the aim to ensure a long service life by combining a very durable material with selfcleaning properties. The façade elements presented are made of a shell of UHPC filled with blocks of aerated autoclaved concrete as insulating material. Self-cleaning properties were realized amongst others by imprinting a microstructure into the surface during casting. The paper focuses on selected technological aspects of the manufacturing process of prototypes which had to be performed in two concreting sections. Furthermore the challenges faced when upscaling the self-cleaning properties are addressed and the strategy to assess the self-cleaning properties by measuring the contact and the rolloff angel is presented. The results show that a successfull upscalaing process requires detailed planning and that the best results can often be achieved with a moderate work effort or material use.

Study of Technological Advancement and Challenges of Façade System for Sustainable Building: Current Design Practice

“…UHPC is more energy-efficient in cold climates and reduces condensation and mould formation behind the insulation layer compared with conventional concrete panels [162]. By adding photocatalytic TiO2 or coping with the Lotus effect, the sustainability of UHPC façades can be increased further [163]. Textile-reinforced UHPC can be used to develop skinny façade panels with high mechanical resistance and aesthetic features due to the corrosion resistance of textiles [164].…”

Study of Technological Advancement and Challenges of Façade System for Sustainable Building: Current Design Practice

“…UHPC is more energy-e cient in cold climates and reduces condensation and mould formation behind the insulation layer compared to conventional concrete panels [121]. By adding photocatalytic TiO2 or coping with the Lotus effect, the sustainability of UHPC facades can be increased further [122]. Textile-reinforced UHPC can be used to develop skinny façade panels with high mechanical resistance and aesthetic features due to the corrosion resistance in textiles [123].…”