Throughout the years earthquakes are a huge concern for structures; causing losses of peoples’ lives, damages and collapse of homes. Usually, most of the buildings that collapse or have serious damages are mostly old buildings that do not fulfil any longer the updated regulations and building codes concerning seismic design. The purpose of this Master’s thesis is to analyse and strengthen an existing building given by the company Sweco, by using proper and innovative retrofitting techniques; considering Eurocode 8 and collected data from previous studies. The selected building is a seven-storey structure in Stockholm; consists of prefabricated concrete and steel elements and is tested under seismic loading to investigate the global behaviour of the structure using the software MIDAS GEN. Two analyses are performed; assessment analysis which includes modelling of the given structure where the structural capacities are studied. The second analysis is the seismic analysis which includes two secondary analyses; before seismic retrofitting and after seismic retrofitting respectively. In the seismic analysis before the seismic retrofitting is applied, the main scope is to identify the most critical positions of the building where it behaves abnormally and the displacements are high enough in order to modify the structure to decrease displacements. Moreover, the frequencies were obtained and examined. The second seismic analysis includes the modified structure; where it was tested with different alternative methods of seismic retrofitting in order to identify which technique is the most proper one to optimise the strength and the structural performance of the given building. Finally, it appeared that a combination of seismic retrofitting methodologies was the most suitable selection. The selected combination consists of steel bracings and prefabricated reinforced concrete walls (shear walls). After performing the seismic retrofitting analysis, results of the frequencies and displacements of the structure were acquired and compared with the un-retrofitted analysis. The obtained results displayed that using this structural modification improved by increasing the frequency in the transverse direction (y) by 57.2%, in the longitudinal direction (x) by 27.6% and rotational along the z-axis by 12.9%; lastly, by decreasing the displacements in the x- and y-direction remarkably. Consequently, a combination of innovative seismic retrofitting methods appeared to be more effective, achieving a more resistant building under seismic hazards, by improving the stability and ductility of the structure. This gives rise to further researches and investigations for future solutions regarding seismic retrofitting applications and methodologies. / Jordbävningar är skakningar i marken som orsakar förluster av människors liv och leder till skador och kollaps av byggnader. Vanligtvis är de flesta byggnader som har allvarligt skadats eller kollapsat, äldre byggnader som inte längre uppfyller de uppdaterade byggreglerna för seismisk design. Syftet med detta examensarbete är att analysera och stärka en befintlig byggnad som har distribuerats av konsult företaget Sweco; lämpliga och innovativa seismisk eftermonteringsmetoder har använts för att förbättra byggnadens tillstånd med hjälp av insamlat vetenskapliga artiklar, tidskrifter och tidigare examensarbete samt svensk standard (Eurokod 8 - för dimensionering av bärverk med avseende på jordbävning). Den utdelade byggnaden är sju våningar hög och ligger i Stockholm. Den består av prefabricerade betong- och stålelement. Byggnaden kommer att testas under seismisk belastning med hjälp av programvaran MIDAS GEN, för att sedan examinera byggnadens globala beteende. Två analyser har utförts; en bedömningsanalys som innefattar granskning av den givna byggnadens kapacitet. Den andra analysen är den seismiska analysen som omfattar två sekundära analyser; en ’före applikation av seismisk eftermonteringsmetod’ och en ’efter applikation av seismisk eftermonteringsmetod’. I den första seismiska analysen, identifieras de mest kritiska positionerna där byggnadens beteende är avvikande med höga förskjutningar och låga frekvenser; således, är behovet av att modifiera och förbättra byggnadens prestanda betydande. Den andra seismiska analysen innefattar den modifierade byggnaden, som har testats med olika alternativa seismiska eftermonteringsmetoder för att identifiera vilken teknik som är mest passande för att optimera byggnadens hållfasthet, elasticitet och prestanda. Efter många experimentella försök, framgick det att en kombination av varierande seismiska eftermonteringsmetoder var det mest lämpliga urvalet. Den valda kombinationen består av stålfackverk och skjuvväggar. Efter genomförandet av den seismiska eftermonteringsanalysen erhölls resultat av frekvensen och förskjutningarna av byggnaden som sedan jämfördes med den första seismiska analysen, innan en eftermonteringsmetod var tillämpad. De erhållna resultaten visade att valet av denna modifikation har förbättrat byggnadens prestanda genom att öka frekvensen i tvärriktningen (y) med 57,2%, i längdriktningen (x) med 27.6% och rotationsfrekvensen längs z-axeln med 12.9%; slutligen, genom att minska förskjutningarna i x- och y-riktningen anmärkningsvärt. Följaktligen, verkade en kombination av varierande seismiska eftermonteringsmetoder vara effektiv, vilket resulterade i en seismisk resistent byggnad med avsevärt god hållfasthet, elasticitet och stabilitet. Denna forskning ger upphov till ytterligare efterforskningar och undersökningar för framtida lösningar avseende seismiska eftermonteringsapplikationer och metoder.

Projektet syftar till att undersöka flervånings parkeringshus potential i omformning till offentliga utrymmen. Projektet grundar sig i ett alternativt framtidsscenario, där antalet bilar minskar i våra innerstadsområden i relation till ett mobilitetskifte kopplat till ny teknik och förändrade vanor i relaterat till mobilitet. Detta scenario kommer att generera en spatial konsekvens i en stadsmässig skala där ett flertal flervånings parkeringshus kommer bli tillgängliga för omformning i nya typer av användning samt funktioner. Detta projekt undersöker både potentialer och utmaningar i relation till omformningen av flervånings parkeringshus utifrån samtida praktik, tidigare forskning, innovativa projekt och en fältstudie av P-hus Godsmagasinet i Malmö, Sverige. Projektet resulterar i en undersökande designprocess i hur P-hus Godsmagasinet kan omformas till en offentlig plats utifrån en strategisk design utgångspunkt. Där design-metodiken är uppdelad i olika faser, för att samla och använda information samtidigt inom den pågående processen. Genom detta projekt, vill jag bidra till nya reflektioner och kunskap till de professioner som arbetar med urban utveckling, och framför allt lyfta fram flervånings parkeringshus potential, där jag anser att urban design besitter en viktig roll. Omformandet av flervånings parkeringshus är relaterat till hållbar stadsutveckling och är relevant till professioner som arbetar med samtidens och framtidens stadsmiljös problematik, där jag anser att detta projekt inte enbart illustrerar mitt eget intresse utan är relevant för ett flertal som arbetar med stadsmässiga miljöer. / The purpose of the project is to investigate the multi-story parking structures potential in relation to retrofit into public spaces. The project built on an alternative future scenario, there the amount of automobiles decreasing in our inner-city areas out from a mobility shift, linked to new technology and change of habits. This scenario will generate a spatial consequence on a city scale there several multi-story parking structures will become available for retrofitting into new types of uses and functions. This project investigates the potential and challenges of the retrofitting of multi-story parking structures out from contemporary practice, previous research, innovative projects and an actual case study of P-house Godsmagasinet in Malmö, Sweden. The work results in an exploratory design process in how P-house Godsmagasinet can be retrofitted into a public space out from a strategic design approach. There the design methodology is divided into different phases, to collect and use information simultaneously within the ongoing process. Through this project, I want to contribute with extended reflections and knowledge to the professions working with urban developments, and above all highlight the potential of the multi-story parking structure. The retrofitting of multi-story parking structures is related to sustainable urban development and is relevant in the professions dealing with contemporary and future urban environment issues, where I believe that this not only illustrates my own interest but is relevant to everyone who working with the urban environment.

No description available.

Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διατριβής διερευνήθηκε – τόσο σε πειραματικό όσο και σε αναλυτικό επίπεδο – η ενίσχυση των τοιχοπληρώσεων σε πλαίσια ΟΣ με μια νέα τεχνική που κάνει χρήση ενός προηγμένου σύνθετου υλικού γνωστού ως «Ινοπλέγματα σε Ανόργανη Μήτρα (ΙΑΜ)». Η τεχνική αυτή αποτελεί εναλλακτική πρόταση ενίσχυσης έναντι άλλων, συμβατικών και μη, τεχνικών και χαρακτηρίζεται από την ευκολία εφαρμογής της, τις εξαιρετικές ιδιότητες του υλικού καθώς και τα συγκριτικά πλεονεκτήματα του τελευταίου έναντι ανταγωνιστικών υλικών για τον ίδιο σκοπό, όπως τα ινοπλισμένα πολυμερή. Για τη διερεύνηση της αποδοτικότητας της νέας τεχνικής σχεδιάσθηκε και εκτελέστηκε ένα πολύπλευρο πειραματικό πρόγραμμα. Αρχικά αναπτύχθηκε ένα νέου είδους αγκύριο με βάση τα πλέγματα ινών, το οποίο δοκιμάσθηκε ως μέσο σύνδεσης μεταξύ στοιχείων τοιχοποιίας και σκυροδέματος. Όπως έδειξαν πειραματικές δοκιμές για τη σύνδεση τοιχοποιίας-στοιχείων σκυροδέματος, τα αγκύρια που αναπτύχθηκαν αποδείχθηκαν επαρκώς αποτελεσματικά ώστε να χρησιμοποιηθούν στο δεύτερο - και κυρίως μέρος - του πειραματικού προγράμματος, το οποίο περιελάμβανε δοκιμές σε τριώροφα τοιχοπληρωμένα πλαίσια. Στα πλαίσια του δεύτερου μέρους του πειραματικού προγράμματος κατασκευάσθηκαν και δοκιμάσθηκαν, σε εντός επιπέδου ανακυκλιζόμενη φόρτιση, δύο τοιχοπληρωμένα πλαίσια μεγάλης κλίμακας (2/3). Το ένα εξ αυτών δοκιμάσθηκε χωρίς να ενισχυθεί και απετέλεσε το δοκίμιο αναφοράς, ενώ το άλλο δοκιμάσθηκε μετά την ενίσχυσή του με μανδύες ΙΑΜ και την υλοποίηση αγκύρωσης/σύνδεσης της τοιχοπλήρωσης με τα περιμετρικά μέλη του πλαισίου. Επιπλέον των δοκιμών κυκλικής φόρτισης, πραγματοποιήθηκαν και δοκιμές ελεύθερης ταλάντωσης για τη μελέτη της επιρροής των τοιχοπληρώσεων – ενισχυμένων και μη – στα δυναμικά χαρακτηριστικά του πλαισίου. Τα αποτελέσματα των δοκιμών στα τριώροφα τοιχοπληρωμένα πλαίσια κατέδειξαν τη συμβολή της νέας τεχνικής στη βελτίωση της απόκρισης του πλαισίου με αύξηση της αντοχής του σε πλευρική φόρτιση, της ικανότητας παραμόρφωσής του και της ικανότητας ανάλωσης ενέργειας. Το τρίτο μέρος της έρευνας επικεντρώθηκε στην ανάπτυξη αναλυτικού προσομοιώματος, το οποίο βασίσθηκε στη χρήση γραμμικών στοιχείων θλιπτήρα-ελκυστήρα για την προσομοίωση της απόκρισης των τοιχοπληρώσεων (ενισχυμένων και μη). Για τον υπολογισμό των ιδιοτήτων του θλιπτήρα έγινε χρήση αναλυτικών σχέσεων από τη βιβλιογραφία, ενώ για τον υπολογισμό των ιδιοτήτων του ελκυστήρα αναπτύχθηκε κατάλληλη αναλυτική μεθοδολογία. Για τον προσδιορισμό συγκεκριμένων παραμέτρων που απαιτούνταν για το αναλυτικό προσομοίωμα της ενισχυμένης τοιχοπλήρωσης, διεξήχθησαν πρόσθετες δοκιμές και συγκεκριμένα, δοκιμές εφελκυσμού ΙΑΜ, δοκιμές κεντρικής θλίψης τοιχοσωμάτων – ενισχυμένων και μη – και δοκιμές διαγώνιας θλίψης τοιχοσωμάτων – ενισχυμένων και μη. Οι πειραματικά προσδιορισμένες ιδιότητες του υλικού της ενίσχυσης (όπως η εφελκυστική του αντοχή και το μέτρο ελαστικότητας) καθώς και οι ιδιότητες των τοιχοσωμάτων (όπως η θλιπτική αντοχή, η διατμητική τάση ρηγμάτωσης, το μέτρο ελαστικότητας και το μέτρο διάτμησης) χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ως τιμές των αντίστοιχων παραμέτρων του αναλυτικού προσομοιώματος. Τα παραπάνω στοιχεία ενσωματώθηκαν σε λογισμικό ανοικτού κώδικα για τη μη-γραμμική ανάλυση κατασκευών, στο οποίο τα μέλη του πλαισιακού φορέα (δοκοί και υποστυλώματα) προσομοιώνονται με γραμμικά στοιχεία συγκεντρωμένης ανελαστικότητας στα άκρα τους. Για την προσομοίωση των δύο πειραματικών δοκιμίων (μη ενισχυμένο και ενισχυμένο τοιχοπληρωμένο τριώροφο πλαίσιο) πραγματοποιήθηκαν σειρές αναλύσεων με στόχο την βαθμονόμηση-επαλήθευση του αναλυτικού προσομοιώματος. Βάσει των αναλύσεων προέκυψε ότι το αναλυτικό προσομοίωμα μπορεί να αναπαράγει με καλή ακρίβεια την απόκριση των πειραματικών δοκιμίων. Η διατριβή χωρίζεται σε επτά κεφάλαια. Στο Κεφάλαιο 1 πραγματοποιείται η εισαγωγή στο αντικείμενο της εργασίας και στο πρόβλημα το οποίο επιχειρεί να αντιμετωπίσει. Στο πλαίσιο της περιγραφής του προβλήματος παρουσιάζονται συνοπτικά οι υφιστάμενες τεχνικές αντιμετώπισης, οι οποίες είτε εφαρμόζονται στο πεδίο είτε έχουν διερευνηθεί πειραματικά. Στο Κεφάλαιο 2 περιγράφεται συνοπτικά το υλικό το οποίο χρησιμοποιείται στη νέα τεχνική που αναπτύσσεται στην παρούσα εργασία, δηλαδή τα «Ινοπλέγματα σε Ανόργανη Μήτρα (ΙΑΜ)», μαζί με μία σύντομη ανασκόπηση των ερευνητικών εργασιών της διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας που κάνουν χρήση των ΙΑΜ σε εφαρμογές ενισχύσεων στοιχείων οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος (ΟΣ) και τοιχοποιίας. Το Κεφάλαιο 3 αποτελεί ένα μικρό κεφάλαιο στο οποίο περιγράφεται εποπτικά το σύνολο του πειραματικού προγράμματος το οποίο χωρίζεται σε τρία μέρη. Το πρώτο μέρος παρουσιάζεται στο Κεφάλαιο 4 και διερευνά τη σύνδεση μεταξύ μελών ΟΣ και τοιχοποιίας μέσω ΙΑΜ και ειδικά διαμορφούμενων αγκυρίων ινών. Στο Κεφάλαιο 5, το οποίο αποτελεί τον κορμό της παρούσας εργασίας, παρουσιάζεται το δεύτερο μέρος του πειραματικού προγράμματος που αποτελείται από δοκιμές σε τριώροφα τοιχοπληρωμένα πλαίσια μεγάλης κλίμακας. Η περιγραφή του τρίτου μέρους του πειραματικού προγράμματος, το οποίο περιλαμβάνει συμπληρωματικές δοκιμές για την υποστήριξη των αναλύσεων, ενσωματώνεται στο Κεφάλαιο 6 μαζί με την περιγραφή του αναλυτικού προσομοιώματος και των αριθμητικών αναλύσεων. Τέλος, στο Κεφάλαιο 7 πραγματοποιείται η σύνοψη της εργασίας και η παράθεση των συμπερασμάτων που προκύπτουν από αυτή. / The subject of the present thesis is the experimental and analytical investigation of strengthening masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames with Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM). The proposed strengthening technique comprises the application of externally applied TRM layers on the infills surfaces and the connection to the surrounding RC frame members. TRM is a composite material which comprise fibers in form of textiles in combination with inorganic matrices (such as cement based mortars). The experimental campaign includes tests on small-scale specimens (i.e. masonry subassemblies) as well as on large-scale specimens (3-story masonry infilled RC frames). In the framework of the first part of the experimental campaign different methods of masonry infill-concrete connection are examined by developing and testing textile-based anchors. The parameters under investigation include mainly the type of boundary conditions at the masonry-concrete interface, the geometry and fiber volume of anchors and the type and number of layers of the textile. It is concluded that the anchors developed in this study enable the transfer of substantial tensile forces between masonry and concrete. The second part of the experimental campaign includes the application of TRM on nearly full-scale, as-built and retrofitted, 3-storey frames, subjected to in-plane cyclic loading. The results of testing a 2:3 scale, as-built frame representing typical structures with non-seismic design and detailing characteristics and of a companion frame retrofitted via TRM jacketing are compared in terms of the efficiency of the proposed technique to enhance the strength and deformation characteristics. Additionally, in order to determine the dynamic characteristics of the frames free vibration tests are performed in three different stages of their construction (bare frame; infilled-frame; retrofitted-infilled frame). It is concluded that the proposed strengthening technique is very effective in increasing the lateral strength, the deformation capacity, the initial elastic stiffness as well as the dissipating energy of the infilled frames. The last part of the thesis presents an analytical approach for modeling the behavior of TRM-retrofitted infilled RC frames under seismic loading. The model falls into the discrete diagonal-element type and is based on the use of a single-strut and single-tie elements to represent the infill panel and it builds on the results of the experimental campaign. The model is implemented in a nonlinear finite-element code, with the parameters of the diagonal elements being determined from a series of tests on TRM coupons and masonry specimens. The results of the numerical analyses are compared with the experimental data and is concluded that the model adequately accounts for the TRM-strengthening contribution to the global response of masonry-infilled frames.

The motivation for development of energy efficiency and implementation of novel advanced materials applied in buildings can be traced to increasing energy costs in conjunction with an enhanced environmental awareness among people. This doctoral dissertation presents contributions towards sustainable building, where factors such as building technology, energy efficiency in buildings, workers' health issues during construction measures, and certain economic considerations for renovation of buildings have been considered. The research study aims to provide a knowledge base for motivating building owners to renovate buildings based on energy efficiency and improved indoor environment. The initial phase of the research study identifies a detailed description of common drivers, expected in renovation projects by building owners. In the second phase, an information base is identified which may facilitate the bidding processes for decision makers by means of technological, social and economic aspects. The aforementioned information base can also contribute to attentive decisions regarding sustainable renovation and energy saving measures. A strategy was developed within the Renovation Workshop of Riksbyggen, in order to promote energy saving measures concurrent with major renovations in residential buildings. This operational decision support process was applied in a tenant owners' cooperative in Sweden. The objective of this process was to showcase and more importantly to implement energy saving measures, based on knowledge transfer between different parties involved in the renovation project. For the conducted case study, this process was shown to be of great importance when decisions regarding energy saving measures in conjunction with scheduled renovations are being planned. A unique case study was conducted on two of the most commonly used environmental certification programs for buildings in Sweden; Environmental Building (Miljöbyggnad) and GreenBuilding. Following a granted access to a limited database of submitted applications to Sweden Green Building Council, the most common mistakes in these were identified and categorized. This study contributed to further understanding about the level of ability among building consultants, comprehension of environmental certification, and enhancement of the ability to produce high-quality calculations concerning building-related energy usage. In addition, this insight can provide a basis for planning of continuing education of consultants within the field of building technology. For a church building, a study was conducted subsequent to an exchange of an existing electric coil heating system to a hydronic ground source heat pump system. Analyses of the energy demand and energy signature, prior to and after installation were carried out. The replacement of the original heating system with a ground source heat pump system for the church building constitutes a reduced energy consumption level of approximately 66%, at the average outside temperature of -2.30 °C. This study demonstrated that data from a detailed electric bill can be utilized in order to obtain the energy signature of the building and henceforth assess the energy savings. One aspect of the research, examined the decision making process related to sustainable renovation and refurbishment in buildings. The utilized methodology identified three distinct phases in order to instigate an engagement in sustainable renovation, by means of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. In particular, the attitudes of stakeholders in Sweden, Denmark and Cyprus to sustainable building were studied through three separate case studies. Within the framework of this study, it was identified that building physics and durability are among the most important drivers for energy renovation. The results provided an insight into the renovation process in the aforementioned countries and identified that drivers such as improvement of indoor air quality and elimination of moisture in the building envelope are also of crucial importance. Another aspect of the conducted research highlights workplace accidents occurring within the Swedish construction sector. The purpose of this study was to serve as a useful tool to track the working environments of construction workers in order to reduce health and safety issues within the construction sector. The findings of this research suggest that despite laws, regulations or additional factors that seek to ensure a safe and healthy environment for construction workers, the Swedish construction work force still faces challenges. Moreover, it is identified that construction workers participating in the study call for additional measures to ensure occupational health and safety. Improved knowledge of economic performance and technical results of renovations can contribute to a snowball effect, with more property owners recognizing the value of energy aspects and thus provide an increased level of energy savings. / <p>QC 20140127</p> / A Concept for promotion of sustainable retrofitting and renovation in Early Stages (ACES)

The flexural performance of composite systems made of reinforced concrete, Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) and adhesives was studied during the current research. The experimental investigation was principally concentrated on the potential use of Kevlar® 49 (aramid fibre) for RC beam strengthening. The main aims of research have been; (a) to investigate the relative merits of using Aramids in comparison to other FRPs, (b) strength optimisation of systems to prevent excessive losses of ductility, (c) to examine the failure mode and crack patterns, together with salient strength factors at ultimate limit state and (d) to carry out analytical modelling using a commercial FE package. The experimental investigation comprised of testing 55 simply supported RC beams of either 1.5m or 2.6m length. In addition to the parametric studies included in points (a)-(d) above (to assess the section characteristics), further experimentation was conducted to investigate the beam performance by varying the factors of; (e) beam shear span, (f) FRP anchorage length, (g) concrete surface preparation, (h) FRP end-anchoring, (i) beam precracking, (j) introduction of air-voids within the bond line of FRP/concrete, (k) influence of cyclic loading and, (1) exposure to aggressive environment. The results from current tests confirm elements of reports from other researchers (by thorough review of literature) that all FRPs have great potential for flexural strengthening of RC members. This is valid even in cases where additional environmental degradation and/or cracking (due to serviceability loads), had taken place. Aramid fibres were found to result in favourable outcomes concerning both strength and ductility enhancements. It was determined, both from experiments and non-linear modelling, that the amount of FRP fibre content is an important factor in every strengthening application. Experimentation showed that depending on the existing condition of the structure (concrete strength, internal reinforcement ratio, section dimensions, degradation level and load configuration), there seems to be a unique level of optimum fibre content. The FRP levels in excess of the optimum were seen to lead to premature brittle tearing-off failure modes. It was also found that to prevent premature beam failure (due to incompatibility of stress at concrete and FRP interface), a maximum possible anchorage length should be considered in order to deliver an optimum section performance. The results from the analytical modelling indicated a most satisfactory agreement with the experimental data after the initial mechanical properties were calibrated. It was found that actual representation of material properties (e.g. steel constitutive law) are of great significance, for an accurate modelling of RC element loaded behaviour. The bond developed between the FRP and concrete is one of the key parameters for achieving good performance of the systems. It was determined that concrete surface preparation and priming is beneficial, while the introduction of air-voids due to poor workmanship can reduce the section load bearing capabilities. Cyclic loading on FRP strengthened sections was found to curtail the full rotational capacity utilisation of the beam. However, even the above mentioned curtailed behaviour was more advantageous than cyclically loaded beam performance without FRP strengthening.

A technical solution to the problem of unavoidable movements in bridge structures is the use of bridge bearings. Bridge bearings are small integral parts of the entire bridge structure serving several purposes, such as connection, transfer of forces, allowing movements, force damping etc. However, bridge bearings could create more problems for the bridge structure than it solves if not properly understood, especially when it receives less attention than it deserves. Technical and practical issues, such as selection of the right bearing type for use, merits and demerits of different bearing types, maintenance and monitoring, replacement, life cycle cost etc. are all imperative to ensure that bearings satisfy their purpose.   This study takes into consideration the practical and theoretical experience available for the use of bridge bearings. Two electronic surveys were used to garner knowledge and expertise from bridge engineers, bearing manufacturers and other stake holders in the course of this study, also practical knowledge concerning various types and problems of bridge bearings, maintenance, repair and replacement, life cycle costing etc. were employed in addition to physical investigation of bridge bearings in the Stockholm area of Sweden.   Generally, all bearing types were found to perform their functions satisfactorily when in good conditions, though inevitable problem of degradation reduces the life span of these bearings, especially the ones made mainly of steel being affected by corrosion. Those made of rubber components also degrade and perform poorly in low temperatures and under high load magnitude, though they are the most economical solution to many problems, especially in seismically active areas. Modern and enclosed bearing types such as pot, spherical, disc, LRB, FPB etc. are best used in critical conditions like high vertical load, extensive degree/extent of movement, seismic areas etc. but they are expensive solutions due to technicality in construction, and they are not exempted from various problems of degradation.

Buildings account for up to 40% of the total energy use in the world. Directives from the European Union have pointed out the significance of increasing the energy efficiency in buildings. New regulation in countries like Sweden has established that new buildings should fulfil regulations of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB), providing the opportunity for renewable energy technologies to achieve these goals. In this paper, the retrofitting potential of renewable energy technologies for a single-family home in Sweden was investigated.The present work studied the characteristics of several renewable energy technologies and their applications for a single-family home in Sweden, including biomass, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, heat pump, and small-scale wind turbine. Three renewable energy technologies (solar thermal, heat pump and small-scale wind turbine) and one renovation method (window) were selected to investigate. The analysis was made of the current energy use and the potential energy (and cost) savings from each retrofitting of these facilities by means of simulation models using IDA ICE software. The study results show that the proposed renewable energy technologies are technically feasible and economically viable as a source of alternative renewable energy in order to produce clean energy and reduce electricity bills for an electric-heated single-family home located in Sweden. Moreover, the combined retrofitting scheme consist of solar thermal system and window renovation was also proposed and explored. As a result the energy performance of the single-family home would satisfy the nearly-zero energy building requirements and thermal comfort could be maintained at an acceptable level.

Germany’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045 underscores the need for climate action, with hydrogen’s multiple uses in industry, transport, and energy offering a viable solution. Efficient retrofitting of the extensive natural gas pipeline network can enable hydrogen to be transported from supply to demand centers. The aim of this study is to develop a hydrogen pipeline network strategy for Germany in 2045 that is consistent with carbon neutrality goals while minimizing associated costs. Using a single-period deterministic Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach, the focus is on estimating peak-hour transport demand derived from the spatial distribution of demand and supply. This estimation is based on openly available data from the Germany Energy Agency (dena) pilot study on carbon neutrality. The methodology aims to allocate hydrogen energy flows along existing pipelines through a retrofitting approach. The base scenario is derived from the projected hydrogen demand and supply for a carbon-neutral Germany in 2045, as estimated in the dena pilot study. To explore different possibilities, a sensitivity analysis compares five different demand scenarios. Each scenario examines different hard-to-abate subsectors that have limited options for decarbonization. Evaluating the routes and utilization rates across the pipeline network provides insights into the feasibility, with certain routes, particularly those originating in the north, emerging as key. The majority of pipelines in the network have low utilization rates below 25% in peak hours, which may indicate economic infeasibility or the need for alternative transport strategies. In addition, a cost of avoided emissions analysis weighs scenario-specific emission reductions against network costs. Of particular note is the network connecting CHP plants and energy-intensive industries, which appears to strike an optimal balance in terms of costs of avoided emissions and utilization rate in peak hours. Nevertheless, the study does not consider physical flow calculations, so further validation is required in this respect. The potential of the methodology, however, liesin its ability to quickly assess different scenarios and provide valuable insights into economic, environmental, and social impacts. / Tysklands åtagande om koldioxidneutralitet senast 2045 understryker behovet av klimatåtgärder, och vätgasens många användningsområden inom industri, transport och energi erbjuder en hållbar lösning. Effektiv eftermontering av det omfattande naturgasledningsnätet kan göra det möjligt att transportera vätgas från utbuds- till efterfrågecentra. Syftet med denna studie är att utveckla en strategi för vätgasnätet i Tyskland 2045 som är förenlig med målen för koldioxidneutralitet och samtidigt minimerar de tillhörande kostnaderna. Med hjälp av en deterministisk MILP-metod (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) för en enda period ligger fokus på att uppskatta efterfrågan på transporter under maxtimmar utifrån den rumsliga fördelningen av efterfrågan och utbud. Denna uppskattning baseras på öppet tillgängliga data från denas pilotstudie om koldioxidneutralitet. Metoden syftar till att fördela vätgasenergiflöden längs befintliga rörledningar genom en eftermonteringsstrategi. Det grundläggande scenariot härleds från den beräknade efterfrågan och tillgången på vätgas för ett koldioxidneutralt Tyskland 2045, enligt uppskattningar i dena-pilotstudien. För att utforska olika möjligheter jämförs fem olika efterfrågescenarier i en känslighetsanalys. Varje scenario undersöker olika delsektorer som är svåra att minska och som har begränsade alternativ för utfasning av fossila bränslen. Utvärderingen av sträckningarna och utnyttjandegraden i rörledningsnätet ger insikter om genomförbarheten, där vissa sträckningar, särskilt de med ursprung i norr, framstår som viktiga. Majoriteten av rörledningarna i nätverkethar låga nyttjandegrader under 25% under rusningstid, vilket kan indikera ekonomisk ogenomförbarhet eller behovet av alternativa transportstrategier. Dessutom väger en kostnads-/nyttoanalys av utsläpp scenariospecifika utsläppsminskningar mot nätverkskostnader. Särskilt värt att notera är det nätverk som förbinder kraftvärmeverk och energiintensiva industrier, vilket verkar ge en optimal balans när det gäller kostnader för utsläpp och nyttjandegrad. Studien tar dock inte hänsyn till fysiska flödesberäkningar, så ytterligare validering krävs i detta avseende. Metodens potential ligger dock i dess förmåga att snabbt bedöma olika scenarier och ge värdefulla insikter om ekonomiska, miljömässiga och sociala effekter.

Complying with the Paris agreements requires substantial efforts in the building sector, and especially within the existing building stock which is responsible for a considerable amount of emissions and energy consumption. This master thesis focuses on the residential district of Minneberg, located in the west of Stockholm in Bromma. The urban building energy modelling (UBEM) approach is used to model the situation of the current district. This method uses real-life data provided by the district, as well as information found in energy performance certificates and in public databases. Based on that, a virtual archetype building representing the whole district is modelled and calibrated. Suitable energy-efficient solutions that can contribute to reducing the energy consumption are identified and applied in two different scenarios. The first scenario consists in retrofitting the current building stock, while the second represents the case where the building has to be designed from scratch today to comply with Boverket’s requirements on nearly zero-energy buildings ("New Minneberg" scenario). The aggregation of the results shows that the current district is already quite energy-efficient, with the installation of solar panels seeming to be the only economically viable retrofitting option. As for the "New Minneberg" scenario, it is possible to comply with the requirements and achieve a C-class building by reducing the primary energy consumption, but that comes at the expense of a higher actual energy consumption. / Att följa Parisavtalen kräver stora ansträngningar inom byggsektorn, och särskilt inom det befintliga byggnadsbeståndet som står för en betydande mängd växthusgasutsläpp och energianvändning. Examensarbetet fokuserar på det svenska bostadsområdet av Minneberg, som ligger i västra Stockholm i Bromma. UBEM-metoden (urban building energy modelling) används för att modellera situationen i det nuvarande distriktet. Metoden använder verkliga data från fastighetsområdet, liksom information som finns i energideklarationer och offentliga databaser. Därefter modelleras och kalibreras en virtuell arketypsbyggnad som representerar hela distriktet. Lämpliga energieffektiva lösningar som kan bidra till att minska energiförbrukningen identifieras och tillämpas i två olika scenarier. Det första scenariot består i renovering av det nuvarande byggnadsbeståndet, medan det andra representerar fallet om byggnaden hade designats från grunden idag, för att uppfylla Boverkets krav på nollenergihus ("New Minneberg" scenario). Resultaten visar att det nuvarande distriktet redan är ganska energieffektivt, där installation av solpaneler verkar vara den enda ekonomiskt lönsamma åtgärden. Gällande "New Minneberg" scenariot är det möjligt att uppfylla kraven och uppnå en C-klass byggnad genom att minska primärenergitalet, men det resulterar i en högre verklig energiförbrukning.