Modelling construction materials’ lifecycle performance for enhanced circular economy outcomes

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Volume Title

School of Chemical Engineering | Master's thesis

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Date

2025-05-17

Department

Major/Subject

Creative Sustainability in Materials and Chemical Engineering

Mcode

Degree programme

Master's Programme in Creative Sustainability

Language

en

Pages

100

Series

Abstract

This thesis investigates the lifecycle performance of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) to improve the predictability of its long-term behavior in construction applications and support circular economy strategies, such as cascading reuse. This is a highly relevant topic, as the aging of timber leads to the degradation of its chemical, physical, and mechanical properties, creating uncertainties about its durability and recycling potential. At the same time, current research lacks comprehensive methods for replicating natural aging processes, thus limiting the potential impact of circular economy strategies. To address this, a tailored artificial aging methodology has been developed. The samples processed using this methodology were analyzed, and the alignment between the observed changes in their composition, structure, and performance with those found in naturally aged materials was demonstrated. Consequently, correlations between aging parameters and material performance metrics were established, and a conceptual mathematical scoring model was introduced for the first time to translate the outcomes of artificial aging into more efficient, informed circular economy decisions and improved strategic planning. This work provides a foundational tool for integrating construction materials lifecycle modeling into strategic construction planning and circular economy workflows. It enables more optimal retention, replacement, and reuse of timber elements in construction, thereby reducing material waste and enhancing the overall sustainability of the industry.

Description

Supervisor

Hughes, Mark

Keywords

artificial aging, lifecycle performance, circular economy, construction materials, sustainability in construction, cascading reuse

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Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202506104443

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[dipl] Kemian tekniikan korkeakoulu / CHEM