The Archive of Projects
This is a list of the main projects carried out by ITeC. The Project Topics menu allows you to narrow the list down according to the subjects covered.
Social Life Cycle Assessment of construction projects developed by a public administration
A public administration wants to encourage construction projects under its responsibility to include a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) calculation. It has requested that ITeC verify whether these S-LCAs can be produced using TCQi software with the data included in the BEDEC database, as this would make the calculation easier for project designers without compromising the accuracy of the results.
Characterization of a “sandwich” block for non-load-bearing walls
A manufacturer is contemplating the production of precast elements for partition walls made with two concrete blocks enclosing a synthetic insulation core. Both the blocks and the insulation are regulated by harmonized standards, but the resulting product falls outside the scope of these EN standards. ITeC has been engaged to assess the product’s key performance characteristics (mechanical behaviour, thermal properties, fire resistance) as an initial step toward evaluating its market potential.
Verification of the Environmental Product Declarations of translucent roofing panels
ITeC has verified the Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) of six different types of synthetic boards for skylights, reviewing the production process, the input data of raw materials, the output data of the finished product, as well as waste and emissions. Those checks have also been used to update the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of each product.
Life Timber for All Project: Industrializing structures combining wood and concrete
Life Timber for All focuses on the development of a family of hybrid industrialized structural systems made of wood and concrete, which will integrate low-carbon concrete made from biomass ash and certified local wood from sustainable forest management. These systems not only aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to precast concrete structures, but also to store carbon long-term. The project also includes certifications and digital passports (DPPs) for the new products.
Top Sec project: self-sustaining green roofing
Southern European cities are facing hotter summers and longer droughts. Against this backdrop, Top Sec project aims to develop and demonstrate naturalised green roofs with no need for irrigation and minimal maintenance. The key component for making them self-sustaining is an innovative substrate made from biochar derived from municipal organic waste sludge. Different water retention techniques and plant species will be also tested to identify the most efficient choices.
Analysis of building solutions for blockwork with cellular concrete blocks
Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks are regulated by the harmonized standard EN 771-4, but it merely defines the technical characteristics these products must meet, without addressing the correct method of building walls with them. Since this is a critical issue for these blocks, one manufacturer has requested ITeC to document appropriate building solutions for the different intended uses of these blocks.
Regulatory requirements applicable to bollards
The entry into force of a new Spanish accessibility regulation has raised doubts about whether the pedestrian areas in a project that got approved previously to the new law meet all the requirements. ITeC has been asked to set down what parameters bollards for pedestrian areas must meet according to the latest versions of country, regional and local regulations.
Potential for reusing single-use products as construction materials
Some objects designed as disposable products end up becoming problematic waste once they have served their purpose. One possible solution for these materials is to incorporate them into certain construction products, provided they do not breach regulations and standards. ITeC has been tasked with identifying the requirements these products would have to meet, the methods for verifying compliance, and what type of certifications they would need for a smooth market entry.
Regulatory situation of a new type of glued laminated timber
After consulting the experts of the European Commission, it has been confirmed that the harmonised standard EN 14080 is not valid to obtain the CE mark for a new type of glued laminated timber that researchers are developing. Therefore, it will be necessary to resort to the European Technical Assessments route, and ITeC will have to prepare a European Assessment Document (EAD) compatible with the nature of the new glulam variant.
Technical Guide to evaluate installers of industrial floorings
The performance and durability of continuous industrial floorings depend largely on whether they have been correctly executed. A manufacturer wants to set up an accreditation system for contractors to demonstrate their competence in installing the product. ITeC has offered to jointly draft a Technical Guide defining the requirements to be met (training, equipment, results control) by companies seeking accreditation.
