Long-Term Comparative Life Cycle Assessment, Cost, and Comfort Analysis of Heavyweight vs. Lightweight Construction Systems in a Mediterranean Climate

Carlo Costantino (), Stefano Bigiotti, Alvaro Marucci () and Riccardo Gulli
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Carlo Costantino: Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40131 Bologna, Italy
Stefano Bigiotti: Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Alvaro Marucci: Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Riccardo Gulli: Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40131 Bologna, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-29

Abstract: Massive construction systems have always characterized traditional architecture and are currently the most prevalent, straightforward, and cost-effective in many Mediterranean countries. However, in recent years, the construction industry has gradually shifted towards using lightweight, dry construction techniques. This study aims to assess the effects on energy consumption, comfort levels, and environmental sustainability resulting from the adoption of five high-performance construction systems in a multi-family residential building: (i) reinforced concrete structure with low-transmittance thermal block infill; (ii) reinforced concrete structure with light-clay bricks and outer thermal insulation; (iii) steel frame; (iv) cross-laminated timber (CLT); (v) timber-steel hybrid structure. To achieve this goal, a multidisciplinary approach was employed, including the analysis of thermal parameters, the evaluation of indoor comfort through the adaptive model and Fanger’s PMV, and the quantification of environmental and economic impacts through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost applied in a long-term analysis (ranging from 30 to 100 years). The results highlight that heavyweight construction systems are the most effective in terms of comfort, cost, and long-term environmental impact (100 years), while lightweight construction systems generally have higher construction costs, provide lower short-term environmental impacts (30 years), and offer intermediate comfort depending on the thermal mass.

Keywords: construction systems; building envelope; life cycle assessment; life cycle cost; thermal comfort; thermal mass; zero energy building; building lifespan; building service life; Mediterranean climate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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