Search

Building façade elements should have aesthetically pleasing geometrical shapes made up of sustainable materials with energy-efficient designs. The low mass-to-high strength ratio of glass fiber–reinforced concrete (GFRC) has the potential to be adopted as a façade material and has been used in the manufacturing of façade elements. The workability of GFRC mixes is comparatively low; therefore, commercial polymer admixtures are used to improve it. The application of commercial polymers may reduce the fire resistance of GFRC mixes due to their easy combustibility. This study investigated the possible application of waste paint to completely replace commercial polymer admixtures in GFRC. It explored the optimum dosage of waste paint to achieve the required strength of a GFRC mix to be used as a façade material. First, characterization of the waste paint was carried out using its rheological properties and solid content, which were compared with commercially available polymer and paint. Subsequently, the effect of different dosages of waste paint (i.e., 0.5%, 1%, and 2% by mass) on the workability and mechanical properties of GFRC mixes (e.g., compressive and flexural strength) was evaluated. Water absorption and porosity were also evaluated. Finally, the combustibility of GFRC mixes with waste paint was evaluated to qualitatively assess fire performance when compared with polymer GFRC mixes. The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of waste paint to the GFRC mixes improved workability. Furthermore, the mixes with a waste paint dosage of less than 1% showed no significant variation in compressive strength compared with the commercial polymer mix. However, the mix with 1% waste paint enhanced flexural strength by 34% whereas a further increase in waste paint content was observed to reduce flexural capacity due to an increase in porosity. Finally, the fire performance of the mixes showed that waste paint is a noncombustible material and can be used as a potential substitute for polymer admixtures in façade applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, several façade systems exist to enable sustainable building design. The biggest challenges for façade designers are to identify new technology and effective, sustainable systems that enable high structural and sustainable performance while producing a good aesthetic. Therefore, this paper aims to review the performance of existing façade systems for sustainable building designs and their limitations. Among modern façade systems, Double Skin Façades (DSF) show promise for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and aesthetics. However, they face challenges like sound transmission between floors, higher initial costs, and outer skin vibrations. Furthermore, adaptive façades gained popularity for their active methods of achieving energy performance and comfort benefits but encountered complexities in design and construction, demanding codes and standards. Green wall systems enhance air quality and aesthetics, while photovoltaic façade systems reduce electricity costs, but both systems face higher initial costs and maintenance challenges. The review indicates that to produce a sustainable building design, architects, engineers, and builders must consider a sustainable façade system that enables high energy efficiency, less cost, better occupant comfort, and fewer environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]