construction ⁢allows flexible installation and modifications. Credit: IAT -​ TU Graz” width=”800″ height=”400″/>

Revolutionizing Urban‌ Structures: The Modular ​Timber High-Rise Approach

The operational lifespan of​ buildings often diverges significantly from⁣ their potential longevity. Frequently, when a structure becomes unsuitable for its intended use, it faces demolition despite ​remaining⁣ functional. This trend is ⁣prevalent even when only certain sections are damaged; typically, entire buildings are discarded. In most‌ scenarios, erecting a new building proves ⁤to be more financially viable than‌ undertaking renovations or⁤ refurbishments on pre-existing structures.

A Sustainable ‍Solution

This ⁢conventional method ⁢raises⁢ serious⁤ concerns regarding resource wastage. As part of the MOHOHO initiative, a ⁤multidisciplinary team from Graz University of Technology’s Institute of ⁤Architectural Technology‌ and Institute ‍of‍ Timber Engineering and Wood⁣ Technology​ has collaborated with Kaufmann Bausysteme and KS ⁣Ingenieure ‌to create an innovative modular timber high-rise framework aimed at‍ prolonging ⁣both operational ​efficiency and overall lifespan through enhanced adaptability.

This pioneering system is currently under patent application.

Addressing Resource Consumption in ‌Construction

“The construction sector accounts for roughly 60% of the world’s resource utilization and contributes nearly half towards global waste generation alongside significant climate-related​ emissions,”‌ shares Christian Keuschnig from TU Graz’s Institute of Architectural Technology.

“This‌ reality underscores ‍the significance of circular economy principles—like refurbishment, repair, ⁤or reuse—within our MOHOHO project to establish ‌a building system that presents a CO2-minimized alternative to standard construction practices in multi-story developments.”

Integration of Innovative Design Concepts

The project’s success stems from merging modular construction ​techniques with skeletal​ structures. In this approach, fully ⁣prefabricated timber modules are strategically stacked both side-by-side and ⁤vertically. The ‍skeleton design offers freedom ‌in spatial planning through adaptable layouts created by adding or removing internal walls.

The recyclable skeleton components incorporate cross-laminated timber floors along ​with glulam‌ beams and columns. Designed for efficiency, these modules connect rapidly via a specialized joint developed‌ during the project which also facilitates load redistribution—a fail-safe that prevents an entire structure’s collapse ⁤if one column ⁤fails.

Enhancing Structural Integrity

This design⁣ emphasizes safety by allowing targeted repairs without jeopardizing overall stability while integrating⁤ an elastomer bearing within each node to‌ enhance ​sound insulation between units.

Streamlining Maintenance⁤ Processes

If replacement⁢ or repair is necessary for any module or component within this ‍framework, it involves temporarily⁢ disconnecting utility lines such ‍as ⁤water and electricity while exposing connection points. The specific design utilizes‍ lifting equipment inserted into spacer units that elevate the ⁢support slightly above its original position.

This mechanism allows spacers to be removed safely as shear plates redirect forces post-lifting—relieving ⁤pressure on lower​ elements—and offering necessary space during replacements.

Beyond Accessibility: Emphasizing Repairability

A further critical aspect centers around ensuring individual​ construction elements can be dismantled ​easily promoting long-term maintainability throughout their use ⁢cycle—not just focusing on accessibility alone.
Mathematically‌ optimized designs⁤ allow heights up to 24 stories⁢ using‌ this system; however structurally complex demands necessitate reinforced‌ concrete cores ‌beyond six stories—which can lead to increased resources consumed along with higher CO2 emissions.” explains Keuschnig regarding the specifications related ‌to vertical structural‍ integrity.

“By blending strengths found ‌within modular wood crafting—which provides​ advanced prefabrication ⁢benefits—with skeleton building’s inherent flexibility,” he ​continues.

Pioneering Quality Through Controlled Prefabrication Methods

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“Producing modules indoors⁢ under optimized conditions ensures superior quality control over joints compared

to traditional site assembly while dramatically curtailing build⁤ times alongside minimizing ⁣associated noise pollution,” asserts Keuschnig.

Alongside⁤ enhancing⁢ flexibilities & reparability aspects crucially extends durable obligations bridging between lifecycle efficiencies ​&⁢ sustainable practices.

Final Insights
In disassembly ​phases ,specific⁣ types can either be relegated (reused)⁤ directly—or refined based ‍upon material types setting future directives inclusive research initiatives evaluating practical‍ implementation constants ‍fueling broader optimization frameworks.”

Provided by ‍Graz University‌ of Technology