Tamás Horváth

35213181700

Publications - 15

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ENERGETIC MODERNIZATION OF HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN BUDAPEST DOWNTOWN

Publication Name: Iet Conference Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: 8

Page Range: 82-88

Description:

A significant part of the buildings in the downtown of Budapest were built at the turn of the century, the condition of the load-bearing structures is usually adequate, but the secondary structures and mechanical systems are outdated, and from an energy point of view the building stock is mostly outdated and inefficient. In case of historical buildings, energy renovation is not a simple, self-evident process, as it requires a differentiated approach and striving for the optimum. This study provides an overview of the different building structures, analyses the possibilities of energy renovation, and formulates a proposal on the extent and method of interventions. Using the example of a case study, it quantifies the amount of the energy improvement that can be achieved by implementing different renovation scenarios. Energy calculations carried out on the selected sample building demonstrated that deep renovation can result in significant energy and CO2 savings. It has also demonstrated that, in addition to the comprehensive whole building envelope upgrades, the modernization of the mechanical systems is also required in order to achieve significant improvements in the energy performance of the building.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1049/icp.2024.2686

Optimal Performance Assessment of Re-Recycled Concrete: Combining Water Absorption, Compressive Strength Using MOORA Technique

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 1039-1044

Description:

This work presents water absorption and compressive strength testing of re-recycled aggregate concrete with fly ash and silica fumes. Two different types of fly ash and silica fume were used in place of ordinary Portland cement. According to test results, the selected ratios of fly ash and silica fume added to the used concrete mixtures enhanced its strength and balanced the loss in water absorption, at water-cement ratio of 0.4. The paper also thoroughly examines the full life cycle and evaluates the reuse of recycled concrete, considering seven various mixtures, using multi-criteria decision-making, namely MOORA technique. This framework is analysed by evaluating essential performance factors, namely water absorption, technical aspect (compressive strength for both short and long durations), environmental factors (effects on human health, quality of ecology, global changes in climate, and source utilization), and financial considerations (price-related). The results indicate that utilizing re-recycled concrete aggregate presents a significant environmental impact reduction (up to 39 %), and cost savings (5-10 %) compared to traditional concrete.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114174

Modernization of Windows and Doors in Protected Buildings: Possibilities and Their Environmental Impacts

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 1051-1056

Description:

During the renovation of protected buildings, strict regulations must be met. Buildings of different ages and protection categories require different structural solutions, including the modernization of windows and doors. In addition to heritage protection aspects, environmental awareness, sustainability, energy efficiency regulations, and the objectives of Fit for 55 and the Green Deal are given a prominent role. The research examines how the different categories of protection appear in Hungary in connection with the replacement of windows and doors and what regulations apply to their renovation. A case study of a historic building examines the effects of the interventions, with particular regard to the reduction of CO2 emissions, with the help of life cycle assessment (LCA) based on a BIM model, using machine and manual calculations. The results show that it is worth staying with the original solid wood material because changing the material – for example, to modern PVC or aluminum triple-layer windows – involves a greater environmental impact. The methodology of the analysis can be used as an analogy for the renovation of other similar buildings and can serve as a basis for issuing different tenders.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114176

INNOVATIVE ANALYSIS METHODS OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS

Publication Name: Iet Conference Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: 8

Page Range: 53-57

Description:

In the current era of architecture, sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, while at the same time, advanced technological tools and analytical methods are reshaping the design and construction of buildings. Architects must think responsibly and globally, as buildings account for a significant proportion of the world's energy use. As architects, we have a responsibility to create ecologically optimal facilities for the long term. With this in mind, we would like to present applications that trace the chronological milestones in the development of energy analysis. This paper provides a detailed overview of the different methods of energy analysis. The methods include software developed specifically for energy analysis, an analysis add-on built into modeling software, and among the more innovative technologies, we have also examined parametric design and methodologies based on artificial intelligence algorithms. We have tried to select these methodologies and software in a diversified way to get a more comprehensive picture of how they work. The main aim of this paper is to compare the conclusions drawn from case studies of our previous energy research and from the studies of these energy software, partly subjectively and partly with an objective perspective that tightens subjectivity. As such, a set of criteria we have defined will guide the structure of this analysis. In this article, we will try to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and we will also try to consider the importance of 3D model-based analysis.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1049/icp.2024.2681

Sustainability framework of recycled aggregate concrete produced with supplementary cementitious materials

Publication Name: Ain Shams Engineering Journal

Publication Date: 2023-08-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 8

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Engineering products’ sustainability has changed from being a choice to a crucial requirement. In this study, the impact of employing 20 % fly ash (FA) and/or 12 % silica fume (SF) as cement substitutes in the production of recycled aggregate concrete is examined. The examination was conducted in two stages, evaluation stage and analysis stage. In the evaluation stage, the mechanical characteristics, environmental impact, and production costs of ten concrete mixtures were assessed with laboratory experiments and data collection. While in the analysis stage, three multi-criteria decision-making techniques (namely: EDAS, VIKOR, and TOPSIS) were utilized to optimize the most valuable and sustainable concrete mixture. The key results displayed that utilizing up to 70 % of recycled concrete aggregate with an optimal dosage of a combination of 20 % FA and 12 % SF provides high-quality, environmentally friendly, and costly effective concrete.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.asej.2022.102036

Towards closed-loop concrete recycling: Life cycle assessment and multi-criteria analysis

Publication Name: Journal of Cleaner Production

Publication Date: 2023-07-15

Volume: 410

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In this study, a wide-ranging life cycle assessment and multi-criteria analysis for close-loop cycling of concrete are conducted. Considering six performance keys in the technical (compressive strength at short and long ages), environmental (human health, ecosystem quality, climate change, resources), and economic (costs), a solid framework is created and analyzed by three multi-criteria decision-making techniques, namely, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and EDAS. The weight that must be taken into account for each of the applied criteria depends on the specific application and the demands of the user. Nevertheless, two different weighted methods, namely, the equal performance method and the entropy method, have been employed in this work to optimize for various construction-related applications, specifically sustainable residential buildings and residential housing. The findings demonstrate that the concrete mixtures produced with 20% FA+12% SF and MRCA incorporation are the best in terms of the criteria used for all applied techniques and the two weighted methods. This study demonstrates that multi-criteria decision-making techniques are simple to apply, requiring minimal time and effort and focusing on the finished result, allowing users to choose the best concrete mixtures. The proposed framework recommends the closed-loop recycling of concrete by introducing supplementary cementitious materials for sustainable, economical, and performance-based design applications.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137179

Application of Parametric Design and Artificial Intelligence in Energy Analysis of Buildings – A Review

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 19-24

Description:

In an era where sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount in architecture, advanced technological tools, and analytical methodologies are restructuring the design and construction of buildings. Energy analysis methods, including parametric modeling and artificial intelligence, offer architects unprecedented capabilities to comprehensively assess and optimize energy performance throughout a building's lifecycle. This paper reviews a wide range of energy analysis methods, including dedicated software tools, in-built applications, parametric tools, and artificial intelligence. It highlights the benefits and limitations of each method, emphasizing model-based methodologies. Dedicated software simplifies energy studies but requires manual data input, limiting flexibility and scalability. In-built applications, such as ArchiCAD or Autodesk Revit, enable automatic energy analysis but rely on detailed models. Parametric tools like Rhinoceros-Grasshopper enable flexible design variations but demand specialized knowledge. Artificial intelligence-driven tools like CoveTool and Autodesk Forma leverage AI algorithms for rapid energy modeling but are still evolving. In this review article, we would like to highlight the importance of energy analysis in building design and the need for architects to learn about new technologies. All these are necessary for a sustainable future.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107004

The Analysis of Lifecycle and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Three-Generation High-Strength Recycled Aggregate Concrete

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 229-234

Description:

The paper encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the life cycle of high-strength concrete (HSC), as well as a work on how HSC is made. Recycled concrete aggregate and multi-recycled concrete aggregate were utilized to partially replace natural aggregate (NA) in the production of the HSCs, while fly ash and silica fume were employed in place of cement. Firstly, the fresh state examination included a flow table test and compressive strength was tested at 28, 90, and 180 days. Moreover, the other aspects (cost and environmental life cycle) were considered to fulfill the sustainability of HSC, which might fit many applications in the building industry. The application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques can help in the development of sustainable concrete by identifying the best choice among multiple alternatives. Therefore, life cycle assessment (LCA) and MCDM technique, namely TOPSIS, were employed to select the best concrete mixture regardless of its generation. The output of the LCA is distributed as input for the TOPSIS technique. The results showed that the third generation of concrete, when compared to the first or second generation of recycled concrete, offers a more favorable alternative with acceptable technical performance, lower environmental impact, and less budget.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107039

Multicriteria based optimization of second generation recycled aggregate concrete

Publication Name: Case Studies in Construction Materials

Publication Date: 2022-12-01

Volume: 17

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Through experiments with two generations of recycled aggregate concrete and the application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making techniques, this research aims to establish a sustainable framework of second generation recycled aggregate concrete selection. The technical and environmental performances of seven concrete mixtures were evaluated experimentally and analytically. In addition to the control mixture, six mixtures were produced with two proportions of recycled concrete aggregate or multi-recycled concrete aggregate (30 % and 70 %). Four Multi-Criteria Decision-Making techniques, namely TOPSIS, EDAS, WSM, and WPM, were applied for optimizing the best concrete mixture in terms of technical and environmental based. The results of the four techniques agreed that reusing recycled aggregate concrete is possible as high quality and environmentally friendly concrete. Yet the highest CO2 emissions have belonged to the control mixture where no recycled or multi-recycled aggregate concrete was used.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01447

Compressive, flexural and splitting strength of fly ash and silica fume concrete

Publication Name: Pollack Periodica

Publication Date: 2022-04-30

Volume: 17

Issue: 1

Page Range: 50-55

Description:

Cement replacement materials are commonly used in concrete technology. Several researchers have examined high-performance concrete after adding mineral admixtures to it, but further studies are still needed to provide the optimum dosage of these materials for instance fly ash and silica fume. This study compares three types of concrete and the mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile) of these types at the age of 28 and 90 days. The test results designate that adding the mineral admixtures commonly affects the mechanical properties of all the tested types. However, silica fume is more operative than fly ash. Furthermore, adding the fly ash and silica fume in the same concrete type slightly improves the mechanical properties.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/606.2021.00448

Integration of BIM in architecture and structural engineering education through common projects

Publication Name: Acta Technica Jaurinensis

Publication Date: 2021-11-24

Volume: 14

Issue: 4

Page Range: 424-439

Description:

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most significant developments in architecture and civil engineering in recent years, therefore it becomes increasingly important to promote its integration into university education. Currently, several universities worldwide offer BIM courses in architecture and civil engineering programs, while many others are under the process of integrating BIM into their curricula. The goal of this research is the implementation of BIM into higher education (Széchenyi István University, Hungary) by integrating the architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering disciplines. An important advantage of the university is that the architecture and civil engineering programs belong to the same faculty, which allows students to work together on common projects. A new course was performed in the previous semester, in which the students are designing contemporary buildings as case studies. In this paper, the results of the integration process are presented and evaluated based on the trainers’ and students’ experiences.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.14513/actatechjaur.00641

Literature review on steel fibre, silica fume and fly ash: improving methods for recycled and multiple recycled aggregate concretes

Publication Name: Acta Technica Jaurinensis

Publication Date: 2021-02-14

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Page Range: 60-79

Description:

If all concrete is to be recycled in a future scenario, recycled concrete will be needed. Usually concrete recycling causes loss of properties, but this does not have to be truth for all the mixtures. This paper shows a comprehensive knowledge about the improving methods used to keep the properties of the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). In the reviewed literature several kinds of RAC were tested with various replacement ratios. The effect of adding steel fibres, silica fume or fly ash to the mixture were also examined both separately and together. Most of the experiments demonstrated excellent mechanical properties of the RAC compared with ordinary concretes. Based on these results the ideal RAC composition can be deduced and a future can be imagined when concrete can be recycled multiple times (MRAC).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.14513/actatechjaur.00570

MILD HOME and EcoGreen village: An ecological and economical concept for sustainability

Publication Name: Procedia Engineering

Publication Date: 2014-01-01

Volume: 85

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 240-250

Description:

"MILD HOME and EcoGreen Village" is the title of a transnational project in South East Europe and a name of a concept, which aims to find a realistic middle way in the usage of sustainable architectural and technical tools for the residential buildings and areas. Eight architectural competitions were held to find the suitable solutions for different sites in different countries. This paper presents the most interesting entries. The awarded designs offer a great variety of solutions for the sites from the society model to the applied materials. Discussions in this topic can help us in the creation of our sustainable future.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2014.10.549

Modernization of modern buildings - Case study on the main building of Széchenyi István University in Gyo′r

Publication Name: Pollack Periodica

Publication Date: 2009-12-01

Volume: 4

Issue: 3

Page Range: 67-78

Description:

This paper presents a case study on a building, which was designed in the influence of the New Brutalism in the 1970s. At first the origin, the concept and the values of the building are revealed, then several experts' opinion are summarized about its problems emphasizing the necessity of the frontal modernization. From the description of the designed modernization it is visible how the house will be able to fulfill the recent functional and energetic requirements. © 2009 Akadémiai Kiadó.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/Pollack.4.2009.3.6

ENERGY ANALYSIS OF BUILDINGS WITH LARGE GLAZED SURFACES

Publication Name: Iet Conference Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: 8

Page Range: 58-64

Description:

Modern architecture has brought new opportunities with the development of industry and technology. Among other things, it has become possible to visually connect the interior and exterior spaces with transparent structures, while providing climatic separation. Since the first modern buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe, large glazed surface buildings have gained considerable ground. Through the examination of a case study, the research looks for the answer to which of the possible structural solutions for buildings with large surfaces of glass are double or triple glazing, the use of internal or external, or fixed or movable shading is it more beneficial from a building energy point of view, in order to create the comfort of the interior space. The tests were carried out according to the calculations of the 7/2006 TNM decree and also according to the rules of the 9/2023 ÉKM decree, in force from November 2023.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1049/icp.2024.2682