37º IAHS World Congress on Housing: - Universidad de Cantabria

XXXVII <strong>IAHS</strong><strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> on HousingOctober 26 – 29, 2010, Santander, SpainCODE: 138POSIDONIA OCEANICA STRUCTURAL PANELS.MECHANICAL PROPERTIES.Antonio Maciá Mateu 1 , Carlos Pérez Carramiñana 2 , Mónica Mateo García 2 , Beatriz Piedecausa García 21 Department of Ingeniería de la Construcción, OO.PP. e Infraestructura Urbana2 Department of Construcciones ArquitectónicasUniversity of Alicante, Spaine-mail: antonio.macia@ua.esKey words: structural panels, Posidonia oceanica, mechanical properties, tests, dimensioning.AbstractThe development of new materials of synthesis using adhesives with Posidonia oceanica fromrecycling processes, and its application to building systems, may allow the design of buildingfacade cladding with better mechanical behavior and greater environmental sustainability.This communication aims to study and evaluate briefly the main mechanical properties of thismaterial, its application as transventilated cladding in buildings and classification of itsfeatures.The panels are shaped by pressing, at room temperature, the mixture consisting of crushedPosidonia oceanica and urea formaldehyde adhesives (UF), melamine-urea-formaldehyde(MUF) or polyurethane (PU) according to the sort of service of the panel. The new proposedmaterial is analized by applying calculation methods and the most suitable constructionsystem to guarantee their quality and durability.Performing laboratory tests of the pieces used and proposing the most appropriate calculationmodeling for the construction system raised for its use in building, mechanical behavior isdetermined against the main actions to which the building enclosure is subjected:gravitational, thermal and wind actions.The results show an adequate response from the new material developed versus thesolicitations and elevated tensions experienced by facade cladding, and the features toconsider when dimensioning, with similar costs compared to other systems such as wood chipboards.In conclusion, the new material developed is commited to the environmental and sustainablecharacter of building by reusing natural components showing their maximum performances asveneer. The study and diffusion of specific mechanical behavior of this material and theanalysis of its key construction features and calculation methods, should contribute todeveloping and enhancing the use of new synthetic materials with guarantees of durability asfacade cladding in architecture.37º <strong>IAHS</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Congress</strong> On Housing Science 83