Physical, mechanical and chemical processes, heat and mass transport, damage development are studied in (porous) building materials having a hierarchic or multiscale structure. The research uses multiscale experimental techniques, such as 3D time resolved environmental x-ray and neutron imaging (collaboration PSI) and using advanced multiscale computational modelling techniques such as discrete and finite elements, computational fluid dynamics, volume of fluid method. The research focuses on the development of new materials and techniques for building and other applications: new high insulation materials, low emission construction materials, nano coatings and nano porous materials with designed and adaptive heat, light and moisture transport properties, healthy facades finishings with low biocide and nanoparticles leaching.

Contact: Jan Carmeliet

Multiscale analysis of coupled behaviour of wood                                                                                                                                                                       

Martin Dressler   Ahmad Rafsanjani  Michele Griffa (135)

Salt crystallization and damage in porous materials
Hannelore Derluyn

Leaching of biocides

Discrete Element Method modelling of dense granular media and granular friction                                               

Berhooz Ferdowsi    Michele Griffa (135)

Vacuum  Insulation    

Samuel Brunner