Active Green Constructions and Their Impact on Gray Infrastructure

Abstract

Addressing climate change necessitates a conscious transition toward sustainable infrastructure solutions. Our vision involved transforming an experimental area into the University Experimental Center. This experimental building serves as a model for gray infrastructure implementation, taking into account its dimensions, layout, flooring, and material composition. Our study aims to compare the retention capacities of various types of vegetated roofs, as determined by different legislations. The findings indicate that the outcomes vary based on the regulations used. This variation subsequently influences the design of associated infrastructures, such as rainwater drainage systems, and the design of stressed structures. This is due to the impact of water quantity on the thermal response of a stressed structure. The water used to irrigate the vegetation layer, along with the water retained by the upper roof, has a positive impact on both the building and its surroundings. Initially, the system comprised two functional components: vegetated roofs and a reference roof. The integrated experimental roof shell, in conjunction with the frame, forms an autonomous system. This system serves as a segment for quantifying water retention, humidity, and temperature across diverse green infrastructure substrates. We analyzed the thermal response of experimental roof constructions and monitored the influence of water and precipitation. Our results indicate that the height of the substrate affects not only the retention capacity but also the thermal response of the vegetated roof.

Keywords

• green infrastructures
• water retention
• energy
• environment
• sustainability