Borràs, J G; Mas, Á; Lerma, C; Vercher, J and Gil, E (2024) Separation layers and their influence on green roof water storage. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 20(6), pp. 1629-1647. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
This study deals with how adding separation layers to flat roofs improves their design, construction, and sustainability. Better understanding and use of these layers leads to increased durability, lower maintenance, and simpler execution, with potential for material reuse and performance enhancement. Currently, the optional nature of separation layers hinders the overall sustainability of roofing systems, so this research seeks to guide building professionals in selecting suitable separation layers for flat roofs, considering factors like location, function, material composition, and mass. Particularly, it examines the impact of Water Storage layers on self-sustaining green roofs, aiming to enhance thermal performance, especially when water is scarce. Results indicate that installing these layers significantly increases water retention below the drainage layer, primarily in extensive green roofs, where values rise by 17%. Water Storage layers also extend water availability after rainfall, raising maximum daily humidity levels inside the roof by up to 10% on the third day post-rainfall compared to green roofs without such a layer.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | functions; green roof; separation layer; sustainability; water storage |
| Index terms: | drainage, thermal performance, green roof, roofing, rainfall, material composition, humidity, flat roof, roof, building professional, durability, retention |
| Subjects: | architectural elements, sustainable design, climate science, infrastructure and transport systems, design practice, management, material properties and characteristics, material degradation and durability, energy systems, profession |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Roles and Professions, Construction Materials, Human Resources, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here