About the project
The JRC exploratory research project Novel modular and reusable panels for safe & carbon-free buildings (REUSE) introduces a new modular building system using engineered timber panels. The project aims to reduce environmental impact and support a circular economy in construction through reusable and adaptable design methods that ensure structural resilience while also enabling rapid reconstruction in regions affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Advantages
- The design-for-adaptability, reuse, and deconstruction (DfARD) approach minimises construction waste and facilitates material reuse, supporting circular economy principles.
- The design-for-deconstruction concept facilitates the reusability of building components supporting the rapid reconstruction in disaster recovery scenarios, including areas affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
- Optimised for efficient transport, rapid assembly, and disassembly, making it ideal for temporary infrastructures (e.g. expos, sporting events) while extending building lifespans.
- Significant reductions in embodied carbon emissions and construction waste, providing a climate-friendly solution for the building industry.
- Prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) modules are interconnected with friction damper devices, forming easy-to-assemble connections that concentrate earthquake damage on replaceable, low-cost components, preventing major structural failures.
- The project employs prefabricated bio-based materials, specifically engineered wood, for modular structures. However, the design is adaptable to alternative materials such as steel and concrete. This strategy ensures effectiveness while remaining neutral in material selection.
Supporting EU Policy
The project contributes to the European Union's circular economy goals by promoting sustainable building methods. Its focus on reusable bio-based materials and low-impact construction methods aligns with the European Green Deal and the new Circular economy action plan. By ensuring seismic safety while minimising environmental footprints, REUSE supports the transition to a more resilient and sustainable European construction.
The modular architectural approach also aligns with the 'European Affordable Housing Plan' goals outlined in President Von Der Leyen's guidelines and Commissioner Dan Jørgensen's mission letter. Additionally, the system's modularity, dismountability, and transportability make it ideal for rapid reconstruction in areas affected by wars, social unrest, and humanitarian crises, such as Ukraine (per Commissioner Marta Kos's mission letter) and the Mediterranean (as highlighted in Dubravka Šuica's mission letter).
Experimental Testing
A full-scale prototype of the REUSE modular system is undergoing comprehensive testing at the JRC European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) in Ispra. These tests aim to validate the system's structural safety and earthquake performance, assessing its ability to withstand significant seismic events while preserving the structural integrity of the panels for future reuse in different configurations. The experimental testing will crucially demonstrate the feasibility of the design-for-deconstruction concept on a full-scale prototype building: after the first sequence of earthquake tests, the structure will be fully dismantled, reconfigured in a new layout, and subjected to seismic testing once again.
Future Challenges
The project is developing innovative solutions for construction challenges, from immediate post-disaster needs to long-term sustainability goals. Detailed design guidelines for implementing the modular building system will become available, providing valuable insights for engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in sustainable construction.
