Research team
Expertise
Since 2015 Bart Craeye is active as professor (BAP) at University of Antwerp – Faculty of Applied Engineering, and since 2017 as assistant professor (ZAP) with a research task of 10% at EMIB Research Group (Energy & Materials in Infrastructure & Buildings). His research is implemented and integrated in the BiRD (Buildings and Installations – Retrofit & Design) and RERS (Road Engineering) research sections. The research group and sections focus on research in the field of infrastructure and buildings with focus on quality and design, sustainable assessment methodologies of buildings, and recycling-innovation-sustainable design of pavement and infrastructure respectively, related to a reduced environmental impact. Bridging the gap between fundamental research, academic insights, practical implementation and expertise for the industry is the main goal of his research. Close cooperation with the industry is of high importance. The focus of the research of Bart Craeye is on concrete as a durable building material for concrete structures, and is incorporated into two research domains of the mission of research of University of Antwerp, i.e. Ecology&Sustainable Development and Materials Characterization. Within EMIB the mission of his research is (i) durable design of new and sustainable concrete and cementitious materials for infrastructure (pavements, bridges, etc.) and the built environment (residential buildings, etc.), and (ii) condition assessment of existing concrete structures with focus on remaining service life and bearing capacity determination. Regarding concrete technology and concrete structures we are facing challenges on the short and the long term. For the development of new structures the current design codes (EN260, EN1992) are based on a deemed-to-satisfy approach that lacks (semi-)probabilistic calculations. Furthermore, the cement and concrete industry is responsible for approximately 5% of the CO2 emission. By replacing cement by supplementary binders (fly ashes, blast furnace slags, geo-polymers, etc.), characterizing its mechanical and durability-related properties and implementing the obtained experimental data into probabilistic models, the aim is to create durable/sustainable concrete structures with extended service life that can withstand the expected exposure, but with reduced environmental impact that can withstand the expected exposure. Regarding existing concrete structures other research opportunities are identified. Half of the existing concrete structures originate from the 70’s. As the mean life expectation of a concrete structure is 50 years, an almost inimitable demand of concrete repair project can be expected. Therefore, we have to be armed with a validated protocol to come to a substantiated solution for durable repair and service life extension. Current inspection regulations (e.g. EN1504) lack of clear guidelines regarding methodology, experimental/technical in-situ and lab program, rating strategy during diagnosis, etc.
Multifunctional coating - a photocatalytic fiber reinforced polymer coating to mitigate urban air pollution and to reduce carbonation of concrete.
Abstract
Air pollution in urban areas has become a critical concern in major cities worldwide. Photocatalytic coatings have shown promise in mitigating air pollution; however, their large-scale application is limited by durability issues. While multifunctional polymer-based photocatalyst coatings are available to enhance coating durability, they often serve the waterproof or weatherproof properties at the expense of photocatalytic efficiency. Our project aims to address these challenges by developing an innovative coating that combines a photocatalytic material with polymer and reinforcing fiber. This approach maintains high photocatalytic efficiency while significantly improving durability and strength. By incorporating the photocatalyst into a known carbonation-resistant polymer mix, we add air purification and self-cleaning functionalities. The core objective of our project is to investigate its photocatalytic efficiency, the stability of the polymer-fiber-based photocatalyst coating and its carbonation resistance properties. Understanding the interaction between the polymer and photocatalyst components is crucial, necessitating tests for adhesion, photocatalytic effectiveness, and carbonation resistance. Furthermore, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study will be conducted to estimate the kinetic parameters, along with a "light version" life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost assessment (LCCA) study to understand its sustainable and economic implication throughout its lifetime. This will help in extending the results to future large scale development of coating and attract potential industrial partners. By successfully developing this multifunctional coating, we aim to significantly improve urban air quality and extend the service life of concrete structures by protecting them from carbonation-induced corrosion.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Denys Siegfried
- Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Craeye Bart
- Co-promoter: Tytgat Tom
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Sustainable and durable repair of residential structures: Advancements in the development and characterisation of green repair mortars.
Abstract
Today, a vast number of existing concrete residential structures are reaching or have reached the end of their expected service life. As deterioration continues, with damage in 50 to 80% related to reinforcement corrosion, the need for concrete repair is high. However, early failure (e.g. debonding and cracks) often occurs in repair mortars. In addition, two to three times more cement is used than in standard cementitious mixes (e.g. concrete, mortar), with cement production contributing to 5-8% of the global CO2 emissions, a pressing need emerges for the development of optimal, sustainable and durable repair mortars, especially with the transition towards a Circular Economy and the European Green Deal in mind. To obtain this, cement replacement materials should be selected such that a maximum CO2-emission/clinker content reduction can be achieved. Moreover, durability, which is the ability of a product to endure its lifetime, will be incorporated by thermo-hydro-mechanical testing, with a strong focus on shrinkage, bond strength, carbonation and chloride resistance, and applicability. Sustainability, on the other hand, will be considered during design by limiting the material production impact and optimised by a life cycle assessment (LCA) and a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of the repair mortar. Eventually, the LC(C)A and test results will, via multi-criteria decision analysis, determine the most optimal, durable and sustainable repair mortar for a specific application.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Craeye Bart
- Fellow: Bielen Hanne
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Life cycle strategy optimization: A methodological multi-criteria framework for reinforced concrete rehabilitation decision making through LCA and LCCA
Abstract
Nowadays a vast number of concrete structures are approaching the end of their expected service life. The need for sustainable rehabilitation (maintenance and repair) is urgent and due to the expected deterioration of buildings and civil structures, there will be a great need for preventive and/or curative interventions in the near future. More than 50 % of the damage to reinforced concrete structures is linked to reinforcement corrosion, which can affect the durability of the structure and the residual load-carrying capacity. With the European transition towards a circular economy and the sustainable development goals in mind, it is important to deviate from considering only the technical requirements and initial costs during the design. Therefore, the environmental impact and financial costs over the entire life cycle and the intended service life extension need to be considered. To assess the durability of concrete structures and interventions throughout their life cycle, life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) can be applied. For this reason, the general research objective of this study is to economically and environmentally optimize the intervention strategy for preventive maintenance and curative repair of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete structures, based on a multi-criteria framework with the incorporation of LCA and LCCA. The optimization framework could be used by the industry for new structures as well as for existing structures.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Craeye Bart
- Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Buyle Matthias
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Assessing technologies when it matters the most: A methodological framework to perform ex-ante LCA on innovative concrete technologies.
Abstract
Due to the large environmental impact of concrete, a high demand exists for innovative concrete technologies. In order to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of these innovative technologies, a quantitative environmental assessment method such as life cycle assessment (LCA) is needed. The majority of LCA studies are applied after the technology has been fully developed. At this stage any change made to the technology will cost a substantial amount of effort and money. It is more beneficial to perform an LCA on the technology during the development stage instead. The goal is here to predict what the environmental impact of the technology will be when it reaches an industrial scale. This can give developers insight on how design choices will impact the environmental performance of the technology. Performing such a future orientated LCA, also called ex-ante LCA, can therefore greatly help with improving the technology throughout the development process. The big challenge of performing an ex-ante LCA is making a valuable assessment on the expected environmental impact of the fully developed technology at a time where little data is available, but also to project how the world will change by the time the technology is out on the market. This project will focus on creating a methodology to perform ex-ante LCA on emerging concrete technologies, which will be applied on three case studies.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Buyle Matthias
- Co-promoter: Craeye Bart
- Fellow: Maes Ben
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures - A bridge too Far?
Abstract
Within this PWO project, DUBiT, in collaboration with Sanacon and EMIB+DUeL (University of Antwerp) is developing a hands-on practical guidance and training on the use, design and installation of a cathodic protection system for the lifetime extension of existing concrete structures. The need for sustainable repair techniques, long-term vision and adequate spending of the renovation budget is essential. Within this project, existing expertise will be strengthened through consultation with the field, qualitative market research inventory of existing cases and experimental research on a laboratory scale. An actual KB protection system on the campus in Aalst will serve as a demo set-up forming part of a unique KB course offered by Odisee in Belgium.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Denys Siegfried
- Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Craeye Bart
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Sustainable foundations through in situ recycling with foamed bitumen technology (FOAM)
Abstract
In Flanders, more and more attention is being paid to sustainable road structures, but rather to the pavement. In the next decades, we will also have to renew the foundations and sub-foundations of existing roads in the most sustainable way possible. Only this will allow us to perpetuate our road infrastructure, which is of primary economic and social importance, for generations to come. Abroad, we see more and more innovative use of materials for foundations: new material types (e.g geopolymers) and production technologies (e.g. emulsions, foamed bitumen). In this project, one of the promising innovative technologies was deployed: recycling old asphalt pavements into bonded foundations with foamed bitumen technology. With this technology, the existing asphalt is first milled off and crushed into an aggregate. The aggregate is then processed with a hydraulic binder and foamed bitumen to form a semi-bound mixture (FOAM). FOAM is then transported to the site and compacted (cold), just like unbound foundation material. Optionally, the process can even be done in situ, with emulsion and the foundation present. In this project, the asphalt was crushed and reduced to granules near the job site and mixed in ambient temperature to form a bitumen-bonded mixture. Being able to mill, mix and process on site mainly saves transport, leading to a lower environmental impact and economic balance. This project included a market study, an elaborated lab methodology to design quality mixtures with an alternative compaction that is more applicable to contractors, process control guidelines, an elaborated road design methodology with standard structures, the construction of two trial sections with different sections and a comprehensive LCA-LCCA calculation showing that this road structure is a favourable alternative to bonded and unbonded foundations. The use of FOAM allows more road construction materials to be economically recycled on site, with equivalent mechanical quality and less environmental impact.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Van den bergh Wim
- Co-promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Blom Johan
- Co-promoter: Craeye Bart
- Co-promoter: Vuye Cedric
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Assessing technologies when it matters the most: A methodological framework to perform ex-ante LCA on innovative concrete technologies.
Abstract
Due to the large environmental impact of concrete, a high demand exists for innovative concrete technologies. In order to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of these innovative technologies, a quantitative environmental assessment method such as a life cycle assessment (LCA) needs to be performed. The majority of LCA studies are applied after the technology has been fully developed. At this stage any change made to the technology will cost a substantial amount of money and effort. Its more beneficial to perform an LCA on the technology during the development stage instead. Here the goal is to predict what the environmental impact of the technology will be when it reaches an industrial scale. Performing such a future orientated LCA, also called ex-ante LCA, can greatly help with improving the technology throughout the development process. This grants the developers insight on how each design choice will impact the environmental performance of the technology. The big challenge of performing an ex-ante LCA is making a valuable assessment on the expected environmental impact of the fully developed technology at a time where little data is available. This project will focus on creating a methodology to perform ex-ante LCA on emerging concrete technologies by theoretically upscaling the emerging technology to an industrial scale and taking into account changes to the incumbent technology and background system.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Audenaert Amaryllis
- Co-promoter: Buyle Matthias
- Co-promoter: Craeye Bart
- Fellow: Maes Ben
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Condition assessment of reinforced concrete slab: air permeability testing
Abstract
Condition assessment of reinforced concrete slab by means of air permeability testing. Non-destructive evaluation of the condition of an existing concete slab by means of PermeaTorr air permeability testing, visual inspection of deterioration mechanisms and rebar detection.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Craeye Bart
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Condition assessment - air permeability testing
Abstract
Condition assessment of reinforced concrete slab by means of air permeability testing. Non-destructive evaluation of the condition of an existing concete slab by means of PermeaTorr air permeability testing, visual inspection of deterioration mechanisms and rebar detection.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Craeye Bart
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
KMO Reno.
Abstract
This research focuses on qualitative renovation of KMO buildings. The primary bearing structure is usually still in good condition. Renovation of these buildings is therefore a new business opportunity. The current lack of theoretical and practical knowledge about the renovation of this type of buildings, tailored to construction companies, leads to a suboptimal implementation practice. The predetermined energetic performance improvements, comfort and aesthetics are being studied and listed. KMO Reno translates the universal principles of sustainable renovation to the building methods of KMO buildings. On the other hand, innovative renovation methods are also being tested and validated, as well as theoretically as practical. Distribution of results is done through an audience accessible website.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Craeye Bart
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
A multiscale approach to model early age thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of non-reinforced concrete.
Abstract
The integrity of non-reinforced concrete structures at early stages of construction depends on many factors. One of these is the formation of cracks, which may be crucial in some applications. This problem is of great relevance for deep geological disposal concepts which consider concrete as one of the principle engineered barrier components, and for which the expected service life is > 1000s of years. This is particularly the case within the current Belgian disposal concept in which heat emitting radioactive wastes are post-conditioned in concrete/steel containers, to be placed in a deep underground geological formation using a system of galleries supported by non-reinforced concrete lining. In the early stages of repository construction and waste emplacement, the mechanical integrity of the concrete components is of utmost importance from the point of view of safety and performance. The potential retrievability/reversibility of wastes within a prolonged time period after waste emplacement places additional performance requirements on these concrete structures, which must retain their structural integrity over this period. The principal objective of this PhD is to make a first attempt at developing and implementing a multiscale-based coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model to study the early age behaviour of nonreinforced concrete. In particular, the PhD student will develop a mathematical model that captures cracking potential due to thermo-hydraulic-mechanical transient conditions. To a limited extent, a secondary objective is also envisaged in which small laboratory-scale experiments may be carried out to derive parameters of importance for the multiscale models as well as for validation purposes.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Craeye Bart
- Co-promoter: Steenackers Gunther
- Fellow: Babaei Saeid
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Value Ash - Classification of fly ashes for valuable resource cycles (VASH)
Abstract
The VASH consortium works on the maximum valorization of fly ashes from combustion processes. VASH investigates and develops an innovative drying in closed separation process that allows to divide Electro Magnetic and Mass Classification (EMC) fly ashes into valuable fine fractions. These installations will be developed from Flanders according to an Industry 4.0 concept, and commercialized worldwide. Simultaneously, new products will also be developed for the separated fly ash fractions. Coal gases, biomass in garbage incineration plants, are among the world's most produced waste in the order of 500 million tonnes a year. From VASH technology, economic separation of these particles on an industrial scale is commercially possible. VASH can convert these fly ash resources into interesting raw materials that lead to new applications in the concrete-cement industry to make very strong and durable concrete, road construction and for several other industries.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Craeye Bart
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project