
Inês Flores-ColenInstituto Superior Técnico · Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment
Inês Flores-Colen
PhD in Civil Engineering
About
302
Publications
77,139
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4,192
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Introduction
Full Professor in Construction at the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon and a research member at research unit CERIS. Research interests are innovative and sustainable construction; pathology, inspection and in-situ testing; maintenance and rehabilitation of constructions; facility management; aerogel-based renders and thermal rehabilitation (mortars and ETICS).
Additional affiliations
June 2022 - present
Instituto Superior Técnico University of Lisbon
Position
- Professor (Full)
Description
- Researcher at CERIS - Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Full Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa https://ceris.pt/ https://tecnico.ulisboa.pt/en/ https://www.site.ceris.pt/?action=employee_detail_modal_new&CodColaborador=217
November 2005 - January 2016
Publications
Publications (302)
Polypropylene (PP) disposable face masks (DFMs) are essential for limiting airborne infectious diseases. This study examines the behavior of DFMs under three scenarios: (i) exposure to the natural environment, (ii) simulated high-energy aquatic environments through an abrasion test, and (iii) incorporation into cement-based mortars. In the natural...
This research aims to analyze the physical durability of oyster shells in hydraulic lime-based mortars. Standardized tests were conducted on mortars in fresh and hardened states using molds in the laboratory. The mortars produced were also applied to solid bricks and detached for further testing. The standardized specimens underwent a curing period...
Photocatalysis in building envelopes can reduce air pollution, further providing surfaces with antimicrobial and self-cleaning effects. However, conventional photocatalysts have drawbacks, like environmentally unfriendly industrial production processes, UV-restricted light absorption, and human health concerns. So, this chapter reviewed photocataly...
Abstract. This research reviewed existing methodologies for evaluating the durability
of façades concerning their climatic resilience. Twenty documents were
retrieved from scientific databases. Most of the research relied on hygrothermal
simulations to assess the long-term performance of whole façade systems, achievable
through projected climate fi...
Europe has undergone rapid warming in recent years, resulting in frequent and intense heat waves during the past two decades. This warming trend in Europe has resulted in prolonged periods of extreme heat and amplified the atmosphere’s ability to retain water vapor. Consequently, the growing capability of moisture retention leads to more intense ra...
This study aims to evaluate the potential of machine learning algorithms (Random Forest and Support Vector Machine) in predicting the open porosity of a general-use industrial mortar applied to different substrates based on the characteristics of both the mortar and substrates. This study’s novelty lies in predicting the mortar’s porosity consideri...
The internal structure of coating mortars often displays considerable variability, posing challenges in analysing
and comparing their diverse performance characteristics. Yet, employing advanced characterisation and diagnostic
techniques offers a pathway to a deeper comprehension of mortar composition and microstructural traits,
thereby establishin...
Green roofs are a fundamental technology in the transformation of urban centers into more sustainable environments, with a positive impact on buildings, cities, and their inhabitants. Yet, green roof technology may require the use of materials with a high environmental impact, namely, when associated with large transport distances. The present work...
This study aims to evaluate the potential of machine learning algorithms (Random Forest and Support Vector Machine) in predicting the open porosity of a general-use industrial mortar applied to different substrates based on the characteristics of both the mortar and substrates. For this purpose, an experimental database comprising 1592 samples of i...
Polypropylene (PP) disposable face masks (DFMs) are essential for limiting airborne infectious diseases. This study examines the behavior of DFMs under three scenarios: i) exposure to the natural environment; ii) simulated high-energy aquatic environments through an abrasion test; and iii) incorporation into cement-based mortars. In the natural wea...
Purpose
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the contradictions inherent to balconies. Despite the attention given to these architectural elements on that moment, there is a knowledge gap concerning the preferences and expectations of the inhabitants in relation to them. For this reason, this paper aims to conduct a critical literature review of the p...
The substantial volume of polypropylene fabric waste generated because of its use in protective elements in hospital environments calls for the exploration of environmentally friendly solutions. This study characterises the acoustic absorption coefficient of surgical mask waste (polypropylene) to be used as absorbent layers in acoustic ceilings. Ad...
The architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management (AECFM) industry has been criticized for having a level of digitalization far below that of other manufacturing sectors, especially in creating digital assets, expanding digital tools, and creating digital jobs. The challenge of managing the built environment is currently particul...
Mortar that is typically employed for interior or exterior coatings can be characterised using laboratory-prepared specimens according to specific test standards; however, its performance undergoes changes following application on substrates. When selecting mortar, it is vital to anticipate its in-service behaviour after its application on substrat...
Livro de atas do Congresso ptBIM 2024, onde se promove a discussão técnico-científica em língua Portuguesa da metodologia ‘Building Information Modelling’ (BIM), envolvendo a participação ativa das comunidades profissional e académica das áreas de Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção. Pretende-se enfatizar os problemas e esforços de implementação B...
Livro de atas do Congresso ptBIM 2024, onde se promove a discussão técnico-científica em língua Portuguesa da metodologia ‘Building Information Modelling’ (BIM), envolvendo a participação ativa das comunidades profissional e académica das áreas de Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção. Pretende-se enfatizar os problemas e esforços de implementação B...
A solução de isolamento térmico pelo exterior (ETICS) é reconhecida no mercado como solução de excelência no revestimento de fachadas, por prover conforto térmico, otimização de consumo energético e pelo próprio desempenho mecânico e estético, com vantagens inerentes. Porém, apresenta algumas limitações, uma das quais relacionadas com a reação ao f...
The Circular Economy emerges as an alternative to reinvent the linear production model (take–make–waste), focusing on reintegrating waste into the production cycle, and aiming to minimize both environmental disposal and the unrestrained extraction of raw materials. In this context, the concept of Blue Economy arises, an approach centered on preserv...
The European Union must enhance energy efficiency in its building stock, given that buildings account for up to 40% of the EU's energy consumption. Currently, more than 85% of buildings have been in use for over two decades, with at least 75% lacking energy efficiency. Only 10% of the building stock achieves 'A' or 'B' ratings in energy performance...
The use of adequate thermal insulation solutions in the opaque walls is one of the most efficient passive strategies towards the improvement of the buildings' thermal performance. Nevertheless, beyond the thermal performance, a set of different performance criteria (i.e., hygrothermal performance, fire behavior, environmental footprint, among other...
Energy efficiency in the built environment is gaining ground due to policies to mitigate climate change impact. This contribution focuses on investigating the role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be useful for the energy retrofit of historic buildings. The KPIs were hinged upon PESTEL domains (Political, Economic, Social, Technologica...
ETICS are multilayer building solutions applied to the building external walls to provide an improved thermal performance to the building envelope. However, several questions have been raised concerning the durability of ETICS, namely related to biological colonisation phenomena. Considering the high susceptibility of ETICS to bio-colonisation, the...
The energy performance of buildings has been extensively studied at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil in order to achieve energy conservation and reduce environmental impacts. Artificial lighting is one of the systems that consume the most electricity in educational buildings; therefore, by adopting measures to improve energy performance...
Devido à necessidade de minimizar o consumo energético e aumentar o conforto
térmico, os sistemas compósitos de isolamento térmico pelo exterior
com revestimento, do tipo ETICS, são uma solução cada vez mais frequente na
construção e reabilitação de fachadas de edifícios em Portugal. O estudo do seu
desempenho e durabilidade contribui não só para a...
Where the rehabilitation and repair of ancient buildings is prevalent, the primary focus is on preserving existing materials and construction techniques. To achieve this, it is crucial that technicians have the expertise and tools to assess the value of traditional materials. This article introduces a practical methodology for identifying and evalu...
This article describes the application of a method of environmental certification of buildings used in Brazil and named as
Brazilian Labelling Program PBE–Edifica. The method was developed by Procel, National Electric Energy Conservation
Program, which confers, four Labels of the Energy Efficiency levels of a building, covering the Envelope; the Li...
Where the rehabilitation and repair of ancient buildings is prevalent, the primary focus is on preserving existing materials and construction techniques. To achieve this, it is crucial that technicians have the expertise and tools to assess the value of traditional materials. This article introduces a practical methodology for identifying and evalu...
This paper presents the outdoor use of timber from a protection perspective. Durability based design must consider various aspects, which include: the evaluation of the environmental conditions and impacts, the correct choice of material, implementing constructive solutions, applying the appropriate treatment and suitable coatings. The methodology...
Over the past two decades, the application of nanostructured materials in construction, such as concrete, paint, coatings, glass, renders, plasters, thermal insulation, steel, and even sensors, has become increasingly prevalent. However, previous studies and reports have raised concerns about the ecotoxicity and long-term impact of nanomaterials on...
Several studies of infrared reflective materials used on opaque envelopes have shown that their application can reduce the surface temperature and the cooling energy needs of buildings and help mitigate the urban heat island effect. Some of these studies were carried out by incorporating near-infrared (NIR) reflective materials on new buildings or...
O presente artigo pretende apresentar os resultados obtidos no projeto de investigação IF MORTAR, que visou analisar a influência das propriedades dos suportes no desempenho das argamassas aplicadas e que decorreu entre 2019 e 2022. Este projeto foi desenvolvido no âmbito de uma estreita colaboração entre o Itecons e o IST. As tarefas mais importan...
O setor da construção deve procurar, cada vez mais, soluções construtivas que possam contribuir para uma sociedade mais sustentável. Com esse objetivo em mente desenvolveu-se este estudo que pretende analisar o comportamento de argamassas térmicas produzidas com agregado de cortiça expandida (CE) e concha de ostra (CO). As percentagens de substitui...
In accordance with current sustainable development objectives, it is intended to implement innovative and sustainable solutions at economic, environmental, and functional levels, boosting the construction sector to increasingly contribute to society. Expanded cork is an alternative to sand aggregate in improving the thermal insulating properties of...
In this work, aerogel renders were enhanced with fibres for use in new building walls, emphasising a Mediterranean climate. The main novelty of the study relies on an integrated evaluation of the aerogel-based fibre-enhanced thermal renders from environmental, energy and economic approaches. Therefore, optimum insulation thicknesses, life cycle sav...
The current climate change context raises the demand for reducing energy and environmental impacts while keeping an economic balance and building users’ comfort. Thermal insulation solutions are potential allies in ensuring the adequacy of existing buildings for challenging sustainability requirements. In this scenario, silica-aerogel-fibre-based t...
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are frequently used to enhance the energy efficiency of the built environment. However, stains of presumable biological nature are often detected shortly after application , causing cladding defacement and altering the building aesthetics. To address which microbiota could contribute to these bi...
This study presents the characterization of residual physico-mechanical performance of gypsums incorporating
two types of plastic waste (i.e. polypropylene and nylon), after exposure to high temperature (23 ◦C–300 ◦C). The
bulk density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, young’s modulus and mechanical strength were analysed. Furthermore,
the fire reaction...
The building sector is responsible for a significant percentage of the energy consumption in Europe. The level of thermal insulation of the building envelope leads to decrease energy consumption, thus contributing towards a sustainable and efficient built environment. As a result, the choice of the most suitable thermal insulation solution to be ap...
Rice husk (RH) is one of the most commonly grown and consumed cereals in the world. Because of its low nutritional value, it is not commonly used as a food or fertilizer. Instead, it is often burned or landfilled. To develop RH-based composites for thermal and acoustic nonstructural applications, a balance between achieving satisfactory performance...
The configuration of balconies can affect the indoor environmental performance of dwellings, but there is not enough knowledge regarding how a balcony simultaneously impacts all the parameters of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate, for the first time, the impacts of different balcony configurations on IEQ. A...
A Gestão de Instalações ou Facility management (FM) é uma atividade profissional que contribui para a manutenção, melhoria e adequação dos edifícios em condições de uso, envolvendo atividades multidisciplinares e contando com diferentes tecnologias para promover um ambiente produtivo que suporte os objetivos primordiais da organização. Além disso,...
The identification of the main degradation agents and knowledge of the degradation mechanisms and long-term performance of ETICSs are of fundamental importance for the sustainable and efficient use of these systems. This review article presents the state of the art related to the durability of ETICSs, defining the required bases for their sustainab...
Nowadays, climate change demands the improvement of the building envelope, aiming at reducing energy consumption and increasing service life. The External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) can significantly contribute to achieving this purpose, but their durability is affected by surface temperature variation and extreme values. The symp...
The co-occurrence of more frequent, intense and prolonged heat and drought events can lead to severe socioeconomic impacts. The integration of different types of urban green infrastructures (GIs; e.g., urban parks and building greens), and urban and building design measures (DMs; e.g., a network of cool urban spaces and passive cooling), at various...
The oyster shell is a residue rich in calcium carbonate, which can be reused as a raw material for creating building materials. For this reason, many researchers focused on the incorporation of oyster shell in the composition of composites, as it is a means of contributing to the economic sustainability by reducing the presence of pollution caused...
External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) have been widely adopted for improving the thermal comfort of building facades. Although these systems are commonly subjected to vandalism in urban areas, no protocols for the removal of graffiti on ETICS have been yet systematically defined.
In this work, aerosol graffiti sprays (blue and silve...
Portugal, Italy, and Norway differ by energy performance of buildings and gross domestic product (GDP). Portugal has significantly highest thermal discomfort with harsher winters. In 2021, 80% of Portuguese buildings had a low energy rating, with 75% of buildings without thermal insulation, highly contributing to the energy poverty (EP) of the coun...
Since 2020, the rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated unprecedented impacts on the management of hospital buildings, namely: (i) providing space for patients, medical staff, and equipment storage, (ii) imposition of limitations on access by the teams responsible for managing the building, (iii) adapting the space and its functi...
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are widely used constructive solutions which aim at enhancing the
building thermal performance. Nevertheless, ETICS can often present anomalies (e.g., stains and microcracks) throughout
their service life, and vandalism actions, as in the case of graffiti, are rather common in urban areas. The r...
Aerogel-based renders have been the subject of research in the last few years due to their high thermal insulation characteristics and the need for buildings to become more energy-efficient. This study compares the hygrothermal behaviour of an aerogel-based render (reference) with the same base formulation, replacing the powder with three different...
There is an increasing demand for highly efficient thermal insulating materials in buildings. This study presents a
novel solution incorporating nanomaterials, such as silica aerogel, which can achieve low thermal conductivity
values (below 0.030 W m− 1 K− 1
) in renders. A key challenge of using aerogels is their low mechanical strength
and high c...
Purpose
This paper addresses the evaluation of traditional wooden floors, based on (1) visual strength grading (VSG) techniques adopted for ancient wooden structures; (2) a new approach to biological damage and (3) structural safety analysis. This assessment includes complex concepts. Therefore, the study presents a highly needed practical tool to...
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the following questions: How can the digital transition improve the management of the operation and maintenance of infrastructure in health-care facilities? What is the legacy for facility management (FM) teams in this post-COVID-19 management of hospital buildings?
Design/methodology/appr...
Due to the urgent need for a more sustainable built environment and actions against climate change, this paper presents a literature review about photocatalytic TiO2-based thin layers to be applied on mortars in facades. Photocatalysis may be a potential strategy against current environmental and climate challenges by transforming or eliminating ha...
The trend and the market of thermal mortars increased in recent years in both new and thermal retrofitting of building facades mostly due to their enhanced thermal performance. These mortars are formulated using different lightweight aggregates, thus allowing a significant reduction of both density and thermal conductivity. However, this latter asp...