DECEMBER 2019

Innovative
Technologies

Fac i c ks
ade Br
Green
R
Syste oof Clay
ms

eMag - Lounge
Constrofacilitator
Digitized knowledge for Construction
 Technological Innovation in Building Materials

Various types of advanced construction systems have been researched, developed and implemented in
specic building projects to try to solve the problem of low productivity by introducing advanced
technologies such as prefabrication, automation and information technologies from manufacturing
industry as well as concepts and methodologies associated with new technologies

Technological innovations are spreading like wildre in all sectors. If you make your living in architecture,
engineering, or construction, chances are good that something is coming on the market soon that will
improve the quality, aesthetics, and protability of your projects.

As we look forward to another year of development and construction technology innovation, we've
compiled our list of the most exciting trends in this fast-moving eld. We have discussed bricks, clay facade
and green technology. The innovations happening in these materials, their impact and advantages. Our
focus in this edition is technology and knowledge fusions.

December 2019 • Constrofacilitator 2

04 Earth and Clay Construction

Brick Technology Innovation and

09
Structures across the Globe

Use of different types of

14
clay in construction

Innovation Technologies in
18
Green Roof Systems

4 9
14 18

3 Constrofacilitator • December 2019

 EARTH AND CLAY CONSTRUCTION
EARTH AND
CLAY CONSTRUCTION
Introduction
This INFORM provides guidance on recognising common
forms of earth and clay construction and their repair and
maintenance. The use of clay and earth as a bedding mortar
for masonry is covered in a separate INFORM Clay Mortars
for Masonry Buildings.
The use of clay and earth based materials to construct walls
was once a common practice in Scottish traditional building.
Whilst the use of stone and brick generally superseded the
use of these materials from the mid 19th century, there are
significant concentrations of surviving examples in parts of
the country such as Perthshire, Angus and the South West of
Scotland. Vernacular techniques such as mudwall, claywall
and clay and bool construction can all still be found in surviv-
ing structures.
Types of earth and clay construction
There are several types of earth construction found in Scot-
land, these include:
Mudwall: Formed of earth mixed with straw. This type of con-
struction was built in "lifts", or courses, of between 15 and 55
cm depending on the material properties (Fig. 1). Mudwall is
commonly known as cob in other parts of Britain.
Clay and bool: A variation of mudwall construction where
rounded stones of a type unsuitable for other forms of build-
ing are set in courses between the earth material (Fig. 2).
Claywall: This involves the insertion of stones into a mudwall
mixture formed between shuttering. The best stones were
used on the outside face to present an impression of clay
4 Constrofacilitator • December 2019

Fig. 1 Mudwall built up in short lifts, Dumfriesshire
mortared masonry.
Turf: Occasionally referred to as sod,
turf construction entails using earth
blocks to form walls either on its own or
alternating with stone. Turf is commonly
laid in a herringbone pattern for added
strength (Fig. 3).
Shuttered clay: A form of construction
which utilises similar raw materials to
mudwall, clay or earth mixed with straw,
but in this case it is formed inside a shut-
tering of wood. In some cases brick
was used to make a permanent face to
hold in the clay or earth infill.
Other forms: Clay was widely used in
combination with timber framing to
form 'wattle and daub' and other kinds
of thin walls. It was also used to make
plasters and, mixed with straw, was
used as deafening in timber floors.
Identifying clay and earth construc-
tion
Most earth construction has been sub-
sequently rendered, and identification
is not always obvious. In some
instances the use of such materials will
be revealed where render has failed
and become detached from a building
(Fig. 4). Other features which can indi-
Constrofacilitator • November 2019
Fig. 2 Clay and bool construction
cate the presence of earth construction
are a rubble stone base course at the
foot of a wall or a pronounced batter
(slope) to the wall. Where earth based
building materials are found it is impor-
tant to correctly identify the construc-
tion type and the composition of the
wall to properly plan repairs. Specialist
material analysis and consultation may
be necessary to aid this process.
Clay and earth materials
The composition of clay and earth
materials varies considerably, largely
Fig. 3 Turf was commonly laid in a herringbone pattern for added strength
5
EARTH AND CLAY CONSTRUCTION
reflecting local subsoil conditions. The
subsoil composition includes differing
ratios of clays and aggregates such as
sands, gravels and silts. Clay based
materials will generally be naturally
plastic in character when moist, and
free of organic matter, unless this is
deliberately added. Turf materials will
have organic matter, as they come
from topsoil.
Additives normally take the form of
chopped straw, although depending
on the area of the country other plant
types may be used (Fig. 5). Animal hair
was sometimes added to clay and
earth mixes for internal plasters.
The addition of vegetable fibre or hair
provides tensile strength to clay rich
materials and reduces problems of
shrinkage during drying. Dung and a
wide range of other additives were also
used to alter the working properties of
earth materials. Should any material of
this sort be found in an original mix it
should be included in the repair mate-
rial.
There are many regional and local vari-
ations in the earth and clays used in
construction. It is important to ensure
that any repair material used is com-
patible with the original fabric of the
building. This should include any
aggregates, fibrous re-enforcement
 EARTH AND CLAY CONSTRUCTION
such as straw or hair and the clay or
earth which binds the whole together.
It is possible to analyse samples of clay
and earth building materials to gauge
the type of material used and anything
which has been added to the mix.
During the original construction earth
building materials would likely have
been sourced close to the construction
site. It may be possible to do this during
repair work but all materials proposed
for use should be analysed first to
ensure suitability. Test panels may
assist in confirming this. With the
increase in popularity of sustainable
building techniques, there are a num-
ber of suppliers who stock earth based
building materials and where no local
sources can be identified replacement
materials may be sourced from them.
It is important to source materials that
are appropriate for repairs to any earth
built structure, and a number of facili-
ties offer testing and analysis of original
materials. The specification of repair
materials may differ significantly from
the original material in response to the
technical requirements of individual
structures, and specialist advice from
consultants and contractors with expe-
Fig. 5 Hand mixing of earth building material containing plant fibres
Fig. 4 Earth construction revealed following loss of the cement render
rience of earth materials should be
sought for anything other than a simple
like-for-like repair.
Once an appropriate specification has
been established, sourcing new mate-
rials can be challenging. Commercially
available materials can be cost-
effective and appropriate for many pro-
jects, but locally sourced, job-specific
materials will usually be more compati-
ble with the original fabric and may
achieve a higher quality of conserva-
tion repair. Time should be allowed in a
repairs programme for sourcing of
such materials well in advance of the
actual repairs.
Lime harling and plaster
To give protection to the finished struc-
ture, external elevations of clay and
earth masonry were often finished
using a thin lime harl or limewash.
Where this exists it may be appropriate
to reinstate the lime finish after repairs
to the earth masonry have taken place
(Fig. 6). Sufficient time should be
allowed for the earth material to dry
before the lime harling is applied.
Cement harling should never be
applied to a clay or earth building;
where it is found it is usually appropri-
ate during repair work to remove this
and replace it with a lime based alter-
native. Cement based renders, being
largely impermeable and inflexible, are
liable to crack and allow moisture to
penetrate behind the render but then
prevent this moisture from evaporat-
ing. The long term effects of this can be
a loss of cohesion of earth based mate-
rials and subsequent decay and dam-
age.
Maintaining earth structures
For clay or earth structures, as with any
building, water should be prevented
from entering the fabric to avoid dam-
age (Fig. 7). It is therefore important
that the roof is kept in good condition
and all rainwater goods are maintained
free of blockages. Earth structures
were almost always constructed on a
plinth of stonework to minimise damp-
ness rising from the ground and to pro-
6 Constrofacilitator • November 2019
 EARTH AND CLAY CONSTRUCTION

Prior to any repairs being executed a

detailed survey of the building and its
surroundings should be carried out.
This should take note of problems with
ground drainage, defects in roof struc-
ture and roof drainage (gutters and
downpipes), the nature and composi-
tion of external coatings, and the form
and materials used in the construction.
It should also be recognised where an
original thatch roof has been replaced
with a slate roof, perhaps giving less
protection from rain.

If decay has occurred to the base

course of the wall repairs should be car-
ried out to ensure the earth wall does
not deform. Re-bedding masonry with
a clay or lime mortar is likely to be the
most appropriate method of repairing
Fig. 6 This clay building has been lime harled to protect against the weather
damaged base courses. A further prob-
tect the clay from splash back (Fig. 8); be kept away from the immediate vicin- lem facing stone plinth courses is the
this should always be maintained when ity of such buildings as root systems gradual build-up of soil leading to
earth structures are being repaired. can penetrate walls or destabilise the external ground levels becoming
base course on which they are built. higher than the masonry. This can have
Where this is not the case and it is con- the effect of moisture penetrating into
sidered that dampness from ground Repairing earth buildings earth based materials by passing
level is causing decay at the base of a Fig. 7 Water ingress through the roof can cause significant damage
wall, retrofitting a damp proof course
should be avoided as it can act as a bar-
rier and concentrate moisture in the
base of the wall. The management of
excess moisture around the wall, for
example using a French drain, is more
likely to be effective. Where earth con-
struction has been coated in lime
harling and/or limewash, such a finish
should be maintained in line with guid-
ance for these materials.

Likewise, internal finishes should be

moisture permeable lime or clay plas-
ters. Finally, it is important to ensure
that the site on which an earth structure
sits is kept well drained.

Pests such as mice and rats can pres-

ent difficulties to earth structures
although this is usually only the case
where decay is already present and
they are attracted by a food source.

Vegetation should be removed as it

can quickly establish itself and cause
damage. Likewise vegetation should

Constrofacilitator • November 2019 7

 EARTH AND CLAY CONSTRUCTION
above the original stone base course.
Where this has occurred ground levels
should be lowered to below the level of
the original base course and the base
course repaired or repointed as appro-
priate.
Where sections of earth walling require
to be replaced this should be carried
out using materials and methods which
match those used originally as far as
possible. Earth block repairs can be a
good solution in instances where it is
not feasible to replicate the original
techniques (Fig. 9). Patch repairs of
earth structures using cement based
renders is likely only to exacerbate
problems by driving moisture into adja-
cent sections of the building.
When repairs are being patched into an
earth building, the existing work will nor-
Fig. 9 Earth block repairs can be an appropriate solution where it is not possible to replicate original
methods of construction
mally be drier than the repair. This
means that the dry wall is likely to suck
Fig. 8 A clay gable with stone base course
moisture out of the new work or render
and it is common practice to dampen
down the wall onto which the repair will
be bonding. Patched repairs can also
be vulnerable to shrinkage when used
in large areas. Therefore large areas of
work should be done in vertical layers
or 'lifts' (see Fig. 1). The aftercare of
earth based building materials will
depend on local conditions; in wet
weather it will require to be protected
from excessive rain until it has hard-
ened. Conversely, in very dry condi-
tions it may be necessary to cover the
work with a tarpaulin or dampened
hessian to prevent drying occurring too
quickly.
Conclusion
Until relatively recently the use of earth
and clay in construction was common
practice in Scottish traditional con-
struction. A significant number of his-
toric and traditionally built structures
still survive; however identification is
not always obvious as most examples
were subsequently rendered with lime
harling or limewash. When maintained
using the correct skills and materials
such structures can prove durable and
effective. To achieve this, it may be nec-
essary to seek specialist material anal-
ysis and consultation.
8 Constrofacilitator • November 2019

Brick Technology Innovation and
Structures across the Globe
I
nnovation in construction is a con-
tinuously important consideration
for the improvement of our built
environment, brick being a part of
this environment is been experi-
mented. By developing new and
innovative brick products, and
evolving construction techniques
which increase efficiency, reduce
construction time and ultimately
build to a better quality, we can drastically
increase the durability of buildings and
materials. In so doing we will be able to
reduce wastage, increase our sustainable
building stock and hopefully construct
buildings and neighbourhoods which
through their care in design, construction
and occupation, help create places for sus-
tainable and dynamic neighbourhoods and
communities.
Given below are few innovative develop-
ments in brick technology few structures
that are using bricks innovatively.
Making Bricks from Industrial Waste
While studying at the Design Academy in
Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Tom van Soest
built his very own blender. This was no ordi-
09
BRICK TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
nary blender though. The gleaming metal
device was mounted into a four-legged
stand. And rather than mixing berries and
bananas into smoothies, the industrial
designer crushed old sinks, toilets, tiles,
insulation material. Tom van Soest started
this project as part of his graduation at the
Design Academy in Eindhoven four years
ago. Due to the economic crisis, there were
a lot of buildings that needed to be demol-
ished-buildings of low quality or buildings
that did not fulfill the owners' needs any-
more. Tom started to investigate what hap-
pens to these buildings once they are being
demolished and if it would be possible to
Constrofacilitator • December 2019
BRICK TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
upcycle these materials into new and high
quality building materials. He put the waste
through an adjusted ceramic process and
realized that, if combined in the right way
with the right process, it is possible to create
new stable materials.
He received a load of positive feedback
once he presented his ideas at the gradua-
tion show. Since I had experience in starting
companies, he asked me to team up with
him. Together, they started StoneCycling.
Since 'a material' was difficult to make and
market without knowing what the qualities
of 'a material' should be, they decided to
start with a powerful message, that is to inno-
vate the cornerstone of the building sector:
the brick. StoneCycling turns ceramic tiles
and toilets, discarded glass and insulation
into new, eco-friendly building materials.
Young engineer invents brick made from
waste plastic
A young Indian entrepreneur and engineer-
December 2019 • Constrofacilitator
ing student has been shortlisted for a global
environmental award for his and col-
leagues' efforts to commercialise a new
kind of brick made from waste plastic. The
bricks are made by shredding plastic
retrieved from bins or recycling centres,
heating the shavings, and cooling the mix-
ture in moulds. Abhishek Banerjee, 22, a
construction engineering student at
Jadavpur University, has been shortlisted
for this year's Young Champions of the Earth
Award, which is organised by the UN Envi-
ronment Programme (UNEP).
The brick, called the “Plastiqube”, is
intended to address two big problems in
India. One is that India produces over
25,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day,
according to India's Central Pollution Con-
trol Board, much of which ends up in land-
fills or finds its way into rivers and drainage
systems. Bannerjee says the Plastiqube
needs 70% less energy than fired clay
bricks. The plastic brick is light, sturdy and
has good thermal and sound insulation per-
10
formance, according to Bannerjee's social
enterprise, Qube, formed in 2017 to com-
mercialise the concept.
bioMASON bricks
Trillions of bricks are made every year, and
the majority are heated to extremely high
temperatures in kilns as part of the process
– all of which requires large amounts of
energy. And this is where North Carolina
business bioMASON hopes to make a dif-
ference.
The start-up has discovered a way of grow-
ing concrete bricks in ambient tempera-
tures – which eliminates the need for firing
them. Inspired by the formation of coral – a
natural yet hard substance – the firm has cre-
ated a method of 'growing' cement bricks.
The company places sand in rectangular
moulds and then injects bacteria that wrap
around the grains of sand. They then 'feed'
this mix with nutrient-rich water over the
course of a few days.
Bricks Making from Industrial Waste

The result is calcium carbonate crystals that
'grow' around each grain of sand and form a
hard, stone-like substance in just a few
days. BioMASON says its products are
equal to standard bricks, yet require signifi-
cantly less energy to create, meaning
they're much more environmentally friendly.
HB - Heatsink Brick
This is a type of clay brick that helps keep
buildings naturally cool through smart
design. Made with an irregular shape, the
brick's angled and perforated form not only
improves the building's thermal comfort, but
also helps reduce material waste and con-
struction time. In contrast to standard
bricks, the BT – Bloque Termodisipador is
five-sided and asymmetrical, with a large
angled face that helps protect the brick from
solar radiation. The bricks are perforated
with a porous cellular structure to allow
winds to pass through the bricks and dissi-
pate stored heat. The horizontal surfaces of
the BT – Bloque Termodisipador are inter-
rupted by a series of smaller sub-channels,
making it so the path of the heat is longer,
HB - Heatsink Brick
and slowing and reducing its entrance
inside.” The energy-efficient bricks also
have the advantage of reducing noise by
breaking up and reflecting sound waves.
Unlike flat bricks, these angled bricks can
be stacked in a variety of three-dimensional
layouts for greater architectural expression
and, because of similar dimensions, can
also be combined with traditional clay
bricks in wall construction. The BT brick's
built-in groove helps ensure that the same
amount of mortar is poured on every brick to
minimize waste. Uniformity during the
installation process is achieved with the
help of a joint spacer, which creates small
and mortar-free triangular gaps between
bricks to allow air to circulate through.
Cool Brick
One of the newest ideas to reach consumer
interest is the 3D thermal design aptly
named 'Cool Brick'. According to the Oak-
land based company who developed the
concept, the ceramic brick has a porous
design to soak up water. When air passes
11
BRICK TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
through, the water held within the pores
evaporates and allows for a cooling effect to
occur.
Embossed Brick
Embossed brick is one of the latest prod-
ucts on the market and one of the best
options for designers who want to add cre-
ativity and depth to their buildings.
Embossed brick involves the carving,
moulding or stamping of a design onto a
brick. One of the biggest projects in which
the new design has been employed
includes the recent construction of a nurs-
ing home. Designers wanted to make the
building look like a beach house rather than
the typical medico-centric model most nurs-
ing homes use. The embossed brick has
allowed for the exterior of the building to
look more like wood planks rather than
brick. Three different embossed patterns
were utilised to ensure the 'timber' exterior
looked realistic.
3D Brick – 'PolyBrick'
The PolyBrick is a modern, one-of-a-kind
design, developed to use interlocking
ceramic bricks. The bricks are lightweight,
need no mortar and are eco-friendly.
According to Sabin Design Lab who devel-
oped the brick, it will allow for the production
of ceramic wall assemblies that are robust
and high strength due to the novel imple-
mentation of highly complex and organic
generative design strategies that are also
simply and economically produced, 3-D
printing allows us to build and design like
nature does...”
However what is not so natural is what the
research lab at Cornell University has been
experimenting with. The newest model of
the PolyBrick has been built with dovetail
joints to fit the bricks together without mor-
tar. The brick itself is constructed using a
combination of clay, maltodextrin and
vodka. The use of such unusual yet highly
effective materials allows the cost of each
brick to be less than $4. However it is an
extremely delicate process. Once the mix-
ture has been added to the printer, specific
algorithms are used to ensure the specific
product is produced. Once the brick has
been printed, it needs to be carefully moved
to be fired (which sets the brick) – using the
incorrect technique will cause the brick to
warp and ultimately become useless. This
brick isn't on the market yet, however dem-
onstrations have been set for this year.
Constrofacilitator • December 2019
BRICK TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
'Save Water Brick’
Another technological development in the
brick world is the 'Save Water Brick'.
D e s i g n e d b y J i n - y o u n g Yo o n a n d
Jeongwoong Kwon, the new and unique
design not only stores water, but transfers it
to a secondary location like an under-
ground waterway or tank. The design con-
sists of pulverised dried/rotten leaves and
recycled plastic bottles that have been
blended to allow for easy moulding. The
hope is for the unique design to hit the mar-
ket soon and be used in residential build-
ings.
Building Bytes
December 2019 • Constrofacilitator
Building Bytes are ceramic bricks created
with the help of a desktop sized printer. The
Bytes are designed using a liquid slip cast
recipe of earthenware ceramics usually
used in mould-making. The uniformity and
variation (specific design) of the bricks have
already been tested, however the project is
still in the research and development
phase. Consumers are hoping the new tech-
nology hits the market soon.
Super Insulating Block’
Said to out-perform any other brick on the
market, the new 'Super Insulating Block' has
set the benchmark for other products in the
category. This modern brick is said to not
World first human urine bricks
12
only insulate, but provide thermal mass (en-
ergy which can be gained and stored for
later use) to the property. The 110mm sty-
rene brick also creates a waterproof barrier
in the mortar joint to ensure peace of mind
to property residents. According to
Timbercrete, the brick is also extremely eco-
friendly and will significantly reduce carbon
gas emissions. This is achieved by using
materials such as “…timber waste and
sequestering or trapping the carbon in a
cementitious tomb”.
World first human urine bricks
In one of the latest innovations in the search
for eco-friendly building materials, South
African university researchers have created
bricks using human urine. The first of their
kind in the world, the biobricks hold out the
prospect of a sustainable alternative to stan-
dard clay and concrete bricks, they hope.
The prototypes have been “grown” from
urine using a technique somewhat similar to
the natural formation of seashells, taking six
to eight days to form.
The groundbreaking invention is the brain-
child of two University of Cape Town stu-
dents and a lecturer. With a grant from a gov-
ernment-run Water Research Council, the
feasibility study was launched last year
using synthetic urea. And then the study
escalated to using human urine. The
research is still in its early days. So far, it
requires up to 30 litres of urine to make just
one brick - with the urine provided by male
students at the university via a special uri-
nal. Suzanne Lambert, a civil engineering
Masters student, marvels at how the team
copied “nature's natural processes” to cre-
ate a sustainable way of building.
“This process mimics the way coral is
formed and the natural processes produce
a cement,” she said.
Conventional bricks or clay-fired bricks are
manufactured in kilns, where they are dried
at 1,400 degrees Celsius, a process that
causes large emissions of carbon dioxide.
In contrast, the bio-brick is “grown” through
loose sand seeded with bacteria that pro-
duce an enzyme called urease. The urease
reacts with the urea in urine to produce a
cement-like compound that bonds with the
sand. The product can be moulded into any
shape and dries at ambient temperatures -
no ovens, no greenhouse-gas emissions.

“We take something that is considered a
waste stream such as urine and use it in a
completely sustainable process,” said
Randall.
Innovative brick structure across the
globe
Discuss below are a few of the innovative
brick structure across the world.
Barrett's Grove- UK
Barrett's Grove is a striking development sit-
uated in the Stoke Newington Conservation
Area, comprising two three-bedroom mai-
sonettes, three two-bedroom flats and a stu-
dio. Designed by Amin Taha Architects, the
six-storey building stands on an archetypal
Victorian street, and echoes the tall gables
of the school and standalone presence of
the townhouse between which it sits. The
arresting feature of the building is the non-
structural façade of perforated brickwork
that matches neighbouring buildings and
acts as an aesthetic rain screen. The
Barrett's Grove- UK
Ibstock Birtley Old English Buff brick fits per-
fectly within context.
Victoria Gate Arcade-UK
Victoria Gate Arcade in Leeds, uses a vari-
ety of bespoke Ketley bricks and specials in
a blend of light and dark red in conjunction
with Ketley brick slips to create precast
brick faced panels which have been
arranged in a complex geometry with steps
and pleats to form an innovative 3 dimen-
sional masonry façade. Designed by Acme
Architects, this project is a fine example of
how precast technology can work to advo-
cate the use of traditional brick on the most
challenging of building facades. The pro-
ject featured an innovative approach to 3D
mould technology, and the use of BIM
throughout the entire design and manufac-
turing process.
TERMEH Office- Hamadan, Iran
This office and retail building in Iran divided
its two levels by placing the retail compo-
13
BRICK TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
nent on the ground level and office space
on the upper. The traditional brick façade
appears to be falling out from the ceiling
slab of the ground level, and in fact tumbles
out to become the functional entrance to the
office space.
Residenza Le Stelle- Locarno, Switzerland
Three buildings of perforated brick form the
complex of this multi unit dwelling, creating
open plazas and enclosed courtyards. The
brick façade is in fact composed of
parametrically designed modular brick sys-
tems that slope in and outwards.
Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon-
Vancouver, Canada
This Ronald McDonald House for sick chil-
dren and their families is composed of four
individual homes stitched around an interior
courtyard. The disjointed volumes of the
brick shapes that recall gables and dormers
imbue a sense of familiarity to the building.
Hindmans Yard- London, United Kingdom
This London complex of four homes fea-
tures gray brick clad buildings that contrast
the red brick retaining walls of the surround-
ing Victorian gardens. The toothed brick pat-
tern extends into the perforated metal
detailing.
Mizengo Pinda Asali & Nyuki Sanctuary-
Dodoma, Tanzania
This bee sanctuary and education center in
Tanzania would provide skills training for
honey extraction and trading. The tradi-
tional brick building would be organized cel-
lular-like and might provide economic
development for the region.
Conclusion
With many brick buildings lasting for well
over 100 years, architects often find them-
selves designing new buildings near to
existing brick structures. In these scenarios,
it often makes sense to create the new
building from brick, helping to maintain a
contextual consistency with the surround-
ing environment.
Image and info:
Smithsonianmag, architizer, inhabitat.com,
urbandeveloper, brick.org.uk, news.comau
Constrofacilitator • December 2019
TYPES OF CLAY IN CONSTRUCTION
Use of different types of clay in construction
C
lay is a finely-
grained natural
rock or soil
material that,
along with
other materials
such as stone
and wood, has
been used for
construction
for thousands of years. It is composed of
one or more clay minerals (such as
kaolinites or smectites), sometimes with
small quantities of quartz, metal oxides
and organic matter. Clay is formed very
slowly as a result of weathering and ero-
sion of rocks containing the mineral group
known as feldspar.
Typical structural clay products are build-
ing brick, paving brick, terra-cotta facing
tile, roofing tile, and drainage pipe. These
objects are made from commonly occur-
ring natural materials, which are mixed
with water, formed into the desired shape,
14
and fired in a kiln in order to give the clay
mixture a permanent bond. Finished
structural clay products display such
essential properties as load-bearing
strength, resistance to wear, resistance to
chemical attack, attractive appearance,
and an ability to take a decorative finish.
At least half of the world's population live
or work in a building made with clay as an
essential part of its load-bearing structure.
Many natural building techniques use
clay as a primary material. Adobe, cob,
cordwood, and rammed earth structures
all use clay as well as building elements
such as wattle and daub, clay plaster, clay
render, clay floors and clay paints and
ceramic building materials. Mortar in
brick chimneys and stone walls has clay
as an ingredient.
Clay mineral classified by its structure
and layer type
The interaction between clay minerals
depends on their structure. This structure
controls the behaviour of clay minerals'
double layer which is the primary genera-
tor of repulsive pressure in the double
layer model. The forces controlling the
repulsive pressure are governed by
physicochemical swelling in clay miner-
als since the attractive forces by compari-
son are small within the range of the exter-
nal forces involved in the clay structure.
Cations are attracted to external surfaces
of clay minerals which are negatively
charged and can also be drawn to internal
surfaces of expandable minerals, so that
clay mineral properties and structure can
be changed.
Given below are some clay types that are
being used in products in construction
across the globe.
Earth plaster
Earth plasters have been used for thou-
sands of years to cover both the interior
Constrofacilitator • December 2019

and exterior of structures made using a
variety of construction techniques. From
the wide array of our own mined materials
and those we import, we have selected a
few light colored (and therefore easily pig-
mented) materials that span a wide range
of fluid and dry properties. We describe
these materials well in our documenta-
tion. You can blend these clays and condi-
tion with hardeners, plaster and mineral
fillers to make them smooth, easy-to-
apply and resistant to wear and weather-
ing. For those with more specific needs,
we stock a wide range of useful materials
(e.g. naturally pigmented clays or even
our standard ceramic mixes).
The Brick Clays
These are low grade clays used most for
the manufacturing of building bricks and
similar clay products. Brick clay is rich in
silica, alumina, oxides of iron, calcium,
magnesium and organic matter. It is
mutual proportion of these components
that define their suitability or otherwise
for making good quality bricks for build-
ing construction. The oxides of iron, cal-
cium and magnesium act as fluxes that
fuse easily at brick-making temperature
and bind the alumina and silica particles
thoroughly giving the brick desired prop-
erties of cohesion and strength.
Fired clay
Fired clay is a versatile and robust build-
ing material that has a timeless appeal.
December 2019 • Constrofacilitator
TYPES OF CLAY IN CONSTRUCTION
tation of being difficult to work with-
though modern formulations have
addressed this.
Stoneware clay
Clay building products can be used across A mid- or high-firing coarse-grained clay
the whole envelope in the form of bricks, body that can be anywhere between buff
blocks, façade systems, roof tiles and pav- color to gray to dark brown, because of
ers. varying levels of iron and other “impuri-
ties”. It is incredibly durable after firing,
As one of the oldest and most popular with little to no absorption (vitreous).
building materials available, clay bricks
and roof tiles are deeply rooted in Euro-
pean history and form some of our most
iconic buildings. The trans-generational
lifecycle of clay-built structures means
that they have become part of our cultural
heritage and architectural identity.
Today's products are manufactured much
more efficiently than in the past, which
results in higher quality and lower envi-
ronmental impact. However,
Wienerberger retains traditional shaping
methods for Keymer hand-made roof
tiles, to meet the demands of restoration
projects and to achieve a heritage look. Earthenware clay
Clay building products can be used for
almost any new build construction or reno- A low-firing fine-grained clay body that is
typically found in creek beds and other
vation project and can reflect all architec-
tural styles, from traditional and historic deposits that have been transported by
wind and/or water from their location of
to innovative and avant-garde. Architects
love to experiment with clay building origin. This transportation aids in the
weathering and breaking down of the
products as their compact size and the vari-
ety of colours and shapes available pro- source rock into clay, and also adds “im-
vide infinite design options when creating
contemporary structures.
Porcelain clay
A high-firing fine-grained white clay
body that fires to a durable, strong, vitre-
ous ceramic. It is usually pure white
because of its high kaolin content and lack
of other ingredients like iron that can
change the color and properties. Since
kaolin is the purest form of clay, porcelain
lacks some of the additives that make clay
more plastic (stretchy) making it not the
most plastic of clay. This gives it the repu-
15
TYPES OF CLAY IN CONSTRUCTION
purities” like iron, which is what makes
earthenware brown, orange, or red, both
in the raw state, and after firing.
Because it is fired low, it is more porous
and relatively less durable than stoneware
or porcelain, but that can be an advantage
in some cases. Terra cotta garden planters
are a type of earthenware clay, for exam-
ple, and the fact that they are porous and
can “breathe” is a design advantage.
Mudwall clay
Formed of earth mixed with straw. This
type of construction was built in “lifts”, or
courses, of between 15 and 55 cm depend-
ing on the material properties.
Claywall
This involves the insertion of stones into a
mudwall mixture formed between shut-
tering. The best stones were used on the
outside face to present an impression of
clay mortared masonry.
16
Burnt Clay
Burnt clay are the classic form of clay, cre-
ated by pressing wet clay into molds, then
drying and firing them in kilns. This is a
very old building material-the type of clay
found in many of the ancient structures of
the world. In appearance, these are solid
blocks of hardened clay, usually reddish
in color. These high-grade burnt clay
bricks have no noticeable flaws, but
they're also going to cost more. An impor-
tant part of every project plan is the
design. With 3D printing, companies will
be able to quickly and inexpensively cre-
ate models to have a visual representation
of the project as well as help pinpoint prob-
lem areas and avoid delays.
Sand lime clay
Sand lime are used as brick by mixing
sand, fly ash and lime. Pigments may also
be added for color. The mixture is then
molded under pressure to form bricks; the
materials bond together by a chemical
reaction that occurs as the wet bricks dry
under heat and pressure. These bricks are
not, however, fired in kilns in the same
manner as burnt clay bricks.
Fly Ash Clay
Fly ash clay are used as bricks and are man-
ufactured with clay and fly ash-a byprod-
uct of coal burning-fired at about 1,000
degrees C. Because fly ash contains a high
volume of calcium oxide, this type of
brick is sometimes described as self-
cementing, since it expands when
exposed to moisture. This tendency to
expand, however, can also produce pop-
out failure. Fly ash clay brick has the
advantage of being lighter in weight than
clay or concrete brick.
Turf clay
Occasionally referred to as sod, turf con-
struction entails using earth blocks to
form walls either on its own or alternating
with stone. Turf is commonly laid in a her-
ringbone pattern for added strength.
Shuttered clay
A form of construction which utilises simi-
lar raw materials to mudwall, clay or earth
mixed with straw, but in this case it is
formed inside a shuttering of wood. In
some cases brick was used to make a per-
manent face to hold in the clay or earth
infill.
Light Straw-Clay
Straw is coated with a clay binding slip
(slurry) and rammed into forms to pro-
duce blocks or walls of very low density
(and good insulating properties). It has
Constrofacilitator • December 2019

thus been dubbed Light Straw-Clay.
Often little consideration is given to the
type of clay used. However, this deserves
attention. Bond points will have less
strength if there are coarse particles
between them (e.g. sand), finer particles
clays will work the best to bond the straw.
Bentonite for Stucco clay
Highly plastic clays (especially benton-
ite) are added to stucco mixes to make
them stickier, apply better and dry slower.
We import and mine bentonites, smectite
and hectorite. These clay vary widely in
their plasticity, you might find that our
best bentonite will work in a much lower
percentage than the one you have been
using.
Refractory clays
Refractory clays are used to make kiln fur-
niture including saggers. Laguna Clay
Company offers both plugged and dry
forms of refractory clay bodies. Refrac-
tory clay can be fired repeatedly and have
a maturing temperature of cone 14 or
2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slip clay
Slips are clays formulated to be used in a
liquid state. Slips are often used to fill a
plaster cast. Properly formulated slip will
build up clay particles against the walls of
a plaster cast as the water in the slip is
pulled into the surrounding plaster cast.
Preparing slip requires preparations spe-
cific to the ph of the water used. Novice
slip casters are encouraged to use pre
mixed slip which is available from
Laguna Clay Company in a range of firing
temperatures and colors. All of our slip
selections are available in dry form in
amounts 50 pounds and above, so once
you accumulate experience you can
switch to dry and mix your own slip.
December 2019 • Constrofacilitator
Residual clay
Residual Clay includes all varieties of
clays that are found covering the rocks
from which they are formed by natural pro-
cesses. Such clays are pure in their chemi-
cal composition that is related broadly to
the parent rock. China Clay is the best
example of residual Clay.
The Transported Clays
These are the most common clays spread
on the earth. They are formed by the disin-
tegration and decomposition of the pre-
existing rocks by natural agencies fol-
lowed by removal and transportation of
broken pieces to far off places where they
are finally deposited. Hence any such
deposit of transported clay will have all
the particles transported from many
places and different source materials. The
transported clay are, therefore quite heter-
ogeneous in mineralogical and chemical
composition.
China Clay
It is the purest type of clay containing very
high percentage of mineral Kaolinite or
Kaolin Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It is Considered
high Grade clay and is used for the manu-
facturing of crockery and other porcelain
ware.
Fire Clay
They are also called refractory clay and
contain, besides Kaolinite, Silica and alu-
mina in very high temperature without suf-
fering any deformation off shape given to
them at the time of moulding. They are
mainly used in manufacturing of refrac-
tory bricks that are of great importance in
many metallurgical, mechanical and
chemical operations.
TYPES OF CLAY IN CONSTRUCTION
Vitrified Clays
These clays are rich in fluxing compounds
like iron oxide and carbonates of calcium
and magnesium. These are easily fusible.
i.e. cannot withstand high temperatures
above 1100 0 C the fluxes get softened
and form glass like material that acts as a
strong bonding agent between the other
clay particles. This results in the forma-
tion of a smooth surfaced hard burnt clay
products. The Vitrifying clays called hard
burnt clay are specially used for manufac-
turing of facing brick, flooring tiles, sewer
pipe and other similar ornamental and
dense clay products.
Conclusion
Clay is one of the oldest building materi-
als used in construction to this day. The
ability of this natural material to solidify
under certain conditions makes it possible
to use it for various purposes in the con-
struction of different buildings.
Clay as the defining ingredient of loam is
one of the oldest building materials on
Earth, among other ancient, naturally-
occurring geologic materials such as
stone and organic materials like wood.
Between one-half and two-thirds of the
world's population, in both traditional
societies as well as developed countries,
still live or work in buildings made with
clay, often baked into brick, as an essen-
tial part of its load-bearing structure. Also
a primary ingredient in many natural
building techniques, clay is used to create
adobe, cob, cordwood, and rammed earth
structures and building elements such as
wattle and daub, clay plaster, clay render
case, clay floors and clay paints and
ceramic building material. Clay was used
as a mortar in brick chimneys and stone
walls where protected from water.
Info and Image Source:
www.dancingrabbit.org, happho.com,
moneycontrol.com, www.ehowcdn.com,
unsplash.com, www.theyearofmud.com,
www.civilblog.org, designcoalition.org,
www.rahisiconstructionsupplies.co.ke,
www.refractory-brick.com
17
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS

Innovation Technologies in
Green Roof Systems

Shamanth Kumar M
Project Engineer and
Manager of Design Services
Salarpuria Sattva Group

18 Constrofacilitator • December 2019


ABSTRACT
This article analyses both traditional
green roof structures and innovative
modular green roof systems. Project
design and construction of new build-
ings with smart green technologies is a
main trend in the process of mitigation
climate change, because in most Euro-
pean countries the construction sector
consumes approximately one third of
the total energy used. Despite a wide
range of proposed initiatives in the con-
struction sector measures mainly
focused on energy-saving technolo-
gies, alternative energy resources and
methods to bring multiple economic
profit and great environment benefits.
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays smart solutions of green
roofs are popular for their ecological,
technical, economic benefits and aes-
thetic qualities. In the conditions of the
urban development, the green roofing
infrastructures with landscaping envi-
ronmental elements is gaining popular-
ity. When designing and installing
green operated roofs, it is necessary to
take into account the provisions of
national regulations and green roof
Codes, international standards, that car-
ried out in the green buildings, specific
Fig. 1- Innovative Green Roof in Urban Space.
climatic zones of the construction
region and other factors in local condi-
tions.
Megacities are the centres of a variety
of innovations that can contribute to
reducing or mitigating emissions,
adapting to climate change and the abil-
ity to recover. Human activities, such as
burning fossil fuels, large-scale indus-
trial construction, deforestation, land-
use changes, led, inter alia, to the accu-
mulation of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere, coupled with a decrease
in the ability of oceans and vegetation
to absorb them. This has reduced the
Earth's natural ability to maintain the
balance of the carbon cycle and is now
directly leading to current global
changes in mean temperatures.
Among the main advantages of green
roof systems is the variety of benefits
and multifunctionality. Operated green
roofs perform ecological functions,
which include improvement of air qual-
ity and temperature-humidity regime,
reduction of noise impact, that help to
relief the Heat Island Effect. In addition,
green roofs are the well-being habitat
for local flora and fauna. The architec-
tural functions include the design of the
aesthetic appearance of buildings, the
use of roofing for recreational areas
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
and parking spaces and creation of addi-
tional space in a cramped construction.
The economic benefits of using green
coatings are reflected in the investment
attractiveness of the construction site,
saving energy in heating systems and
extending the life of the waterproofing
and underlying coatings.
Green Innovations in Urban Space
Modular green roof system is a techni-
cally advanced design solution of roof-
ing, as well as innovative technological
solutions with multifunctional advan-
tages and the ability to integrate
devices that convert solar and wind
energy - solar panels and micro wind
turbines. Modular trays are equipped
with drip irrigation systems to create a
microclimate zone directly above the
roof of green building. The article
describes modern green roof system
that consists of green roof modular
pots with a big variety of configurations
and integrated energy-effective devices
Figure 1.
Nowadays technologies of construc-
tion of green roofing coverings acquire
special importance. The big cities hold
several environmental challenges: they
occupy 3% of the land surface, host
50% of global population, consume
75% of natural resources, produce 50%
of the global waste and emit 60–80%
of greenhouse gases (GHG). Green
roofs are both recreational zones and
"elevators" for the development of the
urban spaces. So, there is birth of the
idea of turning a roofing cover into an
exhibition and walking space with flow-
ering gardens, combined with art
objects using environmentally friendly
materials. Such ergonomic solutions
will be more effective in southern
regions of countries with favourable cli-
matic conditions. However, analysis of
green technologies in different coun-
tries shows that the climatic features of
the construction region do not play a
key role in the choice of roofing. So, in
Germany, on the terraces located on
the southern slope from the end of the
18th century to the present day, not
Constrofacilitator • December 2019 19
 GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
only grapes, but also figs are grown,
while in the winter spectacular plants
are covered with glass frames. The task
of modern builders and architects is to
turn the city into a more natural and
close to nature habitat. Green architec-
ture, which implies energy efficiency,
environmental friendliness of materials
and reduced impact on the environ-
ment, will accelerate the movement to
the urban development. The plants
appear on walls, roof, terraces, and
floors of internal premises. To success-
fully development green technologies
in many countries, it is necessary to take
into account climatic conditions and
develop national standards as BREEAM,
DGNB or LEED rating systems of green
buildings.
Green Roof Benefits and Improve-
ments
Widely there are great positions of the
benefits and improvements of green
roof system in urban space. Key bene-
fits of green roof systems are following:
Ÿ Green roof installation provides
energy savings. In London, a build-
ing services manager revealed that
the application of a retrofitted
green roof on a building had
Fig. 2 - Integrated solar panels and hydroponics of green roof system.
20 Constrofacilitator • December 2019
reduced the need for cool-
ing/heating in the floor beneath. If
the green roof had been installed
as part of the original design of the
building and the ability of the
green roof to reduce cooling and
heating requirements had been
known, there would have been a
big potential of energy efficiency of
building. The urban scale extrapo-
lation of the estimated energy sav-
ings with the dynamic energy simu-
lations of the typical MF buildings
shows that there can be green
roofs in the city of Thessaloniki
with reduced heating and cooling
consumptions up to 5% and 16%
respectively. The energy savings
both in heating and cooling are
maximized underneath the green
roof. Positive impact of green roof
system on the energy performance
of the buildings becomes more evi-
dent and noticeable. According to
the dedicated measurements of
the selected rooftops of buildings,
located in Guangzhou, China, the
green roof systems reduce 15.2%
cooling energy demand than the
conventional roofs, had the better
thermal performance and comfort.
Ÿ Mitigation of the urban heat island
(UHI). The vegetative layer of the
green roof reduces the harmful
substances in the air due to the
absorption of carbon dioxide CO2
and the release of oxygen. The
green roof system neutralizes a sig-
nificant amount of dust and harm-
ful gases. The spirit on the green
roof is much cleaner and contains
37% less SO2 (sulphur dioxide)
and 21% less CO (carbon monox-
ide). The green roof additionally
moistens the air, increase the lon-
gevity of the roof structure several
times (3-4 times).
Ÿ Reduction of noise level up to 8-10
db. The soil is capable of absorbing
the lower frequencies, and the veg-
etation is high, also the layer of soil
cover is fireproofing, in case of fire,
the soil layer will prevent its spread.
According to some studies,
approximately 20 million of adults,
affecting daily activities, annoyed
by environmental noise in urban
areas. Acoustic is catalogued as
one of the major factors in the built
environment quality.
Ÿ Versatile installation schemes and
types of green roof system,
improved method for roof cover-
ing. Protection of the roof mem-
brane against extreme tempera-
ture fluctuations, UV radiation and

physical damage from mainte-
nance period, greened roof can
double the material life.
Ÿ Lightweight, modularity and mod-
ern park-like design of green roof
system with reversible inter-locking
means, that easy and quickly to
install, dismounting and mainte-
nance.
Ÿ Effective water runoff manage-
ment of green roof systems that
provide water supply is special
hydroponics system, including
automatic watering system, pipes
and ducts for water transfer (Fig-
ure 2).
Ÿ Plants diversity and multiplicity of
modules comprises different con-
figurations, sizes of diameters and
heights that allows using both
intensive and extensive roof green-
ing structures. The plants are
selected according to the specific
geographic zone and climate char-
acteristics and green roof type such
as extensive, semi-intensive and
intensive roofs. And it shows inter-
est in installation of these biggest
variants of green roofs and their
geographic applicability, which is
available in many regions. It is
important in selecting, that plants
have fluency on the roof's perfor-
mance and its tolerance to
Fig. 3 - Renovation project of modular green roof installation on trade-office centre rooftop.
drought, wind, light, shade and
pollutants. The low-growing
plants may include a wider range
of plant species such as Arenaria
Montana, Arenaria Balearic,
Arenaria Saginawsublet "Aurea",
collectively referred to as
“Shortgrass Meadow Plantings”.
As another example, the vegeta-
tion could include another mixture
of vegetation such as Sedum acre
“Aureum”, Sedum album “Coral
Carpet”, Sedum spatulifolium
“Purpureum”, Sedum
spatulifolium “Cape Blanco”,
Sedum spurium “Green Mantle”,
Sedum spurium “Red Carpet”, and
Sedum kamtschaticum “Varie-
gatum” (collectively referred to as
“Desert Succu-lent Plantings”"
Sedum spurium "Summer Glory",
collectively referred to as "Desert
Succulent Plantings" and others.
According researching of scientists
from Sydney succulent plants may
be selected considering their
drought resistance, low risk of fire,
low cost and minimal ongoing
maintenance. Alternatively, the
modular trays could be supplied
without vegetation, for example,
either empty, or with only the
growth medium. Green roofs are
popular in the rooftops of residen-
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
tial, public and commercial build-
ings, trade and office centres (Fig-
ure 3). Furthermore, system is able
to install partially in the interior
space as ''landscaping'' office to pro-
mote a healthy and well-being con-
ditions.
The present roofing system is to be
solved various problems of roof cover-
ing by making inexpensive, little expen-
diture of labour and waste-free assem-
bling based on the principle of building
kit. The unique configuration of the sys-
tem with an unusual combination of
architectural and aesthetic design solu-
tions gives a beautiful appearance to
the urban areas and also allows using
methods of landscaping on living roof.
The green roof technology includes the
apparatus to integrate plurality of spe-
cial roof covering elements with
aspects of energy collecting and con-
verting de-vices.
The essence of this innovation solution
is in the fact that covering surface on
the building roof is covered with special
modular trays with vegetation, that
fixed to the gratings by engagements.
Modular trays are equipped with irriga-
tion and drip irrigation systems to cre-
ate a microclimate zone directly above
the roof of the building. While the
green roof covering modular device
must be observe and control of the
green roof installation process. The
green roof installation process has the
following steps:
Ÿ Correct and consistent installation
process of the waterproofing layer
and its compliance with the project
specification. Proper installation of
irrigation systems and drip irriga-
tion, and matching their capacities
and operating mode with the
required parameters in accordance
with the provisions of the Green
roof standards, called also Green
roof Code, that consist of special
requirements for the device, and
the rules of acceptance of control".
Ÿ Quality control of the roofing and
grating mounting processes.
Constrofacilitator • December 2019 21
 GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
According to the map have to be
controlled. It should also be noted
that the performance of work
report of the roofing system instal-
lation must be carried out in the
general journal papers or special
journals of installation process on
the forms that considered in Rus-
sian requirements. To date the
most widely accepted standard
amongst the leading green roof
suppliers is the German FLL stan-
dards, the landscaping and land-
scape Development Research Soci-
ety. This standard is generally rec-
ognized as the benchmark for
green roof installation quality.
According to the German FLL stan-
dard a successful green roof sys-
tem must basically replicate nature
and consist of protection layer,
drainage and filter layers, growing
medium, appropriate components
for vegetation and irrigation.
Ÿ Big cities are adopting new build-
ing codes that incentivize adoption
of innovative technologies in mod-
Fig. 4 - The structure of the layers of the green roof
22 Constrofacilitator • December 2019
ern buildings. The green construc-
tion industry is moving fast,
together with a growing trend for
Green Building Rating Tools. The
green roof systems that installed
on different types of buildings can
put you on the right track to earn-
ing the highest BREEAM, LEED,
DGNB or HQE certification ratings.
Building certifications such as LEED
(Leadership in Energy & Environ-
mental Design) provide for certain
tax credits of green roof using and
benefits for building owners. There
are several trends in development
of friendly (green) technologies
and production in construction in
Russia, which needed for develop-
ment in National building Codes.
The survey of green roof module
parameters shows that cooling
electricity energy saving is around
12-15 kWh/m2. It pursues sustain-
able performance objectives while
giving substantial importance to
the life cycle analysis on a building
scale and to the impacts of a pro-
ject on health, comfort and the
environment by using green roofs.
Following the same pattern, the
Karlsruhe Performance Rating System
rates green roofs according to natural
categories. These functions, which
assigned a weight based on its impor-
tance, are as follows:
Ÿ Type and depth of soil used (Soil) –
15%;
Ÿ Impact on climate due to
evapotranspiration (Climate) –
15%;
Ÿ Type and variety of vegetation
(Flora) – 30%;
Ÿ Impact on zoological biodiversity
(Fauna) – 30%;
Ÿ Average annual storm water reten-
tion (Water Balance) – 10%.
The sum of the weighted rating for
each of the five functions is used to com-
pare different green roof systems and
stipulate minimum requirements.
The ease of use makes "FingerCAD PRO"
immediate.
Analyses of Green Roofing Structures
The device of green roof means the cre-
ation of structurally complex systems
with vegetation and soil mixture placed
on the waterproof membrane, with the
integration of irrigation systems, as well
as devices that convert solar and wind
energy.
The green roof represents a multi-
layered structure and consists of several
layers: a vegetative layer, a soil sub-
strate, a filtering layer, a drainage sys-
tem, a layer of waterproofing and a
layer of thermal insulation. According
to the standard TGRCS - Toronto Stan-
dard "Construction of green roofs", the
green roof "pie" is shown as a
multicomponent structure (Figure 4).
In this researching, each layer is exam-
ined for the analysis of the selection of
the material of the roofing system and
its features. The materials used for the

construction of roofing surfaces must
meet the requirements of the current
standards in the field of standardiza-
tion and green roofs types: intensive,
semi- intensive and extensive roofs. For
example, extensive green roof type
(about 5 – 20 cm) comprised of several
layers laid in sequence: root barrier,
drainage layer, filter layer, growing
medium and vegetation.
The vegetation is selected individually
according to the climate conditions,
the roof location and the thickness of
the growing medium. Often, mosses,
lawn grass, wildflowers and mountain
vegetation are chosen for the green
roof covering, since such vegetation is
not whimsical to specific climate and
regional conditions. The photosynthe-
sis of green roof vegetation reduce the
radiant, it also plays important roles in
protecting the ecological environment
and reducing dust and noise.
The growing medium is usually soil sub-
strate or natural soil. Reduce the weight
of the layer can effectively be due to the
addition of loose fillers (peat, sand and
unlimited additives). The soil depth is
selected in accordance to the type of
green roof: intensive or extensive types.
As a filter layer, a nonwoven material is
used - geotextile. In this study, the anal-
ysis of the two most popular method of
bonding-needle-piercing and thermal
calendaring geotextile is given. Accord-
ing to the roofing technology, the ther-
mally calendaring geotextile is stronger
for tearing than needle-punched. Ther-
mally bonded geotextile, unlike needle-
punched, has the property of high wear
resistance and excellent tensile
strength. The material is resistant to the
effects of ultraviolet rays and aggressive
medium, such as atmospheric mois-
ture, acids, alkalis, bacteria or fungi.
The drainage removes excess water
from the soil. In the drainage layer, poly-
styrene pellets are used. The most resis-
tant materials for the anti-root layer are
fiberglass; membranes made of syn-
thetic material are also used. In case of
green roof modules, the growing
medium is separated from the drainage
by a permeable geotextile fabric which
is responsible for blocking soil
penetrator.
The function of the waterproofing layer
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
is to protect and prevent water and
moisture from entering through the
structure inside the building or onto
external walls. As a waterproofing layer,
a bituminous polymeric material should
be used, laid in several layers: - polymer
waterproofing membranes on bitumen
(EPDM) basis with anti-root protection,
environmentally friendly material; or
polymeric water-proofing membranes
on a synthetic (PVC-membrane) basis
with anti-root protection with life cycle
up to 60 years; - additional copper or
aluminium foil layer to the membranes;
- liquid rubber; - polyethylene film.
If the roof is flat, then the waterproof-
ing is arranged with a slope of 3- 5% to
ensure the necessary flow of water. It is
recommended to make a heat-
insulating layer of foam glass or pearlite
sand. Also as a heater apply extruded
polystyrene plates and mineral wool.
The thickness of the insulation of the
coating is established by calculation,
taking into account the heat-insulating
properties of the remaining layers of
the coating.
The study of thermal insulation of
green roof systems in Hong Kong
Constrofacilitator • December 2019 23
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
showed that use if green roof systems
reduced the cooling load of the urban
spaces and effectively decreased the
indoor temperature.
The design of the intensive green roof
differs from the extensive type. Insola-
tion is located not on the bottom, but
on the top of the waterproofing mem-
brane, which protects it from mechani-
cal damage. In this case, the required
angle of inclination of the roof for the
device of the green roof is 5- 8°. With an
increase in the slope of the roof more
than 12°, it is necessary to arrange
transverse locks: wooden planks,
geogrids or cassettes, which will hold
back the soil. With the use of devices
that prevent soil from slipping, planting
of greenery on roofs with an angle of
up to 45 ° can be established. In modu-
lar green roof systems, the basic ele-
ment is a tray that quickly and easily
mounted in a single covering. This sys-
tem can be used on roofs with a slope
of up to 20%.
Many surveys show that intermittent
ventilation is more conducive to indoor
cooling and the green roof combined
with intermittent ventilation is better.
The residents and landscape architects
24 Constrofacilitator • December 2019
use the natural full time ventilation as
one of main measures to improve the
thermal performance of the building.
These recommendations are given for
choosing the most energy-intensive
and economical materials for structure
of the of green roofing system. A
detailed analysis of the multilayer struc-
ture of the green roof "pie" is presented
the main features of using greening sys-
tems on roofing structures. The meth-
odology for assessing the effectiveness
is based on complex of developed
energy-correcting measures in the orga-
nizational and technological design of
construction projects.
In study of it is noticed, that in Finland
forests represent an iconic national
landscape and novel green spaces meet-
ing the needs and preferences of
urbanites are considered increasingly
important to produce liveable urban
environments.
Conclusions
Nowadays smart solutions of green
roofs are becoming more and more
popular in recent times for their ecolog-
ical, technical, economic benefits and
aesthetic qualities. Successful urban
planning including network of natural
and semi-natural areas that integrate
green roof systems into natural con-
structed urban environments. In the
meantime, existing green roof technol-
ogies can be expensive to purchase and
labour-intensive to install. This research
is aimed to contribute to sustainable
future-oriented solutions for the com-
plex problems of urban areas to create
liveable ecosystems. Innovation tech-
nologies in green roof systems are an
emerging trend in green building devel-
opment. Innovative energy-efficient
green technologies will bring a great
benefit to the ecology and help to relief
the Heat Island Effect, in light of grow-
ing concerns about climate change and
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Inno-
vative modular green roofs refer to reju-
venate and rebuild the nature.
Although this study has made several
advances in predicting benefits of
green roof systems, and it has to move
further on work pertaining to green
roofs, there are several areas that will
require further researching.
Modular green roof systems in urban
space are becoming increasingly
important part of the green building
renaissance. Modular green roof con-
structive system is regarded to the most
effective solution of innovative
approaches and techniques for green
design and construction. Trying to find
the optimal system of green roof, this
system is to be solved various problems
of roof covering by making inexpensive,
little expenditure of the labour and
waste-free green roof assembling
based on the principle of building kit.
The unique configuration of the system
with an unusual combination of archi-
tectural and aesthetic design solutions
gives a beautiful appearance to the
urban areas and also allows using meth-
ods of landscaping on living roof. This
future oriented green roof solution is
appreciated by potential investors
because implementing of this system
can improve a company's competitive-
ness; bring multiple economic profit
and great environment benefits
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