| Topic title |
Possible scientific supervisors |
Source of funding |
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Development of Technologies for Accumulation and Use of Waste Energy in Engineering Systems of Buildings
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prof. dr. Tadas Ždankus |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Widespread implementation of renewable energy sources into the engineering systems of buildings causes the rise of the issue of energy production and use distribution. In the case of its variance, there is a need to store and keep the energy until the moment of demand or to use the networks, which can cause non-uniform work or overload.
Considering that in the case of Lithuania, a lot of energy is used for heating buildings in the cold period of the year, scientific research must be devoted to the issues of efficient use of thermal energy and its accumulation. Accumulating thermal energy in the warm period of the year and using it at least in the autumn period is one of the essential tasks. It is also relevant to be able to use wastewater or other heat instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
Analysis of literature sources detected a lack of analysis of the charging and discharging processes of ground thermal accumulators, as well as their management and control technologies. In the case of waste heat utilization of sewage, no attention was paid to the work of treatment technological devices, taking into account the further heat loss of the sewage as it flows through pipes laid underground.
The research will be focussed on the mentioned questions with the hope of increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.
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| Environmentally friendly composite for 3D printing technology, structure and properties research. |
prof. dr. Vitoldas Vaitkevičius |
state-funded |
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Application of Innovative Solutions in the Renovation of Interwar Heritage Buildings: Concept Development and Evaluation
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prof. dr. Lina Šeduikytė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Application of Innovative Solutions in the Renovation of Interwar Heritage Buildings: Concept Development and Evaluation Interwar architecture covers buildings constructed between 1918 and 1940, characterized by fascinating architectural solutions incorporating modernist-era elements and national identity features. While many buildings from this period are preserved, not all of them receive sufficient attention, and there is a risk of deterioration in their condition and the loss of significant cultural attributes.
The renovation of interwar heritage buildings is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and addressing challenges related to adapting these structures to modern standards of energy efficiency, indoor microclimate, and sustainability.
The aim of this study is to develop innovative concepts for the renovation of interwar heritage buildings based on Industry 4.0 technologies, life cycle analysis (LCA), and sustainability principles. The goal is to create a model that would be valuable for the efficient renovation of heritage buildings, aligning with current and future challenges.
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Investigations of the performance characteristics of wood and polyurethane foam in the contact zone of these materials
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vyresn.m.d. dr. Raimondas Bliūdžius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Wood is increasingly used in building construction as a renewable building material with very low CO2 footprint compared to other construction materials such as concrete, metal or masonry. To improve the thermal properties of wooden structures, they are insulated with various thermal insulation materials. The polyurethane foam as a highly efficient thermal insulation material is increasingly used for this purpose. Wood, together with polyurethane foam, is used in construction site and prefabricated structures by pressing, fixing or gluing together. The wood-polyurethane joint in the enclosures is exposed to a variety of temperature and humidity conditions, most of which are variable, and the prediction of the mechanical, thermal and moisture characteristics of both the polyurethane foam and the wood in contact with it requires extensive research. The obtained results will be used to develop efficient and long-lasting solutions for polyurethane foam-insulated wooden partitions for energy-efficient low-carbon buildings.
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Modeling of Mechanical Properties and Investigations on Durability of Wooden Constructions from Natural and Glued Solid Timber (GST) and/or Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
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doc. dr. Ernestas Ivanauskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Wooden constructions are widely used in construction and other industries. The popularity of wood is determined by its relatively simple machining, availability, good physical and mechanical properties. In order to change the properties of these structures in the desired direction, wood in them is composed in various ways with other materials - metals, glass, textiles, etc. The negative qualities of wooden constructions could be characterized by a large distribution of mechanical and physical properties of wood, and low resistance to environmental influences.
In the construction, each element determines its certain property. Using a unique methodology, the mechanical properties of individual structural elements can be determined. Later, by selecting wood with appropriate properties (it is known that the mechanical properties of the same wood species can differ up to 2 times or more in the same fiber direction), composing it accordingly or with other materials, changing joining methods, material ratio or orientation in structure, it is possible to obtain desired (sometimes unique) properties.In the production of constructions from wood and wood materials, often sockets, grooves, holes, which are necessary for fastening details to each other, for communications. These elements often degrade the properties of the whole structure. By optimizing their location and orientation in the construction, the impact of these elements can be reduced. The mechanical properties of wood and wood materials are strongly influenced by environmental influences (temperature, humidity, static and dynamic loads). In order to reduce this influence, the wood is specially treated - covered or soaked with special materials, modified thermally and chemically. Evaluating these and many other aspects in the work, it would be possible to create construction elements with good mechanical properties, low material consumption, resistant to environment, "environmentally friendly“.
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Integrated Approaches for Enhancing the Structural Safety, Resilience, and Retrofitting of Buildings in the Context of Natural Hazards
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prof. dr. Andrius Jurelionis |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This research project aims to develop integrated approaches that encompass the structural safety, retrofitting, and resilience of buildings against a range of natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. The study will investigate multidisciplinary strategies to ensure buildings can withstand these hazards and recover quickly with minimal damage.
Integrated approaches for enhancing the structural safety, resilience, and retrofitting of buildings in the context of natural hazards often involve a combination of tools and technologies from various disciplines such as:
1. Structural Analysis and Design Software (Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software, Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software);
2. Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis Tools (Risk Assessment Models such as Vulnerability Curves, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools);
3. Materials and Construction Techniques (Climate-Resilient Construction Materials, Innovative Retrofitting Techniques such as Base Isolation, Damping Systems, etc.);
4. Community Engagement and Planning Tools (Community Resilience Planning Software, Public Awareness Campaigns, etc.);
5. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks (Building Codes and Standards, Risk-Informed Decision-Making Tools, etc.).
This interdisciplinary research area addresses the pressing need to prepare buildings for the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. It aims to improve building safety, reduce economic losses, and safeguard lives in vulnerable regions. Combining elements of civil engineering, architecture, environmental science, and policy development, this topic has significant real-world applications and the potential for meaningful impact.
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| The digital twin of the buildings' energy status |
prof. dr. Darius Pupeikis |
state-funded |
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Investigation of performance and durability of sealing tapes for building application
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vyresn.m.d. dr. Vaida Dobilaitė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
An essential prerequisite for energy efficiency is the long-term airtightness accomplishment of the building. Tape sealing materials are used to seal films and sheetmaterials, to attach them to structures, and to seal structural joints. During an operation of building, these sealing tapes are subject to variable humidity and temperatureconditions. The temperature and humidity of the surfaces to which the sealing materials are applied also changes, causing the tapes to damage. Changes in the propertiesof sealing materials and their adhesion to the surfaces of various materials during the operation of the building may cause a significant decrease in the airtightnessaccomplishment of the building. Therefore, it is important to investigate changes in the deformability, breaking strength, and tear resistance of tape sealing materials andto determine changes in the strength of adhesion of these materials to various surfaces during the operation of a building.
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| Semantic Enrichment of Building Information Model (BIM) Using Artificial Inteligence |
prof. dr. Darius Pupeikis |
state-funded |
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Investigation of textile waste utilization for interior decoration panels
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vyresn.m.d. dr. Milda Jucienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The aim of the research is to investigate the possibilities of producing materials from textile waste for interior decoration of buildings. It is planned to make interior panels from different textile waste using different textile materials. The main properties of panels (such as strength, impact resistance, chemical resistance, etc.), the acoustic properties of the panels, the durability of the panels will be evaluated. The result of this research is the development of a prototype - an interior panels for the buildings.
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Research on the durability of thermal-insulating and structural biocomposite from wood waste
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doc. dr. Algirdas Augonis |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
In the near future in Lithuania, it will be mandatory to use at least 50% organic matter in the construction of new public buildings. In this way, there is a need to create new construction products with organic waste, the physical-mechanical properties of which would be ensured during the operational period. In Lithuania, potentially the largest part of organic waste is wood waste, so the use of this type of waste (e.g. sawdust) for construction products will be the most attractive. These studies will aim to create and manufacture a thermo-insulating structural biocomposite block of different density with wood waste and determine its durability.
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Application of circular economy and decarbonization principles in the construction sector
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prof. dr. Lina Šeduikytė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The construction sector is the world's largest consumer of materials, and buildings are the most energy-consuming sector globally, being among the most significant contributors to environmental pollution. By 2025, worldwide construction and demolition waste is estimated to reach 2.2 billion tons. Globally, only about 40% of construction and demolition waste is reused or recycled, while the remaining 60% is placed in landfills. Both at the scientific and practical levels, there is an understanding that buildings need to be designed and constructed to minimize waste and enable the reuse of components or the recycling of materials.
Applying Circular Economy (CE) principles in the construction sector becomes necessary to efficiently manage resources, reduce waste, and contribute to sustainable development, considering society's and the environment's needs. The effective and systematic application of CE principles in the construction sector, taking into account specific challenges and opportunities, is a relevant topic. This includes the application of theoretical principles and the practical implementation of aspects that can impact the sector's sustainability outcomes.
The objective of this work is to develop a methodology for decarbonizing buildings by applying CE principles.
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