cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.26188/5da554446a581
title: EPiC database - Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a fluorine-based plastic with high corrosion resistance, self-cleaning properties, ultraviolet resistance and resistant to a broad range of temperatures.<br><br>ETFE is produced by polymerising tetrafluoroethylene using water. ETFE is then extruded to the required thickness and welded into large sheets.<br><br>Due to its high resistance to the outdoor environment, ETFE is used in tensile architecture as a membrane and can also be used in inflated cushions.
DOI: 10.26188/5da5578416cc9
title: EPiC database - Softwood

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Timber comes in a wide range of varieties and sizes. It is used for structural and non-structural purposes, and can vary significantly in density, grain texture, workability, usage and cost. It is lightweight, easy to handle and transport, and has a good strength to weight ratio. It is typically divided into softwood varieties, such as Pine, Cypress and Spruce and hardwood varieties such as Victorian Ash, Blackbutt and Oak. The term hardwood and softwood is a botanical distinction, and not an indication of timber strength or density. The density of timber is highly dependent on the species, varying from 120 kg/m³ to 1 300 kg/m³ or higher.<br><br>Softwood generally has a lower density and better workability than hardwood varieties. It is comparably cheap due to the fast growing nature of many softwood plantation varieties. It is widely used for timber framing purposes, feature walls, door and windows. <br><br>Commercial timber products are typically kiln, or air-dried. Kiln/oven drying is done in a controlled environment over a relatively short time period. It produces a uniformly dried, high quality product that generally kills any fungi and insects in the wood. Air-drying is done over extended periods of time, and does not require any fuel inputs. It is cost effective, but needs to be carefully managed to reduce cracking and ensure consistent drying.
DOI: 10.26188/5da553272580f
title: EPiC database - Copper wire

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Copper is a soft and malleable non-ferrous metal and has been used in construction for hundreds of years. It has high thermal and electric conduction properties.<br><br>Copper is made by crushing mined copper ores and flash smelting them. The resulting copper sulphite is further heated with oxygen to obtain copper oxide. The latter is heated to obtain blister copper, which is used to cast anodes that are turned into pure copper cathodes through electroplating. These cathodes are melted, roll milled to a very small thickness and fed to a coiler than produces the wire.<br><br>Copper has multiple uses in construction. Copper wires are used in the majority of electrical cables.
DOI: 10.26188/5da55609d0f6f
title: EPiC database - Nylon 66

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Nylon 66 (nylon 6-6, nylon 6/6, or nylon 6,6) is a polyamide made from two monomers with six carbon atoms each. It has high mechanical strength, rigidity, good stability under heat and chemical resistance.<br><br>Nylon 66 is synthesised by polycondensating hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. The same amount of each monomere are mixed with water and crystallised to produce a nylon salt. The salt is polymerised and nylon 66 is formed. It can be extruded, granulated or spun into fibres.<br><br>Nylon 66 is mostly used as a sheet in construction, but also in rods, tubes, screws, washers, ropes and spacers.
DOI: 10.26188/5da558bf3c7d7
title: EPiC database - Wallpaper

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Wallpaper is a decorative wall finish that gained popularity as early as the 16th Century. There are two main types of wallpaper - woven and non-woven. Both include a decorative colour or print on the front and an adhesive paste to fix it to the wall. <br><br>Woven wallpapers are typically made from fabric, or heavy cotton, which is coated (often with an acrylic or polyvinyl coating). Non-woven wallpaper is made from paper, natural fibres, or synthetic materials. A backing adhesive is either applied manually, or included as a precoated layer. The backing paste is typically made from starch, wheat-derived, or a vinyl-based adhesive. Patterns are printed using a variety of printing techniques depending on the aesthetic style, and backing material used. <br><br>Wallpaper is predominantly used for decorative purposes. It varies significantly in cost, depending on the production quality and materials used.
DOI: 10.26188/5da552bc24123
title: EPiC database - Clay roof tile

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Clay roof tiles, also known as terracotta tiles are a common roofing option. They are durable, weather resistant, fire resistant, and have a high thermal mass compared with other roofing materials. Tiles are interlocking, to ensure a consistent weatherproof roof covering, and require ongoing maintenance to ensure they remain weatherproof. Tiles can be brittle, and crack easily if not handled/treated correctly. <br><br>The manufacturing process for clay tiles is similar to the production of other ceramic products. Clay is prepared and mixed to ensure consistent particle size and mineral content. The clay is then moulded or extruded into tile shaped elements. These are dried in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, and fired in a high temperature oven/kiln. Coatings or glazing can be applied to ensure the tiles are waterproof, or provide other construction or aesthetic qualities. The colour of the tile largely depends on the mineral content of the clay, the final firing temperature, or the coating/glazing applied. <br><br>Clay roof tiles are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including specific regional styles which are influenced by roof pitch, weather conditions, availability of raw materials and aesthetic qualities.
DOI: 10.26188/5da55375f3452
title: EPiC database - Double glazing - flat glass

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Double glazing - flat glass is a glazing system that combines two sheets of flat glass separated by a sealed gas-filled cavity. These systems are also commonly referred to as insulated glass units (IGU). An aluminium spacer is used to separate the glass panes, attached to the glass with an adhesive. The cavity is then filled with an inert gas. Argon, xenon and krypton are the most commonly used gases. <br><br>The double glazed system is typically used to improve the acoustic or thermal performance of a window. The thickness of each glass pane generally ranges from 3 to 10 mm and the gas-filled cavity typically ranges from 6 to 12 mm. <br><br>The same glass thickness is usually used for both panes, but in some circumstances the thickness may vary. Laminated or toughened glass can also be used in place of flat glass. Various coatings (such as low-e) can also be applied to the glass surfaces to improve its thermal, acoustic or privacy characteristics.
DOI: 10.26188/5da551dec2e47
title: EPiC database - Aluminium sheet

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Aluminium is a ductile non-ferrous metal. It is a lightweight metal with an average density of 2.7 t/m³. It is durable, corrosion resistant, a good reflector of both visible and infrared radiation, and highly recyclable. Aluminium alloys are used in the construction industry as raw aluminium typically lacks the strength required for most of its applications.<br><br>Aluminium is extracted from bauxite, its common ore, through an extensive process. Bauxite is converted to aluminium oxide through the Bayer process. Aluminium oxide (or Alumina) is then converted to aluminium billets by the electricity-intensive Hall-Héroult process, made of 99% aluminium, which can be further purified if needed. Aluminium billets are then thermoformed into the relevant shape.<br><br>Aluminium is commonly used as a construction material, notably as cladding, structural and window framing, and as a thermal reflector. Aluminium sheets or plates are used as the base material for aluminium cladding, gutters, and structural elements.
DOI: 10.26188/5da5529e3a6be
title: EPiC database - Ceramic tile

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Ceramic tiles are popular for their decorative, hard wearing, stain resistant, and water resistant qualities. Glazed tiles provide a more water and stain resistant finish, while unglazed tiles have a rougher, more natural appearance and texture. A surface coating is often applied to unglazed tiles, to provided additional water proofing. <br><br>Ceramic tiles are made from natural clays, feldspar, silica and other materials. Clays and additives are sorted and pulverised to ensure a consistent texture and consistency. The mixture is then formed into tile shaped elements, dried, and fired in a high temperature oven/kiln. Glazing and surface treatments are applied for waterproofing, and aesthetic purposes. <br><br>Ceramic tiles are used for interior and exterior non-structural purposes including flooring, cladding and decorative elements. They are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms and wet areas.
DOI: 10.26188/5da55737d3e5e
title: EPiC database - Rockwool insulation

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Rockwool, also called mineral wool, is made by spinning or drawing molten rock materials into fibres. The resulting fibrous material has a very low density and low thermal conductivity (0.04 W/(m·K)).<br><br>Rockwool is produced by melting rock at 1 600°C and blowing air or steam through the furnace to generate the fibres. Fibres can also be produced by spinning, similar to the process of making cotton candy (the same process used to make fibreglass, or glasswool). The wool is packed in rolls or matts.<br><br>Rockwool insulation is widely used in the construction industry as thermal insulation. It has a high fire resistance depending on the constituting material, with ceramic fibre wool withstanding up to 1 200°C of heat.
DOI: 10.26188/5da552ea39cdc
title: EPiC database - Concrete block

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Concrete blocks (also known as concrete masonry units or CMU) are precast rectangular shaped blocks manufactured from concrete. They generally contain one or more hollow cavities, which reduces their weight and makes handling easier. Steel reinforcement is often inserted into these cavities, which are then filled with concrete in situ to provide added strength and loadbearing capacity.<br><br>Concrete blocks come in a range of sizes, with typical blocks coming in a length of 390 mm, a height of 190 mm and depth of 90, 140 and 190 mm. Each block weighs around 10 kg and has a minimum strength of 15 MPa. A range of colours and surface textures are available.<br><br>Blocks are typically used for internal and external walls in both domestic and commercial construction and can be used with or without mortar for loadbearing and non-loadbearing applications.
DOI: 10.26188/5da5551da9cb9
title: EPiC database - High-density polyethylene (HDPE) film

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Polyethylene (PE) is the most common plastic and is a thermoplastic polymer. It has low strength and rigidity but high impact strength and ductility and low friction. It is highly waterproof.<br><br>PE is produced by polymerising ethylene monomers using different catalysts (typically metal chlorides or metal oxides). Different densities can be obtained with different properties. Multiple additives are also used to obtain different grades and properties of PE. PE is thermoformed into moulds or extruded.<br><br>High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has improved strength and durability compared to LDPE. HDPE films are usually used as geomembranes.
DOI: 10.26188/5da554738e0e0
title: EPiC database - Flat glass

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Flat glass, also known as soda-lime glass, is made from a combination of silica, soda, lime (from limestone), dolomite and aluminium oxide. Cullet, or waste glass, can also be added. The raw materials are melted at high temperature and the molten glass is then formed into flat glass using a variety of processes. A floating process, where the molten glass is floated on a bed of tin, is most common for manufacturing window glass. This gives it the common name of float glass.<br><br>The speed at which glass flows across the tin bath determines the glass thickness, which typically ranges from 2 to 25 mm. The glass is then gradually cooled (annealed) and cut to size. It can also be coated with a range of materials to provide particular characteristics (such as thermal, reflective, privacy).<br><br>Flat glass is commonly used in buildings to provide daylight and views. It is used for windows, glass doors and transparent walls.
DOI: 10.26188/5da554c7241e7
title: EPiC database - Gravel

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Gravel is a course aggregate, comprised of hard, durable and weather resistant rocks. It has excellent drainage properties, and is commonly used in construction. There are different sizes and grades of gravel available, ranging from small smooth rounded rock, to large angular crushed rock.<br><br>Gravel is produced in quarries or extracted from gravel pits. It is found naturally, in the form of eroded rock and minerals, or created by crushing rock such as limestone, basalt or sandstone. <br><br>It is commonly used for construction and landscaping purposes, including: as a base layer for walkways and roads, as bulk fill, as a drainage substrate, or as an aggregate for concrete.
DOI: 10.26188/5da5519635948
title: EPiC database - Aluminium bar

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Aluminium is a ductile non-ferrous metal. It is a lightweight metal with an average density of 2.7 t/m³. It is durable, corrosion resistant, a good reflector of both visible and infrared radiation, and highly recyclable. Aluminium alloys are used in the construction industry as raw aluminium typically lacks the strength required for most of its applications.<br><br>Aluminium is extracted from bauxite, its common ore, through an extensive process. Bauxite is converted to aluminium oxide through the Bayer process. Aluminium oxide (or Alumina) is then converted to aluminium billets by the electricity-intensive Hall-Héroult process, made of 99% aluminium, which can be further purified if needed. Aluminium billets are then thermoformed into the relevant shape. Powder coating provides additional durability, custom colour and improved performance.<br><br>Aluminium is commonly used as a construction material, notably as cladding, structural and window framing, and as a thermal reflector. Aluminium bars are typically extruded and can be used as a finishing product (flat bars) and as ventilation grilles.
DOI: 10.26188/5da55236c5619
title: EPiC database - Wool carpet

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Carpet is a common flooring material, widely used for residential and commercial flooring applications. It has good insulative properties and medium - high durability. It is typically graded using surface pile mass (g/m²), with a higher g/m² generally indicating a higher quality and more durable product.<br><br>Tufted carpet is available in three standard styles: 'cut pile', 'loop pile' and 'cut & loop pile'. Within these styles, there are significant variations in durability, aesthetic qualities and cost. During production, carpet fibre is sewn directly onto a primary backing fabric and then bonded (commonly using latex) onto a secondary backing layer (hessian, or similar). Common carpet fibres include: Nylon, Polypropylene, Wool, Wool-blends, Polyester and Acrylic.<br><br>Wool carpet is generally more expensive than nylon alternatives. It is often blended with nylon to reduce cost of production and increase durability and toughness. Wool is easy to maintain and is naturally stain resistant, although is highly absorbent making it more prone to stains from spillages.
DOI: 10.26188/5da54a4ae57a1
title: EPiC database - Concrete 25 MPa

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Concrete is a composite material combining sand or other fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, a binder and water. Portland cement is the most commonly used binder, however other binders, such as polymers, may also be used. Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) such as Fly Ash and Ground, Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), are also commonly used as a part replacement for Portland cement. Additives, such as plasticisers can be added to the mix to control concrete properties, such as workability. Concrete is usually combined with steel reinforcement to improve tensile strength.<br><br>Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials. It is highly durable and is thus typically used for structural elements in buildings and infrastructure projects. Concrete can be manufactured to meet a variety of strength grades. Concrete 25 MPa is commonly used in domestic and commercial floor construction and is considered to be a multi-purpose concrete mix. The typical mix ratio is 1:1:2 (cement, sand, coarse aggregate).<br><br>
DOI: 10.26188/5da558d1e3aa6
title: EPiC database - Water

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Water is used in significant quantities for construction activities, site preparation and as a material additive/solvent. It is also essential for all known forms of life on earth. <br><br>Although water covers approximately 70% of the earth's surface, only a small proportion is readily available for use in construction projects. With a growing population, and increasing demand for housing, construction and infrastructure projects, water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. <br><br>
DOI: 10.26188/5da5562dbfbf9
title: EPiC database - Particleboard

description: This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Particleboard, also known as chipboard, is a manufactured timber product made from reconstituted wood particles. Unlike OSB, the particles are randomly orientated, and the board has uniform properties in each direction. Due to this, it is a relatively stable product, and offers a cheaper alternative to other timber sheet products. It is typically weaker than plywood and highly susceptible to water damage, warping and expansion, and is generally not situatable for outdoor applications. <br><br>Small wood particles are layered with a formaldehyde-based resin, or melamine-based resin (for increased water resistance). Other additives are commonly included to increase resistance to insect damage, fire, and water.<br><br>Particleboard is commonly used for low cost joinery and dry area construction. It is often painted, or covered with a timber veneer or melamine coating to increase water resistance, durability and aesthetic qualities.