Fluid Matters

Abstract

Water interactions with building materials are addressed for major material groups including natural materials, non-technical ceramics, technical ceramics, metals, polymers, elastomers, and foams. Water quantities and qualities are identified across the life-cycle stages of building materials from sourcing and extraction, manufacturing, construction installation, operation and maintenance, and recyclability. With background information on the water cycle and physiochemistry properties, chemical interactions of building materials are highlighted to demonstrate the range of environmental impacts that building materials have upon water resources. Water consumption metrics are also correlated to the energy footprints of building material production and manufacturing processes. Various water impact calculation methods are referenced, and an overall assessment theorem is introduced for calculating the embodied water footprint of building materials. Example sum totals are indicated for each major material group in a comparative sourcing-to-operation framework.