Browsing by Keyword "Building and Construction"
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Item 2016 terremoto en Ecuador: Mision tecnalia. Ayuda tecnica en la evaluacion de los edificios afectados(University of Cantabria - Building Technology R&D Group, 2018) Marcos, Ignacio; Díez Hernández, Jesús; Lasarte, Natalia; Gandini, Alessandra; Garmendia, Leire; Egiluz, Ziortza; Villegas, Luis; Lombillo, Ignacio; Blanco, Haydee; Boffill, Yosbel; Villegas, Luis; Lombillo, Ignacio; Blanco, Haydee; Boffill, Yosbel; E&I SEGURAS Y RESILIENTES; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANAItem 3D computational simulation of calcium leaching in cement matrices(2014-10-01) Gaitero, J. J.; Dolado, J. S.; Neuen, C.; Heber, F.; Koenders, E. A.B.; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓNCalcium leaching is a degradation process consisting in progressive dissolution of the cement paste by migration of calcium atoms to the aggressive solution. It is therefore, a complex phenomenon involving several phases and dissolution and diffusion processes simultaneously. Along this work, a new computational scheme for the simulation of the degradation process in three dimensions was developed and tested. The toolkit was used to simulate accelerated calcium leaching by a 6M ammonium nitrate solution in cement matrices. The obtained outputs were the three dimensional representation of the matrix and the physicochemical properties of individual phases as a consequence of the degradation process. This not only makes it possible to study the evolution of such properties as a function of time but also as a function of the position within the matrix. The obtained results are in good agreement with experimental values of the elastic modulus in degraded and undegraded samples.Item 3D printing effect on the compressive strength of concrete structures(2022-11-07) Aramburu, A.; Calderon-Uriszar-Aldaca, I.; Puente, I.; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThe mechanical behaviour of annular 3D-printed cylindrical specimens is studied in this paper and compared to the expected theoretical behaviour of cast-moulded geometries. First, the compressive performance of the material as per standard EN 12390-3 is presented. The theoretical estimation differed from the test results and the reasons have been verified. Two key procedures are proposed by measuring the 3D-printed shapes: a geometrical characterization, in which both the material and the process parameters are considered, and a suitable formulation for defining the effective section of the printed geometries. The aim is to establish corrections for structural calculations, considering the material and the 3D printing process on the basis of the proposed guidelines and the test specimens.Item 3d-gis models to support the co-creation of energy efficient strategies for historic urban environments(University of Cantabria - Building Technology R&D Group, 2020) Egusquiza, Aitziber; Izkara, Jose Luis; Prieto, Iñaki; Lombillo, Ignacio; Blanco, Haydee; Boffill, Yosbel; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANA; Tecnalia Research & InnovationUrban models can be powerful tools for energy assessment of urban environments and dissemination of results. ENERPAT project has tested an approach where 3D-GIS support the cocreation of innovative eco-renovation strategies for traditional energy conservation measures from a life cycle perspective, as a way to work with local produced solutions linked with new local business models. Three living labs have been created in Porto, Vitoria and Cahors as demonstration buildings and long-term thinking frameworks including stakeholders of the whole value chain. The solutions based on local materials that are being monitored have been decided by co-creation strategies using multicriteria methodologies. A multiscale characterization, evaluation and monitoring methodology has been defined in order to extrapolate the results of the selected solutions to the whole urban environments. The methodology is based in a 3D-GIS model that interrelates three scales (building, historical centers and city) through a multiscale and multi-thematic set of common key indicators. The assessment identifies the current status and estimates the impact of the selected strategies in terms of the impact on the heritage; sustainability and energy efficiency; and improvement of the quality of life (comfort, air quality, reduction of energy poverty). An urban model of the historical center of Vitoria (Spain) have been created using CityGML standard format and are adapted to support the specifications for energy rehabilitation processes in historic centers. In order to do that, three application domain extensions (energy efficiency, heritage and indicators) has been generated. The resulting CityGML models will be made persistent by storing the information in one place in an XML-based format and in a geospatial data format through the 3DCityDB extension of PostGIS. As a result, the models allow the upscaling of the impact of the monitored strategies at city scale facilitating an agile and fast first estimation of the impact.Item Adopting Resilience Thinking through Nature-Based Solutions within Urban Planning: A Case Study in the City of València(2023-05) García-Blanco, Gemma; Navarro, Daniel; Feliu, Efren; ADAPTACIÓN AL CAMBIO CLIMÁTICOThe paper exposes the experience of València in applying climate-resilient thinking to the current revision of the city’s General Urban Development Plan. A semi-quantitative, indicator-based risk assessment of heat stress was carried out on the 23 functional areas of the city sectorized by the Plan, including modeling and spatial analysis exercises. A data model of 18 indicators was built to characterize vulnerability. A thermal stress map was developed using the URbCLim model and a heat index was then calculated using Copernicus hourly data (air temperature, humidity, and wind speed) for the period of January 2008–December 2017 at a spatial resolution of 100 m × 100 m. General recommendations at the city level as well as guidelines for development planning in the functional areas at risk are provided, with specifications for the deployment of nature-based solutions as adaptation measures. From a planning perspective, the study positively informs the General Urban Development Plan, the City Green and Biodiversity Plan, and contributes to City Urban Strategy 2030 and City Missions 2030 for climate adaptation and neutrality. Applying the same approach to other climate change-related hazards (i.e., water scarcity, pluvial flooding, sea level rise) will allow better informed decisions towards resilient urban planning.Item Advances in the understanding of alkaline waste materials as potential eco-pozzolans: Characterisation, reactivity and behaviour(2024-09-01) Frías, Moisés; Moreno-Reyes, A. M.; Vigil de la Villa, Raquel; García, Rosario; Martínez-Ramírez, Sagrario; Moreno, Jaime; Oleaga, Asier; TRAZABILIDAD CIRCULARThis paper explores the potential of three industrial alkaline waste materials – concrete construction and demolition waste (CDW-C), white ladle furnace slag (LFS) and biomass ash (BA) – for use as secondary raw materials in the manufacture of future eco-cements with a reduced carbon footprint. Circularity is one of the key strategies behind the circular economy, the cement industry roadmap and the climate neutrality targets set for 2050. The three materials were characterised using various instrumental techniques (XRF, laser, BET, XRD–Rietveld, SEM/EDX, FTIR, TG/DTA and NMR) and their chemical reactivity, the changes in their mineralogical phases and the thermodynamic stability within the pozzolan/lime system were determined. Finally, their physical and mechanical behaviour in binary cement pastes at replacement proportions of 7 % and 20 % over 90 days of curing were analysed. The results obtained show that these alkaline waste materials are different in nature and composition to standard pozzolans, with the LFS containing fluorine and the BA containing sulphates, potash and chlorides. The standard combined water test showed different levels of chemical reactivity (BA > LFS > CDW-C). Analysis of the materials’ composition, mineralogical phases and thermodynamic stability over 90 days of reaction in the pozzolan/Ca(OH)2 system revealed that hydrogarnet was the stable phase in the LFS cement paste, while in the BA and CDW-C pastes ettringite and CSH and C-(A)-SH gels, among others, were the stable phases. All the blended cement pastes with 7 % and 20 % replacement content met the physical requirements and maintained the strength category of the starting cement.Item Aging and durability of ternary cements containing fly ash and activated paper sludge(2014-02-15) Vegas, I.; Gaitero, J. J.; Urreta, J.; García, R.; Frías, M.; GENERAL; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; Infraestructuras y Servicios CorporativosThis research work deals with durability aspects of ternary cements containing 79 wt.% ordinary Portland cement (CEM I), 10.5 wt.% coal fly ash and 10.5 wt.% thermally activated paper sludge. Aging tests were performed to study the resistance of the new ternary cement matrixes to the following aggressive exposure conditions: accelerated freeze/thaw cycles, marine environment and Spanish plateau climate conditions. Ternary cements revealed a high resistance to accelerated freeze/thaw cycles. In addition, after 18 months of exposure, they exhibited enhanced performance under marine conditions and similar resistance to Spanish plateau's climate, compared to ordinary Portland cement.Item Akats: A System for Resilient Deployments on Edge Computing Environments Using Federated Machine Learning Techniques(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2023) Diaz-De-Arcaya, Josu; Torre-Bastida, Ana I.; Bonilla, Lander; López-De-Armentia, Juan; Miñón, Raúl; Zarate, Gorka; Almeida, Aitor; Solic, Petar; Nizetic, Sandro; Rodrigues, Joel J. P. C.; Rodrigues, Joel J. P. C.; Rodrigues, Joel J. P. C.; Lopez-de-Ipina Gonzalez-de-Artaza, Diego; Perkovic, Toni; Catarinucci, Luca; Patrono, Luigi; HPAEdge computing is a game changer for IoT, as it allows IoT devices to independently process and analyze data instead of just sending it to the cloud. But managing this considerable number of devices and deploying workloads on them in a coordinated and intelligent manner remains a challenge nowadays. In this paper, we focus on introducing the resilience dimension into these deployments, and we provide two main contributions: the use of federated machine learning techniques to develop a collaborative tool between the different devices aimed at detecting the possibility of a device failure, and subsequently, the utilization of the inferred information to optimize deployment plans ensuring the resilience in the devices. These two advances are implemented in an intelligent system, Akats, whose architecture is described in detail in this article. Finally, an application scenario is presented, based on Industry 4.0 - Machine predictive maintenance, to exemplify the benefits of the proposed intelligent system.Item Analysis of life-cycle boundaries for environmental and economic assessment of building energy refurbishment projects(2017-02-01) Oregi, Xabat; Hernandez, Patxi; Hernandez, Rufino; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICADespite the standardization of the life-cycle assessment methodology for the construction sector, analysts tend to apply some simplifications in relation to the system boundaries, omitting some of the life-cycle stages. In particular, for building energy refurbishment projects, there is a general focus on the operational stage, linked to the main objective of reducing operational energy use. This paper evaluates the relevance of each life-cycle stage in relation to the overall environmental and economic impact on residential building energy refurbishment projects. The results from the analysis of the refurbishment strategies at a case study in Spain show the relatively minor importance of the transport and end of life stages. The construction process stage is also of relatively minor importance regarding the environmental performance. The product, maintenance and replacement stages are generally of higher importance, particularly for economic evaluation. An extensive sensitivity analysis demonstrates the difficulties of simplifying the life-cycle boundaries, suggesting that potential simplifications should take into account various parameters, including the climate region, building typologies, and expected service life. As an example, the results have shown that for cold climate zones and buildings, where large energy savings from energy refurbishment strategies can be achieved, the other life-cycle phases are less important and, in most cases, represent less than 10% of life-cycle environmental impacts.Item An analysis of the potential of envelope-integrated solar heating and cooling technologies for reducing energy consumption in European climates(2018-06) Elguezabal, Peru; Arregi, Beñat; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; EDIFICACIÓN DE ENERGÍA POSITIVAThere is a clear trend towards the increased contribution of renewable energy at European level, and EU policies are oriented towards that direction. The building sector is no exception and presents an urgent necessity for increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) to reduce the impact on the environment. The aim of this paper is to examine the potential of solar heating and cooling technologies in reducing energy consumption by incorporating solar thermal and PV collectors within the building’s envelope. Although generally envisaged to be integrated in the roof, preferably oriented to the south, this study explores also their potential for integration into the façades. External climate influences both the demand for space heating and cooling (influenced by temperature) and the potential from solar renewable energy (incident global irradiation). However, a time lag exists since supply and demand peak at different times within the day as well as during the year. This study assesses the interplay of solar energy supply with heating and cooling energy demand. An analysis is performed over climate data files for five European locations, based on daily weather data. Besides the extent of incident solar irradiation, its seasonal usability is assessed with regard to the thermal demand. The impact of the inclination of solar collector devices is assessed by comparing their placement on a horizontal plane, on the inclination of maximum exposure for each climate, and on vertical planes for the four cardinal directions. As a conclusion, the utilization of solar energy for different scenarios is assessed and a discussion on the integration of solar thermal and PV collectors over façades is presented, building on the potential of these technologies for developing innovative solutions that could significantly upgrade the buildings’ energy performance in the near future.Item An analytical comparison of two commercial consolidating products applied to eocene sandstones from 16th and 19th century monuments in San Sebastián, northern Spain(2002) García-Garmilla, F.; Rodríguez-Maribona, I.; Cano, M.; Zalbide, M.; Ibáñez-Gómez, J. A.; Osa-Chans, E.; Garín, S.; SG; E&I SEGURAS Y RESILIENTES; TRAZABILIDAD CIRCULARThe conservation of buildings in the Basque Country made of Eocene sandstone is somewhat problematical, because this type of rock is relatively unstable. This instability is due to the variable content of carbonate cement (0-28%) and the presence of K-feldspar grains (1-13%) which appear to have been dissolved by both diagenetic and environmental processes. We have compared the results of the application of two commercial consolidating products: Sicof SM 296 (product A) and Consistone FS+A (product B), both ethylsilicates, on Eocene sandstones of the Oquendo Admiral House (16th century) and the Gipuzkoa Provincial Government Palace (19th century), which are both located in the city of San Sebastián (Province of Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Northern Spain). On the basis of different chemical and physical laboratory tests, together with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, product A seems to be more efficient in consolidating such Eocene sandstone materials, since it penetrates into the first 8 mm of the rock, occupies very homogeneously even the smallest pore spaces and leaves a certain degree of remaining porosity which allows ventilation of the rock. In contrast, product B seems to be more appropriate for larger pore-sized rocks, because it only penetrates into the first 3 mm of the Eocene sandstone samples due to the thin pores of the latter. Our results demonstrate that the suitability of a commercial product depends not only on its own chemical composition, but also on the textural and lithological features of the rock material upon which it is to be applied.Item Analytical model for bar slip and pullout capacity of straight bars(2019) Murcia-Delso, Juan; Fawaz, Ghassan; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThis paper presents an analytical model to determine the bar slip and pullout capacity of straight bars embedded in well-confined concrete. The model provides a closed-form solution of the slip experienced at the loaded end of a bar, which can be used to compute the end rotation of flexural members. The slip equations are obtained from the strain penetration resulting from a set of predefined bond stress distributions along the embedment length of a bar. For bars with relatively short lengths, the slip at the unloaded end is also considered. Additionally, the model can inform the pullout capacity of a bar. Its accuracy in predicting the loaded-end slip, strains distributions, and pullout strength has been verified with experimental data. Model predictions have been also compared with results obtained with two similar models available in the literature. Finally, the model has been used to determine the base rotations and lateral displacements of hinging columns.Item Application of nanotechnology in construction Summary of a state-of-the-art report(2004-11) Zhu, W.; Bartos, P. J.M.; Porro, A.; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThe paper is an extended summary of the state-of-the-art report on Application of Nanotechnology in Construction, which is one of the main tasks of a European project Towards the setting up of a Network of Excellence in Nanotechnology in Construction (NANOCONEX). The paper first presents background information and current developments of nanotechnology in general. Then, the current activities and awareness of nanotechnology in the construction industry are examined by analysing results of a survey of construction professionals and leading researchers in the field. This is followed by results of a desk study of nanotechnology development and activities focussing on key areas relevant to construction and the built environment. Examples of nanotechnology-enabled materials and products that are either on the market or ready to be adopted in the construction industry are provided. Finally, the future trend/potential and implications of nanotechnology development in construction are discussed.Item Applications of Models and Tools for Mesoscale and Microscale Thermal Analysis in Mid-Latitude Climate Regions—A Review(2021-11-10) Lobaccaro, Gabriele; De Ridder, Koen; Acero, Juan Angel; Hooyberghs, Hans; Lauwaet, Dirk; Maiheu, Bino; Sharma, Richa; Govehovitch, Benjamin; Tecnalia Research & InnovationUrban analysis at different spatial scales (micro- and mesoscale) of local climate conditions is required to test typical artificial urban boundaries and related climate hazards such as high temperatures in built environments. The multitude of finishing materials and sheltering objects within built environments produce distinct patterns of different climate conditions, particularly during the daytime. The combination of high temperatures and intense solar radiation strongly perturb the environment by increasing the thermal heat stress at the pedestrian level. Therefore, it is becoming common practice to use numerical models and tools that enable multiple design and planning alternatives to be quantitatively and qualitatively tested to inform urban planners and decision-makers. These models and tools can be used to compare the relationships between the micro-climatic environment, the subjective thermal assessment, and the social behaviour, which can reveal the attractiveness and effectiveness of new urban spaces and lead to more sustainable and liveable public spaces. This review article presents the applications of selected environmental numerical models and tools to predict human thermal stress at the mesoscale (e.g., satellite thermal images and UrbClim) and the microscale (e.g., mobile measurements, ENVI-met, and UrbClim HR) focusing on case study cities in mid-latitude climate regions framed in two European research projects.Item Approach to the quantification of the sustainable value in industrial buildings(2007-11) San-José, J. T.; Losada, R.; Cuadrado, J.; Garrucho, I.; Centros PRE-FUSION TECNALIA - (FORMER)In recent years, there have been advances in favour of buildings being more environmental friendly. Basically, sustainable construction has centred on residential and office buildings. It could be said that there is a lack of sustainable aspects in the construction field of industrial buildings. This article aims to analyse the sustainable environmental requisites demandable for an industrial building, by defining a system of specific indicators to assess building behaviour against these requisites generating an assessment model as a base for measuring the building "environmental sustainability index".Item Artificial reefs built by 3D printing: Systematisation in the design, material selection and fabrication(2023-01-02) Yoris-Nobile, Adrian I.; Slebi-Acevedo, Carlos J.; Lizasoain-Arteaga, Esther; Indacoechea-Vega, Irune; Blanco-Fernandez, Elena; Castro-Fresno, Daniel; Alonso-Estebanez, Alejandro; Alonso-Cañon, Sara; Real-Gutierrez, Carlos; Boukhelf, Fouad; Boutouil, Mohamed; Sebaibi, Nassim; Hall, Alice; Greenhill, Sam; Herbert, Roger; Stafford, Richard; Reis, Bianca; van der Linden, Pieter; Gómez, Oscar Babé; Meyer, Hugo Sainz; Franco, João N.; Almada, Emanuel; Borges, Maria Teresa; Sousa-Pinto, Isabel; Tuaty-Guerra, Miriam; Lobo-Arteaga, Jorge; ECONOMÍA CIRCULARThe recovery of degraded marine coasts and the improvement of natural habitats are current issues of vital importance for the development of life, both marine and terrestrial. In this sense, the immersion of artificial reefs (ARs) in the marine environment is a way to stimulate the recovery of these damaged ecosystems. But it is necessary to have a multidisciplinary approach that analyses the materials, designs and construction process of artificial reefs in order to understand their true impact on the environment. For this reason, this paper presents the manufacture of artificial reefs by 3D printing, proposing designs with a combination of prismatic and random shapes, with different external overhangs as well as inner holes. For the definition of the artificial reef designs, criteria provided by marine biologists and the results obtained from a numerical simulation with ANSYS were taken into account, with which the stability of the artificial reefs on the seabed was analysed. Three dosages of cement mortars and three dosages of geopolymer mortars were studied as impression materials. The studies included determination of the rheological properties of the mortars, to define the printability, determination of the cost of the materials used, and determination of the mechanical strength and biological receptivity in prismatic specimens that were immersed in the sea for 3 months. To evaluate the environmental impact of the materials used in the production of the mortars, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out. In order to choose the mortars that encompassed the best properties studied, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) was applied and the two best mortars were used for the manufacture of the artificial reefs. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the 3D printing process used were analysed. The results of the studies carried out in this research show that cement mortars have better characteristics for artificial reef applications using 3D printing, and that the technique applied for the manufacture of the artificial reefs allowed the digital models to be faithfully reproduced.Item Assessment of particle packing models for aggregate dosage design in limestone and EAFS aggregate-based concretes(2022-04-18) García-Cortés, Verónica; García Estévez, David; San-José, José T.; TRAZABILIDAD CIRCULARAn experimental method and two discrete Particle Packing Models are assessed for aggregate mix design. The aim is to model the most compacted structure of commercial natural limestone aggregate and electric steelmaking slag fractions. The experimental method is reliable and effective, although somewhat laborious. Regarding the discrete models, the Compressible Packing Model and the 3-Parameter Particle Packing Model showed high reliability when used to perform the most compact of both the ternary and the quaternary aggregate mixtures. Eight concrete mixes were manufactured to produce concretes of low and medium workability, containing the highest possible content by volume of coarse aggregate, and their resultant in-fresh properties, defined through slump and density, confirmed the validity of using the Particle Packing Models for each mix dosage under study.Item Assessment on the Efficiency of an Active Solar Thermal Facade: Study of the Effect of Dynamic Parameters and Experimental Analysis When Coupled/Uncoupled to a Heat Pump: Study of the effect of dynamic parameters and experimental analysis when coupled/uncoupled to a heat pump(2020) Elguezabal, Peru; Lopez, Alex; Blanco, Jesus Maria; Chica, Jose Antonio; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN; SGThe building sector presents poor performance in terms of energy efficiency and is looking for effective alternatives aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels. The facade is a key element able to harness renewable energy as an Active Solar Thermal Facade (ASTF). The main purpose of this study is the assessment of a novel design concept based on a steel sandwich panel technology. The performance of the active system will be first addressed by a parametric study in order to analyze its behavior and secondly, by describing a real case based on an experimental test by connecting the active panels to a heat pump. The study shows the impact of solar irradiation and mass flow on the thermal jump achieved, while ambient and fluid inlet temperatures are the most influencing parameters in the efficiency of the facade. When coupled to the heat pump, results from a measurement campaign demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the performance of the ASTF. The results presented provide significant proof about the benefits of a synergetic combination of both technologies—solar facades and heat pumps—as efficient alternatives for the building sector, aiming to improve energy efficiency as well as reduce their dependence on non-renewable sources.Item Automation process in data collection for representing façades in building models as part of the renovation process(2023) Iturralde, Kepa; Mediavila, Asier; Elguezabal, Peru; DIGITALIZACIÓN Y AUTOMATIZACIÓN DE LA CONSTRUCCIÓN; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓNA key barrier in building façade renovation processes versus new designs is that an initial building model on which the design process is based rarely exists and that the technologies usually employed to create it (e.g., based on point cloud scanning) are costly or require modelling skills. This situation is a clear limitation, especially in early decision stages, where the level of detail required is not very high and the analysis and studies to consider the renovation plan (e.g., simplified energy simulations and renovation potential, or estimation of the number, types, and dimensions of the prefabricated modules incorporating solar panels) highly depend on such digital models. This paper introduces a process that, based on freely available data such as open GIS sources (local cadasters, OpenStreetMap…) and façade images, can semi-automatically generate the 3D building model of the existing conditions and, in a second step, can also suggest the prefabricated façades module layout for building upgrades. Additionally, no on-site visit is needed. When the upgrade is focused on the façade, a big opportunity is identified for generating the building model and a realistic representation of its envelope, only using online data sources as input. The process developed consists of a set of easy-to-use software tools that can be used independently or combined in a workflow, depending on the available data and starting conditions. Time-saving is the main benefit, which also contributes to reducing costs.Item Automatised and georeferenced energy assessment of an Antwerp district based on cadastral data(2018-08-15) Oregi, Xabat; Hermoso, Nekane; Prieto, Iñaki; Izkara, Jose Luis; Mabe, Lara; Sismanidis, Panagiotis; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICA; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANAMunicipalities play a key role in supporting Europe's energy transition towards a low-carbon economy. However, there is a lack of tools to allow municipalities to easily formulate a detailed energy vision for their city. Nevertheless, most municipalities have access to georeferenced cartographic and cadastre information, including that on basic building characteristics. This article describes an innovative method to calculate and display the current hourly thermal energy demand for each building in a district based on basic cartography, cadastre, and degree-day values. The method is divided into two main blocks: (1) input data processing to obtain geometric information (e.g. geolocation, building and facades’ dimensions) and semantic data (e.g. use, year of construction), and (2) district energy assessment to calculate the thermal energy demand using data obtained in block 1. The proposed method has been applied and tested in the historical district of Antwerp. The reliability and thoroughness of the results obtained using the method are demonstrated based on two different validations: (1) comparison of the results with those calculated using an existing dynamic energy simulation tool, and (2) comparison of the results with the real gas consumption of a partial sector of the selected district. The first validation shows that the average difference between the two methodologies is less than 11% for the heating demand, less than 11% for the cooling demand, and less than 15% for the domestic hot water demand. The second validation shows a 24% difference between the real natural gas consumption and that obtained by new methodology. Finally, the results have been presented to the municipality of Antwerp, which plans to use the method to design the district heating expansion within the city centre. Furthermore, sensitivity assessment was used to determine the relevance of the main input parameters considered in this method, such as the base temperature, energy system schedules, window-to-wall ratio, and solar gains.