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Frontiers of Engineering Management

ISSN 2095-7513

ISSN 2096-0255(Online)

CN 10-1205/N

Postal Subscription Code 80-905

Front. Eng    2023, Vol. 10 Issue (2) : 223-236    https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-021-0154-4
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Developing a TRL-oriented roadmap for the adoption of biocomposite materials in the construction industry
Tudor-Cristian PETRESCU1(), Johannes T. VOORDIJK2, Petru MIHAI3
1. Department of Structural Mechanics, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
2. Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, 7552 LW Enschede, the Netherlands
3. Department of Concrete, Materials, Technology and Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
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Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution. The effect of the construction industry on the environment may be mitigated using eco-friendly construction materials, such as biocomposites. Once developed, biocomposites may offer a viable alternative to the current materials in use. However, biocomposites are lagging in terms of adoption and eventual use in the construction industry. This article provides insights into the steps for biocomposites to become a product that is ready to use by the construction industry in a structural role. The development and the adoption of such a material is tackled with the use of two concepts, i.e., technology readiness level and roadmapping, and explored in a case study on the “liquid wood”. Furthermore, interviews in the construction industry are carried out to identify the industry’s take on biocomposites. A customized roadmap, which underlines a mostly nontechnical perspective concerning this material, has emerged. Additionally, the adoption and diffusion issues that the “liquid wood” may encounter are outlined and complemented with further recommendations.

Keywords biocomposite      technology readiness level      roadmap      interview      “liquid wood”     
Corresponding Author(s): Tudor-Cristian PETRESCU   
Just Accepted Date: 31 January 2021   Online First Date: 15 March 2021    Issue Date: 29 May 2023
 Cite this article:   
Tudor-Cristian PETRESCU,Johannes T. VOORDIJK,Petru MIHAI. Developing a TRL-oriented roadmap for the adoption of biocomposite materials in the construction industry[J]. Front. Eng, 2023, 10(2): 223-236.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fem/EN/10.1007/s42524-021-0154-4
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fem/EN/Y2023/V10/I2/223
Technology readiness levels
TRL 1 Basic principles observed
TRL 2 Technology concept formulated
TRL 3 Experimental proof of concept
TRL 4 Technology validated in a laboratory
TRL 5 Technology validated in a relevant environment
TRL 6 Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment
TRL 7 System prototype demonstration in an operational environment
TRL 8 System completed and qualified
TRL 9 Actual system proven in an operational environment
Tab.1  Technology readiness levels (Mihály,?2017)
Fig.1  Fast Start Process of roadmapping (based on Phaal et al. (2003)).
Fig.2  “Liquid wood” TRL-oriented roadmap.
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