Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030830
Authors: Amanda Barros Eva Barreira Lino Maia Maria Lurdes Lopes
Innovation in construction plays a fundamental role in helping us face current challenges, namely the reduction in energy consumption, the mitigation of the effects of climate change, the depletion of resources, and the generation of waste. Regarding the built environment, improving the thermal properties of the building envelope is one of the growing needs to reduce energy consumption in the building sector. In this context, thermal mortars have been a trend in the construction industry in recent years due to their ability in reducing heat transfer through the building envelope. On the other hand, the addition of waste has been studied as an alternative to improve the thermal properties of mortars and reduce the consumption of primary materials in the construction sector. This work aims to carry out a detailed review regarding the incorporation of waste in thermal mortars through the application of scientometric data analysis and a systematic literature review. To this end, the different residues incorporated into thermal mortars and the various percentages and forms of incorporation were identified throughout the publications gathered in this review. The most studied properties regarding the thermal mortars with the addition of waste were also the subject of study. A comprehensive database of thermal mortars with the incorporation of waste is presented, in which the objectives of the studies, the wastes and forms of incorporation and the measured properties are highlighted. The main results of the analysed researches are deeply discussed and the gaps in this area of the knowledge are identified to point out new directions and possible perspectives for future studies in the field of thermal mortars incorporating waste.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030826
Authors: John Bellos Apostolos Konstantinidis
This paper examines and provides a robust solution to the problem of yield and failure curvatures of reinforced concrete (RC) cross-sections, taking into account cracking. At the same time, it calculates the corresponding necessary reinforcement or the moment of resistance in both yield and failure limit states. Computationally, the problem of determining the actual curvatures is reduced to the bending design problem of the cross-section in the yield and failure limit states. This study shows the researcher and the designer how to systematically calculate the strains for different concrete and steel grades and for standard or random cross-sections. This complex process is quite necessary to determine the respective curvatures. The main concept is presented with an emphasis on the “solution regions” as well as the critical cases of the “asymptotic regions”, both in yield and failure limit states. Our wide-ranging research on RC element design under biaxial bending with axial force for both yield and failure limit states has been completed and validated via sophisticated algorithms and is available for publication.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030827
Authors: Peter Adekunle Clinton Aigbavboa Opeoluwa Akinradewo Matthew Ikuabe Kenneth Otasowie
The primary objective of this study survey is to close knowledge gaps by measuring the responses from construction experts and investigating the significant effects of using digital technologies in construction information management (CIM). This is attributed to the lack of thorough knowledge among construction professionals on the implications and efficacy of incorporating digital tools in construction information management. A thorough analysis of the literature on the use of digital technologies revealed outcomes related to digitized ways of managing construction information, which were then contextually tailored through a pilot study and presented in the form of a postulated model. A total of 257 stakeholders in the building industry were given questionnaire surveys to complete in order to gather primary data. The final model of the result of adopting digital technology was statistically validated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). By concentrating on the quantitative contribution of the most important result to the adoption of digital technologies throughout the process of CIM, this study closes this knowledge gap. The three primary benefits that digital technologies have the most influence on are communication, operational efficiency, and market intelligence, according to this paper’s conclusions. The research showed that encouraging relationships that enable the use of digital technologies should be promoted between technology providers and construction companies. In order to adopt and improve digital solutions, construction firms and technology providers will be able to collaborate in an ecosystem. By shedding light on the implementation and impact of digital technologies in the construction sector, the study helps to close this knowledge gap. The study offers valuable information for upcoming initiatives that support digital transformation through construction methods. The results serve as instructions for the government authorities to help them focus their efforts and distribute their resources more effectively.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030829
Authors: Suppapon Tetiranont Wannapol Sadakorn Napong Tao Rugkhapan Lapyote Prasittisopin
An environmentally conscious architectural design of a railway station can have a substantial influence on government spending. Nevertheless, an extensive collection of guidelines for using sustainable design principles in the construction of a railway station can provide several advantages. The goal is to review design visions for railway stations in Thailand, as reflected in student theses and government proposals, from 1983 to 2022 for sustainable design aspects in tropical climates. We perform an analysis of architectural design aspects including service areas, shape, entrances, roofing, style, and development in order to uncover design trends and possible areas that may be enhanced. Station designs are mostly characterized by curved and gable roofs, with 3D curved buildings being the next most common feature. High speed rail (HSR) stations stress local cultural elements in their major entrances while also improving passenger flow. Public buildings frequently employ curved or gabled porticos to achieve a majestic look. Although university theses place a high importance on conceptual design and functionality, it is essential to also consider cost-effectiveness. Key design considerations for future railway stations are transparency, connection, efficient mobility, and cost–time efficiency. The research uncovers deficiencies in user-centered design for thermal comfort and inclusiveness (design-for-all) in Thailand’s tropical environment. Addressing these aspects is critical for future sustainable railway station design evaluations.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030825
Authors: Amin Habibi Nafise Kahe
This study investigates how permeable and cool pavements, green roofs, and living walls affect microclimatic conditions and buildings’ energy consumption in an arid urban setting: Shiraz. The study aims to evaluate the role of green infrastructure in mitigating urban heat island effects and enhancing outdoor conditions. By utilizing environmental modeling tools, specifically the ENVI-met 5.1.1 and Design Builder 7.0.2 software, a comprehensive analysis was conducted across various scenarios during both the summer and winter seasons. The results show that permeable pavements with 80% grass coverage reduced the mean average air temperature by 1.18 °C in summer mornings compared to the reference case. In both the summer and winter scenarios, the living wall intervention consistently emerged as the most effective strategy, showcasing substantial reductions in cooling consumption, CO2 emissions, and electricity consumption. With a 25% reduction in cooling consumption, a 14.7% decrease in CO2 emissions, and an impressive 53.4% decline in electricity consumption, the living wall excelled in its environmental impact, and it stands out for its substantial electricity savings. While the green roof and permeable pavement scenarios demonstrated more modest gains, their integration could offer a synergistic solution, warranting further exploration for optimized energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. These findings indicate the intrinsic connection between sustainable landscaping strategies and their influence on urban microclimate and building energy efficiency.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030828
Authors: Hua Huang Zhenfeng Peng Jinkun Hou Xudong Zheng Yuxi Ding Han Wu
Disc buckle steel pipe brackets are widely used in building construction due to the advantages of its simple structure, large-bearing capacity, rapid assembling and disassembling, and strong versatility. In complex construction projects, the uncertainties affecting the stability of disc buckle steel pipe support need to be considered to ensure the safety of disc buckle steel pipe supports. A surrogate model based on a deep neural network is built and trained to predict the ultimate load-carrying capacity of a stent. The results of the finite element model calculations are used to form the sample set of the surrogate model. Then, we combined the computationally efficient DNN surrogate model with the Monte Carlo method to consider the distribution of the ultimate load capacity of the disc buckle bracket under the uncertainties of the bracket node pin wedge tightness, the wall thickness of the steel pipe, and the connection of the connecting wall member. At the same time, based on the DNN model, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretability analysis method was used to study the degree of influence of various uncertainty factors on the ultimate bearing capacity of the stent. In practical engineering, the stability analysis of a disc buckle tall formwork support has shown that a surrogate model based on a deep neural network is efficient in predicting the buckling characteristic value of the support. The error rate of the prediction is less than 2%. The buckling characteristic values of the bracket vary in the range of 17–25. Among the various factors that influence the buckling characteristic value of the bracket, the joint wedge tightness has the greatest impact, followed by the bottom and top wall-connecting parts.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030824
Authors: Xinyi Wang Yixuan Xie Linhui Xia Jin He Beiyu Lin
As Melbourne faces exponential population growth, the necessity for resilient urban planning strategies becomes critical. These strategies include mixed land use, density, diversity, and sustainable transportation through transit-oriented development (TOD). While TOD promises to accommodate growing populations and address environmental concerns, it also raises issues regarding its unintended consequences on poverty and inequality, notably through residential displacement and gentrification. This study investigates the impacts of TOD construction on inequality in Footscray, employing spatial analysis techniques like the hedonic price model (HPM), robust regression analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. It aims to understand how spatial factors influence housing prices and their correlations. Additionally, the study uses observational spatial analysis via Google Street View (GSV) to examine indices such as housing development type, traffic signage, sanitation facilities, and house beautification. This approach seeks to build an evaluation framework to assess the extent of TOD street reconstruction and its impact on gentrification and displacement. The research adapts existing knowledge to create a tool for reviewing past planning decisions and assessing the fairness of TOD planning implementation. By providing assessment and guidance to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of TOD, this study contributes to the advancement of urban-planning practices, offering insights into mixed land use and effective strategies to balance economic development and social equity, thereby enhancing community resilience. Ultimately, this research deepens our understanding of the impacts of TOD on urban inequality and offers practical tools and insights for more equitable and sustainable urban development.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030823
Authors: Yi Zhang Zheng Tian Jiacheng Du Shibo Bi
Assessment of the spatial distribution and accessibility of traditional villages is closely related to their development. However, the impacts of spatial heterogeneity on the accessibility of traditional villages remain largely unknown. A total of 644 national-level traditional villages in the Jiangnan region were used to explore the spatial heterogeneity impact with a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. We found: (1) spatially, the villages exhibit a predominant aggregation distribution pattern with significant local spatial disparities (R < 1, p < 0.01), predominantly originating from the Song and Ming dynasties (59.21%). Their clustering shifts from northeast to southwest, with over 70% of the villages located on slopes ranging from 0° to 20° and within 1 km of water. (2) The accessibility of these villages is generally low, with 85.66% being accessible within 200 ~ 300 min; it decreases concentrically outwards from Changzhou and exhibits clustering autocorrelation characteristics (Moran’s I > 0, Z > 2.58). (3) Road network density, elevation, and slope are significantly correlated with accessibility (p < 0.05), demonstrating pronounced spatial heterogeneity in their effects, with these factors collectively explaining approximately 85% of the accessibility levels. These findings provide a basis for comprehensive planning and categorized strategies for traditional villages.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030822
Authors: Wenbin Zhang Yan Feng Xiangqiang Zeng Ming Xu Liang Gong Lijun Rui
A new type of assembled integral multi-ribbed composite floor system with novel wet joint and steel sleeve connections, which exhibits satisfactory strength and stiffness, was proposed in the previous study. To further study the flexural performances of the joints, six groups of specimens, including two cast in situ concrete slabs and four composite slabs sized 4700 mm × 1200 mm × 300 mm and 2450 mm × 1200 mm × 300 mm, were investigated under four-point flexural tests. Four main influence factors were experimentally studied, i.e., casting methods, joint amounts, shear span lengths, and steel sleeve layout directions, on the failure modes, crack distributions, and deflection–load carrying capacity relationship. Test results indicated that the proposed composite slab system could provide the ultimate bearing capacity lower by 7% than that of the cast in situ concrete slabs, largely exceeding the code-predicted strength. No strain difference between the steel sleeve connections and steel rebars indicated good wet joint connection behavior. More hollow-core sections and long shear spans increased the potential of interfacial splitting cracks, leading to a shorter elastic stage and lower elastic stiffness. A finite element model was further parametrically conducted to explore the structural performances. Finite element results also indicate that the precast concrete slab had a more significant influence on the failure loads than the influences of concrete compressive strength and lap-splice steel rebar strength. These findings indicate that the proposed composite slab systems possess a satisfactory performance in the ultimate bearing capacity and deformability. Thus, such an assembled integral multi-ribbed composite floor system can be widely applied in construction.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030821
Authors: Rocco Ditommaso Felice Carlo Ponzo
In recent years, the development of quick and streamlined methods for the detection and localization of structural damage has been achieved by analysing key dynamic parameters before and after significant events or as a result of aging. Many Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems rely on the relationship between occurred damage and variations in eigenfrequencies. While it is acknowledged that damage can affect eigenfrequencies, the reverse is not necessarily true, particularly for minor frequency variations. Thus, reducing false positives is essential for the effectiveness of SHM systems. The aim of this paper is to identify scenarios where observed changes in eigenfrequencies are not caused by structural damage, but rather by non-stationary combinations of input and system response (e.g., wind effects, traffic vibrations), or by stochastic variations in mass, damping, and stiffness (e.g., environmental variations). To achieve this, statistical variations of thresholds were established to separate linear non-stationary behaviour from nonlinear structural behaviour. The Duffing oscillator was employed in this study to perform various nonlinear analyses via Monte Carlo simulations.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030820
Authors: Wei Wang Huanhuan Feng Yanzong Li Quanwei You Xu Zhou
At present, the determination of tunnel parameters mainly rely on engineering experience and human judgment, which leads to the subjective decision of parameters and an increased construction risk. Machine learning algorithms could provide an objective theoretical basis for tunnel parameter decision making. However, due to the limitations of a machine learning model’s performance and parameter selection methods, the prediction model had poor prediction results and low reliability for parameter research. To solve the above problems, based on a large number of construction parameters of a composite section subway in Shenzhen, this paper combined dimensionality reduction data with service analysis to optimize the selection process of shield tunneling parameters, and determined the total propulsion force, cutter head torque, cutter head speed, and advance rate as key tunneling parameters. Based on an LGBM algorithm and Bayesian optimization, the prediction model of key tunneling parameters of an earth pressure balance shield was established. The results showed that the average error of the LGBM model on the test set was 8.18%, the average error of the cutter head torque was 13.93%, the average error of the cutter head speed was 3.16%, and the average error of advance rate was 13.35%. Compared with the RF model, the prediction effect and the generalization on the test set were better. Therefore, an LGBM algorithm could be used as an effective prediction method for tunneling parameters in tunnel construction and provide guidance for the setting of tunneling parameters.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030819
Authors: Jielin Li Tong Zhang Zhiwei Zhou Daqian Li Jidong Teng
In order to study the characteristics of P-wave velocity and resistivity of loess with different moisture contents, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, resistivity, and P-wave velocity tests were carried out on loess samples with 11 different moisture contents. The test results show that under the condition of the same dry density, the water in loess exists in two forms: bound water and free water. With the increase in moisture content, the water porosity of loess increases, the proportion of free water increases, and the resistivity gradually decreases and then tends to be stable, showing a power function relationship with moisture content. When the moisture content is less than 20%, the P-wave velocity decreases with the increase in the moisture content. In comparison, when the moisture content is greater than 20%, the wave velocity increases with the increase in the moisture content. A modified relation between wave velocity and moisture content and saturation is put forward, and the relationship expression between wave velocity and resistivity of loess is established. Finally, the reliability is verified by experimental data. The research results have a certain guiding significance for real-time monitoring of loess moisture content and engineering stability analysis in the loess area.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030818
Authors: Raghad Almashhour Haneen Abuzaid Sameh El-Sayegh
The construction industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, continuously adapting to societal needs. Within this context, project managers play a pivotal role in steering projects from inception to completion. This study delves into the vital dimension of creativity among project managers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its substantial contribution to the growth of the construction industry in the region. Research in the broader field of construction and project management has traditionally concentrated on factors such as scheduling, cost control, and risk management. However, a noticeable gap exists in the exploration of the relationship between project manager creativity and project success. Hence, the objective of this study is to comprehensively explore various dimensions of project managers’ creativity and evaluate its influence, alongside other criteria, on the outcomes of construction projects. Dimensions and indicators of creativity are derived from a meticulous literature review, and online survey questionnaires were employed to gather insights from individuals engaged in construction projects. The resulting hypothetical model underwent rigorous statistical analysis, employing confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings indicate a positive impact of tacit knowledge sharing and emotional intelligence on the creativity of construction project managers in the UAE. Moreover, the study establishes that project managers’ creativity, combined with other criteria, significantly contributes to the success of construction projects in the region. These insights are instrumental for fostering creativity among project managers and enhancing overall project success within the construction industry. The study’s originality lies in its distinct contribution to the discourse on creativity in the construction sector.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030817
Authors: Xiaoyun Song Heping Zheng Lei Xu Tingting Xu Qiuyu Li
An investigation was carried out to study the influence of two types of anti-washout admixtures (AWAs) on the performance of underwater concrete, specifically, workability and washout resistance. The tested AWAs were hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) as nonionic AWAs and carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and polyanionic cellulose (PAC) as anionic AWAs. Rheological properties (slump and slump flow), washout resistance, and compressive strength were measured to evaluate the properties of the fresh and hardened concrete. The results indicate that anionic AWAs are more effective at improving workability and strength than nonionic AWAs in anti-washout underwater concrete. When the nonionic AWA dosage exceeded 0.3% (W/C = 0.45), the fluidity and air content were negatively impacted. Additionally, nonionic AWAs more readily alter the morphological structure of cement paste, affecting cement particle hydration and underwater concrete properties. Regarding the mechanical properties, compared with those of concrete without AWAs and with nonionic AWAs, the 28-day compressive strength of concrete with anionic AWAs reached 37 MPa, an increase of 151% and 131%, respectively. Compared with nonionic AWAs, concrete with anionic AWAs is more stable.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030816
Authors: Yongzhi Jiu Yunfeng Gao Fuguang Lei Yanzhi Zhu Zhizeng Zhang
Stiffened deep cement mixing (SDCM) piles are composite piles that combine the advantages of single large-diameter deep cement mixing (DCM) and precast concrete piles. They comprise precast concrete piles as the core and cast-in-place DCM piles as the outer layer. This study evaluates the bearing characteristics of SDCM piles under vertical loading. The composite modulus of elasticity of SDCM piles is first introduced and determined using the area-weighted average method. Then, the reliability of the proposed method is described by comparing the calculated results with the findings of the existing literature. Furthermore, a nonlinear simplified analysis method based on the load transfer method is proposed for vertical bearing characteristics of equal- and short-core SDCM piles under vertical loading. This method is developed by the finite difference method. The accuracy of the simplified method is validated by comparing its results with those from existing tests, theoretical analysis, and finite element simulations. The results of their study indicated that the area-weighted average method calculates the composite modulus of elasticity of the composite pile section of the SDCM piles with an error below 0.5% compared to the analytical method. This finding represents sufficient accuracy. The simplified calculation method established in this study is computationally stable. When the iteration factor is set to 10−6, as the number of discrete nodes n on the pile increases, the calculation results are stable with a good convergence when n > 30. The vertical bearing capacity and pile top stiffness of SDCM piles increased with the length of the core piles. There was a reasonable core-to-length ratio for SDCM piles in specific scenarios. An excessively long DCM pile section made its lower part force-free for a given length of core piles. The appropriate length of core piles should be determined in actual projects to avoid unnecessary material waste. An optimum ratio of core piles for SDCM piles was determined. Beyond this optimal value, an increase in the ratio of core piles controlled the pile settlement in a limited manner.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030815
Authors: Svetlana Pushkar
Over the past five years, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interior version 4 (LEED-CI v4)-certified office projects have been intensively studied in the USA and China, but they have not yet been studied in the Mediterranean region. The purpose of this study was to explore office building certification strategies for LEED-CI v4-certified projects in the Mediterranean region. The study design included pairwise comparative analyses between Spain (number of projects (n) n1 = 14), Türkiye (n2 = 13), and Israel (n3 = 11). Cliff’s δ and exact Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests were used to process ordinal and discrete data, while the natural logarithm of the odds ratio and 2 × 2 Fisher’s exact tests were used to handle dichotomous data. It was found that Spain and Türkiye outperformed Israel in the Location and Transportation (LT) category due to their desire to reduce the use of private transport. Spain and Türkiye were ahead of Israel in the LTc5 “reduced parking footprint” credit (p = 0.008 and 0.0005, respectively). Israel outperformed Spain and Türkiye in the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category due to the sum of all six EA credits (p = 0.086 and 0.010). Spain overtook Türkiye and Israel in the Materials and Resources (MRs) category due to Spain’s increased use of environmental product declarations. Spain and Türkiye were ahead of Israel in the following four MRs credits: MRc1 “long-term commitment” (p = 0.030), MRc2 “interiors life cycle impact reduction” (p = 0.037), MRc3 “building product disclosure and optimization—environmental product declarations” (p = 0.029), and MRc5 “building product disclosure and optimization—material ingredients” (p = 0.034). Spain, Türkiye, and Israel showed similarly low levels of achievement in the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) category (p ≥ 0.405). However, Spain and Türkiye outperformed Israel in the following two credits: EQc1 “enhanced indoor air quality strategies” and EQc2 “low-emitting materials” (p = 0.001 and 0.060, respectively). In parallel, Israel outperformed Türkiye in the EQc3 “construction indoor air quality management plan” (p = 0.026), and Israel outperformed Spain in the EQc8 “quality views” credit (p = 0.066). As a result, a pairwise comparison of the three Mediterranean countries showed that each country has a unique LEED certification strategy. Knowledge of the above green building strategies will be helpful for LEED professionals.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030814
Authors: Stergios Roumeliotis Kyriakos Lampropoulos Ekaterini Delegou Elisavet Tsilimantou Vasileios Keramidas Asterios Bakolas Antonia Moropoulou
The restoration of historic buildings and structures involves a wide range of scientific and technical fields. The grouting process is among an array of rehabilitation and preservation interventions and aims to homogenize the structure after the implementation of strengthening measures. The process can provide important information regarding the state of preservation of the examined structure and correlate the progress of the process with the pathology of the monument. To achieve this, the analysis of typical raw grouting data is progressively fused with additional information from the diagnostic studies, non-destructive testing, geospatial information, and from the calculation and analysis of grouting indices. The restoration project of the Katholikon of the Monastery of Panagia Varnakova in Fokida, Greece was selected as the case study, due to its large scale and the severe earthquake damage it has sustained, which has necessitated comprehensive strengthening interventions and extensive grouting. The implementation of an integrated methodological approach validated the enhanced level of co-analysis, revealing information that is not readily deduced from a typical approach. Selected sub-areas of the Katholikon are presented, demonstrating how the observed pathology can be correlated with the results of the grouting process, while incorporating 3D data, and findings from structural and non-destructive analyses.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030813
Authors: Rodrigo Scoczynski Ribeiro Marc Arnela Manuel Teixeira Braz-César Rúbia Mara Bosse Laura Silvestro Gustavo de Miranda Saleme Gidrão Mariane Kempka Dyorgge Alves Silva Marcela Maier Farias Czap
In Brazil, there is a shortage of approximately 5.80 million residences, a challenge that intensified during the pandemic. Since 2013, there has been a mandate to implement specific performance criteria in residential constructions. However, many construction firms face difficulties in meeting these standards, especially concerning sound insulation in partition elements. This work aims to assess the airborne sound insulation performance and compliance with legal standards in new residential buildings through measurements and simulations. In particular, subsidized housing units for low-income populations are studied, which are eligible for reduced taxes on building loans. These buildings are typically made of hollow ceramic blocks with vertical perforations as separating walls, a commonly used national building material. Three buildings located in Guarapuava, a southern city in Brazil with a population of approximately 183,000 residents, were selected for this purpose. Measurements were conducted following ISO 16283-1 guidelines, whereas simulations were performed using ISO 12354-1, initially assuming a uniform plate but also exploring an alternative model that considers orthotropic behavior with analytical expressions. The calculations considered both static and dynamic moduli of elasticity. The results indicated that all the units failed to meet the specified standards. The measured DnT,w values were below the required thresholds, obtaining 42 < 45 dB for Building B1, 40 < 45 dB for Building B2, and 38 < 40 dB for Building B3. The predicted DnT,w values agreed well with the measured values when considering orthotropy with a dynamic elastic modulus. However, discrepancies were observed in the spectral analysis, especially at lower and higher frequencies. The findings suggest refraining from employing single-leaf partition walls made of vertical hollow ceramic blocks in such buildings. Improving sound insulation necessitates embracing a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the separating element, flanking paths, and the room geometries.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030812
Authors: Marek Chabada Pavol Durica Peter Juras
Current building envelope greening systems are not just areas covered with vegetation. Today’s systems can maximise the functional contribution of vegetation to a building’s performance and become part of a sustainable urban renewal strategy. The impact of the vegetation layer directly affects the building in its immediate vicinity, from the outside, while also having a significant impact on the indoor environment. Green roofs are the most widespread vegetated structures worldwide. This paper aims to demonstrate the behaviour of the temperature regime of an extensive green roof over a production hall and an administrative area in comparison to that of a roof without vegetation cover. In evaluating the results, a period with weather representative of winter and summer was selected to show the importance of seasonality. The fact that this is a new building, and that the extensive roof is not fully covered with vegetation, is very well reflected in the results, as the absence of a vegetated area significantly affects the temperature of as well as the heat flux through the roof structure. The dark colour of the substrate absorbs significantly more solar radiation than the light surface of the waterproofing, resulting in an increase in temperature and heat flux into the structure.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030811
Authors: Xianzheng Yu Hua Liu Xiaolin Fan Liangyu Zhu Chengqi Zhang Shiyi Zhang
In marine environments, bridge piers and columns are prone to corrosion caused by harmful media, particularly chloride ions. This corrosion can lead to cracking of the steel bars in the protective layer of the bridge piers. To enhance the corrosion resistance of concrete in bridge piers, this article introduces the use of nanoclay-modified cement mortar. This innovative material offers high-performance surface treatment options that can effectively slow down the erosion process of harmful media and reduce the risk of bridge pier column cracking. To evaluate the ion erosion resistance of this nanoclay-modified cement mortar, we conducted detailed experiments on the pore structure of cement paste. The pore structure of cement paste with different dosages of nano-kaolinite clay and the dispersion method was studied using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The fractal dimension of the pore surface area of the net cement paste was calculated from the fractal model based on thermodynamic relationships of the pore structure-related parameters obtained with mercury pressure experiments. The relationship among the multiple fractal dimensions, pore structure parameters, dispersion mode, and permeability is explored. The results show that the addition of nano-kaolinite clay particles can improve the internal pore structure of cement materials. When 1.5% nano-kaolinite clay is mechanical dispersed, the total specific pore volume and the most probable pore size are reduced by 47.83% and 56.87%, respectively, compared with the control group. The fractal dimension image of cement-based materials with nano-kaolinite clay has a range of singular points and does not have fractal characteristics in this range. Nano-kaolinite clay has a significant effect on the fractal dimension of pore size range I. The fractal dimension of the whole pore size range is not suitable for the analysis of permeability, and the fractal dimension calculated by selecting less than the critical pore size range has a good correlation with permeability.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030810
Authors: Chaohong Wang Xudong Zhang Wang Chen Feihu Jiang Xiaogang Zhao
Modernization and industrialization have significantly increased energy consumption, causing environmental problems. Given that China is the largest energy user, the rise in building energy consumption necessitates clean energy alternatives. The purpose of this study is to summarize typical building models for primary and secondary schools in Hainan Province, and to use software to simulate and calculate the photovoltaic utilization potential of primary and secondary school buildings. In China, the government is usually the manager of primary and secondary schools, and due to their architectural characteristics, these buildings can be used to assess photovoltaic applications. The aim is to drive the application of photovoltaic systems in all types of buildings and promote urban energy reform. This study summarizes the types of primary and secondary school buildings in Hainan Province and analyzes them. It evaluates rooftop photovoltaic projects at the Second Middle School and the Siyuan School in Wanning City, Hainan Province, and uses PVsyst 7.2 software to assess the photovoltaic utilization potential. The results show that the optimal orientation in Hainan Province is south-facing, and the optimal inclination angle is 10° to 20°. The most favorable orientations of facade photovoltaic systems are 20° southeast or southwest. The longest dynamic investment payback period is approximately 15 years, and the environmental benefits are $0.012/kWh. The findings indicate significant potential for photovoltaic applications in primary and secondary school buildings. A combination of facade and rooftop photovoltaics can result in the zero-energy consumption of these buildings, reducing the pressure on urban power grids and achieving sustainable utilization.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030809
Authors: Wahhaj Ahmed Baqer Al-Ramadan Muhammad Asif Zulfikar Adamu
Energy and environmental challenges are a major concern across the world and the urban residential building sector, being one of the main stakeholders in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, needs to be more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. While it is easier to design net zero energy homes, existing home stocks are a major challenge for energy retrofitting. Two key challenges are determining the extent of retrofitting required, and developing knowledge-based effective policies that can be applied en-masse to housing stocks and neighborhoods. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to gather critical data about qualities of existing buildings including their age, geo-location, construction type, as well as electro-mechanical and occupancy parameters of each dwelling. The objective of this study was to develop a GIS-based model embedded with critical data of residential buildings to facilitate evidence-based retrofit programs for urban neighborhoods. A model based on a bottom-up approach was proposed in which information gathered from all stakeholders was inputted into one database that can be used for decision-making. A geo-located case study to validate a proposed GIS-based residential retrofitting model sample size of 74 residential buildings in the city of Riyadh was statistically analyzed and used. The results indicate behavior-based patterns, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.606) between the number of occupants and number of household appliances, while regression analysis showed high occupancy rates do not necessarily result in high utility costs at the end of the month, and there is no statistical difference in the average monthly cost of gas between partial and fully occupied houses. Furthermore, neither the type of building, height, age, nor occupancy status play a significant role in the average energy consumed. Additionally, the GIS-based model was validated and found to be effective for energy-use mapping and gathering critical data for analyzing energy consumption patterns at neighborhood scale, making it useful for municipalities to develop effective policies aimed at energy efficient and smart neighborhoods, based on a recommended list of most effective energy-saving retrofit measures.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030808
Authors: Dejiang Wang Quanming Jiang Jinzheng Liu
In the field of building information modeling (BIM), converting existing buildings into BIM by using orthophotos with digital surface models (DSMs) is a critical technical challenge. Currently, the BIM reconstruction process is hampered by the inadequate accuracy of building boundary extraction when carried out using existing technology, leading to insufficient correctness in the final BIM reconstruction. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel deep-learning- and postprocessing-based approach to automating reconstruction in BIM by using orthophotos with DSMs. This approach aims to improve the efficiency and correctness of the reconstruction of existing buildings in BIM. The experimental results in the publicly available Tianjin and Urban 3D reconstruction datasets showed that this method was able to extract accurate and regularized building boundaries, and the correctness of the reconstructed BIM was 85.61% and 82.93%, respectively. This study improved the technique of extracting regularized building boundaries from orthophotos and DSMs and achieved significant results in enhancing the correctness of BIM reconstruction. These improvements are helpful for the reconstruction of existing buildings in BIM, and this study provides a solid foundation for future improvements to the algorithm.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030807
Authors: Ebuka Valentine Iroha Tsunemi Watanabe Tsuchiya Satoshi
Many studies have been conducted on the poor performance of the construction industry. Nigeria’s construction industry has been linked to project delays and cost overruns, leading to many abandoned construction projects throughout the country. These issues are largely attributed to inadequate project management practices and the underutilization of project managers. To address these challenges, an institutional analysis was conducted to examine the factors, within the institutional framework of the Nigerian construction industry, that hinder the effective utilization of project managers and the implementation of project management practices. Data were collected from the previous literature and were supported by data collected through semi-structured interviews in Nigeria. The collected data were coded into a four-level framework for institutional analysis. This method was employed to analyze the interrelationships between the identified embedded factors, institutional laws and regulations, and construction organizations, and to understand how their influence results in the underutilization of project managers. Deviation analysis was conducted as an additional method to categorize the impacts of the embedded factors at each institutional level and to determine how these impacts contribute to the underutilization of project managers in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). It was found that the system of the underutilization of project managers consists of two subsystems: underutilization and lowering commitment. For the former subsystem, corruption, political influence, religious and tribal discrimination, and organizational culture were found to adversely influence the institutional structure of the construction industry in Nigeria. These factors weaken the governance mechanisms within the industry, leading project managers to prioritize corrupt practices over project needs. The ineffectiveness of existing laws and regulations exacerbates the situation, supporting unfair working conditions and contributing to the underperformance of project managers. This result leads to development at the top of the latter subsystem, with minimal incentives and limited opportunities for career growth within construction organizations. The findings hold significant potential for addressing systemic issues in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly the underutilization of project managers and organizational support measures to improve project management practices and mitigate the adverse effects of corruption.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030806
Authors: Bin Wu Jia-Ning Wu Yan Lu Wei-Yi Zhang Dong Zhang Song-Han Wang
An ordinary double steel plate–concrete composite wall (ODSC wall) is composed of core concrete, the faceplates, and shear connectors such as studs, etc. Based on an ODSC wall, a new type of stiffened double steel plate–concrete composite wall (SDSC wall) is conceived by incorporating additional stiffeners and tie plates on the internal surface, which aims to improve the local stability of the faceplates. In the authors’ previous study, a series of axial compression tests were conducted on the SDSC walls. The SDSC walls in the test showed better mechanical performance, as the presence of stiffeners changed the buckling deformation mode and significantly improved the corresponding local buckling stress and ultimate strength. In this paper, a comprehensive summary of the prior research on SDSC walls is provided, and the effect of the constructive parameters on the local stability is discussed. The results reveal that the modified formula of the critical stress can degrade to the Euler formula when the stiffener-to-stud spacing ratio (i.e., a/B ratio) approaches infinity. What is more, the analysis model is also applicable for DSC walls with enclosed side plates, and the proposed formula can predict the buckling stress of the SDSC walls with different a/B ratios. In addition, according to the analysis of the numerical simulation, a design approach for SDSC walls to prevent local buckling is provided, which is applicable in practical engineering applications.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030805
Authors: Martin Hauer Sascha Hammes Philipp Zech David Geisler-Moroder Daniel Plörer Josef Miller Vincent van Karsbergen Rainer Pfluger
In the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become instrumental in shaping the design and commissioning of smart buildings. At the center of this development is the pursuit of more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable built environments. The emergence of smart buildings equipped with advanced sensor networks and automation systems increasingly requires the implementation of Digital Twins (DT) for the direct coupling of BIM methods for integral building planning, commissioning, and operational monitoring. While simulation tools and methods exist in the design phase of developing advanced controls, their mapping to construction or post-construction models is less well developed. Through systematic, keyword-based literature research on publisher-independent databases, this review paper gives a comprehensive overview of the state of the research on BIM integration of building control systems with a primary focus on combined controls for daylight and artificial lighting systems. The review, supported by a bibliometric literature analysis, highlights major development fields in HVAC controls, failure detection, and fire-detection systems, while the integration of daylight and artificial lighting controls in Digital Twins is still at an early stage of development. In addition to already existing reviews in the context of BIM and Digital planning methods, this review particularly intends to build the necessary knowledge base to further motivate research activities to integrate simulation-based control methods in the BIM planning process and to further close the gap between planning, implementation, and commissioning.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030804
Authors: Hasan Altan Huriye Gürdallı
Cyprus with its rich cultural heritage has been the showcase of ornamentation throughout history with a rich variety of materials, details, and narratives. Integrating ornamentation with its body architecture can be seen as one of the storytellers of these narratives through design elements. After the mid-1990s when casinos had been banned in Turkey, five-star casino hotels became one of the main investment areas in North Cyprus. Together with this new building type and new users’ expectations with a new understanding of holidays, the 21st century brought the changing use of ornamentation in hotel interiors and, hence, decoration came to the fore more than before. Hotel lobbies welcoming the users to their second homes and introducing the hotels’ identities have always been seen as the most important area of hotels by investors, designers, and hotel managers. Sometimes the reception areas were perceived as the living room of the hotel customers where they feel attached culturally, socially, or economically, and sometimes it could be a place where they can feel themselves as one of the characters of ancient history, a king or a queen for a while. Hence, hotel interiors, in general, and hotel lobbies, in particular, acted as a cultural representative, a social status symbol, and a political image of the story told. The aim of this paper is to examine five-star hotel lobbies within the framework of ornamentation through a reading model created with the concepts used by theoreticians. Together with the site visits and visual recordings, the analysis conducted in this paper is based on qualitative data incorporated by a rich theoretical background on ornamentation. The paper tries to highlight the representational value of ornamentation that can help to understand and interpret the spatial transformation of hotel interiors.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030803
Authors: Fengge Li Chen Chen Zehui Xiang
To investigate the effects of concrete canvas (CC) and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) reinforcement on the mechanical properties of corroded reinforced concrete columns (compressive strength, flexure strength, strength of extension, and so on), 42 columns in four groups were designed and axial compression experiments were carried out. For the corroded reinforced concrete columns reinforced with CC and CFRP, the effects of initial corrosion rate (5%, 10%), secondary corrosion time (15 d, 30 d), number of CC layers (0, 1), and number of CFRP layers (1, 2, 3) on the failure morphology, load carrying capacity, and ductility of concrete columns were analyzed. The test results show that the properties of the single layer CC confined specimens are improved to a certain extent, and the ductility properties are enhanced. The properties of the CC–CFRP composite constrained specimens are greatly improved, the plastic deformation ability is enhanced, and the typical ductile damage characteristics are shown. The corrosion inhibition of CC for specimens with a theoretical corrosion rate lower than 20% showed an increasing trend, and the corrosion inhibition rate ranged from 23.0% to 31.2%. CC and CFRP restrain the concrete jointly, hindering the expansion inside the concrete, and the peak strain of the joint restraint specimen itself changes greatly, while the overall peak strain of the corrosion specimen is very small under the action of the joint steel bar. Finally, according to the existing peak stress–strain model and the experimental data in this paper, a peak stress–strain model suitable for corroded reinforced concrete columns is established. The established calculation model has a high accuracy, which provides a certain theoretical basis for subsequent research.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030802
Authors: Tássia Latorraca Ana Sofia Guimarães Bárbara Rangel
The research landscape of personalized 3D-printed concrete-based modules for construction and their impact on thermal performance through generative design methods is explored through a bibliometric analysis. Comprehensive analysis techniques, including bibliographic data and visualization with VoSviewer, are employed to unveil collaborative networks, influential articles, research trends, and emerging themes within this domain. Global contributions are showcased, with citations predominantly from the UK and USA, while Denmark and Australia demonstrate a significant impact relative to publication numbers. Prominent authors like Buswell, Mechtcherine, and Zhang are highlighted through co-authorship analysis, revealing evolving collaborative patterns over time. Seminal works and influential authors are identified through co-citation analysis, providing insights into intellectual networks. Source citation analysis emphasizes the importance of sustainability and advanced manufacturing methods through key journals in the field. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies the core themes, including 3D concrete printing, additive manufacturing, and sustainability. Emerging trends indicate a growing focus on sustainability and adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. These insights have implications for future research, guiding impactful contributions in this evolving field.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030801
Authors: Nuno Monteiro Azevedo Maria Luísa Braga Farinha Sérgio Oliveira
To obtain predictions closer to concrete behaviour, it is necessary to employ a particle model (PM) that considers contact softening. A bilinear softening contact model (BL) has been adopted in PM studies. Several limitations in PM predictions have been identified that may be due to BL assumptions. For this reason, this paper compares BL predictions with those obtained with more complex models to assess if PM predictions can be improved. As shown, it is possible to calibrate each contact model to reproduce the complex behaviour observed in concrete in uniaxial and biaxial loading. The predicted responses are similar, and the known PM limitations still occur independently of the adopted model. Under biaxial loading, it is shown that a response closer to that observed in concrete can be obtained (higher normal-to-stiffness ratio of ≈0.50, maximum contact compressive strength of ≈60 MPa, and 30% reduction in the number of working contacts). The BL contact model for PM concrete DEM-based simulations is shown to have (i) lower associated computational costs (15% to 50% lower); (ii) a reduced number of contact strength parameters; and (iii) similar responses to those predicted with more complex models. This paper highlights that the BL contact model can be used with confidence in PM fracture studies.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030800
Authors: Bojana Petrović Ola Eriksson Xingxing Zhang Marita Wallhagen
Previous research has shown a lack of studies with comparisons between primary (virgin) and secondary (re-used) building materials, and their embodied emissions. The creation of different scenarios comparing the environmental impact of virgin vs. re-used materials is also motivated by the scarcity of raw materials in the world and the emergency of mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate scenarios, including new vs. re-used building products, applying the LCA method for a wooden single-family building. The findings showed a 23% reduction potential for total released (positive) CO2e when comparing the Reference scenario with Scenario I, using re-used wooden-based materials. Further, Scenario II, using all re-used building materials except for installations, showed a 59% CO2e reduction potential compared to the Reference scenario. Finally, Scenario III, which assumes all re-used building products, showed a 92% decreased global warming potential (GWP) impact compared to the Reference scenario. However, when including biogenic carbon and benefits (A5 and D module), the Reference scenario, based on newly produced wooden building materials, has the largest negative GHG emissions. It can be concluded that the re-use of building products leads to significant carbon savings compared to using new building products.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030799
Authors: Baogui Zhou Huabin Zhong Kaipeng Yang Xueqiang Yang Chifeng Cai Jie Xiao Yongjian Liu Bingxiang Yuan
Based on a real engineering case, this study employs the MIDAS finite element software to model the reinforced high embankment slope using anti-sliding piles. The accuracy of the finite element method is verified by comparing calculated outcomes with field monitoring data. Expanding on this foundation, an analysis of factors influencing the reinforced high embankment slope is undertaken to scrutinize the impact of diverse elements on the slope and ascertain the optimal reinforcement strategy. The results reveal the following: The principal displacement observed in the high embankment slope is a vertical settlement, which escalates with the backfill height. Notably, the highest settlement does not manifest at the summit of the initial slope; instead, it emerges close to the summits of the subsequent two slopes. However, the maximum horizontal displacement at the slope’s zenith diminishes as the fill height increases—a trend that aligns with both field observations and finite element computations. The examination of the influence of anti-sliding pile reinforcement on the high embankment slope unveils that factors like the length, diameter, spacing, and positioning of the anti-sliding piles exert minor impacts on vertical settlement, while variations in the parameters of the anti-sliding piles significantly affect the slope’s horizontal displacement. When using anti-sliding piles to reinforce multi-level high embankment slopes, factoring in the extent of horizontal displacement variation and potential cost savings, the optimal parameters for the anti-sliding piles are a length of 15 m, a diameter of 1.5 m, and a spacing of 2.5 m, presenting the most effective combination to ensure superior slope stability and support.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030798
Authors: Sanghee Kim Donghyuk Jung Ju-Yong Kim Ju-Hyun Mun
Although accurately estimating the early age compressive strength of concrete is essential for the timely removal of formwork and the advancement of construction processes, it is challenging to estimate it in cool, cold, hot, or unmanaged conditions. Various nondestructive testing methods, including recent IoT-based techniques, have been proposed to determine the compressive strength of concrete. This study evaluates the maturity method using the wireless thermocouple sensor in assessing the early age compressive strength of concrete slabs, particularly those not subjected to watering and protection in a cool environment below 20 °C. For this purpose, wire and wireless thermocouple sensors were installed in reinforced concrete (RC) slabs, whereas wire thermocouple sensors were installed in concrete cylinders. In addition, the compressive strengths of standard-cured cylinders, field-cured cylinders, and core samples extracted from the RC slab were measured. On day 7, the maturity index (M) values for the field-cured cylinders were 7% lower than those of the standard-cured cylinders, and the M values for the RC slabs with wire and wireless sensors were 6% lower. The compressive strengths of the field-cured cylinders and core samples extracted from the RC slabs were 19% and 14% lower than those of the standard-cured cylinders, respectively. Thus, while the difference in M values was 6–7%, the difference in compressive strength was significantly higher, at 14–19%. In a cool environment without watering or protection, the difference in strength can be even greater. Consequently, a commercial IoT-based thermocouple sensor can replace conventional wire sensors and adopt to estimate early age compressive strength of concrete in unmanaged curing condition.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030796
Authors: Limei Zhang Tao Yi Qiuyue Du
There are many bars in grid structures, and their topological relationships are complex, so the workload of calculations involved in researching their reliability is large. In this paper, based on the geometric topological relationship within a grid structure, a series–parallel system analysis of the structure is carried out by means of node analysis, constraint grade division, and hierarchical combination analysis, and the series–parallel analysis results for the structure are used to judge the failure of the structure. In order to avoid the problem of missing important components due to unreasonable selection of the bounding threshold when identifying failed components, an adaptive dynamic bounding threshold method with high accuracy is introduced. The failure probability value of the failure path is calculated using the direct numerical integration method, and the reliability of the whole structure is obtained. Finally, the validity of this method is verified using an example of a square pyramid grid structure. The results show that the method is feasible for series–parallel system analysis, structural failure judgment, and reliability analysis of a grid structure.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030797
Authors: Tianyi Yang Marcus White Ruby Lipson-Smith Michelle M. Shannon Mehrnoush Latifi
Changing the physical environment of healthcare facilities can positively impact patient outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) offers the potential to understand how healthcare environment design impacts users’ perception, particularly among those with brain injuries like stroke, an area with limited research. In this study, our objective was to forge a new pathway in healthcare environment research by developing a comprehensive, six-module ‘user-centered’ design decision support approach, utilizing VR technology. This innovative method integrated patient engagement, architectural design principles, BIM prototyping, and a sophisticated VR user interface to produce realistic and immersive healthcare scenarios. Forty-four stroke survivors participated, experiencing 32 VR scenarios of in-patient bedrooms, followed by interactive in-VR questions and semi-structured interviews. The results of the approach proved to be comparatively efficient and feasible, provided a high level of immersion and presence for the participants, and effectively elicited extremely rich quantifiable response data, which revealed distinct environmental preferences. Our novel approach to understanding end-user responses to stroke rehabilitation architecture demonstrates potential to inform user-centered evidence-based design decisions in healthcare, to improve user experiences and health outcomes in other healthcare populations and environments.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030795
Authors: Asad Naeem Kusunoki Koichi Joohno Lee
To meet the recent requirements of low-damage design, there is a growing need to retrofit building structures with a self-centering dissipation system. This system serves a dual purpose: reducing lateral drift and providing supplemental damping to enhance the seismic performance of buildings. This research focuses on assessing the efficiency in seismic response of structures retrofitted with an innovative self-centering hysteretic damper called a Self-Centering Disc Slit Damper (SC-DSD). The SC-DSD consists of four slit dampers and pre-compressed Belleville disc springs that provide self-centering and energy dissipation capabilities. This study investigates the SC-DSD’s working mechanism, theoretical formulation, and design method of SC-DSD dampers for their application in multistory building structures. A reinforced concrete (RC) structure is selected as a case study building that is retrofitted with SC-DSDs and conventional slit dampers. Subsequent seismic performance assessments are conducted using detailed pushover to evaluate the global behavior and capacity of the structure used for the design of the damping system. Nonlinear time history analysis is performed to simulate the dynamic behavior of the retrofitted structure under a variety of seismic excitations. This analysis considers a range of ground motion records to capture different intensity levels and frequency content. Comparing these analyses reveals that the designed SC-DSDs effectively reduce seismic responses while minimizing residual displacement up to 95% when contrasted with both the bare structure and the structure retrofitted with conventional steel slit dampers.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030794
Authors: Jubo Sun Siyao Chen Zhanfei Wang Weining Sui Qiang Zhang
In the present study, multiscale finite element (FE) models of half-through steel basket-handle arch bridges were established. The eigenvalue analyses were conducted to explore the dynamic characteristics of the arch bridges based on the FE models. In addition, a parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the impact of the inclination angle of the arch rib (0°, 4°, and 7°) on the longitudinal and transverse seismic performances of arch bridges. The results show that with the increase in inclination angle, the out-of-plane stiffness of half-through steel basket-handle arch bridges increases, resulting in the natural period of the structure becoming shorter from 3.09 s to 2.93 s. Adjusting the inclination angle appropriately has a beneficial impact on the overall seismic performance of the structures, affecting both displacement and internal forces, in which the most significant improvements include a 42.8% decrease in displacement and a 62.6% reduction in internal forces. Adjusting the inclination angle can cause the arch springing and transverse brace to undergo larger plastic deformation. It is advisable to judiciously enlarge the sectional dimensions and enhance the material strength of both the arch springing and the transverse bracing in seismic designs.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030793
Authors: Chengyan Zhang Youjia Chen Bart Julien Dewancker Chaojie Shentu Hao Tian Yutong Liu Jiangjun Wan Xinyue Zhang Jinghui Li
Addressing the emotional needs of the elderly in urban space design has increasingly become a vital concern. This study innovatively integrates emotional theories with the design of community outdoor spaces, thereby expanding the research on emotional categorization in urban spaces. At 8 community outdoor space sites in Yi Jie Qu, China, 330 elderly residents were randomly recruited to assess their color emotional responses (CER) to the color landscapes of these spaces. Based on the Affective Circumplex Model and Japanese Color Image Theory, a Color Emotion Circumplex was constructed to visually represent the overall emotional tendencies and significant positive emotions of the elderly. The second innovation of this research lies in exploring the driving factors behind positive emotional responses of the elderly, the primary user group of community outdoor spaces. We analyzed the significant differences in CER between autumn and winter scenes, employing variance analysis, correlation, and regression to investigate the substantial effects of individual factors and color characteristics on positive CER. The study discovered that the elderly exhibit a stronger CER towards clean and healthy emotions. Notably, CER was more pronounced in autumn scenes compared to winter. Furthermore, educational level, visit frequency, and color brightness positively influenced positive CER, whereas walking time from residence and the color area ratios of blue and gray negatively impacted CER. These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for age-friendly color design in community spaces, but also offer new perspectives and practical guidance for the international community planning and design domain. Our research underscores the importance of incorporating the emotional needs of the elderly into urban space design, offering novel theoretical and practical guidance for future urban planning and community design.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030792
Authors: Marc-Ansy Laguerre Mohammad Salehi Reginald Desroches
This study develops empirical fragility curves for concrete and masonry buildings in Haiti, utilizing data from the 2021 earthquake. A dataset of 3527 buildings from the StEER database, encompassing a diverse range of building types, is used. These buildings types include reinforced concrete structures with masonry infills, confined masonry buildings, reinforced masonry bearing walls, and unreinforced masonry bearing walls. Shakemaps from the USGS are utilized to assess the earthquake’s intensity at each building, with the peak ground acceleration (PGA) as the intensity measure. Damage is classified into five distinct states: no damage, minor, moderate, severe, and partial or total collapse. For each of these states, the corresponding probabilities of exceedance are calculated, and log-normal cumulative distribution functions were fitted to those data to produce empirical fragility curves. The results show a notable similarity in performance among the four types, each having high probability of failure even under low-intensity earthquakes. Total fragility curves (including all four building types) are developed subsequently and they are convolved to the probabilistic seismic hazard map of Haiti to assess the seismic risk. This includes estimating the annual probability of partial/total collapse and the probability of partial/total collapse in the event of 475-year and 2475-year earthquakes. The results indicate a significant risk, with up to 64% probability of collapse in certain areas for the 2475-year earthquake and a probability of collapse of 15% for a 475-year earthquake. These findings underscore the critical vulnerability of Haiti’s buildings to seismic events and the urgent need for their retrofit.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030791
Authors: Hanlin Li Xiaoguang Jin Guodong Sun Jie He
Aiming to address the problem of construction and environmental risks in tunnel construction through the soil–rock mixture backfill area, this paper carried out a seismic dynamic response model test of a pile-supported tunnel based on practical projects. Firstly, the stress–strain curves and failure characteristics of the soil–rock mixture in the study area were obtained through triaxial tests, and based on this, similar materials for the model test were developed. Then, a vibration table model test was devised to investigate the seismic dynamic response of the pile–tunnel structure. The findings revealed the following: when subjected to seismic waves, the soil–rock mixture stratum displayed a “skin effect” in its acceleration response, indicating that closer proximity to the surface led to heightened horizontal acceleration responses; the horizontal peak acceleration of the grouting mixture stratum in the vertical direction exhibited a “Zigzag” pattern; the peak values of strain response and bending moment in the tunnel lining cross-section exhibited an “X” shape and inverted “V” shape, respectively. The bending moment at the pile crown increased alongside the peak value of the input seismic wave acceleration. The maximum surface settlement in the model ranged from 0.5 to 1 cm, with the tunnel–pile structure effectively mitigating surface settlement.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030790
Authors: Sajad Tabejamaat Hassan Ahmadi Behnod Barmayehvar Saeed Banihashemi
This study rigorously investigates the influence of knowledge management infrastructures (KMI) on employees’ job satisfaction (JS) within the Iranian construction sector. It specifically investigates how structural, cultural, and technological facets of KMIs affect this satisfaction. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, utilizing established measurement tools from Gold et al. for KMIs and Hackman and Oldham for JS. The empirical Information was gathered via a survey distributed to stratified random sample of 150 employees and managers from five diverse construction firms in Iran. Examining the collected data with the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, the study presents nuanced insights. It identifies that while cultural and technological infrastructures of KMIs significantly contribute to JS, the structural infrastructure does not exhibit a similar impact. Additionally, demographic factors such as age and professional experience were found to be non-contributory in the dynamics between KMIs and JS. However, gender and educational background emerged as significant moderating variables. Remarkably, employees with advanced academic qualifications reported higher satisfaction, likely due to the alignment of specialized knowledge with their professional roles. This research contributes to the current knowledge base by outlining the distinct components of KMIs that bolster JS in the construction industry, thereby offering a targeted framework for industry practitioners and policymakers to enhance employee well-being and organizational efficiency.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030789
Authors: Xun Sun Shengyuan Song Cencen Niu Xudong Zhang Chaoren Dou Weitong Xia Xinghua Li Qing Wang
The existence of structural strength in undisturbed soil results in its distinct characteristics compared to remolded soil. Under the influence of freeze–thaw cycles, this difference may easily cause geotechnical disasters in cold regions. This study aimed to analyze and discuss the expression degree and influencing factors of the structural strength of expansive soil. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, high-pressure consolidation test, and microscopic test were performed on expansive soil retrieved from a seasonally frozen region. Moreover, sensitivity parameters, including stress sensitivity (St.qu, St.σk) and strain sensitivity (St.ɛu, St.Cc), were applied to explore the expression degree and influencing factors of structural strength in a seasonally frozen region. The results reveal that the undisturbed samples have better structural connection and particle arrangement than the remolded samples. However, the primary fractures have a certain degrading effect on the strength of the undisturbed soil as influenced by a seasonally frozen region. With the increase in water content and the decrease in density, the expression degree of the structural strength in terms of compressive strength and the ability to resist deformation enhances under the unconfined condition. By contrast, the expression degree increases in strength and decreases in ability under the confined condition. Furthermore, the effect mechanisms of the basic property, particle composition, structural linkage, lateral confinement, and historical role on the structural expression were analyzed.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030788
Authors: İsmail Cengiz Yılmaz Deniz Yılmaz Onur Kandemir Hamdi Tekin Şenay Atabay Ülger Bulut Karaca
In recent times, the rise of urbanization, industrialization, population growth, food security, and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased demand for indoor spaces with efficient air conditioning systems. As a result, there is a growing interest in creating more complex HVAC systems to improve indoor spaces. Building information modeling (BIM) offers numerous benefits to the HVAC industry, such as clash detection, budget and time reductions, and increased efficiency. However, its implementation is currently hindered by various challenges. This research aims to identify the major barriers to BIM implementation in the HVAC industry in Turkey, using a questionnaire survey of 224 domain experts working in 42 different companies across various fields of the HVAC industry. The study utilized several statistical analyses to categorize and prioritize the most critical barriers, including reliability tests, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test, Bartlett’s test, and ranking of factors (IRI). The results indicate that the “Deficiencies of Infrastructure and Lack of Qualified Personnel (DIP)” factor group constituted the most significant barrier, followed by “Lack of Documentation and Specifications (LDS)”, “Deficiencies of Case Studies and Project Drawings (DCP)”, and “Lack of Motivation and Resistance to BIM (LMR)”. Moreover, our research revealed that 60% of the participants’ companies allocate less than 40% of their budgets to technological infrastructure, which hinders the adoption of BIM. To promote BIM in the HVAC sector, we recommend enhancing personnel capacity building, improving skills and knowledge about BIM, promoting guidelines, and providing free access to documentation for practitioners.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030787
Authors: Xiaoping Wang Feng Liu Zezhou Pan Weizhi Chen Faheem Muhammad Baifa Zhang Lijuan Li
Coal gangue (CG) is a residual product from coal mining and washing processes. The reutilization of CG to produce geopolymers is a low-carbon disposal strategy for this material. In this study, the calcined CG (CG700°C) was used as aluminosilicate precursors, and the effects of alkali activators (i.e., Na2SiO3/NaOH, NaOH concentration, and liquid–solid) on the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of CG700°C-based geopolymers were investigated. The findings indicated that the specimens with a liquid–solid ratio of 0.50 (G2.0-10-0.50) exhibited a compact microstructure and attained a compressive strength of 24.75 MPa. Moreover, increasing the Na2SiO3/NaOH mass ratio has shortened the setting times and facilitated geopolymer gel formation, resulting in a denser microstructure and improved compressive strength. The higher NaOH concentrations of alkali activators facilitated the dissolution of CG700°C particles, and the geopolymerization process was more dependent on the condensation of SiO4 and AlO4 ions, which promoted the formation of geopolymer networks. Conversely, an increase in the liquid–solid ratio from 0.50 to 0.65 had a negative impact on compressive strength enhancement, impeding the polycondensation rate. Examination through scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry revealed that employing a lower Na2SiO3/NaOH mass ratio (G1.2-10-0.55), smaller NaOH concentrations (G2.0-8-0.55), and a higher liquid–solid ratio (G2.0-10-0.65) led to the presence of larger pores, resulting in decreased 28 days compressive strength values (15.87 MPa, 13.25 MPa, and 14.92 MPa, respectively), and a less compact structure. The results suggest that the performance of CG700°C-based geopolymers is significantly influenced by alkali activators.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030786
Authors: Ahmad W. Sukkar Mohamed W. Fareed Moohammed Wasim Yahia Salem Buhashima Abdalla Iman Ibrahim Khaldoun Abdul Karim Senjab
In artificial intelligence (AI), generative systems, most notably Midjourney, have tremendous power to generate creative images of buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage through text-to-image generation based on the internet. The AI-generated representations have significant potential for architects, specialists, and everyday users. However, the system has considerable limitations when generating images for some buildings and sites where the representations appear too far from their original represented structures. Evaluating Midjourney as an architectural virtual lab, this research article attempts to define the major current limitations of using Midjourney’s AI system in producing images similar to the actual buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage. This research employs prompt engineering techniques based on historical sources as inputs to examine the accuracy of the output of the AI-generated images of selected examples of structures of the Islamic tradition. To validate the research results, it compares the Midjourney output with the original look by employing direct observation through critical analysis of human intelligence (HI) facilitated by the analysis of the latest version of 3M Visual Attention Software and an online survey. It concludes that while Midjourney can represent high-end AI-generated images inspired by the Islamic tradition, it currently falls short of presenting the actual appearance of some of its original structures. Furthermore, it categorizes these limitations into four groups: (1) limits of the prompt, (2) limits of fame, (3) limits of regionality and historical styles, and (4) limits of architectural elements and details. The significance of this research lies in providing timely evaluation factors to architectural heritage practitioners and software developers. This practical article is the second in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the first (theoretical) article introduces the concept of Artificial Intelligence Islamic Architecture (AIIA), answering the question: what is Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence?
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030785
Authors: Hanfei Shi Xun Liu Siyu Chen
Renovating old neighborhoods for the benefit of people has become increasingly important in urban renewal. Nevertheless, old neighborhood renovations are currently considered a group decision-making issue under public participation, involving diverse decision-making subjects. Conflicts within a group are a common problem during group decision-making. In this paper, conflict is examined in the decision-making process for renovating old neighborhoods and novel ideas are provided for quantifying conflict. Public participation in old neighborhood renovations is assessed using conflict degree calculations in group decision-making. Based on the preferences of decision-making experts, a MIP DEA–DA (Mixed Integer Programming Data Envelopment Analysis–Discriminant Analysis) based partial binary tree cyclic clustering model is constructed for clustering experts, and an aggregated group conflict indicator and an aggregated conflict vector are computed, allowing for the quantification of conflict during the renovation process of the old neighborhood based on actual situations. Results indicate that there is primarily a conflict between the benefits of decision-making subject interests and the professionalism of decision-making renovations. This paper contributes to improving public participation, promoting the application of group decision-making theory in old neighborhood renovation, reducing conflict between decision-makers, and speeding up urban renewal.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030784
Authors: Roberto Tartaglia Roberto Carlevaris Mario D’Aniello Raffaele Landolfo
FREEDAM joints have been recently seismically prequalified for applications in European seismically prone countries. Despite their excellent seismic response, FREEDAM joints are not purposely conceived for exceptional loading conditions, such as in the case of a column loss scenario. Therefore, a comprehensive parametric numerical study has been carried out to investigate the robustness of this type of joint, varying the geometry of the beam–column assembly and the associated friction device. The results of the performed finite-element simulations allowed the identification of the critical components of the joints such as the upper T-stub connecting the upper beam flange to the column. This component is characterized by significant demand, due to the concentration of tensile and shear forces when catenary action develops in the beam. In order to enhance the ductility of the beam-to-column joint under large imposed rotations, the details of the upper T-stub connection were modified and numerically analyzed. The obtained results allowed for the verifying of the effectiveness of the amended details as well as characterizing the evolution of the tensile forces in the bolts.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030783
Authors: Hongzhi Cui Houquan Peng Weiwei Yang Haibin Yang Chaohui Zhang Dapeng Zheng
The bonding of cement mortar to the concrete substrate is crucial in buildings. In this study, cement mortar was prepared using manufactured sand (MS) instead of river sand (RS). The bonding strength between manufactured sand mortar (MSM) and concrete substrate was evaluated and the effects of curing age, water-to-cement ratio (w/c) and thermal cycling on the bonding strength were discussed and compared with those of the river sand mortar (RSM). The compressive strength of the MSM was consistently higher than that of the RSM, while the bonding strength of RSM was consistently higher than that of MSM, indicating that the bonding strength does not depend on the compressive strength of the mortar. As the number of thermal cycles increased, the pull-off strengths at the interface between the concrete and MSM or RSM at different w/c ratios all decreased, and the RSM experienced a larger reduction. After 400 cycles, the percentage decrease in bonding strength of MSM sample ranged from 18.62% to 30.86%.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030782
Authors: Zhicheng Pan Fanjun Ma Bing Cao Zongyun Mo Jing Liu Ruoli Shi Zhijian He
To study the mechanical performance of bolted connections with different structural forms of reinforced rings, based on the results of monotonic loading tests on two bolted connections between a concrete-filled steel tubular column and a steel beam with an outer reinforcing ring, this article uses ABAQUS v.2020 software to establish a three-dimensional refined finite element analysis model of such connections using appropriate constitutive models for concrete and steel. Subsequently, the effect of the dimensions of the steel beam, reinforcing ring, and cover plate on the load-bearing properties and the failure mechanism of the connections is investigated, and the numerical model is consistent with the verification test results. Then, the numerical simulations comparing bolted exterior reinforced rings under seven different construction measures (i.e., number of bolts, stiffeners) based on a conventional welded exterior reinforced rings with rigid connections (i.e., CGJ) are standardized. The research results indicate that when four rows of bolts are introduced on exterior reinforced rings, the web of steel beam is welded with stiffeners, and the top and bottom reinforced rings are also added with stiffeners; this bolted connection with an external reinforcing ring (i.e., GZ-7) can achieve the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of a fully welded external reinforcing ring rigid connection. At the same time, the reinforcing ring plate is bolted to the flange of the steel beam, and the force transmission path at the connection is changed to avoid the brittle fracture easily caused by the welded flange joints. It is also in line with the development trend of sustainable construction of “assembly” and “disassembly”.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030778
Authors: Qianqian Zhan Changjun Yin
In order to overcome the limitations of traditional pervious concrete, which is difficult to balance in terms of both mechanical properties and permeability, this study proposed a novel and effective approach to improve the performances of pervious concrete (PC) based on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and basalt fibers (BF). The mechanical properties and permeability tests of PC with single-doped or double-doped h-BN and BF were conducted first. Then the influence laws of h-BN and BF content on the compressive strength, flexural strength, porosity, and permeability coefficient for PC were revealed. Finally, the micro-mechanism effects of h-BN and BF on the performances of PC were explored by using a scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive spectrometer. The results showed that the compressive strength of PC was increased with the increase in the h-BN content, and the flexural strength, porosity, and permeability coefficient increased first and then decreased. Meanwhile, with the increase in the BF content, the compressive strength and flexural strength of PC increased first and then decreased. Moreover, the compressive strength, flexural strength, porosity, and permeability coefficient of the proposed pervious concrete were 22.8 MPa, 5.17 MPa, 18.5%, and 5.09 mm/s, respectively, which were increases of 21.9%, 19.7%, 60.9%, and 42.2%, respectively, compared with ordinary permeable concrete when the optimal admixture combination was 15% fly ash, 0.08% h-BN, and 2.25% BF. This study can avoid the limitations of traditional pervious concrete and provide an efficient alternative way for improving the mechanical and permeability properties of pervious concrete.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030781
Authors: Ahmad W. Sukkar Mohamed W. Fareed Moohammed Wasim Yahia Emad Mushtaha Sami Luigi De Giosa
Revisiting the long-debated question: “What is Islamic architecture?”, this research article aims to explore the identity of “Islamic architecture (IA)” in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as the novel opportunities and cultural challenges associated with applying AI techniques, such as the machine learning of Midjourney in the context of IA. It investigates the impact factors of AI technologies on the understanding and interpretation of traditional Islamic architectural principles, especially architectural design processes. This article employs a quantitative research methodology, including the observation of works of artists and architectural designers appearing in the mass media in light of a literature review and critical analysis of scholarly debates on Islamic architecture, spanning from historical perspectives to contemporary discussions. The article argues for the emergence of a continuous paradigm shift from what is commonly known as “postmodern Islamic architecture” (PMIA) into “artificial intelligence Islamic architecture” (AIIA), as coined by the authors of this article. It identifies the following impact factors of AI on IA: (1) particular requirements and sensitivities, inaccuracies, and biases, (2) human touch, unique craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of cultural issues, (3) regional variation, (4) translation, (5) biases in sources, (6) previously used terms and expressions, and (7) intangible values. The significance of this research in digital heritage lies in the fact that there are no pre-existing theoretical publications on the topic of “Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence”, although an extensive set of publications interpreting the question of the definition of Islamic architecture, in general, is found. This article is pivotal in analyzing this heritage-inspired design approach in light of former criticism of the definition of “Islamic architecture”, which could benefit both theorists and practitioners. This theoretical article is the first in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the second (practical) article is an analytical evaluation of the Midjourney architectural virtual lab, defining major current limits in AI-generated representations of Islamic architectural heritage.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030780
Authors: Hui Liang Meng Wu Xingli Jia Qi Yang
Biological retention facilities are widely used in the construction of new urban infrastructure because of the increasingly serious problems of urban waterlogging and rainwater pollution. At present, a common method to resolve these problems is to improve the treatment performance of these facilities to improve the soil filling layer. How to evaluate the comprehensive benefits of the improved soil filling layer is a problem that cannot be ignored. In this paper, data from seven groups of soil improvement schemes were collected through laboratory tests, and an evaluation method based on AHP-CRITIC was proposed. Firstly, the evaluation indexes of soil improvement in biological retention facilities were determined, and their subjective and objective weights were determined by the AHP method and CRITIC method, respectively, and the comprehensive weights were further calculated. A comprehensive evaluation model was established by the TOPSISI method. Finally, the AHP-CRITIC evaluation model determined that 10% zeolite-amended soil had the best comprehensive evaluation effect, followed by 20% zeolite-amended soil and 10% gravel-amended soil. The results show that the evaluation model can comprehensively assess the benefits of soil improvement in bioretention facilities from the levels of infiltration, purification, and economy and can then select the optimal program for use in actual engineering practice.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030779
Authors: Ruomin Wu Zhengping Hu Jingzhong Tong
Corrugated steel plate shear walls (CSPSWs) have been widely utilized as lateral-resistant and energy-dissipating components in multistory and high-rise buildings. To improve their buckling stability, shear resistance, and energy-dissipating capacity, stiffeners were added to the CSPSW, forming stiffened CSPSWs (SCSPSWs). Evaluating the hysteretic performances of SCSPSWs is crucial for guiding seismic design in engineering practice. In this paper, the dissipated energy values of the SCSPSWs with different parameters were calculated. Based on the obtained dissipated energy values, the elastoplastic design theory of stiffeners was established, and the evaluation of the hysteretic performance of the SCSPSWs was provided. Firstly, a finite element (FE) model for analyzing the hysteretic performance of the SCSPSWs was developed and validated against hysteretic tests of the CSPSW conducted by the authors previously. Subsequently, using the validated FE model, approximately 81 examples of SCSPSWs subjected to cyclic loads were analyzed. Hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, secant stiffness, stress distribution, and out-of-plane displacement were obtained and examined. Results indicate that increasing the bending rigidity of the vertical stiffeners and the thickness of the corrugated steel plates, as well as reducing the aspect ratio of the corrugated steel plates, is beneficial for enhancing the load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of the SCSPSWs. Finally, the transition rigidity ratio μ0,h was proposed to describe the hysteretic performances. When the rigidity ratio is μ = 50, dissipated energy values of the SCSPSW could achieve 95% of the corresponding maximum dissipated energy. In engineering practice, hence, it is recommended to use stiffeners with a rigidity ratio of μ ≥ μ0,h = 50 to ensure desirable energy-dissipating capacity in the SCSPSW.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030776
Authors: Sung-Bin Yoon Sung-Eun Hwang Boo Seong Kang Ji Hwan Lee
The surge in demand for upscale apartments in South Korea in the 2000s necessitates the enhanced quality of apartment complexes. Achieving this improvement involves creating diverse spaces within complexes and categorizing them based on spatial arrangement. However, obtaining actual as-built drawings poses challenges, and manual analysis lacks objectivity. The study utilized map API for data collection and Roboflow API for labeling, employing a YOLOv8n-cls model for categorization. Performance evaluation included accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score values using a confusion matrix. Eigen-CAM was utilized for an analysis that revealed the specific features influencing predictions. The classification model demonstrated relatively high accuracy. Furthermore, the prediction performance was high for lattice and square apartment complexes but low for distributed apartment complexes. These results indicate that a classification model is insufficient for assessing complex characteristics such as the scattered arrangement of building layouts and outdoor spaces, as seen in distributed apartment complexes. We determined that an in-depth analysis of the architectural plans for distributed apartment complexes is necessary to clearly identify their types, and the types must be categorized into several classes, including the distributed type.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030777
Authors: Lun Xiong Manqiu Wang Jin Mao Bo Huang
With the continuous development of the global economy, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are persistently increasing, making global warming an indisputable fact. As a high-energy consuming industry, the building industry has gradually emerged as the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions during urban expansion. Consequently, countries are exploring sustainable development pathways for low-carbon buildings to minimize the detrimental impact caused by the construction industry. This paper summarizes the current status of low-carbon building development and, through literature analysis concerning carbon standard systems and carbon emission accountings, discusses the challenges and possible improvements for the future. Establishing a quantitative evaluation tool for carbon emissions and elucidating accounting methods in the construction field is fundamental and a prerequisite for comprehensively studying low-carbon buildings throughout their life cycle. The challenges of low-carbon building development are as follows: (1) lack of a set of carbon emission measurement standards that can be commonly used internationally, (2) lack of a deep and systematic study of the theory of carbon emission accountings and (3) difficulty in recognizing carbon emission boundaries and related data for existing carbon emission accounting methods. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the current progress in low-carbon building development, along with an examination and optimization of the application of carbon emission accounting methodologies within construction to address the challenges.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030775
Authors: Sohyeon Park Hoonhee Hwang Heeyoung Lee Wonseok Chung
The aberrant winter temperatures resulting from climatic shifts give rise to the formation of imperceptible black ice on road surfaces, posing a risk of accidents. In this study, a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based heating module was fabricated, embedded in a concrete slab, and subjected to a full-scale test in an outdoor environment. Preliminary tests were conducted to scrutinize the thermal behavior of the CNT heating modules applied to the concrete slab, considering the inter-module distance and the concentration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the concrete perimeter. A full-scale concrete slab was fabricated on the basis of the preliminary test results. Thermal performance analyses of the concrete perimeter were performed according to the MWCNT concentration, the distance between the MWCNT heating modules, and the supply voltage based on a full-scale test conducted in an outdoor environment. The full-scale test results indicated that the maximum temperature variation of the MWCNT heating module embedded concrete slab was 46.8 °C, and its thermal performance varied by 1.9 times depending on the concentration of MWCNTs in the concrete perimeter.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030774
Authors: Liangtao Bu Hui Yue
There are many complex and uncertain factors in the process of building rectification and reinforcement that can easily lead to construction quality failures. This study develops a novel hybrid risk analysis approach to perceive the construction quality risk under uncertainty by integrating the extension theory (ET), the cloud model (CM), the Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory and the dynamic Bayesian network (DBN). The extended cloud model (ECM) combining the ET and the CM is not only effective in avoiding information loss, but is also capable of dealing with the ambiguity and randomness in risk assessment. The ECM is employed to construct the basic probability assignments (BPA) of risk factors across different risk states. The improved D-S evidence theory considering the expert importance coefficient is used for the fusion of expert judgments. A DBN model integrating monitoring indicators is established to predict the dynamics of overall quality risk during rectification and reinforcement. Then, the measured data of settlement difference and settlement rate are fed back to the DBN model to update the risk assessment results in real time. Finally, a case study of the rectification and reinforcement in a high-rise building is taken to verify the feasibility and validity of the developed risk analysis approach. The risk assessment results better reflect the unexpected risk events in actual construction. The proposed approach provides a research paradigm for quality risk assessment of similar rectification and reinforcement projects.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030773
Authors: Carlos Gómez-Salgado Juan Carlos Camacho-Vega Regina Allande-Cussó Carlos Ruiz-Frutos Mónica Ortega-Moreno Marta Linares-Manrique Juan Jesús García-Iglesias Javier Fagundo-Rivera Luciano Rodríguez-Díaz Juana María Vázquez-Lara Juan Gómez-Salgado
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a major impact on the mental health of the population has been observed, with women being one of the most affected groups. From the lockdown to “de-escalation” phases, sex differences have been recognised as significant determinants of mental health. Thus, equally ensuring physical and mental protection at work remains one of the challenges faced by industrial companies, especially in the construction sector, where the percentage of employed women has increased in recent years. This study aims to examine the impact of sex differences on psychological distress and work engagement in the productive construction sector, as well as related variables. For this, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. Descriptive statistical analyses were completed, and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests were used to identify differences between men and women. This was followed by logistic regression analysis by sex. Psychological distress is more prevalent among women, even after controlling for most variables. Both sexes receive equal preventive measures and training from the companies, yet women still experience higher levels of psychological distress. At the beginning of the pandemic, women reported higher levels of anxiety and fear of COVID-19 and of perceived danger associated with the pandemic than men. However, these differences were not present by 2023. For men, work engagement appeared to be a determining factor for a stable mental health, while for women, health and physical status seemed to be more influential. In both sexes, psychological distress was found to be conditioned by mental and emotional well-being. In a sector where women are increasingly present, the differences observed in terms of how physical and mental health are affected across the two sexes justify the need to promote data analysis that acknowledges this reality.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030772
Authors: Bing Cao Longfei Zhu Huashan Qian Zhicheng Pan
For this study, we conducted a detailed examination and comprehensive comparative analysis of the structural responses and mechanical behavior of bolted sleeve connections in precast circular semi-continuous steel tubular concrete (PCSCFST) columns. The research involved fourteen specimens, and we considered the impacts of various parameters, including eccentricity, external steel sleeve thickness, bolt diameter, and slenderness ratio. The findings revealed that the external steel sleeve significantly enhances the protection of the connection area, enabling the bolts to effectively withstand eccentric loads. However, sleeves that are too thick may lead to premature bolt failure, reducing their ultimate load-bearing capacity. Using bolts to transfer loads to the concrete significantly strengthens the restraining effect of the steel sleeve. Nonetheless, increasing the bolt diameter beyond a certain threshold may diminish this beneficial impact, potentially leading to connection failure and a decrease in ultimate load-bearing capacity. A new ‘cooperative value q’ measures component collaboration at ultimate capacity, showing that shorter columns offer less effective coordination than longer ones. Through regression analysis, we formulated a prediction for axial ultimate bearing capacity, closely aligning with the experimental data (Npre-a/Nu average value of 1.003, variance 0.00248). Three N–M curves, including the Eurocode 4 method, offered conservative predictions, with Eurocode 4 closely matching the experimental results. A refined prediction method following Eurocode 4 was developed, yielding an average Ppre-U/Pu value of 0.971 and a variance of 0.0107.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030771
Authors: Ji Zhou Jiaxing Hu Baijun Zhang Ming Sun Shilong Wang
This study investigates the vibration response and dynamic characteristics of the Shigudeng Pavilion under environmental excitation, employing a comprehensive approach that includes vibration response measurements, theoretical analysis, and finite element numerical simulation. An in-depth examination of the appearance and stress status of the Shigudeng Pavilion in Yao Ancient Village in southern Hunan was conducted, and the horizontal acceleration of different floors of the pavilion under environmental excitation was ascertained through field measurements. The NExT-ERA method was utilized to identify the modal parameters (frequency, damping ratio, and vibration pattern) of the measured timber construction. Subsequently, a finite element analysis model of the ancient timber building was developed and refined using ANSYS Workbench finite element software. This study proposes a specific repair plan addressing apparent defects and structural damage in the measured ancient timber building, offering theoretical and technical references for the conservation and repair of similar structures.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030770
Authors: Nuria Castilla Vicente Blanca-Giménez Carlos Pérez-Carramiñana Carmen Llinares
Humans are spending more time indoors than ever due to urbanisation and industrialisation, leading to higher electricity consumption in lighting systems. Recent research has demonstrated the significance of maintaining a balance between daylight and electric light to create an ideal learning environment that can significantly impact students’ academic performance. The objective of this study is to analyse the changes in students’ emotional response depending on the type of lighting in the classroom—whether it is daylight, electric light, or a combination of both. A field study was conducted with 521 university students to assess their affective response to the lighting environment inside their classroom. The results show that students prefer a Clear-efficient lighting environment for writing–reading tasks and a Soft-calm atmosphere for using electronic devices. For the paying attention tasks, a combination of daylighting and electric lighting is determined to be the best solution, while for the tasks of discussing–teamwork, students prefer daylighting. Daylighting is found to be the only lighting option that students like. Despite this, students still consider electric lighting and the combination of daylight and electric light adequate for a classroom. The findings of this study may help educators and designers create learning spaces that promote a positive and stimulating student environment by understanding the relationship between the lighting environment and students’ affective responses.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030768
Authors: Damien Decret Yann Malecot Yannick Sieffert Florent Vieux-Champagne Laurent Daudeville
A new macro model for the finite element modeling of unreinforced masonry (URM) exhibiting in-plane nonlinear cyclic behavior is proposed. The ultimate objective is to predict the seismic response of multi-story URM buildings. The macro model enables the modeling of URM shear walls with a limited number of degrees of freedom (DOF) at low computation times. The macro model consists of a deformable elastic frame supported by diagonal struts with nonlinear behavior aiming to capture all dissipative phenomena occurring during seismic events. The nonlinear constitutive behavior of diagonal struts is inspired by models documented in the literature, ensuring a robust foundation for the proposed approach. This paper first provides a comprehensive review of the principal models currently available for URM analysis. It then articulates the rationale behind the development of this new numerical model, aiming to address the limitations encountered in existing methodologies and to offer a simple and fast tool for predicting the seismic behavior of URM buildings. Afterward, the new model is presented and tested with the simulations of two experimental campaigns performed on different URM walls. The comparison between experimental and numerical results shows that with a limited number of DOF and parameters, it is possible to obtain a prediction of the experimental results with satisfying accuracy.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030769
Authors: Qingbin Dai Jingui Qian Shun Li Li Tao
Nowadays, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is driving technological upgrades and transformations in the construction industry, the integration of IoT devices in buildings is crucial for both the buildings themselves and the intelligent cities. However, large-scale IoT devices increase energy consumption and bring higher operating costs to buildings. Therefore, harvesting the ambient cost-effective and clean energy sources is essential for the future development of intelligent buildings. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of integrating a typical triboelectric droplet energy harvester (DEH) into buildings. We demonstrate the energy harvesting capabilities of DEH on different sloped roof surfaces and complex curved building surfaces by simulating rainy weather with various rainfall intensities. The results indicate energy harvesting efficiency increases with larger tilt angles, which guides future smart architectural designs. This work is significant for the future integration of diversified, all-weather green energy collection and management systems, including raindrop energy, wind power generation, and solar energy, which will contribute to energy conservation and cost control in the next generation of smart buildings.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030767
Authors: Matthias Andrae Jan Dirk van der Woerd Matthias Wagner Achim Pietzsch Norbert Gebbeken
In light of terrorist attacks and accidents, the need for structural protection against explosive events has increased significantly in recent decades. Conventional unprotected windows pose a particularly high risk of injury to building occupants due to glass fragments and window frames being propelled into the interior and exterior of a building. This article addresses new experimental research on the protection of conventional single casement windows with insulating glass units (double-paned) and window frames made of un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) against blast loads. Entire window systems were tested in ten shock-tube tests using different retrofit-configurations. The retrofitted protective measures include anti-shatter films and catcher-cable systems. Furthermore, the influence of steel profiles inserted in the window frames is investigated. The applied blast loads met the requirements for ER1-certification according to EN 13541:2012 (tested at a reflected peak overpressure of 66.7 kPa and a reflected maximum impulse of 417.7 kPa∙ms). In the test series, various measurement methods were used to capture the velocity of the window fragments, the dynamic cable forces, and the hazard. The data provide valuable information for the design and implementation of catcher-cable systems for existing buildings, which can improve the occupant safety in the event of an explosion.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030766
Authors: Jacek Kostrzewa Paweł Popielski Agnieszka Dąbska
The current practice of managing washed mineral waste from grit chambers under national legislation focuses primarily on its disposal, generating high costs for wastewater treatment plants. Other ways are being sought to enable its use, especially as a by-product in the construction industry. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests of the geotechnical, physical and mechanical parameters of washed mineral waste from grit chambers. Research samples were taken from the largest, in terms of maximum daily capacity, wastewater treatment plant “Czajka” in Poland. The washed mineral waste was characterized by organic matter content (0.36% by Tyurin’s method or 1.04% by the loss on ignition method), fraction content (sand fraction was at least 90%; it corresponds in grain size to uniform-grained medium sand), specific density of solids (2.55 g/cm3), dry density, void ratio and porosity corresponding to the state of the loosest and densest possible composition of soil grains and particles (1.54 g/cm3, 0.656, 0.396 and 1.87 g/cm3, 0.364, 0.267, respectively), sand equivalent (93), passive capillarity (0.20 m), maximum dry density (1.78 g/cm3), optimal moisture content (11.23%), degree of saturation after compaction (0.66) and permeability coefficient (6.22·10−3cm/s). The mechanical parameters determined included internal friction angle (35.5°) and apparent cohesion (14.27 kPa). The possibility of using washed mineral waste as soil for the backfill of installation trenches, abutments and retaining structures, as well as road embankment material, was evaluated considering current standards and legislation. It was found that the values of the determined parameters of washed mineral waste coincide with the values of the geotechnical parameters of sand, and there is a possibility of using this waste as a material in the indicated applications after fulfilling the appropriate conditions.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030764
Authors: Ahlam Ammar Sharif Alaa Saleh Alshdiefat Angela Lee Muhammad Qasim Rana Noor-Alhuda Mohammad Abu Ghunmi
The issue of gender equality demands attention from governments, policymakers, and the community at large. It requires continuous redefinition due to its complex technical, professional, economic, and social dimensions, all aimed at empowering women to claim their position within society. Jordan is no exception to this, as women encounter numerous hurdles in accessing equal opportunities in the professional sphere despite their increasing levels of education. This underscores the necessity for a thorough examination of the factors influencing this discussion. This research is targeted at identifying and categorising relevant gender equality indicators within the architectural practice in Jordan, as part of the construction sector. This research adopts a quantitative approach, utilising the Delphi Technique and Analytical Hierarchy Process through engagement with experts from academia and practice to ensure appropriate sourcing, filtration, and rating of the most relevant indicators. It concludes with the identification of fifty-nine indicators grouped into the categories of Education, Employability, Enablement, Inclusion, Professionalism, Facilitation, and Support. This research reveals a higher emphasis on the practical aspects of gender equality by the participants, prioritising particular categories and indicators. The findings offer essential insights to effectively address such an important issue across the policy, economic, social, and professional levels.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030765
Authors: Aida Shayegani Viera Joklova Juraj Illes
Urban overheating, intensified by climate change, poses a critical challenge in Central European cities, witnessing a rise in tropical days. Conventional mechanical cooling systems in buildings significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating global warming. In response, windcatchers—traditional Iranian natural cooling systems—emerge as a promising sustainable solution for contemporary architecture, even in non-arid climates. This research aims to evaluate windcatchers’ efficacy in improving building thermal comfort in Central European climates, focusing on Vienna’s urban environment. This study identifies optimal windcatcher designs by analyzing key variables: height variation, inlet dimensions, urban exposure, Building Management System (BMS) temperature thresholds, and integration with an earth tube system using Design Builder simulation software version 6. The findings reveal that a windcatcher standing at 2.5 m tall, with inlet dimensions of 0.9 m by 1.4 m, in an open, less densely populated urban setting, and with open valves when indoor temperatures surpass 22 °C, demonstrates the most effective reduction in cooling load. Moreover, both one-sided and two-sided windcatchers outperform conventional ventilation through openings. Additionally, combining a one-sided windcatcher with an earth tube system ensures efficient cooling even when exterior temperatures exceed 25 degrees Celsius. When augmented by a heat pump, this integrated system can provide heated ventilation.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030763
Authors: Shu Li Luyi Gan Ruinan Zhao Shenao Wang Yu Zhou
Traditional bridge monitoring and damage identification techniques typically rely on full-bridge coverage of sensors, such as displacement or strain sensors. However, this approach proves economically unfeasible for the vast numbers of small- and medium-span continuous beam bridges. In response to the need for rapid damage identification and integrity assessment of continuous beam bridges, a novel bridge safety monitoring method relying solely on bearing reaction forces is proposed. Firstly, the analytical expressions for the bearing reaction influence lines of a three-span continuous beam bridge under damage conditions were derived. Secondly, a rapid structural damage localization method based on the bearing reaction influence lines was proposed. Finally, feasibility and applicability were confirmed through numerical simulations and experimental validation. Additionally, the discussion includes the implementation of the warning classification and threshold setting using data from bearing force monitoring. The research demonstrates that utilizing a limited amount of bearing reaction force information can not only identify damage areas in a “non-full-coverage” manner, but also facilitates early warning and the integrity assessment of bridges. In the future, there is potential for large-scale application in medium- and small-span continuous beam bridges.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030762
Authors: Talita Andrioli Medinilha-Carvalho Fernando Vítor Marques da Silva Facundo Bre Juan M. Gimenez Lucila Chebel Labaki
Recognizing the urgent need for mitigating global warming, natural ventilation presents a potential strategy to reduce cooling energy demands, enhance thermal comfort, and contribute to indoor air quality. H-shaped buildings are prevalent worldwide, and they constitute the majority of the social housing construction in Brazil. Research suggests that the inadequate design of these buildings can result in poor ventilation; however, investigations about their natural ventilation performance are limited. Thus, the present contribution aims to determine the impact of the geometric characteristics of H-shaped buildings on the pressure distribution through wind tunnel experiments. Three models were tested in the wind tunnel experiments, representing different proportions. Their scales were configured to comply with the 5% obstruction limit allowed for wind tunnel testing, which was performed for 20 wind attack angles. Moreover, a scour test was carried out to allow a better understanding of the wind flow. Python scripting was developed to automate data processing, which is openly available in this paper. The results indicate that the proportion of the model influences the pressure distribution on roofs and leeward walls. Additionally, the depth of the recessed cavity affects its side surfaces and can result in a mirrored behavior on the frontal face of deep cavities (i.e., the wind direction is 45°). The model height influences the windward surfaces in its lower portion, since taller models present a recirculation vortex that modifies the pressure near the ground.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030761
Authors: Ricardo Aguayo Jorge Carvallo Juan C. Vielma
This study employs a non-linear static analysis, known as pushover analysis, to explore the flexural-compressive behavior of complex shear walls within a reinforced concrete (R.C.) structure, adhering to contemporary design standards in Chile. The primary objective is to assess the initiation of damage as the building approaches the limit states outlined in Achisina’s seminal “Performance Based Seismic Design” framework. To achieve this, a sophisticated fiber model, accounting for the confined behavior of concrete derived from the structural elements’ detailing, has been uniformly integrated across the building’s entire height. Furthermore, the analysis incorporates a rigid diaphragm to simulate the R.C. slab’s response accurately. The study implements the N2 method, adjusting for seismic demands in an acceleration-displacement format, which leverages the displacement spectrum defined by Supreme Decree 61, a legislative response to the 8.8 Mw Maule earthquake in 2010. The findings reveal that the analyzed structure meets the immediate occupancy performance level with drifts nearing 5‰ in the symmetrical Y direction. This outcome aligns with prior assessments of Chilean R.C. wall buildings. However, in the asymmetric X direction, the structure exhibits a higher degree of structural damage, aligning with a life safety performance level. This differentiation underscores the critical need for nuanced understanding and modeling of structural behavior under seismic loads, contributing to the ongoing refinement of seismic design practices and standards.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030760
Authors: Shiqiang Feng Yong Yang Ning Hao Xin Chen Jiancheng Zhou
Steel beam–column connections with dog-bone beam sections have gained significant attention and have been extensively applied. This is attributed to their ability to effectively centralize and integrate plastic hinges, thereby diverting potential damage away from the beam ends during earthquake events. In order to achieve the enhancement of the ductility and energy dissipation of connections by inhibiting local buckling during an earthquake event, a novel steel moment connection with buckling-restrained dog-bone beam sections was proposed in this paper. There were three types of proposed connections according to the different arrangements of restrained steel plates, including arranging the restrained plates only on the flanges, only on the web, and on both the flanges and webs of the dog-bone beam sections. In this study, three specimens with buckling-restrained dog-bone beam sections and one control specimen with a dog-bone beam section were tested under cyclic loading. The failure modes, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation ductilities, displacement ductility ratios, and energy dissipation capacities of the specimens were analyzed based on the experimental results to evaluate the seismic behavior of the proposed connections. The results indicated that the local buckling of the proposed connections was significantly reduced compared with the traditional connection with a dog-bone beam section under the condition of keeping the plastic hinges away from the beam–column connection core. The arrangement of the restrained plates in the dog-bone beam section had little effect on the bearing capacity and the initial stiffness, with errors all being within 6%. It is worth mentioning that the connection with restrained plates only on the flanges in the dog-bone beam sections showed a more obvious improvement in the deformation capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the connection, which increased by 21% and 16%, respectively. Additionally, high-quality welding between the beam and column, smooth cutting shapes on the weakened flanges, and the high-quality drilling of long slots at the fixed point in the restrained plates and the dog-bone beam sections should be guaranteed to improve the hysteretic stabilities of the proposed connections.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030759
Authors: Xiao Zheng Zhonghua Liu Xiangrong Gao Zhixin Song Chaowei Chen Huanwei Wei
The rehabilitation of wind turbine foundations after damage is increasingly common. However, limited research exists on the deformation of wind turbine foundations after rehabilitation. Artificial intelligence methods can be used to analyze future deformation state and predict post-rehabilitation deformation of foundations. This paper focuses on analyzing the stability of damaged wind turbine foundations after rehabilitation, as well as establishing and evaluating machine learning models. Specifically, Decision Tree (DT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) models are utilized to predict the vertical displacement of the rehabilitated foundation. Hence, the stability of the rehabilitated foundation is discussed in correlation with the measured wind speed, based on the foundation vertical displacement data. During the development of the machine learning model, the most suitable combination of hyperparameters is determined. The prediction performance of the SVR and LSTM models, which exhibit good performance, is compared to further evaluate their effectiveness. Furthermore, the models are analyzed and validated. The results indicate that the vertical displacements of the rehabilitated foundations gradually get close to a state of steady fluctuation over time. The SVR model is identified as the most effective in predicting the vertical displacements of wind turbine foundations after rehabilitation. This study aims to analyze and predict the vertical displacement of wind turbine foundations after rehabilitation based on extensive field monitoring data and powerful machine learning models.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030758
Authors: Xiangrong Guo Shipeng Wang
Elevated stations serve as critical hubs in urban rail transit engineering. The structure of multi-line “building-bridge integrated” elevated stations is unique, with intricate force transfer paths and challenges to clarify dynamic coupling from train vibrations, necessitating the study of such stations’ train-induced dynamic responses. This paper presents a case study of a typical “building-bridge integrated” elevated station, utilizing the self-developed finite element software GSAP-V2024 to establish a simulation model of a coupled train–track–station system. It analyzed the station’s dynamic response under various single-track operating conditions and the pattern of the vibration response as the speed changes. Additionally, the study examined lateral vibration response changes in the station under double, quadruple, and sextuple train operations at the same speed. Findings reveal that the station’s vertical responses generally increase with speed, significantly outpacing lateral responses. Under single-track operations, dynamic responses vary across different types of track-bearing floors and frame structures with different spans. With an increase in the number of operating train lines, the station’s vertical response grows, with lateral responses being neutralized in the mid-span of the triple-span frame structure and amplified at the edges. These results provide a reference for the structural design of multi-line “building-bridge integrated” elevated stations.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030756
Authors: Bing Leng Haidong Xu Yan Yan Kaihang Wang Guangyao Yang Yanyu Meng
The mechanical analysis of thin-plate structures is a major challenge in the field of structural engineering, especially when they have nonclassical boundary conditions, such as those encountered in cement concrete road slabs connected by transfer bars. Conventional analytical solutions are usually limited to classical boundary conditions—clamped support, simple support, and free edges—and cannot adequately describe many engineering scenarios. In this study, an analytical solution to the bending problem of an anisotropic thin plate subjected to a pair of edges with free opposing elastic rotational constraints is found using a two-dimensional augmented Fourier series solution method. In the derivation process, the thin-plate problem can be transformed into a problem of solving a system of linear algebraic equations by applying Stoke’s transform method, which greatly reduces the mathematical difficulty of solving the problem. Complex boundary conditions can be optimally handled without the need for large computational resources. The paper addresses the exact analytical solutions for bending problems with multiple combinations of boundary conditions, such as contralateral free–contralateral simple support (SFSF), contralateral free–contralateral solid support–simple support (CFSF), and contralateral free–contralateral clamped support (CFCF). These solutions are realized by employing the Stoke transformation and adjusting the spring parameters in the analyzed solutions. The results of this method are also compared with the finite element method and analytical solutions from the literature, and good agreement is obtained, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method. The significance of the study findings lies in the simplification of complex nonclassical boundary condition problems using a simple and reliable analytical method applicable to a wide range of engineering thin-plate structures.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030757
Authors: Maria M. Badalyan Nelli G. Muradyan Roza S. Shainova Avetik A. Arzumanyan Marine A. Kalantaryan Rafayel R. Sukiasyan Mkrtich Yeranosyan David Laroze Yeghiazar V. Vardanyan Manuk G. Barseghyan
This study investigated how the water–cement ratio and silica fume concentration affect the compressive strength of cement mortars. This comprehensive study delved into the intricate interplay between water–cement ratio and silica fume concentration, examining their influence on cement-based mortars’ compressive strength and water absorption characteristics. The silica fume concentration was investigated, ranging from 5% to 15% of the cement weight. The investigation employed two distinct mixing techniques, mixing cement and silica fume, before extracting appropriate samples; alternatively, a magnetic stirrer was used to prepare samples by dissolving silica fume in water. The cement mortars were also prepared with three different water–cement ratios: 0.44, 0.47, and 0.5. The interesting findings of compressive tests illuminated a consistent trend across all curing days and mixing methods—a reduction in the water–cement ratio corresponded with a notable increase in compressive strength. However, it is essential to note that the influence of the mixing method on the compressive strength of cement-based mortars is based on the water–cement ratio. The results show that by using the suggested technological method, it was observed that samples prepared with water–cement ratios (W/C) of 0.47 and 0.44 exhibited higher compressive strengths compared to those prepared using the well-known standard mixing method. The compressive test results underscored that the water–cement ratio reduction consistently enhanced the compressive strength in every combination of curing days and mixing techniques. Furthermore, this reduction in the water–cement ratio was correlated with a decrease in water absorption of the mortar. Conversely, the water–cement ratio itself played a pivotal role in defining how the mixing technique affected the compressive strength and water absorption of cement-based mortars. This multifaceted exploration underscores the nuanced relationships between key variables, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate factors influencing the mechanical and absorptive properties of cement-based materials.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030755
Authors: Yingmei Wang Haosen Qin Yan Wang Ji Chen Xin Hou Pengfei Rui Shouhong Zhang Hanyu Song
The Qinghai–Tibet plateau, with an average altitude of over 4000 m, has low annual average temperatures and a high demand for building heating. This region’s abundant solar energy resources hold substantial practical significance for improving the indoor heat environment and reducing building energy consumption. This paper investigates the impact of orientation and skylight area ratio on building heat load and indoor temperature, using both actual measurement and simulation methods, with a case study of the comprehensive building at Beiluhe Observation and Research Station of Frozen Soil Engineering and Environment (Beiluhe Station), located in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region. Initially, a model was established using the EnergyPlus 9.4 software, with orientation variables set from east to west in 15° increments, to simulate the variations in building heat load resulting from orientation changes; simulations were then conducted for three different skylight area ratios under the optimal orientation to evaluate their influence on heat load and indoor temperature. The results show that for the architectural style examined in this paper, the optimal building orientation within the region is 30° south by east, with the optimal orientation range spanning from 45° south by east to due south. Heating load is negatively correlated with the skylight area ratio, and beyond a certain threshold, the rate of decrease in heat load diminishes or even stabilizes. The conclusions of this paper offer guidance for the orientation and skylight design of new buildings on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030754
Authors: Mustapha Hashem El Moussaoui
In this study, the transformative effects of architectural typologies on the community’s sense of belonging and relationship with their environment are examined. Through a range of investigative methodologies, the research highlights the shift from traditional architectural forms to contemporary designs, focusing on the role of political decisions, and globalized construction materials. The research examines a notable conflict: the modern spaces built with little spatial knowledge and modern material do not resonate with the community’s historical experiences and customary living patterns. Furthermore, the rapid pace of these architectural shifts has led to a growing sense of disconnection among community members. The findings highlight a central aspect: the new architectural forms fail to reflect the historical sentiments embedded in the community’s fabric and its connection to the surrounding environment. Consequently, there emerges a subtle yet significant loss of the community’s identity and heritage. The study argues for the importance of making design decisions that are sustainable, utilizing local construction knowledge in a modern way, thereby preserving the intricate and enduring connections between architectural, historical, social, and environmental factors. By doing so, designers can create spaces that preserve socio-cultural dynamics, be environmentally sustainable, yet also progress with the contemporary construction demands.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030753
Authors: Haijing Huang Binyue Zhang Jingru Cheng Yue Sun
The creation of lightscapes in colleges and universities are of great significance in enhancing the perception of the campus environment, improving physical and mental health, and shaping humanistic connotations. This research aims to examine lightscape perceptions and impacts of different campuses. At Chongqing University A and B Campuses, lightscape walking experiments, subjective questionnaires, objective luminance measurements, and HDR picture processing were used to examine lightscape perception and factors. The relevance and differences in the perception of circadian lightscapes in the two campuses were analyzed using SPSS software. The study found: (1) natural lightscapes such as sky light, cloud shadow, and lake water reflection were the most popular during the daytime, while artificial lightscapes, such as decorative lighting of buildings, were positively evaluated at night; (2) the frequency of visits by a crowd directly impacts the ambiance of the environmental area; (3) males showed strong emotional awareness and social interaction skills in daytime, leading to increased social activity and stronger emotional responses, but no differences in nighttime; (4) optimal nighttime luminance enhances the overall perception satisfaction of the illumination; (5) the amount and arrangement of outdoor space, vegetation, minor landscape design, and service facilities all affect the perception of circadian lightscapes. In conclusion, design concepts and proposals of landscapes were suggested to optimize college and university lightscapes.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030752
Authors: Fayez Abdel-Jaber Kim N. Dirks
Energy efficiency is currently a hot topic in engineering due to the monetary and environmental benefits it brings. One aspect of energy efficiency in particular, the prediction of thermal loads (specifically heating and cooling), plays a significant role in reducing the costs associated with energy use and in minimising the risks associated with climate change. Recently, data-driven approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques, have provided cost-effective and high-quality solutions for solving energy efficiency problems. This research investigates various ML methods for predicting energy efficiency in buildings, with a particular emphasis on heating and cooling loads. The review includes many ML techniques, including ensemble learning, support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), statistical models, and probabilistic models. Existing studies are analysed and compared in terms of new criteria, including the datasets used, the associated platforms, and, more importantly, the interpretability of the models generated. The results show that, despite the problem under investigation being studied using a range of ML techniques, few have focused on developing interpretable classifiers that can be exploited by stakeholders to support the design of energy-efficient residential buildings for climate impact minimisation. Further research in this area is required.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030751
Authors: Dunwen Liu Xianqing Meng Tao Ao Kunpeng Cao
As there are few cases of red sandstone rapid antiquing in ancient buildings and as it is difficult to reproduce, this paper carried out an experimental study and effect evaluation assessment on red sandstone rapid antiquing in the restoration of ancient buildings, based on a restoration project of an ancient town in Ganzhou. The method and the implementation process of red sandstone rapid antiquing are proposed by starting from color antiquing and texture antiquing. By controlling the concentration of red mud, grass ash, and carbon black in color coatings as variables, using the HSV (hue, saturation, value) color space and Tamura texture features (roughness, contrast, orientation) to quantitatively analyze the antiquing effect, an analytical model for evaluating the red sandstone antiquing effect based on image processing was established. The results showed that among all the antiquing groups, the group that used white cement, green zeolite, imitation greenery, red clay, grass ash, and 5 mL/L carbon black liquid at the same time had the best effect, with a qualified rate of 90%. The analytical model can improve the evaluation efficiency of red sandstone antiquing and avoid errors caused by subjective factors. With feasibility and practicability, the model is conducive for new red sandstone to meet the requirements of ancient building restoration through rapid antiquing. It provides a scientific basis and technical reference for red sandstone antiquing in stone cultural relics and ancient building restoration.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030750
Authors: Wanjun Hou Liu Liu Hui Xi Tie Jia
T8 LED tubes with adjustable brightness and color temperature are installed in the workshop for workers to adjust their lighting independently. The illuminance of the workers’ working surface is dynamically monitored for one year, and the collected illuminance data are quantitatively analyzed to explore the suitable illuminance threshold and color temperature preference for workers in real scenes. The illuminance value is divided according to time period and season, which provides reference for the development of intelligent buildings. For the three workflows in the post-finishing workshop, the lighting environment was optimized based on the uniformity of illumination, and the optimal height of the lighting arrangement was determined. The optimal luminaire placement height for the bar tacking machine was found to be 1.28 m, for the auxiliary workbench it was 1.02 m, and for the ironing table it was 1.2 m.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030749
Authors: Luca Spera Martina Sciomenta Chiara Bedon Massimo Fragiacomo
Establishing short supply chains for timber has become important especially in Italy, which is an historically wood-importer country. Timber is an environmentally friendly construction material and a potential mean to reduce carbon footprint produced every year by the building sector. In addition to its sustainability benefits, reversible strengthening interventions can be attained for existing structures. As such, timber can be efficiently used to preserve and protect historical buildings which are, due to architectural and aesthetic values, fundamental components of the Italian cultural heritage. In this study, the use and potential of novel cross-laminated (X-Lam or CLT) timber panels made of Italian hardwood (i.e., beech) for strengthening of existing timber floors is investigated. A quantitative comparison between the mechanical performances of the proposed wood-based product and common retrofitting techniques, such as double-crossed timber planks and reinforced concrete slabs, is carried out in terms of bending stiffness (which is evaluated according to Eurocode 5), influence of weight and reversibility of intervention. It is shown that CLT panels represent a good compromise/alternative for the realisation of reversible and sustainable reinforcing interventions, with rather well promising performances.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030748
Authors: Xikang Yan Qinyu Luo Zeyu Chen Yunhan Yan Tian Qiu Peng Cheng
China is striving to reach a peak in its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The accurate accounting of carbon emissions is important for achieving these dual carbon goals. An extensive literature review and field measurements were conducted to investigate the specific impact of population density on carbon emissions in large integrated healthcare organizations. This research uses VOSviewer to visualize the literature analysis. We determined that the flow of people is a key factor affecting carbon emissions during the operational phase of large-scale comprehensive medical institutions. Through field measurements, the relationship between the density of pedestrian flow and indoor environment measurements was derived, and the incremental equipment operating loads caused by changes in the indoor environment were analyzed. Using the carbon emission factor method advocated by the IPCC, a carbon emission accounting model based on different flow intervals was constructed, and the energy consumption of different equipment was fully considered according to its proportion. The validation results showed that the error between the calculated value and the actual values of the model was 3.07% (less than 5%), which has good validity. The model calculates the direct and indirect carbon emissions in the operational phase based on the population flow perspective, which can provide a reference for the energy-saving design and green operation of large-scale comprehensive medical institutions. The research will continue to focus on the population flow, and the accounting model will be further optimized through machine learning algorithms.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030747
Authors: Dejiang Wang Haojie Lu
Traditional design methods for single-story steel structure factories are characterized by low levels of digitalization and high error rates. To deal with these problems, a building information modeling (BIM) platform for the design of single-story steel structure factories was developed in this paper, which aimed to improve the design process for such structures. Firstly, the components of the factory were categorized, and the Revit API was employed to automate the generation of the BIM model. Load applications and combinations were then established using the Revit API, which relied on a set of predefined parameters. Secondly, this paper proposed the creation of a dedicated database for data exchange between BIM software and finite element analysis software. Additionally, the SAP2000 Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI) was employed for the automated construction and analysis of the SAP2000 structural model. Finally, the innovative use of Dynamo–Revit API hybrid programming allowed for the visualization of internal forces directly within the Revit environment, significantly diminishing the dependency on standalone FEA software. The application results obtained on a project demonstrated that the developed platform markedly improves the efficiency of design single-story steel structure factories and ensures the accuracy of the structural analysis. This confirms that the developed platform can transform the traditional design process by integrating advanced digital tools, thereby providing a novel approach to the design of single-story steel structure factories.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030746
Authors: Jonny D. Patrício Alexandre D. Gusmão Sílvio R. M. Ferreira Fernando A. N. Silva Hassan Jafarian Kafshgarkolaei António C. Azevedo João M. P. Q. Delgado
This study examines the performance of mat foundations in 13 blocks of eight-story concrete-walled residential buildings. Topographic monitoring bolts were used to monitor the slab’s construction, which was 0.35 m thick and comprised an area of 225 m2. Using the collected data, a retro-analysis of the modulus of elasticity was conducted to obtain the geotechnical parameters for forecasting the settlement using the elasticity theory. A nonlinear approach for construction modeling and soil–structure interactions showed that the earthworks at the start of construction had a significant role in settling. Blocks in landfills settled faster than those in land-cut zones. The partial execution of building levels was found to be critical in terms of angular distortions and stresses in the concrete slab. The partial lifting of the foundation plate was confirmed in blocks with partial building floor execution, demonstrating the importance of assessing the foundation’s behavior at this stage. The modulus of elasticity dropped as construction progressed, with landfill parts being particularly vulnerable. Creep settlements contributed significantly, accounting for about 20% of the total settlements in some blocks. The numerical staged construction model accurately replicated the behaviors observed in the monitoring data, confirming the hypothesis of the partial raising of the foundation during the building process, which resulted in higher angular distortions. Based on the results obtained, the authors strongly recommend that the simultaneous consideration of soil–structure interactions and construction effects be commonly used in foundation designs.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030745
Authors: Danutė Sližytė Remigijus Šalna Kęstutis Urbonas
The investigation of soil is a particularly important stage of structural design. Cone penetration tests (CPTs) are the most common soil investigation techniques. The results of these tests provide information about the values of cone resistance (qc) and sleeve friction (fs), which correspond to depth. Previous studies have shown that the ratio of sleeve friction to cone resistance depends on the particle size distribution in soil and its use for soil classification. Unfortunately, as an analysis of the literature shows, there is no such classification for coarse-grained soils. This paper presents statistically significant differences in the ratio of fs to qc in coarse-grained soils. Based on the research performed, the proposed coefficients depend on the classification of coarse-grained soils with respect to the size of the soil particles. The data investigated were obtained from study reports on 35 sites (5934 tests) at which the main type of soil was coarse-grained and contained different sizes of particles. Following a statistical analysis, five groups of tested coarse-grained soils, silty fine sand, clayey fine sand, fine sand, medium sand and gravelly coarse sand together with gravel, are derived. The analysed data show statistically significant differences in the ratio of fs to qc considering this particular type of soil. A ratio of fs to qc with a probability of 95% is proposed for sandy soils. The values for silty fine sand, clayey fine sand, fine sand, medium sand and gravelly coarse sand mixed with gravel are 0.009459, 0.010982, 0.009268, 0.008001 and 0.006741, respectively. A linear relationship between the fs and qc indexes is also suggested.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030744
Authors: Liming Fan Chen Huang Linsheng Huo
The negative stiffness bistable damper (NSBD) was proposed to suppress structural dynamic responses in our previous study. The vibration mitigation performance of the NSBD is influenced by its design parameters, including negative stiffness, cubic stiffness, and damping coefficients. However, it is extremely challenging to directly acquire the ideal design parameters of the NSBD owing to its inherent nonlinearity. To address this disadvantage, the optimal design approach for the NSBD, based on the equivalent linearization method (ELM) and genetic algorithm (GA), is presented in this paper. The nonlinear NSBD system can be transformed to a linear system utilizing the ELM based on the pseudo-excitation method (PEM). The linearization model that corresponds to the nonlinear NSBD is fairly accurate in its approximation and can be indicated from the numerical results. Then, the main structure’s peak response is minimized through the optimization of the design parameters of the NSBD using the H∞ norm and GA. Moreover, the proposed approach’s effectiveness is assessed using the optimal parameters to calculate the displacement responses of a tall building equipped with the NSBD during various seismic excitations. As revealed by the numerical results, the displacement of the tall building can be effectively restrained by the optimized NSBD.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030743
Authors: Kirill P. Zubarev Evgenii M. Shcherban’ Sergey A. Stel’makh Alexey N. Beskopylny Diana Elshaeva Andrei Chernil’nik Nadezhda I. Zakieva Elena V. Pimenova Alexandr A. Shilov
The application of geopolymer concrete in buildings and structures is becoming widespread because of its low cost and high strength characteristics. At the same time, the capabilities of geopolymer concrete are not fully used, especially to strengthen flexural properties. The article examines the problems of developing an effective composition of geopolymer concrete based on ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) by selecting the optimal composition of the alkaline activator and the amount of basalt fiber (BF). To determine the degree of effectiveness of the proposed formulation solutions, the characteristics of geopolymer fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) were determined. It has been investigated the most effective composition of an alkaline activator is an activator containing a NaOH solution with a molarity of 12 M. The most optimal dosage of BF is 1.5% by weight of GGBS. The increase in compressive and flexural strength for the most effective composition of geopolymer FRC 12 M/BF1.5, which combines the most effective parameters of formulation solutions, compared to the least effective composition 8 M/BF0 was 40.54% and 93.75%, respectively, and the decrease of water absorption was 45.75%. The obtained scientific result represents a significant empirical basis for future research in the field of geopolymer FRC. The developed effective composition of geopolymer FRC is ready for use in practical construction.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030742
Authors: Łukasz Mazur Olga Szlachetka Katarzyna Jeleniewicz Michał Piotrowski
The construction sector, a significant consumer of energy, possesses the potential to realize substantial environmental and economic advantages through the adoption of innovative technologies and design approaches. Notably, the Passive House standard, exemplified by energy-efficient single-family homes, emerges as a prominent solution. This study analyzes five external wall systems across multiple stages: (i) a literature review and examination of external wall techniques within the passive standard, utilizing the Passive House Database; (ii) a material and technological assessment of three wood-based and two masonry constructions; (iii) an in-depth thermal performance analysis of selected external partitions; and (iv) a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the external wall systems. Our findings indicate that among the single-family homes built to the passive standard, 50.94% utilized timber constructions, while 34.21% employed masonry. Thermal analysis revealed that the masonry wall, EW-M-01, exhibited superior thermal efficiency with a heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of 0.0889 W/m2K. Meanwhile, the wooden wall, EW-T-01, led its category with a U-value of 0.1000 W/m2K. The LCA highlighted that the wooden wall EW-T-02 presented the lowest integrated non-renewable energy demand (PENTR) at 425.70 MJ/kg and the most favorable Global Warming Potential (GWP), with a reduction of 55.51 kg CO2e. Conversely, the masonry wall EW-M-01 recorded the highest energy demand and CO2e emissions, at 780.96 MJ/kg and 90.59 kg CO2e, respectively. Water consumption was lowest for the EW-T-02 wooden wall (0.08 m3) and highest for the EW-M-02 masonry wall (0.19 m3). Conclusively, our analysis of passive house external walls demonstrates that wood-based systems offer superior performance in terms of materials, thermal efficiency, and LCA indicators, positioning them as the preferred option for sustainable passive construction.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030741
Authors: Lucia Cattani Anna Magrini Anna Chiari
The paper discusses the energy efficiency of smart working (SW) as a solution to traditional work-approach issues, with a focus on evaluating benefits for both employers and employees. Remote working, while offering environmental advantages such as reduced commuting and office space use, poses challenges in assessing its true impact. The study presents results from a dynamic analysis on a real residential building, typical of an architectural style diffused in northern Italy, revealing a 15% average increase in energy consumption when all work tasks are performed from home. To address concerns about the environmental impact of SW, the research proposes a method and metrics for evaluation. Four novel indices (SWEET, SEE, SSEE, and 4E) are introduced, providing a structured approach to assess the energy efficiency of SW initiatives. The paper outlines a methodology for data gathering and metric application, aiming to acquire quantitative insights and mitigate disparities arising from a transfer of burdens to employees. This contribution not only signifies a ground-breaking methodology but also addresses an unresolved research question concerning the evaluation of the actual energy efficiency of smart working implementations for both employers and employees. The results underscore the importance of understanding the nuances of SW’s impact on household energy usage and its broader implications for sustainability goals.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030740
Authors: Herath Mudiyanselage Samadhi Nayanathara Samarasekara Mahesh Babu Purushothaman Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi
The global GDP has witnessed a significant upswing, majorly due to the growth of the construction industry. Embracing the whole-life costing (WLC) approach, the construction sector strategically manages expenses across a construction project’s life cycle. However, despite its widespread adoption, accurate cost forecasting remains a major challenge. The intricate interplay of various influencing factors has not been fully explored, leading to inaccurate cost estimations. A comprehensive understanding of specific factors and their interrelationships is crucial to address this issue. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further research to identify and explore the subtle nuances of these factors that impact whole-life cost estimation. Our study fills this gap, analysing 51 factors from 84 papers across prominent repositories. We assess interrelationships using a systematic literature review and pairwise comparison as in the analytical hierarchy process. The International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) framework structures these relationships and is represented in the causal loop diagrams (CLDs). The pioneering CLDs are a notable contribution, illustrating interrelationships and polarities among the 51 WLC factors. Six reinforcing loops and one balancing loop provide valuable insights into their dynamic nature. Importantly, lower-level factors do not always directly connect with upper-level factors. Instead, they interact within the same level before linking to top-level factors. These findings are significant for professionals, such as cost estimators, quantity surveyors and scholars, offering a comprehensive understanding of the WLC system.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030739
Authors: Xiang Guo Shuo Liu Xiang Wang Fujian Yang Yantai Zhang
To rationally evaluate the seismic damage of RC structures comprehensively and multi-dimensionally, a damage index calculation method is proposed. This is a macroscopic global seismic damage model that considers torsional damage, damage in two perpendicular horizontal directions, as well as the overall damage, based on the modal characteristics of the three-dimensional structure and the multi-mode damage model. Formulas are derived, and the steps for damage evaluation are summarized. To better illustrate the results of the proposed method, an example of an asymmetric 6-story frame-shear wall structure is built using the OpenSees program. Thirteen ground motions are selected for incremental dynamic analysis. The structure’s damage indexes are evaluated according to the proposed method and compared with the corresponding structural responses, He et al.’s index, and the Final Softening index. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can fully reflect the macroscopic damage state of the structure from different perspectives. Additionally, the results show that, despite the ground motion only acting in the y-direction, the structure exhibits responses and damage in both the x-direction and the torsional direction. The overall damage to the structure is primarily controlled by the torsional damage, attributed to the asymmetric arrangement of shear walls. The torsional effect is the key factor leading to the failure of asymmetric structures during earthquakes. Therefore, ensuring the torsional strength of the structure is crucial during the structural design process.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030738
Authors: Luca Landi Cristiano Benfenati Said Quqa Giacomo Bernagozzi Pier Paolo Diotallevi
Equivalent viscous damping plays a central role in displacement-based design procedures. In this paper, approaches for estimating the equivalent viscous damping of RC frame buildings are proposed. At first, the analytical formulation of Blandon and Priestley was analysed, and then a calibration of the coefficients of this formulation was performed. Compared with the work of Blandon and Priestley, a larger set of synthetic accelerograms, related to different types of soil and different intensities, and a wider range of the effective periods were considered. In particular, two different sets of parameters are proposed: the first is usable in the case of spectra obtained numerically (approach 1), and the second is usable in the case of code-based spectra and damping modification factor (approach 2). To test the performed calibration and to compare the considered formulations (i.e., the proposed and literature equations), the direct displacement-based design procedure has been applied to three case studies of reinforced concrete frame structures, and then pushover and nonlinear time-history analyses have been performed. The results show that the use of the calibrated parameters (for both the considered approaches) has determined more conservative results, in terms of design base shear and maximum drift from NLTH. Moreover, the average displacement profiles and the inter-storey drifts obtained from time-history analyses for the frames designed with the calibrated parameters match better the design profile.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030737
Authors: Yi-Song Liu Tan Yigitcanlar Mirko Guaralda Kenan Degirmenci Aaron Liu
Wind, a renewable resource with growing importance in the contemporary world, is considered a capable tool for addressing some of the problems linked with rapid urbanization, unsustainable development, and climate change. As such, understanding modelling approaches to wind characteristics in cities becomes crucial. While prior reviews delve into the advancements in reduced-scale models and computational fluid dynamics simulations, there is scant literature evaluating large-scale spatial modelling of urban wind environments. This paper aims to consolidate the understanding of spatial modelling approaches to wind characteristics in cities by conducting a systematic literature review with the PRISMA protocol to capture the contributions to sustainable urban development. The reviewed articles are categorized under two distinctive approaches: (a) studies adopting the wind morphometric approach, encompassing theoretical foundations, input factors, and computation methods and (b) studies adopting the urban climate mapping approach, centering on the amalgamation of wind with urban microclimate analysis. The findings suggest that wind morphometric methodologies hold considerable promise due to their straightforward calculations and interpretability. Nonetheless, issues related to data precision and accuracy challenge the validity of these models. This review also probes into the implications of these two distinctive approaches for urban planning and policymaking, advocating for more sustainable urban development.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030736
Authors: Marwa Kamal Fahmy M. M. Ahmed Sally A. Ali Dalia Tarek Ibrahim M. Maafa Ayman Yousef Ayman Ragab
The development of energy-efficient and sustainable building materials is imperative to reduce energy consumption in the construction sector. This study addresses both the applied problem of increased solar heat gain and decreased indoor thermal comfort, as well as the scientific problem of reducing the thermal conductivity of clay bricks. It investigates the incorporation of recycled spent mushroom materials, consisting of Pleurotus florida mycelia and rice husk waste, as a novel additive in the production of fired clay bricks (FCBs) to enhance thermal insulation properties. The developed bricks were utilized in an optimized wall design for a residential building in New Cairo, Egypt. The wall design is created using energy modeling software, including Honeybee, Ladybug, Climate Studio, and Galapagos. The results demonstrate that an optimal waste content of 15% and a firing temperature of 900 °C yield the best thermal performance. Compared to traditional FCB walls, the new design incorporating the florida waste additive significantly improves thermal comfort, as indicated by a lower predicted mean vote and predicted percentage of dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the developed walls contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 6% and a decrease in total energy consumption of 38.8%. The incorporation of recycled florida waste offers a sustainable approach to enhancing standard brick fabrication processes. This work highlights the promise of agricultural waste valuation for the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient building materials. Future research should explore the mechanical strength, acoustics, cost–benefit analysis, and field implementation of the developed walls, thereby addressing both the scientific and applied aspects of the problem.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030735
Authors: Jittaporn Sriboonjit Jittima Singvejsakul Worapon Yamaka Sukrit Thongkairat Songsak Sriboonchitta Jianxu Liu
In the rapidly evolving business landscape of Thailand, the design and facilities of office buildings play a crucial role in enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity. This study seeks to answer the question: “How can office building facilities be optimized to meet the diverse preferences of occupants in Thailand, thereby improving their satisfaction and productivity”? This study employs a copula-based ordinal regression model combined with machine learning techniques to investigate the determinants of facility preferences in office buildings in Thailand. By analyzing data from 372 office workers in Bangkok, we identify the factors influencing facility needs and preferences, and measure the correlation between these preferences. Our findings reveal that safety and security are the highest-rated amenities, indicating their importance in the workplace. The findings reveal distinct preferences across demographic groups: age negatively influences the demand for certain amenities like lounges, while higher education levels increase the preference for cafeteria services. Employees in smaller firms show a higher preference for lounges and fitness centers but lower for restaurants and cafeterias. Interestingly, the size of the enterprise does not significantly affect preferences for fundamental facilities like security and cleaning. The study also uncovers the significant role of gender and income in shaping preferences for certain facilities. These results suggest that while basic amenities are universally valued, luxury or leisure-oriented facilities are more appreciated in smaller, possibly more community-focused work environments. This study highlights the need for tailored facility management in office buildings, considering the diverse needs of different employee groups, which has significant implications for enhancing workplace satisfaction and productivity.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030734
Authors: Yujun Yang Kaixu Wang Dian Zhou Yupeng Wang Qian Zhang Duo Xu
Economic development limits the living quality of rural residents. In particular, the residential buildings in northern China generally have poor thermal comfort in winter, which affects the physical and mental health of residents. Because of the separation of rooms, residents who live in cave dwellings often have to enter and leave rooms in the course of their daily lives, which leads to worse thermal feelings in winter. Because of the low price and the wind insulation and heat storage, sunrooms are widely used in renovations of rural houses. The traditional purpose of the addition of a sunroom is to provide a buffer room between outdoor and indoor spaces. This manuscript focuses on improving the degree of thermal comfort by means of a sunroom connecting all rooms. This study selected two families with the same number of members and similar daily activities as the study cases. One of the families had a sunroom built to connect its bedroom, living room, and washroom. The household’s air temperature and human comfort were measured both on holidays and on workdays. It is demonstrated that adding a sunroom can significantly stabilize the thermal environment and increase the air temperature in both the bedroom and the living room. Adding a sunroom can increase the air temperature of a cave dwelling’s main room by 1.0 °C on workdays and 4.3 °C on holidays. A cave dwelling with a sunroom can also provide residents with a decent level of human comfort for 24.4% of their daily time on workdays and 39.1% of the time during holidays. This research demonstrates that a sunroom can not only increase the air temperature in cave dwellings but also enhance the stability of human comfort. The conclusion provides new renovation ideas for improving the living comfort of cave dwellings.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030733
Authors: Hoora Bikdeli Morteza Jiryaei Sharahi Baitollah Badarloo Petr Lehner
The objective of this investigation is to understand how to use waste tires to surround stone pillars and mix gravel with recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and stone pillars to provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective weak layer improvement method. To study the behavior of such stone columns, experiments were conducted in units consisting of a single stone column with recycled asphalt pavement as filling material and a single stone column covered with old tires. To test the effect of different mixing ratios, rapeseed content was selected from 0% to 100%. Elasticity tests were conducted on cladded and nonclad stone column samples. Furthermore, direct shear tests were conducted on samples with different ratios of gravel and rapeseed mixtures. The results of the load-bearing capacity test show that the cover of the stone columns with old tires can significantly increase the load-bearing capacity. Replacing 25% of natural stone column aggregates with RAP increases the load capacity. But as the percentage of RAP in the mixture increases from 25% to 100%, the loading capacity decreases. Another advantage is the reinforced stone column. From the point of view of ecology, an advantage is the use of recyclable materials.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030732
Authors: Wenchao Jiang Xi Zhao Chaoxun Cai Kai Chang Kai Liu Yuming Liu
The construction of major railway projects poses significant risks, which present considerable challenges to construction management. To accurately assess the level of construction management for these projects, this study incorporated resilience theory into the field. The grounded theory method was utilized to establish a resilience evaluation indicator system for managing a major railway project construction. Additionally, a resilience evaluation model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was proposed. This model was applied to evaluate the construction management resilience of a major railway project located in the mountainous region of southwest China. The results indicated that the project exhibits a very high overall level of construction management resilience. Specifically, it demonstrates high levels of ability to monitor and warn, an ability to resist absorption, and an ability to respond to emergencies. Additionally, it showcases high levels of ability to recover and rebuild, and an ability to learn to adapt. The evaluation results were consistent with the actual situation and verified the correctness and reliability of the method. Based on the aforementioned research findings, this paper puts forward recommendations on material redundancy and resource security from a resource perspective, and suggestions on organizational optimization and personnel capacity improvement from a subject perspective, thus indicating directions for enhancing the management level of major engineering railway constructions.
]]>Buildings doi: 10.3390/buildings14030731
Authors: Jie Liu Guangli Xiang Chengde Li Weiping Xie
BIM collaborative design involves numerous participants from various specialties who create and share vast amounts of design data at different design stages to ensure the efficient transmission of design data between these specialties. It is imperative for the BIM collaborative design platform to guarantee the security of design data and effectively trace any instances of malicious leakage or tampering. Therefore, this paper proposes a traceable ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption scheme (TCP-ABE) that formulates a dynamic data access control mechanism based on different participants and effectively tracks malicious users in the event of risks such as tampering, theft, and unauthorized access to BIM data. In this scheme, the user’s identity information is embedded into their private key as a key component, ensuring that only users who satisfy the access policy can decrypt it. The compromised private key allows for tracing of the user’s identity. Additionally, Linear Secret Sharing Scheme (LSSS) is employed as the access structure with the user’s attribute set divided into an attribute name set and an attribute value set to protect privacy by concealing the latter within the access policy. Furthermore, the scheme integrates blockchain with cloud storage as a trusted third-party storage mechanism to ensure data integrity. Finally, the TCP-ABE scheme is comprehensively evaluated by comparing its strengths and weaknesses with other algorithms. This evaluation includes a theoretical analysis of functional and computational time overhead aspects, as well as an experimental analysis of initialization time, data encryption time, and data decryption time. The scheme exhibits excellent performance across all stages and encompasses the most comprehensive functionalities, as demonstrated by the comparative analysis and experimental results.
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