An analytical three-dimensional slope reliability evaluation framework was developed in this work independent of use of numerical simulations. The slope stability analysis was necessarily carried out by utilizing an extended three-dimensional Morgenstern–Price method, which was characterized by analytical formulations and competitive computational efficiency. Incorporation of the presented stability analysis method into response surface methodology led to an effective slope reliability evaluation framework. The applicability and superiority of this framework was examined and validated using a real complicated landslide case reported in practice, and a hypothetical slope example widely adopted in the literature. The impact of correlation coefficients and probability distribution patterns on the slope reliability assessment results was further addressed to derive additional benefits of this framework. Full article

Magnesium ammonium phosphate cement (MAPC) mortar has recently risen up as high performance rapid repair material for concrete structures. But high costs of the raw materials limit its restoration and maintenance projects on a wide application range. This study proposes the use of manufactured limestone sand with lower cost and wider range of sources in replacement of quartz sand as fine aggregates to produce MAPC mortar. However, the limestone fines of manufactured sand were initially found to have negative effects on the performance of MAPC mortar, causing significant blistering and volume expansion and decreased compressive strength and interfacial bonding strength. To minimize these negative effects, polyether modified silicone (PMS) defoamer and its compound use with mineral admixtures Portland cement and silica fume were investigated on the effectiveness in reducing expansion and improving other properties of MAPC mortar. Results showed that the compound use of PMS defoamer and Portland cement as a new defoaming formula effectively reduced the volume expansion from 7.92% to 0.91%. The compressive strength and interfacial bonding strength were significantly improved by over 34% and 60% respectively. Moreover, this defoaming formula showed improvements in water-tight performance and resistance to chloride penetration. According to the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis, the total porosity of MAPC mortar after defoaming treatment was decreased by about 40% and the pore structure was also modified to be finer by significantly reducing the harmful macropores. Overall, the use of manufactured limestone sands as fine aggregates turned out to be a feasible and economic approach for promoting the filed application of MAPC mortar. Full article

To investigate the influence of alkali-resistant glass fiber on the dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of slag cement mortar (SCM), five SCM blocks with different volumes of alkali-resistant glass fiber (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) were prepared. A split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test device with a diameter of Φ50 mm was used to test the impact compression under different loading pressures. In this way, the stress–strain curve of SCM under average strain rates corresponding to different loading air pressures is obtained, and the relationship between the ultimate toughness, the dynamic increase factor (DIF), and the fiber content of SCM can be comprehensively analyzed in combination with the dynamic and static mechanical parameters. Research results showed that, with the increase in fiber content, the static compressive strength of the SCM showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, where 0.75% can be the optimal one with the maximum compressive strength. Under the impact load, the dynamic compressive strength of the SCM had a positive correlation with the average strain rate. Within the strain rate range of 75.03 s⁻¹~141.47 s⁻¹, When the fiber volume content is 0.75%, the dynamic compressive strength, ultimate toughness and DIF of SCM are higher than those of other groups, showing good impact resistance. According to the analysis of SEM images, the bonding performance between alkali-resistant glass fiber and cement matrix was strong, and the fibers were interlaced in the mortar to form a network structure, which has a good effect on toughening and strengthening the SCM. Full article

The design of bottom-overhead (or lift-up) buildings is advantageous in improving the thermal environment of high-density cities and enhancing the comfort level of occupants’ activity space on the ground floor. This study aims to investigate the impact of multiple architectural design variables on the ground floor overhead area of slab-like and tower high-rise residential buildings from the perspective of pedestrian-level thermal comfort with ENVI-met simulations and Standard Effective Temperature (SET*) evaluation. The design variables of the 25 tested models include the number of continuously arranged buildings, aspect ratio, overhead form, overhead space height, positions of overhead space enclosures, and openness degree, derived from existing overhead buildings in Chongqing. The results demonstrate that when the number of continuously arranged buildings and the aspect ratio increase, the overhead area has a more comfortable environmental state, while the overhead height is negatively correlated. In addition, when the enclosures are on opposite sides and their openness degree is 0.75–0.5, the area tends to be more comfortable. For slab-like buildings, the thermal comfort of the partial-overhead form is the worst while the semi-overhead form is relatively better. However, the overhead form has no significant impact on the thermal comfort of tower buildings. These findings can provide some suggestions and inspiration for the design of overhead buildings to create a more sustainable and livable microenvironment. Full article

A rise in the number of EVs (electric vehicles) in Europe is putting pressure on power grids. At an urban scale, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are devised as archetypes of (small) urban districts managing a set of interconnected buildings and district elements (lighting system, vehicles, smart grid, etc.). This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of e-mobility in a PED, simulated using MATLAB-Simulink software. The PED, a small district in northern Spain, is assessed in five scenarios representing varying requirements in terms of energy efficiency of buildings, type of street lighting and number of EVs. The results suggest that the energy rating of the buildings (ranging from A for the most efficient to E) conditions the annual energy balance. A PED with six interconnected buildings (3 residential and 3 of public use) and 405 EVs (as a baseline) only achieves positivity when the buildings have a high energy rating (certificate A or B). In the most efficient case (A-rated buildings), simulation results show that the PED can support 695 EVs; in other words, it can provide nearly 9 million green kilometres. This result represents a potential 71% saving in carbon emissions from e-mobility alone (as compared to the use of fossil-fuel vehicles), thus contributing a reduction in the carbon footprint of the district and the city as a whole. Full article

Windows with low visible light transmittance (VLT) and g-values are preferred to reduce the building’s energy consumption. However, low VLT and g-value can create an unpleasant indoor daylight environment. A glass with freely adjustable VLT and g-value as required has been developed and is called smart glass. In this study, the recently developed VLT adjustable smart glass is targeted. Some studies were conducted on the VLT adjustment status of smart windows to create an appropriate indoor lighting environment. Although research on smart glass has been conducted through ecofriendly building certification systems such as LEED in the US, BREEAM in the UK, CASBEE in Japan, and GSEED in South Korea, it was pointed out that there is a limit to creating a uniformity. Therefore, the previous study analyzed the VLT conditions to create a minimal indoor daylight environment. The purpose of this study is to propose and analyze a louver-type electrochromic façade that can create a uniform indoor illuminance. A simulation method was used, and a range of changes in indoor illuminance that could be controlled through an electrochromic louver was derived. The simulation was performed using the Rhino 6′s Grasshopper program based on the Radiance engine. Electrochromic is a class of smart glass with high VLT variable range and durability. The conditions for deriving the optimal daylight environment according to the composition, VLT, and angle of the electrochromic louver were analyzed. The evaluation was made against the criteria of LEED v4.1. Data on the composition, VLT, and angle adjustment of the electrochromic louver that can obtain a high LEED v4.1 daylight score were derived, and organized in tables. Considering the composition and angle, it was found that the daylight environment of the electrochromic louver adjusted with a VLT of 25% to 45% was excellent in composition. Full article

High concentrations of ozone (O₃) is a major air problem in urban areas, which creates a serious threat to human health. Urban street canyon morphology plays a key role in air pollutant dispersion and photochemical reaction rate. In this study, a one-year observation at three height levels was performed to investigate the O₃ distribution vertically in a street canyon of Shenyang. Then, field investigation and ENVI-met modelling were conducted to quantify the influence of street canyon morphology and microclimatic factors on O₃ distribution at the pedestrian level. All O₃ concentrations at the three height levels were high from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both O₃ concentrations at pedestrian level and the middle level in the canyon were 40% higher than at roof level. O₃ accumulated in the canyons rather than spread out. The in-canyon O₃ concentrations had significantly positive correlations with building height, aspect ratio, sky view factor, air temperature, and wind speed. Both field investigation and ENVI-met modelling found high O₃ concentrations in medium canyons. Photochemical reaction intensity played a more important role in in-canyon O₃ distribution than dispersion. Wide canyons were favorable for removing O₃. Full article

When the vertical joints of monolithic precast concrete structures are cast by self-compacting concrete, the design of the formwork under rational lateral pressure of self-compacting concrete becomes a key technical issue. In this paper, a prototype simulation test was conducted for the pouring of self-compacting concrete in the vertical joint of precast concrete walls. The self-compacting concrete was continuously poured from the top of vertical joints with a height of 2.8 m without any assistance such as a delivery tube. The formwork pressure of self-compacting concrete was measured at different heights with varying casting time. Results showed that the lateral pressure increased with the increase in slump-flow of fresh self-compacting concrete, reaching a peak value of about 70 kPa at a height of about 600 mm from the bottom of formwork. Compared to the concrete with a slump-flow of 550 mm, the self-compacting concrete with the slump-flow reached 655 mm and 755 mm, presenting an increase in the peak lateral pressure by 31.5% and 44.9%, respectively. A method for calculating the lateral pressure of self-compacting concrete on the joint formwork is proposed using the analysis of enveloped test curves. Under the condition with enough strength and limited deformation of the joint formwork, the optimal design of aluminum alloy formwork is determined using finite element analysis. This provides a sci-tech foundation of the optimal design to lighten the weight of joint formwork to improve the installation efficiency and reduce the manual power cost. Full article

To date, studies that provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the cottage in Finland are lacking in the literature. This paper explored this phenomenon, which has great cultural and economic importance for Finland, through interviews from the perspective of experts. Key findings based on main themes including cottage buyers, characteristics of the dream cottage, diversified cottages, the regulation of cottages in municipalities, and challenges in the regulation of cottages, highlighted that: (1) cottage buyers were reported to be mostly in their 50s and wealthy; (2) buyers were in high demand for easy solutions and cottages with a similar level of equipment to a primary home; (3) environmental issues were considered interesting, but buyers primarily paid attention to the cleanliness of the nature and especially the body of water surrounding their cottage; (4) distance to the cottage and closest services were deciding factors, and there was greater demand for waterfront cottages; (5) popular cottage sizes varied widely, and the diversification was among the highlights; (6) while changes in use were possible under certain circumstances, sewage and wastewater regulation, and sizing of beach construction were considered challenging. It is believed that this paper will contribute to the balanced territorial development of cottages in Finland and the vitality of cottage-rich municipalities. Full article

The results of an experimental study of four infilled frames with brick masonry walls subject to reversal cyclic lateral load are presented. The variables studied were the height to length aspect ratio of the wall and the use of joint reinforcement. The investigation was motivated by the fact that the Mexican code establishes the same specifications about the use of joint reinforcement for infill walls as for confined walls, because there is not enough experimental evidence on joint reinforced infill walls. To investigate the possible interaction of the study variables in the seismic performance of the walls, two pairs of specimens, scaled 1:2, with different aspect ratios (H/L = 0.75, 0.41) were tested. The specimens in each pair were identical except that one of them included steel bars into the bed-joints as reinforcement leading to amount $p_h{f}_{yh}=0.6 \mathrm{MPa}$. The infill walls with H/L = 0.41 were included from a previous study. The behavior of the specimens was defined in terms of lateral strength, ductility, displacement capacity, deformation of the joint reinforcement and crack pattern. The results indicate that joint reinforcement increases the strength of the system; however, the increase was more pronounced in longer walls. Ductility was reduced with horizontal reinforcement and this behavior was more important for longer walls. As occurred in confined walls, the joint reinforcement generates a more distributed cracking and reduces the width of the cracks. The experiments are described and this and other results are discussed in detail. Full article

Trusses are among the basic components of large-span bridges and large-space structures. A method is proposed to conduct a comprehensive deformation analysis of a truss in terms of the basic rigid body displacements and the tension and compression deformation based on complete mathematical orthogonality and mechanical equilibrium. The correctness of the proposed method is verified by comparison with a traditional strain analysis. Furthermore, a relative deformation decomposition of the mode shape is proposed to analyse in detail its relative displacement and deformation. The correctness and superiority of the proposed method are verified by comparison with the modal mass participation coefficient method and the animation from observation method. Additionally, the relative deformation decomposition of a plane truss structure is realized under any load conditions based on the superposition of mode shapes. The quantitative analysis of the basic deformation performance of a plane truss structure can also be conducted by countable mode shapes, which do not involve load conditions. Finally, the number of mode shapes that must be considered differs when using the maximum displacement and the tension and compression deformation analysis indicators. Full article

The construction industry is the backbone of most countries, but its carbon emissions are huge and growing rapidly, constraining the achievement of global carbon-peaking and carbon-neutrality goals. China’s carbon emissions are the highest in the world, and the construction industry is the largest contributor. Due to significant differences between provinces in pressure, potential, and motivation to reduce emissions, the “one-size-fits-all” emission reduction policy has failed to achieve the desired results. This paper empirically investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of carbon emissions in China’s construction industry and their decoupling relationship with economic growth relying on GIS tools and decoupling model in an attempt to provide a basis for the formulation of differentiated construction emission reduction policies and plans in China. The study shows that, firstly, the changes in carbon emissions and carbon intensity in the provincial construction industry are becoming increasingly complex, with a variety of types emerging, such as declining, “inverted U-shaped”, growing, “U-shaped”, and smooth fluctuating patterns. Secondly, the coefficient of variation is higher than 0.65 for a long time, indicating high spatial heterogeneity. However, spatial agglomeration and correlation are low, with only a few cluster-like agglomerations formed in the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, Bohai Bay, Northeast China, and Loess and Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau regions. Thirdly, most provinces have not reached peak carbon emissions from the construction industry, with 25% having reached peak and being in the plateau stage, respectively. Fourthly, the decoupling relationship between carbon emissions from the construction industry and economic growth, as well as their changes, is increasingly diversified, and most provinces are in a strong and weak decoupling state. Moreover, a growing number of provinces that have achieved decoupling are moving backward to re-coupling, due to the impact of economic transformation and the outbreaks of COVID-19, with the degraded regions increasingly concentrated in the northeast and northwest. Fifthly, we classify China’s 30 provinces into Leader, Intermediate, and Laggard policy zones and further propose differentiated response strategies. In conclusion, studying the trends and patterns of carbon-emission changes in the construction industry in different regions, revealing their spatial differentiation and correlation, and developing a classification management strategy for low carbonized development of the construction industry help significantly improve the reliability, efficiency, and self-adaptability of policy design and implementation. Full article

Bell towers are essential elements of religious architecture, which have been part of villagers’ lives for centuries and have marked their identity and orientation from a far distance. This research provides widens our knowledge of geometrical aspects of bell towers through a search for common building patterns. Throughout the history of construction and architecture, there have been specific studies about particular bell towers, but few have taken a more general approach, studying 18th-century architectural treatises and building warnings for ecclesiastical buildings after the Council of Trent. In the Spanish ecclesiastical territorial organisation, the Diocese of Orihuela and its region (Bajo Segura) had great importance, with outstanding social development and territorial expansion due to the colonising action of the clergy and nobility in the 18th century. In 1829, an earthquake had destructive effects on the area’s architectural heritage. This paper studies the bell towers that endured the earthquake by recording data in situ, generating a catalogue, and analysing and comparing the data obtained. The results outline a construction model that meets the established guidelines of the architectural treatises as far as geometrical proportions and building patterns are concerned. Full article

Nonlinear static analysis is a validated tool for the seismic evaluation of existing and new structures, specifically for reinforced concrete buildings. In order to assess the performance of reinforced concrete frames designed according to the new Venezuelan seismic code, configurations of low-, medium-, and high-rise concrete buildings are subjected to 20 different load patterns considering the nonlinear behavior according to FEMA P695. A total of 140 concrete frame models were analyzed using modal response spectrum analysis and nonlinear static pushover analysis. The parameters considered for analyzing the models were the response reduction factor (R), the overstrength factor (R_Ω), and the ductility factor (R_µ). The results showed a performance controlled by ductile failure mechanisms in low-rise models unlike combined failure mechanisms with columns with plastic hinge in high-rise models. Reduction factor values between 4 and 14 were obtained. In addition, the pushover curves were affected by the load patterns; therefore, it was necessary to identify the representative patterns, refusing the rest of the patterns. A statistical adjustment was performed using a log-normal distribution. The strength reduction factor specified in the new Venezuelan code was higher than the values obtained for the 95% confidence levels according to the distribution assumed in the reinforced concrete frames models. Finally, the strength reduction factor more representative is R = 4. Full article