Next Issue
Volume 15, November-1
Previous Issue
Volume 15, October-1
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.4
3.1
Journals
Buildings
Volume 15
Issue 20
share announcement

Buildings, Volume 15, Issue 20 (October-2 2025) – 173 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): This study examines how human abilities and robot capabilities jointly shape team performance in construction-site human–robot collaboration (HRC). Based on PLS-SEM, the analysis shows that operational skill, decision-making, and learning ability on the human side, together with robot functionality and operability, significantly and interactively influence team performance across productivity, safety, quality, flexibility, and creativity. Task complexity moderates the effects of interaction between human abilities and robot capacities on team performance, demonstrating the need to match human abilities with appropriate robotic functionality for on-site conditions. The results provide an evidence base for designing HRC teams and guiding improvement strategies in HRC practice. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
22 pages, 6991 KB  
Article
Numerical Study on the Flexural Performance of Fully Bolted Joint for Panelized Steel Modular Structure
by Hao Wang, Xuetong Li, Conghe Tian, Jintao Cui, Xuyue Wang, Chuan Zhao and Yanlai Li
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3807; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203807 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
To investigate the initial rotational stiffness and ultimate moment of fully bolted connections in panelized steel modular structures, a finite element analysis was carried out on 20 joint models. High-fidelity models were developed using ABAQUS, and their accuracy was confirmed through comparison with [...] Read more.
To investigate the initial rotational stiffness and ultimate moment of fully bolted connections in panelized steel modular structures, a finite element analysis was carried out on 20 joint models. High-fidelity models were developed using ABAQUS, and their accuracy was confirmed through comparison with experimental tests. A parametric study was performed to systematically evaluate the effects of the column wall thickness in the core zone, internal diaphragm configurations, angle steel thickness, and stiffener layouts on the joint stiffness and ultimate strength, leading to practical optimization suggestions. Additionally, a mechanical model and a corresponding formula for predicting the initial rotational stiffness of the joints were proposed based on the component method in Eurocode EC3. The model was validated against the finite element results, showing good reliability. Three failure modes were identified as follows: buckling deformation of the beam flange, buckling deformation of the column flange, and deformation of the joint panel zone. In joints with a weak core zone, both the use of internal diaphragms and increased column wall thickness effectively improved the initial rotational stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity. For joints with weak angle steel connections, adding stiffeners or increasing the limb thickness significantly enhanced both the stiffness and capacity. The diameter of bolts in the endplate-to-column flange connection was found to have a considerable effect on the initial rotational stiffness, but minimal impact on the ultimate strength. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the engineering application of panelized steel modular structural joints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

55 pages, 3391 KB  
Article
Contextual Evaluation of Risk Identification Techniques for Construction Projects: Comparative Insights and a Decision-Support Model
by Isik Ates Kiral
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203806 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 321
Abstract
Risk identification is a foundational process in construction project management, yet the selection of appropriate identification techniques often lacks empirical guidance. To address this gap, this study adopts a case study design and conducts a comparative evaluation of four established but underutilized methods—Delphi, [...] Read more.
Risk identification is a foundational process in construction project management, yet the selection of appropriate identification techniques often lacks empirical guidance. To address this gap, this study adopts a case study design and conducts a comparative evaluation of four established but underutilized methods—Delphi, Nominal Group Technique (NGT), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)—within the context of a large-scale infrastructure project in Türkiye. The Delphi panel consisted of five senior experts. The NGT session involved six site-level practitioners, and the HAZOP team was composed of four multidisciplinary professionals. Two project-level managers conducted the PHA. Each technique was assessed against seven evaluative criteria: methodological structure, stakeholder engagement, analytical depth, resource intensity, flexibility, decision-support value, and contextual fit. The findings reveal that HAZOP achieved the highest analytical depth and decision-support capacity, while NGT demonstrated the strongest stakeholder engagement and contextual adaptability. Delphi provided robust systemic insights but required substantial time and expert availability, whereas PHA offered rapid screening capacity with limited depth. Drawing on these findings, the study proposes a Contextual Decision Support Model that helps practitioners select the most suitable technique based on project complexity, available resources, and stakeholder conditions. This practical framework enables construction professionals to balance methodological rigor with contextual feasibility, ensuring that risk identification processes are both systematic and adaptable to real-world constraints. Beyond its methodological contribution, the study advances risk management in construction by providing a structured and transparent decision-support approach that bridges academic rigor with on-site practice. By aligning method selection with project-specific attributes and stakeholder dynamics, the model strengthens the integration of analytical precision and practical decision-making across the project lifecycle, thereby contributing to more proactive, evidence-based, and resilient risk management in construction projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Safety Control and Risk Management in Construction Engineering: Progress, Challenges and Strategies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 25794 KB  
Article
Effect of Fiber Type and Content on the Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Concrete Under Different Saturation Levels
by Shibo Bao, Shuangjie Wang, Sheng Wang, Xugang Tang and Tengfei Guo
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3805; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203805 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
This study investigates the static mechanical behavior of a novel eco-friendly high-performance concrete (HPC) reinforced with fibers under different moisture conditions, reflecting the humidity variations commonly encountered in engineering practice. Three saturation levels—natural, dry, and water saturated—were considered. The optimal dosages of basalt [...] Read more.
This study investigates the static mechanical behavior of a novel eco-friendly high-performance concrete (HPC) reinforced with fibers under different moisture conditions, reflecting the humidity variations commonly encountered in engineering practice. Three saturation levels—natural, dry, and water saturated—were considered. The optimal dosages of basalt and glass fibers were first identified through tests in the natural state, and empirical relationships between fiber volume fraction, compressive strength, and fracture energy were established. Comparative experiments were then conducted at the optimal dosages under varying saturation conditions. Results show that basalt fiber provides superior compressive strength, exceeding that of glass fiber by 0.86% in the dry state and 10.66% in the saturated state. Conversely, glass fiber exhibits a greater enhancement in flexural strength, with improvements of 14.91% and 3.38% over basalt fiber under dry and saturated conditions, respectively. Although preliminary models were proposed to correlate fiber volume fraction with strength in dry and saturated environments, their predictive accuracy proved limited. Overall, the findings highlight the distinct reinforcing effects of basalt and glass fibers on HPC under different moisture conditions, offering guidance for the design and application of fiber-reinforced recycled concrete in humid service environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Damage and Fracture Analysis in Rocks and Concretes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 9649 KB  
Article
Vertical Deformation Calculation Method and In Situ Protection Design for Large-Span Suspended Box Culverts
by Heng Liu, Xihao Yan, Mingjie Xu, Dong Hu, Zhengwei Wang, Lei Guo and Peng Xi
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3804; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203804 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Underground power pipelines are often encased in box culverts and buried in soil. When foundation pit excavation involves such existing pipelines, the buried box culverts can become partially suspended, risking excessive vertical deformation and requiring effective in situ protection. This study proposed analytical [...] Read more.
Underground power pipelines are often encased in box culverts and buried in soil. When foundation pit excavation involves such existing pipelines, the buried box culverts can become partially suspended, risking excessive vertical deformation and requiring effective in situ protection. This study proposed analytical methods to calculate the vertical deformation of large-span box culverts under both unprotected and protected conditions. A case study of the 112 m suspended power box culverts at Yunnan Road Station on Nanjing Metro Line 5 is presented, where the methods are applied to determine the maximum allowable unsupported span and to formulate specific support and suspension protection schemes, which include a number of protection points and their spacing. Validation through ABAQUS modeling shows strong agreement among theoretical predictions, numerical simulations, and field measurements. Parametric analysis further demonstrated that the height, width, and modulus of the reinforced soil around the buried section all have a significant influence on the deformation control effectiveness. This study provides a combined theoretical framework and practical design guidelines for deformation control of large-span suspended box culverts in engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Underground Space Design: Structural Stability and Mechanics Analysis—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2322 KB  
Article
Assessment of Seismic Intensity Measures on Liquefaction Response: A Case Study of Yinchuan Sandy Soil
by Bowen Hu, Weibo Ji, Yinxin Zhao, Sihan Qiu and Zhehao Zhu
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3803; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203803 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 290
Abstract
The proliferation of tunnel and subway networks in urban areas has heightened concerns regarding their vulnerability to seismic-induced liquefaction. This phenomenon, wherein saturated sandy soils lose strength and behave like a liquid under seismic waves, poses a catastrophic threat to the structural integrity [...] Read more.
The proliferation of tunnel and subway networks in urban areas has heightened concerns regarding their vulnerability to seismic-induced liquefaction. This phenomenon, wherein saturated sandy soils lose strength and behave like a liquid under seismic waves, poses a catastrophic threat to the structural integrity and stability of underground constructions. While extensive research has been conducted to evaluate liquefaction triggering, most existing approaches rely on single ground motion intensity measures (e.g., PGA, IA), which often fail to capture the combined effects of amplitude, energy, and duration on liquefaction behavior. In this study, the seismic response of saturated sandy soil from Yinchuan was analyzed using the Dafalias–Manzari constitutive model implemented in the OpenSeesPy platform. The model parameters were carefully calibrated using laboratory triaxial results. A total of ten real earthquake records were applied to evaluate two critical engineering demand parameters (EDPs): surface lateral displacement (SLD) and the maximum thickness of the liquefied layer (MTL). The results show that both SLD and MTL exhibit weak correlations with conventional intensity parameters, suggesting limited predictive value for engineering design. However, by applying Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression to combine multiple intensity measures, the prediction accuracy for SLD was significantly improved, with the correlation coefficient increasing to 0.81. In contrast, MTL remained poorly predicted due to its strong dependence on intrinsic soil characteristics such as permeability and fines content. These findings highlight the importance of integrating both seismic loading features and geotechnical soil properties in performance-based liquefaction hazard evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Underground Space Design: Structural Stability and Mechanics Analysis—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 8396 KB  
Article
Structure–Behavior Coordination of Age-Friendly Community Facilities: A Social Network Analysis Model of Guangzhou’s Cases
by Xiao Xiao, Jian Xu, Xiaolei Zhu and Wei Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3802; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203802 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Rapid population aging calls for a shift from static facility configuration toward understanding how spatial structures coordinate with everyday behavior. This study develops a structure–behavior coordination framework to examine how the spatial embedding of community service centers and surrounding facilities aligns with older [...] Read more.
Rapid population aging calls for a shift from static facility configuration toward understanding how spatial structures coordinate with everyday behavior. This study develops a structure–behavior coordination framework to examine how the spatial embedding of community service centers and surrounding facilities aligns with older adults’ mobility and activity chains. Using Guangzhou as a case, three representative facility aggregation forms—clustered, linear, and patchy—were identified through POI-based spatial analysis. Behavioral mapping supported by Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) and social network analysis captured facility co-use and path continuity, while rank-based measures (Rank-QAP and Rank-Biased Overlap) evaluated correspondence between structural and behavioral centralities. Findings show form-sensitive rather than typological coordination: the clustered case (FY) exhibits compact, mixed-use integration; the linear case (DJ) requires ground-level access along main pedestrian corridors; and the patchy case (LG) relies on a few highly accessible dual-core nodes where improved connectivity strengthens cohesion. Everyday facilities such as markets, parks, and plazas act as behavioral anchors linking routine routes. The framework offers a transferable tool and comparable metrics for diagnosing alignment between built structure and everyday behavior, guiding adaptive, evidence-based planning for age-friendly community systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Age-Friendly Built Environment and Sustainable Architectural Design)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 7389 KB  
Article
Mechanisms of Seismic Failure in Multistory Masonry and Infilled Frame Buildings: Field Investigation and Numerical Validation from the 2022 Luding Earthquake
by Ruofan Luo, Chenyuan Chiu, Shicheng Wang, Xiaoyao Dong and Xun Guo
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3801; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203801 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Multi-story buildings in seismic regions are susceptible to earthquake-induced damage; however, the direct correlation between observed damage patterns and underlying failure mechanisms remains insufficiently understood. The Ms6.8 Luding earthquake, which struck Luding County, Sichuan Province, China, in September 2022, offers a unique opportunity [...] Read more.
Multi-story buildings in seismic regions are susceptible to earthquake-induced damage; however, the direct correlation between observed damage patterns and underlying failure mechanisms remains insufficiently understood. The Ms6.8 Luding earthquake, which struck Luding County, Sichuan Province, China, in September 2022, offers a unique opportunity to investigate this relationship, as it affected a concentrated area with diverse building types and preserved a wide range of damage states. This study leverages the distinctive conditions of the Luding earthquake to elucidate the influence of wall element distribution on structural failure modes under seismic loading. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, three representative buildings were analyzed using a one-dimensional numerical model. The simulations yielded shear force distributions, shear ratios, and displacement ratios across structural components, enabling a detailed assessment of failure modes. The results indicate that torsion-dominated structures are susceptible to premature failure of low-stiffness components due to excessive displacement, whereas high-stiffness components generally remain intact owing to their ductility. In contrast, translation-dominated structures fail when high-stiffness components fracture at small displacements, resulting in global collapse without substantial ductility or load-bearing contribution from other elements. Structures that remained undamaged exhibited a relatively uniform stiffness distribution, enabling them to resist seismic forces primarily through overall capacity rather than ductility. The numerical results closely reproduced the observed damage patterns, thus validating the proposed mechanisms for the three structural categories. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of seismic damage processes and provide a basis for enhancing seismic design and retrofitting strategies for both new and existing structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3113 KB  
Review
Integrated Building Retrofit for Seismic Resilience and Environmental Sustainability: A Critical Review
by Ghada Karaki and Rami A. Hawileh
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3800; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203800 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 332
Abstract
Integrated seismic–environmental retrofit is gaining attention in research and practice, as it combines resilience and sustainability objectives in building retrofits. However, current research and practice remain fragmented. This paper presents a systematic literature review to analyse how retrofit is addressed across four key [...] Read more.
Integrated seismic–environmental retrofit is gaining attention in research and practice, as it combines resilience and sustainability objectives in building retrofits. However, current research and practice remain fragmented. This paper presents a systematic literature review to analyse how retrofit is addressed across four key dimensions: structural, environmental, social, and governance. A thematic analysis in NVivo was combined with Python-based quantitative analysis of code frequency and co-occurrence. The integrated retrofit literature reframes environmental assessment, shifting towards whole-building lifecycle assessment and having seismic environmental impacts and energy efficiency as embedded components. Retrofit practices are mainly discussed in technical and compliance terms, but are not properly examined using unified quantitative metrics; the broad use of metrics and indicators limits comparability and replication. Social and governance dimensions remain peripheral, with weak connections to structural and environmental dimensions, which constrain cross-domain integration and challenge scaling up retrofit interventions. These gaps encompass the barriers facing integrated retrofit, with potential pathways to overcome, including aligned standards and datasets, capacity building, community engagement, and coordinated regulatory frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Structural Repairs and Renovations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1528 KB  
Article
A Framework for Evaluating Cost Performance of Architectural Projects Using Unstructured Data and Random Forest Model Focusing on Korean Cases
by Chang-Won Kim, Taeguen Song, Kiseok Lee and Wi Sung Yoo
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3799; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203799 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 199
Abstract
Cost is a key performance indicator for evaluating the success of architectural construction projects. While previous studies have relied on quantitative data and statistical models to evaluate cost performance, recent advancements in methods have enabled analysis using unstructured data. Unstructured data, particularly in [...] Read more.
Cost is a key performance indicator for evaluating the success of architectural construction projects. While previous studies have relied on quantitative data and statistical models to evaluate cost performance, recent advancements in methods have enabled analysis using unstructured data. Unstructured data, particularly in construction supervision reports, can be considered the significant variables for performance evaluation, as they represent independent third-party monitoring of the construction project’s execution. This study aims to present a framework that supports cost performance evaluation using unstructured data and random forests (RFs), a representative method of machine learning. Specifically, association rule analysis and social network analysis were used to identify the main keywords, and an RF model was applied to these data to evaluate cost performance. The tuning of hyper-parameters in the RF was implemented by the Bayesian optimization technique with the augmentation of the original dataset. The accuracy of cost performance evaluation was 59% for the traditional logistic regression (LR), 74% for the regularization-based logistic regression (BLR) designed to prevent overfitting, and 76% for the RF model utilizing augmented data. The complementary utility of the models consisting of the proposed framework can be useful for deriving various evaluation explanations about cost performance. The applicability is expected to increase as more data become available in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Digital Innovation Framework for Construction Management and Built Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 8536 KB  
Article
Thermal Comfort Differences Between the Elderly and Young People Under Different Infrared Radiation Conditions: A Quantitative Study Based on Subjective Evaluation and EEG Characteristics
by Peiping Gao, Yunhao Li, Keming Hou, Mingli Lu, Chao Liu, Hongyu Guan, Wenjing Yan and Juanmei Li
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3798; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203798 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
With the intensification of global aging, a comfortable indoor environment is crucial for the well-being of the elderly. However, research on the thermal effect of solar radiation, i.e., infrared radiation, remains scarce. This study innovatively used infrared heaters to simulate the thermal effect [...] Read more.
With the intensification of global aging, a comfortable indoor environment is crucial for the well-being of the elderly. However, research on the thermal effect of solar radiation, i.e., infrared radiation, remains scarce. This study innovatively used infrared heaters to simulate the thermal effect of solar radiation and conducted a comprehensive thermal comfort experiment involving subjective evaluations and electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements on 30 elderly participants and 30 young participants in an artificial climate laboratory. The results showed that there were significant age-related differences in the subjective ratings and EEG power under different infrared radiation levels. Under low radiation conditions, as the irradiated area increased, the elderly participants’ thermal sensation ratings were 0.5 points higher than those of young participants, and their evaluation results in terms of comfort, relaxation, and alertness were also higher. The logarithmic EEG power of both age groups decreased, but the overall power level of the elderly was consistently lower. Notably, under high radiation conditions, the comfort level of both groups decreased, with a more significant decline in young people. Interestingly, when the EEG power of young people decreased, that of the elderly increased, indicating that despite the elderly’s better subjective evaluations, they are more susceptible to heat stress. In addition, this study shows that under the action of infrared radiation, the logarithmic EEG power of young participants is approximately 1.0% to 1.5% higher than that of elderly participants. This study found that the frontal alpha band is a key indicator for predicting thermal comfort in people of different ages, which highlights the innovative contribution of this research. To fill the gap in the field of thermal comfort research, this study explored the elderly’s response to infrared radiation, an aspect that has not been fully studied before. These insights can provide references for the design of more comfortable environments in facilities for the elderly, thereby significantly improving the quality of life of this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1717 KB  
Article
Study on the Dynamic Responses of a Concrete-Block-Panel-Wrapped Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall: A Model Test
by Jiannan Xu, Xiancai Zhou, Zhiwen Song and He Wang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3797; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203797 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Reinforced soil retaining walls (RSWs) for railways are key subgrade structures that bear cyclic loads from trains, and their long-term durability directly affects railway operation safety. The mechanical behavior of RSWs under cyclic loading has been extensively investigated in previous studies, primarily focusing [...] Read more.
Reinforced soil retaining walls (RSWs) for railways are key subgrade structures that bear cyclic loads from trains, and their long-term durability directly affects railway operation safety. The mechanical behavior of RSWs under cyclic loading has been extensively investigated in previous studies, primarily focusing on seismic conditions or conventional structural configurations. While these works have established fundamental understanding of load transfer mechanisms and deformation patterns, research on their responses to long-term train-induced vibrations, particularly for concrete-block-panel-wrapped RSWs, an improved structure based on traditional concrete-block-panel RSWs, remains limited. To investigate the dynamic responses of the concrete-block-panel-wrapped RSW, a model test was conducted under cyclic loading conditions where the amplitude was 30 kPa and the frequency was 10 Hz. The model size was 3.0 m in length, 1.0 m in width, and 1.8 m in height, incorporating six layers of geogrid. Each layer of geogrid was 2.0 m in length with a vertical spacing of 0.3 m or 0.15 m. The results indicate that as the number of load cycles increases, deformation, acceleration, static and dynamic stresses, and geogrid strain also increase and gradually stabilize, exhibiting only marginal increments thereafter. The maximum horizontal displacement reaches 0.08% of the wall height (H), with horizontal displacement increasing uniformly along the height of the wall. The vertical acceleration in the non-reinforced soil zone is lower than that in the reinforced soil zone. The horizontal dynamic stress acting on the back of the panel remains minimal and is uniformly distributed along the height of the wall. The maximum geogrid strain was found to be 0.88%, corresponding to a tensile stress amounting to 20.33% of its ultimate tensile strength. The predicted failure surface approximates a bilinear configuration, consisting of one line parallel to the wall face at a distance of 0.3H from the back of the soil bags and another line inclined at an angle equal to the soil’s internal friction angle (φ) relative to the horizontal plane. This study has important reference significance for the application of concrete-block-panel-wrapped RSWs in railways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 13312 KB  
Article
Interface Design, Visual Comfort, and Safety Perception: An Empirical Study of Spatial Lighting Environments in Subway Systems
by Liang Sun, Zhaoxi Chen, Haodong Li, Yixuan Zhou, Xin Zhang, Zhang Liu and Zebiao Shao
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3796; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203796 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
The rapid expansion of metro systems has exacerbated lighting-related issues, including uneven illuminance, glare, and blind spots. These issues compromise passenger visual comfort and perceived safety. Previous research has predominantly focused on individual lighting parameters, paying little attention to the combined effects of [...] Read more.
The rapid expansion of metro systems has exacerbated lighting-related issues, including uneven illuminance, glare, and blind spots. These issues compromise passenger visual comfort and perceived safety. Previous research has predominantly focused on individual lighting parameters, paying little attention to the combined effects of multiple factors. Perceived safety is a core objective in metro space design and is particularly susceptible to adverse visual environments. This study uses field measurements, virtual environment simulations, and eye tracking experiments to investigate the influence of lighting conditions and interface design (ceiling height and material) on visual comfort and perceived safety. The findings indicate that light-coloured, low-reflectance materials enhance visual guidance, whereas dark, high-reflectance surfaces induce frequent gaze shifts and diminish perceived safety. The optimal environmental benchmark parameters were illuminance levels of 140–270 lux and a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4428–6250 K. This study also discusses optimizing interface design parameters in different spatial contexts. It also revealed systematic correlations between lighting parameters and spatial geometry, particularly regarding ceiling height. Elevated spaces require increased illuminance and color temperature to compensate for light attenuation, while areas with low ceilings necessitate reduced lighting intensity and warmer color temperatures to mitigate oppressive sensations. This evidence provides a human-centered theoretical foundation for lighting design in underground transport spaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5998 KB  
Article
Simulation of Reinforced Concrete Beam–Column Joint Pouring Process Based on Three-Dimensional Particle Flow Method
by Xiao Zhang, Muxuan Tao, Ran Ding, Jiansheng Fan, Xinhao Zhang, Mengjia Zhou and Qiang Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3795; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203795 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
The concrete pouring process is difficult to observe inside formwork. With increasingly complex formwork systems and denser reinforcement layouts, honeycomb defects and surface pores are prone to form at beam–column joint core locations. The modeling of pouring processes that were performed earlier is [...] Read more.
The concrete pouring process is difficult to observe inside formwork. With increasingly complex formwork systems and denser reinforcement layouts, honeycomb defects and surface pores are prone to form at beam–column joint core locations. The modeling of pouring processes that were performed earlier is insufficient and there is relatively little research on simulating concrete void defects at typical joints. Therefore, a refined numerical model based on the three-dimensional particle flow method was established to simulate the flow of fresh concrete within formwork and predict concrete voids after pouring. The feasibility of the particle flow method was verified through numerical simulations of slump flow and J-ring tests. Several groups of joint models were set up based on different influencing factors, and the developed particle flow model was used for pouring simulations to investigate the influence of various factors on concrete void formation. The results show that the void volume and distribution patterns obtained from experiments and simulations are basically consistent. The numerical model can accurately simulate the working performance of self-compacting concrete and predict the size and location distribution of pouring defects. Based on both experimental and numerical studies, the following suggestions are proposed to avoid potential void defects in practical concrete pouring projects: reasonably select the number and diameter of joint longitudinal bars; appropriately increase the spacing of column stirrups; appropriately reduce the maximum coarse aggregate particle size; and choose concrete with better fluidity and filling ability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Experiment and Simulation Techniques in Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1957 KB  
Article
Optimisation of Interlayer Bond Strength in 3D-Printed Concrete Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Networks
by Lenganji Simwanda, Abayomi B. David, Gatheeshgar Perampalam, Oladimeji B. Olalusi and Miroslav Sykora
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3794; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203794 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Enhancing interlayer bond strength remains a critical challenge in the extrusion-based 3D printing of cementitious materials. This study investigates the optimisation of interlayer bond strength in extrusion-based 3D-printed cementitious materials through a combined application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks [...] Read more.
Enhancing interlayer bond strength remains a critical challenge in the extrusion-based 3D printing of cementitious materials. This study investigates the optimisation of interlayer bond strength in extrusion-based 3D-printed cementitious materials through a combined application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Using a concise yet comprehensive dataset, RSM provided interpretable main effects, curvature, and interactions, while the ANN captured non-linearities beyond quadratic forms. Comparative analysis revealed that the RSM model achieved higher predictive accuracy (R2=0.95) compared to the ANN model (R2=0.87). Desirability-based optimisation confirmed the critical importance of minimising casting delays to mitigate interlayer weaknesses, with RSM suggesting a water-to-cement (W/C) ratio of approximately 0.45 and a minimal time gap of less than 5 min, while ANN predicted slightly lower optimal W/C values but with reduced reliability due to the limited dataset. Sensitivity analysis using partial dependence plots (PDPs) further highlighted that ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content and W/C ratio are the dominant factors, contributing approximately 2.0 and 1.8 MPa respectively to the variation in predicted bond strength, followed by superplasticiser dosage and silica content. Variables such as water content, viscosity-modifying agent, and time gap exhibited moderate influence, while sand and fibre content had marginal effects within the tested ranges. These results demonstrate that RSM provides robust predictive performance and interpretable optimisation guidance, while ANN offers flexible non-linear modelling but requires larger datasets to achieve stable generalisation. Integrating both methods offers a complementary pathway to advance mix design and process control strategies in 3D concrete printing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Machine Learning for Structural Engineering: Innovations and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1406 KB  
Study Protocol
A Study on the Intelligent Estimation Systems for Costing Traffic Engineering and Landscaping Projects
by Dan Zhang, Jinxuan Ning, Xing Li and Xiaochen Duan
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3793; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203793 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 441
Abstract
Research Objective: This study analyzes the budget quotas and sample cases of traffic engineering and landscaping projects to address the following issues: low accuracy and inability to reflect the cost levels of enterprises in the existing cost estimation techniques. It constructs a historical [...] Read more.
Research Objective: This study analyzes the budget quotas and sample cases of traffic engineering and landscaping projects to address the following issues: low accuracy and inability to reflect the cost levels of enterprises in the existing cost estimation techniques. It constructs a historical database and utilizes Python and BIM to develop a BP neural network intelligent estimation system, aiming to provide data and decision support for intelligent and visual cost estimation in traffic landscaping projects. Research conclusions: This study focuses on the construction drawing budget estimation for transportation engineering and landscape ecological engineering projects. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to scholars and practitioners, with key factors influencing pricing units identified using SPSS factor analysis. Subsequently, extensive historical data on road transportation and greening engineering were gathered and standardized through temporal and regional adjustments. Quantitative feature analysis was then conducted to establish a historical database of construction drawing budgets for completed transportation landscape ecological projects, based on construction enterprises. The cosine similarity method was employed to retrieve highly similar sample cases from the database for target projects. A BP neural network-based intelligent estimation system was developed using Python and BIM technology, providing reliable data support and technical assurance for cost estimation, decision-making, and ongoing maintenance endeavors pertaining to transportation landscape and ecological engineering projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4576 KB  
Article
Study on Engineering Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) Under Sustained Thermal Environment: Linking Strain-Hardening Characteristics, Static/Impact Load Mechanical Properties, and Evolution Mechanism
by Shuo Wang, Wei Wang, Haoxing Liu, Ao Huang and Hongqiang Ma
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3792; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203792 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 322
Abstract
This study focuses on the performance evolution of Engineering Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) in long-term thermal environments, investigating the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of alkali-activated fly ash–slag composites under sustained 60 °C thermal conditions. The research results indicate that sustained exposure to 60 [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the performance evolution of Engineering Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) in long-term thermal environments, investigating the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of alkali-activated fly ash–slag composites under sustained 60 °C thermal conditions. The research results indicate that sustained exposure to 60 °C significantly enhances the static and impact loading compressive strength of EGCs; however, single-slag or high-alkalinity systems exhibit strength retrogression due to insufficient long-term thermal stability. After exposure to elevated temperatures, the tensile strain-hardening curve of EGCs becomes smoother, with a reduced number of cracks but increased crack width, leading to a transition from a distributed multicrack propagation pattern to rapid widening of primary cracks. Due to the bridging effect of PVA fibers, sustained elevated temperature significantly enhances the peak impact load stress of the S50-6 sample. Microscopic analysis attributes this improvement to the matrix-strengthening effect caused by accelerated C-(A)-S-H gel polymerization and refined pore structure under continuous heat, as well as the energy dissipation role of the fiber system. The study recommends an optimal EGC system formulation with a fly ash–slag mass ratio of 1:1 and a Na2O concentration of 4–6%. This research provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the performance evolution and strength stability of EGC materials under sustained elevated temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Performance-Based Risk Assessment and Bio-Composite Applications for Disaster-Resilient Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3494 KB  
Article
Mechanical Study on Leading Ductule and Pipe Roof Pre-Support Technologies in Tunnel Excavation
by Yunpeng Jiang, Hao Luo, Hui Liu and Jianfeng Gu
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3791; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203791 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 249
Abstract
For the purpose of ensuring the construction safety of tunnel excavation, it is necessary to adopt a suitable pre-support technology to reinforce the surrounding rock. The pipe roof reinforcement method and the leading ductule method are the most commonly used and classical technologies [...] Read more.
For the purpose of ensuring the construction safety of tunnel excavation, it is necessary to adopt a suitable pre-support technology to reinforce the surrounding rock. The pipe roof reinforcement method and the leading ductule method are the most commonly used and classical technologies during tunnel construction. This paper adopts the Huashan tunnel and the Xianglianshan tunnel as the engineering background, the numerical simulation is established based on Midas/GTS to analyze the mechanical performance of the pre-supports formed by the two methods during excavation, then the obtained results, such as stress, deformation, plastic zone, and settlement, are analyzed and discussed. The analysis and discussion illustrate that, during excavation, compared to the leading ductule reinforcement method, the pipe roof reinforcement method can effectively control the vault settlement and improve the stress state of the lining structure, as well as prevent the stress release from the surrounding rock. Thus, the pipe roof reinforcement method shows better reinforcement effectiveness and ensures construction safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Experiment and Simulation Techniques in Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 6103 KB  
Article
Investigation into the Dynamic Performance of a Reverse-Rotation Locking Sleeve Connection Method
by Xue-Mei Tang, Ren-Guo Gu, Chuan-Hai Hong, Rui-Qing Liang, Kang Gao and Xiao-Feng Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203790 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Joint connections are critical to the overall performance of prefabricated structures. This paper proposes a novel reverse-rotation locking sleeve connection method, designed to ensure the safety of joint engineering while optimizing construction processes, improving operational efficiency, and endowing the joints with excellent seismic [...] Read more.
Joint connections are critical to the overall performance of prefabricated structures. This paper proposes a novel reverse-rotation locking sleeve connection method, designed to ensure the safety of joint engineering while optimizing construction processes, improving operational efficiency, and endowing the joints with excellent seismic energy dissipation performance. To evaluate the performance of this connection method, quasi-static tests under displacement-controlled lateral loading were designed and conducted on three reinforced concrete column specimens (Specimen A: conventional reinforcement–cast-in-place monolithic; Specimen B: conventional reinforcement–reverse-rotation locking sleeve connected; Specimen C: enhanced reinforcement–reverse-rotation locking sleeve connected). The failure modes, hysteretic characteristics, skeleton curves, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, load-bearing capacity, and stiffness degradation patterns of the specimens were systematically examined. The results indicate that Specimen B exhibited the most severe damage extent, while Specimen A demonstrated the best integrity; in contrast, Specimen B showed significant and rapid degradation in energy dissipation capacity during the intermediate-to-late stages of testing; the hysteretic curves of Specimens B and C were full in shape, without obvious yield plateaus; the skeleton curves of all specimens exhibited S-shaped characteristics, and the peak loads of Specimens A and C corresponded to a lateral displacement of 21 mm, while that of Specimen B corresponded to a lateral displacement of 28 mm; compared to the cast-in-place monolithic Specimen A, the reverse-rotation locking sleeve–connected Specimens B and C showed increases in ultimate load under positive cyclic loading by 18.7% and 5.5%, respectively, and under negative cyclic loading by 40.8% and 2.0%, respectively; the ductility coefficients of all three specimens met the code requirement, being greater than 3.0 (Specimen A: 5.13; Specimen B: 3.56; Specimen C: 5.66), with Specimen C exhibiting a 10.3% improvement over Specimen A, indicating that the reverse-rotation locking sleeve–connected specimens possess favorable ductile performance; analysis revealed that the equivalent viscous damping coefficient of Specimen C was approximately 0.06 higher than that of Specimen A, meaning Specimen C had superior energy dissipation capacity compared to Specimen A, confirming that the reverse-rotation locking sleeve connection can effectively absorb seismic energy and enhance the seismic and energy dissipation characteristics of the specimens. The load-bearing capacity degradation coefficients of all specimens fluctuated between 0.83 and 1.01, showing an initial stable phase followed by a gradual declining trend; the stiffness degradation coefficients exhibited rapid initial decline, followed by a deceleration in the attenuation rate, and eventual stabilization. This indicates that the reverse-rotation locking sleeve-connected specimens can maintain relatively stable strength levels and favorable seismic performance during the plastic deformation stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil–Structure Interactions for Civil Infrastructure)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2044 KB  
Article
South African Industry Practitioners on Building Energy Simulation Software: Implementation Challenges and Opportunities
by Henry Odiri Igugu, Jacques Laubscher and Tariené Gaum
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3789; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203789 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Building Energy Modelling (BEM) practitioners play a crucial role in delivering energy-efficient buildings by analysing building performance using simulation tools. However, their experiences while using BEM software to predict building energy performance are understudied. In addition, research that directly engages with practitioners and [...] Read more.
Building Energy Modelling (BEM) practitioners play a crucial role in delivering energy-efficient buildings by analysing building performance using simulation tools. However, their experiences while using BEM software to predict building energy performance are understudied. In addition, research that directly engages with practitioners and stakeholders is particularly lacking in the Global South (GS), where the bulk of new building construction takes place. This study explores the implementation challenges and opportunities associated with BEM software among South African industry practitioners, focusing on their experiences in utilising BEM tools. Structured interviews were conducted with 19 South African industry specialists, supplemented by quantitative data collected through a questionnaire. Qualitative data from the interviews were analysed using MAXQDA 24 Analytics Pro to identify key themes, while quantitative data were visualised to compare software preferences. The analysis indicated that DesignBuilder is widely used, followed by BSIMAC. These tools highlight the largest opportunities for supporting active South African practitioners. The respondents highlighted the need for user-friendly interfaces, standardised methodologies, and improved training to address entry barriers and inconsistent simulation outcomes. Mixed opinions exist regarding the preference for tools with visual representations of 3D geometry, primarily influenced by the field of specialisation and how it impacts client engagement. The research concludes that while BEM software is critical for advancing sustainable design, its effective implementation is hindered in South Africa and potentially in the GS. Recommendations include developing more intuitive software interfaces, establishing standardised modelling approaches, and creating structured training programmes and professional forums to enhance practitioner proficiency, knowledge transfer across contexts, and industry-wide adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 10595 KB  
Article
Shear Strength of Double-Skin Truss-Reinforced Composite Shear Walls: Finite Element Analysis
by Jianhong Han, Panpan Tian, Zhihan Shan and Dingbo Tang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3788; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203788 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
This study investigates the shear behavior of double-skin truss-reinforced composite shear walls through finite element analysis validated by published tests. Parametric studies reveal that the shear strength increases with the axial compression ratio up to a threshold of 0.6, beyond which it declines. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the shear behavior of double-skin truss-reinforced composite shear walls through finite element analysis validated by published tests. Parametric studies reveal that the shear strength increases with the axial compression ratio up to a threshold of 0.6, beyond which it declines. However, increasing the aspect ratio significantly decreases the shear strength when the aspect ratio does not exceed 2.5. Additionally, increasing the spacing–thickness ratio reduces the shear strength, with a recommended limit of 60. Truss connector specifications are found to have a minor impact on the shear resistance. A new design formula for predicting the ultimate shear strength is established based on finite element analysis (FEA), which yields relatively conservative predictions with acceptable accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3221 KB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Out-of-Plane Seismic Performance of Shear Walls with Bolted Connections in Nuclear Power Plants
by Jiafei Jiang, Lei He, Han Yang and Weichen Xue
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3787; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203787 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Nuclear power plant (NPP) shear walls are typically ultra-thick and heavily reinforced, posing significant challenges for conventional cast-in-place (CIP) construction. To overcome these issues, this study proposes a precast concrete shear wall (PCSW) system with bolted connections. Owing to orthogonal wall layouts dictated [...] Read more.
Nuclear power plant (NPP) shear walls are typically ultra-thick and heavily reinforced, posing significant challenges for conventional cast-in-place (CIP) construction. To overcome these issues, this study proposes a precast concrete shear wall (PCSW) system with bolted connections. Owing to orthogonal wall layouts dictated by functional requirements, these structures are subjected to significant out-of-plane seismic demands, making their performance under such loading a critical design concern. Therefore, this paper investigates the out-of-plane seismic performance of scaled (1:2) models of PCSWs (300 mm thick) under an axial pressure ratio of 0.2 and without axial pressure through low-cycle repeated load tests, and compares them with corresponding CIP shear walls. All specimens exhibited flexural failure, while damage in PCSWs was relatively minor and concentrated within the grouting layer. Compared with CIP specimens, the precast specimens showed more pinching and smaller residual deformation, with cumulative energy dissipation reaching 70–80% of CIP specimens. The flexural load-bearing capacity of the precast specimens was close to that of the CIP specimens, with differences within 5%. The ductility of the precast specimens under axial pressure ratios of 0 and 0.2 was 4.54 and 2.68, respectively, differing from the CIP specimens by 16% and −10%. The stiffness degradation trends of both systems were essentially consistent. Overall, the results demonstrate that the out-of-plane seismic performance of PCSWs with bolted connections is broadly equivalent to that of CIP counterparts, confirming their feasibility for application in NPPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6207 KB  
Article
Structural Analysis Methods and Key Influencing Factors on the Performance of Segmented Steel–Concrete Hybrid Wind Turbine Towers
by Yifan Dong, Minjuan He, Kun Zeng, Haiyan Fu, Zhongxiang Tu, Wenbing Peng and Ziwei Wang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3786; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203786 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
The development of wind power aligns with the strategy of low-carbon development and plays a crucial role in the global transition to a green economy. The segmented steel–concrete wind turbine tower offers advantages such as modular fragment prefabrication, prestressed structural enhancement, and integrated [...] Read more.
The development of wind power aligns with the strategy of low-carbon development and plays a crucial role in the global transition to a green economy. The segmented steel–concrete wind turbine tower offers advantages such as modular fragment prefabrication, prestressed structural enhancement, and integrated intelligent construction. To investigate the structural performance of such towers, this paper established a numerical model based on an existing project. The model was validated against previous experiments and used for parametric analysis. A numerical model of a segmented steel–concrete wind turbine tower was developed to evaluate its overall deformation, stress distribution, and vertical and horizontal joint separation under various conditions. The concrete segment of the tower was numerically simplified, and a comparative analysis of structural performance was conducted between the detailed and simplified models. Based on the simplified model, the effects of the friction coefficient, prestress loss, and contact area on the anti-slip performance of the transition section of the towers were investigated and analyzed. The results indicated that the validity of the modeling approach was confirmed through the existing experimental results. The top displacement of the model incorporating vertical and horizontal joints (Model 1) did not exceed the limit of 1/100 under the safety factor considerations, indicating that the structure could ensure safety. The simplified model (Model 2) showed consistent behavior with Model 1, thereby providing a reliable basis for parametric studies. A reduction in the steel-to-steel friction coefficient, steel strand prestress, and contact area between the steel transition section and the embedded anchor plate resulted in an increase in the horizontal relative displacement between the steel transition section and the embedded anchor plate to varying extents. Notably, a more pronounced increase in displacement was observed under higher loading conditions. Overall, the horizontal relative displacement between the steel transition section and embedded anchor plate under single-loading conditions was below one millimeter in most of the studied conditions, which was relatively small compared to the assembly tolerance of the structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 12273 KB  
Article
Optimization of a Design Process and Passive Parameters for Residential Nearly Zero Energy Building Envelopes Based on Energy Consumption Targets
by Jiaqi Xu, Tao Fang, Yanzheng Wang, Zhao Wang and Xitao Han
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3785; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203785 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
The calculation of energy consumption in building plans is usually carried out after design completion, resulting in high time costs and hindering their application in the early design stage. This study focused on the heating and cooling demands of nearly zero energy residential [...] Read more.
The calculation of energy consumption in building plans is usually carried out after design completion, resulting in high time costs and hindering their application in the early design stage. This study focused on the heating and cooling demands of nearly zero energy residential buildings in Jinan and developed an envelope optimization model for the design stage. Firstly, field research on residential buildings in Jinan was conducted, and the shape coefficient based on research data was determined. Subsequently, ten design parameters were selected, and a prediction function was established through multiple linear regression. Finally, the mechanisms between the parameters and energy consumption were revealed, and the reliability of the model was verified. Results showed that the most energy-efficient shape coefficient is an 18-story rectangular building with a length of 52.6 m, a width of 15.1 m, and a floor-to-floor height of 3 m. The goodness of fit of the prediction function is 0.994. The adjusted R2 and RMSE of the neural network model in interpretable analysis are 0.933 and 0.089, respectively. The window-to-wall ratio significantly impacts energy consumption. This study addresses the lack of energy optimization by establishing a process that first determines energy-efficient parameter combinations and then refines the architectural scheme, and provides software to assist architects in design during schematic phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 8964 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective Comparative Analysis of Various Ventilation–Radiant Coupled Heating Systems
by Yingying Jiang, Xin Qiao, Benben Kong, Hong Shi and Yanlong Jiang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3784; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203784 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
This paper conducts a multi-objective comparative study on various ventilation–radiant coupled heating systems that combine mixing ventilation (MV) and displacement ventilation (DV) with ceiling, side wall, and floor radiant heating. The aim is to explore the differences in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and [...] Read more.
This paper conducts a multi-objective comparative study on various ventilation–radiant coupled heating systems that combine mixing ventilation (MV) and displacement ventilation (DV) with ceiling, side wall, and floor radiant heating. The aim is to explore the differences in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human thermal comfort under different system configurations, as well as the impact of the radiant temperature in the radiant modules and the supply air temperature in the ventilation module on system performance. The research results show that the combination of displacement ventilation and floor radiant heating (DV-F) performs the best in terms of thermal comfort and energy efficiency. In this configuration, the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) for the indoor environment and human thermal comfort is close to neutral (−0.15 to 0.35), the Draught Rate (DR) is significantly lower than in other systems (3.7% to 4.4%), and the ventilation efficiency is relatively high. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of different system configurations using the CRITIC weight method further verified that the DV-F configuration with a radiant temperature of 26.2 °C to 28.2 °C and a supply air temperature of 26 °C to 28 °C is superior. This study provides theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of heating systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Driven Cooling, Refrigeration, and Energy Solutions for Built Environments)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 22496 KB  
Article
Resilient Renewal of Aging Parks in High-Density Cities: Integrating Performance-Based Design and the Environmental Overlay Method in the Wuxi Case
by Ren Zhou, Zi Yang and Jia Liu
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3783; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203783 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Climate change exacerbates challenges for old urban parks in high-density cores, intensifying urban heat islands and overcrowding hazards and causing limited extreme weather resilience. These parks face climate maladaptation, urban health risks, and reduced adaptive capacity. This study applies performance-based urban design through [...] Read more.
Climate change exacerbates challenges for old urban parks in high-density cores, intensifying urban heat islands and overcrowding hazards and causing limited extreme weather resilience. These parks face climate maladaptation, urban health risks, and reduced adaptive capacity. This study applies performance-based urban design through an “environmental analysis Overlay method,” integrating space syntax, CFD-Phoenics wind simulation, and solar analysis to translate climate adaptation, urban health, and urban resilience dimensions into measurable indicators including ventilation efficiency, crowd dispersion comfort, and flexible space capacity. Using Chengzhong Park in Wuxi as a case study, the method employs a diagnosis–optimization–validation process. Results demonstrate substantial improvements: (1) Climate: Problematic wind areas (>4 m/s or <0.5 m/s (stagnant)) decreased from 30% to 11%, while comfortable wind zones (0.5–1 m/s) increased to over 30%, achieving optimal microclimate conditions 89% of the park; (2) Health: Pedestrian circulation capacity increased by 25%, and activity areas with under 3 h of winter sunlight reduced from 26% to 19%; (3) Resilience: Spatial units consolidated from 155 to 115, with global-local integration improving from R2 = 0.39 to 0.64, significantly enhancing network coherence and adaptive functionality. The findings confirm that this method provides a scientifically rigorous, replicable pathway for climate-adaptive renewal of old urban parks, supporting urban resilience agendas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1661 KB  
Article
Beyond Photorealism: An AIGC-Powered Framework for Stylized and Gamified Cultural Heritage Revitalization
by Chunlei Li, Ziwen Ye, Wen Wen, Lanyuxin Li and Jianghuai Shao
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3782; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203782 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 903
Abstract
The protection and dissemination of cultural heritage in the digital age are confronted with dual problems of fragmented cultural narratives and insufficient public participation, which have now become a major bottleneck in realizing the value of cultural heritage. The rise of artificial intelligence [...] Read more.
The protection and dissemination of cultural heritage in the digital age are confronted with dual problems of fragmented cultural narratives and insufficient public participation, which have now become a major bottleneck in realizing the value of cultural heritage. The rise of artificial intelligence technology nowadays offers an unprecedented opportunity to address this challenge. This study proposes a framework that combines artificial intelligence to tackle this issue, using the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaiping Diaolou, as a case study. The methodology integrates AIGC tools such as Stable Diffusion and GPT-4 with traditional 3D modeling and digital twin technologies, aiming to go beyond traditional “photorealistic” replication by creating ink-wash stylized models with cultural resonance and artistic expressiveness, while providing immersive gamified experiences in virtual and augmented reality environments. A mixed-methods evaluation combining ratings from 6 experts and surveys from 122 participants confirms that the framework significantly improves work efficiency—modeling time is reduced from several hours to an average of 48 min, with a 60% increase in efficiency. More importantly, the gamified narrative generated by AI received a high engagement score of 4.2 (out of 5.0) among the 18 to 25 age group. The study also reveals a significant digital divide: users over 36 years old rated usability 35% lower than younger participants. The framework effectively lowers the technological threshold, allowing non-expert users to meet 70% of usability standards after brief training. This study ultimately validates an innovative framework that combines scalability and efficiency, offering an empirically tested practical solution for the deep, sustainable revitalization and public engagement of cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 12576 KB  
Article
A ConvLSTM-Based Hybrid Approach Integrating DyT and CBAM(T) for Residential Heating Load Forecast
by Haibo Zhang, Xiaoxing Gao, Xuan Liu and Zhibin Liu
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3781; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203781 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Accurate forecasting of residential heating loads is crucial for guiding heating system control strategies and improving energy efficiency. In recent years, research on heating load forecasting has primarily focused on continuous district heating systems, and it often struggles to cope with the abrupt [...] Read more.
Accurate forecasting of residential heating loads is crucial for guiding heating system control strategies and improving energy efficiency. In recent years, research on heating load forecasting has primarily focused on continuous district heating systems, and it often struggles to cope with the abrupt load fluctuations and irregular on/off schedules encountered in intermittent heating scenarios. To address these challenges, this study proposes a hybrid convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) model that replaces the conventional batch normalization layer with a Dynamic Tanh (DyT) activation function, enabling dynamic feature scaling and enhancing responsiveness to sudden load spikes. An improved channel–temporal attention mechanism, CBAM(T), is further incorporated to deeply capture the spatiotemporal relationships in multidimensional data and effectively handle the uncertainty of heating start–stop events. Using data from two heating seasons for households in a residential community in Dalian, China, we validate the performance of ConvLSTM-DyT-CBAM(T). The results show that the proposed model achieves the best predictive accuracy and strong generalization, confirming its effectiveness for intermittent heating load forecasting and highlighting its significance for guiding demand-responsive heating control strategies and for energy saving and emissions reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Practice and Application of Artificial Intelligence in Built Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2109 KB  
Article
Field Evidence of Envelope Renovation Impact on Heating Activation Temperature and Heating-Dependent Temperature Range in Apartments
by Minjung Bae and Jaesik Kang
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3780; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203780 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Various studies on the envelope renovation of existing residential buildings have quantified energy savings effects across various climate conditions and building types yet have also reported discrepancies between predicted and actual energy savings performance. Given that identical technical improvements can yield substantially different [...] Read more.
Various studies on the envelope renovation of existing residential buildings have quantified energy savings effects across various climate conditions and building types yet have also reported discrepancies between predicted and actual energy savings performance. Given that identical technical improvements can yield substantially different actual outcomes depending on occupants’ behavioral adaptation patterns, renovation effect evaluation requires a multifaceted approach incorporating occupant behavioral changes. This case study empirically analyzed the effects of envelope renovation on occupants’ actual heating operation patterns. Envelope renovation effects applied to a 30-year-old apartment were analyzed by subdividing temperature conditions, with comparative evaluation using a non-renovated adjacent unit within the same building as a reference. While recognizing the inherent limitations of single-case analysis, this study presents a novel methodological framework for capturing subtle behavioral shifts through high-resolution temperature-specific analysis. Change-point models utilizing utility billing data were employed to analyze threshold temperature changes, and daily heating water-consumption estimation algorithms were applied to track heating pattern changes according to outdoor temperature variations. Results showed heating energy reduction despite more severe climate conditions post-renovation, with particularly pronounced savings under mild conditions. The upper limit of temperature ranges showing high heating dependency shifted downward from pre-renovation levels, improving to levels lower than the reference unit’s upper limit, demonstrating envelope performance enhancement effects. These results provide quantitative evidence that envelope improvements directly influence occupants’ heating decision-making criteria, though broader validation across multiple cases would strengthen these findings. This study quantifies envelope renovation effects not only in terms of energy savings, but also from the perspectives of occupant behavioral changes and comparison with reference units, presenting a novel evaluation methodology for effective energy efficiency improvements in aging buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Building Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 515 KB  
Correction
Correction: Tsiatas et al. Static and Dynamic Analysis of Strain Gradient Planar Trusses. Buildings 2024, 14, 4031
by George C. Tsiatas, Aristotelis E. Charalampakis, Antonios E. Giannakopoulos and Panos Tsopelas
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3779; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203779 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 132
Abstract
There was an error in the derivation of the non-classical boundary conditions presented in the original publication [...] Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 4

15 pages, 4854 KB  
Article
Dynamic Response Analysis of Infilled RC Frames with Openings Under Instantaneous Column Removal Scenarios
by Jia-Liang Wang, Yu Zou, Huan Liu, You Wu, Zhi Li and Tian-Qi Xue
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3778; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203778 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
In order to further explore the role of infill walls in the progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) spatial frames, based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element analysis software, the refined numerical models of pure RC spatial frames and infilled RC spatial frames were [...] Read more.
In order to further explore the role of infill walls in the progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) spatial frames, based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element analysis software, the refined numerical models of pure RC spatial frames and infilled RC spatial frames were constructed, respectively. By comparing it with the experimental results, the validity and accuracy of the model are verified. Subsequently, the effects of column removal devices and infill wall openings on the progressive collapse resistance of RC spatial frames were studied. The results show that the residual displacement of the model with a complete column removal device is 238.1% higher than that of the model with an incomplete column removal device, and the stiffness is reduced by 68.8%. The results obtained by an incomplete column removal device are often unsafe. The open-hole infill wall will form a diagonal strut in the corresponding area. The strength of the strut near the fixed end has the most significant effect on the structural stiffness after the column is removed and plays a controlling role. The reduction in the effective area of the strut reduces the strength of the strut and weakens the structural stiffness. When the opening is arranged in the mid-span position, the structural stiffness decreases more significantly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-173
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop