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Buildings, Volume 8, Issue 9 (September 2018) – 16 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Daylight usage in buildings improves visual comfort and lowers the electricity demand for artificial lighting. A translucent, thermal insulation between two textile roof membranes combines daylight usage and heating demand reduction in a case study sport building. The current article quantifies the daylight and lighting energy performance of this still-rare construction in absolute numbers. Field measurements and supporting simulations deliver valuable indicators and a promising reduction of 30%. View this paper.
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33 pages, 871 KiB  
Review
Ökobau.dat 3.0–Quo Vadis?
by Johannes Gantner, Katrin Lenz, Rafael Horn, Petra Von Both and Sebastian Ebertshäuser
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090129 - 19 Sep 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5245
Abstract
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the standard method for the quantification of environmental impacts within the construction sector, relying on available generic LCA databases. New developments, such as the increased influence of the building construction for LCA and the forthcoming of building information [...] Read more.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the standard method for the quantification of environmental impacts within the construction sector, relying on available generic LCA databases. New developments, such as the increased influence of the building construction for LCA and the forthcoming of building information modeling (BIM), implicate new requirements on multiscale levels of development and complexity for LCA construction databases. At the example of the German “Ökobau.dat”, one of the leading LCA construction databases, this publication discusses whether the database is able to meet these requirements. The analysis shows the strengths of the Ökobau.dat with regard to standardization conformity (EN 15804, ILCD), data provision in machine-readable XML format, and the provision of an application programming interface. Shortcomings include incorrect linking of building life cycle inventory data with environmental information, incorrect documentation of functional units, missing generic datasets, the modeling of energy use data or the lack of a uniform structuring, or material classification. The authors propose solutions such as the provision of appropriate functional units, the implementation of a top-down approach to investigate the completeness of data based on existing nomenclatures or the extension with an appropriate material classification. This would allow for future viability and adaptability of Ökobau.dat for digital LCA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Sustainability Assessment)
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22 pages, 10298 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Risk-Based Performance Evaluation of Seismically Base-Isolated Steel Structures Subjected to Far-Field Earthquakes
by Aryan Rezaei Rad and Mehdi Banazadeh
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090128 - 13 Sep 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5843
Abstract
The performance of base-isolated steel structures having special moment frames is assessed. The archetypes, which are designed per ASCE/SEI 7–2016, are simulated in the Finite Element (FE) computational platform, OpenSees. Adopting nonlinear dynamic analyses using far-field ground motions, the performance of Drift-Sensitive Structural [...] Read more.
The performance of base-isolated steel structures having special moment frames is assessed. The archetypes, which are designed per ASCE/SEI 7–2016, are simulated in the Finite Element (FE) computational platform, OpenSees. Adopting nonlinear dynamic analyses using far-field ground motions, the performance of Drift-Sensitive Structural Components (DS-SC), and Drift-/Acceleration-Sensitive Non-Structural Components (DS/AS NSC) at slight, moderate, extensive, and collapse damage states are investigated. The effects of structural height, effective transformed period (Teff), response modification coefficient (RI), and isolation type on the performance of 26 archetypes mounted on Lead Rubber Bearings (LRBs) and Triple Concave Friction Pendulums (TCFPs) are evaluated. Computing 50-year probability of exceedance using the fragility curves and seismic hazard curves of the site, increasing Teff reduces the role of RI in the structural performance; variations in the height, as well as RI, do not affect the risk of damages to the AS-NSC; the risk of collapse is not sensitive to the variations of Teff. The TCFP systems represent superior performance than LRB systems in lower intensities. For longer periods and taller structures, the isolation type has less effect on the performance of NSC. Finally, the archetypes have less than 1% risk of collapse in 50 years; nevertheless, high-rise structures with RI = 2.0 have more than 10% probability of collapse given the maximum earthquake. Full article
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33 pages, 10025 KiB  
Article
New Suburbanism: Sustainable Spatial Patterns of Tall Buildings
by Kheir Al-Kodmany
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090127 - 13 Sep 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5451
Abstract
Much of the anticipated future growth in North America will occur in suburbia. The critical challenge that we will face is how to accommodate this growth in a sustainable and resilient manner. While the past 50 years have been characterized by suburban sprawl [...] Read more.
Much of the anticipated future growth in North America will occur in suburbia. The critical challenge that we will face is how to accommodate this growth in a sustainable and resilient manner. While the past 50 years have been characterized by suburban sprawl and low-rise development, “suburban sustainability” is increasingly making its way into the planning and urban design policy realm. This research investigates the spatial patterns of tall buildings in 24 suburban communities of three different regions including, Washington, D.C., Miami, and Chicago. The study identifies 10 different spatial patterns that prevail in suburbia and provides a concise summary of these patterns and reflects on their spatial and urban design aspects. The research concludes that the Tall Buildings and Transit-Oriented-Development (TB-TOD) model, an urban design approach that refers to vertical mixed-use clusters centered on mass-transit nodes, is one of the sustainable options for large regions going forward. The paper also discusses the challenges to the TB-TOD model implementation, mainly limited transit lines and community resistance. It ends by offering directions for future research. Full article
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23 pages, 12262 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in Traditional Houses in a Tropical Climate
by Jalil Shaeri, Mahmood Yaghoubi, Ardalan Aflaki and Amin Habibi
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090126 - 09 Sep 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6881
Abstract
A considerable amount of energy is being consumed for heating and cooling indoor environments in order to provide thermal comfort. For older buildings located in the southern parts of Iran, particularly in Bushehr, many climatic and passive design strategies are being used to [...] Read more.
A considerable amount of energy is being consumed for heating and cooling indoor environments in order to provide thermal comfort. For older buildings located in the southern parts of Iran, particularly in Bushehr, many climatic and passive design strategies are being used to provide indoor thermal comfort. This architecture and these elements have been developed in response to unfavorable weather conditions. The current study aimed to identify those passive elements and evaluate indoor thermal comfort in older houses. To achieve these objectives, passive elements in main houses located in the ancient urban structure were first identified. Then, a house in the coastal belt, Tabib’s house, and another house inside the ancient urban structure, Nozari’s house, were selected for the purpose of field measurement. The results revealed that the passive techniques used in these older houses significantly provide sufficient indoor thermal conditions. The mean measured predicted mean vote (PMV) of Tabib’s rooms was 0.88 and the mean measured PMV of Nozari’s rooms was 0.91, which were in an acceptable range. The measured predicted percentage of dissatisfied of rooms in both houses were lower than 10%. The main factor in creating indoor thermal comfort in these houses was the natural ventilation and its availability in the selected houses. Full article
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14 pages, 592 KiB  
Article
Strategies for Applying the Circular Economy to Prefabricated Buildings
by Roberto Minunno, Timothy O’Grady, Gregory M. Morrison, Richard L. Gruner and Michael Colling
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090125 - 06 Sep 2018
Cited by 122 | Viewed by 16421
Abstract
In this paper, a circular-economy framework is applied to the prefabricated building sector to explore the environmental advantages of prefabrication in terms of reduction, reusability, adaptability, and recyclability of its components. A qualitative approach is used to revisit the design, construction, and demolition [...] Read more.
In this paper, a circular-economy framework is applied to the prefabricated building sector to explore the environmental advantages of prefabrication in terms of reduction, reusability, adaptability, and recyclability of its components. A qualitative approach is used to revisit the design, construction, and demolition stages of prefabricated buildings; in so doing, the circular-economy framework is applied to foster circular prefabricated modi operandi. Prefabrication of buildings can be divided into four entities: elements and components, panels (or non-volumetric elements), volumetric, and entire modules. Through an analysis of published research on how the circular economy can be applied to different industry sectors and production processes, seven strategies emerged, each of which revealed the potential of improving the circular economy of buildings. The first strategy is reduction of waste through a lean production chain. By reusing the waste, the second strategy investigates the use of by-products in the production of new components. The third strategy focuses on the reuse of replacement parts and components. The fourth strategy is based on design toward adaptability, respectively focusing on reusability of components and adapting components for a second use with a different purpose. Similarly, the fifth strategy considers the implications of designing for disassembly with Building Information Modeling so as to improve the end-of-life deconstruction phase. The sixth strategy focuses on design with attention to recyclability of used material. Finally, the seventh strategy considers the use of tracking technologies with embedded information on components’ geometric and mechanic characteristics as well as their location and life cycle to enable second use after deconstruction. It is demonstrated that prefabricated buildings are key to material savings, waste reduction, reuse of components, and various other forms of optimization for the construction sector. By adopting the identified strategies in prefabricated buildings, a circular economy could be implemented within the construction industry. Finally, seven guidelines were distilled from the review and linked to the identified strategies. Owing to their degree of adaptability and capacity of being disassembled, prefabricated buildings would allow waste reduction and facilitate a second life of components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Prefabricated Buildings)
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20 pages, 79829 KiB  
Article
Parametric Study on Seismic Rehabilitation of Masonry Buildings Using FRP Based upon 3D Non-Linear Dynamic Analysis
by Eissa Fathalla and Hamed Salem
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090124 - 04 Sep 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5153
Abstract
Unreinforced load-bearing masonry (URM) buildings represent a significant portion of the non-engineered old buildings in many developing countries aiming to reduce the construction cost. The walls of those buildings are developed to resist gravity loads. Lateral loads induced by earthquakes or wind may [...] Read more.
Unreinforced load-bearing masonry (URM) buildings represent a significant portion of the non-engineered old buildings in many developing countries aiming to reduce the construction cost. The walls of those buildings are developed to resist gravity loads. Lateral loads induced by earthquakes or wind may cause severe their damage. In the current study, a numerical investigation is carried out for a seismic assessment of a typical four-story, load-bearing building in Giza, Egypt. The full 3D nonlinear dynamic analysis is carried out using the Applied Element Method (AEM), which proved to be efficient in such case where partial or total collapse is expected. The study includes two earthquake zones in Egypt called zone (3) and zone (5B), which are the actual studied building seismic zone and the highest seismic activity zone in Egypt, respectively. Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) laminates with different thicknesses and different configurations are used in strengthening unreinforced masonry walls to study the efficiency of the proposed rehabilitation technique on a realistic structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masonry Buildings: Research and Practice)
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12 pages, 6299 KiB  
Article
Building Configuration of Low-Cost Apartments in Bandung—Its Contribution to the Microclimate and Outdoor Thermal Comfort
by Beta Paramita, Hiroatsu Fukuda, Rendy Perdana Khidmat and Andreas Matzarakis
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090123 - 04 Sep 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5870
Abstract
This paper aims to find the microclimate aspect within the building form and configuration of five low-cost apartments (henceforth rusun) in Bandung, Indonesia. There are parallel, square, and interspersed plots investigated with specific discussion on the microclimate aspects that gain human perception [...] Read more.
This paper aims to find the microclimate aspect within the building form and configuration of five low-cost apartments (henceforth rusun) in Bandung, Indonesia. There are parallel, square, and interspersed plots investigated with specific discussion on the microclimate aspects that gain human perception of outdoor thermal comfort. The microclimate prognostic model, i.e., ENVI-met, was used to determine the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), which was then used to describe the living quality of outdoor thermal comfort, i.e., PET (physiologically equivalent temperature) in a hot-humid climate context. A parallel plot with building orientation toward north-south was found as the most beneficial building form and configuration. Somehow, the parallel plot toward the west-east orientation did not provide similar performance. Nevertheless, the square plot provided uncomfortable perception as there was an absence of building shade within the wide open space and ground cover to absorb the insolation. The interspersed plot can be considered for the building configuration because it generates more wind among other plots. The building form and configuration of rusun with passive design seems to not be able to achieve outdoor thermal comfort. The highest PET value of Model D with the square plot had PET = 41 °C (hot) while the lowest PET in Model A with the parallel plot (N-S) had PET = 34.2 °C (slightly warm). Full article
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14 pages, 8556 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Plasters with Photodegradative Action
by Pierantonio De Luca, Pasquale De Luca, Sebastiano Candamano, Anastasia Macario, Fortunato Crea and Jànos B. Nagy
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090122 - 03 Sep 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3324
Abstract
The aim of this project is to investigate the behaviour of several special types plasters specifically designed to degrade the most common pollutants which are present in the atmosphere. In particular, specific additives have been added to these plasters, in order to obtain [...] Read more.
The aim of this project is to investigate the behaviour of several special types plasters specifically designed to degrade the most common pollutants which are present in the atmosphere. In particular, specific additives have been added to these plasters, in order to obtain a broad spectrum of active and synergic response, each of which have peculiar functions: - microporous materials, such as clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, that promotes the adsorption of air pollutants thanks to its porous nature; - nano-fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, that behave both as reinforcing agents as well as adsorbent materials; - photochemical agents, such as titanium oxide, that degrade air pollutants, previously adsorbed on carbon nanotubes and zeolites, thanks to the action of light that activates photodegradation reactions. All the samples were also characterized in terms of mechanical properties, adhesion to supports and water absorption. Furthermore, photodegradation tests were carried out by exposing plaster surfaces, wetted with a Rodamine solution, to Ultraviolet rays (UV) for different times. Plasters photodegradative capacity was evaluated and the results highlighted the fact that the designed admixtures showed an important photodegradative action, strictly dependent on the types and specific ratios of the selected additives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building Materials)
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28 pages, 17222 KiB  
Article
A Numerical Study on the Effect of Position and Number of Openings on the Performance of Composite Steel Shear Walls
by Baitollah Badarloo and Faezeh Jafari
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090121 - 01 Sep 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5017
Abstract
Use of composite steel shear walls (CSSW) in earthquake-resistant structures has grown in recent years. However, no thorough information exists on their performance, especially in cases where openings are present. In the present study, in order to first validate the analysis method, ABAQUS [...] Read more.
Use of composite steel shear walls (CSSW) in earthquake-resistant structures has grown in recent years. However, no thorough information exists on their performance, especially in cases where openings are present. In the present study, in order to first validate the analysis method, ABAQUS was used to model the studied composite shear wall with gap at UC-Berkeley, according to the results of which, a good agreement between the experimental and analytical models was observed. Then, the effect of the position and number of the openings on the performance of the walls was addressed. To this end, models with various openings, including openings close to the beam/column, horizontal/vertical openings and distributing opening, were prepared and analyzed. The results indicate that the maximum reduction in stiffness and strength occurred in walls with single openings. The size of opening and the opening’s area significantly affect shear wall performance. Ultimately, artificial neural network and fitness function tools were employed to obtain predictive models for shear wall performance. A neural network has proven an appropriate alternative method for predicting the displacement, stress, and strength of the composite shear wall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Steel-Concrete Composite Structures in Buildings)
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20 pages, 7619 KiB  
Article
Manufacturing, Modeling, Implementation and Evaluation of a Weatherproof Seal for Prefabricated Construction
by Kristopher Orlowski, Kasun Shanaka and Priyan Mendis
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090120 - 31 Aug 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5693
Abstract
Prefabricated forms of construction have led to the rapid onsite assembly of buildings however there are still on-site tasks and processes which can be reevaluated and redone specifically in keeping with the principles of prefabrication instead being adapted to fit its purpose. One [...] Read more.
Prefabricated forms of construction have led to the rapid onsite assembly of buildings however there are still on-site tasks and processes which can be reevaluated and redone specifically in keeping with the principles of prefabrication instead being adapted to fit its purpose. One such process is that of waterproofing between prefabricated panels and modules which come from the factory fully complete façade and all. Conventional means of waterproofing can be used however it results in more work done on site, potential delays and generally requires access from the external face of the building. This paper presents the Modelling, Implementation and Evaluation of purpose developed weatherproof seals specific for Prefabricated Construction. An overview is provided of the entire development process and specific focus is given to the modeling using finite element analysis (FEA) computer simulations, manufacturing and testing which then resulted in the implementation in a prefabricated panelised building which is used as a case study and the means of further evaluation. These strategies have enabled an efficient and robust prefabricated waterproofing solution specific for this form of construction to be understood and implemented. The resulting case study has successfully verified the time and cost savings when compared to conventional techniques whilst still providing a durable and effective weatherproof seal for prefabricated panelised and modular systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Prefabricated Buildings)
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18 pages, 5728 KiB  
Article
Smart Solar-Powered LED Outdoor Lighting System Based on the Energy Storage Level in Batteries
by Suhil Kiwan, Anwar Abo Mosali and Adnan Al-Ghasem
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090119 - 31 Aug 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7199
Abstract
A novel smart solar-powered light emitting diode (LED) outdoor lighting system is designed, built, and tested. A newly designed controller, that continuously monitors the energy status in the battery and, accordingly, controls the level of illumination of the LED light to satisfy the [...] Read more.
A novel smart solar-powered light emitting diode (LED) outdoor lighting system is designed, built, and tested. A newly designed controller, that continuously monitors the energy status in the battery and, accordingly, controls the level of illumination of the LED light to satisfy the lighting requirements and/or to keep the light “on” the longest time possible, has been developed. The use of such a reliable solar energy-driven lighting system, with maximum time when the light is “on”, will eliminate the sudden-death of light problem present in conventional photovoltaic (PV) outdoor lights and, therefore, will enhance the natural surveillance and feeling of safety in sustainable buildings and cities. Furthermore, the new smart control eliminates the overdischarge of the system battery and, thus, ensures a longer lifetime of the system battery. Experimental measurements on a system using a 30 W LED light showed that the operating hours of the new system reached 29.16 h (1750 min), while the operating hours for a similar conventional system were 20.86 h (1252 min). Thus, the new lighting system was demonstrated, securing more than 40% of operating hours than the conventional systems. Full article
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19 pages, 4034 KiB  
Article
Daylight Performance of a Translucent Textile Membrane Roof with Thermal Insulation
by Daniel Gürlich, Amando Reber, Andreas Biesinger and Ursula Eicker
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090118 - 24 Aug 2018
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5671
Abstract
Daylight usage in buildings improves visual comfort and lowers the final energy demand for artificial lighting. The question that always occurs is how much conservation can be achieved? New or rare materials and constructions have a lack of information about their application. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Daylight usage in buildings improves visual comfort and lowers the final energy demand for artificial lighting. The question that always occurs is how much conservation can be achieved? New or rare materials and constructions have a lack of information about their application. Therefore, the current investigation quantifies the daylight and energy performance of a rare multi-layer textile membrane roof. A translucent, thermal insulation with a glass fibre fleece between the two roof membranes combines daylight usage and heating demand reduction. A sports hall built in 2017 is used as a case study building with 2300 m2 membrane roof surface. The optical properties of the roof construction were measured with a total visual light transmittance τv of 0.72% for a clean surface. A climate-based annual daylight modelling delivers daylight indicators for different construction scenarios. The results show that, in comparison to only one glass façade, the additional translucent and thermally insulated membrane roof construction increases the annual daylight autonomy (DA700) from 0% to 1.5% and the continuous DA700 from 15% to 38%. In the roof-covered areas of the sport field, this results in a 30% reduction of the electricity demand for artificial lighting from 19.7 kWhel/m2/a to 13.8 kWhel/m2/a, when a dimming control is used. The study also found that the influence of the soiling of one layer decreases its light transmittance by a factor 0.81. Two soiled layers lower τv by a factor of 0.66 to 0.47%. This increases the electricity demand for lighting by only 12%. The results should be very valuable as a comparison and benchmark for planners and future buildings of a similar type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building Materials)
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22 pages, 6042 KiB  
Article
Design and Development of Weatherproof Seals for Prefabricated Construction: A Methodological Approach
by Kristopher Orlowski, Kasun Shanaka and Priyan Mendis
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090117 - 24 Aug 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9735
Abstract
Satisfactory weatherproofing of buildings is vital to maximise their design life and performance which requires the careful design of external sealing technologies. Systems commonly available have served well in conventional construction however with many prefabricated systems emerging in the building industry new and [...] Read more.
Satisfactory weatherproofing of buildings is vital to maximise their design life and performance which requires the careful design of external sealing technologies. Systems commonly available have served well in conventional construction however with many prefabricated systems emerging in the building industry new and novel means of weatherproofing between panels and modules need to be developed purpose specific to this application. This paper presents a holistic and fundamental methodological approach to Design and Development of waterproof seals and has been applied specific for prefabricated panelised and modular systems. Two purpose specific weatherproof seals are finally presented. Flow charts of the overview of the suggested methodological approach and the processes within which include DfMA that have been incorporated into understanding and developing seals for this practical application. These strategies have enabled a resourceful and holistic set of processes that can be adapted and used for similar forms of product research in new and developing areas of construction such as prefabrication. The design and development process is thoroughly investigated and has resulted in an exploration of the technical challenges and potential solutions which take into consideration factors from installation limitations to building tolerances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Prefabricated Buildings)
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20 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Target Value Design Inspired Practices to Deliver Sustainable Buildings
by Samia S. Silveira and Thais Da C. L. Alves
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090116 - 23 Aug 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4290
Abstract
The design of environmentally-friendly buildings relies on the work of interdisciplinary teams who have to look at problems in a holistic way. Teams need to communicate, collaborate, and make decisions not solely based on first cost considerations. For this purpose, Target Value Design [...] Read more.
The design of environmentally-friendly buildings relies on the work of interdisciplinary teams who have to look at problems in a holistic way. Teams need to communicate, collaborate, and make decisions not solely based on first cost considerations. For this purpose, Target Value Design (TVD) related practices are being used to deliver green buildings in Southern California while meeting strict code requirements and addressing the needs of multiple stakeholders in a collaborative fashion. This study did not quantify costs associated with design and construction of sustainable buildings. It used an analytical process that compared and contrasted available literature on TVD and interviews with industry practitioners to investigate the use of TVD-inspired practices in the construction industry in Southern California and identify the current use of TVD-inspired practices in the design of green buildings. The study revealed that, even though practitioners might not be aware of how TVD can be fully implemented in these projects, a number of TVD-inspired practices are currently being used. Examples are provided to illustrate their practical use in the design of sustainable buildings and how practice compares to theory regarding TVD implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lean Construction)
24 pages, 4818 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Engineering Properties of Concrete Incorporating Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and Rice Husk Ash
by Mulusew Aderaw Getahun, Stanley Muse Shitote and Zachary C. Abiero Gariy
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090115 - 23 Aug 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4576
Abstract
Waste generation from agricultural and construction industries is growing at an upsetting rate that causes a heavy burden on landfill facilities. On the other hand, the construction industry is exhausting natural resources thereby posing environmental problems. This study investigates the potential use of [...] Read more.
Waste generation from agricultural and construction industries is growing at an upsetting rate that causes a heavy burden on landfill facilities. On the other hand, the construction industry is exhausting natural resources thereby posing environmental problems. This study investigates the potential use of agro-industrial waste such as rice husk ash (RHA) and construction waste like reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as promising construction materials. The durability and physical and mechanical properties of concrete were assessed by partially replacing cement and virgin aggregates with RHA and RAP, up to 20% and 50%, respectively. A total of 22 mixes were studied, twelve of which were devoted to studying the collective effects of RHA and RAP on the engineering properties of concrete. Based on experimental results, RHA and RAP decreased slump, compacting factor, density, water absorption and sorptivity. RHA increased compressive and tensile splitting strength, whereas RAP decreased compressive and tensile splitting strength. Comparable strength and favorable sorptivity values were obtained when 15% RHA was combined with up to 20% RAP in the concrete mix. Thus, utilizing RHA and RAP as concrete ingredients can contribute to solid waste management, engineering and economic benefits. Full article
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15 pages, 3522 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Panel Lay-Up on the Characteristic Bending and Rolling Shear Strength of CLT
by Conan O’Ceallaigh, Karol Sikora and Annette M. Harte
Buildings 2018, 8(9), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8090114 - 21 Aug 2018
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5721
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterise the behaviour of cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and the influence of the panel lay-up on the failure strength. Three different panel configurations of thickness, 60 mm, 100 mm, and 120 mm, were loaded in [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to characterise the behaviour of cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and the influence of the panel lay-up on the failure strength. Three different panel configurations of thickness, 60 mm, 100 mm, and 120 mm, were loaded in the out-of-plane direction. The 60 mm and 120 mm panel configuration comprised three layers of equal thickness, and the intermediate 100 mm thick panel comprised five layers of equal thickness. The mean and characteristic bending and rolling shear strength of the panels were examined. The results show that the mean bending and rolling shear strength decrease with the panel thickness. The characteristic results have shown that there is an influence because of the number of boards within the panel. The characteristic bending strength values for the five-layer 100 mm thick panel were found to be higher than that of the three-layer 60 mm panel. The characteristic rolling shear values decreased in the five-layer panels, however, the increased number of layers subjected to the rolling shear results in a reduced variability in the rolling shear strength. Full article
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