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Numerical Simulation and Parametric Analysis of Precast Concrete Beam-Slab Assembly Based on Layered Shell Elements -
Life Cycle GHG Emissions of Residential Buildings in Humid Subtropical and Tropical Climates: Systematic Review and Analysis -
Response of an Existing Two-Storey RC Frame Designed for Gravity Loads: In Situ Pushover Tests and Numerical Analyses -
BIM-Based Energy Analysis and Sustainability Assessment—Application to Portuguese Buildings
Journal Description
Buildings
Buildings
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on building science, building engineering and architecture published monthly online by MDPI. The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) is affiliated with Buildings and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, and many other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Construction & Building Technology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Architecture)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 16.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.648 (2020)
;
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.703 (2020)
Latest Articles
The Combined Use of SLAM Laser Scanning and TLS for the 3D Indoor Mapping
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090386 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
An efficient 3D survey of a complex indoor environment remains a challenging task, especially if the accuracy requirements for the geometric data are high for instance in building information modeling (BIM) or construction. The registration of non-overlapping terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds
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An efficient 3D survey of a complex indoor environment remains a challenging task, especially if the accuracy requirements for the geometric data are high for instance in building information modeling (BIM) or construction. The registration of non-overlapping terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds is laborious. We propose a novel indoor mapping strategy that uses a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) laser scanner (LS) to support the building-scale registration of non-overlapping TLS point clouds in order to reconstruct comprehensive building floor/3D maps. This strategy improves efficiency since it allows georeferenced TLS data to only be collected from those parts of the building that require such accuracy. The rest of the building is measured with SLAM LS accuracy. Based on the results of the case study, the introduced method can locate non-overlapping TLS point clouds with an accuracy of 18–51 mm using target sphere comparison.
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Open AccessArticle
Earthquake Damage Repair Loss Estimation in New Zealand: What Other Variables Are Essential Based on Experts’ Opinions?
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090385 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
Major earthquakes can cause extensive damage to buildings and alter both the natural and built environments. Accurately estimating the financial impact from these events is complex, and the damage is not always visible to the naked eye. PACT, SLAT, and HAZUS are some
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Major earthquakes can cause extensive damage to buildings and alter both the natural and built environments. Accurately estimating the financial impact from these events is complex, and the damage is not always visible to the naked eye. PACT, SLAT, and HAZUS are some of the computer-based tools designed to predict probable damage before an earthquake. However, there are no identifiable models built for post-earthquake use. This paper focuses on verifying the significance and usage of variables that specifically need to be considered for the post-earthquake cost estimation of earthquake damage repair work (CEEDRW). The research was conducted using a questionnaire survey involving 92 participants who have experience in cost estimating earthquake damage repair work in New Zealand. The Weighted Average, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Exploratory Factor Analysis were used to analyse the data. The research verified that eleven major variables that are significant to the CEEDRW and should be incorporated to cost estimation models. Verified variables can be used to develop a post-earthquake repair cost estimation tool and can be used to improve the pre-earthquake loss prediction tools.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in the Sustainability Assessment of Building and Infrastructure Projects)
Open AccessArticle
Building Information Modeling Based Building Sustainability Assessment Framework for Kazakhstan
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090384 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
The use of building information modeling (BIM) for building sustainability assessment (BSA) is a thriving topic within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Despite the various research approaches to employing BSA with BIM support, the research is limited to the BIM implications of
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The use of building information modeling (BIM) for building sustainability assessment (BSA) is a thriving topic within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Despite the various research approaches to employing BSA with BIM support, the research is limited to the BIM implications of BSA methods in developing countries. This paper presents how BIM can assist the BSA processes in Kazakhstan, using a previously developed building sustainability assessment framework for Kazakhstan (KBSAF). This framework has 46 assessment indicators grouped into nine assessment categories. The categories and assessment indicators of KBSAF were derived considering the regional variations and country-specific differences in the assessment factors. In this paper, BIM functions for BSA were identified through literature review; their applicability for KBSAF was evaluated by mapping the functions with the assessment indicators of KBSAF and a BIM-based BSA framework (BIM-KBSAF) was proposed. The proposed framework was validated through a three-round Delphi survey. One of the results demonstrates that for KBSAF, BIM can assess 24 out of 46 assessment indicators. The proposed framework could serve as a systematic guide to the application of BIM for BSA. Furthermore, it can facilitate the BSA process and save considerable time and effort.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced BIM Application in Construction and Buildings)
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State-of-the-Art Technologies for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems
by
, , , , , and
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090383 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
Advances in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems for residential and commercial purposes are set to minimize overall energy requirements and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The BIPV design considerations entail energy infrastructure, pertinent renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency provisions. In this work, the performance
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Advances in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems for residential and commercial purposes are set to minimize overall energy requirements and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The BIPV design considerations entail energy infrastructure, pertinent renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency provisions. In this work, the performance of roof/façade-based BIPV systems and the affecting parameters on cooling/heating loads of buildings are reviewed. Moreover, this work provides an overview of different categories of BIPV, presenting the recent developments and sufficient references, and supporting more successful implementations of BIPV for various globe zones. A number of available technologies decide the best selections, and make easy configuration of the BIPV, avoiding any difficulties, and allowing flexibility of design in order to adapt to local environmental conditions, and are adequate to important considerations, such as building codes, building structures and loads, architectural components, replacement and maintenance, energy resources, and all associated expenditure. The passive and active effects of both air-based and water-based BIPV systems have great effects on the cooling and heating loads and thermal comfort and, hence, on the electricity consumption.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy in Buildings)
Open AccessArticle
Anchor Force Monitoring Using Impedance Technique with Single-Point Mount Lead-Zirconate-Titanate Interface: A Feasibility Study
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090382 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
As a key load-bearing element in a prestressed structure, the anchor should be appropriately monitored to secure its as-built prestressing force. In previous studies, the impedance-based prestress force monitoring technique through a mountable lead–Zirconate–Titanate (PZT) interface was developed. However, the previous design of
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As a key load-bearing element in a prestressed structure, the anchor should be appropriately monitored to secure its as-built prestressing force. In previous studies, the impedance-based prestress force monitoring technique through a mountable lead–Zirconate–Titanate (PZT) interface was developed. However, the previous design of the PZT interface uses a two-point mount technique through two bonding layers, causing inconveniences during installation and replacement processes. To address this issue, we propose an alternative PZT interface model for prestress force monitoring based on the impedance method. The proposed model uses a single-point mounting technique that allows it to be more conveniently installed and replaced on a host structure. First, the electromechanical impedance of the proposed PZT interface is theoretically derived. The proof-of-concept of the proposed PZT interface for impedance monitoring is then shown by finite element modelling. Afterwards, a lab-scaled experiment is conducted on an anchoring system to demonstrate the practical application feasibility of the proposed technique. The obtained results show that the proposed technique can produce impedance responses that are highly sensitive to the prestress force. The performance of the proposed model for impedance-based prestress force monitoring is found to be comparable with the previous techniques (the washer-type mount and the two-point mount). Due to its advantage of simple design, the newly designed PZT interface is promising for the future development of the impedance-based anchor force monitoring systems in practice.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methodologies and Technologies in Structural Monitoring)
Open AccessArticle
Development of Photocatalytic 3D-Printed Cementitious Mortars: Influence of the Curing, Spraying Time Gaps and TiO2 Coating Rates
by
, , , , , , , , and
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090381 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
This work evaluated the photocatalytic activity of 3D-printed cementitious mortar specimens functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles to obtain a multifunctional and smart concrete. This research aims to assess the influence of different parameters related to the functionalization process such as adsorption, coating time
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This work evaluated the photocatalytic activity of 3D-printed cementitious mortar specimens functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles to obtain a multifunctional and smart concrete. This research aims to assess the influence of different parameters related to the functionalization process such as adsorption, coating time gaps, and coating rates on the degradation efficiency of the functionalized cementitious specimens. Each specimen was evaluated under the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in an aqueous solution using a sun-light simulation. The obtained results showed a decrease in adsorption (under dark condition) with increasing the sample curing age. The highest photocatalytic efficiency was observed for coated samples aged 7 days. By increasing the coating rates, the photocatalytic efficiency is enhanced. Nonetheless, regardless of the coating rates, all the specimens showed an increase in photocatalytic efficiency for longer time periods of light exposition, i.e., after 8 h of irradiation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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Automated Generation of an Energy Simulation Model for an Existing Building from UAV Imagery
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090380 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
An approach to automatically generate a dynamic energy simulation model in Modelica for a single existing building is presented. It aims at collecting data about the status quo in the preparation of energy retrofits with low effort and costs. The proposed method starts
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An approach to automatically generate a dynamic energy simulation model in Modelica for a single existing building is presented. It aims at collecting data about the status quo in the preparation of energy retrofits with low effort and costs. The proposed method starts from a polygon model of the outer building envelope obtained from photogrammetrically generated point clouds. The open-source tools TEASER and AixLib are used for data enrichment and model generation. A case study was conducted on a single-family house. The resulting model can accurately reproduce the internal air temperatures during synthetical heating up and cooling down. Modelled and measured whole building heat transfer coefficients (HTC) agree within a 12% range. A sensitivity analysis emphasises the importance of accurate window characterisations and justifies the use of a very simplified interior geometry. Uncertainties arising from the use of archetype U-values are estimated by comparing different typologies, with best- and worst-case estimates showing differences in pre-retrofit heat demand of about ±20% to the average; however, as the assumptions made are permitted by some national standards, the method is already close to practical applicability and opens up a path to quickly estimate possible financial and energy savings after refurbishment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Computer Technology in Buildings)
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Numerical Simulations of the Seismic Response of a RC Structure Resting on Liquefiable Soil
by
and
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090379 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
The seismic response of buildings resting on liquefiable soil is a complex problem that is still poorly understood despite numerous studies on the topic. This paper attempts to enhance the understanding of this phenomenon by simulating an RC structure resting on liquefiable soil
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The seismic response of buildings resting on liquefiable soil is a complex problem that is still poorly understood despite numerous studies on the topic. This paper attempts to enhance the understanding of this phenomenon by simulating an RC structure resting on liquefiable soil and subjected to seismic shakes. The solid-fluid fully coupled analysis was conducted with OpenSeesPL utilizing 58 earthquake records to simulate a wide range of shaking scenarios. In addition, the effect of the soil density and the thickness of the liquefiable layer were examined. It was noted that the liquefaction-induced settlement of the building increased as peak ground acceleration (PGA) increased, where the percentage increase ranged between 2.5% and 888.0% depending on the soil density, thickness of the liquefiable layer, PGA and the predominant frequency of the seismic shake. However, a scatter of the relationship between the PGA and the liquefaction-induced settlement was also noted due to the effect of the predominant frequency of the seismic shake. In addition, a reduced effect from soil density on the liquefaction-induced settlement was observed, where the settlement changed by up to 55% as the soil density changed from loose to medium, and by 68% as the density changed from loose to dense. Additionally, the results of the lateral displacement of the building did not show a definite trend with the increase in PGA, which could be attributed to the complex interaction between PGA amplification and the predominant frequency of the seismic shake as the liquefiable soil layer thickness changed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance of New-Designed and Existing RC Buildings)
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Porosity Evaluation of Concrete Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Durability Assessment through Volume of Permeable Voids and Water Immersion Conditions
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090378 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
Concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement is regarded as green and durable concrete, with several advantages such as improved strength gain mechanism, resistance to degradation and extended service life of structure. Water absorption or porosity of
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Concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement is regarded as green and durable concrete, with several advantages such as improved strength gain mechanism, resistance to degradation and extended service life of structure. Water absorption or porosity of concrete is directly related to the durability of concrete. In this present study, five concrete mixes involving three different SCMs are investigated for water absorption and rapid chloride penetration rating. A comparison between porosity values obtained using four standard testing methods, i.e., BS 1881-122, RILEM CPC 11.1, RILEM CPC 11.3, and ASTM C642 are presented for three different concrete mixes containing varied compositions and proportions of two SCMs. The testing method by RILEM CPC 11.3 includes distinctive sample preparation and is regarded as a stringent method to represent the degree of concrete porosity. Two additional concrete mixes with three SCMs are further investigated for their water absorption and immersion following the testing method by RILEM CPC 11.3. The impact of SCMs on concrete porosity is discussed. A linear correlation between porosity and rapid chloride penetration (RCP) ratings obtained as per ASTM C1202-19 on specimens of all investigated concrete mixes is proposed as a rapid approach to assess chloride penetration of concrete specimens containing SCMs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Eco-Friendly Cementitious Materials)
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Insights into Public Perceptions of Earthship Buildings as Alternative Homes
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, , , , , , and
Buildings 2021, 11(9), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090377 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
Sustainable futures necessitate a concomitant requirement for both sustainable buildings and sustainable behaviours under one roof. The defining principles behind Earthship buildings are to promote the use of local, recycled, waste, natural and renewable materials in their construction, for the adoption of a
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Sustainable futures necessitate a concomitant requirement for both sustainable buildings and sustainable behaviours under one roof. The defining principles behind Earthship buildings are to promote the use of local, recycled, waste, natural and renewable materials in their construction, for the adoption of a passive solar design for internal heating/cooling, collection of rainwater as a potable water supply, and encourage the onsite recycling of used water for plants to aid food production. However, despite growth in Earthship buildings constructed across many countries of the world, their appeal has not yet made a noticeable contribution to mainstream housing. Therefore, this study is the first to attempt to explore public perceptions towards the benefits and barriers of Earthship buildings as a means of understanding their demand by potential home builders/owners. Opinions were sought through questionnaire surveys completed by visitors to the Brighton Earthship building. Results reveal that the public believe that the reclamation of rainwater and greywater, renewable energy consumption and use of recycled materials included in the design/build are the major benefits of Earthship buildings, whilst the opportunity for a modern living style in a conservative lifestyle/setting, having a building that is cheaper than an ordinary home and the possibility of living totally off grid are considered the least beneficial reasons for building Earthship homes. Results also reveal that the public believe acquiring necessary permits/permissions to build may be more complicated, securing financial support (mortgage/loan) may be more challenging, and identifying/attaining suitable building plots are major barriers of Earthship buildings, whilst the futuristic/alternative building design, being built from waste materials and being entirely dependent on renewable resources (rainfall/wind/sunshine) are considered the least important barriers to building Earthship homes. Notwithstanding the participants included in this study already having an interest in Earthship buildings/lifestyles, it is concluded that the general public deem the general principles of Earthships as an acceptable choice of building/living but it is the formal means of building or buying an Earthship home that is the greatest hurdle against the uptake of Earthship buildings. Therefore, if sustainable futures are to be realized, it is proposed that a shift away from traditional house building towards Earthship building will require the involvement of all stakeholders immersed in the building process (architects, planners, builders, investors, lawyers) to path an easier journey for Earthship buildings and sustainable living.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Buildings in the Built Environment)
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Evaluation of ALARO-0 and REMO Regional Climate Models over Iran Focusing on Building Material Degradation Criteria
by
, , , , and
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080376 - 23 Aug 2021
Abstract
Understanding how climate change affects material degradation is the first step in heritage conservation. To study such impact, high-resolution climate information is required. However, so far, no regional climate simulations have been evaluated considering building damage criteria over the region of Iran. This
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Understanding how climate change affects material degradation is the first step in heritage conservation. To study such impact, high-resolution climate information is required. However, so far, no regional climate simulations have been evaluated considering building damage criteria over the region of Iran. This paper has a twofold objective: to conduct an overview of climate model performance over Iran by evaluating the output of two regional climate models, ALARO-0 and REMO2015, and to find an optimal approach for model evaluation fitted to studies on building physics. Data of the evaluation run for both models were compared with data of weather stations located in six different climate zones in Iran to assess their performance over the region and gain insight about model uncertainties. Given that the research scope covers the evaluation of climate models to use in studies on building physics, in addition to climate parameters, five degradation risks are analysed. The performance of the two models varies over the studied locations. In general, both models fall within the spread of observations except for wind parameters. Accordingly, indices related to temperature and precipitation are well predicted, in contrast to indices related to wind. The analysis shows that considering the observed biases, selecting an ensemble of representative models based on the evaluation results of climate variables important for hygrothermal simulations would be recommended.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Resilient Buildings)
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A Contractor-Centric Construction Performance Model Using Non-Price Measures
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080375 - 23 Aug 2021
Abstract
Selecting a better performing contractor at the procurement stage is crucial in achieving a successful outcome for a construction project. The construction industry lacks a systematic and purpose driven method to assess performance of contractors using objective metrics. There are many approaches to
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Selecting a better performing contractor at the procurement stage is crucial in achieving a successful outcome for a construction project. The construction industry lacks a systematic and purpose driven method to assess performance of contractors using objective metrics. There are many approaches to measuring construction performance, but most are complicated and have high dependency on data that is difficult to attain. This paper aims to create a model for evaluating construction contractors’ performance based on directly attributable measures that are quantitative and easy to gather. This makes such a model more attractive and easier to use. Initially, a detailed literature review revealed different categories of measures of performance (MoP) and corresponding critical measures of performance (CMoP). Through a series of Delphi-based expert forums, the set of measures were fine-tuned and shortlisted. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process-based comparisons were then used for developing a contractors’ performance model to quantify their level of performance based on a limited set of organisation-specific and project-specific measures. The results indicate a shift from traditional measures and a higher preference towards non-price measures. The performance model can be further developed to systematically rank the prospective contractors at the procurement stage based on seven non-price measures.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Procurement in Construction Industry)
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Spatiotemporal Changes in Vertical Heterogeneity: High-Rise Office Building Floor Space in Sydney, Australia
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080374 - 21 Aug 2021
Abstract
Mixed-use development is increasingly popular in land use planning and zoning, fostering a combination of residential, commercial, and cultural uses into one space. However, there is a lack of understanding of the vertical mix office space within a high-rise commercial building and the
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Mixed-use development is increasingly popular in land use planning and zoning, fostering a combination of residential, commercial, and cultural uses into one space. However, there is a lack of understanding of the vertical mix office space within a high-rise commercial building and the dynamics of the industry mix between buildings. This paper examines the spatiotemporal patterns of industry mix between and within office buildings in Sydney CBD from 2006 to 2017, using the data obtained from the City of Sydney floor space and employment surveys. This is the first study that identifies the dynamics of an industrial ecosystem in central Sydney, which has transformed to homophily land blocks, with increasing vertically heterogeneous office buildings, over the past decade. In addition, the study found that the significant clustering of anchor tenants, such as finances, hospitalities, and knowledge-based industries, are apparent.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cities and Infrastructure)
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Seismic Analysis of the Bell Tower of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi on Kaptol in Zagreb by Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080373 - 21 Aug 2021
Abstract
The paper presents a failure analysis of the bell tower of the church of St. Francis of Assisi on Kaptol in Zagreb subjected to seismic activity using the finite-discrete element method—FDEM. The bell tower is a masonry building, and throughout history it has
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The paper presents a failure analysis of the bell tower of the church of St. Francis of Assisi on Kaptol in Zagreb subjected to seismic activity using the finite-discrete element method—FDEM. The bell tower is a masonry building, and throughout history it has undergone multiple damages and reconstructions. It was significantly damaged during the earthquake in Zagreb which occurred on 22 March 2020 with a magnitude of 5.5. The analysis was performed on a simplified FDEM 2D numerical model which corresponds to the structure in its current pre-disaster state and the structure after the proposed post-disaster reconstruction. The obtained results showed a good agreement of the crack pattern in the numerical model and the cracks that occurred due to these earthquakes. In addition, the conclusions based on the conducted analysis can provide a better insight into the behaviour and serve as guidelines to engineers for the design of such and similar structures.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering (1CroCEE))
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The Reduced-Degree-of-Freedom Model for Seismic Analysis of Predominantly Plan-Symmetric Reinforced Concrete Wall–Frame Building
by
and
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080372 - 21 Aug 2021
Abstract
A reduced-degree-of-freedom (RDOF) model for seismic analysis of predominantly plan-symmetric reinforced concrete (RC) wall–frame buildings is introduced. The RDOF model of the wall–frame building consists of elastic beam–column elements with concentrated plasticity used for simulating cantilever walls and predominantly plan-symmetric RC frame buildings
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A reduced-degree-of-freedom (RDOF) model for seismic analysis of predominantly plan-symmetric reinforced concrete (RC) wall–frame buildings is introduced. The RDOF model of the wall–frame building consists of elastic beam–column elements with concentrated plasticity used for simulating cantilever walls and predominantly plan-symmetric RC frame buildings that are represented by the improved fish-bone (IFB) model. In this paper, the capability of the RDOF model is demonstrated for two frame buildings and two wall–frame buildings. The RDOF models were defined directly from the building information model. This is an advantage of RDOF models with respect to single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) models, while the computational robustness of the RDOF models also makes them attractive for the seismic analysis of building stock. The imposed cyclic displacement analyses conducted for the investigated buildings proved that the condensation of the degrees of freedom for RDOF models was appropriate. Consequently, only minor differences were observed for maximum storey drift IDA curves, maximum storey acceleration IDA curves, and seismic fragility functions for different limit states. However, development is needed to make RDOF models appropriate for preliminary seismic performance assessment of plan-irregular buildings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering (1CroCEE))
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An Integrated Sensitivity Analysis Method for Energy and Comfort Performance of an Office Building along the Chinese Coastline
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and
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080371 - 21 Aug 2021
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This study aimed to evaluate the comprehensive percentage influence of input parameters on building energy and comfort performance by a new approach of sensitivity analysis (SA) and explore the most reliable and neutral sampling and sensitivity assessment method. The research combined 7 sampling
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This study aimed to evaluate the comprehensive percentage influence of input parameters on building energy and comfort performance by a new approach of sensitivity analysis (SA) and explore the most reliable and neutral sampling and sensitivity assessment method. The research combined 7 sampling methods with 13 SA methods to comprehensively integrate the percentage influence of 25 input parameters on building energy and comfort performance in 24 coastal cities of China. The results have found that the percentage influence of many important input parameters is affected by geographical position. Considering both energy and comfort performance of the building, the key parameters are heating setpoint, infiltration rate, cooling setpoint, roof U value, roof solar absorptance, window solar heat gain coefficient, equipment, and occupant density, all of which could comprehensively impact 70% of energy demand and comfort performance along the Chinese coastline. This is of great significance for policymakers to formulate relative building regulations. After comparing the F-test and the exceed percentage test, we recommended the Pearson with Quasi-random sampling method as the most reliable SA assessment method in building simulation, followed by the standardized regression coefficient in random sampling and Latin hypercube sampling methods, which can achieve data closest to the average value.
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Strengthening Solutions for Deep Reinforced Concrete Beam with Cutout Opening
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080370 - 20 Aug 2021
Abstract
Since reinforced concrete (RC) buildings have long service life, cutout openings are generally needed in their load-bearing walls as a sustainable solution in order to meet new requirements of their users. However, the cutout openings decrease the load-bearing capacity of the walls, which
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Since reinforced concrete (RC) buildings have long service life, cutout openings are generally needed in their load-bearing walls as a sustainable solution in order to meet new requirements of their users. However, the cutout openings decrease the load-bearing capacity of the walls, which may result in the failure of the buildings. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of making a door opening in a load-bearing RC wall of an existing building in Gävle in Sweden. The wall studied in the current paper rests on two individual supports at its two ends; thus, it is considered as a deep beam. However, it is called an examined wall (EW) here. The StruSoft FEM-Design software is used in this study to model, analyze, and design the building based on the Eurocodes and Swedish national annex. The potential need for the EW to be strengthened when the cutout opening is made is also evaluated. It is concluded that strengthening the EW with cutout opening is needed. Different strengthening solutions are proposed for the EW. Moreover, the situation of the EW with the solutions is assessed with regard to the utilization ratio, deflection, and weight. Consequently, it is demonstrated that the proposed strengthening solutions function well for the EW.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Modelling and Analysis of Buildings)
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Modernist Projects of Community-Based Urban Farms in Residential Areas—A Review of Agrarian Cooperatives in the Context of Contemporary Urban Development
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080369 - 20 Aug 2021
Abstract
This paper concerns the issue of food systems in the context of urban development. It describes relevant residential area ideas that integrate cities with food production, such as agrarian cooperatives. In the first section, modernist projects of residential areas linked with urban farms
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This paper concerns the issue of food systems in the context of urban development. It describes relevant residential area ideas that integrate cities with food production, such as agrarian cooperatives. In the first section, modernist projects of residential areas linked with urban farms are reviewed, considering cooperative movement and the Industrial Revolution. This review shows that the aim of these historical projects was self-sufficiency and sustainability, based on local food production and broad areas covered by vegetation. They are considered to be a contemporary residential model. The second part of the paper discusses contemporary projects of farms within estates. The study demonstrates that the production of goods under urban agriculture goes beyond private goods, such as food produced for market or own use. The examples discussed show that urban farming performs key functions in residential architecture.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architecture, City, People, and Structure)
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Assessment of Rotational Stiffness for Metallic Hinged Base Plates under Axial Loads and Moments
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080368 - 19 Aug 2021
Abstract
Pinned base plate connections are the most common base connection used in low-rise steel buildings. In this research, an extensive parametric study is performed using the Finite Element (FE) software Abaqus to determine the elastic rotational stiffness, moment resistance, and energy absorption of
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Pinned base plate connections are the most common base connection used in low-rise steel buildings. In this research, an extensive parametric study is performed using the Finite Element (FE) software Abaqus to determine the elastic rotational stiffness, moment resistance, and energy absorption of the pinned base plate connection connected to a reinforced concrete footing and subjected to an eccentric axial load. The developed FE model is validated using experimental results from the literature. Moreover, an intensive parametric study is conducted to understand the behavior of these connections better. The investigated parameters include the base plate thickness, anchor bolt diameter, and arrangement and number of bolts. The most effective parameters that affect the elastic rotational stiffness and moment resistance of pinned base connections are the anchor bolt arrangement and diameter. The maximum increase in the rotational stiffness was 53% for the anchor bolt diameter of 30 mm when the base plate thickness increased from 12 mm to 30 mm. Based on the base plate thickness, the moment resistance is improved by 150–260% when the bolt diameter increases from 12 mm to 30 mm.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Connections in Steel Structures for Construction)
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Experimental Campaigns on Mechanical Properties and Seismic Performance of Unstabilized Rammed Earth—A Literature Review
Buildings 2021, 11(8), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080367 - 19 Aug 2021
Abstract
Earthen architecture has a significant share in the world’s fund of both residential architecture and cultural heritage. It provides a home to more than half of the world’s population and can be found in seismically active areas. Empirically acquired knowledge on building with
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Earthen architecture has a significant share in the world’s fund of both residential architecture and cultural heritage. It provides a home to more than half of the world’s population and can be found in seismically active areas. Empirically acquired knowledge on building with rammed earth (RE) has usually been passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, with no written scientific grant for the load-bearing capacity and resistance of structural elements. Today, many countries still do not have standards for the design of RE structures. In the development of new as well as existing design standards, the results of experimental research play a significant role. The focus of this study was on unstabilized RE, which is locally available material with low embodied energy. This paper elaborates experimental campaigns, within which meticulous techniques were employed to provide new knowledge on RE for use in earthquake-prone areas. Furthermore, this paper includes: (i) ranges of values of mechanical properties determined on RE specimens from all over the world; (ii) a comparative summary of experimental research conducted on walls and buildings to assess their seismic performance; (iii) an overview of standards and testing methods used in experiments; and (iv) recommendations for further research.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings: 10th Anniversary)
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