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Buildings
Special Issues
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice
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Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 13692

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jonghoon Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Computing, Engineering and Construction Management, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
Interests: asset management for underground infrastructure systems; civil integrated management (CIM); sustainable infrastructure development; trenchless construction methods; underground pipe evaluation using 3D modeling
Dr. Hariharan Naganathan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Construction Management, School of Management, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: sustainability; building energy analytics; construction education; VDC and BIM; LEED construction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The scope of smart and sustainable infrastructure is multifaceted and encompasses various technological, environmental, social, and economic aspects. It aims to create infrastructure systems that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs while minimizing the environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life. Smart and sustainable infrastructure is designed to provide essential services to the population while ensuring sustainability in terms of economic and financial, social, environmental, and institutional aspects throughout its life cycle. Smart and sustainable infrastructure systems are becoming increasingly important as urban areas, particularly in developing countries, continue to grow exponentially. They are more efficient, productive, and environmentally friendly.

For this Special Issue, smart and sustainable infrastructure includes infrastructure that employs a feedback loop to improve the decision-making processes. Smart and sustainable infrastructure is capable of monitoring, measuring, analyzing, communicating, and acting based on data gathered. The topics are broken down into several key dimensions:

Technological Integration:

  • IoT (Internet of Things) Connectivity: Embedding sensors and communication networks into infrastructure elements to collect and transmit data for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
  • Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to process and interpret data for optimizing infrastructure performance and predicting maintenance needs.

Energy Efficiency:

  • Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power into infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Energy Storage: Implementing energy storage solutions such as batteries to balance energy supply and demand.

Transportation:

  • Smart Mobility: Developing intelligent transportation systems that enhance public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable modes of transport.
  • Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: Supporting the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles to reduce emissions and improve traffic safety.

Water Management:

  • Efficient Water Use: Implementing water-efficient technologies, including smart irrigation systems and leak detection, to conserve water resources.
  • Wastewater Treatment: Upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to reduce pollution and promote water recycling.

Waste Management:

  • Waste Reduction and Recycling: Encouraging waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs to minimize landfill usage and reduce the environmental impact.
  • Waste-to-Energy: Exploring technologies that convert waste into energy to mitigate waste disposal problems.

Resilience and Disaster Preparedness:

  • Climate Adaptation: Designing infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
  • Emergency Response Systems: Implementing smart systems for early warning and rapid response during disasters.
Urban Planning and Design:
  • Mixed-Use Development: Promoting walkable communities and mixed-use development to reduce commuting distances and foster sustainable urban growth.
  • Green Spaces: Incorporating green infrastructure like parks and green roofs to improve air quality and enhance the urban environment.

Dr. Jonghoon Kim
Dr. Hariharan Naganathan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • infrastructure projects
  • fostering renewables
  • reducing environmental and carbon footprint
  • sustainable development

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 8966 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Comfort and Sustainability: The Impact of Passive Cooling and Eco-Friendly Materials on Indoor Temperature Reduction—A Case Study
by Jonghoon Kim, Hariharan Naganathan, Sooyoung Moon and Daehee Jang
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3218; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103218 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 4569
Abstract
As global energy consumption, climate change, and environmental degradation continue to escalate, the need for sustainable solutions has become more critical than ever. Passive cooling is emerging as a promising approach to improve energy efficiency in the built environment. This research investigates the [...] Read more.
As global energy consumption, climate change, and environmental degradation continue to escalate, the need for sustainable solutions has become more critical than ever. Passive cooling is emerging as a promising approach to improve energy efficiency in the built environment. This research investigates the potential of passive cooling in new buildings, focusing on its ability to lower indoor temperatures and utilize eco-friendly materials. By reviewing the existing literature, case studies, and technological innovations, this study explores the feasibility and effectiveness of passive cooling strategies, providing a basis for future research and practical implementation. Using quantitative methods, the research analyzes temperature variations under different ventilation scenarios to assess the impact of passive cooling. Additionally, it qualitatively examines the thermal properties of various interior finishing materials, including cement, wood, and loess bricks. Software simulations are employed to assess the temperature reduction effects of eco-friendly materials such as wood and clay bricks. The findings indicate that passive cooling effectively reduces indoor temperatures, irrespective of the interior materials used. While materials like wood, known for its thermal efficiency, or cost-effective red clay blocks may influence overall building performance, the core principles of passive cooling remain universally applicable across different material choices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice)
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18 pages, 1049 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Economic Viability of Virtual Reality in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Education
by Abdelrahman M. Farouk, Hariharan Naganathan, Rahimi A. Rahman and Jonghoon Kim
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092655 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
The role of technology in education is becoming increasingly important, and the introduction of advanced technology and AI is transforming the way we learn. Virtual reality (VR) is an effective technology that enhances student engagement and improves learning outcomes. However, the cost of [...] Read more.
The role of technology in education is becoming increasingly important, and the introduction of advanced technology and AI is transforming the way we learn. Virtual reality (VR) is an effective technology that enhances student engagement and improves learning outcomes. However, the cost of implementing VR is a significant concern for educational institutions, making integrating VR technology into education challenging. To address this challenge, this study aims to explore the costs associated with integrating VR into architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) education. The study had three objectives: to identify relevant case studies that utilized VR in AEC education, to perform keyword analysis, and to conduct a cost analysis of the selected case studies. The thematic analysis identified VR applications in various categories, including VR platforms, construction safety training, design review simulators, civil engineering labs, building information modeling (BIM) integration, architectural design, and surveying engineering. The results revealed that the cost of VR varies based on the application, indicating that it is possible to implement VR in education even on a limited budget. This research provides valuable insights and recommendations for researchers and practitioners who want to adopt VR technology in AEC education effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice)
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11 pages, 2686 KiB  
Article
Estimation of the Hazardous Chemical Leakage Scale Inside Buildings Using CFD
by Kisung Kim and Dongwoo Song
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072094 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1256
Abstract
Increased industrialization and aging infrastructure have resulted in leaks of hazardous chemicals, such as CO. Leak modeling is crucial to developing emergency response strategies. Therefore, we simulated the time to criticality (TTC), which is the time to reach the threshold limit for occupational [...] Read more.
Increased industrialization and aging infrastructure have resulted in leaks of hazardous chemicals, such as CO. Leak modeling is crucial to developing emergency response strategies. Therefore, we simulated the time to criticality (TTC), which is the time to reach the threshold limit for occupational exposure, of a CO leak. The basis of the study is a fire dynamics simulator, a computational fluid dynamics model that was used to investigate the movement of CO in various scenarios, including using different building layouts and areas, temperatures, and leak diameters. Multiple regression analysis was performed to obtain regression equations for the TTC as a function of the independent variables. Ultimately, we found that the type of dispersion varies with respect to the temperature-dependent density of CO, and, among the independent variables, the leak diameter had the strongest effect on the TTC. The regression equations with logarithmic conversion were validated and found to have higher accuracy than those without logarithmic conversion. The findings provide useful information for developing emergency response plans regarding leak size in the case of hazardous chemical leakage. However, empirical studies of different gas types and leakage scenarios are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice)
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Review

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34 pages, 1771 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Effects of Waste Textile Polymer Fiber on Concrete Strength: Exploring the Key Parameters
by Soorya Sasi, Paul Joseph, Robert Haigh, Malindu Sandanayake, Zora Vrcelj and Ehsan Yaghoubi
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051486 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4282
Abstract
The construction industry is one of the largest users of natural resources and can, thus, lead to significant environmental issues. Therefore, there is elevated interest worldwide in developing sustainable construction materials and techniques that can reduce these associated environmental impacts. In this context, [...] Read more.
The construction industry is one of the largest users of natural resources and can, thus, lead to significant environmental issues. Therefore, there is elevated interest worldwide in developing sustainable construction materials and techniques that can reduce these associated environmental impacts. In this context, one substantial area of focus is the incorporation of textile waste in construction materials, such as concrete. Textile waste is generated in large quantities from the production stage through to the consumption and end-of-life disposal periods. Hence, it is prudent to devise effective ways of recycling this waste, which can, in turn, reduce the environmental implications of textile production and cut down the quantity of waste sent to landfills. Furthermore, fibers obtained from recycled textile waste can be used to reinforce concrete, thus replacing the need for synthetic fibers. This review focuses on the use and effects of incorporating polymer fibers from recycled textile waste in concrete and the use of textile polymer fiber in the construction of various structures, and challenges in the use of recycled fibers in concrete and the parameters affecting the resultant strength of concrete structures, such as stress transfer, crack control, bond strength, and spalling, etc., are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice)
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