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Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 29783

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Prof. Yolanda Villacampa

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Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain
Interests: methodologies and computational algorithms for system modelling; algorithms for modelling by non-linear regression methods; numerical modelling methodologies based on finite elements and artificial intelligence techniques; modelling methodologies for obtaining non-linear models in the parameters; finite element and spline representation models; numerical methods of differential equations; using of genetic algorithms in algebraic problems; stability of numerical models of complex systems; parallelization of numeric algorithms

Dr. Francisco José Navarro-Gonzalez

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Dr. Isabel López

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alicante, Alicante. Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
Interests: coastal engineering; wave modelling; waste reuse; sediment wear
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Dr. José Ignacio Pagán

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alicante, Alicante. Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
Interests: nearshore processes; management and sustainable development of coastal zone environments; coastal modelling; geographic information systems; environmental modelling; infrastructure for sustainable transport
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A complex system is a system composed of many components which may interact with each other. The modelling of complex systems involves a high number of variables and relationships. It is very important to obtain methodologies to model those interactions, especially when only experimental data are known. In addition, in every complex system it is necessary to analyze relationships defined in subsystems that help us to better understand the functioning of the whole system. The modeling of a complex system begins with the definition of the problem or phenomenon to be analyzed. The result is the need for simplification without excluding elements of importance and interest in practical research. The mathematical modelling of complex systems encompasses a research approach to problems in many diverse disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, sociology, engineering, computer science, information theory, nonlinear dynamics, ecology and economy. Its transverse nature in relation to its applications can be considered as one of its main virtues.

This Special Issue aims to gather the type of research mentioned, in order to have a joint vision of the advances in these fields, which are usually scattered in highly specialized journals. The issue welcomes submissions in any complex system modeling method, including, but not limited to, the following topics.

Energy efficiency
Coastal processes
Effects of model stability on sustainability
Definition and evaluation of sustainability indices in complex systems
Evaluation of the impact of global events on the sustainability of subsystems
Sustainability policies in social systems from the point of view of game theory
Sustainable development indicators and indexes
Process optimization
Wave modelling
Waste reuse
Sustainable development indicators and indexes
Waste management
Circular economy
Urban flooding and drainage
Sustainable development goals
Global environmental governance and policies
Community and social planning
Sustainable transport
Artificial Intelligence in power systems
Water supply and management
Sustainability dynamics

Prof. Yolanda Villacampa
Dr. Francisco José Navarro-Gonzalez
Dr. Isabel López
Dr. José Ignacio Pagán
Guest Editors

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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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

modelling
sustainability indices
sustainable development
complex system models
environmental modelling
sustainable engineering
modelling of governance on sustainability
modeling of sustainable economics
sustainable policies modelling
sustainable architecture models
sustainable urban models
sustainable engineering models

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 9846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Parametric Study to Assess Lightweight Aggregate Concrete for Future Sustainable Construction of Reinforced Concrete Beams

by Ismael Vives, Francisco B. Varona, Antonio J. Tenza-Abril and Javier Pereiro-Barceló

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13893; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413893 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3331

Abstract

Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWC) is an attractive alternative to conventional concrete in building construction. It leads to lighter self-weight in beams and floor slabs and thus might have a positive impact on reinforcing steel consumption, also reducing the loads withstood by columns and foundations. However, LWC may increase cement consumption to maintain the required concrete compressive strength. This study presents compact equations for the design of reinforced LWC beams and subsequently applies them to a parametric analysis programmed in MATLAB. The aim of this analysis is to obtain an estimation of the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions associated with steel and cement consumption if using LWC instead of conventional concrete. The analysis involves more than 3 million beams simulating real scenarios by varying different design parameters, such as mix design, concrete strength, span length and applied loads and verifying both Ultimate and Serviceability Limit States. Whereas LWC of density equal or below 1600 kg/m³ does not seem to be feasible when trying adequately control cement content, the study shows that LWC with densities of 1800 and 2000 kg/m³ would not have a negative impact on the carbon dioxide emissions and would adequately comply with the various design restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One-Stop-Shops for Energy Renovation of Dwellings in Europe—Approach to the Factors That Determine Success and Future Lines of Action

by Rolando Biere-Arenas, Silvia Spairani-Berrio, Yolanda Spairani-Berrio and Carlos Marmolejo-Duarte

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212729 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3428

Abstract

Energy renovation of buildings in the European Union would lead to considerable energy savings and a 26% reduction in energy consumption. Despite this and the programmes implemented to promote it in the residential environment in Europe and the United States, the barriers that homes, contractors, and finance companies face to undertake these processes have slowed down the results. The emergence of one-stop-shops (OSSs), promoted by European directives, as integrated management entities to promote the energy renovation of dwellings seems to be a central element in the development of future strategies. This paper looks at experiences of implementing OSSs in Europe, tries to identify the main factors of success, and proposes lines of action to strengthen OSS operation in the long term. To achieve this, documents, regulations, and data on the context were studied, and active cases of OSSs were analysed. Experiences of OSSs that are no longer operating were identified to determine why they had closed down. The results suggested that a lack of structural funding is one reason why activities terminated and that the most successful cases applied an ‘all inclusive’ model and supported families in the entire process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

12 pages, 4262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smartphone Application for Determining the Segregation Index of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

by Antonio José Tenza-Abril, Patricia Compañ-Rosique, Rosana Satorre-Cuerda, Afonso Miguel Solak and Daniel Gavotti Freschi

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12564; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212564 - 14 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4188

Abstract

Due to the low density of the aggregates and the longer mixing times, lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) is susceptible to segregation of the aggregates. Several studies have proposed different methods to estimate the segregation of concrete because segregation affects strength and durability in structures. Image analysis techniques have become very popular for quickly analysing different materials and, together with the widespread use of mobile applications, can make it much easier for engineers to obtain parameters that identify concrete segregation. The aim of this work was the development of a mobile application to photograph the section of a concrete specimen and indicate the segregation values. A simple, fast, and effective application was implemented, and the results were validated with other previously published results, which can facilitate the task of engineers and researchers to determine the segregation of concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 5529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participatory Management to Improve Accessibility in Consolidated Urban Environments

by Raquel Pérez-delHoyo, María Dolores Andújar-Montoya, Higinio Mora, Virgilio Gilart-Iglesias and Rafael Alejandro Mollá-Sirvent

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8323; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158323 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2779

Abstract

There is a wide range of regulations on universal accessibility, but our cities are still inaccessible in many cases. Most accessibility problems in cities occur in consolidated areas that were developed prior to the development of current accessibility regulations. This leads to consider the importance of focusing more effort on managing the improvement of the accessibility of existing public urban environments. As such, the objective of this research is to design a conceptual model for accessibility management in consolidated urban environments. Unlike other research focusing on city users to collect information on accessibility problems or to provide services to improve wayfinding, this method has a focus on urban accessibility managers. The model is based on the assessment of the level of accessibility of urban environments together with the assessment of management processes in which city users are actively involved. It consists of a set of basic indicators for the identification of accessible pedestrian routes, and provides a dynamic accessibility index for the evaluation of their efficient management by the responsible governments. The inclusion of this assessment framework in the management process itself enables the necessary improvement actions to be identified and taken in time. ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) provide the communication channel between the responsible governments and city users, making this a more dynamic and efficient management model based on assessment possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 4606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Rainfall Time Series with Application to Calculation of Return Periods

by Ramón Egea Pérez, Mónica Cortés-Molina and Francisco J. Navarro-González

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8051; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148051 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3853

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the characteristics of rainfall in a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by infrequent and irregular rain in the territorial area and its intensity. One of the main components of this type of climate is short-duration and high-intensity rain events that cause a large amount of damage to property and human lives, seriously affecting the operation of infrastructure and the activity of society in general. The objective of this study was to design a methodology based on peak over threshold (POT) analysis. This methodology allows us to establish reference precipitation values and more approximate return periods in the absence of sufficiently extensive historical precipitation series. In addition, the frequency of these extreme events or return periods is established. The characteristics of the precipitation regime make direct analysis difficult. Thus, the functions of the probability distributions underlying the described phenomena are improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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28 pages, 15418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Energy Performance and Comfort: Case-Study of University Buildings with Design Adapted to Local Climate

by Antonio Galiano-Garrigós, María Domenech-Mataix, Ángel Benigno González-Avilés and Carlos Rizo-Maestre

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7155; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137155 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3643

Abstract

One of the main strategies to reduce countries’ energy bills is to invest in efficient buildings. To achieve this objective, the European Union Member States have developed different methodologies to evaluate building energy performance, which are often supported by simulation tools. These tools are based on calculation engines that use databases and simplifications to attempt to bring their results close to real building performance and are mostly designed to be used at the end of the process, neglecting their role in project decision-making processes. To compensate for this situation and to obtain the most accurate results, the methodologies recommend previous work during the building design phase to adopt passive design solutions that learn from experience and aim to adapt the building design to the local climate. However, these design solutions are difficult to adopt while working with medium to large public buildings and are often not properly understood by the simulation tools. In addition, new BIM methodologies are being implemented, starting to enable proper interaction between the designer and the results, and opening up the option of introducing other types of calculations, such as building comfort, in the calculation process. Among the group of countries with limited simulation tools that are starting to be substituted is Spain, which recently launched its first BIM-based energy simulation tool. This tool aims to compensate for the limitations of the former simulation tools and opens up the option of performing comfort calculations by sharing information with other programs. The objective of this research is to evaluate, from different perspectives, the performance of this new simulation tool on three buildings at the University of Alicante. These were chosen as university campuses are responsible for large groups of buildings and belong to the group of stakeholders interested in obtaining efficient and comfortable buildings. These case studies are defined by their extreme adaptation to design recommendations for mild-warm weather. At the end of the process, the difference is measured between simulation and real building performance. The results obtained show that simulation still differs greatly from real building performance from the energy performance point of view, while the comfort evaluation shows results that are closer to the reality of the buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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10 pages, 23357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Sediment Quality according to Its Behavior in the Accelerated Particle Wear Test (APW)

by José I. Pagán, Antonio J. Tenza-Abril, Luis Aragonés, Yolanda Villacampa and Isabel López

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2633; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052633 - 1 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1716

Abstract

One of the main problems faced in coastal management is the loss or destruction of beaches due to erosion. A considerable diversity of factors is involved in coastal erosion, which makes it a complex system to study. The quality of the material that constitutes the beach, as well as the choice of appropriate materials for its nourishment are two of the main ones. Therefore, to make future nourishment projects more sustainable and durable, this work proposes a sediment quality classification based on the physical properties and wear process obtained through laboratory tests. The study of these variables, using principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and ANOVA, has divided the quality of 70 samples into three main groups. A Sediment Quality Classification Index (SQCI) is proposed, which categorizes the quality of the material into poor, regular or good, providing the coastal engineer with a simple tool to ensure more sustainable beach nourishments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 2557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Energy Efficiency of a Solar Thermal Installation in a Family House

by Jaroslav Košičan, Miguel Ángel Pardo Picazo, Silvia Vilčeková and Danica Košičanová

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042305 - 20 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2848

Abstract

Designing solar strategies is a powerful step forward to set up an adequate residential house in terms of energy. Many types of research have simulated the energy needs for residential buildings. Designing an improper installation can contribute to a growth in the overall energy expenditure in ensuring thermal comfort. The use of solar thermal processes in Slovakia is on a rise as compared to recent years. This study models twelve solar water heating systems created on the roof of the household. Solar energy techniques are carried out to comply with the demands of heating and domestic hot water. The analysis deals with the most efficient alternative for the arranged solar systems of the building. Considering these installations and the corresponding overall prices of machinery, the best workable alternative is selected. The potential energy performance of auxiliary heating and the energy output of the solar thermal installation are examined. The required amounts of the different energy contributions are modelled and simulated in specific software for a family house in Kosice, Slovakia. We determine the limits of the design for an apartment and analyse which procedure is used to provide the typical average water expenditure and heating need, covering a multi-criteria analysis considering costs, energy, and life cycle analysis of every installation. This approach can support professionals to decide the best scheme considering these criteria, and this method can be satisfactorily applied. In these conditions, converting a conventional gas boiler into a solar thermal system involves monthly economic savings of around EUR 140–250, with payback periods of 2.5–7 years. The energy requirements are fully covered by the solar thermal schemes and the life cycle assessment resulted in reasonable impacts on the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 4634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Biomass Production for Sustainability of Agricultural Systems of Pampas

by Yolanda Villacampa, Francisco José Navarro-González, Gabriela Hernández, Juan Laddaga and Adriana Confalone

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239829 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

The Pampas region is characterized by a high complexity in its productive system planning and faces the challenge of satisfying future food demands, as well as reducing the environmental impact of the activity. Climate change affects crops and farmers should use species capable of adapting to the changed climate. Among these species, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cv. ‘Alameda’ has shown good adaptation to weather variability and, as a winter legume, it can help maintain the sustainability of agricultural systems in the area. The main purpose of this research was to select the models which describe the production characteristics of the ‘Alameda’ bean by using the least number of variables. Experimental and agrometeorological data from the cultivation of the ‘Alameda’ in Azul, Buenos Aires province, Argentina were used to generate mathematical models. Several modelling methodologies have been applied to study the production characteristics of the faba bean. The prediction of the models generated was analyzed by randomly disturbing the experimental data and analyzing the magnitude of the errors produced. The models obtained will be useful for predicting the biomass production of the faba bean cv. ‘Alameda’ grown in the agroclimatic conditions of Azul, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Modeling Methods Applied to Sustainable Development)

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