Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (5,506)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = 3D building

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
34 pages, 1724 KB  
Article
Potential Vaccine or Antimicrobial Reagents: Simple Systems for Producing Lambda Display Particles (LDP) and Sheathed Lambda DNA Vaccine Particles (LDNAP)
by Sidney Hayes
Viruses 2025, 17(11), 1406; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17111406 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
The focus of this study was to explore phage display systems employing bacteriophage lambda (λ) gene fusions to its capsid decoration protein gpD as reagent tools for tackling disease. The biological activity of gpD-fusions was examined by testing for the retained antimicrobial toxicity [...] Read more.
The focus of this study was to explore phage display systems employing bacteriophage lambda (λ) gene fusions to its capsid decoration protein gpD as reagent tools for tackling disease. The biological activity of gpD-fusions was examined by testing for the retained antimicrobial toxicity of cathelicidins or defensins fused to gpD. Our previous finding that only COOH fusions of either cathelicidins or defensins to gpD were toxigenic was expanded to show that only the reduced form of fused defensin antimicrobial polypeptides was found to be toxigenic. Compared in review are gene-fusion lytic display systems (where the fusion-display gene is integrated within the viral genome) with a surrogate system, employed herein, that exogenously provides the fusion-display protein for addition to phage capsid. It is easily possible to produce fully coated lambda display particles (LDP) serving as single epitope vaccines (SEV), or antimicrobials, or to produce partially coated LDP without any complex bacteriophage genetic engineering, making the system available to all. The potential to build vaccine vector phage particles (LDNAP) comprising essentially sheathed DNA vaccines encapsulated within an environmentally protective capsid is described. LDNAP are produced by introducing a cassette into the phage genome either by phage–plasmid recombination or cloning. The cassette carries a high-level eukaryotic expression promoter driving transcription of the vaccine candidate gene and is devoid of plasmid resistance elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Viruses)
21 pages, 1742 KB  
Article
Connecting with the Past: Filament Development and 3D Printing from Historical Wood Waste
by Aljona Gineiko
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9402; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219402 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
Waste prevention is at the top of the EU Waste Framework directive hierarchy. With this in mind, this article considers the application of novel technologies in the Cultural Heritage Restoration and Conservation field through environmental and circular economy principles. While previous research has [...] Read more.
Waste prevention is at the top of the EU Waste Framework directive hierarchy. With this in mind, this article considers the application of novel technologies in the Cultural Heritage Restoration and Conservation field through environmental and circular economy principles. While previous research has explored the use of wood waste for composite materials such as building insulation and concrete additives, the suitability of degraded historical wood waste for filament production and 3D printing has not yet been addressed. This article contributes to this topic by studying the PLA/wood composite, material composed of a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer matrix reinforced with wood particles, produced from degraded historical construction materials. The paper describes the process of producing filament from bio- and moisture-damaged pine beam and oak parquet, followed by the 3D printing of historical platband replica. Research methods include photogrammetry, filament machine construction, filament production and 3D printing. The machines settings used in the process: heater temperatures were set to 140 °C, 90 °C and 105 °C; servo speed was 33 s; spool tension was 12.5; winding speed was 24 RPM; and screw speed was 9.2 RPM. For material preparation, a mixture containing 25% pine and oak sawdust and PLA dust was processed to achieve particle sizes of 312 μm, 471 μm, and 432 μm, respectively. Filament production was carried out with diameters of 2.85 mm for the pine/PLA composite and 1.75 mm for the oak/PLA composite. Finally, replica samples were fabricated using 3D printing. The dual objective of this research was to develop the method of 3D printing from degraded historical materials and introduce it to restoration practice as a wood waste minimization technique. Perspectives for further study include the testing of 3D-printed construction materials in outdoor conditions, and pellet production to achieve a higher wood content, compared to the filament thread. The processes described are adaptable to a variety of materials and disciplines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Sustainable Waste Treatment and Technology)
36 pages, 4965 KB  
Article
Enhancement of Primary Profile Surface Quality in FFF Printing Through Vibration Monitoring and Active Control
by Peter Gabštur, Marek Kočiško, Jozef Török and Jakub Kaščak
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11346; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111346 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
Vibrations of the print head and structural components during 3D printing with FFF technology can significantly impact the quality of printed parts, resulting in defects such as ghosting, ringing, and geometric inaccuracies. These undesired effects are primarily caused by mechanical oscillations of the [...] Read more.
Vibrations of the print head and structural components during 3D printing with FFF technology can significantly impact the quality of printed parts, resulting in defects such as ghosting, ringing, and geometric inaccuracies. These undesired effects are primarily caused by mechanical oscillations of the print head, build platform, and frame, induced by dynamic changes in movement speed and inertial forces within the printing mechanism. This study investigates the effectiveness of vibration compensation using an ADXL345 accelerometer to regulate the motion of the print head and build platform on the Ender 3 V2 Neo printer. The experiment consisted of three test series performed under two distinct conditions, without vibration compensation and with active compensation enabled. All tests were carried out using identical baseline printing parameters. The differences in output were evaluated through visual inspection and dimensional analysis of the printed samples. Efficient vibration monitoring and its active control, aimed at suppressing oscillatory phenomena, can enhance both geometric accuracy and surface uniformity. In FFF 3D printing, especially when utilizing increased layer heights such as 0.3 mm, surface roughness (Ra) values in the range of 18 to 25 µm are typically expected, even when optimal process parameters are applied. This study emphasizes the role of active vibration control strategies in additive manufacturing, particularly in enhancing surface quality and dimensional accuracy. The objective is not only to mitigate the adverse effects of dynamic mechanical vibrations but also to determine the extent to which surface roughness can be systematically reduced under defined conditions, such as layer height, print speed, and movement trajectory. The aim is to improve the final product quality without introducing significant compromises in process efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Diagnostics and Predictive Maintenance, 2nd Edition)
19 pages, 15286 KB  
Article
Towards Safer UAV Operations in Urban Air Mobility: 3D Automated Modelling for CFD-Based Microweather Systems
by Enrique Aldao, Gonzalo Veiga-Piñeiro, Pablo Domínguez-Estévez, Elena Martín, Fernando Veiga-López, Gabriel Fontenla-Carrera and Higinio González-Jorge
Drones 2025, 9(11), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9110730 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
Turbulence and wind gusts pose significant risks to the safety and efficiency of UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles) in urban environments. In these settings, wind dynamics are strongly influenced by interactions with buildings and terrain, giving rise to small-scale phenomena such as vortex shedding [...] Read more.
Turbulence and wind gusts pose significant risks to the safety and efficiency of UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles) in urban environments. In these settings, wind dynamics are strongly influenced by interactions with buildings and terrain, giving rise to small-scale phenomena such as vortex shedding and gusts. These wind speed oscillations generate unsteady forces that can destabilise UAV flight, particularly for small vehicles. Additionally, predicting their formation requires high-resolution Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, as current weather forecasting tools lack the resolution to capture these phenomena. However, such models require 3D representations of study areas with high geometric consistency and detail, which are not available for most cities. To address this issue, this work introduces an automated methodology for urban CFD mesh generation using open-source data. The proposed method generates error-free meshes compatible with OpenFOAM and includes tools for geometry modification, enhancing solver convergence and enabling adjustments to mesh complexity based on computational resources. Using this approach, CFD simulations are conducted for the city of Ourense, followed by an analysis of their impact on UAV operations and the integration of the system into a trajectory optimisation framework. The CFD model is also validated using experimental anemometer measurements. Full article
21 pages, 11506 KB  
Article
Rooftop Greening Units Framework and Design Roadshow with Load-Bearing Capacity for Low-Carbon Urban Renewal
by Zhixiang Zuo, Yiheng Liu, Yufei He, Wenyang Han and Yin Zhang
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111619 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
In the context of urban renewal, rooftop greening in old buildings plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting carbon neutrality goals. This study evaluates the carbon capture capacity (TCO2) and efficiency (ηCO2) of rooftop [...] Read more.
In the context of urban renewal, rooftop greening in old buildings plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting carbon neutrality goals. This study evaluates the carbon capture capacity (TCO2) and efficiency (ηCO2) of rooftop greening under load constraints by developing standardised greening units and mathematical models to quantify CO2 absorption and self-weight load. Rooftop carbon capture performance is assessed by comparing the quantified TCO2 of each unit with the theoretical maximum and calculating overall ηCO2. Three representative species—Hibiscus mutabilis, Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’, and Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans—were examined. In single-planting mode, ηCO2 was approximately 14% with no significant differences among groups, though TCO2 varied considerably, ranging from 6061.32 g·d−1 for Hibiscus mutabilis to 1515.52 g·d−1 for Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans. In mixed planting, ηCO2 showed greater fluctuation, with species combinations of similar TCO2 enhancing efficiency. Findings demonstrate that rooftop greening can effectively expand urban green spaces, improve species diversity, and promote ecological balance, while providing a systematic evaluation framework for low-carbon renovation strategies in urban renewal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forests and Greening for Sustainable Cities)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2140 KB  
Article
A Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method for Multi-Sensors Using Cloud Model and Dempster–Shafer Evidence Fusion
by Lin Li, Xiafei Zhang, Peng Wang, Chaobo Chen, Tianli Ma and Song Gao
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11302; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111302 - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
This paper proposes a bearing fault diagnosis method based on the Dempster–Shafer evidence fusion of cloud model memberships from multi-channel data, which provides an explicable calculation process and a final result. Firstly, vibration signals from the drive end and fan end of the [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a bearing fault diagnosis method based on the Dempster–Shafer evidence fusion of cloud model memberships from multi-channel data, which provides an explicable calculation process and a final result. Firstly, vibration signals from the drive end and fan end of the rolling bearing are used as dual-channel data sources to extract multi-dimensional features from time and frequency domains. Then, cloud models are employed to build models for each feature under different conditions, utilizing three digital characteristic parameters to characterize the distribution and uncertainty of features under different operating conditions. Thus, the membership degree vectors of test samples from two channels can be calculated using reference models. Subsequently, D-S evidence theory is applied to fuse membership degree vectors of the two channels, effectively enhancing the robustness and accuracy of the diagnosis. Experiments are conducted on the rolling bearing fault dataset from Case Western Reserve University. Results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an accuracy of 96.32% using evidence fusion of the drive-end and fan-end data, which is obviously higher than that seen in preliminary single-channel diagnosis. Meanwhile, the final results can give suggestions of the possibilities of anther, which is benefit for technicists seeking to investigate the actual situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Security of Industrial Cyber–Physical Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4032 KB  
Article
From Archives to 3D Models: Managing Uncertainty with Paradata in Virtual Heritage
by Andras Horkai
Heritage 2025, 8(10), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8100441 - 21 Oct 2025
Abstract
This article examines the methodological challenges inherent in the digital 3D reconstructions of historical buildings using archival documentation. Unlike photogrammetry or laser scanning, archival-based modeling is crucial for buildings that never existed, no longer exist, or have undergone extensive modifications. Present research insights [...] Read more.
This article examines the methodological challenges inherent in the digital 3D reconstructions of historical buildings using archival documentation. Unlike photogrammetry or laser scanning, archival-based modeling is crucial for buildings that never existed, no longer exist, or have undergone extensive modifications. Present research insights from a pilot educational project where 65 university students reconstructed 70 heritage buildings from Budapest (Hungary) in Archicad based solely on archival sources. In total, 75% of the buildings lacked at least one façade drawing, while nearly 20% showed contradictions between different plans (e.g., floor plan and section). Common challenges were identified, including missing drawings, contradictory plans, stylistic uncertainty, and software constraints, and their patterns were analyzed. To enhance modeling transparency, structured methods for recording paradata were proposed. Findings contribute to methodological rigor in virtual heritage reconstruction and support the reuse of archival models in architectural practice, research, and conservation. This study is among the first to propose a structured paradata framework tailored explicitly to archival-based 3D reconstructions, bridging methodological gaps between educational practice and professional heritage research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 9245 KB  
Article
Reconstruction of Building LIDAR Point Cloud Based on Geometric Primitive Constrained Optimization
by Haoyu Li, Tao Liu, Ruiqi Shen and Zhengling Lei
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11286; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011286 - 21 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study proposes a 3D reconstruction method for LIDAR building point clouds using geometric primitive constrained optimization. It addresses challenges such as low accuracy, high complexity, and slow modeling. This new algorithm studies the reconstruction of point clouds at the level of geometric [...] Read more.
This study proposes a 3D reconstruction method for LIDAR building point clouds using geometric primitive constrained optimization. It addresses challenges such as low accuracy, high complexity, and slow modeling. This new algorithm studies the reconstruction of point clouds at the level of geometric primitives and is an incremental joint optimization method based on the GPU rendering pipeline. Firstly, the building point cloud collected by the LIDAR laser scanner was preprocessed, and an initial building mesh model was constructed by the fast triangulation method. Secondly, based on the geometric characteristics of the building, geometric primitive constrained optimization rules were generated to optimize the initial mesh model (regular surface optimization, basis spline surface optimization, junction area optimization, etc.). And a view-dependent parallel algorithm was designed to optimize the calculation. Finally, the effectiveness of this approach was validated by comparing and analyzing the experimental results of different buildings’ point cloud data. This algorithm does not require data training and is suitable for outdoor surveying and mapping engineering operations. It has good controllability and adaptability, and the entire pipeline is interpretable. The obtained results can be used for serious applications, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), etc. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 225 KB  
Commentary
Thriving in the First 1000 Days: Lessons from Positive Deviance Among Young Families
by Andrew P. Hills, Sisitha Jayasinghe, Kylie Mulcahy and Nuala M. Byrne
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101600 - 21 Oct 2025
Abstract
The first 1000 days (F1D), from conception to a child’s second birthday, constitute a critical window for shaping long-term health, development, and wellbeing. While conventional approaches often rely on external interventions to support young families, the Positive Deviance (PD) framework offers a compelling [...] Read more.
The first 1000 days (F1D), from conception to a child’s second birthday, constitute a critical window for shaping long-term health, development, and wellbeing. While conventional approaches often rely on external interventions to support young families, the Positive Deviance (PD) framework offers a compelling alternative: identifying and amplifying successful behaviours already present within communities facing similar constraints. This paper explores how PD can be harnessed to foster sustainable, community-led change during the F1D. By uncovering local success stories, promoting participatory engagement, and strengthening caregiver self-efficacy, PD enables communities to co-create solutions that are culturally relevant and contextually grounded. However, effective application of PD requires careful attention to structural inequities, ethical storytelling, and rigorous methodological standards to avoid inadvertently shifting responsibility onto individuals. When implemented thoughtfully, PD reveals “what works” in resource-limited settings, empowering communities to build child-inclusive environments rooted in local expertise and resilient practices. Full article
21 pages, 11906 KB  
Article
Voxelized Point Cloud and Solid 3D Model Integration to Assess Visual Exposure in Yueya Lake Park, Nanjing
by Guanting Zhang, Dongxu Yang and Shi Cheng
Land 2025, 14(10), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102095 - 21 Oct 2025
Abstract
Natural elements such as vegetation, water bodies, and sky, together with artificial elements including buildings and paved surfaces, constitute the core of urban visual environments. Their perception at the pedestrian level not only influences city image but also contributes to residents’ well-being and [...] Read more.
Natural elements such as vegetation, water bodies, and sky, together with artificial elements including buildings and paved surfaces, constitute the core of urban visual environments. Their perception at the pedestrian level not only influences city image but also contributes to residents’ well-being and spatial experience. This study develops a hybrid 3D visibility assessment framework that integrates a city-scale LOD1 solid model with high-resolution mobile LiDAR point clouds to quantify five visual exposure indicators. The case study area is Yueya Lake Park in Nanjing, where a voxel-based line-of-sight sampling approach simulated eye-level visibility at 1.6 m along the southern lakeside promenade. Sixteen viewpoints were selected at 50 m intervals to capture spatial variations in visual exposure. Comparative analysis between the solid model (excluding vegetation) and the hybrid model (including vegetation) revealed that vegetation significantly reshaped the pedestrian visual field by reducing the dominance of sky and buildings, enhancing near-field greenery, and reframing water views. Artificial elements such as buildings and ground showed decreased exposure in the hybrid model, reflecting vegetation’s masking effect. The calculation efficiency remains a limitation in this study. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating natural and artificial elements provides a more realistic and nuanced assessment of pedestrian visual perception, offering valuable support for sustainable landscape planning, canopy management, and the equitable design of urban public spaces. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 13306 KB  
Article
Building Outline Extraction via Topology-Aware Loop Parsing and Parallel Constraint from Airborne LiDAR
by Ke Liu, Hongchao Ma, Li Li, Shixin Huang, Liang Zhang, Xiaoli Liang and Zhan Cai
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(20), 3498; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17203498 - 21 Oct 2025
Abstract
Building outlines are important vector data for various applications, but due to the uneven point density and complex building structures, extracting satisfactory building outlines from airborne light detection and ranging point cloud data poses significant challenges. Thus, a building outline extraction method based [...] Read more.
Building outlines are important vector data for various applications, but due to the uneven point density and complex building structures, extracting satisfactory building outlines from airborne light detection and ranging point cloud data poses significant challenges. Thus, a building outline extraction method based on topology-aware loop parsing and parallel constraint is proposed. First, constrained Delaunay triangulation (DT) is used to organize scattered projected building points, and initial boundary points and edges are extracted based on the constrained DT. Subsequently, accurate semantic boundary points are obtained by parsing the topology-aware loops searched from an undirected graph. Building dominant directions are estimated through angle normalization, merging, and perpendicular pairing. Finally, outlines are regularized using the parallel constraint-based method, which simultaneously considers the fitness between the dominant direction and boundary points, and the length of line segments. Experiments on five datasets, including three datasets provided by ISPRS and two datasets with high-density point clouds and complex building structures, verify that the proposed method can extract sequential and semantic boundary points, with over 97.88% correctness. Additionally, the regularized outlines are attractive, and most line segments are parallel or perpendicular. The RMSE, PoLiS, and RCC metrics are better than 0.94 m, 0.84 m, and 0.69 m, respectively. The extracted building outlines can be used for building three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 659 KB  
Article
The Standardized Prevalence Ratios of Occupational and Chronic Diseases Among Korean Firefighters Compared with the General Population
by Soo Jin Kim and Seunghon Ham
Fire 2025, 8(10), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8100408 - 21 Oct 2025
Abstract
(1) Background: Firefighters, exposed to diverse and unpredictable occupational environments, face cumulatively increased physical health risks. The purpose of this study was to assess the standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) of occupational and chronic diseases in firefighters and the general population, categorized into pre-disease [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Firefighters, exposed to diverse and unpredictable occupational environments, face cumulatively increased physical health risks. The purpose of this study was to assess the standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) of occupational and chronic diseases in firefighters and the general population, categorized into pre-disease and disease stages; (2) Methods: This study was a community-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Data sources included the occupational health examination of 7024 firefighters and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1485 general populations in 2019. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4 SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA. SPRs of chronic and occupational diseases were calculated for each pre-disease and disease stage, and chi-square tests were performed; (3) Results: Data were analyzed from a cohort of 7024 firefighters who consented to the access and use of their occupational health examination results, 91.9% (n = 6456) were male, the average age was 43 years, the average number of years of service was 15.3 years. Among the five classifications of the occupational health examination results, 26.7% (n = 1877) were A, 19.2% (n = 1352) were C1, 42.4% (n = 2980) were C2, 1.5% (n = 108) were D1, and 10% (n = 705) were D2. As a result of calculating the SPRs compared to the general population, in the pre-disease stage, obesity SPR = 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23 to 1.34), hypertension SPR = 1.52 (95% CI 1.47 to 1.57), diabetes mellitus SPR = 1.07 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.11), and metabolic syndrome SPR = 1.62 (95% CI 1.57 to 1.66) were all higher in the firefighter group. On the other hand, in the disease stage, metabolic syndrome and complex pulmonary ventilation impairment were higher in SPRs than in the general population, but not statistically significant. However, at the disease stage, SPRs for obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and noise-induced hearing loss were higher and statistically significant in the general population; (4) Conclusions: The SPRs for firefighters produced in this study clearly demonstrate the healthy worker effect. The SPRs, derived from a cross-sectional study, highlight the need for future cohort building of firefighters to track and monitor health outcomes, as well as systematic and thorough health management interventions to prevent progression from pre-disease to disease. Therefore, this study can be utilized in the development of mid-to-long-term firefighter health promotion programs and health and safety plans to minimize firefighters’ physical health and occupational exposures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildfire Smoke Effects on Public Health)
Show Figures

Figure 1

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

Figure 1

24 pages, 5277 KB  
Article
Biomimetic Shading Systems: Integrating Motorised and Moisture-Responsive Actuation for Adaptive Façades
by Negin Imani, Marie-Joo Le Guen, Nathaniel Bedggood, Caelum Betteridge, Christian Gauss and Maxime Barbier
Biomimetics 2025, 10(10), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10100711 - 20 Oct 2025
Abstract
A biomimetic adaptive façade applies natural principles to building design using shading devices that dynamically respond to environmental changes, enhancing daylight, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. While motorised systems offer precision through sensors and mechanical actuation, they consume energy and are complex. In [...] Read more.
A biomimetic adaptive façade applies natural principles to building design using shading devices that dynamically respond to environmental changes, enhancing daylight, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. While motorised systems offer precision through sensors and mechanical actuation, they consume energy and are complex. In contrast, passively actuated systems use smart materials that respond to environmental stimuli, offering simpler and more sustainable operation, but often lack responsiveness to dynamic conditions. This study explores a sequential approach by initially developing motorised shading concepts before transitioning to a passive actuation strategy. In the first phase, nine mechanically actuated shading device concepts were designed, inspired by the opening and closing behaviour of plant stomata, and evaluated on structural robustness, actuation efficiency, ease of installation, and visual integration. One concept was selected for further development. In the second phase, a biocomposite made of polylactic acid (PLA) and regenerated cellulose fibres was used for Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) to fabricate 3D-printed modules with passive, moisture-responsive actuation. The modules underwent environmental testing, demonstrating repeatable shape changes in response to heat and moisture. Moisture application increased the range of motion, and heating led to flap closure as water evaporated. Reinforcement and layering strategies were also explored to optimise movement and minimise unwanted deformation, highlighting the material’s potential for sustainable, responsive façade systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Adaptive Buildings)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 9017 KB  
Article
Research on the Influence of Groundwater Level Dynamic Rising Process on Buildings Based on Numerical Simulation
by Hongzhao Li, Mingxu Gu, Ming Zhang, Baiheng Ma, Xiaolong Zhu, Liangyu Gu, Jiaoyang Tai and Lili Chen
Water 2025, 17(20), 3014; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17203014 - 20 Oct 2025
Abstract
In the North China region, measures such as restricting groundwater extraction and promoting cross-basin water diversion have effectively alleviated the problem of excessive groundwater exploitation. Nevertheless, the continuous rise in groundwater levels may alter the mechanical properties of foundation soil layers, potentially leading [...] Read more.
In the North China region, measures such as restricting groundwater extraction and promoting cross-basin water diversion have effectively alleviated the problem of excessive groundwater exploitation. Nevertheless, the continuous rise in groundwater levels may alter the mechanical properties of foundation soil layers, potentially leading to geotechnical hazards such as foundation instability and the uneven settlement of structures. This study employs FLAC3D software to simulate the displacement, deformation, and stress–strain behavior of buildings and their surrounding strata during the dynamic recovery of groundwater levels, aiming to assess the impact of this process on structural integrity. Research findings indicate that the maximum building settlement within the study area reaches 54.8 mm, with a maximum inter-column differential settlement of 8.9 mm and a peak settlement rate of 0.16 mm/day. In regions where differential settlement aligns with the interface between the floor slab and walls, tensile stress concentrations are observed. The maximum tensile stress in these zones increases progressively from 1.8 MPa to 2.19 MPa, suggesting a potential risk of tensile cracking in the concrete structures. The influence of groundwater level recovery on buildings exhibits distinct phase characteristics, and the response mechanisms of different lithological strata vary significantly. Therefore, particular attention should be given to the physical properties and mechanical behavior of strata that are highly sensitive to variations in moisture content. These findings hold significant reference value for the sustainable development and utilization of underground space in the North China region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop