Search Results (1,046)

Ensuring the stability of monolithic concrete slabs during construction represents a crucial safety challenge in monolithic reinforced concrete buildings. Theoretical models and structural analyses often assume ideal conditions of supporting props. However, significant deviations occur in practice due to variations in technical condition and installation methods. This study investigates the magnitude of prestressing forces generated in adjustable telescopic steel props depending on manual tightening and hammer blows. Experimental measurements were conducted on different types of props compliant with EN 1065, including both new and worn specimens, to simulate real on-site conditions. The influence of worker body weight was also analyzed. The results confirmed that the technical condition of the prop is the decisive factor affecting the level of prestress. Props in poor condition achieved substantially lower and inconsistent prestressing forces, while new props subjected to five hammer blows reached maximum values up to 13.16 kN. This difference can significantly influence static calculations for slab construction. Contrary to expectations, the influence of worker body weight was not statistically significant; instead, the dominant role was played by installation technique and the accuracy of hammer blows. The findings contribute to the optimization of safety guidelines and the improvement of calculation models for temporary support systems in monolithic construction. Full article

Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield machines have been widely used in subway construction due to their versatility and safety. During the shield tunneling process, the earth pressure in the shield machine chamber is crucial for controlling ground settlement and ensuring the safety of surrounding buildings. However, current research on the temporal and spatial evolution of earth pressure in water-rich sand layers and its relationship with ground settlement is relatively insufficient. This study focuses on the shield tunneling project between Liuzhou East Road and Puzhou Road on Nanjing Metro Line 11. First, laboratory and on-site tests were conducted to optimize the slump properties of the sediment. Then, based on Terzaghi’s theory and statistical methods, the temporal and spatial evolution trends of the earth pressure in the shield chamber under water-rich sand conditions were explored. Finally, by adjusting earth pressure control parameters on-site and monitoring ground settlement, the impact of earth pressure changes on ground settlement was analyzed. Results showed a linear correlation between the actual earth pressure and shield burial depth. For water-rich sand with medium permeability, the theoretical earth pressure was calculated using Terzaghi’s water-soil combined method in shallow sections, and the average of combined and separated methods in deep sections. The decay envelope showed an exponential downward trend, with rapid decay initially and slower decay later. As earth pressure control values increased, pre-consolidation settlement increased, instantaneous settlement decreased, pre-consolidation settlement rate slightly increased, and instantaneous settlement rate decreased. When excavation pressure was below theoretical pressure, higher instantaneous settlement rates could threaten surface structures. This research offers vital theoretical and data references for shield tunneling in water-rich sand layers and supports related EPB shield machine theory studies. Full article

Historic earthen architecture—particularly rammed earth—is underrepresented in digital heritage initiatives despite its widespread historical use and vulnerability to degradation. This paper presents a novel methodology for integrating semantic, geometric, and geospatial information from earthen heritage into a unified digital environment, bridging Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through an object-relational database. The proposed workflow enables automated and bidirectional data exchange between Revit (via Dynamo scripts) and open-source GIS tools (QGIS and PostgreSQL/PostGIS), supporting semantic alignment and spatial coherence. The method was tested on seven fortified rammed-earth sites in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, chosen for their typological and territorial diversity. Results demonstrate the feasibility of multiscale documentation and analysis, supported by a structured database populated with geometric, semantic, diagnostic, and environmental information, enabling enriched interpretations of construction techniques, material variability, and conservation status. The approach also facilitates the integration of HBIM datasets into broader territorial management frameworks. This work contributes to the development of scalable, open-source digital tools tailored to vernacular heritage, offering a replicable strategy for bridging the gap between building-scale and landscape-scale documentation in cultural heritage management. Full article

Despite a global trend toward socially engaged higher education, architectural pedagogy continues to grapple for a coherent approach that systematically and genuinely integrates socio-cultural dimensions into design studio teaching practices. Defined as the interwoven social, cultural, and political factors that shape the built environment, the socius is treated peripherally within architectural pedagogy, limiting students’ capacity to develop civic agency, spatial justice awareness, and critical reflexivity in navigating complex societal conditions. This article argues for a socius-centric reorientation of architectural pedagogy, postulating that socially engaged studio models, which include Community Design, Design–Build, and Live Project, must be conceptually integrated to fully harness their pedagogical merits. The article adopts two lines of inquiry: first, mapping the theoretical underpinnings of the socius across award-winning pedagogical innovations and Google Scholar citation patterns; and second, defining the core attributes of socially engaged pedagogical models through a bibliometric analysis of 87 seminal publications. Synthesising the outcomes of these inquiries, the study offers an advanced articulation of studio learning as a process of social construction, where architectural knowledge is co-produced through role exchange, iterative feedback, interdisciplinary dialogue, and emergent agency. Conclusions are drawn to offer pragmatic and theoretically grounded pathways to reshape studio learning as a site of civic transformation. Full article

Construction sites report the highest rate of industrial accidents, prompting the active development of smart safety management systems based on deep learning-based computer vision technology. To support the digital transformation of construction sites, securing site-specific datasets is essential. In this study, raw data were collected from an actual earthwork site. Key construction equipment and terrain objects primarily operated at the site were identified, and 89,766 images were processed to build a site-specific training dataset. This dataset includes annotated bounding boxes for object detection and polygon masks for instance segmentation. The performance of the dataset was validated using representative models—YOLO v7 for object detection and Mask R-CNN for instance segmentation. Quantitative metrics and visual assessments confirmed the validity and practical applicability of the dataset. The dataset used in this study has been made publicly available for use by researchers in related fields. This dataset is expected to serve as a foundational resource for advancing object detection applications in construction safety. Full article

In Italy, the management of built assets confiscated from organized crime groups is particularly relevant. Returning these assets to the community is becoming increasingly important for Italian municipalities, thanks to the many social benefits that can be generated (e.g., new spaces to provide community services, a visible and tangible symbol of legality, etc.). The process of redeveloping confiscated buildings, due to procedural complexity and a lack of resources, is currently characterized, on one hand, by a limited number of projects actually implemented compared to the potential of the total number of buildings available and, on the other hand, by the lengthy duration of the redevelopment process (12 years on average), which significantly increases the time it takes for the asset to return social value to the community. The objective of this research was to study, develop, and describe a mechanism that (i) enables an increase in the number of redevelopment actions of confiscated assets, (ii) accelerates the attribution of social value to these assets over time and (iii) extends the social impact of the requalification interventions that provide an opportunity for the professional training of students and the professional qualification of vulnerable people. There are two main tasks of the research shown in this article: (i) to highlight the main critical issues and needs in the management of confiscated assets by Italian municipalities, through a survey conducted among key informants; (ii) to build and test an innovative ‘win–win model’ for the requalification process of confiscated buildings, aimed at overcoming obstacles and anticipating the delivery of social benefits to a large group of stakeholders, including vulnerable people, tested in a pilot project. This “win–win model” combines building requalification and training through the activation of a “construction site school”. All original contributions are derived from the research “Co-WIN”, funded by the “Polisocial Awards 2021”, which developed methods, strategies, and tools capable of reducing social imbalances, with an equity and sustainability perspective. The results illustrated the drivers and challenges for the renovation and reuse of confiscated built assets; the necessary changes in documents and procedures to activate and replicate the “Co-WIN model”; and a training program for the construction-site school based on the social categories involved. Finally, the discussion highlights the network and the mutual benefits for stakeholders, focusing on the social relevance and social impact achievable through applying the Co-WIN model to the requalification process of confiscated buildings. Full article

The integration of renewable energy technologies into the building sector is critical for achieving climate and energy targets, particularly within the framework of the European Union’s decarbonization policies. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a promising solution by enabling the dual function of building envelope components and on-site electricity generation. However, the widespread adoption of BIPV faces significant barriers, including high initial investment costs, design and integration complexity, fragmented standardisation and a shortage of skilled labour. This study systematically identifies, evaluates and prioritises the key factors influencing the implementation of BIPV technologies using a hybrid SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. A comprehensive literature review and a modified Delphi method involving expert input were employed to select and rank the most relevant factors in each SWOT category. The results indicate that external factors—particularly regulatory requirements for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and financial incentives—are the most significant drivers for BIPV deployment. Conversely, competition from building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV), high investment costs and the complexity of integration represent the main barriers and threats, compounded by internal weaknesses such as a lack of qualified workforce and fragmented standardisation. The findings underscore the importance of targeted regulatory and financial support, standardisation and workforce development to accelerate BIPV adoption. This research provides a structured decision-making framework for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting strategic planning for the integration of BIPV in the construction sector and contributing to the transition towards sustainable urban energy systems. Full article

Hong Kong faces critical construction challenges, including workforce aging, land shortages, and near-capacity waste disposal. Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) offers a promising solution. As Hong Kong has just recently adopted the MiC, quantitative studies that explore the actual performance differences between MiC projects and conventional on-site construction projects in Hong Kong are lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, this study utilizes an extended life cycle assessment–Life Cycle Performance Assessment to conduct on-site investigations and case studies on a MiC pilot residential project and a conventional on-site construction residential project in Hong Kong from multiple dimensions: cost, time, safety, and environment. The assessment indicators include five types of greenhouse gas emissions, cost performance, schedule performance, and safety-level index. This study found that the greenhouse gas emissions of the MiC project during the entire construction period were reduced by approximately 21.60% compared to traditional on-site construction projects. The most significant part of the greenhouse gas emissions of the two methods was the embodied emissions of construction materials, accounting for 83.11% and 87.17%. Compared with the conventional construction project, the factors that actively promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the MiC project are the embodied greenhouse gas emissions of building materials, the transportation of construction waste, and the resource consumption of equipment. In addition, there is no significant difference in the safety performance index of the two construction methods, but MiC projects have more efficient schedule performance management. Surprisingly, the cost control of MiC projects is not as good as that of conventional construction projects, which differs from existing research results in other regions. Full article

The design and planning of Western-style constructions during the early Qing Dynasty in China constituted a significant multicultural encounter that fused technological advancement with aesthetic innovation. This cultural interplay is particularly evident in the imperial garden and pavilion projects commissioned by the Qing court, which served as physical and symbolic sites of cross-cultural dialogue. Influenced by the intellectual and artistic movements of the European Renaissance, Western architectural concepts gradually found their way into the spatial and visual language of Chinese architecture, especially within the royal gardens and aristocratic buildings of the time. These structures were not simply imitative but rather represented a selective adaptation of Western ideas to suit Chinese imperial tastes and principles. This article examines the architectural language that emerged from this encounter between Chinese and European cultures, analysing symbolic motifs, spatial design, ornamental aesthetics, the application of linear perspective, and the integration of foreign architectural forms. These elements collectively functioned as tools to construct a unique visual discourse that communicated both political authority and cultural hybridity. The findings underscore that this architectural phenomenon was not merely stylistic imitation, but rather a dynamic convergence of technological knowledge and artistic vision across cultural boundaries. Full article

Because artificially cemented granular (ACG) materials employ diverse combinations of aggregates and binders—including cemented soil, low-cement-content cemented sand and gravel (LCSG), and concrete—their stress–strain responses vary widely. In LCSG, the binder dosage is typically limited to 40–80 kg/m³ and the sand–gravel skeleton is often obtained directly from on-site or nearby excavation spoil, endowing the material with a markedly lower embodied carbon footprint and strong alignment with current low-carbon, green-construction objectives. Yet, such heterogeneity makes a single material-specific constitutive model inadequate for predicting the mechanical behavior of other ACG variants, thereby constraining broader applications in dam construction and foundation reinforcement. This study systematically summarizes and analyzes the stress–strain and volumetric strain–axial strain characteristics of ACG materials under conventional triaxial conditions. Generalized hyperbolic and parabolic equations are employed to describe these two families of curves, and closed-form expressions are proposed for key mechanical indices—peak strength, elastic modulus, and shear dilation behavior. Building on generalized plasticity theory, we derive the plastic flow direction vector, loading direction vector, and plastic modulus, and develop a concise, transferable elastoplastic model suitable for the full spectrum of ACG materials. Validation against triaxial data for rock-fill materials, LCSG, and cemented coal–gangue backfill shows that the model reproduces the stress and deformation paths of each material class with high accuracy. Quantitative evaluation of the peak values indicates that the proposed constitutive model predicts peak deviatoric stress with an error of 1.36% and peak volumetric strain with an error of 3.78%. The corresponding coefficients of determination R² between the predicted and measured values are 0.997 for peak stress and 0.987 for peak volumetric strain, demonstrating the excellent engineering accuracy of the proposed model. The results provide a unified theoretical basis for deploying ACG—particularly its low-cement, locally sourced variants—in low-carbon dam construction, foundation rehabilitation, and other sustainable civil engineering projects. Full article

Urban areas are responsible for most of Europe’s energy demand and emissions and urgently require building retrofits to meet climate neutrality goals. This study evaluates the energy efficiency potential of three public school buildings in western Macedonia, Greece—a cold-climate region with high heating needs. The buildings, constructed between 1986 and 2003, exhibited poor insulation, outdated electromechanical systems, and inefficient lighting, resulting in high oil consumption and low energy ratings. A robust methodology is applied, combining detailed on-site energy audits, thermophysical diagnostics based on U-value calculations, and a techno-economic assessment utilizing Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and SWOT analysis. The study evaluates a series of retrofit measures, including ceiling insulation, high-efficiency lighting replacements, and boiler modernization, against both technical performance criteria and financial viability. Results indicate that ceiling insulation and lighting system upgrades yield positive economic returns, while wall and floor insulation measures remain financially unattractive without external subsidies. The findings are further validated through sensitivity analysis and policy scenario modeling, revealing how targeted investments, especially when supported by public funding schemes, can maximize energy savings and emissions reductions. The study concludes that selective implementation of cost-effective measures, supported by public grants, can achieve energy targets, improve indoor environments, and serve as a replicable model of targeted retrofits across the region, though reliance on external funding and high upfront costs pose challenges. Full article

To meet the European Green Deal targets, the construction sector must improve building thermal performance via advanced insulation systems. Eco-friendly sandwich panels offer a promising solution. Therefore, this work aims to develop and validate a new eco-friendly composite sandwich panel (basalt fibres and recycled extruded polystyrene) with enhanced multifunctionality for lightweight and energy-efficient building façades. Two panels were produced via vacuum infusion—a reference panel and a multifunctional panel incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) and silica aerogels (AGs). Their performance was evaluated through lab-based thermal and acoustic tests, numerical simulations, and on-site monitoring in a living laboratory. The test results from all methods were consistent. The PCM-AG panel showed 16% lower periodic thermal transmittance (0.16 W/(m²K) vs. 0.19 W/(m²K)) and a 92% longer time shift (4.26 h vs. 2.22 h), indicating improved thermal inertia. It also achieved a single-number sound insulation rating of 38 dB. These findings confirm the panel’s potential to reduce operational energy demand and support long-term climate goals. Full article

A steel modular building is a highly prefabricated form of steel construction. It offers rapid assembly, a high degree of industrialization, and an environmentally friendly construction site. To promote the application of multi-story steel modular buildings in earthquake fortification zones, it is imperative to conduct in-depth research on their seismic behavior. In this study, a seven-story modular steel building is investigated using shaking table tests. Three seismic waves (artificial ground motion, Tohoku wave, and Tianjin wave) are selected and scaled to four intensity levels (PGA = 0.035 g, 0.1 g, 0.22 g, 0.31 g). It is found that no residual deformation of the structure is observed after tests, and its stiffness degradation ratio is 7.65%. The largest strains observed during the tests are 540 × 10⁻⁶ in beams, 1538 × 10⁻⁶ in columns, and 669 × 10⁻⁶ in joint regions, all remaining below a threshold value of 1690 × 10⁻⁶. Amplitudes and frequency characteristics of the acceleration responses are significantly affected by the characteristics of the seismic waves. However, the acceleration responses at higher floors are predominantly governed by the structure’s low-order modes (first-mode and second-mode), with the corresponding spectra containing only a single peak. When the predominant frequency of the input ground motion is close to the fundamental natural frequency of the modular steel structure, the acceleration responses will be significantly amplified. Overall, the structure demonstrates favorable seismic resistance. Full article

The present study was motivated by the need to enhance indoor air quality and reduce airborne disease transmission in dense urban environments where high-rise residential buildings face challenges in achieving effective natural ventilation. The problem lies in the lack of scalable and convenient tools to optimize natural ventilation rate, particularly in urban settings with varying building heights. To address this, the scientific technique developed with an innovative metric, the urbanized natural ventilation effectiveness factor (uNVeF), integrates regression analysis of wind direction, velocity, air change rate per hour (ACH), window configurations, and building height to quantify ventilation efficiency. By employing a field measurement methodology, the measurements were conducted across 25 window-opening scenarios in a 13.9 m² residential unit on the 35/F of a Hong Kong public housing building, supplemented by the Hellman Exponential Law with a site-specific friction coefficient (0.2907, R² = 0.9232) to estimate the lower floor natural ventilation rate. The results confirm compliance with Hong Kong’s statutory 1.5 ACH requirement (Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers, and Registered Geotechnical Engineers) and achieving a peak ACH at a uNVeF of 0.953 with 75% window opening. The results also revealed that lower floors can maintain 1.5 ACH with adjusted window configurations. Using the Wells–Riley model, the estimation results indicated significant airborne disease infection risk reductions of 96.1% at 35/F and 93.4% at 1/F compared to the 1.5 ACH baseline which demonstrates a strong correlation between ACH, uNVeF and infection risks. The uNVeF framework offers a practical approach to optimize natural ventilation and provides actionable guidelines, together with future research on the scope of validity to refine this technique for residents and developers. The implications in the building industry include setting up sustainable design standards, enhancing public health resilience, supporting policy frameworks for energy-efficient urban planning, and potentially driving innovation in high-rise residential construction and retrofitting globally. Full article

The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twin (DT) technologies offers new opportunities for enhancing reinforcement design and on-site constructability. This study addresses a current gap in DT applications by introducing an intelligent framework that simultaneously automates rebar layout generation and reduces rebar cutting waste (RCW), two challenges often overlooked during the construction execution phase. The system employs heuristic algorithms to generate constructability-aware rebar configurations and leverages Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) schema-based data models for interoperability. The framework is implemented using Autodesk Revit and Dynamo for rebar modeling and layout generation, Microsoft Project for schedule integration, and Autodesk Navisworks for clash detection. Real-time scheduling synchronization is achieved through IFC schema-based BIM models linked to construction timelines, while embedded clash detection and constructability feedback loops allow for iterative refinement and improved installation feasibility. A case study on a high-rise commercial building demonstrates substantial material savings, improved constructability, and reduced layout time, validating the practical advantages of BIM–DT integration for RC construction. Full article