Search Results (121)

Buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, creating an urgent need for advanced energy retrofit technologies. This review critically examines the role of plasma-modified textile polymer materials in improving the energy efficiency and durability of building retrofit systems. Various textile polymers, including polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), and fiber-reinforced composites, are evaluated in relation to plasma surface engineering approaches, including atmospheric plasma, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), and plasma jet treatment. Reported studies demonstrate that plasma treatment significantly alters surface morphology and chemistry, resulting in increased surface roughness, enhanced wettability, improved coating adhesion, and superior hydrophobic behavior. Water contact angles increased from approximately 70° to 145° depending on polymer type and plasma conditions, while reflective coating performance improved with solar reflectance enhancements of approximately 10–15%. Plasma-treated reflective roofing and shading textiles also showed reductions in building cooling energy demand of approximately 18–25% and roof temperature decreases of 10–15 °C. Furthermore, plasma-induced surface activation improved durability, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, and weather stability of textile membranes used in facade and roofing applications. The review also discusses industrial challenges related to scalability, plasma aging effects, energy consumption, and long-term performance. Plasma-modified systems demonstrate strong potential for multifunctional, lightweight, and sustainable building envelope technologies for future energy-efficient construction. Full article

Civil infrastructure plays a critical role in ensuring societal safety and economic development. However, structural damages such as cracks inevitably occur during long-term service. Traditional manual inspection methods are insufficient to meet the demands of large-scale and routine monitoring. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) remote sensing has become an important approach for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), owing to its high spatial resolution imaging capability and superior operational flexibility. Nevertheless, existing studies focus on optimizing individual algorithms, lacking a systematic analysis oriented toward multi-scenario engineering applications. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of UAV-based crack detection techniques for infrastructure using remote sensing imagery. First, publicly available datasets, UAV platforms, and evaluation metrics are systematically summarized. Then a multi-level visual analysis framework for UAV inspection is established. The framework categorizes existing methodologies into five levels: image-level classification, object-level detection, pixel-level segmentation, geometric quantification, and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, followed by a systematic evaluation of representative methods. Furthermore, the applicability of different methods across diverse scenarios, including bridges, pavements, dams, building facades and wind turbine blades, is systematically explored. Finally, the key challenges and future research directions are discussed. This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical foundation and methodological reference for advancing UAV-based infrastructure crack inspection from algorithm development toward practical multi-scenario engineering applications. Full article

The integration of renewable energy technologies into urban buildings is a key strategy in sustainable city development. This study explores the application of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in a selected building at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU), aiming to identify the most balanced solution among energy efficiency, architectural quality, and operational feasibility. Using a Building Information Model (BIM) of the existing structure, five alternative design scenarios were developed by varying the number and capacity of façade-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels and semi-transparent PV windows. Each scenario was evaluated against six criteria: (1) potential solar energy yield, (2) temporal correlation between energy generation and building consumption, (3) maintenance accessibility and associated cost, (4) architectural aesthetics, (5) installation cost, and (6) cost effectiveness. To ensure a rigorous and interdisciplinary evaluation, the Delphi-based ELECTRE Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method was applied. Expert panels representing disciplines of construction engineering, architecture, electrical engineering, and business management participated in determining the relative importance of each criterion. The results demonstrate the potential of combining BIM-based energy simulation with expert-driven decision analysis to optimize BIPV integration strategies in complex urban environments. The proposed framework offers a replicable methodology for guiding sustainable façade design and supporting the adoption of renewable energy in various public and administrative buildings across cities. Full article

The Stewart–Gough Platform (SGP) is a spatial parallel manipulator offering high accuracy, rigidity, and adaptability, with applications spanning medical systems, marine engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, aerospace, and architectural installations. This paper presents a comparative analytical and computational study of three SGP configurations: the regular SGP, with regular hexagonal base and top platforms; the Irregular-Parallel SGP, derived from the regular SGP by a novel graphical decomposition-and-modification procedure and characterized by similar symmetric hexagonal platforms with limbs preserved parallel; and the Irregular-Skewed SGP, in which the irregular hexagonal platforms of the Irregular-Parallel SGP are retained, but the limbs are connected in an inclined, alternating clockwise (or anticlockwise) topology. The Irregular–Skewed SGP is free from the constraint singularity that persists in the first two configurations and requires the shortest maximum actuator stroke. Static force analysis shows that the regular SGP and the Irregular–Parallel SGP both exhibit a rank-deficient rigidity matrix (rank = 3) across the geometric scaling range tested (radius ratios 1:2 to 1:10; inter-platform distances 100–1000 mm), whereas the Irregular-Skewed SGP achieves full rank (rank = 6) through inclined limb connectivity and is the only configuration capable of sustaining static equilibrium under the loading conditions examined. The forward kinematics of the Irregular-Parallel SGP is verified against a SolidWorks model: under a 9 mm uniform limb extension, the MATLAB and SolidWorks positions of node 7 agree to within 1.27 mm. The rotational workspace volume is equivalent across the three configurations, but the density of valid solution points within that workspace differs. The workspace within joint limits, alternating compression–tension force partition, and asymmetric stroke economy of the Irregular-Skewed SGP indicate applicability to kinetic facades and transformable interiors in architectural-robotics deployment. Full article

Passive solar shading is an effective strategy for reducing building energy demand, but its performance varies with climate, façade orientation, and thermal inertia. This study develops a sequentially coupled framework that links geometric shading calculation, anisotropic window heat gain prediction, and indoor thermal balance analysis across low- and high-latitude scenarios. For the low-latitude case, the model identifies a stable engineering overhang depth of about 1.85 m under the reference design space and weather inputs, while preserving winter solar admission. When compared with an unshaded baseline case with the same envelope, glazing, weather file, and internal gain assumptions, the optimized dynamic shading configuration reduces annual cooling load by more than 42% in the Guangzhou case study. For the high-latitude case, coupling shading with thermal mass parameters improves annual energy performance, and the best tested configuration achieves an energy-saving efficiency of 37.83% with an annual heating load of 96.14 MWh in the Stockholm scenario. The uncertainty and sensitivity analysis reports deterministic quantitative ranges and representative cases: the low-latitude recommended depth remains within the 1.85–1.864 m engineering neighborhood, while the Stockholm sensitivity sweeps show heating-load reductions of approximately 32.2–34.1% and indoor temperature variation reductions of up to 60.5–78.3% across the tested thermal mass parameter ranges. The discussion also clarifies the influence pathways of literature-sourced PCM and thermal property parameters, especially latent heat, thermal conductivity, and effective heat capacity. The quantitative validation boundary analysis distinguishes internal verification, controlled baseline benchmarking, and the external EnergyPlus/IDA ICE or measurement comparison still required for calibrated prediction. The results support the framework as a model-development tool for comparing passive design strategies under clearly defined assumptions, validation boundaries, practical engineering limits, and deterministic sensitivity ranges. Full article

Optimizing solar access is fundamental for developing ‘Sustainable Healthy Cities’ and ensuring occupant well-being in high-radiation climates like Egypt. This study establishes an environmental methodology to enhance urban sustainability by controlling solar exposure to facades to mitigate health risks and reduce energy demand. The methodology involved a verified simulation using Autodesk Revit with Insight, followed by a comparative analysis of 45 scenarios. These scenarios evaluated the impact of orientation, geometry, urban spacing, etc., on solar performance. Additionally, the paper discusses the prospective integration of Generative AI and algorithmic engines to automate solar access layouts, proposing a roadmap for future AI-driven sustainable urban planning. The results indicate that strategic adjustments in urban morphology significantly improve solar access levels, directly influencing indoor environmental quality. The findings serve as a scalable framework applicable to regions like Kafr El-Sheikh or adaptable to extreme climates like Aswan, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3 and 11). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that environmental simulation provides a pragmatic pathway for architects to achieve integrated sustainability and healthy urban standards. This research offers a foundation for future sustainability investigations into thermal comfort and non-linear interactions between urban variables to refine solar access strategies in diverse contextual conditions. Full article

Integrating direct air carbon capture (DAC) into buildings offers a promising pathway for reducing atmospheric CO₂, yet the role of architectural design in enhancing passive carbon-capture performance remains underexplored. This study presents a computational framework developed to optimize architectural design and enclosure geometry for enhanced passive airflow, using mass-flow rate as a proxy for the comparative assessment of carbon absorption potential. Implemented within Rhino3D and Grasshopper using Ladybug and Eddy3D, the workflow integrates weather data and CFD simulation to compute segmented mass-flow rates through stacked capture trays. The framework simplifies traditionally complex CFD processes by introducing a custom segmented mass-flow calculation approach that enables comparative performance assessment during early-stage design. Results confirm the validity of the proposed workflow, revealing that façade rotation can modify total mass flow by up to 96.5%; seasonal wind variability can cause airflow to range from approximately 8.5 kg/s in January to 169.5 kg/s in May in Seattle. Spatial configuration can alter airflow by up to an order of magnitude and introduce substantial spatial heterogeneity within capture zones. This research establishes a performance-driven design framework that enables architectural geometry to actively enhance passive carbon-capture integration, positioning building design as a measurable contributor to climate mitigation strategies. Ultimately, this work bridges architectural design and carbon-capture engineering, supporting interdisciplinary approaches to scalable, climate-responsive building systems. Full article

Intending to improve building performance and environmental sustainability, vertical greenery systems (VGSs) are employed as effective nature-based solutions (NbSs), yet they often struggle to meet modern building energy demands alone. This study investigates the integration of VGSs with advanced façade technologies (AFTs) to develop multifunctional hybrid façades. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, combining bibliometric and thematic analyses of 415 publications (2015 to early 2026) from Scopus and Web of Science. The study categorizes AFT into adaptive, energy-generating, and high-performance façades. The results indicate that VGS–photovoltaic (PV) systems and double-skin (DS) systems are the most studied integration scenarios, providing significant thermal regulation and energy efficiency. However, significant gaps remain for kinetic, modular, bioactive, and glazing systems, particularly regarding standardized workflows and long-term lifecycle assessments (LCAs). The study reveals a transition of VGSs from passive aesthetic elements to active building components. To address these identified gaps, a four-phase design strategy—conceptualization, hybridization, optimization, and development—is proposed to guide architects and engineers in decision-making regarding generating optimized hybrid façades. Integrating VGSs with AFTs is essential for urban resilience and an alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should prioritize standardized integration protocols and the application of smart technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Full article

Urban air pollution presents significant and escalating challenges to the long-term performance, safety, and durability of aluminium alloy façade systems. This perspective article proposes a conceptual framework to improve the durability of curtain walls in urban environments by exploring the interactions between airborne pollutants and their effect on aluminium materials. This paper synthesizes cross-disciplinary evidence and introduces a design concept, the Pollution Degradation Modifier (PDM), to conceptually integrate environmental stressors into standard code criteria. While not yet empirically validated, the PDM model outlines input parameters to guide future research and potential applications. Additionally, the study explores emerging mitigation strategies, including self-cleaning coatings, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and smart façade technologies. The findings offer practical guidance for architects and structural engineers seeking to enhance façade resilience in high-pollution regions. Central to this research is the introduction of the Pollution Degradation Modifier (PDM), a new environmental load coefficient designed to support performance-based façade design responsive to site-specific pollution exposure. Full article

International accreditation has become a pivotal mechanism through which universities outside Europe seek legitimacy and alignment with global quality regimes, particularly regarding sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study investigates how non-EU universities adapt to ASIIN accreditation, focusing on its role in developing a sustainable quality culture that supports long-term educational excellence and social responsibility. Drawing on new institutionalism, the analysis views accreditation as a process of institutional change under isomorphic pressures necessary for the sustainability of quality assurance (QA). Data were derived from a triangulated dataset, including 78 publicly available final accreditation reports via the DEQAR database and expert on-site observations across multiple non-EU universities. The analysis identifies systemic challenges, such as ‘facade conformity’ in learning outcomes and fragmented QA loops, which reveal an ‘adaptive lag’ impeding the sustainable implementation of quality standards. The study concludes by proposing an “Expert-Facilitated, Institutionally-Embedded Evidence Loop” framework to bridge external compliance and internal quality enhancement, thereby ensuring the long-term viability and global relevance of engineering education in alignment with SDGs. Full article

In deep-sea environments characterized by global climate change and frequent typhoons, the long-term structural stability of offshore buildings depends on the adaptability of their morphology to complex, multi-directional wind loads. Current offshore engineering predominantly emphasizes passive structural resistance, with a notable lack of research on proactive wind-diversion strategies from a morphological design perspective. Utilizing the PHOENICS-FLAIR platform and the Chen–Kim k-ε turbulence model, this study conducted numerical simulations across eight typical wind direction scenarios. The independence of the medium-mesh scheme was verified through Grid Convergence Index (GCI) analysis, and the high reliability of the numerical model was validated against the AIJ Case A wind tunnel experiments. Quantitative results demonstrate that, compared to the benchmark rectangular prism, the optimized composite polyhedral form featuring “curved sloped facades” performs superiorly under multi-directional conditions: the maximum positive wind pressure is reduced by up to 50%, and the total surface wind pressure differential decreases by 62–65%. This research proves that a polyhedral continuous envelope configuration can achieve balanced aerodynamic performance across all wind directions, providing a feasible direction for the design strategy of offshore buildings to shift from “passive resistance” to “proactive diversion”. Full article

The integrated platform provides a safe operating environment for high-rise residential construction and enables the simultaneous advancement of main structural works and facade operations. However, the construction workflow based on an integrated platform is highly complex, with tightly interlinked processes, making construction duration optimization an urgent issue. Focusing on the construction characteristics of the integrated platform for facade operations and the coordinated execution of structural and facade works, this study investigates the problem of construction duration optimization. With the objective of minimizing the overall construction period, the logical relationships among various processes are systematically sorted out, and a mathematical optimization model is established that considers precedence constraints, overlapping relationships, and labor resource conditions. By introducing a genetic algorithm, the optimal construction scheme under the shortest possible duration is obtained. An empirical analysis based on an actual engineering project demonstrates that the construction cycle of a standard floor was shortened from the original 6 days to 5 days, effectively reducing technical interruptions on site and lowering labor resource demand by 10–15%. This improvement enhances lean construction performance at the project level. The research results provide theoretical support and methodological reference for construction duration optimization using integrated construction equipment and hold significant engineering value and practical significance for promoting the digitalization, systematization, and efficiency of building construction. Full article

Buildings are under increasing pressure to address decarbonization and climate adaptation, which is pushing design practice from post hoc performance checks to performance-driven generative design (PDGD). This review maps the current state of PDGD in buildings and proposes an engineering-oriented framework that links research methods to deployable workflows. Using a PRISMA-based systematic search, we identify 153 core studies and code them along five dimensions: design objects and scales, objectives and metrics, algorithms and tools, workflows, and data and validation. The corpus shows a strong focus on facades, envelopes, and single-building massing, dominated by energy, daylight and thermal comfort objectives, and a widespread reliance on parametric platforms connected to performance simulation software with multi-objective optimization. From this evidence we extract three typical workflow routes: parametric evolutionary multi-objective optimization, surrogate or Bayesian optimization, and data- or model-driven generation. Persistent weaknesses include fragmented metric conventions, limited cross-case or field validation, and risks to reproducibility. In response, we propose a harmonized objective–metric system, an evidence pyramid for PDGD, and a reproducibility checklist with practical guidance, which together aim to make PDGD workflows more comparable, auditable, and transferable for design practice. Full article

The huge impact of construction on the environment is becoming increasingly apparent, and it is unacceptable to many engineers and designers. A growing interest in sustainable construction has been observed for several years. This is especially true for commercial buildings, where achieving an appropriate standard is often the main criterion for investment. Many current publications deal with the topic of energy related to building use. In contrast, knowledge of the so-called embodied carbon footprint is not yet widespread but increasingly important in the context of low-carbon construction. The study created six different building types by juxtaposing different construction variants with different facade variants. The analysis was given to the “cradle to grave” phases, i.e., A1–A4, B4–B5 and C1–C4. Module D (material recycling) is omitted, as well as phases B1–B3 and B6–B7 related to use, maintenance, repair and energy and water consumption. Phases B1–B3 refer to maintenance repair and use activities that are the responsibility of the building manager, so they are taken as estimates at the concept stage. Phase B6 and B7 were excluded from the study, due to the fact that they are not responsible for the embodied carbon footprint, but the operational one. It was assumed that the values for B6 would be shown independently in the building’s energy performance and the final values would be comparable. The purpose of the study was to verify the factors that have the greatest impact on the results of the embodied environmental footprint. The study showed that changes in the building’s design and facade have the greatest impact on the embodied carbon footprint. Furthermore, not only the quantity of materials used but also their durability is crucial, so using durable finishes to minimize the need for repair and replacement can play a key role in reducing the building’s embodied carbon footprint. Differences between the variants reached approximately 107 kg CO₂e/m² (about 15%). The comparison of impact categories further indicates that solutions optimized for global warming potential are not necessarily favorable in other environmental dimensions. Finally, the relatively moderate spread between the most and least favorable variants within the analyzed scope indicates that material substitution alone is insufficient to achieve deep decarbonization of office buildings. Comprehensive strategies addressing material selection, durability, service life and design for disassembly and reuse are therefore required. Full article

The sustainable design of high-rise buildings is linked to the quantity of structural material. This study hypothesises that improved understanding of results from various wind load determination methods enables the safe adoption of lower wind loads, thereby facilitating more sustainable design. For an 80-m-high reinforced concrete building in Warsaw, wind loads were assessed using both PN-EN 1991-1-4:2008 Eurocode 1 (EC) analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, with wind tunnel tests excluded. Structural analysis and optimisation of core wall thickness followed. EC-based analyses overestimate loads from forces perpendicular to the façade, underestimate loads from oblique forces and fail to compute the F_x and F_y force components accurately. Involving wind engineering professionals to classify terrain, perform climate analyses, and implement CFD simulations can enhance EC-based analysis and verification. Employing these methods reduced safety margins, permitting a decrease in core wall thickness from 35 to 30 cm. This modification resulted in a 14% reduction in concrete use and an estimated 35 tonnes of CO₂-eq savings, thereby improving the design’s sustainability. Full article