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27 pages, 47905 KiB  
Article
FDS-Based Study on Fire Spread and Control in Modern Brick-Timber Architectural Heritage: A Case Study of Faculty House at a University in Changsha
by Simian Liu, Gaocheng Liang, Lei Shi, Ming Luo and Meizhen Long
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156773 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
The modern Chinese architectural heritage combines sturdy Western materials with delicate Chinese styling, mainly adopting brick-timber structural systems that are highly vulnerable to fire damage. The study assesses the fire spread characteristics of the First Faculty House, a 20th-century architectural heritage located at [...] Read more.
The modern Chinese architectural heritage combines sturdy Western materials with delicate Chinese styling, mainly adopting brick-timber structural systems that are highly vulnerable to fire damage. The study assesses the fire spread characteristics of the First Faculty House, a 20th-century architectural heritage located at a university in China. The assessment is carried out by analyzing building materials, structural configuration, and fire load. By using FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator (PyroSim version 2022)) and SketchUp software (version 2023) for architectural reconstruction and fire spread simulation, explores preventive measures to reduce fire risks. The result show that the total fire load of the building amounts to 1,976,246 MJ. After ignition, flashover occurs at 700 s, accompanied by a sharp increase in the heat release rate (HRR). The peak ceiling temperature reaches 750 °C. The roof trusses have critical structural weaknesses when approaching flashover conditions, indicating a high potential for collapse. Three targeted fire protection strategies are proposed in line with the heritage conservation principle of minimal visual and functional intervention: fire sprinkler systems, fire retardant coating, and fire barrier. Simulations of different strategies demonstrate their effectiveness in mitigating fire spread in elongated architectural heritages with enclosed ceiling-level ignition points. The efficacy hierarchy follows: fire sprinkler system > fire retardant coating > fire barrier. Additionally, because of chimney effect, for fire sources located above the ceiling and other hidden locations need to be warned in a timely manner to prevent the thermal plume from invading other sides of the ceiling through the access hole. This research can serve as a reference framework for other Modern Chinese Architectural Heritage to develop appropriate fire mitigation strategies and to provide a methodology for sustainable development of the Chinese architectural heritage. Full article
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26 pages, 9909 KiB  
Article
Three-Tiered Defensive System and Ethnic Fusion: A Study of Architectural Art in Guomari Fortress, Eastern Qinghai
by Liyue Wu, Qinchuan Zhan and Yanjun Li
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2218; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132218 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Guomari fortress in eastern Qinghai Province exemplifies vernacular architecture shaped by multiethnic interaction, environmental adaptation, and localized defense strategies. Originally a Ming Dynasty military-agricultural outpost, it evolved into a Tu ethnic settlement. Fieldwork, including architectural surveys and spatial analysis, identified a three-tiered defensive [...] Read more.
Guomari fortress in eastern Qinghai Province exemplifies vernacular architecture shaped by multiethnic interaction, environmental adaptation, and localized defense strategies. Originally a Ming Dynasty military-agricultural outpost, it evolved into a Tu ethnic settlement. Fieldwork, including architectural surveys and spatial analysis, identified a three-tiered defensive system: (1) strategic use of terrain and rammed-earth walls; (2) labyrinthine alleys with L-, T-, and cross-shaped intersections; and (3) interconnected rooftops forming elevated circulation routes. Courtyards are categorized into single-line, L-shaped, U-shaped, and fully enclosed layouts, reflecting adaptations to terrain, ritual functions, and thermal needs. Architectural features such as thick loam-coated walls and flat roofs demonstrate climatic adaptation, while the integration of Han timber frameworks, Tibetan prayer halls, and Tu decorative elements reveals cultural convergence. Traditional craftsmanship, including carved wooden scripture blocks and tsampa-based murals, is embedded within domestic and ritual spaces. The fortress’s circulation patterns mirror Tibetan Buddhist cosmology, with mandala-like alleys and rooftop circumambulation routes. These findings offer insights into vernacular resilience and inform conservation strategies for multiethnic fortified settlements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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23 pages, 3907 KiB  
Article
Woodot: An AI-Driven Mobile Robotic System for Sustainable Defect Repair in Custom Glulam Beams
by Pierpaolo Ruttico, Federico Bordoni and Matteo Deval
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5574; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125574 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
Defect repair on custom-curved glulam beams is still performed manually because knots are irregular, numerous, and located on elements that cannot pass through linear production lines, limiting the scalability of timber-based architecture. This study presents Woodot, an autonomous mobile robotic platform that combines [...] Read more.
Defect repair on custom-curved glulam beams is still performed manually because knots are irregular, numerous, and located on elements that cannot pass through linear production lines, limiting the scalability of timber-based architecture. This study presents Woodot, an autonomous mobile robotic platform that combines an omnidirectional rover, a six-dof collaborative arm, and a fine-tuned Segment Anything computer vision pipeline to identify, mill, and plug surface knots on geometrically variable beams. The perception model was trained on a purpose-built micro-dataset and reached an F1 score of 0.69 on independent test images, while the integrated system located defects with a 4.3 mm mean positional error. Full repair cycles averaged 74 s per knot, reducing processing time by more than 60% compared with skilled manual operations, and achieved flush plug placement in 87% of trials. These outcomes demonstrate that a lightweight AI model coupled with mobile manipulation can deliver reliable, shop-floor automation for low-volume, high-variation timber production. By shortening cycle times and lowering worker exposure to repetitive tasks, Woodot offers a viable pathway to enhance the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of digital timber construction. Nevertheless, some limitations remain, such as dependency on stable lighting conditions for optimal vision performance and the need for tool calibration checks. Full article
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13 pages, 1993 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Sustainability of Timber Production Under Policy-Driven Logging: A Spatial Analysis from Southwestern Japan
by Yusuke Yamada, Hidesato Kanomata, Katsuto Shimizu, Wataru Murakami and Yuichi Yamaura
Forests 2025, 16(6), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060989 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Promoting nature-positive forestry requires sustainable timber production that aligns with ecosystem service (ES) conservation. However, Japan’s recently implemented top-down timber production policy may undermine sustainability in local forest landscapes. We assessed the spatial sustainability of plantation forestry by comparing actual logged areas (2000–2019) [...] Read more.
Promoting nature-positive forestry requires sustainable timber production that aligns with ecosystem service (ES) conservation. However, Japan’s recently implemented top-down timber production policy may undermine sustainability in local forest landscapes. We assessed the spatial sustainability of plantation forestry by comparing actual logged areas (2000–2019) with allowable logging areas. Logged areas were identified using satellite imagery analysis, while allowable logging areas were estimated by excluding forests at high risk of landslides or with unclear ownership and dividing the remaining area by the standard logged age. While total logged area remained below the experience-based sustainable threshold, logging in profitable forests exceeded allowable levels in recent years. Forests with higher profitability experienced concentrated logging after 2015, indicating the strong influence of the national policy. This spatial imbalance threatens long-term sustainability by depleting productive forest patches while ignoring underutilized unprofitable forests. Our findings demonstrate the risks of uniform, production-oriented policies and highlight the need for adaptive, locally responsive forest governance. By integrating ecological and social constraints into spatial analysis, this study proposes a new sustainability measurement in line with nature-based solutions. Future forest policy must incorporate local knowledge and participatory decision-making to sustain forest ESs and timber supply under changing social and environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nature-Based Solutions-2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 12155 KiB  
Article
Domes and Earthquakes of Naples: A Comparative Study of Baroque and Neoclassical Structure
by Claudia Cennamo, Luciana Di Gennaro, Luigi Massaro and Giorgio Frunzio
Buildings 2025, 15(12), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15122008 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
The aim of this research is the structural study of the dome of Tesoro di San Gennaro in Naples compared with the more recent studies about San Francesco di Paola, as examples, respectively, of baroque and neoclassic style, emblems of different stylistic periods [...] Read more.
The aim of this research is the structural study of the dome of Tesoro di San Gennaro in Naples compared with the more recent studies about San Francesco di Paola, as examples, respectively, of baroque and neoclassic style, emblems of different stylistic periods of Neapolitan architectural schools about domes and churches. The studies are carried out with particular attention to evaluating their seismic safety without considering the role of the vertical supporting structures. The analysis adopts graphical approaches to assess the safety of the two domes under vertical and horizontal loads, with a special focus on the effects of earthquakes. In the case of San Gennaro, the approach is mixed between the rigid-kinematic theory and the theory of elasticity due to the presence of a wooden structure, while in the case of San Francesco di Paola, only the thrust-line method was used, applying it to the three-dimensional structures through the slicing technique. In conclusion, the methods to assess the safety of the domes under both vertical and horizontal seismic loads allow for a comparison of the two structures and provide a comprehensive evaluation of their structural integrity. The study demonstrates, through a predominantly graphical methodology, the effectiveness of traditional equilibrium-based approaches in assessing dome stability, highlighting the active contribution of the timber structure in San Gennaro and quantifying its role under seismic loading scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Scientific Developments on the Mechanics of Masonry Structures)
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33 pages, 12429 KiB  
Article
Segmented Timber Shells for Circular Construction: Relocation, Structural Assessment, and Robotic Fabrication of a Modular, Lightweight Timber Structure
by Simon Bechert, Simon Aicher, Lyudmila Gorokhova, Laura Balangé, Monika Göbel, Volker Schwieger, Achim Menges and Jan Knippers
Buildings 2025, 15(11), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111857 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 792
Abstract
Segmented timber shells present a novel building system that utilizes modular, planar building components to create lightweight free-form structures in architecture. Recent advancements in the research field of segmented timber shells pursue, among others, two fundamentally opposing research objectives. 1. The modularity of [...] Read more.
Segmented timber shells present a novel building system that utilizes modular, planar building components to create lightweight free-form structures in architecture. Recent advancements in the research field of segmented timber shells pursue, among others, two fundamentally opposing research objectives. 1. The modularity of their building components facilitates the reuse of such structures in response to a changing built environment. 2. Advanced developments aim at establishing segmented timber shells as permanent building structures for sustainable architecture. This paper addresses the first research objective through the successful relocation of the BUGA Wood Pavilion in the context of the proposed methodology of Co-Design for circular construction. The methods and results involve integrative design and engineering processes and advanced quality assessment methods, including structural, geodetic, and physical properties for modular timber constructions. The BUGA Wood Pavilion serves as a building demonstrator for the presented research on segmented shells as lightweight, reusable, and durable timber structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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26 pages, 8065 KiB  
Article
Structural Failure Modes of Single-Story Timber Houses Under Tsunami Loads Using ASCE 7’S Energy Grade Line Analysis
by Darko Otey, Juan Carlos Vielma and Patricio Winckler
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030484 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 955
Abstract
The structural response of single-story timber houses subjected to the 27 February 2010 Chile tsunami is studied in San Juan Bautista, an island town located nearly 600 km westward from the earthquake’s rupture source, in the Pacific Ocean. The ASCE 7-22 energy grade [...] Read more.
The structural response of single-story timber houses subjected to the 27 February 2010 Chile tsunami is studied in San Juan Bautista, an island town located nearly 600 km westward from the earthquake’s rupture source, in the Pacific Ocean. The ASCE 7-22 energy grade line analysis (EGLA) is used to calculate flow depths and velocities as functions of the topography and recorded runup. To understand the structural response along the topography, reactions and displacements are computed at six positions every 50 m from the coastline. Houses are modeled using the Robot software, considering dead and live loads cases under the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) philosophy. The results show that houses located near the coastline experience severe displacements and collapse due to a combination of hydrodynamic forces, drag and buoyancy, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the foundations’ anchorage. Structures far from the coastline are less exposed to reduced velocities, resulting in decreased displacements, structural demand and a tendency to float. Finally, the methodology is validated by applying a nonlinear analysis of the structures subjected to tsunami loads at the different positions considered in this study. Despite their seismic resistance, lightweight timber houses are shown to not be suitable for areas prone to tsunamis. Tsunami-resilient design should therefore consider heavier and more rigid materials in flooding areas and the relocation of lightweight structures in safe zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Disaster Assessment and Response)
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18 pages, 10551 KiB  
Review
The Application of Intelligent Construction Technology to Modern Wood Structures in China: A Critical Review
by Jiachen Li, Hua Chen, Long Wang, Yazhou Ou, Tengteng Yin, Jin Zhang, Dekai Qin and Yanchao Du
Buildings 2025, 15(4), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040535 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1628
Abstract
This paper explores the current application status and development trends of intelligent construction technologies in modern timber structures in China. By using VOSviewer software for bibliometric analysis, the research focused on three key areas: BIM technology, machine vision, and lifecycle information management. The [...] Read more.
This paper explores the current application status and development trends of intelligent construction technologies in modern timber structures in China. By using VOSviewer software for bibliometric analysis, the research focused on three key areas: BIM technology, machine vision, and lifecycle information management. The study found that BIM technology has significantly improved the design accuracy and construction efficiency of timber buildings through 3D visualization, parametric design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Machine vision technology enhances the quality control and damage assessment efficiency through automation. Lifecycle information management promotes the sustainable development of timber buildings in line with carbon neutrality goals. The paper further analyzes the challenges and difficulties of applying intelligent construction technologies to modern timber structures and proposes the development of technology solutions tailored to the characteristics of timber structures, including deepening the integration with environmental science and urban planning and enhancing user feedback optimization. These studies provide new perspectives for the intelligent and low-carbon development of timber buildings and offer support for achieving sustainability goals and carbon neutrality. Full article
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31 pages, 8412 KiB  
Article
Fire Resilience of Load-Bearing Wall Made of Hollow Timber Elements
by Nikola Perković, Vlatka Rajčić and Jure Barbalić
Fire 2024, 7(12), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7120433 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1004
Abstract
During a fire load, a charred layer forms on the timber elements, which is a natural protection against fire, so that a certain level of fire resistance could be achieved by using elements with a larger cross-section. However, this modus of fire protection [...] Read more.
During a fire load, a charred layer forms on the timber elements, which is a natural protection against fire, so that a certain level of fire resistance could be achieved by using elements with a larger cross-section. However, this modus of fire protection is not always suitable. One of the most commonly used fire protection systems are fire protection boards. In this work, a large-scale fire test was carried out on a protected load-bearing wall made of hollow elements under the effect of sustained mechanical loads and fire exposure. Different stages of charring were observed. The test was aborted at the 91st minute due to a decrease in the load-bearing capacity and integrity criteria. The allowable average temperature rise on the non-exposed side of the specimen (140 K) was not exceeded until the 91st minute of the test, and the allowable maximum temperature rise on the non-exposed side of the specimen (180 K) was not exceeded until the 90th minute of the test. The loss of specimen integrity occurred at the 90th minute of the test. For surfaces protected by fire-resistant panels, it should be considered that the onset of charring is delayed until a certain time. According to EN 1995-1-2, charring can start before the fire protection is removed, but at a lower charring rate than the rates up to the time of failure of the fire protection. The expression proposed in EN 1995-1-2 shows relatively accurate results for certain systems and thicknesses of fire protection linings. However, it does not consider the presence of more than one lining layer or the full range of lining thicknesses themselves. For the wall described in this paper, the predicted failure time of the fire boards would therefore be 41.5 min, which is not consistent with the results of the experiment (51 min). The results of the calculation model according to EN 1995-1-2 did not fully agree with the results of the fire test on the protected load-bearing wall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Fire Safety Engineering)
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10 pages, 6014 KiB  
Article
Physiological Indices of Five Hybrid Larch Seedlings Under Low-Temperature Stress
by Yajing Ning, Wenna Zhao, Chengpeng Cui, Xinxin Zhang, Xin Zhao, Yu Liu, Chen Wang, Hanguo Zhang and Shujuan Li
Forests 2024, 15(11), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15112026 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 879
Abstract
Larch is a cold-temperate tree species native to the northern hemisphere and tolerant to low temperatures. It is one of the most significant timber species in Northeast China. This study examined growth changes in hybrid larch seedlings from five lines to explore the [...] Read more.
Larch is a cold-temperate tree species native to the northern hemisphere and tolerant to low temperatures. It is one of the most significant timber species in Northeast China. This study examined growth changes in hybrid larch seedlings from five lines to explore the physiological responses of these seedlings to low-temperature stress. Using 8-month-old hybrids of larch seedlings, we subjected the plants to cold stress at 4 °C and freezing stress at −20 °C over three periods of 6, 12, and 24 h, and treatment at 25 °C was used as a control. Results showed that significant correlations were found among the growth indicators, with larch line 1306 having the lowest incremental growth indicators, the largest root-to-crown ratio, and better cold tolerance than the other larch lines. The levels of soluble sugars (SSs), soluble proteins (SPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and relative electrolyte leakage (REC) increased significantly in all lines under low-temperature stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed variation over time. Significant correlations were found between MDA and REL, SS, SR, Pro, CAT, and SOD in most of the lines; no significant correlation was found between MDA and the other indices in lines 1301 and 1309; and significant correlations were found between most of the physiological indices in line 1306. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecophysiology and Biology)
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16 pages, 6852 KiB  
Article
Eucalyptus-Based Glued Laminated Timber: Evaluation and Prediction of Its Properties by Non-Destructive Techniques
by Ramon Ferreira Oliveira, Pedro Gutemberg de Alcântara Segundinho, João Gabriel Missia da Silva, Fabricio Gomes Gonçalves, Dercílio Junior Verly Lopes, Jeferson Pereira Martins Silva, Nayara Franzini Lopes, Leonor da Cunha Mastela, Juarez Benigno Paes, Clara Gaspar Fossi de Souza, Francisco Antônio Rocco Lahr, Maria Alice Romanha Belumat, André Luis Christoforo and Caroline Palacio de Araujo
Forests 2024, 15(9), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091658 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
Eucalyptus-based glued laminated timber (glulam) was produced to determine the feasibility of a non-destructive method (drilling resistance) to predict the properties of structural elements and add value to lower-quality hardwood species. Glulam was manufactured with formaldehyde (Resorcinol), reference condition, and bio-based (Castor oil-based) [...] Read more.
Eucalyptus-based glued laminated timber (glulam) was produced to determine the feasibility of a non-destructive method (drilling resistance) to predict the properties of structural elements and add value to lower-quality hardwood species. Glulam was manufactured with formaldehyde (Resorcinol), reference condition, and bio-based (Castor oil-based) adhesives in two assembly schemes, the core composed either of two continuous lamellae each 105 cm long, or of two formed by the juxtaposition of shorter boards (35 and 55 cm). The shear strength of the glue line (fv0), modulus of elasticity (Ec90), and strength (fc90) in compression perpendicular to the grain; delamination (DL); and main and extended glue line thicknesses were evaluated. The Resistograph equipment was used to perform the perforation perpendicular to the glue line (samples extracted from the glulam elements) to correlate the properties. The results of this research demonstrate that the scheme of the boards had little effect on the physical and mechanical properties evaluated (except the main glue line and delamination), and the drilling resistance (DR) presents a significant correlation with practically all properties evaluated (variations in density values and other properties are explained by variations in DR values), making it possible to estimate Ec90 and fc90 with desired precision (R2adj ≈ 80%). This highlights the feasibility of using this methodology in the quality control of glulam elements. It is concluded that regardless of the adhesive, elements comprising a 105 cm-length core and external lamellae (T1 and control) are indicated for external use, presenting low delamination. Short-length central lamellae adhesively glued with PUR (T2) are not recommended for external applications due to their susceptibility to delamination. However, T2 is indicated for internal environments due to its low production cost. This study also proved the efficiency of using models based on drilling resistance to estimate wood density and its resistance to compression perpendicular to the fiber. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Quality and Mechanical Properties)
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26 pages, 2355 KiB  
Article
Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process–Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution: A Hybrid Method for Assessing Vegetation Management Strategies under Electricity Distribution Lines to Prevent Deforestation Based on Ecosystem Service Criteria
by Ersin Güngör
Forests 2024, 15(9), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091503 - 28 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1497
Abstract
This study evaluated vegetation management (VM) strategies under electricity distribution lines (EDLs) through ecosystem service (ES) criteria. Deforestation, worsened by insufficient VM practices, poses a threat to ecosystem stability. Using a hybrid FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference [...] Read more.
This study evaluated vegetation management (VM) strategies under electricity distribution lines (EDLs) through ecosystem service (ES) criteria. Deforestation, worsened by insufficient VM practices, poses a threat to ecosystem stability. Using a hybrid FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) approach, ten VM strategies were assessed based on 15 ES criteria. The FAHP results identified biodiversity, timber resources, and erosion control as the most crucial criteria due to their significant weights. The TOPSIS analysis determined that VM6 (creation and restoration of scrub edges) was the most effective strategy, achieving a value of 0.744 for reducing deforestation and enhancing energy security. VM6 helps preserve forest cover and protect infrastructure by creating a “V”-shaped structures within the EDLs corridor. This study underscores the importance of ES-oriented VM strategies for sustainable vegetation management and deforestation mitigation. It also highlights the need for incorporating scientific, ES-based decision support mechanisms into VM strategy development. Future research should expand stakeholder perspectives and conduct a comprehensive assessment of ESs to ensure that VM strategies align with ecological and socio-economic sustainability. This study provides a framework for improving VM practices and offers directions for future sustainable energy management research. This study focuses exclusively on ecological criteria for evaluating VM strategies, neglecting other dimensions. Future research should use methods like ANP and fuzzy cognitive maps to explore inter-dimension relationships and their strengths. Additionally, employing SWARA, PIPRECIA, ELECTRE, and PROMETHEE for ranking VM strategies is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Restoration and Secondary Succession—Series II)
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17 pages, 9132 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Deep Line Segment Detection and Performance Evaluation for Wood: A Deep Learning Approach with Experiment-Based, Domain-Specific Implementations
by Jing Luo, Yufan Guo, Zhen Liu, Qicheng Hu, Md Ahatasamul Hoque and Asif Ahmed
Forests 2024, 15(8), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15081393 - 9 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2150
Abstract
In recent decades, wood structures have gained significant attention for their ecological benefits and architectural versatility. The performance of wood, a popular construction material, often depends on the integrity of its connections. This study focuses on bolted glulam timber connections, which are strong [...] Read more.
In recent decades, wood structures have gained significant attention for their ecological benefits and architectural versatility. The performance of wood, a popular construction material, often depends on the integrity of its connections. This study focuses on bolted glulam timber connections, which are strong but prone to cracks that pose structural health challenges. Traditional crack evaluation methods are manual, time-consuming, and error-prone. To address these issues, this research proposes a two-stage performance evaluation method. In the first stage, an innovative approach called ‘Enhanced Deep Line Segment Detection’ (Deep LSD), a non-supervised machine learning technique, is used for crack detection without relying on large, annotated datasets, thus enhancing efficiency and adaptability. In the second stage, cyclic loading assays simulate varying damage stages to collect data and establish a correlation between crack states and connection damage. The Park and Ang damage model is employed within this framework to assess the extent of damage. The efficacy of enhanced deep LSD is confirmed by comparing detected crack areas with ground truth measurements, yielding a high R-squared value of 0.98 and a minimal error margin of 1.41. Additionally, a damage index based on the Chinese standard (GB/T 24335-2009) is used to classify damage across different connection groups, ensuring robustness and alignment with established practices. Full article
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15 pages, 1799 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Mycological Possibility Using Machine Learning Models for Effective Inclusion in Sustainable Forest Management
by Raquel Martínez-Rodrigo, Beatriz Águeda, Teresa Ágreda, José Miguel Altelarrea, Luz Marina Fernández-Toirán and Francisco Rodríguez-Puerta
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135656 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2219
Abstract
The integral role of wild fungi in ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, is well recognized. However, quantifying and predicting wild mushroom yields is challenging due to spatial and temporal variability. In Mediterranean forests, climate-change-induced droughts further impact mushroom production. Fungal [...] Read more.
The integral role of wild fungi in ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, is well recognized. However, quantifying and predicting wild mushroom yields is challenging due to spatial and temporal variability. In Mediterranean forests, climate-change-induced droughts further impact mushroom production. Fungal fruiting is influenced by factors such as climate, soil, topography, and forest structure. This study aims to quantify and predict the mycological potential of Lactarius deliciosus in sustainably managed Mediterranean pine forests using machine learning models. We utilize a long-term dataset of Lactarius deliciosus yields from 17 Pinus pinaster plots in Soria, Spain, integrating forest-derived structural data, NASA Landsat mission vegetation indices, and climatic data. The resulting multisource database facilitates the creation of a two-stage ‘mycological exploitability’ index, crucial for incorporating anticipated mycological production into sustainable forest management, in line with what is usually done for other uses such as timber or game. Various Machine Learning (ML) techniques, such as classification trees, random forest, linear and radial support vector machine, and neural networks, were employed to construct models for classification and prediction. The sample was always divided into training and validation sets (70-30%), while the differences were found in terms of Overall Accuracy (OA). Neural networks, incorporating critical variables like climatic data (precipitation in January and humidity in November), remote sensing indices (Enhanced Vegetation Index, Green Normalization Difference Vegetation Index), and structural forest variables (mean height, site index and basal area), produced the most accurate and unbiased models (OAtraining = 0.8398; OAvalidation = 0.7190). This research emphasizes the importance of considering a diverse array of ecosystem variables for quantifying wild mushroom yields and underscores the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and remotely sensed observations in modeling non-wood forest products. Integrating such models into sustainable forest management plans is crucial for recognizing the ecosystem services provided by them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forestry Management and Technologies)
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17 pages, 3602 KiB  
Article
Growth of Clones of Eucalyptus urophylla in Two Contrasting Soil Conditions in Plantations of Southeastern Mexico
by Secundino Torres-Lamas, Pablo Martínez-Zurimendi, Marynor Elena Ortega-Ramírez, Manuel Jesús Cach-Pérez and Marivel Domínguez-Domínguez
Resources 2024, 13(6), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13060074 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 2230
Abstract
Eucalyptus urophylla is important for the establishment of commercial forest plantations in Mexico. Genetic improvement programs are currently being implemented to increase timber productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adaptability and growth stability of 26 clonal lines of E. [...] Read more.
Eucalyptus urophylla is important for the establishment of commercial forest plantations in Mexico. Genetic improvement programs are currently being implemented to increase timber productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adaptability and growth stability of 26 clonal lines of E. urophylla in Acrisol and Fluvisol soils and to identify the most suitable genotypes for each soil type. Tree survival, diameter at breast height, and total height were measured annually for six years. These variables were used to estimate individual volume, volume per hectare, and mean annual (MAIv) and current annual (CAIv) volume increment. Survival ranged from 14 to 100% in the Acrisol soil and from 0 to 89% in the Fluvisol soil. Volume per hectare ranged from 65.3 to 488.7 m3, MAIv from 11.1 to 83.1 m3 ha−1 year−1, and CAIv from 2.4 to 134.7 m3 ha−1 year−1. Individual heritability (Hi2) was moderate (0.29–0.49) while the mean heritability of the cloned lines was high (0.73–0.90), indicating that growth is subject to high genetic control. Diameter, height, and volume presented no genotype × environment interaction effects, demonstrating stability in the growth of the clonal lines in both soil types. Full article
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