Buildings

During the course of building asphalt pavement, a lack of quality control will lead to the abandonment of the asphalt mixtures. One of the most common problems with asphalt pavement is rutting. Improving the construction’s quality is an important measure to reduce rutting. The purpose is to ensure the high-temperature durability of asphalt mixtures during the construction workflow to reduce the waste of asphalt mixtures, as well as to provide a methodology for the current monitoring of the quality based on the building information modeling (BIM). Rutting resistance was appraised utilizing the static uniaxial creep examination. Oblique photography technology was used to obtain terrain data. The software of Revit 2016 was used to build the spatial model of highways and bridges. The results show that the size distribution of particles, the asphalt proportion, and the forming specimen’s temperature are the vital elements influencing the high-temperature behavior. The gradation was identified as the most important factor. The second was the asphalt binder content. Gradation variation should be given more consideration during paving using asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, the developed BIM platform can also monitor rutting resistance to reduce rework during construction. Full article

Earth is a complex material with mechanical and physical behaviors that differ from modern building materials. The conservation of rammed-earth (RE) constructions presents specific difficulties that are challenging to overcome. A lack of knowledge about RE due to its abandonment for decades and interventions adopting materials and repair methodologies designed for conventional constructions have led to inadequate interventions. In the case of historic defensive constructions, the doubts and technical difficulties are even greater due to the nature of so-called military RE (with physical and mechanical characteristics which differ significantly from those of civil, more common RE) and, not least, due to the historical and cultural heritage value of these constructions. Some important interventions have been carried out recently, while others are underway or in the planning stage, and there is a constant lack of information and technical data regarding the best ways to intervene. To fill this gap, the state of conservation of defensive RE structures and the results of interventions carried out throughout history in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula are being assessed. This article sets out a framework for the subject, identifies material and construction techniques and recognises the main causes of RE constructions’ deterioration and decay. With special focus on the most frequent damages detected in historic military defensive structures built with RE, it analyses and discusses the most common techniques that have been used for the repair and conservation of these particular structures. Full article

We propose a technique that allows designers to develop energy-efficient buildings focused on occupants from the early design stage. The technique integrates the physiological responses of occupants and the energy performance of buildings. Among the architectural design elements, we considered the aspect ratio, ceiling height, and window-to-wall ratio as design variables and created 30 design alternatives for a single-occupancy room in a postpartum care center. These design alternatives were recreated in virtual reality, allowing 33 female participants to immerse themselves in the designed rooms. During the experiment, we collected electroencephalography (EEG) data from the participants. Furthermore, we used DesignBuilder to simulate 30 design alternatives and calculated the primary energy consumption per unit area for each alternative. By integrating the EEG data and energy performance analysis, we identified the design alternative among the 30 options that positively influenced the physiological responses of occupants while also being energy efficient. The selected alternative was designed with an aspect ratio of 1:1.6, a ceiling height of 2.3 m, and a window-to-wall ratio of 60%. This research represents a creative exploration that demonstrates how studies combining human physiological responses and architecture can evolve through integration with other subjects. Our findings provide a robust framework to explore the relationship between physiological responses and energy optimization for detailed architectural design elements. Full article

Energy retrofits have, so far, been studied from the perspective of economic benefits that undertaking energy retrofit brings. They have also been of interest in the pursuit of reducing carbon emissions. However, few have studied the perception of health co-benefits of energy retrofits. Therefore, this paper seeks to shed light on how the residents’ perception of their health affects their decision to undertake an energetic retrofit. The focus of this article is to determine how residents perceive their health and their willingness to undertake energy retrofits to improve their health in the municipality of Barcelona. The methods used were in-depth interviews with experts and face-to-face and surveys conducted online. The results were analysed using descriptive, segmental, and unconditional logistic regression. We also analysed if awareness of the health co-benefits of retrofits corresponded with the respondent’s housing conditions, socio-demographics, and willingness to energy retrofit their homes. A total of 127 participants were included, of which 6.3% listed health co-benefit improvements as an influencing factor in undertaking an energy retrofit. The survey findings show that the less educated households are less aware of the health co-benefits of energy retrofits. These findings reveal the need to re-evaluate the current energy and housing policies. Full article

This paper studies the dynamic response of corner-supported modular steel buildings with a core wall system, under progressive collapse scenarios, associated with corner module removals. Since using secondary systems such as concrete core in mid- to high-rise buildings is currently unavoidable, understanding their impact on load transfer between modules during collapse scenarios becomes essential. The designated four-, eight-, and twelve-story buildings were modelled using the macro-model-based finite element method in Abaqus. In addition, three different locations are considered for the concrete shear core within the building plan, leading to nine various case scenarios. Each vertical and horizontal inter-module connection was modelled by one axial and two shear springs with predefined nonlinear force-displacement behavior. The local and global buckling, which plays an essential role in the building’s stability, was considered to obtain accurate results. Finally, parametric studies on the building response were carried out, including the intra-module connection rigidity and inter-module connection stiffness. The results demonstrated that the core wall could maintain the robustness of a modular steel building through two mechanisms dependent on its location within the plan. In addition, preventing plastic hinges from forming in beams could be introduced as an anti-collapse mechanism in the corner module removal scenarios. Full article

This paper determines the best design parameters and uses conditions of lightweight aggregate concrete panels containing microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM-LWAC panels). The main work of this paper includes the followings: (1) The fundamental properties (dry density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity) of MPCM-LWAC were researched to reveal the effect of MPCM dosage on these properties. (2) A model test was carried out to quantify the effect of MPCM dosage on the thermal response of the MPCM-LWAC panel exposed to realistic climate conditions. (3) The numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the effect of MPCM dosage, panel thickness, and outdoor temperature conditions on the thermal response of the MPCM-LWAC panel, which helps to determine its optimum design parameters and use condition. The results showed that the incorporation of MPCM results in lower dry density and thermal conductivity of MPCM-LWAC but higher specific heat capacity. The more MPCM dosage in the MPCM-LWAC panel with a thickness of 35 mm, the lower the energy demand to keep a comfortable interior temperature. Most notably, when the panel thickness exceeds 105 mm, the MPCM-LWAC panel with 5% MPCM only delays the peak temperature. Moreover, the optimal use condition for MPCM-LWAC panels is an average outdoor temperature of 25 °C, which makes the energy demand attain a minimum. Full article

The government of Saudi has implemented the Saudi Building Code (SBC) for residential buildings to set standards for their design, construction, and maintenance. However, this may result in unexpected costs that are passed on to the citizens and thus have a certain economic impact. Therefore, this study examined the additional costs imposed on citizens and the economic impact of implementing the SBC on residential buildings. This study surveyed building developers, architects, and citizens to gather data on the costs associated with adhering to the code such as material and labor costs. This study found that the additional costs imposed on citizens and the economic impact of implementing the SBC in residential buildings were relatively small. The potential long-term benefits of the SBC such as energy efficiency savings and reduced environmental impact outweigh the short-term costs. The case that applied the SBC had operating costs that were almost 44% lower. Energy efficiency was increased by the SBC’s contribution to reducing heat transfer through building components and external elements. In order to minimize heat absorption and electricity usage, thermal insulation, double and heat-reflecting glass, and light exterior colors are all recommended. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the construction industry because they consider the implementation and enforcement of building codes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Full article

In this paper, the influence of the construction process of large-span steel latticed arch on the geometric configuration and bearing capacity performance of the large-span steel latticed arch is calculated and analyzed by using the inverse analysis technique. By comparing the calculation results of single pre-deformation adjustment of the node co-ordinates in zero state of the whole structure and the dynamic adjustment of the node co-ordinates of the unconstructed part of the structure, it is found that the inverse analysis method of dynamic node co-ordinate adjustment is used to achieve the unification of the geometric configuration of the final structure and the bearing capacity performance of the structure. The results show that the inverse analysis method of dynamic node co-ordinate adjustment proposed in this paper can simulate and track the dynamic changes of structural geometry and stable bearing capacity performance in the actual construction process, which can not only consider the influence of the installed part of the structure on the co-ordinate adjustment value of the uninstalled part of the structure but also consider the deformation influence of the subsequent uninstalled structure on the installed structure and can realize the optimal approximation of the final state structure to the geometric configuration of the zero state structure and the accurate calculation of the bearing capacity performance with the progress of the construction process. Full article

Due to the rising prices of houses and rent, apartment buildings have become the preferred and most utilized dwellings in Australia. However, there have been cases of serious defects in multi-unit dwellings (apartment buildings), posing various risks to and reducing potential residents’ confidence in such dwellings. To address this issue, the current study investigated the types, causes, risk severity, and impacts of defects on residents in mid- to high-rise multi-unit dwellings in Australia. The study utilized a mixed approach involving quantitative (online questionnaire) and qualitative (interviews) methods. Data were collected from 104 apartment building residents in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with support from interviews with six experienced local construction professionals. The results revealed that there are 11 key defects present in local apartment buildings, with waterproofing, internal finishes, and structural issues being the most frequently reported. Residents typically report these defects to building owners, agents, and managers, who take more than three months, on average, to rectify them, adding to the residents’ psychological issues and their inability to use the property as intended. The reasons for the delayed rectification of defects include non-responsive owners, agents, and building management teams, scheduling conflicts, litigation, and high costs. The interviewed professionals acknowledged the presence of defects and identified the reliance on Design and Construct (D&C) and fixed price contracts, lack of public awareness, and absence of a system to capture builders’ reputation, as well as a manipulative quality check system, as key reasons for defects. This study addresses the defect concerns in multi-unit Australian dwellings (apartments) and expects to spark a much-needed debate around reforms in the construction sector to address these issues and minimize their risks and impact on residents. Full article

Peru has experienced significant growth but faces challenges with its infrastructure. Despite economic and population growth, competitiveness has not risen at the same pace. The importance of proper roads for economic development and the lack of planning have led the country to confront an infrastructure deficit. This deficit affects connectivity and the quality of the road networks, thereby influencing competitiveness. To bridge this gap, the PPP modality had been used, but challenges were encountered, ranging from the execution of works to maintenance issues. This research study pursues three main objectives: to describe the current landscape of road infrastructure in Peru; to present the Peruvian PPP system and the experience gained through implemented concession contracts; and to identify the critical success factors of Peruvian concessions and propose an evaluation methodology for future contracts. To achieve this, an empirical study of 16 operational road PPPs and a literature review of the most relevant international experiences on success variables for such contracts were conducted. The primary contribution of this study lies in presenting the Peruvian experience and identifying key success factors for this type of contracts in Peru. Full article

The arched cellular beam has the advantages of both the solid-web arch and the straight beam with web opening, and has become increasingly admired by architects in recent years. In this paper, four arched cellular beam specimens are designed using an orthogonal test method (OTM) with a three-factor and two-level approach. Firstly, the static loading test is carried out to analyze the mechanical response of the arched cellular beam under concentrated load. Then, a numerical analysis based on ABAQUS finite element (FE) software is carried out. The results show that the simulation results agree well with the test results, which indicates the accuracy of the simulation analysis method. Finally, the buckling load of the arched cellular beam under three different loads is calculated using the variable parameter FE analysis. Combined with the range analysis in the OTM, the influence of the target factor on the buckling load of the arched cellular beam is determined. The results show that the order of the factors affecting the out-of-plane elastic buckling is rise–span ratio > web height–thickness ratio > diameter–depth ratio. Full article

The construction industry increasingly poses significant threats on the environment, highlighting the importance of developing life cycle assessments (LCAs). Research on building LCA databases has been carried out in many countries. However, in China, the absence of public data for environmental impact assessments poses significant challenges for building life cycle assessments (LCA). Therefore, this study aims to facilitate the life cycle assessment of buildings in China by comparing and analyzing databases from South Korea and the European Union. The goal is to establish a unit-based environmental impact database for Chinese building materials. Three environmental impact factors of ten major building materials in these three databases were compared and a basis for the inter-application of the databases was established. Based on the combination of the analysis results, the supplementation of the environmental impact factor database of building materials in China was proposed. In addition, a case study using a quantity take-off (QTO) for an actual building in China was performed to review the plan’s applicability. Full article

The complex structure of Neogene mudstone plays an important role in geological disasters. A close relationship exists between the mechanisms of mudstone landslides and the disintegration characteristics of rocks. Therefore, understanding the disintegration characteristics of Neogene mudstone at different depths is crucial for enhancing engineering safety and assessing landslide stability. This study employed Neogene mudstone from different depths to perform disintegration and plastic limit experiments and revealed the sliding mechanisms of landslides involving Neogene mudstone, providing theoretical support for mitigating mudstone geological disasters. Our results demonstrate that Neogene mudstone from different depths experiences varied stress conditions and pore water pressure due to geological actions, significantly affecting the disintegration characteristics. By ignoring the factors of the slip surface, the slake durability index of mudstone decreases with increasing burial depth, while the plasticity limit index tends to rise. The influence of groundwater, geo-stress, and pore structure on Neogene mudstones at different depths results in overall weak stability and disintegration. Landslide occurrences are likely connected to the mechanical properties of mudstones at the slip surface, where a low slake durability index and higher plasticity index make the mudstones prone to fracturing, breaking, and disintegrating once in contact with water. Full article

Recycling aluminosilicate-based solid wastes is imperative to realize the sustainable development of constructions. By using alkali activation technology, aluminosilicate-based solid wastes, such as furnace slag, fly ash, red mud, and most of the bio-ashes, can be turned into alternative binder materials to Portland cement to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction and maintenance activities of concrete structures. In this paper, the chemistry involved in the formation of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and the influential factors of their properties are briefly reviewed. The commonly used methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and X-ray pair distribution function technology, to characterize the microstructure of AAMs are introduced. Typical characterization results of AAMs are shown and the limitations of each method are discussed. The main challenges, such as shrinkage, creep, efflorescence, carbonation, alkali–silica reaction, and chloride ingress, to conquer for a wider application of AAMs are reviewed. It is shown that several performances of AAMs under certain circumstances seem to be less satisfactory than traditional portland cement systems. Existing strategies to improve these performances are reviewed, and recommendations for future studies are given. Full article

The present study utilized machine learning (ML) techniques to investigate the effects of eggshell powder (ESP) and recycled glass powder (RGP) on cement composites subjected to an acidic setting. A dataset acquired from the published literature was employed to develop machine learning-based predictive models for the cement mortar’s compressive strength (CS) decrease. Artificial neural network (ANN), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and linear regression (LR) were chosen for modeling. Also, RreliefF analysis was performed to study the relevance of variables. A total of 234 data points were utilized to train/test ML algorithms. Cement, sand, water, silica fume, superplasticizer, glass powder, eggshell powder, and 90 days of CS were considered as input variables. The outcomes of the research showed that the employed models could be applied to evaluate the reduction percentage of CS in cement composites, including ESP and RGP, after being exposed to acid. Based on the R² values (0.87 for the ANN, 0.81 for the KNN, and 0.78 for LR), as well as the assessment of variation between test values and anticipated outcomes and errors (1.32% for ANN, 1.57% for KNN, and 1.69% for LR), it was determined that the accuracy of the ANN model was superior to the KNN and LR. The sieve diagram exhibited a correlation amongst the model predicted and target results. The outcomes of the RreliefF analysis suggested that ESP and RGP significantly influenced the CS loss of samples with RreliefF scores of 0.26 and 0.21, respectively. Based on the outcomes of the research, the ANN approach was determined suitable for predicting the CS loss of mortar subjected to acidic environments, thereby eliminating lab testing trails. Full article

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionised how we live and work, posing challenges and opportunities for various professions, including the property and construction workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the pace of change. Therefore, in this study, we examined the future property workforce and the required skills for Property Industry 4.0 by conducting semi-structured interviews with property leaders. The findings suggest that digitisation and automation are reshaping the property workforce, including those working in development and construction, necessitating efforts to bridge the gap between graduates’ technology proficiency and practical application. Moreover, calls for proactive regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) use in the property sector highlight the need for regulator and professional body involvement. This study also shows the challenges and opportunities for property professionals with an increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters and the challenges of balancing global expansion with local adaptability due to globalisation. Furthermore, this work highlights a concerning decline in communication skills among graduates, which is partly attributed to the pandemic. Collaborative efforts between universities and industry are essential to cultivate these vital skills among future property professionals. The implications of this study are also discussed. Full article

Most cable arch bridge damage accidents are caused by bridge collapse due to fracture of the short sling of the arch bridge. The service life of the short sling is much lower than the design life, mainly resulting from the action of vehicles and temperature, and the arch rib and the bridge floor will have relative displacement along the bridge direction, which leads to the emergence of bending stress due to the different axes at both ends of the short sling, forming local stress concentration. The stress concentration is coupled with corrosion to accelerate the damage to the sling. To study the influence of shaft deflection on the mechanical properties of short slings of steel strands in arch bridges, this study analyzes the distribution law of the shaft deflection angle of arch bridge slings under the action of vehicle and temperature loads for a medium-bearing arch bridge with a main span of 560 m. The results show that under different vehicle and temperature loads, the axial deflection angle of the short sling is the largest, and the closer it is to the center of the span, the smaller the axial deflection angle. The static and fatigue properties of 1, 3, 7, 9, 12, 19, and 27 strands of whole bunch extruded strand slings were simulated and analyzed under a $0.45{\sigma }_b$ force when the axial deflection angle of the strand slings was 0 mrad, 10 mrad, 20 mrad, and 30 mrad. The results show that the ultimate tensile properties, breaking strength, and fatigue life of the strand slings decreased to a certain extent with increasing shaft deflection angle. The accuracy of the finite element models is verified by the ultimate tensile test and the fatigue test. This study explores the bending deflection results of the short slings of arch bridges due to the different axes of the upper and lower anchorages and provides the necessary theoretical support for the design and fatigue life estimation of the short slings of arch bridges. Full article

Acoustic standards for classrooms around the world are still being studied, but the placement of sound-absorbing materials to meet these standards is still unclear. The present study examined an appropriate location for applying sound-absorbing materials inside an elementary classroom to ensure speech intelligibility while meeting the RT criterion using three scientific experimental methods, namely, computer modeling, a 1/10-scale model, and field acoustic measurement. A sound-absorbing material was applied to the rear wall or ceiling, and the ceiling was further divided into front, center, and rear sections. The acoustic performance was predicted using a 3D computer model of a standardized classroom based on the location of the sound-absorbing material. Subsequently, a 1/10-scale model following the law of similarity was used to compare the acoustic performances based on the location of the sound-absorbing material. Finally, field measurements were performed in an actual classroom to verify the acoustic performance based on the location of the sound-absorbing material. The findings revealed that the sound-absorbing material was most effective when applied to the rear wall, followed by application at the center, front, and rear of the ceiling. Full article

The utilization of waste rubber as a viable option for manufacturing building materials holds great significance for the sustainable development of the construction industry. This study explores the addition of two additives, fly ash (FA) and glass fiber (GF), to rubberized mortar in order to improve its performance. The impact of different waste rubber powder (RP) replacement rates and modified additive dosages on the performance of rubberized mortar, including fluidity, mechanical properties, drying shrinkage, impact resistance, and thermal insulation properties, was investigated. Furthermore, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was adopted to study the priorities of the rubberized mortar modified by FA and GF. The results indicate that the addition of RP leads to a decrease in mortar fluidity, mechanical properties, and drying shrinkage. However, it can enhance its impact resistance and thermal insulation properties. The additives, FA and GF, have a significant influence on the properties of rubberized mortar. By means of AHP method analysis, this study concludes that the optimal comprehensive properties of FA- and GF-modified rubberized mortar can be achieved by replacing 10% of sand with RP and using 10% FA and 0.4% GF. This study presents a configuration method for modified thermal insulation rubberized mortar, and it may lead to FA and GF being considered potential candidates for developing environmentally friendly building materials. Full article