Journal Description
Buildings
Buildings
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on building science, building engineering and architecture published monthly online by MDPI. The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) is affiliated with Buildings and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Civil) / CiteScore - Q1 (Architecture)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion Journal: Architecture.
Impact Factor:
3.8 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
MSFA-Net: A Multiscale Feature Aggregation Network for Semantic Segmentation of Historical Building Point Clouds
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051285 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
In recent years, research on the preservation of historical architecture has gained significant attention, where the effectiveness of semantic segmentation is particularly crucial for subsequent repair, protection, and 3D reconstruction. Given the sparse and uneven nature of large-scale historical building point cloud scenes,
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In recent years, research on the preservation of historical architecture has gained significant attention, where the effectiveness of semantic segmentation is particularly crucial for subsequent repair, protection, and 3D reconstruction. Given the sparse and uneven nature of large-scale historical building point cloud scenes, most semantic segmentation methods opt to sample representative subsets of points, often leading to the loss of key features and insufficient segmentation accuracy of architectural components. Moreover, the geometric feature information at the junctions of components is cluttered and dense, resulting in poor edge segmentation. Based on this, this paper proposes a unique semantic segmentation network design called MSFA-Net. To obtain multiscale features and suppress irrelevant information, a double attention aggregation module is first introduced. Then, to enhance the model’s robustness and generalization capabilities, a contextual feature enhancement and edge interactive classifier module are proposed to train edge features and fuse the context data. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the proposed model, experiments were conducted on a self-curated ancient building dataset and the S3DIS dataset, achieving OA values of 95.2% and 88.7%, as well as mIoU values of 86.2% and 71.6%, respectively, further confirming the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data and Machine/Deep Learning in Construction)
Open AccessArticle
Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Bending Performance of T-Beams Strengthened with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Based on the CDP Model
by
Yu Long, Zhimei Jiang, Kongru Zou, Jiang Du and Jun Yang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051284 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
In bridge reinforcement projects, damaged T-beams are the most common objects for reinforcement, yet the interface bonding and bending performance of UHPC reinforcement on T-beams have hardly been studied. To ensure the reliability and stability of UHPC-strengthened T-beams in practical applications, this study
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In bridge reinforcement projects, damaged T-beams are the most common objects for reinforcement, yet the interface bonding and bending performance of UHPC reinforcement on T-beams have hardly been studied. To ensure the reliability and stability of UHPC-strengthened T-beams in practical applications, this study introduced a post-installed rebar bonding technique to efficiently connect T-beams with UHPC layers. Initially, using ABAQUS software [2020 version] for finite element simulation, this study investigated the effects of various post-installed rebar parameters (horizontal spacing, yield strength, diameter, and matrix concrete strength) on the shear performance of the UHPC and RC interface, obtaining the optimal connection parameters. Subsequently, by comparing shear formulas in domestic and international standards, a new UHPC-RC steel bar interface shear strength theoretical formula with 93.6% accuracy was derived. Finally, finite element simulations analyzed the impact of different post-installed reinforcing bar layout forms and longitudinal spacing, as well as UHPC-strengthened location and layer thickness, on the bending performance of damaged T-beams. The results showed a good match between simulation outcomes and experimental results, applicable for further reinforcement analysis of T-beams. When the horizontal spacing of post-installed rebars is 12d, with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 14 mm, their anchoring capability is efficiently utilized. A square form of a post-installed rebar with a longitudinal spacing of 300 mm effectively improves the ultimate bending load capacity of the strengthened beam. The simulation analysis and theoretical results help in the design and application of post-installed steel connections and UHPC-strengthened structures in UHPC-strengthened reinforced concrete T-beam structures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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Open AccessArticle
Quantitative Accident Risk Estimation for Infrastructure Facilities Based on Accident Case Analysis
by
Jeongung Lee and Jaewook Jeong
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051283 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The construction industry records higher accident rates than other industries, and thus, risk estimation is necessary to manage accident rates. Risk levels differ based on facility type and construction project size. In this sense, this study aims to calculate the quantitative accident risk
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The construction industry records higher accident rates than other industries, and thus, risk estimation is necessary to manage accident rates. Risk levels differ based on facility type and construction project size. In this sense, this study aims to calculate the quantitative accident risk level according to the construction project size per infrastructure facility type. To this end, the following five-step risk estimation was performed: (1) data collection and classification; (2) calculation of fatality rate based on construction cost; (3) calculation of fatal construction probability by construction cost classification; (4) reclassification of construction cost considering fatal construction probability; and (5) calculation of risk level by facility type and construction cost classification. As a result, the fatality rate per facility type was the highest in ‘Dam’ at 0.01024 (person/USD million). Additionally, the risk level according to the construction project size per facility type was the highest for ‘Dam’ (0.00403 person/USD million) for a construction of less than USD 0.77 million. The risk level presented in this study can be utilized as basic data in the design stage for safety management. Our results also indicate the necessity of preparing a separate construction cost classification for safety management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Proactive Construction Safety Combined with AI, IoT, and Big Data)
Open AccessArticle
Structural Behaviour and Strength Evaluation of a Venetian Church through Finite-Element Analysis
by
Maria E. Stavroulaki, Ioannis (Yannos) Liofagos and Panagiotis Darmarakis
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051282 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The evaluation of the structural behaviour of a masonry Venetian church with a pointed barrel vault is presented in this paper through an analysis following the necessary steps of a monument study. With a detailed geometric model and material estimation, the finite-element method
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The evaluation of the structural behaviour of a masonry Venetian church with a pointed barrel vault is presented in this paper through an analysis following the necessary steps of a monument study. With a detailed geometric model and material estimation, the finite-element method is used to investigate the influence of specific structural parts of the structure, like masonry buttresses and wall connections, on the structural behaviour. The operational modal analysis is used to identify the structure dynamically. The comparison of the eigenfrequencies, which are estimated by in situ measurements and finite-element modal analysis, is used to perform a model identification. The response spectrum analysis, the static analysis after the subsistence of some parts following strengthening proposals, and the transient analysis of specific seismic excitations are used for the evaluation of the structural behaviour. The purpose of the work is to highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of a monumental complex structure, regardless of its scale. The coexistence of structural elements of different stiffnesses, such as vaults, elongated walls, buttresses, transverse walls with pediment and belfry, as well as the concha, affects the mechanical behaviour and the pathology of the structure, which is difficult to study with simplifying models. From the analysis, it is concluded that subsidence problems, combined with seismic actions, lead to the cracking of the masonry, while the existence of buttresses limits the extension of the damage and contributes to the stabilization of the structure.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Preservation of Buildings and Infrastructure)
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Open AccessArticle
Comparison of OSC (Off-Site Construction) Level Measurement Methods
by
Chulwoo Im, Jung-In Kim, Inhan Kim and Jungho Yu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051281 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Studies have shown that the implementation of OSC (off-site construction) is beneficial. However, most studies have relied on simulated project data to forecast the potential advantages of OSC, often using surveys or expert consultations as their primary research methods. Others have based their
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Studies have shown that the implementation of OSC (off-site construction) is beneficial. However, most studies have relied on simulated project data to forecast the potential advantages of OSC, often using surveys or expert consultations as their primary research methods. Others have based their analyses on a specific sample size, focusing on cost savings and reduced construction time. Such approaches inherently possess limitations. In this study, we define “OSC level measurement” as the comprehensive process of quantifying the application of OSC elements throughout the project lifecycle. Numerous studies have proposed methods for OSC level measurements. However, they vary in their applicability to different facility types and project phases and employ country-specific quantification items and methods. These variations complicate the comparison or integration of OSC measurement methods on an international scale. The comprehensiveness of the representations in the existing industry foundation classes (IFCs), which is required to carry out automated OSC level measurement, is not yet investigated. This study aimed to systematically compare and analyze various methods for measuring OSC levels in construction projects. We intend to provide researchers and professionals with the necessary characteristics and requirements to develop standardized OSC level measurement methods in the future. The key takeaways emphasize the need for establishing the necessary standardization of the list of OSC elements, creating a framework for standardized quantification items using IFC elements based on BIM data to measure the extent of OSC elements’ application, and unifying the quantification methods for assessing the proportion of OSC elements. Ultimately, this standardization will pave the way for more informed decision making, innovation, and the implementation of sustainable solutions in the construction industry.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning Models in Buildings)
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Open AccessArticle
Evolutionary Game Analysis on Cooperative Behavior of Major Projects’ Technology Innovation Subjects under General Contracting Mode
by
Ruijia Yuan, Youxin Wang, Yingmiao Qian and Xian’an Yu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051280 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Major projects are the important platform for enhancing a country’s comprehensive national power and strengthening its capacity for independent innovation. Although major projects in China have made remarkable achievements, willingness to cooperate and innovate has not achieved the desired target. In this paper,
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Major projects are the important platform for enhancing a country’s comprehensive national power and strengthening its capacity for independent innovation. Although major projects in China have made remarkable achievements, willingness to cooperate and innovate has not achieved the desired target. In this paper, the evolutionary game model of cooperative innovation behavior of general contractors and subcontractors is constructed by considering reputational factors. Through theoretical derivation, the influence of the distribution ratio of collaborative innovation benefit, spillover technology absorption capacity, and reputation discounting coefficient on innovation behavior is analyzed. Finally, MATLAB software is used to simulate the dynamic evolution process of strategy selection. The results show that (1) a reasonable benefit distribution coefficient can promote the evolution of innovation behavior in a positive direction; (2) both the reduction of innovation cost and the increase of spillover technology absorption capacity can make the innovation subject more inclined to choose the active collaborative innovation strategy; and (3) it is the higher-than-threshold reputation loss that can effectively inhibit the “free-rider” behavior. The research conclusions and managerial implications can provide reference for improving the willingness to cooperate in major projects’ technology innovation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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Open AccessArticle
Usage of a Conventional Device with LiDAR Implementation for Mesh Model Creation
by
Daša Smrčková, Jakub Chromčák, Jana Ižvoltová and Róbert Sásik
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051279 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
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The trend of using conventional devices like mobile phones, tablets, and the other devices is gaining traction in improving customer service practices. This coincides with the growing popularity of building information modeling (BIM), which has led to increased exploration of various 3D object
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The trend of using conventional devices like mobile phones, tablets, and the other devices is gaining traction in improving customer service practices. This coincides with the growing popularity of building information modeling (BIM), which has led to increased exploration of various 3D object capture methods. Additionally, the technological boom has resulted in a surge of applications working with different 3D model formats including mesh models, point cloud, and TIN models. Among these, the usage of mesh models is experiencing particularly rapid growth. The main objective advantages of mesh models are their efficiency, scalability, flexibility, sense of detail, user-friendliness, and compatibility. The idea of this paper is to use a conventional device, specifically an iPad Pro equipped with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, for creating mesh models. The different data capture methods employed by various applications will be compared to evaluate the final models´ precision. The accuracy of the 3D models generated by each application will be assessed by comparing the spatial coordinates of identical points distributed irregularly across the entire surface of the chosen object. Various available currently most-used applications were utilized in the process of data collection. In general, 3D representations of the object/area, etc., may be visualized, analyzed, and further processed in more formats such as TIN models, point cloud, or mesh models. Mesh models provide a visualization of the object mirroring the solid design of the real object, thus approximating reality in the closest way. This fact, along with automatized postprocessing after data acquisition, the ability to capture and visualize both convex and concave objects, and the possibility to use this type of 3D visualization for 3D printing, contribute to the decision to test and analyze mesh models. Consequently, the mesh models were created via the automatic post-processing, i.e., without external intervention. This fact leads to the problems of random coordinate systems being automatically pre-defined by every application. This research must deal with the resulting obstacles in order to provide a valid and credible comparative analysis. Various criteria may be applied to the mesh models’ comparisons, including objective qualitative and quantitative parameters and also the subjective ones. The idea of this research is not to analyze the data acquisition process in detail, but instead to assess the possibilities of the applications for the basic users.
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Open AccessArticle
Wind Flow Characteristics on a Vertical Farm with Potential Use of Energy Harvesting
by
Simeng Xie, Pedro Martinez-Vazquez and Charalampos Baniotopoulos
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051278 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The response to the climate emergency requires solutions that address multiple sustainability targets, which could be conducted by merging scientific research from areas that have traditionally evolved separately. This investigation presents advances in that direction by studying a building prototype designated for vertical
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The response to the climate emergency requires solutions that address multiple sustainability targets, which could be conducted by merging scientific research from areas that have traditionally evolved separately. This investigation presents advances in that direction by studying a building prototype designated for vertical farming, which enables the wind energy potential across built-up areas to be explored, in this case through the implementation of micro-wind turbines on the surface of the prototype. The study includes a parametric analysis consisting of varying locations of wind turbines across the building envelope, and the width of ventilation corridors. The effects of different widths of outdoor ventilation corridors, various locations, and additional wind angles on the capacity to harvest wind resources were investigated. The results showed that the 5 m wide outdoor corridor has the best ventilation effect, and the wind turbine placed on the roof has the best wind energy potential. The efficiency of wind turbines decreases significantly when multiple devices are placed at the same height on the façades, although overall, the potential for energy harvesting seems incremental.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Load Effects on High-Rise and Long-Span Structures)
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GIS-Based Regional Seismic Risk Assessment for Dubai, UAE, Using NHERI SimCenter R2D Application
by
Ahmed Mansour Maky, Mohammad AlHamaydeh and Mona Saleh
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051277 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Over the last two decades, the UAE’s construction sector has grown significantly with the development of tall buildings, but the region faces seismic risks. Similar concerns in China led to earthquake simulation research on a city scale. The objectives include developing programming for
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Over the last two decades, the UAE’s construction sector has grown significantly with the development of tall buildings, but the region faces seismic risks. Similar concerns in China led to earthquake simulation research on a city scale. The objectives include developing programming for parallel computing and creating simplified models for estimating losses. The challenges include computational complexity and uncertainties in various modules. In 1995, the structural engineering community adopted performance-based engineering principles, shifting to a probabilistic design process. The Computational Modeling and Simulation Center (SimCenter) implemented this into a generic software platform, with the 2010 release of Regional Resilience Determination (R2D) automating the methodology. A research plan aims to advance realistic seismic simulation in the UAE, integrating studies and custom developments. The goal is to create an end-to-end seismic risk assessment framework aligned with digital trends, such as BIM and GIS. The investigation focuses on a virtual dataset for tall buildings, considering variations in location, material properties, height, and seismic activity. For the studied archetypes, the average expected losses include a 3.6% collapse probability, a 14% repair cost, 22 days repair time per asset, and almost 1.5% total population injuries, ranging from 1% for the lowest severity to 0.15% for the highest.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maintenance, Repair and Rehabilitation of Building Structures)
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Comparison of Embodied Carbon Footprint of a Mass Timber Building Structure with a Steel Equivalent
by
Mahboobeh Hemmati, Tahar Messadi, Hongmei Gu, Jacob Seddelmeyer and Moein Hemmati
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051276 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to quantify and compare the embodied carbon (EC) from the materials used or designed to build the Adohi Hall, a residence building located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, AR. It has been constructed
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The main purpose of this study is to quantify and compare the embodied carbon (EC) from the materials used or designed to build the Adohi Hall, a residence building located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, AR. It has been constructed as a mass timber structure. It is compared to the same building design with a steel frame for this study. Based on the defined goal and scope of the project, all materials used in the building structure are compared for their global warming potential (GWP) impact by applying a life cycle assessment (LCA) using a cradle-to-construction site system boundary. This comparative building LCA comprises the product stage (including raw material extraction, processing, transporting, and manufacturing) plus transportation to the construction site (nodule A1–A4, according to standard EN 15804 definitions). In this study, GWP is primarily assessed with the exclusion of other environmental factors. Tally®, as one of the most popular LCA tools for buildings, is used in this comparative LCA analysis. In this study, the substitution of mass timber for a steel structure with a corrugated steel deck and concrete topping offers a promising opportunity to understand the GWP impact of each structure. Mass timber structures exhibit superior environmental attributes considering the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq). Emissions per square meter of gross floor area for mass timber stand at 198 kg, in stark contrast to the 243 kg CO2 eq recorded for steel structures. This means the mass timber building achieved a 19% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the functional equivalent steel structure within the building modules A1 to A4 studied. When considering carbon storage, about 2757 tonnes of CO2 eq are stored in the mass timber building, presenting further benefits of carbon emission delays for the life span of the structure. The substitution benefit from this construction case was studied through the displacement factor (DF) quantification following the standard process. A 0.28 DF was obtained when using mass timber over steel in the structure. This study provides insights into making more environmentally efficient decisions in buildings and helps in the move forward to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address GWP mitigation.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Buildings in the Built Environment)
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New and Sustainable Coal Char-Based Paving Blocks for Roadway Applications
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Suraj Prasad Pandey, Hua Yu, Chooikim Lau and Kam Ng
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051275 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Paving blocks are widely used in engineering construction for durable pavement surfaces characterized by their interlocking capability to enhance structural integrity. This study explores the potential use of char as a byproduct from coal pyrolysis and an alternative raw material to natural aggregates
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Paving blocks are widely used in engineering construction for durable pavement surfaces characterized by their interlocking capability to enhance structural integrity. This study explores the potential use of char as a byproduct from coal pyrolysis and an alternative raw material to natural aggregates in developing paving blocks, aiming to reduce the associated environmental issues associated with the uncontrolled and excessive mining of natural resources. This study finds the paving blocks made from char to have the required engineering properties as mentioned by ASTM standard C936. Trass and trass-lime are added as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to enhance the performance of char-based paving blocks. The incorporation of SCMs as a cement replacement also aims to reduce the carbon footprint arising from increased cement use. The compressive strength increased from 55.7 MPa to 65.71 MPa at 12.5% cement replacement with trass-lime. The water absorption is reduced to 4.63% from 4.95%. Beneficial effects towards freeze–thaw durability and abrasion resistance are also observed on trass-lime-incorporated paving blocks. This study signifies the remarkable potential use of coal-derived char and SCMs in developing light, high-strength, and durable paving blocks, showcasing their competitive engineering performance. These new char-based paving blocks will contribute towards a more sustainable construction environment and advance the current construction and engineering practices.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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Resilience-Vulnerability Balance and Obstacle Factor Analysis in Urban Flooding: A Case Study in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
by
Wenjing Wang, Chao Xu, Junchao He, Zhongwen Chi, Weilan Bai and Rui Liu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051274 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Under the combined influence of climate change and urban development, the risk of urban flooding caused by extreme weather events has increased significantly, making assessing flood vulnerability and resilience increasingly crucial for urban flood management. With the 45 counties in Qinghai Province as
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Under the combined influence of climate change and urban development, the risk of urban flooding caused by extreme weather events has increased significantly, making assessing flood vulnerability and resilience increasingly crucial for urban flood management. With the 45 counties in Qinghai Province as the research objects, the hazard risk of flood and exposure are combined to study their vulnerability. At the same time, resilience is evaluated by the indicators selected from four dimensions (society, economy, environment, and infrastructure). Through Z-scoring, the vulnerability and resilience of each county are clustered into four groups to explore their associations from a spatial balance perspective. Obstacle factor analysis is introduced to summarize the key factors affecting the improvement of urban resilience in Qinghai Provence. The results show that the eastern areas of Qinghai experience high vulnerability to flooding because of high levels of hazard and exposure. What is more, Xining, Haidong, and Haixi experience a high level of resilience. A strong spatial mismatch between vulnerability and resilience exists in Qinghai, with 24 counties (58%) being self-adapted, 8 counties (18%) over-abundant, and 11 counties deficient in terms of nature–nurture. The length of levee and number of beds in medical institutions are the main obstacles to resilience in Qinghai. The research results can provide a theoretical and scientific basis for future urban flood management and resilience development in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Urban and Regional Planning)
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Assessing Accessible Travel Satisfaction in Old Communities: A SEM Study
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Liya Fan, Yingqing Xiong and Yizhan Peng
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051273 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
China faces a significant population of individuals with disabilities, and the aging demographic exacerbates this challenge. There is an urgent need for accessible environments for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women. Consequently, this study aimed to explore
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China faces a significant population of individuals with disabilities, and the aging demographic exacerbates this challenge. There is an urgent need for accessible environments for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the factors influencing satisfaction with accessible travel in old communities in Nanchang City. Adopting a perspective encompassing vulnerabilities across all age groups, we employed interviews, on-site surveys, questionnaires, and literature reviews to construct a model of satisfaction with accessible travel. This model comprises five evaluation dimensions: pedestrian pathways, public spaces, signage guidance, social support, and software provision, encompassing twenty-seven influencing factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to validate the model. The research findings indicated that social support (0.697), pedestrian pathways (0.480), and public spaces (0.291) exerted a significant overall effect on satisfaction within the model, whereas the influence of software provision (0.225) and signage guidance (0.249) was comparatively smaller. Vulnerable groups within the community prioritized operational maintenance (0.818) and cultural advocacy (0.791) within social support. They also emphasized aspects of pedestrian pathways such as elevation treatment (0.809) and pavement design (0.803), as well as rest facilities (0.804) and service facilities (0.790) within public spaces. Finally, based on the weighted ranking of factors among latent variables, we propose corresponding optimization strategies and development proposals. This paper contributes to providing theoretical, practical, and technical support for the design of community accessibility that caters to socially vulnerable groups across “universal and all-ages” groups. It plays a proactive role in enhancing the quality of life for these vulnerable groups and promoting the improvement of accessibility environments in old communities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centric Space Design: Occupant Comfort, Wellbeing, and Post-occupancy Evaluation of Multi-Scale Built Environment)
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An Experimental Study on the Efficacy of Local Exhaust Systems for the Mitigation of Exhaled Contaminants in a Meeting Room
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Muhammad Farhan Ejaz, Simo Kilpeläinen, Panu Mustakallio, Weixin Zhao and Risto Kosonen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051272 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
In industrial applications, local exhaust systems have been used extensively for capturing and confining contaminants at their source. The present study investigates the efficacy of these systems in mitigating the spread of exhaled pollutants by combining them with mixing and displacement ventilation. Experiments
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In industrial applications, local exhaust systems have been used extensively for capturing and confining contaminants at their source. The present study investigates the efficacy of these systems in mitigating the spread of exhaled pollutants by combining them with mixing and displacement ventilation. Experiments were conducted in a simulated meeting room with six closely situated workstations, featuring five exposed persons (simulated with heated dummies) and one infected person (simulated with a breathing manikin). Six overhead local exhaust units, merged with panels, corresponding to workstations, were installed using a lowered false ceiling. Additionally, a table plenum setting for air inlets was introduced to enhance displacement ventilation effectiveness along with local exhaust systems. Results from 16 experimental cases are presented, using the local air quality index and ventilation effectiveness in the breathing zone. The local exhaust system improved the local air quality at the measuring locations closest to the infector in almost all test scenarios. The improvement, particularly significant with displacement ventilation, marked a maximum 35% increase in the local air quality index adjacent to the infector and 25% in the entire breathing zone of the tested meeting room. Moreover, the table plenum settings, coupled with displacement ventilation, further enhanced conditions in the breathing zone. Under the specific conditions of this investigation, the number of operational local exhausts had a marginal impact on mixing ventilation but a significant one on displacement ventilation tests. The efficacy of local exhaust systems was also influenced by the levels of heat gains present in the room. Overall, the study aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to identify sustainable solutions to mitigate indoor airborne diseases with a combination of supply and local exhaust units.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)
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Analysis of Resistance Characteristics and Research into Resistance Reduction of a Tee Based on Field Synergy
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Yajing Yan, Chongfang Song, Wuxuan Pan, Jie Wang and Yifan Bai
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051271 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The resistance loss and energy consumption when fluid flows through a tee in an HVAC system are severe. To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, a novel tee with a U-shaped deflector is proposed, supported by experiments and numerical simulations. The resistance
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The resistance loss and energy consumption when fluid flows through a tee in an HVAC system are severe. To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, a novel tee with a U-shaped deflector is proposed, supported by experiments and numerical simulations. The resistance reduction mechanism of the U-shaped deflector was analyzed according to the viscous dissipation principle and the field synergy principle. The resistance reduction of the novel tee with different deflector angles and a traditional tee were compared. The results show that the resistance loss of the tee was mainly due to the flow separation and deformation of the fluid in the main branch. The relationship between the local resistance coefficient and the diameter ratio of the main-branch pipe was exponential, and the relationship between the local resistance coefficient and the diameter ratio of the main straight pipe was linear. The total resistance loss reduction rate of the tee with the addition of a 26° deflector was the highest, reaching 72.4%, the volume-weighted average synergy angle increased by 1°, and the viscous dissipation decreased by 21.7%. This study provides a reference for the resistance reduction design of complex local components such as tees in HVAC systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Thermal Environment: Improving Indoor Comfort by Optimizing Ventilation Systems)
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The Use of Weighted Euclidean Distance to Provide Assistance in the Selection of Safety Risk Prevention and Control Strategies for Major Railway Projects
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Feng Guo, Xinning Lv, Jianglin Gu and Yanlin Wu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051270 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
A major railway project is a complex, giant system with multi-party participation, one characterized by complex geological conditions, long construction periods and large scale, which leads to an increased likelihood of safety risk events during construction. In order to solve the problem of
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A major railway project is a complex, giant system with multi-party participation, one characterized by complex geological conditions, long construction periods and large scale, which leads to an increased likelihood of safety risk events during construction. In order to solve the problem of scientific selection and formulation of safety risk prevention and control strategies for major railway projects, an auxiliary selection method of safety risk prevention and control strategies for major railway projects based on weighted Euclidean distance (WED) is proposed. The relevant ontology is used to conceptualize and formalize the knowledge of safety risks of major railroad projects, and combine the characteristics of major railroad projects; it refers to the prevention and control measures of historical safety risk events associated with major railroad projects, and then constructs the knowledge structure and case base around safety risks of major railroad projects and the circumstances of the case. In determining the comprehensive weights, the G1 method is used to determine the subjective weights, the anti-entropy weight method is used to determine the objective weights and game theory combines the subjective and objective weights. In comparing the array of safety risk prevention and control cases associated with major railway projects, the weighted Euclidean distance is used to calculate the similarity between these cases and the target case, which in turn assists project managers in determining the safety risk prevention and control strategies appropriate for major railway projects. This study takes Landslide No. 1 in the Tunnel A inlet planning area as an example. It utilizes the WED method to assist in selecting safety risk prevention and control strategies for major railway projects, which verifies the method’s feasibility. The proposed method enriches the method of the assisted selection of safety risk prevention and control strategies for major railway projects, makes strategy formulation more scientific, has specific reference significance for the formulation of safety risk prevention and control strategies for major railway projects, and promotes the improvement of safety risk prevention and risk control for participating units.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC))
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Open Ground Story Mid-Rise Buildings Represented by Simplified Systems
by
José L. Cabrera, Sonia E. Ruiz and Amador Teran-Gilmore
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051269 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
An improved methodology for the condensation of Multi-Degree-Of-Freedom (MDOF) systems to equivalent Two-Degree-Of-Freedom (2EDOF) systems is presented. The methodology is applied to mid-rise buildings with Open Ground-Story and verified by means of Nonlinear Time History Analyses. The buildings studied are divided into two
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An improved methodology for the condensation of Multi-Degree-Of-Freedom (MDOF) systems to equivalent Two-Degree-Of-Freedom (2EDOF) systems is presented. The methodology is applied to mid-rise buildings with Open Ground-Story and verified by means of Nonlinear Time History Analyses. The buildings studied are divided into two main segments: (a) ground story, whose stiffness and lateral strength are both provided only by reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames; and (b) from the second story to the roof, whose stiffness and lateral strength are provided by confined masonry walls. The proposed methodology allows us to do the following: (a) get the closest approximation to the real behavior of the MDOF system through the use of hysteresis rules with strength and stiffness degradation in the simplified system; (b) analyze the behavior of an OGS whose lateral stiffness is lower than the stiffness of the stories above; and (c) identify in which of the two subsystems (either the ground story with reinforced concrete frames or the second story with masonry) the maximum seismic demand of non-linear behavior occurs. For most of the cases studied and different scenarios of non-linear behavior, the 2EDOF simplified system reasonably approximates the MDOF system’s response; however, when a local failure in an upper story causes the collapse mechanism, the 2EDOF system does not adequately approximate the response of the MDOF system.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Engineering in Building)
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Effect of Diethanol-Isopropanolamine and Typical Supplementary Cementitious Materials on the Hydration Mechanism of BOF Slag Cement Pastes
by
Hongyu Wang, Xiaowei Gu, Xiaochuan Xu, Jianping Liu, Zhenguo Zhu and Shenyu Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051268 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of lithium slag and iron tailings on the hydration mechanism of Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag cement paste with the addition of 0.06% diethanol-isopropanolamine (DEIPA). This study examined the fluidity, compressive strength, pore solution pH, and hydration products
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This study investigated the effects of lithium slag and iron tailings on the hydration mechanism of Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag cement paste with the addition of 0.06% diethanol-isopropanolamine (DEIPA). This study examined the fluidity, compressive strength, pore solution pH, and hydration products of BOF slag-based composite cementitious materials. The results showed that DEIPA facilitated the conversion from ettringite (AFt) to monosulphate (AFm) and improved the early compressive strength of the BOF slag–cement mortar. Incorporating lithium slag into the DEIPA-containing BOF slag–cement system promoted AFt formation, increased calcium-silicate-hydrate production, and enhanced the microstructure. BOF slag, lithium slag, and iron tailings exhibit synergistic effects in cement pastes. BOF slag and lithium slag provided the reactive components SiO2 and Al2O3. In the early hydration stages, the iron tailings primarily served as fillers, accelerating the system’s reactions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Mechanical Properties of Civil Engineering Materials)
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Deep-Learning-Based Strong Ground Motion Signal Prediction in Real Time
by
Mohammad AlHamaydeh, Sara Tellab and Usman Tariq
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051267 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Processing ground motion signals at early stages can be advantageous for issuing public warnings, deploying first-responder teams, and other time-sensitive measures. Multiple Deep Learning (DL) models are presented herein, which can predict triaxial ground motion accelerations upon processing the first-arriving 0.5 s of
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Processing ground motion signals at early stages can be advantageous for issuing public warnings, deploying first-responder teams, and other time-sensitive measures. Multiple Deep Learning (DL) models are presented herein, which can predict triaxial ground motion accelerations upon processing the first-arriving 0.5 s of recorded acceleration measurements. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the K-means clustering algorithm were utilized to cluster 17,602 accelerograms into 3 clusters using their metadata. The accelerograms were divided into 1 million input–output pairs for training, 100,000 for validation, and 420,000 for testing. Several non-overlapping forecast horizons were explored (1, 10, 50, 100, and 200 points). Various architectures of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were trained and tested, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, and CNN-LSTMs. The utilized training methodology applied different aspects of supervised and unsupervised learning. The LSTM model demonstrated superior performance in terms of short-term prediction. A prediction horizon of 10 timesteps in the future with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) value of 8.43 × 10−6 g was achieved. In other words, the LSTM model exhibited a performance improvement of 95% compared to the baseline benchmark, i.e., ANN. It is worth noting that all the considered models exhibited acceptable real-time performance (0.01 s) when running in testing mode. The CNN model demonstrated the fastest computational performance among all models. It predicts ground accelerations under 0.5 ms on an Intel Core i9-10900X CPU (10 cores). The models allow for the implementation of real-time structural control responses via intelligent seismic protection systems (e.g., magneto-rheological (MR) dampers).
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Structural Health Monitoring of Buildings and Infrastructures)
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High-Resolution Mapping of Urban Residential Building Stock Using Multisource Geographic Data
by
Lina Shen, Lei Wang, Qi Yang and Min Ma
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051266 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The rapid pace of urbanization and the increasing concentration of populations in urban areas have generated a substantial demand for architectural structures, resulting in a significant increase in building stock and continuous material flows that interact with the environment. This study emphasizes the
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The rapid pace of urbanization and the increasing concentration of populations in urban areas have generated a substantial demand for architectural structures, resulting in a significant increase in building stock and continuous material flows that interact with the environment. This study emphasizes the importance of high-spatial-resolution mapping of residential building stock for effective urban-construction resource management, planning, and waste management. Focusing on Xi’an as a case study, the research develops a comprehensive framework for mapping urban residential building stock by integrating diverse data dimensions, including temporal, spatial, network, and multi-attribute aspects. The findings indicate that between 1990 and 2020, approximately 4758 residential communities were established in central Xi’an. The analysis of seven key residential construction materials revealed that the building stock escalated from 1.53 million tons to 731.12 million tons, with a steady spatial expansion of material distribution. The study attributes this growth to factors such as population increase, economic advancement, and policy initiatives, which, in turn, have driven the demand for residential building materials and reinforced the interdependence between urban expansion and residential construction development. Remarkably, from 1990 to 2020, the population surged by 2.1-fold, the economy by 66-fold, and the stock of residential building materials by 477-fold, indicating that the growth rate of material stock consistently outpaced that of both population and economic growth. Over the past three decades, the rapid expansion of residential buildings has led to the encroachment of urban ecological spaces by concrete structures. The methodology proposed in this study for quantifying building material offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban and environmental planners to foster responsible resource consumption and supports component-level circularity in the built environment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Management and Engineering: Residential Construction with Focus on Life Cycle of Buildings and Costs)
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