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
Research on the Energy Consumption Influence Mechanism and Prediction for the Early Design Stage of University Public Teaching Buildings in Beijing
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051358 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The public teaching buildings of universities have a large flow of people, high lighting requirements, and large energy consumption, which present significant potential for energy saving. The greatest opportunity for integrating “green” architectural design strategies lies in the design phase, especially the early
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The public teaching buildings of universities have a large flow of people, high lighting requirements, and large energy consumption, which present significant potential for energy saving. The greatest opportunity for integrating “green” architectural design strategies lies in the design phase, especially the early stage of architectural design. However, current designers often rely on experience or qualitative judgment for decision-making. Thus, there is a pressing need for rational and quantitative green architectural design theories and techniques to guide and support decision-making for the design parameters of teaching buildings. This study, based on field surveys of 40 teaching buildings, constructs building archetypes regarding energy consumption including 28 typical values. Based on the “Rectangle”, “L”, “U”, and “Courtyard” archetypes, through batch energy consumption simulation and multiple regression methods, the influence mechanisms of nine energy consumption influencing factors on four types of building energy consumptions were explored, and energy consumption prediction models were derived. The findings of this research can serve as factor evaluation and selection in the early stage of architectural design for public teaching buildings at universities, and the prediction model can assist in the early estimation of energy consumption. This aims to enrich and supplement green architectural design methods by supporting the design of green public teaching buildings and providing reference and application for relevant engineering practices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Problems and Legal Challenges in Urban and Rural Low-Carbon Development)
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Experimental and Finite Element Analyses of Adjustable Foundation Bolts in Transmission Towers
by
Huajie Yin, Xianzhi Xiao, Zhi Huang, Tengfei Zhao and Mojia Huang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051357 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Uneven settlement of transmission tower foundations can result in catastrophic events, such as tower collapse and line failures, disrupting power transmission operations. To address the challenging repairs caused by uneven foundation settlement of transmission towers, we propose an adjustable foundation bolt (AFB). This
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Uneven settlement of transmission tower foundations can result in catastrophic events, such as tower collapse and line failures, disrupting power transmission operations. To address the challenging repairs caused by uneven foundation settlement of transmission towers, we propose an adjustable foundation bolt (AFB). This paper provides a detailed theoretical analysis of the AFB’s stability and load-bearing capacity, including critical buckling force formulas and maximum normal stress expressions. Finite element simulations confirm the precision of our theoretical formulations. Additionally, we introduce a method using baffles to enhance its load-bearing capacity, analyzing the impact of different numbers of baffles through numerical simulations. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of baffles in enhancing structural load-bearing capacity. The device brings convenience and efficiency to the maintenance of transmission towers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)
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Progressive Failure Mechanism of Shield Tunnel Face in Complex Urban Geological Environment
by
Qingfei Huang and Kaihang Han
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051356 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The construction of multiple tunnels across inland rivers has had a significant influence on the improvement of the transportation infrastructure. The technology for constructing tunnels is progressing towards the development of larger cross-sections, longer distances, and the ability to withstand high hydraulic pressure
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The construction of multiple tunnels across inland rivers has had a significant influence on the improvement of the transportation infrastructure. The technology for constructing tunnels is progressing towards the development of larger cross-sections, longer distances, and the ability to withstand high hydraulic pressure in complex hydrogeological conditions, including high-permeability strata. In order to ensure the face stability of shield tunnels under high hydraulic pressure that crosses a fault fracture zone, it is necessary to study the progressive failure mechanism of shield tunnel faces induced by high hydraulic pressure seepage. This paper employs finite element numerical simulation software to methodically examine the variation in the characteristics of the water seepage field, limiting support force, and face stability failure mode of shield tunnels passing through fault fracture zones with high hydraulic pressure under varying fault fracture width zones. The results show that the formation hydraulic gradient will progressively widen when the tunnel face is located within the undisturbed rock mass and is advanced towards the area of fault fracture. This will raise the likelihood of instability in the shield tunnel and progressively raise the limiting support force on the tunnel face. Moreover, as the tunnel face nears the region of fault fracture within the undisturbed rock mass, the damage range increases gradually. In addition, due to the increase in seepage force, the angle between the failure area and the horizontal plane becomes more and more gentle. On the contrary, as the tunnel’s face moves closer to the undisturbed rock mass from the region of the fault fracture, the damage range gradually decreases, and the dip angle between the damage area and the horizontal plane becomes steeper and steeper due to the decreasing seepage force in the process. The study findings presented in this work are highly significant, both theoretically and practically, for the design and management of safety.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience of Urban Underground Space: Planning, Design, Assessment and Enhancement)
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Thermal Environment Analysis and Optimization for Large Space Buildings with Radiant Cooling Floors: A Case Study of Xianyang International Airport
by
Rong Hu, Haolin Wang, Junqi Liang, Xiaoping Li, Wenheng Zheng and Gang Liu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051355 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Radiant cooling floors combined with ventilation systems have been widely applied in large space buildings. However, there has been a lack of research on system control strategies for their adaptation to weather changes. This study aimed to find control strategies for radiant cooling
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Radiant cooling floors combined with ventilation systems have been widely applied in large space buildings. However, there has been a lack of research on system control strategies for their adaptation to weather changes. This study aimed to find control strategies for radiant cooling floors combined with displacement ventilation systems used in large space buildings in order to achieve energy conservation and environmental improvement. Supply air temperature and cooling surface temperature were determined to be the control variables. It was found that cooling capacity of the combined system and the comfort index, PMV (predicted mean vote), were linear in relation to the supply air temperature and cooling surface temperature. The linear equations regarding cooling capacity and PMV were established separately using environment data, and then the optimal region was determined. A case study on Terminal 3 of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport was conducted. The thermal environment was investigated through on-site measurements, questionnaires, and numerical simulations with CFD (computational fluid dynamics). It was found that supply air temperature and cooling surface temperature had a significant impact on PMV, and less impact on the cooling capacity. Therefore, it was determined that the supply air temperature should be altered first when the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit, and then the cooling surface temperature should be changed if the indoor environment continues to overheat with the supply air temperature set to 18 °C. Thus, the supply air temperature was kept at 18 °C, and the floor surface temperature was set to be 22 °C on a high-temperature day. The average PMV was 0.87, and the cooling capacity of the combined system was 200 W/(m2·K), according to the CFD simulation. In addition, the surface heat transfer coefficient of the cooling floor was found to be 10.26 W/(m2·K). This research provides important references for the design and operational management of radiant cooling floors in large space buildings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Energy Performance in Buildings)
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Shaking Table Tests and Numerical Analysis Conducted on an Aluminum Alloy Single-Layer Spherical Reticulated Shell with Fully Welded Connections
by
Jiawei Lu, Qiujun Ning, Xiaosong Lu, Fan Yang and Yuanshun Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051354 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Aluminum alloy offers the advantages of being lightweight, high in strength, corrosion-resistant, and easy to process. It has a promising application prospect in large-span space structures, with its primary application form being single-layer reticulated shells. In this study, shaking table tests were conducted
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Aluminum alloy offers the advantages of being lightweight, high in strength, corrosion-resistant, and easy to process. It has a promising application prospect in large-span space structures, with its primary application form being single-layer reticulated shells. In this study, shaking table tests were conducted on a 1/25 scale aluminum alloy single-layer spherical reticulated shell structure. A finite element (FE) model of the reticulated shell structure was established in Ansys. Compared with the experimental results, the deviation in natural frequency, acceleration amplitude, and displacement amplitude was less than 20%, confirming the validity of the model. An extensive analysis of the various rise–span ratios and connection constraints of a single-layer spherical reticulated shell structure was carried out using the proposed FE model. The experimental and simulation results showed that as the rise–span ratio of the aluminum alloy reticulated shell increases, the natural frequency of the reticulated shell structure also increases while the dynamic performance decreases. The connection of the circumferential members changes from a rigid connection to a hinged connection. The natural frequency of the reticulated shell structure is reduced by about 40% while the acceleration and displacement response values are decreased by approximately 15%.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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Effect of Micro-Cracks on Chloride Ion Diffusion in Concrete Based on Stochastic Aggregate Approach
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Qianfan Yang, Yuching Wu, Peng Zhi and Peng Zhu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1353; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051353 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
For concrete structures in offshore areas, chloride ion erosion is one of the main factors affecting durability. It is crucial to evaluate the chloride ion permeability resistance of concrete structures. In this paper, a finite element simulation of the chloride ion diffusion process
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For concrete structures in offshore areas, chloride ion erosion is one of the main factors affecting durability. It is crucial to evaluate the chloride ion permeability resistance of concrete structures. In this paper, a finite element simulation of the chloride ion diffusion process in concrete is conducted. A mass diffusion finite element model based on a random aggregate approach is established to investigate the influences of an aggregate, the interface transition zone, and micro-cracks on the chloride ion diffusion coefficients in concrete. The results show that the mass diffusion finite element analysis based on the exponential function model and the power function model can effectively simulate the chloride ion diffusion process in concrete. In addition, the data reveal that volume fraction and distribution aggregates considerably affect chloride ion diffusivity in concrete. Also, the interface transition zone significantly accelerates chloride ion diffusion in concrete. Moreover, this acceleration effect exceeds the barrier effect of an aggregate.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Concrete with Different Sources of Solid Waste)
Open AccessArticle
Investigation of Surface Modification of Bagasse Fibers: Performance of Asphalt Binders/Mixtures with Bagasse Fibers
by
Haiwei Xie, Yixuan Jia, Chunsheng Zhu, Weidong Liu, Zuzhong Li and Zhipeng Huang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051352 - 9 May 2024
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The influence of surface modification on the properties of bagasse fibers and asphalt binders/mixtures was investigated. Bagasse fibers were modified by single, binary, and ternary methods with hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium chlorite, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of bagasse fibers
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The influence of surface modification on the properties of bagasse fibers and asphalt binders/mixtures was investigated. Bagasse fibers were modified by single, binary, and ternary methods with hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium chlorite, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of bagasse fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and an adsorption test, respectively. The rheological properties of asphalt binders with bagasse fibers or lignin fibers were analyzed by the dynamic shear rheometer test and bending beam rheometer test. In addition, the performance of asphalt mixtures with bagasse fibers or lignin fibers were evaluated by a wheel rutting test, bending test at a low temperature, and water stability test, respectively. In conclusion, the hydrophilic functional groups on the fiber surface were partially eliminated by modification, facilitating the degradation of different fiber components. Furthermore, the degree of fibrillation was improved, and more interfaces with asphalt components were formed, thus enhancing the high-temperature deformation resistance of asphalt binders, but slightly impairing its low-temperature performance. Among all modification methods, the ternary composite modification exerted important influences on fiber structure, oil absorption, and rheological properties of asphalt binders, significantly enhancing the performance of asphalt mixtures. Combined with surface modification methods, bagasse fibers would be promising reinforced pavement materials.
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Code Requirements for the Seismic Design of Irregular Elevation RC Structures
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Davi Santos, José Melo and Humberto Varum
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051351 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The recent seismic activity highlights the crucial need to enhance seismic design and safety assessment methods, particularly for irregular structures, in both new and existing constructions. The present study focuses on structural irregularities in elevation for buildings, as the design of structural systems
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The recent seismic activity highlights the crucial need to enhance seismic design and safety assessment methods, particularly for irregular structures, in both new and existing constructions. The present study focuses on structural irregularities in elevation for buildings, as the design of structural systems involves multiple variables that often result in irregularities in many buildings. This work aims to perform a comparative assessment of the criteria adopted for the evaluation of the structural irregularities in elevation present in European and international seismic codes. This paper is structured as follows: Firtsly, it discusses structural irregularities and more specifically the most common types of structural damage due to seismic events. Then, it shows the documented experiences of structural damages in seismic events associated with structural irregularities in China, Italy, Spain, Nepal and Mexico. Additionaly, it discusses the requirements of the standards on irregularities and their limitation in that matter. At the end of this section, the different approaches of each code in irregularities in elevation are compared. All assessed seismic codes addresses the structural irregularity issue, attributing the desired characteristics of a seismic-resistant structure. However, there are considerable development differences between norms, demonstrated on ambiguity of few codes on criteria of vertical irregularies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Design of Building Structures)
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Digitization of AEC Industries Based on BIM and 4.0 Technologies
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Karol Zawada, Kinga Rybak-Niedziółka, Mikołaj Donderewicz and Agnieszka Starzyk
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051350 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
BIM and 4.0 technologies are currently the leading branches of digitization in construction. The aim of this article is to confront theses on building information modeling (BIM) and coexisting technologies, and to present an analysis along with conclusions regarding the digitization process of
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BIM and 4.0 technologies are currently the leading branches of digitization in construction. The aim of this article is to confront theses on building information modeling (BIM) and coexisting technologies, and to present an analysis along with conclusions regarding the digitization process of AEC industries using BIM methodology and advanced digital technologies within the scope of 4.0 technologies. Key aspects of BIM and 4.0 technology integration were discussed, including artificial intelligence (AI) or big data and data science analytics. The impact of these fields on design processes, as well as on data management, monitoring of design and construction progress, and overall efficiency of AEC industries, was analyzed. The article pays particular attention to the synergy between BIM and 4.0 technology, identifying benefits, challenges, and development perspectives. Conclusions indicate the growing importance of interdisciplinarity for improving AEC industry processes and the need to adapt to the changing digital landscape in the field of design and construction. A survey was conducted, where respondents’ answers were presented in the form of charts. Questions focused on the issue of the use of BIM methodology along with coexisting technologies in the design process by the Polish engineering staff. The research results indicate that the use of the latest technological solutions in Poland is still rare, and the digital potential of these solutions is not fully utilized. The article can make a significant contribution to the discussion on technological evolution in AEC industries, identifying development directions in the context of digitization and the use of the latest achievements of 4.0 technology. Previous research has not included such a wide spectrum of BIM use in Poland. An analysis was conducted comparing Poland in a global context with other countries in BIM adoption.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM-Based Construction Management: Trends and Prospects)
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A Calculation Method for Reliability Index of a Deep–Bedded Karst Tunnel Construction with Cavity Located Ahead of Tunnel Working Face
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Bo Wu, Wentao Sun and Guowang Meng
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051349 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
For the purpose of reliability quantitative assessment of the surrounding rock of the deeply embedded karst tunnel and the geological body around the cavern in the case of the cavern in the forepart of the tunnel face, on the basis of the upper
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For the purpose of reliability quantitative assessment of the surrounding rock of the deeply embedded karst tunnel and the geological body around the cavern in the case of the cavern in the forepart of the tunnel face, on the basis of the upper bound limit analysis method, the energy dissipation theory, as well as the reliability theory, the dimensionless performance function of each damage area of the deeply buried karst tunnels could be established in the case of the cavern in the front of the tunnel face. Subsequently, the probability of failure and the reliability index of each damage region of the deep–bedded karst tunnel in the case of the cavern in the front of this tunnel face should be calculated through the Monte Carlo simulation sampling approach. The investigation has demonstrated that the larger the cohesion of the geotechnical body and the larger the internal friction angle within the geotechnical body, the larger the reliability indexes of the geotechnical bodies around the tunnel. The larger the diameter of the cavern and the larger the tunnel burial depth, the greater the probability of failure in the left part of the geotechnical body around this cavern, and the smaller the reliability indexes of these damage areas.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Microwave-Induced Damage in Granite Aggregates Influenced by Mineral Texture
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Yuan Yuan and Shuang Zhao
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051348 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The use of microwave energy to recycle high-quality coarse aggregates from waste concrete or assist hard rock breakage in underground building engineering is promising. Controlling or promoting the damage of coarse aggregates, i.e., hard rocks, under microwave irradiation is a crucial issue faced
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The use of microwave energy to recycle high-quality coarse aggregates from waste concrete or assist hard rock breakage in underground building engineering is promising. Controlling or promoting the damage of coarse aggregates, i.e., hard rocks, under microwave irradiation is a crucial issue faced by these techniques. Understanding the damage mechanisms of hard rocks exposed to microwaves is thus urgent. Fracture toughness is a significant mechanical parameter of rocks that reflects their ability to resist crack propagation and damage evolution. In this study, the fracture toughness degradation of microwave-heated granite was investigated by combining experimental investigations and numerical simulations. A three-point-bending (TPB) experiment was conducted on granite specimens after microwave irradiation. A coupled electromagnetic–thermal–mechanical model considering the actual mineral texture of the granite specimen was established. The evolution of the temperature gradient and stress field near the initial notch tip were investigated. The results suggest that the microwave-induced maximum temperature gradient and stress in granite are at the plagioclase–quartz (Pl–Qtz) interfaces or inside the Pl near the boundary. The region of cracking initiation was defined as the damage zone, which could be obtained by comparing the microwave-induced thermal stress with the critical value. The fracture toughness degradation, which corresponds to the evolution of the damage zones, can be divided into two stages. A relatively rapid decrease in fracture toughness in the first stage is primarily caused by the spread of the scattered damage zones along the Pl–Qtz interfaces; subsequently, a gentler fracture toughness degradation results mainly from the extension of the previous damage zones.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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Evolutionary Algorithms for Strength Prediction of Geopolymer Concrete
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Bingzhang Huang, Alireza Bahrami, Muhammad Faisal Javed, Iftikhar Azim and Muhammad Ayyan Iqbal
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051347 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Geopolymer concrete (GPC) serves as a sustainable substitute for conventional concrete by employing alternative cementitious materials such as fly ash (FA) instead of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), contributing to environmental and durability benefits. To increase the rate of utilization of FA in the
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Geopolymer concrete (GPC) serves as a sustainable substitute for conventional concrete by employing alternative cementitious materials such as fly ash (FA) instead of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), contributing to environmental and durability benefits. To increase the rate of utilization of FA in the construction industry, distinctive characteristics of two machine learning (ML) methods, namely, gene expression programming (GEP) and multi-expression programming (MEP), were utilized in this study to propose precise prediction models for the compressive strength and split tensile strength of GPC comprising FA as a binder. A comprehensive database was collated, which comprised 301 compressive strength and 96 split tensile strength results. Seven distinct input variables were employed for the modeling purpose, i.e., FA, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, water, superplasticizer, and fine and coarse aggregates contents. The performance of the developed models was assessed via numerous statistical metrics and absolute error plots. In addition, a parametric analysis of the finalized models was performed to validate the prediction ability and accuracy of the finalized models. The GEP-based prediction models exhibited better performance, accuracy, and generalization capability compared with the MEP-based models in this study. The GEP-based models demonstrated higher correlation coefficients (R) for predicting the compressive and split tensile strengths, with the values of 0.89 and 0.87, respectively, compared with the MEP-based models, which yielded the R values of 0.76 and 0.73, respectively. The mean absolute errors for the GEP- and MEP-based models for predicting the compressive strength were 5.09 MPa and 6.78 MPa, respectively, while those for the split tensile strengths were 0.42 MPa and 0.51 MPa, respectively. The finalized models offered simple mathematical formulations using the GEP and Python code-based formulations from MEP for predicting the compressive and tensile strengths of GPC. The developed models indicated practical application potential in optimizing geopolymer mix designs. This research work contributes to the ongoing efforts in advancing ML applications in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of sustainable materials for the future.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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Development of a Systematic Approach for the Assessment of Adhesive Tape Suitability to Ensure Airtightness
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Milda Jucienė, Vaida Dobilaitė, Jurga Kumžienė, Karolis Banionis, Valdas Paukštys and Aurelija Stonkuvienė
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051346 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Ensuring the tightness of buildings using self-adhesive tapes is one of the cost-effective, efficient, and reliable solutions. There is a lack of research, standards, and methodologies for construction adhesive tape, especially for assessing the functional properties of the tape after ageing. The aim
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Ensuring the tightness of buildings using self-adhesive tapes is one of the cost-effective, efficient, and reliable solutions. There is a lack of research, standards, and methodologies for construction adhesive tape, especially for assessing the functional properties of the tape after ageing. The aim of this work is to evaluate the tightness of different building surfaces and adhesive tape systems by conducting artificial ageing. It was found that adhesive tapes with an acrylic adhesive base ensured a fully sealed system. In all cases, tapes applied to surfaces such as plywood, gypsum plasterboard, cement-bonded particle board, plastered cement-bonded particle board, and plastic board provided sufficient sealing. The air permeability of the tapes on the OSB was two to seven times higher than that of the defined sealed system with other surfaces. In most cases, air permeability increased on OSB, gypsum plasterboard, and plastered cement-bonded particle board after ageing. The least problematic surface is the plastic board. In all tested cases, adequate sealing was observed after ageing, with only three of all tested tapes not providing sufficient bonding strength.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
Open AccessArticle
Sensitivity Analysis of Modal Parameters of an RC Joint Subject to Progressive Damage under Cyclic Loads
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Amedeo Gregori, Lorenzo Bizzarri, Caterina D’Agostino, Angelo Aloisio, Riccardo Cirella and Rocco Alaggio
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051345 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the results of an experimental study that focused on the gradual modification of the modal parameters of reinforced concrete beam–column frames subjected to progressive damage under cyclic loading. As is commonly found in structures of the 1970s, the specimen was
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This paper presents the results of an experimental study that focused on the gradual modification of the modal parameters of reinforced concrete beam–column frames subjected to progressive damage under cyclic loading. As is commonly found in structures of the 1970s, the specimen was characterized by the absence of specific shear reinforcement in the nodal panel. The frame modal parameters were investigated using the ambient vibrations test (AVT) as a modal identification technique. In particular, quasi-static cyclic tests with increasing amplitudes were performed on the reinforced concrete frame specimen and the modal parameters were assessed at various stages of frame degradation. By establishing a correlation between the changes in the modal parameters and the mechanical indicators of the structural damage in the frame, this study aimed to determine whether the ambient vibration tests could offer meaningful insights for evaluating the structural health of this type of structural component. As a result of the damage that occurred in the tested RC frame, the residual experimental value of the first natural frequency of the specimen was found to reduce at 52.7% of the original reference value (undamaged stage). Similarly, the residual value of the frame stiffness was found to be as low as 43.82% of the initial one. Both these results confirmed that changes when monitoring the modal frequencies may provide quantitative indexes to describe the structural health of RC frames. In combination with static tests for a direct measure of the structural stiffness variations, the AVT technique was shown to have interesting potential in detecting the type, level, and distribution of the progressive damage in civil structures. In particular, exponential and polynomial regression curves were defined to describe the decay of the first natural frequency as the structural damage increased in various parts of the frame, and it was shown that the variation in the first natural frequency was determined more by the damage on the beam than by the damage on the joint.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Structural Dynamics and Analysis of Civil Structures and Engineering Materials)
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Machine Learning Prediction and Evaluation for Structural Damage Comfort of Suspension Footbridge
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Shaojie Zhao, Xing Tang and Yongjun Du
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051344 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
To investigate the impact of structural damages on the comfort level of suspension footbridges under human-induced vibrations, this study addresses the limitations of traditional manual testing, which often entails significant manpower and material resources. The aim is to achieve rapid estimation and health
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To investigate the impact of structural damages on the comfort level of suspension footbridges under human-induced vibrations, this study addresses the limitations of traditional manual testing, which often entails significant manpower and material resources. The aim is to achieve rapid estimation and health monitoring of comfort levels during bridge operation. To accomplish this, the study combines finite-element simulation results to establish a data-driven library and introduces three distinct machine learning algorithms. Through comparative analysis, a machine learning-based method is proposed for quick evaluation of bridge comfort levels. Focusing on the Yangjiadong Suspension Bridge, the study evaluates and researches the comfort level of the structure under the influence of human-induced vibrations. The findings revealed a relatively low base frequency and high flexibility. Additionally, when considering the mass of individuals, peak acceleration decreased. The predictive performance of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was found to be superior when accounting for multi-parameter damages, yielding root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and R-squared (R2) values of 0.03, 0.02, and 0.98, respectively. Moreover, the error ratio of the generalization performance analysis was below 5%. Furthermore, the study identified a damage coefficient of 0.13 for the bridge’s main cable, hanger, and steel longitudinal beam. Under a crowd density of 0.5 people per square meter, the predicted peak acceleration was 1.098 m/s2, with a model error of less than 10% compared to the observed value of 1.004 m/s2. These results underscore the model’s effectiveness in swiftly evaluating bridge comfort levels, thereby offering valuable insights for the health monitoring of bridge comfort levels.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applied in Civil Engineering, 2nd Volume)
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Research on Multi-Stage Post-Occupancy Evaluation Framework of Community Comprehensive Elderly Care Service Facilities under the Public-Private Partnership Mode—A Case Study of China
by
Lijun Lin, Lin Zhang, Shuai Geng, Yulin Zhao and Yuanyuan Tian
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051343 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The key to whether elderly individuals in the community can enjoy their later years peacefully lies in the service capabilities of community comprehensive elderly care service facilities (CCECSF) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. To maintain a high level of service capability in
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The key to whether elderly individuals in the community can enjoy their later years peacefully lies in the service capabilities of community comprehensive elderly care service facilities (CCECSF) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. To maintain a high level of service capability in community comprehensive elderly care service facilities under PPP mode, scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of these facilities is equally crucial. This article first constructs a post-occupancy evaluation index system of community comprehensive elderly care service facilities under PPP mode that includes three evaluation attributes and fifteen evaluation criteria based on the Chinese culture and lifestyle habits. Regarding the issue of direct users being unable to directly participate in evaluations, the uncertainty in evaluation information, and the volatility of evaluation results, a multi-stage post-occupancy evaluation model is constructed based on probabilistic linguistic term set, TOPSIS model and multi-stage decision theory. The above post-occupancy evaluation index system and evaluation model together constitute a multi-stage post-occupancy evaluation framework for community comprehensive elderly care service facilities under PPP mode. The outcomes of the case study indicate that the post-occupancy evaluation index system can offer a scientifically guided approach for evaluating the service level of community comprehensive elderly care service facilities under the PPP mode; meanwhile, the multi-stage evaluation model can enable direct user participation in the post-evaluation of facility usage and improve the robustness and reduce the fluctuation of the evaluation results, so as to improve the scientificity of the evaluation results.
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(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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Harnessing Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning Synergy as a Form of Strategic Energy Optimization in Architectural Design: A Case Study in Famagusta, North Cyprus
by
Hirou Karimi, Mohammad Anvar Adibhesami, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, Ali Salehi, Daniele Groppi and Davide Astiaso Garcia
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051342 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This study introduces a novel framework that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning and reinforcement learning, to enhance energy efficiency in architectural design. The goal is to identify architectural arrangements that maximize energy efficiency. The complexity of these models is acknowledged, and
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This study introduces a novel framework that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning and reinforcement learning, to enhance energy efficiency in architectural design. The goal is to identify architectural arrangements that maximize energy efficiency. The complexity of these models is acknowledged, and an in-depth analysis of model selection, their inherent complexity, and the hyperparameters that govern their operation is conducted. This study validates the scalability of these models by comparing them with traditional optimization techniques like genetic algorithms and simulated annealing. The proposed system exhibits superior scalability, adaptability, and computational efficiency. This research study also explores the ethical and societal implications of integrating AI with architectural design, including potential impacts on human creativity, public welfare, and personal privacy. This study acknowledges it is in its preliminary stage and identifies its potential limitations, setting the stage for future research to enhance and expand the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The findings indicate that the model can steer the architectural field towards sustainability, with a demonstrated reduction in energy usage of up to 20%. This study also conducts a thorough analysis of the ethical implications of AI in architecture, emphasizing the balance between technological advancement and human creativity. In summary, this research study presents a groundbreaking approach to energy-efficient architectural design using AI, with promising results and wide-ranging applicability. It also thoughtfully addresses the ethical considerations and potential societal impacts of this technological integration.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Energy Systems in the Built Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on Bonding Behavior between High Toughness Resin Concrete with Steel Wire Mesh and Concrete
by
Qu Yu, Yu Ren, Anhang Liu and Yongqing Yang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051341 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the interfacial bonding behavior between high toughness resin concrete with steel wire mesh (HTRCS) and concrete. A total of five sets of fifteen double shear specimens were tested for parameters including concrete strength and material properties of HTRCS composites. The
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This paper investigates the interfacial bonding behavior between high toughness resin concrete with steel wire mesh (HTRCS) and concrete. A total of five sets of fifteen double shear specimens were tested for parameters including concrete strength and material properties of HTRCS composites. The test results showed that the failure mode of DS1 specimens was partial debonding and fracture, and the rest of the specimens were the fracture of HTRCS. The concrete strength and reinforcement ratios of HTRCS composites were positively correlated with interfacial adhesion properties. When the concrete strength was increased from C30 to C40 and C50, the ultimate load increased by 43.4% and 43.2%, respectively. The ultimate load capacity increased by 32.1%, with the reinforcement ratio of HTRCS composites increasing from 1.05% to 1.83%. Moreover, the bonding slip model and the bearing capacity formula for the interface between HTRCS composites and concrete were proposed, and the calculation values were in good agreement with the test values, with an average value of 0.978.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Construction)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Impact of Campus Landscape Visual Elements Combination on Short-Term Stress Relief among College Students: A Case from China
by
Hui He, Tong Zhang, Qinghao Zhang, Sheng Rong, Yihe Jia and Fengqian Dong
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051340 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Although the effect of campus landscape space on stress relief among college students has been confirmed, few existing studies have considered the impact on stress recovery from the perspective of factor combination, and the key visual elements and the most effective combination of
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Although the effect of campus landscape space on stress relief among college students has been confirmed, few existing studies have considered the impact on stress recovery from the perspective of factor combination, and the key visual elements and the most effective combination of visual elements to relieve stress are still unclear. This study attempts to conduct a natural experiment within Chinese campuses, measuring physiological indicators of stress such as heart rate (HR), frequency domain index of heart rate variability (LF/HF), skin conductance level (SCL), skin temperature (SKT), and respiratory rate (RESP) using physiological instruments. It explored the effects of visual elements and their combinations in campus landscape spaces on short-term stress relief among college students through semantic segmentation, multifactorial analysis of variance, and post hoc multiple comparison methods. Research results demonstrate that the presence of water elements in the field of vision can effectively improve the stress relief effects of landscape spaces. Reasonable combinations of natural landscape elements and artificial landscape elements in the design can also effectively promote stress relief among students. Building facade area and sky area, water area and sky area, and plant species and pavement area are three combinations of factors with the strongest interactive effects. “Natural water scenery” and “exquisite artificial” are two campus landscape design patterns most conducive to short-term stress relief.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on Wind-Induced Dynamic Response and Statistical Parameters of Skeleton Supported Saddle Membrane Structure in Arching and Vertical Direction
by
Ziye Chen, Changjiang Liu, Dong Li, Jian Liu, Xiaowei Deng, Chiyu Luo and Guangen Zhou
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051339 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations are the mainstream methods to study the wind-induced vibration of structures. However, few articles use statistical parameters to point out the differences and errors of these two research methods in exploring the wind-induced response of membrane structures.
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Wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations are the mainstream methods to study the wind-induced vibration of structures. However, few articles use statistical parameters to point out the differences and errors of these two research methods in exploring the wind-induced response of membrane structures. The displacement vibration of a saddle membrane structure under the action of wind load is studied by wind tunnel tests and numerical simulation, and statistical parameters (mean, range, skewness, and kurtosis) are introduced to analyze and compare the displacement data. The most unfavorable wind direction angle is 0° (arching direction). The error between experiment and simulation is less than 10%. The probability density curve has a good coincidence degree. Both the test and simulation show a certain skewed distribution, indicating that the wind-induced vibration of the membrane does not obey the Gaussian distribution. The displacement response obtained by the test has good stability, while the simulated displacement response has strong discreteness. The difference between the two research methods is quantitatively given by introducing statistical parameters, which is helpful to improve the shortcomings of wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Load Effects on High-Rise and Long-Span Structures)
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