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Volume 11
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Buildings, Volume 11, Issue 12 (December 2021) – 104 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Façade claddings, as the outer protection layer of the building’s envelope, are directly exposed to environmental degradation agents. This study covers six types of cladding and three hundred case studies, located in Portugal. The statistical analysis results reveal that proximity to the sea and high exposure to pollutants aggravate the claddings’ degradation conditions, which are generally lower in south-oriented façades, reducing their expected service life. The claddings can be organized in two groups, the most durable (ceramic tiling system, natural stone cladding, and architectural concrete façades) and least durable (rendered façades, painted surfaces, and external thermal insulation composite systems). View this paper.
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28 pages, 1964 KiB  
Review
Adoption of Blockchain Technology through Digital Twins in the Construction Industry 4.0: A PESTELS Approach
by Benjamin Teisserenc and Samad Sepasgozar
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120670 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 86 | Viewed by 11658
Abstract
The key challenges of the building, engineering, construction, operations, and mining (BECOM) industries are the lack of trust, inefficiencies, and the fragmentation of the information value chain into vulnerable data silos throughout the lifecycle of projects. This paper aims to develop a novel [...] Read more.
The key challenges of the building, engineering, construction, operations, and mining (BECOM) industries are the lack of trust, inefficiencies, and the fragmentation of the information value chain into vulnerable data silos throughout the lifecycle of projects. This paper aims to develop a novel conceptual model for the implementation of blockchain technology (BCT) for digital twin(s) (DT) in the BECOM industry 4.0 to improve trust, cyber security, efficiencies, information management, information sharing, and sustainability. A PESTELS approach is used to review the literature and identify the key challenges affecting BCT adoption for the BECOM industry 4.0. A review of the technical literature on BCT combined with the findings from PESTELS analysis permitted researchers to identify the key technological factors affecting BCT adoption in the industry. This allowed offering a technological framework—namely, the decentralized digital twin cycle (DDTC)—that leverages BCT to address the key technological factors and to ultimately enhance trust, security, decentralization, efficiency, traceability, and transparency of information throughout projects’ lifecycles. The study also identifies the gaps in the integration of BCT with key technologies of industry 4.0, including the internet of things (IoT), building information modeling (BIM), and DT. The framework offered addresses key technological factors and narrows key gaps around network governance, scalability, decentralization, interoperability, energy efficiency, computational requirements, and BCT integration with IoT, BIM, and DT throughout projects’ lifecycles. The model also considers the regulatory aspect and the environmental aspect, and the circular economy (CE). The theoretical framework provides key technological building blocks for industry practitioners to develop the DDTC concept further and implement it through experimental works. Finally, the paper provides an industry-specific analysis and technological approach facilitating BCT adoption through DT to address the key challenges and improve sustainability for the BECOM industry 4.0. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction 4.0)
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15 pages, 2849 KiB  
Article
A New Response Surface Stochastic Analysis Method for Spatial Structure Stability—The Reticulated Shell Structure as an Example
by Huijuan Liu, Nicola Tondini, Xisen Lu, Chunxiang Chen and Zhonggen Xu
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120669 - 20 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2850
Abstract
For a long time, spatial structures have been widely used. However, compared with the high strength of their material, their stability is weak, and especially sensitive to damage and defects. This feature has increased the engineering industry’s high requirements for their stability analysis. [...] Read more.
For a long time, spatial structures have been widely used. However, compared with the high strength of their material, their stability is weak, and especially sensitive to damage and defects. This feature has increased the engineering industry’s high requirements for their stability analysis. As we all know, this problem is more prominent for the reticulated shell structure, which is a classic representative of the spatial structure. However, in the current analysis methods for the stability of reticulated shells, the deterministic analysis method cannot consider the random characteristics of defects. Other random methods, such as the random defect modal method, and many improved methods, require more samples and calculation time. This unfavorable situation makes its engineering application greatly restricted. In addition, the random modal superposition method and derivation method based on Monte Carlo has not fundamentally changed this limitation. In order to fundamentally overcome this traditional shortcoming, this paper comprehensively studies the advantages of the high accuracy of the random defect modal method and the improved method, and at the same time, investigates the speed advantage of the response surface method, and then creates a new stochastic analysis method based on the response surface method. Finally, the analysis results of the calculation examples in this paper prove that it successfully balances and satisfies the dual requirements of accuracy and speed required for calculating the stability of the reticulated shell structure. Moreover, it has universal applicability to different forms of reticulated shells, such as classic 6-point flat domes, traditional reticulated shell structures, and bionic reticulated shell structures, and even other types of spatial structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Structural Dynamics and Analysis of Civil Structures and Engineering Materials)
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29 pages, 75295 KiB  
Article
Effect of Needle Type, Number of Layers on FPAFC Composite against Low-Velocity Projectile Impact
by Nandhu Prasad, Gunasekaran Murali, Sallal R. Abid, Nikolai Vatin, Roman Fediuk and Mugahed Amran
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120668 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3073
Abstract
Protective structures subjected to intensive loads that may benefit from the use of multilayer composite structures with excellent hardness and impact resistance represent an emerging research field in recent times. In this study, low-velocity projectile impact tests were performed on Functionally-graded Preplaced Aggregate [...] Read more.
Protective structures subjected to intensive loads that may benefit from the use of multilayer composite structures with excellent hardness and impact resistance represent an emerging research field in recent times. In this study, low-velocity projectile impact tests were performed on Functionally-graded Preplaced Aggregate Fibrous Concrete (FPAFC) mixtures to evaluate their performance. The effects of projectile needle type, fibre type and hybridization in addition to the number of layers in the composites on projectile impact were investigated. The bioinspiration of the excellent impact strength of turtle shells was used to design an FPAFC comprising a higher amount of steel and polypropylene fibres at the outer layers. In parallel, one and two-layered concretes were also cast to assess the effectiveness of three-layered FPAFC. The tests were performed on disc specimens using non-deformable compound bevel, convex edge and hollow edge projectiles. The damage severity was quantified by the top damage area, bottom damage area and depth of penetration. In addition, a simple analytical model for predicting the composite mass expulsion was developed and implemented. Findings indicated that regardless of fiber type and distribution, the compound bevel projectile needle produced the lowest impact numbers for all single, double and triple-layer specimens compared to the convex edge and hollow edge projectiles. Repeated projectile impacts increased the penetration depth and damaged area at the top and bottom surfaces of all targets. Targets were more resistant to convex edge and hollow edge projectile penetration than the compound bevel. The experimental and analytical model results for mass expelled from the top surface are reasonably acceptable. This research gives an idea of developing advanced fibrous composite with superior impact resistance for the promising protective structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-performance Construction Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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25 pages, 13618 KiB  
Article
Physics-Based Ground Motion Simulations for the Prediction of the Seismic Vulnerability of Masonry Building Compounds in Mirandola (Italy)
by Nicola Chieffo, Marco Fasan, Fabio Romanelli, Antonio Formisano and Giovanni Mochi
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120667 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2915
Abstract
The current paper aims at investigating the seismic capacity of a masonry building aggregate in the historical centre of Mirandola based on a reliable ground motion simulation procedure. The examined clustered building is composed of eleven structural units (SUs) mutually interconnected to each [...] Read more.
The current paper aims at investigating the seismic capacity of a masonry building aggregate in the historical centre of Mirandola based on a reliable ground motion simulation procedure. The examined clustered building is composed of eleven structural units (SUs) mutually interconnected to each other, which are made of brick walls and are characterized by wooden floors poorly connected to the vertical structures. Non-linear static analyses are performed by adopting the 3Muri software to characterize the seismic capacity of both the entire aggregate and the individual SUs. In this framework, a multi-scenario physics-based approach is considered for the definition of the seismic input in terms of broadband seismic signals inclusive of source and site effects. Finally, the incidence of the seismic input variability is discussed for the prediction of the global capacity response of the case study building. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings: 10th Anniversary)
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22 pages, 6932 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation and Design Recommendations for Web Crippling Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Channels with Web Holes under Interior-One-Flange Loading at Elevated Temperatures
by Zhiyuan Fang, Krishanu Roy, Hao Liang, Keerthan Poologanathan, Kushal Ghosh, Abdeliazim Mustafa Mohamed and James B. P. Lim
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120666 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4271
Abstract
This paper investigates the interior-one-flange web crippling strength of cold-formed steel channels at elevated temperatures. The stress-strain curves of G250 and G450 grade cold-formed steel (CFS) channels at ambient and elevated temperatures were taken from the literature and the temperatures were varied from [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the interior-one-flange web crippling strength of cold-formed steel channels at elevated temperatures. The stress-strain curves of G250 and G450 grade cold-formed steel (CFS) channels at ambient and elevated temperatures were taken from the literature and the temperatures were varied from 20 to 700 °C. A detailed parametric analysis comprising 3474 validated finite element models was undertaken to investigate the effects of web holes and bearing length on the web crippling behavior of these channels at elevated temperatures. From the parametric study results, it was found that the web crippling strength reduction factor is sensitive to the changes of the hole size, hole location, and the bearing length, with the parameters of hole size and hole location having the largest effect on the web crippling reduction factor. However, the web crippling strength reduction factor remains stable when the temperature is changed from 20 to 700 °C. Based on the parametric analysis results, the web crippling strength reduction factors for both ambient and elevated temperatures are proposed, which outperformed the equations available in the literature and in the design guidelines of American standard (AISI S100-16) and Australian/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 4600:2018) for ambient temperatures. Then, a reliability analysis was conducted, the results of which showed that the proposed design equations could closely predict the reduced web crippling strength of CFS channel sections under interior-one-flange loading conditions at elevated temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings: 10th Anniversary)
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29 pages, 18199 KiB  
Article
Seismic Fragility Functions for Non-Seismically Designed RC Structures Considering Pounding Effects
by Hossameldeen Mohamed and Xavier Romão
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120665 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3549
Abstract
The proposed study develops fragility functions for non-seismically designed reinforced concrete structures considering different pounding configurations. The study addresses an existing research gap, since large-scale seismic risk assessment studies involving the seismic performance assessment of building portfolios usually do not involve fragility functions [...] Read more.
The proposed study develops fragility functions for non-seismically designed reinforced concrete structures considering different pounding configurations. The study addresses an existing research gap, since large-scale seismic risk assessment studies involving the seismic performance assessment of building portfolios usually do not involve fragility functions accounting for the possibility of pounding. The selected structures include configurations involving different separation distance values and exhibiting floor-to-floor pounding, floor-to-column pounding, pounding between structures with a significant height difference, and pounding between structures with a significant mass difference. The behaviour of these pounding configurations was analysed using incremental dynamic analysis and compared with that of the corresponding control cases (i.e., individual structures with no interaction with other structures). The results indicate the type of failure mechanism that contributes to the global collapse of the different configurations and the influence of the separation distance. Results highlight the main differences between the expected performance of different pounding configurations with respect to the occurrence of the failure mechanism that governs their collapse. Finally, results indicate that large-scale seismic risk assessment studies should consider fragility functions accounting for different pounding configurations when the possibility of pounding is not negligible, except in cases involving floor-to-floor pounding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Seismic Safety Assessment and Strengthening of Existing Constructions)
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21 pages, 5283 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Duration of the Lead Appointed Party Coordination Tasks and Evaluating the Appropriate Team Composition on BIM Projects
by Pavol Mayer, Tomáš Funtík, Ján Erdélyi, Richard Honti and Tomo Cerovšek
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120664 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3878
Abstract
This paper addresses critical success factors for the delivery of BIM projects. The lack of experience with BIM projects on both the demand and supply side often leads to insufficient project teams, unsatisfied clients, schedule, and cost overruns. In order to better structure [...] Read more.
This paper addresses critical success factors for the delivery of BIM projects. The lack of experience with BIM projects on both the demand and supply side often leads to insufficient project teams, unsatisfied clients, schedule, and cost overruns. In order to better structure and control the information delivery in BIM projects requirements, planning and delivery must be standardized. The latter was achieved by EIR (Exchange Information Requirements), new BIM roles, BEP (BIM Execution Plan), and specified digital handover, which must be supported by a common data environment (CDE). This paper provides an analysis of the characteristics of BIM project delivery and duration in Architectural and Engineering companies in Slovakia. The analysis is based on the web survey of BIM managers and coordinators, which reveals that a significant amount of BIM project efforts must be executed by BIM specialists. The results also graphically depict the scope of critical BIM activities across project phases. The presented study is relevant for various project stakeholders and allows for a deeper understanding of the resources needed for the successful delivery of BIM projects in terms of adequate project team capacity, capability, organization, and planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application Research of GIS and BIM Integration in Urban Building Planning)
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14 pages, 1733 KiB  
Article
Household Water and Energy Consumption Changes during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: Cases of the Kazakhstani Cities of Almaty, Shymkent, and Atyrau
by Aidana Tleuken, Galym Tokazhanov, Aray-Bibi Serikbay, Kuanysh Zhalgasbayev, Mert Guney, Ali Turkyilmaz and Ferhat Karaca
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120663 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3690
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the daily behaviors of people by forcing them to spend the majority of their time in their residences, particularly during social distancing measures. The increased time spent at home is expected to influence, among other things, the daily [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the daily behaviors of people by forcing them to spend the majority of their time in their residences, particularly during social distancing measures. The increased time spent at home is expected to influence, among other things, the daily consumption of utilities: specifically, water and energy. A prolonged presence of residents at home during COVID-19 lockdowns might increase strain on water and energy resources, which are mostly from non-renewable sources in several countries, including Kazakhstan; however, such potentially important effects have not yet been studied for the country. The present research aims to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns have affected the water and energy consumption in residential housings in cities of varying sizes in Kazakhstan, providing a novel understanding of the effect of pandemic lockdowns on household energy and water consumption. Energy and water consumption data of Almaty, Shymkent, and Atyrau have been first obtained from the local service companies, and then, the usage behavior was analyzed for the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. After, statistical tests were conducted to check the hypotheses regarding the effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the consumption of energy and water. The findings indicate that residential energy and water consumption increased during the lockdown periods in large and medium cities. Nevertheless, this growth is not highly significant compared to similar non-pandemic timeframes. This result could indicate a particular risk for sustainable resources consumption and put pressure on the supply companies. Moreover, in case of further lockdown measures, current building systems are at risk of increased pressure, and eventually, of failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 Pandemics on Buildings’ Energy Consumptions and Indoor Environmental Quality: Current Issues and Future Needs)
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19 pages, 912 KiB  
Review
Theorizing to Improve Mental Health in Multicultural Construction Industries: An Intercultural Coping Model
by Qinjun Liu, Yingbin Feng and Kerry London
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120662 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5403
Abstract
Construction workers are exposed to a range of stressors that lead to mental ill-health. In a multicultural construction workplace, the interactions between workers with different cultural backgrounds may aggravate mental health issues. Existing studies on coping typically focus on a reactive approach to [...] Read more.
Construction workers are exposed to a range of stressors that lead to mental ill-health. In a multicultural construction workplace, the interactions between workers with different cultural backgrounds may aggravate mental health issues. Existing studies on coping typically focus on a reactive approach to managing stressors in the absence of cultural-related factors. This approach is inadequate in addressing mental health issues in a culturally diverse construction workplace. This paper presents a critical review that synthesizes and analyses theories and models of stress and coping, proactive coping, occupational stress, acculturative stress, and intercultural competence to develop a conceptual model for managing mental health in a multicultural construction workforce. The proposed model relies upon a positive coping mechanism, i.e., intercultural coping, to manage stressful events during the entire coping process in a multicultural workplace, towards achieving sustained good mental health. The proposed conceptual model contributes to the development of coping theories and positive psychology approaches and provides effective coping strategies to enhance psychological well-being in a multicultural context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction Workplace Trends and Work Health and Safety)
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25 pages, 10212 KiB  
Review
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment and Strengthening of Heritage Timber Buildings: A Review
by Amirhosein Shabani, Ali Alinejad, Mohammad Teymouri, André Nascimento Costa, Mahgol Shabani and Mahdi Kioumarsi
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120661 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6024
Abstract
Recent studies highlight the potential impact of earthquakes on cultural heritage sites and monuments, which in turn yield significant adverse impacts on economies, politics, and societies. Several aspects such as building materials, structural responses, and restoration strategies must be considered in the conservation [...] Read more.
Recent studies highlight the potential impact of earthquakes on cultural heritage sites and monuments, which in turn yield significant adverse impacts on economies, politics, and societies. Several aspects such as building materials, structural responses, and restoration strategies must be considered in the conservation of heritage structures. Timber is an old organic construction material. Most of the historic timber structures were not designed to withstand seismic forces; therefore, the seismic vulnerability assessment of heritage timber structures in areas with high seismic hazard is essential for their conservation. For this purpose, different strategies for the numerical modeling of heritage timber buildings have been developed and validated against tests results. After performing seismic analysis using detailed analytical methods and predicting the susceptible structural components, strengthening techniques should be utilized to mitigate the risk level. To this aim, various methods using wooden components, composite material, steel components, SMA etc., have been utilized and tested and are reviewed in this study. There are still some gaps, such as full-scale numerical modeling of strengthened buildings and investigating the soil–structure interaction effects on the seismic behavior of buildings that should be investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection The Methods, Tools and Techniques for the Preservation of Existing Structures)
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31 pages, 2980 KiB  
Article
Working from Home in Italy during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Survey to Assess the Indoor Environmental Quality and Productivity
by Francesco Salamone, Benedetta Barozzi, Alice Bellazzi, Lorenzo Belussi, Ludovico Danza, Anna Devitofrancesco, Matteo Ghellere, Italo Meroni, Fabio Scamoni and Chiara Scrosati
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120660 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4914
Abstract
Italians were the first European citizens to experience the lockdown due to Sars-Cov-2 in March 2020. Most employees were forced to work from home. People suddenly had to share common living spaces with family members for longer periods of time and convert home [...] Read more.
Italians were the first European citizens to experience the lockdown due to Sars-Cov-2 in March 2020. Most employees were forced to work from home. People suddenly had to share common living spaces with family members for longer periods of time and convert home spaces into workplaces. This inevitably had a subjective impact on the perception, satisfaction and preference of indoor environmental quality and work productivity. A web-based survey was designed and administered to Italian employees to determine how they perceived the indoor environmental quality of residential spaces when Working From Home (WFH) and to investigate the relationship between different aspects of users’ satisfaction. A total of 330 valid questionnaires were collected and analysed. The article reports the results of the analyses conducted using a descriptive approach and predictive models to quantify comfort in living spaces when WFH, focusing on respondents’ satisfaction. Most of them were satisfied with the indoor environmental conditions (89% as the sum of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses for thermal comfort, 74% for visual comfort, 68% for acoustic quality and 81% for indoor air quality), while the layout of the furniture negatively influenced the WFH experience: 45% of the participants expressed an unsatisfactory or neutral opinion. The results of the sentiment analysis confirmed this trend. Among the Indoor Environmental factors that affect productivity, visual comfort is the most relevant variable. As for the predictive approach using machine learning, the Support Vector Machine classifier performed best in predicting overall satisfaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 Pandemics on Buildings’ Energy Consumptions and Indoor Environmental Quality: Current Issues and Future Needs)
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29 pages, 18736 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Certification Systems for Architectural Solutions in Green Office Buildings in the Perspective of Occupant Well-Being
by Magdalena Grzegorzewska and Paweł Kirschke
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120659 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6304
Abstract
The green building certification system has long-lasting benefits by improving building efficiency and sustainability. The ultimate goal of such classification is to promote the preservation of the global environment as well as the occupants’ well-being and their health. In this paper, we present [...] Read more.
The green building certification system has long-lasting benefits by improving building efficiency and sustainability. The ultimate goal of such classification is to promote the preservation of the global environment as well as the occupants’ well-being and their health. In this paper, we present examples of buildings that have been designed and built in Poland and have been certified with BREEAM, LEED and WELL. Our study investigates human factors in certification systems and examines the WELL Building Standard as a supplement to other green systems, which will probably be the most popular in the future. The green building movement should prioritize pro-human factors and the associated environmental beliefs to improve indoor environment quality for users’ needs. We present this matter on the example of the Polish office space market, providing statistics and analyzing the architecture of six certified office buildings from Warsaw, Poznań and Wrocław. They are a representative sample of buildings designed following the certification regime. It was demonstrated how this aids in improving work comfort, enhances the program of office spaces and the organization of service spaces within buildings, which increases the rank of this architecture and positively affects the urban environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architecture, City, People, and Structure)
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23 pages, 1357 KiB  
Article
Optimal Planning of Hotel Renovation Projects
by Mansour AlOtaibi, Khaled El-Rayes, Ayman Altuwaim and Abdullah AlOmani
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120658 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5003
Abstract
This paper presents the development of a novel model for optimizing the planning of hotel renovation projects to maximize hotel revenues during renovation work while minimizing project cost. The model is developed in three main modules: optimization, scheduling, and hotel profit modules. The [...] Read more.
This paper presents the development of a novel model for optimizing the planning of hotel renovation projects to maximize hotel revenues during renovation work while minimizing project cost. The model is developed in three main modules: optimization, scheduling, and hotel profit modules. The model integrates an innovative methodology that enables renovation planners to select which hotels to renovate during any fiscal year based on an allocated renovation budget and identify an optimal floor renovation start date, optimal overtime hours usage and number of assigned crews for each renovation activity, and an optimal floor renovation order in each hotel. An application example of three hotels is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and demonstrate its capabilities. The results of this analysis illustrate the novel contributions of the model and its original capability in generating optimal plans for hotel renovation projects that enable hotel owners to maximize revenues of their hotels during renovation work while minimizing hotel renovation costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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25 pages, 6256 KiB  
Article
Rotation-Free Based Numerical Model for Nonlinear Analysis of Thin Shells
by Hrvoje Smoljanović, Ivan Balić, Ante Munjiza and Viktor Hristovski
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120657 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2837
Abstract
This paper presents a computationally efficient numerical model for the analysis of thin shells based on rotation-free triangular finite elements. The geometry of the structure in the vicinity of the observed triangular element is approximated through a controlled domain consisting of nodes of [...] Read more.
This paper presents a computationally efficient numerical model for the analysis of thin shells based on rotation-free triangular finite elements. The geometry of the structure in the vicinity of the observed triangular element is approximated through a controlled domain consisting of nodes of the observed finite element and nodes of three adjacent finite elements between which a second-order spatial polynomial is defined. The model considers large displacements, large rotations, small strains, and material and geometrical nonlinearity. Material nonlinearity is implemented by considering the von Mises yield criterion and the Levi–Mises flow rule. The model uses an explicit time integration scheme to integrate motion equations but an implicit radial returning algorithm to compute the plastic strain at the end of each time step. The presented numerical model has been embedded in the program Y based on the finite–discrete element method and tested on simple examples. The advantage of the presented numerical model is displayed through a series of analyses where the obtained results are compared with other results presented in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Non-linear Modelling and Analysis of Buildings)
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27 pages, 5797 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Impact of Building Façade Thickness on Daylight Metrics and Lighting Energy Demand in Buildings: A Case Study of the Tropics
by Rizki A. Mangkuto, Atthaillah, Mochamad Donny Koerniawan and Brian Yuliarto
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120656 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2823
Abstract
In daylighting design, variation of building façade thickness (f) will result in variation of the daylight opening areas, which in turn will modify the values of daylight metrics within the space. However, studies dedicated to investigating the impact of varying f [...] Read more.
In daylighting design, variation of building façade thickness (f) will result in variation of the daylight opening areas, which in turn will modify the values of daylight metrics within the space. However, studies dedicated to investigating the impact of varying f on indoor daylight metrics are relatively scarce. This study, therefore, aims to assess the theoretical impact of various façade thicknesses on various daylight metrics and lighting energy demands in a reference office space. Analytical calculations are performed using an outdoor diffuse illuminance profile of a tropical city. The building façade thickness values are varied within 0–0.50 m, at window-to-wall ratios (WWR) of 25%, 50%, and 75%. Based on sensitivity analysis, it is found that variation of f yields different impacts on the observed metrics, with sDA300/50% being the least influenced. Among all metrics in the central calculation point, DA300, UDI-a, and UDI-a′ yield relatively small coefficients of variation, and thus, have the lowest uncertainty with respect to f. Among all metrics for the entire room, sDA300/50% and sUDI-a50% have the lowest uncertainty, with interquartile ranges of no more than 0.4%. Overall, the contribution of this study is providing insight into the impact of façade thickness on various daylight metrics in indoor spaces, particularly in the worst-case scenario under the standard CIE overcast sky. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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17 pages, 4514 KiB  
Article
Thermal Comfort Performances of Temporary Shelters Using Experimental and Computational Assessments
by Alex Yong Kwang Tan and Chi-Keong Tan
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120655 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3307
Abstract
This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer conditions. The temperature within the tent was higher compared to the standard configuration of the temporary shelter, but its relative humidity was lower. During the time period 09:30 to 14:30, [...] Read more.
This paper examines the thermal comfort of temporary shelters under Taiwan’s subtropical summer conditions. The temperature within the tent was higher compared to the standard configuration of the temporary shelter, but its relative humidity was lower. During the time period 09:30 to 14:30, temperatures at the center of the tent at positions 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 3.1 °C, 5.5 °C and 6.0 °C higher, respectively, than the average ambient temperature of 36.3 °C. However, temperatures for the standard configuration at similar central positions of 0.10 m, 1.10 m and 1.70 m above ground were 1.2 °C, 0.5 °C and 0.7 °C lower, respectively, than the same average ambient. In the afternoon, the standard configuration (PMV of 3.14 and PPD of 100) performed better than the tent (PMV of 5.03 and PPD of 100), although neither achieved thermal comfort. Various experimental configurations showed that double layers of roof lowered temperatures, but the thermal comfort (PMV of 3.32 and PPD of 100) remained unchanged. Various computational configurations showed that closing the door and one window and installing a mechanical fan of average speed 2.75 m/s lowered the temperature and increased the air speed to achieve thermal comfort with PMV and PPD values of 1.49 and 50, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction Management and Disaster Risk Management)
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29 pages, 11497 KiB  
Article
Inside a Microapartment: Design Solutions to Support Future Sustainable Lifestyles
by Barbara Ewa Gronostajska and Anna Szczegielniak
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120654 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3794
Abstract
The purpose of this study wass to assess the interior design solutions of residential microflats built in large European cities in countries from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A sample consisting of thirty representative microflats with a floor area below [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study wass to assess the interior design solutions of residential microflats built in large European cities in countries from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A sample consisting of thirty representative microflats with a floor area below 35 m2 was selected for the study. The flats were intended for either permanent or temporary occupancy and were built over the past fifteen years. The research field covered several large European cities, where demand for such units is high. Comparative analyses of different microflat interior design models were performed. The objective of the study was to determine which contemporary microflat interior design solutions (such as space layout, furniture layout, and design, color, and material design) are optimal and the most commonly used. Sets of design solutions applied in microflats were collected and documented. The study used a range of research methods, including a review of the literature, websites, field research, and comparative analysis. The set of presented interior design solutions and the conclusions drawn from the analyses can be useful to architects and interior designers who design microflats and residential units with greater floor areas, or flats where effective use of floor area is crucial (e.g., student housing). It is also worth mentioning that the existing literature on microflats focuses primarily on the United States and Australia and not Europe, and discusses the economics and ecology of inhabiting microflats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architecture, City, People, and Structure)
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24 pages, 28568 KiB  
Article
Timber and Multi-Storey Buildings: Industry Perceptions of Adoption in Australia
by Giorgio Marfella and Kimberly Winson-Geideman
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120653 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3504
Abstract
The use of Engineered Wood Systems (EWS) as structural alternatives or complements of traditional materials, such as steel and concrete, is of growing interest and acceptance in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Gathering evidence from the Australian context, this paper proposes a [...] Read more.
The use of Engineered Wood Systems (EWS) as structural alternatives or complements of traditional materials, such as steel and concrete, is of growing interest and acceptance in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Gathering evidence from the Australian context, this paper proposes a roadmap for the adoption of EWS as the primary structural materials of medium-rise buildings, with the scope of increasing levels of public awareness about the potential and current shortcomings of these building technologies. A nation-wide survey with stakeholders at the forefront of adoption in structural design, construction, and property development, indicates that the demand for timber in multi-storey projects has promising prospects of growth, but faces circumstantial industry-wide hurdles in the short to medium term. Awareness of benefits and inclination towards more use of timber among designers are positive factors that provide a promising base for further adoption. The translation of positive front-end design attitudes into adoption, however, requires holistic long-term investment efforts with industry-wide education. The pathway to innovation for timber in multi-storey projects needs to grow beyond mere promotional strategies of its benefits, seeking to expand technical knowledge through education and reaching out beyond a group of already committed and knowledgeable stakeholders at the forefront of adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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1 pages, 163 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Järvenpää et al. Contextual Communicative Competence in Multinational Infrastructure Projects. Buildings 2021, 11, 403
by Anna-Therése Järvenpää, Anthony Pavlik and Tina Karrbom Gustavsson
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120652 - 16 Dec 2021
Viewed by 1497
Abstract
The authors would like to make the following correction regarding the paper Contextual Communicative Competence in Multinational Infrastructure Projects [...] Full article
14 pages, 2370 KiB  
Article
Novel Methodology for Sizing a Single U-Tube Ground Heat Exchanger Useful at the Early Design Stage
by Seung-Hyo Baek, Byung-Hee Lee and Myoung-Souk Yeo
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120651 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2044
Abstract
Renewable energy system (RES) is an environmentally friendly source of energy. A suitable design of RES is crucial to implement an energy-efficient building such as a zero energy building (ZEB). The significance of appropriate decision-making for the successful implementation of energy-efficient buildings has [...] Read more.
Renewable energy system (RES) is an environmentally friendly source of energy. A suitable design of RES is crucial to implement an energy-efficient building such as a zero energy building (ZEB). The significance of appropriate decision-making for the successful implementation of energy-efficient buildings has been increasing. In addition, the identification of the sizing of RES is equally important for architects or HVAC engineers. In this study, a novel sizing method for a single U-tube ground heat exchanger (GHE) is proposed. A transient thermal analysis for a single GHE is performed by considering ground temperature recovery effect as well as other major design parameters. The results are used to design the proposed sizing method and were verified by transient simulations for different design cases. Additionally, it was observed that the coefficient of variation of root mean square error (CV(RMSE)) for all ten design cases was lower than 15% during the heating and cooling seasons. Thus, the proposed design method can be used for sizing a GHE in the early design stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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37 pages, 22784 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Increased Density on Residential Property Values in Sydney, New South Wales
by Narvaez Sodhi, Sara Shirowzhan and Samad Sepasgozar
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120650 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5284
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of high-density development on low-density residential property values in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). To do so, it conducts a literature review to ascertain the existing knowledge surrounding the study of property valuation and its economic and societal [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the impact of high-density development on low-density residential property values in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). To do so, it conducts a literature review to ascertain the existing knowledge surrounding the study of property valuation and its economic and societal implications. Limitations within academia were identified and addressed as the objectives of this research. Subsequently, the key objective of this research is to “study the sociological factors dictating the attractiveness of low-density (LD) properties within proximity to high-density (HD) local characteristics.” In addressing this objective, research questions explore the interactions of an area’s local characteristics, its residents’ property types and the perceptions surrounding these interactions. This research studies property value through the lens of market perceptions, as the price of land is a basic indicator of the attractiveness, economic value and amenities accessible to a specific site. Through this seminal understanding, the research methodology was formed in which a questionnaire was completed by Sydney residents, providing data for analysis and discussion. The primary research question determines that “low-density residents perceive high-density local characteristics to be attractive”. Through this determination and its associated discussion, this study proposes that ‘if high-density local characteristics are able to be utilised by low-density properties, low-density residents will consider these properties to be more valuable’. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Cities and Infrastructure)
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21 pages, 27997 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Photovoltaic Energy Saving Potential and Investment Value of Urban Buildings in China Based on GIS Technology
by Wenjie Zhang, Fengcheng Huang, Kai Mao, Changqing Lin and Zhen Pan
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120649 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3122
Abstract
The environmental and energy crisis has become a problem that can not be ignored in today’s world and improving the proportion of renewable energy utilization is an important way to alleviate the problem. China has begun to vigorously develop rooftop photovoltaic systems, and [...] Read more.
The environmental and energy crisis has become a problem that can not be ignored in today’s world and improving the proportion of renewable energy utilization is an important way to alleviate the problem. China has begun to vigorously develop rooftop photovoltaic systems, and it is urgent to analyze the photovoltaic potential of the country. In this paper, GIS technology is used to calculate the available area of a PV system on the roof of urban buildings in China. The installed capacity and annual power generation of a PV system on the roof of urban buildings in China are further calculated, and the investment cost analysis of the buildings with a PV system is carried out. The results show that Chinese mainland city rooftop photovoltaic area has reached 3.35 billion m2. If urban roofs are used for photovoltaic power generation in China, the annual photovoltaic power generation capacity will be 672 billion kWh, which is about 61% of the total annual electricity consumption of the whole society in 2020. On the other hand, the initial investment in the construction of an urban photovoltaic system is large, but most of them can realize the return of investment in a short period of 8–10 years. Moreover, in the effective life of the follow-up photovoltaic system, it will bring greater economic benefits, which is more than two times the initial investment. To further promote the process of social carbon peak and carbon neutrality in China, the construction of an urban photovoltaic system is very feasible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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20 pages, 8304 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Performance of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete V-Shaped Columns
by Rafea F. Hassan, Nabeel H. Al-Salim, Nisreen S. Mohammed and Husam H. Hussein
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120648 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 12645
Abstract
Structural engineers have used V-shaped columns based on technical requirements. The inclination of the V-shaped column underlines the individual purpose of the base floor. However, there is no any specification or guidance on the design of V-shaped columns to date. The aim of [...] Read more.
Structural engineers have used V-shaped columns based on technical requirements. The inclination of the V-shaped column underlines the individual purpose of the base floor. However, there is no any specification or guidance on the design of V-shaped columns to date. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of V-shaped reinforced concrete columns with three angles between columns (30°, 60°, and 90°) in order for the results to be used in the design and analysis of the V-shaped column. The impact of using a 1.5% dosage of micro-straight-steel fiber (MSSF) in the concrete mixture was also studied. The results showed that the V-shaped column with 30°, regardless of the concrete type (with and without MSSFs), exhibited crushing at legends when the sample reached the ultimate load, while no cracks occurred at the legends during the test for the other V-shaped columns. Upon increasing the angle of inclination of the V-shaped columns, the ultimate load capacity was decreased by 24%, 23%, and 20% for V-shaped columns with 30°, 60°, and 90° angles of inclination, respectively. The addition of MSSFs in the concrete significantly improved the ultimate axial load and the bending moment compared to the reference specimens with the normal reinforced concrete (NRC). The steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) vertical column specimen demonstrated the highest increase in axial load, and the other SFRC V-shaped and flexural specimens showed a minor increase compared to the NRC specimens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)
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19 pages, 1348 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Success Evaluation Framework for Socio-Natural Disaster Recovery Projects
by Homa Bahmani and Wei Zhang
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120647 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3255
Abstract
There is an ample amount of studies attempting to evaluate the success of recovery projects. However, they mostly focused on unilateral success indicators and ignored the continual lifespan and various stakeholders. This study has focused on addressing these obstacles by proposing a comprehensive [...] Read more.
There is an ample amount of studies attempting to evaluate the success of recovery projects. However, they mostly focused on unilateral success indicators and ignored the continual lifespan and various stakeholders. This study has focused on addressing these obstacles by proposing a comprehensive success evaluation framework for recovery projects following socio-natural disasters through identifying the success dimensions and their effectual parameters. Triangulation of the results of quantitative and qualitative methods and the logic of qualitative comparative analysis were used to answer the research questions. System thinking and the concept of resiliency and sustainability, known as key performance indicators, structured the success measurements. The effectual elements on the success, critical success factors, were grouped according to the continuous life-cycle of these projects. Finally, the framework for success evaluation of socio-natural disaster recovery projects illustrates interactions among the deducted critical success factors and key performance indicators. The proposed framework may serve as more efficient guidelines to set and follow the recovery goals, comprehensively considering a wide range of stakeholders and long-term recovery. The results of this study can be subject to further research by using different methods to enhance the comprehensivity of the framework. The authors will conduct further research to verify the suggested framework by implementing case studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction Management and Disaster Risk Management)
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24 pages, 2006 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Decisive Causes of PPP Project Disputes in China
by Xiaoxiao Zheng, Yisheng Liu, Ruijiao Sun, Jinzhao Tian and Qi Yu
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120646 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3476
Abstract
Disputes are inevitable in public-private partnership (PPP) projects and generate great losses of time and money in practice. If an in-depth understanding of dispute sources can be obtained beforehand, the process of PPP may become more smooth. This paper aims to identify and [...] Read more.
Disputes are inevitable in public-private partnership (PPP) projects and generate great losses of time and money in practice. If an in-depth understanding of dispute sources can be obtained beforehand, the process of PPP may become more smooth. This paper aims to identify and assess the causes of PPP disputes between the public and private sectors. First, 15 causes are explored based on the PPP litigation cases from China Judgments Online. Second, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is utilized to provide a holistic understanding of the relative importance and define the cause-effect categories among PPP dispute sources. The results demonstrate that the top three decisive causes of PPP disputes are the repudiation of contracts (result category), lack of expertise and experience (reason category), and unreasonable risk allocation (result category). Further, dispute avoiding strategies are proposed to minimize or completely avoid the occurrence of PPP disputes. The outputs are expected to add meaningful insights to potential sources of dispute and dispute prevention mechanisms in PPPs. To some extent, the investors can develop strategic measures through the findings before entering into PPP markets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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28 pages, 322 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Safety, Health and Environmental Management Capability Maturity Model for Construction Organisations: A Case Study in Ghana
by Millicent Asah-Kissiedu, Patrick Manu, Colin Anthony Booth, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu and Kofi Agyekum
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120645 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4318
Abstract
Safety, health and environmental (SHE) management is becoming a priority as construction companies (i.e., contractors) strive to reduce construction accidents and negative environmental impacts, conform to regulatory requirements, and sustain their competitiveness. Consequently, construction firms are expected to adopt and implement innovative SHE [...] Read more.
Safety, health and environmental (SHE) management is becoming a priority as construction companies (i.e., contractors) strive to reduce construction accidents and negative environmental impacts, conform to regulatory requirements, and sustain their competitiveness. Consequently, construction firms are expected to adopt and implement innovative SHE management systems to mitigate SHE risks effectively and efficiently. For construction firms to effectively do this, they need to have the adequate capability in respect of integrated SHE management. However, there is limited empirical insight regarding the integrated SHE management capabilities of construction companies. Furthermore, there is limited insight regarding the mechanisms for ascertaining the integrated SHE management capability of construction companies to guide such organisations towards SHE management excellence in their operations. Drawing on the capability maturity model integration (CMMI) concept, this study, by applying expert reviews (i.e., Delphi technique and the design methodology for capability maturity grids), developed an integrated Safety, Health and Environmental Management Maturity Model (iSHEM-CMM). The model offers capability maturity assessment on a five-level scale within five thematic categories and 20 integrated SHE management capability attributes. Based on an industrial validation by construction professionals, it is concluded that the maturity model is a useful assessment framework or tool for industry stakeholders, particularly construction firms, to evaluate the status of their current SHE management capabilities, identify strengths and improvement areas, and accordingly prioritise strategies/actions for improving their SHE management. Furthermore, clients who appoint construction companies could use the model as part of prequalification arrangements in selecting construction companies with an adequate SHE management capability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings: 10th Anniversary)
23 pages, 1977 KiB  
Article
Developing a Scoring System to Evaluate the Level of Smartness in Commercial Buildings: A Case of Sri Lanka
by Randima Nirmal Gunatilaka, Fathima Nishara Abdeen and Samad M. E. Sepasgozar
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120644 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4536
Abstract
Smart buildings (SBs) are developed in many different ways and are self-proclaimed smart. There are a great number of publications introducing smart systems using a wider range of tools and sensors. However, the level of smartness, functions of the smart system, and the [...] Read more.
Smart buildings (SBs) are developed in many different ways and are self-proclaimed smart. There are a great number of publications introducing smart systems using a wider range of tools and sensors. However, the level of smartness, functions of the smart system, and the usefulness of the system are not the same, which may give a wrong impression to clients or potential buyers of a building. Developing a scoring system that enables determining the overall smartness of a building is necessary. Despite the necessity, there is a dearth of studies in this area. Hence, the purpose of this study is to develop a scoring system to evaluate the level of smartness of Sri Lankan commercial buildings. Thus, initially, smart criteria were identified, defined, and categorized through a literature survey. Subsequently, 35 experts in the commercial building sector were interviewed. Finally, the relative importance of the smart criteria was derived through the AHP technique, and accordingly, a scoring system was developed. The study identified six main criteria to evaluate the smartness of buildings in the scoring system. The automation criterion with the highest relative weight was concluded to be the dominant criterion (45.59%) in the scoring system. Communication and data sharing were placed at second with a relative weight of 18.76% and indicates the importance given by the study findings in establishing the backbones of SBs. Occupants’ comfort, energy management, occupants’ health and safety, and sustainability criterion were ranked third, fourth, fifth, and sixth within the scoring system. This study is one of the first to investigate in detail the contribution of both soft and hard services of a facility in determining the overall smartness of a building. Property developers in the commercial building sector can benefit from this study by recognizing the necessary criteria to be embedded in their SB development projects in order to attract more tenants and customers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)
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24 pages, 3692 KiB  
Review
Building Fire Evacuation: An IoT-Aided Perspective in the 5G Era
by Hongqiang Fang, Siuming Lo and Jacqueline T. Y. Lo
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120643 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5510
Abstract
Complex and tall buildings have been constructed in many cities recently. Fire safety should be a major concern of building designers, engineers, and governments. Previous fire experience has made us understand the importance of acquiring fire-ground information to facilitate firefighting operations, evacuation processes, [...] Read more.
Complex and tall buildings have been constructed in many cities recently. Fire safety should be a major concern of building designers, engineers, and governments. Previous fire experience has made us understand the importance of acquiring fire-ground information to facilitate firefighting operations, evacuation processes, rescues, etc. Recently, the rapid advancement in Information Technology, Data Analytics, and other detection and monitoring systems has provided the basis for fire safety researchers to re-think fire safety strategies in the built environment. Amongst all fire safety studies, evacuation in tall buildings, including elevator evacuations, has attracted much attention. IoT-aided building fire evacuation is a new concept of the building evacuation mode, which improves the building evacuation process by making decisions of escape based on the real-time fire-ground information, such as the fire environment and occupant situations. Focusing on IoT applications in building fire evacuation, this paper explores the advantages and insufficiencies of current smart building fire evacuation systems. A conceptual design of an IoT-aided building fire evacuation control system is described. The system is introduced in the sequence of information needs, information sources and data transmission, and potential services and applications. Finally, new insights into promising 5G technologies for future building fire evacuations are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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23 pages, 7580 KiB  
Article
Two-Stage Lifecycle Energy Optimization of Mid-Rise Residential Buildings with Building-Integrated Photovoltaic and Alternative Composite Façade Materials
by Mark Kyeredey Ansah, Xi Chen and Hongxing Yang
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120642 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3365
Abstract
Reducing the lifecycle energy use of buildings with renewable energy applications has become critical given the urgent need to decarbonize the building sector. Multi-objective optimizations have been widely applied to reduce the operational energy use of buildings, but limited studies concern the embodied [...] Read more.
Reducing the lifecycle energy use of buildings with renewable energy applications has become critical given the urgent need to decarbonize the building sector. Multi-objective optimizations have been widely applied to reduce the operational energy use of buildings, but limited studies concern the embodied or whole lifecycle energy use. Consequently, there are issues such as sub-optimal design solutions and unclear correlation between embodied and operational energy in the current building energy assessment. To address these gaps, this study integrates a multi-objective optimization method with building energy simulation and lifecycle assessment (LCA) to explore the optimal configuration of different building envelopes from a lifecycle perspective. Major contributions of the study include the integrated optimization which reflects the dynamics of the whole lifecycle energy use. Insights from the study reveal the optimal configuration of PV and composite building façades for different regions in sub-Saharan Africa. The lifecycle energy use for the optimized building design resulted in 24.59, 33.33, and 36.93% energy savings in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, respectively. Additionally, PV power generation can efficiently cover over 90% of the total building energy demand. This study provides valuable insights for building designers in sub-Saharan Africa and similar areas that minimize lifecycle energy demand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Low-Carbon Buildings and Urban Energy Systems)
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18 pages, 294 KiB  
Article
Champions of Social Procurement in the Australian Construction Industry: Evolving Roles and Motivations
by Martin Loosemore, Robyn Keast, Jo Barraket and George Denny-Smith
Buildings 2021, 11(12), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120641 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4597
Abstract
There has been a recent proliferation of social procurement policies in Australia that target the construction industry. This is mirrored in many other countries, and the nascent research in this area shows that these policies are being implemented by an emerging group of [...] Read more.
There has been a recent proliferation of social procurement policies in Australia that target the construction industry. This is mirrored in many other countries, and the nascent research in this area shows that these policies are being implemented by an emerging group of largely undefined professionals who are often forced to create their own roles in institutional vacuums with little organisational legitimacy and support. By mobilising theories of how organisational champions diffuse innovations in other fields of practice, this paper contributes new insights into the evolving nature of these newly emerging roles and the motivations which drive these professionals to overcome the institutional inertia they invariably face. The results of semi-structured interviews, with fifteen social procurement champions working in the Australian construction industry, indicate that social procurement champions come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and bring diverse social capital to their roles. Linked by a shared sense of social consciousness, these champions challenge traditional institutional norms, practices, supply chain relationships, and traditional narratives about the concepts of value in construction. We conclude that, until normative standards develop around social procurement in the construction industry, its successful implementation will depend on external institutional pressures and the practical demonstration of what is possible in practice within the performative constraints of traditional project objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings: 10th Anniversary)
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