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
Architectural Analysis of the First Major Rehabilitation in the 21st Century of Olbrich’s Secession Building in Vienna
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051229 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The recent rehabilitation, reconstruction and adaptive reuse of Joseph Maria Olbrich’s Vienna Secession Building, completed in 2018, has brought the building into a contemporary age. This research article analyzes the only extensive rehabilitation carried out on the Secession Building so far in the
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The recent rehabilitation, reconstruction and adaptive reuse of Joseph Maria Olbrich’s Vienna Secession Building, completed in 2018, has brought the building into a contemporary age. This research article analyzes the only extensive rehabilitation carried out on the Secession Building so far in the 21st century. It studies what was accomplished during this specific rehabilitation process, and in particular emphasizes the reasons why such a process is crucial for culture heritage buildings in the city of Vienna. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the rehabilitation procedures used for the Secession Building and to identify any weaknesses to be resolved in the next rehabilitation. It provides an example of rehabilitation for any future similar initiatives, demonstrating both its positive and negative aspects.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Preservation of Buildings and Infrastructure)
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Experimental Research on the Floating Amount of Shield Tunnel Based on the Innovative Cumulative Floating Amount Calculation Method
by
Jingrong Wu and Jing Chen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051228 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The study of shield tunnel segment flotation is crucial for controlling the precision of underground excavation projects. Based on Winkler’s beam foundation theory, the load structure method, and the equivalent continuous beam model, and by considering the mechanical and spatial conditions that cause
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The study of shield tunnel segment flotation is crucial for controlling the precision of underground excavation projects. Based on Winkler’s beam foundation theory, the load structure method, and the equivalent continuous beam model, and by considering the mechanical and spatial conditions that cause segment flotation, a novel theoretical calculation method for cumulative flotation is proposed using a simplified equivalent stiffness model of the tunnel. Additionally, a new concept of “equivalent flotation force” is introduced. The rationality and applicability of this theoretical calculation method are verified by comparing it with on-site construction data from the Yuanjiang River Crossing Tunnel Project in Changde, Hunan Province, China. The experimental results demonstrate that the theoretical calculation closely approximates the surface deformation monitoring data of the tunnel alignment in the eastern section of the project, and their deformation patterns are similar. Near the starting shaft, there is significant settlement influenced by stratum loss due to smaller tunnel flotation, with greater settlement occurring in the upper part. However, at approximately 45 m into both sections, they enter a deformation stability zone showing significant correlation in longitudinal deformation. Through comparison and verification of on-site experiments and theoretical model analysis, we preliminarily elucidate the feasibility of this innovative cumulative flotation theoretical calculation method which provides an important theoretical basis for assessing segment flotation issues in subsequent tunnel shield construction evaluations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Open AccessArticle
Morphological and Position Factors of Vertical Surface Light Source Affecting Discomfort Glare Perception
by
Guangyan Kong, Lixiong Wang, Peng Chen, Shuo Wang and Fengrui Ma
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051227 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Distinguished from conventional lighting, the LED vertical surface light source (VSLS) is directly exposed to human view, and the effects of which form it takes on visual perception are non-negligible. In the current discomfort glare evaluation system, the solid angle and the position
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Distinguished from conventional lighting, the LED vertical surface light source (VSLS) is directly exposed to human view, and the effects of which form it takes on visual perception are non-negligible. In the current discomfort glare evaluation system, the solid angle and the position index, which represent the relative relation between the glaring light source and human visual field, are not completely applicable for large-area VSLS, and hence are awaiting supplementation and modification. In this study, a physical experimental setup was established to conduct an evaluation experiment on discomfort glare, employing an LED display and white translucent frosted film to simulate vertical surface light sources (VSLS). The experiments were arranged with 21 VSLS shapes (comprising 3 areas and 7 length-to-width ratios) and 11 mounting positions. Subjective ratings and four eye-movement data parameters—namely, the change rate of pupil diameter (CRPD), mean saccadic amplitude (SA), blinking frequency (BF), and saccadic speed (SS)—were collected from 24 participants under each working condition using the Boyce Evaluation Scale and eye tracking techniques. The main results of this study are the following: (a) CRPD is the most appropriate eye-movement index for characterizing VSLS glare perception; (b) The area of the VSLS is the primary shape element influencing discomfort glare. Furthermore, with the same surface area, the lateral view angle (LaVA) and the longitudinal view angle (LoVA) perceived by the human eye also impact glare perception; (c) A functional equation between the VSLS area, LaVA, and LoVA to the borderline luminance between comfort and discomfort (BCD luminance) is fitted; (d) Based on the eccentric angle and the azimuthal angle, a modified position index P’ is proposed to represent the relative position of the VSLS in the visual field, and the ratio function of BCD luminance of the VSLS at non-central positions and the central position is fitted.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Barriers to Older Adults Adapting Smart Homes: Perceived Risk Scale Development
by
Yuqi Liu, Ryoichi Tamura and Liang Xiao
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051226 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The 21st century has marked the dawn of an aging population. China’s aging process ranks first worldwide. The country has recognized the gravity of this demographic shift and implemented strategies to address it at the national level. A vast majority of elderly Chinese
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The 21st century has marked the dawn of an aging population. China’s aging process ranks first worldwide. The country has recognized the gravity of this demographic shift and implemented strategies to address it at the national level. A vast majority of elderly Chinese individuals (approximately 90%) aspire to age in their own homes. Smart homes, endowed with cutting-edge digital technologies, such as AI, the Internet of Things, and big data, hold vast potential for enabling this vision. However, acceptance of smart home products and services among elderly individuals in China remains low. The main reason is that the related products and services fail to effectively alleviate the perceived risk of this population in the R&D process of related products and services, and there is a lack of effective measurement methods. To holistically assess the potential obstacles faced by elderly individuals using smart home products and services, this study targeted individuals aged 45–60 years in China. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive perceived risk scale specific to smart homes for this demographic. Initially, this study identified key risk dimensions and corresponding measurement items through a rigorous literature review, user interviews, and expert consultations. Subsequently, it ensured the reliability and validity of each dimension and its corresponding observation variables through preliminary research, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by future elderly individuals when utilizing smart home products and services, thus enabling the development of more effective solutions. The scale encompassed ten factors and seventy measurement items, including Privacy and Security Risk (seven items), Physical Risk (seven items), Technological Risk (nine items), Performance Risk (seven items), Service Risk (nine items), Financial Risk (five items), Psychological Risk (seven items), Industry and Market Risk (six items), Social Support Risk (six items), and Policy and Legal risk (seven items). The measurement scale developed in this study represents a groundbreaking first attempt to create a systematic scale for assessing the perceived risks associated with smart homes for the elderly in China. It not only enables professionals, businesses, and manufacturers to avoid or reduce barriers in the R&D process of related products and services, facilitating smart home industry growth and enhancing user adoption, but also serves as a universal reference for the potential obstacles that digital technology may encounter in addressing aging-related issues, which has significant theoretical value and practical importance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Environment Quality: Smart Technology in Thermal Comfort, Ventilation, Humidity, Hygiene, Lighting, Acoustics and Water Supply)
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Open AccessArticle
Beyond Preservation: Heritage as an Educational Practice Process at 141 Neil Road, Singapore
by
Xintong Wei, Haoming Zhou, Nikhil Joshi and Muyuan Tang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051225 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the concept of heritage has been significantly broadened, with an increasing number of scholars viewing it not as a set of static objects with fixed meanings but as a social process consciously endowed with commemorative functions through human
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Over the past two decades, the concept of heritage has been significantly broadened, with an increasing number of scholars viewing it not as a set of static objects with fixed meanings but as a social process consciously endowed with commemorative functions through human creation. This research illustrates and empirically supports this perspective through a case study. Initially, the paper reviews the development of the heritage concept through the literature review and elaborates on the idea of “heritage as process”. Subsequently, it examines Singapore’s enriching exploration and successful implementation of heritage conservation, particularly since 2000, when the local government shifted from preserving historical buildings to a comprehensive conservation strategy that embraces a sense of place, identity, and memory and encourages a bottom-up participatory approach. Finally, this paper takes the transformation of the century-old townhouse at 141 Neil Road in Singapore as its focus. After being renovated into an urban architectural heritage conservation laboratory, the house has gradually become a place of heritage on Neil Road by training professionals’ construction skills, transforming its function, introducing technological explorations, and enhancing public interaction. This process has developed the abilities of heritage conservation professionals in desktop research, reuse design, and practical construction skills while simultaneously promoting community participation and heightening awareness of heritage conservation among local residents. Through daily practices, this historical townhouse gradually became a place of heritage on Neil Road, exemplifying the research theme that “heritage is a comprehensive and dynamic practice encompassing social, cultural, and technological dimensions”. From being preserved for renovation in 2020 to being approved as a “Heritage Show House” by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2023, the case of 141 Neil Road offers a new perspective in the heritage conservation field that “heritage is always in the process of becoming, rather than a constant given”.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Heritage Protection and Sustainable Development in the Context of High-Density Urban Environment)
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Open AccessEssay
A Numerical Simulation Study on the Out-of-Plane Performance of Timber Framework–Brick Wall Systems in Traditional Residential Buildings of Northern China
by
Ning Dai, Lanhao Cui, Yingpei Li, Liwei Fan and Jiakun Chen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051224 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
To improve the out-of-plane collaborative performance of timber frames and walls, a metal connector is proposed and designed. A finite element model of the wall is established, and the composite block damage criteria and surface contact behavior are validated. Additionally, one group without
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To improve the out-of-plane collaborative performance of timber frames and walls, a metal connector is proposed and designed. A finite element model of the wall is established, and the composite block damage criteria and surface contact behavior are validated. Additionally, one group without metal connectors and three groups with different numbers of metal connectors placed at various positions in traditional residential wall models are established. Using static loading simulation, the influence of different numbers of metal connectors on the out-of-plane damage patterns, deformation characteristics, and shear force distribution is analyzed. The study reveals that top metal connectors significantly reduce the out-of-plane displacement of the top wall by up to 84.6%. Metal connectors have a significant impact on the deformation capacity of brick walls, with a maximum enhancement of 65.3%. The metal connectors in the middle and lower parts transfer the wall loads to the columns, increasing the horizontal shear at the column head by approximately 7%. The connectors in the middle and lower parts effectively improve the collaborative performance of brick walls and wooden frames.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Open AccessArticle
Accurate Prediction of Punching Shear Strength of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Slabs: A Machine Learning Approach with Data Augmentation and Explainability
by
Cheng Cheng, Woubishet Zewdu Taffese and Tianyu Hu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051223 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Reinforced concrete slabs are widely used in building structures due to their economic, durable, and aesthetic advantages. The determination of their ultimate strength often hinges on punching shear strength. Presently, methods such as closed hoops, steel bending, and fiber reinforcement are employed to
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Reinforced concrete slabs are widely used in building structures due to their economic, durable, and aesthetic advantages. The determination of their ultimate strength often hinges on punching shear strength. Presently, methods such as closed hoops, steel bending, and fiber reinforcement are employed to enhance punching shear strength, with fiber reinforcement gaining popularity due to its ease of implementation and efficacy in improving concrete durability. This study introduces a novel approach employing six machine learning algorithms rooted in decision trees and decision tree-based ensemble learning to predict punching shear strength in steel fiber-reinforced concrete slabs. To overcome experimental data limitations, a data augmentation approach based on the Gaussian mixture model is employed. The validation of the data augmentation is conducted through “synthetic training—real testing” and “real training—real testing”. Additionally, the best machine learning model is analyzed for explainability using Shapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP). Results demonstrate that the proposed data augmentation method effectively captures the original data distribution, enhancing the robustness and accuracy of the machine learning model. Moreover, SHAP provides better insights into the features influencing punching shear strength. Thus, the proposed data enhancement model offers a reliable approach for modeling small experimental datasets in structural engineering.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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Research on the Crushing of Reinforced Concrete Two-Way Slabs by Pulse Power Discharge Technology
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Xinxin Lin, Fei Yang, Youwei Liu and Yang Yang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051222 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The application of pulse power discharge (PPD) technology in the crushing and dismantling of concrete structures has characteristics related to both green and environmental protection, as well as safety and reliability, with broad application prospects in the construction and municipal engineering fields in
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The application of pulse power discharge (PPD) technology in the crushing and dismantling of concrete structures has characteristics related to both green and environmental protection, as well as safety and reliability, with broad application prospects in the construction and municipal engineering fields in dense urban areas. Nevertheless, the research into using this technology to break reinforced concrete (RC) slabs is very limited, while the influence of key parameters on the crushing effect of reinforced concrete slabs is not clear. To solve this problem, a finite element model of an RC slab was established by ABAQUS. The effect of a shock wave generated by PPD on the surrounding concrete was simulated by an explosion-load equivalent, and the development process of concrete crack was simulated by a cohesive force model. Based on the results of the model analysis, the effects of reinforcement spacing, as well as diameter and concrete strength on the crushing effect of RC slabs were investigated. The results show that the increase in reinforcement diameter and the decrease in reinforcement spacing have a significant effect on limiting the development of cracks. According to the development of cracks, they can be divided into three types: edge cracks, cracks between central holes, and cracks between edge holes. The influence of reinforcement spacing and diameter on the first two crack widths is the most obvious. The increase in concrete strength also reduces the width of cracks. Based on the analysis results, the calculation expressions of the crushing effect of the PPD technique on RC slabs were established, which provides theoretical support for the popularization and application of this technique.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Response of Structures)
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Open AccessArticle
Research on Lightweight Method of Segment Beam Point Cloud Based on Edge Detection Optimization
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Yan Dong, Haotian Yang, Mingjun Yin, Menghui Li, Yuanhai Qu and Xingli Jia
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051221 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to reduce the loss of laser point cloud appearance contours by point cloud lightweighting, this paper takes the laser point cloud data of the segment beam of the expressway viaduct as a sample. After comparing the downsampling algorithm from many aspects
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In order to reduce the loss of laser point cloud appearance contours by point cloud lightweighting, this paper takes the laser point cloud data of the segment beam of the expressway viaduct as a sample. After comparing the downsampling algorithm from many aspects and angles, the voxel grid method is selected as the basic theory of the research. By combining the characteristics of the normal vector data of the laser point cloud, the top surface point cloud edge data are extracted and the voxel grid method is fused to establish an optimized point cloud lightweighting algorithm. The research in this paper shows that the voxel grid method performs better than the furthest point sampling method and the curvature downsampling method in retaining the top surface data, reducing the calculation time and optimizing the edge contour. Moreover, the average offset of the geometric contour is reduced from 2.235 mm to 0.664 mm by the edge-optimized voxel grid method, which has a higher retention. In summary, the edge-optimized voxel grid method has a better effect than the existing methods in point cloud lightweighting.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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Edge AI-Enabled Road Fixture Monitoring System
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Moein Younesi Heravi, Israt Sharmin Dola, Youjin Jang and Inbae Jeong
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051220 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Effective monitoring of road fixtures is essential for urban safety and functionality. However, traditional inspections are time-consuming, costly, and error prone, while current automated solutions struggle with high initial setup costs, limited flexibility preventing wide adaptation, and reliance on centralized processing that can
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Effective monitoring of road fixtures is essential for urban safety and functionality. However, traditional inspections are time-consuming, costly, and error prone, while current automated solutions struggle with high initial setup costs, limited flexibility preventing wide adaptation, and reliance on centralized processing that can delay response times. This study introduces an edge AI-based remote road fixture monitoring system which automatically and continuously updates the information of the road digital twin (DT). The main component is a small-sized edge device consisting of a camera, GPS, and IMU sensors designed to be installed in typical cars. The device captures images, detects the fixture, and estimates their location by employing deep learning and feature matching. This information is transmitted to a dedicated cloud server and represented on a user-friendly user interface. Experiments were conducted to test the system’s performance. The results showed that the device could successfully detect the fixture and estimate their global coordinates. Outputs were marked and shown on the road DT, proving the integrated and smooth operation of the whole system. The proposed Edge AI device demonstrated that it could significantly reduce the data size by 80–84% compared to traditional methods. With a satisfactory object detection accuracy of 65%, the system effectively identifies traffic poles, stop signs, and streetlights, integrating these findings into a digital twin for real-time monitoring. The proposed system improves road monitoring by cutting down on maintenance and emergency response times, increasing the ease of data use, and offering a foundation for an overview of urban road fixtures’ current state. However, the system’s reliance on the quality of data collected under varying environmental conditions suggests potential improvements for consistent performance across diverse scenarios.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Urban and Architectural Design)
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Open AccessArticle
Increasing the Utilization of Solar Energy through the Performance Evaluation of Air-Based Photovoltaic Thermal Systems
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Youngjin Choi
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051219 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems are attracting a significant amount of attention in research because they can generate electricity outside of daytime hours, unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems, and can increase efficiency and collect additional energy by reducing the temperature of PVT panels. However, a
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Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems are attracting a significant amount of attention in research because they can generate electricity outside of daytime hours, unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems, and can increase efficiency and collect additional energy by reducing the temperature of PVT panels. However, a somewhat lower amount of collected energy is used in the summer than in the winter, and research on this issue is lacking. In this study, first, we experimentally evaluated the performance of PV and PVT systems by season and verified the improvement in the performance of the PVT system. Second, experiments were conducted to verify the enthalpy reduction via mist cooling and dehumidification, and the temperature and humidity control effect via mist cooling and dehumidification was verified. Based on our research findings, we propose a model that can be integrated with indoor ventilation systems to increase the solar energy utilization of PVT systems. Using the PVT system, we improved the panel power generation efficiency by up to 5.89% and generated up to a 38.0% higher collection efficiency than that of the PV system. The air that passed through the PVT system was then subjected to mist cooling and dehumidification to reduce its temperature and increase its humidity, resulting in a 23.2% reduction in enthalpy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption and Environmental Comfort in Buildings)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of Electronic Waste Glass on the Properties of Cementitious Materials
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Jurgita Malaiškienė and Karolina Bekerė
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051218 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The article analyses the impact of two different types of dispersive glass on cement hydration and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. The study employed dispersive glass from various LCDs (TV sets, computer monitors, smart phones), characterised by a composition of approximately
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The article analyses the impact of two different types of dispersive glass on cement hydration and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. The study employed dispersive glass from various LCDs (TV sets, computer monitors, smart phones), characterised by a composition of approximately 8% SrO, and dispersive glass from washing machines, which consists mainly of SiO2, Na2O, and CaO. The chemical composition and particle-size distribution of different types of dispersive glass were analysed. The study compares the effect of electronic waste glass on cement hydration by evaluating the amount and rate of heat released during the process. In addition, the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are provided. Different types of glass were determined to have a similar effect on the physical and mechanical properties as well as the mineral composition of cementitious samples: density and UPV decrease up to 6% and compressive strength decreases by about 30%, when 5–20% of cement was replaced by glass waste. However, more prominent differences were observed in the workability of the mixtures: the waste glass from home appliances increased the spread by up to 25%, while the waste glass from electronic devices decreased the spread compared to the reference sample by approximately 20%. The mixtures modified with the waste glass of electronic devices had a higher degree of early hydration (96%) due to the higher water absorption of the mixtures compared to the waste glass of home appliances (88%).
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Concrete Structures)
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An Investigation of the Behaviors and Characteristics of the Interfacial Bonding Capacity between Cement Emulsified Asphalt Composite Binder and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
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Kangfeng Zheng, Qing Yang, Xin Qiu, Wenyi Xu, Huiqiong Liu and Zijun Chen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051217 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The interfacial bonding capacity between cement emulsified asphalt composite binder (CEACB) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) plays a critical role in improving the pavement performance of cold recycled asphalt emulsion mixtures (CRAEMs). This study aims to investigate the formation and development of the
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The interfacial bonding capacity between cement emulsified asphalt composite binder (CEACB) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) plays a critical role in improving the pavement performance of cold recycled asphalt emulsion mixtures (CRAEMs). This study aims to investigate the formation and development of the interfacial bonding capacity between CEACB and RAP. First, the dynamic wettability and the spreading behaviors of CEACB on RAP surfaces were explored according to the surface free energy theory. Second, digital image processing (DIP) technology was employed to recognize interfacial failure patterns. Lastly, the influence of internal and external factors on the interfacial bonding capacity between CEACB and RAP during the curing process was analyzed via grey relational analysis (GRA). The results indicate that a moderate cement content with a mass ratio of asphalt to cement equivalent to 1.0 can significantly enhance the wettability of CEACB on RAP surfaces. By appropriately prolonging the curing time and controlling the curing temperature, it is possible to increase the bonding strength between CEACB and RAP. Additionally, a strong correlation exists between initial wettability and ultimate bonding capacity during the bonding strength curing process. The good wettability that developed in the initial stage of interfacial strength formation relates to the decreased spalling rate of CEACB on the RAP surface. This study is not only devoted to understanding the mechanisms that can enhance CRAEM performance but also provides important guidance for practical engineering applications of cold recycled asphalt pavements.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Composite Construction in Civil Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on the Ionic Transport Properties of 3D Printed Concrete
by
Tao Huang, Zhongqi Peng, Mengge Wang and Shuang Feng
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051216 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) is an anisotropic heterogeneous material composed of a concrete matrix and the interfaces between layers and filaments that form during printing. The overall ion transport properties can be characterized by the equivalent diffusion coefficient. This paper first establishes a
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Three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) is an anisotropic heterogeneous material composed of a concrete matrix and the interfaces between layers and filaments that form during printing. The overall ion transport properties can be characterized by the equivalent diffusion coefficient. This paper first establishes a theoretical model to calculate the equivalent diffusion coefficient of 3DPC. Verification through numerical calculations shows that this theoretical model is highly precise. Based on this, the model was used to analyze the effects of dimensionless interface parameters on the equivalent diffusion coefficients in different directions of 3DPC. Finally, the dynamic ionic transport properties of 3DPC were investigated through finite element numerical simulation. The results of the dynamic study indicate that interfaces have a significant impact on the ion distribution and its evolution within 3DPC. The product of the interface diffusion coefficient and interface size can represent the ionic transport capacity of an interface. The stronger the ionic transport capacity of an interface, the higher the ion concentration at that interface. Due to the “drainage” effect of lateral interfaces, the ion concentration in the middle of 3DPC with a smaller equivalent diffusion coefficient is higher than that in 3DPC with a larger equivalent diffusion coefficient.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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Open AccessArticle
Environmental Microvibration Analysis Method for Vibration Isolation Research in High-Precision Laboratories
by
Yang Cheng, Kangyi Lu, Qiuju Huang, Feng Ding and Chunyu Song
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051215 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Environmental microvibrations, often originating from unidentified sources, pose a significant challenge for predicting and controlling their complex wave fields, potentially leading to measurement errors of sensitive instruments in high-precision laboratories and impacting the accuracy of experimental outcomes. Therefore, investigating effective control measures for
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Environmental microvibrations, often originating from unidentified sources, pose a significant challenge for predicting and controlling their complex wave fields, potentially leading to measurement errors of sensitive instruments in high-precision laboratories and impacting the accuracy of experimental outcomes. Therefore, investigating effective control measures for environmental microvibrations under passive conditions is key to addressing such engineering issues. This paper presents a finite element analysis method tailored to address environmental microvibrations in the absence of apparent sources. This method involves obtaining the vibration time history at specific ground surface points through field measurements and combining the Rayleigh wave velocity attenuation character with depth at the center frequencies of one-third octave bands within the 1–100 Hz frequency range; the vibration time history at any depth in the soil is calculated. These calculated vibrations are then applied as input loads to the corresponding nodes on one boundary of the foundation–soil model, serving as the source of environmental microvibrations. The predicted results are compared with measured data and the empirical point source input method, indicating that this approach is more precise and efficient, providing valuable reference for the prediction and analysis of environmental microvibrations. In addition, utilizing this method, the study examines the effects of pile foundation parameters such as the pile length, burial depth, and concrete baseplate thickness on the vibration isolation performance of environmental microvibrations, providing guidance for designing pile foundation isolation.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Materials Science and Engineering in Vibrations and Seismicity)
Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Impact of Green Building on the Eco-Economic Efficiency of the Construction Industry: Evidence from China
by
Wei Lu, Juan Zhang and Vivian W. Y. Tam
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051214 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Addressing the global warming challenge, the carbon emissions reduction potential of green building (GB) is garnering increasing attention. However, the extent to which GB can impact the eco-economic efficiency (EE) of the construction industry remains unclear. To fill this gap, based on panel
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Addressing the global warming challenge, the carbon emissions reduction potential of green building (GB) is garnering increasing attention. However, the extent to which GB can impact the eco-economic efficiency (EE) of the construction industry remains unclear. To fill this gap, based on panel data for 30 regions of China from 2003 to 2018, in this study, a comprehensive analysis of the EE and sustainable impact of GB is conducted using a super slacks-based measure (SBM-DEA), panel vector autoregression (PVAR) and threshold models. The findings reflect that only about 10% of provinces have achieved EE effectiveness, with pure technical effectiveness being a significant driving force behind this. The average comprehensive, pure technical, and scale EE show a 62.23%, 46.42%, and 31.91% improvement potential regarding the efficiency frontier. The EE in the Eastern Region is relatively high, while the Western Region surpassed the Central Region in regards to EE in the areas of scale and pure technical efficiency. EE is significantly reduced in the current period (year) when it is subject to the positive impact of a standard deviation from the existing economic level. This impact was the strongest in period 1, then gradually disappeared until period 6, aligning with the Kuznets curve’s theoretical assumption. GB awareness negatively impacted the current period, but is expected to gradually show a positive effect after period 2. The urbanization, green building awareness, and green building coverage make a very small contribution to the EE, accounting for 8.6%, 1.6%, and 9%, respectively, with early EE and economic level identified as the primary variables affecting the current EE. The impact of GB on EE exhibits a threshold effect, with the ecological effect of GB significant only in cities with economic levels higher than 11.063. This research contributes to the existing knowledge of the eco-economic mechanism of GB and provides insights for government policies, promoting the sustainable development of the GB market.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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Mechanical Response and Stability Optimization of Shallow-Buried Tunnel Excavation Method Conversion Process Based on Numerical Investigation
by
Rui Pan, Baoliang Zhou and Dongju Jiang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051213 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Different excavation methods lead to substantial changes in the relaxation zone of the surrounding rock. The stress characteristics of the support structure become more complex during the process of excavation method conversion. It is essential to design a well-considered construction plan to minimize
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Different excavation methods lead to substantial changes in the relaxation zone of the surrounding rock. The stress characteristics of the support structure become more complex during the process of excavation method conversion. It is essential to design a well-considered construction plan to minimize the disruptions caused by excavation method conversion. This work takes a tunnel in Jiangsu Province, China, as the engineering background and establishes a numerical model for the conversion from the double-side-drift method to the three-bench method. Based on a numerical investigation, this study analyzed the deformation of surrounding rock and the stress state of the support structure during the excavation method conversion. The results showed that excavation method conversion can accelerate the deformation rate of the surrounding rock, causing the support structure to bear greater pressure. This leads to a significant increase in the circumferential stress at the junction of two excavation methods. Setting up a reinforced area during the process of excavation method conversion can improve the stress state of the support structure. Finally, an analysis of the parameters of the reinforced area was conducted, and a reasonable construction plan was proposed. This study can provide guidance for subsequent construction projects.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Construction Mechanical Behavior and Deformation Characteristics of Lining Structure)
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Open AccessReview
Shear Strength of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Beams without Stirrups—A Review Based on a Database
by
Yuan Huang and Gaozhan Yao
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051212 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study on ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) beams without stirrups, where the test data of 487 beams were collected, and an experimental database was established. Four distinct shear strength calculation models for UHPC beams were examined in the study. These
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This paper presents a comprehensive study on ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) beams without stirrups, where the test data of 487 beams were collected, and an experimental database was established. Four distinct shear strength calculation models for UHPC beams were examined in the study. These models were created from national specification guides. The results indicate that while the code equation is useful for predicting UHPC beam shear capacity, it consistently underestimates actual values, with a mean experimental-to-calculated ratio above 1.5. The database was also used to study the impacts of the compressive strength of UHPC, the shear span-to-depth ratio, the fiber volume fraction, and the reinforcement ratio on the shear strength of UHPC beams. The findings showed that the shear span-to-depth ratio significantly affected the shear load-bearing capacity of UHPC beams. The increase in the compressive strength of UHPC, fiber volume fraction, and reinforcement ratio positively affected the shear strength of UHPC beams to varying degrees. Additionally, there were size effects for beams with a shear span-to-depth ratio of less than 1.5 and an effective depth of more than 300. In addition, coefficients accounting for fiber influence and the shear span-to-depth ratio were incorporated to develop an enhanced formula for UHPC beams. The empirical data from the database tests revealed that the average ratio of the beams’ experimental shear capacity to the values predicted by the modified equation is 1.3, with a standard deviation of 0.74. These results suggest that the refined equation offers improved calculation precision and broader applicability. Eventually, a summary of the issues pertaining to the shear performance of UHPC beams and the key future research directions is provided to facilitate a clearer comprehension and awareness of emerging concepts for scholars within the discipline.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural and Computational Mechanics of Steel/Concrete Structures)
Open AccessArticle
Stability Analysis of Seismic Slope Based on Relative Residual Displacement Increment Method
by
Weijian Sun, Guoxin Wang and Juntao Ma
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051211 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The seismic stability analysis of a slope is a complex process influenced by earthquake action characteristics and soil mechanical properties. This paper presents a novel seismic slope stability analysis method using the relative residual displacement increment method in combination with the strength reduction
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The seismic stability analysis of a slope is a complex process influenced by earthquake action characteristics and soil mechanical properties. This paper presents a novel seismic slope stability analysis method using the relative residual displacement increment method in combination with the strength reduction method (SRM) and the actual deformation characteristics of the slope. By calculating the relative displacement of the key point inside the landslide mass and the reference point outside the landslide mass after each reduction, the safety factor of the slope is determined by the strength reduction factor (SRF) corresponding to the maximum absolute value of the relative residual displacement increment that appears after a continuous plastic penetration zone. The method eliminates interference caused by significant displacement fluctuations of key points under earthquake action and reduces the subjective error that can occur when manually identifying displacement mutation points. The proposed method is validated by dynamic calculations of homogeneous and layered soil slopes and compared with three other criteria: applicability, accuracy, and stability.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Structural Dynamics and Health Monitoring)
Open AccessArticle
The Performance Analysis of a Novel Sterilizable Trombe Wall Based on the Combined Effect of Heat and UV Light
by
Miaomiao Fan, Niansi Li and Bendong Yu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051210 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
A Trombe wall is a widely applied heating system that has a single function. An interesting thing is that both the solar heat and UV light received by a Trombe wall have an air sterilization effect. Here, the air sterilization and thermal performances
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A Trombe wall is a widely applied heating system that has a single function. An interesting thing is that both the solar heat and UV light received by a Trombe wall have an air sterilization effect. Here, the air sterilization and thermal performances of a Trombe wall in different cities were investigated based on an established heat and mass transfer model. The main results were as follows: (1) UV dose accumulation and high temperature were the most important factors that affect the UV and thermal sterilization performance, respectively. The Trombe wall had the thermal characteristics of high accumulation of UV doses in the morning and afternoon and a high temperature level at noon, which was a good match with the UV and thermal sterilization process. (2) A typical sterilization process in a Trombe wall was divided into three areas: the UV inactivation area, UV and thermal inactivation area and UV inactivation area. (3) The weather conditions played an important role in the sterilization performance. UV sterilization was dominant in cloudy weather, and thermal sterilization was dominant in sunny weather. (4) In Nanjing, Shanghai, Xining and Guangzhou, the average daily clean air volumes in heating months were 39.4, 33.5, 32.2 and 39.8 m3/m2, respectively. (5) When the wall height increased from 1.5 m to 3.5 m, the average daily clean air volume in heating months increased from 31.7 to 43.6 m3/m2.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Construction and Building Materials)
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