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
Multidimensional Evaluation of Traditional Villages in Jiangnan Region, China: Spatial Pattern, Accessibility and Driving Factors
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030823 (registering DOI) - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Assessment of the spatial distribution and accessibility of traditional villages is closely related to their development. However, the impacts of spatial heterogeneity on the accessibility of traditional villages remain largely unknown. A total of 644 national-level traditional villages in the Jiangnan region were
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Assessment of the spatial distribution and accessibility of traditional villages is closely related to their development. However, the impacts of spatial heterogeneity on the accessibility of traditional villages remain largely unknown. A total of 644 national-level traditional villages in the Jiangnan region were used to explore the spatial heterogeneity impact with a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. We found: (1) spatially, the villages exhibit a predominant aggregation distribution pattern with significant local spatial disparities (R < 1, p < 0.01), predominantly originating from the Song and Ming dynasties (59.21%). Their clustering shifts from northeast to southwest, with over 70% of the villages located on slopes ranging from 0° to 20° and within 1 km of water. (2) The accessibility of these villages is generally low, with 85.66% being accessible within 200 ~ 300 min; it decreases concentrically outwards from Changzhou and exhibits clustering autocorrelation characteristics (Moran’s I > 0, Z > 2.58). (3) Road network density, elevation, and slope are significantly correlated with accessibility (p < 0.05), demonstrating pronounced spatial heterogeneity in their effects, with these factors collectively explaining approximately 85% of the accessibility levels. These findings provide a basis for comprehensive planning and categorized strategies for traditional villages.
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(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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Flexural Performances of Novel Wet Joints with Sleeve Connections in Precast Composite Floor System
by
Wenbin Zhang, Yan Feng, Xiangqiang Zeng, Ming Xu, Liang Gong and Lijun Rui
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030822 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
A new type of assembled integral multi-ribbed composite floor system with novel wet joint and steel sleeve connections, which exhibits satisfactory strength and stiffness, was proposed in the previous study. To further study the flexural performances of the joints, six groups of specimens,
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A new type of assembled integral multi-ribbed composite floor system with novel wet joint and steel sleeve connections, which exhibits satisfactory strength and stiffness, was proposed in the previous study. To further study the flexural performances of the joints, six groups of specimens, including two cast in situ concrete slabs and four composite slabs sized 4700 mm × 1200 mm × 300 mm and 2450 mm × 1200 mm × 300 mm, were investigated under four-point flexural tests. Four main influence factors were experimentally studied, i.e., casting methods, joint amounts, shear span lengths, and steel sleeve layout directions, on the failure modes, crack distributions, and deflection–load carrying capacity relationship. Test results indicated that the proposed composite slab system could provide the ultimate bearing capacity lower by 7% than that of the cast in situ concrete slabs, largely exceeding the code-predicted strength. No strain difference between the steel sleeve connections and steel rebars indicated good wet joint connection behavior. More hollow-core sections and long shear spans increased the potential of interfacial splitting cracks, leading to a shorter elastic stage and lower elastic stiffness. A finite element model was further parametrically conducted to explore the structural performances. Finite element results also indicate that the precast concrete slab had a more significant influence on the failure loads than the influences of concrete compressive strength and lap-splice steel rebar strength. These findings indicate that the proposed composite slab systems possess a satisfactory performance in the ultimate bearing capacity and deformability. Thus, such an assembled integral multi-ribbed composite floor system can be widely applied in construction.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies on Strength and Cracking of Prestressed and Reinforced Concrete Structures)
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Identifying Damage in Structures: Definition of Thresholds to Minimize False Alarms in SHM Systems
by
Rocco Ditommaso and Felice Carlo Ponzo
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030821 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
In recent years, the development of quick and streamlined methods for the detection and localization of structural damage has been achieved by analysing key dynamic parameters before and after significant events or as a result of aging. Many Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems
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In recent years, the development of quick and streamlined methods for the detection and localization of structural damage has been achieved by analysing key dynamic parameters before and after significant events or as a result of aging. Many Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems rely on the relationship between occurred damage and variations in eigenfrequencies. While it is acknowledged that damage can affect eigenfrequencies, the reverse is not necessarily true, particularly for minor frequency variations. Thus, reducing false positives is essential for the effectiveness of SHM systems. The aim of this paper is to identify scenarios where observed changes in eigenfrequencies are not caused by structural damage, but rather by non-stationary combinations of input and system response (e.g., wind effects, traffic vibrations), or by stochastic variations in mass, damping, and stiffness (e.g., environmental variations). To achieve this, statistical variations of thresholds were established to separate linear non-stationary behaviour from nonlinear structural behaviour. The Duffing oscillator was employed in this study to perform various nonlinear analyses via Monte Carlo simulations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysics for Built Environment Characterization)
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Research on Prediction of EPB Shield Tunneling Parameters Based on LGBM
by
Wei Wang, Huanhuan Feng, Yanzong Li, Quanwei You and Xu Zhou
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030820 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
At present, the determination of tunnel parameters mainly rely on engineering experience and human judgment, which leads to the subjective decision of parameters and an increased construction risk. Machine learning algorithms could provide an objective theoretical basis for tunnel parameter decision making. However,
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At present, the determination of tunnel parameters mainly rely on engineering experience and human judgment, which leads to the subjective decision of parameters and an increased construction risk. Machine learning algorithms could provide an objective theoretical basis for tunnel parameter decision making. However, due to the limitations of a machine learning model’s performance and parameter selection methods, the prediction model had poor prediction results and low reliability for parameter research. To solve the above problems, based on a large number of construction parameters of a composite section subway in Shenzhen, this paper combined dimensionality reduction data with service analysis to optimize the selection process of shield tunneling parameters, and determined the total propulsion force, cutter head torque, cutter head speed, and advance rate as key tunneling parameters. Based on an LGBM algorithm and Bayesian optimization, the prediction model of key tunneling parameters of an earth pressure balance shield was established. The results showed that the average error of the LGBM model on the test set was 8.18%, the average error of the cutter head torque was 13.93%, the average error of the cutter head speed was 3.16%, and the average error of advance rate was 13.35%. Compared with the RF model, the prediction effect and the generalization on the test set were better. Therefore, an LGBM algorithm could be used as an effective prediction method for tunneling parameters in tunnel construction and provide guidance for the setting of tunneling parameters.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Risk Identification and Management in Urban Built Environment)
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Study on Acoustic–Electric Response Characteristics of Unsaturated Loess under Different Moisture Content
by
Jielin Li, Tong Zhang, Zhiwei Zhou, Daqian Li and Jidong Teng
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030819 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
In order to study the characteristics of P-wave velocity and resistivity of loess with different moisture contents, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, resistivity, and P-wave velocity tests were carried out on loess samples with 11 different moisture contents. The test results show that under
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In order to study the characteristics of P-wave velocity and resistivity of loess with different moisture contents, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, resistivity, and P-wave velocity tests were carried out on loess samples with 11 different moisture contents. The test results show that under the condition of the same dry density, the water in loess exists in two forms: bound water and free water. With the increase in moisture content, the water porosity of loess increases, the proportion of free water increases, and the resistivity gradually decreases and then tends to be stable, showing a power function relationship with moisture content. When the moisture content is less than 20%, the P-wave velocity decreases with the increase in the moisture content. In comparison, when the moisture content is greater than 20%, the wave velocity increases with the increase in the moisture content. A modified relation between wave velocity and moisture content and saturation is put forward, and the relationship expression between wave velocity and resistivity of loess is established. Finally, the reliability is verified by experimental data. The research results have a certain guiding significance for real-time monitoring of loess moisture content and engineering stability analysis in the loess area.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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Creativity in Project Implementation: An Empirical Study of Project Managers
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Raghad Almashhour, Haneen Abuzaid and Sameh El-Sayegh
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030818 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
The construction industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, continuously adapting to societal needs. Within this context, project managers play a pivotal role in steering projects from inception to completion. This study delves into the vital dimension of creativity among project managers in
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The construction industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, continuously adapting to societal needs. Within this context, project managers play a pivotal role in steering projects from inception to completion. This study delves into the vital dimension of creativity among project managers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its substantial contribution to the growth of the construction industry in the region. Research in the broader field of construction and project management has traditionally concentrated on factors such as scheduling, cost control, and risk management. However, a noticeable gap exists in the exploration of the relationship between project manager creativity and project success. Hence, the objective of this study is to comprehensively explore various dimensions of project managers’ creativity and evaluate its influence, alongside other criteria, on the outcomes of construction projects. Dimensions and indicators of creativity are derived from a meticulous literature review, and online survey questionnaires were employed to gather insights from individuals engaged in construction projects. The resulting hypothetical model underwent rigorous statistical analysis, employing confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings indicate a positive impact of tacit knowledge sharing and emotional intelligence on the creativity of construction project managers in the UAE. Moreover, the study establishes that project managers’ creativity, combined with other criteria, significantly contributes to the success of construction projects in the region. These insights are instrumental for fostering creativity among project managers and enhancing overall project success within the construction industry. The study’s originality lies in its distinct contribution to the discourse on creativity in the construction sector.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Study of the Performance of Underwater Concrete between Anionic and Nonionic Anti-Washout Admixtures
by
Xiaoyun Song, Heping Zheng, Lei Xu, Tingting Xu and Qiuyu Li
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030817 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
An investigation was carried out to study the influence of two types of anti-washout admixtures (AWAs) on the performance of underwater concrete, specifically, workability and washout resistance. The tested AWAs were hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) as nonionic AWAs and carboxymethyl starch
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An investigation was carried out to study the influence of two types of anti-washout admixtures (AWAs) on the performance of underwater concrete, specifically, workability and washout resistance. The tested AWAs were hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) as nonionic AWAs and carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and polyanionic cellulose (PAC) as anionic AWAs. Rheological properties (slump and slump flow), washout resistance, and compressive strength were measured to evaluate the properties of the fresh and hardened concrete. The results indicate that anionic AWAs are more effective at improving workability and strength than nonionic AWAs in anti-washout underwater concrete. When the nonionic AWA dosage exceeded 0.3% (W/C = 0.45), the fluidity and air content were negatively impacted. Additionally, nonionic AWAs more readily alter the morphological structure of cement paste, affecting cement particle hydration and underwater concrete properties. Regarding the mechanical properties, compared with those of concrete without AWAs and with nonionic AWAs, the 28-day compressive strength of concrete with anionic AWAs reached 37 MPa, an increase of 151% and 131%, respectively. Compared with nonionic AWAs, concrete with anionic AWAs is more stable.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches to Building Repair)
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Nonlinear Analysis of Bearing Characteristics of Stiffened Deep Cement Mixing Piles under Vertical Loading
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Yongzhi Jiu, Yunfeng Gao, Fuguang Lei, Yanzhi Zhu and Zhizeng Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030816 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
Stiffened deep cement mixing (SDCM) piles are composite piles that combine the advantages of single large-diameter deep cement mixing (DCM) and precast concrete piles. They comprise precast concrete piles as the core and cast-in-place DCM piles as the outer layer. This study evaluates
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Stiffened deep cement mixing (SDCM) piles are composite piles that combine the advantages of single large-diameter deep cement mixing (DCM) and precast concrete piles. They comprise precast concrete piles as the core and cast-in-place DCM piles as the outer layer. This study evaluates the bearing characteristics of SDCM piles under vertical loading. The composite modulus of elasticity of SDCM piles is first introduced and determined using the area-weighted average method. Then, the reliability of the proposed method is described by comparing the calculated results with the findings of the existing literature. Furthermore, a nonlinear simplified analysis method based on the load transfer method is proposed for vertical bearing characteristics of equal- and short-core SDCM piles under vertical loading. This method is developed by the finite difference method. The accuracy of the simplified method is validated by comparing its results with those from existing tests, theoretical analysis, and finite element simulations. The results of their study indicated that the area-weighted average method calculates the composite modulus of elasticity of the composite pile section of the SDCM piles with an error below 0.5% compared to the analytical method. This finding represents sufficient accuracy. The simplified calculation method established in this study is computationally stable. When the iteration factor is set to 10−6, as the number of discrete nodes n on the pile increases, the calculation results are stable with a good convergence when n > 30. The vertical bearing capacity and pile top stiffness of SDCM piles increased with the length of the core piles. There was a reasonable core-to-length ratio for SDCM piles in specific scenarios. An excessively long DCM pile section made its lower part force-free for a given length of core piles. The appropriate length of core piles should be determined in actual projects to avoid unnecessary material waste. An optimum ratio of core piles for SDCM piles was determined. Beyond this optimal value, an increase in the ratio of core piles controlled the pile settlement in a limited manner.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interior Version 4 (LEED-CI v4) Gold-Certified Office Space Projects: A Pairwise Comparative Analysis between Three Mediterranean Countries
by
Svetlana Pushkar
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030815 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
Over the past five years, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interior version 4 (LEED-CI v4)-certified office projects have been intensively studied in the USA and China, but they have not yet been studied in the Mediterranean region. The purpose of this
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Over the past five years, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interior version 4 (LEED-CI v4)-certified office projects have been intensively studied in the USA and China, but they have not yet been studied in the Mediterranean region. The purpose of this study was to explore office building certification strategies for LEED-CI v4-certified projects in the Mediterranean region. The study design included pairwise comparative analyses between Spain (number of projects (n) n1 = 14), Türkiye (n2 = 13), and Israel (n3 = 11). Cliff’s δ and exact Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests were used to process ordinal and discrete data, while the natural logarithm of the odds ratio and 2 × 2 Fisher’s exact tests were used to handle dichotomous data. It was found that Spain and Türkiye outperformed Israel in the Location and Transportation (LT) category due to their desire to reduce the use of private transport. Spain and Türkiye were ahead of Israel in the LTc5 “reduced parking footprint” credit (p = 0.008 and 0.0005, respectively). Israel outperformed Spain and Türkiye in the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category due to the sum of all six EA credits (p = 0.086 and 0.010). Spain overtook Türkiye and Israel in the Materials and Resources (MRs) category due to Spain’s increased use of environmental product declarations. Spain and Türkiye were ahead of Israel in the following four MRs credits: MRc1 “long-term commitment” (p = 0.030), MRc2 “interiors life cycle impact reduction” (p = 0.037), MRc3 “building product disclosure and optimization—environmental product declarations” (p = 0.029), and MRc5 “building product disclosure and optimization—material ingredients” (p = 0.034). Spain, Türkiye, and Israel showed similarly low levels of achievement in the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) category (p ≥ 0.405). However, Spain and Türkiye outperformed Israel in the following two credits: EQc1 “enhanced indoor air quality strategies” and EQc2 “low-emitting materials” (p = 0.001 and 0.060, respectively). In parallel, Israel outperformed Türkiye in the EQc3 “construction indoor air quality management plan” (p = 0.026), and Israel outperformed Spain in the EQc8 “quality views” credit (p = 0.066). As a result, a pairwise comparison of the three Mediterranean countries showed that each country has a unique LEED certification strategy. Knowledge of the above green building strategies will be helpful for LEED professionals.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Enhanced Documentation and Evaluation of Grouting Process, through the Fusion of Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation Information—The Case Study of the Katholikon of the Monastery of Panagia Varnakova
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Stergios Roumeliotis, Kyriakos Lampropoulos, Ekaterini Delegou, Elisavet Tsilimantou, Vasileios Keramidas, Asterios Bakolas and Antonia Moropoulou
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030814 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
The restoration of historic buildings and structures involves a wide range of scientific and technical fields. The grouting process is among an array of rehabilitation and preservation interventions and aims to homogenize the structure after the implementation of strengthening measures. The process can
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The restoration of historic buildings and structures involves a wide range of scientific and technical fields. The grouting process is among an array of rehabilitation and preservation interventions and aims to homogenize the structure after the implementation of strengthening measures. The process can provide important information regarding the state of preservation of the examined structure and correlate the progress of the process with the pathology of the monument. To achieve this, the analysis of typical raw grouting data is progressively fused with additional information from the diagnostic studies, non-destructive testing, geospatial information, and from the calculation and analysis of grouting indices. The restoration project of the Katholikon of the Monastery of Panagia Varnakova in Fokida, Greece was selected as the case study, due to its large scale and the severe earthquake damage it has sustained, which has necessitated comprehensive strengthening interventions and extensive grouting. The implementation of an integrated methodological approach validated the enhanced level of co-analysis, revealing information that is not readily deduced from a typical approach. Selected sub-areas of the Katholikon are presented, demonstrating how the observed pathology can be correlated with the results of the grouting process, while incorporating 3D data, and findings from structural and non-destructive analyses.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Preservation of Buildings and Infrastructure)
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Evaluating Airborne Sound Insulation in Dwellings Constructed with Hollow Ceramic Blocks under Brazilian Housing Policies
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Rodrigo Scoczynski Ribeiro, Marc Arnela, Manuel Teixeira Braz-César, Rúbia Mara Bosse, Laura Silvestro, Gustavo de Miranda Saleme Gidrão, Mariane Kempka, Dyorgge Alves Silva and Marcela Maier Farias Czap
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030813 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
In Brazil, there is a shortage of approximately 5.80 million residences, a challenge that intensified during the pandemic. Since 2013, there has been a mandate to implement specific performance criteria in residential constructions. However, many construction firms face difficulties in meeting these standards,
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In Brazil, there is a shortage of approximately 5.80 million residences, a challenge that intensified during the pandemic. Since 2013, there has been a mandate to implement specific performance criteria in residential constructions. However, many construction firms face difficulties in meeting these standards, especially concerning sound insulation in partition elements. This work aims to assess the airborne sound insulation performance and compliance with legal standards in new residential buildings through measurements and simulations. In particular, subsidized housing units for low-income populations are studied, which are eligible for reduced taxes on building loans. These buildings are typically made of hollow ceramic blocks with vertical perforations as separating walls, a commonly used national building material. Three buildings located in Guarapuava, a southern city in Brazil with a population of approximately 183,000 residents, were selected for this purpose. Measurements were conducted following ISO 16283-1 guidelines, whereas simulations were performed using ISO 12354-1, initially assuming a uniform plate but also exploring an alternative model that considers orthotropic behavior with analytical expressions. The calculations considered both static and dynamic moduli of elasticity. The results indicated that all the units failed to meet the specified standards. The measured values were below the required thresholds, obtaining 42 < 45 dB for Building B1, 40 < 45 dB for Building B2, and 38 < 40 dB for Building B3. The predicted values agreed well with the measured values when considering orthotropy with a dynamic elastic modulus. However, discrepancies were observed in the spectral analysis, especially at lower and higher frequencies. The findings suggest refraining from employing single-leaf partition walls made of vertical hollow ceramic blocks in such buildings. Improving sound insulation necessitates embracing a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the separating element, flanking paths, and the room geometries.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acoustics and Noise Control in Buildings)
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Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Seasonality on the Temperature Regime of Extensive Roofs in Central Europe
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Marek Chabada, Pavol Durica and Peter Juras
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030812 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
Current building envelope greening systems are not just areas covered with vegetation. Today’s systems can maximise the functional contribution of vegetation to a building’s performance and become part of a sustainable urban renewal strategy. The impact of the vegetation layer directly affects the
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Current building envelope greening systems are not just areas covered with vegetation. Today’s systems can maximise the functional contribution of vegetation to a building’s performance and become part of a sustainable urban renewal strategy. The impact of the vegetation layer directly affects the building in its immediate vicinity, from the outside, while also having a significant impact on the indoor environment. Green roofs are the most widespread vegetated structures worldwide. This paper aims to demonstrate the behaviour of the temperature regime of an extensive green roof over a production hall and an administrative area in comparison to that of a roof without vegetation cover. In evaluating the results, a period with weather representative of winter and summer was selected to show the importance of seasonality. The fact that this is a new building, and that the extensive roof is not fully covered with vegetation, is very well reflected in the results, as the absence of a vegetated area significantly affects the temperature of as well as the heat flux through the roof structure. The dark colour of the substrate absorbs significantly more solar radiation than the light surface of the waterproofing, resulting in an increase in temperature and heat flux into the structure.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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Research on the Permeability and Pore Structure Distribution Characteristics of High-Performance Mortar for Surface Treatment of Bridge Piers and Columns
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Xianzheng Yu, Hua Liu, Xiaolin Fan, Liangyu Zhu, Chengqi Zhang and Shiyi Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030811 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
In marine environments, bridge piers and columns are prone to corrosion caused by harmful media, particularly chloride ions. This corrosion can lead to cracking of the steel bars in the protective layer of the bridge piers. To enhance the corrosion resistance of concrete
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In marine environments, bridge piers and columns are prone to corrosion caused by harmful media, particularly chloride ions. This corrosion can lead to cracking of the steel bars in the protective layer of the bridge piers. To enhance the corrosion resistance of concrete in bridge piers, this article introduces the use of nanoclay-modified cement mortar. This innovative material offers high-performance surface treatment options that can effectively slow down the erosion process of harmful media and reduce the risk of bridge pier column cracking. To evaluate the ion erosion resistance of this nanoclay-modified cement mortar, we conducted detailed experiments on the pore structure of cement paste. The pore structure of cement paste with different dosages of nano-kaolinite clay and the dispersion method was studied using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The fractal dimension of the pore surface area of the net cement paste was calculated from the fractal model based on thermodynamic relationships of the pore structure-related parameters obtained with mercury pressure experiments. The relationship among the multiple fractal dimensions, pore structure parameters, dispersion mode, and permeability is explored. The results show that the addition of nano-kaolinite clay particles can improve the internal pore structure of cement materials. When 1.5% nano-kaolinite clay is mechanical dispersed, the total specific pore volume and the most probable pore size are reduced by 47.83% and 56.87%, respectively, compared with the control group. The fractal dimension image of cement-based materials with nano-kaolinite clay has a range of singular points and does not have fractal characteristics in this range. Nano-kaolinite clay has a significant effect on the fractal dimension of pore size range I. The fractal dimension of the whole pore size range is not suitable for the analysis of permeability, and the fractal dimension calculated by selecting less than the critical pore size range has a good correlation with permeability.
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(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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Multivariate Evaluation of Photovoltaic Utilization Potential of Primary and Secondary School Buildings: A Case Study in Hainan Province, China
by
Chaohong Wang, Xudong Zhang, Wang Chen, Feihu Jiang and Xiaogang Zhao
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030810 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
Modernization and industrialization have significantly increased energy consumption, causing environmental problems. Given that China is the largest energy user, the rise in building energy consumption necessitates clean energy alternatives. The purpose of this study is to summarize typical building models for primary and
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Modernization and industrialization have significantly increased energy consumption, causing environmental problems. Given that China is the largest energy user, the rise in building energy consumption necessitates clean energy alternatives. The purpose of this study is to summarize typical building models for primary and secondary schools in Hainan Province, and to use software to simulate and calculate the photovoltaic utilization potential of primary and secondary school buildings. In China, the government is usually the manager of primary and secondary schools, and due to their architectural characteristics, these buildings can be used to assess photovoltaic applications. The aim is to drive the application of photovoltaic systems in all types of buildings and promote urban energy reform. This study summarizes the types of primary and secondary school buildings in Hainan Province and analyzes them. It evaluates rooftop photovoltaic projects at the Second Middle School and the Siyuan School in Wanning City, Hainan Province, and uses PVsyst 7.2 software to assess the photovoltaic utilization potential. The results show that the optimal orientation in Hainan Province is south-facing, and the optimal inclination angle is 10° to 20°. The most favorable orientations of facade photovoltaic systems are 20° southeast or southwest. The longest dynamic investment payback period is approximately 15 years, and the environmental benefits are $0.012/kWh. The findings indicate significant potential for photovoltaic applications in primary and secondary school buildings. A combination of facade and rooftop photovoltaics can result in the zero-energy consumption of these buildings, reducing the pressure on urban power grids and achieving sustainable utilization.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy in Buildings)
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A GIS-Based Top-Down Approach to Support Energy Retrofitting for Smart Urban Neighborhoods
by
Wahhaj Ahmed, Baqer Al-Ramadan, Muhammad Asif and Zulfikar Adamu
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030809 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
Energy and environmental challenges are a major concern across the world and the urban residential building sector, being one of the main stakeholders in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, needs to be more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. While it is
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Energy and environmental challenges are a major concern across the world and the urban residential building sector, being one of the main stakeholders in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, needs to be more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. While it is easier to design net zero energy homes, existing home stocks are a major challenge for energy retrofitting. Two key challenges are determining the extent of retrofitting required, and developing knowledge-based effective policies that can be applied en-masse to housing stocks and neighborhoods. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to gather critical data about qualities of existing buildings including their age, geo-location, construction type, as well as electro-mechanical and occupancy parameters of each dwelling. The objective of this study was to develop a GIS-based model embedded with critical data of residential buildings to facilitate evidence-based retrofit programs for urban neighborhoods. A model based on a bottom-up approach was proposed in which information gathered from all stakeholders was inputted into one database that can be used for decision-making. A geo-located case study to validate a proposed GIS-based residential retrofitting model sample size of 74 residential buildings in the city of Riyadh was statistically analyzed and used. The results indicate behavior-based patterns, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.606) between the number of occupants and number of household appliances, while regression analysis showed high occupancy rates do not necessarily result in high utility costs at the end of the month, and there is no statistical difference in the average monthly cost of gas between partial and fully occupied houses. Furthermore, neither the type of building, height, age, nor occupancy status play a significant role in the average energy consumed. Additionally, the GIS-based model was validated and found to be effective for energy-use mapping and gathering critical data for analyzing energy consumption patterns at neighborhood scale, making it useful for municipalities to develop effective policies aimed at energy efficient and smart neighborhoods, based on a recommended list of most effective energy-saving retrofit measures.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the ‘Smartification’ of Buildings and Neighbourhoods for Sustainable and Resilient Smart Cities)
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Deep-Learning-Based Automated Building Information Modeling Reconstruction Using Orthophotos with Digital Surface Models
by
Dejiang Wang, Quanming Jiang and Jinzheng Liu
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030808 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the field of building information modeling (BIM), converting existing buildings into BIM by using orthophotos with digital surface models (DSMs) is a critical technical challenge. Currently, the BIM reconstruction process is hampered by the inadequate accuracy of building boundary extraction when carried
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In the field of building information modeling (BIM), converting existing buildings into BIM by using orthophotos with digital surface models (DSMs) is a critical technical challenge. Currently, the BIM reconstruction process is hampered by the inadequate accuracy of building boundary extraction when carried out using existing technology, leading to insufficient correctness in the final BIM reconstruction. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel deep-learning- and postprocessing-based approach to automating reconstruction in BIM by using orthophotos with DSMs. This approach aims to improve the efficiency and correctness of the reconstruction of existing buildings in BIM. The experimental results in the publicly available Tianjin and Urban 3D reconstruction datasets showed that this method was able to extract accurate and regularized building boundaries, and the correctness of the reconstructed BIM was 85.61% and 82.93%, respectively. This study improved the technique of extracting regularized building boundaries from orthophotos and DSMs and achieved significant results in enhancing the correctness of BIM reconstruction. These improvements are helpful for the reconstruction of existing buildings in BIM, and this study provides a solid foundation for future improvements to the algorithm.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Cities and Infrastructure)
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Open AccessArticle
Flawed Institutional Structures: Project Managers Underutilized in Nigeria’s Construction Industry
by
Ebuka Valentine Iroha, Tsunemi Watanabe and Tsuchiya Satoshi
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030807 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Many studies have been conducted on the poor performance of the construction industry. Nigeria’s construction industry has been linked to project delays and cost overruns, leading to many abandoned construction projects throughout the country. These issues are largely attributed to inadequate project management
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Many studies have been conducted on the poor performance of the construction industry. Nigeria’s construction industry has been linked to project delays and cost overruns, leading to many abandoned construction projects throughout the country. These issues are largely attributed to inadequate project management practices and the underutilization of project managers. To address these challenges, an institutional analysis was conducted to examine the factors, within the institutional framework of the Nigerian construction industry, that hinder the effective utilization of project managers and the implementation of project management practices. Data were collected from the previous literature and were supported by data collected through semi-structured interviews in Nigeria. The collected data were coded into a four-level framework for institutional analysis. This method was employed to analyze the interrelationships between the identified embedded factors, institutional laws and regulations, and construction organizations, and to understand how their influence results in the underutilization of project managers. Deviation analysis was conducted as an additional method to categorize the impacts of the embedded factors at each institutional level and to determine how these impacts contribute to the underutilization of project managers in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). It was found that the system of the underutilization of project managers consists of two subsystems: underutilization and lowering commitment. For the former subsystem, corruption, political influence, religious and tribal discrimination, and organizational culture were found to adversely influence the institutional structure of the construction industry in Nigeria. These factors weaken the governance mechanisms within the industry, leading project managers to prioritize corrupt practices over project needs. The ineffectiveness of existing laws and regulations exacerbates the situation, supporting unfair working conditions and contributing to the underperformance of project managers. This result leads to development at the top of the latter subsystem, with minimal incentives and limited opportunities for career growth within construction organizations. The findings hold significant potential for addressing systemic issues in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly the underutilization of project managers and organizational support measures to improve project management practices and mitigate the adverse effects of corruption.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Influencing Factors of Construction Management Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Design Method for Local Buckling Resistance of Double Steel Plate–Concrete Composite Walls with Stiffening Ribs and Tie Plates
by
Bin Wu, Jia-Ning Wu, Yan Lu, Wei-Yi Zhang, Dong Zhang and Song-Han Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030806 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
An ordinary double steel plate–concrete composite wall (ODSC wall) is composed of core concrete, the faceplates, and shear connectors such as studs, etc. Based on an ODSC wall, a new type of stiffened double steel plate–concrete composite wall (SDSC wall) is conceived by
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An ordinary double steel plate–concrete composite wall (ODSC wall) is composed of core concrete, the faceplates, and shear connectors such as studs, etc. Based on an ODSC wall, a new type of stiffened double steel plate–concrete composite wall (SDSC wall) is conceived by incorporating additional stiffeners and tie plates on the internal surface, which aims to improve the local stability of the faceplates. In the authors’ previous study, a series of axial compression tests were conducted on the SDSC walls. The SDSC walls in the test showed better mechanical performance, as the presence of stiffeners changed the buckling deformation mode and significantly improved the corresponding local buckling stress and ultimate strength. In this paper, a comprehensive summary of the prior research on SDSC walls is provided, and the effect of the constructive parameters on the local stability is discussed. The results reveal that the modified formula of the critical stress can degrade to the Euler formula when the stiffener-to-stud spacing ratio (i.e., a/B ratio) approaches infinity. What is more, the analysis model is also applicable for DSC walls with enclosed side plates, and the proposed formula can predict the buckling stress of the SDSC walls with different a/B ratios. In addition, according to the analysis of the numerical simulation, a design approach for SDSC walls to prevent local buckling is provided, which is applicable in practical engineering applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Steel–Concrete Composite/Hybrid Structures)
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Open AccessReview
Integrating Digital Twins with BIM for Enhanced Building Control Strategies: A Systematic Literature Review Focusing on Daylight and Artificial Lighting Systems
by
Martin Hauer, Sascha Hammes, Philipp Zech, David Geisler-Moroder, Daniel Plörer, Josef Miller, Vincent van Karsbergen and Rainer Pfluger
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030805 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become instrumental in shaping the design and commissioning of smart buildings. At the center of this development is the pursuit of more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable built environments.
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In the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become instrumental in shaping the design and commissioning of smart buildings. At the center of this development is the pursuit of more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable built environments. The emergence of smart buildings equipped with advanced sensor networks and automation systems increasingly requires the implementation of Digital Twins (DT) for the direct coupling of BIM methods for integral building planning, commissioning, and operational monitoring. While simulation tools and methods exist in the design phase of developing advanced controls, their mapping to construction or post-construction models is less well developed. Through systematic, keyword-based literature research on publisher-independent databases, this review paper gives a comprehensive overview of the state of the research on BIM integration of building control systems with a primary focus on combined controls for daylight and artificial lighting systems. The review, supported by a bibliometric literature analysis, highlights major development fields in HVAC controls, failure detection, and fire-detection systems, while the integration of daylight and artificial lighting controls in Digital Twins is still at an early stage of development. In addition to already existing reviews in the context of BIM and Digital planning methods, this review particularly intends to build the necessary knowledge base to further motivate research activities to integrate simulation-based control methods in the BIM planning process and to further close the gap between planning, implementation, and commissioning.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM-Based Construction Management: Trends and Prospects)
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Open AccessArticle
Conceptual Approaches in Contemporary Hotel Interiors in Northern Cyprus: Ornamentation and Representation
by
Hasan Altan and Huriye Gürdallı
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030804 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cyprus with its rich cultural heritage has been the showcase of ornamentation throughout history with a rich variety of materials, details, and narratives. Integrating ornamentation with its body architecture can be seen as one of the storytellers of these narratives through design elements.
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Cyprus with its rich cultural heritage has been the showcase of ornamentation throughout history with a rich variety of materials, details, and narratives. Integrating ornamentation with its body architecture can be seen as one of the storytellers of these narratives through design elements. After the mid-1990s when casinos had been banned in Turkey, five-star casino hotels became one of the main investment areas in North Cyprus. Together with this new building type and new users’ expectations with a new understanding of holidays, the 21st century brought the changing use of ornamentation in hotel interiors and, hence, decoration came to the fore more than before. Hotel lobbies welcoming the users to their second homes and introducing the hotels’ identities have always been seen as the most important area of hotels by investors, designers, and hotel managers. Sometimes the reception areas were perceived as the living room of the hotel customers where they feel attached culturally, socially, or economically, and sometimes it could be a place where they can feel themselves as one of the characters of ancient history, a king or a queen for a while. Hence, hotel interiors, in general, and hotel lobbies, in particular, acted as a cultural representative, a social status symbol, and a political image of the story told. The aim of this paper is to examine five-star hotel lobbies within the framework of ornamentation through a reading model created with the concepts used by theoreticians. Together with the site visits and visual recordings, the analysis conducted in this paper is based on qualitative data incorporated by a rich theoretical background on ornamentation. The paper tries to highlight the representational value of ornamentation that can help to understand and interpret the spatial transformation of hotel interiors.
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(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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