Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 6922

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Structural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: structural health monitoring; non-minor destructive testing; laboratory testing; masonry structures; timber structures; existing buildings; structural analysis; building pathology
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E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Structural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: structural health monitoring; non-minor destructive testing; existing buildings; interventions; structural analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Building Technology R&D Group, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: structural health monitoring; non-minor destructive testing, laboratory testing; masonry structures; existing buildings; structural analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Polytechnic School of Engineering of Gijón, University of Oviedo, 33203 Gijón, Spain
Interests: building pathology; timber structures; bioconstruction and energy saving; development of new materials and equipment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing importance of refurbishing, rehabilitating, and conserving existing buildings and infrastructure, especially historical heritage, has highlighted the necessity of establishing effective methods for analyzing, planning, and implementing construction rehabilitation measures as well as maintenance and management strategies. As the world grapples with the preservation and sustainable use of architectural heritage, the 10th Edition of the REHABEND Congress (REHABEND 2024, https://www.rehabend.unican.es) emerges as a suitable platform. Its primary objective is to facilitate knowledge exchange among experts from different countries who are deeply involved in these crucial topics.

The REHABEND Congress on 'Construction Pathology, Rehabilitation Technology, and Heritage Management' will delve into the remarkable progress achieved in recent years in the theoretical and experimental realms of these subjects. As a testament to this advancement, this volume will feature a curated selection of the finest papers presented at the REHABEND 2024 conference.

Dr. Ignacio Lombillo
Dr. Haydee Blanco
Dr. Yosbel Boffill
Dr. Alfonso Lozano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • multidisciplinary studies (historical, archaeological, etc.)
  • heritage and territory
  • urban regeneration
  • economic and financial policies
  • social participation processes and socio-cultural aspects in rehabilitation projects
  • construction pathology
  • diagnostic techniques
  • structural assessment
  • guides and regulations
  • theoretical criteria of intervention projects
  • traditional materials and construction methods
  • novelty products applicable and new technologies
  • sustainable design and energy efficiency
  • intervention plans
  • rehabilitation and durability
  • reinforcement technologies
  • restoration of artworks
  • conservation of industrial heritage
  • examples of intervention
  • construction Maintenance
  • preventive conservation of built heritage
  • heritage and cultural tourism
  • teaching and training
  • new technologies applied to heritage diffusion
  • accessibility to cultural heritage
  • working networks in cultural heritage
  • built heritage management

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3023 KiB  
Article
Measuring the Influence of Industrialization in Deep Energy Renovations: A Three-Case Study Utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
by Juan G. Secondo-Maglia, José Luis Alapont-Ramón, Marco De-Rossi-Estrada and Santiago Sánchez Gómez
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3448; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113448 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 306
Abstract
Existing buildings in the European Union account for 40% of its energy consumption. To significantly reduce this impact, annual deep energy renovation rates should triple by the end of the 2020s. However, the lack of automation in the construction industry has hindered energy [...] Read more.
Existing buildings in the European Union account for 40% of its energy consumption. To significantly reduce this impact, annual deep energy renovation rates should triple by the end of the 2020s. However, the lack of automation in the construction industry has hindered energy renovation efforts. Horizon Europe’s INPERSO project (Industrialised and Personalised Renovation for Sustainable Societies) aims to create a user-centered energy rehabilitation method based on industrialized technologies and systems, enhancing efficiency and building performance. To bridge the gap between predictions and real-world outcomes, the 22 project partners—using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) process—devised a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating rehabilitation based on economic, energy, environmental, social, and technological factors. Adopting a human-centric approach, these project partners aim to minimize the technologies’ environmental impact while optimizing users’ comfort and experience. The indicators are designed to evaluate performance at every stage of the renovation process, enabling continuous feedback and user engagement and ultimately ensuring that projected energy savings are met throughout the building’s lifespan. The KPIs selected for INPERSO provide a solid framework for evaluating and monitoring sustainable renovation. However, challenges such as administrative reluctance and user disruption must be addressed to further boost the adoption of deep energy renovations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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22 pages, 15919 KiB  
Article
A Unified Virtual Model for Real-Time Visualization and Diagnosis in Architectural Heritage Conservation
by Federico Luis del Blanco García, Alejandro Jesús González Cruz, Cristina Amengual Menéndez, David Sanz Arauz, Jose Ramón Aira Zunzunegui, Milagros Palma Crespo, Soledad García Morales and Luis Javier Sánchez-Aparicio
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113396 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 434
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to propose a workflow for the real-time visualization of virtual environments that supports diagnostic tasks in heritage buildings. The approach integrates data from terrestrial laser scanning (3D point clouds and meshes), along with panoramic and thermal images, [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to propose a workflow for the real-time visualization of virtual environments that supports diagnostic tasks in heritage buildings. The approach integrates data from terrestrial laser scanning (3D point clouds and meshes), along with panoramic and thermal images, into a unified virtual model. Additionally, the methodology incorporates several post-processing stages designed to enhance the user experience in visualizing both the building and its associated damage. The methodology was tested on the Medieval Templar Church of Vera Cruz in Segovia, utilizing a combination of visible and infrared data, along with manually prepared damage maps. The project results demonstrate that the use of a hybrid digital model—combining 3D point clouds, polygonal meshes, and panoramic images—is highly effective for real-time rendering, providing detailed visualization while maintaining adaptability for mobile devices with limited computational power. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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12 pages, 5237 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Rustic Bamboo Envelope Construction Technique on the Thermal Performance of Vernacular Housing in the Ecuadorian Coastal Region: The Case of El Carmen-Manabí
by Rodrigo Carpio, Fernanda Valarezo, Eduardo Aguirre-Maldonado and Cristian Balcázar-Arciniega
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3368; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113368 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Bamboo, particularly Guadua Angustifolia cane, offers significant thermal benefits for construction in warm, humid climates and has been a key material in Ecuador for over 9500 years due to its low cost, versatility, and low thermal conductivity. In the coastal region, including the [...] Read more.
Bamboo, particularly Guadua Angustifolia cane, offers significant thermal benefits for construction in warm, humid climates and has been a key material in Ecuador for over 9500 years due to its low cost, versatility, and low thermal conductivity. In the coastal region, including the settlement of El Carmen, traditional architectural techniques have evolved to incorporate local materials like Guadua cane. A common method involves using crushed cane as wall cladding, where longitudinally split bamboo is applied, creating openings in the structure. These openings, often viewed as a construction defect, influence passive cooling systems. This study investigated the impact of these irregularities on indoor thermal comfort by documenting the construction systems and climatic conditions of the area. Computational models were reconstructed and tested through CFD simulations to assess thermal behavior. The findings highlight the thermal implications of the vernacular construction system, revealing how wall openings affect passive cooling strategies and overall indoor comfort in the housing typologies of El Carmen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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14 pages, 9767 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Vernacular Housing in the Dominican Republic Using Simulations
by Letzai Ruiz-Valero, Virginia Flores-Sasso, Esteban Prieto-Vicioso and Gabriela Fernández-Flores
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3365; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113365 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 432
Abstract
Dominican vernacular architecture, based on the Spanish-influenced indigenous bohio, is built with natural materials. This housing model has remained practically unchanged for five centuries, responding adequately to the tropical Caribbean climate. However, it is necessary to characterize this behavior to verify the indoor [...] Read more.
Dominican vernacular architecture, based on the Spanish-influenced indigenous bohio, is built with natural materials. This housing model has remained practically unchanged for five centuries, responding adequately to the tropical Caribbean climate. However, it is necessary to characterize this behavior to verify the indoor comfort conditions of this housing typology. The aim of this research is to evaluate the behavior of a vernacular house located in Villa Sombrero, Peravia Province, Dominican Republic, using a simulation model. For this purpose, a bohio was selected, which has a simple rectangular volume. Simulations were carried out using Design Builder software, considering the passive strategies incorporated in the bohio. The results indicate that indoor ambient temperature remains within the comfort range throughout the annual cycle. It was confirmed that the highest solar gain through exterior windows occurs in the warmer months. Lighting consumption varies between approximately 195 kWh and 220 kWh, with a more stable behavior during the middle months of the year. CO2 emissions followed the same behavior as lighting consumption since it was the only energized element in the bohio. This research demonstrated that passive strategies implemented in the vernacular dwelling work correctly, except for the minimum illuminance level, which needs to be improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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14 pages, 12141 KiB  
Article
Repair of Beam End Joints Using Steel Rods and Wood Prosthesis in Heritage Buildings: Implantation in the Structure of the Zabala Palace in Ordizia (Basque Country, Spain)
by Josu Benito-Ayúcar, Pablo González-Serna, Daniel Luengas-Carreño and Ekaitz Uribe-Rus
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3363; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113363 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 465
Abstract
This paper presents the methodology developed in the repair of three oak beam ends in a protected heritage building: the Zabala Palace in Ordizia (Basque Country, Spain). It describes the structural assessment, design, calculation and execution process, as well as the experimental tests [...] Read more.
This paper presents the methodology developed in the repair of three oak beam ends in a protected heritage building: the Zabala Palace in Ordizia (Basque Country, Spain). It describes the structural assessment, design, calculation and execution process, as well as the experimental tests carried out in the laboratory to verify and validate the structural capacity of the repair method. The intervention consisted of cutting and removing the beam ends degraded by fungi and replacing them with wooden prostheses. These elements were connected to the beams by means of threaded steel rods and epoxy resin. Calculations based on standards and the literature were verified by laboratory tests where aspects such as the fluidity, filling and pull-out resistance of four commercial epoxy resins were tested. Once the epoxy resin was selected, three samples of the reinforcement design were also flexure tested. The results of the different tests show capacities much higher than those resulting from the application of the calculation procedures in the current bibliography and standards. The implemented solution allowed the conservation of most of the original patrimonial timber, following the criteria of minimum intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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17 pages, 5705 KiB  
Article
Indoor Environment in Kindergartens Located in the North of Portugal: Evaluation of Thermal Comfort and Carbon Dioxide Concentration
by Eva Barreira, Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida and Joana Guimarães
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3360; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113360 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 403
Abstract
Adequate school buildings are essential for the development of children, young people, and adolescents, as they must provide conditions that support their well-being and health. A healthy and comfortable indoor environment is critical for students’ performance in the learning process. This study aims [...] Read more.
Adequate school buildings are essential for the development of children, young people, and adolescents, as they must provide conditions that support their well-being and health. A healthy and comfortable indoor environment is critical for students’ performance in the learning process. This study aims to evaluate the indoor environment in kindergartens located in northern Portugal, with a primary focus on thermal comfort and indoor air quality. To achieve this, five buildings with varying construction characteristics were monitored, with temperature and relative humidity measurements taken in classrooms of different orientations over time. Additionally, the outdoor climate was also monitored. Based on the collected data, thermal comfort was evaluated using the adaptive model defined by the European standard EN 16798. Continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide concentration was also conducted in three of these buildings. The results reveal significant heterogeneity among the buildings, demonstrating the influence of construction characteristics on the interior thermal conditions. The recorded temperatures ranged from 10 °C to 27 °C, highlighting a substantial variability in performance across the different buildings. Particularly, the orientation and size of glazed openings, together with the lack of thermal insulation in the building envelope, especially in the roof, were found to have an important impact on the thermal comfort of the occupants. Furthermore, a relationship was observed between the daily maximum carbon dioxide concentration and the outdoor temperature, as a result of users’ efforts to minimize uncontrolled air infiltration, by limiting the opening of doors and windows, with consequences in the air exchange between the interior and exterior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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20 pages, 11486 KiB  
Article
Preventive Preservation of Rammed Earth Historical Heritage Through Continuous Monitoring, Architectural Inspections, and Data Fusion
by Esther Puertas, Fernando Ávila, Enrique García-Macías and Rafael Gallego
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3294; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103294 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Rammed earth construction, an ancient and sustainable building technique, faces significant preservation challenges, particularly in historical contexts. This study aims to enhance the preventive preservation of rammed earth historical heritage through a comprehensive methodology combining continuous monitoring, architectural inspections, and data fusion. By [...] Read more.
Rammed earth construction, an ancient and sustainable building technique, faces significant preservation challenges, particularly in historical contexts. This study aims to enhance the preventive preservation of rammed earth historical heritage through a comprehensive methodology combining continuous monitoring, architectural inspections, and data fusion. By integrating nondestructive testing techniques such as ultrasound, thermography, and ground-penetrating radar with operational modal analysis and modeling, the proposed approach allows for early detection and assessment of structural vulnerabilities. This methodology was applied to the Tower of Muhammad in the Alhambra of Granada, Spain, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and quantifying damage and predicting structural health. Using multi-source data (documentation, inspections, nondestructive tests, and continuous monitoring), a finite element model was built, calibrated (achieving an avg. error in modal frequencies of 1.28% and a minimum modal assurance criterion value of 0.94), and used to develop a surrogate model able to predict the modal properties of the tower in 0.02 s, becoming compatible with continuous system identification. The presented results highlight the importance of continuous data acquisition and advanced diagnostic tools for safeguarding rammed earth structures against environmental and anthropogenic threats. This study advocates for the adoption of digital twins in historical preservation, facilitating informed decision-making and sustainable management of cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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25 pages, 92073 KiB  
Article
Seismic Vulnerability Indices of Facades of Colonial Houses in the Historic Center of Morelia, México
by Bertha A. Olmos, José M. Jara and Guillermo Martínez
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3148; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103148 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 607
Abstract
Evaluating the seismic vulnerability of facades of historic masonry buildings is essential not only for their significant historical and heritage value, but also to evaluate the safety of this type of construction. This work applies a simplified methodology to assess the seismic vulnerability [...] Read more.
Evaluating the seismic vulnerability of facades of historic masonry buildings is essential not only for their significant historical and heritage value, but also to evaluate the safety of this type of construction. This work applies a simplified methodology to assess the seismic vulnerability of the facade of masonry buildings in the historic center of Morelia, Michoacán, México. The historic center of Morelia was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. On the facades, there is ornamentation with sculptural and vegetal decorative elements. The methodology involved conducting visual inspections to identify the location, type of structure, construction materials, doors, windows, balconies, cornices, ironwork, pediments, niches, and sculptures, among other characteristic elements of colonial architecture. The seismic demands were determined specifically for the city’s historic center based on a recent seismic hazard assessment of Morelia. Based on the methodology and the compiled database, characterized vulnerability indices were defined for the different damage scenarios that buildings may present. Results indicate that earthquakes with intensities greater than VIII on the Modified Mercalli scale risk collapsing heritage masonry buildings’ facades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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19 pages, 10249 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Characteristics of a 1950s Heritage Building: A Comparison of Original Design Methods and Modern Techniques
by Fernando Peña and Joel Ramos
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2944; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092944 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 564
Abstract
Research on design rules and methods for architectural heritage is an important aspect of conservation practice. Nevertheless, efforts to recover and divulge design methods for Modern Heritage remain limited. This paper is related to the recent structural assessment of a 15-storey heritage building [...] Read more.
Research on design rules and methods for architectural heritage is an important aspect of conservation practice. Nevertheless, efforts to recover and divulge design methods for Modern Heritage remain limited. This paper is related to the recent structural assessment of a 15-storey heritage building built in 1950, during which a document describing the original seismic analysis of this structure was identified. The methodology employed is of particular interest, as it involves the application of pioneer concepts of dynamic analysis in the design of the first tall buildings in Mexico. The primary aim of this paper is to review the seismic design criteria for the case under study in order to contribute to the state of the art in Modern Heritage. The review includes a comparison between the dynamic characteristics estimated during the design and the results of recent ambient vibration tests and numerical modeling. Several sources of error among the design criteria were identified. Notably, the fundamental period estimated during the design was 38% larger than the experimental value due to an underestimation in stiffness, which introduces significant uncertainty into the design. Overall, the review shows the evolution of seismic analysis over time and provide valuable insights for the study of similar buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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20 pages, 39048 KiB  
Article
Underwater Inspection of Submerged Elements in Masonry Bridges and Other Old Civil Structures Using Drones
by Rubén Rodríguez Elizalde
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2788; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092788 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 467
Abstract
In previous studies, drones have been used to carry out visual inspections of heritage elements. To complement the information obtained with common drones, a new underwater drone model is proposed for the specific case of old bridges. The aim is to verify the [...] Read more.
In previous studies, drones have been used to carry out visual inspections of heritage elements. To complement the information obtained with common drones, a new underwater drone model is proposed for the specific case of old bridges. The aim is to verify the applicability of underwater drones for inspecting submerged elements of old heritage bridges, given the large number of bridge disasters and collapses linked to failures in their foundations. To this end, we carried out an underwater inspection of the visible submerged elements (submerged but not buried) of three old bridges crossing different rivers. The different locations and characteristics of these bridges allow us to draw some initial conclusions. The results of the operations carried out show that underwater drones are not only useful for this type of inspection, but also the work is much safer than with the means currently used (underwater divers). In addition, the use of drones makes it possible to study certain parameters that can anticipate subsequent foundation problems affecting the entire bridge, such as the settlement or rotation of piers or abutments. This is the main innovation and contribution of this research: the possibility of inspecting submerged elements of masonry constructions using unmanned vessels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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16 pages, 14018 KiB  
Article
The Stabilization of a Hellenistic City Square (Plaza) at the Kınık Höyük Archeological Site, Niğde Province, Türkiye
by Deniz Üçer Erduran, Burak Yolaçan and Lorenzo d’Alfonso
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092719 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 466
Abstract
In recent years, at the Kınık Höyük archeological site in Niğde province in Turkey, a city square (plaza) located in the town’s acropolis was discovered. Context and spatial finds indicate that this stone-paved plaza dates to the Hellenistic era. It is made of [...] Read more.
In recent years, at the Kınık Höyük archeological site in Niğde province in Turkey, a city square (plaza) located in the town’s acropolis was discovered. Context and spatial finds indicate that this stone-paved plaza dates to the Hellenistic era. It is made of a large cobblestone masonry structure made of local amorphous units that were fixed only with compacted earth. The conservation plan concentrated on enclosing the unbound free edges by using new pavement and a retaining wall to stop the ongoing decay because the plaza had already lost its integrity before the discovery. To distinguish between the original application and modern interventions, new cladding was designed and installed lower than the ancient pavement’s level using smaller stones from the same source. Additionally, a retaining wall was planned and built to be plastered to achieve a plain surface, where the pavement’s texture created contrast and highlighted neat craftsmanship. For this consolidation application, a hydraulic lime-based binder was combined with local earth for compatibility with the older application. The application’s suitability and durability were demonstrated after it was observed for a few years while being subjected to atmospheric impacts without any protection. Therefore, the examination confirmed that the suggested method is safe to apply in situations where similar stabilization needs arise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)
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