Buildings

Microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) offer a promising way to enhance the thermal performance of cement-based materials; however, their incorporation often compromises mechanical properties and durability, limiting practical application. A mechanistic understanding of how MPCM particle size governs the coupled thermal, mechanical, and transport behavior of cementitious systems remains incomplete. In this paper, two organic MPCMs with identical core–shell chemistry but distinct particle sizes (mean diameters of 10.78 μm and 34.21 μm) were incorporated into mortar at dosages of 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% under w/b ratios of 0.35 and 0.45. The effects of MPCM particle size and content on hydration kinetics, rheology, strength development, pore transport behavior, and thermal conductivity were systematically investigated using isothermal calorimetry, flow spread testing, compressive strength measurements, capillary water absorption, thermal conductivity analysis, X-ray diffraction, and SEM–EDS characterization. Results show that MPCM incorporation delays early-age hydration and reduces peak hydration rates, with finer particles exerting a stronger inhibitory effect due to increased specific surface area and water adsorption. While all MPCM-modified mortars exhibit reduced compressive strength and increased capillary absorption, larger MPCM particles mitigate strength loss by limiting the total interfacial transition zone (ITZ) area and reducing ITZ connectivity. In contrast, smaller MPCM particles more effectively decrease thermal conductivity, achieving up to a 33% reduction, owing to enhanced interfacial thermal resistance. Microstructural observations confirm that MPCMs do not alter cement hydration products but influence performance through interfacial defects, porosity evolution, and particle-scale interactions. These findings demonstrate that MPCM particle size critically controls the trade-off between thermal regulation and structural integrity, providing quantitative guidance for designing PCM-modified concrete through optimizing particle-size. Full article

The application of vibration monitoring integrated with sparse Auto-Encoder (SAE) networks is investigated in this paper with the objective of detecting and localizing structural anomalies or damages. Unlike previous studies on SAE networks, the methodology proposed is based on the definition of a single SAE model, trained with the signals simultaneously collected from several sensors. Once the SAE has been trained using measurements that represent the baseline (undamaged) condition of the structure, the network is likely to reconstruct well newly collected data if the structure maintains its intact condition. When damage or structural degradation processes start developing, an increase in the reconstruction error—defined as the residual between the original input and the reconstructed output—has to be expected, so that a deviation from the normal state is highlighted. Moreover, this rise in reconstruction errors is typically more significant near the damaged areas, allowing for precise localization of the affected zones. The performance and robustness of the proposed approach are illustrated and validated using experimental data from two real-world bridge structures. Full article

Observations of energy and carbon dioxide fluxes in the urban centres of rapidly developing countries remain limited. In this study, one year of eddy covariance measurements was conducted in the city centre of Hefei to investigate how underlying urban surfaces and human activities influence surface energy and carbon dioxide fluxes. A strong correlation was observed between net radiation and sensible heat flux, with both fluxes being significantly lower in winter. Abundant summer precipitation substantially enhanced latent heat flux. Anthropogenic heat flux and storage heat flux ranged from 30 to 350 W m⁻² and from −100 to 350 W m⁻², respectively. Improved energy balance closure was generally associated with more unstable atmospheric conditions, while increased urban surface heterogeneity was linked to poorer closure. Traffic was identified as a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, with annual emissions reaching 12.73 kg CO₂ m⁻² yr⁻¹ in the city centre. Carbon dioxide fluxes were significantly higher in winter and slightly lower on weekends compared to weekdays. In addition, the increasing adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) has contributed to a reduction in urban CO₂ fluxes. Overall, human activity in urban centres substantially enhances anthropogenic heat release and carbon dioxide emissions, thereby intensifying urban heat island effects and carbon emissions. Full article

The rapid development of medical technologies requires architects to implement a future-proofing approach while designing medical facilities, despite the inherent uncertainty of long-term change. This challenge is particularly visible within hospital emergency departments (HEDs), which play a critical role as first-contact units and life-saving infrastructures. Due to their specific function, HEDs are a challenging environment for implementing new solutions, as they rely on proven frameworks designed to ensure continuity of care and operational efficiency. This raises the key question: how can modern technologies and architectural strategies streamline workflows in HEDs without overwhelming medical staff? Considering current challenges, an equally important factor in the development of emergency departments is their preparedness for crisis situations, such as pandemics, war threats and natural disasters. How can architectural design enable the implementation of given design strategies, aiming to ensure opportunities for development while simultaneously preparing for all-hazard scenarios? The authors gathered existing trends and solutions aimed at preparing hospital emergency departments for future challenges: positive/neutral, such as technological development, but also negative, such as currently ongoing war threats or risk of the next pandemic. Despite the apparent thematic extremity, certain systematic architectural solutions using a transdisciplinary approach may be the answer to these occurrences. The mentioned architectural solutions and factors were synthesized and subjected to design-oriented review based on existing case studies of a few Polish hospitals, which are simultaneously studied as case studies for broader doctoral research in the field of effectiveness assessment. The selected Polish hospital emergency departments are used as an illustrative, analytical reference to support the interpretation and synthesis of the reviewed literature. The contextual analysis enables the identification of transferable, design-oriented strategies relevant to broader emergence medicine architecture and applicable within European units. Examples from Polish units in particular are used as reference and background for discussion, rather than as empirical case studies. The study provides an overview of contemporary and future-oriented solutions in hospital architecture, focusing on the impact and feasibility within the hospital emergency departments. The synthesis highlights the importance of designing flexible spaces prepared for future technological advances, such as oversized service shafts, increased floor heights, and modular layouts. Additionally, the study focuses on the spatial connotations of emerging technologies like medical robotics, their maintenance areas and possible challenges. All of this is interrelated to social, demographic, and economic trends. These include the development of hospital networks, the evolving patient profile, inter-hospital information flow, and the growing role of highly specialized medical units. In terms of rapid challenges like wars or armed threats, factors revealed within the review indicate levels of HED readiness to face the conflict, mainly in terms of surge capacity but also structural durability and reserve resources. The post-pandemic context, in turn, assumes rapid expansion of the hospital into temporary and flexible structures and reversible zoning allowing for patient segregation and separation. Together, these insights outline pathways for creating resilient, adaptable, and efficient emergency care environments resilient to unforeseen challenges. Considering future scenarios of emergency departments, two main scenarios were identified: “the hospital of the future”, continuing overall development and adapting to rapid technological innovations, and “the crisis-resilient hospital”, resistant to various crisis scenarios, such as pandemics or war threats. The optimal development of the unit assumes both openness to technological changes and preparation of key zones for all-hazard scenarios. This review aims to synthesize architectural implications of technological and socio-demographic changes, not to provide a full empirical study. Adopting an exploratory framework, the review refers to technological innovations and crisis preparedness as external drivers shaping the spatial organization of hospital emergency departments and their adaptability to future challenges. Because of various inhibitors (economic, political, hierarchical), not all hospitals can introduce the described improvements, but the synthesis may serve as a knowledge source for future investments. The review was also conducted to support design decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The choice to address all the external factors collectively was induced to provide transferability of solutions and coherence of possible scenarios, which may happen simultaneously. Full article

γ-dicalcium silicate (γ-C₂S) is a carbonatable binder with excellent carbonation reactivity. However, its extremely low hydration activity prevents the paste from setting and hardening properly, making it difficult to be directly cast and molded. This study introduces β-hemihydrate gypsum as an early-strength regulating agent, which utilizes its rapid hydration to form dihydrate gypsum, thereby imparting early-age strength to the composite system and enabling subsequent carbonation curing after demolding. The experimental investigation examined the effects of β-hemihydrate gypsum content on the fluidity, setting time, and carbonation performance of γ-C₂S paste. The results indicate that when the β-hemihydrate gypsum content is not less than 10%, the paste can obtain sufficient early-age strength to achieve smooth demolding. At a β-hemihydrate gypsum content of 10%, after pre-drying treatment, samples subjected to carbonation curing for 24 h under a CO₂ partial pressure of 0.3 MPa achieved a peak absolute dry compressive strength of 117.29 MPa with a softening coefficient of 0.92. Further increases in β-hemihydrate gypsum content lead to reductions in both strength and water resistance. Microstructural analysis reveals that at a gypsum content of 10%, the crystalline network of dihydrate gypsum interlocks and coexists with calcium carbonate and silica gel generated from γ-C₂S carbonation, forming a compact structure. In contrast, the framework formed by excessive gypsum before carbonation restricts the continuous interlocking and overall development of calcium carbonate products generated from γ-C₂S, resulting in deterioration of structural integrity and mechanical properties. This study provides theoretical foundation and technical support for the engineering application of γ-C₂S-based carbon mineralization materials. Full article

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) can substantially increase renewable electricity utilization in buildings under China’s “dual-carbon” targets. Yet, fixed photovoltaic (FPV) windows cannot respond to seasonal and diurnal variations in solar altitude and azimuth, limiting their ability to jointly optimize power generation, shading, and solar heat gains. This study proposes a shading-type sun-tracking photovoltaic (STPV) window for south-facing residential glazing and evaluates its annual performance for a detached house in Hangzhou (hot-summer and cold-winter climate). Representative clear-sky field measurements were combined with annual EnergyPlus simulations to quantify PV yield, radiation regulation, and impacts on air-conditioning (HVAC) and lighting electricity use. STPV windows deliver an additional annual PV gain of ~336 kWh relative to FPV windows, mainly during transition seasons and around summer noon. Using the no-shading case as the baseline (4967 kWh/year), FPV windows reduce total electricity use to 4010 kWh (−957 kWh), while STPV windows further reduce it to 3281 kWh (−1686 kWh), providing an extra −729 kWh versus FPV. Accounting for PV generation, the annual net electricity demand decreases from 2929 kWh (FPV) to 1864 kWh (STPV), i.e., −1065 kWh (36.4%). These results highlight the synergy of tracking-enabled generation enhancement and cooling-load reduction for façade PV in Hangzhou-like climates. Full article

As a significant component of hydraulic cultural heritage within the Grand Canal Cultural Belt, ancient stone bridges serve as vital physical evidence reflecting the evolutionary patterns of water conservancy and settlement spaces in Wuxi. Consequently, understanding their distribution holds critical significance for the holistic protection and revitalized utilization of the heritage. This study investigates 118 ancient stone bridges in Wuxi, China, employing ArcGIS spatial analysis methods, specifically average nearest neighbor, kernel density estimation, and standard deviational ellipse, to examine spatiotemporal characteristics. Additionally, a random forest (RF) model is utilized to quantify the importance of natural environmental factors influencing their distribution. The results reveal the following: (1) Temporally, the distribution transitioned from a random pattern in the Song Dynasty to a highly clustered pattern during the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. (2) Spatially, the distribution centroid exhibited a distinct southwestward trend, evolving from a dispersed structure into a multi nuclei aggregation model centered on Yixing and Wuxi City. (3) Environmentally, bridges are predominantly located in low-elevation plains, gentle slopes (2° to 5°), and stable zones far from geological hazards. They exhibit a preference for northeast and northwest aspects, with the highest concentration within 100 m of rivers and in paddy or yellow–brown soil regions. (4) The RF model identifies rivers as the absolute dominant factor, followed by aspect, geological hazards, slope, and elevation, while soil factors have the lowest importance. These findings enrich the conservation theory for hydraulic cultural heritage and provide a scientific basis for the risk assessment, hierarchical protection, and integrated tourism planning of ancient stone bridges. Full article

Industrial heritage embodies the complex interplay between historical continuity, technological development, and social spatial transformation. However, existing assessment methods often rely on qualitative judgments or fragmented criteria, limiting their ability to systematically evaluate the reuse potential in the context of heterogeneous heritage. To overcome this limitation, this study constructs an empirical evaluation framework that defines heritage value through quantifiable indicators and examines how different value dimensions affect reuse potential. Based on a dataset of 124 industrial heritage sites located on saline–alkali soil along the coast of Jiangsu Province, this study integrates multiple data sources such as archival records, field surveys, spatial data, and questionnaire surveys to construct a multidimensional indicator system. This system quantifies and analyzes four value dimensions: historical, architectural, technological, and socio-cultural, and employs machine learning methods for analysis. The study utilizes a Random Forest model to examine the relative impact of each dimension and assess their comprehensive explanatory power in classifying the potential for heritage reuse. The performance of the model is evaluated through cross-validation, yielding robust results (accuracy = 0.833, macro F1 = 0.812). A five-fold cross-validation is conducted to train a Random Forest classifier. The model achieves an accuracy of 0.833, a macro F1 score of 0.812, and an AUC of 0.871, outperforming the baseline classifier and validating the reliability of the analytical framework. The research findings indicate that the impact of architectural integrity and technical characteristics on reuse potential significantly outweighs symbolic or perceptual attributes, unveiling structural biases present in traditional heritage assessment practices. This study transcends descriptive assessments by empirically examining the operational modes of different value dimensions within a unified analytical framework, offering empirical insights into the mechanisms influencing the reuse of industrial heritage. The proposed framework provides a reproducible and transparent approach to support heritage conservation and adaptive reuse strategies in industrial transformation areas. Full article

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) concrete, with excellent properties such as light weight, thermal insulation, and soundproofing, is widely applied in construction engineering. However, its complex heterogeneous internal structure makes it difficult to quickly and accurately assess compressive strength. Existing testing methods struggle to meet the real-time demands of on-site quality control in terms of both operational efficiency and accuracy. To address this, the present study proposes a method for predicting the compressive strength of EPS concrete based on image processing and Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN). By constructing a dataset consisting of 5600 preprocessed concrete slice images and addressing the issue of parameter redundancy in fully connected layers, the Broad Learning System (BLS) was employed to reconstruct and optimize the network architecture, thereby improving computational efficiency and enhancing prediction accuracy. The experimental results indicate that after introducing the BLS and related training optimization mechanisms, the training time was reduced by approximately 15%. Among all models, the BLS-Xception model performed the best, requiring only 1.9 s per training image. The coefficient of determination (R²) on the test set reached 0.95, representing an 18.7% improvement over traditional models. The study also indicates that the appropriate incorporation of coal ash, silica fume, and mineral powder significantly enhances the compressive strength of EPS concrete, with smaller EPS particles contributing more substantially to strength improvement. The model demonstrates excellent accuracy and reliability in predictions, providing an effective method for the rapid, non-destructive evaluation of the compressive strength of EPS concrete on construction sites. Full article

During long-term service, concrete structures are exposed to various adverse factors, which often lead to the formation of numerous surface cracks. These cracks pose serious threats to structural safety and durability. Therefore, accurately identifying crack characteristics is essential for evaluating the service performance of concrete structures. A two-stage concrete crack segmentation method is presented in this study. The crack is initially located by the improved YOLOv11 that integrates three novel modules, namely Multi-scale Edge Information Enhancement, Efficient-Detection, and P2-Level Feature Integration, to form the MEP-YOLOv11 model. Then, the detected region is taken as input prompts for Segment Anything Model (SAM) to achieve precise crack segmentation. This approach eliminates the need for manual prompting in SAM, enabling automatic crack feature identification. The average Accuracy, precision, and Intersection over Union (IoU) for crack segmentation are 95.98%, 92.60%, and 0.77, respectively. To further enhance the robustness of the two-stage segmentation method under non-uniform illumination conditions, a mask re-input strategy is introduced. The crack mask generated by SAM using bounding-box prompts is fed back into SAM to guide a second round of segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved method maintains high segmentation performance, with an average Accuracy of 92.38%, precision of 85.70%, and IoU of 0.64. Overall, the proposed method meets engineering requirements for high-precision and efficient crack detection and segmentation, showing strong potential for practical inspection tasks. Full article

Recently, due to the expansion of telecommunication and power networks, as well as other structures, the demand for designing efficient and durable tall supporting columns has increased. Efficient steel columns are well known, including prestressed stayed beam–column systems. However, because of their relatively high cost, designers often turn to reinforced concrete structures, which are not only relatively cheaper but also sufficiently strong and resistant to aggressive external influences. Nevertheless, the large self-weight of reinforced concrete structures and considerable material consumption encourage the search for new efficient solutions. One such solution is the use of spun reinforced concrete structures. Compared to conventional reinforced concrete structures, these solutions not only reduce material consumption but also increase durability. This study examines an innovative prestressed stayed beam–column structure consisting of a spun reinforced concrete core and supporting prestressed steel tension ties. The behavior of such a composite structure is analyzed, and calculations of internal forces and displacements are presented. The rational parameters of the composing elements of this new prestressed stayed beam–column structure are discussed, and their influence on the stress–strain state of the structure is evaluated. Expressions are provided for calculating the rational bending moments of the spun reinforced concrete core. The obtained solutions make it possible to select rational cross-sections of the core and ties, as well as the required prestressing of the tension ties, without iterative calculations. Full article

The third place refers to the social environment that is separate from the two usual social environments of the home “first place” and the workplace “second place”. Places that fulfil other functions in addition to food and drink, such as book cafés, where today’s people spend time alone in addition to socializing and which they sometimes use as offices to do their daily work on the computer, have been defined as hybrid third places. This study examines the spatial characteristics of hybrid third places that affect the social interactions between people using these spaces. In this context, comprehensive research was carried out on the literature on the relationship between social interaction and space, third places and the design of consumption spaces such as cafes, coffee houses and book cafes. In the second phase of the study, the impact of spatial characteristics obtained through literature research on social interactions in hybrid third places was revealed through a case study. Participant observation, behaviour maps, surveys and interviews were conducted in three different hybrid third-place book cafes. As a result of the study, it was found that the spatial characteristics of hybrid third places that affect social interaction consist of four main variables, namely physical, atmospheric, social and functional, as well as related sub-variables. For each variable identified in the study, suggestions were developed for the design of third places that would promote social interaction. Full article

Focusing on the construction of a 58-m-diameter double-layer steel space frame dome at the Han Culture Museum Assembly Hall, this study addresses scheme selection and safety control challenges in staggered jacking of large-span spatial structures. A three-dimensional finite element model in MIDAS Gen simulated the three-stage jacking process to compare three temporary support layouts. Numerical evaluation metrics included maximum vertical displacements, peak internal forces, the proportion of members undergoing stress state transitions, and spatio-temporal evolution of stress concentrations. Scheme B demonstrated superior performance, reducing peak vertical displacement by 44% under critical conditions, lowering peak stresses, and enabling more uniform internal force redistribution—effectively mitigating tension–compression cycling and buckling risks. Crucially, only nodal displacements and support elevations were monitored in situ using a 3D system based on magnetic prisms and total stations; no strain or force measurements were conducted due to practical constraints during construction. Monitoring data show good agreement with simulated displacements and support elevations under Scheme B, validating the model’s deformation response. However, localized deviations—including a 29 mm deflection discrepancy and elevation errors up to 28 mm—reveal the influence of uneven boundary conditions, with potential implications for long-term structural behavior. The findings confirm that numerical predictions of deformation are reliable, while internal forces remain unvalidated by field data. The integrated approach of “scheme comparison–construction simulation–full-process displacement monitoring” proves effective for safety control and decision-making in complex jacking operations, offering a transferable framework for similar large-span double-layer space frame projects. Full article

In high-density urban environments, residential design often faces a conflict between maximizing landscape access and maintaining energy-oriented compactness. This study proposes a target-based visibility analysis framework to optimize high-rise forms under strict performance constraints. Utilizing a Quad-mesh reconstruction strategy and Inverse Targeted Ray-Casting, the method accurately quantifies visibility via the cumulative Landscape Visible Surface (LVS) on the target building and Viewpoint-Specific Surface Visibility Rate (R_v) for precise verification against specific landscape targets. The framework is applied to evaluate three morphological prototypes: Compact Tower, Dispersed Tower, and Slab–Tower Hybrid. Quantitative simulations identified the Slab–Tower Hybrid as the optimal solution, demonstrating superior “Visual Morphological Efficiency.” While maintaining a moderate Shape Coefficient (SC = 0.326) to satisfy energy standards, the Hybrid achieved a cumulative Park-View LVS approximately 1.8 times that of the Compact Tower. Furthermore, environmental simulations indicated the Hybrid fosters stable wind environments (0.4–0.7 m/s) and equitable sunlight distribution. The research concluded that through differentiated massing, high-rise architecture can achieve a synergistic balance between visual openness and physical compactness, transforming view analysis from a passive check into an active design driver. Full article

Since the Brundtland Report (1987), its definition has anchored sustainable development. An EBSCOhost co-mention scan (1987–2025) finds 259,112 records linking “sustainable development” with the Brundtland Report—used only as a descriptive attention proxy, sensitive to coverage, indexing, keywords, and residual duplicates. We then analyze concept-to-implementation barriers in building governance and propose an update pathway: explicit boundaries, minimum disclosures, and assurance logic. Yet in the built environment—characterized by long-lived assets, carbon lock-in, and net-zero commitments—the definition is difficult to operationalize without explicit boundaries, measurable indicators, and auditable trade-offs. We identify two concept-level weaknesses: (1) the definition reflects late-twentieth-century socio-technical conditions and offers limited guidance for practice shaped by digitalized delivery and operations, accelerated climate policy, and whole-life carbon accounting; and (2) its openness around “needs,” “harm,” and trade-offs enables boundary ambiguity (e.g., operational versus embodied emissions), fragmented standards and certifications, and greenwashing risks. We propose a built-environment update pathway that (i) operationalizes “needs” and “harm” through a minimum life-cycle indicator set linking affordability and occupant well-being with operational energy performance and whole-life carbon outcomes; and (ii) strengthens concept-consistent implementation via harmonized boundary declarations and verification principles across existing net-zero and green building tools, supported by targeted AEC capacity building. Full article

Composed of recycled small-particle coarse aggregates with virgin large-particle crushed stones, satisfactory composite-recycled aggregates are developed to overcome the shortcomings of large particle recycled coarse aggregate, making a new concrete with similar mechanical properties to conventional concrete. This brings a development of steel fiber reinforced satisfactory composite-recycled aggregate concrete (SFRSCAC) used for structural engineering. To identify the shear performance of longitudinally reinforced SFRSCAC beams without stirrups, ten test beams were fabricated and experimentally studied by four-point bending tests, incorporating ingot-mill steel fiber in volume fraction from 0 to 2.0%. Results show that steel fibers could delay shear cracking and effectively increase shear strength of test beams, but could not fundamentally change the shear failure with brittle characterization of bond cracking along the longitudinal reinforcement. The assessment using existing prediction formulas of reinforced steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams demonstrates that the shear cracking resistance and shear strength of longitudinally reinforced SFRSCAC beams reach the level of reinforced SFRC beams. This provides a basis for broadening the application of SFRSCAC, just like conventional SFRC in structural engineering. Full article

Amid accelerating global urbanization, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, as a repository of multi-ethnic architectural heritage, plays a crucial role in preserving plateau cultural diversity and sustaining harmonious human–environment relationships. A critical research gap persists, however, in the systematic, comparable, and quantitative assessment of urban architectural character across plateau towns, particularly in high-altitude, ecologically sensitive, and multi-ethnic regions such as Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This study takes the Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture as a case to address the specific paradox between the homogenization of urban architectural styles and the erosion of cultural authenticity in plateau towns. We develop and apply an innovative three-dimensional evaluation model—encompassing natural substrate, built environment, and cultural context—to 22 towns. For the first time in research on this region, a chained methodological approach integrating descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis is employed to systematically examine the spatial differentiation of architectural character. The analysis reveals three key findings. First, it delineates a regional composite landscape characterized by mountain-basin enclosures, seasonal arid rivers and lakes, small-scale towns with expansive layouts, and multi-ethnic cultural fusion. Second, it identifies a clear ternary differentiation in urban style dominance: nine towns are nature-dominated, nine are human-made (built environment) dominated, and only four are culture-dominated, quantitatively highlighting a significant weakness in the cultural dimension. Third, cluster analysis objectively classifies the towns into eight distinct character groups—for instance, Category I towns exhibit strong architectural regionalism and traditional continuity, whereas Category V towns integrate modern relics with adjacent mountain-water features. Methodologically, this study contributes by providing a replicable, chained quantitative framework that addresses a critical gap in comparative urban studies of high-altitude, underdeveloped regions. Empirically, it reveals the specific “nature > human-made > culture” dominance pattern in Haixi and offers a scientific foundation for formulating differentiated conservation and development strategies tailored to distinct town types in the ecologically fragile areas of western China. Full article

In recent years, with the widespread application of double-column pier bridges, their seismic performance has attracted increasing attention. However, traditional seismic performance analysis treats piers and bearings as separate research objects, lacking an integrated investigation, which fails to provide accurate guidance for practical engineering projects. This paper aims to study the seismic performance of the double-column pier-bearing system based on shaking table tests. The results show that: (1) The sensitivity of the system’s seismic performance indicators to bearings, ranked from highest to lowest, is: acceleration amplitude, damping ratio, displacement amplitude, and natural vibration frequency. (2) The cumulative effect of long-duration earthquakes is significant. Even with a lower peak ground acceleration, the displacement response may be greater than that of short-duration earthquakes with a higher peak ground acceleration. (3) Wavelet transform can accurately identify that the natural vibration frequency of systems equipped with different bearings ranges from 0.5 to 1.2 Hz, and the damping ratio ranges from 3% to 9%. (4) When the bearing thickness is increased from 21 mm to 42 mm, the system displacement response decreases from 11.41 mm to 10.28 mm. (5) Adding a 2 mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene layer to the conventional laminated rubber bearing can reduce the displacement response by 19%. The research findings indicate that it is necessary to conduct a feasibility analysis of bearing selection based on site characteristics. Full article

Viscoelastic (VE) dampers are widely used for structural response control, but broader engineering adoption is often constrained by temperature- and amplitude-dependent properties and limited full-scale evidence on reliable performance when deformation demands exceed the conventional 300% shear-strain design domain. This study experimentally characterizes a full-scale TRCS-type VE damper (TRCS500T-10) employing a styrene–olefin thermoplastic elastomer, with an emphasis on large-deformation and beyond-design behavior. Four nominally identical specimens were tested in a temperature-controlled chamber using sinusoidal, displacement-controlled loading at target shear strains of 300% (≈30 mm) and 450% (≈45 mm). Effective engineering parameters were obtained from stable hysteresis loops using a Kelvin–Voigt-based reduction, including effective stiffness K_eff, effective damping coefficient C_eff, effective damping ratio ξ_eff, and dissipated energy per cycle W_d. At 300% shear strain, the dampers exhibited stable hysteresis with acceptable specimen-to-specimen variability and only modest changes in K_eff, C_eff, and W_d over an ambient-temperature interval of approximately 20–33 °C, while ξ_eff remained around 0.40–0.42. Beyond-design tests at 450% shear strain maintained stable force–displacement loops with substantial load capacity (peak forces ≈ 435–492 kN) and increased per-cycle energy dissipation (approximately 4.0 × 10⁴ kN·mm). Manufacturer-provided polynomial relations were used to standardize the measured properties to a reference condition and to compile a parameter-estimation table for preliminary engineering application. A monotonic ultimate test on specimen TRC500T-05 indicated an ultimate shear deformation capacity of approximately 850% without interface debonding. Collectively, the results provide full-scale evidence of a widened usable deformation range and a practical, design-oriented parameterization for thermoplastic VE dampers under large deformation demands. Full article