Building Physics and Sustainable Design of Transportation Systems

To improve the simulation accuracy and efficiency of microscopic urban traffic, a unified modeling method considering the behavioral characteristics of vehicle drivers is proposed by considering the lane-changing vehicles on the inlet lanes of signalized intersections and their approach following vehicles on the target lanes as research objects. Based on the driver’s multidirectional, multi-vehicle anticipation ability and introducing lateral vehicle influence coefficients, the full velocity difference car-following model was extended to microscopic traffic models that consider the driver’s capacity for multi-directional, multi-vehicle anticipation. The extended model can describe longitudinal movements of lane changing and car followers using lateral vehicle influential parameters. The influences of traffic control signals and the type of lane change on drivers’ decisions were integrated into the model by reformulating the optimal velocity function of the basic car following the model. Similar modeling methods and components were applied to formulate four groups of experimental models and one group of test models. Vehicle trajectory data and manual observations were collected on urban arteries to calibrate and evaluate the research models, experimental models, and test models. The results show that the car-following behavior is more sensitive to the variation in the status of the lateral moving vehicle and change of lane-changing type compared to lane-changing behavior during the lane-changing process. In addition, when lane changing gradually encroaches on the target lane, the vehicle observes the driving conditions and adjusts its driving behaviors differently. This research helps to analyze travel characteristics and influence mechanisms of vehicles on urban roads, which is a guide for the future development of sustainable transportation and self-driving vehicles and promoting the efficient operation of urban transportation systems. Full article

Power outages and poor thermal conditions are common in emergency shelters. In light of this, a novel design for a solar-powered emergency shelter (SPES) with flexible photovoltaics is proposed and investigated in this paper. Firstly, the space and structure of SPES are designed based on ergonomic and easy open-and-close requirements. Then, considering the finishing strength of the building and the convenience and economy of the processing design, the construction of solid models using a 1:2 equal scale, and three double-top SPES were developed, in which internal roofs are canvas, polyethylene(PE), and polyvinyl chloride(PVC). Finally, measurements and ANSYS-Fluent simulations are employed for testing the dynamic fluctuation of the electrothermal performance of SPES. It is found that the maximum differences between the inner roof interior side temperature (IRIST) and the outdoor ambient environment temperature (OAET) for S_ref, D_sc, D_pe, and D_pvc are 33.3 °C, 32.9 °C, 28.1 °C, and 25.9 °C, respectively, in winter conditions in China cold zone. The optimized design parameters of SPES in Poso City, Indonesia, characterized by equatorial humid climatic conditions, recommended that the air interlayer be 0.2 meters thick and the exhaust air volume be 0.3 m³/s. Mechanical ventilation coupled with evaporative conditioners can further reduce indoor temperatures effectively. This research offers a novel solution to the problems of indoor thermal environments and power outages for post-disaster resettlement. Full article

Growing concerns over environmental issues and sustainable living have resulted in increased interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The real estate market is no exception, with homeowners increasingly considering the market value of green and sustainable buildings, which can offer both energy efficiency and potential health benefits. This study investigates the level of interest among homeowners in investing in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures for their homes and how it relates to their perception of the market value of green or sustainable buildings in the real estate market. A survey was conducted in the Paphos urban complex in Cyprus, with 180 participants over the age of 18. The participants were selected through a random sampling method and were representative of the general population in terms of gender, age, and income. Data were collected on their attitudes towards renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, as well as their perceptions of the market value of green buildings. The data collected were analyzed using various statistical methods, including Cronbach’s α coefficient, the non-parametric Friedman test, descriptive statistics, and factor analysis, with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) being used for coding and analysis. Results indicate that 64% of the homeowners surveyed were interested in investing in renewable energy sources, and 72% were interested in energy efficiency measures. Additionally, findings suggest a moderate level of interest (58%) among homeowners in investing in renewable energy sources and that this is positively associated with their perception of the market value of green buildings. Furthermore, homeowners with higher income and education levels tend to be more interested in investing in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures and perceive green buildings as having higher market value. This study provides insights into the factors that drive homeowners’ investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures, shedding light on the relationship between homeowners’ perceptions of the market value of green buildings and their interest in such investments. Full article

An embankment is needed to satisfy the requirements for the longitudinal slope of railway lines, and ground reinforcement is also generally required in loess regions. The present study attempted to understand the effects of different ground reinforcement measures on the dynamic characteristics of a track–embankment–ground system. To this end, the critical speeds and the distributions of dynamic stress and environmental vibration were analyzed using a 2.5D finite element method. Three typical ground reinforcements, including dynamic compaction ground (DCG), soil–cement compacted pile composite ground (SCG) and CFG pile composite ground (CFGG), were used. The results indicate that the train speed (critical speed I) at which the maximum vertical displacement of the track occurs is universally higher than that (critical speed II) at which the wave propagation phenomenon occurs. The lower boundary limit of the peak region in the dispersion relationship can be selected as the reference value of critical speed II. Moreover, the values of critical speed I obtained using the DCG, SCG and CFGG models were around 92, 105 and 127 m/s, respectively. For critical speed II, the values were 75, 80 and 115 m/s. Once the train speed exceeded critical speed II, the vibration was confined to the embankment in the CFGG model, as evidenced by the isolation of the wave propagation from the embankment to the ground as well as the increasing dynamic stress in the embankment. After reinforcement, the dynamic stress, dynamic influence depth (DID), critical speed and resonant frequency increased. Additionally, the DID stayed around the 3–6 m range at all speeds. Full article

Energy consumption calculations and thermal comfort conditions assessment are crucial issues in building simulations when using Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) tools. The available software has been separately validated under different boundaries and operating conditions. Consequently, the predicted output of the same building simulated with two separate software can disagree. This issue is relevant not only for research purposes but also for professionals who need to compare the energy performance of the same building with different simulation engines. This work aims at contributing to the field in two ways. Above all, it clarifies the preparation of the building model and the correct definition of input data and boundary conditions when different software are used (IDA ICE and Design Builder/Energy Plus). In addition, it compares the output (energy and indoor temperatures) of two BEPS for the same building (in different configurations) exposed to the same weather conditions. The study shows that the two most significant differences are represented by the temperature values, while the energy predictions agree. Full article