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
Investigation of Key Parameters Influencing Shear Behavior in Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)-Reinforced Concrete (RC) Interior Slab–Column Connections
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051251 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article explores the punching shear behavior of GFRP-RC interior slab–column connections. The parameters tested included the column–aspect ratio (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), perimeter-to-depth ratio for square column stubs with side lengths of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 meters, and
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This article explores the punching shear behavior of GFRP-RC interior slab–column connections. The parameters tested included the column–aspect ratio (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), perimeter-to-depth ratio for square column stubs with side lengths of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 meters, and span-to-depth ratios of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. A review of the literature revealed that no previous study has investigated the effect of these parameters or their interactions on this type of connection. Numerically, twenty-five slabs were created using finite element (FE) software (V3), each with square dimensions of 2.5 meters and a constant thickness of 0.2 meters. The central column extended 0.3 meters from the top and bottom of the slab. All four sides of the slabs were supported, and the specimens underwent pure static shear load testing. The test results demonstrated that all slabs failed due to punching shear. Increasing any parameter value reduced the punching shear stresses. Additionally, the results indicated that Canadian (CSA-S806-12) and Japanese (JSCE-97) standards for FRP-RC materials generally provided the closest predictions of punching shear capacity compared to the American guideline, ACI 440.1R-22. However, all standards exhibited shortcomings and require enhancement and modifications, particularly to consider the impact of the span-to-depth ratio. Therefore, three equations were developed to predict the shear strength of the connections, yielding better results than those prescribed by the North American and Japanese standards.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Numerical and Computer Methods in Civil Engineering—2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Mathematical and Physical Characteristics of the Phase Spectrum of Earthquake Ground Motions
by
Yanqiong Ding, Yazhou Xu and Huiquan Miao
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051250 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study presents a rigorous investigation into the mathematical and physical properties inherent in the Fourier phase spectrum of earthquake ground motions. This exploration includes a detailed examination of the probability distribution of phase angles and differences, elucidated through two novel numerical experiments
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This study presents a rigorous investigation into the mathematical and physical properties inherent in the Fourier phase spectrum of earthquake ground motions. This exploration includes a detailed examination of the probability distribution of phase angles and differences, elucidated through two novel numerical experiments utilizing the reduction ad absurdum approach. Moreover, the study scrutinizes the physical attributes of earthquake ground motion’s phase spectrum, employing the circular frequency-dependent phase derivative as a key analytical factor. In a novel approach, the research delves into the relationship between circular frequency-dependent phase derivatives and Fourier amplitudes, shedding light on essential connections within earthquake phenomena, particularly addressing non-stationarity. Expanding the scope, the study comprehensively examines the influence of source, propagation path, and site on both the phase spectrum and accelerogram. Employing the control variate technique facilitates this analysis, providing valuable insights into the underlying physical mechanisms governing earthquake wave behavior. The findings highlight the temporal properties of the phase spectrum, attributing its complexity to the temporal heterogeneity in energy release during the fault rupture and dispersion of earthquake waves. This novel approach not only enhances the understanding of earthquake dynamics, but also underscores the significance of considering temporal variations in earthquake events.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Ground Motions and Their Application in Structural Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
A Sustainable Steel-GFRP Composite Bars Reinforced Concrete Structure: Investigation of the Bonding Performance
by
Guoliang Huang, Ji Shi, Wenzhuo Lian, Linbo Hong, Shuzhuo Zhi, Jialing Yang, Caiyan Lin, Junhong Zhou and Shuhua Xiao
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051249 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Steel-fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bars (SFCBs) can enhance the controllability of damage in concrete structures; thus, studying the interfacial bonding between them is fundamental and a prerequisite for achieving deformation coordination and collaboration. However, research on the interfacial bonding performance between SFCBs
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Steel-fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bars (SFCBs) can enhance the controllability of damage in concrete structures; thus, studying the interfacial bonding between them is fundamental and a prerequisite for achieving deformation coordination and collaboration. However, research on the interfacial bonding performance between SFCBs and concrete remains inadequate. This study conducted central pullout tests on SFCB-concrete specimens with different concrete strengths (C30, C50, and C70), bar diameters (12, 16 and 20 mm), and hoop reinforcement constraints, analyzing variations in failure modes, bond-slip curves, bond strength, etc. Additionally, finite element simulations were performed using ABAQUS software to further validate the bonding mechanism of SFCB-concrete. The results showed that the failure mode of the specimens was related to the confinement effect on the bars. Insufficient concrete cover and lack of hoop restraint led to splitting failure, whereas pullout failure occurred otherwise. For the specimens with pullout failure, the interfacial damage between the SFCB and concrete was mainly caused by the surface fibers wear of the bar and the shear of the concrete lugs, which indicated that the bond of the SFCB-concrete interface consisted mainly of mechanical interlocking forces. In addition, the variation of concrete strength as well as bar diameter did not affect the bond-slip relationship of SFCB-concrete. However, the bond strength of SFCB-concrete increased with the increase of concrete strength. For example, compared with C30 concrete, when the concrete strength was increased to C70, the bond strength of the specimens under the same conditions was increased to 50–101.6%. In contrast, the bond strength of the specimens decreased by 13.29–28.71% when the bar diameter was increased from 12 to 14 mm. These discoveries serve as valuable references for the implementation of sustainable SFCB-reinforced concrete structures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)
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Open AccessArticle
Indoor Light Environment Factors That Affect the Psychological Satisfaction of Occupants in Office Facilities
by
Kirim Kim and Kyungsun Lee
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051248 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Recently, human well-being has emerged as a pivotal concern that affects not only quality of life but also social and economic dimensions. Lighting in office spaces is crucial for the health and cognitive function of occupants, and various methods are used to assess
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Recently, human well-being has emerged as a pivotal concern that affects not only quality of life but also social and economic dimensions. Lighting in office spaces is crucial for the health and cognitive function of occupants, and various methods are used to assess it. However, there is still a lack of research investigating the relationship between lighting satisfaction and its key factors in diverse spaces. This study focused on the office light environment, using quantitative and qualitative data analysis to understand occupants’ satisfaction and the factors influenced by lighting characteristics. According to the results, occupant satisfaction was higher in light environments with illuminance levels exceeding the appropriate illuminance standard. Furthermore, the influx of daylight and its influencing factors, such as daylight exposure and window size, played a significant role in enhancing satisfaction. However, while daylight was a primary source of glare, its mitigation was not solely reliant on installations, such as blinds; architectural designs, including space arrangement, were also crucial in addressing it. Furthermore, the perception of the lighting environment varied based on work behaviors and spatial arrangements, influencing satisfaction with the lighting conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that considers lighting elements, human behavior, and architectural design is essential in creating a lighting environment for office occupants.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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Open AccessArticle
Hybrid Machine Learning Algorithms for Prediction of Failure Modes and Punching Resistance in Slab-Column Connections with Shear Reinforcement
by
Huajun Yan, Nan Xie and Dandan Shen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051247 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study presents a data-driven model for identifying failure modes (FMs) and predicting the corresponding punching shear resistance of slab-column connections with shear reinforcement. An experimental database that contains 328 test results is used to determine nine input variables based on the punching
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This study presents a data-driven model for identifying failure modes (FMs) and predicting the corresponding punching shear resistance of slab-column connections with shear reinforcement. An experimental database that contains 328 test results is used to determine nine input variables based on the punching shear mechanism. A comparison is conducted between three typical machine learning (ML) approaches: random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and two hybrid optimized algorithms: grey wolf optimization (GWO) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA). It was found that the XGBoost classifier had the highest accuracy rate, precision, and recall values for FM identification. In testing, WOA-XGBoost has the best accuracy in predicting punching shear resistance, with R2, MAE, and RMSE values of 0.9642, 0.087 MN, and 0.126 MN, respectively. However, a comparison between experimental values and calculated values derived from classical analytical methods clearly demonstrates that existing design codes need to be improved. Additionally, Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) were applied to explain the model’s predictions, with factors categorized according to their impact on failure modes and punching shear resistance. By modifying these parameters, punching resistance can be improved while reducing unpredictable failure. With the proposed hybrid algorithms, it is possible to determine the failure modes and the punching shear resistance of slabs during the preliminary stages of the construction.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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Open AccessArticle
Green Roofs on Shipping Containers: How Substrate Thickness Affects Thermal Performance
by
Cléo de Araújo Moura, Bianca Botelho de Freitas, Ailton Pinto Alves Filho and Cyro Albuquerque
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051246 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Green roofs have become a popular sustainable solution in urban areas, and in recent years, shipping containers have gained popularity as a sustainable alternative for housing. A promising proposal is to combine these two solutions. This research aims to analyze the thermal behavior
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Green roofs have become a popular sustainable solution in urban areas, and in recent years, shipping containers have gained popularity as a sustainable alternative for housing. A promising proposal is to combine these two solutions. This research aims to analyze the thermal behavior of experimental modules of scale constructions. Four modules were constructed with different substrate thicknesses (4, 6, 8, and 12 cm) to verify the impact on thermal behavior and provide guidance for this technology. Additionally, another module was built without a green roof for control purposes. The indoor and outdoor air temperatures and humidities, soil moistures, and temperatures between green roof layers were recorded in a tropical climate in summer. The behavior was similar between the different thicknesses for the whole period but with significant differences in the indoor temperature amplitudes (13.8 °C for the thinner substrate, 9.7 °C for the thicker one, and 38.7 °C for the bare roof). This study also revealed considerable heat conduction between the side walls and the slab, which resulted in an upward heat flow to the substrate during a day with a clear sky, which is the opposite of what is observed in conventional roofs. During the night and rainy periods, temperatures tend to become closer between the roof’s layers when the substrate dissipates the energy absorbed throughout the day.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
Open AccessArticle
How Can Conflicts with Supervisors or Coworkers Affect Construction Workers’ Safety Performance on Site? Two Cross-Sectional Studies in North America
by
Yuting (Tina) Chen, Douglas Hyatt, Arash Shahi, Awad Hanna and Mahdi Safa
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051245 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
A safety plateau in the construction industry has been reported in the US and Canada, which has prompted researchers to seek new factors affecting construction safety performance. Tapping into advancements in the theory of human and organizational behaviors can yield valuable new perspectives.
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A safety plateau in the construction industry has been reported in the US and Canada, which has prompted researchers to seek new factors affecting construction safety performance. Tapping into advancements in the theory of human and organizational behaviors can yield valuable new perspectives. Therefore, by leveraging the advancement of the Job Demand Control Support model in the field of occupational safety and health, this paper firstly tested the impact of one newly added hindrance stressor (i.e., interpersonal conflicts on construction sites) by researchers on organizational behaviors on the safety performance of construction workers, based on two cross-sectional studies in the US and Canada. Differentiations were made between conflicts with supervisors and conflicts with coworkers. One personal resource factor, i.e., individual resilience, was also considered in this paper. A “causal” chain that shows the mitigation impact of individual resilience on conflicts with supervisors or coworkers, and the adverse impact of conflicts with supervisors or coworkers, on unsafe events were found to hold true for both US and Canadian construction sites, based on the results from measurement invariance tests and structural equation modelling. Recommendations regarding how to improve construction workers’ individual resilience and reduce interpersonal conflicts on site, thereby reducing safety incidents on site, are provided.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Organizational and Individual Factors on Construction Safety)
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Open AccessArticle
Elevating Innovation: Unveiling the Twin Traction Method for a 50-Ton Load Capacity Elevator in Building and Construction Applications
by
Gi-Young Kim and Seung-Ho Jang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051244 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Most commercial elevators for buildings exceeding four stories use a cable-driven traction system. Typically, a single traction machine operates by hoisting the main cable on a traction sheave, thus vertically transporting the elevator car through rotational motion of the sheave. This research introduces
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Most commercial elevators for buildings exceeding four stories use a cable-driven traction system. Typically, a single traction machine operates by hoisting the main cable on a traction sheave, thus vertically transporting the elevator car through rotational motion of the sheave. This research introduces a groundbreaking advancement aimed at elevating loading capacity to an unprecedented 50 tons—the highest known in the world. The innovation involves the development of a twin traction system, wherein two traction machines collaborate to lift the elevator. This novel elevator system has demonstrated remarkable capabilities, showcasing the ability to transport up to 300 passengers in a single trip. The installation of this high-capacity elevator system has yielded substantial improvements in construction work efficiency and safety protocols, particularly in scenarios where cranes are traditionally used. The newly developed elevator could lift 50 tons of equipment 60 times a day, whereas the crane was limited to 8 times. The positive impact on labor is also noteworthy, with increased safety and health considerations, especially in adverse weather conditions. By eliminating the need for manual stair climbing, the well-being of the workforce is prioritized. Furthermore, the heightened productivity resulting from a significant reduction in wait times for conventional elevators is a key outcome of this transformative technology. This research not only unveils a groundbreaking twin traction system but also highlights its multifaceted features in enhancing efficiency, safety, and overall productivity in various industries.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
Open AccessArticle
Construction Price Index Prediction through ARMA with Inflation Effect: Case of Thailand Construction Industry
by
Ahsen Maqsoom, Lapyote Prasittisopin, Muhammad Ali Musarat, Fahim Ullah and Fahad K. Alqahtani
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051243 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Over-budgeting due to inflation is a common phenomenon in the construction industry of both developed and developing countries. Inflation, with time changes, leaves an adverse effect on the project budget. Hence, this study aims to focus on the construction price index (CPI) behavior
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Over-budgeting due to inflation is a common phenomenon in the construction industry of both developed and developing countries. Inflation, with time changes, leaves an adverse effect on the project budget. Hence, this study aims to focus on the construction price index (CPI) behavior and inspect its correlation with inflation in Thailand’s construction industry as there has not been much work performed. The prediction of CPI was made from 2024 to 2028, relying on the data set from 2000 to 2023. The relationship between inflation and CPI categories helps in prediction by considering inflation as the independent variable and CPI (All Commodities, Lumber and Wood Products, Cement, and Iron Products) as the dependent variable that was incorporated in EViews to perform automated ARIMA forecasting. The correlation results show that out of four CPI, only Iron Products showed a significant relationship with inflation. For All Commodities, Lumber, and Wood Products, the predicted values were fluctuating, while for Cement and Iron Products, a clear seasonal pattern was observed. This prediction gives a direction to construction industry practitioners to make necessary adjustments to their budget estimation before signing the contract to overcome cost overrun obstruction.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Management and Engineering: Residential Construction with Focus on Life Cycle of Buildings and Costs)
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Open AccessArticle
Adoption of Green Mark Criteria toward Construction Management Sustainability
by
Hai Chien Pham, Vu Hong Son Pham and Trong Kich Than
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051242 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sustainable construction plays a significant role in developing countries. However, the adoption of sustainable buildings has faced diverse challenges. Therefore, this research investigates the benefits and challenges of adopting the Green Mark in green building projects. After a literature review and a pilot
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Sustainable construction plays a significant role in developing countries. However, the adoption of sustainable buildings has faced diverse challenges. Therefore, this research investigates the benefits and challenges of adopting the Green Mark in green building projects. After a literature review and a pilot study with construction experts, an industry-wide survey was conducted to collect 148 valid responses. The data were analyzed in depth, with 24 barriers and 10 benefits, using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software. After this, the collected data were analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to prioritize critical factors. The preliminary findings revealed significant practical implications and offered valuable insights to support the adoption of Green Mark criteria for construction management sustainability. Furthermore, practical solutions were proposed to foster the widespread adoption of green buildings toward sustainable construction in the future.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Influencing Factors of Construction Management Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Advancing Urban Building Energy Modeling: Building Energy Simulations for Three Commercial Building Stocks through Archetype Development
by
Md. Uzzal Hossain, Isabella Cicco and Melissa M. Bilec
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051241 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Urban building energy models (UBEMs), developed to understand the energy performance of building stocks of a region, can aid in key decisions related to energy policy and climate change solutions. However, creating a city-scale UBEM is challenging due to the requirements of diverse
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Urban building energy models (UBEMs), developed to understand the energy performance of building stocks of a region, can aid in key decisions related to energy policy and climate change solutions. However, creating a city-scale UBEM is challenging due to the requirements of diverse geometric and non-geometric datasets. Thus, we aimed to further elucidate the process of creating a UBEM with disparate and scarce data based on a bottom-up, physics-based approach. We focused on three typically overlooked but functionally important commercial building stocks, which are sales and shopping, healthcare facilities, and food sales and services, in the region of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We harvested relevant local building information and employed photogrammetry and image processing. We created archetypes for key building types, designed 3D buildings with SketchUp, and performed an energy analysis using EnergyPlus. The average annual simulated energy use intensities (EUIs) were 528 kWh/m2, 822 kWh/m2, and 2894 kWh/m2 for sales and shopping, healthcare facilities, and food sales and services, respectively. In addition to variations found in the simulated energy use pattern among the stocks, considerable variations were observed within buildings of the same stock. About 9% and 11% errors were observed for sales and shopping and healthcare facilities when validating the simulated results with the actual data. The suggested energy conservation measures could reduce the annual EUI by 10–26% depending on the building use type. The UBEM results can assist in finding energy-efficient retrofit solutions with respect to the energy and carbon reduction goal for commercial building stocks at the city scale. The limitations highlighted may be considered for higher accuracy, and the UBEM has a high potential to integrate with urban climate and energy models, circular economy, and life cycle assessment for sustainable urban planning.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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Open AccessArticle
Research on Optimization Strategy of Commercial Street Spatial Vitality Based on Pedestrian Trajectories
by
Jinjiang Zhang, Wenyu Zhou, Haitao Lian and Ranran Hu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051240 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Commercial pedestrian streets significantly enhance urban life. Previous research often depends on limited survey data or subjective evaluations, which fail to fully capture the impact of street elements on spatial vitality under diverse spatiotemporal conditions. This study, conducted in Beijing’s Sanlitun commercial district,
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Commercial pedestrian streets significantly enhance urban life. Previous research often depends on limited survey data or subjective evaluations, which fail to fully capture the impact of street elements on spatial vitality under diverse spatiotemporal conditions. This study, conducted in Beijing’s Sanlitun commercial district, analyzes pedestrian data from six branch roads collected via WiFi detection to determine how various spatial elements influence the vibrancy of commercial pedestrian streets. The results show a positive correlation between street width, ranging from 5.88 to 10.83 m, and vitality. Furthermore, the influence of different street elements on vitality varies notably. During the daytime, street width is the most effective element for enhancing vitality, with a maximum standardized coefficient of 1.717. However, at night, the associations between advertising area, store type, and vitality diminish. The street recording the highest nighttime vitality peaked at a pedestrian count of 91.7831. The contribution of street width to enhancing nighttime vitality is 2.49 times greater than at noon on non-working days, 2.01 times more than on working days, and 2.92 times higher than the impact of tables and chairs. Therefore, street design should prioritize street width, ground floor interface permeability, number of tables and chairs, store density, advertising area, and store type.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Biophilic Cities and Communities: Towards Natural Resources, Environmental and Social Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Adaptive Vibration Monitoring of Railway Track Structures Using the UWFBG by the Identification of Train-Load Patterns
by
Jiahui Chen, Qiuyi Li, Shijie Zhang, Chao Lin and Shiyin Wei
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051239 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Due to the capability of multiplexing thousands of sensors on a single optical cable, ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) vibration sensing technology has been utilized in monitoring the vibration response of large-scale infrastructures, particularly urban railway tracks, and the volume of the collected
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Due to the capability of multiplexing thousands of sensors on a single optical cable, ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) vibration sensing technology has been utilized in monitoring the vibration response of large-scale infrastructures, particularly urban railway tracks, and the volume of the collected monitoring data can be huge with the great number of sensors. Even though the train-induced vibration responses of urban railway tracks constitute the most informative and crucial component, they comprised less than 7% of the total operational period. This is mainly attributed to the temporal sparsity of commuting trains. Consequently, the majority of the stored data consisted of low-informative environmental noise and interference excitation data, leading to an inefficient structural health monitoring (SHM) system. To address this issue, this paper introduced an adaptive monitoring strategy for railway track structures, which is capable of identifying train-load patterns by leveraging deep learning techniques. Inspired by image semantic segmentation, a U-net model with one-dimensional convolution layers (U-net-1D) was developed for the pointwise classification of vibration monitoring data. The proposed model was trained and validated using a dataset obtained from an actual urban railway track in China. Results indicated that the proposed method outperforms the traditional dual-threshold method, achieving an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 94.27% on the segmentation task of the test dataset.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Structural Health Monitoring)
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A Study on the Regional Evolution of the Hefei Political and Cultural New District Skyline Based on Exploratory Factor Analysis and Semantic Segmentation
by
Le Zhang, Mengru Zhang, Mingxia Yuan and Yanlong Guo
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051238 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The general population’s assessment and perception of a city can be influenced by its skyline, which is one of its representatives. This paper uses semantic segmentation and exploratory factor analysis to conduct a study from two different perspectives, aiming to analyse the development
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The general population’s assessment and perception of a city can be influenced by its skyline, which is one of its representatives. This paper uses semantic segmentation and exploratory factor analysis to conduct a study from two different perspectives, aiming to analyse the development and current situation of the skyline of Hefei’s political and cultural new district. By collecting pictures of the skyline of the New Administrative and Cultural District, the New Administrative and Cultural District of Hefei’s skyline is being studied for overall changes using the semantic segmentation method, and to evaluate the quality of the skyline in various years, the entropy weight–TOPSIS is employed. Through the literature investigation and creation status of the new political and cultural district, the index system is scientifically formulated to conduct a questionnaire survey, and its reliability and validity are tested. This study is conducted with exploratory factor analysis of factors that are vital in the city skyline. The results of this study show that (1) after the semantic segmentation of the pictures, it is found that the proportion of buildings and the proportion of vegetation are both rising; the proportion of buildings tends to level off after 2018, and the proportion of vegetation shows a uniform increase. In the relative proximity ranking, the overall trend is increasing, and the skyline is ranked first in 2024. (2) Two variables were identified based on the findings of the exploratory factor analysis: ‘skyline value’ and ‘neighbourhood ecological quality’. The results of this study show that the skyline of Hefei’s New Administrative and Cultural District in 2024 is the best overall, and that the skyline of the New Administrative and Cultural District has developed into one of the city images of Hefei, and that its optimisation can be considered in terms of the “quality of the surrounding ecological environment”.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Wellbeing: The Impact of Spatial Parameters)
Open AccessReview
Examining the Challenges for Circular Economy Implementation in Construction and Demolition Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review Using Systematic Methods
by
Juan Antonio Ferriz-Papi, Angela Lee and Mahmoud Alhawamdeh
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051237 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The construction industry accounts for approximately one-third of the total waste generation globally. With the United Nations projecting a population increase of 2 billion within the next three decades, there is a heightened demand for building stock, generating unprecedented volumes of construction and
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The construction industry accounts for approximately one-third of the total waste generation globally. With the United Nations projecting a population increase of 2 billion within the next three decades, there is a heightened demand for building stock, generating unprecedented volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW). To combat this, circular economy strategies are purported to help alleviate the prevailing situation. But a number of challenges are jeopardizing their implementation in the construction industry and preventing from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, net zero carbon and zero avoidable waste targets. This paper systematically analyzes 54 research articles, published in the past decade within major peer-reviewed English-language scholarly publications in the form of a systematic research review. In doing so, it aims to identify and classify the challenges that prevent improved CDW management by assimilating previous research results in support of a circular economy. The classification and analysis using a PESTLE model offers insights into gaps and differences between categories, as well as regions and countries. This initial step could contribute to a better understanding of these barriers, along with associated solutions, which could result in a significant reduction on the impact of construction activities, therefore facilitating the development of an effective circular economy in the sector.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management in the Construction Sector)
Open AccessArticle
Ground Deformation of Shield Tunneling through Composite Strata in Coastal Areas
by
Xiong Wu, Jiangbo Xu, Shaowei Wang, Peng Sha, Zemin Han, Xinyu Chen, Sheng Shu, Wei Qiao and Xianglong Zeng
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051236 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to mitigate ground deformation during shield construction in both upper soft and lower hard strata of coastal areas, a numerical simulation was executed. This simulation assessed surface deformation under varying stratum ratios, grouting pressures, and earth bin pressures. The evaluation was
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In order to mitigate ground deformation during shield construction in both upper soft and lower hard strata of coastal areas, a numerical simulation was executed. This simulation assessed surface deformation under varying stratum ratios, grouting pressures, and earth bin pressures. The evaluation was primarily based on the amount of ground deformation, which revealed that hard rock strata offer superior settlement control compared to soft rock strata. The excavation of the right tunnel line increased disturbance to the left line at higher stratum ratios. Surface deformation demonstrated a linear correlation with earth pressure, with 130 kPa identified as the optimal point. Higher pressures resulted in extrusion deformation and ground uplift. Grouting pressure had a minimal impact on stratum deformation over time. The stratum ratio exerted the most significant influence on settlement, followed by earth pressure, with grouting pressure having the least impact. In the context of coastal tunnel construction, hard rock excavation is favored. Earth pressure must be balanced to prevent subsidence or uplift, while excessive grouting pressure does not significantly reduce subsidence. Grouting pressure should ensure the complete filling of voids.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foundation Treatment and Building Structural Performance Enhancement)
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Development of Worth Estimation and Key Target Selection Methods for Effective VE
by
Yeon-Goo Jeong, Hye-Min Jeong and Byung-Soo Kim
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051235 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
VE is a powerful technique for analyzing a design with a focus on functionality, reducing costs, and increasing value. However, in order to proceed with the design of VE, the theoretical basis for the VE target selection process, which must be preceded in
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VE is a powerful technique for analyzing a design with a focus on functionality, reducing costs, and increasing value. However, in order to proceed with the design of VE, the theoretical basis for the VE target selection process, which must be preceded in the preparation stage, is lacking, and as a result, it is difficult to verify the most effective target selection. Thus, a theoretical basis is needed. In this study, we intend to quantify the “Worth” value of the “Cost to Worth” technique and present an objective model of the target selection method using the derived value index (VI). For this purpose, cost worth (Worth C) was calculated based on the performance data of 1008 cases for 15 building types provided by the Domestic Public Procurement Service and the share of 83 detailed processes in seven fields. Then, a survey was conducted targeting the ordering companies, and the final worth (Worth F) was calculated by multiplying the derived customer value (Worth V) weight for each detailed work type. We calculated the value index (VI) by comparing “Cost” and “Worth F” for each detailed construction type of the VE project and developed a model to select construction types that exceed the VI standard value derived using the standard error of the population. Both cost experts and non-cost experts can use the developed model to specify the VE target selection criteria in order to easily select the key target, objectively sort the values that serve as the basis for calculating the value index, and make it possible to more easily select the VE target selection criteria based on theoretical evidence. Also, the model can be used to obtain effective detailed design VE results.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
Open AccessArticle
Influences of the Decomposition Atmosphere and Heating Rate on the Pyrolysis Behaviors of Resin Sand
by
Qingwei Xu, Yaping Zhu, Kaili Xu, Bingjun Li and Nan Su
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051234 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The pouring of sand casting is accompanied by severe heat conduction, and there is an urgent need to investigate the pyrolysis properties of foundry sand. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the pyrolysis behaviors of resin sand, including precoated sand
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The pouring of sand casting is accompanied by severe heat conduction, and there is an urgent need to investigate the pyrolysis properties of foundry sand. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the pyrolysis behaviors of resin sand, including precoated sand (PCS), hot box sand (HBS), and warm box sand (WBS), at heating rates of 20 °C/min, 30 °C/min, and 40 °C/min in nitrogen and air atmospheres. The mass loss of the resin sand was monitored continuously with a simultaneous thermal analyzer, and the kinetic parameters of the resin sand were calculated based on the Coats–Redfern method and thermal data. The average mass loss of the resin sand during pyrolysis was 3.03%, which was much smaller than that of the other sands. The volatile release characteristic index of resin sand could not be calculated based on this concept. To solve this issue, the term Tstv/mloss was established, and its value was determined. With increasing heating rates from 20 °C/min to 30 °C/min and from 30 °C/min to 40 °C/min, the mass losses of the resin sand increased by 0.79% and 0.64%, respectively, and the volatile release characteristic indices of the resin sand increased by 3.8 × 10−10 and 1.06 × 10−9, respectively. In addition, the mass losses and volatile release characteristic indices of resin sand in an air atmosphere were greater than those in a nitrogen atmosphere. With increasing heating rate, the activation energy of the resin sand decreased in a nitrogen atmosphere. The findings concerning the thermal decomposition behaviors of resin sand provided a theoretical basis for the pouring step of the sand casting process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Techniques in Concrete Materials and Structures: Experiments, Theories and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Comparison of Performance Analysis Results with Developed Site-Specific Response Spectra and Turkish Seismic Design Code: A Case Study from the SW Türkiye Region
by
Mehmet Alpyürür and Hakan Ulutaş
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051233 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
On 6 February 2023, the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes clearly showed that the elastic spectrum curves in TBEC-2018 are insufficient to represent earthquake behavior. In this study, the effect of using a site-specific spectrum curve instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 on the
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On 6 February 2023, the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes clearly showed that the elastic spectrum curves in TBEC-2018 are insufficient to represent earthquake behavior. In this study, the effect of using a site-specific spectrum curve instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 on the earthquake safety of a building is investigated. For this purpose, the provinces in southwest Anatolia, Türkiye, which is one of the most tectonically complex regions with frequent seismic events, were selected. In the first stage of the study, spectrum curves were obtained for earthquakes with return periods of 2475, 475, and 72 years for each of the provinces in this region. These spectrum curves were obtained using probabilistic seismic hazard studies that take into account the active faults of the provinces and earthquake activity in both historical and instrumental periods. In the second stage of the study, analytical models of a selected model RC building were created according to each province, and static pushover analyses of these building models were performed both according to the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 and according to the spectrum curve created specifically for the province. The results of the analyses show that the change in the spectrum changes the target displacement level of the buildings, and as a result, the cross-sectional damage zone of the structural elements under the earthquake effect is changed. So much so that using the site-specific instead of the elastic spectrum given in TBEC-2018 changed the damage zone of 43% of the beams and 26.4% of the columns in the İzmir model. The change in the section damage zones changed the performance level of some floors of the models and the performance level of the building. The study revealed the importance of using the most realistic elastic spectrum curves in order to determine the earthquake performance of buildings that is as close as possible to their behavior in a possible earthquake.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings and Infrastructures Performance in Seismic Events: Understanding the Impact of Earthquakes)
Open AccessArticle
Replacing Fly Ash or Silica Fume with Tuff Powder for Concrete Engineering in Plateau Areas: Hydration Mechanism and Feasibility Study
by
Tianqi Li, Bixiong Li, Lianghui Li, Zhiwen Wang, Zhibo Zhang and Qingshun Nong
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051232 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Abundant tuff mineral resources offer a promising solution to the shortage of fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) resources as emerging supplementary cementitious materials. However, a lack of clarity on its hydration mechanism has hindered its practical engineering application. In this study,
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Abundant tuff mineral resources offer a promising solution to the shortage of fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) resources as emerging supplementary cementitious materials. However, a lack of clarity on its hydration mechanism has hindered its practical engineering application. In this study, high SiO2-content tuff powder (TP) was examined to assess the mechanical and workability performance of mortar specimens with varying particle sizes of the TP as complete replacements for FA or SF. Microscopic analysis techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTG), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), were employed to elucidate the hydration mechanism of the TP and its feasibility as a substitute for SF or FA. Results indicated that TP primarily functions as nuclei and filler, promoting cement hydration, with smaller particle sizes amplifying the hydration ability and increasing Ca(OH)2 and C-S-H gel content. The specimens with TP (median particle size 7.58 μm) demonstrated 9.2% and 29.9% higher flexural and compressive strengths at 28 days, respectively, compared to the FA specimens of equal mass. However, fluidity decreased by 23.1% accordingly. Due to TP’s smaller specific surface area compared to SF, the TP specimens exhibited higher fluidity but with decreased strength relative to the SF specimens. Overall, TP shows potential as a replacement for FA with additional measures to ensure workability.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Construction Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies)
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