Abstract Theoretical developments in Building Information Modelling (BIM) suggest that not only is it useful for geometric modelling of a building's performance but also that it can assist in the management of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which the use of BIM has resulted in reported benefits on a cross-section of construction projects. This exploration is done by collecting secondary data from 35 construction projects that utilised BIM. A set of project success criteria were generated and content analysis was used to establish the extent to which each individual project met a criterion. The most frequently reported benefit related to the cost reduction and control through the project life cycle. Significant time savings were also reported. Negative benefits were mainly focused on the use of BIM software. Cost/benefit analysis, awareness raising and education and training are important activities to address the challenges of BIM usage.
A comfortable and livable living environment can be created through the design of patios in traditional southern rural Chinese dwellings. By connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, patios enable the comprehensive functions of ventilation and shading. To investigate the effects of patios on the building environment and energy conservation, the field parameters of the Wu Family Mansion in Cuijiao Village, Fujian Province, southern China, were measured in August 2016. The results indicate that patios located at the center of dwellings can effectively mitigate the impact of outdoor climate on the indoor environment. Furthermore, a reasonable depth-to-width ratio of the patio is conducive to natural ventilation and energy utilization. Through discussions and simulations using CFD and EcoTECT, it is determined that the reasonable depth-to-width ratio should not be less than 0.06, and a depth of 1.6 m is the most appropriate for patio design to achieve adequate ventilation and illumination. With the Adaptive Predicted Mean Vote (APMV) value ranging from 0 to 1.41, the indoor environment of this rural building falls within the adaptive comfort zone. Compared with air-conditioned rooms, the energy-saving rate achieved by natural ventilation is approximately 26.2%.
Zehra Funda Akbulut, Taher A. Tawfik, Piotr Smarzewski
et al.
This research investigates the effects of steel (ST) and synthetic (SYN) fibers on the workability and mechanical properties of HPFRC. It also analyzes their influence on the material’s microstructural characteristics. ST fibers improve tensile strength, fracture toughness, and post-cracking performance owing to their rigidity, mechanical interlocking, and robust adhesion with the matrix. SYN fibers, conversely, mitigate shrinkage-induced micro-cracking, augment ductility, and enhance concrete performance under dynamic stress while exerting negative effects on workability. Hybrid fiber systems, which include ST and SYN fibers, offer synergistic advantages by enhancing fracture management at various scales and augmenting ductility and energy absorption capability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been crucial in investigating fiber–matrix interactions, elucidating the effects of ST and SYN fibers on hydration, crack-bridging mechanisms, and interfacial bonding. ST fibers establish thick interfacial zones that facilitate effective stress transfer, whereas SYN fibers reduce micro-crack formation and enhance long-term durability. Nonetheless, research deficiencies persist, encompassing optimal hybrid fiber configurations, the enduring performance of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), and sustainable fiber substitutes. Future investigations should examine multi-scale reinforcing techniques, intelligent fibers for structural health assessment, and sustainable fiber alternatives. The standardization of testing methodologies and cost–benefit analyses is essential to promote industrial deployment. This review offers a thorough synthesis of the existing knowledge, emphasizing advancements and potential to enhance HPFRC for high-performance and sustainable construction applications. The findings facilitate the development of new, durable, and resilient fiber-reinforced concrete systems by solving current difficulties.
Built between 1929 and 1935 by architect Roger-Henri Expert, the French legation in Belgrade stands out as one of the most accomplished examples of diplomatic architecture conceived as an instrument of cultural and political influence. In a context where France sought to reaffirm its position in Central Europe after the First World War, this building – situated on a site of exceptional prominence – was intended as a reflection of a republic rooted in its artistic traditions and geopolitical ambitions. Beyond its monumental exterior, the edifice reveals a sophisticated decorative programme, the highlight of which is the rotunda salon, or Paquebot Salon, entirely adorned with a monumental stucco tapestry. Created in collaboration with the sculptor Carlo Sarrabezolles, this ensemble offers a synthesis of art, craftsmanship and diplomacy. Through the use of stucco – a material historically associated with grand ceremonial decors – the State asserts the enduring excellence of its craftsmanship by reinterpreting its traditional know-how in a contemporary manner. This article examines how this decorative stucco ensemble contributes to the construction of a space of political representation, and how Art Deco, far from being a mere style, becomes a vehicle for a republican imaginary designed to embody modernity while magnifying a centuries-old cultural heritage.
Salim Barbhuiya, Dibyendu Adak, Comingstarful Marthong
et al.
Assam-type houses, traditionally constructed using bamboo, timber, and mud, have long served as climate-adapted, affordable Building in North-East India. With growing demands for low-cost and sustainable Building, this review evaluates material innovations that can enhance the affordability, durability, and sustainability of Assam-type houses. The paper examines traditional materials such as bamboo and thatch, alongside modern innovations like Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB), fly ash bricks, and agro-waste products. Emerging materials, including ferrocement and hempcrete, are assessed for their potential in providing eco-friendly alternatives. Key challenges in the region, such as economic constraints, environmental threats like floods and earthquakes, and material transportation issues, are addressed. Technological advancements, such as prefabricated Building and 3D printing, are discussed for their role in sustainable construction. The review concludes with a focus on policy support, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and future directions for scaling sustainable, low-cost Building solutions in the region.
Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a new three-dimensional modelling technology and an integrated process that allows the building professionals of various disciplines to explore the building project digitally, before it is built. BIM facilitates better teamwork among the professionals, helping to reduce unnecessary reworks when the project is being constructed. 2. 3D versus 2D. Traditionally, in a two-dimensional drawing, each building professional prepares their own plans. Due to the limitations of a two-dimensional drawing, certain design clashes (e.g., pipes running into the air-con ventilation tubes) would appear only during construction. With BIM, a three-dimensional model of a project and drawings can be shared among these professionals. This allows the professionals – architects, engineers and contractors – to analyse and resolve potential design clashes before construction begins. BIM will facilitate better teamwork among the professionals, helping to reduce unnecessary reworks when the project is being constructed. 3. Building professionals. The benefits of BIM to the various building professionals in the construction value-chain are listed in the table below:-Building professionals Benefits of BIM Architects • Create three-dimensional models (that help other professionals to visualise his design better) • Perform sustainability analysis, • Coordinate the work on the project with other professionals from various disciplines,-produce construction documents and drawings quickly, and design changes can be incorporated consistently Structural engineers • Perform structural analysis of the buildings in the project, and • Design and produce construction documents and drawings of the building structures quickly • Facilitate fabrication of elements with greater accuracy. M&E engineers • Design the mechanical & electrical systems with greater accuracy; and • Plan & optimise the distribution and routes of mechanical & electrical equipment within the building project. Builders • Plan the entire construction process and material delivery through the computer simulation; and • Determine, review and optimise the sequence of the building's construction.
Since the energy crisis in the 1960s, crucial research and activities were spurred to improve energy efficiency and decrease environmental pollution. To deal with the various problems the construction industry are facing, the concept of green buildings (GBs) has been gradually shaped and put forward all over the world, and green building rating systems (GBRSs) have been developed. The concept of GBs covers a wide range of elements, and its definition is constantly updated as the construction industry develops. This paper compares the development of backgrounds and statuses of green building development in various countries. It also presents an overview of the green building development situation within these countries, summarizing two influences for GB development: one external and the other internal. External factors include GB development policy support, economic benefits, and certification schemes. Internal factors are the development and application of GB technology, the level of building management, and how users interact with the GB technology. Currently, 49 worldwide green building standards and application have been sorted out, including 18 standard expert appraisal systems. Moreover, it discusses the research results and lessons learned from green building projects in different countries and summarizes their achievements and challenges. To correctly understand and use green building technology, it is essential to improve the policy and incentive system, improve the professional quality and technical ability of employees and accredited consultants, constantly develop and update the evaluation system, strengthen technological innovation, and integrate design and management. This paper aims to draw a clear roadmap for national standard development, policy formulation, and construction design companies, provide solutions to remove the obstacles, and suggest research direction for future studies.
This paper proposes the structural design and calculation model of stepped three-row pile and verifies its antioverturning and antisliding stability, based on the Xinghe Yabao deep foundation pit project in Shenzhen, China. The three-row pile model is constructed using finite element software, and the force and deformation of the piles are analyzed. The influence of the direction of the prestressing anchors on the support effect of the three-row pile is investigated by simulating the prestressing anchors in three directions: oblique, horizontal, and vertical. The results show that the combined support effect of the oblique anchor and the three-row pile is the most effective, resulting in the smallest deformation, followed by the horizontal anchor, and the vertical anchor produces the largest deformation. Finally, the innovative construction method of the three-row pile removal and the basement top-down construction method is proposed. The three-dimensional model of the tower building and the basement is established by the finite element software to simulate the structural grading load and the cooperative construction of the supporting structure and the basement structure. The research results have greater engineering application value and significant economic benefits, which could provide reference and guidance for the design and construction of deep foundation pits in similar projects.
Mechanically connected precast piles are a type of precast piles that utilise snap-type mechanical connectors to restrain the pile ends of two identical or different precast piles at the top and bottom so as to quickly realise the purpose of the connection. However, the gap problem in the connectors of mechanically connected piles can lead to uneven and uniform deformation of the piles under horizontal loading, resulting in additional displacements and rotation angles of the piles at the connection. Solving the problem of calculating the internal force response of discontinuous deformed piles is a prerequisite for promoting and applying mechanically connected precast piles. Firstly, the theoretical derivation of mechanically connected piles with fixed constraints at the pile bottom is carried out. Secondly, the pile response equations of mechanically connected piles are established, and the theoretical solutions of pile displacement and internal force response of mechanically connected piles under horizontal loading are derived. Thirdly, the pile-soil model of the test pile is established using ABAQUS software (ABAQUS 2016) in combination with the design data of the test pile. The numerical simulation displacements and angles of rotation are compared with the test results. Finally, the theoretical and numerical simulation displacements and internal forces of the ordinary pile and the mechanically connected pile are compared. The relative errors of the displacements and angles of rotation of the established pile-soil model are less than 10%, indicating that the established model has good accuracy. The relative errors of the theoretical and numerical simulation displacements and internal forces of the mechanically connected pile are less than 10%, proving the correctness of the theoretical calculation by the m-method. This study can provide effective theoretical support and methodological guidance for the displacement and internal force response of discontinuous piles.
L. Carnieletto, Martina Ferrando, Lorenzo Teso
et al.
Abstract Urban building energy modeling (UBEM) seeks to evaluate strategies to optimize building energy use at urban scale to support a city's building energy goals. Prototype building models are usually developed to represent typical urban building characteristics of a specific use type, construction year, and climate zone, as detailed characteristics of individual buildings at urban scale are difficult to obtain. This study investigated the Italian building stock, developing 46 building prototypes, based on construction year, for residential and office buildings. The study included 16 single-family buildings, 16 multi-family buildings, and 14 office buildings. Building envelope properties and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system characteristics were defined according to existing building energy codes and standards for climatic zone E, which covers about half the Italian municipalities. Novel contributions of this study include (1) detailed specifications of prototype building energy models for Italian residential and office buildings that can be adopted by UBEM tools, and (2) a dataset in GeoJSON format of Italian urban buildings compiled from diverse data sources and national standards. The developed prototype building specifications, the building dataset, and the workflow can be applied to create other building prototypes and to support Italian national building energy efficiency and environmental goals.
Abstract Designing envelope configurations of building with the low construction cost and low energy consumption is of important significance to green building. At present, there are some mature professional software for building optimization design, however, these programs run for a long time and require detailed input of building parameters, which makes the design very inconvenient. It is relatively convenient to use some optimization algorithms to optimize the design of buildings. Genetic algorithm is a common algorithm for building design optimization. However, genetic algorithm has the disadvantage of being easy to be trapped into local optimization. Based on this, in this paper, we propose a design optimal method of office building envelope based on quantum genetic algorithm. We optimize the office building envelope structure, such as walls, windows, glass curtain wall, numbers of windows, etc. to minimize the construction cost at the required energy conservation. Compared with the traditional genetic algorithm, in this paper, when using the quantum genetic algorithm makes the design optimization of office building envelope configuration at the required ENVLOAD (energy load of building envelope) value, the total window area are increased by 13.8%, which means that the natural ventilation is better; glass curtain wall ratio is increased by 14%, which means that indoor lighting is better; the cost fall by 0.7%, which means the cost is lower; the generation number to achieve convergence is reduced by 50%, which means the convergence is faster. And compared with original design, the total cost reduces by 35.3%. Compared with other literatures, the construction cost per unit area of envelope in this paper is lower and the building energy load per unit area of envelope is smaller.
Ahmad K. Bashabsheh, Hussain Alzoubi, Mostafa Z. Ali
Abstract The recent development in information technology has huge opportunities to improve the architectural education in terms of methodologies, strategies and tools. Building construction courses taught in the College of Architecture and Design at Jordan University of Science and Technology mainly depend on the traditional_Teacher–centered_method of teaching. This research suggests a virtual environment technology as a tool to develop new educational approach for these courses. This study developed computer software for this purpose to deal with building construction using virtual reality technology (BC\VR software). This software is designed by the authors for research purpose and presents 4D model (3D model and time dimension) for certain building construction phases using VR technology to do immersive and non-immersive virtual reality experience for the users. This research aims at evaluating the (BC\VR Software) in architectural education of building construction courses as a case study at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in terms of three axes: providing students with the building construction information, achieving enjoyment, and the integrating with other courses. The study sample was selected from the population of building construction students at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students of the abovementioned classes. The results show that the VR software has the ability to achieve the three axes better than those of the traditional teaching method. As a conclusion, using the BC\VR software as a tool in building construction courses is very useful and effective for the students. The VR technology is also applicable on other architectural courses.
In geographical terms, historic cities possess an inertia in regard to the modification of urban function. This explains why buildings may change over time, but the location of the functions remains. For over a thousand years, the city of Valencia has concentrated the commercial activity of its historic centre around the building of the Lonja de la Seda, its surrounding buildings, and its adjacent spaces, streets and squares. Recent constructions coexist with centuries-old buildings, witnesses to the transformations of this urban enclave, which has retained its commercial function. Although the Lonja de la Seda was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996, its surroundings, despite being of interest and closely linked to the protected building, were not. This article analyses the history and evolution of the built fabric and urban spaces of this complex, which represents the nerve centre for commerce in the city of Valencia. This text presents research based on studies carried out directly on the buildings in this context by the authors, as well as indirect examinations of documentation from the archives and the existing bibliography. The aim of this study is to showcase how combining material and documentary studies can lead to a broader definition of the tangible and intangible values of cultural heritage. This, in turn, could lead to the comprehensive enhancement of the historic city, where historic residential fabric and notable buildings are merely manifestations of the process for the construction of the city.
Large and complex steel structures play a vital role in building construction. However, deviations between the design model and the actual construction state are inevitable, which seriously affects the quality and safety of building construction. In our study, an intelligent construction monitoring method for large and complex steel structures based on laser point cloud is proposed. Firstly, three-dimensional laser scanning technology is introduced to capture accurate and complete spatial information on steel structures. Then, considering the inconsistency of the coordinate system between the design model and the laser point cloud, the building information model (BIM) is converted into the point cloud model, and the datum unification of the two types of the point cloud is achieved by adopting a coarse-to-fine registration strategy. Finally, the spatial information of steel structures is extracted from the laser point cloud based on the as-designed model, and the distance deviation between the two models is analyzed to reflect the actual construction state. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, the steel structures’ point cloud of the stadium and the high-speed railway station is captured by the terrestrial three-dimensional laser scanner. The experimental results demonstrate that the method can extract the deviation between the design model and the actual construction, to provide accurate data sources for the intelligent fine construction of steel structures.