Post-disaster reconstruction and ethics: the power of social capital
Buddhinie Ubesingha, George Ofori, George Agyekum-Mensah
et al.
The rising frequency of disasters devastates human settlements, making ethical post-disaster reconstruction (PDR) vital. While disaster scholarship engages with ethics and social capital, the built-environment literature remains focused on technical approaches, leaving the ethical role of social capital unexplored. This study investigates the influence of social capital on ethical PDR, drawing on interviews (n = 33) with professionals in Italy, Mozambique, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Findings reveal the duality of social capital, identifying seven ethical challenges, including socially embedded corruption, gender disparity and dependency, and six measures to strengthen ethical practice, such as building social trust, community empowerment and leveraging emotional connections. It also reveals how networks within social capital and the cognitive dimension affect ethical PDR. This research contributes to the built-environment literature by highlighting its interdisciplinarity with social capital theory, dependency theory and gender studies. Furthermore, it offers insights for policy and practice. POLICY RELEVANCE Findings of this study revealed the duality of social capital in ethical PDR. It identified seven key challenges and six measures for strengthening ethical PDR practices through social capital. It also revealed how networks within social capital and the cognitive dimension contribute to ethical PDR. Accordingly, this research offers policymakers a framework for harnessing social capital to advance ethical PDR, advocating for five targeted interventions: mandating social capital audits in PDR planning to identify ethical risks and opportunities; strengthening governance linkages through formal accountability mechanisms; mainstreaming gender equity via enforced ethical codes and whistleblowing channels; funding trauma-informed capacity-building to foster resilient community partnerships; and codifying inclusive co-production to ensure marginalised groups shape decisions. For practitioners, this necessitates adopting empathetic engagement and continuous social auditing to translate policy into ethical practice.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Facile Access to High Solid Content Monodispersed Microspheres via Dual‐Component Surfactants Regulation toward High‐Performance Colloidal Photonic Crystals
Xiaoqing Yu, Jie Wu, Jia-Wei Wang
et al.
Monodispersed microspheres play a major role in optical science and engineering, providing ideal building blocks for structural color materials. However, the method toward high solid content (HSC) monodispersed microspheres has remained a key hurdle. Herein, a facile access to harvest monodispersed microspheres based on the emulsion polymerization mechanism is demonstrated, where anionic and nonionic surfactants are employed to achieve the electrostatic and steric dual‐stabilization balance in a synergistic manner. Monodispersed poly(styrene‐butyl acrylate‐methacrylic acid) colloidal latex with 55 wt% HSC is achieved, which shows an enhanced self‐assembly efficiency of 280% compared with the low solid content (10 wt%) latex. In addition, Ag‐coated colloidal photonic crystal (Ag@CPC) coating with near‐zero refractive index is achieved, presenting the characteristics of metamaterials. And an 11‐fold photoluminescence emission enhancement of CdSe@ZnS quantum dots is realized by the Ag@CPC metamaterial coating. Taking advantage of high assembly efficiency, easily large‐scale film‐forming of the 55 wt% HSC microspheres latex, robust Ag@CPC metamaterial coatings could be easily produced for passive cooling. The coating demonstrates excellent thermal insulation performance with theoretical cooling power of 30.4 W m−2, providing practical significance for scalable CPC architecture coatings in passive cooling.
Life cycle energy efficiency in building structures: A review of current developments and future outlooks based on BIM capabilities
Stathis Eleftheriadis, D. Mumovic, P. Greening
The continuous developments of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry supported by the advancements in material resourcing and construction processes could offer engineers the essential decision-making procedures to leverage the raising demands for sustainable structural designs. This article brings together the theory of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the capabilities of BIM to survey the current developments in the energy efficiency of structural systems. In addition, the article explores the engineering dimensions of common decision-making procedures within BIM systems including optimisation methods, buildability and safety constraints and code compliance limitations. The research presents critical expositions in both engineering and sustainable energy domains. The article then argues that future innovations in the sustainable decision-making of buildings’ structures would require BIM-integrated workflows in order to facilitate the conflicting nature of both energy efficient and engineering performance indexes. Finally, the study puts forward a series of research guidelines for a consolidated decision paradigm that utilises the capabilities of BIM within the engineering and sustainable energy domains in a synergistic manner.
239 sitasi
en
Engineering
The Characteristics of Ultra-High Performance Concrete and Its Application in Structures
Kai Zhang
This paper mainly introduces a new engineering material-Ultra-High performance concrete (UHPC). By adding different aggregates to the mix, UHPC has a smaller packing density and higher durability, as well as higher compressive and tensile strength and other mechanical properties. The content of silica fume and the shape of steel fiber also affect the performance of UHPC. UHPC with hooked steel fiber has higher bond strength, which improves compressive strength. Due to its enhanced durability and mechanical properties, UHPC is used in a variety of architectural and structural applications, including building structures, finishes and cladding. Based on the project background of a children's playground platform in Chongming, Shanghai and Dongguan Binhai Bridge, this paper focuses on the application of UHPC in practical projects. The results show that the combination of steel and UHPC can provide high overall stiffness and safety. In the future, the different properties of UHPC when combined with different materials should be explored, so that UHPC can be more widely used.
Seismic Assessment of a Modernist Building in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Naida Ademović, M. Hadzima-Nyarko, Admira Piljug
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the Kopčić House, a significant example of modernist architecture in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on its structural-specific features and seismic performance. The Kopčić House embodies a confined masonry structure with innovative construction features, combining load-bearing masonry walls with reinforced concrete elements. This architectural approach was pioneering for its time, combining traditional construction methods with innovative materials and techniques. Detailed analysis using numerical modeling techniques, specifically 3D modeling with the 3Muri software (Vers.14.2.0.4), was conducted to assess the seismic resilience of the structure. The analysis considered different load distributions and eccentricities to comprehensively evaluate the building’s response to lateral forces. The findings of this research reveal the structural capacity and potential vulnerabilities of the Kopčić House when subjected to seismic events. While the building demonstrates inherent strength due to its confined masonry design, areas requiring structural strengthening were identified through numerical simulations. This study contributes to the broader understanding of confined masonry construction within the context of modernist architecture. By integrating historical research with advanced structural analysis, this work aims to bridge the gap between architectural heritage and contemporary engineering practices.
Design for disassembly and cultural sites. The use of modular architecture and prefabrication in exhibition venues
Giuseppe Resta, Samuel Gonçalves
The article discusses the use of modular architecture and prefabrication in exhibition venues, looking at the possibility of designing installations with multiple temporalities. Through four concrete experimentations, we discuss ways of repurposing precast modules in new layouts with different functional programs in line with the “design for disassembly” concept. The article also emphasises the relevance of the massive residential construction programme based on modular and prefabricated systems launched by the German Democratic Republic in the mid-1970s, and the importance of reducing the environmental impact of concrete production today. Moreover, aiming at the need to devise new strategies, it presents a research agenda towards the adoption of prefabricated modules or the cultural sector. The four cases presented here are derived from the experimental use of modular solutions by the Porto-based practice SUMMARY: the GOMOS system indicates that prefabricated modules may have a longer lifespan than traditional building layouts, as they can be repurposed, making their reuse economically viable and environmentally friendly; the “Infrastructure-Structure-Architecture” installation at La Biennale 2016 reflects on possible adjustments in the construction industry; the project for the 2018 YAP MAXXI showcases the design process of a temporary installation that becomes a permanent building; and the VR exhibition “The Reasons Offsite” addresses prefabrication as a portable dissemination project.
Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
DESIGN OF A ROVER PROTOTYPE MANUFACTURED BY ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Mihai-Andrei CIOBANOIU, Ionel SIMION
This paper examines ROVER-type systems, aimed at transporting human crew for research on other planets, and the development of such a prototype using additive manufacturing technologies. A classification of these technologies is presented. The main aim of the paper is to develop a prototype of the ROVER system at scale, to highlight its main features, and to use this type of additive manufacturing technology during its life cycle, thus benefiting from the realization of parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies. Several conclusions distinguish the main points of the paper and future objectives of the study.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings, Engineering design
Transparent heat regulating (THR) materials and coatings for energy saving window applications: Impact of materials design, micro-structural, and interface quality on the THR performance
G. Dalapati, Ajay Kushwaha, Mohit K. Sharma
et al.
Abstract This review highlights the development of energy saving transparent heat regulating (THR) materials and coating for energy saving window applications. Current state-of-the-art technologies including transparent heat reflecting mirror (THM), thermo-chromic (TC), transparent solar cells (TSC), and luminescent based materials have been discussed. The coating performance primarily depends on the selection of materials, surface and structural morphology, dielectric passivation growth process and architecture of the multi-layered structure. The micro-structural properties of thin metal/metal oxide layer, and its impact on the heat reflecting coating have been studied extensively. Growth of high quality continuous thin film with fewer defects is an essential part of the infrared reflecting and/or heat regulating coatings. Henceforth, in this review, detailed analysis of growth of continuous and thin metal layer influence of the seed layer (germanium and nickel) and doping on the growth mechanism of thin metal have been discussed. Surface morphology and electronic properties of metal layer/multi-layered coatings have been studied in detail for THR applications. A wide range of metal oxides and their physical properties have been considered for use as passivation layer in the THR coating structure. Among several THR structures, the architecture comprising of dielectric-metal-dielectric (DMD) stack is known to exhibit the best heat reflecting performances. While the metal component typically comprises of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and nitride based materials, dielectrics are made from metal oxides such as BaSnO3, TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, HfO2, Cu2O, and ZrO2. Selection of passivation layer and tuning of micro-structural properties are very crucial to enhance the visible transmittance without sacrificing infrared reflectance. Optical properties of the dielectric layer can be controlled with growth mechanism and varying content of impurity dopant. Metal doped dielectrics play a key role to enhance the visible light transmission while maintaining infra-red reflection. Through in-situ materials engineering, crystal quality of the dielectric improves which has significant role on the THR performance. Furthermore, impact of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technique to improve crystal quality of metal oxides without oxidizing the thin metal layer is also emphasized. In the subsequent sections, synthesis of thin films by using sputtering methods, thermal evaporation and e-beam evaporation methods using inexpensive materials for large scale deployment of coating have been discussed. Neutral colored Cu-based THR smart windows is developed through tuning the structural property of TiO2. The simulated Cu-based THR window shows ≥10 °C temperature reduction when compared to conventional glass based windows. Thermal stability of copper and silver based multilayer enhanced through ultra-thin metal and dielectric interface engineering. Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are also an essential candidate for the wide band gap semiconductor based THR application. Recent progress in TCOs material has been briefly discussed in one of the section of the review. Hetero-epitaxy of metal oxides (ITO/ZnO) shows promising characteristics as heat insulating materials. Impact of growth process and surface morphology of the TCO have been studied to evaluate the performance of the TCO as heat insulating materials. In addition, advanced hybrid composite based heat reflector coatings for energy efficient building applications is also highlighted in the later section of the review. The industrial utilization and efficacy of heat reflector metal oxides, when incorporated into polymeric/pigments/fibers and heat reflecting durable paints as advanced hybrid composites coatings has been discussed. The progression of solution based metal nanowire (MNW) and optical properties for the heat regulating applications have been included. Dielectric/metal-NW/dielectric multilayer can be a potential candidate for the development of low cost THR film. The solution based THR methods has potential to be mass customized in economic ways and can be viable at industrial scale. Thermo-chromic materials are also considered as prospective candidate for the transparent coating applications. Recent development of VO2 bilayer, trilayer, micro-pattern and nano-plate films have been discusses to enhance the luminous transmittance and solar modulation ability. Transparent solar cells, based on the infra-red absorption through up-conversion nanoparticles are viable candidates for the development of environmental friendly heat regulating systems. Recent advancement of inorganic, polymer, perovskite, and luminescent based transparent solar cell (TSCs) with heat reflecting mirror have been evaluated for smart windows applications. For the deployment of large scale THR film, low cost materials, roll-to-roll (R2R) sputter and atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD) have been assessed for the industrial applicability. The progression of THR materials with thermo-chromics, self-cleaning and TSCs materials can enhance the overall performance of the smart/transparent coatings for thermal management and heat regulating functionalities.
159 sitasi
en
Materials Science
Structural analysis of the bacterial amyloid curli
M. Sleutel, Brajabandhu Pradhan, H. Remaut
Two decades have passed since the initial proposition that amyloids are not only (toxic) byproducts of an unintended aggregation cascade, but that they can also be produced by an organism to serve a defined biological function. That revolutionary idea was borne out of the realization that a large fraction of the extracellular matrix that holds Gram-negative cells into a persistent biofilm is composed of protein fibers (curli; tafi) with cross-β architecture, nucleation-dependent polymerization kinetics and classic amyloid tinctorial properties. The list of proteins shown to form so-called ‘functional’ amyloid fibers in vivo has greatly expanded over the years, but detailed structural insights have not followed at a similar pace, in part due to the associated experimental barriers. Here we combine extensive AlphaFold2 modelling and cryo-electron transmission microscopy to propose an atomic model of curli protofibrils, and their higher modes of organization. We uncover an unexpected structural diversity of curli building blocks and fibril architectures. Our results allow for a rationalization of the extreme physico-chemical robustness of curli, as well as earlier observations of inter-species curli promiscuity, and should facilitate further engineering efforts to expand the repertoire of curli-based functional materials.
A comprehensive overview on BIM-integrated cyber physical system architectures and practices in the architecture, engineering and construction industry
Anish Banerjee, R. R. Nayaka
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate building information modelling (BIM) integrated Internet of Things (IoT) architectures extensively and provide comparative evaluation of those against deciding parameters pertaining to their characteristics and subsequent applications in construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper identifies BIM-integrated cyber physical system frameworks, specific to project objectives, comprising of sensors working as physical assets and BIM-based virtual models acting as the cyber component , connected via wired or wireless protocols (e.g. WiFi, Zigbee, near-field communication, mobile-to-mobile, Zwave, 3 G, 4 G, long-term evolution, 5 G and low-power wide-area networks) and their potential applications in decision-making, visual management, logistics and supply chain management, smart building system management and structural performance assessment, etc. Such proposed architectures are evaluated against deciding parameters such as availability, reliability, mobility, performance, management, scalability, interoperability and security and privacy to evaluate their respective efficiencies. Findings This study finds that the underlying aim of planned IoT frameworks is to integrate systems and processes for a better information flow and to initiate shift from silo solutions to a smart ecosystem. The efficiencies of such frameworks are completely subjective to their respective project natures, objectives and requirements. Originality/value This study is unique in its nature to identify requirements of an efficient BIM-integrated IoT architecture and provide comprehensive insights about potential applications in construction industry.
31 sitasi
en
Computer Science
Stochastic approaches to generating diverse and competitive structural designs in topology optimization
Yunzhen He, Kun Cai, Zi-Long Zhao
et al.
Abstract Topology optimization techniques have been widely used in structural design. Conventional optimization techniques usually are aimed at achieving the globally optimal solution which maximizes the structural performance. In practical applications, however, designers usually desire to have multiple design options, as the single optimal design often limits their artistic intuitions and sometimes violates the functional requirements of building structures. Here we propose three stochastic approaches to generating diverse and competitive designs. These approaches include (1) penalizing elemental sensitivities, (2) changing initial designs, and (3) integrating the genetic algorithm into the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) technique. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approaches are capable of producing a series of random designs, which possess not only high structural performance, but also distinctly different topologies. These approaches can be easily implemented in different topology optimization techniques. This work is of significant practical importance in architectural engineering where multiple design options of high structural performance are required.
59 sitasi
en
Computer Science
An engineering approach for evaluating the dynamic response of acceleration‐sensitive secondary systems in flexible structures
S. I. Pardalopoulos, G. Manolis
Secondary systems are nonstructural components that serve important functions within a structure, but are not considered as an integral part of the main structural system. There are many categories of secondary systems addressing architectural aspects, mechanical, electrical, communication, water supply and plumbing functions, as well as being part of the structure's content. The main issue regarding the installation of secondary systems in structures placed in seismically prone regions is preservation of their integrity and functionality during earthquake motions, since failure can have dramatic consequences in terms of property losses and safety concerns. This study introduces a new methodology for approximating the seismic response of acceleration‐sensitive secondary systems with a mass lower than 1% of the total mass of the primary structure, and whose seismic excitation derives exclusively from the motion of that structure, that is, interaction phenomena are ignored. The methodology applies to secondary systems installed on regular and flexible primary structures exhibiting floor diaphragm action and quantifies the seismic demand from information based solely on the deflected shape of the structure at the instant it reaches peak seismic response. The methodology can be applied in alternative ways, depending on the required accuracy of the results and on acceptable computational cost, yielding good quality results when compared to those derived from detailed time‐history analyses. Thus, the present methodology signifies a departure from the current state‐of‐design of acceleration‐sensitive secondary building components, which does not fully account for the vibrations of the primary structure. Finally, the accuracy of the methodology is gauged through a number of application examples involving different combinations of primary‐secondary systems.
Increasing Value of Façade at Green Hotel Building Based on Value Engineering
A. Husin, Tenni Karolina, D. Rahmawati
et al.
The mutual relationship between established process of reconstruction governance and implemented process of reconstruction project: A focus on L’Aquila city 10 years after the Abruzzo earthquake
Tomoyuki Mashiko, Gianfranco Franz, Naomi Uchida
et al.
Abstract In the recovery process following massive earthquakes in historical Italian cities, the housing construction and restoration of built heritage proceed with relationships that are established among diverse actors. However, much less work has been done on the established processes of governance protocol and research methods have not been accumulated. This study is aimed at determining the characteristics of the established processes of reconstruction governance (RG) in L'Aquila city following the 2009 Abruzzo earthquake in Italy. The research method was adopted from the text analysis and inter‐actor relationship mapping which was obtained in the previous study. Moreover, the mutual relationships between established RG processes and the implemented processes of the reconstruction project (RP) were identified based on the periodization of L’Aquila’s recovery process by combining two initiatives. The results thus obtained revealed that the existence of mutual relationships between the two processes resulted in a diversification of RG and an expansion of the RP domains and types in addition to a centralization of the RP domains. In conclusion, we recommend the diversification and continuous strengthening of RG in the recovery process, early establishment of an intermediary support organization, and public offering projects for expanding civic association participation.
Architecture, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Atenção na sala de aula: como os ambientes restauradores podem contribuir? | Paying attention in the classroom: how can restorative environments help?
Marina Bernardes, Lizandra Garcia Lupi Vergara
O ambiente físico tem uma função importante na manutenção da qualidade de vida, influenciando diretamente no bem-estar dos usuários. No espaço escolar, o ambiente pode interferir tanto no bem-estar, quanto no processo de aprendizagem. A adequação de uma sala de aula aos aspectos ergonômicos pode beneficiar o desempenho das atividades realizadas. Do mesmo modo, se observa que uma sala de aula projetada a partir do conceito de ambientes restauradores também contribui para a restauração da atenção. Os ambientes restauradores são espaços que podem promover a restauração dos recursos biológicos, psicológicos ou sociais dos indivíduos. À luz dessas ponderações, esta pesquisa buscou compreender como os preceitos da Teoria da Restauração da Atenção podem contribuir para a concepção de uma sala de aula, considerando que tornar a Arquitetura uma ferramenta capaz de contribuir com a educação é um dos desafios do processo de projeto. O procedimento metodológico adotado envolveu a aplicação da técnica de classificação de fotografias, realizada em uma instituição pública de ensino fundamental e médio. A coleta de dados foi realizada com uma amostra de 33 alunos entre 10 e 13 anos. Os resultados possibilitaram identificar elementos inerentes à Arquitetura, os quais podem contribuir para a concepção de uma sala de aula mais adequada às necessidades dos alunos e à realização de atividades específicas, com foco na atenção.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
BIM Use by Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry in Educational Facility Projects
Cristina Moreno, S. Olbina, R. Issa
In recent years, many public and private sector owners have started to require a building information modeling (BIM) component in new construction projects. Although there has been a significant increase in industry-wide acceptance of BIM, it is still not a standard practice in the educational facility sector. This research aimed at exploring the use of BIM in educational facility projects by the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines. A survey that investigated BIM adoption at the company level, BIM implementation in projects, benefits of using BIM, and obstacles to using BIM was distributed to architects, site engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and contractors across the United States. The survey results showed that a majority of the respondents from all five disciplines used BIM. BIM was most commonly used for 3D visualization, automation of documentation, and clash detection. The most important benefits of BIM included better marketing and clearer understanding of projects which is crucial for clients such as school students, teachers, and principals. Lack of expertise and need for training seemed to be main obstacles to BIM use. The research contributes to the body of knowledge by showing prevalence of BIM use on educational facility projects and indicating how BIM could help improve collaborative knowledge sharing among designers, contractors, and clients, resulting in better quality educational buildings. These research findings can be used to assist AEC companies that are interested in implementing BIM in the educational facility projects.
Design cybernetics in support of cross-disciplinary collaboration: educating the next generation of Chinese architects and structural engineers
C. Herr
This paper offers design cybernetics as a theoretical common ground to bridge diverging approaches to design as they frequently occur in collaborative design projects. Focusing on the education of architects and structural engineers in China, the paper examines how compatible approaches to design can be established in both disciplines.,The paper analyses relevant literature as well as observations from Chinese practice and academia. Design cybernetics is introduced and examined as a basis for establishing shared narratives to support cross-disciplinary collaborations involving architects and structural engineers.,Design cybernetics offers a body of vocabulary and a rich resource of strategies to address applied designing across design-oriented disciplines such as architecture and science-based disciplines such as structural engineering. The meta perspective of design cybernetics also provides a basis for the implementation of pedagogy supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration in applied design.,The scope of the paper is limited to the examination of the theoretical framing as well as the implementation of pedagogy in the cultural and geographical context of China.,The paper outlines several design cybernetic strategies for pedagogy in support of cross-disciplinary collaborative design processes and illustrates their implementation in applied design education.,Addressing a significant and persistent gap between the two disciplines of architecture and structural engineering in the context of Chinese building practice, this paper examines the particularities of this context and presents an educational approach to support cross-disciplinary collaboration that has value in and beyond the context of China.
3 sitasi
en
Computer Science, Engineering
Revisitando as zonas especiais de interesse social no Recife: limites e contradições para a gestão e regulação de favelas | Revisiting the special zones of social interest in the city of Recife: limits and contradictions for the management and regulation of slums
Demóstenes Andrade de Moraes
O presente artigo revela, com a recuperação da experiência das Zonas Especiais de Interesse Social no Recife, que seu sistema de planejamento, cogestão e regulação, o Plano de Regularização das Zonas Especiais de Interesse Social, não logrou se tornar uma política para a urbanização de favelas no Recife em decorrência de interesses econômicos e políticos que predominam na produção do espaço e que fomentam as desigualdades socioespaciais no Recife, mas também em função das contradições de seus integrantes. Se esse sistema-programa, depois de 32 anos de trajetória, encontra-se fragilizado institucionalmente e politicamente, pelo menos as Zonas Especiais de Interesse Social continuam como uma das barreiras à despossessão massiva dos pobres no Recife, contudo, cada vez mais ameaçadas pelos interesses dominantes. Nesse contexto, a articulação de várias forças políticas que lutam pelo direito à cidade é fundamental para a disputa de narrativas e para a proposição de alternativas por uma urbanização inclusiva e justa, tendo o direito à cidade como horizonte de concepção e ação.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Metric engineering of soft molecular host frameworks.
K. Travis Holman, A. Pivovar, J. Swift
et al.
463 sitasi
en
Materials Science, Medicine
Tunnels and Underground Cities: Engineering and Innovation meet Archaeology, Architecture and Art
E. Romani, D. M., Angelo
et al.