This study investigates the technical feasibility and initial user perceptions of combining Building Information Modelling (BIM) with blockchain technology to support semi-automated progress payment processes in cast-in-place concrete wall systems. A Design Science Research (DSR) approach, embedded within an exploratory case study, was adopted to design and assess BIM Ledger, a prototype integrating BIM-based validation with Hyperledger Fabric smart contracts. The prototype was evaluated through simulation tests and practitioner interviews. Results demonstrate technical feasibility, achieving performance levels of 81%–95% across functionality, interoperability and security metrics. Key implementation barriers were identified, including system integration challenges with legacy ERP systems, organisational readiness gaps and regulatory uncertainties. Practitioner feedback corroborated the prototype's potential to enhance transparency and trust while highlighting governance concerns. This study is limited by its single-case design in a Brazilian construction setting, which restricts the generalisability of the results. The prototype was tested in a simulated environment rather than live project sites, leaving data gaps, untested ERP synchronisation issues and multi-stakeholder governance complexities unresolved. Practitioner feedback was based on only two individuals, which is insufficient to draw broad conclusions about user acceptance. Future studies should conduct pilot tests in operational settings, involve broader stakeholder groups, apply game-theoretic or agent-based modelling to multi-actor interactions and verify findings across different regulatory and economic contexts, particularly by comparing emerging and developed markets. Organisations exploring BIM-blockchain payment integration should adopt a phased strategy: begin with small-scale pilot projects alongside existing traditional systems before scaling up. The main technical hurdle is integrating with ERP systems, which necessitates specialised middleware development. To be legally enforceable under Brazilian law, smart contracts need to be clearly referenced within traditional construction agreements. Budget planning must include costs for organisational change management, staff training, regulatory compliance and technical expenses. The estimated prototype cost of USD 15,446 makes it feasible for medium- and large-sized contractors. Additionally, projected savings in administrative labour and dispute resolution strongly support investing in broader deployment. Integrating BIM with blockchain can help address payment inequities in construction supply chains, particularly for subcontractors and suppliers in emerging markets, who often experience payment delays. By replacing manual payment approvals with transparent, cryptographically secured automation, the system minimises the risk of manipulation and fosters trust among parties with differing bargaining power. In Brazil, combining this automation with PIX's instant transfer system could markedly improve cash flow for small businesses, enhance workforce stability, reduce insolvency risks and promote a fairer construction industry. This study is among the first to empirically demonstrate BIM-blockchain integration within Brazil's construction industry. Its novel contribution resides in a two-layer development approach that combines Smart Contracts with a BIM Layer, analysed through the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework. Furthermore, the study uniquely simulates payment processes using PIX, Brazil's instant interbank transfer system.
Large amounts of waste concrete have been accumulated during construction activities, posing substantial environmental and resource concerns for the sector. Recycling this garbage into recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) helps to promote sustainable and circular structural construction. This paper critically reviews the processing, classification systems, physical and mechanical qualities, durability performance, and structural behavior of RCA. The presence of adhered mortar causes increased porosity and reduced stiffness when compared to natural aggregates; however, recent advances in processing techniques, supplementary cementitious materials, and optimized mix design show that RCA concrete can achieve reliable structural performance. Practical case studies from buildings, infrastructure, and precast construction demonstrate the viability of moderate RCA replacement ratios in load-bearing systems. Limitations, including long-term durability, variability control, and conservative design provisions, are determined. The study highlights future perspectives focused on performance-based design, improved material processing, and integration of RCA within circular economy frameworks to support resilient and sustainable structural engineering.
Olga S. Matorina, Nadezhda M. Illarionova, Svetlana V. Nesterova
The article considers the formation features of cumulative stress and psychological burnout among employees of fire divisions of EMERCOM of Russia. The analysis of risk factors affecting the mental state of personnel, including occupational loads, working conditions and socio-psychological characteristics, is presented. Statistical data reflecting the prevalence of stress disorders among firefighters are presented. There are outlined the following modern approaches to the prevention of cumulative stress: organizational, psychological and medical measures. There is a need to introduce systemic programs of psycho-prophylaxis and psycho-rehabilitation in the activities of fire and rescue units.
Systems of building construction. Including fireproof construction, concrete construction
Sergey M. Dymov, Maxim V. Vishchekin, Aleksandr M. Aleksandrov
et al.
The article discusses changes in the design of the jumping-sheet from the 19th century to the present. The main positive and negative design features of the jumping-sheet are determined. The calculation of the efforts that arise on the hands of firefighters when a person falls on a jumping-sheet is made. The descriptions of the most common and promising models of jumping-sheet are given.
Systems of building construction. Including fireproof construction, concrete construction
Sergey M. Dymov, Maxim V. Vishchekin, Galina P. Surina
et al.
The article considers the issues of using a computer software package created to help untrained users of rescue means from the height. The sequence of application of programs is defined. The positive and negative aspects of using programs are shown. The addresses of the programs on the Internet are indicated, as well as further prospects for their development and application.
Systems of building construction. Including fireproof construction, concrete construction
Abstract Extensive research on optimizing singly and doubly reinforced concrete beams has not considerably addressed the selection of the reinforcement type when the cross-sectional dimension is constrained by factors such as story height. This study developed a genetic algorithm model to optimize the design of either singly or doubly reinforced concrete beams under restricted cross-sectional depths, thereby ensuring compliance with design standards. We constructed a dataset comprising 168 test cases, each characterized by the beam length, dead load, live load, and cross-sectional depth limitation. For validation, the actual optimal values for each case were calculated using a brute force algorithm. To enhance model stability, the best out of three optimization processes performed per data point was selected. The findings highlighted an R2 value of 0.9996, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the developed model in addressing the optimization problem. This study highlights the significance of selecting an appropriate design approach based on specific conditions and recommends that future research should investigate more robust models for more complex structures.
Systems of building construction. Including fireproof construction, concrete construction
Mizanur Rahmen, M. Moin, Md Mohaimanul Hoda
et al.
This paper investigates how recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) could be sustainably integrated into building construction to address urgent environmental issues. RCA provides significant environmental benefits, lowering landfill use and energy consumption by up to 85% and CO2 emissions by 90%, given that the construction sector generates almost 3 billion tonnes of waste annually, and raw materials account for almost half of building lifetime carbon emissions. Using an extensive review of current literature, the paper explores RCA production procedures, applications, and performance characteristics. Crushing, screening, and cleaning building and demolition waste produces RCA, which results in material with more porosity and water absorption than natural aggregates. Recycled concrete has been effectively used in structural components (beams, columns, slabs, foundations) and enhanced applications with suitable design changes despite showing 10-30% decreased compressive strength and greater sensitivity to environmental degradation. The main difficulties the study points to are unstable supply chains, price swings, and a dearth of uniform certification processes. The study suggests four strategic approaches to overcome these constraints: advanced aggregate treatment technologies, optimal mix design including additional cementitious materials, creation of stable recycling systems by policy measures, and integration with green building evaluation systems. These techniques help the worldwide shift towards circular economy ideas in the building industry by turning recycled concrete from an alternative material into a mainstream building solution.
This study empirically assesses temperature effects on load-bearing systems using field data from an ongoing multifunctional complex featuring cast-in-situ reinforced concrete framing. The calculation-analytical method was employed for design justification, along with mathematical modeling using the LIRA 10.12 software. The results revealed that the strength utilization factor, considering the design reinforcement, exceeded 100% by up to 200% in certain sections of the 2nd underground floor slab, and ranged from 105% to 200% in sections of the 1st underground floor slab. Based on the results of the research, the following conclusions were drawn: cracks in the load-bearing structures of floor slabs and external load-bearing walls of the -2nd and -1st underground floors occurred due to the insufficiency of the calculated reinforcement for the perception of all types of impacts, including temperature; the main reason for the formation of cracks is the absence of expansion joints in the design document of load-bearing structures of the -2nd and -1st floors. According to the research findings the following recommendations are given: when designing cast-in-situ reinforced concrete frame buildings it is necessary to perform a temperature calculation; in case of failure to perform the calculation, it is necessary to arrange expansion joints per the code recommendations; the use of expansion joints in design can be avoided only with appropriate justification.
To reduce the significant environmental impact of the construction industry, building floors designed as concrete shells that work mainly in compression and that are segmented for prefabrication and disassembly offer a promising alternative to reinforced thick flat slabs. The OAK prototype, a 4.5 m × 4.5 m segmented concrete shell with reversible dry joints for reusable building floors, offers such potential. The non‐linear behavior of the concrete material and the segmented shell system make understanding the mechanics of such a structural system challenging for practical design. In particular, the compressive stresses and the slenderness of shells, along with their fabrication and assembly imperfections, make them prone to instability. This article reports the methodology and results from a set of physical structural assessments on the OAK prototype, including material, serviceability, robustness, and stability tests.
The construction sector contributes nearly 40% of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for sustainable material alternatives. Bamboo, with rapid renewability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and socio-economic benefits, is increasingly recognized as a viable substitute for conventional construction materials. This study applies to the ISO/TS 14072 Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework, integrating environmental life cycle assessment (E-LCA), social life cycle assessment (S-LCA), and life cycle costing (LCC), to evaluate bamboo-based dwellings against concrete and timber alternatives. The system boundary is cradle-to-grave, including cultivation, processing, construction, a 30-year operational phase, and four end-of-life (EoL) scenarios: reuse, recycling, biochar, and landfill. The functional unit was a 100 m² single-storey dwelling with bamboo-based structural components. Results indicate that bamboo construction reduced global warming potential by 72%, cumulative energy demand by 65%, and water use by 40% compared with reinforced concrete, though ecotoxicity impacts were 15–20% higher due to chemical treatments. Socio-economic assessment showed bamboo housing to be 23% more affordable, generating nearly three times more employment and retaining 28% more local income than conventional systems. At the EoL stage, reuse and recycling reduced emissions by an additional 12–18%, while biochar conversion achieved sequestration of up to 0.5 t CO₂ per m³ of residues. Overall, bamboo demonstrates substantial potential as a low-carbon and socially inclusive material, though advancements in treatment methods, recycling infrastructure, and design codes are required to scale adoption. Findings support the integration of bamboo housing into rural development strategies, contributing to SDG 8 and SDG 11.
Optimization design is an effective strategy for reducing carbon emissions in building structures. Various exhaustive and metaheuristic methods have been proposed to optimize the carbon emissions of structural components, which has primarily focused on sustainable design during the construction phase. This study proposes a hybrid approach for the life cycle sustainable design of reinforced concrete components, encompassing the material production, construction, carbonization, and end-of-life phases. The resistance of structural components was evaluated through time-dependent reliability indices, and surrogate models were developed using machine learning techniques. The surrogate models were subsequently integrated into a dual-objective genetic algorithm for life cycle sustainable design. Based on the proposed approach, numerical examples including a singly reinforced beam and a biaxially eccentric compressed column were analyzed. The minimum carbon emissions were optimized to 486.2 kg CO2e and 307.8 kg CO2e, respectively, representing a reduction of more than 10% compared to the original design. Moreover, parametric and comparative analyses were conducted to identify the key factors influencing life cycle sustainable design. The findings underlined the impact of design methods, system boundaries, and specific design variables such as material strengths and concrete cover depth. Overall, this study enhances the efficiency and applicability of sustainable design for structural components while considering life cycle impacts.
This article presents the results of a systematic review investigating the potential of agricultural wastes as sustainable and low-carbon alternatives in reinforced concrete (RC) production. Background: The depletion of natural resources and the environmental burden of conventional construction materials necessitate innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Agricultural wastes, including coconut shells (CSs), rice husk ash (RHA), and palm oil (PO) fuel ash, emerge as promising materials due to their abundance and mechanical benefits. Objective: This review evaluates the potential of agricultural wastes to improve sustainability and enhance the mechanical properties of RC structural elements while reducing carbon emissions. Design: Studies were systematically analyzed to explore the sources, classification, and material properties of agro-wastes (AWs), with a particular focus on their environmental benefits and performance in concrete. Results: Key findings demonstrate that AWs enhance compressive strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity while reducing the carbon footprint of construction. However, challenges such as variability in material properties, limited long-term durability data, and lack of standardized guidelines hinder their broader adoption. Conclusions: AWs hold significant potential as sustainable additives for RC elements, aligning with global sustainability goals. Future research should address material optimization, lifecycle assessments, and regulatory integration to facilitate their mainstream adoption in construction.
This paper proposes an effective approach to realise circular construction with concrete, and shows Unreinforced Masonry as a foundational building block for it. The paper outlines the importance of circularity in building structures. It specifically focuses on the impact of circular construction with concrete on improving the sustainability of the built environment in a rapidly urbanising world economy. Subsequently, the relevance of principles of structural design and construction of unreinforced masonry to achieve circularity is articulated. Furthermore, the paper presents and summarises recent developments in the field of Unreinforced Concrete Masonry (URCM) including digital design tools to synthesise structurally efficient shapes, and low-waste digital fabrication techniques using lower-embodied-emission materials to realise the designed shapes. The paper exemplifies these using two physically realised, full-scale URCM footbridge prototypes and a commercially available, mass-customisable building floor element, called the Rippmann Floor System (RFS). The paper also outlines the benefits of mainstream, industrial-scale adoption of the design and construction technologies for URCM, including accelerating the pathway to decarbonise the concrete industry. In summary, the paper argues that URCM provides a solution to significantly mitigate the carbon emissions associated with concrete and reduce the use of virgin resources whilst retaining its benefits such as widespread and cheap availability, endurance, fire safety, low maintenance requirements and recyclability.
This comprehensive study explores the integration of sustainable practices throughout the various phases of a buildings lifecycle, including construction, operation, and maintenance. It emphasizes the pivotal role of material selection, construction techniques, renewable energy integration, energy management systems, retrofitting, water conservation technologies, predictive maintenance, and efficiency monitoring in minimizing environmental impact while enhancing efficiency. Advanced materials such as high-performance concrete and bio-based insulation, alongside innovative construction methods like modular and prefabricated components, are highlighted for their potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints and energy consumption. The study further investigates the adoption of renewable energy systems, demonstrating their efficacy in achieving energy self-sufficiency. Through the operational phase, it underscores the importance of sophisticated Energy Management Systems (EMS) and retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, it delves into the incorporation of water conservation technologies, which substantially decrease water usage and associated energy demands. The maintenance phase is discussed with a focus on predictive maintenance using IoT sensors and AI, alongside the use of sustainable materials for repairs. Quantitative analyses throughout the study illustrate potential reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage, underscoring the critical role of these practices in promoting sustainability in the construction industry. This study aims to provide a holistic view of sustainable building practices, offering valuable insights and methodologies for industry professionals and stakeholders.
Abstract Concrete is a primary construction material in the building industry. Formwork is crucial in facilitating the implementation of geometric designs and enhancing the structural integrity of concrete components. Additionally, it represents a significant expense in the building of concrete structures. The use of formwork has a lengthy historical background, with several formwork systems being employed in various projects. When designing and choosing a formwork system, it is important to consider many needs, including safety, cost, structural geometry, construction time, and surface quality. This article introduces a computer simulation for conducting a parametric analysis of concrete systems using a new reinforcing method for concrete building materials. To achieve this objective, the current relevant concrete material is simulated using higher-order shear deformation theory, the minimal potential energy principle, and an analytical solver. Halpin–Tsai homogenization technique and the role of the mixture are used to predict the mechanical properties of the presented innovative reinforcement. The mathematical formulation of a Haber–Schaim foundation constructed from auxetic material inside the Cartesian coordinate system is expressed. The results show that in the highest velocity, the influence of the graphene oxide powders (GOP) distribution pattern on the acceleration of the system than other values of velocity. Also, as an applicable suggestion, by a less change in the amplitude of the structure with higher values of GOP weight fraction, the velocity of the structure changes drastically, While, this trend for lower values of GOP weight fraction has a noticeable change. Finally, some suggestions for improving the dynamic stability of this kind of innovative concrete structure will be given in the results section for civil and mechanical engineers.
In earthquake-prone regions, it's crucial for hospitals to be well-prepared to ensure that medical care continues without interruption for the victims. The utilization of precast structural systems in construction, particularly in earthquake-prone areas like Indonesia, offers numerous advantages including enhanced construction efficiency and resilience against seismic loads.
Abstract This research presents the use of advanced nanocomposites in bridge building as a way to improve the stability and efficiency of concrete structures. By using nanocomposites, problems with performance under different loading circumstances, durability, and structural integrity have to be addressed. This study examines the structural behavior of concrete structures reinforced with cutting-edge nanocomposites using shear deformation theory, a numerical solution process, and Hamilton’s principle. The research starts out by examining the makeup and features of nanocomposite materials, emphasizing how they may enhance the structural and mechanical qualities of concrete. The dynamic response and stability of concrete structures reinforced with nanocomposite under various loading scenarios are assessed using numerical simulations and analysis grounded on Hamilton’s principle. The complex relationship between mechanical performance, structural geometry, and material composition is captured by the shear deformation theory. The behavior of nanocomposite-reinforced concrete structures, including their stiffness, strength, and weight fraction of nanocomposites, may be fully understood thanks to this theoretical framework. The study’s conclusions provide insight into how well-suited sophisticated nanocomposites are for boosting the strength and stability of concrete constructions, especially when it comes to building bridges. Engineers and researchers may enhance concrete system performance and design for robust and sustainable infrastructure development by using shear deformation theory, Hamilton’s principle, and numerical solution methodologies.