Architecture, Structures and Construction最新文献

This study develops Machine Learning (ML) driven hybrid metaheuristic models to predict the Compressive Strength (CS) of graphene oxide–infused concrete (GOIC) using Random Forest (RF) and its optimized variants—Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA-RF), Krill Herd Optimization (KHO-RF), and Starfish Optimization Algorithm (SOA-RF). A comprehensive dataset of 367 samples incorporating ten mix design variables was used for model training and validation. Model performance was evaluated using multiple regression metrics, including R², RMSE, MAE, MAPE, VAF, A20 index, Performance Index (PI), and Taylor diagrams, along with cross-validation analysis. The proposed SOA-RF model achieved highest predictive accuracy with R² = 0.96 (training) and 0.93 (testing), alongside the lowest RMSE (0.058–0.065) and MAPE (7.4–8.2%), outperforming the base RF (R² = 0.87–0.83, MAPE = 11.2–12.8%). SHAP-based interpretability analysis identified that cement content, curing duration, and graphene oxide dosage as the most influential parameters governing strength development of concrete. To facilitate practical application, a Streamlit-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed to enable prediction and visualization of CS using selected input variables. The proposed SOA-RF framework thus offers a robust, interpretable, and user-friendly approach for the reliable prediction and optimization of GOIC.

Building foundations are designed to prevent soil failure (ULS) and minimize structural deformation (SLS). Due to lack of concrete guidelines on allowable settlement in building codes, practitioners often rely on engineering judgement and rules of thumb. This study presents a framework to establish the allowable movement of concrete building structures by limiting angular distortion and associated damage to structural elements through numerical simulations that explicitly incorporate the interaction between the deforming soil and structure. The procedure was implemented to determine the allowable settlement of a hypothetical 10-story reinforced concrete building and an actual 37-story reinforced concrete building. In addition, a mat foundation and a spread footings foundation were considered for the 10-story building in order to compare the allowable movement for these two different shallow foundation systems. The limiting angular distortions obtained from this study were found to be more restrictive than the code-suggested limits for building structural elements. However, the limiting differential settlement deduced from the suggested limiting angular distortions in this study were more relaxed than the industry-accepted rule-of-thumb of 19 mm for SLS criteria. Furthermore, the numerical simulations performed in this study lead to plots of normalized differential settlement vs normalized foundation stiffness that can be adopted to estimate the magnitude of the allowable settlement of foundations for concrete buildings of similar geometry.

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of partial composite action between floorboards and joists on the dynamic properties of timber floor system: natural frequency, velocity and deflection due to footfall vibrations. The results are compared with the results of two cases: floor system with full composite action and floor system with non-composite action. It is shown that span length of the joists and spacing between the fasteners are the two main factors that affect the dynamic properties of floor system with partial composite action. As the floor span length increases, and spacing between fasteners decreases, the results of dynamic properties of floor system with partial composite action will approach the results of floor system with full composite action. On the other hand, as the span length decreases and spacing between nails increases, the results of floor system with partial composite action will approach the results of floor system with non-composite action.

This paper is going to analyze two different urban and architectonic proposals located in the same area of “Zogu i I” Boulevard in the city of Tirana, an existing recently build building and a hypothetic intervention preserving as much as possible the existing situation. During the years 2013 up to 2023, it is observed a transformation in the area considering the GLP (General Local Plan) and DLP (Detailed Local Plan). According to GLP, the intensity of the construction for the area is revealed to be 4, the territory utilization coefficient is 45% and the total number of floors is 12. Due to the vision of the Municipality of Tirana, in order to increase the intensity of construction and density in the inner historical center of Tirana, the implemented building respects all the urban conditions considering the approved GLP and DLP. A hypothetic intervention based on the principles of historical preservation, respecting also the high, dimensions of the sections, and existing materials of construction of the existing buildings is proposed too. The proposal will help to better understand the urban tissue of the city of Tirana and to perceive the city in another manner. The historical analysis of the Boulevard and the transformation of the selected area during approximately 10 years are the best witnesses in order to judge the current situation.

Occupant comfort is a vital element of building design, impacting the physical and mental well-being, efficiency, and contentment of individuals. This study thoroughly investigates and evaluates many indoor environmental factors, including air quality, visual comfort, auditory comfort, and thermal comfort, which have a direct influence on the comfort, health, and well-being of occupants. Lux levels, carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations, carbon monoxide (CO) levels, temperature, relative humidity, and sound pressure levels (SPL) were monitored at various locations throughout the GRIHA and TERI offices at the India Habitat Centre (IHC), New Delhi, India. The results demonstrate that the mean values for temperature and relative humidity adhere to the limits set by the National Building Code (NBC), although sound levels often above the allowable limitations. Measurements of lux levels indicate substantial variation in lighting settings, emphasising the necessity for enhancement. The concentration of CO₂ remained within acceptable limits for the most part, except for one occurrence where excessive occupancy resulted in levels over the threshold. Regions with less occupancy exhibited decreased amounts of carbon dioxide, while densely populated floors displayed elevated concentrations. The levels of carbon monoxide were insignificant, with only minor increases observed in certain regions. The purpose of this study is to identify any shortcomings or areas that need to be improved in compliance with current laws and recommendations. Suggested measures consist of augmenting illumination in poorly lit zones, enhancing ventilation in areas with elevated CO₂ and CO levels, and using approaches to mitigate noise, such as employing white noise generators and incorporating sound-absorbing materials. These initiatives aim to establish a more favourable environment for the well-being and productivity of the occupants.

The BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach represents a systemic and holistic transformation in the development and management of construction projects, requiring significant changes in processes, behaviors and use of related technologies. Behavioral adaptation is a challenge, as there is a human tendency to resist change. However, BIM technology facilitates integration and collaboration between teams and significantly increases control over project development. This article presents a natural and artificial lighting simulation interface for complete projects developed using information models (BIM), promoting interoperability and involving multidisciplinary teams and users. The interface uses game engines, software with high graphics power for architectural and lighting simulations. Its distinctions from existing simulators are in the technical accuracy of its information from projects developed in BIM and in the efficiency of photorealistic rendering in real time in the simulated environment. The application’s initial development focuses on simulating lighting with georeferencing and bioclimatic data, but in the future it may evolve and cover ventilation, air conditioning and people flow. The goal is to promote behavioral changes (both among designers and users), optimizing the use of the BIM platform using game engines and virtual reality to improve understanding, analysis, collaboration and communication, resulting in more efficient and well-functioning projects and works.

Several people moving towards major cities due to the modern urbanization and also having several opportunities have led to the expansion of cities, the expansion of cities along the horizontal direction is restricted, hence all cities were developed vertically with high rise structures. In order to support the heavy loads acting on the structure, the members tend to become bulkier and heavier inturn reducing the carpet area, Therefore innovative solutions to overcome these problems are studied all across the globe, CFDST columns being one of its kinds, the load taking ability of CFDST sections is dependent on the concrete strength, confinement strength given by the tubes Therefore the prime focus of this investigation will be in understanding the performance of short concrete filled double steel tubular columns (CFDST) under axial compression forces and determining the influence of exterior steel tubes on the behaviour of CFDST columns. The results indicate that there is a direct correlation between the wall thickness of the external tube and column compression capacity, where an increase in the exterior tube thickness yields a proportional increase in the column compression capacity by providing better confinement to the concrete.

Space layout planning (SLP) is the process of identifying the dimensions and arrangement of physical spaces to enhance functionality and efficiency. It is considered a cornerstone of design optimization to control and improve a building’s lifecycle behaviour from different perspectives. It is, therefore, essential to understand the SLP factors that influence the building’s architectural design, particularly in residential buildings, because of the diversity and relationships between required spaces. The space layout optimization literature, however, has mostly focused on construction cost and operational energy usage as minimization functions, overlooking a comparison between design alternatives based on their lifecycle impacts. Despite the growing research in life cycle assessment (LCA) of building construction methods, there is a significant area of opportunity in the literature regarding specific SLP factors that influence the LCA of modular buildings. In response to this gap, the paper aims to identify the SLP parameters that significantly affect the LCA of modular buildings for potential SLP alternatives. To achieve this goal, the research methodology starts with a comprehensive literature analysis to identify relevant SLP parameters, focusing on architectural considerations. These parameters are further examined through a critical review of LCA literature to determine their impact on the lifecycle behaviour of modular buildings. The identified parameters are filtered based on their nature and influence on the LCA process. The key design factors influencing the LCA of various modular building layouts are validated through an expert survey method. By synthesizing findings from previous research, the study confirms the relevance and impact of selected parameters on the environmental performance of modular buildings. This approach allows designers to focus solely on the parameters they can genuinely influence—those factors that significantly impact the LCA of various layout options—while setting aside elements outside their control. By narrowing the focus in this manner, future research can better support sustainable design choices. Ultimately, the findings of this study assist designers and decision-makers in the early stages of modular building projects to concentrate their efforts on the most meaningful sustainability decisions.

This study outlines recent photovoltaic developments and notable architectural features conducive to enhanced photovoltaic integration into buildings. The inherent qualities of these features are pinpointed together with new photovoltaic attributes that enhance their quality. Recent advancements in photovoltaic technology are described, namely enhanced efficiencies, half-cells, bifacial cells, transparent cells, and tiling ribbons, with their potential for enhanced building integration. The investigation is grounded in principles of building physics and architectural systems analysis. Photovoltaic modules naturally integrate with well-established architectural features, such as atria, curtain walling, multi-skin facades, and solar chimneys. Architectural systems integration serves as the cornerstone for advanced photovoltaic integration and, consequently, the realisation of sustainable architecture. Finally, designers need more information regarding the physical and environmental properties of photovoltaics to better integrate them within architectural fabrics. Thus, enabling critical qualities of energy efficiency in building fabrics to ensure the long-term sustainability of buildings. The article provides a concise overview of new features of BIPV and its potential effects. However, it does not explore specific technologies or architectural solutions in depth. This limitation should be acknowledged, as the study primarily offers a broad perspective rather than detailed technical analysis.

Since its opening back in 2017, the new Hellenic National Opera House and National Library Complex has become one of Hellas’s most iconic 21st century cultural landmarks. The entire cultural complex incorporates a variety of performing art venues such as, the main opera-concert hall (1400 seats), a multipurpose hall (400 seats), choir and orchestra rehearsal rooms, warm up rooms for individual musicians, as well as various ballet and dance rehearsing areas. Due to the topnotch acoustic specifications and the demanding completion schedule the resolution of the acoustic design required proficient, yet realistic, construction methods that could be implemented efficiently in practice. In the present paper the authors provide a detailed description about their pivotal design and construction decisions, which shaped the acoustic outcome as experienced today. The narrative initiates back in 2007 when the authors firm commenced their work with the noise mapping of the -at the time- future building site (upon which the soundproofing of the entire complex was based). The discussion continues with the acoustical challenges faced including also a practical guide, related to acoustics, for developing engineers. The work culminates by emphasizing the crucial role of a qualified acoustic professional, with architectural and engineering expertise, both characteristics required, in order to effectively orchestrate and supervise the construction of such projects. The discourse engages experiences both from the authors 50-years portfolio in similar acoustic projects, as well as from the development of the new cultural complex and their productive collaboration with JV Impregilo-Terna, that brought this magnificent project meticulously into life.