Architecture, Structures and Construction最新文献

Carefully extracting reinforced concrete (RC) elements from soon-to-be demolished structures and reusing them directly as load-bearing elements in new buildings is an emerging circular low-carbon resource-management strategy. As floor construction typically accounts for a large share of a building’s upfront carbon footprint, designing floors with reused RC elements is a promising, yet little explored, approach to lower a building’s embodied carbon. This paper presents the concept, design, construction and assessment of a new load-bearing floor system for an office building made with reused saw-cut RC pieces and reused steel profiles. The system reuses the existing properties of widely discarded construction materials – RC and steel – and is dismountable. To demonstrate the system’s technical feasibility and assess its structural and environmental performance, a 30-m² prototype – FLO:RE – is designed, built with elements reclaimed from local demolition sites, tested and finally dismantled. Reclaimed material property testing and prototype load testing confirm the structural-design safety. A Life-Cycle Assessment shows unprecedentedly low upfront embodied carbon, with results as low as 15 to 5 kgCO₂e/m², i.e., 80–94% reductions compared to conventional new RC flat slabs. This research demonstrates the untapped technical and environmental potential of reusing saw-cut RC elements in bending in structurally performant floor systems. Through this novel ultra-low-carbon solution, the study supports the efficient use of existing resources and calls for considering soon-to-be demolished RC and steel structures as potential mines of suitable quality materials ready to be reused locally.

This paper explores the potential of traditional Spanish timber roofs as a structural system that blends framework carpentry with Islamic geometric patterns for contemporary construction. By integrating historical craftsmanship with modern engineering techniques, the research investigates solutions for spherical Lazo carpentry, where Lazo, or strapwork, designs fulfill both ornamental and structural roles. A key focus is the design, analysis, and fabrication of a four-meter-span Lazo pavilion, employing polyhedral projections to form modular spherical surfaces. Structural performance is evaluated through physical tests of materials and joints leading to an exploration of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the whole structure. The project also explores the construction and disassembly of the Lazo pavilion through defining the detailing of its different joints. The findings promise applications in spatial and shell structures, such as gridshells inspired by interlaced Lazo domes, providing a roadmap for designing structural Lazo discrete shells. Collaborating with architects, engineers, and master carpenters, this research enhances understanding across geometry, carpentry, structural mechanics, timber engineering, and architectural design while laying the groundwork for further exploration of this vernacular structural craft.

The use of recycled strap plastic fibers, derived from industrial packaging waste, offers a sustainable approach to enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete while addressing environmental concerns. This study evaluated the effectiveness of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strap fibers, sourced from industrial packaging waste, in concrete mixes. Seven groups of specimens were prepared: one control group without fibers and six groups reinforced with fibers of aspect ratios 12.5 and 25. Each fiber-reinforced group was further divided into subgroups with volume fractions of 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%. Mechanical properties were investigated using non-destructive tests, density measurements, and destructive tests for compressive strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. The results demonstrated that shorter fibers (aspect ratio 12.5) performed better than longer ones in enhancing mechanical properties, with 0.75% fiber volume fraction identified as optimal. Improvements of approximately 35%, 16%, and 26% were observed in compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, respectively.

This article presents part of the master’s dissertation submitted to the Graduate Program in Built Environment and Sustainable Heritage (PPGACPS) at the School of Architecture of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. The article discusses the state of the art in scientific documentation of architectural heritage and the Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) methodology applied to damage monitoring. The presented study aims to investigate an approach for using RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) as a tool for scientific documentation, in mapping, monitoring, and conservation diagnosis protocols for architectural cultural heritage. The case study involves monitoring a crack located on the roof of the Church of São Francisco de Assis, better known as “Igrejinha da Pampulha,” an iconic work of modern Brazilian architecture, located in Belo Horizonte, MG. The method involved photogrammetry techniques performed with RPA, analysis of digital images through binarization techniques and pixel recognition in Raster images. It concludes that the methodology can be effective for damage monitoring on larger scales. In the case study, the Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) ratio generated a 2 × 2 cm pixel, resulting in an error of two square centimeters in crack monitoring through matrix data analysis, which can be altered with a higher resolution camera and a lower flight height. The main result is a methodological proposal for monitoring cracks in the dome of the studied building. The main conclusion is that the methodology is effective, especially when applied to large-scale objects, such as dam monitoring. It is recommended that in future inspections, if the same equipment is used, the flight should be conducted at a shorter distance from the object of study. The study demonstrates the potential of digital surveying performed by RPA as well as the HBIM methodology as a form of documentation, extroversion, and management of architectural cultural heritage.

Concrete manufacturing heavily depletes natural resources, posing serious environmental challenges. At the same time, vast amounts of global waste are growing increasingly harmful to ecosystems. Recently, construction experts have sought to produce “green” concrete by incorporating agricultural and industrial waste, aiming to reduce the sector’s substantial environmental impact. Cement production, in particular, is an energy-intensive process involving high-temperature chemical transformations that bind raw materials. Replacing Portland cement with industrial waste can reduce environmental damage and foster social, economic, and ecological benefits, all crucial for sustainable growth. Moreover, the extraction of aggregates—mainly sand and gravel—accelerates erosion in river deltas and coastal areas, impacting marine and riverine habitats. Using alternative materials and substitutes can mitigate these effects, supporting ethical construction practices that lessen environmental strain. This review compiles 100 scholarly studies on waste-based concrete, categorizing 70 as using industrial materials and 30 as using agricultural resources. The findings evaluate waste material effects on concrete’s density, tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, durability and slump workability. Results indicate that different types of waste influence these properties uniquely, suggesting a nuanced approach to green concrete development based on material type.

Modernization, which encompasses population growth, urbanization, and economic expansion, has caused extensive environmental degradation and resource depletion. Riverbeds provide natural sand, which is a typical supply of fine aggregate used in concrete making. The removal of river sands has had negative effects on the ecosystem. Steel dust is a fine substance that may be used in place of fine aggregate principally because of its comparable particle sizes. This research investigates the impact of adding wasted steel dust on concrete’s mechanical behaviour by partially replacing sand in different percentages (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%). The water-to-cement ratio of 0.45 was used in this study. Overall, 54 concrete samples were prepared, 18 cubes (150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm) for the compressive strength test, 18 cylinders (100 mm diameter × 200 mm height) for tensile strength, and 18 prisms (100 mm depth × 100 mm width × 500 mm length). Then tests were made for all samples to observe the strength and crack behaviour of concrete. It was found that the workability of fresh concrete decreased while the density of hardened concrete increased with steel dust replacements. Also, adding steel dust to concrete generally increases strength. The optimum value was observed in concrete containing 9% steel dust in compressive and flexural strength. An optimum value is found in concrete containing 15% steel dust for tensile strength.

This study examines the transformation of disused industrial heritage in the eastern area of Lisbon, specifically within the districts of Marvila and Beato, focusing on the dynamics of urban regeneration following deindustrialisation. The research highlights how, in a context characterised—similarly to other Southern European countries—by late-stage deindustrialisation, the industrial legacy of these areas has predominantly been repurposed to accommodate activities associated with the creative and cultural sectors. Using a tripartite methodology comprising a literature review, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and industrial heritage characterisation through direct observation, alongside engagement with the ROCK (Regeneration and Optimisation of Cultural Heritage in Creative and Knowledge Cities) project, the study identified and characterised twelve former factories. Of these, nine have primarily been converted for artistic and cultural use, while two remain abandoned, emphasising the lack of significant public intervention. The article addresses the risks of gentrification and the increasing privatisation of industrial sites, raising concerns about preserving the identity and collective memory of these spaces. It underscores the need for integrated policies to ensure the protection and sustainable management of these sites. The article concludes with reflections on future prospects for safeguarding industrial heritage in urban contexts.

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly is recognized for its potential to improve productivity in the construction industry, particularly in off-site construction. However, a misconception persists that design for manufacturing and assembly is only applicable to off-site construction, while not all projects are suitable for full off-site construction adoption; they can still benefit from this methodology. In this context, "on-site construction" refers to work completed on-site in off-site construction projects or on-site projects using specific construction methods. As the adoption of design for manufacturing and assembly increases, it is crucial to identify challenges associated with its implementation in various construction phases. This article aims to identify, verify, and analyze the challenges to the adoption of design for manufacturing and assembly with a focus on the on-site parts of the construction. A mixed-method approach, including a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews, was used. Data was analyzed using NVivo 14 Pro and prioritized using the mean score analysis and weighting function. The study validated 42 challenges, categorized into 9 key areas, with the top three being economic and financial, technological, and legal-contractual challenges. They formed the basis for developing a conceptual framework representing design for manufacturing and assembly-related challenges. By exploring the barriers to the adoption of this methodology in both off-site and on-site construction, this article aims to contribute to construction management knowledge and provide insights for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers on how to overcome these challenges and enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in construction projects.

Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) are essential tools for heritage management, balancing potential development plans with heritage safeguarding. This is especially important in what concerns the evaluation of impact on Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of World Heritage (WH) properties. This paper aims to present how an HIA was adapted to access the possible impacts of the construction of the “New Metro Bridge over the Douro River” in the immediate vicinity of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP). This demonstrates an integrated methodology supported on ICOMOS and UNESCO Guidelines, as well as on a cross-cutting analysis of different techniques and tools: documents, interviews, fieldwork and landscape simulations. Hence, this case study provides a valuable pilot reference to be implemented in other case studies, demonstrating HIA as a tool that can be applied in different stages (upstream advice, preliminary assessment, nomination preparation and management planning) of a nomination process, strongly contributing to the credibility and consistency of the WH List.

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are a promising new class of environmentally friendly materials that can be produced using local materials and grown into a wide range of shapes and designs. Upscaling them to architectural scale, however, remains challenging particularly due to insufficient structural stability and the required manufacturing processes. The necessity of a formwork in the growing process often restricts designs to simple shapes, or requires costly formwork, which limits design flexibility. In preliminary research, the authors introduced 3D wood veneer lattices into MBCs as reinforcement, similar to steel reinforcement in concrete, to provide increased strength and scaffolding. This research combines robotic additive manufacturing of 3D wood lattices with a natural fibre textile, to act as a stay-in-place formwork for planar and curved architectural components. The combined lattice and textile serve as a support structure, eliminating the need for formwork and providing the required structural performance. As MBCs are often subject to large manufacturing tolerances, the fabrication steps that influence accuracy are analysed. Therefore, two prototypes of the same design are compared: one using a temporary formwork, and the other, a stay-in-place formwork. Results show that the temporary formwork provides precise shaping during growth, while the stay-in-place approach, incorporating natural fibre textiles, allows a more organic shape development. The methods are assessed via 3D scanning to compare the physical outcomes against the digital designs, highlighting trade-offs and limitations. This study contributes to sustainable biomaterials research by offering insights into the accuracy and feasibility of these approaches for future construction elements with MBCs.