The integration of geospatial technologies into rural planning is a transformative approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Uttar Pradesh in India devised a plan of urbanization in 29 villages of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. The plan was drafted in 2012. This was inspired by the PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) of Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This research investigates the Aurangpur of the YEIDA region and explores the efficacy of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in conducting a micro-level mapping and analysis of socio-economic and infrastructural facilities in a rural context. A comprehensive household survey was conducted in 121 families, capturing data on demographics, caste, income, livestock, and housing, complemented by precise GPS coordinates. The collected data were integrated with the GIS environment for spatial analysis, employing thematic mapping and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). The results revealed significant spatial clustering, with 28% of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families concentrated in the southern sector of the Aurangpur village. A strong and positive correlation was observed between livestock density hotspots and higher family income. The findings underscored the substantial role of geospatial technology in uncovering intra-village disparities, thereby facilitating targeted, data–driven interventions in infrastructure planning. This methodology provided a replicable model for equitable development in rapidly urbanizing regions. The investigation revealed recommendations to the policy makers and YEIDA authorities based on the Earth Observation (EO) data, geospatial data, and digital mapping developed.

This study’s purpose was to identify the optimal Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) that maximises homebuyers’ perceived satisfaction with natural ventilation in affordable housing in the hot and humid climate of Kolkata, India. The methodology employed a rigorous, user-centric, quantitative approach. Data was gathered through a large-scale post-occupancy survey, collecting 383 valid responses from residents across 32 affordable housing complexes. Perceived satisfaction with natural ventilation was quantified using the Percentage of Scale Maximum (%SM) method from five-point Likert-type scale responses. Residents’ perceived satisfaction was correlated with the measured WWR of each complex. Using polynomial regression, a predictive mathematical model was derived to assess the non-linear relationship. The findings identified an optimal WWR range of 24–33%, with the mathematical peak satisfaction (at 97.5%) occurring at a WWR of 33.31%. Beyond this range (either below or above), the predictive mean satisfaction falls. The originality of this research is its innovative integration of perceived satisfaction with a quantifiable design parameter (WWR) in the affordable housing sector, shifting the research paradigm from a traditional, energy-based assessment to a human-centric adaptive comfort model, and using a predictive mathematical model to calculate optimal WWR based on post-occupancy residents’ perceived satisfaction in a hot and humid climate.

Punching Shear failure is a severe Limit condition that controls the seismic behavior of Reinforced Concrete (RC) flat slab-column connections. Such critical structural connections are widely used in modern construction due to economic design benefits and aesthetic appearances, which reduce the floor height in the absence of beams. The study identifies the key parameters that influence flat slab column connection failures, including punching shear, inadequate reinforcement, and poor detailing. Previous studies have revealed that the punching shear failure is the primary cause of Flat slab column connection failures, strongly influenced by concrete grade and reinforcement detailing. This work is a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) exploration of twelve flat slab-column connection models in FEA software to assess the effect of concrete grades M25 and M30, utilizing different types of reinforcement, including stirrups and stud rails, and loading for both static and seismic conditions. Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) was used to model the nonlinear material behaviour of concrete, and the seismic shear demand was applied as required by the IS 1893. Unstiffened flat slabs in the shear region were brittle and exhibited rapid post-peak strength that declined, resulting in low residual capacity. Conversely, a stiffened flat slab in the shear region has demonstrated significant improvements in mass-carrying capacity, ductility, and energy-dispersing capabilities. Stirrups increased confinement, and stud rails offered better stability at the post-peak by maintaining residual strength and increasing the time to evolve damage. A higher concrete grade increased stiffness and maximum resistance, whereas the type of reinforcement was a key factor in determining ductility. A relative comparison with IS 456, ACI 318, and Eurocode 2 design provisions revealed that the predictions of punching shear using these codes are always conservative compared to those obtained through numerical methods. In general, the results emphasize the significance of reinforcement detailing in increasing the seismic resilience of flat slab systems, with stud rails proving to be the most promising form of reinforcement.

The paper examines the Sudirman Loop project in Makassar as a pilot project of sustainable urban mobility. As the city government aims to promote the development of the city towards effective pedestrian and transit orientation, the Sudirman Loop was evaluated based on the field surveys, aerial drone recording, review of policies, and interviews with the main stakeholders. The results demonstrate that the current pedestrian infrastructure is below the basic safety, accessibility, and inclusiveness thresholds. Pavements frequently get destroyed, clogged with trees, kiosks, or parked cars, and do not provide accommodations to the disabled, including the use of tactile surfaces and ramps. Drainages are not covered, there are no crossings at major intersections, and the pedestrian areas are often abused by informal businesses. These circumstances undermine comfort and safety, especially among the vulnerable groups. A critical analysis framework shows that the majority of pedestrian-related facilities are half-heartedly enforced or not enforced at all, with the shortcomings being in terms of accessibility, continuity, and social interaction. Although the corridor is strategically positioned and symbolically important, redesigning it comprehensively, enforcing more stringent regulations, and maintaining it are all urgent needs. The research finds that the Sudirman Loop is a good opportunity to implement sustainable mobility, yet it should be accompanied by physical interventions and institutional dedication. What can be learned in this case is useful in coming up with replicable models in other cities in Indonesia.

Fire does not spread evenly. Natural resources, vital infrastructure, systems, and priceless human lives have all been irreparably lost as a result of the widespread uncertainty around large-scale fires. To address this critical issue, considerable research initiatives are steered every year aimed at preventing and alleviating such devastating occurrences to create novel tactics, advanced technology, and effective processes to proactively mitigate the danger of large-scale fires, thereby protecting lives and preserving valuable assets from significant damage. The present work aims to examine the non-linear characteristics of fire propagation. A setup was constructed to evaluate various non-linear layouts at many orientations. Various non-linear configurations for each direction were examined, and the pattern of fire propagation was recorded to collect critical information about fire propagation dynamics, Flame Spread Rate (FSR), and associated energy transfer. To gain true replication, experiments were conducted on dynamic models, Linear Time-Invariant (LTI), Linear Time-Variant (LTV), and the effect of spatial nonlinearity was studied on non-linear dynamic models, viz., Non-Linear Time-Invariant (NLTI) and Non-Linear Time Variant (NLTV), to determine spreading fire behavior and features. The data had been compared with the outcomes of an alternative linear configuration. Results largely state that the presence of nonlinearity significantly alters the thermal energy interaction between the pilot fuel and an array of external energy sources. It is reflected in the measurement of the spread rate. The study offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of fire spread, contributing to the enhancement of fire safety knowledge and improving our capacity to manage fire-related dangers. These findings may assist in the development of methods for forecasting and mitigating the harm caused by uncontrolled fires, which include wildfires, fires in aircraft, buildings, rockets, etc.