Brick Buildings Research Articles

Risk assessment of hydrogen leakage and explosion in a liquid hydrogen facility using computational analysis

In this study, the dispersion and explosion of liquid hydrogen (LH2) in leakage accidents are investigated using the Flame Accelerator Simulator (FLACS) code. The study focus was a liquid hydrogen research facility in Gimhae, South Korea. Simulations were conducted under various conditions by varying the mass flow rates (0.61 and 0.3 kg/s), directions (lateral in areas with minimal structures, lateral towards a tube trailer truck, and downward), and durations (90 and 180 s) of leakage. The results indicated that higher leakage mass flow rates produce a larger flammable cloud volume (FCV), resulting in higher maximum overpressures than that caused by lower flow rates. Downward leakage generally resulted in a larger FCV and higher overpressure than lateral leakage. The explosion characteristics were also influenced by geometry of LH2 facility, including the presence of structures in the leakage path. Contrastingly, leakage duration had a minimal effect on the maximum overpressure because an increased duration causes a greater dilution of hydrogen, only slightly expanding the FCV. According to the overpressure–impulse diagram, higher leakage flow rates cause severe health risks, approaching thresholds for lung rupture and 100% fatality. Contrary to the minor damages caused by lower leakage flow rates. High flow rates, particularly with downward leaks, can cause significant structural damage in brick buildings, potentially leading to partial demolition.

Innovate, insulate, integrate: Embracing circular economy in innovative insulations for reduced air conditioning expenses and carbon mitigation in fly ash brick buildings

Global demand for energy in the construction sector has increased drastically. A substantial portion of this energy belongs to fulfilling the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning requirements of buildings, which are essential for maintaining the well-being of people. The development of zero-energy or environmentally friendly structures is required to attain a sustainable future. Strategic design of the building’s envelopes in green energy buildings can reduce air conditioning expenses. This article focuses on several insulation-integrated fly ash brick wall envelopes that have been designed to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce air conditioning expenses, and figure out payback times in warm-temperate and hot-arid regions. The degree-hour technique for heating and cooling, as well as unsteady heat transfer characteristics, are taken into consideration in this research. This is achieved by incorporating thirteen innovative insulation materials into fly ash bricks in three distinct configurations, (i.e., insulation layer near to the outer end of the fly ash block, on the middle of the fly ash block, and near to the inside end of the fly ash block). Experimental measurements were carried out to determine the thermo-physical characteristics of insulation materials. The analytical findings are confirmed through experimental validation. In hot-arid and composite climatic zones, placing an insulation layer (cloth-40/foam-60) near the outer end of the fly ash block resulted in the highest savings on air-conditioning costs of 0.89 $/m2 and 0.90 $/m2, respectively. They also achieved the highest carbon mitigation values at 17.2 and 16.8 kg/kWh. Insulation-integrated wall envelopes represent the pinnacle of energy efficiency in green building design, seamlessly combining advanced insulation materials with cutting-edge construction techniques to minimise energy consumption and maximise sustainability.

Towards rational decision-making on repointing to mitigate moisture damage in building envelopes: A probabilistic study

Repointing is a prevalent maintenance practice in Northern Europe aimed at mitigating moisture-related damage in brick masonry buildings. Although commonly used, evidence of its effectiveness is limited. This study assesses repointing's role in reducing damage risks by conducting a probabilistic hygrothermal analysis of two wall types: timber frame walls and masonry cavity walls. Results indicate that repointing could reduce the mold index in timber frame walls and moisture content in the autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) layer of masonry cavity walls, particularly in walls with visible defects. However, its impact is minimal on walls without significant deficiencies. Moreover, the study suggests that repointing, given its labor-intensive and costly nature, may not always be the most judicious maintenance strategy. It recommends a selective repointing approach, suiting the specific conditions and needs of the wall based on its location, orientation, and existing state, rather than a blanket application across all façade sections.

Historical Wooden Ceilings in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Austria

Abstract Wooden ceilings were among the earliest wooden constructions in wooden houses, and stone and brick buildings. In Austria, a special type of wooden ceiling is known as the Riemenbalkendecke. In Waidhofen, in the Ybbs region, these constructions are decorated with chip carvings, year numbers, and letters. There has been no systematic study on this type of ceiling in Austria. In this study, all houses in Waidhofen an der Ybbs built before 1900 were surveyed, and their ceiling constructions described. Riemenbalkendecken decorated with chip carvings and moldings appeared in 1465 CE and lasted for almost 300 years. The number of carved years was verified using dendrochronological dating. Different chip carving patterns were identified. The letters on ten ceilings can be attributed to the initials of the house owners at the time the ceiling was installed. None of the chip carvings can be attributed to ornaments that were common at the time. The art of the chip carvings on the wooden ceilings represents a special language of form.

Rural Online Learning During COVID 19

There are few times in the history of education that yield circumstances so unique that the impacts have the potential to resonate for years, if not decades. The fall of the 2020 school year was just such an historical moment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many brick and mortar school buildings were closed forcing schools and families to reexamine traditional school instruction. This article will describe the quantitative results of an online survey completed during the critical timeframe of fall 2020. Rural educational leaders who participated in the survey provided insights on access to teaching and learning technologies that affected students with and without disabilities. Impacts of the digital divide on rural schools are examined, including broadband access and reliability. The article will also provide an update on relevant changes to the digital divide that have taken place since the deployment of the survey.

A comparative assessment of the capabilities and success of the wood construction industry in Slovakia and Ukraine based on life cycle assessment certification standards

This study assessed the possibility of using wood as a building material for the construction of houses. A comprehensive method was used, which consisted of analysing environmental management regulations, applying the life cycle assessment method to minimise the carbon footprint; using software to calculate the carbon footprint of a wooden house at different stages of the life cycle. The object of study is the carbon footprint of a house built of wood. The Life Cycle Assessment method was used as a methodology for assessing the life cycle. Using the One Click Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost software, the carbon footprint of a log house was calculated for the product life cycle stage mentioned above (A1-A3). When calculating the carbon footprint of wood-based building materials, carbon emissions were taken into account not only from the finished products, but also from all other products obtained as a result of logging. When calculating the carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions from all activities are estimated. We have obtained data on the life cycle cost of a wooden house in terms of electricity use. Accordingly, we obtained a value of global warming potential (A1-A3) of 0.51 kg CO2 e/kWh. We also obtained data on the life cycle cost of a wooden house in terms of diesel consumption. According to the results of the LCA, the value of the global warming potential due to meeting the water supply/sewage needs is (A1-A3) 0.69 kg CO2 e/m3. The value of the global warming potential due to meeting the heat supply needs of production needs is (A1- A3) 0.13 kg CO2 e/kWh. Based on the information obtained, we can conclude that it is advisable to use a wooden log house as a building material, as the carbon footprint is smaller than that of a brick building. The final section presents the results of calculating the life cycle cost of a wooden house by discount factor and inflation, the results of the life cycle cost of a wooden house by percentage of energy costs, and the results of assessing the life cycle cost of a wooden house (displaying parameters according to the European energy certification scale). Based on the carbon footprint assessment (using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology), economic comparison (Life Cycle Cost and total construction costs), and expert assessment (based on technical and ergonomic parameters) of the two construction technologies, the feasibility and possibility of using wood as a building material was established. The study proves the feasibility of applying the LCA method in the construction industry.

Parameters, Modeling and Taxonomy for an HBIM Baroque Facade

This contribution explores the application of the BIM methodology in the context of built heritage (HBIM). Specifically, it investigates how this methodology has evolved in terms of modeling techniques, viewed through the lens of Drawing as a critical aspect of its implementation. By considering these perspectives together, the paper aims to identify the primary advantages and limitations of HBIM, highlighting the need for defined workflows to effectively manage and deconstruct the intricate architectural elements found in the Palazzo del Collegio dei Nobili, which represents Turin's brick buildings from the Savoy Baroque period.

Reconstruction of buildings of the first mass series according to green construction standards

The relevance of the research topic is due to the need to introduce systemic solutions into practice to create an environmentally sustainable and energy efficient urban environment. Over the past decades, there has been an urgent need to reconstruct the housing stock according to architectural, urban planning and construction requirements. Based on the results of the author’s scientific research, the fundamental possibility of reconstruction of 5-storey brick buildings of the first mass series according to green construction standards is shown. The results obtained convincingly indicate that the reconstruction of buildings of the first mass series according to the green standard GOST 70346—2022 allows improving almost all green categories. The quality of the architecture and layout of the site, energy efficiency and quality of the atmosphere, and the level of innovation in sustainable development are especially noticeably increasing. Before the reconstruction, the buildings of the first mass series do not meet the requirements of green construction. After the reconstruction of these buildings, a rating of “good” was obtained. Comparison of results obtained according to independent green standards GOST 70346—2022 and STO NOSTROY 2.35.4—2011 shows their consistency. Thus, the reconstruction of buildings of the first mass series according to green construction standards makes it possible to create a fundamentally new, environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient architecture in order to preserve and improve the quality of the environment for future generations.

Seismic Fragility Analysis of Existing Old Newari Brick Masonry Building in Pokhara Valley

Most of the building stock in Nepal is based on masonry construction, which includes monumental, administrative, and residential structures. These structures are vulnerable during earthquakes, as evidenced by the massive structural damage, loss of human life, and property damage due to a lack of proper assessment and appropriate strengthening measures. An analysis of the seismic vulnerability of existing old Newari brick masonry buildings in the Pokhara Valley is presented. These buildings were built using indigenous knowledge and technology. The investigation is based on analytical studies, with some material properties obtained from field tests. Proper modeling of a masonry structure is crucial for reliable seismic resistance and structural design. However, modeling a real masonry structure is a challenging and computationally demanding task due to its complicated framework, requiring in-depth knowledge, realistic material properties, and relevant information. The aim of this research is to assess the seismic performance of old Newari masonry buildings using stress level and fragility curves. The research issues are addressed analytically through linear time history analysis using the finite element program-based software Sap 2000 v20. In dynamic analysis, numerical building models were subjected to three synthetic earthquakes. The performance status of the building based on various stress levels is evaluated, and weak regions are identified. The fragility curve of the structure is assessed, considering the ground motion parameters in the locality. The fragility function is plotted with the probability of failure at an interval of 0.10 g. The results of the analysis highlight that the studied structure is vulnerable compared to the codal provisions and standard recommendations.

Сonstruction of Facades of Brick Buildings from Prefabricated Insulated Brick Panels (Piers) of Factory Manufacture

Сonstruction of Facades of Brick Buildings from Prefabricated Insulated Brick Panels (Piers) of Factory Manufacture

Down-to-Earth Types: Brick Buildings and the Bounds of Propriety in Berlin and Hamburg, 1904–14

Abstract As the go-to cladding material for a range of new utilitarian building types, machine-made brick appeared across Germany during the industrial boom of the 1890s. In response, in 1904, the Bund Heimatschutz (League of Homeland Protection) was formed to defend the traditional German landscape against the visual blight of industrialization. The organization began campaigning against the use of brick cladding, which it viewed as a sin against propriety and national character. By 1914, however, the situation had changed, and bricks and ceramics had firmly cemented their place within the bounds of cultural permissibility for architectural façades. Focusing on Berlin and Hamburg, this article discusses the processes that enabled the acceptance of brick cladding, shedding new light on the changing character of architectural theory during the prewar era, as architects forged new tools to reconcile history and modern life.

Restoration of Brickwork at the Cultural Heritage Sites of Orenburg

Orenburg as the administrative center of the Orenburg region of Russia and the Orenburg region was formed in 1743. One of the few cities in the Russian Federation that has a protected historical center, Orenburg is one of the first places where the eclectic architectural style was born, which carries a mixture of architectural styles. The paper presents an analysis of archival records of the history of the construction of the city of Orenburg, the features of the city’s layout, including cultural heritage sites built of ceramic bricks. The features of the first buildings made of ceramic bricks, which formed the architectural style of the city and influenced the construction of brick buildings in the region, their history of modification and the methods used to restore the historical appearance of facades, are considered. The analysis of modern methods of restoration of brickwork has been carried out. The features of the materials used at such objects of cultural heritage of regional significance, built of ceramic bricks, are considered.

Study on the Mechanical Properties of Two General-Purpose Cement-Lime Mortars Prepared Based on Air Lime.

It is believed that the use of mortars based on air lime in the construction and renovation of brick buildings has a number of advantages, especially those closely related to the durability and strength of the structure. However, there is still a noticeable difference in the mechanical properties of these materials. This research investigated the mechanical characteristics of a mixed cement-lime mortar with the two most popular proportions of an air lime, cement, and sand mix: 1:1:6 and 1:2:9 (by volume). Mechanical tests were performed on standard and non-standard samples to assess compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and fracture energy. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using these mixtures in modern masonry construction, as well as in the aspect of sustainable development. Additionally, lime mortar with a higher lime content can be used in non-load-bearing walls and in renovation and repair works.

Enhancing seismic assessment and risk management of buildings: A neural network-based rapid visual screening method development

Some of the existing buildings are designed based on lower design standards or even without considering seismic design standards. Recent earthquakes have further highlighted the vulnerability of these buildings when subjected to severe seismic activity. Consequently, it has become imperative to conduct seismic vulnerability assessments of the existing building stock. Therefore, the assessment of the existing building stock is required through the utilization of Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) methods. However, the existing conventional RVS methods used in seismic building assessments have shown limited accuracy. Furthermore, because these methods were developed based on expert opinions and/or due to access limitations to detailed assessment-based generated data used for their development, further enhancing them is challenging. To address these limitations, a new RVS method, which leverages Neural Networks (NN) and building-specific parameters, for reinforced concrete, adobe mud, bamboo, brick, stone, and timber buildings has been proposed in this study. Unlike conventional methods that rely on site seismicity class, the developed data-driven approach incorporates building-specific parameters such as the fundamental structural period and building spectral acceleration. The developed RVS method is specifically tailored to analyze diverse types of buildings in regions with varying seismicity risks, all in preparation for an impending earthquake. In this study, the developed RVS method demonstrated a promising 68% test accuracy, effectively representing the building performance against earthquakes. These findings illustrate the potential of the developed NN based RVS method in assessing existing buildings, thereby mitigating potential loss of life and property during imminent earthquake and alleviating the associated economic burden. Furthermore, this study introduces a new RVS method that can pave the way for future advancements in the field of seismic vulnerability assessment of existing buildings.

Information Acquisition and Seismic Damage Prediction of Masonry Structures in Rural Areas Based on UAV Inclined Photogrammetry

Using a novel methodology that integrates incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) and unmanned aerial vehicle positioning (POS) analysis, this study aims to assess the seismic risk of brick structures in rural China. This method can collect a lot of data and accurately anticipate seismic damage by combining UAV oblique photography with IDA analysis. Because rural China has many masonry structures, the project will design unique seismic risk mitigation strategies. High-resolution cameras on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles capture realistic photographs of rural brick buildings. The collected data is carefully examined to reveal architectural and structural elements. The project uses dynamic post-processing software from the CHC Geomatics Office to improve UAV-reference station position accuracy. This program analyzes UAV POS data disparities. The findings allow rural Chinese brick buildings to be assessed for seismic sensitivity during unexpected ground shaking occurrences. UAV tilt-photography reduces manpower and expenditures, improving inquiry efficiency. This combination improves seismic risk response. The IDA and UAV POS analysis are essential for earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation. This data-driven method informs lawmakers, urban planners, and disaster management authorities worldwide, improving earthquake engineering and catastrophe resilience programs. This work improves seismic threat assessment and masonry structure fortification, making earthquake-prone buildings safer. Thus, rural communities benefit from it.

Experimental investigation of sliding-based isolation system with re-centering functions for seismic protection of masonry structures

A sliding-based isolation system is an efficient strategy to enhance the seismic performance of low-rise brick masonry buildings, a common type of construction across the globe. The previously developed isolation systems lack a proper re-centering mechanism. Therefore, in this study, a low-cost isolation system, termed reinforced cut wall (RCW) with an appropriate re-centering mechanism, is designed and tested experimentally using a shake table, which hasn’t been tested previously. Two unconfined reduced scale (1:3) brick masonry buildings were subjected to frequency-based seismic excitation, and the model's corresponding acceleration and displacement response were captured. Compared to the fixed base model, considerable reductions were observed in the acceleration and displacement response in the case of the isolated model. Similarly, the inter-story drift and floor relative displacement response was also reduced in the isolated model. Furthermore, the rebars used for the re-centering mechanism remained within the linear viscoelastic range. Based on the experimental validation, the proposed low-cost RCW isolator was found to be an efficient isolation strategy for low-rise masonry buildings in high seismic regions.

ПРИЧИНЫ ПОВРЕЖДЕНИЙ БАЛКОННЫХ ПЛИТ ЖИЛЫХ ДОМОВ

The main cause of defects and damage to balcony plates can be considered the so-called temporary factor, which has a far from positive effect on the general state of the structure - the impact of atmospheric-sphere precipitation, strong temperature differences. In addition to the temporary factor, the destruction of the balcony slab can be influenced by mistakes made during installation, no drains and overstrain of the balcony slab due to excessive load on it, which causes the formation of cracks. The basis for the survey was the check of the technical condition of the balcony slabs of a three-story multi-storey brick residential building in order to determine the degree of wear, possible defects and assess the possibility of further operation of the slab. A structural solution analysis was carried out to assess the technical condition of the building structures. Loads acting on the structures, impacts and operating conditions, the quality of structures, materials and connections were established. This also took into account factors such as the geometric dimensions of structures and their sections; presence of cracks, splits and destruction; condition of protective coatings; broken adhesion of reinforcement to concrete; presence of reinforcement rupture; condition of anchoring of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement; degree of corrosion of concrete and reinforcement. As a result of visual and measuring control, defects and damages having the requirements of operation and leading to a malfunction of the structure were revealed. The results set forth in the article may be of interest to specialists of expert organizations who are engaged in the examination of residential apartment buildings in order to assess the actual state of bearing structures, in particular balcony slabs

Bridging Housing and Climate Needs: Bamboo Construction in the Philippines

The Philippines faces a significant shortage of affordable housing, and with the growing urgency brought by climate change, there is a pressing need for more sustainable and affordable building solutions. One promising option is cement bamboo frame buildings, which blend traditional bamboo building methods with modern materials. This approach is already being implemented in social housing projects in the Philippines. Dynamic lifecycle assessment (DLCA) calculations show that these bamboo buildings can effectively reduce overall CO2 emissions. Before a building’s end of life, biogenic effects offset approximately 43% of its total production emissions, while the temporary carbon storage afforded by these biogenic materials further reduces total emissions by 14%. In comparison to concrete brick buildings, bamboo constructions reduce emissions by 70%. Transforming an unmanaged bamboo plantation into a managed plantation can potentially triple the capacity for long-term CO2 storage in biogenic materials and further reduce net emissions by replacing concrete with bamboo as the main construction material. Thus, bamboo construction offers a potent, economically viable carbon offsetting strategy for social housing projects.

ADOBE BRICKS TO HOLLOW SANDCRETE BLOCK WALLING IN TROPICAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: MATERIAL IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE INDOOR THERMAL COMFORT ATTAINMENT

Introduction: Tropical climate is characterized by high temperature, the consequence of which induces indoor thermal discomfort. This is attributed to high solar gains through various elements of the building envelope, including windows, walls, and roof among others. However, in an attempt to optimize indoor thermal comfort with minimal or no recourse to mechanical installations, this study explores the roles of the walling fabrics by comparing varying thermo-physical properties of two identified masonry units in the study area of Ogbomoso, Nigeria (adobe bricks and hollow sandcrete blocks), with a view to identifying a more thermally comfortable and sustainable material option. The methodology involves virtual models of two similar residential buildings each composed of either adobe bricks or sandcrete blocks, as masonry units. These models were subjected to energy performance simulation analyses using DesignBuilder software, over a 12‑month cycle period, to experience year-round differential thermal conditions. Through the observed comparative annual heat loads as experienced in the models, the results show improved indoor thermal comfort in the brick building (i.e., 7119.54 KWh), with heat loads being 11% lower than that of the sandcrete building (i.e., 8875.65 KWh) due to the brick walling fabric. This may be associated with the brick’s lower thermal conductivity (U-Value) of 1.798 W/m2-K, compared with the sandcrete blocks’ value of 1.999 W/m2-K. Results: In general, adobe bricks as a walling unit exhibit more thermal resistance against the harsh outdoor weather conditions than sandcrete blocks. The study is part of an ongoing effort towards reviving this partially neglected low impact material — adobe brick — with a view to attaining sustainable indoor thermal comfort as well as protect the environment in the study area.

Half-scale shaking table tests of two brick and wood buildings: Effect of the engineered cementitious composites strips retrofit system

In order to study the feasibility of using the retrofit system of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) strips for strengthening Chinese rural brick and wood structures. Two half-scale buildings, one was the unreinforced building and the other was reinforced by ECC strips, were placed on the shaking table to apply various levels of seismic excitations. The comparisons between the unreinforced building and the retrofit building were analyzed regarding the natural frequency, maximum responses of acceleration and displacement, as well as the dynamic characteristics, torsion effect, global hysteresis response, and seismic behavior evaluations. Test results demonstrated that the ECC strips retrofit system significantly enhanced the stiffness, ductility, damage tolerance, and reduced the seismic displacement response of the structure. Meanwhile, the retrofit building was able to dissipate more energy with increasing magnitudes of earthquake excitation. Such an in-depth analysis provides a reference for the application of ECC strips to retrofit brick and wood structures.