Building Industry Research Articles

Influence of retrofitting in the seismic behaviour of precast reinforced concrete industrial buildings

AbstractPrevious destructive earthquakes caused large economic losses as well as human losses. Seismic risk studies are of paramount importance to predict the impact of future earthquakes and support seismic risk mitigation policies. The present study presents a seismic risk assessment based on the cost and direct loss assessment of precast industrial buildings with different retrofitting levels in terms of horizontal strength. In this evaluation, a comparative analysis between the configurations of retrofitted buildings and the original building is performed. The effects of retrofitting solution strategies are first investigated in a single building. Then a study is carried out to assess which retrofit solutions level are most appropriate depending on the exposure and seismic risk. The results showed the use of bracing in the PRC building can improve seismic behaviour, with significant increases in horizontal strength. The cost of intervention is reduced, with a slight increase of less than 1% to almost 2% of the cost of the structure. From the derivation of seismic fragility functions for different retrofitting solutions level, the seismic risk analysis with dozens of existing PRC industrial buildings in Portugal points to a large reduction in economic losses as from retrofitted buildings, like an improvement of the seismic capacity of the buildings attributed to the retrofit systems considered. In general, among the different types of retrofit studied, there is an increase in the reduction of total economic losses, namely 49% when retrofitted with a 50% increase in horizontal strength, 58% when retrofitted with a 75% increase in horizontal strength and 64% for retrofitted with 100%.

Investigating the adoption of building information modeling of small-medium sized organizations in the construction industry: from a configuration perspective

ABSTRACT Building Information Modeling (BIM) is considered to be one of the most promising innovations in the construction industry, and the building industry is beginning to use and benefit from it. However, the full adoption of BIM in the construction industry is still challenging as small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) are lagging in BIM adoption. Although existing studies have explored many influencing factors of BIM adoption, most of them are focused on a single relationship and cannot explain why certain factor that works for one organization fails in others. This study aims to respond to the research gap in previous studies on BIM adoption in SMOs by highlighting the importance of the combination of influencing factors rather than single correlations, thereby clarifying the realization mechanisms of BIM adoption in SMOs. Using the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach and fsQCA3.0, this study connects the factors from technological, organizational, and environmental aspects under the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, five configurations leading to the high BIM adoption and two configurations leading to the low BIM adoption are identified with 36 SMO cases through the configurational lens. As one of the earliest attempts to investigate SMOs’ BIM adoption decisions using the QCA method, this study expects to offer a holistic understanding of BIM adoption in SMOs and contribute to the full BIM diffusion in the construction industry by providing valuable suggestions to industry practitioners. Highlights BIM adoption in SMOs results from a combination of technological, organizational, and environmental conditions, and no necessary conditions lead to BIM adoption behavior. More than one configuration is leading to high or low BIM adoption in SMOs. Under specific contexts, BIM capability can substitute for financial capability, while financial capability will substitute for government pressure. When conditions are missing on both the technological and organizational aspects, government or market pressure alone cannot lead to BIM adoption behavior in SMOs.

Spatial Remodeling of Industrial Heritage from the Perspective of Urban Renewal: A Case Study of Coal Mine Site in Jiaozuo City

Resource-oriented cities are faced with the problems of the decline of traditional industries, exhaustion of resources, and wastage of space. Faced with these problems, urban renewal has become an important role and is widely used in the reuse of old and abandoned spaces. As a historical witness of the industrial revolution and urbanization process, coal mine industrial heritage not only has the value of material heritage but also carries rich historical and cultural information. However, with the adjustment of industrial structure, much coal mine industrial heritage has gradually lost its original production function and become neglected idle space in cities, and industrial buildings and equipment in these spaces have been abandoned or dismantled. The study takes the Wangfeng Mine site in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province as an example, combined with the urban development history and current situation of Jiaozuo city, it discusses the remodeling strategy of industrial heritage space from the perspective of urban renewal. Firstly, through case analysis, historical data sorting, and field research, the study integrated the historical development context of the Jiaozuo coal mine site and its impact on the urban spatial pattern, secondly, discussed the practical problems in the reuse process of industrial sites, and finally proposed specific spatial remodeling strategies based on the conjugation theory. This included determining how to deal with the three pairs of conjugated relations between protection and development, function and ecology, and history and modernity so as to make the spatial remodeling strategy of industrial sites more scientific and sustainable. To promote the sustainable and healthy development of urban industrial heritage space.

Influence of Column–Base Connections on Seismic Behavior of Single-Story Steel Buildings

This study focuses on assessing the seismic performance of existing single-story steel buildings used as industrial buildings. This research aims to provide a systematic procedure for evaluating the seismic response of a single-story strategic building and properly accounting for the behavior of the column–base joints. Through meticulous data collection, advanced numerical modeling, and pushover analyses, this study highlights the significant impact of column–base joint behavior on the overall seismic performance of industrial buildings. The findings reveal that while single-story steel buildings show a satisfactory seismic performance in terms of lateral resistance and stiffness in the longitudinal direction, deficiencies in the joint design can strongly impact the performance in the transversal direction. This study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating joint flexibility into numerical analyses to accurately assess structural behavior. In conclusion, a precise assessment of the base joints provides insights for informing retrofitting strategies.

Circular economy in developing countries for sustainable development: A review

A significant percentage of any nation’s economy comes from the building industry, and its performance can impact overall economic growth and development. This paper aims to identify the similarities and differences between the construction sector (CS) of developed and developing economies in terms of size, growth, and contribution to the Gross domestic product (GDP) to understand the similarities and variances in the CS dynamics, trends, and challenges, and to inform policy decisions and investments through the literature review. The study also explores the factors that affect the CS’s performance in both types of economies, such as government policies, market conditions, and technological advancements. This paper concludes that the CS in developed economies is more established and technologically advanced, but there is still significant room for growth in developing economies. Moreover, a framework is proposed that could assist developing nations in opting for the construction economy. Further, the review emphasizes the significance of government policies and investments in infrastructure development to stimulate the CS’s growth and support overall economic development. The results of the study will assist in enhancing understanding of the CS’s potential in both developed and developing economies and support decision-making for policymakers, industry practitioners, and academicians.

Implementing an adaptive reuse on industrial buildings: a proposal for transforming Erbil’s Silo in Kurdistan-Iraq into a hotel

Industrial buildings, serving as markers of cultural heritage, connect our cultural identity from the past through the present and into the future. Unfortunately, many of these buildings lose their identity when they are converted into another function. Through the case study analysis (the Silo of Erbil City), a qualitative method is employed to examine design strategies and spatial transformations in recent adaptive reuse projects of existing structures. Through the literature review, this research investigates the importance of adaptive reuse and heritage buildings, underscoring their historical and theoretical underpinnings, and subsequently examines contemporary approaches to architectural criteria towards habitation for existing structures in the public, creative, and cultural domains. The study findings identify common fundamental elements of industrial heritage adaptive reuse and innovative design strategies applied in recent adaptive reuse projects, highlighting the potential to transform neglected or vacant abandoned buildings into urban open spaces. The study uses a comprehensive methodology involving case study analyses and diverse data collection techniques. The case study properties are the structural systems, natural lighting, and the surrounding open spaces. As a result, a hotel with a multipurpose hall, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Silo have been proposed, aiming at conserving the valuable heritage in this industrial area as well as providing an alternative perspective for the adaptive reuse of industrial structures in Erbil city. Finally, the implications of the research for the economic and social dimensions of urban development lie in understanding and promoting sustainable preservation strategies. This work is considered the first step for future research in Iraq, specifically in Kurdistan Region. The research concludes that the Silo of Erbil is one of the successful examples of the process of reusing buildings. It also concludes that less intervention in reusing a building can protect the building identity.

ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS FOR WASTE HEAT RECOVERY AT THE SILICATE INDUSTRY

The glass, ceramic and cement plants are energy intensive industrial systems, releasing high amounts of greenhouse gases. The dissipation of the waste heat reduces their profitability, energy and ecological efficiency. The absorption refrigeration systems are successful solutions for the recovery of thermal energy at different temperature levels to obtain useful cooling and heating powers for technological needs, and for air conditioning of administrative and industrial buildings. Although the absorption units in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle are currently used in building and industrial systems, they have not yet penetrated widely into the silicate factories. This paper discusses possibilities for the applications of basic types of absorption cycles at heat pump and refrigeration modes to utilize waste energy at different temperature levels in glass, ceramic and cement plants. The examined variants are demonstrated via examples, diagrams and analyses of the possible energy saving.

Greenwashed Concrete. Artistic Research With, On, and Against Concrete, Concerning Conflicting Concepts of Its Sustainability

Environmental science has shown that the global use of concrete has led to significant challenges today and will seriously trouble future generations. Nevertheless, international building industries advertise concrete as a natural, regional, sustainable, and hence green material. In 2020, global human-made mass exceeded all living biomass, with concrete accounting for nearly half of it, making it a signal of the Capitalocene. A radical transformation of industrial building culture is asked for, otherwise anthropogenic mass will be three times biomass by 2040. The growth of the technosphere is amplifying multiple negative currents in the pluriverse — air pollution, lithospheric extraction, and hydrosphere depletion — all with catastrophic effects on biodiversity. This exposition displays the steps in and findings of the artistic research project Greenwashed Concrete. Setting out to widen understanding of the multi-layered material concrete, this project applied a methodology of juxtaposing two sculptural practices in order to collaboratively design experimental settings to engage scholars from heterogeneous fields. <style> /* rules to make button only show up in META */ .download-accessible { display:none; } .meta-right-col .download-accessible { display: inline-block; padding: 9px; margin-bottom:25px; border: 1px solid black; background-color:white; } </style> <a class="download-accessible" href="download-media?work=3155507&file=3155515" title="This accessible PDF is a derivative of the original which it is meant to support and not replace.">Download Accessible PDF</a>

Fire detectors and their connection suitable for application in residential, commercial or industrial buildings

Fire detectors and their connection suitable for application in residential, commercial or industrial buildings

Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review on Recent Advances in the Field of Green Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract: In order to address environmental issues, polymer nanocomposites are becoming more and more popular because of their remarkable functionality. Their use in various fields is highlighted by their special physicochemical features (i.e., stability, high reactivity, robustness, regenerability, etc.), conductivity, electronic compatibility, quick interfacial contacts, simplicity of functionalization, simplicity of synthesis, interface-to-volume ratio, and low cost. Green polymer nanocomposites have drawn a lot of attention for use in a variety of applications to preserve the environment. Because they are made of eco-friendly materials, they are frequently utilised in the automobile, building, packaging, and medical industries. Eco-friendly solutions to the problems caused by plastic trash are biodegradable polymers produced from renewable sources (microbes, plants, and animals). Plant fibres and natural resins are combined to create green composite materials. These fibres and resins used in green composites can be broken down by bacteria. The mixing of natural fillers and organic polymers results in green polymer nanocomposites with distinct characteristics. This review is anticipated to be comprehensive, compelling, and practical for the scientists and business professionals who collaborate to address a variety of environmental problems on a global scale using green polymer nanocomposites.

Validation of 3D thermal simulations of the Double C Block, a novel composite masonry unit, using in-situ U-value measurements

Energy efficient building envelopes, particularly innovative prefabricated building components, can significantly contribute to lower the building industry energy-related emissions. In this research the composite masonry unit Double C Block (DCB) is quantitatively tested by means of three-dimensional thermal simulation validated by in-situ U-value measurements carried out in both summer and winter conditions.The simulations were enhanced by the experimental measurement of the dry thermo-physical material properties (specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and density) in laboratory conditions for both concrete and polyurethane. The samples were extracted from real-scale DCB prototypes. Furthermore, site-specific boundary conditions of Malta — representative a case study of a Mediterranean climate − were utilised in the simulations. Both laboratory and in-situ assessments of thermal transmittance, or U-value, had their uncertainty specified as part of the calculations.The validation exercise was performed by means of hourly recorded surface temperature and the selected indices were the root mean square error and mean absolute error. Results showed that these indices were within the recommended accuracy thresholds during both winter and summer assessments. For the hourly-based heat flux measurements, the mean bias error and coefficient of variation of the root mean square error were found lower than values reported in literature, thus supporting the robustness of the overall simulation outputs. Hence the 3D CVM simulation was experimentally validated by in-situ assessments.The convergence value of the experimental U-value provided respectively 1.51 ± 0.20 W/m2K (winter) and 1.44 ± 0.19 W/m2K (summer). Then, the validated 3D CVM model was adapted to calculate the theoretical U-value of DCB, using monthly values of recorded surface temperatures obtained by the test cells (in both seasons). The predicted thermal transmittance was of 1.47 W/m2K, in both conditions, and this almost matches the above-mentioned experimental assessments and thresholds established in previous works.

Analysis and Design of Pre-Engineered Industrial Warehouse Building with Different Standard

Over the years, pre-engineered building (PEB) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete construction as well as conventional steel construction. In this paper, pre-engineered industrial warehouse building will be design with different codal provision using software Staadpro and analyzed with different loads on building i.e. dead load, live load, collateral load, wind load and load combinations on building .The main objective of this study to find the optimum weight of steel quantity in building with use of different country codel provision .

Thermal behavior of construction and demolition waste-based geopolymer

Unsorted Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) from residential building was tested as solid precursor for obtaining eco-sustainable alkali activated materials with potential applications in the building industry. Suitable reactive systems for material consolidation were tested, including alkaline solutions of sodium hydroxides and/or silicates at different concentrations. Metakaolin (MK) was also tested as an additional precursor together with CDW in different ratios to optimize geopolymerization. An MK/CDW weight ratio of 40/60 and sodium silicate as alkaline activator allowed the production of a well-reacted and cohesive material, with a bulk density of 1.35 g/cm3, a monomodal mesoporosity with a modal pore size of 0.0214 µm (open porosity ∼42 vol%), and a compressive strength of 25 MPa, thus showing similar features to those of pure metakaolin based-geopolymers. Thermal characterization was performed up to 1000°C showing that the material can exhibit thermal stability up to 650°C. Above that temperature a shrinkage due to viscous flow occurred, followed by an expansion over 750°C with the formation of macropores and dense struts. Based on these results, the developed CDW-based geopolymer has the potential for use in green building applications, with adequate thermal stability up to medium-high temperatures.

Quality improvement using lean six sigma in air conditioning products

Air Conditioners (AC) are essential electronic products for residential and industrial buildings in tropical countries or during warm weather in general. The penetration ratio of electronic Air Conditioners (AC) has been increasing every year. Data collection and processing were conducted directly by the author through observation, measurement, and calculation on the heat exchanger production of Air Conditioners (AC). In the production cost of Air Conditioners (AC), the heat exchanger accounts for the second highest cost after the compressor making up 19% of the total cost. The high cost is caused by pipe leaks, with a percentage of 73.7%. This research aims to analyze the improvement of Air Conditioner (AC) production quality using the Six Sigma method. The defect rate in the heat exchanger, evaluated through the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) method originating from Six Sigma, was found to be 1,144.8 defects per million opportunities. Further analysis was conducted with the Failure Tree Analysis (FTA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) methods. This research was conducted at XYZ company by conducting interviews and observations for 3 months. FMEA and FTA analysis resulted in the top two failure risks based on the Risk Priority Number (RPN): flaring diameter too big and unstable brazing skill. In the manual brazing process, it was found that work by operators with level A certification produced 9% below standard outcomes. An improvement was obtained by changing the punch flaring size to 8.5mm and conducting skill certification and training for brazing operators. The results of the proposed improvement implementation led to a reduction in the DPMO value to 403.35, equivalent to a decrease of 64.7%. The defect ratio in production decreased by 38.1%, exceeding the previous target of 26.2%, equivalent to $31.96/month/unit. The results of this study are horizontal, allowing the implementation of improvements made in the heat exchanger production process to be expanded to other cooling electronic production processes.

On the printability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with long glass and short carbon fibres

Purpose This research is about the possibilities of using high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based composites consisting of long glass and short carbon fibres because HDPE is one of the more preferred thermoplastics day by day due to its sustainability, cost-effectiveness and availability in the relevant markets. HDPE has become an increasingly preferred material in the marine industry in recent years due to its high resistance to marine environmental conditions (high resistance to UV, surface-fouling marine organisms and corrosive effects of salty and low-pH water). In the highly competitive boat building industry, additive manufacturing offers new opportunities such as rapid prototyping and design freedom. This study aims to investigate the possibilities of using a material suitable for the marine environment and an additive manufacturing (AM) method offering new possibilities, especially for small craft with complex forms. Design/methodology/approach A total of six new HDPE-based composites consisting of long glass and short carbon fibres at 10, 15 and 20% by weight have been proposed for the first time in this study for the use in boat building industry, proposing the application of these new composite materials with AM method, which the industry is not yet fully adopted, is also an innovative aspect of the study. The performances of the materials in AM’s material extrusion (MEX) method were evaluated using the results obtained from mechanical (tensile, compression, shear and impact) and thermal (melt flow index [MFI], thermogravimetric analysis [TGA] and thermomechanical analysis [TMA]) tests. In addition, the structure of the composites was examined with scanning electron microscopy and micro computed tomography visually, and the rheological properties of the composites were also determined by the related tests. As an industrial case study, a ship propeller was manufactured from the composites produced with CF15, which was thought to give the best performance in marine use, and this propeller was tested under water flow. Findings It is evaluated that the composites proposed in this study can be used in marine industry in line with the analyses and test results. The performance of the propeller produced as a case application also confirms this view. The printability of HDPE-based composites, reinforced by both glass and carbon fibre, is much better than that of pure HDPE, and the composites are suitable for use AM’s MEX method in boat building industry. As the fibre contents in the proposed composites increase, the strength values increase and the impact resistance and hardness decrease. The CF15 composite, which meets each of those mechanical and physical values at an average level, is a recommended option for marine applications. Originality/value This study has two basic originalities: (1) On the basis of HDPE, which is widely used in the marine industry, to produce composites that will overcome the deficiencies of this material in practice and to present them to relevant industry by improving their properties; (2) at the same time, to discuss for the first time the use of new HDPE-based materials in AM, whose printability has also been improved through composite, to help dissemination of AM technologies in marine industry in general and in the boat building industry in particular.

Sustainability Performance Differences of Industrial Heritage Regeneration Implementation Modes

In high-density cities around the world, the contradiction of sustaining development and limited resources has become more evident. Transforming historic industrial buildings, through both functional and spatial adjustments, has emerged as a key strategy to manage these challenges effectively. There is a significant demand for the quick regeneration of industrial heritage districts, resulting in the emergence of various implementation modes (IMs). While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have gained widespread acceptance, the integration of sustainability principles into urban regeneration practices has strengthened globally. However, in many regions, approaches to achieving sustainable regeneration are still unclear, with a lack of evaluation and adjustment of sustainability performance (SP). This paper combines qualitative analysis and a quantitative assessment of indicators to compare three representative case studies with different IMs. It explores whether there is a connection between the chosen IM and SP, examines the mechanisms of impact, and discusses how to select the most suitable IM for industrial heritage regeneration. The study confirms the practicality of an SP evaluation system and identifies key factors within IMs that affect SP. Future research is expected to produce tools that support the promotion of sustainability in industrial heritage regeneration efforts.

Industrial Heritage and Cultural Clusters: More Than a Temporary Affair?

The transformation of industrial heritage buildings into cultural clusters has emerged as a prominent topic of academic research in urban planning, urban studies, heritage conservation, and architecture. Cultural clusters, defined as geographically concentrated cultural activities and organisations, have become a key instrument in urban regeneration, fostering economic growth and cultural development. Despite the benefits that cultural clusters offer in terms of fostering cultural activity, they often prove to be short-lived due to various external factors, including urban regeneration pressures, shifts in policy, and changes in zoning regulations. This thematic issue presents seven case studies that offer insights into the current state of cultural clusters, their transient nature, and the conditions necessary to guarantee their long-term sustainability in industrial heritage sites. The research is particularly relevant in light of the mounting pressure on urban land, where industrial heritage sites are frequently repurposed for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.

Passive House Design: A Possible Energy Efficient Option in the Building Sector of Nepal

The diversified geography of Nepal creates huge variations in the country's climatic zones; however, the building industry has so far used standardized methods that tend to neglect local climate conditions. Most of these standards then rely on energy-intensive mechanical systems to maintain indoor thermal comfort, without considering more viable and climate-responsive design methods. In this light, the development of a climate classification related to building design will help develop and encourage energy- and climate-effective building architecture in Nepal. The existing energy-saving practice in the building sector of the country is reviewed in this paper, and it outlines ways to improve the adaptation of energy-efficient methodology. It shows that passive houses are performing much better in comparison with modern constructions that are behind in terms of energy efficiency when compared with traditional homes. The study outlines the climate-specific design criteria and methodologies for various regions and sets the path for exploration of the passive house design process challenges and opportunities that might exist for wider diffusion. Also discussed are strategies to overcome the barriers and promote passive house construction, offering a pathway toward sustainable building practices in Nepal.

Psychological capital and social capital: Resilience building in the post-pandemic hotel industry in Malaysia

The post-pandemic economic uncertainty has profoundly affected the hotel sector, which was among the earliest casualties and continues to grapple with protracted recovery hurdles. This turmoil has taken a toll on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of both current and former hotel workers, exacerbating employability issues in the broader tourism industry. This study, involving 36 participants (20 former hotel employees who left during the pandemic and 16 who remained employed), utilized interviews and thematic analysis to explore the role of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) components in the lives of these workers. The findings highlight the significance of enhancing employees’ PsyCap to bolster their mental well-being, enabling them to navigate adversities, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Moreover, the study emphasizes the role of Social Capital in reinforcing and sustaining employees’ PsyCap during crises, ultimately fostering organizational commitment. These results carry important implications for hotel organizations. To address pandemic-induced challenges, these entities should prioritize creating a supportive work environment that encourages employee retention during and beyond the pandemic. These measures can enhance organizational resilience and provide a competitive edge in addressing post-pandemic workforce challenges.

Integrating Lean Construction with Sustainable Construction: Drivers, Dilemmas and Countermeasures

Sustainable construction (SC) has become a primary objective of the building and construction industry due to the growing demand for reduced environmental impacts and more efficient resource use. Simultaneously, lean construction (LC), which focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing productivity, offers an opportunity to achieve greater sustainability in the construction process. This study explores the integration of LC and SC through a systematic literature review, employing VOSviewer software for quantitative analysis alongside qualitative analysis in conjunction with a comprehensive literature review. The findings reveal substantial synergies between LC and SC, including cost savings, waste reduction, and enhanced safety. However, challenges such as cost conflicts, environmental trade-offs, and worker welfare concerns act as barriers to effective integration. To address these challenges, this study proposes leveraging dynamic capabilities (DCs)—such as change management, organizational learning, organizational flexibility, and continuous improvement and innovation—as strategies for the successful integration of LC and SC. These insights contribute to academic research and industry practice, providing a practical framework for integrating LC and SC to improve sustainability and efficiency in construction projects.