Building Practices Research Articles

A sustainability-oriented approach for performance assessment of existing buildings and a case study

The practice of sustainable buildings has become a general trend in urban development. Yet, with the rapid development of urban renewal, the performance of existing buildings often fails to meet the actual needs of sustainable urban development. To improve the performance of existing buildings, it is urgently needed to transform the existing structures and upgrade their functions and facilities. However, the pertinent guidelines have often been unclear for assessing the performance of existing structures, and a sounder and quantitative sustainable performance assessment approach has been lacking to guide decisions on the restoration, protection, or demolition of existing buildings. Based on a multi-expert consultation methodology, we proposed a revised flexible comprehensive assessment system and a comprehensive sustainability assessment approach. The system includes 4 categories, 7 quantitative and 47 qualitative indicators. Specifically, the assessment system involves a series of steps: 1) building a hierarchical model, 2) defining assessment indicators/items and constructing a judgment matrix, 3) determining the weight coefficients of the indicators, 4) collecting/calculating quantitative and qualitative data, 5) analyzing the data and results, and 6) drawing the assessment conclusions. A case study was presented to demonstrate the application of the approach. Compared to current practices, this comprehensive assessment system may serve as a scientifically sounder and quantitative approach to guide sustainable development of existing urban buildings.

Utilization of steelmaking slag in cement clinker production: A review

The cement industry significantly contributes to global CO2 emissions, with a notable portion attributed to limestone calcination during cement clinker production. To promote carbon-neutral building practices, alternative approaches are being explored to replace raw materials in cement manufacturing and mitigate CO2 emissions. Steelmaking slag, enriched with noncarbonated CaO from limestone decarbonization during steel production, shows potential as a promising raw material for cement manufacture to reduce CO2. Despite their environmental benefits, most steelmaking slags are underutilized, with limited recognition of their CO2 mitigation potential. Moreover, challenges to using steelmaking slag as a raw material to manufacture cement clinker exist due to the mineral and chemical compositions of each slag type. This study explored potential pretreatment methods to enhance slag's performance as a cement raw material and the research on utilizing steelmaking slag, including blast furnace slag (BFS), Kanbara reactor (KR) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, ladle furnace (LF) slag, and stainless slag, in cement clinker manufacture. Consequently, steelmaking slag could be used as a raw material to manufacture cement clinker to reduce CO2 emissions. However, additional research is needed, including slag pretreatment methods and cement clinker manufacturing process optimization.

Contemporary Architectural Applications of Moroccan Zellij in Urban Spaces

This paper explores the evolving role of Moroccan Zellij in contemporary urban architectural design, highlighting its integration into global projects and its potential as a sustainable design element. Zellij, a traditional Moroccan tile work, is renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors. As urban environments increasingly seek sustainable and culturally rich materials, Zellij has found a new relevance in modern architecture. The paper analyzes how Zellij is being adapted for use in diverse settings, from luxury buildings to public spaces, and discusses the technical and logistical challenges involved in its integration. It also examines the aesthetic and cultural impacts of Zellij on urban spaces, its contribution to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, and how it fosters a deeper connection between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Finally, the paper forecasts future trends in the use of Zellij and its potential influence on global architectural styles, suggesting that Zellij will continue to enhance urban landscapes while promoting sustainable building practices.

Spatial–Temporal Variations of the Gross Ecosystem Product under the Influence of the Spatial Spillover Effect of Urbanization and Ecological Construction in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China

Rapid development of urbanization and intense human activities had a profound influence on the ecosystem service functions. As an integrated monetary index for the evaluation of final ecosystem services, the gross ecosystem product (GEP) is widely used in the quantification of ecosystem service value (ESV). This study initially assessed and analyzed the spatial distribution of the GEP at the county-level scale using multisource data spanning 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Then, the spatial transfer characteristics of the GEP were measured. Finally, the study employed spatial panel econometric models and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to investigate the spatial effect of urbanization and ecological construction on the GEP. The results indicated that: (1) In 2020, the GEP in the Yangtze River Delta Region was RMB 15.24 trillion, and the GEP per unit area was RMB 42.58 million per square kilometer. It exhibited a cumulative decrease of RMB 298.72 billion from 2000 to 2020. (2) The spatial transfer efficiency of the GEP in urban agglomerations showed a clear decline trend. During the period of 2000–2020, over 96% of county-level units exhibited a decline with RMB 90,076,103.17/km2, indicating a consistent downward trend from the central regions towards the periphery. (3) Based on the decomposition effects of the spatial Durbin mode, urbanization and the ecological construction indicator showed spatial spillover effects on the GEP, but their impact mechanisms varied substantially. Among them, the urbanization rate (UR), population density (PD), and the proportion of impervious land (ILP) had the largest negative effect on the GEP, and a 1% rise in ILP locally resulted in a 0.044% decline in the local GEP and a 0.078% rise in the GEP of neighboring units. And the area of ecological land had a positive effect on the GEP of both local and neighboring areas. Those conclusions can offer evidence in favor of encouraging ecologically responsible building practices and sustainable growth in urban agglomerations.

Current scenario of Renewable Energy in achieving net Zero energy in India

The shift to net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) that are powered by renewable energy sources is critical for India's sustainable development goals as well as the global climate change imperative. The importance of adopting net zero strategies in India's built environment is highlighted by this study, which also emphasizes the critical role that renewable energy plays in realizing this radical objective. The paper emphasizes the pressing need to shift towards sustainable building practices by scrutinizing the present state of renewable energy adoption and policies in India, along with the emerging trends in NZEB development. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity of cooperation among policymakers, industry participants, and the broader community to surmount obstacles and expedite the uptake of NZEBs supplied by renewable energy. In the end, adopting net zero strategies offers a revolutionary chance to develop healthier, more resilient, and energy-efficient built environments for both the current and future generations, in addition to being in line with India's commitments to environmental sustainability. Key Words: Net zero energy, Renewable energy, carbon emissions reduction, Incentives, Solar Power.

Sustainable building practices: From construction to maintenance

This comprehensive study explores the integration of sustainable practices throughout the various phases of a buildings lifecycle, including construction, operation, and maintenance. It emphasizes the pivotal role of material selection, construction techniques, renewable energy integration, energy management systems, retrofitting, water conservation technologies, predictive maintenance, and efficiency monitoring in minimizing environmental impact while enhancing efficiency. Advanced materials such as high-performance concrete and bio-based insulation, alongside innovative construction methods like modular and prefabricated components, are highlighted for their potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints and energy consumption. The study further investigates the adoption of renewable energy systems, demonstrating their efficacy in achieving energy self-sufficiency. Through the operational phase, it underscores the importance of sophisticated Energy Management Systems (EMS) and retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, it delves into the incorporation of water conservation technologies, which substantially decrease water usage and associated energy demands. The maintenance phase is discussed with a focus on predictive maintenance using IoT sensors and AI, alongside the use of sustainable materials for repairs. Quantitative analyses throughout the study illustrate potential reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage, underscoring the critical role of these practices in promoting sustainability in the construction industry. This study aims to provide a holistic view of sustainable building practices, offering valuable insights and methodologies for industry professionals and stakeholders.

ESTIMATION OF GREEN BUILDING OVER CONVENTIONAL BUILDING

This report investigates the comparative costs and benefits of green building versus conventional building practices. By integrating five advanced techniques: Biophilic Design, Passive House Design Strategies, Digital Twin Technology, Net Zero Energy Techniques, and Water Harvesting System into the construction of a conventional building, we transformed it into a green building at an additional cost of approximately ₹6,72,420. The total cost for constructing the green building amounted to ₹24,23,876.78, inclusive of the base cost of a conventional building. The study outlines a comprehensive methodological approach, which includes creating theoretical models, conducting cost analyses using current market rates in India, and evaluating environmental impacts through carbon emissions calculations. The findings reveal that although the initial costs for green buildings are higher, they offer substantial long-term benefits, including reduced operational expenses, improved occupant health, and minimized environmental footprints. Green buildings are designed to maximize resource efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and utilize renewable energy sources, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. This investment in sustainable construction practices not only promotes environmental stewardship but also ensures economic viability through long-term savings and improved occupant well-being. The transition to green buildings is a crucial step towards addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development for future generations. This report underscores the importance of adopting green building techniques and demonstrates that the benefits far outweigh the initial financial outlay, making green buildings a worthwhile investment for a sustainable future.

Evaluating energy efficiency strategies in a tiny house located in a cold dry climate

The ‘Tiny House’ (TH) is a classification of residential construction, which typically have less than 400 ft2 (37 m2) of floor area. The smaller size of components and overall construction pose unique challenges to designers and builders of such houses. Therefore, this study leverages existing literature to identify optimal building practices, materials, and processes for the design, construction and operation of THs that reduce energy consumption while at the same time ensure thermal comfort of occupants. The study then evaluates selected strategies for the envelope, ventilation, as well as for passive heating and cooling, that can potentially contribute to the reduction in energy consumption and maintain appropriate thermal comfort in a TH. The intent of this study is to determine the impact of the unique configuration of the TH on resulting energy performance and thermal comfort. A calibrated whole-building simulation model of a TH in Bozeman, Montana is used to evaluate the measures taken to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort in the house for the specific climate conditions. Results indicate to overheating as a major concern when implementing energy efficiency strategies in the TH. Recommendations for such strategies include: the use of construction technologies that provide improved insulation and airtightness; implementation of passive ventilation strategies, optimizing the use and position of windows; and implementation of hybrid passive cooling systems, all of which have to address the issue of overheating with adequate ventilation in the TH.

Designing computational models as Emergent Systems Microworlds to support epistemically agentive learning of emergent biological phenomena

ABSTRACT To support students’ agency in the process of constructing knowledge in a science classroom, it is important to design learning environments that allow students to shape knowledge building practices. In this paper, we present an Emergent Systems Microworld (ESM)-based learning environment called GenEvo, which is designed to ‘restructurate’ learning of fundamental ideas in modern biology, such as gene regulation. We study how cognitive, social, and affective properties of agent-based restructurations supported student learning. We report findings from a qualitative analysis of video data of student participation and interviews in the fourth iteration of a design-based research project about an ESM-based curricular unit. We discuss how specific design features of the ESM supported students’ epistemically agentive learning. Students of the GenEvo course shaped practices to investigate and construct knowledge about emergent biological phenomena and learned about emergent phenomena related to gene regulation and evolution. This work demonstrates how the properties of a restructuration make ESM-based learning environments effective for students to collectively shape knowledge building practices and learn about emergent phenomena.

Enhancing Building Information Modeling on Green Building Practices in China: A Conceptual Framework

This study presents an in-depth investigation into the intersection of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green building practices within China’s rapidly evolving construction industry. As China intensifies its efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable growth, the integration of BIM into green building practices emerges as a crucial area of study. A qualitative research method was adopted in this research. In the first step, utilizing semi-structured interviews with a diverse array of industry professionals, this research provides nuanced insights into the current state and prospects of BIM in the green building landscape. Secondly, thematic analysis is used to formalize the views and points from interviewees. Finally, a novel conceptual framework is proposed, addressing these challenges through technological innovation, supportive policies, cultural and educational reform, economic incentives, and collaborative dynamics. This study contributes a systematic approach to amalgamate BIM with sustainable construction, offering insights for industry professionals and policymakers to promote environmentally conscious building practices in China.

The impact of thermal mass on envelope heat loss in the caldarium of Yazd's traditional baths

Traditional Iranian bathhouses (hammams) represent remarkable examples of vernacular architecture optimized for thermal performance in hot arid climates. This study quantitatively evaluates and compares multiple passive heating strategies employed in hammams to mitigate envelope heat loss through thermal simulations of two exemplar cases - the Khan and Golshan baths in Yazd.A post-positivist research approach combined physical documentation, computational modeling using DesignBuilder V7.0.1.004 software, and quantitative analysis. Heat transfer through the caldarium (hot room) envelope was simulated sequentially, first without any heat retention strategies, then adding thermal mass, unconditioned buffer spaces, earth-coupling, and finally urban morphology factors.Results indicate thermal mass was the most effective approach in the studied Yazdi hammams, yielding 37.5 % and 37.3 % reductions in winter heat loss compared to 8.4 %, 5.3 %, and 1.8 % from unconditioned zones, earth-sheltering, and integrated compact urban fabric, respectively. Overall, leveraging thermal mass outperformed the combined impact of the other three strategies by over five times for these cases.The quantified insights highlight vernacular passive heating principles extracted from this historic architectural typology that can potentially inform sustainable high-performance building practices for hot arid regions.

From Passion to Pay Check: The Cyclical Practices of Influencer Brand Building

The escalating influence of social media influencers on consumer behaviour continues to captivate the interest of marketing professionals and academic scholars alike. Current literature examines mainly source characteristics, psychological dynamics, and content attributes that explain influencer marketing but there is scanty understanding the mechanisms by which influencers ascend to prominence. This qualitative study introduces the Four E Framework of Influencer Brand Building, explaining the cyclical practices by which social media users transform into person-brands within social media ecosystem. The framework comprises four pivotal practices: Exploration, where influencers identify and refine marketable personas; Exploitation, involving the acquisition of tangible and intangible compensation for their digital labour; Evaluation, a critical assessment of brand sustainability and content success; and Extension, during which influencers expand their brand presence across various platforms, adopt alternative personas, or venture into consumer goods to enhance profitability and reduce risks. This model challenges conventional perceptions of influencers as mere marketing tools by repositioning them as central figures in branding literature. The research draws on data collected from influencers and talent managers, providing robust insights into the strategic and operational aspects of influencer brand building. This not only bridges a significant gap in existing academic discourse but also furnishes influencers and marketing professionals with actionable strategies to enhance their brand-building endeavours.

Impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings at various climate zones

Abstract This study investigates the impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings across various climate zones. Through a simulation-based approach using the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the effectiveness of insulation in reducing energy demand and carbon emissions are evaluated. The research includes multiple climatic regions of Afghanistan, including arid, semi-arid, and mountainous zones. Methodologically, detailed building characteristics, climatic data, and insulation materials are considered, with energy modeling techniques applied to assess the performance of insulation measures. Results indicate varying degrees of energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction associated with insulation across different climate zones, in cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar. Furthermore, the study calculates CO2 emissions reduction resulting from insulation addition, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices in mitigating environmental impacts. By underscoring the scientific value of this research in addressing a pressing global challenge and providing actionable insights for building design and energy policy, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and environmental engineering.

ANALYSIS OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE MASS HOUSING

The article reveals the basics of the formation of residential buildings of mass industrial construction. Design and construction practice and typological features of residential buildings are analyzed. Proposals for the reconstruction and reconstruction of mass housing in Ukraine are being considered. The organization of housing with the use of promising architectural and structural systems and the formation of housing complexes is revealed. Modern trends in the architectural design of multi-story residential buildings are considered, and proposals for the complex formation of housing with targeted development of residential structures are provided.

Advances and perspectives in engineered cementitious composites: a comprehensive review

Engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) have garnered significant attention within the construction industry, owing to their exceptional mechanical properties and durability. This thorough review presents a meticulous analysis of the progress and prospects in ECC research. It begins by introducing the background and rationale for investigating ECCs, while outlining the objectives of the review. The review provides an encompassing overview of ECCs, encompassing their definition, characteristics, historical development, composition and constituent materials. Emphasis is placed on the examination of ECCs’ mechanical properties, specifically their flexural behaviour, tensile behaviour, compressive strength and resistance to environmental factors. Furthermore, the rheological properties of ECCs, including workability, flowability, self-healing, crack mitigation, viscosity and thixotropy, are discussed in detail. The review delves into the influence of fibre reinforcement on ECCs, encompassing the types of fibres utilised and their impact on mechanical and structural properties, as well as fibre dispersion and orientation. Additionally, it explores the diverse applications of ECCs across various fields, such as structural applications and sustainable building practices. The challenges and limitations associated with ECCs, such as cost and availability, are addressed, alongside an exploration of future trends and research directions.

Techno-digital policing and speculative fictions: Towards a criminology of the future

Techno-digital policing and speculative fictions: Towards a criminology of the future

A Linkage Analysis of Türkiye Real Estate Sector Based on Input-Output Model and Interpretive Structural Modelling

The real estate industry is critical to driving economic growth in many countries. In Türkiye specifically, this sector has exhibited remarkable development and resilience for the past decade, consistently serving as the primary supporter and catalyst for the country’s economy. This study focuses on two main research objectives: the role of the real estate sector as a driver of economic growth through input-output linkage analysis and the identification of critical enablers for real estate sector growth using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM). The study emphasizes the real estate industry’s reliance on inputs and resources from other sectors of the Turkish economy. It highlights the sector’s strong backward linkages within the Turkish economy. Moreover, ISM results reveal real estate sector growth enablers, such as government policies, particularly those promoting green building and sustainable practices. The results of the linkage analysis and ISM emphasize the importance of the real estate sector to the Turkish economy, demonstrating its significant impact as a growth driver and its interconnectedness with other sectors. The results have the potential to significantly support policymakers in their efforts. It could further develop the sector towards inclusive and sustainable growth.

Study of quasi-static tensile and compressive behaviors of laminated bamboo under service temperature

Laminated bamboo presents significant potential for applications in the construction industry. The stress-strain relationship and failure mechanism of laminated bamboo across the service temperature range, spanning from low to high temperatures, remain incompletely elucidated. Addressing this research gap, this paper conducts experiments on tension and compression of laminated bamboo in both parallel to grain direction and perpendicular to grain direction across an extensive temperature range of −40 to 80 °C. Temperature reduction factors according to Eurocode 5 are established, followed by adjustments based on RO constitutive model. Subsequently, a two-section constitutive model for laminated bamboo materials under service temperature is developed. This model is designed to accurately describe the stress-strain relationship of laminated bamboo in various temperature environments. The constitutive model proposed in this paper adeptly predicts the strain hardening behavior of laminated bamboo during compression, demonstrating high accuracy post-yield stress and addressing the non-convergence issue prevalent in most existing models. Additionally, the influence of temperature on fracture mechanism was explored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The study delves deeply into the fundamental reasons behind temperature's effect on the mechanical properties of laminated bamboo, examining it from a chemical composition standpoint. This study not only offers significant insights for the application of laminated bamboo in construction projects but also serves as a valuable resource for advancing the understanding of laminated bamboo's mechanical behavior under various temperature conditions. The findings are crucial for architects, engineers, and material scientists, guiding them in optimizing the use of laminated bamboo in sustainable building practices and enhancing the structural integrity of bamboo-based construction.

Durability of Japanese-earth cob walls subjected to accelerated rain simulation

Earthen materials are increasingly being recognized in architecture for their low embodied energy, recyclability, and hygrothermal properties. However, the common use of manufactured stabilizers, while enhancing weathering resistance, compromises these merits. Japan, known for its typhoons, has used unstabilized earth in construction for centuries, suggesting the viability of this construction material. While architecture around the world attests to its resilience, in-depth research into unstabilized earthen material is limited. This study examines unstabilized earth durability through 90-min accelerated rain simulation tests, totaling over 6500 mm of “rain” exposure on each of twelve test surfaces (eight representing rural Japanese cob-ball construction and four, monolithic cob walls). Surface changes were monitored by 3D scans performed at seven intervals. The test walls were built using two common materials in Japanese earthen wall craft, sourced from the areas of Kashiba and Fukakusa. It was clear from 3D-scan analysis that the base-layer material, Kashiba, is remarkably resistant to weathering. The four monolithic Kashiba test surfaces, constructed on four different foundation types, respectively eroded just 1 mm, 2.6 mm, 3.8 mm, and 3.9 mm. These results corroborate traditional building practices. Thus, our study also underscores the value of incorporating knowledge from vernacular earthen architecture professionals in expediting academic research. Additionally, our results suggest the potential of hose-showerhead tool use for research, and for on-site testing of earthen material erosion levels for material adequacy.

Multimodal practices of unpacking and repacking subject-specific knowledge in CLIL physics and chemistry lessons

BackgroundDifferent school subjects have their specific meaning-making practices for building and conveying knowledge. Research drawing on the Semantics dimension of the Legitimation Code Theory has noted the importance of shifting between levels of abstraction and context-dependency in knowledge-building. There is a need to better understand how such shifting between different levels of abstraction is accomplished with multimodal resources in classroom interaction. AimsThis study aims at exploring subject-specific knowledge construction as a form of translanguaging, i.e., as movement between different registers and multimodal resources of meaning-making. DataThe data comes from a Finnish teacher development project aimed at supporting CLIL teachers' professional development. This exploratory study analyses teachers’ knowledge-building practices in two STEM lessons video-recorded in the project, Physics and Chemistry. MethodsThe data is analysed using multimodal conversation analysis and analysis of semantic waves. Analysis focuses on how the teachers engage in unpacking and repacking subject-specific knowledge by talking, gesturing, as well as displaying, handling, and modifying various kinds of multimodal materials and artefacts. ResultsThe teachers were found to use a versatile set of multimodal translanguaging practices for unpacking and repacking. The findings also indicate complexity in semantic waves due to multimodal resources accomplishing simultaneous shifts in semantic gravity and density, with either aligning or diverging functions. ConclusionsThe simultaneous use of different multimodal resources and their potential to serve different functions point to the need to acknowledge the multidimensionality of semantic waves. The multimodal translanguaging approach also has implications for conceptualising subject-specific knowledge-building as inherently multimodal.