Building Techniques Research Articles

The Role and Impact of Traditional Building Techniques in The Sustainable Economy

The Role and Impact of Traditional Building Techniques in The Sustainable Economy

Language Games- The Great Medium to Learn English Language

Abstract: The present study aims to explore the innumerable possibilities that language games create for learning a language as a supplementary material. Language games are ideal for teaching and enhancing vocabulary of ESL learners. Take something as simple as a riddle-in case the teacher asks a riddle in a second Language class, the learners are very interested in listening to it and answering it. The riddle brings enthusiasm to an otherwise silent class. In addition to it, the learners are learning the nuances of the language like figurative language unconsciously or sub –consciously. Another mind sport is quiz that can be used to teach elements of language like grammar and vocabulary and their usage. Games can also be designed to cater to the needs of the learners and enable them to enhance their language skills i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing. A story telling activity can eventually lead to enhancement of listening skill. The chain story building technique can be used to hone the speaking skill. Similarly, cross word puzzles can also be used to remember a few facts from a lesson just read. An activity like a write up on a topic like my favourite offline/online game can enhance the writing skills of the learners. Thus, it can be concluded that language games can be used as a supportive method for teaching and learning English in ELT classroom.

A Methodological Approach and Geometry-Based Typology of Late-Gothic Net Vaults’ Rib Systems. Presented on Case Studies from Historic Hungary

AbstractExtensive literature exists concerning the building and construction techniques of Late Gothic net vaults’ rib systems. Nonetheless, the most influential works on this subject were authored in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries—long after these structures were constructed. During this period, the accuracy of the available survey techniques limited the knowledge about these vaults’ exact geometry. Nowadays, terrestrial laser scanning allows us to gather never-before-evaluated data about them. In this article, we present a new geometry-based typology of Late Gothic net vaults’ rib systems – based on written sources and our own case studies – which challenges some premises of the literature. The typology is accompanied by a thorough explanation of our methodology for geometric analysis. We also accentuate our views on the crucial role of geometric analysis in studying building connections and genealogy.

An integrated digital design and construction approach for falsework-minimal masonry vaults

Masonry vaults, mechanically efficient structures, are challenging to build because they require significant tailored falsework as temporary structures for centering, guidework, and scaffolding, which decreases construction productivity and increases financial cost and environmental impact. Traditional building techniques combined with recent digital technologies can eliminate such temporary construction. An integrated digital design and construction approach that leverages the benefits of four construction strategies (namely, thin-tile vaulting, loxodrome tessellation, augmented reality, and prefabricated spine) within a 4D funicular design framework is presented in this paper and illustrated by a large-scale demonstrator, innixAR. This structure demonstrates that the combination of the vernacular craft of thin-tile vaulting with augmented reality technology to produce a digital guidework, informing a 4D funicular design process that considers the entire construction sequence from a prefabricated spine, minimizes the required falsework, making the construction of masonry vaults more efficient and affordable. This approach is benchmarked against alternative conventional vault falsework. Combining thin-tile vaulting and prefabricated spine allowed a reduction of 82% of the falsework mass, making transport lighter. Whereas combining digital guidework and prefabricated spine allowed a reduction of 91% of the falsework elements, making assembly faster. This research contributes to the development of structures that are efficient both mechanically and constructionally.

Using nonlinear auto-regressive with exogenous input neural network (NNARX) in blood glucose prediction

BackgroundPredicting of future blood glucose (BG) concentration is important for diabetes control. Many automatic BG monitoring or controlling systems use BG predictors. The accuracy of the prediction for long prediction time is a major factor affecting the performance of the control system. The predicted BG can be used for glycemia management in the form of early hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic alarms or adjusting insulin injections. Recent developments in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices open new opportunities for glycemia management of diabetic patients. Many of those systems need prediction for long prediction horizons to avoid going through hypo or hyperglycemia.MethodsIn this article a nonlinear autoregressive exogenous input neural network (NNARX) is proposed to predict the glucose concentration for longer prediction horizons (PHs) than that was obtained previously with an established recurrent neural network (RNN). The proposed NNARX is a modified version from our previously published RNN with different initialization and building technique but has the same architecture. The modification is based on starting with building nonlinear autoregressive exogenous input model using MATLAB and train it, then close the loop to get NNARX network.ResultsThe results of using the proposed NNARX indicate that the proposed NNARX is better in prediction and stability than unmodified RNN as PH becomes higher than 45 minutes.ConclusionsModification in RNN building extends the ability of the prediction till 100 minutes. It performs statistically significant improvements in the FIT and RMSE values for 100 minutes prediction. It also decreases root mean squared error (RMSE) for both 45 and 60 minutes of prediction.

House building techniques for achieving sustainable development goals

AbstractThis study aims to design and build a pilot home according to the United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs). The research methodology is a nature‐oriented housing policy to promote renewable energy consumption in homes for cleaner environments. This study analyzes the structural elements of traditional homes in the eastern south of Iran. This study examines the UN SDGs in planning and designing the model to find the advantages of nature‐oriented constructions compared to the current harmful development projects damaging nature, environments, ecosystems, and the earth. The building model presented in this paper is in harmony with the UN SDGs. The model provides an architectural and planning procedure to prevent the earth from damaging fossil consumption‐built environments in the world. Calculations show that the housing pilot model saves USD 3600 in energy consumption per household on average. The outcomes of this study prove the hypothesis that the use of renewable energy in homes is beneficial economically and environmentally. This study implicates housing policies in shifting planning and design methods toward UN SDGs. Policies are applicable globally in the housing programs.

Linear and Centralised Net Vaults

This article presents an objective, point-cloud-based geometric description of the nave, apse, and sacristy vaults in the fortified church of Mediaş (RO; Medgyes, Mediasch). The description includes the global geometry of the rib systems and the connections between the webs and ribs in each vault. Based on these, we classify these structures into the geometry-based typologies for the global geometry of the rib system and the rib-web connections we established based on our previous works. Additionally, based on the vaults of Mediaş, two rib-system subtypes have been defined: centralising and linear vaults. The relationship between these subtypes and the concept of cylindric and spheric vaults, as well as their connection to the ‘pattern’ of the net vaults is discussed. Based on the geometric descriptions, we also discuss the possible building strategies and techniques of these vaults and consider the periodisation of the building.

Twisting: An Innovative Combination of Coil and Slab Building Techniques in Ceramic Art

This work seeks to create decorative ceramics wares which would be self-decorating to reduce the time of attention given to the surface of ceramics wares by incorporating twisting and weaving techniques into the production of the wares by drawing my inspiration from the climbing plant. Two hand forming techniques namely slab making and coiling were successfully combined to create twisted and woven wares. It also seeks to demonstrate how clay can be twisted and woven into intricate shapes for outdoor decorations. These twisted and woven wares reduced the tendency of cutting and incising as an afterthought finishing but forms an integral part of the work. Production of the wares were based on the basic units’ formation as the building blocks which were pre-formed and allowed to get leather hard and joined together in the building process. It looked at the possibility of providing an alternative to the conventional way of building ceramic wares, particularly the solidness in their form; so as to break the monotony of sold form production and present forms with surfaces which are with self-decorative appeal. There are about seven forming techniques I have experienced in ceramic art, and still counting, namely Pinching, Slab making, Coiling, Wheel Throwing, Slip Casting, Jiggering, Jollying, Ram Press, Modeling and Sculpting. The above basic techniques allows both learners and master ceramic artist to explore hand building creativity and come out with fascinating ceramics or pottery wares. My technique of production is what I term as <i>twisting </i>and my style as<i> twistism,</i> which I developed from the combination of two hand formations methods, namely, slab forming and coil making. As happened in painting, where a group of painters lead by Pablo Picasso in 1907, pronounced monotony on the line and style of painting at that time, in the late twentieth century and brought about “<i>cubism</i>”, so do I feel and seeks to digress from tradition to bring about forming variation, which I termed as “<i>twistism</i>” in ceramics, whereas the attention will be on how to manipulate the clay by twisting strips of slabs and creating non solid forms out of that as well as weaving coils to produce ceramic wares. I therefore put forward for the acceptance and inclusion of this technique, twisting as a basic forming technique in addition to pinching, slab making and coiling.

Elevating thermal comfort with eco-friendly concrete roof tiles crafted from municipal solid waste

Developing eco-friendly construction materials is imperative from an energy and environmental standpoint. This technical study investigates the sustainable utilization of municipal solid waste incinerated fly ash (MSWIFA) as a substitute for M-sand in construction materials. This study primarily focuses on reducing landfill waste and promoting waste reuse in the construction sector. This study evaluates various thermo-physical properties of MSWIFA-based concrete, including solar reflectance index, slip and skid resistance, straightness, flatness, rectangularity, water absorption, wet transfer, and thermal performance metrics such as heat flow values for thermal comfort and solar emissivity. The proposed concrete tiles have suitable thermal emissivity (0.87), solar reflectance (0.8), and solar absorption (0.26), which are appropriate for eco-friendly building techniques. The use of MSWIFA tiles lowered the indoor temperature by 2 °C when compared to conventional roof tiles at similar ambient conditions. MSWIFA-based concrete roof tiles are promising in terms of thermal comfort, energy efficiency, environmental conservation and waste reduction and promote a more sustainable approach in the construction industry. This research emphasizes the potential of waste-to-resource strategies in achieving sustainable development goals and reducing the ecological footprint of construction materials.

Advancing Sustainable Energy Management: A Comprehensive Review of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Building

Advancing Sustainable Energy Management: A Comprehensive Review of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Building

Assessment of Retrofitting Techniques for a Four-Story Masonry Building to Resist Blast Loading

Assessment of Retrofitting Techniques for a Four-Story Masonry Building to Resist Blast Loading

Investigation of Microstructural Properties of Nano-modified Concrete for Sustainable Environment

The creation and evaluation of Nano-modified concrete, with an emphasis on its microstructural characteristics, is the main goal of this extensive study. The inclusion of nanosilica and nanoclay not only enhances the characteristics of concrete but also contributes to mitigating soil pollution. By adding nanosilica and nanoclay as additional cementitious materials, the study intends to assess the structural integrity of nano-modified concrete using cutting-edge techniques like Scanning electron microscopy, Transition electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Four different concrete compositions with variable amounts of nanosilica and nanoclay additions (0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of nano additives by weight of fine aggregate) and a 3% cement replacement rate were cast and evaluated throughout the experimental phase. A comparison with regular concrete revealed significant improvements in microstructures, demonstrating the efficacy of nano-modified concrete without sacrificing necessary characteristics. Slump values increased with the addition of nano-silica and nanoclay, indicating better workability and smoother concrete surfaces. The study's findings indicate that the development of Nano-modified concrete has great potential as an advanced building material. In addition to providing instant structural gains, the use of nanosilica and nanoclay enhances the long-term performance of concrete buildings and creates new opportunities for creative and long-lasting building techniques.

A system dynamics approach to understand Dutch adolescents’ sleep health using a causal loop diagram

BackgroundHealthy sleep is crucial for the physical and mental wellbeing of adolescents. However, many adolescents suffer from poor sleep health. Little is known about how to effectively improve adolescent sleep health as it is shaped by a complex adaptive system of many interacting factors. This study aims to provide insights into the system dynamics underlying adolescent sleep health and to identify impactful leverage points for sleep health promotion interventions.MethodsThree rounds of single-actor workshops, applying Group Model Building techniques, were held with adolescents (n = 23, 12–15 years), parents (n = 14) and relevant professionals (n = 26). The workshops resulted in a multi-actor Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) visualizing the system dynamics underlying adolescent sleep health. This CLD was supplemented with evidence from the literature. Subsystems, feedback loops and underlying causal mechanisms were identified to understand overarching system dynamics. Potential leverage points for action were identified applying the Action Scales Model (ASM).ResultsThe resulting CLD comprised six subsystems around the following themes: (1) School environment; (2) Mental wellbeing; (3) Digital environment; (4) Family & Home environment; (5) Health behaviors & Leisure activities; (6) Personal system. Within and between these subsystems, 16 reinforcing and 7 balancing feedback loops were identified. Approximately 60 potential leverage points on different levels of the system were identified as well.ConclusionsThe multi-actor CLD and identified system dynamics illustrate the complexity of adolescent sleep health and supports the need for developing a coherent package of activities targeting different leverage points at all system levels to induce system change.

IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ON RESIDENTS OF CAPE COAST NORTH METROPOLIS, GHANA

Construction projects have caused significant disruption in urban areas. Despite the need to limit the environmental impacts of construction operations, stakeholders often fall short, resulting in negative consequences for nearby residents. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of various construction activities on residents of the UCC and CCTU campuses in the Cape Coast North Metropolis, Ghana. Methodology and Results: Using a stratified and random sample of 100 residential houses from the University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Technical University, questionnaires were administered to residents in university-owned dormitories, private hostels, and faculty/staff housing. Data were analysed using Excel and IBM SPSS, focusing on modelling the relationship between variables and assessing their influence. The results indicated that construction operations impacted the environment and residents of the Cape Coast North Metropolis. The R and R Square values indicated that construction activities affected residents' responses. Meanwhile, the adjusted R Square accounted for the complexity of the model, with a standard error measuring the average prediction error. The constant term was considered significant, representing the expected value when all predictors were zero. Conclusion, significance, and impact: From initial ground disturbance to eventual decommissioning, construction projects can lead to soil degradation, habitat destruction, and increased carbon emissions. There is a need to prioritise sustainable and resident-friendly construction practices by incorporating responsible construction methods that mitigate the negative impacts on both residents and the environment. Continuous evaluation will enable better management and improvement of construction processes, leading to stakeholder benefits. Policymakers should explore eco-friendly building techniques, considering construction impacts.

Feasibility and performance analysis of a net-zero energy residential building in tropical climates: A case of Congo-Brazzaville

Current building techniques in developing countries have become extremely critical. The net-zero energy concept has emerged as an essential strategy for minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, its implementation, particularly in developing countries, remains a critical challenge. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of achieving a net-zero energy building by combining energy-efficient design practices and renewable energy systems under the climatic conditions of the Republic of Congo. To achieve the stipulated objectives, DesignBuilder software was utilised for building modelling, energy load assessment and multiobjective optimisation of building energy efficiency measures, and the multicriteria energy optimisation was carried out using the HOMER tool. The optimisation results showed that the implementation of energy efficiency measures resulted in 39.15% energy savings, 43.45% thermal load savings and 55.68% discomfort hours reduction. Furthermore, the renewable energy system can provide 100% of the building’s energy load and a total savings of 3341.84 kgCO2eq/year. The system’s levelised cost of energy was estimated at 0.256 $/kWh, with a net present cost of $20,231, while the overall life cycle cost was calculated at 188.91 $/m2.

Bamboo as a Sustainable Building Material for Innovative, Low-Cost Housing Construction

Bamboo is commonly used as a construction material in low-cost housing projects located in tropical and subtropical countries. This practice is especially prevalent in rural areas where bamboo grows naturally and families have experience working with it. Bamboo can be a sustainable building material for homes, even in cases where houses need to be resistant to earthquakes or storms. The traditional bahareque technology was enhanced in Costa Rica and Colombia to make it earthquake resistant. After the year 2000, this technology was transferred to several other countries in Latin America and Asia, gaining recognition as an innovative building technique. Many successful examples of bamboo housing constructions can be found in various countries, where modern architectural solutions are combined with innovative bamboo methods. Local communities can play a crucial role in bamboo processing, allowing residents to actively participate in the construction of their homes under technical supervision. This emphasizes the social sustainability aspect associated with bamboo. Ensuring the durability of bamboo housing constructions is paramount for the longevity of the houses, highlighting the need for technical assistance for self-builders and resident groups. With proper organization, bamboo housing has the potential to become part of the social production of housing.

Excavations at the Umayyad and Early Abbasid Reservoir-Enclosure of ‘Ayn Sawda (Azraq Oasis, Jordan)

In the centre of the Azraq oasis in the Eastern Desert of Jordan, there is a long wall previously interpreted as a huge water reservoir that was fed by the ‘Ayn Sawda spring. The site, seen as belonging to the category of the Umayyad “desert castles,” is best known through the many basalt blocks with mortise and tenon joints that were found there, several being carved with figurative representations in bas and high relief. These form an exceptional archaeological collection with no known iconographic parallel. Given the uncertainty of both the function and dating of the structure, between 2013 and 2016, the Azraq ‘Ayn Sawda Reservoir Project (Ifpo) made a topographical plan of the site and an inventory of the carved blocks, and carried out excavations, an architectural study and an assessment of the state of preservation. The results suggest an enclosure delimiting an agricultural area to the west and a water reservoir to the east. It was built in the Umayyad period, somewhere between 664 and 690 AD, and probably reconfigured in early Abbasid times, somewhere between 768 and 900 AD. Excavation also revealed unusual and various building techniques designed for very specific environments. This monument exploited all the possibilities of this rich oasis to enhance the landscape.

STEEL AND COMPOSITE STRUCTURES IN REHABILITATION AND INTERVENTION IN EXISTING BUILDINGS

AbstractThis paper presents different criteria, requirements, and possibilities of steel and composite structures in rehabilitation and intervention of existing buildings. Firstly, the characteristics of the materials and techniques of the original building are studied, which are necessary for undertaking the structural analysis. Secondly, the specific conditions of each building are considered in accordance with the criteria and current standards. Thirdly, the possibilities of metal and composite structures in the rehabilitation and intervention of existing buildings are described, with recent projects developed by the authors highlighting their potential and versatility throughout the entire process.

Life Cycle Assessment Comparison between an Earthbag Building and a Conventional Sahrawi Cement Blocks Building.

Growing environmental awareness has prompted a resurgence in traditional building techniques that rely on natural or recycled materials since many believe that structures made from these resources are ecologically friendly. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for construction materials offers valuable insights into the impacts produced during their production and construction processes. This study aims to assess the environmental impacts of two different constructions-an Earthbag Building (EB) and a conventional Sahrawi Cement Blocks Building (CBB). It also determines whether it is more environmentally beneficial to construct traditionally, utilizing local materials and aligning with the principles of the circular economy, which is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Europe. This study specifically examines a cradle-to-gate LCA, using the software Simapro v. 9.4.0.1. Results show that in 21 out of the 22 impact categories analyzed, the CBB performs worse, in some cases presenting an impact of 70% higher than the EB. The highest impact is obtained for fine particulate matter formation and Global Warming related to Human Health categories, whilst impact categories related to water consumption and eutrophication obtained an impact of less than 0.001 for both constructions.

Apply advanced management techniques in demolition, renovation and construction projects to improve building material recycling efficiency and reduce carbon emissions

This research delves into the complicated issues associated with demolition, renovation, and construction of buildings to find viable, sustainable practices that will relieve some strain on nature. Identifying major components like governmental policies, cooperative work of stakeholders, assimilation of technology, and the possible transformative capacity brought by Building Information Modeling (BIM), this research attempts to unveil how a more ecologically mindful construction industry can be achieved. The methodology used in this research has a multi-dimensional approach that is aimed at thoroughly understanding and clearing the challenges within the construction industry. The strengths like government support, stakeholder involvement, technological innovations, and adoption of BIM assist in building a strong base for sustainability. The research identified opportunities for technological advancements, special solutions, and government incentives. Technological advancement is a constantly changing environment, which gives the building sector an opportunity to adapt and enhance its recycling strategies. Customized solutions highlight the fact that such "place-based" strategies are needed because different urban, suburban, and rural landscapes present distinct challenges. Most property owners would be convinced to swap their regular buildings with sustainable building techniques through incentives from the government, such as tax benefits and subsidies. Furthermore, regulatory compliance issues and resistance to change cement the fact that societies need not only solid guidelines but also constant efforts to redefine standards in every industry. Effective negotiation between stakeholders becomes essential. Therefore, it can be stated that the findings give weight as catalysts of change in terms of action within the construction industry.