Traditional Building Research Articles

LIFE CYCLE COST (LCC) OF UNIVERSITY BUILDING MAINTENANCE: A SYSTEMATISED REVIEW

An effective maintenance management is predominantly important for university building, but commentators advocated it is more important for the maintenance strategies to be designed based on the efficient use of capital and resources. Commentators pointed out there has been a critical demand to improve the traditional building maintenance policy that based on annual budget availability to prevent unforeseen restriction that can hinder a comprehensive implementation of building maintenance works. To overcome this, the life cycle cost (LCC) economic assessment technique has been recommended as an ideal solution that can facilitate the university agencies in the decision making to determine the most optimum building maintenance cost and financial capability over the anticipated study life. However, there is a need to identify any establishment link between the LCC with university building maintenance. Therefore, this paper is prepared with the objective to present the outcome of systematised review on life cycle cost (LCC) with specific reference to university building maintenance. A comprehensive review was conducted by searching databases, titles and abstracts screen, full-text analysis and data extraction on the targeted articles that have discussed the university building maintenance or indicated any form of building maintenance management elements with specific reference to LCC. The articles were identified from Google Scholar, Emerald, SAGE Scopus, My Cite, SpringerLink, as well as other databases. The findings indicate that many studies focused on building maintenance, however, there has been no specified guidelines concentrated on the LCC analysis of university building maintenance, which can be deliberated for practical guidance of maintenance management by the university agencies to attain value for money and making the university buildings and teaching and learning facilities economically wise use over the long term.

Research on Chinese Traditional Architectural Culture and Inheritance Strategy: A Case Study of the Goulou Cluster of Yue Dialects in Guangxi

Traditional Chinese villages and architectural cultural resources are abundant. Against the backdrop of rapid development in contemporary socioeconomic and urbanization processes, rural construction is facing multiple challenges such as imbalanced urban–rural development, gradually fading cultural traditions, and disharmonious living environments. The cultural elements of rural architecture urgently need more systematic and effective protection, integration, and reuse. Therefore, the precise extraction of traditional architectural features and their translation applications in modern contexts are gradually becoming key issues in current research and practice fields. This study takes traditional architecture of the Goulou Cluster of Yue Dialects in Guangxi, China, as an example. Through field investigations and mathematical and GIS spatial analysis, architectural samples were identified and extracted typologically, and a database of traditional architecture was constructed, delineating architectural cultural zones and summarizing type characteristics to create a genealogy map. Based on the results of the architectural genealogy study, modern translation pathways for traditional architecture were proposed through spatial modeling, technical analysis, and iterative optimization. Modern translation experiments were conducted on selected typical villages and their traditional buildings, exploring the application model system of traditional architecture in modern contexts. This study not only deepens the scientific understanding of the genealogy zoning characteristics of traditional architecture in the Goulou Cluster of Yue Dialects in Guangxi but also provides a reference for the modern translation and optimization path of traditional architecture, providing important theoretical basis and application guidance for promoting the inheritance and innovation of rural culture, and realizing the protection and updating of rural architectural style.

Measuring Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Transmission Parameters Through Traditionally Constructed Buildings

This paper examines the potential for shielding against electromagnetic (EM) radiation in traditional buildings. The primary objective is to evaluate how effectively these buildings can reduce the intensity of the electric field from external sources, while also identifying the factors that influence this reduction, such as geometry, structure, and the characteristics of EM waves. Measurements were conducted on the transmission parameter S21, which indicates how EM waves propagate through the walls of residential buildings constructed using traditional methods. The buildings analyzed were made from wood, rammed earth, raw bricks blended with straw (known in Croatian as ćerpič), and baked bricks, which served as the reference material. During the measurements, conditions such as the thickness, humidity, and temperature of both the walls and the surrounding environment were carefully controlled. The buildings represented traditional construction styles typical of Croatia and most of Central and Eastern Europe. The results indicate that structures made from rammed earth and raw bricks with added straw significantly decrease the transmission of EM wave energy compared to those made from wood and baked bricks. It is important to note that the walls of wood buildings were considerably thinner than those made from the other materials tested. Additionally, both the moisture content and thickness of the walls contributed significantly to reducing transmission parameters. These findings support the use of these traditional materials for constructing environmentally friendly buildings, while also suggesting the need for further architectural design and testing. Since this research does not cover all types of traditionally constructed buildings—such as stone houses, wicker structures, and dugouts—future studies will aim to expand this investigation to include a broader variety of traditional building styles.

Bamboo–PCM: Comparative Analysis of Phase Change Material-Impregnated Dendrocalamus giganteus Culm Behavior Exposed to Thermal Variation in Wind Tunnel Assay

The construction industry’s pursuit of eco-friendly materials has sparked interest in bamboo, a renewable resource with exceptional physical and mechanical properties. This study analyzed the integration of Dendrocalamus giganteus bamboo with phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance thermal energy storage in building applications, aiming to improve temperature regulation and reduce energy consumption for climate control. The study compared the performance of bamboo impregnated with an industrial PCM or coconut oil, used in conjunction with a polyurethane resin (PU) coating treatment, assessing their thermal regulation performance against traditional building materials such as ceramic tiles, fiber cement, and metal sheets. From an anatomical perspective, the pores within bamboo culms offered ample space for PCM storage, resulting in a substantial heat storage capacity. Thermal behavior tests conducted in a wind tunnel revealed that the impregnated bamboo samples effectively mitigate temperature fluctuations by aligning them with the PCM’s phase change temperature. Additionally, it was observed that air flow velocity had an impact on this phenomenon. The study concluded that bamboo culms impregnated with PCM hold promise for temperature regulation in construction applications, with variations in airflow exerting an impact on the outcomes obtained.

Understanding the relationship between rural morphology and photovoltaic (PV) potential in traditional and non-traditional building clusters using shapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) values

Understanding the relationship between rural morphology and photovoltaic (PV) potential in traditional and non-traditional building clusters using shapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) values

Research on the Evaluation of Chinese Prefabricated Building Strategic Partners Based on Cloud Model and Improved Evidence Theory

In recent years, prefabricated buildings have developed rapidly in China. Compared with traditional buildings, prefabricated buildings require higher capabilities from partners in various aspects. However, due to the early stage of development of prefabricated buildings in China, the level of various enterprises varies greatly. How to evaluate partners scientifically and objectively is a realistic problem that needs to be solved urgently. In order to achieve economies of scale and promote the sustainable development of prefabricated buildings, this study proposes a novel evaluation model for strategic partner selection based on the cloud model and improved Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory. First, using a literature review and field research method, a strategic partner selection index system is developed that can reflect the characteristics of prefabricated buildings. To address the fuzziness and randomness of the traditional membership function, the cloud model is applied to calculate the membership value between the test samples and the benchmark cloud, which is subsequently transformed into basic probability distribution in the evidence theory. Furthermore, to mitigate the paradox of evidence fusion often encountered in traditional evidence theory, this model combines both the subjective and objective weights of evidence by game theory, and the conflicting evidence is corrected and fused according to the combination weight. Additionally, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to further optimize the strategic partners of prefabricated buildings. Finally, the optimal order obtained from the case analysis is S1 > S2 > S4 > S3 > S5, and the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model in resolving the evidence conflict and selecting strategic partners. The research results have certain reference significance for optimizing the selection mechanism of prefabricated building strategic partners and guiding partners to establish long-term and stable cooperative relations.

Optimisation of Pre-Engineered Buildings

In traditional building practice, a lot of construction material is wasted, because the structures are often grossly over-dimensioned. Inevitably, optimisation is a fundamental aspect of human life as well as a feature of nature. Although numerical optimisation methods have the potential to minimise the usage of structural materials, their application in routine design practice is limited by the absence of tailored algorithms. Structural optimisation based on mathematical computing is one of the approaches for sustainable and effective design in the field of civil engineering. It includes the formulation of the optimisation problem, defining variables, objective functions and constraints followed by a suitable optimisation method with mathematical programming to achieve structural optimisation resulting in reduced overall weight and cost of the structure. The current study includes an overview of prior research on structural optimisation and provides an analysis of the optimisation objectives, optimisation process and different methods and their limitations. The paper includes a numerical study to suggest an optimal design solution for a structural element which is part of a considered pre-engineered building. Topology optimisation of a conventional steel beam (I- section) is performed by numerical analysis along with the finite element method in ABAQUS. The topology optimisation of the beam in terms of decreasing the profile volume reduces the overall material consumed, thereby reducing the cost of the structure. The current numerical analysis helps in arriving at a cost-effective and efficient design solution for a typical pre-engineered building alternative to experimental tests and conventional trials.

Employing auxiliary natural lighting systems within the elements of traditional buildings: A special study on employing one of the auxiliary lighting techniques within one of the elements of a mosque in the ancient urban fabric

Technological development is considered one of the most important influences that contributed to the change of some design elements (formal and functional), both or each. Among these elements is the mina-ret. This was evident in the old urban fabric, and because of the existence of other basic reasons in the tradi-tional fabric, including the increase in the population of the weaving area, which led to the dispensation of the inner courtyard. It had changed from an element that has a shape and function to an element that has a shape only, to indicate the presence of a mosque this was evident in the old urban fabric .Due to the pres-ence of other essential causes in the traditional fabric like the increase in population among the inhabitants of the fabric which led to neglecting the internal area , moreover climate change led to the use of window openings as outlets for air conditioning instruments ,the researcher employed the minaret to enable sunlight inter the inner space of the mosque (prayer space) due to the importance of natural sunlight effect on peo-ple's psychological and physiological health . This research was conducted in a clear sky of Babil province for latitude of (32.8) north, small samples were made measuring 1:20 for the minaret and the mosque space, a device for measuring the sunlight amount (Multi-Function Environment Meter 4IN1) was used . Results showed an increase in natural sunlight reflected inside the space of the mosque. This study came out with the following recommendations, the importance of employing the archeological elements which their func-tions were altered by technological growth to enhance the internal environment with the finding of solutions to the amount of harmony in distributing sunlight (distributing natural sunlight harmoniously )

The Traditional Dwelling of the Mordvins: On the History of Classification and Transformations

Ethno-cultural tradition has historically determined the type of dwelling to be constructed for a relatively long period of time. However, in response to changing circumstances, the type of residential building can also change significantly. The lack of a comprehensive analysis of the history of classification and transformation of the Mordovian dwellings in the indigenous territory of residence and in other regions of Russia represents a significant obstacle to scientific research in this field. In the context of the current surge in interest in ethnotourism and the preservation of cultural heritage, this scientific research is particularly relevant for younger generations. Information on the history of formation and classification (by the way of its vertical development, by horizontal layout and by the method of construction) of the traditional Mordovian dwelling in the Mordovian Territory / Republic of Mordovia, Volga region, Siberia was collected by the author both in the Republic of Mordovia and in ethnographic expeditions in Tyumen, Kemerovo, Chelyabinsk, Sverdlovsk, Kurgan region, Altai, Krasnoyarsk Territory and other regions of Russia (1991–2018). By vertical development dwellings of the distant past can be classified as following forms: a hut; a dugout and a semi-dugout; a bathhouse; an izba; wooden and adobe houses. According to the horizontal layout the dwellings can be classified as single-chamber, two-chamber, three-chamber dwellings, etc. According to the material and method of construction they are either made of log (mainly), clay, adobe or bricks, due to natural, economic and other factors. Outside Mordovia, Mordovian dwellings differ by material: wood, clay, stone, adobe houses; and by structure: log cabins and crosses (the latter is most common in the villages of Kalinovka, Pokrovka of the Sorokinsky district of the Tyumen region). Dwelling complexes near Mordovia in settlements in the Mordovian region were constantly changing. This was facilitated by the rise in the material well-being of rural residents. The share of two- and three-chamber housing increased with time. The process was faster in towns, more prosperous settlements, settlements located near highways, railways, industrial centers, while in the villages where the population came into contact with urban culture less often, this transition was slower. It would be inaccurate to speak of original and special Mordovian dwellings these days. The Mordvins have been living in next to the Russians for many centuries, their types of economy and building traditions are very similar. The housing of the Mordovian settlers are now largely indistinguishable from those of the surrounding population. The characteristics identified are more indicative of regional than ethnic differences.

Research on the Classification of Traditional Building Materials in Southern Fujian Using the Reflection Intensity Values of Ground-Based LiDAR.

Ground-based LiDAR technology has been widely applied in various fields for acquiring 3D point cloud data, including spatial coordinates, digital color information, and laser reflectance intensities (I-values). These datasets preserve the digital information of scanned objects, supporting value-added applications. However, raw point cloud data visually represent spatial features but lack attribute information, posing challenges for automated object classification and effective management. Commercial software primarily relies on manual classification, which is time-intensive. This study addresses these challenges by using the laser reflectance intensity (I-value) for automated classification. Boxplot theory is applied to calibrate the data, remove noise, and establish polynomial regression equations correlating intensity with scanning distances. These equations serve as attribute functions for classifying datasets. Focusing on materials in traditional Minnan architecture on Kinmen Island, controlled indoor experiments and outdoor case studies validate the approach. The results show classification accuracies of 74% for wood, 98% for stone, and 93% for brick, demonstrating this method's effectiveness in enhancing point cloud data applications and management.

The Discourse and Investigation Regarding the Advancement of Prefabricated Concrete Building Technology

With the advancement of construction industrialization, there is an increasing utilization of precast concrete in construction projects to expedite the pace of construction and ensure the structural integrity. Prefabricated Construction is one of the modern construction techniques where some components of a structure or an entire structure are manufactured in a controlled environment and then installed on the construction site. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the research, advancement, and utilization of construction technology for prefabricated concrete structures. Initially, it presents an overview of the background and associated concepts related to prefabricated concrete buildings. Subsequently, it examines the global advancements made in its development while emphasizing its benefits and practical applications in engineering projects. Lastly, it delves into enhancement techniques for prefabricated concrete constructions across three key stages: production, construction and installation, as well as subsequent maintenance. This paper finds that prefabricated concrete structures are increasingly being embraced as the primary focus for the future advancement of the construction sector, offering not only shorter construction timelines but also enhanced environmental sustainability by mitigating pollution associated with traditional building methods and elevating project quality

Application of Environmentally Friendly Building Materials in Urban Construction

Rapid industrialization and urbanization of modern society have led to significant environmental challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. The construction industry, a major contributor to these issues, relies heavily on traditional building materials such as cement, steel, and bricks, which are associated with high energy consumption and environmental degradation. In response to these concerns, there has been a growing emphasis on integrating environmentally friendly building materials into urban construction to promote sustainability and reduce ecological impact. This review paper explores the development and optimization of eco-friendly materials, focusing on their benefits, types, and real-world applications. We discuss the environmental, health, and safety advantages of using sustainable materials, such as reduced resource consumption, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced energy efficiency. Various eco-friendly materials, including recycled aggregates, bio-based composites, and waste-derived products, are examined for their potential to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance building performance. Case studies of successful projects that incorporate green materials are presented to highlight practical implementations and lessons learned.

Design and Shear Bearing Capacity Calculation of All-Welded Irregular Joints in Steel Traditional Chinese Buildings

Design and Shear Bearing Capacity Calculation of All-Welded Irregular Joints in Steel Traditional Chinese Buildings

Timber Bridges in Modern Japan

In Japan, timber has been used for not only traditional building but also bridge construction since olden times. At least until the 1950s, various types of bridge were in service, including trestle, truss, suspension, etc. for forest railways. However such timber bridges were replaced with concrete or steel bridges, which were thought to be, and were called, “permanent bridges” in those days. Government policy represented by the Five-Year Plan for Road Construction in 1954 facilitated the replacements, and a large percentage of timber bridges disappeared from Japan. Since the late 1980s, new types of timber bridge, so-called “modern timber bridges”, began to be constructed in Japan. The development of materials such as glulam (glue-laminated timber) with a large section, curved glulam, etc. treated with preservative made it possible to construct roadway bridges with several ten-metre spans. The longest span bridge in Japan is Karikobozu Bridge, which was completed in 2003 and has three king post truss spans (the longest span being 48 m). Construction of modern timber bridges reached its peak around 2000 and decreased significantly after that. As budget allocations for public works projects were decreasing, it became difficult to construct symbolic timber road bridges with higher costs. From the 2010s onwards, new approaches have been tried for timber bridges, utilizing the lightweight properties and easy workability of timber but avoiding high-specification road bridge requiring higher costs. Typical examples are illustrated and recent directions discussed.

National Heritage of Yakutsk and its Traditions in Modern Urban Architecture

This work studies the influence of the national heritage of Yakutsk on its architectural development and preservation of traditions in modern architecture. Considered are mogol urasa, winter log yurt (balagan), contiguous serge poles and traditional Yakut ornaments. The analysis of national sites identify traditional buildings and elements affecting modern architectural solutions. Buildings in Yakutsk are described, in which the influence and implementation of national symbols and forms in their architectural appearance is observed. It is shown that the modern architecture of Yakutsk continues to use traditional materials, symbols, shapes and colors of the Yakut culture, while integrating innovative and modern functionality. It is important to continue and preserve traditions of Yakutsk architecture, emphasizing their essential role in the formation of the modern architecture of the city. Material objects created in accordance with traditions give the houses a special atmosphere and uniqueness, retrospectively reflecting the spirit and cultural heritage of the Yakut people in the modern urban environment. The importance of preserving these architectural traditions lies in the preservation and transmission of unique cultural values.Purpose: The aim of the work is to identify continuity in the modern architecture of Yakutsk.Methodology: Interpretation of historical forms and Yakut culture in modern architecture. It focuses on Yakut national houses, the analysis of religious symbols, their sacred significance and applicability in the architectural landscape.Value: Systematization and conceptualization of formative methods typical for national buildings and symbols, while studying their integration in architecture of Yakutsk.

Application of computer simulation technology in traditional building protection

Background: Computer simulation technology, especially virtual reality (VR) technology, offers an innovative solution for participating in architectural design by providing an immersive and interactive experiences. Aim: This research aims to provide the VR application for the protection of traditional buildings, focusing on how this technology can enhance stakeholder participation in the protection and preservation of historical structures. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in facilitating a bottom-up approach to decision-making, thereby preserving cultural heritage. Method: To gather data, a random sample of 136 participants, including both local residents and architectural professionals, were engaged in VR simulations of renovation for traditional buildings. The VR environment presented two design schemes: one reflecting a traditional architectural style and the other featuring a modern approach. Participants interacted with both schemes using VR, and their feedback was collected through structured surveys. Statistical methods were employed to evaluate the quality of VR experiences and their impact on participant preferences and decision-making. Result: It indicate that VR technology significantly improves stakeholder engagement, with a majority of participants expressing a strong preference for traditional designs in terms of cultural protection. The immersive nature of VR was found to effectively replace traditional review methods, offering clearer insights into design intentions and facilitating informed decisions. Conclusion: VR technology proves to be a valuable tool in the protection of traditional buildings by enhancing participant engagement and supporting informed decision-making processes

Technologies for the reuse of demolition waste in the production of geopolymer-based building materials: prospects and opportunities

In a climate change scenario that is increasingly affecting our daily lives, it is essential to rethink the reuse of existing resources and avoid the exploitation of raw materials. If we consider the stock of existing buildings in Italy, we cannot ignore the fact that most of them are in a state of decay or in need of major maintenance; the recovery or demolition of these buildings generates a considerable amount of waste that has a negative impact on the environment, from transport to disposal. A sustainable design approach can achieve interesting results in terms of economic, environmental and social impact. Starting from the final phase of the life cycle of buildings, this paper aims to show the possibilities of recovering traditional building materials such as cement, brick and tuff. The use of innovative production technologies will allow the reintroduction of these materials to the market, with consequent benefits in all aspects of the ‘sustainability triad'. The aim of the work is to identify a practical, easy-to-use process for the production of eco-sustainable materials that, while retaining their intrinsic chemical-mineralogical characteristics, can be easily used in the context of the existing built heritage thanks to the compatibility between these new materials and the pre-existing substrate. The innovative results obtained as part of an international research project show how the use of demolition waste for the composition of geopolymer mixtures allows the reuse of large percentages of construction waste, while guaranteeing the mechanical performance of materials produced with traditional techniques, which have a high level of emissions; the production of geopolymers allows an 80% reduction in emissions compared to the production of Portland cement. The paper is intended to serve as a starting point for further in-depth application of the mixtures produced and to provide reflections and future research directions.

Cement-MgO synergetic stabilized earth-straw mix: From material performance to building simulation

The production of traditional building materials like cement, lime, and common fired bricks consumes considerable energy and resources and causes atmospheric pollution. Thus, it’s essential to develop more eco-friendly materials for new construction. This research focuses on an earth-straw mixture stabilized hybridly with cement and active MgO. Three aspects scaled from material mix design and mechanical performance to building energy-saving simulation were examined. Three types of earth were considered, and the effects of MgO on M−ME were studied through compression strength, thermal conductivity and TGA tests. The best compressive strength achieved was 12.5 MPa (about 167 % of the standard for non-burned bricks and 125 % of the standard for minimum fired bricks), and the best thermal conductivity was 0.371 / (m·K) (only 44.2 % of that of common fired bricks). Using Design Builder software, energy load differences between M−ME and fired clay brick walls were simulated under given conditions, and the indoor thermal environment was analyzed. Based on the amount of wall earthwork used in the project, the M−ME wall (YC3) can theoretically capture approximately 12.80 kg/m3 of carbon from the air under natural curing conditions, mean while reducing heating energy consumption by 9.49 %. Overall, the utilization of soil and the presence of plant straw give M−ME advantages in carbon footprint and thermal performance over sintered and concrete bricks. As a new energy-saving material, M−ME significantly contributes to carbon reduction in production and operation phases, possessing great potential in decarbonizing the emission of the building sector.

Sustainable Construction Structural System on the Uma Lulik in Baricafa Timor-Leste

Abstract Uma Lulik in Baricafa Village is a traditional architectural work that represents the original culture of the Baricafa tribe. The structure and construction system of Uma Lulik looks simple, like most traditional buildings consisting of head, body and foot structures, but is able to survive and adapt to various changes in environmental conditions. The purpose of this study is to identify sustainable concepts in the structure and construction system of the Uma Lulik building. The research method uses a mixed quantitative-descriptive qualitative method. Observation and documentation were conducted on the building, including its structure and construction, through measurement and redrawing of the dimensions of the components and construction techniques. Interviews were conducted to explore understanding or knowledge, through informants and sources to find out explanations of technical aspects, cultural aspects, and environmental aspects. Data processing included analysis, conclusion and verification, and narration of research results. Analysis by interpreting the data, then verified both through theoretical dialog and other sources in the field. Finally, the last step is the research results in the form of qualitative narrative writing (descriptive-analytical). The results of the study indicate that there is a structural system that uses continuous joints reinforced with dowels, a placement system, ties with shaking joint construction and a knock down structure that has a high level of adaptation to local conditions both in material selection and design adaptation to the environment. By understanding the structure and construction system, Uma Lulik can be preserved as a valuable cultural heritage of the Timor Leste community.

Preliminary experimental analysis of a CdTe BIPV skylight on a lab-scale test cell

The recent goal of developing new solar energy-harvesting methods has led to the study and implementation of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) glazing structures integrated into building envelopes. Thus, currently, the most energy-efficient substitute for traditional building glazing components is the BIPV window; however, to achieve a wide level of implementation, research is still required. This paper presents an experimental test chamber designed to investigate the effectiveness of a semi-transparent BIPV glazing skylight with a 40% degree of transparency. Weather parameters were monitored using a laboratory-manufactured weather station. At its peak, the PV power output is 36.78 W, at a global solar irradiance of 573.69 W/m2. Values of 67.25 °C were displayed by temperature sensors mounted on the outer glazing surface. The air temperature reached high values near the globe thermometer signals because of the small test cell size and thermal insulation. The interior illuminance values during the operation stabilised at ~16.6 klx. The experimental data were compared with findings from related research. The ranges of the results obtained in the current study matched those of previous research.