Construction Of Components Research Articles

The Prophetic Approach to Building and Raising People Religiously and Morally During the Meccan Period

The events and turning points of the Prophet’s biography constituted, and still are, a source for providing the contemporary Muslim mind, and a source for understanding global events and the map of societies, through awareness of their events and awareness of their important lessons. The unique personality of Muhammad, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, cannot be measured only by the achievements that took place during his time, but also by what resulted from them and what was achieved after him. He built a new, unified nation after dispersal, and produced great leaders from it, and made the Muslim person a civilized example with his mind. His approach, may God bless him and grant him peace, was purification, education, changing souls, refining them, and building hearts, based on firm and solid divine foundations to liberate man from slavery to other than God, correct his faith, purify himself with various types of worship and obedience, and refine him with good morals. By raising his companions, may God be pleased with them, the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, achieved this eternal model of the righteous, divine human being. Accordingly, this paper aims to highlight the components of devotional and moral construction through applied models from the Meccan era, and to explain the methods that the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, followed to achieve this, and the effects resulting from it, and to establish that following the example of our Master Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace in general, and his educational and moral curriculum in particular. A legal requirement and a religious necessity. Hence, the following questions can be asked: How was the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, able to build the personality of a Muslim during the Meccan era, religiously and morally? What are the methods and components that were relied upon to achieve this balanced structure religiously and morally? How can the prophetic model be invested in improving our moral system? To address this topic, we have divided it into three sections: The first topic: The components of devotional construction during the Meccan era, The second topic: The elements of moral construction during the Meccan era, The third topic: The fruits and effects of the Prophet’s method in the devotional and moral structure during the Meccan era.

UTILIZATION OF ALUMINA AND STEEL INDUSTRIAL WASTE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTROLLED LOW STRENGTH MATERIALS

The study aimed at incorporating Red Mud, a byproduct of bauxite ore extraction, and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), a byproduct of the steel industry, into Controlled Low Strength Materials (CLSM). These materials were combined with M Sand and cement to develop a sustainable and cost-effective construction material. Utilizing Red Mud and GGBS addresses waste disposal challenges while enhancing CLSM properties, making it a more environmentally friendly option. By converting industrial byproducts into valuable construction components, the research contributes to sustainable development and the circular economy. The research methodology involves creating five different dry mix combinations, varying the proportions of Red Mud, GGBS, M Sand, and cement. Each combination was tested with four different water contents to evaluate their engineering and dynamic properties. This methodical approach was focused to identify the optimal mix that balances strength and workability. By analyzing these properties, the study provided a valuable insight into the behavior of CLSM under various conditions, contributing to the advancement of more efficient construction materials. The systematic testing ensured that the developed CLSM mixes met the necessary performance criteria for practical applications. The primary objective of the study was to develop a phenomenological model based on the obtained strength and flow values. This model will serve as a predictive tool for future research, aiding in the design of CLSM mixtures with desired characteristics. By demonstrating the feasibility of using Red Mud in CLSM, the research underscores its potential to offer cost-effective and sustainable solutions for various engineering applications. This innovative approach not only promotes waste utilization but also opens new possibilities for improving construction practices. The developed model will help engineers and researchers predict the performance of new CLSM formulations, streamlining the development process for future projects.

The Impact of Change Orders on the Waste Materials of Large-Scale Projects

Change orders (CO) are formal agreements that alter, add to, or modify the work specified in a contract document. These changes often necessitate adjustments to the project scope, potentially requiring contract modification. Generally, CO have been identified as a significant contributor to Wast Materials (WM) in road improvement projects, as outlined in waste management recommendations. The impact of waste management on project success is substantial, as materials constitute a critical component of construction, accounting for approximately 40-60% of the total project cost. This research aimed to determine the impact of CO on project waste management, with a specific focus on large-scale projects. To achieve this objective, a 4-stage decision-making process was adopted using the Delphi method to design and distribute questionnaires. The results identified 2 variables, comprising 21 indicators, that contribute to waste management in road construction projects. Additionally, 3 primary impacts of CO were recorded, affecting costs, quality, and implementation time. Further analysis using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Smart PLS 4.0 revealed that CO had a significant impact on 2 variables: procurement and material handling, as well as implementation and material planning. These variables, consisting of 21 indicators, accounted for 69% of the observed effects, with a prediction accuracy rate of 67.7% regarding the impact of changes in construction work.

Automated layered personification methodology of structural drawings with embedded design information

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape various industries, the demand for digitalization and intelligent design in the fields of architecture and structural engineering is increasingly pronounced. In the pursuit of digital and intelligent design, it is necessary to identify and extract information on various structural components from the construction drawings. In the current stages of intelligent structural design, the preprocessing of construction component drawings predominantly relies on manual efforts, highlighting a notable gap in automated solutions. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an innovative automated layered method to mimic human efforts while reading the architectural and structural drawings. The proposed method could both identify and embed the relevant information of the structural components within bitmap drawings. The proposed method employs the Connected Component Labeling algorithm, a novel Intersection Recognition and Connection approach, which is a straightforward method for information embedding. This approach automates the process of preprocessing and integrating basic information into the structural drawings, facilitating the transition from manual to intelligent systems. Then, the proposed method was validated by case studies and algorithm performance evaluations for its effectiveness and efficiency.

An Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Construction Materials of Monocrystalline and Perovskite Photovoltaic Power Plants Toward Their Sustainable Development.

The interest in alternative energy sources, including the use of solar radiation energy, is growing year by year. Currently, the most frequently installed photovoltaic modules are made of single-crystalline silicon solar cells (sc-Si). However, one of the latest solutions are perovskite solar cells (PSC), which are considered the future of photovoltaics. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to assess the environmental impact of the construction materials of monocrystalline and perovskite photovoltaic power plants toward their sustainable development. The research object was the construction materials and components of two 1 MW photovoltaic power plants: one based on monocrystalline modules and the other on perovskite modules. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method was used for the analyses. The IMPACT World+, IPCC and CED models were used in it. The analyses were performed separately for five sets of elements: support structures, photovoltaic panels, inverter stations, electrical installations and transformers. Two post-consumer management scenarios were adopted: storage and recycling. The life cycle of a photovoltaic power plant based on photovoltaic modules made of perovskite cells is characterized by a smaller negative impact on the environment compared to traditional power plants with monocrystalline silicon modules. Perovskites, as a construction material of photovoltaic modules, fit better into the main assumptions of sustainable development compared to cells made of monocrystalline silicon. However, it is necessary to conduct further work which aims at reducing energy and material consumption in the life cycles of photovoltaic power plants.

SIMTAM: Generation Diversity Test Programs for FPGA Simulation Tools Testing Via Timing Area Mutation

Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) timing simulation is essential in electronic circuit design, allowing for the verification of timing characteristics like delays and clock frequencies. However, bugs in timing simulation tools can lead to inaccurate results, potentially causing designers to miss critical issues in chip performance. Traditional testing methods often fall short in thoroughly assessing these tools, as current FPGA testing primarily focuses on synthesis and behavioral simulation, neglecting timing aspects. To address this issue, we propose SIMTAM for testing timing simulation tools. Specifically, SIMTAM consists of three components: equivalent delay region construction, diversity program segment generation, and differential testing. Given a seed circuit design file written by hardware description language such as Verilog, the delay region construction component randomly identifies delay structures for inertial delay in the design file to construct equivalent delay sleep regions. In the sleep region, the simulator skips the signal pulse whose width is less than the specified delay, thus ensuring the equivalence of the variations. The diversity program segment generation component combines Verilog expressions using generation operators and inject them into the sleep region to generate diverse design files. The differential testing component compares the seed and variant design files to find compilation inconsistency issues. In five months, SIMTAM reported 16 bugs to developers in two popular timing simulation tools Iverilog and Vivado; ten of which are confirmed.

Intellectual Ethnography of Indonesian Muslims

Even though science is considered neutral, the struggle to Islamize science continues to be carried out by Muslim intellectuals. Al Attas is one of the critical intellectuals in this field whose influence has significantly impacted a group of Indonesian Muslim scholars within the INSISTS community. One of the INSISTS figures concerned about the Islamization of knowledge is Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi. This study attempts to discuss why and how this Islamization was carried out by Indonesian intellectual Muslim. This study uses ethnographic methods in the INSISTS community with literature studies. This research shows that the involvement of Muslim intellectuals in islamization is related to the intention of da’wah, the implementation of the Islamic Worldview, and is made possible by the socio-cultural situation of a democratic Indonesia. The strategy of Islamization of knowledge is carried out by focusing on young intellectual regeneration, writing, and the presence of charisma that supports this vision. Theoretically, this study strengthens Sherry Ortner’s opinion that agency is formed by three components of intention and socio-cultural construction and adds a charisma component as the fourth component that includes agency.

Zanlock Bricks: One-Size-Fits-All Solution to Interlocking Bricks Shape and Form for Wall Construction in Nigeria

This project underscores the interest that the use of interlocking bricks, called mortarless construction, has generated in the last couple of decades in Nigeria in replacement of conventional means of wall construction. Although the focus of all interlocking bricks seems to be on elimination of mortar as a component of wall construction and hence reduction of cost and labour, as well as enhancement of speed of construction, the vastness of the number of shapes and forms in which interlocking bricks seem to be emerging, appears to give the impression of an anxiety to show which of the emerging forms has the most innovative design. Having observed the prospective value and sustainability of the mortarless construction idea, this study has sought to make its own foray into the field by taking the idea a notch higher. From the review of the plethora of forms and shapes of the existing interlocking systems, the study has developed a more unique interlocking brick system named Zanlock Bricks, designed to be a “one-sizefits-all” solution to the cornucopia of the available interlocking brick shapes. It creates a form whose interlocking combinations appear endless and depend only on the creative ingenuity of the builder. Taking advantage of these apparently endless combinations of the Zanlock Bricks, the study has further introduced a new concept called Design for Deconstruction (DfD) which permits disassembly and reconstruction of forms of the mortarless construction as many times as circumstances may demand and in as many different configurations and in as many locations as the ingenuity of the builder permits his creative exploration, in order to allow for flexibility of the houses that may be needed for the poor and the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

Quality of Discovery Learning-Based Chemistry Learning Tools Developed by Chemistry Teacher Candidates

Prospective chemistry teachers play an important role in implementing Discovery Learning through the learning tools they develop. It is important to evaluate the quality of discovery learning-based learning tools utilised by prospective chemistry teachers in order to provide constructive feedback and improve their competence. This study aims to describe the quality of learning tools in the form of teaching materials and Learner Worksheets that have been prepared by prospective chemistry teachers. This research is a quantitative descriptive research. The population of this study were all students majoring in chemistry class of 2021. This study used purposive sampling technique. The sample of this study was prospective teacher students from the 2021 class B chemistry education study programme, totalling 23 people. Data collection techniques in the form of portfolio/document evaluation in the form of learning devices made by prospective chemistry teacher students. The learning tools collected by prospective teacher students are in the form of teaching materials and student worksheets based on Discovery learning. The learning devices that have been collected are then assessed using validated instruments and assessment rubrics and then scored to determine the ability category of prospective teacher students. The results showed that the quality of discovery learning-based teaching materials prepared by Chemistry teacher candidates in the construction component is categorized as Good, content/material is categorized as Very Good, learning assessment is categorized as Quite Good and discovery learning orientation is categorized as Good. The quality of discovery learning-based student worksheets prepared by prospective chemistry teachers in terms of the construction component is categorized as Very Good, learning activities are categorized as Very Good, learning assessment is categorized as Good and discovery learning orientation is categorized as Very Good.

Digital financial inclusion role to promote renewable energy technology innovation in Chinese prefectural cities: Moderating role of environmental governance

Renewable energy technology innovation is not only an important technical component of Chinese construction of low-carbon energy systems but also a key way to realize long-term, sustainable development. Digital inclusive finance plays an indispensable role in this process. Using panel data of 275 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2022, a two-step systematic methodology is used to assess the impacts and mechanisms of digital financial inclusion and the moderating role of different environmental governance models on qualitative and quantitative renewable energy innovation. The results indicate that digital inclusive finance has an incentive effect on both qualitative and quantitative renewable energy innovations, with a stronger incentive effect on qualitative behavior. This effect can act on renewable energy technology innovation by reducing financing constraints and incentivizing information disclosure mechanisms. Moreover, different forms of environmental governance have a positive, moderating effect, while the effect of top-down environmental governance is more manifested in quantitative renewable energy innovation. Furthermore, heterogeneity analyses show that the incentive effect of digital financial inclusion is more pronounced in the PV sector and the eastern regions. The findings provide a theoretical basis and practical insights that enable policy-makers to formulate relevant renewable energy technology innovation policies and promote low-carbon energy transition.

Ecological Suitability Evaluation of City Construction Based on Landscape Ecological Analysis

Ecological suitability evaluation is a critical component of regional sustainable development and construction, serving as a foundation for optimizing spatial patterns of regional growth. This is particularly pertinent in karst mountainous regions characterized by limited land resources and heightened ecosystem vulnerability, where a quantitative assessment of ecological suitability for land development is both crucial and urgent. Based on the fundamental principles of structural and functional dynamics in landscape ecology, this study focuses on Gui’an New Area, a designated urban development zone situated in the karst landscape of Guizhou Province. An index system was established encompassing three dimensions: ecological elements, ecological significance, and ecological resilience, utilizing the integrated ecological resistance (IER) model to evaluate the suitability of regional development and construction. The results reveal that the eastern region exhibits higher suitability compared to the central and western regions, with the northwest region demonstrating the lowest suitability overall. Relatively speaking, the evaluation of geological environment suitability and the comprehensive ecological constraints associated with development and construction indicates that the areas currently planned and ongoing reflect flat terrain and low ecological risk. Furthermore, within the scope of ecosystem dynamic adaptation, developmental activities in these regions exert minimal impact on the natural ecosystem, thereby demonstrating a high suitability for development and construction. In terms of future key development zones, areas with gentle slopes ranging from 8 to 15 degrees are recommended, aligning with the actual requirements for cultivated land protection. The total area designated as prohibited development zones constitutes the smallest proportion, representing only 9.45%, which is significantly lower than that of priority development zones (38.75%) and moderate development zones (22.45%). From the perspective of landscape ecology, this paper provides a comprehensive investigation into the ecological suitability evaluation system for development and construction in the karst regions of Southwest China, offering valuable insights for assessing ecological suitability in similar areas.

Application of the Contemporary Psychometrics for Assessing Economic Literacy

Currently, new skills and various types of "new literacies" relevant to the modern world are becoming issues of growing importance. One of them is economic literacy; however, there are only few assessment instruments that fulfil the academic requirements for its assessment among university students. One of such internationally established instruments is the Test of Understanding in College Economics (TUCE), which is a popular tool in empirical studies of economic literacy in many countries around the world. Despite its advantages, the currently available version of the TUCE designed for American colleges back in 2006, is prone to cheating and provides limited opportunities for formative feedback. The purpose of this paper is to present the Updated Test of Understanding in College Economics (U-TUCE). In developing the U-TUCE, we utilized the capabilities of contemporary psychometrics, which offer sufficient advances in overcoming all limitations of the original TUCE mentioned before. First, we present a revised theoretical framework of the U-TUCE, highlighting that the test measures different types of mastery of economic literacy. Second, we describe the approaches used for modifying the TUCE items and developing new items. A half of the original test items have been replaced or redesigned to reflect the economic context that has changed since 2006. Third, we utilize the logic of automatic item generation algorithms to increaseg the level of test protection against cheating. We made all changes in such a way as to maintain comparability with the previous versions of the TUCE test if necessary. Finally, the use of the Item Response Theory (IRT) is paired up with that of Cognitive Diagnostic Modeling (CDM) to ensure the quality of the U-TUCE and enhance its formative value. We show that IRT can be used to estimate the construct as a whole (which is of interest to researchers, administrators, and policy makers), while CDM provides information relating to each of the construct components, which are of interest to educational practitioners and students themselves. The results of the data analyses show that the test can be used for both purposes simultaneously.

Fire resistance of steel beams with integrated fire-resistant and decorative constructions

This paper investigates the fire resistance of steel beams with integrated fire-resistant and decorative constructions. Four novel forms of fire protection constructions that simultaneously meet the requirements of fire protection and decorative performance in steel residential housing are first devised. Five simply supported H-shaped steel beams encased by such constructions are tested in a fire test furnace to reveal the variation of their temperature fields and mechanical properties under the ISO-834 standard heating condition. A series of test phenomena, temperature-time and displacement-time curves are obtained from the tests. Corresponding results show that the specimens are far from reaching their ultimate limit state, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed constructions in fire protection. Additionally, the influence on the fire resistance caused by the variation of the construction components is determined by comparing the temperatures and displacements of all the specimens. Finally, a finite element model corresponding to the specimens is established in the FE software package ABAQUS. The heat transfer and thermal-mechanical coupling analyses are conducted in succession, and the model is verified compared with the experiment results. Then a preliminary parametric study is carried out, revealing that the thickness and thermal conductivity of non-intumescent fire-retardant coating and the thickness of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks may affect the fire resistance of the encased steel beams perceptibly.

Decomposing the Cognition-influential Aspects of Instructional Designs A Systematic Review of Induced Causal Relationships by the Constructional Components of the Direct Instruction and Productive Failure Designs

A substantial debate on the effectiveness of two instructional designs, namely “Productive Failure (PF)” and “Direct Instruction (DI)” has been prolonged for almost two decades. Indeed, from many studies we have seen if being deliberately designed and carried out, then both designs can be sophisticated not only in instructional procedures but also in how each function takes effect on learning. The constituting components could each be specified preceding the instruction as a design, but these activities carry its own goal in facilitating learning. In this article, we summarized the reasoning in the specifications of connection, construction and criticization. Thus, from our review, we debated how instructional stages, problem-led learning and failure-driven learning can each deliver good outcomes for learners.

Utilizing Building Information Modelling Technology To Modelling Abutment: Revit

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the construction industry by offering a robust platform that integrates design, analysis, and construction processes within a single digital environment. This research explores the application of BIM technology, explicitly using Autodesk Revit, in modeling bridge abutments—an essential component in bridge construction that supports and distributes loads from the superstructure to the foundation. The study aims to demonstrate how BIM enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability of abutment design and construction. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature on BIM and bridge abutment design, focusing on technological advancements, case studies, and best practices. Additionally, practical implementation of BIM using Revit is conducted to develop detailed 3D models of abutments, incorporating architectural, structural, and geotechnical elements. The benefits of BIM in this context include improved collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, enhanced visualization capabilities for design optimization, and early detection of clashes and constructability issues. The research investigates the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with BIM to enhance site selection and environmental assessment phases, ensuring informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Innovations in materials science, such as the use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), are also considered for their potential to enhance the durability and longevity of bridge abutments. Ultimately, this study contributes to advancing the application of BIM in civil engineering, particularly in bridge construction, by showcasing Revit's capabilities in creating accurate, data-rich models that improve project outcomes.

Novel comprehensive unified classification system toward smart standardized built environment knowledge and low-risk international collaborations: UniCCC

The Construction Industry (CI) data is acknowledged to still be unstructured and high-dimensional. Efforts were undertaken to tackle this problem using regional Unified Classification Systems (UCSs). The study emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive international UCS to manage the growing trend of international collaborations within the CI and associated data risks. Existing UCSs exhibit significant inconsistencies, such as regional omissions, terminological disparities, and diverse data structuring, underscoring the need for a unified approach. Accordingly, using a 3-stage mixed method, the novel UCS ‘Unified Classification of Construction Components_ UniCCC’ was developed, comprising 4 phyla, 9 divisions, and 54 classes, and was shown to have good adaptability/scalability, structure/breakdown, clarity, codifiability, and inclusivity of the 11 key CI aspects. By addressing inconsistencies and smartly structuring CI knowledge from North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, using a faceted classification scheme aligned with ISO 12,006, and being developed using a conventional modeling language, UniCCC represents a significant advancement in UCSs, with promising implications for global CI practices and research, paving the way for new avenues in CI performance, innovation, and sustainability. It demonstrated efficiency in various CI aspects, including risk reduction, automation, and sustainability enhancement. As evidence of its performance, using UniCCC for scheduling might decrease up to 58.17%, 66.85%, and 31.74% of the related time, request for information, and omissions, respectively. The study suggests future research perspectives to explore UniCCC's applicability in different regions, its integration with emerging technologies, its proficiency metrics for different purposes, and strategies for organizational implementation.

Life Cycle Assessment of Construction Components of Schools in Southern Brazil

Introducing energy efficiency techniques in schools can significantly reduce energy consumption, as Brazil has a large public education system. The main objective of this work was to select the set of construction components with the lowest environmental impact for use in schools in Florianópolis, southern Brazil, through life cycle assessment (LCA). Two types of walls, four types of roofs, and two types of window frames were studied. Ceramic bricks measuring 14x9x19cm and 9x19x19cm were considered for the walls. Wood and aluminium were used for the window frames, with single glass panes on all windows. For the roofs, fibre cement tiles with a PVC ceiling, a drywall ceiling, and a concrete slab were considered, as well as ceramic tiles with a PVC ceiling. Computer simulations were conducted using the EnergyPlus program in order to determine the building’s energy consumption. SimaPro was used to run the LCA. The construction of the building and one year of its energy consumption were analysed to select the combination of components with the lowest impact on the building’s life cycle. Finally, the set consisting of 9x19x19cm ceramic brick walls, wooden frames, and roof with fibre cement tiles and PVC ceiling presented the lowest environmental impact. Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment; public schools; computer simulation; buildings; EnergyPlus; SimaPro

Optimizing Injection Moulding Processes for Structural Components in Construction Management

The optimization of injection molding processes for structural components is critical in construction management, particularly for enhancing precision, efficiency, and sustainability. However, existing research has not fully addressed the complex interplay of factors that influence this optimization. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying and analyzing five key constructs: Structural Performance, Material Efficiency, Sustainability and Integration, Precision and Consistency, and Design Flexibility. Data were collected from 249 professionals in China using a Likert-scale survey and analyzed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that Structural Performance is the most significant factor (β = 0.943, p < 0.001), followed by Material Efficiency (β = 0.858, p < 0.001) and Sustainability and Integration (β = 0.772, p < 0.001). The model's predictive relevance, with a Q² value of 0.659, confirms its robustness and accuracy. These findings highlight the need for construction managers to focus on improving Structural Performance and Material Efficiency while integrating sustainability and ensuring precision and flexibility. Optimizing injection molding for construction components is challenging due to complex factors like structural performance, material efficiency, and sustainability. This study develops a novel framework using Structural Equation Modeling to rank these factors, providing insights for cost-effective, high-performance outcomes, and advancing sustainable practices in construction management. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-10-020 Full Text: PDF

Eco-Friendly Concrete Solutions: The Role of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Enhancing Durability and Reducing Environmental Pollutants - A Review

Concrete is one of the key components of construction, which ensures durability and aesthetics of the building. In recent days, nanoparticles are playing an essential role in civil engineering research. The binding of nanoparticles into concrete significantly improves the mechanical and durable properties due to the nanostructure of the cementitious materials. This review paper represents the existing research data on titanium dioxide nanoparticles, when applied in the different types of concrete. The data influenced by the different research papers are presented in terms of strength and durable parameters. The most important property of titanium dioxide nanoparticle is its self-cleaning effect because of the photocatalytic reaction is also discussed. The inference from the papers shows the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on correct proportion enhances the production of new material with good strength and durable properties in the construction industry. The photocatalytic action of nano titanium dioxide leads to the manufacture of self-cleaning concrete which shields the surface from environmental pollutants.

A 3D Printing Platform for Design and Manufacturing of Multi-Functional Cementitious Construction Components and Its Validation for a Post-Tensioned Beam.

Three-dimensional printing of cementitious materials for construction has been extensively investigated in recent years, with several demonstration projects successfully carried out. These efforts aim to leverage the printing process to achieve more efficient production of components compared to conventional concrete technologies. This includes both the process itself (eliminating the formwork stage) and the flexibility in producing complexly shaped elements. To maximize the potential of 3D printing in the construction industry, additional steps must be taken, grounded in a holistic view of the entire process. This involves integration of the production chain, including design, materials, and manufacturing of components, to create elements with optimal performance, encompassing structural, environmental, and architectural aspects. Such multi-functionality requires the viewing of 3D printing not just as a production technology but as a platform enabling the integration of all these components. To advance this approach, quantitative tools are developed to optimize the following three key components: material composition; manufacturing parameters to ensure buildability; and design tools to optimize multiple performance criteria, particularly structural and architectural shape. A demonstration component, namely a post-tensioned beam, featuring two multi-functional characteristics-structural and architectural-is designed, produced, and evaluated. The scientific concepts and research tools used to develop these quantitative design tools are multidisciplinary, including rheological characterization, control of the internal structure and composition of granular materials, simulation of the mechanical behavior of green material during printing, and the hardened properties of the components, all utilizing structural optimization to enhance performance.