Innovative Construction Research Articles

Developing a data-driven filament shape prediction model for 3D concrete printing

With the growing global need for housing and infrastructure, 3D concrete printing (3DCP) has emerged as an innovative construction method offering several potential benefits including design flexibility, speed, and sustainability. However, enhancing the reliability of 3DCP involves managing a variety of parameters that influence various aspects of the 3D printed structure. Process parameters like nozzle velocity, nozzle diameter, nozzle height, and material flow velocity have a major impact on the structural stability and filament shape. This project aimed to develop fast and accurate data-driven models for predicting and classifying filament shape based on process parameters. A print experiment systematically varied process parameters across 144 samples. The resulting filament geometry (width, height, contact width) was measured and classified by quality. Models were trained on this data to predict filament width, contact width, filament height, and classify filaments. These models can be utilized with any buildable material - a material with a high enough yield stress to bear the weight of upper layers without significant deformation. This condition does not restrict this study’s scope as it is a prerequisite for all 3DCP applications. The models’ robustness and generalizability were confirmed through validation on literature data across various printable materials and setups. These data-driven models can aid in optimizing parameters, generating variable width filaments, and printing non-planar layers. By linking print inputs to filament outputs, this comprehensive modeling approach advances 3DCP research for more reliable and versatile concrete printing.

Green Building: Energy Efficiency Optimisation Strategies using MATLAB

Abstract: This research paper explores the integration of optimization techniques in the realm of green building construction, aiming to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. With the pressing need to mitigate climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, the study investigates various methodologies for optimizing the design, materials, and processes involved in sustainable building practices. The paper delves into the core principles of green building, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency, renewable resources, and innovative construction techniques. It analyzes the application of optimization models, such as life cycle assessment (LCA), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and parametric design, in streamlining decision- making processes throughout the building life cycle. Moreover, the research assesses case studies and real-world implementations of optimization strategies in green building projects across different geographical locations and scales. It examines the economic feasibility, environmental benefits, and social impacts of these strategies, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to sustainable construction. By synthesizing existing knowledge and exploring novel approaches, this paper aims to provide insights into the role of optimization in advancing the goals of green building, ultimately contributing to the creation of more ecofriendly and resilient built environments

Investigation into Spatially and Environmentally Aesthetic Dovecote Designs: A Case Study from the Xinjiang Region on the Silk Road

Globally, the dove is acknowledged as a peace representative and emblem. The Silk Road is noted for its vibrant pigeon culture, particularly in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a bustling hub of Chinese pigeon culture and industry. This research offers a systematic examination of the cultural and aesthetic features of pigeon coops in rural landscapes, utilizing China’s Xinjiang region as a representative sample. The study’s findings suggest that in Uyghur traditional villages when constructing pigeon coops, emphasis should be placed on their locational visibility and harmony with residential structures. The functional elements of the planning layout include the transition from traditional to modern dovecotes, exploitation of natural conditions, and effective arrangement and optimization of layout. For modern dovecote construction in Uyghur residential buildings, three factors should be considered: the environmental aesthetics of building materials, the use of innovative construction methods, and the safeguarding of significant cultural heritage. Conclusively, traditional Uyghur villages are endowed with abundant cultural heritage, which should be taken into account when designing the layout of pigeon coops for aesthetic considerations.

Experimental study of the static and hysteretic performance of grouted steel beam-column inter-connections for modular integrated construction

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has gained prominence as a construction method, and the integrity of its structural connections plays a critical role in ensuring the overall stability and safety of buildings. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the static and hysteretic performance of grouted steel beam-column inter-connections designed for MiC. The study examines eight full-scale specimens subjected to both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, with a focus on failure characteristics, deformation behavior, loading-displacement curves, loading-strain curves, skeleton curves of hysteretic loops, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. Key findings of the study include the observation of weld cracking between beam flanges and columns in all specimens, highlighting the necessity of welding quality control to prevent such issues. Grouted connections exhibited superior integrity, with no gap opening or misalignment between upper and lower columns. Additionally, it was found that grouting could enhance the stiffness of certain connections. Removal of diagonal stiffeners significantly decreased peak bearing capacity, emphasizing their importance. The composite action brought about by bolts connecting ceiling and floor beams also proved influential. According to Eurocode 3, all grouted specimens fall under the classification of semi-rigid connections, with a distinction made for partial and full-strength connections. This research contributes valuable insights into the static behavior and hysteretic performance of grouted steel beam-column inter-connections for MiC, providing essential knowledge for the structural design and safety of buildings utilizing this innovative construction method.

A Multisensor Device Intended as an IoT Element for Indoor Environment Monitoring.

This work presents a multisensor device which is intended as an element of IoT for indoor environment (IE) monitoring. It is a portable, small-size, lightweight, energy-efficient direct-reading instrument. The device has an innovative design and construction. It offers real-time measurements of a wide spectrum of physical and chemical quantities (light intensity, temperature, relative humidity, pressure, CO2 concentration, content of volatile organic compounds including formaldehyde, NO2, and particulate matter), data storage (microSD; server as an option), transmission (WiFi; GSM and Ethernet as options), and visualization (smartphone application; PC as an option). Commercial low-cost sensors were utilized, which have been arranged in the individual sensing modules. In the case of gas sensors, dynamic exposure was chosen to ensure a minimum response time. The MQTT protocol was applied for data transmission and communication with other devices, as well as with the user. The multisensor device can collect huge amounts of data about the indoor environment to provide the respective information to the IoT. The device can be configured to control actuators of various auxiliary devices and equipment including external systems used for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. The prototype is fully operational. The exemplary results of IE monitoring were shown.

Building sustainable performance in the maritime industry via digital resources and innovation

Given the growing limelight on digital revolution and sustainability in the maritime industry, this paper aims to investigate the overlaps and interconnectedness of these two significant topics. Anchored on resource-based view and organisational ambidexterity theories, this study investigates the influence of key technical and social digital resources on exploratory and exploitative innovation capabilities and sustainable performance of maritime companies. This study also analyses the direct effects of innovation constructs and the indirect effects of digital resources on sustainable performance. Survey data were collected from 164 maritime professionals from various functions and sectors in the maritime industry. The structural equation modelling analysis revealed that all identified digital resources have a significant, positive correlation with innovation constructs, as well as a positive indirect effect on sustainable performance. Furthermore, as compared to exploitative innovation, exploratory innovation generates a greater positive effect on sustainable performance. This study enriches theoretical research by enhancing the understanding of resource-based view and organisational ambidexterity. It also explores the tensions between exploratory and exploitative innovation, as well as the definition of sustainable performance. It offers managerial implications by recommending how the management can utilise technical and social digital resources and innovation to improve sustainable performance via better long-term planning and corporate decisions. In addition, this study also enables firms to prioritise their allocation of resources where finances or manpower are scarce.

Spatial Patterned Interfacial Solar Evaporators toward Recovering Heat Loss.

The novel freshwater production technology, such as interface solar-steam conversion (ISSC) technology, has advanced so rapidly recently, where its energy capture and conversion process was localized at the air-water interface so as to achieve high efficiency of energy utilization and transformation. However, when enlarging the evaporation surface and application scale, the inevitably increased heat loss and reduced conversion efficiency put it in a dilemma: should we exploit innovative steamer constructs for practical applications. In order to effectively mitigate heat loss from the evaporator to the surrounding environment, a series of spatial pattern evaporators (SPEs) are specifically designed in this article. By recovering the energy of radiation and convection heat loss, SPEs achieved low heat loss in an open evaporator through unequal height auxiliary heat exchange platforms. In an open environment, it achieves a maximum evaporation rate of 1.68 kg m-2 h-1, with approximately 52.41% of the heat loss being reabsorbed. This sophisticated pattern design provides a promising guideline for optimizing thermal management strategies and promoting practically scalable applications.

Application of lean for early identification and avoidance of disputes in construction projects

Purpose The dispute resolution process in the construction industry is known for delays in settlement, with some cases even escalating to complex arbitration and litigation. To avoid conflicts turning into disputes, the parties need to be proactive in identifying and resolving conflicts in their nascent stages. It is here that innovative lean construction practices can potentially act as a game-changer to avoid disputes, and this study aims to attempt to understand this phenomenon empirically. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire-based empirical study, followed by semi-structured interviews, is conducted to understand the relevance of key tenets of lean principles in dispute avoidance. Findings Although stakeholders agree on the usefulness and practicality of lean principles in dispute avoidance, the extent of agreement is lesser when it comes to its implementation practicality. Moreover, there is a demographic influence observed on lean tenets such as “open communication”, “stakeholder collaboration” and “constraint identification”. Practical implications The results point towards an approach that combines contractual mandate, training and awareness creation to iron out the differences in the usefulness and practicality of lean approaches to avoid disputes. Originality/value Lean implementation is widely discussed in many construction contexts, such as sustainability, productivity improvement and planning. However, a discussion on lean philosophy’s role in dispute avoidance is muted. Therefore, this study assumes significance.

Sustainable Innovation: Fabrication and Characterization of Mycelium-Based Green Composites for Modern Interior Materials Using Agro-Industrial Wastes and Different Species of Fungi.

Mycelium-based bio-composites (MBCs) represent a sustainable and innovative material with high potential for contemporary applications, particularly in the field of modern interior design. This research investigates the fabrication of MBCs for modern interior materials using agro-industrial wastes (bamboo sawdust and corn pericarp) and different fungal species. The study focuses on determining physical properties, including moisture content, shrinkage, density, water absorption, volumetric swelling, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties (bending, compression, impact, and tensile strength). The results indicate variations in moisture content and shrinkage based on fungal species and substrate types, with bamboo sawdust exhibiting lower shrinkage. The obtained density values range from 212.31 to 282.09 kg/m3, comparable to traditional materials, suggesting MBCs potential in diverse fields, especially as modern interior elements. Water absorption and volumetric swelling demonstrate the influence of substrate and fungal species, although they do not significantly impact the characteristics of interior decoration materials. Thermal degradation analysis aligns with established patterns, showcasing the suitability of MBCs for various applications. Scanning electron microscope observations reveal the morphological features of MBCs, emphasizing the role of fungal mycelia in binding substrate particles. Mechanical properties exhibit variations in bending, compression, impact, and tensile strength, with MBCs demonstrating compatibility with traditional materials used in interior elements. Those produced from L. sajor-caju and G. fornicatum show especially promising characteristics in this context. Particularly noteworthy are their superior compression and impact strength, surpassing values observed in certain synthetic foams multiple times. Moreover, this study reveals the biodegradability of MBCs, reaching standards for environmentally friendly materials. A comprehensive comparison with traditional materials further supports the potential of MBCs in sustainable material. Challenges in standardization, production scalability, and market adoption are identified, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, material engineering advancements, and biotechnological innovations. These efforts aim to enhance MBC properties, promoting sustainability in modern interior applications, while also facilitating their expansion into mass production within the innovative construction materials market.

Influence of Mineral Admixtures on the Performance of Pervious Concrete and Microscopic Research

Pervious concrete is an innovative eco-friendly construction material. Through the application of mineral admixtures and microscopic analysis to optimize its performance and analyze its mechanisms, its traits as a sustainable building option may be further improved. This study primarily examines the impact of the optimal blend quantities of fly ash, silica fume, and reinforcing agent on the attributes, micro-morphology, and phase composition of porous concrete. The optimal admixture was chosen after analyzing the effects of various factors on the mix ratio and properties of permeable concrete. To understand the degree of impact, performance tests were conducted on the 28-day compressive strength, water permeability coefficient, and porosity. Furthermore, the micro-mechanisms of the admixtures and reinforcing agents on the properties of permeable concrete were analyzed from a microscopic point of view using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. This research found that the advantageous properties of permeable concrete were enhanced by the simultaneous integration of appropriate quantities of fly ash, silica fume, and reinforcing agent. This resulted in a 28-day compressive strength of 18.33 MPa and a permeability coefficient of 8.27 mm/s. Compared with the unadulterated mineral admixture, the optimal admixture of fly ash, silica fume, and reinforcing agent at the same time increased the 28-day compressive strength by about double; the permeability coefficient was reduced by 36%, but it was still at a high level; and the measured porosity did not differ much from the designed porosity. Through thorough microanalysis, the hydration reaction was significantly improved, which could enhance the microstructure and pore structure of the concrete. This was supported by a substantial increase in the macroscopic compressive strength and a decrease in the water permeability coefficient, which were consistent with the aforementioned enhancement found in the microanalysis.

Implementation Building Information Modelling For Construction Projects In Remote and Challenging Locations

This research discusses the innovative implementation of digitalization of infrastructure construction based on Building Information Modelling (BIM) 5D on the Toapejat - Rokot - Sioban Road and Bridge Handling Project (Simp. Logpon) in the Mentawai Islands. The focus is a collection of AEC software from Autodesk, including Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, and BIM 360, which supports the project's BIM goals. This method is proven to provide a holistic approach to planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure projects. In the face of growing competition and innovation of BIM technology, this study emphasizes the need for continuous innovation for construction companies to participate in the development of digital construction technology. The project is considered a clear example of BIM's crucial role in overcoming construction challenges in remote areas, unlocking potential for future projects on isolated islands.

Thinking Across Capability Model for Accessibility of People's Business Credit (KUR) Capital for Micro Business Actors

This research examines the central government's facilitation to foster the resilience of MSME actors through capital financing, namely the People's Business Credit (KUR) program. The implementation of capital assistance through KUR remains problematic, especially the accessibility. The main objective is to analyse the problem situations and dynamics of micro-business capital and provide recommendations in the form of an adaptive and innovative policy construction model to the government. This research utilises the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) perspective, which can transform a complex, unstructured problem into a more structured problem situation and build a conceptual model that fits the context of the existing problem. The results indicate that the primary problem is the dominance of the KUR program’s policy control by the central government, which complicates capital accessibility, especially for micro businesses, and limits the authority of local governments. The proposed conceptual model focuses on thinking across capabilities, which allows the adoption of thoughts, opinions, and ideas outside the inherent cultural framework to create innovative and adaptive policy outcomes. The two main dimensions of the model application are delegated task and authority, which is the power to delegate and provide insight or the ability to produce innovative and adaptive thinking. This resulted in two recommendations for the mandate mechanism to local governments, namely (1) authorising local governments to make recommendations for business status based on mapping to provide a guarantee for micro-businesses (2) the authority of local governments to work with banks to facilitate the distribution and bureaucratic management of KUR financing to micro businesses.

A Study of the Impact of Digital Applications on the Financial Management of Modern Enterprises

With the rapid development of science and technology, China has begun to step into the era of digital economy. The arrival of the digital economy for the development of China’s enterprises has brought great impact. In enterprise management, financial management is the management of the basis of the guest; more needs to change with the times and changes. However, at present, most of China’s enterprise’s financial management mode is relatively traditional. Unable to meet the needs of the era of textbook economy. This requires enterprises to address the characteristics of the digital era and accelerate the construction of enterprise financial management innovation. In this paper, This article will use the literature comparison method to analyze in detail the problems and situations currently encountered in financial management under the digital economy, and put forward some reasonable suggestions for the transformation of corporate financial management models under the background of the digital economy.

Sustainable Materials of Innovative Construction Techniques in Green Building

Sustainable Materials of Innovative Construction Techniques in Green Building

FEA-Based Stress-Strain Barometers as Forecasters for Corneal Refractive Power Change in Orthokeratology.

To improve the effectivity of patient-specific finite element analysis (FEA) to predict refractive power change (RPC) in rigid Ortho-K contact lens fitting. Novel eyelid boundary detection is introduced to the FEA model to better model the effects of the lid on lens performance, and stress and strain outcomes are investigated to identify the most effective FEA components to use in modelling. The current study utilises fully anonymised records of 249 eyes, 132 right eyes, and 117 left eyes from subjects aged 14.1 ± 4.0 years on average (range 9 to 38 years), which were selected for secondary analysis processing. A set of custom-built MATLAB codes was built to automate the process from reading Medmont E300 height and distance files to processing and displaying FEA stress and strain outcomes. Measurements from before and after contact lens wear were handled to obtain the corneal surface change in shape and power. Tangential refractive power maps were constructed from which changes in refractive power pre- and post-Ortho-K wear were determined as the refractive power change (RPC). A total of 249 patient-specific FEA with innovative eyelid boundary detection and 3D construction analyses were automatically built and run for every anterior eye and lens combination while the lens was located in its clinically detected position. Maps of four stress components: contact pressure, Mises stress, pressure, and maximum principal stress were created in addition to maximum principal logarithmic strain maps. Stress and strain components were compared to the clinical RPC maps using the two-dimensional (2D) normalised cross-correlation and structural similarity (SSIM) index measure. On the one hand, the maximum principal logarithmic strain recorded the highest moderate 2D cross-correlation area of 8.6 ± 10.3%, and contact pressure recorded the lowest area of 6.6 ± 9%. Mises stress recorded the second highest moderate 2D cross-correlation area with 8.3 ± 10.4%. On the other hand, when the SSIM index was used to compare the areas that were most similar to the clinical RPC, maximum principal stress was the most similar, with an average strong similarity percentage area of 26.5 ± 3.3%, and contact pressure was the least strong similarity area of 10.3 ± 7.3%. Regarding the moderate similarity areas, all components were recorded at around 34.4% similarity area except the contact pressure, which was down to 32.7 ± 5.8%. FEA is an increasingly effective tool in being able to predict the refractive outcome of Ortho-K treatment. Its accuracy depends on identifying which clinical and modelling metrics contribute to the most accurate prediction of RPC with minimal ocular complications. In terms of clinical metrics, age, Intra-ocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), surface topography, lens decentration and the 3D eyelid effect are all important for effective modelling. In terms of FEA components, maximum principal stress was found to be the best FEA barometer that can be used to predict the performance of Ortho-K lenses. In contrast, contact pressure provided the worst stress performance. In terms of strain, the maximum principal logarithmic strain was an effective strain barometer.

Advanced Drone Surveillance System for Traffic Management

The growing need for sustainable and efficient construction practices has spurred a surge in the development of advanced building materials. Lightweight wall panels have emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of traditional construction methods. This abstract delves into the design, composition, and benefits of lightweight wall panels, highlighting their contributions to sustainability, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. The lightweight wall panel comprises a combination of materials such as foam cores, composite materials, and reinforcements, carefully engineered to optimize strength while significantly reducing overall weight. This innovative construction material offers various advantages over conventional walls, including enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation properties, increased structural integrity, and improved resistance to fire and moisture. Furthermore, the streamlined manufacturing process of lightweight wall panels minimizes waste generation and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and installation. These panels also facilitate quicker construction timelines, enabling cost-effectiveness and increased flexibility in building design. This abstract discusses the diverse applications of lightweight wall panels across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, emphasizing their adaptability and versatility in meeting diverse construction requirements. Additionally, it explores ongoing research and developments in the field, aiming to further enhance the performance and sustainability aspects of these panels.

Innovative construction of macroporous–mesoporous structured spherical alumina and its hydrothermal stability

The pore structure of spherical alumina supports is closely related to the dispersion of catalytically active components and the diffusion of reactants. Maintaining excellent pore structure under strict reaction conditions is of utmost importance. In this work, spherical γ-Al2O3 support with a bimodal pore structure, composed of macropores and mesopores, was successfully synthesized using dodecane as the pore-forming agent through the oil–ammonia column-shaping method. The morphology and internal pore structure of the alumina were found to be influenced by the amount of surfactant added and ultrasound treatment conditions. Notably, when concentration of surfactant was 4‰ and ultrasound voltage of 20 V was applied, the resulting γ-Al2O3-4‰-20 displayed a highly concentrated distribution of macropores with an average pore size of 100 nm, resulting in an impressive porosity of 69.21%. In contrast, the untreated sample of γ-Al2O3-0-0 only exhibited a mesoporous distribution with a porosity of 54.03%. Moreover, after being subjected to a hydrothermal treatment in a high temperature (600 °C) and high humidity (water vapor) environment for 120 h, the γ-Al2O3-4‰-20 sample maintained a high BET specific surface area of 170.9 m2 g−1 and mercury intrusion porosimetry specific surface area of 263.3 m2 g−1.

Bimetallic iron-nickel phosphide as efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation: Performance and mechanism

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes with (SR-AOPs) are widely employed to degrade organic pollutants due to their high efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety. In this study, a highly active and stable FeNiP was successfully prepared by reduction and heat treatment. FeNiP exhibited high performance of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) removal. Over a wide pH range, an impressive TC degaradation efficiency 97.86% was achieved within 60 min employing 0.1 g/L FeNiP and 0.2 g/L PMS at room temperature. Both free radicals of SO4·-, ·OH, ·O2− and non-free radicals of 1O2 participated the TC degradation in the FeNiP/PMS system. The PMS activation ability was greatly enhanced by the cycling between Ni and Fe bimetal, and the active site regeneration was achieved due to the existence of the negatively charged Pn−. Moreover, the FeNiP/PMS system exhibited substantial TC degradation levels in both simulated real-world disturbance scenarios and practical water tests. Cycling experiments further affirmed the robust stability of FeNiP catalyst, demonstrating sustained degradation efficiency of approximately 80% even after four cycles. These findings illuminate its promising potential across natural water bodies, presenting an innovative catalyst construction approach for PMS activation in the degradation of antibiotic pollutants.

Evaluating Properties of Green Concrete Produced Using Waste Marble Powder, Quarry Dust, and Paper Pulp

AbstractIndustrial waste locks are used as raw materials to reduce harmful effects on the environment and improve environmental performance. Marble clay powder can be used as a filling aid and can fill voids in concrete structures. This article will show you how to use a maximum natural sand alternative in concrete with marble powder and quarry dust. The challenge of the 21st century is to change to a new form that can support the natural system. This necessitates a radical rethinking of how to give the community infrastructure and housing. Making a concerted effort to develop novel, innovative, and alternative construction materials may be necessary. Jungles of concrete around cause's impact on the Environment and it would result in climate change. Mankind must avoid the use of things that are detrimental to the environment. So in this paper, it is decided to address the issue by adopting the use of the green concrete concept which is environmentally friendly. Green concrete is concrete made up using industrial wastes such as marble powder, quarry dust, wood ash, paper pulp, etc. Green concrete, which is capable of sustainable development, helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources, energy use, and environmental pollution. Green concrete is more cost‐effective than ordinary concrete and reduces the cost of resultant concrete by 14%–20%. It is also observed that the alkali‐aggregate reaction and sulfate attack resistance of concrete are both significantly improved. Green concrete is a useful tool for lowering environmental pollution and enhancing concrete's resistance to harsh conditions. All stages of infrastructure construction and rehabilitation will follow this trend of using new cement and techniques. Green concrete's adaptability and its performance derivatives will meet a variety of future needs.

University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education and Professional Education Integration Curriculum System Construction

With the rapid development of the social economy and the rise of the knowledge economy, higher education is facing new challenges and demands. The traditional professional education model can no longer meet the requirements of comprehensive quality training for students and market demand. Therefore, universities have begun to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship education with professional education to cultivate high-quality talents with innovative spirit and entrepreneurial ability. The construction of the curriculum system is an important way to achieve the integration of professional and innovative education. This article, based on the “triple helix” theory, deeply investigates the problems existing in the integration of professional education and innovation and entrepreneurship education in universities, and analyzes the reasons for the separation of professional education and innovation and entrepreneurship education. Drawing on the experience of curriculum design in foreign universities, following the curriculum construction ideas of the mutual penetration of innovation and entrepreneurship courses with professional education, the unity of theoretical learning and practical application, and the pluralistic extension, a curriculum system suitable for cultivating innovative and entrepreneurial talents through the integration of professional and innovative education is constructed, providing a paradigm for the construction of innovation and entrepreneurship curriculum systems in Chinese universities.