Construction Method Research Articles

Optimizing Convolutional Neural Network Architectures

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are commonly employed for demanding applications, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, and computer vision. As CNN architectures become more complex, their computational demands grow, leading to substantial energy consumption and complicating their use on devices with limited resources (e.g., edge devices). Furthermore, a new line of research seeking more sustainable approaches to Artificial Intelligence development and research is increasingly drawing attention: Green AI. Motivated by an interest in optimizing Machine Learning models, in this paper, we propose Optimizing Convolutional Neural Network Architectures (OCNNA). It is a novel CNN optimization and construction method based on pruning designed to establish the importance of convolutional layers. The proposal was evaluated through a thorough empirical study including the best known datasets (CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and Imagenet) and CNN architectures (VGG-16, ResNet-50, DenseNet-40, and MobileNet), setting accuracy drop and the remaining parameters ratio as objective metrics to compare the performance of OCNNA with the other state-of-the-art approaches. Our method was compared with more than 20 convolutional neural network simplification algorithms, obtaining outstanding results. As a result, OCNNA is a competitive CNN construction method which could ease the deployment of neural networks on the IoT or resource-limited devices.

Engineering polydopamine-functionalized NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) for tetracycline degradation and antibacterial applications

Methods for the precise construction of NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) with chemical bonding are indispensable for the synthesis of MOF-based photocatalytic materials, which possess high activity, stability and biocompatibility. Herein, polydopamine (PDA)-functionalized NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) was prepared using cross-linking reaction between catechol groups in PDA and amine groups in NH2-MIL-125 (Ti), instead of the self-polymerization process. The conjugation of functional groups had strong chemical bonding interactions. Benefiting from the assembly of PDA, the optimum photocatalyst presented superior tetracycline (TC) degradation efficiency, as well as 99.9 % and 99.4 % antimicrobial rates against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively. The possible photocatalytic mechanisms of TC degradation and antibacterial activity were proposed and verified by EPR results. This work provides in-depth scientific insights for photocatalysis and biomedical field.

BINDERS FROM SECONDARY RAW MATERIALS OF COAL ENRICHMENT WASTE FOR CONSTRUCTION OBJECT ERECTION USING THE 3D PRINTING METHOD

Formulation of the problem. The 3D printing construction technology is one of the modern methods of rapid construction, which allows for a significant automation of the building process while achieving high precision in the fabrication of complex configurations using equipment (3D printers) controlled by software to define precise coordinates of the printed structure model. The main materials for construction 3D printing technology are composite mixtures based on binders. Cement or composite binders can be used as binders [1]. The cement production technology involves the firing of its components at 1 450 °C, which requires significant energy resources and affects its final cost and the overall mixture. The utilization of coal enrichment waste, which contains clay minerals, quartz, pyrite, and a small amount of carbonates, impurities, and combustible substances, allows for reducing the consumption of technological fuel and the firing temperature of the binder by harnessing the heat-generating properties of coal inclusions. Thus, coal enrichment waste can be used as a fuel component in obtaining the binder. The purpose. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that the use of component binders derived from coal enrichment waste shows promise in the construction of buildings using 3D printing technology. By harnessing the heat-generating properties of these waste materials, it is possible to reduce the consumption of technological fuel and firing temperature required for binder production, consequently lowering CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and reducing the final cost of the construction mixture for 3D printing.

Comparative Studies on In-Plane Shear Behavior of Masonry Wallettes Retrofitted with Mortar, UHPC, and ECC Ferrocement: Shotcrete and Prefabricated Panels

Masonry walls, prevalent in many historical and contemporary structures, often require retrofitting to meet modern safety and performance standards. Motivated by the need for efficient and reliable retrofitting solutions, this research investigates the potential of various types of ferrocement, reinforced with high-strength steel meshes, to enhance the in-plane shear behavior of brick masonry walls. Through rigorous diagonal compression tests on nine masonry wallettes, the study evaluated the performance of ferrocement overlays in terms of overlay configuration (asymmetric or symmetric), cementitious material type (mortar, ECC, or UHPC), the presence or absence of steel mesh, and construction method (shotcrete or prefabricated panels). The results indicated that UHPC and ECC overlays significantly enhanced post-cracking deformation capacity. Compared to the asymmetric retrofit, the symmetric retrofit led to more uniform deformation in the retrofitted wallette, effectively improving the maximum shear by up to 119 %. While UHPC shotcrete was more effective in improving the shear strength, ECC shotcrete led to the highest rupture shear strain and pseudo-ductility for the retrofitted wallette, reaching 0.83 % and 17.2, respectively. Moreover, although steel mesh inclusion in the ferrocement overlay was crucial in enhancing post-peak ductility, its impact on shear strength of the retrofitted wallettes was minimal. The test results also demonstrated that the developed prefabricated UHPC panels emerged as an effective retrofitting solution to simultaneously improve the strength, deformation capacity, and ductility for masonry wallettes. In addition to the experimental investigation, a new strength model, accounting for various key design variables, was developed, offering reliable shear strength predictions for the retrofitted wallettes.

Graph-logical models for (n, f, k) – and consecutive - k-out-of-n – systems

The article is devoted to methods of constructing graph-logical models of fault-tolerant multiprocessor systems. In particular, systems of the type (n, f, k), linear consecutive-k-out-of-n and circular consecutive-k-out-of-n are considered, which are characterized by the failure of the system when a certain number of consecutive processors fail. Graph-logical models can be used to estimate the reliability parameters of fault-tolerant multiprocessor systems by conducting statistical experiments with models of their behavior in the failure flow. The graph-logical models under construction are based on the basic models with a minimum of lost edges. It is determined that to build a graph-logical model of systems of this type, it is sufficient to calculate the maximum possible number of failed processors at which the system remains in operation. A graph-logical model of a basic system that can handle this number of failures is built, without taking into account the sequence of these failures. The next step is to identify all possible consecutive failures that cause the system to fail. Then, the base model is modified in such a way as to reflect the failure of the system when consecutive failures occur. This means weakening the base model on the previously determined vectors. The proposed methods of model construction can be used both for linear and circular consecutive-k-out-of-n systems and for (n, f, k) systems. A minor difference will be in the calculation of some parameters. The paper describes the calculation of such parameters as the maximum allowable number of failures at which the system remains in an operational state, as well as the calculation of the number of all combinations of consecutive failures at which the system fails. Experiments have been conducted to confirm the model's compliance with the system's behavior in the failure flow. Examples are given to demonstrate the process of building graph-logical models for linear consecutive-k-out-of-n, circular consecutive-k-out-of-n and (n, f, k) systems using the proposed methods.

Construction method of high-horsepower tractor digital twin

Construction method of high-horsepower tractor digital twin

Toward Sustainability: A New Construction Method for Electrically Heated Rigid Pavement Systems

Toward Sustainability: A New Construction Method for Electrically Heated Rigid Pavement Systems

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Kids-Palatable Eating Motives Scale

Scales that can elucidate the relationship between eating behavior and obesity in children, and thereby improve prevention and treatment of obesity in this population are lacking. As in the U.S., Turkish use are at risk for obesity. This study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of the Kids-Palatable Eating Motives Scale. The methodological type of research was conducted between March 2023 and May 2023 with 344 children between the ages of 8-18. They completed a translated and back-translated version of the Kids-Palatable Eating Motives Scale. Validity analysis included content, face, and construct methods. Item, split-half method, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were employed in testing reliability. The content validity index was 0.99. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.915 and Bartlett’s value was χ2=6195.792 (p

Nickel-Catalyzed Enantioselective Alkylation of Primary Phosphines.

Functional molecules derived from stereogenic phosphorus centers have important applications in the discovery of drugs and agrochemicals. They are also widely utilized as chiral ligands or organocatalysts for diverse asymmetric transformations. However, access to P-stereogenic motifs has always been regarded as a highly challenging yet desirable goal in organic synthesis. The development of general and practical methods for the stereoselective construction of synthetically versatile P(III)-stereogenic phosphines is particularly appealing but remains elusive. Herein, we describe a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric alkylation of primary phosphines with alkyl halides for the synthesis of P-stereogenic secondary phosphine-boranes with high enantioselectivity and broad substrate scope. The resulting optically active secondary phosphine-boranes allow for further stereospecific transformations, thereby establishing a modular and efficient platform for the diversity-oriented construction of P-stereogenic phosphine compounds.

Literature Review on the Evaluation of Innovation Capability of Enterprise

This paper summarizes the research status of innovation capability of enterprise, reviews the importance of enhancing the capability of independent innovation as a national development strategy. In particular, the Wenzhou government attaches great importance to innovation and the promotion of "Science and Technology Innovation Index".This paper systematically combs the innovation theory, the Delphi method and other related theories, analyzes the development trend of innovation theory research, innovation capability index construction and evaluation method at home and abroad. Through literature review, this paper summarizes the multi-dimensional index system of enterprise innovation capability evaluation, including innovation input, output, research and development, environment and so on, and discusses the application of subjective and objective evaluation methods.Finally, it points out the shortcomings of the current research, and provides a theoretical basis and direction guidance for the follow-up research on the evaluation of enterprise innovation capability.

Construction of balanced sliced orthogonal arrays

Balanced sliced orthogonal arrays (BSOAs) are useful for designing sliced computer experiments with qualitative and quantitative factors or multiple models and nested computer experiments with two codes of different levels of accuracy. In this article, we propose a systematic method to construct BSOAs by making use of the A + B design structure and its modifications. A general method for construction of asymmetric BSOAs is also presented based on an orthogonal array with orthogonal partition. These methods are flexible for strength and factors. Numerous new symmetric and asymmetric BSOAs including a lot of ones with high strength can thus be constructed. Compared with the existing BSOAs, the constructed BSOAs have more number of columns. Moreover, these methods can also be used to construct BSOAs whose strength is different from the strength of their slices. Some selective BSOAs are tabulated for practical uses.

Research on Indoor Automatic Path Planning Algorithm for Robots

The field of robotics has significantly advanced, especially in indoor autonomous navigation, with applications in households, offices, factories, and tourism. This research focuses on developing and optimizing algorithms for indoor autonomous path planning, aiming to enhance robots' ability to navigate efficiently and safely in various indoor environments. The research adopts a comprehensive methodological approach, beginning with a literature review to understand current state-of-the-art techniques in path planning and obstacle avoidance. Novel algorithms were designed and implemented, focusing on efficiency and real-time performance. These algorithms were tested in simulation environments and validated on actual robotic platforms. Performance metrics such as path efficiency, computational time, and obstacle avoidance success rates were used to assess the algorithms. The study evaluated global path planning algorithms like A* and Dijkstra’s, and local path planning algorithms such as Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT) and Dynamic Window Approach (DWA). A* and Dijkstra's algorithms proved effective for global planning but required optimization for real-time applications. RRT excelled in complex environments but needed improvements for path optimality. DWA provided robust real-time obstacle avoidance. Hybrid approaches combining these algorithms showed enhanced performance, balancing global and local planning strengths. Machine learning techniques further improved adaptability and efficiency. The integration of advanced sensor technologies and accurate map construction methods is crucial for effective indoor navigation. LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and depth cameras were key in providing precise environmental perception. Hybrid maps combining grid and topological approaches offered detailed local information and efficient long-distance planning. Optimization techniques like parameter tuning and algorithm fusion, along with machine learning, significantly enhanced algorithm performance. Future research should explore intelligent algorithms, multi-robot collaboration, and human-robot interaction to further advance the field.

Chiral Au@CeO2 Helical Nanorods with Spatially Separated Structures for Polarization‐dependent N2 Photofixation

Chiral photocatalytic nanomaterials possess numerous unique properties and hold promise for various applications in chemical synthesis, environmental protection, energy conversion, and photoelectric devices. Nevertheless, it is uncommon to develop effective means to enhance the asymmetric catalytic performances of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials. In this study, a type of L/D‐Au@CeO2 helical nanorods (HNRs) was fabricated by selectively growing CeO2 on the surface of Au HNRs via a facile wet‐chemistry construction method. Chiral Au@CeO2 HNRs, featuring Au and CeO2 with spatially separate structures, exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance for N2 fixation, being 50.80 ± 2.64 times greater than Au HNRs. Furthermore, when L‐Au@CeO2 HNRs corresponded left circularly polarized light (CPL) and D‐Au@CeO2 HNRs corresponded right CPL, their photocatalytic efficiency was enhanced by 3.06 ± 0.06 times in contrast with the samples illuminated with the opposite CPL, which can be attributed to the asymmetrical generation of hot carriers upon CPL excitation. This study not only offered a simple approach to enhance the photocatalytic performance of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials but also demonstrated the potential of chiral plasmonic materials for application in specific photocatalytic reactions, such as N2 fixation.

Chiral Au@CeO2 Helical Nanorods with Spatially Separated Structures for Polarization-dependent N2 Photofixation.

Chiral photocatalytic nanomaterials possess numerous unique properties and hold promise for various applications in chemical synthesis, environmental protection, energy conversion, and photoelectric devices. Nevertheless, it is uncommon to develop effective means to enhance the asymmetric catalytic performances of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials. In this study, a type of L/D-Au@CeO2 helical nanorods (HNRs) was fabricated by selectively growing CeO2 on the surface of Au HNRs via a facile wet-chemistry construction method. Chiral Au@CeO2 HNRs, featuring Au and CeO2 with spatially separate structures, exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance for N2 fixation, being 50.80 ± 2.64 times greater than Au HNRs. Furthermore, when L-Au@CeO2 HNRs corresponded left circularly polarized light (CPL) and D-Au@CeO2 HNRs corresponded right CPL, their photocatalytic efficiency was enhanced by 3.06 ± 0.06 times in contrast with the samples illuminated with the opposite CPL, which can be attributed to the asymmetrical generation of hot carriers upon CPL excitation. This study not only offered a simple approach to enhance the photocatalytic performance of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials but also demonstrated the potential of chiral plasmonic materials for application in specific photocatalytic reactions, such as N2 fixation.

Performance of an operational shield tunnel due to construction of a large cross-sectional straight-walled arch tunnel above-crossing

Innovative strategies for managing deformation have been proposed based on insights from the Hohhot Urban Rail Transit's Line 2, where a large cross-sectional and straight-walled arch tunnel traverses the flank obliquely above and directly over an operational shield tunnel. These strategies involve implementing sandbag loading on both left and right drifts and progressively demolishing the CD (center diaphragm) method. Simulations have been conducted to comprehensively understand the deformation induced by constructing the large cross-sectional and straight-walled arch tunnel above the operational shield tunnel. These simulations have been complemented by on-site monitoring to authenticate the reliability of the simulated outcomes. The study findings underscore that the most effective deformation control entails applying a 2.0 m high sandbag load on the section directly above the operational left shield tunnel (spanning from trusses 49 th to 87th). This approach involves, for every alternate truss, the demolition of two consecutive trusses of CDs via an alternate bay construction method once the secondary lining is completed. The comparison between simulated and measured uplift reveals a notable alignment, with maximum uplift of the ballast bed and arch crown registering at 2.75 mm and 3.92 mm, respectively. The overall clearance convergence ranges from −2.69 mm to 1.50 mm, all within the prescribed control standards.

End-grain bonding of spruce timber at low curing temperatures – effects on tensile strength and how to improve

ABSTRACT The end-grain bonding of timber components using Timber Structures 3.0 technology (TS3) represents an emerging construction method in the field of timber engineering. For onsite applications, research is being conducted to determine how low temperatures during the curing process affect the bonding and to explore potential methods of mitigating any adverse impacts. The current research results reveal that low curing temperatures detrimentally influence the mechanical properties of the bond. Conversely, investigations into bonding with heated casting resin as a means to counteract the effects of low curing temperatures demonstrate highly beneficial outcomes. Overall, this study provides design-relevant tensile strength values, which, when coupled with suitable application strategies, enable effective bonding under low ambient temperatures. Future investigations will delve deeper into the failure mechanism (adhesion – cohesion) as it relates to curing temperature variations.

Experimental study and seismic assessment on base isolated precast concrete frame structure with box connectors

The precast construction method offers fast and environmentally friendly solutions for sustainable development in construction. Various connection methods, including wet and dry, have been proposed to enhance assembly convenience. However, challenges remain in achieving complete assembly and considering disassembly processes, hindering post-earthquake restoration. This study introduces a precast RC structure system with easily assembled joints that facilitate disassembly. To enhance the structural system's adaptability to regions with high seismic intensity, rubber-bearing base isolation technology is employed to optimize its seismic performance. Shaking table tests were conducted to evaluate the structure system's dynamic response and seismic performance. Test results indicate that the isolation layer significantly decreases the acceleration response, inter-story drift ratios, floor shear forces, and strain of reinforcements. The isolation structure has a high probability of entering operational and immediate occupancy states during rare earthquakes. The deformation of the isolation bearings has a decisive impact on the overall seismic fragility of the isolation structure system.

Fault Diagnosis for Motor Bearings via an Intelligent Strategy Combined with Signal Reconstruction and Deep Learning

To overcome the incomplete decomposition of vibration signals in traditional motor-bearing fault diagnosis algorithms and improve the ability to characterize fault characteristics and anti-interference, a diagnostic strategy combining dual signal reconstruction and deep learning architecture is proposed. In this study, an improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and variational mode decomposition (VMD)-based signal reconstruction method is first introduced to extract features representing motor bearing faults. A feature matrix construction method based on improved information entropy is then proposed to quantify these fault features. Finally, a fault diagnosis algorithm architecture integrating a multi-scale convolutional neural network (MSCNN) with attention mechanisms and a bidirectional long short-term memory network (BiLSTM) is developed. The experimental results for four fault states show that this model can effectively extract fault features from original vibration signals and, compared to other fault diagnosis models, offer high diagnostic accuracy and strong generalization, maintaining high accuracy even under varying speeds and noise interference.

Soil Displacement of Slurry Shield Tunnelling in Sandy Pebble Soil Based on Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulation

Due to its inherent advantages, shield tunnelling has become the primary construction method for urban tunnels, such as high-speed railway and metro tunnels. However, there are numerous technical challenges to shield tunnelling in complex geological conditions. Under the disturbance induced by shield tunnelling, sandy pebble soil is highly susceptible to ground loss and disturbance, which may subsequently lead to the risk of surface collapse. In this paper, large-diameter slurry shield tunnelling in sandy pebble soil is the engineering background. A combination of field monitoring and numerical simulation is employed to analyze tunnelling parameters, surface settlement, and deep soil horizontal displacement. The patterns of ground disturbance induced by shield tunnelling in sandy pebble soil are explored. The findings reveal that slurry pressure, shield thrust, and cutterhead torque exhibit a strong correlation during shield tunnelling. In silty clay sections, surface settlement values fluctuate significantly, while in sandy pebble soil, the settlement remains relatively stable. The longitudinal horizontal displacement of deep soil is significantly greater than the transverse horizontal displacement. In order to improve the surface settlement troughs obtained by numerical simulation, a cross-anisotropic constitutive model is used to account for the anisotropy of the soil. A sensitivity analysis of the cross-anisotropy parameter α was performed, revealing that as α increases, the maximum vertical displacement of the ground surface gradually decreases, but the rate of decrease slows down and tends to level off. Conversely, as the cross-anisotropy parameter α decreases, the width of the settlement trough narrows, improving the settlement trough profile.

Status of Construction Safety in Local Road Bridge Construction and its Consequences in Project Implementation: A Study in Gandaki Province, Nepal

After federalization of Nepal, bridge construction in local roads by provincial levels is in increasing trend. Being highly technical and of risky nature, construction safety needs to be ensured in bridge construction. However, in countries like Nepal, safety issues are considered, with follow up measures, only after the accidents occur at construction sites. In this context, this study aims to assess the present status and consequences of construction safety in local roads bridge project implementation and explore some improvements measures. A quantitative descriptive design was adopted for the study and 30 completed bridge samples from Gandaki province were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaire survey with 56 participants directly related to bridge construction and policy implementation. This study revealed that most of the bridge construction sites have poor workplace safety and worker’s welfare, inadequate provision and use of PPE, lack of trainings and awareness to workers as well as the absence of safety plans and method statements. Similarly, provisions for unsafe supports, shoring, formworks, concreting, and demolition were not noticed. While the absence of safety supervisor, job safety analysis, recording and reporting accident and diseases was observed, abundant cases were found where less importance was given to construction safety and use of PPE undermining the engineering and administrative hazard control methods in road bridge construction. Slip/trip/low falls, hand/leg/head injury, falling from height, eye problem, injury during erections, vehicle and electric current, cost and time overrun, substandard quality, reduced workers’ productivity, increased workers turnover, low construction safety reputation of contractor, loss/damage of land, irrigation canal, drinking water scheme, dust/noise have been found as consequences of poor safety practices. This clearly indicates that present bridge construction safety practices are inadequate and need substantial improvements for better project implementation. The major areas of improvements include safety as first priority, willingness, awareness and commitment of management, contractor and worker, selection of competent workers, formulation of specific safety rules, regulations, codes and their strict enforcement, good communication, safety training and inspection, motivation, adequate budget provision in contract for safety, provision of PPE, feeling safety as self-responsibility and use of technologies as well.