Building Construction Research Articles

Nonlinear Static Analysis of RC Buildings: Effects of Soil Type and Seismic Code Differences on Structural Performance

Reinforced concrete (RC) building construction remains predominant in Northern Cyprus, offering resilience against natural disasters when appropriately designed and implemented. The study presents a seismic analysis of RC building models across different soil classes, stories, and configurations, according to multiple seismic design codes: Eurocode 8 (EC8), Northern Cyprus Seismic Code 2015 (NCSC-2015), and Turkish Buildings Earthquake Code 2018 (TBEC-2018). This paper compares regular and irregular forms of Moment Resisting Frame (MRF) and MRF combined with Shear Walls (MRF+SW) systems in various configurations. These configurations include G+3, G+7, and G+11 for regular buildings, and only G+11 for irregular buildings. Pushover analysis using ETABSv18 was employed to assess the base shear, plastic hinge behavior, and displacement. The results indicate that the regularity of the structures enhances resistance and longevity compared to irregular configurations, with shear walls augmenting resistance against earthquake loads in both regular and irregular buildings. Furthermore, soil class emerges as a significant factor influencing results across the codes. While variations among the codes were not consistently observed, EC 8 and TBEC-2018 often appeared more conservative, with TBEC-2018 demonstrating greater adaptability to advanced technologies and a more detailed parameter consideration.

Nonlinear Static Analysis of RC Buildings: Effects of Soil Type and Seismic Code Differences on Structural Performance

Reinforced concrete (RC) building construction remains predominant in Northern Cyprus, offering resilience against natural disasters when appropriately designed and implemented. The study presents a seismic analysis of RC building models across different soil classes, stories, and configurations, according to multiple seismic design codes: Eurocode 8 (EC8), Northern Cyprus Seismic Code 2015 (NCSC-2015), and Turkish Buildings Earthquake Code 2018 (TBEC-2018). This paper compares regular and irregular forms of Moment Resisting Frame (MRF) and MRF combined with Shear Walls (MRF+SW) systems in various configurations. These configurations include G+3, G+7, and G+11 for regular buildings, and only G+11 for irregular buildings. Pushover analysis using ETABSv18 was employed to assess the base shear, plastic hinge behavior, and displacement. The results indicate that the regularity of the structures enhances resistance and longevity compared to irregular configurations, with shear walls augmenting resistance against earthquake loads in both regular and irregular buildings. Furthermore, soil class emerges as a significant factor influencing results across the codes. While variations among the codes were not consistently observed, EC 8 and TBEC-2018 often appeared more conservative, with TBEC-2018 demonstrating greater adaptability to advanced technologies and a more detailed parameter consideration.

Unshoring Process of a Temporary Pillar, in a Seventeen-Storey Building in Sant Adrià del Besós

In the new construction of a seventeen-storey building, a provisional prop of fourteen-meter height, horizontally braced on two intermediate levels, has been used. Despite the fact that structural logic suggests that it can be cut without having any added safety precautions, the structure of the building, made up of cores and reinforced concrete slabs working spatially, indicates that certain mechanisms be introduced so that, in the event that different and worse behaviors than expected are detected, the process can be stopped and the consequences of the new situation observed can be analyzed. For this purpose, two pairs of four metallic cantilevers were introduced at mid-height with four hydraulic pistons. In addition, the best position of a series of strain gauges as well as transducers were analyzed. At first, a load test was carried out to check that the brackets worked correctly. Once this step was verified, the abutment was cut, and the results were read. The results of stresses and deformations were compared with those expected, always being satisfactory. Finally, four provisional profiles were placed in case after a few days the structure suddenly gave way. The research focuses on obtaining an efficient control system and achieving total security throughout the process, with the comparison of the results strictly necessary for this case. Few resources were used so as not to make the work excessively expensive. We have found important divergences, on the side of security, between calculation and reality. We have also considered that the construction process has an impact on the final results. In the same way, the rigidity of the temporal abutment must be considered before the calculation. All these factors have generated a lower-than-expected deformation in an 8 m cantilever.

Sustainability assessment with the green retrofitting concept for building: A study case in the Gresik regency, Indonesia

In green construction, sustainable resources are essential. One such material is copper, which is widely utilized in electronics, transportation, manufacturing, and residential buildings. As a very useful material, it has many beneficial impacts on human life. Observed from the recent demand spike is in line with the overall trend and the current growing smelter construction in Indonesia. Researchers intend to adapt the existing Copper Smelting Plant Building into an environmentally friendly building as a part of the production chain, in addition to reducing public and environmental concerns about the consequences of this development. We have identified a disparity in cost, where the high cost of green buildings is an obstacle to its implementation to enhance the cost performance with increased renewable energy of the Smelter Construction Building, this study investigates the application of LEED parameters to evaluate green retrofit approaches through system dynamics. The most relevant features of the participant assessments were identified using the SEM-PLS approach, which is used to build and test statistical models of causal models. We have results for this Green Retrofitting study following significant variables according to the following guidelines: innovation, low-emission materials, renewable energy, daylighting, reducing indoor water usage, rainwater management, and access to quality transit.

A novel ultra-light bio-based fiberboard from mexican feather grass for thermal and acoustic insulation in green building construction applications

The use of natural fibers as raw materials for insulation fiberboard production is emerging as a strategy to replace wood fibers. This study developed an ultralightweight natural fiber insulation core fiberboard (CFB) with high mechanical strength, hygroscopic resistance, and excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties. This study examined the production of CFB, which utilizes Mexican feather grass fibers with an epoxy resin binder across a range of densities of 0.18–0.36 g∙cm−3. Furthermore, the impact of incorporating a reinforcing skin layer of woven glass fibers on the core fiberboard's physical, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal properties was evaluated. All the fiberboard samples exhibited excellent thermal conductivity values (0.048–0.057 W/mK), which increased with increasing panel density (0.18–0.36 g∙cm−3). In addition, all of them displayed superior mechanical properties following the ASTM C208 standard. In terms of climatic resistance of the fiberboards, the results displayed excellent water resistance, exhibiting minimal humidity content (<5 %), thickness swelling (<6.5 %), and a hydrophobic surface, as indicated by the high-water contact angle (>121.96 at 30 s). Sound reduction exhibited a frequency-dependent tendency, with denser and sandwich fiberboards showing greater sound reduction of up to 27.9–36.56 dB at 3150 Hz for CFB-0.36 and SFB-0.52, respectively. Following ASTM C208, both core fiberboards and those coated with woven glass fiber skins (sandwich fiberboards, SFB) met the thermomechanical property requirements for regular and structural wall sheathing applications, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of Mexican feather grass as a bio-based alternative to wood, enabling the production of eco-friendly ultralightweight fiberboards with excellent thermomechanical properties suitable for building construction, such as regular and structural wall sheathing applications and ceiling decorations.

METHODS AND PRACTICES OF TRAINING AND APPLICATION OF CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR DETECTING VARIOUS DEFECTS ON THE SURFACES OF BUILDING STRUCTURES

The subject of research in this article is the practice of implementing and applying types of artificial intelligence – convolutional neural networks and data science - to detect various defects on the surfaces of building structures. The purpose of the study is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of implementing and using convolutional neural network technologies together with other software and hardware components to automate traditional methods of monitoring the technical condition of the external surfaces of buildings and structures. The article solves the following tasks: to substantiate the effectiveness of implementation of convolutional neural network technologies and data science methods; to apply them in practice with software and hardware technologies to automate traditional methods of performing work on detecting various defects on the surfaces of building structures in the construction and operation of buildings and structures; to show the problems and shortcomings of these methods and technologies. To solve the tasks, an integrated approach was used with the use of general scientific and special research methods (analysis, explanation, generalisation, comparison). The following results have been obtained: the features that affect the accuracy of the analysis of the collected data used by neural convolutional network technologies to detect various defects on the surfaces of building structures have been identified; practices and methods for more efficient and accurate application of this technology have been reflected. Conclusions: the study allowed to identify the practical opportunities and problems that exist in this technology; recommendations for the effective use of this technology were developed; factors influencing the more efficient use of this technology in industry were identified.

Predicting Housing Prices Using Supervised Machine Learning Models

Abstract: Variations in housing prices exert a profound impact on economic policies and personal financial decisions. This study aims to delve into the factors that affect housing prices and construct a predictive model using machine learning techniques. Machine learning enables computers to acquire knowledge from data and make predictions or decisions. This study forcasts house prices by analyzing the characteristics of data from Seattle, Washington using machine learning multiple linear regression, polynomial regression, and K-nearest neighbors regression (KNN). The findings of this investigation demonstrate that the polynomial regression model is the most accurate in predicting housing prices and can capture nonlinear relationships in the data more effectively than multiple linear regression and K-nearest neighbors regression. The main factors affecting housing prices are interior living space and the construction and design of buildings. These insights hold potential for enhancing government policies, facilitating effective land use decision-making by planners, and enabling investors to make more informed choices.

Work-Related Stress and Coping: A Comparative Analysis of On-Site and Office-Based Workers in UK Building Construction.

There are increasing mental health concerns in the construction industry workforce, with stress being a primary concern. This qualitative study investigates stress experiences and the management of stress in office-based and on-site workers in the UK building construction sector. This study can provide key insights for construction, but also potentially other industries which struggle with high stress levels among their employees. A total of 40 semi-structured interviews (20 on-site/20 office-based) were conducted at large-scale building construction projects in the southeast UK. Framework method analysis was used to derive an understanding of stress in the workplace and coping strategies. The study identified two major themes: the negative influence of work stress on personal and professional wellbeing, and the management of stress through proactive and reactive coping strategies. Results indicated that on-site workers frequently cited high workloads, tight deadlines, and safety concerns, whereas office-based workers tended to highlight job complexity and organisational pressures. Both population sub-groups reported stress affecting their work performance, with site-workers having the added concern of physical health and safety. Coping strategies among workers tended to rely on support networks, outside-the-workplace hobbies, and boundary-setting, among others. Stress remains a significant problem in the workplace and affects wellbeing; however, there are ways to mitigate the stress. Our findings could provide a foundation for intervention development.

Integration of Proactive Building Fire Risk Management in the Building Construction Sector: A Conceptual Framework to Understand the Existing Condition

Integration of Proactive Building Fire Risk Management in the Building Construction Sector: A Conceptual Framework to Understand the Existing Condition

Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA): Synergising Circularity and Modularity in the Building Construction Industry

Modular construction is emerging into the limelight in the construction industry as one of the front-running modern methods of construction, facilitating multiple benefits, including improved productivity. Meanwhile, Circular Economy (CE) principles are also becoming prominent in the Building Construction Industry (BCI), which is infamous for its prodigious resource consumption and waste generation. In essence, the basic concepts of modular construction and CE share some commonalities in their fundamental design principles, such as standardisation, simplification, prefabrication, and mobility. Hence, exploring ways of synergising circularity and modularity in the design stage with a Whole Life Cycle (WLC) of value creation and retention is beneficial. By conducting a thorough literature review, supported by expert interviews and brainstorming sessions, followed by a case study, the concept of Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA) was proposed to deliver circularity and modularity synergistically in circularity-oriented modular construction. This novel conceptualisation of DfCMA is envisaged to be a value-adding original theoretical contribution of this paper. Furthermore, the findings are expected to add value to the BCI by proposing a way forward to synergise circularity and modularity to contribute substantially towards an efficient circular built environment.

Driving the zero-carbon construction strategy: key barriers and enablers

PurposeIn the fast-changing field of zero-carbon construction there is a gap in understanding how zero-carbon construction strategies are experienced in practice. This paper aims to identify the key barriers and enablers to driving a zero-carbon construction strategy by industry, policymakers and educators.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in two stages. The first stage used a literature review to determine thematic areas from which to develop discussion points for the second stage of the research, which gathered insights into key barriers and enablers to driving a zero-carbon construction strategy from analysing recorded discussion with industry, policymakers and educators. This study adopts a qualitative research methodological design underpinned by dialectical approach of enquiries involving 31 participants. The philosophical standpoint aligns with a constructivist participatory worldview based on multiple stakeholder perspectives. Data involving virtual and face-to-face engagement held simultaneously in Australia and India were transcribed, coded and synthesised to identify the barriers and enablers to driving zero-carbon construction strategy.FindingsThe paper identified key barriers and enablers driving zero-carbon construction strategy. Barriers included limited awareness of industry dynamics; fixed mental models of professional practice; complexities in identifying appropriate skillsets; difficulties associated with reviewing education and training models and integrating sustainable strategies at early stages of projects. Enablers included: fostering education reform and supporting frameworks and procurement strategies for developers and clients; implementing efficient building designs, construction and operationalisation of zero-carbon buildings and; utilising an industry-led integrated approach. A framework was developed to provide an illustrative view of the linkage between the research projects’ focus areas and emergent themes.Originality/valueThe paper provides zero-carbon action priorities for four significant stakeholder groups in the build environment, developers, building occupiers, educators and government. As the priorities are derived in the research from examination of current literature and analysis of stakeholder viewpoints, this paper presents a unique, realistic and timely identification of barriers and key enablers driving zero-carbon construction strategies. Methodology applied in terms of data collection involved a public discourse and a unique technology-driven collaborative approach where participants simultaneously contributed across countries and time zones in a synchronous manner across key topics related to driving the zero-carbon construction strategy.

Simulation-based design: minimizing energy consumption in residential buildings through optimal thermal insulation

Purpose This study aims to optimize the energy consumption of residential buildings in mild and humid climates. It investigates the use of thermal insulation to reduce thermal load through energy simulation analysis. Design/methodology/approach A residential building located in Rasht city, Iran (a mild and humid climate zone), is simulated using DesignBuilder software. Subsequently, the minimum thermal resistance for external walls and roof is analyzed along with its impact on building energy consumption and carbon emissions. Findings The simulation results indicated a 26.5% reduction in heat loss through the walls and a 14.2% reduction through the roof due to optimal thermal insulation. Furthermore, optimal insulation led to a 19.2% reduction in cooling system energy use, a 12% reduction in heating system energy use and a combined 15.3% reduction in total energy consumption for cooling and heating. Originality/value This optimization process leads to several benefits: reduced costs associated with thermal and cooling energy losses in buildings, improved building performance against atmospheric factors and, ultimately, a reduction in energy consumption across the building industry. This research can be valuable to various stakeholders, including the construction industry and building sector, municipalities and engineering systems, building owners and contractors and environmental organizations. By implementing these findings, they can improve the state of modern building insulation and achieve greater energy efficiency.

Moment capacity of cold-formed steel trusses with Howick Rivet Connectors: Tests, modelling and design

Cold-formed steel (CFS) trusses are increasingly used in lightweight building construction. A new type of pin-jointed connector, known as the Howick Rivet Connectors (HRCs), has been developed for CFS trusses. Previous studies focused on testing T-stub connections and shear strengths of CFS trusses with HRCs, providing insights into their structural performance and shear capacity. This paper extends the research by testing ten new CFS trusses with HRCs to determine their moment capacity. The study involved two different cross-sections: lipped channel sections and hat sections, used as truss chords. Variations in the number and locations of lateral supports were introduced to simulate different boundary conditions. A parametric study explored the effects of span-height ratio and variability in lateral support locations on truss strength and failure modes. Finally, the trusses with lipped section chords were designed according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI 2016) and Australia/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS 2018), achieving an average test-to-design strength ratio of 0.86.

Enhancing performance of construction waste management: Factor analysis from the building contractors’ perspectives

With the rapid growth of urbanization, construction projects have surged, increasing construction waste (CW). Effective construction waste management (CWM) is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of CW on the environment, society, and the economy. This study aimed to identify critical attributes and factors that enhance CWM in building construction. Attributes were initially identified through a literature review and verified by 32 experts. Subsequently, a questionnaire based on the retained attributes was developed, and a survey was conducted with 304 construction professionals from the building construction sector in Cambodia and Thailand. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were sequentially conducted and further revealed five factors with a total of 27 attributes, namely Governance and policies (8 attributes), Materials and equipment (8 attributes), Requirements and specifications (4 attributes), Construction information systems (4 attributes), and Waste collection facilities (3 attributes). This study identified and confirmed the critical attributes and factors in enhancing the contractors’ CWM performance in building construction that are specifically within the 2 R strategy (reduce and reuse) that contractors can fully control on their construction sites. The findings provide empirical evidence to guide contractors in improving CWM in building construction projects. By enhancing all attributes across the five key factors, contractors can minimize CW and reduce the negative impact of construction activities on the environment and society, thereby contributing to sustainable construction practices.

Effect of Material on Lathe Rotation at HSS (High Speed Steel) M42 Tool Cutting Tool Wear Level

In an era where science and technology are rapidly developing, in the era of globalization it opens a wide door for every individual to embrace change. Human resources, being the pulse that pumps industrial life, must be proficient in mastering science and technology, being able to apply it in every step of the industry, and steel has become an important milestone in various sectors, from building construction to machine components. However, behind the glitter of this civilization, technical processes such as turning the HSS M42 chisel face its own challenges. At certain rpm cycles, the tool experiences an erratic level of wear, as evidenced by the difference between the initial and final weights as well as the difference in the initial and final lengths. In the HSS M42 tool turning attempt, the HSS M42 1200 type tool with a size of 3/8x3/8x4" and a rotation speed of 700, 900, and 1200 rpm, with a cutting depth of 1 mm and a feed rate of 0.09, almost encountered a weakness. Tools that wear out quickly, especially at 900 rpm, make turning results less satisfactory. However, there was a light at the end of the hallway. In the same process, the use of HSS tools with HSS M42 1200 type, dimensions of 3/8x3/8x4", was able to answer the challenge with more promising success. At 900 rpm rotation, the wear that occurs is more controlled, resulting in a workpiece with a satisfactory level of fineness, reaching N6 in the measurement of surface roughness. As if to be a symbol of struggle, HSS chisels are able to cut finer traces in the ocean of HSS M42 chisels

Features, reasons, and significance of radon and thoron attributable radiological dose in the indoor environment

Humans receive around 50% of natural radiation dose due to 222Rn (radon), 220Rn (thoron) and their decay products. Several field campaigns measuring these gases and the decay products in different regions of India have been conducted in the recent past. Some of these studies measured indoor activity concentration and/or dose due to these gases and the associated decay products. This work compares the fraction of 222Rn and decay products and 220Rn and decay products in inhalation dose for 10 studies conducted in Uttarakhand state. It is seen that AEDT (annual effective dose due to 220Rn and decay products) for these regions varies between 21 and 48% and it is significantly higher than the averaged worldwide reference value of 6%. Based on elaborative measurements performed in the Bageshwar district (present work), Almora and Nainital districts (our previous campaigns); the reasons for this high value have been explored. It was observed that a higher source term for mud houses could be the main reason for the high AEDT range. Interestingly, preliminary analysis revealed that the fraction is higher for the dwellings situated at higher altitudes thus indicating the role of the unavailability of modern building construction materials at remote locations. The study highlights the significant contribution of thoron in the Indian Himalayas.

Contrasting Conventional and Modern Building Construction Methods

Contrasting Conventional and Modern Building Construction Methods

Factors Affecting Project Owners' Commitment to Implement Green Building Principles in the South Kalimantan Province of Indonesia

The construction of green buildings faces various challenges, including high costs, extended implementation timelines, and numerous requirements that must be satisfied. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of green buildings. The research focuses on the PUPR Office in South Kalimantan Province, as well as planning consultants, construction management personnel, and contractors involved in the construction projects of the South Kalimantan Sports Hall and the Sheikh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari Mosque in South Kalimantan Province. Key factors affecting the implementation of green buildings include financial commitment, energy savings, and the utilization of environmentally friendly materials. These factors encompass several variables: additional fund allocation for green buildings, the skills and experience of designers, the integration of natural and artificial lighting, energy-saving planning, the application of prefabrication technology and flatpack design, the use of sustainable materials, the incorporation of local wisdom, and strategies for light efficiency and outsourcing that involve gain sharing. Keywords: Building Construction, Building Energy Performance, Energy, Green Building, Green Construction

BIM and IFC Data Readiness for AI Integration in the Construction Industry: A Review Approach

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been increasingly integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to automate building construction processes. However, the methods for effectively transforming data from BIM formats, such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), into formats suitable for AI applications still need to be explored. This paper conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA guidelines to analyse current data preparation approaches in BIM applications. The goal is to identify the most suitable methods for AI integration by reviewing current data preparation practices in BIM applications. The review included a total of 93 articles from SCOPUS and WoS. The results include eight common data types, two data management frameworks, and four primary data conversion methods. Further analysis identified three barriers: first, the IFC format’s lack of support for time-series data; second, limitations in extracting geometric information from BIM models; and third, the absence of established toolchains to convert IFC files into usable formats. Based on the evidence, the data readiness is at an intermediate level. This research may serve as a guideline for future studies to address the limitations in data preparation within BIM for AI integration.

Data-driven Strategies for Affordable Housing: A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning Optimization Model in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area

Abstract. The escalating rental crisis in Australia, rooted in demographic dynamics, a scarcity of lands suitable for development and the influence of interest rates and government subsidies, necessitates innovative solutions for housing affordability. One promising approach is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. Nevertheless, these efforts must be guided by well-informed policies as they are required to cater to the diverse needs of the stakeholders involved. Accordingly, this study aims to prioritize suburbs in the Melbourne Metropolitan area for the construction of apartment/unit buildings, benefiting both builders/investors and renters. Leveraging a hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning (GA-ML) framework, multi-objective optimization models are developed to rank 105 suburbs based on key parameters for both builders/investors and renters. The optimization process seeks to maximize economic outlook and rental yields for builders/investors while minimizing rents and commuting distances for renters, in addition to proximity to essential amenities. First, an initial optimization using GA based on six key parameters is performed considering a linear multi-objective function. Subsequently, ML-based objective functions are defined using Random Forest (RF) and extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models to refine the optimization model for suburb rankings. The evaluation reveals strong correlations between GA and GA-XGB rankings, suggesting the effectiveness of the GA-XGBoost model in prioritizing suburbs. Notably, suburbs consistently prioritized across all models include Brunswick, Coburg, Preston and Reservoir, highlighting their suitability for apartment/unit building construction. By directing attention to specific suburbs aligned with different stakeholders' needs and preferences, this study contributes to a more sustainable and equitable housing landscape.