Contemporary Buildings Research Articles

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF MASHRABIYA IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

This research investigates the multifaceted significance of Mashrabiya, a traditional architectural element found throughout the Islamic world. Employing a design typology approach, it delves into its historical, social, artistic, and environmental aspects. The core focus lies in the typology's impact on functionality, including solar control, ventilation, and humidity regulation. Cultural and social values embedded within the design and craftsmanship are also explored. The study emphasizes design strategies for incorporating Mashrabiya in both historical and contemporary buildings, analysing its use as a primary decorative element. A comparative analysis with traditional Malay house screening is included. six case studies, encompassing traditional and modern applications, will be examined alongside the element's historical background, installation methods, material usage, and modern adaptations in hotels and boutiques. Finally, the artistic representation and construction techniques, particularly its connection to abstract geometry, will be explored. This comprehensive investigation aims to highlight the rich history of Mashrabiya, establish it as a valuable source of inspiration for future designers, and bridge the knowledge gap between traditional and modern forms.

Revolutionary Steel Structures: A Comprehensive Review of Current Trends and Future Directions

Steel construction has always been a key element of contemporary buildings with new properties of strength, stability and versatility. This work aims to review the profound developments in the steel structures area with special emphasis on new tendencies, drawbacks and prospects for the future. Innovation areas covered are developments with high-performance steel alloys, prefabrication and modular construction techniques to improve efficiency in the use of global natural resources such as carbonized waste products like slag from coal-fired power plants), and Digital Twin technologies which include AI monitoring systems. These innovations are changing the way steel structures can be designed, constructed and maintained in ways that allow for more efficient and sustainable construction practices we have yet to see. There is a strong focus on sustainable and eco-friendly steel production, such as hydrogen-based steelmaking and the increased use of recycled materials which help reduce carbon emissions helping this transition towards a global circular economy. The paper discusses some of the big challenges facing implementation in infrastructure, as well as the critical need for material performance under these extreme conditions (corrosion & fire resistance), discussing strategies to meet or re-direct them. In terms of the future, it identifies positive steps that are good news for steel structures in growth sectors such as renewable infrastructure, aerospace and smart cities. Recently, self-healing materials14–19 (and the related quantum-inspired approaches20) were developed and tested for integration into adaptive steel designs21 using active fluids... but there are many other opportunities in construction where the robotic workload can grow further. This paper presents an in-depth examination of these trends and innovations from which the current state-of-the-art regarding innovative steel structures can be extracted, offering pertinent insights on how this is set to or could continue into its role within a burgeoning concept for resilient, sustainable and intelligent built environments.

Study on Smoke Leakage Performance in Mass Timber Construction Taking Cross-Laminated Timber Walls as an Example

In contemporary building design, partition walls combined with doors and windows are commonly used to control the spread of smoke. Understanding the smoke leakage characteristics of cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls is crucial for enhancing safety. This study investigates the smoke-sealing performance of CLT walls through full-scale tests, focusing on the application of this type of mass timber construction in smoke control. The test specimens included four joints, with leakage measured under two conditions—non-fire and fire exposure—at three different pressure differentials. A total of 72 tests were conducted. The results showed that under non-fire conditions, the leakage rate was 0.00 m³/h, while exposure to fire caused a significant increase in leakage. Under a pressure differential of 25 Pa, the average leakage rate was 8.17 m³/h, with a maximum of 8.27 m³/h. This study also proposes a method for evaluating the leakage rate of a single joint, which helps estimate the smoke layer descent time and, in turn, the allowable evacuation time. The findings not only enhance the fire safety performance of mass timber construction but also provide valuable insights for evacuation planning.

Optimization of Building Envelope parameters Design toward Energy Conservation (Contemporary Buildings in Tehran)

Optimization of Building Envelope parameters Design toward Energy Conservation (Contemporary Buildings in Tehran)

Studi Elemen Struktur Rumah Tradisional Mbaru Niang

Title: Study of Structural Elements of Traditional Mbaru Niang House TraTraditional houses are built using natural materials and environmentally friendly construction techniques, taking into account climate, topography, and local culture. The connection structures in traditional houses are closely related to responding to local climate conditions. For example, the connections in the traditional house of Mbaru Niang in Wae Rebo, NTT, can withstand wind and earthquake loads due to its location in the mountains, which are prone to earthquakes and tornadoes. This study aims to analyze the connection structure in the Mbaru Niang traditional house using Iwamura's sustainability theory. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, collecting data from previous literature. The results show that the structure of Mbaru Niang is formed by the material characteristics sourced from the environment by the Wae Rebo community, which are used according to their natural properties, such as worok wood and bamboo, which are flexible materials, allowing the building structure to adapt to the flexibility of the materials. Flexibility can also be seen in the connection techniques that withstand earthquake loads and wind forces. This finding will produce a design proposal for connection techniques in contemporary buildings inspired by the local wisdom of connection techniques in Mbaru Niang houses.

Optimizing concrete strength through the incorporation of steel nails: a comprehensive engineering analysis

The primary materials utilized in contemporary buildings are concrete and reinforced concrete. Researchers applied many methods to improve their quality and reduce costs by adding additives. The primary focus of this investigation is the compressive strength of concrete. After adding varying amounts of steel nails to the concrete mixture, the ensuing changes in compressive strength are subjected to a comprehensive analysis. Mix design was conducted, and concrete cylinders having a diameter of 4” and height of 8” were produced with varying percentages of steel nails: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the cement weight. The mixture was prepared, maintaining a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.5. The compressive strength of the concrete is measured at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the mixing process. It was determined that steel nail incorporation increased compressive strength. With a 5% mix, the highest strength measured is 4775 pounds per square inch, much higher than the normal strength required for most construction projects. Furthermore, using steel nails led to a cost reduction in concrete of up to 0.5%, alongside a strength enhancement of up to 24% compared to conventional concrete.

Investigation of band-beam slabs subjected to close-in blast loading - Experimental and numerical study

"Band-beam slab" or "slab with a shallow beam" are widely used in contemporary multi-level building construction and are particularly common in lower levels and basements. These slabs are favoured for conserving space and reducing floor-to-floor heights. Consequently, understanding how band-beam slabs perform when exposed to close-range detonations is essential for critical infrastructure projects and has not been previously studied in the literature. With recent terrorism events where portable explosives ranging from 2 kg to 10 kg are more common, a close-in detonation can significantly affect the structural integrity of civil infrastructure. Thus, this study aims to examine the behaviour of band-beam slabs when subjected to close-in detonations. The paper presents both experimental results and validated Arbitrary Lagrange-Euler (ALE) numerical framework to study and assess the damage of the slabs under various loading conditions and slab designs. A total of six band-bean panels are subjected to close-in detonations of Composition-4 (C4) charges. Initially, validation of the numerical modelling is performed where damage in terms of spall crater sizing and crack patterns are observed. It was shown that the numerical modelling technique could predict crater sizes within 15 % of the area, and crack propagation, including patterns, was appropriately captured. Through numerical modelling parametrisations, it was shown that confinement detailing, such as the use of C-hooks, close spacing of shear reinforcement, and additional reinforcement in the beam-to-slab transition zone can drastically improve the performance of the panel in terms of spalling damage and deflections. Finally, it was shown that the spalling, global and local deformation can be minimised with appropriate detailing. Design recommendations for additional reinforcement to control and mitigate spalling, cracking and scabbing were proposed.

Harnessing the past: Vibration analysis of organic additives in ancient plasters for sustainable building solutions

This study investigates plant-based organic additives and grains used in ancient earthen plasters from the caves of Karla, Bhaja, Pitalkhora, Ellora, and Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India, highlighting their relevance for sustainable modern construction. Stereo microscopy, FTIR spectrophotometry, and phytochemical analysis identified rice husk, millet, wheat, Chenopodium album, Paspalum, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, and Fumaria seeds as key organic components. Starch grain analysis confirmed the presence of wheat, millet, and mung bean starches, while polarized light microscopy revealed distinctive birefringence patterns, such as the Maltese cross. FTIR analysis of solvent extractions identified natural compounds, including starches, gums, proteins, oils, waxes, and tree resins. These organic additives, especially rice husk, prevalent in Karla, Bhaja, and Pitalkhora samples, and the balanced composition of hemp fibers, seeds, and gums in Ellora samples, contributed significantly to the strength and durability of the plasters. The use of beeswax and tree resins as natural binders further underscores the ingenuity of these ancient techniques. This research not only highlights the botanical diversity in ancient construction but also draws critical connections to modern sustainable practices. The carbon-negative potential of these materials, combined with their renewability and resilience, aligns closely with contemporary green building strategies, offering inspiration for eco-friendly construction rooted in traditional Indian architecture.

Prediction of mechanical properties of basalt fiber concrete using hybrid recurrent neural networks based on freeze-thaw damage quantification

In the domain of contemporary building materials, the freeze durability of concrete is paramount for ensuring structural safety and longevity. However, traditional assessment methods have hindered research advancement due to their time-intensive and intricate nature. This study presents a novel model that integrates physical damage mechanisms with machine learning to analyze freeze-thaw damage in basalt fiber concrete (BFC). Experimental data on the performance of BFC with various admixtures subjected to freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) were collected. Due to the limited data availability, a hybrid recurrent neural network (HRNN) model was developed by combining recurrent neural network (RNN) and long-short-term memory network (LSTM) techniques to address the challenge of training an effective neural network. Furthermore, irreversible thermodynamics and continuous damage mechanics were incorporated into the loss function of the original model, resulting in a novel hybrid damage function that served to train and constrain the model. The data flow and structural parameters were meticulously adjusted to enhance prediction accuracy and model stability. The results indicate that basalt fibers significantly enhance the frost resistance of concrete, particularly at a dosage of 0.1 %, where the model achieves its lowest prediction error of less than 10 %. Stability and robustness were evidenced under the influence of data with identical parameters. Sensitivity analysis underscored the model's precision in capturing the effects of various parameters. By synergizing thermodynamic principles with data-driven methodologies, the model exhibited remarkable adaptability across FTC damage scenarios. This study offers a novel solution for enhancing the durability of concrete in cold regions and opens up new avenues for the engineering applications of multi-material systems.

A Proposed School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo, Uganda

Uganda is headed for exponential growth both in its population and in its building stock. The buildings of small Ugandan market communities such as Kalongo, a remote village in the north, reflect two distinct construction systems, as contemporary building practices have turned their back on tradition. Interventions by foreign NGOs in the area have contributed to the stigmatization of local building traditions as representing underdevelopment. This proposed design project for a School for Traditional Building Arts & Crafts in Kalongo seeks to bridge the disconnect between building traditions and the growing requirement for durable, sustainable buildings. The proposal sets out the concept of an innovative way of building through the elevation of local materials and traditions on a new scale.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Insulation Thickness with Respect to On-Site RES Generation in Residential Buildings

This paper investigates the optimization of insulation thickness with respect to the integration of renewable energy systems in residential buildings in order to improve energy efficiency, maximize the contribution of renewables and reduce life cycle costs. Using the DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus software, this study models a representative two-story residential building located in Athens, Greece. The building envelope features extruded polystyrene thermal insulation and windows with unplasticized polyvinyl chloride frames and low-e glazing. Six scenarios with hybrid renewable energy systems are analyzed, including air- and ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal systems and a biomass fired boiler, so as to assess energy consumption, economic feasibility and internal air temperature conditions. A Pareto-fronts-based optimization algorithm is applied to determine the optimal combination of insulation thicknesses for the walls, the roof and the floor, focusing on minimizing the life cycle cost and maximizing the percentage of renewable energy utilized. The results demonstrate that scenarios involving biomass boilers and solar thermal systems, both for heating and cooling, when combined with reasonable thermal protection, can effectively meet the recent European Union’s directive’s goal, with renewable energy systems contributing more than 50% of the total energy requirements, whilst maintaining acceptable internal air temperature conditions and having a life cycle cost lower than contemporary conventional buildings.

“AI-Powered Earthquake Resilience: Predictive Modeling and Design Optimization for Seismic-Resistant Structures."

The study introduces an AI-powered framework for predictive modeling and design optimization of seismic-resistant structures. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze historical earthquake events, structural responses, and material properties. The framework integrates real-time data analytics, ensuring structural integrity and immediate response to seismic threats. Case studies show improvements in structural resilience, reduced damage, and cost-effectiveness.The increasing frequency and intensity of seismic events necessitate the development of advanced strategies for enhancing the resilience of structures. This study introduces an AI-powered framework aimed at predictive modeling and design optimization for seismic-resistant structures. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the proposed methodology analyzes vast datasets of historical earthquake events, structural responses, and material properties to identify patterns and predict potential vulnerabilities in existing designs. The framework integrates real-time data analytics, enabling the continuous assessment of structural integrity and immediate response to seismic threats. Additionally, it employs generative design principles to optimize structural configurations, materials, and reinforcement strategies, ensuring compliance with contemporary building codes and enhancing performance during seismic activities. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, showcasing significant improvements in structural resilience, reduction in potential damage, and cost- effectiveness. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of smart construction practices, promoting sustainable urban development in earthquake-prone regions and fostering safer communities.

Transformation of the Traditional Style in Contemporary Long Span Buildings: The Case of Majapahit

Transformation of the Traditional Style in Contemporary Long Span Buildings: The Case of Majapahit

Kajian Perancangan Rumah Sederhana Berkonsep Klimatik pada Kampung Dempet di Tipar Padalarang Bandung

<p><em>Climatic architecture is becoming a popular concept as it addresses issues of climate change, economy, and building health. The pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of cross-ventilation, bringing the climatic concept back into focus for the design of new buildings and the development of existing ones. This study aims to: 1) Identify the characteristics of urban village houses with attached homes focused on thermal comfort, 2) Determine climatic design criteria for attached houses, 3) Understand the application of climatic concepts in attached houses. The methodology used is descriptive quantitative, with data from field conditions and references from journals. The results indicate that in addition to window placement aligned with wind direction, the use of wind chimneys and rain harvesting systems can be implemented in houses in densely built villages. This research is expected to provide knowledge about climatic architecture and offer solutions for its application in contemporary building design.</em></p>

Traditional and contemporary building thermal sensations prediction models in a warm-humid climate

ABSTRACT Passive ways of providing thermal comfort have been intensively researched in many nations. Despite researchers’ strenuous efforts, most studies on thermal comfort concerns are centred on continents such as Asia, America, Europe, and Africa, with a handful of studies comparing building types in the sub-Saharan area. However, none has focused on statistical models to predict the thermal sensations of occupants in traditional and modern structures during the dry season. Hence, this study investigated interior relative humidity, air temperature, and occupants’ thermal feelings in traditional and modern structures in the dry season in Okigwe, Nigeria. The data for this investigation was collected by physically measuring relative humidity and air temperature using data loggers. A longitudinal survey technique was also used to elicit answers from the residents of the selected traditional and modern structures on the thermal feeling of comfort temperature. To predict the inhabitants’ thermal sensations in the building types investigated, two statistical models were developed: ‘TSVt = 0.65 (MITt) – 13.5’ for traditional structures and ‘TSVc = 0.74 (MITc) – 16’ for modern. The comfort range and neutral temperature of ‘3.15 ≤ TSV ≤ 4.85’ 1–7 yielded 26.8°C as the neutral temperature for the occupants of traditional buildings, with the comfort ranging between 25.6°C and 28.2°C. Contemporary building occupants’ neutral temperature and comfort ranges from 25.9°C to 28.2°C. The study therefore recommended the use of the developed models by Architects, Planners, and Designers for predicting the occupants’ sensations of the building types before preliminary investigations and design sketches, as with such information, the designer possesses the necessary tools for providing buildings that are thermally comfortable for maximum comfort and minimal consumption of energy.

Impact of Various High Intensity Earthquake Characteristics on the Inelastic Seismic Response of Irregular Medium-Rise Buildings

In the twenty-first century, the seismic design of buildings seems to have become a fully recognized topic. There are guidelines and standards which should be taken into account by designers in seismic areas. Designers using modern international guidelines have ascertained that the behavior of structures is not as expected. New challenges in the construction industry result in the construction of structures with new, unusual shapes. These are structures that do not meet the assumptions of safe construction in seismic areas. Contemporary buildings are also characterized by their irregular distribution of structural elements. Such solutions are not beneficial from the point of view of seismic engineering and can lead to reduced dynamic resistance and damage in such structures. In this paper, a five-storey, irregular-shaped reinforced concrete (RC) building model was subjected to different earthquakes with varying magnitudes, PGA (peak ground acceleration) and PGV (peak ground velocity) values, and durations of the intense shock phase. Once the model was verified using previous in situ measurements, the building model was subjected to five earthquakes. A numerical nonlinear analysis of the building was performed using a verified FEA (finite element analysis) model in the time domain through non-linear time history analysis with the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method. The building’s dynamic properties were measured using various methods of excitation. The model was influenced, among others, by two far-field representative events caused by the last earthquake in Turkey, which resulted in strong ground motion. The analysis results identified the locations of structural damage and allowed for the assessment of the structure’s dynamic resistance. The results of the calculations prove that the duration of the intensive phase of extortion is one of the reasons for building damage in earthquake-prone areas. Building damage occurs with earthquakes that are characterized by an intensive phase of excitation with a long duration and high values of velocity in the earthquake components. The article highlights the inadequate dynamic resistance of the building, leading to excessive displacements and unfavorable structural solutions. Damage to buildings at this earthquake intensity caused damage to the load-bearing structure, which was not designed for such intensities. This paper is a research report with a specific case study of medium-rise irregular RC buildings.

Charles Sanders Peirce's Semiotic Approach in Analyzing the Architecture of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque Banda Aceh

The concept of semiotic architecture is widely used in historical and contemporary buildings such as large-volume buildings, one of which is a mosque. The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh is one of the icons of Islamic architecture in Indonesia that can be studied using the concept of Charles Sanders Peirce semiotics. The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque represents religious symbols, culture, and the struggle of the Acehnese people in addition to being a site of worship for Muslims. The application of Peirce's semiotic approach in analyzing the architecture of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between icons, indices and symbols in the context of Islamic architecture. This analysis not only enriches our appreciation of the aesthetic beauty and cultural values contained in mosque architecture, but also provides greater insight into the role of architecture in shaping identity and collective memory. The research methodology in this study includes a descriptive qualitative technique and a literature review. The study's findings obtained 7 data which include 4 icon data consisting of domes, umbrellas, mihrabs, and flower carvings. 1 index data in the form of the main tower of the mosque. And 2 symbol data, namely the black color on the mosque dome and the white color in the mosque room.

Smart material selection strategies for sustainable and cost-effective high-performance concrete production using deep learning

The creation of high-performing concrete (HPC) is greatly influenced by the selection of materials, with cost and sustainability factors playing a bigger part in contemporary building techniques. To overcome these limitations, we developed a Multi-Objective Ant Colony Adaptive Dense Convolutional Neural Network (MOAC-ADenseNet) with 5-K-Fold cross validation, a dependable and precise forecasting model for the cost-effective selection of HPC material. First, we collect a concrete material dataset for evaluating the suggested method. MOAC-ADenseNet utilized Dense convolutional neural networks and ant colony optimization for complex material data analysis, which makes it easier to choose expensive and sustainable materials for high-performance concrete manufacturing operations. The experimental findings of the suggested approach are evaluated for the relative measure such as Pearson's Linear Correlation Coefficient (R) is 0.93, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is 91.38, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 58.15, and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) is 8.79. The outcomes demonstrated that the material cost of HPC was correctly predicted by the MOAC-ADenseNet. The actual measured value and the MOAC-ADenseNet model predictions, following 5-K-fold cross-validation and input feature improvement, shows its effectiveness. A The MOAC-ADenseNet approach provides feasible method for enhancing material selection in HPC manufacturing accomplishing sustainability and cost-effectiveness goals.

Investigation of colonial-era architecture style on modern architecture design style in Aden city

This study investigated the lasting influence of British colonial architecture (129 years) on contemporary building design in Aden, Yemen. The initial focus was on the perception of British Neo-Classical architecture as a symbol of superiority, overshadowing Aden's rich architectural history. This research explored Aden's architectural transformation from pre-colonial to colonial periods, analyzing the impact of colonial-era building facades on modern design practices. Through observation and interviews with built environment professionals, the study examined the broader social, political, and economic effects of British colonialism. The findings reveal a significant influence of British colonial architecture on the design of building facades in Aden. This influence is evident in structures like the repurposed church on Crater Mountain, which now serves as a government building. The influx of British administrators, soldiers, and workers from diverse backgrounds (Indian, Somali, Jewish) during the colonial period contributed to Aden's architectural diversity by constructing churches, temples, and government buildings. Unfortunately, the ongoing war in Yemen has damaged or destroyed many of these structures. This study also found that classical architectural elements from British colonial buildings like the Military Museum in Crater, the Heritage Museum, and the Tax Office continue to influence modern design. These elements and the miniature Big Ben clock in Al-Tawahi stand as prominent symbols of British influence in Aden. However, the Yemeni government's restoration efforts for these colonial-era buildings have been slow and largely ineffective. The research further explored the enduring influence of Neo-classical architectural ideals in Aden. The study highlights the formal guidelines, specific modules, and proportions used in designing arches and columns, particularly in residential buildings. These elements contribute to the aesthetic qualities of these structures. While the British incorporated classical elements during their rule, architectural advancements and new materials have led to the incorporation of novel elements in contemporary design.

Dynamic behaviour of ultra-high performance concrete beams with rectangular openings subjected to impact loads

To facilitate residents’ needs, contemporary building structures often incorporate prefabricated transverse openings in reinforced concrete (RC) beams to accommodate pipeline installations. However, these openings can potentially impact the load-bearing capacity of the beams, particularly as structures increasingly need to consider dynamic loading effects. The use of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has proven effective in enhancing the dynamic resistance of RC beams with openings. This study employs numerical simulations in ANSYS/LS-DYNA to investigate the dynamic response of UHPC beams with rectangular openings exposed to low-velocity impact. The calibrated Continuous Surface Cap (CSC) model is primarily validated through quasi-static four-point loading tests on UHPC beams with openings. Following this validation, numerical simulations of drop hammer impact are carried out to comprehensively analyse the behaviour of UHPC beams with openings. Furthermore, parametric investigations are performed to evaluate the impact response of UHPC beams with large or small openings, considering various design factors such as opening size, opening position, stirrup quantity and UHPC strength level.