Conventional Construction Methods Research Articles

Contrasting Conventional and Modern Building Construction Methods

Contrasting Conventional and Modern Building Construction Methods

Comparative analysis of embodied carbon in modular and conventional construction methods in Hong Kong

Addressing the rise in global temperatures and the associated increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, is a critical challenge necessitating innovative approaches within the building sector, a significant contributor to worldwide carbon emissions. While previous studies have demonstrated the prefabrication’s potential in reducing emissions, comprehensive assessments using actual project data for buildings constructed entirely with modular methods in Hong Kong are lacking. This study bridges this gap by evaluating the modular integrated construction (MiC) method through an embodied carbon assessment of the Kai Tak Community Isolation Facility. Using comprehensive project data from China State Construction (HK) Limited, the research conducts a comparative analysis between the actual emissions of the MiC method and those of a hypothetical conventional construction approach. Quantitative analysis reveals that MiC achieves a 20.7% reduction in embodied carbon, primarily due to shortened construction timelines, decreased waste generation, and optimized material usage. This significant reduction suggests substantial potential for decreasing the construction industry’s carbon footprint. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the environmental benefits of MiC in Hong Kong construction industry, promoting its broader adoption of MiC as a strategy for achieving carbon reduction targets. The findings align with Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality goals and contribute to the global initiative to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Frontiers in construction 3D printing: self-monitoring, multi-robot, drone-assisted processes

AbstractTo overcome productivity issues and revolutionize the stagnating construction industry, a large amount of research efforts has been devoted to robot-assisted construction technology. The advancements in robotics including mechanical system design, tool design, digital system design, and numerical control systems design enabled engineers to create complex geometries that are infeasible for conventional construction methods. In addition, innovative robotic systems that utilize mobile platforms, multiple robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles have demonstrated significant promise in fully automating the construction process. This work will provide a perspective on the state-of-the-art applications of robotics in the revolution of construction, where a comprehensive review of the current development of the relevant software and hardware, 3D concrete printing (3DCP), robot-assisted assembly of discrete prefabricated blocks, real-time quality monitoring and feedback control systems, and typical innovative robot-assisted structural designs are conducted. Finally, the limitations of existing robot-assisted construction technology are identified, which leads to several recommendations for future research toward fully automatic construction.

An optimized method for AUV trajectory model in benthonic hydrothermal area based on improved slime mold algorithm

The optimization of the desired autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) trajectory modeling and AUV trajectory tracking control in the benthonic hydrothermal area were studied. In the conventional trajectory tracking model construction methods, the time points were roughly combined with the position points of the planned path, making it difficult to produce a smooth trajectory. Although the spline interpolation method was an ideal option for smooth curves, a great number of points were needed for a complex desired trajectory mode. In response to the demanding requirements of AUV trajectory tracking control in the benthonic hydrothermal area, an under-actuated test platform was first established, and the cubic spline interpolation was adopted to process the preset path points for a smooth desired trajectory. An improved slime mold algorithm (SMA) was put forward to optimize the interpolating points used in the trajectory modeling. The Levy flight technology and the compactness technique to speed up the search process and increase the search accuracy. The simulation experiments were conducted in comparison with the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA), the particle swarm optimization (PSO), and the compact cuckoo search (CCS). The results showed that the improved SMA shortened the search process, effectively avoided the local extreme values, and generated a high-precision desired trajectory model in a shorter time. The pool test also verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The method proposed in this study can satisfy the modeling of benthonic hydrothermal trajectory with a fewer number of nodes, faster search progress and search accuracy.

Comparative Analysis of The Implementation Of Conventional And Modular Methods On Walls And Floor Plates In Terms Of Cost And Time (Case Study: Construction Of Satpol PP Building)

Building construction requires selecting efficient construction methods to achieve the desired project objectives. This research aims to compare conventional and modular construction methods in the implementation of walls and floor plates, with a focus on cost and time analysis. The case study taken is the construction of the Satpol PP Building. This research method uses a quantitative approach by collecting primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through field observations and interviews with parties involved in the project, while secondary data was obtained from project documents, literature and other related references. Data analysis was carried out with comparing the total costs and time required for each construction method.

Examining the role of concrete 3D printing for housing construction on Indigenous Reserves in Canada

PurposeThis research explores the role of concrete 3D printing (C3DP) in the development of culturally appropriate housing in Indigenous Reserves in Canada through the design, building and evaluation of the Star Lodge project located in the Siksika Nation of Alberta, Canada. The project aims to assess the potential of C3DP in addressing the escalating housing demands in Indigenous communities in Canada.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, engaging Blackfoot Elders, Knowledge Keepers from the Siksika Nation, Siksika Housing and Nidus3D. Central to this was the design, build and documentation of the Star Lodge project to analyse the advantages and challenges, guided by weekly meetings and site visits.FindingsThe project harnessed C3DP to streamline construction, enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs and enhance the energy performance of the homes. Notable time savings were achieved compared to conventional construction methods. Challenges included developing strategies to overcome extreme cold weather conditions, achieving a consistent concrete mix and integrating conventional construction elements such as drywall construction in interiors. The project served as a platform for collaboration and community participation, shaping the design and construction process while raising awareness of innovative construction techniques in the community.Originality/valueThis study provides an evidence-based framework for the evaluation of C3DP technology by analysing the Star Lodge Project, the first C3DP project in Alberta and the largest of its kind in Canada. By addressing housing challenges in Indigenous communities, the research holds broader implications for sustainable development and Indigenous empowerment across Canada.

Histo-pillar strip for optimal histogel block construction and biomarker analysis in 3D-lung cancer patient-derived organoids

This study proposed an optimized histogel construction method for histological analysis by applying lung cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to the developed histo-pillar strip. Previously, there is the cultured PDOs damage problem during the histogel construction due to forced detachment of the Matrigel spots from the 96-well plate bottom. To address this issue, we cultured PDO on the proposed Histo-pillar strips and then immersed them in 4% paraformaldehyde fixation solution to self-isolate PDO without damage. The 4μl patient-derived cell (PDC)/Matrigel mixtures were dispensed on the surface of a U-shaped histo-pillar strip, and the PDCs were aggregated by gravity and cultured into PDOs. Cultured PDOs were self-detached by simply immersing them in a paraformaldehyde fixing solution without physical processing, showing about two times higher cell recovery rate than conventional method. In addition, we proposed a method for embedding PDOs under conditions where the histogel temperature was maintained such that the histogel did not harden, thereby improving the problem of damaging the histogel block in the conventional sandwich histogel construction method. We performed histological and genotyping analyses using tumor tissues and PDOs from two patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the PDO culture and improved histogel block construction method using the histo-pillar strip proposed in this study can be employed as useful tools for the histological analysis of a limited number of PDCs.

OVERHEAD WATER TANK CONSTRUCTION: AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY

The construction of an overhead water tank leads to extensive scaffolding and formwork for the full height of the tank. A steel mill in Sadat City, Egypt, required a tank with a total capacity of 275 m3 at a staging height of 36.75 meters above ground level, so it was built using the “Slip Forming and Heavy Lifting Technique”. It comprises twin chambers, each having a capacity of 75 m3 and 200 m3, supported by a circular shaft. A comparison between the methods of "slip-forming and heavy lifting techniques” and “conventional methods of construction” has been presented. “Slip Forming and Heavy Lifting Technique” is the need of the hour to provide an economical solution to the requirement of a time-bound finish to any project.

Global Container Urbanism and Sustainable Urban Development

The crisis of urbanization, marked by rising property values, a lack of affordable housing, and chronic homelessness in cities, has fueled experiments with sustainable alternatives such as shipping container architecture. Shipping container homes are more cost-effective, energy-efficient, ecologically sustainable, versatile, have a lower carbon footprint, and are more durable than conventional construction methods. This study uses semi-structured interviews with container modular firms in selected cities to demonstrate the potential and challenges of construction innovation and the diffusion of container architecture in urban space. The findings call into question the fetishization of environmental friendliness and the allure of rational, mass-produced container homes as a solution to the urban housing crisis. Instead, the study draws attention to the paradox of sustainability, competition, and opposition from the traditional real estate market, regulations, and planning permitting systems, and the standardization-customization divergence of container urbanism.

Quantifying the Enhanced Performance of Multifamily Residential Passive House over Conventional Buildings in Terms of Energy Use

In response to escalating energy demands and global warming concerns, the Passive House Standard has emerged as a solution in residential construction, aiming to drastically reduce energy consumption and operational costs primarily through high-performance building envelopes. While a considerable volume of the literature has focused on the Passivhaus Institute (PHI) standards, predominantly in European contexts, there is a gap in research on the Passive House Institute US (Phius) standards, particularly in North American climates. This study conducts a quantitative comparative analysis of two adjacent multifamily residential buildings in Central Pennsylvania, Climate Zone 5A—one built using conventional construction methods and the other following Passive House (PHIUS+ 2015) certification standards—to validate the energy efficiency improvements attributed to Passive House designs. A comparative analysis of the whole building energy use over two years reveals that the Passive House building consumes approximately 50% less energy than its conventional counterpart in terms of whole building energy use and the national median recommended benchmark metric defined by the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. These findings emphasize the potential for significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions in residential buildings, highlighting the necessity for policymakers and governments to incentivize the adoption of Passive House standards to achieve environmental sustainability and reduce energy costs for society.

A comprehensive review of the physical and mechanical characteristics of agricultural by-products as cementitious alternatives in the production of sustainable concrete

In recent times the construction industry has been more focused on the development of sustainable/green structures to address the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) from environmental pollution aspects caused by the production of cement as well as the conventional methods of construction. Investigations have been carried out by incorporation of alternative cementitious materials than cement, possessing pozzolanic characteristics leading to enhanced binding capability within the cement-aggregate matrix and improved compressive strength as per the desired national or international standards. These alternative cementitious materials are not only limited to manufacturing or power industry by-products viz. fly ash, quarry dust, blast furnace slag, etc. but also the by-products of the agricultural industry have been the focus of research as these possess a rich amount of Silica (SiO2) content leading to pozzolanic reactivity during the curing period and contributing to the strength of concrete. The majority of these by-products that are investigated are rice husk ash (RHA), coconut shells, palm oil fuel ash (POFA), and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), as a replacement for either cement or aggregate as well as used as admixtures to a certain extent. The present work illustrates an agglomeration of previous research conducted by different authors, thereby elucidating the findings of various agro-waste usage in the production of concrete and investigating their mechanical behavior. Furthermore, specific attention is exemplified towards the behavioral response of paddy straw when used in the cement-aggregate mixture in terms of microstructural and mechanical properties aspects. In this review article, illustrations are made with additional attention to reveal the role of chemical and physical attributes of the agricultural by-products, impacting the characteristics of concrete.

Double promoter and tandem gene strategy for efficiently expressing recombinant FGF21

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising candidate for treating metabolic disorder diseases and has been used in phase II clinical trials. Currently, metabolic diseases are prevalent worldwide, underscoring the significant market potential of FGF21. Therefore, the production of FGF21 must be effectively improved to meet market demand.ResultsHerein, to investigate the impact of vectors and host cells on FGF21 expression, we successfully engineered strains that exhibit a high yield of FGF21. Surprisingly, the data revealed that vectors with various copy numbers significantly impact the expression of FGF21, and the results showed a 4.35-fold increase in expression levels. Furthermore, the performance of the double promoter and tandem gene expression construction design surpassed that of the conventional construction method, with a maximum difference of 2.67 times.ConclusionBy exploring engineered vectors and host cells, we successfully achieved high-yield production of the FGF21 strain. This breakthrough lays a solid foundation for the future industrialization of FGF21. Additionally, FGF21 can be easily, quickly and efficiently expressed, providing a better tool and platform for the research and application of more recombinant proteins.

A heuristic method for solving the Steiner tree problem in graphs using network centralities

We propose a heuristic method of using network centralities for constructing small-weight Steiner trees in this paper. The Steiner tree problem in graphs is one of the practical NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems. Given a graph and a set of vertices called terminals in the graph, the objective of the Steiner tree problem in graphs is to find a minimum weight Steiner tree that is a tree containing all the terminals. Conventional construction methods make a Steiner tree based on the shortest paths between terminals. If these shortest paths are overlapped as much as possible, we can obtain a small-weight Steiner tree. Therefore, we proposed to use network centralities to distinguish which edges should be included to make a small-weight Steiner tree. Experimental results revealed that using the vertex or the edge betweenness centralities contributes to making small-weight Steiner trees.

In-process textile reinforcement method for 3D concrete printing and its structural performance

3D concrete printing (3DCP) is an innovative technology for constructing complex freeform structures that are difficult or expensive to build using conventional construction methods. The printing of double-curved shells and aesthetically pleasing geometries for façade panels and roof elements requires a detailed investigation of the load-carrying capacity and failure mode during complex loading. Moreover, integrating reinforcement into printed elements is one of the major challenges in 3DCP for manufacturing structural components. Textile reinforcement has high formability and tensile strength and can be used as an in-process reinforcing method during printing. In this study, one layer of alkali-resistant glass textile was used to reinforce the 3D printed and mould-cast high-performance concrete curved members. The commonly used concrete printing nozzle was modified to allow ease in textile placement along the printing path. Further, the feasibility of the modified nozzle was evaluated by printing two different curved structures and was validated. In addition, two different curvatures of curved elements, with and without textile reinforcement were printed to study the effect of textile reinforcement and geometry when subjected to a point load in the middle. The deformation behaviour, crack development, and propagation were monitored using digital image correlation. It was observed that the textile reinforcement enhances the interlayer bonding leading to slower crack propagation and enhanced load-carrying capacity. An increase of about 10 % in the peak load-carrying capacity of 3D printed specimens was observed with the addition of textile reinforcement when compared to their mould-cast. Also, 3D printed specimens was observed to have larger deformation ductility compared to mould-cast specimens. Further, the textile aligns better with increasing curvature which enhances the resistance of membrane forces more uniformly resulting in a 15.5 % increase in the ultimate moment capacity. In addition, the first crack load and the ultimate load were predicted based on the arch equations and the results showed that the current method predicts the capacity with reasonable accuracy.

Enhancing sustainability integration in Sustainable Enterprise Resource Planning (S-ERP) system: Application of Transaction Cost Theory and case study analysis

Environmental stewardship and sustainability have become critical priorities in the contemporary business environment. Corporations are integrating sustainable practices at the business process level via Sustainable Enterprise Resource Planning (S-ERP). However, a recognised shortfall of S-ERP systems lies in their potential inability to integrate sustainability metrics across all business functions holistically. To navigate this limitation, our study introduces the application of Transaction Cost Theory (TCT). By treating business processes as input-output systems, we apply this theory to quantify sustainability likelihood and overall losses. This novel approach bridges the gap, allowing for the comprehensive integration of sustainability metrics across all processes. The essence of our methodology is to leverage static input data collected by S-ERP regarding environmental impact and to extrapolate this data to provide a broader understanding of potential losses and gains. We've tested and validated this approach through two comprehensive case studies; one is about sustainable product design and development, and the other is about the sustainability evaluation of modular versus conventional construction methods. The results inform the formulation of robust sustainability policies at the business process level for systems akin to S-ERP, paving the way for more sustainable business practices.

OHCA-GCN: A novel graph convolutional network-based fault diagnosis method for complex systems via supervised graph construction and optimization

Fault diagnosis is crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of complex systems. Recently, graph convolutional network (GCN)-based fault diagnosis method has emerged as a hot research topic due to its ability to effectively handle the association information inherent in the collected dataset. Regarding the method, a fundamental challenge is the construction of the association graph, conventional construction methods struggle to capture the intricate relationships between nodes with complex coupling. Besides, they operate in an unsupervised learning mode, lacking the ability to evaluate and adjust the constructed graph. To handle this challenge, a novel graph convolutional network-based fault diagnosis method via supervised graph construction and optimization (OHCA-GCN) is proposed. Specifically, the supervised orthogonalized-autoencoder is proposed to construct the association graph. Then, a high-order correlation analysis-based graph optimization strategy is proposed to ensure graph sparsity and alleviate the over-smoothing issue. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, experiments are carried out on a pulse rectifier dataset from a hardware-in-the-loop platform. The results show that the proposed method exhibits the excellent diagnostic performance compared with the existing methods.

Structure Design and Strength Analysis of the Glass Reinforcement Plastic (GRP) Malay Traditional “Perahu Bedar”

The Perahu Bedar, a traditional fishing boat in the Terengganu region of Malaysia, has been historically crafted from Cengal wood. In response to challenges posed by wood scarcity and limitations in skilled craftsmen, this study pioneers the exploration of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) as a novel alternative material for constructing the traditional Perahu Bedar, measuring 4.32 meters in length. Through a rigorous analysis, the research delves into the structural design intricacies and strength attributes of the GRP Perahu Bedar, marking a significant departure from conventional wood-based construction methods. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the structure design and strength characteristics of the GRP Perahu Bedar. The weight, buoyancy force, and load distribution along the boat are analyzed. The data shows varying weight and buoyancy forces along the stations, with positive load values indicating upward forces contributing to buoyancy and negative load values representing downward forces. This analysis provides insights into the boat’s stability and distribution of forces. The sheer force and bending moment along the Perahu Bedar are evaluated. The sheer force values gradually increase or decrease along the boat, while the bending moment is highest at the midsection and decreases towards the ends. These results indicate the distribution of forces and stress on the boat’s structure, aiding in understanding its integrity and stability. The Factor of Safety (FoS) analysis demonstrates a FoS value of 2.2368, indicating a safety margin greater than 1. This suggests that the GRP Perahu Bedar design meets safety requirements and can withstand applied 
 
 stresses without exceeding yield strength. The FoS value provides assurance of structural integrity and safety during normal operating conditions. In summary, this study underscores the groundbreaking potential of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) as a viable alternative to traditional wooden Perahu Bedar due to very high cost of Cengal Wood (wood that been used to build Peahu Bedar). By meticulously analyzing critical factors such as weight, buoyancy, load, shear force, bending moment, and Factor of Safety (FoS), the research offers invaluable insights into the structural integrity and safety aspects of GRP Perahu Bedar. These revelations not only herald a new era of sustainable and cost-effective boatbuilding practices but also serve as a crucial step towards safeguarding and perpetuating the rich maritime heritage of the region.

Strategic Integration of a Vegetative Component on a Metal Roof Base: An Evaluation of Its Impacts on Thermal and Acoustic Performance in the Tropics

This paper attempts to ascertain the thermal and acoustic impacts of introducing a vegetative roof layer on insulated and uninsulated metal roofs for tropical climates, through field measurements in Skudai, Johor, Malaysia, that were conducted for both dry and wet days. Four small-scale roof modules were tested, namely an uninsulated metal roof (uiMDR), an insulated metal roof (iMDR), and two identical corresponding modules with an additional vegetative component (uiGR and iGR, respectively). Outdoor ambient temperature (Tamb) was the most influential correlated variable affecting the roof outer surface temperature (RTOS) in 50% of the assessed scenarios. On the selected dry day, the inter-quartile ranges (IQR) of iGR, iMDR, uiGR, and uiMDR were 6.21 °C, 8.32 °C, 6.69 °C, and 1.66 °C, respectively; the IQRs were 1.6 °C, 4.11 °C, 2.59 °C, and 1.78 °C, respectively, on the selected wet day. Based on design U-value calculations, iGR was better than iMDR and uiMDR for both dry and wet days. The U-value of uiGR was also better than iMDR under dry-day conditions. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test also indicated a statistically significant difference in the roof inner surface temperature (RTIS) measurements (p-value = 0.00) during Malaysian daylight hours, between 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., regardless of the weather. In terms of sound level reduction under dry-day conditions, the Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed statistically significant differences in sound level reductions, with iGR and uiGR performing better than iMDR and uiMDR (p-values = 0.00). The sound level reductions for iGR, iMDR, and uiGR were 51%, 32%, and 31%, respectively, while uiMDR experienced sound level amplifications by 6%, possibly due to the acoustic resonance effect. This proof of concept may encourage a broader application of extensive GRs in Malaysia using metal roofs, beyond the conventional RC base construction method.

The use of containers as a constructive method in buildings: a viable and sustainable alternative

With the increase in environmental concern, alternatives for the use of resources that are less harmful to the environment have been explored, including materials and construction methods. In this context, there is a growing search for new construction processes, especially container buildings, which have gained popularity and acceptance in society, being applied in both commercial and residential contexts. The main attractions for those interested in acquiring a container construction are the reduction of costs and the shortening of the execution time of the work. This is due to the minimization of waste generated during construction and the recycling of metal boxes, which would otherwise remain useless in ports. This advantage goes beyond the economic benefits, contributing to adding sustainable value to the project. This paper aims to discuss the feasibility analysis of the use of containers as a sustainable and financially advantageous proposal compared to conventional methods of structural construction for housing. Through a literature review, evidence of the feasibility and reuse of shipping containers for housing purposes is presented, exploring viable alternatives for the use of waste. The comparative study is based on the parameters established by the National System of Research on Costs and Indices of Civil Construction – SINAPI. The steps include the initial survey of all the improvements and adaptations necessary to provide housing conditions, considering standards of acoustic comfort, lighting, and ventilation. The results indicate that the reuse of the container results in savings of approximately 10% compared to masonry construction. Therefore, this approach has numerous advantages, being a financially viable, fast, and flexible solution for new architectural arrangements, in addition to incorporating architectural innovations aligned with environmental awareness.

Element relationship and extension path of clinical evidence knowledge map with Chinese patent medicine

This study aims to construct the element relationship and extension path of clinical evidence knowledge map with Chinese patent medicine, providing basic technical support for the formation and transformation of the evidence chain of Chinese patent medicine and providing collection, induction, and summary schemes for massive and disorganized clinical data. Based on the elements of evidence-based PICOS, the conventional construction methods of knowledge graph were collected and summarized. Firstly, the data entities related to Chinese patent medicine were classified, and entity linking was performed(disambiguation). Secondly, the study associated and classified the attribute information of the data entity. Finally, the logical relationship between entities was constructed, and then the element relationship and extension path of the knowledge map conforming to the characteristics of clinical evidence of Chinese patent medicine were summarized. The construction of the clinical evidence knowledge map of Chinese patent medicine was mainly based on process design and logical structure, and the element relationship of the knowledge map was expressed according to the PICOS principle and evidence level. The extension path crossed three levels(model layer, data layer application, and new evidence application), and the study gradually explored the path from disease, core evaluation indicators, Chinese patent medicine, core prescriptions, syndrome and treatment rules, and medical case comparison(evolution law) to new drug research and development. In this study, the top-level design of the construction of the clinical evidence knowledge map of Chinese patent medicine has been clarified, but it still needs the joint efforts of interdisciplinary disciplines. With the continuous improvement of the map construction technology in line with the characteristics of TCM, the study can provide necessary basic technical support and reference for the development of the TCM discipline.