Innovative Construction Research Articles

Mechanical and electrothermal properties of lightweight graphite/geopolymer composites

AbstractGraphite/geopolymer composite is a promising smart material that can be used in various applications. This paper reports the design of strong self‐heating graphite/geopolymer composites with high graphite percentages up to 120 wt% of metakaolin. The physical, mechanical, electrical, and electrothermal performance of composites were investigated; the compressive strength was tested at various ages and the electrothermal performance was tested using AC and DC voltages. The results showed that a compromise between high compressive strength and high electrothermal conversion can be achieved when a specific balance between the percentage of the graphite and the water content is established. The current study specified the reason for the deterioration of the electrothermal performance of the graphite/geopolymer composites, that is, the formation of a barrier layer between the electrode and the sample surface; it has been found that this can be avoided by removing the free ions from the geopolymer via washing. A composite with 47 ± 1 MPa compressive strength and stable electrothermal performance of 98°C at 6 DC volts can be prepared using 90 wt% graphite and 57 mL water content. This work is a step in the future innovation of smart construction using self‐heating and antifreezing construction materials.

Pre-Planning and Post-Evaluation Approaches to Sustainable Vernacular Architectural Practice: A Research-by-Design Study to Building Renovation in Shangri-La’s Shanpian House, China

The renovation and revitalization of vernacular architecture are pivotal in sustainable rural development. In regions like Shangri-La, traditional structures not only safeguard cultural heritage but also provide a foundation for enhancing local communities’ living conditions. However, these villages face growing challenges, including infrastructure decay, cultural erosion, and inadequate adaptation to modern living standards. Addressing these issues requires innovative research approaches that combine heritage preservation with the integration of contemporary functionality. This study employs a research-by-design approach, focusing on the Shanpian House as a case study, to explore how pre-planning and post-evaluation methods can revitalize traditional vernacular architecture. The pre-planning phase utilizes field surveys and archival research to assess spatial, cultural, and environmental conditions, framing a design strategy informed by field theory. In doing so, it evaluates how traditional architectural elements can be preserved while introducing modern construction techniques that meet current living standards. The post-evaluation phase, conducted through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, assesses user satisfaction, focusing on the impact of architectural esthetics, structural stability, and material choices. Key findings from an OLS regression highlight the strong positive correlation between architectural style, structural choices, and cultural relevance with resident satisfaction. The research emphasizes that design elements such as structural details, materials, and infrastructure upgrades are critical in shaping perceptions of both functionality and cultural identity. Interestingly, the model reveals that improving architectural esthetics, alongside modern indoor features such as network connectivity, has a significant impact on enhancing overall resident satisfaction (significance level: 0.181). This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable building renovation by demonstrating how traditional architecture can be thoughtfully adapted for contemporary use and also proposes a paradigm shift in the renovation of historic buildings, advocating for a balance between preservation and modernization. The application of sustainable materials, digital modeling, and innovative construction techniques further ensures that these traditional structures meet the demands of modern civilization while maintaining their cultural integrity.

The quick screening of binding compounds and proteins for drug discovery and pharmacological research

In drug discovery and pharmacological research, early identification of target molecules for compounds with pharmacological effects is crucial. However, this process often requires significant effort and can be rate-limiting, thereby slowing down research progress. This paper introduces a simplified and rapid method for quick screening of binding compounds or proteins. Utilizing Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry (ASMS), this technique efficiently detects compound-target binding through size-exclusion chromatography and mass spectrometry. ASMS offers high sensitivity and specificity, making it ideal for accurate identification of binding interactions. We have further enhanced ASMS to handle membrane proteins without solubilization, creating Binder Selection Technology (BST). BST allows screening against both soluble and challenging membrane proteins such as GPCRs and SLC transporters. By using cell membrane fractions or organelle fractions with high target molecule expression, BST efficiently identifies potential binding compounds. This innovative method constructs a comprehensive database of binding compounds for various targets, facilitating rapid hypothesis testing and pharmacological evaluation. Additionally, BST screens 17,000 proteins, including membrane proteins, using wheat germ cell-free and animal cell expression systems. This approach allows exploration of binding interactions without labeling compounds or immobilizing proteins, preserving their native state. BST is powerful for identifying targets of compounds with known pharmacological effects but unknown targets in animal or cell-based assays. By utilizing BST, researchers can overcome bottlenecks in early drug discovery, significantly enhancing research speed and success rates. This method represents a major advancement, providing an efficient and effective way to identify and validate target molecules in drug discovery.

Electrokinetically propelled digital pendulum for seismic alert

An electrostatic induction pendulum (EIP) has been designed and developed for the first time for the innovative construction and maintenance of earthquake prewarning systems to address the existed issues of massive funding required, incomplete distribution even as well as the lack of coverage in remote or sparsely populated areas. This innovative EIP includes a pendulum and a static-electricity induced sensor which could detect subtle variations in electrical potential during motion. The sensor offers crucial insights into the vibration, damping, and resonance traits of the EIP, with the minimum detectable vibration intensity is 0.17 m/s2. Simultaneously, by introducing external vibrations varied with frequencies, the inherent frequency of the EIP can correspondingly be modified subtly leading energy distribution to be weakened, which lay a groundwork for earthquake monitoring and early warning. Furthermore, an earthquake monitoring and early warning system aided by EIP, data acquisition module, and machine learning is engineered for real-time analysis and decision-making. Once an earthquake occurs, the system automatically sends alerts to relevant departments or individuals to take protective measures in advance. This cost-effective, easily portable, and widely distributed earthquake monitoring solution complements existing systems and can be easily deployed even in remote areas.

One-step construction of silver nanoparticles immersed hydrogels by triple-helix β-glucans and the application in infectious wound healing

Hydrogels composed of polysaccharides and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely recognized for their application in wound dressings, particularly for healing wounds prone to infection. Traditional methods for preparing AgNP-immersed hydrogels are often complex, costly, and may lead to sustained cytotoxicity. To address these challenges, we developed a biocompatible, one-step green reduction strategy to generate AgNPs within hydrogels using a triple-helix β-glucan (PCPA) derived from Poria cocos, a renowned Chinese traditional herb. PCPA serves as a reducing agent, converting silver ions into AgNPs while its triple-helix conformation prevents AgNP aggregation. The resulting hydrogel (PAg-G) is injectable and contains uniformly distributed AgNPs. PAg-G exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and enhanced bioactivity. The in vivo studies on S.aureus-infected SD rats demonstrated that PAg-G accelerates wound healing within 12 days by down-regulating inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and up-regulating VEGF and CD31 expression, promoting neovascularization in wound tissues. This innovative one-step construction of AgNP-immersed hydrogels offers a promising approach for the development of antimicrobial hydrogels, especially for treating bacterial-infected wounds.

Exploration on Innovation Platforms Construction for Improving the Talent Cultivation Quality of Agricultural Built Environment and Energy Engineering Major in Agricultural University

Amidst the global transformation of energy structures and the acceleration of agricultural modernization, the cultivation of talents confronts unprecedented challenges and opportunities for agricultural built environment and energy engineering (ABEEE) programs at agricultural universities. This paper focuses on the role and practical pathways of innovative platform construction in enhancing the quality of talent cultivation in this field, aiming to explore an educational reform path that aligns with the development needs of the new era. Initially, the paper analyzes the current issues in ABEEE professional education at agricultural universities, including the disconnection between theory and practice, inadequate cultivation of innovation capabilities and the lack of distinct professional characteristics et al. Based on these insights, the necessity and urgency of constructing innovative platforms is emphasized in this work. It can effectively promote interdisciplinary integration, bolster practical operation skills for students, further strengthen their scientific research and innovation capabilities by establishing industry-university collaboration platforms with enhanced professional characteristics, scientific research innovation platforms, and virtual simulation teaching platforms et al. Finally, the necessary of continuously optimizing the functions and services of these innovative platforms, strengthening exchanges and cooperation with other higher education institutions are highlighted according to the current existing problems and challenges. This research can not only provide a novel perspective and thoughts for educational reform in agricultural universities, but also serves as a reference for talent cultivation model innovation in other fields.

Special issue: Connectivity and innovation in construction

Special issue: Connectivity and innovation in construction

The Evolution of tiny houses: A review of 20th and 21st century prototypes

INTRODUCTION. Tiny Houses are prototypes of compressed housing, conceived from technological and sustainable innovations, especially during the 20th and 21st centuries. They represent an alternative to address the lack of housing. Research question: What are the key principles and limitations in the creation of Mini House prototypes? OBJECTIVE. Analyze and compare design strategies for the development of Mini Houses to serve as a guide in future developments of innovative prototypes. METHOD. In this documentary review on minimal prototypes, a qualitative approach based on three stages is proposed, first with the bibliographic review and selection of recognized prototypes, then, the analysis of the prototypes and finally, the evaluation of criteria and strategies applied. RESULTS. Three design strategies or principles have been identified: functional optimization, constructive innovation, transformation and temporality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. Tiny Houses are innovative housing prototypes, they experiment with construction technologies to improve energy efficiency and bioclimatic adaptation, they can be embedded in different environments and create new community relationships. However, they represent a challenge to the lifestyle of their inhabitants. Due to their limited scale, their temporality of use and their capacity for transformation over time are restricted.

Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines

Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines

Research on the Linkage Development Strategy of Higher Vocational Education Empowering Rural Revitalization from the Perspective of "Internet +"

With the rapid development of information technology, "Internet +" has become a new engine to promote economic and social development. Rural revitalization is a major national strategy. Higher vocational education has ushered in new opportunities and challenges in empowering rural revitalization. Under the background of the rural revitalization strategy, as an important position for cultivating high-quality technical and skilled talents, higher vocational education should give full play to its own advantages and actively explore the linkage development strategy with rural revitalization. From the perspective of "Internet +", this study deeply analyzes the opportunities brought by "Internet +" to higher vocational education empowering rural revitalization, the significance, current situation and existing problems of higher vocational education empowering rural revitalization, and proposes to build a linkage development model of "Internet +" higher vocational education empowering rural revitalization. And from the aspects of professional setting and curriculum system reform, teaching staff construction, construction of practical teaching system, innovation and entrepreneurship education, and school-local cooperation, it expounds the specific implementation strategies of the linkage development of higher vocational education and rural revitalization, aiming to provide useful references for promoting rural revitalization. And provide theoretical support and practical guidance for higher vocational education to better serve rural revitalization.

The Underlying Logic of Driving High-quality Development with New Quality Productivity and its Practical Implications

New quality productivity is an inherent requirement and important focus for promoting high-quality development. Its underlying logic for driving high-quality development lies in promoting technological innovation and upgrading factor quality, accelerating management innovation and production relationship transformation, and achieving high-quality economic development. In the new era, we must adhere to the core position of technological innovation in the overall modernization construction, play a key role in further deepening reform and opening up comprehensively, and explore new mechanisms for talent cultivation under new situations and requirements.

Research on the Construction Method of Curriculum Teaching Knowledge Graph Based on Bi-LSTM and CNN Algorithm

The aim of the paper is to explore a method of constructing a curriculum teaching knowledge graph by combining Bi-LSTM and convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. The field of education is constantly seeking innovation to improve teaching results and student learning experience. Knowledge graph, as an advanced technology of structured representation of knowledge, is expected to provide effective support for teaching management and personalized learning. First, this paper introduces the background and significance of the curriculum teaching knowledge graph. By establishing knowledge maps, we can more clearly present the knowledge system and correlation in the curriculum, which helps teachers to design more targeted teaching content and provide personalized learning paths for students. However, traditional knowledge graph construction methods are often faced with problems such as incomplete information capture and inaccurate semantic association, so it is necessary to introduce advanced deep learning algorithms to improve the quality of knowledge graph. Secondly, this paper elaborates on the construction method of fusion Bi-LSTM and CNN algorithm. Bi-LSTM, as a recurrent neural network capable of capturing sequence information, can better model the evolution process of knowledge in the course. As a CNN is good at extracting local features, CNN can effectively capture the spatial structure information in the knowledge graph. By integrating two, we can improve the expression ability and reasoning accuracy of knowledge graph. Further, the experimental results show that the fusion Bi-LSTM and the CNN algorithm have significantly improved the accuracy of information capture and inference compared with the traditional method. In summary, this paper proposes an innovative construction method of curriculum teaching knowledge graph by integrating Bi-LSTM and CNN algorithm, which provides new ideas and solutions for informatization and personalized teaching in the field of education. In the future, the applicability of this method in different disciplines and teaching scenarios can be further discussed, and more advanced technologies can be combined to continuously improve and expand the research.

Turning waste into strength: Enhancing geopolymer composites with Oil Palm Frond Fibers (OPF)

Geopolymers are alternatives to ordinary Portland cement as construction materials. The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven the utilization of industrial by-products and agricultural waste. The disposal of oil palm frond (OPF) biomass as waste in landfills poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating effective recycling strategies. This study examines the incorporation and feasibility of OPF as a reinforcing fiber in fly ash geopolymer composites, examining its impact on physical and mechanical properties. Various parameters were tested, including fiber content (10–20 wt.%), shapes (shredded and tubular), and lengths (1–3 cm). The geopolymer composites with 10 wt.% shredded oil palm frond and 1-cm tubular oil palm frond fibers enhance the compressive strength by 17% compared to the control sample without oil palm frond. The shredded oil palm frond was particularly effective, enhancing strength performance and achieving better dispersion within the geopolymer matrix. Conversely, increasing the fiber content and length generally resulted in diminished composite strength, attributed to the creation of a more porous structure and weaker fiber-matrix interactions. However, lower fiber additions were shown to decrease porosity and water absorption, highlighting the potential of optimized oil palm frond fiber content and form in improving the environmental and mechanical performance of geopolymer composites. These results support the viability of oil palm frond as a sustainable additive in geopolymers, contributing to waste reduction and material innovation in construction.

Analysis of Innovation and Sustainability in Construction: The Case of Plastic Bottle Houses in the Yopipila Project in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

This study analyzes the Yopipila project in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, which uses recycled plastic bottles as the primary material for building houses, offering a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional construction methods. Cabo Delgado, one of the poorest provinces in the country, faces challenges such as a shortage of conventional materials and adverse environmental impacts. The use of plastic bottles in the project contributes to the circular economy, reduces plastic waste, and provides a viable and cost-effective solution for construction. The research evaluates the effectiveness of this construction model, addressing aspects of environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and implementation challenges. Furthermore, it explores the potential replication of this method in other regions with similar conditions.

Evaluation and convergence analysis of science and technology innovation efficiency in China’s national central cities based on the super-efficiency SBM-ML model

ABSTRACT Scientific and Technological Innovation (STI) is an important driving force for economic development and social progress. National central cities are the main connection points of China’s economic activity network and play a leading role in the national economic development of the country. In order to explore the efficiency of STI and the convergence characteristics of STI in China’s national central cities, this paper selects S&T innovation input-output indicators and constructs a system of indicators for high-quality economic development. It measures the STI innovation efficiency of China’s national central cities by combining with the super-efficiency SBM-ML model and then constructs a model to analyze its convergence situation. The results of the study show that: from 2011 to 2021, the STI efficiency of China’s national central cities has reached an effective level, and the overall trend has increased; the total factor productivity of STI in China’s national central cities has obvious differences, with Beijing having the highest total factor productivity, while Shanghai has the lowest; the STI innovation efficiency of China’s national central cities exhibits both absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence, but there is no significant α convergence, and regional differences are obvious.

INNOVATIVENESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OF THE GERMAN ECONOMY

The article considers the role of innovation in construction. The results of a survey of representatives of the construction industry on innovative investments are presented. Theoretical aspects of digitalisation in the construction process are studied, and the passive house concepts are considered. The impact of innovation on the construction sector is analysed, as are the indicators determining the level of innovativeness of construction.

Experimental study on rotary inter-module connections with corrosion-resistant metal materials: Under axial tension

Modular construction is an innovative construction technology that has attracted considerable attention for its pronounced advantages in reducing reliance on on-site labor, speeding up construction, enhancing productivity, and ensuring superior quality. To extend the applicability of modular construction to structures in corrosive environments, such as ocean floating structures for exploring renewable energy, a rotary inter-module connection employing corrosion-resistant metal materials was proposed herein. Six full-scale inter-module connection specimens made of grade S30408 austenitic stainless steel, grade S220503 duplex stainless steel, and grade A96061-T6 aluminum alloy were tested under axial tension. The load-displacement relationships of each specimen were recorded to enable a thorough analysis of the strength, stiffness, and ductility of the tested specimens. As compared to the conventional carbon steel counterparts, the stainless steel specimens showed superior load-bearing capacity with improved ductility, while the aluminum alloy specimens experienced brittle fracture at the bolt shank-bottom plate junction with reduced load-bearing capacity. Three typical failure modes were identified in the experimental study, namely, plastification of the connector and lower corner fitting, plastification of the connector and both corner fittings, and fracture of the bolt. The load-strain relationships of each specimen were also discussed to analyze the load transfer mechanism and structural behavior of the connection. In addition, the applicability and accuracy of the simplified calculation methods based on beam bending theory and Navier solution for rectangular thin plates, respectively, were discussed based on the test results.

Construction-game Experience of 5 – 7-year-old Children as Stimulus for the Cultivation of Technological Values and Culture

This article interprets innovative construction games for the successful cultivation of technological values and culture in 5 – 7-year-old children. The idea is to reveal the interaction of construction experience and games with technical objects and tools in the process of cultivating technological values and culture. Three construction games are presented with an innovative three-component structure, the content of which allows to define in a clearer way the manifestations of specific technical values and culture in preschool age. The effectiveness of the idea confirms that the cultivation of the foundations of some technical values contributes to their gradual transformation into a technological culture.

Research on the Construction of Entrepreneurship Education Curriculum Group in Agriculture and Forestry Colleges––Taking Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University as an Example

Although the curriculum construction of innovation and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities has made great achievements in recent years, the problems in the practice process are also more prominent. This study adheres to the principle of combining theory and practice and adopts the interview method in the specific practice process to interview the staff and researchers involved in the design and research of the construction of innovation and entrepreneurship education course groups, to understand and master the real situation of the construction of entrepreneurship education course group. Thus, a college student entrepreneurship education course group integrating classroom teaching, experiment teaching, practice teaching and entrepreneurial competition resources was constructed.

A principal component analysis of corporate dispositions for sustainable building construction in South Africa

Corporate dispositions have been associated with implementing sustainable building construction (SBC). Prior studies have underscored the need for institutions to adopt sustainable development concepts as an integral part of their operations. Nonetheless, there remains ambiguity about the characteristics essential for enabling SBC, particularly for construction companies. Consequently, this study explored the corporate dispositions influencing SBC implementation in South Africa. The respondents included built environment professionals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Descriptive and principal component analyses were used to determine the essential characteristics or features. The study found that top management support, competency, availability of finance for the project operation, good project management culture, stakeholders’ involvement and commitment, and commitment to innovative construction are the most critical corporate disposition features for SBC implementation. These formed a principal cluster called corporate capability and commitment. The insight from the critical corporate dispositions analysis is anticipated to trigger improvement initiatives and mitigate unsustainable practices and the unaffordability of smart houses in the South African construction industry. The findings suggest that mobilising competent human and financial resources for project operation among construction firms will support the adoption of modern building techniques and the erection of smart houses. Similarly, competitive advantage and committed involvement of the relevant stakeholders, including government and community, can lead to subsidy, alignment of local needs and aspirations, and reducing the high price of erecting sustainable/smart buildings and rental costs.