Innovative Building Research Articles

Unusual Cross-Conjugation in Cyclic Dipeptide-Based Building Blocks for Donor-Acceptor Semiconducting Conjugated Polymers.

Cross conjugation, though prevalent in many organic compounds, is typically considered less effective for electron delocalization compared to linear conjugation. Consequently, it is rarely used as the backbone structure for semiconducting conjugated polymers. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel building block, TIDP, which features a central cyclic dipeptide with cross conjugation characteristics. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions confer TIDP with a highly rigid and coplanar conformation. Importantly, theoretical calculations reveal that π electrons are well delocalized across the entire structure, despite its low aromaticity. Conjugated polymers incorporating TIDP exhibit high charge carrier mobilities, demonstrating the effective π electrons delocalization of this innovative building block. Our findings show that with rational design, cross conjugation can achieve effective π electrons delocalization, providing a valuable approach for developing high-performance conjugated polymers for organic electronic materials.

Unusual Cross‐Conjugation in Cyclic Dipeptide‐Based Building Blocks for Donor–Acceptor Semiconducting Conjugated Polymers

AbstractCross conjugation, though prevalent in many organic compounds, is typically considered less effective for electron delocalization compared to linear conjugation. Consequently, it is rarely used as the backbone structure for semiconducting conjugated polymers. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel building block, TIDP, which features a central cyclic dipeptide with cross conjugation characteristics. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions confer TIDP with a highly rigid and coplanar conformation. Importantly, theoretical calculations reveal that π electrons are well delocalized across the entire structure, despite its low aromaticity. Conjugated polymers incorporating TIDP exhibit high charge carrier mobilities, demonstrating the effective π electrons delocalization of this innovative building block. Our findings show that with rational design, cross conjugation can achieve effective π electrons delocalization, providing a valuable approach for developing high‐performance conjugated polymers for organic electronic materials.

Biocidal properties of gypsum stone modified with Reynoutria sachalinensis raw materials

The current stage of the construction industry development implies increased requirements for building materials to maintain and improve global environmental processes. The understanding by ecologists globally of the danger of anthropogenic impact on the global environment has been reflected in the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, scientists and engineers are turning to safe plant-based raw materials as innovative building materials. Of particular interest for practice is the use of Reynoutria sachalinensis, which may exhibit biocidal properties. The purpose of this study was to obtain a gypsum stone modified with an extract from the green mass of R. sachalinensis, as resistant coating to fouling by microscopic fungi. The results indicated 10% decrease in the required water addition to gypsum paste when using plant extract, a slowdown of the initial and final setting time of the modified gypsum paste samples compared to the control samples by 6 and 7 min, respectively, and a slight decrease in bending and compressive strengths of the samples of 12.5% and 6%. The 100% resistance of the modified samples to fouling by microscopic mould fungi was also revealed.

Sound insulation characterisation of innovative natural ventilated façade in the context of living lab installations

Building acoustic standards like EN 14351 and ISO 10140 regulate the measurement of sound insulation of transparent elements, with indications of the test sample dimensions, test conditions, and criterions of adaptations of the results to different on-site conditions. However, given the research on innovative transparent building envelope including internal ventilation as double skin facades, these methodologies present limitations related to the characterization of the high variability of operating conditions in real in-field conditions. To this aim the acoustic performance could be explored with more flexible methods inside the multi-domain context of Living Labs, which present an opportunity for multiple characterizations and testing costs reduction. This work investigates the possibility of using the sound-intensity probe method to evaluate the airborne sound insulation of a transparent building element with internal ventilation. For this purpose, a comparative measurement campaign has been performed on the same building element installed in two Living Labs. The results show good compatibility between the different measurements and scales supporting the application of this methodology for comparative studies in the perspective of innovative building components measurements, and the application in Living Labs.

Research progress on constructability of 3D printed concrete

Abstract 3D printing concrete technology is an innovative building technology for green manufacturing, but in order to achieve better performance requirements, there is still a need for continuous in-depth research on 3D printing parameters, theory and the use of admixtures. In this paper, the effects of three printing parameters, interlayer interval time, nozzle travel speed and height, and nozzle shape on the constructability of 3D printed concrete were discussed, and the effects of bonding properties on the constructability of 3D printed concrete were analyzed. The study found that shortening the interval time between layers, reducing the travel speed and height of the nozzle, and choosing a triangular nozzle can improve the interlayer bond strength of 3D printed concrete, and thus improve the constructability of 3D printed concrete.

Low-Carbon Embodied, Self-Cleaning, and Air-Purifying Building Envelope Components Using TiO2 Photocatalysis, 3D Printing, and Recycling

This perspective article describes the past, present, and future directions on TiO2 photocatalysis, 3D concrete printing, and recycling for developing innovative building envelope components from façade skins. Using a methodology consisting of three phases, first the historical evolution of TiO2 photocatalysis, 3D concrete printing, and recycling policies was investigated. Second, the rationale and positioning with regard to the state of the art were developed. Third, the cementitious mix design assessment for 3D printing of the building envelope components, evaluation of the photocatalytic activity, evaluation of the self-cleaning and air-purifying properties, and environmental and health assessment of the building envelope components were identified and discussed as major issues in developing innovative building envelope components that have the potential to mitigate urban air pollution, reduce building maintenance activities, and reduce building embedded carbon while, for example, recycling significant amounts of construction and demolition waste.

Evaluating energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in fiberglass prefabricated modular structures

Fiberglass (FG) modular buildings are gaining increasing attention in the construction industry due to their adaptability, and potential for cost and time savings. This study compares the FG modular, house-like cubicles to concrete counter parts with respect to the environmental impacts and cost. The scope of the study encompasses the production and operational phase, especially air conditioning (AC) systems in hyper-arid climates. The effectiveness of insulation, quantified through R-value calculations, is evaluated across varying insulation thicknesses using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The results indicate that AC energy requirements significantly contribute to the climate change impact (CCH), accounting for 77 % and 90.5 %, in concrete and FG modules respectively. FG modules exhibit significantly higher environmental impacts compared to concrete modules in agricultural land occupation (+142.7 %), terrestrial ecotoxicity (+80.6 %), and urban land occupation (+66 %). Employing Net Present Value (NPV), the annual cost for FG and concrete modules was USD 963.9 and USD 550.8 per year, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicates that increasing insulation (+5.00 cm) in FG modules reduces that annual cost due to cooling by 16.55 %, reduces CCH by 59.47 % but increases metal depletion by 130 %. This signifies the importance of incorporating the use phase when evaluating innovative building materials and methods.

Effect of size on tensile strength parallel to grain of high-performance wood scrimber

With its high strength and excellent dimensional stability, high-performance wood scrimber (HPWS) holds significant promise for applications in load-bearing structures within buildings. However, understanding its behavior concerning size effects, particularly in terms of strength variation with stressed volume dimensions, is essential for establishing design parameters. Despite this importance, research on this aspect remains scarce. To address this gap, this study conducted tension tests on 304 specimens divided into 10 groups, covering a wide range of sizes, with the largest specimen’s volume 162 times that of the smallest. Utilizing the weakest link theory, the study investigated the size effect on tensile strength parallel to grain. Size effect factors were estimated using the shape parameter and slope methods, with discussions on differences related to volume, length, and cross-sectional area factors. It was found that the size effect related to the length and cross-sectional area were 0.0804 and 0.0671, respectively. This difference was due to the load-sharing ability within the cross-section, as the HPWS in tension resembles a net-like structure more than a chain-like structure. The specimens with the smallest cross-section didn’t exhibit the greatest strength. This was because the effects of sawing are particularly severe for very small specimens. This issue requires careful consideration when developing calculation methods. Finally, a calculation method for the tensile strength reduction coefficient, considering size effects, was proposed and demonstrated to align well with experimental findings. This comprehensive analysis serves to advance the structural utilization of HPWS as an innovative building material.

Practical experience in the implementation of innovative building materials and products

The improvement and creation of new production technologies is largely determined by the level of innovation in the field of materials science. In this paper, the experience of practical implementation of innovative building materials and products made of light steel thin-walled structures in the real sector of the economy is considered. Suggestions are given for possible use in state programs for the restoration and development of new territories of Russia. The problem of economic recovery, creation of new jobs, implementation of development programs for specific subjects of new territories can be solved by consolidating the subjects of the Russian Federation and forming professional construction teams on the basis of specialized enterprises of the subject of the Russian Federation for the implementation of state programs. The authors, if necessary, offer services for training and transfer of scientific and technical knowledge to Customer specialists at the place of construction of prefabricated facilities.

Development of an intelligent building management systembased on BIM technology

The construction of smart cities has led to new demands for intelligent building management. This paper proposes an innovative building management system that integrates BIM, IoT, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies. The system architecture is rational, and its functional modules are comprehensive, achieving breakthroughs in key areas such as BIM visualization, fault diagnosis, and energy consumption optimization. Through practical testing, the system demonstrates outstanding capabilities in data processing, real-time performance, and fault recognition accuracy, providing solid technical support for the operation of green intelligent buildings and contributing to sustainable urban development.

Developing a low carbon brick for residential building construction

The construction industry is trying to become more eco-friendly and minimise environmental impact. One way to achieve this is by using innovative building materials. Traditional clay bricks are not eco-friendly due to the depletion of resources, emissions, and waste generated during production. In this study, a new alternative called the Novel Organic Brick (NOB) was produced and evaluated, which was made from recycled construction and demolition sand and red clay as partial replacements for traditional virgin clay. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare the environmental impact of NOBs to that of Kiln Fired Bricks (KFBs). The inventory flows from material sourcing to brick shaping were modelled in SimaPro 8.1 and characterised into impact indicators using the ReCiPe 2016 method. The LCA showed that NOBs can reduce the impact of climate change by 39-56% compared to KFBs, depending on the type and source of recycled sand. This study encourages the construction industry to adopt alternative solutions for greater sustainability by demonstrating the viability of incorporating secondary materials and quantifying environmental performance improvements in India.

Glass a Scarce Commodity

The adoption of glass reuse in construction faces challenges due to higher costs and more perceived risks compared to new glass. This conflicts with the goal of a circular economy. To challenge this status quo, this article explores a hypothetical scenario where glass becomes a scarce commodity. What if the float glass production process ceases to exist due to energy resource depletion, raw material scarcity, or carbon budget constraints? In such a context, glass reuse will be crucial. This article discusses the design, logistics and quality related challenges of reusing float glass, including structural integrity and energy performance considerations. Additionally, this article investigates the potential for glass reuse by analysing ongoing and future research, supply-demand dynamics, innovative building design, the concept of the future glass factory, and the re-evaluation and promotion of regulatory frameworks. To promote glass reuse, the article emphasizes customization over standardization. Considering the diverse dynamics of projects, from high-rise buildings to terraced houses, and varying regional construction requirements, solutions must be specific and adaptable, rather than standardized.

The effect of lightweight geopolymer concrete containing air agent on building envelope performance and internal thermal comfort

Innovative building materials are the primary focus for researchers seeking to reduce energy consumption and advance global sustainability initiatives. This target could accomplished by addressing environmental issues and confronting the adverse impact of climate change. In this regard, this paper used a combined experimental and simulation approach to evaluate the effectiveness of lightweight geopolymer concrete (LWGC) incorporating industrial waste of aluminum powder (AP) and ferrosilicon waste powder (FWP) for reducing the energy consumption in the building envelop. Seven concrete mixes for LWGC were prepared using an air operator. Three mixtures contain 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % AP (FA), and three mixtures contain 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % FWP by weight of fly ash. The workability, unit volume weight, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and microstructure analysis of the LWGC were examined. In addition, energy simulations were performed to evaluate their ability to reduce energy use in residential buildings. The inclusion of AP and FWP in LWGC resulted in a significant decrease in the density of the material, which amounts to 55 % for AP0.3 and 35 % for FWP0.3. The diameter of the LWGC pore structure increased as the Ca/Si ratio was reduced. The AP and FWP materials reduced energy consumption for building envelope elements such as external walls and roof insulation by 14.5 %, resulting in a 9.2 % overall reduction compared to the traditional concrete mix as a control sample.

Validating ANSYS Heat Transfer Models Using Experimental Data Analysis of Two Phase Change Materials with Differing Melting Temperatures

Phase change materials are becoming more and more popular as viable options for improving the thermal performance and energy efficiency of a variety of applications, especially in innovative building envelope designs. In this paper, experimental data from two different phase change materials with differing melting temperatures (21°C and 28°C) are used to validate numerical system heat transfer models. The experimental setup included a heat flux apparatus, which was utilized to ascertain average temperature and heat flow changes over time during both heating and cooling phases for both phase change materials. The data obtained from the experiments were utilized to generate ANSYS Fluent simulation models replicating the experimental setup. The parameters and boundary conditions for the models can be assigned in several ways within ANSYS Fluent software. Consequently, two simulation models were created: one integrated the thermal and physical properties of the experimental setup's system components, while the other utilized the measured heat-flux values over time from the experiments as an input source for calculating average temperatures within the phase change material. The average temperature data from both simulation and experimental results were compared to validate both ANSYS models. By aligning the simulated results with the experimental data, the accuracy and reliability of the numerical models have been established in predicting the thermal behaviour of the two phase change materials. The two numerical system heat transfer models developed in this study serve as valuable tools for conducting further analysis and optimization of systems based on phase change materials. This research highlights the significance of phase change materials in enhancing the thermal performance of building envelopes, particularly in solar energy applications.

Electrical Heating of Carbon Textile Reinforced Concrete—Possible Effects on Tensile Load-Bearing Behavior

Carbon-textile-reinforced concrete (CTRC) is currently used as a high-performance composite material in the construction industry, comprising concrete and a non-metallic reinforcement. In addition to remarkable material properties such as tensile-load-bearing behavior, durability and density, this innovative material features high electrical conductivity, offering the potential for electrical heat generation within building components. This paper contributes to the field by exploring the unique combination of properties exhibited by carbon-textile reinforcements (CTR) electrically heated up to 80 °C. The impact of the electrical heating of CTR was evaluated by conducting stationary tests on load-bearing behavior. The tests were conducted on two different CTRs: one impregnated with polystyrene, and the other with epoxy resin additionally surface-modified with quartz sand. In order to quantify the influence of individual material parameters, tensile tests were conducted on the components comprising CTR and mortar, as well as the composite CTRC. The analysis focused on electrically heated carbon-textile reinforcements, comparing them through experiments conducted at varying ambient temperatures. This study presents pioneering findings on heated CTRC, determining that electrical heating decreases tensile strength with increasing temperature for the investigated reinforcement materials. The softening of the impregnation materials proved to be a decisive factor. This interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science with thermal management in construction, offering insights into the practical applications of CTR in innovative building designs.

Metallacarboranes in Medicinal Chemistry: Current Advances and Future Perspectives.

Metallacarboranes, exemplified by cobalt bis(dicarbollide) ([COSAN]-), have excelled their historical metallocene analogue label to become promising in drug design, medical studies, and fundamental biological research. Serving as a unique platform for conjugation with biomolecules, they also constitute an auspicious building block for biologically active derivatives and a carrier for cellular transport of membrane-impermeable cargos. Modified [COSAN]- exhibits specific antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer actions showing promise for preclinical trials. Contributing to the ongoing development in medicinal chemistry, metallacarboranes offer desirable physicochemical properties and low acute toxicity. This article presents a critical look at metallacarboranes in the context of their application in medicinal chemistry, emphasizing [COSAN]- as a potential game-changer in drug design and biomedical sciences. As medicinal chemistry seeks innovative building blocks, metallacarboranes emerge as an important novelty with versatile solutions and promising implications.

Application of Polymer Sheets in the Conditions of Southern Kyrgyzstan

One of the strategic directions in Kyrgyzstan is accelerated housing construction, as well as modernization and acceleration of construction work, based on modern innovative building materials and technologies. In the modern world, a special place is occupied by the rapid development of industrial, highly innovative, waste-free technologies, such as synthetic and natural polymer materials, to create a variety of architectural and construction products. This includes the use of polymeric materials derived from both synthetic and natural sources in the creation of a variety of architectural elements. Research into trends in the development and use of polymer sheets in architectural and construction practice is especially important in the context of Southern Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating their effectiveness in the region. The issues of analysis and effective use of polymer sheets in the conditions of the South of Kyrgyzstan are considered.

Theorizing security-pandemic aspects and variables for post-pandemic architecture

“Theorizing security-pandemic aspects and variables for post-pandemic architecture" refers to creating propositions and theory systems for the security-pandemic aspects and variables in the presence of pandemic and health issues and the consequences of changing hybrid activities within living-working space. COVID-19 has caused changes in architecture, especially in the context of the security pandemic. Architecture needs different strategies to help prevent disease in the future. A theorizing theory involves classification and interpreted terms, network analysis, and creating propositions and theories based on aspects and variables. The findings are 3 new interpretations of aspects, 14 sub-aspects of security-pandemic theory, and 23 security-pandemic variables that can be used as strategies in architecture design. The interconnection between aspects (dynamics, distancing, and living-working pattern), sub-aspects, and variables are connected regarding control, prevention, and deterring patterns for disease spread through person-to-person and media/surface-to-person. These findings will support future research in preventive measures in post-pandemic architecture, creating innovative building and green code certifications for security-pandemic theory or modifying the existing codes and green certifications.

Comparison of using two LCA software programs to assess the environmental impacts of two institutional buildings

The current trends in climate change have captured the attention of stakeholders across multiple industries, including the building sector. With the introduction of innovative building materials such as mass timber products (MTPs), it has become essential to evaluate their environmental performance. In response, a variety of life cycle assessment (LCA) software programs are available to meet this need. However, it is crucial to understand how different LCA software and databases might influence the results. This study was aimed at exploring the impact of two widely used LCA software programs, SimaPro and Athena Impact Estimator, on LCA results. Two buildings were employed to conduct this study, a traditional institutional building and a mass timber building currently under construction. By comparing the numerical outputs from both software programs, it was discovered that while both could reach similar conclusions regarding the environmental impacts of a building, their use is limited to comparative purposes only. The software programs produced distinct numerical values in their outputs and attributed the sources of impacts differently, indicating they cannot be used interchangeably. However, either SimaPro or Athena Impact Estimator was suitable for estimating the global warming potential of a building during stages A1 to A3.

STRAIN MEASUREMENT AND ADHESIVE SELECTION FOR STRAIN GAUGES ON CARBON ROVING IN TEXTILE-REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) is a promising building material that meets modern environmental protection and sustainability requirements. For the widespread use of this innovative building material, empirical models based on material properties determined by laboratory tests are needed. This study investigated the ability to measure the strain of carbon rovings with small strain gauges during standard tensile tests. The measured values were compared and validated using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. Another component of this study is the investigation of a suitable adhesive for the application of the sensors to SBR-coated (styrene-butadiene rubber) carbon roving. Three test series with three different adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesive, epoxy resin, and polychloroprene, were produced and tested for tensile strength. The validation tests showed that a strain loss occurs in the adhesive joint of the strain gauges. It was found that cyanoacrylate adhesives, such as M-Bond 200, suffered the lowest losses and are recommended for further investigations. The epoxy resin influences the stiffness of the carbon fibers at the contact surface too strongly, while the polychloroprene adhesive could not transfer the actual roving strain due to insufficient stiffness of the bond line.