Innovative Construction Methods Research Articles

Enhancing Trace Pb2⁺ Detection via Novel Functional Materials for Improved Electrocatalytic Redox Processes on Electrochemical Sensors: A Short Review

The efficient detection of lead ions (Pb2⁺) is significant for environmental protection and public health. Electrochemical detection has emerged as one of the most promising technologies due to its low detection limits, high sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. However, significant challenges remain, including issues related to sensitivity, selectivity, interference, and the stability of electrode materials. This review explores recent advancements in the field, focusing on integrating novel catalytic materials and innovative sensor construction methods. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing the electrocatalytic redox processes on sensor surfaces using advanced nanomaterials such as MXenes, ferrite-based nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Additionally, the role of biomaterials and enzymes in improving electrochemical sensors’ selectivity and anti-interference capabilities is discussed. Despite the impressive low detection limits achieved, real-world applications present additional challenges due to the complex composition of environmental samples. The review concludes with future perspectives on overcoming these challenges by leveraging the unique properties of catalytic materials to develop more effective and reliable electrochemical sensors for trace Pb2⁺ detection.

Sustainable building practices: From construction to maintenance

This comprehensive study explores the integration of sustainable practices throughout the various phases of a buildings lifecycle, including construction, operation, and maintenance. It emphasizes the pivotal role of material selection, construction techniques, renewable energy integration, energy management systems, retrofitting, water conservation technologies, predictive maintenance, and efficiency monitoring in minimizing environmental impact while enhancing efficiency. Advanced materials such as high-performance concrete and bio-based insulation, alongside innovative construction methods like modular and prefabricated components, are highlighted for their potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints and energy consumption. The study further investigates the adoption of renewable energy systems, demonstrating their efficacy in achieving energy self-sufficiency. Through the operational phase, it underscores the importance of sophisticated Energy Management Systems (EMS) and retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, it delves into the incorporation of water conservation technologies, which substantially decrease water usage and associated energy demands. The maintenance phase is discussed with a focus on predictive maintenance using IoT sensors and AI, alongside the use of sustainable materials for repairs. Quantitative analyses throughout the study illustrate potential reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage, underscoring the critical role of these practices in promoting sustainability in the construction industry. This study aims to provide a holistic view of sustainable building practices, offering valuable insights and methodologies for industry professionals and stakeholders.

RuiXue Multi-Hall-Human machine collaboration in reciprocal structures

This article centers on the RuiXue Multi-Hall architectural design project in Chengdu, China, with a specific focus on a comprehensive workflow framework that integrates reciprocal geometric design and digital construction methods, primarily within the context of shell structures. The research expands on the concepts of structural design, adjustments of performance parameters, and the optimization of free-form shells. In addition, it outlines the spatial design approach for the shell structure. The study delves into reciprocal geometric design for the existing shell structure, establishing a library of reciprocal geometric shapes suitable for architectural design. The primary focus is on the application of these shapes to the shell structure, optimizing parameters for several grids within the library, and comparing various design schemes. Furthermore, the article discusses digital construction methods for the existing shell space and reciprocal structure, with a specific emphasis on the material performance of timber components. This discussion includes reciprocal timber structures and 3D-printed roofs for shell surfaces, all guided by a geometric control system to facilitate an interactive design and construction process. This research on reciprocal geometric design and digital construction methods for shell structures holds dual significance. It not only traces the historical development of reciprocal structures but also explores innovative construction methods using digital technology. The establishment of a comprehensive framework for reciprocal geometric design-construction is expected to catalyze innovative breakthroughs in future architectural design, spanning aspects such as space, form, materials, and structure.

Investigation into Spatially and Environmentally Aesthetic Dovecote Designs: A Case Study from the Xinjiang Region on the Silk Road

Globally, the dove is acknowledged as a peace representative and emblem. The Silk Road is noted for its vibrant pigeon culture, particularly in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a bustling hub of Chinese pigeon culture and industry. This research offers a systematic examination of the cultural and aesthetic features of pigeon coops in rural landscapes, utilizing China’s Xinjiang region as a representative sample. The study’s findings suggest that in Uyghur traditional villages when constructing pigeon coops, emphasis should be placed on their locational visibility and harmony with residential structures. The functional elements of the planning layout include the transition from traditional to modern dovecotes, exploitation of natural conditions, and effective arrangement and optimization of layout. For modern dovecote construction in Uyghur residential buildings, three factors should be considered: the environmental aesthetics of building materials, the use of innovative construction methods, and the safeguarding of significant cultural heritage. Conclusively, traditional Uyghur villages are endowed with abundant cultural heritage, which should be taken into account when designing the layout of pigeon coops for aesthetic considerations.

Analysis of Experience in the Use of Micro- and Nanoadditives from Silicon Production Waste in Concrete Technologies

The integration of nanotechnology across various industries has significantly enhanced product quality and manufacturing technologies for diverse materials. Within the construction sector, the adoption of nanomaterials has sparked the advent of innovative construction methods. Extensive studies have been conducted on various nanomaterials, particularly micro- and nanosilica, exploring their use as partial substitutes for cement in concrete formulations. This study aimed to furnish a comprehensive overview of silica’s impact on concrete properties in civil engineering and road construction. Environmental concerns and potential hazards necessitate the development of strategies for managing industrial by-products. Metallurgical processes generate several such by-products, among which is silica fume—a residue from smelting in the silicon and ferrosilicon industries. Waste silica dust and slurries have proven highly effective in creating high-strength, high-performance concrete. The study presents a literature review focusing on micro- and nanosilica derived from production waste at ferroalloy and silicon plants. It includes a comparative analysis of the primary characteristics of microsilica from various sources and examines the extensive use of microsilica as a modifying additive in building materials. Analyzing different concrete compositions with and without fumed silica determined the ranges of results for each indicator. The incorporation of micro- and nanosilica into the concrete mix demonstrated its efficacy. The morphology of waste silica particles, characterized by the smooth and spherical surfaces of micro- and nanosilica particles, significantly influences the workability properties of the concrete.

Environmental comparative case studies on modular integrated construction and cast-in-situ construction methods

This study contributes to the worldwide efforts of adopting innovative low carbon construction methods to reduce net zero embodied carbon of buildings and to minimize local environmental impacts during the construction period. It uses agent-based models (ABM) to simulate multi-threaded and multi-objective construction activities through collecting detailed project data of two case studies (one using the modular integrated construction (MiC) method and the other one using the cast-in-situ method) in Hong Kong. Considering that the construction process is dynamic and site issues are complex in nature, three major environmental impacts of carbon emissions, air pollution and noise are modelled at fine spatial and temporal resolutions. The findings show that the MiC project has significant environmental advantages over the cast-in-situ project in terms of reducing CO2 emissions, harmful emissions (including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and organic volatile compounds), PM2.5 and PM10 emissions, and noise pollution levels, consequently reducing health risk associated with people in surrounding communities near construction sites. In terms of per square meter of construction floor area (per m2 CFA), the MiC project produced 17.60% less CO2, 42.54% less harmful gases, 32.15% less PM2.5 and 27.41% less PM10. The duration of noise exceeding 70 dB (minutes) in the neighbourhood of the MiC project was 81.25% shorter than the cast-in-situ project. The total health damage (in DALYs per m2 CFA) of the former was 63.18% lower than the latter. The research concludes that the adoption of low carbon construction methods like MiC can help to foster sustainable buildings and healthy communities in an urban context.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and innovation in the construction sector: Systematic Literature Review

Purpose – To analyze the evolution of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and innovation in the civil construction industry, focusing on innovative and sustainable practices, as well as ways of measuring the level of construction companies in these themes. Design/methodology/approach – A Systematic Literature Review approach was used. The Web of Science and Elsevier Scopus Databases, from 2017 to 2022, were used for data collection, based on a set of keywords and Boolean operators ("sustainable development" & "framework" & "measurement" & "environment”). Using the Zotero Software, 488 papers were classified and organized according to the publication date, main content, proposals for sustainable and innovative tools and techniques. The papers were analyzed in the VOSviewer Software. Findings – There is an Asian predominance in the volume of publications and networks of strong connections in clusters by countries. The authors tend to look for papers from the same region as a reference, going against the concept of globalization of ESG and innovation themes and the condition of replicability of practices. Among the exemplified practices, there are replicable models and initiatives, as well as incipient innovative construction materials and methods in search of consolidation. Originality/value – Amid the current and growing discussion about innovation and ESG in organizations, it is noted that the civil construction sector still lacks better performances in these themes. This paper aims to contribute to the advancement of the discussion in the sector, bringing together works found in recent literature.

Review of design and innovative construction of steel truss cable-stayed bridges in China

Many steel truss cable-stayed bridges have been built in China in the past two decades, providing a wealth of design and construction experience. This paper provides a review of their development, the structural configurations used, the mechanical characteristics of decks, pylons and cables, and the various innovative construction methods adopted. With main spans now exceeding 1 km, the sturdy structures are mainly used for combined rail-and-road crossings in preference to more flexible suspension bridges. The aim of the paper is to provide a comprehensive and useful reference for further design and construction of steel truss cable-stayed bridges worldwide.

Uses of Bamboo for Sustainable Construction—A Structural and Durability Perspective—A Review

Bamboo is a natural biodegradable material used as a strength-bearing material that operates for system works, formwork supporting stands, structural members in low-rise houses, props, framing, bridges, laminated flooring, facades, walls, roofs, and trusses. Over recent years, there has been an increased demand for bamboo, considering sustainable construction practices. Exploring bamboo’s physical and mechanical behaviour is essential to develop innovative construction methods and design guidelines. Therefore, this paper aims to review the studies on bamboo culms’ material properties and physical behaviour, considering the load-bearing capacity and structural adequacy. This study summarises the physical and mechanical properties of a wide array of bamboo species grown worldwide. Mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, flexural, shear, and bucking strengths are explored, highlighting the key findings in previous experimental works. Results have indicated a significant variability in bamboo’s material and mechanical properties considering the growth conditions, location along a culm, geometric imperfections and environmental conditions. In addition to material and mechanical properties, structural bamboo connections, engineered bamboo products, and preservative treatment of bamboo are also investigated. The construction industry can utilise the summary of the findings of this study to develop design guidelines for sustainable bamboo construction. Overall, this paper presents an overview of structural capability and drawbacks for future research and development using bamboo in modern construction.

ENERGY OPTIMIZATION OF MID-RISE BUILDINGS IN TROPICAL AREAS: A RESIDENTIAL SITE CASE STUDY

Residential buildings and living conditions have greatly changed over the last two decades. In fact, with a few exceptions, current buildings are not the kind of habitats belonged to today. Due to the development of innovative materials, products and construction methods, the construction of environmentally friendly buildings with better economic efficiency seems essential. The present study seeks to provide simple and practical solutions to reduce energy consumption and develop comfort in residential buildings in cities influenced by hot climatic conditions. To this end, a 4-storey residential building in the city of Ahvaz, Iran, is simulated by Design Builder Software (which uses Energy plus engine) to investigate the impact of alternative roofing and facade materials, awning, windows, and others, on energy efficiency. The results show that using rockwool and aluminum composite panels (ACP) facade, pumice concrete roofing, double glazed windows, vertical awning of a 70 cm height, and a balcony of 50 cm depth are the best composition to thermal reinforcement for residential buildings and decrease energy consumption. Key Words: Energy Consumption Optimization, Thermal Comfort, Residential Complex

Examples of integrating hydraulic equipment into temporary works

This paper focuses on the integration of hydraulic equipment into temporary works and how they can work together to provide safe and effective solutions across different fields of civil engineering. The focus is on the challenges faced by temporary works designers and how to solve them by integrating hydraulics into innovative modular construction methods for structures such as high-rise buildings, airport infrastructure and sports stadia, with notable examples provided from around the world. The paper also covers high-capacity tower systems for refinery construction and various bridge construction projects, from concrete viaducts to suspension bridges.

Life cycle carbon and cost assessment comparing milled and whole timber truss systems and insulation options for affordable housing

Increasing demand for housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the world. Affordable housing is a key priority of the UK government in addressing this challenge, which calls for innovative construction methods to address the issue of fuel poverty at an affordable cost. Timber-based modern methods of construction are one of the key solutions to resolve the existing housing crisis while managing climate change. Therefore, this paper presents a case study of “Integra House”, which is a proof of concept of a novel truss technology. The case study is an affordable housing prototype that performs well in both life cycle carbon and cost. The proposed construction uses a novel timber truss technology which makes up the floor, walls and roof of the house, thereby reducing on-site operations and waste while providing a low-carbon low-cost design. The prototype underwent design optimisation and evaluation of options; workshop-based production and performance evaluation of elemental prototypes; production and performance evaluation of a full-scale dwelling prototype; and comparison of capital and life cycle costs and environmental impacts. Further, it underwent a simulation-based optimisation to maximize its performance in cost and carbon by replacing milled timber trusses with whole timber trusses and Rockwool insulation with wood wool insulation. The optimised design option (whole timber) has an EC of 261kgCO2per m2 and costs £682 per m2 (excludes substructure, services and fitout) and its operational carbon is 7.9 kgCO2 per m2/annum and costs £3.30 per m2/annum to operate. Life cycle costs and carbon comparison of the two design prototypes concluded that the whole timber design outperformed the milled timber design in both cost and carbon aspects, by 23% and 30% respectively due to being extremely inexpensive and requiring minimal processing compared to the milled timber option.

Sustainability, through passive solar building envelope design, based on the principles of bioinspiration

How can architecture respond to sustainability issues where buildings will behave in built environments like living organisms in the natural environment? To answer this question, scientists have turned in recent years to the investigation of living organisms in nature to design models that create new ways to think about adaptation, change, and performance in architecture. At the same time, the development of technologies helps engineers, architects, and designers inspired by bio-mimetics to recreate complex structures that exist in nature, using innovative construction methods and materials, with the aim of energy saving. The building shell is now constructed, not with traditional inert surfaces but with a cladding, which in many cases includes a wide range of technologies based on the behavior of organisms found in nature. The strength of this approach is the identification and evaluation of multiple benefits related to the energy efficiency of biomimetic solutions. The purpose of this article is to create a knowledge transfer between biology and technology and to integrate this knowledge into the development of bio-inspired structures. Thus, three paradigms of kinetic architecture will be presented to understand the importance and impact that the application of bio-inspiration in Architecture can have on the energy debate.

Architectural Formation of Growable Light Steel Structure and Its 3D Visualisation Design and Construction Method

With the applications of new construction technologies and design ideas, innovative construction methods and architectural designs promote overall productivity and enrich architectural impressions. However, faced with the contradictions between construction efficiency, project benefits, and sustainability, together with the dynamically variable social demands and monotonous design of current temporary light steel structures, a new type of growable light steel structure with parameterisable and assembled architectural units is proposed. Besides, a fast-assembled track foundation that can be detachable and recycled is adopted. Both can promote the growth of light steel units. To be specific, its architectural spaces can be extended and contracted, and the structural form and service space can be adjusted by the reorganisation and optimisation of unit arrangements. Meanwhile, due to the advantages of information integrations and 3D visualisations of BIM technology, a BIM-based design and construction method of growable light steel structures is studied. Based on the arrangements of track and parametrically transformed light steel units, this study expands the architectural forms of light steel structures. It explores their respective applications in practical architectural design to solve current shortages of land resources, properly respond to variable building environments, simultaneously enrich the design schemes of current light steel structures, improve the utilisation rate of structural spaces, and enhance the aesthetic sensations of buildings.

The potential of lightweight panel systems in building industry

The current construction technologies are often characterized as ineffective, with long construction times, heavy structural weight, increased financial and labour cost, and environmentally unsustainable. Innovative construction methods, including modern lightweight panel systems, are characterized by low weight (this affects not only transport characteristics but also the production, such as easier handling of the panels), faster construction time, the guaranteed quality due to industrial production in a factory, economic efficiency and many other benefits. The presented study examined the potential of efficiency and performance of four variants of lightweight construction panels in the context of the required essential properties of prefabricated construction elements, as well as in comparison with the variant of "heavy" prefabricated concrete panel system.

Re-establishing traditional stilt structures in contemporary architecture–The possibilities

PurposeThe study aims to explore factors affecting stilt construction and the possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt structures.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative research method using an in-depth interview with selected architects to document experience and insights of the architects on the challenges and possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt structures. Purposive sampling was used to determine the respondents for the study. Architects with experience designing stilt houses in architects' architectural practice were selected to take in the study.FindingsStudy revealed that generally architects are keen on using stilt structures. Building materials and costs associated with designing and constructing stilt structures were identified as the key challenges. However, architects suggest using recycled building materials as possible solutions to encourage the construction of stilt structures in Malaysia. The architects also preferred to use hybridized recycled materials for stilt structures as hybridized materials have improved structural properties and functions. Additionally, the study identified “psychological hesitation” or “accessibility” as a factor affecting the construction of stilt buildings.Research limitations/implicationsThroughout this study, some limitations have been dealt with. The first is the limitation of sample size. Contemporary stilt architecture is not very common in Malaysia today, and not many architects have experience in designing stilt houses. Although the method of purposive sampling was used, a larger sample size could have generated a more diverse result. The second limitation is the dearth of research on contemporary stilt houses in Malaysia. As stilt construction is uncommon in Malaysia and the existing material focuses primarily on traditional Malay houses, this has been one of the major challenges. Finally, most of the literature on stilt construction is from Southeast Asia, limited or insufficient studies and literature on local stilt construction would have a greater benefit to the study.Practical implicationsThe outcomes from this study would benefit the scholars who have an interest in exploring stilts construction in contemporary architecture as well as innovative construction materials and construction methods. As the study brings forth the challenges and possibilities of restoring the traditional stilt constructions, the study can be used as a reference by designers to garner a deeper understanding of the traditional stilt construction and encourage designers to focus on possible innovations for stilt construction from the aspects of materials and methods in ensuring the traditional element is present in future design and construction.Originality/valueThe study is a response to an obvious dearth body of knowledge in stilt construction in the Malaysian context. The study identifies the key challenges and possible and practical solutions. The findings of this study represent a scholastic effort that can be used as a reference by academics and scholars.

The construction of the Cross Bay Link bridge in Hong Kong

The Cross Bay link (CBL) bridge is a 1 km sea crossing that forms the centrepiece of the new east–west express highway link in Hong Kong. This £250 million project features an iconic 200 m span butterfly double-arch bridge and a series of concrete box girder spans supported on specially sculpted V-piers and large piled foundations. This paper describes the innovative construction methods adopted for building the bridge safely and efficiently in an extremely challenging marine environment, a process that relied on the extensive use of design for manufacture and assembly solutions, with most of the bridge elements above the sea level being prefabricated or precast off site. This includes the construction of the 10 000 t steel arch bridge, which was fully prefabricated near Shanghai, then transported to Hong Kong by a semi-submersible barge, and eventually erected onto the piers using the float-over method. In addition, most of the concrete decks, piers and the pile cap shells were precast off site and then lifted into position on site. This project holds a number of engineering records in Hong Kong, including the longest arch bridge, the first-time adoption of S690QL high-strength steel for major bridge elements and the largest scale implementation of the float-over erection method.

Appraising the nexus between influencers and sustainability‐oriented innovation adoption in affordable housing projects

AbstractThe emergence of a plethora of innovative construction methods, materials and technologies in the construction industry has been projected to enhance the effective delivery of sustainable affordable housing. However, a lack of empirical evidence buttressing an extensive analysis of the effect of internal and external influencers on adopting these innovations within the affordable housing context in developing countries persists. This study examines the nexus between company and project characteristics as internal influencers, and challenges as external influencers, on the extent of use of sustainability‐oriented innovations (SOIs), on affordable housing projects. Variables emanating from an extensive literature review were presented in a causal model detailing sustainable, innovative, and affordable housing (SIAH). The model and the inherent causality between the constructs were validated through a survey administered on a population of registered South African home developers. The results of structural equation modelling posit a minimal positive impact of internal influencers and moderate negative effects of external challenges on the extent of use of SOIs by home developers. Also, results highlighted the negative mediating impact of challenges on the relationship between internal influences and the extent of use of SOI in affordable housing projects. The study concludes that the external challenges are the key drivers of adopting innovation in SIAH, and by addressing these challenges, the extent of use will significantly improve. The validated causal model can be used as a framework to enhance SOIs adoption in SIAH.

Teaching Implementation of Practical Education and Innovative Construction Method

This study uses cases of practical education to illustrate the process and results of innovative construction methods. The results are as follows: 1. Originating from the nature of materials, development of construction methods through understanding the characteristics of materials can better demonstrate the importance of detailed design. 2. Through the addition of other materials, wood structures can stand out from the conventional form to show an amazing style. 3. Through practices, students can understand the importance of detailed design. Starting from the essence of the material and returning to the overall design through detailed design can indeed create unexpected results. 4. Feedback on teaching to provide reference for subsequent courses.

Numerical Study of Fire and Energy Performance of Innovative Light-Weight 3D Printed Concrete Wall Configurations in Modular Building System

3D Printed Concrete (3DPC) technology is currently evolving with high demand amongst researches and the integration of modular building system (MBS) with this technology would provide a sustainable solution to modern construction challenges. The use of lightweight concrete in such innovative construction methods offers lightweight structures with better heat and sound insulation compared to normal weight concrete. It is worth noting that fire and energy performance has become central to building design. However, there are limited research studies on the combined thermal energy and fire performance of 3DPC walls. Therefore, this study investigates fire performance of 20 numbers of varying 3DPC wall configurations using validated finite element models under standard fire conditions. The fire performance analysis demonstrated that 3DPC non-load bearing cavity walls have substantial resistance under standard fire load and its performance can be further improved with Rockwool insulation. There is significant improvement in terms of fire performance when the thickness of the walls increases in a parallel row manner. Previous thermal energy investigation also showed a lower U-value for increased thickness of similar 3DPC walls. This research concludes with a proposal of using 3DPC wall with Rockwool insulation for amplified combined thermal energy and fire performance to be used in MBS.