Efficient Layout Research Articles

Analysis and Design of a Multistorey Building on Sloped and Flat Grounds (Stilt + Ground + 4)

This project focuses on the planning, static analysis, and structural design of a (Stilt + Ground + 4) residential building, located on both sloping and flat ground, using ETABS software. The primary goal is to study the impact of ground conditions on the structural behavior and design considerations of the building. The project incorporates planning principles to create a functional and efficient layout, ensuring compliance with Indian Standard codes for beams, columns, slabs, and other structural elements. Key aspects such as load distribution, stability, reinforcement detailing, and member sizing are thoroughly examined to ensure the building's safety and adherence to IS guidelines. A comparative analysis between sloping and flat ground conditions highlights the differences in design parameters, such as member forces, moments, and reinforcement requirements, with particular attention to the unique challenges posed by sloping ground. The findings of the study aim to offer insights into cost- effective and optimized design strategies that cater to different site conditions. By exploring these variations, the study contributes to the development of advanced modeling techniques for structural analysis and design. It also emphasizes the importance of adaptable strategies to ensure safe, resilient, and efficient residential buildings, regardless of topography. This research enhances the understanding of how varying ground conditions influence the design process and promotes the development of residential structures that are both safe and cost-efficient across diverse terrains. Keywords: Residential Building Design, Sloping Ground, Flat Ground, ETABS, Static Analysis, Structural Components, Indian Standards, Comparative Study, Planning Principles, Reinforcement Detailing.

A Hybrid Framework for Multi-Objective Construction Site Layout Optimization

Effective Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) ensures the organized placement and sizing of temporary facilities, enhancing workflow and logistical efficiency. Poorly planned layouts, however, can increase material handling times, create bottlenecks, and reduce productivity, ultimately leading to higher costs. The main objective of this study is to introduce a BIM-based hybrid framework for CSLP that integrates Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) with a Genetic Algorithm (GA), developed through a Design Science Research approach. This Construction Site Optimization Framework (CSOF) addresses CSLP as a multi-objective optimization problem, prioritizing efficient positioning of facilities while accounting for workflow intensity, safety, and manager preferences. The framework’s continuous-space modeling supports a realistic approach, moving beyond fixed-location models. Exploratory case studies demonstrated CSOF’s effectiveness, achieving 30.79% to 40.98% reductions in non-value-adding travel distances and adaptability across varied site conditions. In this way, this research provides a decision-support tool that balances automation with decision-maker input, enhancing layout efficiency and operational flexibility in construction site management.

Development of system analysis code and its application in transient simulation of supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle direct cooled reactors

The supercritical carbon dioxide (s-CO2) Brayton cycle direct cooled reactor system has the characteristics of high cycle efficiency, compact equipment, and simple layout, which has attracted the attention of researchers recently. The use of s-CO2 Brayton cycle and the elimination of intermediate heat exchangers make the transient characteristics of this reactor different from light water reactors which have rich operating experience. Transient simulation and safety analysis with system code is an essential stage in reactor design and safety verification. Therefore, a system code, named NUSAS (NUclear Safety Analysis and Simulation), was developed in this study for the transient simulation of s-CO2 Brayton cycle direct cooled reactor system. This code is developed based on the advanced two-fluid two-pressure seven-equation model and has the capability of modelling the turbomachinery in s-CO2 Brayton cycle direct cooled reactor system. The transient characteristics during core power step and precooler cooling water mass flow rate step were analyzed. The load tracking and operation control strategy of the reactor was designed, and transient simulations of the wide range (100% to 50%) load tracking process were conducted. According to the simulation results of NUSAS, the transient characteristics of s-CO2 Brayton cycle direct cooled reactor were demonstrated when operating conditions change.

Aerodynamic Analysis of Rotor Spacing and Attitude Transition in Tilt-Powered Coaxial Rotor UAV.

Complex aerodynamic characteristics and optimal control during the attitude transition of tilt-powered coaxial twin-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent key challenges in flight control design. This study investigates aerodynamic mechanisms and control parameter optimization during the transition of UAVs from vertical to forward flight. By establishing a dynamic model and combining theoretical and numerical analyses, the optimal rotor spacing is determined to be h = 0.5 R. The load distribution and aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft are analyzed at different initial tilt angles during attitude transitions. At an initial tilt angle of δ = 9°, the thrust force increases by 439% compared with that at δ = 3°, and the tip speed increases by 15% and 35% compared with that at δ = 3° and δ = 13°, respectively. The results indicate that a tilt angle of δ = 9° results in a higher turbulent dissipation rate and rotor layout efficiency, with a smoother vortex flow and more orderly distribution. The interference between the twin-rotor tip vortices is relatively weak, resulting in excellent symmetry and aerodynamic stability. Through the improvement of the theoretical model and parameter optimization of a novel tilt-powered coaxial twin-rotor UAV, this study enhances UAV flight stability and provides valuable insights and validation for the further development of UAV technology.

Spatial optimization strategies for China’s hydrogen infrastructure industry chain

Promoting the development of China’s hydrogen energy industry is crucial for achieving green energy transition. However, existing research lacks systematic studies on the spatial layout of the hydrogen industry chain. This study constructed a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing hardware infrastructure, software systems, and soft power. Using multi-source heterogeneous data, GIS analysis, and NVivo text coding methods, the current regional layout and challenges of China’s hydrogen infrastructure industry chain were systematically evaluated. The findings determined that economically developed eastern regions lead in infrastructure and soft power, while central and western regions leverage their resource and manufacturing advantages. Major challenges include regional imbalances in hardware infrastructure, uneven distribution of soft power, and misalignment between software systems and actual needs. Analysis of the “14th Five-Year Plan” of various regions elucidated deep insights into the diversity of local hydrogen energy development strategies, identifying five types of hydrogen cities: resource-advantaged, market-oriented, regionally collaborative, innovation-driven, and policy-supported. Accordingly, strategies to enhance industry chain synergy, clarify city roles, and optimize regional ecosystems were proposed. It is recommended to integrate hydrogen infrastructure with urban planning and incorporate environmental impact assessments into spatial optimization decisions. This study provides a systematic analytical framework and progressive policy recommendations for the efficient and green layout of China’s hydrogen infrastructure, offering important implications for the sustainable development of the hydrogen industry and other rapidly developing economies.

VSPIM: SRAM Processing-in-Memory DNN Acceleration via Vector-Scalar Operations

Processing-in-Memory (PIM) has been widely explored for accelerating data-intensive machine learning computation that mainly consists of general-matrix-multiplication (GEMM), by mitigating the burden of data movements and exploiting the ultra-high memory parallelism. The two mainstreams of PIM, the analog- and digital-type, have both been exploited in accelerating machine learning workloads by numerous outstanding prior works. Currently, the digital-PIM is increasingly favored due to the broader computing support and the avoidance of errors caused by intrinsic non-idealities, e.g., process variation. Nevertheless, it still lacks further optimization considering the characteristics of the GEMM computation, including better efficient data layout and scheduling, and the ability to handle the sparsity of activations at the bit-level. To boost the performance and efficiency of digital SRAM PIM, we propose the architecture called VSPIM that performs the computation in a bit-serial fashion, with unique support of vector-scalar computing pattern. The novelties of the VSPIM can be concluded as follows: 1) support bit-serial based scalar-vector computing via ingenious parallel bit-broadcasting; 2) refine the GEMM mapping strategy and computing pattern to enhance performance and efficiency; 3) powered by the introduced scalar-vector operation, the bit-sparsity of activation is leveraged to halt unnecessary computation to maximize efficiency and throughput. Our comprehensive evaluation shows that, compared to the state-of-the-art SRAM-based digital-PIM design (Neural Cache), VSPIM can significantly boost the performance and energy efficiency by up to <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8.87\times$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.81\times$</tex-math></inline-formula> respectively, with negligible area overhead, upon multiple representative neural networks.

Simulation of indoor thermal energy radiators and visualization design of indoor environment layout based on genetic algorithm and light sensor

With the increasing attention to comfortable living environment and energy efficiency, indoor thermal energy management has become an important task in architectural design. Reasonable heat dissipation system can not only improve indoor comfort, but also reduce energy consumption. The aim of this study is to optimize the layout of indoor heat radiator by genetic algorithm and visualization design of indoor environment combined with light sensor, so as to improve the efficiency and comfort of space heat utilization. The indoor heat dissipation model is established, and the changes of indoor temperature and light are monitored by light sensor in real time. Then genetic algorithm is used to optimize the layout of the radiator, considering the heat distribution and light intensity at different locations. The impact of different design schemes on indoor environment was evaluated through simulation experiments. After many iterations, the optimized radiator layout shows a more uniform heat distribution and significantly improved indoor comfort, and the data from the light sensor provides real-time feedback on the environmental layout, making the design solution more realistic. Therefore, the optimization method based on genetic algorithm can effectively improve the layout efficiency of indoor heat radiator, combined with the application of light sensor, can achieve a more scientific indoor environment design.

Perancangan Tata Letak Fasilitas Perakitan Box Radio Panel dengan Menggunakan Metode Blocplan pada PT Mobilkom Telekomindo

In the manufacturing industry, designing efficient facility layouts is critical to increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving quality. PT Mobilkom Telekomindo, which operates in the trunking and SCADA radio communications sector, is working on a radio panel box procurement project from PT Pelindo. This research aims to evaluate the existing layout which still has workstations that are far apart and design a new layout to reduce assembly time using the BLOCPLAN algorithm. The results show that the new layout reduces the material transfer distance from 293.5 meters to 169 meters (42.4% reduction), as well as reducing the material transfer time from 10 minutes 27 seconds to 6 minutes 3 seconds (58.02% reduction).

Innovative applications for civil structures of the Municipality of Finiq using topology optimization and additive manufacturing

The Municipality of Finiq is located in the South of Albania, inside the Vlora’s County and it is just 9 kilometers from the City of Saranda. The village of Finiq is particularly important because of the presence of The Archaeological Park at the top of the hill, which has received this status in 2005. Inside the Municipality there are a lot of attractive sites, such as The Blue Eye, the main lake of the Municipality, the Monastery of St. Nikolla, located in Mesopotam, etc., making the Municipality dominated by nature (e.g. long lots of fields, hills, rivers, and lakes) and monuments that represent the cultural heritage of the municipality. Within this context some villages arise, which are characterized mostly by infrastructures and civil structures in reinforced concrete, this is strictly due to the fact that these buildings were built in the last decades, instead of what can be observed outside the Municipality, e.g. Gjirokaster. The structures of the Municipality’s villages are mostly under construction, some are unfinished, abandoned, or damaged. Despite the trend of reinforced concrete building construction does not tend to decrease, the world of civil engineering is trying to find new solutions, that are also environmentally compatible and sustainable. This necessity is motivated by the fact that the industry of concrete is the most energy-intensive industry in the world. In particular, two main aspects that the research is investigating to address these issues are the use of new manufacturing technologies, e.g. 3D printing, combined also with new computational methodologies, such as topology optimization, and the development of innovative materials, e.g. architected meta-materials. The aim of this paper is to suggest innovative approaches and methodologies in the fields of structural mechanics for civil structures. The proposed approach wants to be applied not only to buildings under construction but also to the existing ones, which could be restored or completed in some specific structural and non-structural parts. In particular, we propose new topology optimization strategies that allow us to obtain an efficient material layout with maximized performance under predefined constraints. This design method is not only used to optimize the structural behavior of the structures but also for the optimization of specific features of the structures, e.g. thermal and acoustic optimization. The interest in this computa- tional method has grown due to the development of innovative techniques of manufacturing, i.e. additive manufacturing. In particular, there are different types of manufacturing that could be used for construction, which differ with respect to the material adopted, e.g. steel, concrete, or stone-like materials. The proposed method will be supported by several examples to under- stand the potentiality of the approach considering the role of additive manufacturing. Indeed, the development of new manufacturing methods has reduced the distance between the Theoretical and practical representation of the optimized layout. In conclusion, the proposed approach allows to obtain novel 3D printable structures characterized by a more efficient use of material, contributing to the realization of the concept of circular economy within the construction industry.

Efficient layout optimization of offshore wind farm based on load surrogate model and genetic algorithm

Wind farm layout optimization (WFLO) has become a significant approach to enhancing the efficiency of wind energy utilization. However, load also represents a critical factor that must be considered during optimization. To enhance power generation while controlling loads within limitations, an innovative load-constrained layout optimization method that employs a surrogate model based on artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms was proposed. This paper verified the accuracy of the surrogate model and then conducted layout optimizations on a single and a full wind condition case to assess the proposed method. The results indicated that the mean absolute percentage errors of load channels can meet the precision requirements for WFLO. A comparison of layout optimization results between the method proposed in this paper and the traditional method showed that in the single-wind-condition case, the method proposed in this paper reduced the maximum load by 5.64 % compared to the traditional method, with nearly identical power output; in the full-wind-condition case, the reduction of maximum load was 1.70 %, while only sacrificing the annual power generation by 0.10 %. This study provides a load-constrained WFLO method, promising to effectively ensure the lifespan of wind turbines while increasing power generation and offering significant engineering value.

Multidisciplinary Optimization of Aircraft Aerodynamics for Distributed Propulsion Configurations

The combination of different aerodynamic configurations and propulsion systems, namely, aero-propulsion, affects flight performance differently. These effects are closely related to multidisciplinary collaborative aspects (aerodynamic configuration, propulsion, energy, control systems, etc.) and determine the overall energy consumption of an aircraft. The potential benefits of distributed propulsion (DP) involve propulsive efficiency, energy-saving, and emissions reduction. In particular, wake filling is maximized when the trailing edge of a blended wing body (BWB) is fully covered by propulsion systems that employ boundary layer ingestion (BLI). Nonetheless, the thrust–drag imbalance that frequently arises at the trailing edge, excessive energy consumption, and flow distortions during propulsion remain unsolved challenges. These after-effects imply the complexity of DP systems in multidisciplinary optimization (MDO). To coordinate the different functions of the aero-propulsive configuration, the application of MDO is essential for intellectualized modulate layout, thrust manipulation, and energy efficiency. This paper presents the research challenges of ultra-high-dimensional optimization objectives and design variables in the current literature in aerodynamic configuration integrated DP. The benefits and defects of various coupled conditions and feasible proposals have been listed. Contemporary advanced energy systems, propulsion control, and influential technologies that are energy-saving are discussed. Based on the proposed technical benchmarks and the algorithm of MDO, the propulsive configuration that might affect energy efficiency is summarized. Moreover, suggestions are drawn for forthcoming exploitation and studies.

Assembly Line Integration as a Lever for Efficiency and Space Utilization in Automotive Parts Production

Optimizing space in manufacturing is essential because space is both limited and expensive. Efficient use of space improves productivity, efficiency, and factory layout planning. The aim is to reduce the area used while increasing the value generated per unit of space, aligning with lean manufacturing principles that focus on value-adding activities and minimizing waste, including wasted space. In manufacturing, space optimization involves analyzing areas that add value, support operations, or cause waste. Key considerations include workspace design, safety clearances, and the overlap of functional areas, which can complicate space utilization. Effective floor space planning compares different layout options and measures space usage across categories to find the most efficient arrangement. Simple layout changes can greatly improve space efficiency by up to 80% without requiring large investments. This is crucial for boosting production efficiency and adapting to challenges, like those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for flexible and efficient use of space to maintain safety and operations.

Statistical blade tip timing measurement, Part II: High-order cumulant architecture

Blade tip timing (BTT) is a potential non-contact vibration measurement technique for rotating blades owing to its high efficiency and long service life. However, probe layout design and vibration parameter identification are critical challenges in BTT due to its inherent undersampling. To address this issue, we have proposed the concept of statistical BTT measurement which promotes efficient layouts and parameter identification methods by shifting the recovery target from the signal to itself to its statistics. In the first paper of series papers, we have developed covariance architecture for BTT measurement and signal post-processing. In this second part of series papers, we set out to develop BTT measurement from a higher-order statistic perspective. Specifically, we find that the 2qth-order cumulant retains the vibration information (frequency and amplitude) of the signal itself and it can be recovered at lower sampling rates than what is prescribed by the covariance architecture. On this basis, we propose a higher-order cumulant architecture for BTT measurement, which contains two aspects: higher-order difference layout (HODL) and higher-order cumulant-based parameter identifications. HODL is a special family of layouts that physically guarantee the availability of consecutive higher-order cumulant estimations and thus leads to a satisfactory parameter identification. To facilitate application, a series of concrete HODLs are provided for users, including a four-level nested layout and its enhanced version, and optimal fourth-order difference layout. The quantitative comparison in the simulations and experiments shows the effectiveness of the proposed higher-order cumulant architecture. Compared with the architectures developed from covariance and signal itself perspective, the proposed higher-order cumulant architecture is not only more robust to noise but also further reduces the number of required probes.

Pendampingan Perancangan Gudang Material dan Cutting pada Perusahaan Tas TIJ

Top Intera Jaya (TIJ) is a company that focuses on designing and producing high-quality leather bags, wallets, and accessories. TIJ has a monthly production capacity of 50,000 pcs and plans to increase it to 100,000. The company needs better storage capacity and production floor to support this increase. This Community Service Program (CSP) aims to assist TIJ in redesigning the production floor into a raw material and cutting storage warehouse using the shared storage method. The shared storage method organizes warehouse space using the FIFO (First In First Out) principle, where the fastest delivered items are placed in the storage area closest to the exit. This CSP began by conducting interviews with resource persons, namely warehouse staff, to understand the needs of TIJ. After getting an initial overview, the team designed the training materials that TIJ needed. CSP was conducted on February 2, 2024, with the pre-test and post-test results showing an increase in participants' understanding of warehouse design from 33% to 67% and from the results of the training and mentoring, the team and management of TIJ agreed that the shared storage method with the FIFO principle is the best solution that will be implemented for warehouse layout efficiency at TIJ.

Experimental investigation of the wake replenishment mechanisms of paired counter-rotating vertical-axis wind turbines

The understanding of wake recovery mechanisms is crucial for the design of efficient wind farm layouts and the development of accurate wake models. Recently, placing two vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) in close proximity has demonstrated potential for increased power output. In this study, wind tunnel experiments were conducted to investigate the wake replenishment mechanisms behind paired VAWTs. The experimental campaign included testing an isolated VAWT and paired counter-rotating VAWTs. By combining qualitative observations of key flow field variables with a quantitative analysis based on momentum conservation, this study aims to enhance our understanding of the mixing mechanisms supporting the reintroduction of streamwise momentum into the wake of paired VAWTs. This research also involves a comparison of these mechanisms with those observed in the wake of a standalone VAWT. The results show that the differences between isolated and paired VAWTs in overall wake characteristics are minimal. The increased lateral advection within the wake of the isolated VAWT is offset by the enhanced vertical advection in the paired configuration, as a result of the change in the direction of cross-stream velocity within the gap between the paired VAWTs, which promotes a shift towards vertical flow rather than lateral flow.

Enhancing Backscattered Electron Detection in SEM: Investigating Geometric Collection Efficiency and Diode Layout Optimization

Enhancing Backscattered Electron Detection in SEM: Investigating Geometric Collection Efficiency and Diode Layout Optimization

Facility Layout and Spatial Configuration Efficiency Assessment

AbstractWith rapid regional development and urbanization, many public and private facilities and infrastructures (e.g., sirens, cellphone base stations, bike sharing stations, wind turbines, etc.) require regular renovation or supplementation. Evaluating existing facility efficiency and expanding to new facility locations are of broad interest among stakeholders, including businesses, urban planners, government agencies, and the public more generally. Such evaluation can be used to improve overall social accessibility, equity and efficiency by reconfiguring or adding new facilities in the best way possible. A regularly distributed lattice is often viewed as an optimal configuration given important observed properties and characteristics. In this paper, we formulate a spatial optimization model to evaluate spatial coverage efficiency. Specifically, given two sets of points, the model seeks the optimal location and orientation of an idealized lattice to align with an existing facility configuration. The distance between existing facilities and the ideally configured lattice under the optimal alignment represents efficiency. An iterative heuristic based on gradient descent and spatial indexing is developed to solve this problem. Extensive computational experience demonstrates the importance of this problem and the effectiveness of the derived solution approach, as well as highlights assistance provided to decision makers in identifying inefficiencies as well as improving existing infrastructure service systems.

Spray mist-assisted drilling of through silicon vias (TSV) using nanosecond laser: Influence of CNT nanofluid

Through Silicon Vias (TSV) are crucial in semiconductor technology for vertically connecting multiple stacks in 3D packaging. High aspect ratio, smooth and slightly tapered TSVs enhance layout efficiency and void-free filling. Being contact-less and dry-etching process, laser machining is a promising technique to fabricate TSVs. A percussion laser drilling approach was used to fabricate TSVs on a 500 μm thick silicon wafer with a 1064 nm ns laser. Four environments such as air, compressed air jet, water mist, carbon nanotube (CNT) fluid mist were employed to assess laser machining effects on TSV performance in terms of entrance and exit diameters, recast layer, side wall damage, and taper angle. Optimized process parameters (laser pulse energy and pulse number) were derived from an ANN prediction model. Laser drilling under CNT mist produced relatively circular (entrance diameter), straight, and clean TSVs. Reduced debris redeposition was observed under air jet, water mist, and CNT mist compared to air. Minimal sidewall damage occurred under water mist and CNT mist as compared to those machined in air and air jet. CNT mist yielded TSVs with less recast layer (∼7 μm), taper angle (∼1.05 deg.), and heat affected zone (HAZ) thickness (∼50 μm). Enhanced machining quality may be attributed to increased thermal conductivity of CNT nanofluid and pressurized mist flow rate, improving cooling and debris removal. Furthermore, a detailed investigation of TSV using SEM was performed and the findings were compared to those of other research groups.

Kantor Bebas Stres: Memanfaatkan Desain Interior Ergonomis Untuk Mendukung Kesehatan Dan Kebahagiaan Pekerja

In the context of globalization and intense competition, the work environment is the key to organizational success. Employees, as key assets, must operate in an environment that supports physical and mental well-being. High target pressure often has a negative impact, making work stress a serious problem. The stress-free office concept emerged to create a work environment that is conducive to employee well-being, with Ergonomic Interior Design as an important element. This research uses literature studies to explore the application of Ergonomic Interior Design in supporting worker health and happiness. The results show that ergonomic design has a significant impact in creating a conducive work environment. Factors such as lighting, ventilation and efficient workspace layout have been proven to contribute to employee well-being. Challenges such as costs, awareness, and changes in organizational culture need to be addressed. This research emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of the mechanisms of ergonomic design and its impact on employee well-being.

Optimization of the Factory Layout and Production Flow Using Production-Simulation-Based Reinforcement Learning

Poor layout designs in manufacturing facilities severely reduce production efficiency and increase short- and long-term costs. Analyzing and deriving efficient layouts for novel line designs or improvements to existing lines considering both the layout design and logistics flow is crucial. In this study, we performed production simulation in the design phase for factory layout optimization and used reinforcement learning to derive the optimal factory layout. To facilitate factory-wide layout design, we considered the facility layout, logistics movement paths, and the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The reinforcement-learning process for optimizing each component of the layout was implemented in a multilayer manner, and the optimization results were applied to the design production simulation for verification. Moreover, a flexible simulation system was developed. Users can efficiently review and execute alternative scenarios by considering both facility and logistics layouts in the workspace. By emphasizing the redesign and reuse of the simulation model, we achieved layout optimization through an automated process and propose a flexible simulation system that can adapt to various environments through a multilayered modular approach. By adjusting weights and considering various conditions, throughput increased by 0.3%, logistics movement distance was reduced by 3.8%, and the number of AGVs required was reduced by 11%.