Modern Building Construction Research Articles

Features, reasons, and significance of radon and thoron attributable radiological dose in the indoor environment

Humans receive around 50% of natural radiation dose due to 222Rn (radon), 220Rn (thoron) and their decay products. Several field campaigns measuring these gases and the decay products in different regions of India have been conducted in the recent past. Some of these studies measured indoor activity concentration and/or dose due to these gases and the associated decay products. This work compares the fraction of 222Rn and decay products and 220Rn and decay products in inhalation dose for 10 studies conducted in Uttarakhand state. It is seen that AEDT (annual effective dose due to 220Rn and decay products) for these regions varies between 21 and 48% and it is significantly higher than the averaged worldwide reference value of 6%. Based on elaborative measurements performed in the Bageshwar district (present work), Almora and Nainital districts (our previous campaigns); the reasons for this high value have been explored. It was observed that a higher source term for mud houses could be the main reason for the high AEDT range. Interestingly, preliminary analysis revealed that the fraction is higher for the dwellings situated at higher altitudes thus indicating the role of the unavailability of modern building construction materials at remote locations. The study highlights the significant contribution of thoron in the Indian Himalayas.

Contrasting Conventional and Modern Building Construction Methods

Contrasting Conventional and Modern Building Construction Methods

Numerical simulation of steel-concrete composite beams and slabs at elevated temperatures

Steel-concrete composite beams with shear studs providing composite action between the concrete slabs and steel beams are widely used in modern steel-framed building construction. Three-dimensional finite element modelling has been a viable option for investigating the fire behaviour of composite beams. Although many finite element models are available in the open literature, most of them are simplified models verified by limited test data. Meanwhile, early test data often did not have all the required information for finite element simulation, and some assumptions need to be made. But more detailed test data are now available in the open literature for steel-concrete composite beams, which can be used to develop a generalised finite element model. In addition, National Institute of Standards and Technology has proposed new stress-strain models for steels at elevated temperatures, which can be compared with the more widely adopted Eurocode 4 steel material models in simulating composite beams. Accordingly, this paper selected 22 specimens, including two reinforced concrete slabs, 12 composite beams with reinforced concrete slabs, two composite slabs with profiled steel sheeting, two steel-concrete composite push test specimens with profiled steel sheeting, and four composite beams with profiled steel sheeting, from nine references to verify the developed finite element model. The proposed finite element model can capture different failure modes of composite beams, such as steel yielding/local buckling, concrete cracking/crushing, debonding of profiled steel sheeting, and stud fracture, which is crucial to comprehend the composite beam behaviour at elevated temperatures.

Stiffness, Vibration, and Strength of Flat Slab and Flat Plate Lightweight Concrete Slabs

Flat slabs made of two-way reinforced concrete are a common, effective, and affordable structural method. Thin layer slabs and lightweight are of great importance in modern building construction without the need to increase the cross-section of columns, walls, and foundations. Consequently, it becomes more important to cover all aspects related to stiffness, vibration, and strength of lightweight concrete slabs. To achieve serviceable flat slabs from lightweight concrete (LWC), the comparison between LWC flat plate and flat slab is studied in this article for strength and stiffness. The construction of the flat plate is much easier than other slabs even though the problem facing the flat plate is the punching shear. Hence, the addition of the drop panel as a solution. However, the two LWC slabs are exposed to a uniform pressure of dead load and human live load. The vibration of the slab is related to the stiffness in the form of the natural frequency. These floor systems should satisfy walking excitation criteria of acceleration limit , which is equal to 0.50% of g for office occupancies. This study aims to analyze a flat plate and flat slab with a drop panel for strength and stiffness. The analysis is carried out in ABAQUS software. The results of the analysis show that the flat slab has an effective increase in strength of about 60% compared to the stiffness which was lower by about 2.2 %. However, the stiffness of both slabs is within the limits of walking excitation criteria.

A review of flame protection of wooden material and future potential with nano additives

Wood is a highly sustainable material and there is significant interest in its use in the construction industry in terms of modern building construction. However, safety rules and regulations, including fireproof requirements, have become increasingly demanding. In this regard, more effective and eco-friendly approaches for wooden materials treatment related to this topic are subject to research interest in laboratories around the world. The rapid development of nanotechnology offers new materials with unique properties, which will be able to partly substitute or even replace regular chemicals, often toxic to the environment, in the future. This paper overviews traditional fire retarding methods and fire retardants that are applied for the modification of wooden materials. In addition, the potential use of nanomaterials for wood and wooden applications were discussed by extensively literature review. Keywords: wood-based materials; flame retardancy; reaction-to-fire testing; nanomaterials; nano additives.

Ultrasonic Characterization of Polymer Based Sille Stone Powder Composite Mortars

The Sille stone mined in the Sille Region of Konya province in Türkiye, is an andesitic rock. This stone is a material used in the construction of traditional and modern buildings. The Sille stone is cut while being used in buildings. The Sille stone powder (SSP) is formed during this cutting process. The SSPs cause environmental pollution. Therefore, this study was carried out to produce durable and eco-friendly new restoration mortars from the SSP that can be used in the restoration of historical buildings. The SSP composites were prepared by contributing SSP into epoxy and polyester resins in varied ratios such as 60‒75 wt.%. The effect of resin types and SSP contribution ratios on the elastic properties of epoxy resin (ER)/SSP and polyester resin (PR)/SSP composites was investigated by the ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Additionally, the morphology of these composites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results figured out that both longitudinal and shear wave velocity values of the PR/SSP composites were higher than of the ER/SSP composites. Furthermore, a linear increase was observed in the elastic properties of obtained composites with the increasing amounts of SSP.

Research on the application of prefabricated green steel structure in public buildings

The construction industry is a pillar industry to improve people's quality of life and promote social and economic development. It has the characteristics of high energy consumption and high pollution, which deviates from the requirements of green development advocated by people at present. In view of healthy long-term development, the building industry needs to take effective measures to reduce energy use. The components used in prefabricated steel construction projects are mainly processed in factory batches. After transportation to the construction site, they only need to be assembled in accordance with standard specifications and processes, which can shorten the construction period, reduce the generation of construction waste, and fully meet the development requirements of energy conservation and emission reduction. Therefore, prefabricated green steel structure has been widely used in the construction of modern public buildings. Firstly, this paper summarizes and analyses the development status and main types of prefabricated green steel structure. The practical application in public building construction is also discussed. It is hoped that the results can provide a valuable reference for the construction of similar projects.

Preparation of DOPO-KH550 modified hollow glass microspheres/PVA composite aerogel for thermal insulation and flame retardancy

The creation of high-performance thermal insulation and flame-retardant materials is of great importance for minimizing energy consumption and reducing fire risk for modern buildings. Herein, we report the creation of a new composite aerogel, which was prepared by incorporation of 9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-Oxide-3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (DOPO-KH550) modified hollow glass microspheres (HGM) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using citric acid as a cross-linker, as a kind of thermal insulation and flame retardant materials (abbreviated as PVA-DKHGM). The as-synthesized PVA-DKHGM composite exhibits superior thermal conductivity of 0.0187 W m−1 K−1, owing to the hollow structure of the hollow glass microspheres and rich porosity. Besides, it reaches V-0 level at the UL-94 test and the peak heat release rate (pHRR) was measured to be 114.93 (kW/m2) which is lower than most composites now. These results are attributed to the synergy effect of the hollow glass microsphere and DOPO-KH550 which offers the composites aerogel excellent flame retardancy. Owing to its advantages such as lightweight, highly porous, thermally stable, simple to prepare, high mechanical strength, and can be further scaled up, our PVA-DKHGM aerogel may hold great potential for practical applications in construction of energy-saving modern buildings.

PROBLEMS OF REVITALIZATION OF FACILITIES OF THE SUBJECT-SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT AND MODERN BUILDING IN THE HISTORICAL PART OF SMALL TOWNS

The revitalization of objects of the subject-spatial environment and the construction of modern buildings in the historical environment of settlements is a complex task that causes numerous discussions. This process is often accompanied by sharp accusations, in which the main argument sounds quite convincing: new buildings and structures disturb the authentic atmosphere of the old buildings.
 Cities that are on the list of historical ones, according to the Law of Ukraine «On the Protection of Cultural Heritage», require a special approach to their preservation and spatial development. The legislation regulates the construction of such cities in the historical environment through the so-called historical areas, historical and architectural reserves, the allocation of protected areas, complex protection zones, and development regulation zones.
 The introduction of security restrictions contributes to the preservation of the historical architectural and urban structure of such cities, but at the same time restrains new construction and restoration and reconstruction of abandoned buildings and structures. Thus, due to these restrictions, after many years of disinterested attitude of developers and lenders to architectural monuments, their condition has greatly deteriorated. Many buildings need not just cosmetic repairs, but serious restoration work. Revitalization projects of objects in the historical part of cities must be carried out on the basis of security documentation, which clearly regulates the approaches and principles of building reproduction. Such projects should also be implemented on the basis of an integrated approach to the reproduction of buildings, which will make it possible to ensure the maximum preservation of their valuable historical environment and compliance with monument protection requirements.
 Since the planning structure and construction of old quarters were created in accordance with the requirements of previous socio-economic eras, they are practically not amenable to adaptation to new functions. Therefore, today the task is to carry out their reconstruction with the maximum preservation of historically valuable buildings and at the same time harmoniously fit new structural elements into their subject-spatial environment. Here, it is important to ensure that when a new building is introduced into the historical environment, the modern architectural form becomes part of the formed architectural ensemble, and does not look like a foreign element. It is necessary to treat the historically valuable buildings with great responsibility, which must be preserved and maintained in good condition in every possible way, at the same time not to refuse the construction of new buildings in the historical environment, which should correspond in appearance and technology to the present, and not mechanically copy the historical past, devaluing it.

Durability and microstructure analysis of concrete made with volcanic ash: A review (Part II)

Abstract Concrete is the most frequently employed man-made material in modern building construction. Nevertheless, the serviceability of concrete structures has been significantly reduced owing to a variety of durability issues, especially when serving in a non-ideal environment and exposed to internal/external attacks such as chloride penetration, carbonation, sulfate, and so on. Several scholars have performed numerous studies on the strength and microstructure features of volcanic ash (VA) concrete and have discovered encouraging findings. However, since the information is spread, readers find it difficult to evaluate the benefits of VA-based concrete, limiting its applicability. As a result, a detailed study is required that offers the reader an easy approach and highlights all essential facts. The goal of this article (Part Ц) is to conduct a compressive review of the physical and chemical aspects of VA and its impact on concrete durability and microstructure properties. The findings demonstrate that VA considerably improves concrete durability owing to pozzolanic reaction and micro-filling voids in concrete materials. Cost–benefit analysis shows that 10% utilization of VA as cement decreased the overall cost by 30%. The assessment also notes a research gap that must be filled before VA may be utilized in practice.

PROVIDING MICROCLIMATE CONDITIONS, CONSIDERING THE CONSTRUCTION FEATURES OF THE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES DURING EMERGENCY SHUTDOWNS OF THE HEAT SUPPLY

Rapid and low-cost construction of modern buildings and structures is provided through the introduction of the latest technologies. At the same time, a significant impact on the modern construction industry of Ukraine is caused by the problem of significantly ageing infrastructure of heat supply systems, which is complicated by the hostilities in the country. This leads to the emergence of critical microclimate conditions. To determine the critical conditions of the microclimate of the premises in case of disturbances in the heat supply system, one of the topical tasks is to investigate the dynamics of indoor air temperature changes in the premises. The purpose of the article. Investigation of the dynamics of indoor air temperature change in order to determine critical microclimate conditions and to provide safe operation of heat supply systems during emergency shutdowns of heat supply systems. Conclusions. 1. On the basis of the conducted research, the dynamics of indoor air temperature changes depending on the construction features of buildings and structures and the influence of external climatic factors (environmental temperature, solar radiation, wind influence) is establish. 2. Based on the conducted modeling of the impact of external climatic factors during emergency shutdowns of heat supply systems the critical time of reaching the boundary conditions of microclimate and maintaining safe operation of heat supply systems are detetmined.

Evolution and Current State of Building Materials, Construction Methods, and Building Regulations in the U.K.: Implications for Sustainable Building Practices

This study presents a comprehensive review of building materials, construction methods, and building regulations on the U.K. mainland. This provides valuable insights into the historical progression and transformation of the construction industry through a comprehensive analysis of both traditional and modern building construction materials and methods and categorising their evolutionary trajectory. Current building regulations in England, Wales, and Scotland are compared, highlighting differences in fire safety, noise safety, energy conservation, and sustainability. For example, fire safety regulations are analysed in detail, including fire resistance duration, wall cladding combustibility, and limitations on unprotected areas. Advances in knowledge and technology have led to increasingly sophisticated and energy-dependent methods, materials, and regulations. This study showcases the vast array of building construction materials spanning centuries, each possessing unique properties and performances. The selected methods and materials represent those currently employed or widely utilised in the U.K. construction industry, affirming their relevance and applicability in modern construction practices. Limitations in construction practices primarily stem from a lack of knowledge and tools rather than material scarcity. Enhancing knowledge and access to advanced tools is crucial to overcoming these limitations and driving advancements in the field. This study provides insights into the evolution of building materials, construction methods, and building regulations that can inform future developments in sustainable building practices. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, building designers, and constructors, particularly in terms of adopting sustainable materials and construction methods that comply with building regulations while reducing the environmental impact of the built environment.

Construction Technology and Safety Risk Control Measures of Deep Foundation Pit Excavation

Deep foundation pit excavation is a basic and key step involved in modern building construction. In order to ensure the construction quality and safety of deep foundation pits, this paper takes a project as an example to analyze deep foundation pit excavation technology, including the nature of this construction project, the main technical measures in the construction of deep foundation pit, and the analysis of the safety risk prevention and control measures. The purpose of this analysis is to provide scientific reference for the construction quality and safety of deep foundation pits.

Measures to reduce energy consumption in modern buildings andbuildings

In order to reduce the energy intensity of modern buildings, to prevent the loss of available energy during their construction from materials with low thermal conductivity; expanded polystyrene. In the construction of the house, the main focus is on the cost to be made for the material that goes to it, in addition to the strength, comfort of the building. It is imperative that the economy of these costs does not adversely affect the quality of the building. Building planning we cannot take into account the costs that can adversely affect us during the period of its exploitation after it is completed in the process. As a result, we use technical means that require additional costs to ensure a comfortable temperature in our building during the winter and summer seasons. They are able to provide us with the necessary temperature by consuming electricity throughout the day. This in turn leads to a further increase in electricity demand. The climate of the Bukhara region is a rapidly changing continental climate. Air temperature varies by year from-300°С (December, January, February), to +500°С in summer (July-September). So, during a cool year, we will be forced to spend extra on electricity or thermal energy. Therefore, in the process of building construction, it will be advisable for us to take measures to save energy. In modern building construction, there is a need for us to use materials that protect against hot and cold weather in this.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties Analysis of Recycled Concrete Aggregate on Its Fire Exposure

Concrete constructions can be badly damaged by fire, and the damage can be estimated using knowledge of material properties. The major focus on using green materials instead of traditional materials are promoted. Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are nominated and analyzed its mechanical and thermal properties with its fire exposure. Conclusions are when using RCA to mix natural aggregate in concrete, and it will help obtaining a better performance of concrete at high temperatures (more than 50 percent). Rich mixed RCA outperforms standard mixed RCA and natural concrete aggregate regarding fire resistance and remaining compressive strength. The effects of varying mixing percentages above 50% mixed concrete and different time effects on concrete performance are examined. It suggests the replacement of RCA is suitable for modern building construction and fire safety sector from its performance post fire residual.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties Analysis of Recycled Concrete Aggregate on Its Fire Exposure

Concrete constructions can be badly damaged by fire, and the damage can be estimated using knowledge of material properties. The major focus on using green materials instead of traditional materials are promoted. Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are nominated and analyzed its mechanical and thermal properties with its fire exposure. Conclusions are when using RCA to mix natural aggregate in concrete, and it will help obtaining a better performance of concrete at high temperatures (more than 50 percent). Rich mixed RCA outperforms standard mixed RCA and natural concrete aggregate regarding fire resistance and remaining compressive strength. The effects of varying mixing percentages above 50% mixed concrete and different time effects on concrete performance are examined. It suggests the replacement of RCA is suitable for modern building construction and fire safety sector from its performance post fire residual.

Influence of the span on the operation of large-span structures

Objective. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of a span on the operation of large-span structures; the features of the work of large-span coatings, which are widely used in the design and construction of modern buildings and structures, are considered and analyzed.Method. Designs and design techniques are given that allow designing buildings and structures with a large span. Examples of the calculation of a large-span frame are considered, the corresponding drawings are made, nodes and other details are given that can serve as a visual aid in the design of the relevant buildings and structures. Large-span beam trusses and frame systems are considered.Result. The main methods for reducing long-span bending moments, as well as design techniques that reduce span displacements, are proposed and tested.Conclusion. The developed design schemes of frames and trusses provide minimal metal costs, and also allow determining the influence of the parameters and geometry of frames and trusses on metal consumption.

Analisis Kinerja Kolom Pipih dan Kolom Konvensional pada Bangunan Bertingkat Rendah

Unconventional columns are very familiar in modern building construction because they impact the room's efficiency. Meanwhile, conventional columns affect the lack of efficiency in the room's functions. The performance analysis of the two types of columns used pushover analysis of the capacity spectrum method using ETABS v 16.1.0 software. The performance level results of the two types of columns in low-rise buildings are the same, which is Immediate Occupancy. The most significant maximum shearing force is at a low-rise building with an unconventional column with a maximum displacement on the east side of 160,00 mm. The smallest is a low-rise building with a conventional column in the east direction with maximum displacement on the Nort side of 90,11 mm. Thus, comparing the performance of the two types of columns can be concluded that conventional columns are stronger than unconventional columns.

Electrochromic Materials Based on Ions Insertion and Extraction

AbstractReducing energy consumption is one of the major concerns in modern building design and construction because buildings account for ≈40% of the total energy consumption in modern society. Among various technologies for saving energy, electrochromic smart windows are considered as a highly promising one. Except for the application in saving energy, electrochromism has also attracted extensive attention in many other fields, such as, anti‐glare rearview mirrors, displays, military camouflage, flexible wearable fabric, etc. However, there are still many challenges needed to be solved, such as, the response rate and durability of electrochromic materials (ECMs). The transmission rate of ions in ECMs determines the response rate of the whole electrochromic device. Besides, the embedding depth and total amount of ions directly affect the contrast, durability, and coloration efficiency of ECMs. It is crucial to select suitable electrolyte ions to obtain high‐efficiency ECMs. Here, the challenges in ECMs based on ions insertion/extraction are presented, which are focused on advanced nanostructured ECMs’ design and electrochromic devices’ practical application. Recent advances in ECMs are presented to discuss the important questions, which are especially focused on the connection between suitable ions and advanced nanostructural ECMs. Finally, a perspective for next‐generation electrochromic devices is presented.

Palm Oil Fuel Ash-Based Eco-Friendly Concrete Composite: A Critical Review of the Long-Term Properties.

Rapid global infrastructural developments and advanced material science, amongst other factors, have escalated the demand for concrete. Cement, which is an integral part of concrete, binds the various individual solid materials to form a cohesive mass. Its production to a large extent emits many tons of greenhouse gases, with nearly 10% of global carbon (IV) oxide (CO2) emanating from cement production. This, coupled with an increase in the advocacy for environmental sustainability, has led to the development of various innovative solutions and supplementary cementitious materials. These aims to substantially reduce the overall volume of cement required in concrete and to meet the consistently increasing demand for concrete, which is projected to increase as a result of rapid construction and infrastructural development trends. Palm oil fuel ash (POFA), an industrial byproduct that is a result of the incineration of palm oil wastes due to electrical generation in power plants has unique properties, as it is a very reactive materials with robust pozzolanic tendencies, and which exhibits adequate micro-filling capabilities. In this study, a review on the material sources, affecting factors, and durability characteristics of POFA are carefully appraised. Moreover, in this study, a review of correlated literature with a broad spectrum of insights into the likely utilization of POFA-based eco-friendly concrete composites as a green material for the present construction of modern buildings is presented.