Multi-storey Buildings Research Articles

Numerical modelling and analysis of dowel shear connector for composite slim-floor beams

Steel concrete composite structures are extensively adopted in construction practices owing to their attractive merits in structural behaviour, material employment and economic consideration etc. Steel concrete composite slim-floor beam system is an innovative, economical evolution from conventional composite system, it is used for multi-story high-rise buildings to increase storey effective net height. This paper presents a numerical simulation and analysis on the shear resistance of concrete dowel shear connector with reinforcing rebar for composite slim-floor beams. A finite element model was developed and validated against experimental results available from reference and good agreement achieved. A parametric study, covering important component parameters including concrete strength, diameter of concrete dowel and diameter of reinforcing rebar, was conducted to investigate the effect of these connector components on the structural behaviour of dowel shear connectors. The numerical simulation and analysis further highlighted the influence of connector components on the shear resistance and slip behavior of this type of shear connection adopted for composite slim-floor beams. Finally, a simple prediction method is proposed to calculate the shear resistance of dowel shear connector with reinforcing rebar. The simple prediction method may be used for design reference.

Experimental study of strength and deformability welded joints panel buildings under conditions of shear and torsion

The strength and compliance of the joints of load-bearing structures in multistorey panel buildings is determined by different parameters and significantly affects the forces and stresses that occur in the elements of such structural system. Horizontal action on a structural system consisting of prefabricated wall panels, under certain conditions, can lead to a situation where torsional mode will prevail. The key conditions for the occurrence of torsion, which are noted in most studies on this topic, will be the horizontal and vertical asymmetry of the building and significant horizontal loads. In this experimental work, fragments of wall joints were tested under the action of shear and torsional loads. The fragments of reinforced concrete panels were joined using a metal butt joint during welding. A metal plate acted as a connecting element. According to the results of the experiment, the stress-strain state of full-scale fragments of panel buildings was obtained. The nature of the destruction, maximum shear and torsional loads have been established. Joint deformation diagrams are constructed for all test samples.

Numerical and experimental evaluation of shear strength and consolidation properties of cohesive soils in high water table areas

The geotechnical properties of soil are crucial in determining the stability of foundations and construction safety in regions with high groundwater levels, such as Warsak Road in Peshawar, Pakistan. Due to its proximity to the Warsak Dam and intersecting irrigation canals, the area experiences a consistently high water table, which significantly impacts soil stability, leading to potential issues such as excessive settlement, reduced shear strength, and increased structural instability. These groundwater conditions pose unique challenges for foundation stability, making it essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of the soil’s consolidation behavior and shear strength properties. To address these concerns, this study employs a combined experimental and numerical approach, aiming to evaluate these critical soil properties in detail. The experimental phase involved collecting three undisturbed soil samples from each of the five distinct sites along Warsak Road, spaced approximately 5 km apart. These samples were subjected to standardized laboratory tests, including grain size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg Limits, direct shear, unconfined compression, and oedometer tests, per ASTM standards. To further validate the laboratory findings, numerical analysis using PLAXIS software was conducted, along with analytical evaluations using the Meyerhof and Vesic bearing capacity equations. This integrated methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of the soil’s behavior under varying conditions, revealing distinct variations in the average values of the three samples from each site. Specifically, Site 1 exhibited an average cohesion of 18.22 kN/m2, making it suitable for low-rise structures, whereas Site 2, with an average cohesion of 15.23 kN/m2, indicated the need for stabilization due to its high consolidation potential. Site 3, averaging 13.3 kN/m2, showed higher settlement risk, necessitating deep foundations, while Site 4, with the lowest average cohesion of 9.94 kN/m2, was deemed unsuitable for heavy loads without reinforcement. In contrast, Site 5, having the highest average cohesion of 20.2 kN/m2, demonstrated excellent stability, ideal for multi-story buildings and other heavy structures. The numerical results from PLAXIS offered a more accurate understanding of soil behavior compared to the traditional Meyerhof and Vesic methods, highlighting the necessity of integrating advanced numerical techniques with conventional approaches. Accordingly, targeted soil improvement measures are recommended for weak and highly compressible soils to ensure the long-term stability and safety of structures in the region.

Analysis of Seismic Behaviors of RC Frame Structure with and without bracing System

- RC Building In recent decades, the building industry has relied heavily on RC structures for the most practical content. Seismic design is primarily used to provide strength, stability, and adaptability. It is necessary to build a structure that can withstand seismic loads. The system's structural bracing component has a significant impact on how the structure behaves during earthquakes. Massive steel-framed buildings' bracing patterns can alter how the worldwide seismic activity behaves. In this study, a G+11-story RC frame building with a varied bracing system arrangement is subjected to linear static analysis. The dimensions of the beam (450 x 600 mm), the columns (450 x 700 mm), the thickness of the slab (180 mm), the density of RCC (25 KN/m3), the density of the masonry (20 KN/m3), the thickness of the wall (230 mm), the height of the parapet wall (1 m), the height of each floor (3.2 m), the live load on a typical floor (4.0 KN/m2), and the live load seismic calculation (0.75) are some of the parameters used in this work. Bracings are compared using different section types, such as ISMB350 sections. Steel buildings are analysed using the Staad Pro software program, which compares several parameters. The section's properties are employed in accordance with IS: 456:2007 and IS 800:2007, which analysed several bracing types, such as X, V, and without bracing, and compare the performance of each frame using the linear static method. In this research, a G+11 with a square building plan measuring 20 m by 28 m, with 3.2 m for each level, is modelled. The structure is constructed using the linear static method in Staad Pro software, and an earthquake analysis of the structure is conducted in seismic zones III with medium soil conditions. Key Words: Seismic zone, Soil type, G+11 Multistory Steel Building, different type Bracing, Software etc.

Seismic Behavior of RC Multistorey Building Frame Structure with Different Plan Configuration

- The world today is facing some major problems caused by nature. One of the major natural disasters is earthquakes. We never know the Direction of the attack and magnitude of the Earthquake, so it will be the challenge the science and Technology. Past few years’ research done on the various issues of Earthquake. Currently, people live in multiple buildings. In this case, when an earthquake knocks out the densely populated area, this causes a major damage. Therefore, the analysis of the earthquake is important for analysis of a safe structure for the collapse and structure design, which occurs during the duration of the structure, as it is safe for the earthquake. In this study, a G+11 structure with square plan configuration has been modelled in Staad Pro and the seismic analysis of the structure has been analyzed in a seismic city, Jabalpur, located in seismic zone III, with soft, hard and medium soils resulting in different seismic and structural parameters. The analysis has been carried out using STAAD Pro V8i software using linear static analysis and is compared with the analysis of a multi-storey reinforced concrete frame structure in terms of maximum bending moment and floor displacements. Key Words: Seismic zone, Soil type, Multistory RC Building, Staad Pro Software etc.

Optimized reduction of the seismic floor acceleration response in multistory buildings with supplemental viscous dampers

Optimized reduction of the seismic floor acceleration response in multistory buildings with supplemental viscous dampers

Evaluating fire gas spread in multi-story buildings: A numerical analysis of sprinkler systems in shield fire conditions

Evaluating fire gas spread in multi-story buildings: A numerical analysis of sprinkler systems in shield fire conditions

Efficient Graph-Based Multi-Story Path Planning with Optimized Elevator Selection for Indoor Delivery Robots

Multi-story path planning (MSPP) for indoor delivery robots presents unique challenges in modern logistics systems, particularly in efficiently handling multiple deliveries across different floors. This paper proposes a graph-based path planning algorithm that optimizes delivery routes in multi-story buildings while maintaining computational efficiency. The algorithm, with a complexity of O(|E|log|V|), integrates three key components: (1) a floor-based parcel grouping strategy, (2) an optimized Dijkstra-based path planning system, and (3) an efficient elevator selection mechanism. The modular design allows for adaptability to diverse building layouts and logistics scenarios. Evaluated in a 15-story simulation with varying parcel counts (n = 1 to 7), the algorithm demonstrated minimal runtime increase (1.28 s to 1.35 s) while ensuring optimal path selection. Delivery distances ranged from 48 m (single-parcel) to 126 m (seven parcels), demonstrating the system’s scalability and efficiency in complex multi-story environments. Unlike traditional methods such as A*, the proposed approach guarantees optimality while effectively addressing vertical navigation challenges. These results validate its practical applicability in smart building environments and modern logistics systems, offering a robust solution for real-world delivery challenges.

Comparative Study on the Seismic Analysis and Wind Analysis of Multistorey Building with Shear Wall and Diagrid

Comparative Study on the Seismic Analysis and Wind Analysis of Multistorey Building with Shear Wall and Diagrid

On realizing autonomous transport services in multi story buildings with doors and elevators.

Mobile service robots for transportation tasks are usually restricted to a barrier-free environment where they can navigate freely. To enable the use of such assistive robots in existing buildings, the robot should be able to overcome closed doors independently and operate elevators with the interface designed for humans while being polite to passers-by. The integration of these required capabilities in an autonomous mobile service robot is explained using the example of a SCITOS G5 robot equipped with differential drive and a Kinova Gen II arm with 7 DoF. This robot also defines the framework conditions with certain limitations in terms of maneuverability and perceptual abilities. Results of field tests with that robot in an elderly care facility as well as in a university office building are shown, where it performed transportation and messaging tasks. We also report on the success rates achieved and highlight the main problems we have encountered and dicsuss open issues.

Optimizing G+20 Multistorey Octagonal Building with Shear Wall and Floating Column

This paper examines a multistorey building with G+20 floors that is designed in a complicated octagonal shape. In contrast to normal structures, which usually consist of four-facing sides, the octagonal-shaped building has eight-facing sides and has the advantage of an open core in the center that allows for proper air circulation and natural light to be provided throughout the day. The G+20 storey building is complicated, with different kinds of irregularities at different levels in the floors. With floating columns that trigger the structure to have critical zones due to the discontinuity of the load transfer path leads to poor performance and boosted displacement in the building. This work focuses on the outcome compression of three models: model I is a straightforward, RC-framed building; Model II is a structure with floating columns; and Model III is a building with floating columns and a shear wall in the center. ETABS v2016 software has been utilized to perform response spectrum analysis to evaluate several characteristics including storey displacement and storey drifts. When comparing the models, model III has come up with a lesser storey displacement by 50% and more strength as compared to other models.

Comprehensive framework for dynamic energy assessment of building systems using IFC graphs and Modelica

The present study introduces a framework for integrating building information modelling (BIM) to building energy modelling (BEM) using labelled property graphs (LPG) and the Modelica simulation environment. The proposed methodology leverages graphs to effectively represent space boundary topology information. Graphs excel at modelling relationships, enabling efficient queries, intuitive visualizations and easier error detection in BIM models. Graph-based operations are applied to adapt the model for energy modelling. Additional steps including IFC validation, active systems and building operation parameters parsing, zoning process, and Modelica dynamic energy model generation are thoroughly discussed, providing valuable insights. Performance-wise, the framework showed promising results, achieving acceptable parsing times of only a few seconds. A case study of a multistory building in France demonstrated the framework’s effectiveness and functionality. The methodology streamlines the traditionally complex BIM-to-BEM workflow, ensuring robust data mapping and accurate energy simulations, and offering practical guidelines for future applications.

The risks of oversizing domestic water piping – Measurement of peak flows in multistory residential buildings

Over the past few decades, domestic water consumption in residential areas has declined significantly. This reduction can be attributed to several factors, including the widespread implementation of individual metering, rising water prices, development of more water-efficient sanitary fixtures, and an increased public awareness of water scarcity. However, there’s a growing concern that plumbing designers may be inadvertently oversizing pipe installations for domestic water due to reliance on outdated design manuals and standards that promote overly conservative methods. Traditionally, the primary standard for dimensioning domestic water pipes in Denmark has been to ensure that the installation can deliver the required water flow rate in 99.9% of outlet usage instances. To investigate this issue further, a recent project conducted by the Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University, on behalf of The Danish Authority of Social Services and Housing, involved measuring the domestic water flow in eight multi-story apartment buildings. The findings revealed that, on average, the investigated pipe installations were oversized by a factor of 2-3. This general oversizing results in an extended retention time for domestic water within the pipes, which poses risks such as the growth of Legionella bacteria—an increasingly prevalent issue not only in Denmark. Practical application The study contributes to determine whether there was indeed an oversizing of the water pipe installation, as this could potentially lead to various adverse consequences. The conclusion based on the performed flow measurements was that the guideline for designing domestic water distribution pipes in general significantly oversized both hot and cold pipes. Two proposals that reduces the design flow rate by 25% and 50% was therefore developed to update the national Danish standard DS 439 and during 2023 it was finally agreed in the standardization committee to implement the proposal for a reduction of 25%.

Evaluation of Energy Demands and Performance of Multi-Storey Cross-Laminated Timber Buildings

The overarching goal of this research is to evaluate the energy demands and performance of multi-storey cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings. The research examines the various energy demands influencing the performance of multi-storey CLT buildings. The study addresses the following research question: Can different energy demands influence the performance of CLT buildings? The investigation explores building modeling and simulation under two different weather scenarios to assess these issues. The study considers London Islington and St Albans (Test Reference Year—TRY), due to the proximity of the actual case studies to the reference locations of the weather files. The investigation captures energy demands and performance in the warm season (i.e., May–August). The findings show that the Stadt building (STB) temperatures under the two weather scenarios are warmer by 1.2 °C and 1.6 °C than those of Brid building (BDH) under the same weather conditions. Outdoor dry-bulb temperatures have a lesser impact on radiant temperatures than indoor air temperatures and operative temperatures in the buildings. Solar gains for external windows are influenced by design variables (e.g., building shapes, heights, floor areas, orientations, opening sizes, etc.). The indoor environmental conditions of the buildings under different weather conditions are comfortable, except for BDH St Albans TRY. Occupancy is a major driver influencing domestic hot water (DHW) usage profiles, regardless of the energy sources in the buildings. DHW is a significant parameter determining the overall energy usage in buildings. Other energy usage profiles, such as room electricity, computers and equipment, general lighting, and lighting, can also impact energy usage in buildings. The research outcomes can enhance our understanding of energy usage profiles and possible improvements to enhance the overall performance of CLT buildings.

Slab-to-Column Seismic Pounding Between Multistorey Buildings: Influence of the Impact Point Location and the Pre-Existing Gap Size

Slab-to-Column Seismic Pounding Between Multistorey Buildings: Influence of the Impact Point Location and the Pre-Existing Gap Size

Structure-Specific Scaling of Ground Motions for Estimating Peak Floor Accelerations in Multistory Buildings

ABSTRACT A structure-specific ground motion amplitude scaling procedure has been developed for reliable estimation of peak floor accelerations in multistory buildings. The introduced procedure is intended for the performance evaluation of acceleration-sensitive components attached to the floors of multistory frames. Floor accelerations are highly sensitive to high frequencies in base excitations. Accordingly, higher mode contributions to floor acceleration are considered explicitly in scaling the ground motions in this study. The ground motions scaled with the proposed procedure, and with two other scaling procedures are applied to two different 20-story concrete buildings. The results are evaluated comparatively through nonlinear response history analyses.

Towards model-driven heat pump control in a multi-story building

Domestic heating systems exhibit significant energy flexibility when integrated with heat pumps and hot-water buffer tanks, especially with fluctuating day-ahead energy prices. However, optimizing these systems in large buildings with shared resources poses crucial challenges. While most existing methods target single-room or single-family houses, this study delves into complexities within a three-story building housing six apartments. The building's heating system comprises a hot water buffer tank, mixing loop, floor heaters, and a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) controlled by a weather-compensated control strategy (WCS). Our approach aims to tackle challenges like integrating real sensor data, scalability, varying weather effects, and diverse resident heat use preferences. We employ CTSMR software to identify thermal behaviour and use reinforcement learning to design an intelligent Uppaal Stratego controller. Our results reveal a 43% reduction in energy costs while maintaining comfort levels compared to WCS. The temporal validity of estimated thermal models is also analyzed.

Thermal performance evaluation of phase changing materials in double glazing units for office buildings in Egypt

Nowadays glass curtain walls are used widely in modern buildings as they offer a significant aesthetic appearance and provide the building with natural lighting. However, their poor thermal resistance leads to excessive usage of mechanical systems to achieve thermal comfort which in turn increases the energy consumption in buildings. The proper integration of the unique properties of the PCM could effectively enhance the thermal performance of buildings therefore, the main objective of this research is to examine and validate the effect of using phase change material (PCM) on the building thermal performance especially when integrated with double glazing unit (DGU). The research examined comprehensively the effect of using PCM with DGU by undergoing a field experiment and comparing the results with a simulation model using Design Builder (DB) -energy plus simulation tool. After validating the simulation model, DB was used to examine the effect of using PCM double glazing unit with a multi-story office building in three different climatic regions in Egypt covering humid, mild, and hot arid regions. The results showed that using petroleum jelly as a PCM with DGUs will lead to a significant effect in reducing the usage of mechanical systems in cooling the building spaces by 8.91%, 8.62%, and 8.07% in Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan consecutively from the total yearly cooling electric consumption.

Analisis Perhitungan Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan Berbasis Data 3D Menggunakan UAV dan LiDAR di Kecamatan Baso, Kabupaten Agam

Land and Building Tax (PBB) calculations using conventional methods often face obstacles in terms of accuracy and efficiency. This research implements UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology integrated with LiDAR sensors to optimize PBB calculations in Baso District, Agam Regency in 2024. The research method used is applied research with a quantitative approach, using DJI Terra and TerraSolid software for data acquisition and processing. The results showed that UAV-LiDAR technology is able to produce 3D spatial data that presents detailed information about the dimensions of tax objects, including area, volume, and height of buildings. Compared to conventional 2D methods, this technology shows significant advantages in assessing multi-storey buildings and complex structures. The resulting point cloud data supports precise object classification and more accountable tax assessment. Although its implementation requires high initial investment, the technology proves effective in improving the validity of tax object data and strengthening the PBB calculation base. This research contributes to the modernization of local taxation system through the utilization of the latest geospatial technology.

The link frame model (LFM), a tool for the seismic analysis of timber frame buildings considering system effects

Abstract This article proposes a model that makes possible the seismic analysis of timber frame multistory buildings in general-purpose software. The model is entitled link frame model (LFM) and shows the following advantages in comparison to previous models: (1) it can model shearwalls only with frame elements and links with errors close to 0% with respect to analytical code models such as e.g. the special design provisions for wind and seismic (SDPWS); (2) for seismic analysis, both the static analysis method and the modal spectral analysis method can be used, in addition to the gravitational analysis; (3) the computation of the natural period shows deviations close to 0% in comparison with eigenvalues and eigenvectors; (4) it can be implemented in general purpose structural analysis software such as e.g. ETABS or SAP2000; and (5) building system effects, i.e. interaction of shearwalls with other assemblies, can optionally be captured if assigning the proper diaphragm out-of-plane flexural stiffness. Given the great impact of this last aspect in practical design, and the lack of its research, this paper does not only present the model and validation itself, but also analyzes the consequences of considering system effects in a representative case study building. The analysis demonstrates that the average shearwall tension (uplift) of regular buildings can decrease by 80% if considering system effects, which could make timber buildings much more cost competitive in seismic countries.