Multi-storey Buildings Research Articles

Structural System and Computational Dynamic Model of a Life-Saving Multi-Storey Building with a Kinematic Seismic Isolation System

Introduction. In design of a life-saving multi-storey building, a seismic isolation system in the form of the kinematic supports is used to ensure the seismic resistance and reduce the seismic loads. The structural system, the computational dynamic model and the results of the intermediate in-situ tests of a life-saving multi-storey building with a kinematic seismic isolation system being built in Grozny have been analysed in the article.Materials and Methods. The research included modeling and computation of the structural system of a building with a kinematic seismic isolation system. In-situ tests were carried out to confirm the working capacity of the seismic isolation system connections.Results. A multi-storey life-saving building was designed according to a frame-core wall structure, where the vertical load-bearing elements were core walls, columns and connections between the columns in the form of the stiffening diaphragms. The high-rise part of a building was designed using a kinematic seismic isolation system consisting of the seismic isolating concrete-filled steel tubular supports. The results of the calculations of the main and specific load combinations and internal forces in the load-bearing structures have been presented.Discussion and Conclusion. The research has shown that the use of the developed structural system of seismic isolation with kinematic supports makes it possible to reduce the seismic loads and the total weight of a building and at the same time to increase its mechanical reliability and safety. The conducted intermediate in-situ tests have confirmed the working capacity of the joints connecting the supports with the monolithic reinforced concrete structures of a building, which makes it possible to implement the kinematic seismic isolation supports into the construction industry practices.

Томографический измеритель концентрации метана на приземных трассах

Using a prototype of a remote lidar created in the laboratory for measuring methane concentration, a study of the distribution of methane along a route ~ 2.25 km long was carried out in order to localize gas emissions and control leaks in unfavorable areas. The lidar prototype, operating at a wavelength of 1653 nm, included a powerful Raman amplifier and made it possible to measure the distance to the reflection point with an accuracy of no worse than 50 meters. The lidar scanned the track, starting from short distances and ending with measurements along the entire measured track. The route included a near zone with modern multi-storey buildings without gas infrastructure, a middle zone with multi-storey buildings and gas infrastructure, as well as an extended forest area ending with a busy highway with heavy traffic. That is, it was possible to assess the contribution of each zone to the background methane concentration along the route. Observations were carried out during the winter-spring period and were carried out at different times of the day under weather conditions that were recorded. Processing of the results showed a significantly different contribution of each zone to the average concentration on the route. The contribution of the middle zone with multi-storey buildings equipped with gas infrastructure turned out to be especially large, which suggests a possible gas leak from the gas distribution system in this area. On average, the background concentration of methane on this route repeated the value measured in 2023 during the same seasonal period in 2023.

Wood-based policies as a driver for the climate transition

Abstract In the context of global accelerating urbanization, the total floor area of buildings is expected to double by 2060, with a significant impact on the environment. While cities made consistent progress towards increasing energy efficiency, accounting for, and reducing embodied emissions for new and renovated constructions represents one critical priority for mitigating this impact and reaching genuine carbon neutrality. Wood is a renewable and carbon-positive material, which can have a meaningful contribution to changing paradigms on net-zero carbon ambitions of cities, but still faces the challenge of an immature integration into urban development policy framework. Through the Horizon 2020 “Build-in-Wood” project we addressed the challenge of translating novel wood building systems, pilots, wood value chains for the construction of multi-storey wood buildings, and promising practices into policy. As a result, we formulate transferable lessons learned, recommendations, and criteria that can serve as guidance for municipalities and policymakers who aim to channel their efforts toward creating a more sustainable built environment by prioritizing wood, either implicitly or explicitly. We achieved this by working on understanding the real needs of cities and territories, the drivers, and the key entry points and preconditions for new policies supporting multi-storey wood buildings and genuine carbon neutrality. Specifically, the findings are based on the close collaboration with seven affiliated cities (Early Adopter Cities in Europe), outlining and integrating the results of (i)Multi-criterial urban planning, strategic and regulatory context analysis, (ii)Participatory and co-design approaches implemented with their local stakeholder ecosystem from the wood construction value chains and (iii)Research of different best practice policies at national, regional and local level from different parts of the globe, that incentives through informative, financial, research or regulatory instruments building with wood. The entire process is presented in the form of a Build-in-Wood Policy Catalogue [1], offering insights on working with Early Adopter Cities and guidance for improving policy, governance, and the decision-making process for subnational governments. The research was not intended to be exhaustive in documenting all existing policies because of the field’s dynamics, but rather to provide an overview and understanding of different policy instruments’ applicability and potential impact.

Seismic analysis of R.C Multi-Story Buildings Controlled by Tuned Mass Dampers

Seismic analysis of R.C Multi-Story Buildings Controlled by Tuned Mass Dampers

Sustainable multi-story building design utilizing recycled marble and ceramic waste

This study explores the design of a multi-story structure utilizing recycled waste materials. Locally produced materials from recycled sources were used for making concrete and bricks. The design of a 10-story building was carried out using ETABS software. In the process, 10% of the cement in the concrete was replaced with waste marble powder (WMP), while the bricks were made by replacing 12% of clay with waste ceramic powder and 15% with waste brick powder. The materials were developed in a laboratory, adhering to ASTM standards, and their properties were input into the software for analysis and design. The results were compared to a structure made with traditional materials. The analysis showed that using recycled materials led to the conservation of 164 tons of cement and 475 cubic meters of fertile clay while maintaining the required stability standards as per building codes. The design also prevented the release of 148 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reduced the energy demands associated with cement production. Additionally, the building utilizing waste materials was found to be Rs. 5.8 million more economical than one made with conventional materials.

REDUCING THE INFLUENCE OF THERMAL BRIDGES IN THE BASEMENT SLAB OF CAST-IN-SITU FRAME BUILDINGS IN EXTREMELY COLD REGIONS

Introduction. Heat insulation of multi-story buildings with a reinforced concrete frame on pile foundations under climatic conditions with extremely low outdoor air temperatures is complicated by high air infiltration. When such buildings are used in winter, the most characteristic are temperature regime violations on the first floor. Purpose of the study: The study aimed to evaluate various methods to reduce the influence of thermal bridges in the basement floor of a cast-in-situ frame building with pile foundations under extreme climatic conditions. Methods: Thermal performance of 3D models of enclosing structures was determined using the certified HEAT3 program. Options of internal and external heat insulation of the basement floor with thermal breaks in the structures were considered. Results: As a result of numerical analysis of standard basement floor designs, it was established that low temperature on the inner surface and significant heat losses are associated with the presence of through thermal bridges: reinforced concrete raft — basement slab — column — concrete block masonry. The most effective solution for heat insulation of cast-in-situ frame buildings is external heat insulation of the basement floor with a thermal break in the raft. Compared to the standard solution, heat losses through the corner section of the slab with the offset column are reduced by 33.6 %, and the minimum temperature on the inner surface is higher than the dew point.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A 20-STORY MIXED-USE HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN DHAKA: SEISMIC AND WIND LOAD CONSIDERATIONS

This study, conducted in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stamford University Bangladesh, focuses on the structural design and analysis of a 20-story mixed-use high-rise building in Dhaka, accommodating both residential and commercial functions. The objective of the study is to gain insights into the design and analysis of an intermediate moment-resisting frame that addresses the specific challenges posed by seismic and wind loads in a dense urban environment. A commercial building, defined as a structure primarily dedicated to business activities, requires specialized design considerations that extend beyond residential construction, including the need for larger beams, increased floor space, and accommodation for various commercial functions. In high-density urban areas, like Dhaka, the design of multi-story commercial buildings, such as shopping malls and office complexes, presents additional challenges related to space constraints, vertical shopping preferences, and the high cost of land. The study emphasizes the importance of creating a structural design that balances rentable space, aesthetics, cost, safety, and comfort, while addressing the lateral forces caused by wind and seismic activity. This analysis aims to assist engineers and architects in meeting the growing demand for multifunctional high-rise structures, ensuring both safety and functionality in the face of complex environmental and structural factors.

A simplified load-slip model for composite FRP-to-concrete tie with anchors for lateral performance prediction of strengthened squat RCSWs

This study addresses the critical need to enhance the lateral performance of existing reinforced concrete shear walls (RCSWs) that have become vulnerable to lateral loads due to outdated design codes and seismic activities. The paper introduces a novel tri-linear constitutive model for composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-to-concrete ties to predict the lateral behavior of RCSWs subjected to lateral loads. A simplified strut-and-tie model (STM) was employed, integrating a novel tri-linear model for FRP-to-concrete ties with the bond-slip and anchorage effects. Non-linear pushover analysis was conducted to simulate the lateral performance of FRP-strengthened RCSWs. The conducted STM was validated through experimental and numerical data from existing studies to assess its accuracy. The tri-linear constitutive model effectively predicted the lateral load and displacement capacities of FRP-strengthened RCSWs, accurately simulating both diagonal shear and flexure failure modes. Moreover, this model is applicable to both cracked concrete substrates and full-scale walls, accommodating various types of FRP composites, and different anchoring configurations, offering a robust tool for the seismic assessment of existing structures. The model was also applied to multi-story buildings, proving robust in handling complex geometry and offering enhanced computational efficiency compared to finite element (FE) analysis. This study confirms the applicability of the proposed model for practical use in assessing and designing FRP-strengthened RCSWs, offering a faster alternative to complex finite element analysis without sacrificing accuracy.

Older adults’ decisions regarding mobility to age in place in medium- and high-rise multi-storey residential buildings in urban settings: A case study of South East Queensland, Australia

Population ageing and urbanisation requires a more thorough understanding and monitoring of older adult residential mobility trends. Many older adults move to urban areas and previous studies have been carried out on ageing in place in traditional low-rise residential buildings. However, there is little in the literature about the important push and pull factors influencing older adult moves to medium- and high-rise multi-storey residential buildings in urban areas as they age. This case study research considered the housing migration model of push and pull factors used in elderly residential mobility and investigated the older adults' decision-making regarding mobility to age in place in medium- and high-rise multi-storey residential buildings in South East Queensland, Australia. The study revealed how the older adults expressed a desire to age in place in multi-storey residential buildings in urban areas and identified it as an important element of quality of life. Many older adults chose to move house to high density urban areas from low density urban areas between the ages of 65 and 84. The ‘pull’ factor to significantly influence the decisions of movers was a low maintenance property and lifestyle change from a large suburban home whereas the ‘push’ factor was upkeep difficulties of the house related to old age. This study makes empirical contributions to knowledge in ageing residential mobility trends in urban areas and concludes by providing policy recommendations for developing more effective housing, public spaces, transportation, and community activities and services for older adults, including highlighting a number of recommendations for future research.

Simultaneous optimization of capacity and topology of seismic isolation systems in multi-story buildings using a fuzzy reinforced differential evolution method

Inter-story isolation systems, as an alternative earthquake protection system, reduce in-building movement compared to base isolation systems. In this context, the current study focuses on simultaneously optimizing the topology and capacity of base and inter-story isolation systems for a multi-story building exposed to multiple earthquake scenarios. In addressing this challenge, an optimization model is developed that simultaneously considers both the topology (vertical arrangement) and capacity (required stiffness) of the seismic isolators as the decision variables of the model. To attain more practical and feasible solutions, the side constraints of the problem involve the inter-story drift and the total cost of seismic isolation systems. A gradient-free and self-adaptive search method, Fuzzy Differential Evolution incorporated Virtual Mutant (FDEVM), is employed to solve the optimization problem. The FDEVM approach applies a fuzzy mechanism to adopt its search behavior with governing condition(s) of the current problem. The selected method's performance is implicitly compared with its standard version. The obtained results indicate that optimally placing inter-story isolators with an optimal configuration and capacity not only improves the seismic performance of the systems but also its more cost-efficient approach compared with conventional based isolation systems. Also, the comparative outcomes indicate that the FDEVM method exhibits a high search capability for this class of problems.

Seismic Design and Analysis of a Cold-Formed Steel Exoskeleton for the Retrofit of an RC Multi-Story Residential Building

Seismic Design and Analysis of a Cold-Formed Steel Exoskeleton for the Retrofit of an RC Multi-Story Residential Building

Deformation Characteristics and Influence Factors of Shear Force Lateral Stiffness Matching Index for Non-Rigid Plate Bent Frame Structures

The period ratio and the drift ratio are commonly used as plane regularity control indices for multi-story buildings. However, they fail to reasonably reflect the regularity of lateral force-resisting component configuration and deformation characteristics in non-rigid plate bent frame structures. This study focuses on the analysis of non-rigid single-span bent frames, examining the variation patterns of a suitable regularity index for non-rigid plate bent frame structures, referred to as the shear force lateral stiffness matching index, under various parameters. Additionally, it introduces indices to quantify the deformation response of non-rigid plate bent frame structures, providing a detailed analysis of the impact of factors such as eccentricity, torsional stiffness, and roof slab stiffness on the deformation characteristics of non-rigid plate bent frame structures and the shear force lateral stiffness matching index. The results show that the shear force lateral stiffness matching index can reflect the inconsistency in the horizontal displacement response of lateral force-resisting components caused by deformations in the roof slab. The proposed indices for torsional and bending deformations accurately quantify the roof slab’s deformation response, revealing the horizontal deformation characteristics of lateral force-resisting components in non-rigid frames. When eccentricity is present, the stiffness of the roof slab has a non-monotonic effect on the torsional component of the structural seismic response.

Automatic multi-storey building partitioning from point cloud via bidirectional cloth simulation

With the advancements in scanning technology, the rapid acquisition of point cloud spanning multiple storeys of buildings has become feasible. Accurately dividing the building into individual storeys deepens the understanding of the building environment, accelerates the processing of the vast point cloud, and is crucial for numerous fields such as model reconstruction, indoor navigation, and building management. However, it remains a challenge to handle the building with rooms across multiple storeys. This study presents a novel method to partition complex multi-storey building from cluttered point cloud. First, the non-vertical structural elements are detected by taking the difference of height and normal vector as growth conditions. Next, we iteratively employ bidirectional cloth with height variation constraints to simulate the floor and ceiling trend surface. In this step, candidate ceiling patches are obtained through the optimization of a cost function. Finally, the irregular boundary between adjacent storeys that used for partitioning the point cloud is rasterized in terms of the ceilings at lower storey and the floors at upper storey. Each point is orderly classified into the correspond storey with reference to the elevation of the estimated boundary. Through comprehensive evaluation and analysis, our method has demonstrated its effectiveness and adaptability across various datasets. Our method yields superior results compared to the advanced methods, achieving an approximate value of 99 % on the weighted recall, weighted precision and weighted F1-score. Besides, the proposed method is not limited to Manhattan world buildings and requires only the spatial coordinate of points.

Floor-Level Occupancy Estimation of a Multi-Story Building Using Coarse Wi-Fi Data

In recent years, there has been an extraordinary increase in wireless capable devices and network infrastructure, which spawned a corresponding rise in data produced from the interactions of these technologies. Mobile devices constantly roam, leading to a perpetual dialog between a mobile device and wireless access points. This dialogue generates a continuous stream of device-specific data, including but not limited to a device’s media access control address, time of access, and received signal strength. Given the knowledge of the access point’s location and received signal strength, it is possible to infer the position of user devices and estimate their mobility and occupancy. This article presents two methods for accurately measuring floor-level occupancy in a multi-story building at Texas State University using coarse Wi-Fi log data. The first method employs a static filter, while the second incorporates user-role data and user location to create a dynamic filter. Quantitative methods are used to evaluate these filters against field-collected reference data and existing internal people-counting sensors. Our results demonstrate that the dynamic filter, leveraging variable thresholds, provides a more accurate estimation of occupancy compared to the fixed 5-min static filter which consistently overestimated occupancy. This research sheds light on the potential of dynamic filters derived from user-role data for precise floor-level occupancy estimations, with implications for various applications.

Parametric Analysis of Moment-Resisting Timber Frames Combined with Cross Laminated Timber Walls and Prediction Models Using Nonlinear Regression and Artificial Neural Networks

The light weight and moderate stiffness of multistorey timber buildings make them susceptible to increased lateral displacements and accelerations under service-level wind loading. Therefore, the fulfilment of serviceability requirements is a major challenge. In this study, linear elastic finite element analysis was used to perform a parametric study of moment-resisting timber frames combined with cross laminated timber walls. In the parametric study, various mechanical and geometrical parameters were varied within practical ranges. The results of the parametric study were used to derive simplified analytical expressions and to train artificial neural networks which can be used to estimate fundamental frequency, mode shape, top floor displacement, maximum inter-storey drift, and wind-induced acceleration. The analytical expressions and the artificial neural networks can be used for the preliminary assessment of serviceability performance of moment-resisting timber frames with and without cross laminated timber walls, under service-level wind loading.

Multi-scalar robotic fabrication system for on-site press gluing in multi-storey timber buildings

The amount of timber construction has increased significantly in recent decades due to the development of digital processing technologies in prefabrication. However, on site, timber components are still commonly assembled manually and connected with low performance joint types. This paper presents a multi-storey timber building system with a co-designed heterogeneous multi-scalar robotic construction system, consisting of a clamping device, an industrial robotic arm, and an automated crane, for the automation of on-site timber construction. By integrating construction features into the building material, the different robotic entities can work together to assemble a point-supported quasi-monolithic timber panel of theoretically unlimited dimensions with high precision.

Production-oriented approach for optimal mass-customisation of floor panel layouts in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings

PurposeThis study aims to develop a production-oriented approach for optimal mass-customisation of floor panel layouts in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings. The study enables meeting building clients’ unique floor plan requirements at an optimal cost and simultaneously enhances manufacturers’ profit by minimising material and manufacturing process waste.Design/methodology/approachThe present research uses a hybrid approach consisting of field data collection, mathematical modelling, development of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and scenario analysis. Field data includes engineered timber production information, design data and building code requirements. The study adopts the Flexible Demand Assignment (FDA) technique to formulate a mathematical model for optimising the design of mass timber buildings and employs GA to identify optimal production solutions. Scenario analysis is performed to validate model outputs.FindingsThe proposed model successfully determines the load-bearing wall placement and building spans and specifications of floor panels that result in optimal production efficiency and the desired architectural layout. The results indicate that buildings made of a single category of thickness of panels but customised in various lengths to suit building layout are the most profitable scenario for CLT manufacturers and are a cost-effective option for clients.Originality/valueThe originality of the present study lies in its mathematical and model-driven approach towards implementing mass customisation in multi-storey buildings. The proposed model has been developed and validated based on a comprehensive set of real-world data and constraints.

Biobased Construction from Agricultural Crops: Paper 1 - A State of Play of Commercial Solutions in Europe

In response to environmental concerns and the global warming issue in particular there is a growing drive to decarbonise the building sector and transition it to more circular practices. Biobased construction materials, products and systems are an important low carbon and circular strategy as they can enable low to negative carbon construction and have strong circularity advantages notably being able to enter the bio cycle, using renewable, low to zero toxic resources and provide a range of other performance benefits, including moisture and vapour regulation. This novel research presents a unique state of play on the commercial application of biobased construction from selected agricultural crops, straw, miscanthus and hemp, focused on the European context. A desk-based review of known biobased material producers and manufacturers is undertaken, supplemented with semi structured interviews and site visits, to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector and detailed account of the types of biobased materials, products and systems that are being applied in buildings across Europe and beyond. The findings show that a diversity of agricultural crops are being utilised at different process, manufacture and construction technology levels, providing a range of tested and certified materials and products for application in mainly timber frame construction, but also some masonry solutions, and a growing number of modular systems. These operate in a diversity of supply chains and are being applied in a wide range of building types, both domestic and non-domestic, including multi story and complex buildings.

Undrained Shear Strength Mapping of Al-Khalis Districts: A Geotechnical GIS Approach

A geographic information system is an integrated collection of computer applications and materials that it is employed to assess geographic relationships, model spatial processes, and analyze and arrange geographic data. The gathering, organizing, and analysis of geographic data are made easier with the use of a geographic information system (GIS). Information systems pertaining to geography Thus, it is employed in the gathering, examination, assessment, updating, and presentation of geographic data. This study dealt with Al-Khalis District, one of the five districts of Diyala Governorate. Al-Khalis District is in the western part of Diyala Governorate and the northern part of the capital, Baghdad, about 55 km north of the capital, Baghdad. 227 boreholes were collected for the entire governorate. The soil was classified, its properties were taken, and they were collected in an Excel sheet. After that, this data was entered into geographic information systems to produce clay shear strength maps. A very helpful soil map that can be used in all aspects through structural and engineering simulation is produced when GIS is used in conjunction with physical and strong geotechnical qualities. Building engineering facilities, roadways, and industrial structures may be made easier with the use of a GIS map. Additionally, it offers a strong tool for extrapolating developed regions. GIS soil maps are anticipated to positively influence the next geotechnical work. The results revealed a significant variance in shear resistance across the depths of the Khalis area, with the soil's strength ranging from weak to medium in the first layer and increasing downward with depth. So, we recommend not going for more than three multi-story buildings unless doing site investigation on the site and making sure it is suitable for that or using a pile foundation. This study aims to give geotechnical engineers and designers a first impression of the type of soil and help them quickly make decisions in terms of the type of foundations and the number of floors for multi-story buildings

Assessing and Improving Land Use on Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh: Insights from a Comprehensive Survey

Saint-Martin Island, the only coral island of Bangladesh, covers an area of 8 square kilometers and is a popular tourist destination. Despite its small population of approximately 8,000 residents, effective land utilization is crucial for improving the island's economic condition. With growing population pressures and limited land availability, scientific land use planning becomes essential. This research aims to develop a comprehensive land use plan by conducting a detailed land use survey of Saint-Martin Island. A plot map was obtained from the local land office, and an onsite survey was performed to assess current land use practices. The analysis revealed that a significant portion of the land remains unused, with only 0.6% designated for farming. The majority of residents live in shanties, and multi-storied buildings are rare. Additionally, the number of educational institutions is insufficient. The study highlights the need to cease overexploitation of natural resources and convert unused lands into farmland. A strategic plan for agriculture, fishing, and sustainable resource use is recommended to ensure long-term sustainability and economic development.