Multi-storey Buildings Research Articles

A Residential Building Extension Prototype to face Post-Pandemic Needs: Foreseen Challenges and Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces for maintaining physical and mental well-being. However, many urban residents lack private outdoor areas, which led to harmful health consequences during lockdowns. The research project aims to address and solve this issue by developing a physical/digital prototype called “X-TEND” that extends living space outdoors by attaching it to existing multi-story residential building facades. This prototype intends to promote healthier lifestyles, improving the well-being of individuals and positively impacts the urban surroundings aesthetics. X-TEND prototype uses a light, modular, and prefabricated approach for cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. It incorporates generative processes for structural and bioclimatic optimisation complemented by green building strategies to reduce environmental impact while maximising thermal and energy performance. Ultimately, X-TEND prototype contributes to a more sustainable built environment, fostering healthier and more liveable cities for current and future generations.

Development of an Android Application for Smart Parking System

Now-a-days, vehicle parking has become a major problem in urban areas with the shortage of parking spaces. It is very difficult and frustrating to find a parking space in most metropolitan areas, especially during the rush hours to solve this problem. The project entitled smart parking system using android application, the major motivation of this project is to reduce the traffic congestion in roads, multi storied buildings and malls due to unavailability of parking spaces. The proposed application provides an easy way for reservation of parking slot. In this application user can view various parking areas and also view whether space is available or not. The project displays the nearest empty slot if present with respect to user location. This system gives a further feature of cancelling the bookings. Users may even make price online primarily based totally at the time taken for the reserved area the quantity might be calculated and the person can make charge. This project provides a good insight into the guidance, monitoring and reservations components of the smart parking and directions to the future development.

Effect of positioning of shear walls in a multi-storied building on response to earthquake

Seismic events are a matter of concern for structural engineers because of their devastating effects. These events are neither can be predicted. nor can be prevented. To mitigate its impacts on the structures several measures are taken. But none of them can be treated as 100% effective, there is a lot of scope for improvement. In this study, the dynamic behavior of structures under seismic loading was investigated, focusing on the combined influence of geometric shapes, different types of shear walls, and their position on lateral displacement and drift. Specifically, four different geometric shapes of plans of identical floor areas were taken for this study. Two types of shear walls, oupled shear walls, and core shear walls were placed in four different positions. The Static Equivalent Load method to assess the seismic response of structures is employed in this study, following the guidelines given in the Bangladesh National Building Code 2006 using ETABS software. Key findings of the study are the efficacy of shear walls in mitigating lateral displacement. The optimum results were achieved for central positions and core wall configurations. The study discloses the significance of different geometric shapes on seismic responses. This study provides a perception of effective seismic retrofitting strategies.

Design of masonry strengthening with one-sided shotcrete applications

Load-bearing masonry is quite widespread, including in earthquake-prone areas and zones in which military operations were carried out. At the same time, the existing treasure models, as well as reinforcement technologies, are mainly focused either on strengthening in order to increase the load-bearing capacity, or on restoring structures damaged during operation, actually static loads. Complex retrofitting methods, as well as models of reinforced masonry that have been damaged as a result of seismic or mine-explosive impacts, for the most part are not focused on mass use and imply mainly the re-laying of destroyed areas. At the same time, there is a need to adapt existing high-tech methods of strengthening masonry structures for mass use, taking into account the latest developments in the field of materials science. The most optimal variant of reinforcement, according to the authors, was the use of single-sided shotcrete applications. For this method, a model of reinforced masonry was defined and described in order to carry out a calculation justification and a comprehensive calculation and design methodology was developed, including for load-bearing multi-storey buildings structures. On the basis of laboratory studies, a constructive solution for fixing applications was justified only due to the forces of adhesion to the surface of the base masonry. The specified complex technique was adapted on real objects of multi-storey buildings with load-bearing masonry walls.

Residual stress model of welded steel L-shaped and T- shaped sections

Steel special-shaped columns, incorporating L, T, or cross-shaped sections, have gained increasing application in modern multi-story and high-rise buildings owing to their benefits in optimizing space utilization and enhancing structural performance. However, the welding manufacturing process induces residual stresses in these steel special-shaped columns, which can adversely affect the stability of the column components. This study conducted experimental research on the residual stress distribution in L-shaped and T-shaped steel columns using the sectioning method, which reveals the residual stress distribution patterns in the two types of steel special-shaped columns. By comparing and analyzing the experimental results with the existing residual stress model for welded sections, a residual stress distribution model for welded L-shaped and T-shaped steel columns is proposed, which fulfills stress self-balanced and is validated through numerical simulation methods. Subsequently, the proposed residual stress distribution model was applied in the numerical analysis of buckling in steel special-shaped columns. The effectiveness and necessity of considering this residual stress distribution model into the stability analysis of steel special-shaped columns are demonstrated by comparing the results with column stability test. The proposed residual stress distribution model significantly enhances the numerical accuracy for steel special-shaped columns, providing a theoretical basis for the stability analysis of such columns.

CONCEPTS FOR TIMBER-SPECIFIC MEP INSTALLATIONS AND SEALINGS IN BATHROOMS OF MULTI-STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

The European market for cross-laminated timber (CLT) is rapidly growing in the field of multi-story residential buildings. However, water leaks repeatedly lead to severe moisture damage in timber buildings. Undetected moisture damage may result in biological degradation of the CLT structure, is difficult to repair, and incurs high costs. Currently, there is a lack of awareness of the fact that timber buildings require different mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) installation methods than buildings made with mineral construction materials. In addition, too little attention is given to protecting the wooden structure by applying appropriate sealing measures that actually work in practice. Lack of planning and uncoordinated construction work exacerbate this problem. Presenting 2D drawings and 3D BIM models, the paper illustrates concepts that can be used to optimally design and safely integrate MEP installations in bathrooms in multi-story residential timber buildings. A special focus is placed on a holistic view of the topics structure, pipe installation, sealing, and fire protection. The concepts presented are based on an analysis and classification of over 1100 bathroom layouts. Therefore, they are applicable to a wide range of bathrooms in practice. The presented results were developed in the research project CLT_Plumbing_Design. They contribute to the development of standardized, timber-specific solutions for pipe installation and sealing in bathrooms, and can help reduce moisture damage in timber construction. In addition, these concepts form a basis for a new automated planning process in the area of bathroom planning, for which a brief outlook is given.

CONCEPTS FOR TIMBER-SPECIFIC MEP INSTALLATIONS AND SEALINGS IN BATHROOMS OF MULTI-STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

The European market for cross-laminated timber (CLT) is rapidly growing in the field of multi-story residential buildings. However, water leaks repeatedly lead to severe moisture damage in timber buildings. Undetected moisture damage may result in biological degradation of the CLT structure, is difficult to repair, and incurs high costs. Currently, there is a lack of awareness of the fact that timber buildings require different mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) installation methods than buildings made with mineral construction materials. In addition, too little attention is given to protecting the wooden structure by applying appropriate sealing measures that actually work in practice. Lack of planning and uncoordinated construction work exacerbate this problem. Presenting 2D drawings and 3D BIM models, the paper illustrates concepts that can be used to optimally design and safely integrate MEP installations in bathrooms in multi-story residential timber buildings. A special focus is placed on a holistic view of the topics structure, pipe installation, sealing, and fire protection. The concepts presented are based on an analysis and classification of over 1100 bathroom layouts. Therefore, they are applicable to a wide range of bathrooms in practice. The presented results were developed in the research project CLT_Plumbing_Design. They contribute to the development of standardized, timber-specific solutions for pipe installation and sealing in bathrooms, and can help reduce moisture damage in timber construction. In addition, these concepts form a basis for a new automated planning process in the area of bathroom planning, for which a brief outlook is given.

Retrofits of multi-storey office building facade

The city of Jakarta is the 7th big city in the world that has the most high-rise buildings. High-rise buildings in Jakarta were built from 1971 until now and in the 90s it was the peak of the construction of high-rise buildings such as offices and apartment. Tall Buildings with glass facade, concentrating plans are the most typology of office high-rise buildings in Jakarta. Buildings with the dominance of glass facade that reflect heat cause an increase in temperature in the microclimate and a decrease in building performance resulting in the amount of energy used by buildings, especially air conditioners. Building facade play an important role in reducing the improvement of the microclimate and energy use in buildings. Therefore, an analysis was carried out on the BRI II building on Jalan Sudirman Jakarta as a case study that represents the typology of the most office buildings in Jakarta. It turns out that this building has a high OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) value, so the largest AC cooling load comes from the building casing. Therefore, facade retrofit is one of the alternatives that can be done to reduce energy use, especially air conditioning. After that, a simulation of the casing retrofit to obtain a significant retrofit action can reduce the AC energy used through ottv value reduction analysis.

A theoretical and numerical analysis of solar chimney in multi-storey atrium building

Current research efforts on solar chimney are much on those configurations with single space or single vent, hampering its applications in complex buildings. To expand its implementation, the viability of solar chimney in multi-storey atrium buildings was explored numerically and theoretically. It was known that its natural ventilation performance can fulfil the WHO requirements (i.e., 6 air change per hour, ACH) even under low solar radiation of 200 W/m2 if it is appropriately designed, such as cavity gap (d), cavity height (Hc), solar radiation (Q), and window width (W). Its natural ventilation rate was found to be positively linear to the exponential form of the analyzed factors in this study, including cavity gap (d0.63∼0.69), cavity height (Hc0.59∼0.60), solar radiation (Q0.42∼0.43), and window width (W0.14∼0.20). The impacts of cavity gap and solar radiation are relatively weaker for big space such as atrium than those scenarios with single-space ventilation in the literature. The volume of the connected space was found to affect its natural ventilation performance, where the obtained ventilation rate of 4-storey is averagely 5.1 % lower than those of 3-storey buildings. A theoretical model was developed and experimentally validated, for the first time, to predict the natural ventilation rate of solar chimney when it is applied to the atrium with multiple air inlets. It was also noticed that the same theoretical model can be applied to the atrium buildings with odd and even storeys, but the area coefficients are different. The research outcomes of this study confirm the viability of solar chimney in complex buildings and offer a theoretical foundation for its implementation.

Annual performance of solar chimney for a multi-story building based on Modelica multizone model

Integration of solar chimney is an effective passive strategy for facilitating fresh air flow and offering significant potential for building energy conservation. This research evaluates the optimal design and control strategy for a six-story office building that includes a solar chimney, focusing on stack effect ventilation and energy performance throughout the year. The ventilation rates in different configurations of solar chimney are compared to meet fresh air requirements. The results indicate that the separated solar chimney ensures uniform airflow across each floor, with ventilation standard-reaching rates ranging from 79.5 % to 88.6 %. Furthermore, maximums of air flow rate occur at each floor, with critical cavity width values of 0.5 m, 0.4 m, 0.4 m, 0.3 m, 0.3 m, and 0.2 m on the 1st to 6th floor, respectively. Under the condition of equal cavity inlet area, air flow rates rise with the increasing length/width ratios. Finally, when the outdoor temperatures fall beyond the design range, controlling excessive ventilation generated by solar chimney leads to a 19.6 % reduction in total energy consumption over the year, with 71.5 % of the savings during winter.

Seismic Analysis of Horizontal and Vertical Irregular RC Multi Storey Building With Effect of Opening in Shear Wall

At present days building a structure with all the regular configurations is not feasible in most of the cases due to the irregular plot dimensions, aesthetic visual and functional requirements in the urban cities. The structure with more irregular configuration either horizontally or vertically are more vulnerable to earthquake which leads to collapses of structure, property loss and casualties. The shear walls are commonly used as a vertical element. Shear walls may have one or more openings for functional reasons such as windows, ventilation and other types of openings in shear wall. Frequently the shear wall is provided with openings thus necessary to study effect of irregular building. The present study was carried out the opening in shear wall with different shape of RC multi-Storey building and Study different building model with Combination of Horizontal & Vertical irregularities. The models were created using the ETABS software with Full Shear walls, Shear walls with a 25% opening. The location of the Shear wall was optimal. Prepared models of G+9 story and Analyze the model by Response Spectrum Analysis and Compare the Result with different buildings layout with parameters like storey Displacement, Storey Shear, Storey Drift, Storey Stiffness, Base shear, Torsion, Time Period and Mode Shape

Analysis and Design of Multi-storey Building using ETabs

The construction of multi-storey buildings is on the rise due to the growing population and rapid development. This is primarily driven by the scarcity of land with higher demand and lower prices compared to individual houses. To ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to standards, it is essential to analyze and design these buildings using advanced software such as ETabs. The analysis of a G+10 Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) framed structure in this project involves the consideration and application of live loads, dead loads, seismic loads, and wind loads. The objective is to analyse the structural behaviour and ensure compliance with various design codes and standards. The results of analysis are used to confirm the stability of the structure through examination of the Moment Force Diagrams of Axial force, Shear force, Torsion, and Moment. Additionally, the analysis aids in determining the story drifts, story displacements. The provision of reinforcement details is also accomplished through the detailing of beams and columns.

Experimental investigation of band-beam slabs subjected to close-range blast loading

Portable explosions in the form of backpacks and suitcases have been at the forefront of various terrorist activities due to their ability to create unrest in crucial infrastructure such as railway stations. At close range, these portable explosives, with charge sizes ranging from 2 kg to 10 kg, can reasonably damage vital structural elements of a building. For example, the debris produced by breaching one slab can overload and damage the slabs below in a multi-storey structure or pile up to block the access and continuous functioning of a building during rescue operations. A "band-beam slab" or "slab with a shallow beam" is one of the most used slab types in modern multi-storey buildings, especially on basements and lower floors. The band-beam slabs are commonly used to save headspace and floor-to-floor heights of multi-storeyed buildings. Therefore, investigation of the performance of band-beam slabs under close-in detonation is an interest of crucial infrastructure projects. To this end, the work presented in this paper investigates the performance of band-beam slabs subjected to close-in detonations. Thirteen band-beam slabs were subjected to close-in detonations against Composition-4 (C4) charges of sizes varying from 2.5 kg to 4.5 kg. The panels were designed to withstand the overall blast load following the typical design guidelines. However, some variations were introduced in the design to observe the effect of (i) slab reinforcement ratio, (ii) primary longitudinal reinforcement ratio of the beam, (iii) shear link size and spacing in band-beams, and (iv) scaled stand-off distance. In general, all test specimens experienced minor to moderate damage. At the same time, it is observed that the effect of the shear reinforcement ratio and detailing of the reinforcement play a significant role in reducing the spalling and crater formation. The observations have been compared with the UFC-3–340-02 guidelines for spalling and breach and found that experimental results reasonably agree with UFC predictions. Finally, based on the observations, design recommendations in terms of additional reinforcement to control and mitigate spalling, cracking and scabbing were proposed.

Low-Carbon Emissions and Cost of Frame Structures for Wooden and Concrete Apartment Buildings: Case Study from Finland

To date, the existing literature lacks any studies that compare timber and concrete apartment buildings in the Finnish context regarding their carbon footprint, handprint, and the cost of frame structures. This study rigorously analyzes and calculates the carbon footprint, carbon handprint, and costs associated with various structural solutions in a proposed multi-story building located in Laajasalo, Helsinki, Finland. While the primary focus is on wooden frame construction, exploring both its challenges and opportunities, this study also includes a comparative assessment with concrete frame construction. In Finland, regulations require a sprinkler fire extinguishing system to be installed inside. Also, weather protection is typically added to the top of building in connection with the construction of wooden apartment buildings. When the costs of a sprinkler system and weather protection are taken into account, the cost of achieving positive climate effects through a concrete frame is 290% higher than that of a solid wood frame. Our findings will provide a robust basis for assessing the sustainability and feasibility of construction methods, offering valuable insights into environmental and economic considerations for decision-makers in Finland and beyond as regulations evolve and awareness of climate impacts grows.

A hybrid approach combining OFC and FSO for multichannel connectivity

Abstract This paper presents a novel approach of establishing a multichannel optical communication link, combining optical fiber cable (OFC) and free space optics (FSO) technology. By leveraging multiple lengths of optical fiber and FSO links, along with optical amplifiers to counteract attenuation, our proposed hybrid system incorporates four channels operating within the 1550 nm window. This model is specifically designed to address communication challenges in scenarios such as unplanned urban layouts, multistory buildings, or rugged terrains where traditional optical fiber deployment is impractical. By integrating FSO for the fronthaul and optical fiber for the backhaul, our system enhances transmission capacity, thereby supporting the requirements of next-generation networks and alleviating bottlenecks and connectivity issues at the last or first mile. This innovative approach holds promise for internet service providers, enterprises, and industrial networks operating in demanding environments. Furthermore, it can serve as a vital tool for restoring emergency communication links in the aftermath of disasters such as earthquakes or floods, where traditional wired optical infrastructure may be compromised.

Fire behavior of full-scale cold-formed steel center-sheathed shear walls under combined loads

An innovative cold-formed steel center-sheathed shear walls (CFSCSSWs) was proposed in this paper to improve the horizontal load-carrying capacity of conventional cold-formed steel walls. However, the fire behavior of this wall configuration was particularly worthy of attention because it was designed to be used in multi-story buildings, and there is still a lack of in-depth exploration of the fire performance and high-temperature horizontal load-bearing capacity of CFSCSSWs under combined loads. In this study, a compression test was first carried out to obtain the vertical load-carrying capacity of a full-scale CFSCSSW, followed by a fire test on a similar CFSCSSW subjected to combined vertical and horizontal loads to investigate the fire behavior of walls. Then, a finite element model was established and validated by test results to investigate the influence of various critical factors, including vertical and horizontal load ratios, height-width ratio, and sheathing thickness, on the fire behavior of the CFSCSSW. The results showed that the vertical load ratio presented a larger influence on the fire behavior of CFSCSSWs compared to the horizontal load ratio. The increasing aspect ratio can slightly improve the fire resistance of the wall under the same load ratio. The wall with a 0.8 mm thick sheathing exhibits better fire behavior under the same load ratio. A high-temperature horizontal load-carrying capacity calculation method for CFSCSSWs was proposed, and its good accuracy was found.

Field Testing of an Acoustic Method for Locating Air Leakages in Building Envelopes

Maintaining the airtightness of building envelopes is critical to the energy efficiency of buildings, yet leak detection remains a significant challenge, particularly during building refurbishment. This study addresses the effectiveness of the acoustic beamforming measurement method in identifying leaks in building envelopes. For this reason, an in-field study employing the acoustic beamforming measurement method was conducted. The study involved testing over 30 rooms across three different multi-story office buildings of varying ages and heterogeneous envelope structures. Numerous leaks were located in the façades, which were subsequently visually confirmed or even verified with smoke sticks. The data, captured using an acoustic camera (a microphone ring array), revealed distinct spectra that indicate the method’s potential for further research. The basic functionality and the significant potential of this methodology for localizing leakages in large buildings were proven.

Optimizing Foundations: The Case for Slab Selection in Multi-Story Residential Buildings

This study investigates the optimal foundation design for multi-story residential buildings through a comparative analysis of two foundation variants under specific geological conditions. Employing the finite element method via SCAD software, we assessed the structural integrity and load-bearing capacities of the foundation options. Material consumption was quantified for each variant, and the consistency of settling calculations for the slab foundation was evaluated. The results indicated that the slab foundation not only minimizes material usage but also simplifies design complexity according to normative standards. Based on technical and economic assessments, the slab foundation is recommended as the most cost-effective and structurally efficient option for such construction projects. This research provides a pivotal foundation design perspective that could influence future architectural and engineering practices in residential building construction.
 Highlights:
 
 SCAD software validates foundation integrity via finite element analysis.
 Slab foundations offer superior cost and material efficiency.
 Simplifies design, enhancing construction process efficiency.
 
 Keywords: Structural Integrity, Slab Foundation, Reinforcement, Monolith, Building

PERIODIC CONTROL OF CONCRETE PROPERTIES IN THE SYSTEM OF TECHNICAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT FOR HIGH-STORY BUILDING

The assessment of the structures’ technical condition is conducted in accordance with current regulations. During such assessment, various methods are used to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of the structure’s material. Usually, a single measurement is performed, but in some cases, it is necessary to establish observations to determine the behaviour of the observed defects. Particular attention should be paid to buildings that have not been in use for some time and no measures have been taken to preserve the structures. Since the conditions of concrete formation and hardening in the samples during the establishment of taring dependencies and in the structure in operation are different, the existing non-destructive testing methods do not adequately reflect the properties of the structure’s concrete. Experience in the use of ultrasonic devices and our own research to improve the ultrasonic method allowed us to recommend limiting the scope of this method to periodic inspection, since it is quite easy and accurate to track relative changes in the material of the structure. The purpose of this work – verification of the effectiveness of the improved method of conducting periodic control of concrete properties in the conditions of a real object. Results. The technical condition of the structures of the multi-story building was assessed. Within the scope of the survey, the capabilities of the modernized method of periodic control of the concrete structures’ properties during their operation were checked. Ultrasonic devices are involved in the work, provided that the measurement sites are specially prepared. An increase in the accuracy of determining material properties has been demonstrated. Conclusion. The developed method of periodic control of the concrete structures’ properties demonstrates the low complexity of the work and the sufficient reliability of the obtained results, which allows us to propose it for use in determining the technical condition of the structures in operation.

DESIGN OF 8-STORY REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE OF WANGGUH APARTMENT PONTIANAK BUILDING WITH COMPARISON OF BEAM REVIEW

The article highlights the pivotal role of housing in Pontianak's economic growth, driven by its status as a regional hub attracting residents for employment, education, and services, leading to a significant demand for housing, including apartments. The study specifically focuses on the detailed design of the Wangguh Apartment Building, emphasizing safety and efficiency in response to urban development needs. The project exemplifies modern urban development efforts by aiming to create sustainable living environments.Additionally, the research compares beam designs in multi-story buildings to optimize structural integrity, stability, and load-bearing capacity while adhering to Indonesian National Standards (SNI). The study emphasizes the importance of seismic considerations given Pontianak's classification as a new earthquake zone, with detailed planning ensuring durability and safety against seismic forces. The process involves site classification, seismic design category determination, and structural system selection, with thorough structural modeling and analysis to meet stringent standards and ensure resilience. The study contributes valuable insights into reinforced concrete design and construction through meticulous calculations and adherence to standards, aiming to enhance future residential projects' effectiveness and sustainability in Pontianak City.