Building Performance Research Articles

Extreme Characteristics of the Ground Motions Recorded During the 2023 Kahramanmaras Turkiye Earthquakes and Their Effect on Inelastic Seismic Response of RC Frame Buildings

ABSTRACT Two devastating earthquakes occurred on February 6, 2023, in Kahramanmaras Turkiye within 9 h. The epicenter of the first event is in Pazarcik sub-province of Kahramanmaras with a moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.8. Nine hours later the second event occurred with Mw = 7.5, of which the epicenter is close to the Elbistan sub-province of Kahramanmaras. This earthquake sequence caused multiple-fault ruptures with hundreds of kilometers, affecting 11 cities in the near field. The events caused a significant number of casualties along with substantial physical and economic losses. Many different building types in the region suffered damage during the earthquakes but RC frame buildings deserve special attention due to their extremely poor seismic performance. This study examines the inelastic seismic response characteristics of simplified structural systems under the selected ground motions during the 2023 Kahramanmaras Turkiye earthquakes by focusing on the seismic performance of Turkish RC frame buildings. Inelastic seismic demands of this building typology are assessed with idealized SDOF systems in terms of spectral acceleration and displacement. In addition, the effects of multiple wave packets and strong velocity pulses on the inelastic seismic behavior of idealized RC frame-building models are examined. The numerical results of the study verify the extraordinary nature of the selected ground motions in terms of inelastic seismic response. The inferior seismic performance of almost all RC frame-building subclasses, which generally follow field observations after the event, can be attributed to the double effect of the inherent flexibility of frame construction and demanding ground motions with the effects of multiple wave packets and strong velocity pulses.

Investigation of ventilation performance in the multi-story building with various envelope features: Scaled outdoor experiments

Investigation of ventilation performance in the multi-story building with various envelope features: Scaled outdoor experiments

Optimizing building performance through the integration of electrochromic glass technology in building facades: a simulation-based study of an office building in Cairo, Egypt

PurposeThe built environment enhances quality of life, prompting architects and engineers to explore innovative technologies for improving building performance. Electrochromic (EC) glass technology is one such solution that offers real-time control of building facade glazing properties. Conventional building materials often struggle to adapt to changing external conditions, increasing reliance on mechanical systems. EC glass technology addresses this by adjusting its tint in response to these conditions, potentially reducing energy consumption and improving comfort.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the advantages of integrating EC glass technology into building facades by evaluating its efficacy in enhancing thermal performance, energy efficiency, and operational expenses. The study uses building performance simulation software to model a proposed office building in Cairo, Egypt, comparing two scenarios: one with conventional glazing and the other with EC glass technology. The aim is to highlight the benefits of EC glass technology in building facades for improving thermal comfort, daylighting and energy efficiency. The analysis will compare cooling and heating designs and energy consumption, ultimately concluding the technology’s impact on enhancing energy efficiency.FindingsIntegrating EC glass technology significantly reduces solar heat gains and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption. Solar heat gains dropped by 77.47%, resulting in a 50.95% decrease in HVAC energy use compared to conventional glazing. This technology also enhances thermal comfort and daylighting, improving the indoor environment.Originality/valueThen, integrating EC glass technology improves building performance, resulting in energy savings, enhanced comfort and efficient daylight use. This technology is essential for sustainable building design, contributing to resilient and enjoyable environments.

Quantification of building performance to evaluate novel design methods

A framework is proposed to characterize in a holistic and quantitative manner the performance of buildings. This framework aims at using continuous performance assessment, from the design conception through the life of a building. The quantitative assessment will allow designers to move away from thinking of buildings a prototype that provides no feedback loop to designers towards analysing buildings as living laboratories that inform novel design approaches. To understand the value of the framework and any factors limiting its application a biomimicry approach was used as an example. Biomimicry principles capitalize on evolution to deliver continuous quality improvement and therefore these principles were found to be consistent with modern design objectives. A series of high-profile buildings were analysed based on publicly available data. Six buildings were shortlisted for a more in-dept analysis, nevertheless it became evident that for all these buildings there was insufficient data analysis, against the design objectives, to enable a holistic assessment of performance. To illustrate the weaknesses in the data set, the best documented building, the Council House Building (CH2) in Melbourne, Australia was analysed and areas where data was missing were established.

Heritage BIM and performance simulation interoperability: methodological insights from representative case studies in Cyprus and Italy

ABSTRACT BIM advances for the AEC industry's digital transformation agenda is hindered by poor software interoperability with Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools. In an effort to identify the causes of this barrier and address possible directions to overcoming challenges, this paper presents two semi-automatic BIM to BPS workflows for heritage buildings, following the employment of the gbXML and the IFC exchange schemas respectively. Each workflow encompasses the integration of dynamic energy simulation data, as well as the conversion of morphologically complex geometries from BIM to the streamlined requirements of the respective numerical simulation engines. These parallel workflows are implemented and assessed through their application for the energy and environmental improvement of two heritage buildings, located in Cyprus and Italy. These buildings are studied as specific cases to drive the development of an energy simulation-based Heritage BIM (HBIM) workflow presented here. The findings of this research offer methodological insights into BIM data integration strategies and best practices in modeling for the schema-based workflows presented. Finally, the paper discusses impending methodological framework improvements and argues for the impact of specific roles and expertize on the process, in an effort to establish an adequate interoperability maturity level of BIM models in said operations.

In-Depth Analysis of Photovoltaic-Integrated Shading Systems’ Performance in Residential Buildings: A Prospective of Numerical Techniques Toward Net-Zero Energy Buildings

The three categories of energy scarcity, population growth and environmental concerns explain the need for new energy sources. Saudi Arabia has become one of the regions capable of using solar energy, particularly through the use of photovoltaic systems, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s excellent ability to effectively utilize the sunlight. This study examines the performance of photovoltaic-integrated shading systems (PVIS) in enhancing energy efficiency for residential buildings under the extreme climatic conditions of Riyadh and Abha in Saudi Arabia. The study advances the knowledge of PVIS applications by addressing the dual challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability in urban residential settings. Leveraging numerical simulations conducted with EnergyPlus, the research evaluates various shading configurations, including louvers, horizontal and sidefin canopies, to quantify their impact on cooling, heating, lighting demands and energy production. The annual efficiency of the proposed integrated systems to achieve sustainable and net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) is a key metric evaluated in this study. The key findings highlight the effectiveness of horizontal PVIS in achieving the highest energy efficiency, with up to 27.19% in Abha and 24.72% in Riyadh, based on the ratio of annual available solar energy to PV energy production. The integration of PVIS not only reduces the cooling loads by optimizing shading but also contributes significantly to renewable energy production toward NZEBs. The lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) identifies horizontal canopies as the most cost-effective configuration, with a payback period of 8.6 years in Abha and 10.2 years in Riyadh.

Torsional Response of a Two‐Storey Low‐Damage Concrete Wall Test Building

ABSTRACTIn recent earthquakes, poor performance and collapse of buildings attributed to inelastic torsion responses have been reported. The torsional responses of buildings have been extensively studied with analytical models, but large‐scale experiments considering seismic‐induced torsion demands on buildings are rare. A shake‐table test of a two‐storey, low‐damage concrete wall building with strength asymmetry in the plan view was recently conducted, and the response of the building to both unidirectional and bi‐directional loadings at the design‐level earthquake intensity is presented. Analysis of the results includes the global responses of the structural components and the centre of mass for the test building, the strength response of unbonded post‐tensioned walls, the interaction between the translational strengths and torque, the total absorbed energy related to the torsional rotation, and variations in the eccentricities of the centres of rigidity and strength. Furthermore, the seismic response of the test building is explained with a comparison to previously published torsional mechanisms. Key outcomes from the analysis of the test results included: (1) an increase in the strength asymmetry and bi‐directional loading both amplifies the torsional rotations and effects the displacement and strength responses of the structural components along the perimeter of the diaphragm; (2) the comparison to previous torsional mechanisms shows a desirable level of agreement and supports the utilization of these mechanisms to assess the torsional performance of low‐damage wall buildings with irregularities; and (3) despite exhibiting a strong torsional response, the test building with the asymmetric strength configurations still achieved the low‐damage performance targets.

Enhanced ensemble learning-based uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of ventilation rate in a novel radiative cooling building.

The rising global demand for air conditioning systems, driven by increasing temperatures and urbanization, has led to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. HVAC systems, particularly AC, account for nearly half of building energy use, highlighting the need for efficient cooling solutions. Passive cooling, especially radiative cooling, offers potential to reduce cooling loads and improve energy efficiency. However, most studies focus on idealized conditions, neglecting the real-world variability of indoor and outdoor environments. This study proposes a novel machine learning-based ensemble stacking model to predict ventilation rates in passive cooling buildings, addressing the challenges of black-box modeling. The model's performance is improved across key metrics such as R2, RMSE, and MAE. For the first time, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis is applied to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor conditions on ventilation rates. Sensitivity analysis shows that the reference model's ventilation rate highly depends on inlet air temperature, internal temperatures at 0.1 and 0.2m, and internal wall heat flux, with optimization of these parameters having a significant impact on building performance. In contrast, the test building relies on fewer parameters, with external temperature, outlet air temperature, and net roof radiation being notable factors; as ambient temperature increases, so does the ventilation rate. The analysis reveals that uncertainties have minimal impact in the reference building, while the test building demonstrates greater sensitivity during warmer months, emphasizing the importance of accounting for seasonal variations. This research underscores the significance of optimizing key features to enhance natural cooling and ventilation, contributing to sustainable climate control solutions and providing an interpretable, robust model for predicting ventilation rates in energy-efficient buildings.

The Effect of Single and Combined Use of Base Isolator and Fluid Viscous Damper on Seismic Performance in a Conventional RC Building with Torsional Irregularity

The Effect of Single and Combined Use of Base Isolator and Fluid Viscous Damper on Seismic Performance in a Conventional RC Building with Torsional Irregularity

Energy performance of an operational government building retrofitted with ceiling phase change material tiles in a mixed-humid climate

Energy performance of an operational government building retrofitted with ceiling phase change material tiles in a mixed-humid climate

Coupling RDA-RPR-NSGAII optimization design method for comprehensive performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Coupling RDA-RPR-NSGAII optimization design method for comprehensive performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Seismic performance evaluation of the Central Laboratory Universitas Andalas building with expansion joints

The laboratory supports students’ education and provides space for practice and research. One of the laboratories is the Central Laboratory Building of Universitas Andalas, located in Padang City, which has building expansion joints. Since Padang City is an earthquake-prone area, the planning of laboratory buildings must consider earthquake safety. An expansion joint is needed to ensure earthquake safety as a boundary for building structures. It is designed so that if a major earthquake occurs, the buildings are planned not to be damaged due to pounding so that potential losses can be minimized. This study evaluates the seismic performance of buildings with expansion joints based on the current Indonesian seismic codes. The study results show that the maximum displacement of the buildings (zones A, B, C, and D) does not exceed the distance between expansion joints. It prevents contact between them (pounding) during any seismic event, allowing the building to be declared safe during an earthquake. Additionally, the seismic performance of buildings complies with current Indonesian earthquake regulations, specifically regarding dynamic characteristics, inter-story drift, horizontal irregularity, and vertical irregularity.

Evaluation of Green Building Technologies (GBTS) By Construction Professionals in Southwest Nigeria

The adoption of Green Building Technologies (GBTs) is increasingly recognized as a promising approach to enhancing the sustainability performance of buildings, generating significant interest in the global construction community. However, barriers such as the lack of local expertise in green building practices and insufficient awareness highlight the need for effective strategies to promote broader adoption of GBTs in building development. This study aims to identify the benefits of adopting GBTs and assess their level of implementation by professionals in Southwest Nigeria. Following a comprehensive literature review on factors hindering GBT adoption in the region, empirical data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 green building experts across Nigeria. The analysis confirmed the significance of 12 challenges affecting GBT implementation in Southwest Nigeria. Key benefits identified include reduced energy costs, improved occupant comfort and productivity, enhanced indoor air quality, and lower maintenance costs. These were ranked as the top four benefits driving the adoption of GBTs. The findings provide valuable insights to help practitioners and policymakers develop effective strategies for promoting GBT adoption, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of buildings. Future research will explore the economic benefits associated with the adoption of green building technologies in Southwest Nigeria

INVESTIGATING THE SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF WOOD-FRAMED SHEAR WALL WITH ADVANCED CONNECTION SYSTEMS IN STRUCTURAL WOOD DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Wood-framed buildings are popular for residential and commercial construction due to their sustainability, costeffectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. However, their seismic performance is a concern, particularly in earthquakeprone regions. This study investigates the seismic performance of wood-framed buildings with advanced connection systems. The research evaluates the structural integrity and resilience of wood-framed buildings subjected to seismic loads. Advanced connection systems, including innovative fastening techniques and reinforced connections, are analyzed to determine their effectiveness in enhancing the seismic performance of wood-framed buildings. The study aims to provide valuable insights for designers, engineers, and builders to improve the seismic resilience of wood-framed buildings. seismic performance of wood-framed buildings, advanced connection systems, and structural wood design. Determine areas requiring further investigation. The fundamentals of displacement-based seismic design are presented along with a description of the system parameters required for its application. A simple numerical model capable of predicting the cyclic response and energy dissipation characteristics of wood shear walls under general quasi-static cyclic loading is presented to evaluate these parameters for wood-framed buildings. The generalization of this model to three-dimensional wood-framed structures is also discussed. As an application example, the displacement-based seismic design of a simple one-story shear wall building is presented. In turn, this design approach is validated by nonlinear dynamic time-history analyses using earthquake records representative of the hazard levels associated with the design performance levels.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUPERMARKET BUILDING PERFORMANCE UNDER CURRENT AND FUTURE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (AMAC), ABUJA-NIGERIA

This study investigates the energy performance and carbon emissions of LIDL supermarket buildings in Abuja, Nigeria, under current and future climate conditions. Using a multi-methodological approach, the research evaluates three construction models—Model P1 (steel columns with cladding panels), Model P2 (Poroton blocks), and Model P3 (precast concrete columns with glulam beams)—to understand the impacts of construction techniques and materials on building energy efficiency and sustainability. The study employs Thermal Analysis Software (TAS) v9.5.0 to simulate energy consumption and emissions under different scenarios, utilizing dynamic weather data from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for both present and future climate projections (2050s and 2080s). The methodology integrates critical building elements, including floor area, thermal properties, and heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and incorporates site-specific data from Jabi, Abuja, to analyze regional climate effects. Key simulation assumptions include construction details, U-values, and infiltration rates, while databases from ASHRAE are used to model thermal properties and heat transfer. Results highlight the energy demand changes and carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling across seasonal extremes. This research provides actionable insights into optimizing supermarket energy performance and sustainability in response to climate change, offering valuable guidance for building designs in urbanizing and climate-vulnerable regions like Nigeria.

Research on improving the energy performance of residential buildings

Research on improving the energy performance of residential buildings

Pushover Analysis of a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Structure Incorporating Fibre-Reinforced Polymers to Address Vertical Irregularities

India has had four of the world's most destructive earthquakes in the past ten years, and our country is often rocked by earthquakes of low to moderate intensity. Since many buildings were severely damaged or collapsed, it has sparked debate whether framed constructions are sufficiently sturdy to withstand significant vibrations. As a result, the strength or ability of existing reinforced concrete structures to withstand seismic loads can be evaluated. The performance level of earthquake-prone buildings is evaluated using a performance-based design. One seismic technique for assessing a building's performance level is push-over analysis. It is possible to determine whether damage occurs at the member or structure level using pushover analysis. The study employs pushover analysis by Applied Technology Council (ATC) – 4), a seismic assessment technique, to evaluate the ability of 20-story buildings in seismic Zone III (with hard soil characteristics) to resist earthquake-induced forces. The primary objective was to assess the performance of structures reinforced with different fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, including aramid, glass, and carbon fibers, known for their high flexibility and strength in seismically active regions. To determine the best fiber-reinforced polymer configuration, the study considers the following parameters: pushover curve, target displacement, story shear, time period, maximum story displacement, and story drift based on pushover analysis independently. Through the pushover analysis method, the research discovers that FRP wrapping can significantly improve the seismic performance of reinforced concrete buildings. The findings aim to improve building design practices by recommending fiber-reinforced polymer configurations for better earthquake resistance, ensuring that future constructions are better equipped to handle seismic activity.

Thermal performance of green balconies of residential buildings: A Case Study in Wari, Dhaka

This study investigates the impact of green balconies on the thermal performance and indoor environmental quality of residential buildings in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which experiences a warm-humid climate year-round. Green balconies, incorporating vertical landscaping or potted plants are evaluated for their potential to reduce indoor temperatures, enhance thermal comfort, and contribute to energy savings. Field measurements were conducted in a high-rise residential building, with data collected on indoor temperatures, relative humidity, and solar radiation for both green and non-green balconies. Results show that green balconies can reduce indoor air temperatures by up to 6.5 °C, with an average reduction of 3.0°C in room temperature, compared to non-green balconies. The presence of greenery effectively mitigates heat gain, particularly through evapotranspiration and shading, improving thermal comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, green balconies contribute to energy efficiency, with potential energy savings of up to 20%. The study further emphasizes the importance of optimal design, including the use of densely arranged potted plants, to maximize the cooling effect. This research highlights the effectiveness of green balconies as a passive cooling strategy for tropical climates, offering sustainable solutions for residential buildings by improving both environmental and occupant well-being.

Effects of Retrofit Strategies on Thermal Comfort and Energy Performance in Social Housing for Current and Future Weather Scenarios

With growing concerns over energy and heat-related mortality/morbidity rates, enhancing building performances is key to improving the health and well-being of building occupants while reducing CO2 emissions, in line with the UK Government’s Net-Zero targets. This study investigates the impacts of different retrofitting scenarios on overheating risk and energy performance in social housing for current and future climate conditions. Dynamic thermal simulations were carried out using Design Summer Year (DSY) weather files in DesignBuilder software for selected case study buildings. Winter performance was analysed using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, while summer results were assessed according to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Technical Memorandum 59 (CIBSE TM59) guidelines. The findings revealed that bedrooms, especially those facing south, were at high risk of overheating. Factors such as building construction, the number of exposed surfaces, and window area influenced the risks. External wall insulation outperformed internal wall insulation in improving summer comfort. In the winter, Passivhaus standards with natural ventilation ensured thermal comfort across all zones, with a 41–53% reduction in heating energy consumption under current weather conditions. The risk of overheating and associated health issues significantly increased for the future weather scenarios. Further investigation into ventilation strategies, occupant behaviour, and passive design is required to mitigate overheating risks while reducing energy consumption in buildings.

Architectural Computational Optimisation in Designing Acoustics and Seating Arrangements

In architectural practice, it is challenging for designers to predict future spatial performance based on limited information in the early stages of design. To address this design problem, architectural design optimisation can assist the designer by projecting building performance utilising single or multiple criteria over different architectural geometric analyses in the design process. The primary purpose of this paper is to describe how to design a computational optimisation program that can automatically generate concept design solutions, and determine its impact on the design outcome. In order to investigate the application of computational optimisation in architecture, this study involved analysis of a small-scale community performance facility as the proposed building type in the design exploration. Through this study, a deeper understanding of optimisation processes is intended to contribute to advancing architectural practice through computational generative design.