Private Buildings Research Articles

Architecture for Smart Buildings Based on Fuzzy Logic and the OpenFog Standard

The combination of Artificial Intelligence and IoT technologies, the so-called AIoT, is expected to contribute to the sustainability of public and private buildings, particularly in terms of energy management, indoor comfort, as well as in safety and security for the occupants. However, IoT systems deployed on modern buildings may generate big amounts of data that cannot be efficiently analyzed and stored in the Cloud. Fog computing has proven to be a suitable paradigm for distributing computing, storage control, and networking functions closer to the edge of the network along the Cloud-to-Things continuum, improving the efficiency of the IoT applications. Unfortunately, it can be complex to integrate all components to create interoperable AIoT applications. For this reason, it is necessary to introduce interoperable architectures, based on standard and universal frameworks, to distribute consistently the resources and the services of AIoT applications for smart buildings. Thus, the rationale for this study stems from the pressing need to introduce complex computing algorithms aimed at improving indoor comfort, safety, and environmental conditions while optimizing energy consumption in public and private buildings. This article proposes an open multi-layer architecture aimed at smart buildings based on a standard framework, the OpenFog Reference Architecture (IEEE 1934–2018 standard). The proposed architecture was validated experimentally at the Faculty of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz to improve indoor environmental quality using Fuzzy logic. Experimental results proved the viability and scalability of the proposed architecture.

Effects of Indoor Dust Exposure on Lung Cells: Association of Chemical Composition with Phenotypic and Lipid Changes in a 3D Lung Cancer Cell Model.

Indoor dust is a key contributor to the global human exposome in urban areas since the population develops most of its activities in private and public buildings. To gain insight into the health risks associated with this chronic exposure, it is necessary to characterize the chemical composition of dust and understand its biological impacts using reliable physiological models. The present study investigated the biological effects of chemically characterized indoor dust extracts using three-dimensional (3D) lung cancer cell cultures combining phenotypic and lipidomic analyses. Apart from the assessment of cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and interleukin-8 release, lipidomics was applied to capture the main lipid changes induced as a cellular response to the extracted dust compounds. The application of chemometric tools enabled the finding of associations between chemical compounds present in dust and lipidic and phenotypic profiles in the cells. This study contributes to a better understanding of the toxicity mechanisms associated with exposure to chemical pollutants present in indoor dust.

Life cycle cost analysis of seismic retrofit policy at the city scale

Many early-developed cities are grappling with aging building environments, characterized by chronic deterioration of structures. The consequent rise in seismic risk and loss has spurred governments to promote relevant disaster mitigation plans. In the process of urban renewal or the retrofit of dilapidated buildings, it is crucial to consider economic feasibility and the impact of policies. To support decision-making, this study aims to develop a framework for evaluating different seismic reinforcement strategies at a city level using a life cycle cost-benefit analysis. The reduction of seismic loss by a certain reinforcement strategy was assessed through the capacity spectrum method, fragility curves, and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. Construction costs and reinforcement costs were adapted from historical data. The Equivalent Uniform Annual Cost Method was also adopted to analyze the overall life cycle cost of the target buildings based on the chosen reinforcement strategy. The researchers of this study analyzed the private buildings in Taipei City, Taiwan, to demonstrate the proposed method. The priority for reinforcement was determined based on various vulnerability measures of the buildings. Six different reinforcement strategies were compared in the case study. The results revealed that the strategies that can properly exploit soft story reinforcement are more economically attractive in terms of life cycle cost. However, a decline in marginal utility was detected. The results also showed that the proposed method could provide an objective reference for determining the priority of reinforcement plans and effectively mitigate the impact of earthquakes on the community. The findings of this research can assist stakeholders in earthquake disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Integrated seismic-energy retrofit systems for preventing failure of a historical RC school building: Comparison among metal lightweight exoskeleton solutions

Italian built heritage is highly vulnerable due to old public and private buildings designed without recent seismic and energy regulations. In particular, school buildings represent a critical typology that should be retrofitted to guarantee safety and comfort to the users. In this framework, interventions from building outside able to avoid interruption of school activities should be required. A solution to solve this issue can be found in the retrofit solution with exoskeletons. In this scenario, the paper presents the comparison among three similar solutions of metal lightweight exoskeletons for the integrated seismic-energy retrofit of a RC school building assumed as a case study. The RC structure of the school is firstly modelled with a finite element software and then subjected to pushover analysis before and after retrofit interventions to assess the benefit of each exoskeleton solution. The comparisons among intervention techniques are made in terms of the seismic safety index (ζE) provided by the Italian technical standard. The results show the more or less efficacy of the different inspected systems, even if integrative local interventions are needed to reach the minimum safety index (0.60) required for school buildings. As a conclusion, these novel light metal exoskeletons have proven to be efficient retrofitting systems for residential buildings or even for school buildings with regular façades and plan layouts.

3D FE modeling of a real-world energy piled foundation

3D FE modeling of a real-world energy piled foundation

Beyond boundaries. Exploring new post pandemic housing models through the reformulation of collective spaces

The outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the world where we live in. Especially in the urban and architectural fields, it has posed the necessity to define new housing models, capable of responding to both ambitions and needs of the upcoming post-pandemic society. In particular, two different types of necessities have risen: social issues (the necessity of more spaces for recreation, working, exercising, ...) and environmental issues (the reduction of flood risk, urban heat islands, air pollution, ...). The argument of this paper is that it is possible to overcome this apparent dualism of targets only through the reformulation of the conventional “living” paradigm, and, specifically, through the extension of the latter beyond the (physical and conceptual) “walls” that traditionally define the idea of housing. For this purpose, the outdoor space, conceived as not a mere addition but as a structural component of the living environment, has been identified as the main field of investigation. The effects of the pandemic situation, indeed, have exacerbated the traditional contraposition between private, semi-private and public realms. However, it is exactly through the exploration of this “friction” that it is possible to generate alternative design pathways for the reconceptualization of the conventional housing models towards a social and more sustainable perspective. For this reason, taking as a case study the Albanian city of Lezhë and the surrounding region, the paper reflects on the connection between the ground floor spaces of local dwellings and the outdoor areas around them. In particular, two different space typologies have been considered: the “in-between” space, resulting from the aggregation logics driven by the different historical settlements models; and the “residential/outdoor space interface” between private buildings and the adjoining common areas (streets, squares, parks, etc.). For each of these two categories, the paper tries to establish potential design principles, strategies and tools which can embrace the twofold necessity of creating spaces where to integrate the new recreational, social or working activities which have been making their way into the post-pandemic idea of living, but also to give possible answers to the forementioned impending climate issues. In this way, the ultimate goal is to explore how new housing models based on blurring the traditional demarcation between private and public through the reformulation on the outdoor space idea may not only improve liveability and physical and psychological health of individuals, but also entail wider-scale effects, becoming a beacon to ultimately increase identity, social inclusivity, and climate resilience of local communities.

Machine learning applications for a better demand controlled ventilation system experience in buildings: a review

PurposeAt the beginning of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a digitalized construction environments surfaced in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the form of a modern delivery system called demand controlled ventilation (DCV). Demand controlled ventilation has the potential to solve the building ventilation's biggest problem of managing indoor air quality (IAQ) for controlling COVID-19 transmission in indoor environments. However, the improper evaluation and information management of infection prevention on dense crowd activities such as measurement errors and volatile organic compound (VOC) generation failure rates, is fragmented so the aim of this research is to integrate this and explore potentials with machine learning algorithms (MLAs).Design/methodology/approachThe method used is a thorough systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The results of this research consist of a detailed description of the DCV system and digitalized construction process of its IAQ elements.FindingsThe discussion revealed that DCV has a potential for being further integrated by perceiving it as a MLAs and hereby enabling the management of IAQ level from the perspective of health risk function mechanism (i.e. VOC and CO2) for maintaining a comfortable thermal environment and save energy of public and private buildings (PPBs). The appropriate MLA can also be selected in different occupancy patterns for seasonal variations, ventilation behavior, building type and locations, as well as current indoor air pollution control strategies. Furthermore, the conceptual framework showed that MLA application such as algorithm design/Model Predictive Control (MPC) integration can alleviate the high spread limitation of COVID-19 in the indoor environment.Originality/valueFinally, the research concludes that a large unexploited potential within integration and innovation is recognized in the DCV system and MLAs which can be improved to optimize level of IAQ from the perspective of health throughout the building sector DCV process systems. The requirements of CO2 based DCV along with VOC concentrations monitoring practice should be taken into consideration through further research and experience with adaption and implementation from the ventilation control initial stage of the DCV process.

Fire safety of existing residential buildings: Building regulatory system gaps and needs

Considerable cost and effort are invested in government and private-sector activities aimed at providing a societally tolerable level of fire safety of the built environment. This is particularly true with respect to fire safety of new building construction. On the government side, this includes activities associated with building and fire regulations, material performance and test standards, design guidance, competency requirements, review and approvals, and more. On the private side, activities include product development, analysis and design, construction and installation, as well as education and training of practitioners. In some cases there are overlaps (e.g., private building control). However, once buildings become occupied, the system faces several challenges. Oversight of building use and modification often gets lost. Different actors come into play. Competing objectives become more significant. Occupants often lack understanding and ability to recognize problems and make adjustments. The net result is an increase in fire safety risk over the life of a building, with less opportunities for the regulatory system to make interventions prior to an unwanted fire event. However, this can be changed if the approach to regulating existing buildings changes, and importantly, embodies whole-of-life, multi-agency, holistic, systems-based thinking.

Analysis of the application of modern means of detection and measurement of carbon monoxide when using alternative sources of electricity supply during the war in Ukraine

The article examines the impact of carbon monoxide on the human body, as well as the necessity of its detection and measurement. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous for human health and is accompanied by negative consequences and requires the implementation of new means of its timely detection and measurement. The article identifies the main sources of carbon monoxide, as well as assesses its impact on public health. The choice of modern means of detecting and measuring carbon monoxide is an important and necessary component of protecting people in modern realities. The work examines and analyzes the technical capabilities of modern cpaabilities of determining the level of carbon monoxide, defines the main models of carbon monoxide detectors, and also classifies and systematizes the peculiarities of their operation. The most convenient and practical portable carbon monoxide sensor. It does not require stationary installation. This is especially important in closed rooms, where carbon monoxide poisoning can occur instantly. The article analyzes literary sources in the field of the main types of alternative energy sources used in Ukraine during emergency and planned blackouts, as well as the dangers associated with them. The influence of dangerous and harmful factors affecting the human body during the use of these devices is considered: power banks, generators, batteries and inverters. The analysis of scientific research on ensuring safety when using alternative energy sources in domestic premises, private and multi-story buildings, factories, underground passages and storages was performed. The features of each type of modern signaling devices are analyzed. Recommendations are provided for the selection of modern means of detecting and measuring carbon monoxide.

Noise suppression plan for demolishing a parking garage

The headquarters of a pharmaceutical corporation planned to replace a parking garage with additional office buildings at the site in Silver Spring, Maryland. Neighbors adjacent to the location included private offices, public buildings, and residences. In order for approval to pursue construction projects in Montgomery County, Maryland, a Noise Suppression Plan must be submitted to the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. The contractor responsible for demolishing the parking garage hired Scantek, Inc. to build and compose the Noise Suppression Plan. The Noise Suppression Plan offered a three-prong approach to insure a maximum sound level of 75 dBA at a 500-feet radius around the construction site during normal business-time period. The noise sources (construction equipment) were addressed by optimizing operations such as separating the noise sources (activity zones) within the site and limiting engine throttles (rpm) powering the hydraulic pumps. Additionally, acoustic barriers were installed for the entire perimeter of the construction site. Finally, acoustic absorption bulk-material was piled at strategically locations to reduce sound reflections and acoustic reaction energy. The construction company sent a notice to all neighbors adjacent to the parking garage ahead of the demolition to inform of schedules, expectations, and contact information. The demolition moved ahead without notable complaints from the neighbors.

A reckoning with the maintenance of the built environment, a Sisyphean task

Maintenance concerns most of the artifacts, referring simultaneously to the socio-cultural, technical and managerial spheres. Contemporary scenarios impose an overall rethinking, where key-topics such as tradition, consumerism, sustainability and digitization become pivotal in the search for suitable production models, between post-industrial and neo-craftsmanship, in order to have fresher references for the maintenance activities.
 In the construction field, maintenance is not limited to the objective of prolonging the duration of quality levels that only affect direct users, but also has important implications of a social and collective nature, in the case of both public and private buildings and spaces. Despite this and other specific features, the parallelism between building maintenance and manufacturing maintenance was fundamental in the last quarter of the 20th century, when the subject made its way into the technological culture of architecture, in search of references that could replace pre-industrial habits.
 In support of the theoretical rethinking of maintenance (an activity which, like the Sisyphean task, does never foresee a definitive completion), the article suggests some considerations referring in particular to the reinforced concrete: a structural material almost omnipresent in the built environment since the second half of the last century, which poses significant problems in terms of duration and not only. In conclusion, some possible developments are presented, distinguishing between newly constructed and existing reinforced concrete constructions.

A reckoning with the maintenance of the built environment, a Sisyphean task

Maintenance concerns most of the artifacts, referring simultaneously to the socio-cultural, technical and managerial spheres. Contemporary scenarios impose an overall rethinking, where key-topics such as tradition, consumerism, sustainability and digitization become pivotal in the search for suitable production models, between post-industrial and neo-craftsmanship, in order to have fresher references for the maintenance activities.
 In the construction field, maintenance is not limited to the objective of prolonging the duration of quality levels that only affect direct users, but also has important implications of a social and collective nature, in the case of both public and private buildings and spaces. Despite this and other specific features, the parallelism between building maintenance and manufacturing maintenance was fundamental in the last quarter of the 20th century, when the subject made its way into the technological culture of architecture, in search of references that could replace pre-industrial habits.
 In support of the theoretical rethinking of maintenance (an activity which, like the Sisyphean task, does never foresee a definitive completion), the article suggests some considerations referring in particular to the reinforced concrete: a structural material almost omnipresent in the built environment since the second half of the last century, which poses significant problems in terms of duration and not only. In conclusion, some possible developments are presented, distinguishing between newly constructed and existing reinforced concrete constructions.

Application of inclined big‐diameter jet grouting for urban tunnel construction in Vietnam

AbstractUrban tunnel construction is often performed in congested areas with many buildings and historical structures nearby. With respect to developing countries, such as Vietnam, the lack of as‐built drawings of existing buildings is a big challenge for urban tunnel development. There are a lot of private buildings in downtown are low rise, with many kinds of shallow foundations (from bamboo bar, brick mat, lean concrete mat, pre‐casted concrete piles…) that add to the challenge of finding correct data. Consequently, one must find suitable and reasonable technology for the soil strengthening works in order to prevent the harmful impacts to the third ‐party properties and the tunnel structure itself. This paper introduces the inclined big‐diameter jet‐grouted column (iBDJ) technique that was recently applied with success in Hanoi Metro Line No3 project in Vietnam. This technique for protecting historical sensitive buildings that are in fuzzy of foundation information can be extended to urban tunnel projects in Vietnam and other countries which have similar conditions.

Homicide in early modern Bologna: a prepositional cartography

AbstractIn early modern violence, location mattered, and where something took place communicated much to early modern urban residents about the people involved, the significance of the act and the likely judicial repercussions for their communities. This article uses GIS to trace the locations of homicides in early modern Bologna, Italy, with a ‘prepositional cartography’ that translates early modern Italian spatial mentalities into modern GIS analyses. Mapping homicides reveals much about their meaning and significance. From private buildings, streets and churches, early modern killers spoke a language of space to their audience.

Pembangunan Rumah Yang Dilakukan Masyarakat Di Bantaran Kali Anafre Kota Jayapura

The Purpose of writing this reasearch is to comprehensively describe the neglect of the construction of residential houses by the people on the banks of the Anafre river, Jayapura City. This type of research is using a qualitative method, using a social phenomenological paradigm, to data analysis using a flow model. The study's findings, the construction of dwellings on the Anafre River's banks is an endeavor by inhabitants to acquire a residential house. Many others have copied the government and private buildings that have enlivened the growth on the banks of the Anafre River. Residential house building is done permanently or semi-permanently depending on the demands of the occupants. Without licensing certificates, giving up customs and building permissions for buildings on the Anafre River's banks violates current legislation; these letters are proof of physical and legal facts. The convenience of the Jayapura City BPN in the form of a certificate management policy based on the submission of a recommendation letter from the Ministry of PUPR of Jayapura City, which is in violation of Government Regulation No. 38 of 2011 concerning the River. Many locals are unaware of the convenience of Jayapura City BPN housing on the banks of the Anafre River, which is placed behind the Paldam housing (army settlement), so that civilians building houses in the area feel safe from eviction.

Energy-environmental-economic assessment of green retrofit policy to achieve 2050 carbon-neutrality in South Korea: Focused on residential buildings

To achieve carbon emission reduction target (CERT) by 2030 and carbon-neutrality in 2050, it is important to actively reduce the emission gap in the private building sector. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war are threatening the green remodeling policy (GRP) worldwide. Therefore, this study analyzed energy consumption savings, GHG emission reduction, and net present value when applying green remodeling to a private building to predict whether or not the current GRP could achieve 2030 CERT and 2050 carbon-neutrality. The main findings are as follows. First, yearly electricity and gas consumption of 84.97 m2 type households can be reduced by 6.19% and 15.58% through green remodeling. Second, based on the energy saving, yearly GHG emission can be reduced about 0.34tCO2eq. Third, the economic feasibility of green remodeling cannot be achieved via the current policy, and NPV17 decreases up to USD-51,485 depending on the credit loan interest rate and the green remodeling interest subsidy program. In other words, it is difficult to reach 2030 CERT and 2050 carbon-neutrality via the current policy. Therefore, the South Korean government is required to reorganize financial policies, establish active systems, increase public awareness of the policy, and improve energy efficiency technology.

Comparative Study of Material Management in Public and Private Building Construction Project Inside Kathmandu Valley

Material management is crucial to timely and cost-effective project delivery. Material management was key to every building job. Material management tasks slowed project delivery. This study compares material management in public and private building projects. The study aimed to improve material management in Kathmandu Valley development projects.The study used 34 projects. DUDBC and NRA executed 16 of them. 18 were by private developers. Primary data was collected by questionnaire and key informant interview. Secondary data was collected using desk study. Relative Importance Index ranked Likert questionnaire responses (RII).The study indicated that the public and private sectors have comparable views on material management in building construction projects. Both sectors agreed on the presence of a material schedule in their respective project, but are unsatisfied with their material management method. They also agreed on the delay in their respective project owing to late materials. Both sectors demanded a separate material schedule for successful material management and favoured the ABC classification approach for inventory planning and material classification. Both sectors insisted on a joint visit to find the material source.The study finds discrepancies between public and private sectors. The public sector highlighted "The source must be able to offer materials that fulfil project specifications in the quantities" as the best guideline for locating material purchasing sources, while the private sector emphasized "The supplier must always be honest." Public sector material management focuses on inventory control, while the private sector prioritizes planning and programming. Public projects use pricing performance to grade vendors, while private builders emphasize quality. The public project emphasizes timetable adherence over quality schedule as the key to delivery performance.The analysis showed severe weaknesses in material management in both industries. In the public sector, material procurement delays, wastage, and quality and specification problems are important material management deficiencies. For the private sector, late supplier answers, transportation, delivery, and stock management challenges.Possible solutions include preparing a material schedule in line with the construction schedule for material requirement planning, verifying materials and locating sources, purchasing required materials in advance before work begins, classifying materials and managing inventory based on usage value, and eliminating and reducing wastages during overall material management. How to cite this article: Shahi S, Shreshta HM, Bhattarai SK et al. Comparative Study of Material Management in Public and Private Building Construction Project Inside Kathmandu Valley. J Adv Res Prod Ind Engg 2022; 9(3&4): 1-11. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.24321/2456.429X.202202

Sacred, Communal or Private “Oikoi”? Ambivalent edifices of the Archaic period on the island of Despotiko in the Cyclades

In the frame of the Research Project Sacred, Public or Private Buildings? Ambiguous sites and structures in the Early Cyclades, a strict methodology has been adopted, aiming at deciphering the “character” of a number of buildings. The adopted methodology has been based on the detailed documentation of the architectural remains and the related finds. In the former case, the photogrammetry of the buildings, including ground plans and wall sections, has been combined with a structural analysis mainly involving the descriptive representation of the architectural remains and the examination of the techniques and materials used during the construction process. The various types of finds from each building have not been only classified according to their types, but an emphasis has been placed on their spatial distribution revealed through the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS). On this basis, a synthetic study both of the architectural remains and of the artefacts in their original context was possible, elucidating the function of the selected buildings and their components. At the same time, a list of material correlates was created to provide a basis as secure as possible for designating each building’s “character”.

Epoxy Resins for Flooring Applications, an Optimal Host for Recycling Deactivated Cement Asbestos

Cement asbestos slates, commonly known as Eternit® and still abundant in private and public buildings, were deactivated through a thermal process. The resulting deactivated cement asbestos powder (DCAP), a mixture of Ca-Mg-Al silicates and glass, was compounded with Pavatekno Gold 200 (PT) and Pavafloor H200/E (PF), two different epoxy resins (bisphenol A epichlorohydrin) for flooring applications. The addition of the DCAP filler to the PF samples causes a slight but acceptable decrease in the relevant mechanical properties (compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths) upon increasing DCAP content. The addition of the DCAP filler to pure epoxy (PT resin) causes a slight decrease in the tensile and flexural strengths with increasing DCAP content, while the compressive strength is almost unaffected, and the Shore hardness increases. The main mechanical properties of the PT samples are significantly better than those of the filler-bearing sample of normal production. Overall, these results suggest that DCAP can be advantageously used as filler in addition to, or in substitution for, commercial barite. In particular, the sample with 20 wt% of DCAP is the best performing in terms of compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, whereas the sample with 30 wt% of DCAP shows the highest Shore hardness, which is an important property to be considered in flooring applications.

Indoor Air Quality and Smoking Control in Healthcare Environments in Northern China

Background: Air pollution has adverse effects on human health, while people experience regular contact with air pollutants in a high concentration via inhalation and ingestion. Nowadays, the average person spends more than 90% of their lifetime inside both private and public buildings, and this figure can reach close to 100% for the sick or elderly who cannot take care of themselves. Attention should be paid to indoor air quality (IAQ), especially for certain groups in specific places. Purpose: This study intends to investigate indoor air quality in a large general hospital in Northern China, where people desire clean air for good nursing, and then propose solutions to any air pollution present. Methods: Some influential factors related to air pollution, including PM2.5 and PM10, were measured in winter. Observations were applied to indicate that the smoking behaviors of medical staff were an important contributor to air pollution. Experimental measurements were designed to test the concentration of airborne nicotine. Questionnaire surveys and follow-up interviews were conducted to understand attitudes towards smoking behaviors and offer design strategies. Results: The scopes of 24 h mean concentrations of PM2.5 (10.2~57.8 µg/m3, 17.5~45.5 µg/m3, and 20.5~91.1 µg/m3) and PM10 (17.7~81.8 µg/m3, 13.0~83.8 µg/m3, and 31.7~188.1 µg/m3) exceeded relevant guideline values, and the airborne nicotine concentrations (1.29 µg/m3 and 1.62 µg/m3) confirmed that smoking behaviors occurred in the consulting room. Conclusions: To control tobacco to ensure good indoor air quality, smoking behaviors should be managed instead of forbidden. This will also provide greater satisfaction to medical staff. Smoking behavior management requires a comprehensive consideration based on ambient conditions and psychological demands. As there is a lack of specific requirements in relevant design regulations that are tailored to ensure the environmental satisfaction of medical staff, the findings from this study can be used as evidence to inform the design of healthcare environments for public health in future.