Structural Renovation Research Articles

Enhancing efficiency and user-centricity in architectural remodeling: A comprehensive system design for structural renovation

The home renovation industry has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by shifts in lifestyle necessitating adjustments in living spaces. This paper addresses critical gaps in the domain of architectural remodeling, with a particular focus on improving efficiency, referenceability, and user-centricity in structural remodeling. This research introduces a system design tailored for structural remodeling within house renovation, catering to both comprehensive and partial projects to facilitate the creation of structurally viable renovation options and optimizing them to align precisely with user requirements. The proposed system's accessibility and consideration of architectural factors set it apart. While offering substantial benefits, the system has limitations, such as the exclusion of interior furnishing styles in output solutions. In conclusion, contributes to the improvement of remodeling projects and offers a promising approach, particularly in the early stages of these endeavors.

Point Cloud Data Extraction Combining Surface Variation and Ransac for Digital Archiving of Shell Structures

The importance of digitally archiving existing architectures for cultural and research purposes is continuously increasing. Therefore, there are growing needs to extract significant data and reduce the amount of data in 3D measurements. Point clouds obtained from 3D surveys of entire buildings are expected to be used as a digital archive for various applications, such as structural analysis and renovation planning. However, effectively managing the vast amount of data from these surveys remains a challenge. Building point-clouds are typically massive and often contain unnecessary points and missing parts. This paper presents a novel method that combines surface variation and Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) for determining the shape parameters of point clouds with curved surfaces. Our approach is efficient, not only in reconstructing surfaces of individual shells but also in handling combined and interpenetrated ones. The approach is also effective in processing the point cloud from actual measurement, demonstrating resilience to outliers and missing parts. Additionally, when applied to the measured point cloud for an example structure composed of seven intersecting domes, our approach accurately estimates the surface with an error margin of 0.06%–0.24%. Significant reduction in data volume, from 6.69 GB to 33 KB, is also achieved.

The Impact of Design Factors and Structural Renovation Using Local Materials: The Vulnerability of Bam's Cultural Spaces in the Great Earthquake

Günümüzde, doğal, biyolojik, teknolojik ve sosyal afetler, toplumların normal yaşam düzenini bozan ve onun uyum sağlama kapasitesini aşarak yardıma gereksinim duyuran olaylardır. Toprak/hava/su kirliliği, salgın hastalıklar, nükleer/radyolojik/kimyasal kazalar, savaş, terör saldırıları ve göç gibi afetlerin bir kısmı direk insan kaynaklıdır. Bu değerlendirmeyle deprem gibi doğal afetlerde, depremlerin ani ve beklenmeyen bir zamanda olmaları sebebiyle, insan faktörü az etkili görülmektedir. Ancak gerekli mühendislik ve mimarlık hizmeti almış yapılar depremlerle uyumlu davranış sergileyebilmektedir. Bu makalede depremde insan kaynaklı faktörlerin sebep olduğu yıkım, İran’ın Bam kenti bağlamında ele alınmıştır. UNESCO Dünya Mirası Listesi’nde yer alan Bam, önemli tarihi ve kültürel mekânlarıyla İran'ın öne çıkan şehirlerindendir. 2003 yılında meydana gelen 6.6 büyüklüğündeki deprem, kentteki dini ve tarihi yapıları yıkıcı bir şekilde etkilemiştir. Bu makalede kentin önemli yapıları arasındaki Arg-ı Bam(Bam Kalesi), Ulu Camii ve Hanasayi Fabrikası'nın insan kaynaklı tasarım faktörlerinden nasıl etkilendiği ve deprem dirençli hale getirilmeleri süreci, yapım tekniği ve kerpiç malzeme bağlamında açıklanmıştır.

Structural renovation of blocks in build-up area of Jiangnan cities, taking Suzhou new district as an example

The rationality of block scale and structure is the guarantee of vitality and humanization quality, facing complex and diverse problems, and the structure reconstruction of urban built-up areas is one of the most difficult challenges in the process of promoting the block system. The traditional planning-construction strategy, as practice in recent years has demonstrated, faces challenges in terms of construction costs, demolition costs, property rights, and jurisprudence. Based on the interaction of the block structure and external space, the study presents a "implant-reconstruction" model. It investigates possibilities of implanting elements and graphically depicts the potential impact of implant-reconstruction using Space Syntax. The findings indicate that the external space implantation mode may actively encourage the construction of small-scale blocks and has benefits in terms of texture respect, low impact, and ease of operation. The simulation and pre-judgment dynamically illustrate the viable path and gives a scientific reference for block alteration.

Experimental study on racking resistance of timber double-skin façade elements

The use of double-skin façade (DSF) is a quite new approach in building renovation process, complementing conventional renovation strategies. A double-skin facade is an envelope wall construction that consists of two transparent surfaces separated by a cavity and can essentially improve thermal and acoustic resistance of building envelope. Main double-skin wall components are usually composed of hardened external single glazing pane and internal three-layer insulation glass unit (IGU) which are rigidly bonded to the frame structure. Recently, many studies have analysed thermal and acoustic performance of DSF elements, but practically none in a sense of structural behaviour, especially in determination of racking resistance of such wall elements. Moreover, in terms of reduction of global warming potential, an eco-friendly timber frame instead of common used steel, aluminium or plastic frame is investigated in this analysis. The developed load-carrying real-size composite timber-glass DSF wall elements are subjected to experimental racking test using two different types of adhesives (polyurethane and epoxy) and consequent bonding type alternatives of connecting the internal three-layered thermal glazing to the timber frame. The obtained results for the maximal fracture force and racking stiffness are compared with previously tested prefabricated timber-glass wall elements using a single-skin three-layered thermal insulating glazing only. The results evidently demonstrate that this new approach of prefabricated load-bearing double-skin façade elements can essentially improve racking resistance and stiffness comparing with previously studied timber-glass wall elements and can thus be fully recommended especially in structural renovation process of old buildings. However, a lot of parameters still significantly effect racking resistance of such elements and thus have to be further numerically or parametrically investigated.

The Assessment and Retrofitting of Cultural Heritage—A Case Study of a Residential Building in Glina

The focus of the study is on the renovation of a specific case study, which is a 19th century building under cultural heritage protection. It highlights the particular challenges faced by civil engineers in the structural renovation of buildings that are under heritage protection. Preserving the identity of these buildings limits the available methods for strengthening their seismic capacity. At the beginning, information about the seismic activity and the different post-earthquake evaluation procedures are presented to identify the damage and take appropriate further steps. Then, basic information about the building is given and supported by graphic attachments. In the following, the methods and materials are explained, focusing on in situ testing with the semi-destructive flat-jack method and the analysis of the structure with the nonlinear method implemented in the software. Subsequently, the obtained results are presented and discussed, accompanied by graphics. An approach for strengthening the structure is presented, which includes a combination of traditional methods and innovative solutions suitable for the preservation of cultural heritage. The discussion and conclusions emphasize the importance of assessing and retrofitting existing masonry structures due to their vulnerability, especially in earthquake-prone areas. Finally, this article also provides insights into the local context, cultural significance, and historical background of the building, along with the specific retrofitting solutions employed to address its unique requirements.

Evolution of policy for restructuring economies of old industrial regions: from determinism to anti-crisis flexibility

This article analyses the evolution of policy for restructuring old industrial regions based on the European experience and understanding of the building factors of modern EU industrial policy. It outlines the stages of this evolution and their characteristics, associating them with the search for reserves for growth in old industrial regions facing changes in development factors. The drivers that change economic development factors (namely, globalisation trends, declining economic returns on innovations, widening scope of challenges that require faster reactions, and new technological capacity to implement green technologies in industry) are identified as triggers that change the approaches, mechanisms, and methods of structural renovation in these regions, necessitating a correction to industrial policy. The study finds that industrial policy renovation is ob‑ jectively necessary to ensure effectiveness and that it occurs continuously due to permanent endogenous changes. The fast adaptation of industrial sectors is needed due to an increase in the number of challenges and acceleration of endogenous changes ensured by the anti‑crisis flexibility of the policy, which forms the basis of regional systems’ adaptivity to crisis conditions. The author highlights decarbonisation and the just transition framework for a post‑carbon society as the determinative trends of industrial development. Recommendations are suggested for the anti‑crisis correction of Ukrainian coal sector reform and revision of behaviour strategies of coal industries in old industrial regions facing the 2022 energy crisis.

Structural renovation of the Secondary standard of the electric power unit for the industrial frequency range

The article reveals ways for structural renovation of the composition of the Secondary standard of the electrical power unit for the industrial frequency range with the aim of restoring the technical resource of its constituent parts, improving metrological characteristics in terms of increasing output power, as well as increasing productivity and reducing the cost of work due to their automation.
 Based on the results of the metrological characteristics’ analysis of electrical energy and power measuring equipment modern nomenclature and the existing standard base, it is proposed to make a structural renovation of the standard by including additional equipment to its composition, namely: the precision three-phase standard electricity meter compatible with the high-precision three-phase power source. The structural scheme of the renovation standard has been developed.
 The renovation of the standard allows turning the standard into a single hardware and software complex that provides calibration and testing of wide nomenclature of electric power and electric energy meters in the full range of values in high-performance automated mode.

The Use of Normative Energy Calculation beyond the Optimum Retrofit Solutions in Primary Design: A Case Study of Existing Buildings on a Campus

There are significant differences between expectations and fulfillment in the building delivery process. Many researchers have emphasized the need for design strategies that establish a direct correlation between design proposals and building performance. One of the main objectives is to support performance-driven primary design, which occurs before the design performance modeling (DPM) phase. To achieve this, a case study of retrofitting existing buildings on campus is presented. A normative calculation approach is used to identify the optimal combinations of a dozen retrofit strategies based on the Energy Performance Calculator (EPC) model. This approach reduces or eliminates the impact of parametric uncertainties on modeling assumptions and simplifies calculations, particularly in restrictive studies. These retrofit solutions involve structural and functional zoning renovation, meaning that disparity between expectations and fulfilments is considered, and a timely related information feedback route to architects is achieved. In the first step of the narrative development of the EPC model, EPC-Calib was used to find the optimal combination of input variables in the model that satisfies the desired target and complies with the problem constraints. Secondly, the retrofit study was implemented with EPC-TechOpt, and 16 retrofit solutions for three design performance models were examined based on the local climatic conditions, building features, and retrofit costs. Finally, design schemes were determined, and the cost-optimal mix of the measures was desired with a 40% energy saving.

Discussions on historicism in education and transformation of educational models

Introduction. The paper examines modern historicist discussions in education. The purpose of the research is to determine the specifics of discussions on historicism in Education and show their influence on the transformation of educational models in higher education. Materials and Methods. The work implements integrated and interdisciplinary approaches, comparative methods, perspectivist approach, and dialectical method. The article reviews and analysis monographs and research papers published between 1990 and 2021 which address the issues of classical historicism, anti-historicism and new historicism in education. Results. The authors summarize the main directions of discussions in education devoted to the problems of historicism. It is pointed out that within the framework of these problematic discussions, the new historicism and intellectual history allowed the sciences to move away from linear models of history to contextual ones. The productive features of ‘new stories’ in education are highlighted: the possibility of discussing conflict interpretations in a dialogue, taking into account the multicultural mechanisms of the historical process, development of critical thinking and practical approaches. The main result of the rethinking of historicism in education is transition from the theoretical orientation to practice in the context of the current situation based on the analysis of the past. It allows to combine several sciences and disciplines in the educational process. Conclusions. The article concludes that problematic discussions on historicism in higher education are extremely important for updating educational strategies and for structural renovation of curricula. They lead to the contextual teaching, requiring its practical adjustment, as well as the development of interdisciplinary educational trajectories.

Numerical study of racking resistance of timber-made double-skin facade elements

The use of a double-skin façade (DSF) is a quite new approach in the building renovation process, complementing conventional renovation strategies. A double-skin façade is an envelope wall construction that consists of two transparent surfaces separated by a cavity and can essentially improve the thermal and acoustic resistance of the building envelope. The main double-skin wall components are usually composed of a hardened external single glazing pane and a double or triple thermal insulating internal glass pane, which are connected to the frame structure. Recently, many studies have analysed the thermal and acoustic performance of DSF elements, but almost none in terms of structural behaviour, especially in terms of determining the racking resistance of such wall elements. Moreover, with a view to reduce the global warming potential, an eco-friendly timber frame instead of a commonly used steel, aluminium or plastic frame is studied in this analysis. However, structurally combining timber and glass to develop an appropriate load-bearing structural element is a very complex process involving a combination of two materials with different material properties, where the type of bonding can be selected as a crucial parameter affecting the racking resistance range. Since the costs of experiments performed on such full-scale DSF elements are very high and such experiments are time-consuming, it is crucial to develop special mathematical models for analysing the influence of the most important parameters. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to develop the finite element mathematical model of the studied DSF structural elements with a highly ecological solution by using a timber frame. In the second step, the developed model is further implemented in the numerical analysis of racking stiffness and followed by a comprehensive parametric numerical study on different parameters influencing the horizontal load-bearing capacity of such DSF timber elements. The obtained results indicate that the new approach of the developed load-bearing prefabricated timber DSF elements can essentially improve racking resistance and stiffness compared with the widely studied timber-glass single-skin wall elements and can thus be fully recommended especially in the structural renovation process of old buildings.

Potres Petrinja magnitude Mw 6.4: glavni parametri potresa, utjecaj na građevine i preporuka za njihovu obnovu

Strong Mw 6.4 Petrinja earthquake from 29.12.2020. took 7 lives and caused catastrophic damage in the Banovina area. The paper presents and analyses the most important earthquake parameters and highlights their importance in understanding the damage and demolition of buildings, as well as creating an optimal structure for their reconstruction. A contribution is made to the understanding of the complex mechanism of earthquake formation through the analysis of the stress-strain state in a rock mass during tectonic plate conflict. The causes of demolition and damage to buildings are explained by the combination of the properties of their structure, soil and the earthquake itself. Solutions for optimal structure of new buildings, as well as solutions for structural renovation of damaged buildings are proposed and described.

Neural networks for the rapid seismic assessment of existing moment-frame RC buildings

The study presented in this paper analyses and investigates the possibility of introducing a general and rapid methodology based on an artificial neural network (ANN) to assess the seismic response of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Starting from investigations carried out on buildings located in the outskirts of Bologna, 928 finite element models have been developed on the basis of the most recurrent data. The input parameters representing the characteristics of the structures were systematically varied and, through modal dynamic and non-linear static analyses, the outputs representing the seismic response were recorded. The resulting dataset was used to create a function, based on ANN, that can reliably predict the seismic behaviour of a RC structure. Finally, by means of k-fold cross-validation, the instruction of the function was optimised and simultaneously verified, obtaining a coefficient of determination for the totality of the samples and the previously unseen cases of 0,94 and 0,88, respectively. The result obtained not only aims at enriching the existing framework on the subject, increasing the awareness of the seismic issues affecting this building typology, but also constitutes a prioritization system that could highlight the need for structural renovation.

Injectable AuNP-HA matrix with localized stiffness enhances the formation of gap junction in engrafted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and promotes cardiac repair

Cell therapy offers a promising paradigm for heart tissue regeneration. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS) and their cardiac derivatives are emerging as a novel treatment for post-myocardial infarction repair. However, the immature phenotype and function of hiPS-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs), particularly poor electrical coupling, limit their potential as a therapy. Herein, we developed a hybrid gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel matrix encapsulating hiPS-CMs to overcome this limitation. Methacrylate-modified-HA was used as the backbone and crosslinked with a matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) degradable peptide to obtain a MMP-2-responsive hydrogel; RGD peptide was introduced as an adhesion point to enhance biocompatibility; AuNPs were incorporated to regulate the mechanical and topological properties of the matrix by significantly increasing its stiffness and surface roughness, thereby accelerating gap junction formation in hiPS-CMs and orchestrating calcium handling via the αnβ1integrin-mediated ILK-1/p-AKT/GATA4 pathway. Transplanted AuNP-HA-hydrogel-encapsulated-hiPS-CMs developed more robust gap junctions in the infarcted mice heart and resynchronized electrical conduction of the ventricle post-myocardial infarction. The hiPS-CMs delivered by the hydrogels exerted stronger angiogenic effects, which also contributed to the recovery process. This study provides insight into constructing an injectable biomimetic for structural and functional renovation of the injured heart.

REVITALIZATION OF THE URBAN WATERFRONT AREAS

The article presents a strategy for renovation in the riverside area: improvement of water protection functions; rehabilitation of disturbed territories; the use of recreational and urban planning potential of such territories for creating a recreational framework on the waterfront; integration of eco-clusters into the structure of riverside territories and the development of an integrated management system for waterfront zones. As a result of the research, the necessity of rethink the attitude to urban planning within the riverside areas is formulated. Possibilities of sustainable development of riparian territories are determined. Stages of rehabilitation of communal warehousing and industrial territories for sustainable development and rehabilitation of urban areas are proposed. A formalized model of structural renovation of the exploring areas are being built, on the basis of which the identified principles of rehabilitation are being tested. The significance of the obtained results for urban science lies in the development of new approaches to the identification and formation of the structure of territories in the area of interaction with the water area. In the formulation of the basic principles underlying the structural and planning transformations of riparian areas.

Flip this House: The Structural Renovation of a Baccalaureate Health Studies Degree Program

The purpose of this article is to provide other Health Studies (HS) degree programs with new ideas and lessons learned on how to flip their own house. An effective house-flipping begins with what needs the house should fulfill, leading to a vision and a design. The HS degree revision began with consideration of the nature of the field, leading to formulation of a program vision and mission. Specific decisions about program goals, course requirements, and program branding then flowed from those higher-level decisions. This time-consuming and challenging process resulted in a program with a defined purpose.

Sustainability and Large-Scale Events: The Case of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and the Application of Sustainable Development Goals

Large-scale events, which are characterised by a dynamic complexity involving different national public administrations and institutional levels, require special attention in order to select adequate event management systems. Consequently, the analysis of a best practice event may be useful to identify the main variables, in terms of sustainable strategic planning, execution and control –required to achieve the greatest level of efficiency with regard to cost optimisation and quality of service delivery– along with exhorting the public sector to seek a structural renovation that makes better use of its available resources and fosters global sustainable growth. From this perspective, one such relevant experience has been the Italian case of the 2016 Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, coordinated by the Prefect of Rome. Indeed, the latter decided to adopt actions consistent with sustainability standards due to an inter-institutional network design and the engagement of institutions at different levels. Within a very short period, the Prefect of Rome achieved three main results: the coordination of the activities of the working groups, the integration of internal and external surveillance and communication systems, and collaboration with higher education institutions to acquire and disseminate knowledge. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to describe and analyse this best practice event organised and managed by the Italian public administration with reference to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To systemise and combine the outcomes of these processes, as well as to evaluate whether they were consistent with sustainable development, the systems thinking technique was used. This paper explores the concept of sustainable development and focuses on its traditional social, environmental and economic pillars within the context of planned events such as the 2016 Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

Optimal structural restoration of historic building in Japan considering lifecycle seismic loss analysis

AbstractAn economic performance evaluation scheme of historic buildings that consider the effect of structural renovation is proposed to provide information facilitating to the selection of reasonable renovation methods for preserving historic buildings. Ground motion scenarios, herein referred to as “lifecycle earthquake scenarios” in accordance with the previous research, were simulated to represent the annual maximum earthquake intensity data from the year of decision‐making until the end year of the building's lifetime. Additionally, the structural characteristics of historic buildings with masonry infill walls as part of the structure were analyzed under the “lifecycle earthquake scenarios.” Through a parametric analysis accounting for the change in structural characteristics and the repair costs in the lifecycle earthquake scenarios, the economic performance of historic buildings was calculated. Based on the results, the demand spectrum that satisfied the economic performance was obtained. This demand spectrum can provide the optimal structural renovation method to facilitate the building owner in making decisions regarding preservation.

Experimental study of seismic behaviour of renovated masonry structures after removing walls and seismic retrofitting

Structural renovation is an economic choice to expand space of existing masonry buildings. To this end, removing bearing walls and seismic strengthening are required in engineering practice in seismic-prone areas. Therefore, in the paper three 1/2-scale two-bay two-storey planar masonry structures, consisting of one original structure and two structures with proposed renovation schemes, were fabricated and tested under cyclic loading. The original structure consisted of brick masonry units, ring beams, and tie-columns. The first renovated structure was designed by removing two bearing walls at the ground storey, adding two short-width shear walls, and enlarging the beam sections. The second renovated structure was achieved by removing one wall in the ground storey, enlarging the sections of confined beams and columns to form a single-bay frame, and retrofitting the adjacent wall with reinforcement layers and polymer mortar. Results indicate that all three specimens demonstrated hysteretic behaviour with pinching phenomenon. Energy dissipation capacity of the two renovated structures were both higher than that of the original structure prior to 1% drift, in particular for the first renovation scheme. In comparison, the second renovation scheme more evidently improved structural resistance, but it made the ultimate deformation capacity smaller than the original structure because the stiffness of the renovated ground story much larger than that of the second story resulted in failure concentration at the 2nd floor. Thus, it is more economic to make the lateral stiffness of the two storeys compatible during the design of renovation and strengthening.

Methods for the Assessment of Critical Properties in Existing Masonry Structures under Seismic Loads—The ARES Project

Masonry structures are notoriously vulnerable to horizontal actions caused by earthquakes. Given the high seismicity of the European region, and that the European building stock comprises a lot of masonry buildings, knowledge about their structural response to seismic excitation is particularly important, but at the same time difficult to determine, due to the heterogenous nature of materials and/or constructional techniques in use. An additional issue is represented by the current methods for mechanical properties assessment, that do not provide a reliable framework for accurate structural estimations of existing buildings characterized by different typological properties. Every structure, in other words, should be separately inspected in regard to its mechanical behaviour, based on dedicated approaches able to capture potential critical issues. In this review paper, an insight on the Croatian ARES project is presented (Assessment and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures), including a state-of-the-art of the actual building stock and giving evidence of major difficulties concerning the assessment of existing structures. The most commonly used techniques and tools are compared, with a focus on their basic features and field of application. A brief overview of prevailing structural behaviours and Finite Element numerical modelling issues are also mentioned. As shown, the general tendency is to ensure “sustainable” and energy-efficient building systems. The latter, however, seem in disagreement with basic principles of structural maintenance and renovation. The aim of the ongoing ARES project, in this context, is to improve the current knowledge regarding the assessment and strengthening of structures, with a focus on a more reliable design and maintenance process for existing masonry buildings.