Building Technology Research Articles

Incorporation of Phase Change Materials in Buildings

This review paper explores the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) in building insulation systems to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Through an extensive analysis of existing literature, the thermal performance of PCM-enhanced building envelopes is evaluated under diverse environmental conditions. This review highlights that PCMs effectively moderate indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat during phase transitions, maintaining a stable indoor climate. This paper also delves into the detailed concepts of PCMs, including their classification and various applications within building insulation. It is noted that different types of PCMs have unique thermal properties and potential uses, which can be tailored to specific building requirements and climatic conditions. Furthermore, cost–benefit and environmental assessments presented in the reviewed studies suggest that incorporating PCMs into building materials offers significant potential for reducing energy consumption and mitigating environmental impacts. These assessments indicate that PCMs can lead to substantial energy savings by decreasing the reliance on heating and cooling systems, thereby lowering overall energy costs and carbon emissions. However, despite the promising outlook, this review identifies a need for further research to optimize PCM formulations and integration methods. This optimization is essential for overcoming current challenges and facilitating the widespread adoption of PCMs in the construction industry. Addressing issues such as long-term durability, compatibility with existing building materials, and cost-effectiveness will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of PCMs in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Overall, this review underscores the transformative potential of PCMs in building insulation practices. By providing a comprehensive overview of PCM classifications, applications, and their impacts on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, this paper lays the groundwork for future advancements and research directions in the field of PCM-enhanced building technologies.

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Wireless Technologies in WPANs for IoT-Enabled Smart Buildings in Tourism

The increasing demand for energy-efficient and interconnected smart buildings, particularly in the tourism sector, has driven the adoption of advanced wireless technologies. IoT technologies are crucial in this evolution, improving modern buildings’ functionality and operational efficiency. This study investigates the utilization of various wireless technologies within Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs), including Bluetooth BLE 4.2, Bluetooth BLE 5.0, ZigBee, and Z-Wave, in smart buildings. A multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically the PIPRECIA-S model, was applied to evaluate these technologies based on criteria such as device connectivity, mobility, low energy consumption, scalability, flexibility, and interoperability. Simulations using the PIPRECIA-S model were conducted to assess technology performance across various real-world scenarios. The results indicate that ZigBee (0.2942) and Bluetooth BLE 5.0 (0.2602) provide superior performance in terms of energy efficiency and scalability, followed by Z-Wave (0.2550) and Bluetooth BLE 4.2 (0.1906). These findings provide decision-makers with data-driven recommendations for selecting the most suitable wireless technologies for smart buildings.

Assessing and mitigating building fire risk based on the scenario clusters in Bangladesh

The increasing occurrence of fire hazards in residential buildings in Bangladesh has led to severe property damage, physical injuries, and fatalities, underscoring a critical research gap in effective fire risk management. This study aims to address this gap by identifying key fire risks and proposing mitigation strategies using BIM technology. The research employs a comprehensive survey and scenario clustering methodology to identify these risks and assess the efficacy of various fire-resistant materials. Data collection involved questionnaires distributed to 200 respondents, including building owners, occupants, engineers, and firefighters. These clusters are based on the metrics of fatality numbers and property damage to quantify fire risk. Findings highlight the significant role of wall and ceiling lining materials (RII = 0.919) in contributing to fire risk. Further analysis was conducted using a residential building model developed in Autodesk Revit and simulated in Pyrosim software, assessing various lining materials. Quantitative results demonstrated that fire brick is the most effective material, exhibiting the lowest heat release rate (968 kW/m2), minimum adiabatic surface temperature (28°C), minimum heat transfer coefficient (1.75 W/m2/K), and lowest surface burning rate (7.5e−08 Kg/m2/s). These results suggest that fire brick is the optimal choice for enhancing fire resistance in residential buildings.

Monitoring system for electrical load usage characteristics in electrical engineering building

Electrical energy is becoming increasingly essential for educational activities in electrical engineering facilities, as these activities include the use of electrical equipment. The quantity of electrical loads in buildings escalates annually, resulting in increased demand on existing lines and the original design of building construction. Nonetheless, the positioning and allocation of the load within the panel do not align with the augmentation of the load. Consequently, the load becomes uneven across all three stages. Phase T is experiencing an overload, while Phase R has a lesser burden compared to Phases S and T. The maximum current in Phase T is 36.3 A; the imbalance is excessive, leading to a neutral current of 25.2 A. This is perilous since the present value at the neutral point ought to be zero; if the load remains unregulated, it will lead to a contact voltage in electrical apparatus. The utilization of cables is unsuitable due to the substantial connected load, while the cable diameter is merely 2.5 mm², capable of conducting a maximum current of 21 A. Therefore, it is imperative to reassess the electrical installation in the engineering building to avert short circuit disruptions.

Reducing the cost of home energy upgrades in the US: An industry survey

Decarbonizing the US residential building stock requires a substantial acceleration in home energy upgrades. Numerous barriers exist to accelerating adoption of efficient and electric building technologies, but foremost among these is high upfront costs. This study uses an industry survey delivered to a sample of home energy professionals to examine promising cost reduction strategies across a range of project types, including HVAC, water heating, and envelope/insulation projects. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions to collect evidence on the estimated cost reduction potential of these strategies and their likelihood of use in the construction industry. The 167 survey respondents included contractors, energy consultants, architects, manufacturers, and others with experience in delivering energy upgrades in single-family and multifamily buildings in the US. Results show that significant cost reductions are achievable by minimizing additional infrastructure costs (such as replacing electric panels), streamlining project planning/management, and deploying innovations that simplify installation. We find that for a typical deep retrofit project, including heat pumps for space and water heating in addition to envelope upgrades, the strategies could result in a total installed cost reduction of nearly 50 %, dramatically improving the customer economics of such a project. This research makes a novel contribution to the literature on strategies to reduce the costs of residential retrofits. We discuss how our study's insights on the highest-value cost reduction strategies for home energy upgrades can further accelerate their uptake in the US housing stock.

Adapting Green Building Practices and Smart Technology in Developing Countries

This paper reviews the integration of green building practices and smart technologies in developing countries, focusing on the challenges and opportunities these regions face. While developed nations have advanced significantly in sustainability through green building certifications and smart systems, developing countries encounter barriers such as financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and insufficient policy frameworks. This research employs a systematic literature review to examine case studies from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, exploring how these regions can adapt sustainable practices to their unique socio-economic and environmental conditions. The findings reveal that despite significant challenges, green building and smart technologies offer long-term benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced quality of life. Successful adaptations, such as using locally sourced materials and implementing low-cost smart systems, demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable development even in regions with limited resources. Case studies from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya showcase promising examples where sustainable construction has been successfully integrated. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing an in-depth analysis of the factors enabling or hindering the adoption of green building and smart technologies in developing nations. The research concludes that stronger governmental support, enhanced technical training, and broader awareness campaigns are essential to overcoming these barriers. Key recommendations include implementing financial incentives for developers, scaling successful green building projects, and fostering public-private partnerships to promote innovation. Additionally, the study calls for policy reforms that align with international sustainability goals while considering local challenges. In conclusion, the integration of green building practices and smart technologies presents a viable solution for sustainable urbanization in developing countries, offering a path toward environmental and economic resilience.

Application of low energy building thermal energy optimization based on image recognition and light sensors in urban green environment planning

The paper analyzes the application of thermal energy optimization scheme based on image recognition and light sensor technology in low-energy buildings, in order to improve building energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and provide scientific basis for urban green environment planning. In this paper, image recognition technology is used to monitor the light change in the external environment of the building, and the indoor light intensity data is obtained by the light sensor in real time. Combined with big data analysis, building heat optimization model is established, intelligent control system is designed, and the heating and cooling system of the building is dynamically adjusted, so as to achieve efficient use of heat energy. The experimental results show that the thermal energy optimization method based on image recognition and light sensor has a good application prospect in low-energy buildings, which not only effectively reduces energy consumption, but also contributes to the sustainable development of urban green environment.

Модель автоматизации управления процессом обследования зданий на этапе эксплуатации

The article presents a study of the possibilities of automating the inspection processes of load-bearing building structures, with a special emphasis on the use of CRM systems with specialized modules. Practical examples of the implementation of such systems in the activities of construction organizations are analyzed. The necessity of engineering and technical inspection of buildings at all stages of their life cycle is discussed, based on the relevance of information on the technical condition of structures to ensure the safety of users. A process map has been developed covering various stages, such as data preparation, task creation, accounting and reporting documentation, using Bitrix 24. The key actions involved in each stage are identified, as well as the role and interaction of various departments of the organization. The importance of using BPMN for business process modeling is emphasized, which makes it possible to improve the management and coordination of work, reduce the risks of errors and increase the deadline for completing tasks. The work offers a systematic approach to conducting building surveys, covering key aspects of automation and process organization, which can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of surveys in the construction industry. Such modeling makes it possible to optimize the interaction between specialists, minimize the likelihood of errors and speed up the execution of work, ensuring systematization and control at all stages of the examination.

Predicting temporal evacuation travel time in staircases between adjacent floors of super high-rise buildings by artificial neural networks

Predicting temporal evacuation travel time in staircases between adjacent floors is crucial for dynamic evacuation guidance to improve vertical evacuation efficiency during emergencies in super high-rise buildings. However, the prediction methods used in previous studies mainly focus on the total evacuation time in buildings and cannot predict the temporal evacuation travel time in every single part of the total evacuation route. This study proposes a novel method to predict temporal evacuation travel time in staircases between adjacent floors of super high-rise buildings by using artificial neural networks. Firstly, evacuation simulation data of a 71-storey office building are analyzed for feature engineering and dataset building. Secondly, three types of artificial neural networks, including convolutional neural networks, RNN-based model (the traditional recurrent neural networks, long-short term memory networks, and bidirectional long-short term memory networks), and Attention-based model (Attention model and Transformer model) are extended to predict the temporal evacuation travel time in staircases between adjacent floors based on the simulation data. Finally, the prediction results by different artificial neural networks are compared. The results show that the artificial neural networks can provide accurate prediction values for the temporal evacuation travel time in staircases between adjacent floors of super high-rise buildings.

Research progress on constructability of 3D printed concrete

Abstract 3D printing concrete technology is an innovative building technology for green manufacturing, but in order to achieve better performance requirements, there is still a need for continuous in-depth research on 3D printing parameters, theory and the use of admixtures. In this paper, the effects of three printing parameters, interlayer interval time, nozzle travel speed and height, and nozzle shape on the constructability of 3D printed concrete were discussed, and the effects of bonding properties on the constructability of 3D printed concrete were analyzed. The study found that shortening the interval time between layers, reducing the travel speed and height of the nozzle, and choosing a triangular nozzle can improve the interlayer bond strength of 3D printed concrete, and thus improve the constructability of 3D printed concrete.

A Critical Review of Smart Residential Environment Research Focusing Human–Building Interaction

Most studies on smart residential environments have focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies rather than on user factors. There is little research on interaction with building technologies to support residents’ experiences in smart residential environments. This paper explores the current status of smart residential environment research from the human–building interaction perspective through a critical review of articles published in Q1 journals during 2013 to 2022. For our critical review, we developed an evaluation framework based on our definition of human–building interaction. Our results identified there are limitations in smart residential environments research: a lack of consideration of human-building interaction in the field of the built environment, an excessive focus on the user–technology interaction for performance, and less consideration of urban and architectural design issues regarding human–building interaction. To bridge the gap in the research, the three key points are discussed. Last, we propose a conceptual framework for designing and delivering improved smart residential environments, emphasizing the role of stakeholders in each smart residential environment lifecycle stage to achieve a balanced interaction between the three key elements: users, the built environment, and technologies.

Exploring the antecedents of knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects: From the configuration perspective

With the rapid development of green buildings around the world, knowledge transfer among stakeholders is of great significance in promoting the innovation and application of green building technologies. However, due to the complexity and specificity of green building projects, current studies have not fully established a comprehensive understanding of how elements from various dimensions (i.e., subject, relationship, context, and activity) collectively impact knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects. Therefore, this study aims to explore the key factors that affect knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects and how these factors work together to enhance the effectiveness of knowledge transfer (EKT). Firstly, the key factors influencing knowledge transfer were pinpointed: cognitive differences, connection strength, organizational climate, information technology capability, transmit willingness, receive willingness, perceived policy support, and richness of transfer channels. Then, an examination of the collected valid samples was conducted through configuration analysis utilizing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The findings reveal five configurations, categorized as strong connection-driven, policy support-driven, and both-driven. Lastly, some combination strategies were outlined for different categories to assist green building companies in enhancing EKT. This study not only enhances the existing green building literature by developing a framework of factors that influence knowledge transfer among stakeholders, but also provides a reference for corporate executives to choose the best strategies to enhance EKT in green building projects.

Technological Greenery. Exploring cutting-edge solutions for performant Greenery integration in building envelope design

In recent years, there has been a growing integration between nature and technology, which has led to the emergence of Greenery as a bio-based building technology that can provide not only aesthetics but also ecosystem services. Similar to photovoltaic in its early days, Greenery is undergoing extensive design experimentation to make it an expression of contemporary culture rather than a mere ’greenwashing’ practice. In urban areas, competition for space is driving the development of innovative envelope designs, often stemming from the combination of different disciplines and, therefore, not easy to be systematized.This study aims to explore potential technological systems from both practice and academic research to maximise the integration of Greenery into building envelopes. The systems are categorised as Technological Greenery and are classified according to their primary function, such as insulation, air purification, electricity generation, and food production. This classification makes it easier to identify the most pressing and innovative technological research topics related to building envelopes and greenery integration. The resulting abacus of solutions accompanied by performance data might be helpful for building designers and architects.

Optimalisasi Desain Struktur Gedung Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) – Fakultas Teknik Universitas Indonesia dengan Memanfaatkan BIM (Building Information Modelling)

Project design is a step in the construction process that determines the technical requirements to be applied when the project is constructed. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a form of technological innovation used in project design. BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become the main factor for increasing efficiency and accuracy; using BIM, everything related to design, construction, scheduling, and costs can be integrated into one digital platform that all stakeholders can access. In this paper, the structural planning optimization of the Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) Building - Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, will be carried out. This building planning refers to (SNI-2847-2019) concerning Structural Concrete Requirements for Buildings and (SNI-1726-2019) concerning Procedures for Planning for Earthquake Resistance of Structures. Outputs are generated through superstructure and substructure plans, the design of foundation structures, columns, beams, and plates, 2D Detail Engineering Design (DED), 3D modeling, and construction management plans in the form of Budget Plans and scheduling.

PLANNING FOR INCREASING LECTURER RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY

The World Class University trend in higher education has an impact on the need for planning in the research aspect because the quantity and quality of research are very influential in global university rankings. This research explores planning strategies as well as challenges and obstacles in efforts to increase the research productivity of lecturers in the Building Engineering Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Jakarta based on the perspective of the study program coordinator. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach using data collection techniques in the form of documentation complete with interviews with the study program coordinator. The research productivity increases in some years, such 2021 and 2023, but there are inconsistent research trends from 2017 to 2024. Some of the plans carried out by the study program to increase lecturer research productivity include the 1 lecturer 1 publication per year program, expanding cooperation and collaboration with national and international universities in research and scientific publications, holding international scientific article publication workshops, initiating collaboration with industry in the field of research and forming a research team of lecturers. The obstacles and challenges faced by the study program include lecturer workload, resources, funding, and research administration burden

RELEVANCE OF BUILDING ENGINEERING EDUCATION CURRICULUM TOWARDS SKKNI BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

Indonesia's rapidly growing construction industry is a key economic driver, presenting both challenges and opportunities for graduates of the Building Engineering Education Program. Higher education plays a crucial role in developing competent human resources with the relevant knowledge, skills, and expertise to meet industry needs. This study maps the qualifications of technicians and analysts based on the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) in the construction sector and analyzes the alignment of competency units with Building Engineering Education State University of Jakarta course outcomes. The analysis of SKKNI data from 2024 found that out of 71 job levels in the building subclassification, 14 are for technicians or analysts at KKNI levels 4 to 6, but only 10 have detailed SKKNI documents. In the construction management classification, there are 39 job levels, with 16 for technicians/analysts, all with detailed SKKNI documents. The analysis indicates that 11 job levels are relevant to Building Engineering Education course outcomes, while two are not. Specifically, several job levels in both subclassifications are rated from Relevant to Very Relevant. To address curriculum gaps, recommendations include strengthening the existing curriculum and adding new courses. This study aims to provide a foundation for curriculum revitalization, ensuring Building Engineering Education graduates are competitive in the labor market and meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Interaction analysis between single pile and multilayered saturated soils under horizontal transient loading

This study employs the coupled finite element-boundary element method to investigate the dynamic response of single pile subjected to horizontal transient loading, which is a common scenario in high-rise building, transportation, and ocean engineering. Firstly, the single pile is modeled as a Timoshenko beam and then discretized with the finite element method (FEM). The transient solution for multilayered saturated soils due to a horizontal load, serving as the kernel function for the boundary element method (BEM), aids in the derivation of the flexibility matrix of the soils. Considering the pile-soil displacement coordination conditions, the coupled FEM-BEM equation is constructed and solved to characterize the pile-soil interaction. Since the pile discretization pattern is applied consistently to the soils, it is more effective than the discretization of infinite domain in the finite element analysis. The validity of the presented method is confirmed through comparison with the full FEM numerical simulations, demonstrating the correctness and enhanced computational efficiency. Finally, parametric studies are carried out to discuss the effects of pile's length-diameter ratio, soil's shear wave velocity and stratification.

Research on Technological Innovation Capability of Yancheng Prefabricated Construction Industry Based on Patent Information Analysis

In order to improve the innovation capabilities of Yancheng’s prefabricated construction industry, the Dawei Innojoy patent database was used to search the prefabricated construction technology patent literature data of Yancheng and other major cities in the Yangtze River Delta region from 2012 to 2022, and the prefabricated construction patents in Yancheng were analyzed from the number of patent applications. Analysis and research were conducted on trends, application type composition, applicants, technical fields, patent legal status, etc. At the same time, the prefabricated building technology innovation capability evaluation system was constructed, and the factor analysis method was used to compare and analyze the prefabricated building technology patent indicators of Yancheng and major cities in the Yangtze River Delta region. The results show that Yancheng has a small number of patent applications, a small proportion of invention patents, a low patent authorization rate, and a low patent conversion rate, and the industry-university-research chain needs to be opened up. Among the cities in the Yangtze River Delta, Yancheng’s comprehensive innovation ability in prefabricated building technology is medium to low, where it lags behind in terms of the scale and quality of technological innovation and ranks at the forefront of technological innovation operations. Based on this, the article puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for Yancheng’s prefabricated building technology patent applications from three levels, macro, meso, and micro, in order to achieve efficient innovation and promote the high-quality development of Yancheng’s new building industrialization.

Reusing the Wasted Energy of Electrochromic Smart Window for Near-Zero Energy Building.

Electrochromic smart windows (ESWs) are an effective energy-saving technology for near-zero energy buildings. They consume electric energy unidirectionally during a round-trip coloring-bleaching process, with the energy involved in the bleaching process being wasted. It is highly desirable to reuse this wasted electric energy directly and/or transfer it into other energy storage equipment, further enhancing the overall efficiency of electric energy usage. Herein, a zinc anode-based ESW (ESW-PZ) is reported that not only has fascinating visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) dual-band electrochromic performance (a high optical contrast of 63%) but also showcases good energy storage characteristics (a wide voltage window of 2.6V and a high energy density of 127.5 µWh cm-2). The buildings utilizing ESW-PZ to modulate indoor environments demonstrated an average annual energy saving of 366MJ m-2 based on energy simulations, which is about 16% of the total energy consumption. Impressively, a high utilization efficiency of 90% (855 mWh m-2) of the wasted electric energy is realized through an ingenious circuit-switching strategy, which can be reused to power small household appliances.

Incentivizing green building technology: A financial perspective on sustainable development in India

Future viability depends on ensuring a sustainable society because green energy methods may efficiently reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, stakeholders, consumers, and developers continue to be notably ignorant of the financial incentives connected to green technology. Moreover, there is still a dearth of studies on the range of financial incentives offered by different authorities in India. Monetary incentives, such as tax breaks, indirect tax exemptions, and refunds, are crucial in encouraging the use of green technology in the modern world. This study explores the importance of financial incentives for green building technologies in India, which also looks at the wide range of incentives provided by federal, state, and local governments. Furthermore, the study highlights various state government programs such as goods subsidies, exemptions from local taxes, and fee waivers. Notably, several incentives aimed at consumers, developers, and other stakeholders have been implemented by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). This review study emphasizes the effectiveness of financial incentives in green construction projects and draws attention to a clear knowledge gap regarding the adoption of green technology. This study also provides insights into potential future directions. Studies and research results emphasize the importance of spreading the word about financial incentives as a key factor in determining the adoption of green technologies. Many parties, including governmental organizations, municipal governments, developers, and clients engaged in green building technology projects, stand to gain increased awareness.