Buildings

21 pages, 17054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Application Effects and Operating Conditions on Three Different Insulation Capacity Walls Using Internal Quantitative Infrared Thermography in China

by Huanyu Li, Guohui Feng, Yi Pu and Han Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3727; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123727 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Quantitative infrared thermography (QIRT) has emerged as a prominent topic within the field of thermal performance testing of building enclosures. The majority of the previous research has been conducted in Europe and North America, with limited research activity in Asia. Against the backdrop [...] Read more.

Quantitative infrared thermography (QIRT) has emerged as a prominent topic within the field of thermal performance testing of building enclosures. The majority of the previous research has been conducted in Europe and North America, with limited research activity in Asia. Against the backdrop of China’s carbon emission reduction goals, quantitative infrared thermography offers a promising avenue for advancing building energy efficiency testing. This study conducted QIRT testing on three buildings with different insulation capabilities (old buildings, conventional insulated buildings, nearly zero-energy buildings) in Shenyang, China. The objective was to assess the efficacy of the internal QIRT method for walls with varying insulation capabilities and to ascertain the requisite testing environment parameters in the context of China’s climatic conditions and building regulations. The heat flow meter method was employed to verify its accuracy. Furthermore, correlation analysis was conducted on various testing parameters across different building cases and temperature-difference ranges. The results indicate that walls with different insulation capabilities require corresponding indoor–outdoor temperature differentials to establish a stable heat flow environment. For uninsulated buildings, a temperature difference of 10 °C between indoor and outdoor environments is sufficient to meet testing requirements, with a testing error of only 2.28%. For conventionally insulated buildings, a temperature difference greater than 20 °C reduces the relative error to below 10%. For nearly zero-energy buildings, it is recommended to maintain a temperature difference of 25 °C or higher to achieve optimal testing results. Once a stable thermal flow environment has been achieved, the variation in the instantaneous heat transfer coefficient maintains a high correlation with the temperatures recorded at various measurement points. For buildings with high insulation performance, high temperature-difference environments pose higher demands on the testing procedures and data collection using the QIRT method. During the testing process, it is essential to monitor changes in outdoor air temperature, enhance the accuracy of infrared thermography, and avoid interference from indoor radiation sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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15 pages, 2988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Static Analysis of Spherical Hinges in Horizontal Construction of Bridges

by Lin Zhao, Xiaohu Sun, Zhe Wu, Ying Chen, Jian Liu and Youzhi Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3726; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123726 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

During the construction of parallel swivel bridges, the stress state of the spherical hinge under load is crucial. The stress results of the spherical hinge are of great significance to the subsequent structural design and even the safety and stability of the bridge [...] Read more.

During the construction of parallel swivel bridges, the stress state of the spherical hinge under load is crucial. The stress results of the spherical hinge are of great significance to the subsequent structural design and even the safety and stability of the bridge structure. The refined finite element model of the spherical hinge was established using ABAQUS software. The vertical displacement and local stress state of the spherical hinge under vertical load were analyzed and discussed. The results indicate that the maximum principal compressive stress is less than the allowable stress and meets the requirements. When the spherical hinge is only subjected to the upper static load, the vertical stress of the upper and lower steel spherical hinges gradually increases along the center of the spherical hinge to the edge, in which the vertical stress at the edge of the spherical hinge is the largest and the stress of the lower spherical hinge is slightly smaller than that of the upper spherical hinge. The maximum compressive stresses of the upper spherical hinge and the lower spherical hinge are 63.89 MPa and 54.24 MPa, respectively. Under the upper static load, the displacements of the upper and lower spherical hinges are very small, with maximum displacements of 0.234 mm and 0.202 mm, respectively, thus meeting the design requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligence Techniques Applied in Infrastructure, Engineering and Construction)

26 pages, 834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probabilistic Evaluation Method of Wind Resistance of Membrane Roofs Based on Aerodynamic Stability

by Weiju Song, Hongbo Liu and Heding Yu

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3725; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123725 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

The membrane structure or membrane roofing system is lightweight and flexible, with wind being the primary cause of structural and membrane material failure. To evaluate the disaster prevention and mitigation capacity of the membrane roofing system and enhance the wind disaster risk management [...] Read more.

The membrane structure or membrane roofing system is lightweight and flexible, with wind being the primary cause of structural and membrane material failure. To evaluate the disaster prevention and mitigation capacity of the membrane roofing system and enhance the wind disaster risk management capabilities, this paper studies the exceedance probability evaluation method for different wind resistance requirements of membrane roofs. Taking Hangzhou in China as an example, the design wind speed risk curve fitted by polynomial is obtained by referring to the PEER performance-based seismic design method and considering the randomness of the wind field. A polynomial fitting method is employed to obtain the design wind speed hazard curve. Considering the nonlinear characteristics of the membrane roof structure, the relationship between the roof’s wind resistance requirements (vertical displacement limits) and wind speed spectrum values is approximated using a power function. An annual average exceedance probability expression is derived for different normal deformation demand values of the membrane roofs under wind load. Based on this, a wind resistance probability evaluation method for membrane roofs considering aerodynamic stability is proposed, along with specific steps and related analytical formulas. The results indicate that polynomial fitting provides an effective simplification for deriving the annual average exceedance probability expression for the wind resistance demand of membrane roofs. The performance-based wind resistance probability evaluation method allows for obtaining exceedance probability values for different displacement requirements with minimal structural analysis, which enriches the wind resistance design theory of membrane roofs and further ensures the structural safety of tension membrane roofs under wind load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green, Low-Carbon, High-Performance, and Intelligent Building Materials and Structures)

11 pages, 2318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study on the Effects of Relative Humidity (RH) on Long-Wave Radiative Heat Gain in Residential Buildings

by Jie Chen, Fei Xue, Xiaoxue Jin, Stephen Siu Yu Lau and Yue Fan

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3724; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123724 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Long-wave radiation cooling plays a pivotal role in building thermal design. Utilizing a steady-state method to determine surface heat transfer coefficients across diverse climates can result in discrepancies between the designed and actual cooling performance of a building’s envelope. To evaluate the influence [...] Read more.

Long-wave radiation cooling plays a pivotal role in building thermal design. Utilizing a steady-state method to determine surface heat transfer coefficients across diverse climates can result in discrepancies between the designed and actual cooling performance of a building’s envelope. To evaluate the influence of climate and surface emissivity on building heat transfer during summer, the numerical simulation method was employed to calculate the summer long-wave radiation for nine typical residential buildings across various climate regions. This study assesses the applicable meteorological conditions and distribution range of sky radiation technology. The findings indicate that buildings can effectively dissipate heat through sky radiation when the outdoor relative humidity is below 60% and the summer temperature difference exceeds 12 °C. Analysis of meteorological characteristics across different zones reveals a positive correlation between temperature deviations and sky radiative cooling potential, thereby identifying suitable climate zones for the implementation of sky radiative cooling technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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22 pages, 7295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fiber Type and Length on Strength, Fracture Energy, and Durability Properties of Microwave-Cured Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Mortars

by Adil Gultekin

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3723; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123723 - 22 Nov 2024

Abstract

Microwave curing can be an alternative curing method for geopolymer production. Although many properties of microwave-cured geopolymer composites have been investigated, the effect of microwave curing on the strength and durability properties of fiber-reinforced geopolymers remains a topic that requires investigation. In this [...] Read more.

Microwave curing can be an alternative curing method for geopolymer production. Although many properties of microwave-cured geopolymer composites have been investigated, the effect of microwave curing on the strength and durability properties of fiber-reinforced geopolymers remains a topic that requires investigation. In this study, the effect of fiber type and length on the properties of microwave-cured metakaolin-based geopolymers was investigated. For this purpose, PVA (6, 12 mm) and polymer (15, 30 mm) fibers were utilized. Compressive and flexural strength, fracture energy, abrasion resistance, high-temperature resistance, water absorption capacity and rate of capillary water absorption tests were conducted and the microstructure was examined using scanning electron microscopy. For curing, a household microwave oven was used at a power level of 300 watts. With the fibers’ inclusion, fracture energies could be increased by up to 1150%, ductility was enhanced, flexural strengths were increased and compressive strengths decreased. Moreover, the rate of capillary water absorption decreased by up to 13%, while water absorption values increased by between 5% and 12%. The results suggested that microwave curing could be an alternative curing method for the production of fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites, offering shorter curing times and lower energy consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Civil Engineering)

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21 pages, 3800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Parameters of a Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger in a Geothermal Heating System

by Walery Jezierski and Piotr Rynkowski

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3722; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123722 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 79

Abstract

This study presents the results of an original study on the influence of selected parameters on the thermal efficiency of a vertical ground heat exchanger (VGHE) in a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system. The research objective was an analysis of the specific thermal [...] Read more.

This study presents the results of an original study on the influence of selected parameters on the thermal efficiency of a vertical ground heat exchanger (VGHE) in a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system. The research objective was an analysis of the specific thermal efficiency of a vertical ground heat exchanger q, received by a U-shaped element made of plastic pipes placed in a borehole, depending on seven direct influencing factors: the ground temperature T_g; the soil thermal conductivity coefficient λ_g; the thermal conductivity coefficient of the well material λ_m; the temperature of the heating medium (glycol) T_w at the feed to the ground heat exchanger and its flow rate M; the internal diameter of the pipes of the ground heat exchanger d_w; and the distances between the external walls of the pipes of the ground heat exchanger L. The analysis was carried out for the climatic conditions of the Podlasie Voivodeship (Poland). Based on the results of the computational experiment obtained using the TRNSYS numerical environment, a deterministic mathematical model of this relationship was developed, and the effects of the influence of selected factors on the specific thermal efficiency q of the vertical ground heat exchanger, received by the U-shaped element, were analysed. Based on the model, the contribution of each parameter to the efficiency of the heat exchanger was determined. It turned out that changes in the values of the factors T_g (X₁), λ_g (X₂), λ_m (X₃), M (X₅), d_w (X₆) and L (X₇) from the lower to the upper level caused an increase in the specific efficiency q of the heat exchanger by 34.04, 7.90, 15.20, 55.42, 6.58 and 24.26%. Only factor T_w (X₄), with such a change, caused a decrease in the thermal efficiency of the tested heat exchanger by 44.22%. The parameters of the tested element of the geothermal heating system were also optimized according to the energy criterion using a numerical method in the Matlab environment. The information may be useful for scientists, designers, producers and consumers of heating systems based on heat pumps with a vertical ground heat exchanger as the lower heat source. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The State-of-the-Art Technologies for Zero-Energy Buildings)

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28 pages, 23112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Optimization of Wind Environment in Coastal Village Spatial Forms of Western Guangdong

by Yue Pang, Zhanxun Liang, Peisheng Xie and Li Li

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3721; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123721 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 289

Abstract

Naozhou Island is located in a subtropical marine monsoon climate, with frequent windy days throughout the year, which has a significant impact on the residents’ lives. The spatial form of local traditional villages has adapted to the local wind environment through long-term practical [...] Read more.

Naozhou Island is located in a subtropical marine monsoon climate, with frequent windy days throughout the year, which has a significant impact on the residents’ lives. The spatial form of local traditional villages has adapted to the local wind environment through long-term practical exploration. This study aims to quantitatively analyze this layout to explore the patterns of its climate adaptability, thereby providing guidance for modern village construction. The research method primarily involves using CFD software (2019) to analyze the spatial form parameters of the village, namely village scale, planar form, building density, and orientation, along with their effects on average wind speed, wind speed amplification factor, and wind field coefficient under normal and extreme wind conditions. The results show that an appropriate planar form can enhance the wind adaptability of the village, while village scale and building density significantly affect the wind environment. However, the orientation of the village does not have a significant impact on wind field changes due to the discontinuity of the street system. These patterns of wind adaptability can assist in the planning and design of future coastal villages to enhance the wind environment regulation and disaster resilience of island villages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Climatic Suitability Design and Risk Management)

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19 pages, 658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automated Generation of Urban Spatial Structures Based on Stable Diffusion and CoAtNet Models

by Dian Yu, Bo Wan and Qiang Sheng

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3720; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123720 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 241

Abstract

The urban road spatial structure is a crucial and complex component of urban design. Generative design models, such as the Stable Diffusion model, can rapidly and massively produce designs. However, the opacity of their internal architecture and the uncertainty of their outcomes mean [...] Read more.

The urban road spatial structure is a crucial and complex component of urban design. Generative design models, such as the Stable Diffusion model, can rapidly and massively produce designs. However, the opacity of their internal architecture and the uncertainty of their outcomes mean that the results generated do not meet specific disciplinary assessment criteria, thus limiting their widespread application in planar design and planning. Additionally, traditional software processes targeting specific indicators are time-consuming and do not allow for rapid evaluation. To address these challenges, we utilized several areas of the road spatial structures in six cities and their corresponding four space-syntax parameters as training samples. We simultaneously trained two models: one is a LoRA Model based on the Stable Diffusion architecture used for generating road networks similar to those of various city road spatial structures; the other is a CoAtNet Model (Convolution + Transformer) used as an evaluation model to predict the space-syntax parameters of road structures and calculate the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) relative to real urban samples. Subsequently, by linking these two models end-to-end, we were able to filter out generated samples with the smallest MAPE, thereby enhancing the structural similarity between the generated results and the actual urban road spatial structures. This process of rapid generation and swift evaluation of network configurations marks a critical advancement towards better performance and more customized design solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Urban and Architectural Design)

21 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Developments Expand Neighborhood Opportunities?

by Yongjin Ahn and Jongho Won

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3719; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123719 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 214

Abstract

Living in deprived neighborhoods not only reflects a lack of social networks, role models, and safety, but also indicates limited access to local establishments that provide daily necessities—all of which are crucial for residents’ social mobility. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program—the [...] Read more.

Living in deprived neighborhoods not only reflects a lack of social networks, role models, and safety, but also indicates limited access to local establishments that provide daily necessities—all of which are crucial for residents’ social mobility. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program—the most influential place-based housing assistance initiative in the United States (U.S.)—is one such program that strives to achieve this challenging goal. However, studies have shown that LIHTC units are often constructed in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Therefore, this study investigates the spillover effects of LIHTC developments on neighborhood resource availability that is essential not only for immediate well-being but also for fostering long-term social mobility. This study employed the propensity score method, the inverse probability treatment weight, and weighted linear regression to address the selection bias problem of developers’ site decision. This study finds that a neighborhood that received LIHTC development between 2010 and 2015 experienced a greater increase in the number of employees in grocery stores, healthcare providers, job-training centers, libraries, pharmacies, and recreational centers from 2010 to 2016 than neighborhoods without LIHTC developments during the same time. The significance of this study lies in its analysis of the effects of LIHTC projects on physical facilities while accounting for self-selection bias. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real Estate, Housing and Urban Governance)

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22 pages, 5005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interdisciplinarity in the Built Environment: Measurement and Interdisciplinary Topic Identification

by Mengmeng Wang, Yanan Xie, Xiaotong Guo and Hanliang Fu

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3718; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123718 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 248

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research plays a crucial role in addressing the intricate scientific and social challenges confronting society. The field of built environment, as an interdisciplinary discipline, has benefitted from cross-pollination with various fields such as architecture, environment, medicine, and psychology, leading to a range [...] Read more.

Interdisciplinary research plays a crucial role in addressing the intricate scientific and social challenges confronting society. The field of built environment, as an interdisciplinary discipline, has benefitted from cross-pollination with various fields such as architecture, environment, medicine, and psychology, leading to a range of interdisciplinary advancements. Nevertheless, there remains a gap in the systematic documentation of interdisciplinary outcomes within this field. This paper utilized the cosine index and the Rao–Stirling index to assess the level of interdisciplinarity within the built environment field. This was followed by the screening of literature achievements with a high interdisciplinary nature, the identification of interdisciplinary topics based on the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model, and the analysis of the evolution path of interdisciplinary topics based on time series. The results demonstrate that the field of built environment exhibits a high degree of interdisciplinary integration, with the most prevalent crossovers observed with medicine, psychology, and public health science, and fewer crossovers with electrochemistry, crystallography, and nanotechnology, which represent potential emerging directions. Over the past three decades, 17 core interdisciplinary topics have emerged in the field, and the overall evolutionary trend over time has been one of divergence, followed by contraction and then divergence. This study provides scholars with up-to-date knowledge from an interdisciplinary perspective, and facilitates the development of interdisciplinary research and cooperation in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Buildings, Infrastructure and SDGs 2030)

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27 pages, 17243 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Big Data Implementation and Expectations in Smart Cities

by Yingnan Zhuang, Jeremy Cenci and Jiazhen Zhang

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3717; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123717 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 199

Abstract

With the construction of smart cities advancing, research on big data and smart cities has become crucial for sustainable development. This study seeks to fill gaps in the literature and elucidate the significance of big data and smart city research, offering a comprehensive [...] Read more.

With the construction of smart cities advancing, research on big data and smart cities has become crucial for sustainable development. This study seeks to fill gaps in the literature and elucidate the significance of big data and smart city research, offering a comprehensive analysis that aims to foster academic understanding, promote urban development, and drive technological innovation. Using bibliometric methods and Citespace software (6.2.R3), this study comprehensively examines the research landscape from 2015 to 2023, aiming to understand its dynamics. Under the guidance of the United Nations, global research on big data and smart cities is progressing. Using the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection as the data source, an exhaustive visual analysis was conducted, revealing various aspects, including the literature output, journal distribution, geographic study trends, research themes, and collaborative networks of scholars and institutions. This study reveals a downward trend despite research growth from 2015 to 2020, focusing on digital technology, smart city innovations, energy management and environmental applications, data security, and sustainable development. However, biases persist towards technology, information silos, homogenised research, and short-sighted strategies. Research should prioritise effectiveness, applications, diverse fields, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance smart cities comprehensively. In the post-COVID-19 era, using big data to optimise city management is key to fostering intelligent, green, and humane cities and to exploring efficient mechanisms to address urban development challenges in the new era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Construction Management Under Smart City Development)

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20 pages, 5250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Saving for Impinging Jet Ventilation System by Employing Various Supply Duct Locations and Return Grill Elevation

by Bandar Awadh Almohammadi, Eslam Hussein, Khaled M. Almohammadi, Hassanein A. Refaey and Mohamed A. Karali

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3716; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123716 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 227

Abstract

The study of energy savings in ventilation systems within buildings is crucial. Impinging jet ventilation (IJV) systems have garnered significant interest from researchers. The identification of the appropriate location for the IJV reveals a gap in the existing literature. This research was conducted [...] Read more.

The study of energy savings in ventilation systems within buildings is crucial. Impinging jet ventilation (IJV) systems have garnered significant interest from researchers. The identification of the appropriate location for the IJV reveals a gap in the existing literature. This research was conducted to address the existing gap by examining the impact of IJV location on energy savings and thermal comfort. A comprehensive three-dimensional CFD model is examined to accurately simulate the real environment of an office room (3 × 3 × 2.9 m³) during cooling mode, without the application of symmetrical plans. Four locations have been selected: two at the corners and two along the midwalls, designated for fixed-person positions. The return vent height is analyzed utilizing seven measurements: 2.9, 2.6, 2.3, 1.7, 1.1, 0.8, and 0.5 m. The RNG k–ε turbulence model is implemented alongside enhanced wall treatment. The findings indicated that the optimal range for the return vent height is between 1.7 and 0.8 m. It is advisable to utilize the IJV midwall 1 location, positioned behind the seated individual and away from the exterior hot wall. It is characterized by low vortex formation in the local working zone that contributes to a more comfortable sensation while providing recognized energy-saving potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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18 pages, 4260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Benefit Optimization and Design of Rural Residential Roofs Based on the “Dual Carbon” Goal

by Zhixiu Li, Yuyan Wang, Yihan Wang and Yangyang Wei

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3715; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123715 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 185

Abstract

With the continuous advancement of urbanization, rural areas are facing increasingly severe environmental pollution, excessive energy consumption, and high carbonization resulting from both daily living and production activities. This study, which is aligned with the low-carbon objectives of “carbon sequestration increase and emissions [...] Read more.

With the continuous advancement of urbanization, rural areas are facing increasingly severe environmental pollution, excessive energy consumption, and high carbonization resulting from both daily living and production activities. This study, which is aligned with the low-carbon objectives of “carbon sequestration increase and emissions reduction”, explores the optimization strategies for ecological benefits through the combined application of rooftop photovoltaics and rooftop greening in rural residences. Three design approaches are proposed for integrating rooftop photovoltaics with green roofing: singular arrangement, distributed arrangement, and combined arrangement. Using PVsyst (7.4.7) software, this study simulates the effects of roof inclination, system output, and installation formats on the performance of photovoltaic systems, providing a comprehensive analysis of carbon reduction benefits in ecological rooftop construction. A rural area in East China was selected as a sample for adaptive exploration of ecological roof applications. The results of our research indicate that the optimal tilt angle for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations in the sample rural area is 17°. Based on simulations combining the region’s annual solar path and the solar parameters on the winter solstice, the minimum spacing for PV arrays is calculated to be 1.925 m. The carbon reduction benefits of the three arrangement methods are ranked, from highest to lowest, as follows: combined arrangement

14530.470 {t C O}_{2 e}

> singular arrangement

11950.761 {t C O}_{2 e}

> distributed arrangement

7444.819 {t C O}_{2 e}

. The integrated design of rooftop PV systems and green roofing not only meets the energy demands of buildings but also significantly reduces their carbon footprint, achieving the dual objectives of energy conservation and sustainable development. Therefore, the combined application of rooftop PV systems and green roofing in rural spaces can provide data support and strategic guidance for advancing green transformation and ecological civilization in East China, offering significant practical value for promoting low-carbon rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Sustainability: Sustainable Housing and Communities)

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27 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Factors Influencing Willingness to Use Virtual Reality Systems for External Evaluation of Buildings

by Yuanzhao Liu, Sreenidhi Konduri and Changbae Park

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3714; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123714 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 289

Abstract

Integrating new visualization methods based on virtual reality (VR) in the design evaluation process remains a challenge despite its expanding use in architectural design in recent years. This article proposes a VR-based evaluation model to improve the efficiency and quality of the overall [...] Read more.

Integrating new visualization methods based on virtual reality (VR) in the design evaluation process remains a challenge despite its expanding use in architectural design in recent years. This article proposes a VR-based evaluation model to improve the efficiency and quality of the overall architectural design process. By adopting a structural equation model in conjunction with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study examines users’ intention and perceived ease of use of VR in the design evaluation process based on a questionnaire survey using the proposed VR model of architectural and non-architectural professionals and students. The findings of the study show that the output quality plays a significant role in increasing behavioral intention to use the system, and perceived ease of use has a positive effect on perceived immersion and perceived usefulness of VR in the evaluation process. The study illustrates the importance of understanding “user perspective” and “willingness to use” in the development of VR-based systems to increase their practical use in architecture and design fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Urban and Architectural Design)

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18 pages, 7320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Tensile Test Method for Shotcrete

by Oleg V. Kabancev and Oleg A. Simakov

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123713 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 167

Abstract

This study substantiates the need for direct tensile strength testing of shotcrete and fiber-reinforced shotcrete, rather than relying on indirect methods, to accurately reflect material performance under biaxial stress conditions when used for structural reinforcement. Experiments on field specimens confirmed that tensile strength [...] Read more.

This study substantiates the need for direct tensile strength testing of shotcrete and fiber-reinforced shotcrete, rather than relying on indirect methods, to accurately reflect material performance under biaxial stress conditions when used for structural reinforcement. Experiments on field specimens confirmed that tensile strength values derived through direct testing differ significantly from those calculated based on compressive strength. The study presents a new testing methodology with optimized specimen dimensions (32, 40, 50, and 82 mm diameter cylinders with length-to-diameter ratios of 3.0) to mitigate eccentricity effects, ensuring normal-section failure. Results show that tensile strength values for fiber-reinforced shotcrete with brass-coated fibers (13–15 mm length, 0.3–0.5 mm diameter, 30 kg/m³ dosage) reached 68 MPa, compared to 60 MPa for standard shotcrete, while basalt-fiber reinforcement (6 mm length, 1% by weight) resulted in 42 MPa. The initial modulus of elasticity for unreinforced shotcrete was 280 × 10³ MPa, with fiber reinforcement slightly increasing this value to 287 × 10³ MPa. The findings support a direct approach to testing, providing a foundation for developing predictive methodologies for fiber-reinforced shotcrete properties based on reinforcement type and dosage. These results are essential for applications such as seismic strengthening, where accurate tensile characteristics are critical for performance under dynamic loading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Optimization of Building Structures—2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 6781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Concrete Air Voids: Comparing OpenAI-Generated Python Code with MATLAB Scripts and Enhancing 2D Image Processing Using 3D CT Scan Data

by Iman Asadi, Andrei Shpak and Stefan Jacobsen

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3712; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123712 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 168

Abstract

The air void system in concrete significantly affects its mechanical, thermal, and frost durability properties. This study explored the use of ChatGPT, an AI tool, to generate Python code for analyzing air void parameters in hardened concrete, such as total air void content [...] Read more.

The air void system in concrete significantly affects its mechanical, thermal, and frost durability properties. This study explored the use of ChatGPT, an AI tool, to generate Python code for analyzing air void parameters in hardened concrete, such as total air void content (A), specific surface (α), and air void spacing factor (L). Initially, Python scripts were created by requesting ChatGPT-3.5 to convert MATLAB scripts developed by Fonseca and Scherer in 2015. The results from Python closely matched those from MATLAB when applied to polished sections of seven different concrete mixes, demonstrating ChatGPT’s effectiveness in code conversion. However, generating accurate code without referencing the original MATLAB scripts required detailed prompts, highlighting the need for a strong understanding of the test method. Finally, a Python script was applied to modify void reconstruction in 2D images into 3D by stereology, and comparing this with (3D) CT scanner results, showing comparable results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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35 pages, 7282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multi-Hazard Assessment of Masonry Buildings: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Peng Zhang, Lan Chen, Tianyuan Wei, Peng Huang, Hongfan Wang and Xudong Chen

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3711; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123711 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 162

Abstract

Masonry buildings are very popular all over the world, and generally, they are assemblages of masonry units and mortar. However, they are prone to damage and even collapse due to the characteristics of masonry structures. The damages are mainly caused by natural disasters [...] Read more.

Masonry buildings are very popular all over the world, and generally, they are assemblages of masonry units and mortar. However, they are prone to damage and even collapse due to the characteristics of masonry structures. The damages are mainly caused by natural disasters (e.g., flooding, earthquake, and landslide) or human activities (e.g., fire, vehicular impact, and insufficient maintenance). In order to assess the damage to masonry buildings, many approaches are commonly employed, such as on-site investigation, lab testing and experiments, and numerical simulations. In addition, retrofitting is always required for these damaged buildings, and resilience can be obtained to some extent by relying on different strengthening strategies. This article presents a state-of-the-art review of the current research on the multi-hazard assessment of masonry buildings, with a focus on three aspects, i.e., (1) natural and anthropic damages to masonry buildings; (2) applicability and reliability of analysis methods; and (3) strengthening technologies. A rapid and beneficial understanding is expected on the damages, analysis, and protection of ancient and modern masonry buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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17 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Disappearing Winners: An MAS Study of Community-Type Rivalry in Construction Markets

by Keda Chen, Xiaowei Wang, Zhenhua Guo and Weidan Liu

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3710; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123710 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Business communities in the construction market are becoming increasingly diverse, with a deepening impact on industrial development and enterprise competition. Despite many existing empirical studies on communities, they weaken competitive interactions and have limited applicability to the dynamic issues of community formation and [...] Read more.

Business communities in the construction market are becoming increasingly diverse, with a deepening impact on industrial development and enterprise competition. Despite many existing empirical studies on communities, they weaken competitive interactions and have limited applicability to the dynamic issues of community formation and evolution. To address the gaps identified in the literature on bidding competition dynamics, this study constructs a multi-agent system (MAS) model. This model is designed to simulate the formation of community-type rivalry in the construction market by incorporating key variables identified from empirical observations of bidding behavior. It also designs and runs two experiments focusing on the impact of overall market factors and enterprises’ own factors on the formation of an equilibrium state of community-type rivalry to explore the mechanism behind its formation. We find that the density of community networks and the process of community formation are significantly affected by the number of enterprises, the scope of competition among enterprises, and the lifespan of the link, while they are not significantly affected by the size of the market or the exit thresholds of enterprises. In addition, this study finds that, under the bidding competition rule, the number of times that an enterprise bids is closely related to its network location advantage. However, larger and more mature enterprises have difficulty in maintaining a central position in a competitive network. This study provides different perspectives for an understanding of corporate community formation and offers valuable insights into the governance of community phenomena in the construction market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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20 pages, 3638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of BIM Technology on the Lifecycle Cost Control of Prefabricated Buildings: Evidence from China

by Jinkun Sun, Rita Yi Man Li and Jirawan Deeprasert

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3709; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123709 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 174

Abstract

Prefabricated construction has become a significant trend in the international building industry, yet its promotion in China faces cost challenges. This study explores the effect of building information modelling (BIM) technology on the various phases of prefabricated buildings, focusing on the entire lifecycle [...] Read more.

Prefabricated construction has become a significant trend in the international building industry, yet its promotion in China faces cost challenges. This study explores the effect of building information modelling (BIM) technology on the various phases of prefabricated buildings, focusing on the entire lifecycle cost to reduce the overall cost. Key factors influencing the lifecycle as the whole cost control of prefabricated buildings are identified via the top 35 highly cited BIM papers; 15 experts were invited to evaluate the factors influencing the lifecycle cost control of prefabricated buildings, and 22 factors were identified to construct the surveys. The results of 364 valid questionnaires were analysed. Research indicates that BIM significantly impacts cost control across various stages of the lifecycle of prefabricated buildings. BIM’s impact on cost control, ranked from highest to lowest, is as follows: construction and installation phase, production and transportation phase, operational maintenance phase, and design phase. By minimising costs at each stage, BIM enhances design efficiency, simulates production and logistics, reduces rework during construction, and, when integrated with artificial intelligence, BIM optimises operation and maintenance management. Leveraging BIM technology to its full potential effectively reduces the lifecycle costs of prefabricated buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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15 pages, 4929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Air-Source Heat Pumps in a Residential Building’s Retrofit Process

by Mihail-Bogdan Carutasiu and Horia Necula

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123708 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 207

Abstract

The importance of mitigating energy intensity in the building sector is widely recognized by most stakeholders, and different strategies are proposed for minimizing fossil fuel dependency. This paper presents a complex study assessing the possibility of integrating an air-source heat pump (ASHP) into [...] Read more.

The importance of mitigating energy intensity in the building sector is widely recognized by most stakeholders, and different strategies are proposed for minimizing fossil fuel dependency. This paper presents a complex study assessing the possibility of integrating an air-source heat pump (ASHP) into the retrofitting process of a typical Romanian residential building. Mathematical simulations were conducted to estimate the energy reduction potential of a complex renewable-energy-based HVAC system. The results showed that a more than 50% increase in energy efficiency could be obtained by using the right insulation materials, and the building’s fossil fuel dependency could be curbed by 75% by integrating the proposed renewable energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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18 pages, 4337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the Quasi-Steady Assumption with Unsteady Effects on Tower Galloping Analysis

by Zihang Yang, Yangzhao Liu, Ying Chang and Kaoshan Dai

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3707; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123707 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 206

Abstract

Traditional tower galloping theory is founded on the quasi-steady assumption, which has inherent limitations. By treating tower galloping as a single-degree-of-freedom crosswind bending flutter problem and introducing flutter derivatives into the expression of the crosswind aerodynamic force acting on the tower, the unsteady [...] Read more.

Traditional tower galloping theory is founded on the quasi-steady assumption, which has inherent limitations. By treating tower galloping as a single-degree-of-freedom crosswind bending flutter problem and introducing flutter derivatives into the expression of the crosswind aerodynamic force acting on the tower, the unsteady effects induced by motion can be incorporated into the analysis of tower galloping. An actual chamfered square cross-section tower was used as the research subject, and static tests and flutter derivative identification tests were performed on tower segment models without any modifications and with two types of aerodynamic measures: added arc-shaped fairings and vertical fin plates. Predictions of the aerodynamic damping of the tower structure were made and compared based on two different galloping theories: one under the quasi-steady assumption and the other considering unsteady effects. Experimental results indicate that both theories lead to the same conclusion about the galloping stability of the chamfered square tower. The original cross-section tower exhibited significant galloping instability problems, but the addition of arc-shaped fairings or vertical fin plates effectively improved its galloping stability performance. The predicted results of the tower’s aerodynamic damping based on the two different galloping theories differed by at most 34% at dimensionless wind speeds below 25. However, some differences were observed, and these differences between the two theories were noticeably affected by the magnitude of the dimensionless wind speed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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23 pages, 9176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Estimation of Thermal Properties in Insulated Building Walls

by Manon Rendu, Jérôme Le Dréau, Patrick Salagnac and Maxime Doya

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3706; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123706 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 168

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of inverse techniques to estimate the resistance and the capacity of a highly insulated multilayer wall under real weather conditions. The wall is equipped with temperature sensors inside and on its inner and [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of inverse techniques to estimate the resistance and the capacity of a highly insulated multilayer wall under real weather conditions. The wall is equipped with temperature sensors inside and on its inner and outer surfaces, and the boundary conditions have been measured over a 14-day period. Uncertainties on various parameters of the model are evaluated, including internal and external convective heat transfer coefficients (±20% and ±7 W.m^-².K⁻¹ respectively), external long-wave heat transfer coefficient (±0.15 W.m⁻².K⁻¹) and solar absorption coefficient (±0.06). A sensitivity analysis demonstrated the high correlation with some parameters defining the thermal performance of the walls (thermal resistance or capacity). A solution is proposed to limit the number of identified parameters, while allowing the identification of the thermal resistance and the thermal capacity of the walls. There are two cases: either the weather conditions are accurately measured (temperature, short- and long-wave radiation) and the thermal characteristics can be assessed, or intrusive sensors are installed, and the thermal characteristics can be evaluated more accurately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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33 pages, 22496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Stability of Slopes and Building Structures Using an Energy Visualization Procedure

by Yi Yao, Jianjun Zhang, Xiaoyong Li, Yiliang Tu and Zuliang Zhong

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3705; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123705 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 179

Abstract

Many building structures in the southwest of China are constructed on slopes due to its mountainous terrain characteristics. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately study the stability of slopes and building structures during the construction and operation stages. Traditional numerical simulation methods for [...] Read more.

Many building structures in the southwest of China are constructed on slopes due to its mountainous terrain characteristics. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately study the stability of slopes and building structures during the construction and operation stages. Traditional numerical simulation methods for slope stability often analyze from the perspectives of stress and strain. However, due to the complex changes in stress and strain inside the slope, the traditional methods are not only complex but also result in some errors. The slope failure is essentially a procedure of energy transformation, dissipation, and mutation. Therefore, the slope stability can be analyzed more effectively from the perspective of energy changes. In this paper, an energy field visualization procedure is developed and applied to analyze the failure mechanism of slopes. First, the energy calculation principle of slopes was derived based on the principle of thermodynamics. Then, FLAC3D7.0 was used to develop the energy visualization procedure for slope. It was applied to a classical two-dimensional slope to calculate the safety factor of slopes and then compared with the traditional methods. Finally, the procedure was applied to two practical slopes and building structure engineering cases to study their stability and provide suggestions for practical construction. The research results show that the energy visualization procedure can correctly simulate the energy evolution principle in the procedure of slope failure. The sudden change of energy can be used to determine the safety factor and sliding surface of slopes. The error of the slope safety factor calculated by this procedure is only 0.02, indicating that the procedure is correct. The deformation and failure of slopes are essentially driven by energy. There are corresponding relationships between the energy stability stage and the slope equilibrium stage, the energy dissipation stage and the slope deformation stage, and the energy mutation stage and the slope failure stage. The preferred backfill scheme of high-fill slope engineering is one with less variation in gravitational potential energy and a greater increase in elastic strain energy. Pile foundation and building structure are effective methods to increase slope stability. Therefore, the energy visualization procedure developed in this paper can more intuitively and accurately analyze the stability of slopes and building structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Problems in the Design and Construction of Underground Buildings—2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 9618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Repair Performance and Carbon Emission Analysis of Magnesium Phosphate Cement Prepared from Lithium Extraction Residue

by Jinbo Guo, Xiaoqing Chen, Yanqi Kang, Guanhua Zhang, Hongfa Yu, Wei Xiao and Meng Zhang

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3704; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123704 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 182

Abstract

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC), as a rapid-hardening and early-strengthening cementitious material, is commonly used for repairing concrete defects. To enhance the repair efficiency of MPC and its mortar, MPC mortar and paste with the addition of 40% fly ash and 20% slag were [...] Read more.

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC), as a rapid-hardening and early-strengthening cementitious material, is commonly used for repairing concrete defects. To enhance the repair efficiency of MPC and its mortar, MPC mortar and paste with the addition of 40% fly ash and 20% slag were studied and designed to evaluate the performance of MPC in repairing different types of defects such as concrete cracks and surface spalling. The test results for flexural bond strength, splitting tensile bond strength, pull-off strength, and fracture toughness indicate that MPC neat paste exhibits the highest efficiency for repairing concrete cut surfaces and cracks, with bond strength and splitting tensile strength reaching 2.8 MPa and 2.39 MPa, respectively, at 28 days. For surface spalling repairs, MPC mortar with mineral admixtures demonstrates the highest repair efficiency. The pull-off strength of MPC repair mortar with fly ash reaches 0.62 MPa after 28 days, and the fracture toughness of MPC repair mortar with slag is 0.614 MPa/m^1/2. Additionally, this study explores the effectiveness of using calcined magnesium oxide and fly ash to produce MPC mortar in reducing carbon emissions during the production stage, comparing it with traditional Portland cement mortar. The research results reveal that, compared to MPC paste made solely with magnesium oxide containing boron, MPC paste with slag addition reduces carbon emissions by 38.95%. However, compared to traditional Portland cement mortar, the carbon emissions of MPC paste with slag addition still increase by 27.67%. Compared to MPC mortar without reactive mineral powder addition, MPC mortar with slag addition reduces carbon emissions by 39.24%, and compared to traditional Portland cement mortar, it reduces carbon emissions by 25%. The addition of reactive mineral powder and sand can effectively reduce the carbon emissions during the application of MPC, with slag addition showing the best carbon reduction effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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14 pages, 8788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study of 3D Scanning Techniques in Civil Engineering Using the Terrestrial Laser Scanning Technique

by Artur Piekarczuk, Aleksandra Mazurek, Jacek Szer and Iwona Szer

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3703; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123703 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 224

Abstract

This paper reviews the measurement challenges associated with 3D scanning techniques in civil engineering, exploring the practical aspects of scanning buildings and complex surfaces through various case studies. The paper details the conventional use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for reconstructing the technical [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the measurement challenges associated with 3D scanning techniques in civil engineering, exploring the practical aspects of scanning buildings and complex surfaces through various case studies. The paper details the conventional use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for reconstructing the technical documentation of a hall. Then it describes an unconventional application of this technique for measuring an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) wall, aimed at detecting microdeformations caused by environmental factors controlled within a climatic chamber. Subsequently, the measurements of the insulated wall were repeated using a metrological grade laser scanner. The numerical data were analysed with inspection engineering methods. The deformation maps and displacements of selected reference points were compared. This approach yielded qualitative and quantitative results. The qualitative results, i.e., the distribution of deformations in the form of a map, turned out to be consistent. However, quantitative results show a significant discrepancy in extreme cases of up to 70%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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1 pages, 122 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Akbar et al. Seismic Response Compression of Various MSE Walls Based on 3D Modeling. Buildings 2023, 13, 2773

by Muhammad Akbar, Huali Pan, Guoqiang Ou, Georgios Nikitas and Bilal Ahmed

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3702; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123702 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 97

Abstract

In the published publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

16 pages, 4169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Annual Variation Characteristics of Air Conditioning Operating Behavior and Its Impact on Model Application in Office Buildings

by Xin Zhou

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3701; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123701 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 200

Abstract

Air conditioning (AC) is an important component of building energy consumption. Reducing building AC energy consumption has attracted significant research interest worldwide. Studies have shown that the AC control behavior of users is a key factor affecting building AC energy consumption; however, the [...] Read more.

Air conditioning (AC) is an important component of building energy consumption. Reducing building AC energy consumption has attracted significant research interest worldwide. Studies have shown that the AC control behavior of users is a key factor affecting building AC energy consumption; however, the existing research on the dynamic laws for the AC control behavioral changes of users over a long period is limited. Therefore, taking a typical open office as an example, this study collected measured data spanning different years, and explored the temporal variation characteristics of AC operating behavior in office buildings. Based on a dynamic model framework constructed with a three-parameter Weibull function and a time superposition function, this study conducted modeling and analysis of dynamic AC operating behaviors in the same open-plan office across different years. First, the AC operating behavioral model was trained in parallel using field measurement data from different years to quantitatively analyze the patterns and extent of changes in occupants’ AC operating behaviors. Subsequently, AC operating data from a fixed year was used as a test set to examine the impact of behavior changes on the prediction accuracy of the AC operating behavioral model through indicators such as open rate, on–off profiles, confusion matrices, and open rate under different time periods/temperatures. Results indicate that, due to behavioral changes, the maximum difference in the probability of AC opening under the same temperature can reach 96.8%. These behavior changes occur not only in varying intensity but also function as influencing factors. If behavior changes are ignored, prediction accuracy for AC open rates decreases by approximately 15%. This study reveals a method for dynamically adjusting the AC operating behavior model and improving its accuracy, which can significantly improve the accuracy of AC operating behavior modeling, the practical application effect of the behavior model, and reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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16 pages, 16789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evidence-Driven Approach to Slip and Fall Prevention in Large Campus Facilities

by Michael Yit Lin Chew, Ashan Senel Asmone and Mark Tiam Weng Lam

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3700; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123700 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 295

Abstract

We developed an evidence-based risk assessment and benchmarking framework towards pedestrian safety. Pendulum slip resistance tests were conducted on 23 sites within a large campus facility covering ceramic tiles, pebbles, tactile indicators, and metal coverings for manholes and drainage. The results show frictional [...] Read more.

We developed an evidence-based risk assessment and benchmarking framework towards pedestrian safety. Pendulum slip resistance tests were conducted on 23 sites within a large campus facility covering ceramic tiles, pebbles, tactile indicators, and metal coverings for manholes and drainage. The results show frictional resistance can be reduced when tested wet and exacerbated when it is on a slope. The results were further verified via laboratory tests under controlled conditions. The perceived affordance of certain features such as tactile indicators providing a better grip or traction requires urgent attention. Therefore, a data-driven approach not only enhances the accuracy of slip risk assessments but also establishes empirically grounded benchmarks for surface safety, ensuring effective and resource-efficient interventions. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and future research agenda in pedestrian safety, offering a robust foundation for benchmarking and risk management efforts in diverse environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)

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Buildings, Volume 14, Issue 12 (December 2024) – 28 articles

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