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Buildings
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Fire and Energy Performance of Buildings
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Fire and Energy Performance of Buildings

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 4451

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Keerthan Poologanathan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
Interests: steel structures; thin-walled structures; optimisation of steel sections; innovative steel products and systems; fire safety of buildings; aluminium structures; lightweight concrete; enhanced plasterboard; modular building systems; advanced numerical modelling; fibre composites for retrofitting and rehabilitation of structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Marco Corradi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering and Technology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
Interests: retrofitting buildings; sustainable construction materials; new advanced materials for upgrading of existing masonry and wood historic constructions; structural analysis and retrofitting of historic constructions; mechanics of structures and experimental analysis of existing structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Muhammad Rahman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering & Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
Interests: energy; retrofitting buildings; sustainable construction materials; computational structural mechanics; composite materials; water and wastewater treatment and slope stabilization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gatheeshgar Perampalam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
Interests: machine learning; structural engineering; optimization of structural members; steel structures; fire and thermal performance of buildings; composite structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The energy efficiency and fire safety of buildings are becoming increasingly challenging in the construction industry around the world due to the adoption of new construction materials and the continuous evolution of governments’ regulations and targets. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) techniques and new emerging building practices can be susceptible to catastrophic failure due to fire accidents and can be less energy efficient due to the high thermal conductance of the materials utilized.

Further, due to the varying thermal conductivity of new construction materials adopted in MMC (such as new optimized steel and/or concrete and timber hybrid elements and configurations), the structural components of the buildings must be studied, well-engineered, and covered against unintended thermal bridges. Additionally, on the other hand, the strength decay/detrimental behaviour of new materials used in structural components at high temperatures should be studied to mitigate the risk of fatal accidents in the event of fire accidents.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to share advanced knowledge, technologies, and methods to identify and study the fire and energy performance of buildings. Additionally, this Special Issue seeks to identify other areas in which additional research can be conducted to achieve the desired thermal efficiency of buildings while ensuring fire safety. Original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Fire resistance and performance of building elements;
  • Structural fire resistance testing and modelling;
  • Structural damage and collapse from exposure to fire;
  • Building energy performance and modelling;
  • Principles of structural fire-resistance design;
  • Thermal and fire insulation materials;
  • Building performance at elevated temperatures;
  • Heat transfer modelling and strength decay analysis.

Dr. Keerthan Poologanathan
Dr. Marco Corradi
Dr. Muhammad Rahman
Dr. Gatheeshgar Perampalam
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy performance
  • fire performance
  • net-zero buildings
  • fire safety of buildings
  • building performance
  • sustainable construction

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  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 9710 KiB  
Article
Experimental Test and Analytical Calculation on Residual Strength of Prestressed Concrete T-Beams After Fire
by Zhongqiang Wang, Chao Xu, Miao Chen, Jingwei Sun, Hangke Zhou and Yingxin Zhou
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3579; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113579 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 457
Abstract
High temperatures during a fire can lead to the evaporation of moisture and the degradation of hydration products within concrete, consequently compromising its mechanical properties. This paper thoroughly investigates the effect of fire-induced high temperatures on the residual load-bearing capacity of concrete structures, [...] Read more.
High temperatures during a fire can lead to the evaporation of moisture and the degradation of hydration products within concrete, consequently compromising its mechanical properties. This paper thoroughly investigates the effect of fire-induced high temperatures on the residual load-bearing capacity of concrete structures, with a focus on prestressed concrete T-beams. By conducting constant temperature tests and residual load-bearing capacity tests, complemented by finite element modeling, this study examines the degradation of mechanical properties in prestressed concrete T-beams due to fire exposure and its impact on post-fire residual load-bearing capacity. Additionally, an equivalent concrete compressive strength method was employed to propose a calculation method for concrete material degradation under high temperatures and a corresponding concrete strength reduction factor. Simplified calculations were also performed for the high-temperature damage to reinforcement and prestressed tendons, leading to the derivation of a simplified formula for the residual load-bearing capacity of post-fire prestressed concrete T-beams. The results indicate that in prestressed concrete T-beams exposed to fire, an increase in holding time results in more severe damage modes, accelerated crack propagation, and wider crack widths during bending failure. Under the same load, a longer holding time corresponds to a more pronounced reduction in deflection. At holding times of 60 min, 120 min, and 180 min, the prestress losses were 48.17%, 85.16%, and 93.26%, respectively. The cracking load decreased by 15%, 27%, and 42%, while the residual load-bearing capacity decreased by 11%, 21%, and 28%. Comparison with experimental data demonstrates that both the finite element model and the simplified calculation formula exhibit high accuracy, offering a reliable reference for the performance evaluation of post-fire prestressed concrete T-beams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire and Energy Performance of Buildings)
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38 pages, 14527 KiB  
Article
Application and Development of Firefighting Technologies in Industrial Heritage: Experiences and Insights from Macau
by Linsheng Huang, Ying Huang, Yashan Chen, Senyu Lou, Yile Chen and Mengyan Jia
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2699; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092699 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 965
Abstract
Due to the irreversible nature of the consequences of fire, fire protection is a major challenge and source of problems for all types of built heritage. This study aims to establish sustainable fire protection technology strategies by generalizing fire prevention and control technologies [...] Read more.
Due to the irreversible nature of the consequences of fire, fire protection is a major challenge and source of problems for all types of built heritage. This study aims to establish sustainable fire protection technology strategies by generalizing fire prevention and control technologies and measures against extended burns. This study aims to explore Macau’s industrial heritage’s historical development and technological applications in the field of fire protection using literature analysis, field investigation, and spatial information visualization methods. It will be carried out using the industrial heritage of Macau as the object and systematic analyses from the screening and processing of fire protection historical data, fire risk assessment, and the migration of fire protection focus. The results show that (1) the fire protection of the industrial heritage of Macau has gone through a total of three phases: passive fire protection, transition of fire protection methods, and active fire protection, and the relied-upon fire protection technologies have been iterated and renewed continuously during this period. (2) When the fire load factors of industrial heritage increase, the fire vulnerability assessment substantially changes, and the center of gravity of heritage fire protection shifts from controlling the scope of disaster to reducing the fire risk. (3) The construction of a suitable and effective ecological model of fire protection technology can provide appropriate fire protection solutions for the preservation and reuse of Macau’s industrial heritage in a complex cultural context. Therefore, this study will help to solve the current dilemma of sustainable application and development of fire protection technology for industrial heritage. This study hopes to provide ideas and strategies for reference on industrial heritage fire protection issues in the development of similar world heritage cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire and Energy Performance of Buildings)
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20 pages, 2845 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study of Thermal Efficiency in Light-Gauge Steel Panels Designed with Varying Insulation Ratios
by Dilanka Chandrasiri, Perampalam Gatheeshgar, Hadi Monsef Ahmadi and Lenganji Simwanda
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010300 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1497
Abstract
In the construction domain, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and energy optimisation. Light-gauge steel panels (LGSPs) stand out for their inherent advantages including lightweight construction and energy efficiency. However, the effective management of thermal efficiency, particularly addressing thermal bridges, [...] Read more.
In the construction domain, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and energy optimisation. Light-gauge steel panels (LGSPs) stand out for their inherent advantages including lightweight construction and energy efficiency. However, the effective management of thermal efficiency, particularly addressing thermal bridges, is crucial. This paper conducts a detailed numerical investigation into the thermal performance of LGSPs, examining varied insulation ratios. Thermal finite element (FE) models were initially developed using the THERM software and validated against code predictions and results available in the literature. A comprehensive parametric study explored different insulation ratios, insulation materials, and wall thicknesses, discovering their impact on thermal transmittance (U-value). Key findings revealed that U-value correlated with insulation material conductivity, with E-PLA insulation exhibiting the lowest values, and increasing wall thickness resulted in decreased U-values. It was found that a strategic use of insulation yielded a U-value reduction of over 65%. New simplified design approaches were developed, featuring insulation ratios linked to accurate U-value predictions for LGSP configurations. The new design approaches were found to provide more accurate and consistent U-value predictions. Moreover, optimum insulation ratios for new builds and existing building extensions were found to be around 0.9 and 0.7 for 275 mm and 325 mm thick walls, respectively. These proposed energy-efficient solutions, facilitated through advanced design, are well-aligned with net-zero construction objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire and Energy Performance of Buildings)
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Review

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26 pages, 2177 KiB  
Review
Integration of Proactive Building Fire Risk Management in the Building Construction Sector: A Conceptual Framework to Understand the Existing Condition
by Uttama Barua, Hoon Han, Mohammad Mojtahedi and Mehedi Ahmed Ansary
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113372 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 609
Abstract
In recent decades, the frequency and severity of building fires have increased with rapid urbanization, particularly in high-rise buildings and high-building-density areas. Although proactive building fire risk management (PBFRM) can address this issue, significant research gaps exist. This research aims to propose a [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the frequency and severity of building fires have increased with rapid urbanization, particularly in high-rise buildings and high-building-density areas. Although proactive building fire risk management (PBFRM) can address this issue, significant research gaps exist. This research aims to propose a conceptual framework for understanding the existing condition of integrating proactive building fire risk management in the building construction sector, and the effect on improving building fire safety. It has been performed through a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. This framework identifies five components by answering the following questions: what? (building fire safety), of what? (buildings), to what? (integrate PBFRM in the building construction sector), for what? (ensuring resilience, sustainability and smartness), and how? (through building construction sector governance). According to the proposed conceptual framework, building fire safety can be achieved by integrating the PBFRM measures in different building attributes throughout the building life cycle. At the same time, resilience, sustainability and smartness must be ensured. These can be achieved through governance in the building construction sector. The proposed conceptual framework will contribute to policy and practice by facilitating policymakers and stakeholders in assessing the existing conditions and the efficacy of building fire safety measures, and thereby in devising strategies to further reinforce them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire and Energy Performance of Buildings)
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