Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.4
3.1
Journals
Buildings
Special Issues
Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges
share announcement

Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 6362

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kamila Kotrasová

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoskolska 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
Interests: applied mechanics; statics and dynamics of the engineering structures; composite materials
Prof. Dr. Dušan Katunský

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoskolska 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
Interests: building physics; architectural engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Martina Zeleňáková

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoskolska 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
Interests: water management; water structures; hydrology; rainwater management; environmental impact assessment; environmental risks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Peter Mésároš

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economics, Management and Information Systems in Construction, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia
Interests: economics; management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of civil engineering over the last century has always required the improvement of building materials and innovation in construction technologies. We aim to compile works discussing innovative building materials and technologies in relation to the impact on the environment in order to meet the ever-increasing demands in terms of performance, sustainability, durability and cost. Researchers are invited to submit high-quality papers to this Special Issue on the following topics, including but not limited to:

  • Building Information Modeling,
  • Building Physics and Services,
  • Construction Economics, Marketing and Management,
  • Construction Technology, Organization and Management,
  • Environmental Engineering,
  • Indoor Environment,
  • Hydrotechnical Engineering,
  • Innovations in Construction Design and Technology,
  • Material Engineering and Recycling,
  • Statics, Dynamics and Modeling,
  • Structural Engineering and Bridges,
  • Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficiency,
  • Sustainable Civil and Environmental Engineering,
  • Sustainable Water Management,
  • Transport and Geotechnical Engineering,
  • Urban Engineering.

Dr. Kamila Kotrasová
Prof. Dr. Dušan Katunský
Prof. Dr. Martina Zeleňáková
Prof. Dr. Peter Mésároš
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

  • civil engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • urban engineering
  • transport engineering
  • geotechnical engineering
  • construction economics
  • construction technology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • 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 (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 5445 KiB  
Article
Project Report: Thermal Performance of FIRSTLIFE House
by Jan Tywoniak, Zdenko Malík, Kamil Staněk and Kateřina Sojková
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113600 - 13 Nov 2024
Viewed by 279
Abstract
The paper deals with selected thermal properties of a small building that was built during the international student competition Solar Decathlon 2021/2022 and is now part of the Living Lab in Wuppertal. It summarizes the essential information about the overall design of this [...] Read more.
The paper deals with selected thermal properties of a small building that was built during the international student competition Solar Decathlon 2021/2022 and is now part of the Living Lab in Wuppertal. It summarizes the essential information about the overall design of this wooden building with construction and technologies corresponding to the passive building standard. Built-in sensors and other equipment enable long-term monitoring of thermal parameters. Part of the information comes from the building operation control system. The thermal transmittance value for the perimeter wall matches calculated expectation well, even from a short period of time and not at an achievable perfectly steady state boundary condition. The (positive) difference between the calculated values and the measured ones did not exceed 0.015 W/(m2K). It was proven that even for such a small building with a very small heat demand, the heat transfer coefficient can be estimated alternatively from a co-heating test (measured electricity power for a fan heater) and from energy delivered to underfloor heating (calorimeter in heating system). Differences among both measurement types and calculation matched in the range ± 10%. In the last section, the dynamic response test is briefly described. The measured indoor air temperature curves under periodic dynamic loads (use of fan heater) are compared with the simulation results. The simulation model working with lumped parameters for each element of the building envelope was able to replicate the measured situation well, while its use does not require special knowledge of the user. In the studied case, the differences between measured and simulated air temperatures were less than 1 Kelvin if the first two to three days of the test period are ignored due to large thermal inertia. Finally, the measurement campaign program for the next period is outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 11298 KiB  
Article
Utilization of High-Performance Concrete Mixtures for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
by Oldrich Sucharda, Radoslav Gandel, Petr Cmiel, Jan Jerabek and Vlastimil Bilek
Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2269; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082269 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 737
Abstract
The presented experimental program focuses on the design of high-performance dry concrete mixtures, which could find application in advanced manufacturing technologies, for example, additive solutions. The combination of high-performance concrete (HPC) with advanced or additive technologies provides new possibilities for constructing architecturally attractive [...] Read more.
The presented experimental program focuses on the design of high-performance dry concrete mixtures, which could find application in advanced manufacturing technologies, for example, additive solutions. The combination of high-performance concrete (HPC) with advanced or additive technologies provides new possibilities for constructing architecturally attractive buildings with high material requirements. The purpose of this study was to develop a dry mixture made from high-performance concrete that could be distributed directly in advanced or additive technologies of solutions in pre-prepared condition with all input materials (except for water) in order to reduce both financial and labor costs. This research specifically aimed to improve the basic strength characteristics—including mechanical (assessed using compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, and flexural strength tests) and durability properties (assessed using tests of resistance to frost, water, and defrosting chemicals)—of hardened mixtures, with partial insight into the rheology of fresh mixtures (consistency as assessed using the slump-flow test). Additionally, the load-bearing capacity of the selected mixtures in the form of specimens with concrete reinforcement was tested using a three-point bending test. A reference mixture with two liquid plasticizers—the first based on polycarboxylate and polyphosphonate and the second based on polyether carboxylate—was modified using a powdered plasticizer based on the polymerization product Glycol to create a dry mixture; the reference mixture was compared with the developed mixtures with respect to the above-mentioned properties. In general, the results show that the replacement of the aforementioned liquid plasticizers by a powdered plasticizer based on the polymerization product Glycol in the given mixtures is effective up to 5% (of the cement content) with regard to the mechanical and durability properties. The presented work provides an overview of the compared characteristics, which will serve as a basis for future research into the development of additive manufacturing technologies in the conditions of the Czech Republic while respecting the principles of sustainable construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 21438 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties, Workability, and Experiments of Reinforced Composite Beams with Alternative Binder and Aggregate
by Zuzana Marcalikova, Jan Jerabek, Radoslav Gandel, Roman Gabor, Vlastimil Bilek and Oldrich Sucharda
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072142 - 12 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 852
Abstract
Arguably the most important element in the sustainability of concrete development is the discovery of an optimal sustainable binder and substitution for the increasingly depleted reserves of natural aggregates. Considerable interest has been shown in alkali-activated materials, which possess good characteristics and could [...] Read more.
Arguably the most important element in the sustainability of concrete development is the discovery of an optimal sustainable binder and substitution for the increasingly depleted reserves of natural aggregates. Considerable interest has been shown in alkali-activated materials, which possess good characteristics and could be considered environmentally friendly because of their use of secondary materials in production. The aim of this study was the determination of the mechanical properties of three different mixtures based on the same locally accessible raw materials. The reference mixture contained Portland cement, the second mix contained a finely ground granulated blast furnace slag instead of cement, and the third mixture contained a portion of light artificial aggregate. The experiments focused on the testing and mutual comparison of the processability of the fresh mixture and mechanical characteristics (like compressive and flexural strength, as well as resistance to high temperatures and surface layer tear strength tests). Reinforced concrete beams without shear reinforcement and with three levels of reinforcement were also tested with a three-point bend test. The results show that, overall, the mechanical properties of all the tested mixtures were similar, but each had its own disadvantages. For example, the blast furnace slag-based mixture had a more vulnerable surface layer or a debatable loss of bulk density in the light aggregate mix at the expense of the mechanical properties. One of the main results of the research is that it was possible to technologically produce beams from the alkali-activated concrete (AAC) mixture. Then, the performed beam experiments verified the mechanism of damage, collapse, and load capacity. The obtained results are essential because they present the use of AAC not only in laboratory conditions but also for building elements. In beams without shear reinforcement, the typical tensile cracks caused by bending and shear cracks appeared under loading, where their character was affected depending on the degree of beam reinforcement and loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6785 KiB  
Article
Statistical Evaluation of Sleeve Friction to Cone Resistance Ratio in Coarse-Grained Soils
by Danutė Sližytė, Remigijus Šalna and Kęstutis Urbonas
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030745 - 10 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
The investigation of soil is a particularly important stage of structural design. Cone penetration tests (CPTs) are the most common soil investigation techniques. The results of these tests provide information about the values of cone resistance (qc) and sleeve friction [...] Read more.
The investigation of soil is a particularly important stage of structural design. Cone penetration tests (CPTs) are the most common soil investigation techniques. The results of these tests provide information about the values of cone resistance (qc) and sleeve friction (fs), which correspond to depth. Previous studies have shown that the ratio of sleeve friction to cone resistance depends on the particle size distribution in soil and its use for soil classification. Unfortunately, as an analysis of the literature shows, there is no such classification for coarse-grained soils. This paper presents statistically significant differences in the ratio of fs to qc in coarse-grained soils. Based on the research performed, the proposed coefficients depend on the classification of coarse-grained soils with respect to the size of the soil particles. The data investigated were obtained from study reports on 35 sites (5934 tests) at which the main type of soil was coarse-grained and contained different sizes of particles. Following a statistical analysis, five groups of tested coarse-grained soils, silty fine sand, clayey fine sand, fine sand, medium sand and gravelly coarse sand together with gravel, are derived. The analysed data show statistically significant differences in the ratio of fs to qc considering this particular type of soil. A ratio of fs to qc with a probability of 95% is proposed for sandy soils. The values for silty fine sand, clayey fine sand, fine sand, medium sand and gravelly coarse sand mixed with gravel are 0.009459, 0.010982, 0.009268, 0.008001 and 0.006741, respectively. A linear relationship between the fs and qc indexes is also suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 15747 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Study of Strengthening Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Different Techniques
by Ahmed S. Eisa, Kamila Kotrasova, Peter Sabol, Mária Mihaliková and Mohamed G. Attia
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010029 - 21 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1439
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the static response of prestressed reinforced concrete beams strengthened in their flexure and shear properties using different strengthening techniques, steel plates, and externally bonded woven carbon fiber fabric (WCFF). The experimental work involved testing twenty large-scale prestressed reinforced [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the static response of prestressed reinforced concrete beams strengthened in their flexure and shear properties using different strengthening techniques, steel plates, and externally bonded woven carbon fiber fabric (WCFF). The experimental work involved testing twenty large-scale prestressed reinforced concrete beams with a length of 3000 mm, and cross-sections measuring 400 mm in height and 200 mm in breadth were cast in the factory and tested in the laboratory. Four beams without prestressing served as the reference beams; two unbonded pre-tensioned beams served as the control beams, and the remaining fourteen beams were strengthened with steel plates and externally bonded woven carbon fiber fabric (WCFF). Eight of the beams were strengthened with 4 mm thick steel plates and tested under a monotonically increasing load with manual readings recorded. The remaining six beams were strengthened with 0.5 mm thick WCFF and tested under a monotonically increasing load with manual readings recorded. The variables considered included the strengthening techniques (FRP composite sheets, steel plates), the types of strengthening (slices, U-shaped), and the flexural and shear capacities of the strengthened beams. All the implemented strengthening techniques yielded enhancements in both the flexural and shear strength outcomes of the beams compared to their respective controls. The most significant increase in load capacity, whether in terms of ultimate load or first crack load, for the prestressed concrete beams’ flexure properties occurred when strengthening with U-shaped steel plates. Additionally, the greatest reduction in deflection at the point of reaching the maximum load for the prestressed concrete beams, in terms of their flexure properties, was observed when strengthening with U-shaped steel plates. Similarly, the maximum load increase for the prestressed concrete beams, in terms of their shear properties, was achieved through strengthening with U-shaped woven carbon fiber fabric wrapping. Furthermore, a finite element model was created to simulate various experimental specimens. The finite element model’s results exhibited harmony with the experimental results, affirming the efficacy of the presented finite element model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7758 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Safety of Masonry Buildings near Deep Excavations: Ultimate Limit States
by Radosław Jasiński, Slavka Harabinova, Kamila Kotrasova and Izabela Skrzypczak
Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2803; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112803 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 970
Abstract
It is a common practice to construct new buildings in the close vicinity of existing buildings. New buildings require deep excavations, which cause non-uniform displacement of the ground, causing a negative impact on the safety and technical conditions of adjacent buildings, including masonry [...] Read more.
It is a common practice to construct new buildings in the close vicinity of existing buildings. New buildings require deep excavations, which cause non-uniform displacement of the ground, causing a negative impact on the safety and technical conditions of adjacent buildings, including masonry buildings. The fundamental condition to verify structural safety is the knowledge of impacts and the load-bearing capacity of non-strengthened or strengthened structures. Safety is provided via strengthening the structure against deformations related to the ground displacement or by reducing non-uniform displacements of the building structure. This paper focuses on strengthening the ground and underground parts of masonry buildings. It also describes general requirements for providing safety of buildings according to the standard Eurokode 0 and the simplified method for protecting building structures with the use of steel tie rods. Based on the design methods for masonry structures specified in Eurocode 6 and the know-how of the authors in the field of protecting buildings in mining areas, the original method was proposed to determine the required area of reinforcement in the form of steel rods. Also, the original methods were introduced to verify ULS for inclined walls primarily under vertical load and shearing of pillars between openings. In addition to these analytical methods, this paper also illustrates methods for strengthening the ground and underground parts of masonry buildings. Presented in this paper, original solutions used to determine the strengthening of masonry structures and original models used to verify ULS for deflected walls primarily under vertical load can be directly employed in the design practice. The standard criteria were applied and the effects of building deflections, which are not specified in Eurocode 6, were considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructions in Europe: Current Issues and Future Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Project report: Thermal performance of FIRSTLIFE house
Author: Tywoniak
Highlights: • Comparable results for heat transfer coefficient from coheating test, underfloor heating and from calculation for small building at passive house level. • Simulation with lumped parameters developed for summer periodic loads (overheating check) well replicating temperatures by irregular heat loads in winter. • Thermal transmittance match calculated expectation well, even from short period of time, not perfectly steady state.

Back to TopTop