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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2022) | Viewed by 35791

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dashnor Hoxha

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Guest Editor

Laboratory « Gabriel Lamé », Universite d'Orleans, INSA-CVL, 45100 Orleans, France
Interests: Sustainable constructions; green materials; durability of civil structures; insulating materials; life cycle assessment in construction, durability of materials and structures, geotechnics, multiphysics modelling

Dr. Ancuța Rotaru

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Guest Editor

Department of Transportation Infrastructure and Foundations, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, 700050 Iași, Romania
Interests: sustainability of soil reuse in civil engineering; sustainability and resilience analysis in slope stabilization; geotechnical engineering for risk mitigation and stabilization; sustainable practices in geoenvironmental engineering; site investigation; foundation design for sustainable substructures

Prof. Dr. Wu Wei

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Guest Editor

Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Hazards, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
Interests: Sustainability in Geotechnical Engineering and geohazards issues; constitutive model; numerical simulation; laboratory test; sustainable tunnel development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide the reader with in-depth knowledge of the evaluation of the built environment for sustainable rehabilitation, considering comprehensive coverage of up-to-date key topics and a scenario in progress. The dynamic built environment regeneration is presented as a process reversing the actual vicious structural impacts and environmental risks into desired reality through sustainable resettlement and reconstruction. The Special Issue bridges trans-disciplinary language across the built environment, bringing together the diversity of circumstances, interests, design style, techniques, etc., finding an integrating mechanism to quicken the decision-making process in building sustainable rehabilitation. It focuses on current evaluation procedures as well as rehabilitation techniques from both a theoretical and practical outlook.

The Special Issue is targeted at students, academics, researchers, practitioners and all people engaged in renovation of buildings and built environment, risk and sustainability evaluations, research bodies, construction companies, governmental agencies and private research consultancies. It includes extended and enriched versions of selected peer-reviewed papers presented at the International Conference on Knowledge Transfer in Sustainable Rehabilitation and Risk Management of the Built Environment during 15-16 December 2021 (http://www.rebuilt.ce.tuiasi.ro/). The main contributions come from the partners of the Erasmus+ Project 2018-1-RO01-KA203-049214 entitled Rehabilitation of the Built Environment in the Context of Smart City and Sustainable Development Concepts for Knowledge Transfer and Lifelong Learning, RE-BUILT, program KA2 for higher education strategic partnerships.

Topics include hazard risk mitigation, sustainable infrastructure, design and maintenance, durability of building materials and structures, vulnerability, seismic survey and HBIM-based structural analysis, modeling, simulation and optimization, sustainable urban development, energy efficiency, smart cities, conservation, rehabilitation and conservation of cultural heritage.

Data from research, industry, historical sites and urban zones worldwide echo these new achievements and case studies, constituting powerful information sources. Authors present a personal contribution to the topic, inserting ideas extracted from references in a meaningful way and providing significant new contributions to the existing literature.

Prof. Dr. Dashnor Hoxha
Dr. Ancuţa Rotaru
Prof. Dr. Wu Wei
Guest Editors

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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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

sustainable built environment
hazard risk mitigation through case scenario approach
environmental degradation in built areas
earthquake damage and reconstruction in built areas
geotechnical techniques for risk mitigation
sustainable rehabilitation of infrastructures
eco-friendly materials for sustainable and durable road pavements
sustainable stabilization of construction works
innovative IoT technologies for geotechnical monitoring
satellite radar interferometry for built area management
durability of building materials
physical and mechanical characteristics of waste replacements in building materials
bio-composite materials for a sustainable built environment
sustainable urban development
seismic vulnerability evaluation of the built areas
thermal rehabilitation of buildings
life cycle cost optimization in building sustainability
optimization of energy demand of buildings
sustainable smart city
rehabilitation of socially disadvantaged city districts
rehabilitation vs. demolition
rehabilitation of brownfield sites
conservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 13269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time History Analyses of a Masonry Structure for a Sustainable Technical Assessment According to Romanian Design Codes

by Vasile-Mircea Venghiac, Cerasela-Panseluta Neagu, George Taranu and Ancuta Rotaru

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 2932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042932 - 6 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2332

Abstract

Computer simulations are challenging in terms of modeling the appropriate behavior of brick masonry structures. These numerical simulations are becoming increasingly difficult due to several design code requirements considered for the technical assessment of brick masonry structures for rehabilitation. In Romania, many brick masonry structures have withstood powerful earthquakes during their lifetime and require rehabilitation works. This paper aims to further assess various simulation challenges regarding the boundary conditions of spandrels and masonry structural behavior. This paper presents a comparative numerical study of two different spandrel-piers scenarios: one considers the link between them as unaffected, and the other attempts to simulate the occurrence of damage by replacing the spandrel’s presence in the initial structure. The proposed model follows the “strong pier–weak spandrel model” and is aimed at practicing engineers. Models are computed with ordinary design software such as Robot Structural Analysis with 2D shells finite elements for masonry walls and, in a more complex manner, software such as Ansys with 3D solid finite elements. Time history analyses are carried out for three distinct accelerograms recorded in Romania. A comparison of the results acquired from these two models is presented and discussed. The purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of proper modeling of unreinforced brick masonry structures to optimize operational and maintenance practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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28 pages, 7836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Usability of Some Bio-Based Insulation Materials in Double-Skin Steel Envelopes

by Dashnor Hoxha, Brahim Ismail, Ancuța Rotaru, David Izabel and Thibaut Renaux

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10797; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710797 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

In this paper, a double-skin steel building-demonstrator, set up using panels of five bio-based insulators and a classical mineral insulating material, is studied. The panels used in the demonstrator are made from industrially manufactured and commercialized bio-materials. To assess the suitability of these panels for use in cold formed steel envelope buildings, their advantages and/or the drawbacks (if any) of the synchronized records of temperatures, relative humidity and thermal flux of each panel are obtained using a system of continuous measurements. Data from 6 months of records in the roof of the demonstrator are used to assess the infield properties of the panels and the seasonal evolution of these properties in relation to the presence of the vapor barrier. The thermal resistance of each panel is determined from these data using two methods: the ISO 9869-1:2014 based on the Heat Flow Meter (HFM) method and an inverse problem identification method. All bio-sourced panels manifest higher thermal resistance than the classical insulation system, whatever conditions of use with or without barrier vapor. The seasonal variations of thermal properties are attenuated when a vapor barrier is used. No risk for water condensation inside the bio-insulations is revealed so far. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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15 pages, 6590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Fibers for Out-of-Plane Strengthening Interventions of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings in Aggregate Configuration

by Valentina Cima, Chiara Bartolomeo, Ernesto Grande and Maura Imbimbo

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9967; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14169967 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1872

Abstract

Most of the Italian historical centers are composed of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings arranged in aggregate configurations. Past and recent seismic events have underlined the high vulnerability of these buildings especially towards out-of-plane mechanisms. In order to reduce their vulnerability, the use of strengthening interventions based on fiber reinforced composite materials has become widespread in the last years. More recently, strengthening systems using natural fibers have been the object of experimental tests since they represent an innovative environmentally sustainable solution. The aim of this paper is to numerically analyze the feasibility of strengthening systems made of natural fibers embedded into cementitious matrices to prevent the out-of-plane mechanisms of perimeter façades belonging to masonry buildings in aggregate configurations. For this purpose, numerical analyses based on a macro-modeling approach for out-of-plane mechanisms are performed by considering the influence of adjacent structural units and the presence of strengthening systems made of natural fibers. Both aspects have been analyzed in detail and taken into account by introducing in the equation governing the problem both the friction acting between adjacent walls of building units, when in aggregate, and the contribution of the strengthening system. A building case study forming part of an aggregate of an Italian historical center has been considered for the development of the numerical analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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19 pages, 5109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing H-BIM Workflow for Interventions on Historical Building Elements

by Sara Guerra de Oliveira, Salvatore Antonio Biancardo and Andrej Tibaut

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9703; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159703 - 6 Aug 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

Intervention projects for historical buildings depend on the quality of multidisciplinary data sets; their collection, structure, and semantics. Building information model (BIM) based workflows for historical buildings accumulate some of the data sets in a shared information model that contains the building’s geometry assemblies with associated attributes (such as material). A BIM model of any building can be a source of data for different engineering assessments, for example, solar and wind exposure and seismic vulnerability, but for historic buildings it is particularly important for interventions like conservation, rehabilitation, and improvements such as refurbishment and retrofitting. When the BIM model is abstracted to a semantic model, enabling the use of semantic technologies such as reasoning and querying, semantic links can be established to other historical contexts. The semantic technologies help historic building experts to aggregate data into meaningful form. Ontologies provide them with an accurate knowledge representation of the concepts, relationships, and rules related to the historic building. In the paper, we are proposing an improved workflow for the transformation of a heritage BIM model to a semantic model. In the BIM part the workflow demonstrates how the fully parametric modelling of historical building components is relevant, for example, in terms of reusability and adaptation to a different context. In the semantic model part, ontology reuse, reasoning, and querying mechanisms are applied to validate the usability of the proposed workflow. The presented work will improve knowledge-sharing and reuse among stakeholders involved in historic building projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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30 pages, 16022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Slope Stability Analysis: A Critical Study on Methods

by Ancuța Rotaru, Florin Bejan and Dalia Almohamad

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8847; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148847 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 9339

Abstract

When studying the stability of a slope, the first issue that needs to be clarified is the slip surface, which determines the minimum safety factor. The slopes investigated here are homogenous with three distinct gradients (1:1.5; 1:1; 2:1), two defined heights (H-3 m; H-8 m), and four different soil characteristics (S1—clayey silt, S2—sandy clayey silt, S3—sandy silty clay, S4—clay). The purpose of this paper is to develop a new methodology capable of estimating the safety factor and the shape and centre of the critical slip surface, delivering an improved estimate of slope probability of failure, which can represent a significant component in a more precise risk assessment. This paper compares distinct methods used in the slope stability analysis, examining their hypotheses and effects on the estimated safety factor and the centre and shape of the critical slip surface. The study compares the limit equilibrium results with those determined by the shear strength reduction method using an approach based on the upper-bound limit analysis to compare the predictions extracted from these methods with those from the finite element method (FEM) analysis. The finite element method discretizes the soil mass into finite elements. Hence, it establishes a kinematically admissible velocity field searching for the failure mechanism of the slope. Results for FEM show the influence of the slope geometry and the mesh size and density on the safety factor. In the study, plots of the regression curves of five different critical slip surface shapes, including a circular slip surface (benchmark), show that the shape of the failure surface depends on the shape and material of the slope. Furthermore, they show that the critical slip surface layout can approach a logarithmic spiral, damped sinusoid, parabola, etc.; the slip surface is not always circular. The analysis reveals that none of the approaches can consider all uncertainties concerning the factor of safety and the interpretations of critical slip surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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21 pages, 17637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping the Transformation Potential of Streets Using Urban Planning Parameters and Open Spatial Datasets

by Kaja Pogačar, Andrej Žižek and Peter Šenk

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8563; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148563 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2335

Abstract

Streets with an increasingly important place function play a significant role in the contemporary discourse on sustainable cities. The paper addresses urban streets that, observed from the urban planning perspective, have the potential to be transformed into either commercial or residential shared streets. After defining urban planning parameters identified as characteristic of shared streets, streets were quantified based on an analysis of the existing shared streets in Central Europe. By setting up distinctive scenarios that could help to detect specific types of streets, open spatial datasets were used for the mapping and identification of streets that could be transformed into shared streets. The methodology was tested on the example of the city of Maribor in Slovenia. The results of the research show that the selected urban planning parameters can help to identify streets with transformation potential, whereas the basic parameters, such as the building use and the length and width of the street, help us to better understand the urban fabric in which street spaces acquire new functions. The presented mapping method could serve as a testing tool for experts, planners, decision-makers, and the interested public to identify potential street transformations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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17 pages, 4134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time-Dependent Behavior of Callovo-Oxfordian Claystone for Nuclear Waste Disposal: Uncertainty Quantification from In-Situ Convergence Measurements

by Duc-Phi Do, Ngoc-Tuyen Tran, Dashnor Hoxha, Minh-Ngoc Vu and Gilles Armand

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8465; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148465 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1547

Abstract

The sustainability of geotechnical infrastructures is closely linked with their long-time behavior. In fact, there is not a straightforward procedure to predict this behavior, and very often, the back analyses of observed data are the best tool to understand their long-time response. In-situ observations of drifts constructed in the Callovo-Oxfordian (COx) claystone, the potential host formation for geological radioactive waste disposal, in France exhibit a progressive convergence. These convergence measurements with quite significant dispersions reveal a considerable uncertainty of time-dependent behavior of this argillaceous rock that can strongly affect the transmit loading to liners, hence the long term stability of the drift. Consequently, the uncertain quantification of the creep behavior of COx claystone presents an important task before analyzing the safety of the waste disposal system. In this work, this challenge was conducted by using the well-known Bayesian inference technique. For this aim, on the one hand, the effectiveness of the classical and hierarchical Bayesian techniques to quantify the epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties of the time-dependent behavior of the host rock were investigated using synthetic data. On the other hand, we dealt with the uncertain quantification of the Lemaitre parameters that characterize the visco-plastic behavior of COx claystone thanks to the real data of in-situ convergence measurements of drifts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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17 pages, 3376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Resilience Assessment Strategy for Social and Sustainability Impact Evaluation on Transportation Road Network: A Seismic Liquefaction-Induced Damage Application

by Mauro D’Apuzzo, Azzurra Evangelisti, Rose Line Spacagna, Giuseppe Cappelli, Vittorio Nicolosi, Giuseppe Modoni and Luca Paolella

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148411 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

Transport networks play a critical role for living communities, as they facilitate the exchange of people and goods and foster economic growth. Improving their resilience against seismic hazards, among which liquefaction is by far one of the most significant and complex, is consistent with most of the Sustainable Development Goals pinpointed by the United Nations’ Agenda. In this paper, an original methodological framework, combining innovative Geo-statistical approaches to analyze soil properties, prediction models for soil liquefaction, and calibrated transport demand models providing the social and economic cost associated with seismic-induced road damages and closures within a renewed Geographical Information Systems (GIS) workspace, is proposed. In particular, based on traditional risk assessment evaluation, an innovative approach to evaluate the exposure in terms of economic loss due to lack of accessibility is presented. The methodology is applied to a district area in northern Italy that underwent a recent seismic event that caused several soil liquefaction phenomena. Results provided by a sensitivity analysis on a stochastic (return period) basis are derived: as the seismic intensity increases, the total social costs increase, but the trend of the rates due to traffic delays and the loss of accessibility are irregular. Although further simulation scenarios need to be undertaken, the proposed methodology seems to provide an effective planning tool to evaluate preventive strategies aimed at improving the resilience of transport networks against liquefaction risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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14 pages, 5498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of a Novel Carbon-Based Nano-Material on the Thermal Conductivity of Mortar

by Sergiu-Mihai Alexa-Stratulat, Daniel Covatariu, Ana-Maria Toma, Ancuta Rotaru, Gabriela Covatariu and Ionut-Ovidiu Toma

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138189 - 5 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research work to assess the thermal conductivity of mortar incorporating a novel carbon-based nano-material (CBN). The data from the laboratory tests served as the starting point in training an artificial neural network (ANN) based on the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation algorithm that was used to predict the values of the thermal conductivity at later ages. The used CBNs were essential precursors of multi-walled carbon nano-tubes but different from their counterparts in the fact that they were capped at the ends. This configuration should result in lower surface tension and should prevent the bundling even without the use of surfactants and sonication. The obtained results show that the mortar mixes with CBN exhibit higher values for the thermal coefficient at early ages compared to the reference mix, even at very low percentages of CBN by weight of cement. The ANN is able to accurately predict the experimental results both at 28 days and at later ages. The obtained results should serve as the starting point for further investigations into the microstructure of cement-based materials enhanced with CBNs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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23 pages, 12668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Design for CFS Structures: Experimental Data and Numerical Models of Hinged Connections

by George Taranu, Vasile-Mircea Venghiac, Ioana Olteanu-Dontov, Ancuta Rotaru and Ionut-Ovidiu Toma

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7813; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137813 - 27 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2182

Abstract

Cold-formed steel structures represent a suitable alternative to classical, by now, structural solutions considering the recycling/reuse tendency worldwide as part of the circular economy paradigm. The paper presents a new design approach for CFS profile joints to accurately predict their realistic behavior, based on experimental and numerical investigation of two types of connectors frequently used in the construction industry for manufacturing joints made of CFS profiles: steel-steel pop-rivets (SSPR) and self-tapping screws (STS). The experiments carried out in the case of T-joints subjected to tensile forces tested both solutions. Another significant parameter of the research was the thickness of the steel sheet used to make the CFS profiles. A number of 20 specimens of T-joints made of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) profiles in total were tested. These consist of five specimens for each of two types of steel sheet thicknesses. The results are relevant for designers because they provide relevant data concerning the limited axial rigidity of T-joints, which are an important instrument in numerical models for achieving the optimum design of the structural system in terms of strength and overall rigidity. Experimental tests calibrate the numerical model that accounts for the axial stiffness of the hinged joints between the CFS profiles. The main parameters of the research are the thickness of the steel sheet and the connector type. The calibrated numerical model used in a case study highlights the advantages of the new approach compared to the classical design procedure based on a conventional hinged connection. Based on the results, the conclusion is that, besides the geometry of the joint and the connector type, the joint stiffness plays a crucial role in the overall behavior of the structural system and should be accounted for in the design process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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12 pages, 1332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Numerical Model for the Optimization of Concentrated Suspensions for Sustainable Concrete Proportioning

by Sébastien Rémond and Mohamed El Karim Bouarroudj

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137773 - 25 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1306

Abstract

Concrete has a large environmental impact due to CO₂ emissions related to cement manufacturing and the consumption of natural aggregates. More sustainable concretes can be developed, replacing part of the cement with mineral admixtures or natural aggregates with recycled ones. However, recycled materials are less regular than natural ones, and using new deposit changes concrete properties, which necessitates the re-optimization of mixture proportions. For small/medium-size waste deposits, the expensive experimental work needed to adapt concrete formulation containing these particular wastes is not profitable, which prevents from their valorization. The aim of this study is to develop a numerical model to optimize the mixture proportions of concentrated suspensions based on very limited entry data. In the model, spheres of small radii are seeded in the porosity and allowed to swell until reaching a target radius/density. On monosized suspensions, it is shown that the ratio between the number of random displacements to the number of particles varies with density, following a classical viscosity–density relationship, which allows identification of the packing fraction. The model is extended to bidisperse systems, with the viscosity of the whole suspension calculated by combining the viscosities of each granular class. The model is applied to bidisperse systems of size ratios 4:1 and 2:1 with varying proportions of large particles. The optimum proportions identified numerically are compared successfully to experimental results from the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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18 pages, 7053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Landfill Barrier System through Numerical Analysis: Rehabilitation and Expansion of Belgrade Landfill Case Study

by Jan Štefaňák and Juraj Chalmovský

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7647; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137647 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2093

Abstract

There are still many unmanaged landfills around the world that pose significant potential environmental problems. One of the largest unmanaged landfills in Europe, which has been used for more than 40 years to deposit waste from Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, is the Vinča landfill. A revitalization and extension of this landfill was proposed that would allow its sustainable operation in the future. The revitalization project considered building a capping layer on the surface of the current landfill, which will close it and which will serve as a liner on the bottom of the new landfill. The use of a composite system including a HDPE geomembrane is considered in the project. New landfill settlements were predicted using the FEM method utilizing a Hardening-soil constitutive model for subgrade. Both immediate settlements of subgrade caused by waste deposition and primary consolidation settlement were calculated. The results show that a substantial increase in the settlement of the geomembrane subgrade can be expected during the primary consolidation period, due to the high rate of filling compared to the permeability of the subgrade. The total settlement of the new landfill in its crown is expected to be between 2.73 and 4.52 m. The axial force in the geomembrane will not exceed the tensile strength of the membrane at any time during or after the new landfill operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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22 pages, 5461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Cost-Based Design Model for Spread Footings in Cohesive Soils

by Muhammad Muneeb Nawaz, Shah Rukh Khan, Rashid Farooq, Muhammad Naqeeb Nawaz, Jamil Khan, Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq, Rana Faisal Tufail, Danish Farooq and Anne W. M. Ng

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5699; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095699 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2710

Abstract

The use of cost-effective construction design approaches is an emerging concept in the field of sustainable environments. The design of the foundation for the construction of any infrastructure-related building entails three basic requirements, i.e., serviceability limit state (SLS), ultimate limit state (ULS), and economics. Engineering economy coupled with safety are the two main essentials for a successful construction project. The conventional design approaches are based on hit and trial methods to approach cost-effective design. Additionally, safety requirements are prioritized over the economic aspect of foundation design and do not consider safety requirements and cost simultaneously. This study presents a design approach that considers foundation construction costs while satisfying all the technical requirements of a shallow foundation design. This approach is called an optimization process in which the cost-based isolated foundation design charts were developed based on the field SPT N data. The design charts are the first of their kind for the robust design of foundations and can be used to compare the economic impact of different bearing capacity models. Furthermore, the design framework considers the quantitative impact of the different applied factors of safety values in terms of cost. The results show that Vesic’s equation yields higher values of bearing capacities than Terzaghi and Meyerhof. On the other hand, Vesic’s theory offers a 37.5% reduction in cost as compared to the conventional design approach of the foundation for isolated footing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)

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