Frontiers in Built Environment最新文献

{"title":"A framework for computer vision for virtual-realistic multi-axial real-time hybrid simulation","authors":"W. Saeger, P. Miranda, G. Toledo, C. E. Silva, A. Ozdagli, F. Moreu","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1415032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1415032","url":null,"abstract":"Real-time hybrid simulation has gained popularity over the last 20 years as a viable and cost-effective method of testing dynamic systems that cannot be tested using traditional methods. The emergence of multi-axial Real-time Hybrid Simulation (maRTHS) has led to an increase in the allowable fidelity of the numerical and experimental substructures. The testing community can now replicate multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) responses of both substructures and thus can perform more representative tests. However, with this increased fidelity of the substructures comes an increased complexity of controlling these components. Specifically, multi-axial hydraulic actuator assemblages require nonlinear coordinate transformations to derive plant displacements as the force transducers on the actuators are not capable of performing this task directly. Recently, benchmark problems have been provided to the RTHS community in the form of virtual simulations. Virtual simulation refers to a fully virtual testing methodology where numerical and physical components are represented virtually. This approach enables the RTHS community to evaluate various control algorithms without the need to recreate physical components. This project aims to demonstrate the capability of computer vision-based displacement tracking in a realistic virtual simulation of the experimental substructure in avoiding excess nonlinear coordinate transforms. The tracking algorithm utilizing the Lucas-Kanade optical flow method is tested in the virtual simulation environment which is set up using real-time 3D creation engine, Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), and computer graphics software, Blender. This environment interfaces with MATLAB/Simulink, more specifically “Simulation Tool for v-maRTHS benchmark” developed for multi-axial tests. The result of this study establishes a novel framework for applying computer vision-based tracking algorithms and sensing in v-maRTHS simulations using simulated cameras within virtual simulation environments. A computer vision displacement tracking algorithm is developed and optimized to work in tandem with a MIMO PI controller to reduce tracking time delays within 31.25 milliseconds while tracking the nodal displacement and rotation of the frame within a normalized RMSE of 1.24 and 1.10 respectively.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141926983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reassessment of natural expansive materials and their impact on freeze-thaw cycles in geotechnical engineering: a review","authors":"Felix Oppong, O. Kolawole","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1396542","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1396542","url":null,"abstract":"The stabilization and application of expansive geomaterials are critical in geotechnical engineering. These naturally expansive materials exhibit complex hydro-chemo-mechanical properties because they undergo volumetric changes in response to variations in moisture content and/or temperature. The characteristic shrink-swell behavior of these materials makes their use problematic and plays a substantial role in influencing the stability of geo-infrastructure applications. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms and factors impacting their behavior to ensure mechanical integrity in natural and built infrastructure and geo-engineering projects. This work provides a comprehensive review of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the shrink-swell behavior and expansion mechanisms of frost-heaving and natural-expansive geomaterials, such as expansive clays and sulfate minerals. We reviewed and synthesized peer-reviewed published works in various databases and academic repositories in the last 100 years. The influence of shrink-swell behavior of these geomaterials and the critical role they play in engineering infrastructure were highlighted, explicitly focusing on their involvement in geotechnical-related hazards, such as the freeze-thaw cycle, and the damage and sulfate-attack of geo-infrastructure. We analyzed the interactions between clay minerals, especially how bentonite enhances grout stability and acts as a buffer material in high-level nuclear waste repositories. The findings indicate that water interaction with geomaterials and concrete can cause about a 10% volume expansion when frozen. Also, the exposure of fractured rocks to low (≤0°C) and high (>0°C) temperatures can greatly change rock deformation and strength. Finally, gypsum interacting with water can theoretically increase in volume by 62% to form ice crystals. This forward-leading review presents the advantages, disadvantages, and unresolved issues of expansive natural geotechnical materials that improve the resiliency and sustainability of geological infrastructure.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141804426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of housing design features in malaria prevention: architects’ perspective","authors":"Sampa Chisumbe, C. Aigbavboa, O. Akinradewo, Gideon Mukeya","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1427836","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1427836","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This research aimed to assess housing design consideration features and architects’ perceptions of their effectiveness in malaria prevention. Previous studies have highlighted various architectural design elements that can reduce mosquito entry into homes, thus contributing to malaria prevention. This study aims to build on these insights by evaluating specific design features and gathering professional opinions on their effectiveness.Methods: The methodological approach adopted was quantitative, with data collected using a structured questionnaire containing closed-ended questions and a checklist. The observation checklist was used to ascertain mosquito entry reduction features incorporated in 208 systematically selected houses in Garneton East, Kitwe, Zambia. Additionally, a structured questionnaire containing fourteen key design features identified from the literature was administered to 76 architects purposively sampled to establish their perceptions of the effectiveness of these design factors in malaria prevention. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis.Results: The findings revealed that most houses needed to incorporate design features to reduce mosquito entry. The common features incorporated were ceilings (86.80%), screened air ventilation (59.80%), and window screens (54.40%). The use of window and door screens, as well as mosquito-repellent paint, were perceived as the most effective measures by the architects.Discussion: The results suggest a keen awareness among architects regarding the efficacy of certain design features in malaria prevention. Despite this awareness, the implementation of these features in actual housing designs needs to be improved. This indicates a need for greater effort and adaptation in building regulations to promote the use of mosquito entry reduction features. Enhancing housing designs with these features can significantly reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is recommended that building regulations be updated to support and encourage the incorporation of mosquito entry reduction features in housing designs.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141809944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phygital workspace: a systematic review in developing a new typological work environment using XR technology to reduce the carbon footprint","authors":"Tian Tian Sky Lo, Yuting Chen, Tim Yu Lai, Andrew Goodman","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1370423","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1370423","url":null,"abstract":"The urgency of environmental sustainability has catalyzed a thorough reconsideration of traditional workspaces and their environmental impact, particularly concerning carbon footprint stemming from business-related travel and daily commutes. In response to these concerns, the innovative notion of the “Phygital Workspace” has arisen. Moreover, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the proliferation of this technology. In a Phygital Workspace, physical and digital elements coexist and interact to enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall work experience. This integration is often facilitated using advanced digital technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and other immersive or interactive tools. This conceptual framework sets the stage for the seamless integration of both physical and digital dimensions, empowered by the potential of Extended Reality (XR) technology. An integral part of this review involves the analysis of various workspace scenarios, and further examines the role of a Phygital Workspace plays in reducing carbon footprint within each context. The scenarios under examination include flexible workspace scenarios, field work scenarios, and hybrid work scenarios. XR technology’s contributions to reducing carbon footprint are evaluated by minimizing the need for physical travel, enabling remote collaboration, and enhancing workspace efficiency within these scenarios. Employing a systematic review methodology, this review considers the status of XR technology adoption in diverse business environments, pinpointing its strengths and limitations. The aim is to provide a solid foundation for the framework of a new typological work environment that leverages XR technology to effectively reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel. The framework comprises four key dimensions: XR Infrastructure, Collaborative Work Environment, Social Interaction Enhancement, and Environmental Impact Assessment. These dimensions collectively guide the development and implementation of sustainable Phygital Workspaces, catering to technological, social, and ecological considerations. It is an impassioned call for collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and organizations to converge their expertise for a more environmentally conscious future of work.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141822716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical studies on low-strain integrity testing of cast-in-place pile","authors":"Lemin Ma, Zhiqiang Duan, Wei Guo, Yuxiao Ren","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1330580","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1330580","url":null,"abstract":"A series of in situ tests were conducted using the low-strain integrity testing method to detect the defects of cast-in-place concrete piles. Numerical studies were conducted to observe the time-domain waveform along cast-in-place concrete piles with diameter expansion, diameter reduction and segregation defects. It is found the time-domain waveforms of the pile with the diameter expansion defects have second wave troughs after the first wavelength while those with diameter reduction and segregation defects have second wave crests. However, it is difficult to use amplitudes to directly determine the length, diameter and segregation degree of the defects. The second wavelengths could be used to identify the lengths of diameter reduction and segregation defects but it is hard to identify those of diameter expansion defects. The locations of diameter reduction and segregation defects could be determined through the time of second wave crests using the linear interpolation method, and those of diameter expansion defects could be determined through the time of second wave trough.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141821111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of evaporative conditions on the performance of recovered residue of modified emulsified asphalt","authors":"Haibing Huang, Zujie Xu, Enjiu Zeng, Bin Liu, Wen Xu","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1423047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1423047","url":null,"abstract":"Emulsified asphalt has become a popular green material in modern road construction due to its environmentally friendly and energy-saving characteristics. The method of obtaining residues is crucial for accurately evaluating the performance of emulsified asphalt and ensuring the quality of road construction. The evaporated residues of 3% and 6% SBR modified emulsified asphalt and 6% SBS modified emulsified asphalt were obtained by the low-temperature evaporation (LTE) method and the direct heating (DH) method, respectively. The rheological properties of the modified asphalt residues were tested by the temperature frequency sweeping (TFS), multi-stress creep recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweeping (LAS) tests using the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and their aging resistance in the form of carbonyl index was measured by the Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The test results showed that, as compared to the DH method, the SBR modified emulsified asphalt residue obtained by the LTE method had higher elastic recovery rate, lower irrecoverable creep compliance, smaller accumulated performance deformation, longer fatigue life, and higher aging resistance, indicating that the LTE method using the low-temperature curing conditions (25°C, 24 h—60°C, 24 h) is more suitable for curing the SBR modified emulsified asphalt. However, the opposite trends of the performance indices except the aging resistance were observed for the SBS modified emulsified asphalt residue obtained from the LTE method, showing that the high-temperature curing condition (120°C, 30 min—163°C, 1 min) can give the SBS modified asphalt residue better rheological properties and higher fatigue resistance performance, but it also has the disadvantage of weakening the aging resistance. Therefore, in practical application, an appropriate curing temperature should be selected to condition the SBS modified emulsified asphalt for balancing its rheological performance and aging resistance.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141823754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Load-bearing furniture modules for fast deployable and reusable systems","authors":"M. Riggio, Alberto Dalle Vedove, Maurizio Piazza","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1405500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1405500","url":null,"abstract":"The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector has driven the exploration of circular economy practices in the built environment. Nevertheless, the implementation of circular economy principles in projects remains limited. This research contributes to bridging this gap by introducing a project proposal that establishes a typology of modular systems designed for easy assembly, disassembly, and reuse. Specifically, the proposal focuses on load-bearing wood furniture modules (FMs) as an intermediate solution between planar and volumetric modules. These FMs expand the structural wall’s volume, facilitating the integration of services, storage, and appliances. This addresses scenarios where swift building deployment is required. The proposed modular dimension enhances transportation efficiency compared to volumetric solutions and simplifies construction by eliminating the need for temporary stabilization, as seen in planar systems. Standardization and “separability” of each component within the FM allows for easy integration and maintenance. Special attention is paid to the timber connection systems within and between FMs facilitating easy assembly, and disassembly for future reuse. The adaptability of the FM concept is demonstrated through versatile compositions and layouts, facilitating space reconfiguration. While the technical feasibility of the FM-based system is demonstrated, further research is needed to address regional and cultural variations and customize the system to different contexts. The study emphasizes the potential of FMs as a solution for buildings aligned with circular economy principles and highlights the importance of continued research and development in this field.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141829653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cost and time risk factors in construction projects in the Dominican Republic","authors":"Pedro Fernández-Valderrama, Crismal Ureña-Estrella, Juan Moyano, D. Bienvenido-Huertas","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1307572","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1307572","url":null,"abstract":"The building sector is very dynamic and complex, so construction works are surrounded by uncertainties. The deficiencies of this sector are mainly related to poor project planning and management, resulting in losses because of missed deadlines, cost overruns, reworks, and unsatisfied clients. For a project to be successful, all the parties involved should work together to effectively manage the risks that could emerge in the project life cycle. This research defines and establishes a classification of the factors causing cost and time deviations in construction projects in the Dominican Republic. For this purpose, the most common factors are compiled, and their risk levels are determined by using the data obtained in a survey in which professionals from the building sector participated. The indexes marked by the participants show that the serious risk factors are design variations and the variations made by clients, a tight project schedule and the preparation of bid offers, deficiencies in the work planning and schedule, the lack of skilled labour, and work performance errors.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141642563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data redundancy of blockchain systems in construction projects","authors":"Weisheng Lu, Liupengfei Wu, Chen Chen","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1355498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1355498","url":null,"abstract":"Industrial stakeholders have complained that current blockchain systems are too expensive, particularly in temporary endeavours like construction projects. However, while researchers have examined blockchain system structure among inter-firm organizations in construction, little research has considered the data redundancy of these systems. This research, therefore, provides insight by modelling data redundancy in construction project blockchain systems. We conduct a series of laboratory experiments on a Hyperledger Fabric blockchain system, discovering that the data volume of a blockchain system grows proportionally with the size of the files to be uploaded, the number of peer nodes in the network, and the frequency of blockchain operations in construction, regardless of the block size or how the peers are dispersed in different construction organizations. Beyond identifying the factors that determine data redundancy of a blockchain system, this research provides a basis for researchers to explore the optimization of blockchain storage and the impacts of blockchain system data redundancy in construction projects. In practical terms, the proposed data redundancy model in this research provides a reference for users in construction who aim to build blockchain systems.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141657777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methods and instruments for the transformative design of the public space: insight from the Ancient Canal of Yangzhou in China","authors":"Daniele Fanzini, Siqi Miao, Giorgio Casoni","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2024.1408827","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1408827","url":null,"abstract":"This study applies transformative technologies, specifically Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental psychology tools, within the Yangzhou Canal area, enhancing public space utility and resident satisfaction. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a survey with 213 responses and field observations, we explored the socio-psychological impacts of the canal as a historic urban landscape. Questionnaire responses revealed correlations between the spatial characteristics and their usage, perceived and actual uses of space, exploring the canal’s cultural value, visiting methods and temporality, social and spatial characterization, and the residents’ preferences for different canal spaces. Observational studies at three key sites highlighted distinct patterns in activity and engagement, offering insights into locals’ preferences and behaviors. The findings contribute to urban design by providing a research framework that integrates historical canals with contemporary urban life, ultimately enhancing community satisfaction and livability. This study introduces a novel approach by systematically implementing GIS and environmental psychology to analyze and improve public spaces.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141656776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}