Moiz Ali, Yusuf Bicer, T. Al-Ansari, Abdulkarem I. Amhamed
{"title":"A systematic review of heat recovery from roads for mitigating urban heat island effects: current state and future directions","authors":"Moiz Ali, Yusuf Bicer, T. Al-Ansari, Abdulkarem I. Amhamed","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1292913","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1292913","url":null,"abstract":"Heat recovery from roads is a promising technology to address the urban heat island effect. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future directions of heat recovery from roads to address the urban heat island effect while generating renewable energy. The study covers various aspects such as theoretical background, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and materials design techniques. A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted to analyze and synthesize different heat recovery systems’ efficiency, performance, and potential. The paper also discusses the economic feasibility and environmental impact of these systems, including installation and maintenance costs, revenue generation, and local ecosystem impact. The review explores the role of different materials, such as PEX pipe, asphalt mix, and carbon nanotubes, in improving heat harvesting systems’ efficiency. The paper concludes with a discussion of research gaps and future directions in the field of heat recovery from roads. This study provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in sustainable and efficient energy system development.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":" 84","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138995259","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}
Patrick Urassa, Haileleoul Sahle Habte, Awel Mohammedseid
{"title":"Crack influence and fatigue life assessment in rail profiles: a numerical study","authors":"Patrick Urassa, Haileleoul Sahle Habte, Awel Mohammedseid","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1304557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1304557","url":null,"abstract":"Rail transportation is a pivotal mode of land transport for its efficiency in transporting passengers and freight across short or long distances; hence, the reliability and safety of rail systems are of key importance. Rolling contact fatigue (RCF), characterized by the cyclic loading of wheel-rail contacts, presents a significant challenge in the rail industry. This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation on the influence of different crack orientations on the contact stress of the rail profile and subsequently the fatigue life. Using finite element analysis (FEA) with Abaqus and FE-safe software, the study examined different crack orientations’ impact on stress distribution and fatigue life of rail profiles. Employing the extended finite element method (XFEM), this study modeled cracks in rail profiles with different orientations: parallel, perpendicular, and oblique to the rail axis. finite element analysis was used to obtain stress distribution results, highlighting the impact of crack presence, and orientation on maximum contact stresses. Subsequently, fatigue analysis was performed using FE-safe software, wherein the FEA results were imported to estimate fatigue life and damage evolution. The study revealed that the presence of a crack significantly influences contact stress, fatigue life, and damage accumulation. The results further demonstrated that crack orientation has an impact on the severity of those effects. Oblique cracks exhibited higher impact compared to lateral and longitudinal cracks. The study provides valuable insights into rolling contact fatigue-related failures, aiding in better understanding and mitigation of such issues, thereby contributing to improved rail maintenance practices and system safety.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"365 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139173999","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 indoor lighting environments on paper reading efficiency and brain fatigue: an experimental study","authors":"Anqi Zhou, Younghwan Pan","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1303028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1303028","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This study investigated the influence of indoor lighting environments on paper reading efficiency and brain fatigue to explore lighting parameters that benefit users during various reading durations.Methods: The study was conducted in the Smart Lighting Lab, where 12 participants were tested under different illuminance levels and correlated color temperatures (CCT) for three distinct reading durations. Reading efficiency during the task tests and objective measures of brain activity by monitoring participants’ electroencephalograms (EEGs) were used as key factors to assess participants’ fatigue levels.Results: By analyzing the subjective and objective results, we found that paper reading efficiency was significantly affected by changes in the lighting environment. Also, based on the results of this study, we propose lighting recommendations for paper reading tasks of different durations. For a 15 min reading task, the lighting condition of 500 lux-6,500 K were the most efficient for reading; for a 30 min reading task, 500 lux-4,000 K lighting environments were found to be the most effective; and 750 lux-6,500 K was the best lighting environment for a 60 min reading duration.Discussion: These suggestions can serve as a reference for designing indoor lighting environment. In addition, they provide guidance to researchers and reviewers conducting similar studies.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138997787","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}
Alejandro Jiménez Rios, Manolis Georgioudakis, Yang Song, Samuel Ruiz-Capel
{"title":"Editorial: Methods and applications in computational methods in structural engineering","authors":"Alejandro Jiménez Rios, Manolis Georgioudakis, Yang Song, Samuel Ruiz-Capel","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1339541","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1339541","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"9 S1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139005439","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}
Philipp Rennen, Stefan Gantner, G. Dielemans, Lazlo Bleker, Nikoletta Christidi, Robin Dörrie, Majid Hojjat, Inka Mai, Karam Mawas, Dirk Lowke, Pierluigi D’Acunto, K. Dörfler, N. Hack, Mariana Popescu
{"title":"Robotic knitcrete: computational design and fabrication of a pedestrian bridge using robotic shotcrete on a 3D-Knitted formwork","authors":"Philipp Rennen, Stefan Gantner, G. Dielemans, Lazlo Bleker, Nikoletta Christidi, Robin Dörrie, Majid Hojjat, Inka Mai, Karam Mawas, Dirk Lowke, Pierluigi D’Acunto, K. Dörfler, N. Hack, Mariana Popescu","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1269000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1269000","url":null,"abstract":"The research project presented here aims to develop a design-informed manufacturing process for complex concrete shell structures in additive manufacturing and thus overcome limitations of traditional construction methods such as formwork- and labor intensity. To achieve this, an effort was made to merge the two technologies of CNC knitted stay-in-place formwork, known as KnitCrete, and robotically applied shotcrete, known as Shotcrete 3D Printing (SC3DP), and thereby reduce their respective limitations. The proposed workflow unites both digital fabrication methods into a seamless process that additionally integrates computational form finding, robotically applied fiber reinforcement, CNC post processing and geometric quality verification to ensure precision and efficiency. As part of a cross-university, research-based teaching format, this concept was implemented in the construction of a full-scale pedestrian bridge, which served as a demonstrator to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the process. While overcoming some challenges during the process, the successful prove of concept shows a significant leap in digital fabrication of complex concrete geometry, reducing reliance on labor-intensive methods. The results shown in this paper make this fabrication approach a promising starting point for further developments in additive manufacturing in the construction sector.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138590390","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":"Investigation on strength characteristics and mechanism of cold mix based on geopolymerization reaction","authors":"Junying Fan, Hao Liang, Zhiping Sun, Zhao Chen","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1301126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1301126","url":null,"abstract":"Cold mix asphalt is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly pavement material, yet its early strength is deficient. This study investigated the strength augment of cold mix asphalt through modification with geopolymer additives. Macro-strength was assessed via Marshall stability testing under varied geopolymer contents, curing durations, and water immersion conditions. Microscale analysis encompassed fluorescence microscopy to discern geopolymer-asphalt interactions and discrete element modeling to simulate the compression process. Results showed that stability rose and then fell as geopolymer content increased, with an optimal ratio of 4:3 between base asphalt and additive. Stability increased rapidly in the first 3 days of curing and accumulated at a slower rate afterwards. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that geopolymer bonded the asphalt to the aggregate surfaces. Modeling exhibited geopolymer resisted vertical loads and confined the aggregate. In summation, geopolymerization enhances cold mix strength by improving adhesion and generating a rigid 3D network encompassing aggregate particles. The discoveries provide guidance on formulating durable cold mix asphalt utilizing geopolymer additives.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"92 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138600342","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":"Assessment of residential satisfaction with internationally funded housing projects in Gaza Strip, Palestine","authors":"Faisal Yousef Sabah","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1289707","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1289707","url":null,"abstract":"The internationally funded housing projects in Gaza Strip were initiated with the aim of providing secure and habitable housing for low-income families. Nevertheless, there remains a limited understanding of the level of satisfaction among residents dwelling in these housing units. This paper presents the outcomes of a survey conducted in Gaza Strip to assess residential satisfaction from international housing projects. This community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023. Data collection relied on a pre-tested structured questionnaire consisting of thirty-two items, and it targeted residents of Hamad City, an area within Gaza Strip where international housing projects are prevalent. The questionnaire encompassed inquiries into residents’ socio-demographic characteristics, their satisfaction levels regarding the dwelling, services, and the residential environment, their contentment with the social milieu, as well as their preferences and aspirations regarding future housing. To ascertain predictor variables influencing overall satisfaction with public housing, stepwise regression analysis were conducted, exploring their relationships with this overarching satisfaction factor. The survey encompassed a total of 375 participants residing in Hamad City. The results revealed that the overall average satisfaction rates with respect to the dwelling, services, and the residential environment were 53.1%, 52.9%, and 49.0%, respectively, among the residents of Hamad City in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, 49.9% (n = 187) of the respondents expressed their inclination to recommend others to reside in Hamad City. Moreover, 40.0% (n = 150) of participants were content with the floor building system in Hamad City, while 71.2% (n = 267) concurred with the notion of allocating residential buildings based on residents’ needs instead of a single predetermined site. Impressively, 78.4% (n = 294) of the respondents encouraged donors to undertake projects akin to Hamad City. The regression analysis elucidated that overall satisfaction levels are predominantly influenced by the improvement in satisfaction pertaining to dwelling space sufficiency. Thus, a crucial recommendation emerging from this study is the consideration of augmenting dwelling space in forthcoming internationally funded housing projects, as this would significantly enhance overall residential satisfaction.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"117 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138599561","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}
Bledian Nela, M. Pingaro, Patrizia Trovalusci, Monica Pasca
{"title":"Limit analysis of multi-ring masonry arches: a parametric study on the effects of friction angle, geometry, interlocking, and ring number","authors":"Bledian Nela, M. Pingaro, Patrizia Trovalusci, Monica Pasca","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1309696","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1309696","url":null,"abstract":"The majority of built heritage covering large spans are built with curved masonry components, such as multi-ring arches, to attain greater overall thickness. Their ultimate structural capacity when subjected to external loads is significantly influenced by the various construction techniques utilized. Such structures are made up of independent rings that communicate with one another through interface contacts, and the geometrical features, like size, orientation, and the arrangement of units, play a significant role, as do the mechanical characteristics, like friction. Multi-ring arches subjected to a vertical load at quarter span are assessed utilizing an in-house code implementing the upper bound approach of the limit analysis for masonry structures. The formulation of a script for geometry generation has been given and used for the input to the code. A discrete model has been adopted accounting for a combination of size and disposition of blocks, friction angle, number of rings and the span length are taken into account. Following their combination of impacts in terms of collapse multipliers, which are classified as per respective influencing parameters, each one’s importance was demonstrated by classifying them into two major groups as per unit size. The outcomes showed that all the parameters were key influencing factors in the performance of such structures. Using relatively larger units enhanced the impact of interlocking and provided larger collapse multipliers. While interlocking played a more significant role when span was considered, it together with friction had a larger impact when ring number was varied, such that better interlocking and larger friction values provided higher collapse multipliers.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139200471","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}
Yabing Xu, Hui Tong, Meng Chen, John Rollo, Ruijie Zhang
{"title":"Examining the urban regeneration of public cultural space using multi-scale geospatial data: a case study of the historic district in Jinan, China","authors":"Yabing Xu, Hui Tong, Meng Chen, John Rollo, Ruijie Zhang","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1328157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1328157","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Historical-cultural landscapes and urbanscapes integrate regional culture, collective memory, urban patterns, living habits, and other related historical and spatial information, and are important places for expressing the values of urban space. This study analyzes cultural landscapes and urbanscapes from the perspective of spatial values, taking the Baihuazhou historic and cultural district in Jinan as an example to analyze the spatial identification of public cultural space. The significance of this research lies in examining the urban regeneration of public cultural space using multi-scale geospatial data from both an objective and subjective perspective. This methdology is based on a large body of previous literature in relation to cultural heritage, and draws on a comprehensive understanding of the field.Methods: This study applies spatial syntax, visual graph, and survey analyses, focusing on urban spatial patterns, spatial culture, and spatial memory as heritage values.Results: The analysis results reveal that historic districts generally do not have good accessibility, predominantly because of the disorganized texture of the buildings and absence of spatial consistency.Discussion: There should be improved dynamic spatial identification and accessibility in older urban environments and enhancement of local spatial identification memory by increasing sightline accessibility. Based on consideration of values, corresponding suggestions are made from the three perspectives of urban space, cultural landscapes, and local collective memories to provide a reference for the protection of the Baihuazhou historic district and promote the preservation and development of similar heritage spaces.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139207422","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}
N. Marín-Calvo, Sergio González-Serrud, Arthur James-Rivas
{"title":"Thermal insulation material produced from recycled materials for building applications: cellulose and rice husk-based material","authors":"N. Marín-Calvo, Sergio González-Serrud, Arthur James-Rivas","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1271317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1271317","url":null,"abstract":"Construction materials derived from agro-industrial waste are increasingly attractive in the building sector, due to their sustainability and lower environmental impact. Hence, in recent years worldwide the amount of research and publications tending to the development of materials that take advantage of residues from agro-industrial activities has increased. The role of thermal insultation materials in the building envelope is significant, especially in hot-humid region. This study presents the manufacturing and evaluation of a cellulose and rice husk-based insulation material, as a proposal for the reuse of materials considered as value-added waste, such as recycled paper and rice husks. Boards and test specimens were elaborated, as well as mechanical and thermal tests. The material was evaluated by means of thermal tests, in accordance with ASTM C177, to measure the thermal conductivity. Tensile and compressive strength tests were performed, based on ASTM C209 and ASTM C39 Standard, respectively. According to the results obtained, the material shows a thermal coefficient of 0.04 W/m∙K which corresponds to a material with the potential to thermally insulate an enclosure. Maximum stresses were obtained for the 3 compositions in average for a range between 1.31 and 1.76 MPa. Ultimate compressive strength obtained was between 20.19 and 21.23 MPa. The proposed material is presented as a sustainable alternative, which can be used in the field of environmentally friendly buildings, which contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, by energy savings.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139208312","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}