Buildings最新文献

{"title":"Data-Driven Calibration of Analytical and Probabilistic Models for Power-Actuated Fasteners in Concrete","authors":"Alhussain Yousef, Panagiotis Spyridis","doi":"10.3390/buildings16061152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061152","url":null,"abstract":"This study examines the pull-out behaviour of power-actuated fasteners (PAFs) in concrete through a combined analytical, experimental, and probabilistic approach. An experimental programme with 40 power-actuated fasteners (PAFs) installed in plain concrete was carried out to investigate how penetration depth, curvature, and surface damage influence pull-out resistance. Image-based analysis of the concrete surface provided quantitative geometric indicators that were correlated with the measured capacities. The analytical model originally proposed by Gerber was recalibrated using these parameters, resulting in improved agreement with the experimental results. In addition, a probabilistic model was developed to describe the likelihood of insufficient pull-out capacity as a function of measurable installation parameters. The combined framework links geometric characteristics and material response to the reliability of PAF anchorage and highlights the potential of measurable post-installation data for the intelligent, data-driven assessment of fastening performance.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"16 6","pages":"1152-1152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/16/6/1152/pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147885761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regulating Hydration Heat in Magnesium Phosphate Cement Using Paraffins: Efficacy and Performance Trade-Offs","authors":"Zhenxiang Lin, Haoyang Jiang, Hansong Zhang, Jie Liu, Xiaoying Liu, Junyu Fan, Zhide Hu","doi":"10.3390/buildings16020304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020304","url":null,"abstract":"Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) holds great potential for rapid repairs, yet its practical application is limited by its intense hydration exotherm. While many existing studies confirm paraffin (PA)’s ability to regulate hydration heat in other cement-based materials, the comparison of hydration heat regulation efficacy among PAs with different phase change temperatures and the accompanying performance trade-offs in MPC systems remain insufficiently explored. This study comprehensively evaluates the effects of three PAs with distinct phase change characteristics (n-C18, n-C20, n-C22) and their contents on the hydration heat regulation and performance of MPC. Direct incorporation of PAs was adopted to assess its practical feasibility, considering construction cost-effectiveness. Investigations were conducted using hydration heat release tests, temperature rise monitoring, DSC, mechanical tests, XRD, and SEM. Results show that all PAs significantly retarded heat release and suppressed temperature rise, with efficacy increasing with phase change temperature; a maximum exothermic peak reduction of 64% was achieved with 4% n-C22. PAs also introduced distinct temperature plateaus near their phase change temperature, further enhancing temperature regulation. As a key trade-off, compressive strength decreased with increasing PA content, but mixtures with n-C18 ≤ 8%, n-C22 ≤ 4%, and n-C20 = 2% still met the standard strength requirement for rapid repair, 3 h compressive strength ≥ 20 MPa. Microstructural analysis reveals that while regulating hydration heat, PA also hindered the hydration product formation and crystallization, underpinning the observed performance trade-offs. This study establishes a clear performance correlation between PAs with different phase change temperatures and MPC, clarifies the intrinsic trade-offs between heat regulation and mechanical properties, and offers actionable guidance for engineering applications—facilitating the development of high-performance PA/MPC composites with controllable heat release for rapid repair scenarios.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"16 2","pages":"304-304"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147892599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Soft Skills for Construction Professionals in New Zealand: Perspectives from Contractor Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers","authors":"Brian Reardon, Andries van Heerden, Claire Flemmer","doi":"10.3390/buildings16020284","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020284","url":null,"abstract":"The performance of New Zealand’s construction companies depends on the adaptability and skills of their workforce. The soft skills of the company’s building professionals are thought to contribute to the delivery of successful construction projects. This pilot study captures the perceptions of the importance of critical soft skills in semi-structured interviews with thirteen Quantity Surveyors (QSs) and fourteen Project Managers (PMs) working in New Zealand. For both cohorts the most important skill is communication, followed by workplace ethics. An exploratory Mann–Whitney U comparison suggests a difference in their ranking of emotional intelligence in interactions with other stakeholders, with PM deeming it more important than QS. Within-cohort Spearman rank correlation shows different patterns of association among soft-skill clusters for QS and PM, offering contextual insight rather than confirmatory inference. After communication and ethics, QS prioritise dispute resolution while PM value project reasoning. A combination of individual traits and practical experience influences the successful transition from a QS role to the broader PM role. The findings are limited by the small sample size but may be useful in professional development courses and recruitment efforts, contributing to a more adaptable and flexible construction workforce.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"16 2","pages":"284-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/16/2/284/pdf?version=1767957411","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147884285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical Studies for the Application of the Methodology for Volume Loss of Cohesionless (Loose) Soils (VL,LSR) and the Additional Settlement (Smax) During Shield Tunneling","authors":"Armen Ter-Martirosyan, Ilnaz I. Mustakhimov, Ivan A. Tikhoniuk","doi":"10.3390/buildings15244555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15244555","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents results of numerical modeling of tunneling using mechanized tunnel boring machines (TBMs) based on a methodology for determining the volume loss cohesionless (loose) soils, denoted as VL,LSR, for shallow tunnels in dispersive soils to estimate surface and foundation on settlement natural ground. Existing methods for estimating ground surface and structural settlements have significant drawbacks, caused by several factors, including the complexity of determining volume loss using the proposed methodologies, a limited number of empirical parameters describing the technological features of TBM operations, the absence of methods in Russian regulatory documentation for determining volume loss in tunnels with diameters of 6 m or more, among other issues. The study aims to validate a previously developed method for estimating VL,LSR and an empirical equation for predicting surface settlements, Smax, to assess additional settlements induced by tunneling. The proposed volume loss methodology and the modified Smax expression from Peck R.B. (1969), derived from monitoring data, are used in empirical calculations and numerical modeling of surface and building settlements during TBM tunneling. Validation results include back-analysis of geotechnical “tunnel–ground–structure” interaction models, comparisons of additional settlements from design calculations and field monitoring data, as well as comparisons with existing empirical relationships and relevant regulatory documents, followed by recommendations for their integrated application. The validated methods demonstrate good agreement with observed monitoring data, while providing sufficient engineering safety margins, confirming the applicability of the VL,LSR and the modified Smax expression by Peck R.B. (1969) for predicting settlements of tunneling and identifying directions for further research.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 24","pages":"4555-4555"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/24/4555/pdf?version=1765977476","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147913173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing Cement Hydration and Mechanical Strength via Co-Polymerization of Sodium Humate with Superplasticizer Monomers and Sequential Blending with Aluminum Sulfate and Carbon Fibers","authors":"Zhiyuan Song, Sidra Chaudhary, Yan Ding, Yujiao Yan, Qin‐Xiang Jia, Yong Wu, Xiaoyong Li, Yang Sun","doi":"10.3390/buildings15244422","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15244422","url":null,"abstract":"This study presents a new ternary copolymer synthesized via aqueous free-radical polymerization from sodium humate, sodium 2-methylprop-2-ene-1-sulfonate (SMAS), and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). The resulting highly water-soluble, three-dimensional porous copolymer is complexed with aluminum sulfate to form a composite admixture containing AlO(OH), which acts as a highly effective accelerator for cement hydration. This system significantly shortens the initial and final setting times to averages of 2.62 min and 4.53 min, respectively, and enhances early-age mechanical strength (1.7 MPa compressive, 1.4 MPa flexural at 6 h). These improvements are correlated with the formation of key crystalline phases, including Al2Si2O5(OH)4 and Ca3Al2O6·xH2O gel. Incorporation of 50-mesh carbon fibers further reduces setting times (2.21 min initial, 3.93 min final) and increases 24 h strength (5.2 MPa compressive, 2.7 MPa flexural), despite a slight reduction in early strength (at 6 h). In contrast, 200-mesh carbon fibers extend the initial setting time and diminish early strength, associated with the formation of less effective gel phases such as Ca3Al2O6·xH2O, (CaO)x(Al2O3)11, and Ca4Al2O7·xH2O. Among these, the Al2Si2O5(OH)4 phase demonstrates superior performance, while finer carbon fibers show limited effectiveness in bridging hydration products. Conventionally employed as retarders or reinforcing agents, humate-based polymers and carbon fibers are shown here to function as dual-functional admixtures—serving as efficient setting accelerators while enhancing mechanical properties through tailored material design. This strategy offers a promising pathway for developing advanced multifunctional cement admixtures.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 24","pages":"4422-4422"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147882334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation and Research on 2-Methylimidazole-Lanthanum Nickel-Based Sol-Gel Conversion Coating for Oxide Scale Reinforcement Bars","authors":"Yuhao Xie, Yanwei Zeng, Xinwei Wang, Yuxin Bai, Guozhe Meng","doi":"10.3390/buildings15234272","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15234272","url":null,"abstract":"Corrosion induced by defective oxide scales severely compromises the durability of concrete structures. This study develops a dual-mechanism sol-gel protection strategy based on La3+/Ni2+/2-Methylimidazole (2-MI). First, 2-Methylimidazole-catalyzed epoxy ring-opening constructs defect-minimized Si–O–Si/C–O–C networks through 60 °C low-temperature curing, reducing microcrack formation and curing energy consumption compared to conventional 130 °C processing. Second, utilizing 400 °C waste heat from hot-rolled steel triggers pH-modulated La2O3/NiO co-deposition within oxide scale defects, enhancing corrosion resistance. After a 40-day immersion in SCP + 0.1 M NaCl, the coated reinforcement exhibits a low-frequency impedance modulus of 25.6 kΩ·cm2, achieving a 10.4-fold increase over untreated steel. Specimens embedded in 3.5 wt% NaCl mortar demonstrate a 120-day impedance modulus of 74.63 kΩ·cm2, exceeding the control by 8.03-fold. This strategy integrates efficient industrial waste heat utilization with energy-saving low-temperature curing, providing long-term corrosion protection for marine concrete structures.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 23","pages":"4272-4272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/23/4272/pdf?version=1764163797","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147331891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiscale Investigation on the Mechanical Enhancement Mechanisms of In Situ Polymerization Modified Cementitious Materials","authors":"Lei Chen, Yanan Hu, Yue Mao, Min Qiao, Changcheng Li, Jian Zhang, Yang Chu, Xin Shu","doi":"10.3390/buildings15234246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15234246","url":null,"abstract":"The low flexural strength and high brittleness of cement-based materials greatly compromise their safety, durability, and service life. In situ polymerization is a promising strategy for enhancing the toughness of cement-based materials. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this mechanical improvement remain insufficiently understood. This study introduces acrylamide (AM) monomer into a cement matrix, where in situ polymerization forms a strong polymer–cement network, demonstrably enhancing mechanical performance. The factors influencing this mechanical enhancement were investigated across multiple scales using techniques including nanoindentation, crack width measurement, solid-state silicon nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and so on. This research confirms that in situ polymerization influences silicate chain length (from 3.405 to 3.714) and pore structure at the nanoscale, modifies the morphology of hydration products, enhances the hardness of the interfacial transition zone (0.025 ± 0.002 to 0.055 ± 0.004 GPa) at the microscale, and reveals that at monomer concentrations below 1 wt%, both the compressive and flexural strengths of the cement-based material are improved, with 28d compressive and flexural strength increasing by 23.86% and 26.58%, respectively. Conversely, higher monomer dosages lead to a simultaneous reduction in both compressive and flexural strengths. Consequently, through tracking the hydration process on the mechanical properties of cement-based materials across multiple scales, this study provides deeper insights into the in situ polymerization system and offers an effective strategy for the design and preparation of high-performance concrete.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 23","pages":"4246-4246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/23/4246/pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147901840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data-Driven Simulation of Near-Fault Ground Motions Using Stationary Wavelet Transform and Hilbert Analysis","authors":"Weikun He, Zexin Guo, Chaobin Li, Wei Wang, Biao Wei, Ping Shao, Yongping Zeng","doi":"10.3390/buildings15234219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15234219","url":null,"abstract":"Near-fault ground motions exhibit significant characteristics such as velocity pulses, rupture directivity, and strong vertical components, which pose serious threats to structural safety. However, near-fault ground motion records remain scarce and have not been adequately accounted for in current seismic design codes. This paper proposes a data-driven simulation method for non-stationary near-fault ground motions based on Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) combined with Hilbert’s instantaneous frequency estimation. First, to address the baseline drift issue commonly observed in measured seismic motions, a baseline correction technique combining the least squares method and the Iwan method is proposed to enhance the reliability of seismic time histories. Subsequently, statistical distributions of velocity pulses and vertical-to-horizontal (V/H) acceleration ratios, along with their relationships with fault distance and magnitude, are analyzed based on more than 900 ground motion records. The results show that these near-fault motions generally contain pronounced long-period components, which will have significant implications for the seismic response of long-period structures. Additionally, unidirectional pulses dominate in near-fault records. Among the 107 selected long-period pulse records, unidirectional pulses account for 69.2%. Based on this, seismic motions are decomposed using SWT, and stochastic reconstruction is performed, combined with multivariate response spectrum matching to optimize the generation of near-fault time histories consistent with the target spectrum. Compared with the results obtained without optimization, the proposed method reduces the mean square error by about 40% or more, demonstrating a clear improvement in accuracy and reliability. This method provides reliable seismic input support for seismic analysis and performance-based design of bridges in near-fault regions.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 23","pages":"4219-4219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatiotemporal Distribution of Water Heritages in the Xishan–Yongding River Cultural Belt","authors":"Youqi Li, Zhihao Shi, Kunpeng Zhou, Peng Wang, Chong‐Chen Wang","doi":"10.3390/buildings15224069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15224069","url":null,"abstract":"The Xishan–Yongding River cultural belt is a key component of the three major cultural belts of Beijing and its water heritage; as a representative of the intensive distribution of semi-arid climate, analyzing its spatial and temporal distribution characteristics is crucial for the development of systematic conservation strategies. This study is based on a dataset developed from field surveys and historical documentation and has been spatially analyzed using visual analytical methods and using a Geographic Information System (GIS). In this study, kernel density estimation was used to identify areas of high density, standard elliptic deviation was used to assess the distribution of water heritage sites over time, and the mean nearest neighbor index was used to determine the spatial clustering pattern of these sites. Regarding type and quantity, water heritage in the cultural belt is diverse, with non-water heritage sites, such as temples and inscriptions, being the most prevalent. In terms of temporal distribution, water heritage spans a long period, with the largest number dating to the Qing Dynasty. The centers of distribution across different periods exhibit a trend from south to north and from mountainous regions to plains, exhibiting a gradual concentration. Spatially, water heritage within the cultural belt follows a “multi-core, contiguous distribution” pattern, with three high-density zones, two medium-density zones, and six low-density zones. The distribution of water heritage is influenced by a combination of natural factors, such as river systems, settlements, elevation, and slope, alongside human factors, including historical culture and the political environment. The findings of this research offer a detailed analysis of the regional characteristics and underlying mechanisms of the temporal and spatial distribution of water heritage within the Xishan–Yongding River cultural belt.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 22","pages":"4069-4069"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147919577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping Spiritual Landscapes: Multiscale Characteristics Analysis of Temples in Ancient Chongqing","authors":"Rongyi Zhou, Lingjia Zhao, Chunlan Du, Xu Hui, Wei He","doi":"10.3390/buildings15213936","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213936","url":null,"abstract":"The conservation and transmission of cultural heritage are enduring drivers of sustainable development. As a significant form of cultural heritage, temples play a vital role in maintaining urban historical continuity and embodying local culture. This study investigated the landscape roles of temples within the ancient city of Chongqing. Drawing primarily on sources such as the “Chongqing Fuzhi Quantu” (Complete Map of Chongqing Prefecture) from the Qing Dynasty, it identifies 79 temples in historical Chongqing. Employing Historical Geographic Information Systems (HGIS), the study reveals the multi-scale distribution characteristics of these temples and their interaction mechanisms with the urban spatial structure. The findings indicate that: (1) The development of Chongqing’s temples is closely linked to the stratification process of urban historical landscapes, serving as historical markers reflecting urban culture; (2) The distribution of temples in Qing-dynasty Chongqing exhibited significant correlations with the mountain-river environment and topography, forming clusters at key urban nodes while demonstrating spatial differentiation based on their attributes; (3) the landscape roles of temples in the ancient Chongqing city by guiding the urban landscape order, shaping city landmarks, and anchoring collective memories. Through the interrelated interactions across multiscale spaces, they collectively shaped the urban imagery. The study aims to provide practical recommendations for urban heritage conservation, cultural tourism, and sustainable development.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 21","pages":"3936-3936"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/21/3936/pdf?version=1762161494","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147879882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}