BuildingsPub Date : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.3390/buildings15193631
Min Qiao, Guofeng Chen, Yajie Fang, Yuxin Li, Mei Shi
{"title":"Interaction Between Air Entraining Agent and Graphene Oxide and Its Effect on Bubble Behavior of Cement-Based Materials","authors":"Min Qiao, Guofeng Chen, Yajie Fang, Yuxin Li, Mei Shi","doi":"10.3390/buildings15193631","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193631","url":null,"abstract":"Nanomaterials play a beneficial role in regulating the function of cement-based materials. The effects and mechanism of graphene oxide (GO) on foam behavior in solutions and air-entraining behavior of cement mortar were studied, and its effect on the microstructure of cement mortar was also investigated. The results show that a synergy between GO’s hydrophobicity and the air-entraining agent’s hydrophobic chains drove more agent molecules to adsorb onto the GO surface, subsequently spreading and aggregating across the bubbles. GO effectively assisted the air entraining agent to refine the bubble size, improved the bubble stability of aqueous solutions, and had excellent air entraining performance in the fresh cement mortar, as well as the optimum air-void adjustment performance of hardened cement mortars. With the addition of 0.4‰ GO, the loss rate of gas content in the GO mixed mortar was 10.3%, which was 55.8% lower than that when only using AEA. The addition of 0.4‰ of GO effectively increased the volume fraction of the cement mortar system. GO reduced the pore volume in the mortar through the filling effect and nucleation effect to reduce the total porosity and refine the microstructure of the mortar.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 19","pages":"3631-3631"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147891585","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-07-23DOI: 10.3390/buildings15152599
Wu Tao, Yuanhua Shao
{"title":"Visual Effects Created by Perforated Windows in Yangzhou Salt Merchant Gardens: A Case Study of the Ho Family Garden","authors":"Wu Tao, Yuanhua Shao","doi":"10.3390/buildings15152599","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152599","url":null,"abstract":"Perforated windows are essential landscape elements in Chinese classical gardens that combine artistic design with multiple functions. This study examines the Ho family Garden, a representative Yangzhou salt merchant garden, to classify perforated windows by type, spatial distribution, and dimensions. This study analyzes representative examples from various spaces and types to assess their visual effects, from static perspectives, focusing on landscape interfaces at different viewing distances, and dynamic perspectives, exploring their impact along different tour routes. The research also explores the penetrable viewing effects of perforated windows in the West Garden of the Ho family Garden and the sight system they create. The survey reveals that the setting characteristics of the perforated windows are related to the mode of spatial enclosure. Variations in the interface data of perforated windows at different distances relate to window size, while passive viewing effects depend on the location and number of perforated windows. The changes from the dynamic perspective primarily result from the landscape elements along different routes. In the West Garden, the penetrable view between the perforated windows and the doors increases the depth of landscape elements and spatial layers. The quantitative analysis reveals Yangzhou gardens’ unique spatial aesthetics while offering insights for contemporary landscape design.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 15","pages":"2599-2599"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2599/pdf?version=1753260861","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878479","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-05-18DOI: 10.3390/buildings15101705
Ziguang Zhang, Mengqing Zhang, Lei Zhang, Lin Wei, Yong He
{"title":"Comparative Study of Construction Methods for Deeply Buried Soil Tunnels","authors":"Ziguang Zhang, Mengqing Zhang, Lei Zhang, Lin Wei, Yong He","doi":"10.3390/buildings15101705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101705","url":null,"abstract":"Deep-buried soil tunnels in weak rock strata often face severe risks, such as collapse and large deformation, making the rational selection of construction methods critical. Using a tunnel project in Baotai District, Yan’an City as a case study, this research compares the three-step method, three-step temporary inverted arch method, double-side wall pilot tunnel method, and CD method. By combining a numerical simulation with field monitoring, the study evaluates surrounding rock deformation and support stress characteristics. Results show that while deformation differences among methods are small, the double-side wall pilot tunnel method offers optimal deformation control, and the three-step temporary inverted arch method provides the best stress distribution and meets the specification requirements. Notably, only the three-step method shows anchor bolt stress exceeding the design limits. Considering safety, efficiency, and cost, the three-step temporary inverted arch method is recommended. The strong agreement between simulation and monitoring data highlights the model’s reliability and its value in guiding tunnel design and construction optimization.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 10","pages":"1705-1705"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1705/pdf?version=1747557416","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147910352","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-04-16DOI: 10.3390/buildings15081323
Qi Kang, Mingjin Huang
{"title":"Study on the Evolution of Private Garden Architecture During the Song Dynasty","authors":"Qi Kang, Mingjin Huang","doi":"10.3390/buildings15081323","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081323","url":null,"abstract":"Private gardens during the Song Dynasty are an important component of classical Chinese garden design. However, existing research predominantly focuses on architectural forms and construction techniques, with insufficient systematic exploration of the overall spatial layout, the typological evolution of garden architecture, and the underlying driving forces behind these changes. Based on the 400 private garden records from the Complete Collection of Song, Song-era notes, poems, and paintings, this study employs methods from cliometrics and iconology to quantitatively analyse historical materials to systematically trace the evolution of spatial layouts, architectural types, architectural construction, and interior furnishings in Song private gardens while delving into the causes of these changes. The findings reveal a significant increase in the application of “elevated and terraced layouts” in Southern Song private gardens. The rise of unique architectural types, such as boat-shaped buildings, academies, and high buildings with a collection of books, is closely tied to the scholar-official culture, advancements in printing technology, the influence of Neo-Confucianism, and government support for private education. Southern Song architectural techniques saw significant advancements in response to climatic changes, featuring diversified roof forms, upturned eaves, detachable doors and windows, and elevated platforms. The invention of modular furniture, such as the Yanji table, exemplifies the ingenuity of Song designers in adapting to shrinking living spaces. This paper is the first to systematically reveal the evolution of private garden architecture in the Song Dynasty, particularly the emergence of unique architectural types. It offers a new perspective for understanding the influences of society, culture, and environment on landscape architecture in the Song Dynasty, providing valuable historical insights for the study of Ming–Qing garden architecture and contemporary landscape design practices.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 8","pages":"1323-1323"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/8/1323/pdf?version=1744818663","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147879246","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":"Comparative Study on the Foaming and Fireproof Properties of PDMS Foam Composites with Different Inorganic Fillers","authors":"Xin He, Mengmeng Yang, Fangzhou Hu, Guodong Jiang, Yucai Shen","doi":"10.3390/buildings15071172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071172","url":null,"abstract":"In recent years, the increasing frequency of building fires has highlighted the limitations of traditional polymeric materials due to their inadequate fireproof performance. Ceramifiable polymer composites have emerged as a promising alternative by incorporating ceramic-forming fillers that create rigid ceramic-like structures through high-temperature eutectic reactions, offering exceptional thermal insulation and fireproof properties. These composites maintain structural integrity under fire exposure through sufficient mechanical strength retention. The effects of several ceramifiable inorganic fillers (CIFs) on the properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foams were systematically investigated in this study. The research demonstrated that fillers with better matrix compatibility significantly enhance the foaming quality, mechanical performance, and fireproof capabilities. Notably, the CaCO3-filled PDMS foam composite (CPF-Ca) demonstrates exceptional foaming characteristics with 84% porosity and a remarkably low density of 0.36 g/cm3. The material achieves tensile and compressive strengths of 0.22 MPa and 0.84 MPa, representing 22% and 127% enhancements, respectively, compared to pure PDMS foam (PPF). Regarding the ceramic conversion capability, the sintered residue of CPF-Ca maintains a compressive strength of 4.39 MPa under high-temperature conditions. This composite material exhibited superior fireproof performance, successfully withstanding a butane torch for 300 s without penetration while maintaining a remarkably low backside temperature of merely 83.6 °C.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 7","pages":"1172-1172"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147333452","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-03-19DOI: 10.3390/buildings15060968
Lin Zhang, Shi Yang
{"title":"The Philosophy of “Body and Use”: The Appropriate Use of Bodies in the Tea Space of Ming and Qing Dynasty Literati Paintings","authors":"Lin Zhang, Shi Yang","doi":"10.3390/buildings15060968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060968","url":null,"abstract":"As an aspect of garden space, tea space is an important part of traditional culture and inherited culture. This paper takes 210 representative literati painting images of Ming and Qing dynasties as the research object, combining historical materials, the analysis of painted images and mathematical statistics to transform the representative paintings into visual plan form, and then identifies and extracts the environmental elements and behavior activities in the paintings to build the factor base. It is determined that the main sources of tea activities are Hall Style, Water Pavilion Style, High Pavilion Style, Grass Pavilion and Terraces Style and Combination Style. The analysis results show the following: (1) The tea events mainly occur in outdoor gardens and indoor and outdoor spaces, with windows as climate boundaries. (2) Regarding the use of furniture, indoor spaces tend to use wooden furniture, while outdoor spaces use stone furniture and natural stone, or portable wooden furniture. (3) In terms of indoor and outdoor spaces with tea activities, indoor and outdoor spaces often borrow landscape elements from each other, and screens and partitions are often used as a means of space division in terms of space separation. The findings of this study lay a theoretical foundation for the design of traditional garden tea spaces, and provide a reference for the fine design of contemporary architecture and garden tea spaces.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 6","pages":"968-968"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/6/968/pdf?version=1742463431","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878787","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-03-18DOI: 10.3390/buildings15060958
Xiaotong Wang, Yuehua Chen, Xiaoying Zhang
{"title":"Design of a One-Dimensional Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4 Composite Material and Its Photocathodic Protection Mechanism Against Corrosion","authors":"Xiaotong Wang, Yuehua Chen, Xiaoying Zhang","doi":"10.3390/buildings15060958","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060958","url":null,"abstract":"Z-scheme Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites were prepared by electrospinning and hydrothermal methods, and their photocathodic protection performance was studied on 304 SS and Q235 CS in NaCl solution (3.5 wt.%). The two-dimensional Zn3In2S6 loaded on the one-dimensional NiFe2O4 resulted in faster electron migration and enhanced light absorption capability. Moreover, it had been observed through electrochemical testing that the assembly of Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4 heterojunctions improves the efficacy of photocathodic protection. Following illumination, the self-corrosion potentials of 304 SS and Q235 CS coupled with Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites decreased by 1040 mV and 560 mV, and the photoinduced current densities were 1.2 times and 3.9 times greater than the value of Zn3In2S6. Furthermore, the mechanism of enhanced photocathodic protection performance for Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4 heterojunctions was systematically discussed. XPS and ESR analysis indicated that Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4 composites follow the Z-scheme electron migration path and retain the stronger reduction and oxidation capacity of Zn3In2S6/NiFe2O4. Therefore, the Z-scheme heterostructures are responsible for the realization of cathodic protection for carbon steel.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 6","pages":"958-958"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/6/958/pdf?version=1742310322","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147331652","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-02-22DOI: 10.3390/buildings15050693
Gian Piero Lignola, Nicola Buratti, Serena Cattari, Fulvio Parisi, Filippo Ubertini, Sara Alfano, Laura Ierimonti, Andrea Meoni, Daniele Sivori, Giorgio Virgulto
{"title":"Validated and Optimized Strategies for Preserving Historical Heritage Towards Natural and Anthropic Risks: Insights from the DETECT-AGING Project","authors":"Gian Piero Lignola, Nicola Buratti, Serena Cattari, Fulvio Parisi, Filippo Ubertini, Sara Alfano, Laura Ierimonti, Andrea Meoni, Daniele Sivori, Giorgio Virgulto","doi":"10.3390/buildings15050693","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050693","url":null,"abstract":"This paper summarizes simple and practically attractive new methodologies based on validated and optimized strategies for preserving historical heritage towards natural or anthropic risks in order to assist public administrations and stakeholders involved at various levels in the protection of cultural heritage. This represents the outcome of the PRIN 2017 project DETECT-AGING—degradation effects on structural safety of cultural heritage constructions through simulations and health monitoring. Results were built on recent advances in structural performance modelling of historical masonry structures, interpretation of effects of degradation, advanced numerical simulations, and structural health monitoring, with the final aim to go beyond the state of the art in regard to assessing and establishing: (i) degradation effects from the level of materials to the scale of components; (ii) methodologies able to transfer information on mechanical behaviour from a micro-scale to a macro-scale; (iii) the use of ambient vibration measurements to address epistemic modelling uncertainties in historical masonry buildings; (iv) structural health monitoring (SHM) to detect the occurrence of damage and locate/quantify damage; (v) the capability of equivalent frame models (EFMs) to support the SHM of masonry structures in place of more refined 3D finite element models (FEMs); (vi) variations in the structural response that can be monitored by sensor networks as a function of simulated degradation.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 5","pages":"693-693"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/5/693/pdf?version=1740380718","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147891319","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2025-01-23DOI: 10.3390/buildings15030351
Chrysa Politi, Antonis Peppas, Maria Taxiarchou, Irene Koronaki
{"title":"Mechanistic Modelling for Optimising LTES-Enhanced Composites for Construction Applications","authors":"Chrysa Politi, Antonis Peppas, Maria Taxiarchou, Irene Koronaki","doi":"10.3390/buildings15030351","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030351","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"15 3","pages":"351"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147381984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Microwave Pre-Curing on Pore Structure and Environmental Performance of Metakaolin- and Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers","authors":"Yanhui Dong, Mohamed R. El-Naggar, Runhui Gao, Yefan Li, Yixin Zhao","doi":"10.3390/buildings14123918","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123918","url":null,"abstract":"Microwave technology in geopolymer synthesis offers a transformative, sustainable alternative to traditional methods, enhancing material properties and production efficiency. However, the effects of microwave-induced changes on pore structure and their relationship with mechanical strength and environmental performance, such as heavy metal leachability, are not fully understood. This study investigates the impact of microwave pre-curing on geopolymers, focusing on how microwave power and duration influence their pore structure and environmental performance. A total of 48 mixtures were prepared using sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide as alkali activators, with metakaolin and fly ash as raw materials. The modulus was adjusted to 1.5, and the liquid-to-solid ratio was set at 1.6 for metakaolin and 0.7 for fly ash. Microwave irradiation power settings of 100 W, 300 W, 440 W, 600 W, and 800 W were tested. The heating times ranged from 30 s to 90 s at intervals of 15 s. Our findings reveal that optimal microwave settings (100 watts for 45 s) can significantly enhance mechanical properties, with compressive strengths reaching 15.9 MPa for fly ash-based and 9.094 MPa for metakaolin-based geopolymers. However, excessive microwave energy leads to increased porosity, with adverse effects on structural integrity. Moreover, microwave pre-curing effectively reduces heavy metal leachability. Chromium (III) was used in leaching tests and it was demonstrated that ion concentrations as low as 0.097 mg/L enhance environmental safety. Advanced techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray CT were applied for the analysis of the atomic bonding, phases and pore structure of the studied geopolymers along with their ability to withstand compression (MPa). Chromium (III) was encapsulated and its leached concentration was measured by ICP-MS to evaluate the performance of the synthesized geopolymers. These results underscore the need for precise control over microwave irradiation parameters to maximize the benefits while mitigating negative impacts. This study provides valuable insights into the controlled use of microwave technology for geopolymer synthesis, recommending optimal irradiation conditions for improved performance and sustainability and advancing sustainable construction materials. The developed geopolymers show promise for applications in construction, waste stabilization, and heavy metal immobilization, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in these industries.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":"14 12","pages":"3918-3918"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/12/3918/pdf?version=1733556833","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147908128","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}