BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082297
Yanfang Wen, Dinglei Huang, Zhi Cao
{"title":"Study on the Identification of Opportunistic Behavior of Subway Project Construction Enterprises","authors":"Yanfang Wen, Dinglei Huang, Zhi Cao","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082297","url":null,"abstract":"With the rapid development of urban rail transportation, people’s demand for subways has gradually manifested itself. The inherent complex attributes of subway project construction determine that subway project construction has a relatively high risk, resulting in huge losses. This paper takes the opportunistic behavior of the subway project as the research object, proposes the opportunistic behavior identification process, and constructs the opportunistic behavior identification model based on the BP neural network. Firstly, through the collection and analysis of subway accident cases, the main forms of opportunistic behavior are summarized, and the primary characteristic indicators for opportunistic behavior recognition are extracted using cluster analysis. Secondly, a recognition model based on a BP neural network is designed. The number of neurons in the input layer, hidden layer, and output layer of the model is determined, and the recognition model is subsequently trained and tested to validate its feasibility. Finally, the constructed opportunistic behavior recognition model is applied to an actual subway construction project, revealing that the construction enterprise of the project in question exhibits a high level of opportunistic behavior risk. Overall, the research results of this paper have important theoretical significance and practical value for the management level of subway project construction enterprises under the new situation and the identification and governance of opportunistic behavior of subway project construction enterprises.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141804471","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082305
Kwang Hoon Kim, Taeyon Hwang, Gon Kim
{"title":"The Role and Criteria of Advanced Street Lighting to Enhance Urban Safety in South Korea","authors":"Kwang Hoon Kim, Taeyon Hwang, Gon Kim","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082305","url":null,"abstract":"Safety and crime prevention are significant concerns in both urban and rural areas. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines provide an architectural strategy to deter criminal activities by implementing strategic design plans, particularly through effective lighting schemes in urban settings. These measures aim to reduce the fear of crime and enhance the overall quality of life. Enhanced street lighting plays a crucial role in environmental crime prevention by lowering both actual crime rates and the perceived risk of criminal activity in built environments. Current recommendations emphasize installing lighting in poorly lit areas for safety; however, assessing road surface luminance solely based on existing streetlights is insufficient. The research underscores that well-illuminated streets with uniform lighting and higher illuminance levels enhance pedestrian safety and comfort. In addition, this study proposes standardized illumination levels specifically for outdoor facial recognition to aid in identifying potential offenders. It outlines the critical vertical illuminance range and Color Rendering Index (CRI) values necessary for this purpose. Furthermore, metrics like the Brightness Index and Safety Index were developed to enhance night-time security and illustrate their correlation with crime rates. Ultimately, this research introduces quantitative lighting standards to enhance the effectiveness of CPTED guidelines, contributing to efforts to reduce crime incidence.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141803298","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082301
Elena Lucchi
{"title":"Energy Performance Indicators for Air-Conditioned Museums in Tropical Climates","authors":"Elena Lucchi","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082301","url":null,"abstract":"The energy design of museums in developing countries is a subject that has been poorly studied, despite its significant implications for heritage preservation, human comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This study introduces a comprehensive framework of Energy Performance Indicators tailored to air-conditioned museums in tropical regions, which represent the most prevalent museum type. These indicators are particularly important as international standards may not be applicable in these contexts. A comprehensive review of the factors and their design implications is provided at the building, system, and component levels. Efficient integration of lighting and air conditioning systems can optimize energy use while maintaining appropriate conditions for both artefact preservation and visitor comfort. Parameters such as average illuminance, uniformity of lighting, lighting power density and lighting energy use intensity are critical in balancing visual quality and energy efficiency. Recommended values and strategies, such as the use of LED lighting and daylight harvesting, help to minimize energy consumption. In addition, parameters such as power density and energy use intensity of air conditioning systems are essential for assessing their efficiency. Techniques such as the integration of solar-assisted, optimized performance indices can effectively reduce energy consumption. Synthetic indicators for assessing lighting quality and overall energy performance are (i) Average Illuminance Ratio, which assesses the adequacy of lighting in a space by comparing the average measured illuminance with the recommended illuminance levels for that space, and (ii) Energy Use Intensity, which represents the total annual energy consumption per unit area of conditioned space. By adopting these indicators, tropical museums can advance energy efficiency and broader sustainability objectives, taking a significant step towards a more energy-conscious and sustainable future.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141805102","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082302
Zhenxing Zhu, Yiran Liu, Yuewu Chen
{"title":"The Influence of Emotional Response and Aesthetic Perception of Shopping Mall Facade Color on Entry Decisions—Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region of China","authors":"Zhenxing Zhu, Yiran Liu, Yuewu Chen","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082302","url":null,"abstract":"Color is one of the essential visual aesthetic design elements for shopping mall building facades, dramatically influencing customers’ aesthetic perceptions, emotions, and behavioral responses. This study explains the relationship between shopping mall facade color and customers’ emotions, aesthetic perceptions, and behavioral responses by applying the S-O-R model. A total of 149 subjects evaluated ten computer-generated shopping malls with different façade colors, and each subject was asked to rate their emotional and aesthetic perceptions and decide whether or not to enter the shopping mall. The results indicate that neutral colors lead to higher pleasure and higher aesthetic perceptions; warm tones and high brightness lead to more positive emotions and aesthetic perceptions; color is positively correlated with aesthetic perceptions; and emotions and aesthetic perceptions positively influence entry decisions, with pleasure being a key predictor of entry decisions. This study elucidates for the first time the process by which shopping mall façade color affects shoppers’ aesthetic perceptions, emotions, and entry decisions; expands the theoretical literature related to environmental psychology; and at the same time, bridges the theoretical gap of shopping mall façade color as a stimulus in the S-O-R model, and provides designers and operators with a strategy for visual attractiveness in the color of the shopping mall’s architectural façade.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141805157","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082300
Larisa Meliță, R. Calotă, M. Amăreanu
{"title":"Silica Aerogel-Incorporated Cement and Lime Plasters for Building Insulation: An Experimental Study","authors":"Larisa Meliță, R. Calotă, M. Amăreanu","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082300","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082300","url":null,"abstract":"Silica aerogel has remarkable properties, particularly its translucence/transparency, extremely low thermal conductivity and density. Due to these properties, it can be used for the thermal insulation of buildings for energy saving, cost saving, and enhanced comfort. In this context, aerogel products such as aerogel blankets have already started to demonstrate their effectiveness in retrofitting projects and the development and adoption of aerogel glazing systems and aerogel-enhanced renders is promising. Other products, for example, through the incorporation of silica aerogel granules in cement and lime renders were obtained, with high thermal insulation properties, to achieve energy efficiency on buildings facades. This research aims to come up with new aerogel particle composition insulation plasters at cost-effective rates for application in building insulation. Their physical apparent mass density, mechanical–flexural and compressive strengths, thermal conductivity, and properties were investigated. As an experimental study, the thermal conductivities of six sets of cement and lime plasters with aerogel particles (0.1–4.0 mm) were investigated and it was concluded that the thermal conductivity of cement and lime plasters with 80% aerogel was 0.2287 W·m−1·K−1, about 3.4 times smaller than the respective value of traditional lightweight plasters of 0.76 W·m−1·K−1, while the cement and lime plasters with less than 40% aerogel showed a thermal conductivity value as low as 0.3172 W·m−1·K−1. It was confirmed that the end product plasters’ mechanical qualities included low apparent mass densities, no apparent shrinkage, and mechanical strength values that matched those of the prepared compositions. This suggests that the obtained plasters are suitable for use in both new constructions and renovation projects.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141805511","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082309
Z. Ruan, Z. Ying, Zhao-Zhong Ying, Hua Lei, Wen Wang, Lei Xia
{"title":"Stochastic Optimal Bounded Parametric Control of Periodic Viscoelastomer Sandwich Plate with Supported Mass Based on Dynamical Programming Principle","authors":"Z. Ruan, Z. Ying, Zhao-Zhong Ying, Hua Lei, Wen Wang, Lei Xia","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082309","url":null,"abstract":"The sandwich plate (SP) with supported mass can model structural systems such as platform or floor with installed vibration-sensitive apparatus under random loading. The stochastic optimal control (in time domain) of periodic (in space) viscoelastomer (VE) SP with supported mass subjected to random excitation is an important research subject, which can fully use VE controllability, but it is a challenging problem on optimal bounded parametric control (OBPC). In this paper, a stochastic OBPC for periodic VESP with supported mass subjected to random base loading is proposed according to the stochastic dynamical programming (SDP) principle. Response-reduction capability using the proposed OBPC is studied to demonstrate further control effectiveness of periodic SP via SDP. Controllable VE core modulus of SP is distributed periodically in space. Differential equations for coupling vibration of periodic SP with supported mass are derived and transformed into multi-dimensional system equations with parameters as nonlinear functions of bounded control. The OBPC problem is established by the system equations and performance index with bound constraint. Then, an SDP equation is derived according to the SDP principle. The OBPC law is obtained from the SDP equation under bound constraint. Optimally controlled responses are calculated and compared with passively controlled responses to evaluate control effectiveness. Numerical results on responses and statistics of SP via the proposed OBPC show further remarkable control effectiveness.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141805074","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082304
Xiaoyang Guo, Zaiyu Zhang, Qing Sun, Peng Tian
{"title":"Numerical Analysis on Flexural Shear Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Grid and Engineered Cement Composites","authors":"Xiaoyang Guo, Zaiyu Zhang, Qing Sun, Peng Tian","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082304","url":null,"abstract":"Strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) beams with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grids and engineered cement composites (ECCs) can significantly enhance their shear capacity. However, the specific contributions of the components in reinforced RC beams remain unclear, necessitating further investigation into the flexural shear performance of RC beams. The numerical model was used to analyze the flexural shear performance of RC beams strengthened with an FRP grid and ECCs. Subsequently, the parameters affecting the flexural shear performance of beams were discussed. This included the compressive strength of concrete prism, the shear span ratio, the tensile strength of ECCs, the thickness of the ECC cover, the cross-sectional area of the FRP grid, and the number of FRP grid layers. Finally, a calculation formula was established to predict the shear capacity and verified by the outcomes from numerical models and experimental data. The findings indicated that the ECC-strengthened layer significantly contributed to increasing the shear capacity. Additionally, the FRP grids helped to reduce stress concentration in the flexural shear zone, thereby preventing premature concrete cracking. The max load increased by 8.06% when the ECC’s tensile strength increased from 4 MPa to 10 MPa. In addition, increasing the cover thickness from 8 mm to 20 mm caused the peak load to increase by 14.42%. The calculation formula introduced in this research accurately predicts the shear capacity of the oblique section of RC beams.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141802066","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082308
Zhen Liu, Xingliang Ma, Junlin Lv
{"title":"Seismic Response of a Large-Span Steel Truss Arch Bridge under Nonuniform Near-Fault Ground Motions","authors":"Zhen Liu, Xingliang Ma, Junlin Lv","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082308","url":null,"abstract":"The ground motion in the near-fault region of an earthquake is characterized by exceptional energy levels, powerful velocity impulses, substantial spatial variability, and notable permanent displacement. These unique attributes can dramatically escalate structural damage. Steel truss arch bridges, being critical components of transportation networks, are particularly vulnerable to these phenomena due to their extensive stiffness spans. Such factors are difficult to accurately simulate. In this study, real near-fault ground motions that incorporate spatial variability effects and pulse effects are used to excite the long-span arch bridge, thereby striving to realistically reproduce the structural damage sustained by the bridge under the simultaneous influence of near-fault spatial variability and pulse effects. This study adopts an arch bridge with a span closely approximating the spacing between stations (200 m) of the SMART seismic array as a case study. The near-fault ground motions, characterized by spatial variability and captured by the array, are selected as seismic samples, while the far-field ground motions recorded by the same array serve as a comparative reference. The seismic excitations are then input into the bridge case study, following the spatial correspondence of the stations, using a large-scale finite element program to obtain the structural response. Upon analyzing the seismic response of crucial positions on the bridge, it became evident that the arch foot of the bridge is more susceptible to the spatial variability in near-fault ground motion, whereas the vault experiences a greater impact from the high-energy velocity pulse. Specifically, under nonuniform seismic conditions, the internal force at the base of the bridge arch increased significantly, averaging a rise of 18.69% compared to uniform excitation conditions. Conversely, the displacement and internal force response at the top of the arch exhibited more modest increases of 6.48% and 10.33%, respectively. Under nonuniform excitation, the vault’s response to near-fault earthquakes increased by an average of 20.35% com-pared to far-field earthquakes, while the arch foot’s response rose by 11.55%. In contrast, under uniform excitation, the vault’s response to near-fault earthquakes was notably higher, increasing by 25.04%, while the arch foot’s response showed a minor increase of only 2.28%. The study has revealed significant differences in the sensitivity of different parts of long-span arch bridges to near-fault earthquake characteristics. This finding is of great importance for understanding the behavior of long-span arch bridges under complex earthquake conditions. Specifically, the arch foot of the bridge is more sensitive to the spatial variability of near-fault ground motions, while the arch crown is more significantly affected by high-energy velocity pulses, providing new insights for bridge seismic design. Furthermore, the differences in response between the arc","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141803774","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082299
Xue Xiao, Chen Chen, Martin Skitmore, Heng Li, Yue Deng
{"title":"Exploring Edge Computing for Sustainable CV-Based Worker Detection in Construction Site Monitoring: Performance and Feasibility Analysis","authors":"Xue Xiao, Chen Chen, Martin Skitmore, Heng Li, Yue Deng","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082299","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082299","url":null,"abstract":"This research explores edge computing for construction site monitoring using computer vision (CV)-based worker detection methods. The feasibility of using edge computing is validated by testing worker detection models (yolov5 and yolov8) on local computers and three edge computing devices (Jetson Nano, Raspberry Pi 4B, and Jetson Xavier NX). The results show comparable mAP values for all devices, with the local computer processing frames six times faster than the Jetson Xavier NX. This study contributes by proposing an edge computing solution to address data security, installation complexity, and time delay issues in CV-based construction site monitoring. This approach also enhances data sustainability by mitigating potential risks associated with data loss, privacy breaches, and network connectivity issues. Additionally, it illustrates the practicality of employing edge computing devices for automated visual monitoring and provides valuable information for construction managers to select the appropriate device.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141805229","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}
BuildingsPub Date : 2024-07-25DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082307
M. Khawaji, Mohammed Alamri
{"title":"The Optimum Interval Time of Layered Cement Composites with the Incorporation of Edge-Oxidized Graphene Oxide","authors":"M. Khawaji, Mohammed Alamri","doi":"10.3390/buildings14082307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082307","url":null,"abstract":"The current research focuses on the effect of incorporating edge-oxidized graphene oxide (EOGO) on the performance of layered cement composites cast at different times. The feature of producing flower-shaped hydrated cement products is exploited to enhance the contact surface of two different cement composites. In the current study, the interval time of casting cement composites is the crucial parameter investigated. Consequently, a layer of cement paste with EOGO is cast above a layer of cement mortar where the amount of EOGO of 0.10% by the cement weight is fixed for all mixtures. Also, four different interval times based on cement setting time are considered, namely immediately, 6 h, 12 h, and 1 day. Similar mixtures are prepared but without adding EOGO for comparison purposes. The results show that EOGO is capable of enhancing the contact surface of layered cement composites by strengthening the split strength of two different layers (between 12 and 29%). Moreover, casting the paste layer containing EOGO after 6 h of mortar layer seems to be the optimum interval time among others by improving compressive strength (by 29%) and residual strength (by 34%) and not affecting flexural strength and porosity percentage.","PeriodicalId":48546,"journal":{"name":"Buildings","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141802266","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}