Buildings

18 pages, 226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Procurement Routes and Contract Types for Housing Retrofit in the United Kingdom

by Chamara Panakaduwa, Paul Coates and Mustapha Munir

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020199 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2025

The study focused on the procurement routes and the forms of contract, currently used in the UK housing retrofit industry. Importantly, the contracts between the clients and the contractors were investigated. This study used a qualitative approach with a critical literature review and [...] Read more.

The study focused on the procurement routes and the forms of contract, currently used in the UK housing retrofit industry. Importantly, the contracts between the clients and the contractors were investigated. This study used a qualitative approach with a critical literature review and semi-structured interview data collection for the methodology. The findings show that the housing retrofit industry does not use any standard form of contract in general. Most contractors use guarantees, warranties, and invoices instead of standard forms of contract. They usually use bespoke contracts if contract administration is required. This is because there is nothing wrong with the existing way of addressing contract administration in retrofit. As the UK needs to retrofit 30.1 million houses, there can be contractual disputes aggregating to 8.1 million properties or GBP 221.4 billion project value. The study recommends using standard forms of contract to avoid and reduce the detrimental effects of contractual disputes in housing retrofit in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

28 pages, 8618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of Ceiling Cooling with PCM in the Hot-Dry Climate of Yazd, Iran: An Experimental Analysis of Energy, Environmental, and Economic Impacts

by Mehran Rabani, Mina Alafzadeh and Mehrdad Rabani

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020198 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The present study investigates experimental cooling from the ceiling using phase change materials (PCMs) in Yazd, a city characterized by a hot and dry climate. A one-fourth scale model of a real room, measuring 4 m × 3 m × 3 m, was [...] Read more.

The present study investigates experimental cooling from the ceiling using phase change materials (PCMs) in Yazd, a city characterized by a hot and dry climate. A one-fourth scale model of a real room, measuring 4 m × 3 m × 3 m, was employed for the analysis. To evaluate system performance and the impact of PCM on energy consumption reduction, three configurations were considered: a simple PCM system, a PCM system with a fan (PCM-F), and a PCM system with a mini cooler (PCM-C). Additionally, to assess the influence of window configurations on ventilation, temperature, and comfort conditions within the model, three scenarios were examined: two open windows, one open window, and no windows. The economic analysis compared the two systems with the fan and mini cooler against a full mechanical cooling system without PCMs. Furthermore, CO₂ emissions and environmental impacts associated with the systems were also evaluated. The results indicate that the presence of PCMs in the ceiling, due to heat absorption during phase change, leads to a temperature reduction of 5 to 10 °C in the ceiling and a 3.2 °C reduction in the average room temperature compared to the scenario without PCMs. The findings demonstrate that ceiling cooling with PCMs significantly contributes to energy consumption reduction during peak hours of cooling demand. Specifically, the PCM-F system results in a 92% reduction, and the PCM-C system leads to a 71% reduction in total cost compared to the reference mechanical cooling system. Additionally, the PCM-F system achieves approximately a 36% reduction, and the PCM-C system results in a 34% reduction in environmental impact relative to the reference full mechanical cooling system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buildings for the 21st Century)

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18 pages, 3200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CGV-Net: Tunnel Lining Crack Segmentation Method Based on Graph Convolution Guided Transformer

by Kai Liu, Tao Ren, Zhangli Lan, Yang Yang, Rong Liu and Yuantong Xu

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020197 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Lining cracking is among the most prevalent forms of tunnel distress, posing significant threats to tunnel operations and vehicular safety. The segmentation of tunnel lining cracks is often hindered by the influence of complex environmental factors, which makes relying solely on local feature [...] Read more.

Lining cracking is among the most prevalent forms of tunnel distress, posing significant threats to tunnel operations and vehicular safety. The segmentation of tunnel lining cracks is often hindered by the influence of complex environmental factors, which makes relying solely on local feature extraction insufficient for achieving high segmentation accuracy. To address this issue, this study proposes CGV-Net (CNN, GNN, and ViT networks), a novel tunnel crack segmentation network model that integrates convolutional neural networks (CNNs), graph neural networks (GNNs), and Vision Transformers (ViTs). By fostering information exchange among local features, the model enhances comprehension of the global structural patterns of cracks and improves inference capabilities in recognizing intricate crack configurations. This approach effectively addresses the challenge of modeling contextual information in crack feature extraction. Additionally, the Detailed-Macro Feature Fusion (DMFF) module enables multi-scale feature integration by combining detailed and coarse-grained features, mitigating the significant feature loss encountered during the encoding and decoding stages, and further improving segmentation precision. To overcome the limitations of existing public datasets, which often feature a narrow range of crack types and simplistic backgrounds, this study introduces TunnelCrackDB, a dataset encompassing diverse crack types and complex backgrounds.Experimental evaluations on both the public Crack dataset and the newly developed TunnelCrackDB demonstrate the efficacy of CGV-Net. On the Crack dataset, CGV-Net achieves accuracy, recall, and F1 scores of 73.27% and 57.32%, respectively. On TunnelCrackDB, CGV-Net attains accuracy, recall, and F1 scores of 81.15%, 83.54%, and 82.33%, respectively, showcasing its superior performance in challenging segmentation tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Developments in Intelligent Construction and Operation of Infrastructures)

15 pages, 2728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Covariance Matrices of Kalman Filter with Unknown Input Using Modified Directional Bat Algorithm

by Lijun Liu, Chang Yin, Yonghui Su, Yinghai Lin and Ying Lei

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020196 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The proper selection of the model error covariance matrix and the measurement noise covariance matrix of Kalman filter is an optimization problem. Some scholars have studied this, but there is relatively little research on the selection of the two covariance matrices for Kalman [...] Read more.

The proper selection of the model error covariance matrix and the measurement noise covariance matrix of Kalman filter is an optimization problem. Some scholars have studied this, but there is relatively little research on the selection of the two covariance matrices for Kalman filters with an unknown input. Recently, the authors proposed a modified directed bat algorithm (MDBA) which introduces the best historical location of individuals and the elimination strategy to effectively prevent falling into local optimal solution. So, two methods are proposed in this paper to optimize the model error covariance matrix and measurement noise covariance matrix of Kalman filter with unknown inputs (KF-UI) and extended Kalman filter with unknown inputs (EKF-UI) by MDBA, respectively. The objective functions are constructed using the measurement vectors and the corresponding estimated values, and MDBA is adopted to optimize the two covariance matrices of KF-UI and EKF-UI. To validate the effectiveness of proposed methods, two simple structure examples and a benchmark example are adopted. The influence of structural parameter uncertainties on KF-UI is also considered. The result shows that the MDBA-optimized KF-UI has a strong convergence and can take into account the effect of parameter uncertainties. Then, the effectiveness of the proposed MDBA-optimized EKF-UI method is validated by comparing it with EKF-UI with empirically selected covariance values through trial-and-error. The identification results showed that the proposed methods achieved better identification accuracy and enhanced convergence compared to KF-UI and EKF-UI with empirical covariance values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Health Monitoring and Damage Detection Based on Vibration)

19 pages, 11919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Residential Prices in Qingdao and Its Driving Factors

by Yanjun Wang, Yin Feng, Kun Han, Zishu Zheng and Peng Dai

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020195 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

As an important indicator of the level of urban economic development and the quality of the residents’ lives, housing prices are affected by various factors, such as the spatial distribution of the housing market, the housing characteristics of neighborhoods, and the location conditions. [...] Read more.

As an important indicator of the level of urban economic development and the quality of the residents’ lives, housing prices are affected by various factors, such as the spatial distribution of the housing market, the housing characteristics of neighborhoods, and the location conditions. This paper summarizes the spatial distribution of housing prices in Qingdao using GIS, analyzing spatial distribution characteristics, and combines these with the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model to explore the influence of various factors, such as community attributes, location, transportation, and peripheral facilities on residential prices. The results show that from 2003 to 2023, residential housing prices in Qingdao exhibited a significant, continuous upward trend, with rapid growth in the early period and more stable growth in the later period; the spatial structure of residential prices evolved from a “single core” in Shinan District to a “double core + fan” structure involving both Shinan and Laoshan Districts, eventually forming a “double core + fan + mosaic” spatial layout; the green environment, congestion, leisure facilities, service management, and other community factors not only reflect the economic strengths and lifestyles of the residents, but also serve as key drivers of residential price differentiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)

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17 pages, 2013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Analysis of Steel Studs to Reduce Thermal Bridges in Light Steel Framing Construction Systems

by Marcelo Langner, Thais A. Soares, António Figueiredo, Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida and Romeu Vicente

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020194 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Thermal bridges significantly affect the thermal performance of light steel framing systems due to the high thermal conductivity of steel. The objective of this study is to identify modifications on the steel profiles to reduce heat flux and improve the thermal resistance of [...] Read more.

Thermal bridges significantly affect the thermal performance of light steel framing systems due to the high thermal conductivity of steel. The objective of this study is to identify modifications on the steel profiles to reduce heat flux and improve the thermal resistance of both single- and double-layer wall panels. Three approaches were analyzed: (i) slotted steel studs, (ii) integration of less-conductive materials into the web section, and (iii) modifications to web geometry. A numerical model was calibrated based on experimental data and used to perform dynamic simulations with different configurations. Results show that incorporating less-conductive materials, such as rigid polyamide, achieved a heat flux reduction of up to 98%, while optimized slotted patterns reduced heat flux by up to 90%. The results also demonstrated that all web modifications effectively reduced heat flux through the wall, with approaches (i) and (ii) showing the greatest impact. The shape of the slots also has an important impact on the heat flux. The most effective strategy for enhancing the thermal performance of the steel studs was the use of a less-conductive material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

26 pages, 11190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Service Quality in Urban Sports Facilities: A Comprehensive Evaluation Framework Applied to Shanghai, China

by Yusheng Yang and Shuoning Tang

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020193 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Urbanization in developing countries has led to increasing demands for high-quality public services, highlighting the need for an effective spatial allocation of resources. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of sports facilities in Shanghai’s central urban areas and Pudong New Area, focusing on [...] Read more.

Urbanization in developing countries has led to increasing demands for high-quality public services, highlighting the need for an effective spatial allocation of resources. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of sports facilities in Shanghai’s central urban areas and Pudong New Area, focusing on accessibility, variegation, and coherence at municipal, district, neighborhood, and community levels. The findings reveal that Pudong New Area has higher-quality facilities compared to central areas, with a distinct “southwest-northeast” axis of high-quality sports facilities in Pudong. A multidimensional spatial evaluation framework was developed, offering practical insights for optimizing resource allocation, enhancing accessibility, and addressing supply-side gaps in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)

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29 pages, 14675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Method for Predicting Urban Residential Quality Distribution Based on Multi-Interest Consideration

by Jiawen Ren, Xin Zhou, Jingjing An, Xing Shi, Xing Jin, Tianzhen Hong and Da Yan

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020192 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Simulating and predicting urban patterns enables evidence-based decision-making for urban planners. Given limited resources, understanding how to improve urban residential quality and rationally plan the distribution of different quality levels warrants further study. Using cellular automata (CA) and agent-based modules, this study proposes [...] Read more.

Simulating and predicting urban patterns enables evidence-based decision-making for urban planners. Given limited resources, understanding how to improve urban residential quality and rationally plan the distribution of different quality levels warrants further study. Using cellular automata (CA) and agent-based modules, this study proposes a multi-stakeholder residential quality distribution model to analyze the future quality distribution of residential buildings under different scenarios. The proposed model comprises two modules: a CA module predicting an urban functional layout model and an agent-based module predicting residential quality distribution. The CA module develops the future functional layout of the city, upon which the multiple interests of the government, developers, and residents are taken as constraints by the agent-based module to predict residential quality distribution. The proposed model was applied as a case study to Guanxian County in Shandong Province, China. Three scenario analyses were conducted: a free development scenario, a government macro-regulation scenario, and a scenario with an adjusted preference value for residential quality. The results show that the residential quality distribution model predictions make it possible to align residential quality with residents’ needs in different scenarios; hence, unreasonable distribution characteristics can be explored to develop effective improvement measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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27 pages, 4655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Beams’ Shear Capacity Prediction by Hybrid Support Vector Regression and Particle Swarm Optimization

by Emad A. Abood, Mustafa Kamal Al-Kamal, Sabih Hashim Muhodir, Nadia Moneem Al-Abdaly, Luís Filipe Almeida Bernardo, Dario De Domenico and Hamza Imran

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020191 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

In structures with reinforced concrete walls, coupling beams join individual walls to produce a rigid assembly that withstands sideways forces. A precise forecasting of the critical shear capacity is essential to avoid early shear failure and attain the desired ductility performance of coupled [...] Read more.

In structures with reinforced concrete walls, coupling beams join individual walls to produce a rigid assembly that withstands sideways forces. A precise forecasting of the critical shear capacity is essential to avoid early shear failure and attain the desired ductility performance of coupled shear wall systems in earthquake design. This paper examines the ability of Support Vector Regression (SVR) in predicting the shear performance of coupling beams. SVR is a distinguished machine learning regression method that has been positively utilized in former works to forecast the performance of several structural members. Nevertheless, the capability of this regression method deeply relies on picking its best hyperparameters. To handle this, a heuristic optimization procedure named Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) was merged with SVR to select the optimal hyperparameters. The data of RC coupling beams collected from the previous works were utilized to build the proposed model. Several performance metrics, including RMSE, R2, and MAE, were employed to compare the performance of the optimized model against a baseline SVR model and previous approaches. Analytical results indicate that the new optimized prediction model can assist civil engineers in designing RC coupling beam structures more effectively and outperforms existing models in predicting the shear strength of such beams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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31 pages, 4257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Masonry-Infilled Steel Frames Using Existing Experimental Tests Database in Comparison to Standards

by Ciprian Bratu, Dario Šokić, Naida Ademović, Ercan Isik, Borko Bulajić, Dorin Radu and Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020190 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Although the influence of infill masonry on horizontal load structure behavior is well-documented, current standards and regulations have yet to fully incorporate or explicitly define the load-bearing capacity of this complex system. Canadian and American standards present more comprehensive and specific methodologies for [...] Read more.

Although the influence of infill masonry on horizontal load structure behavior is well-documented, current standards and regulations have yet to fully incorporate or explicitly define the load-bearing capacity of this complex system. Canadian and American standards present more comprehensive and specific methodologies for calculating the load-bearing capacity of infill masonry and frame systems. In contrast, European standards tend to focus on offering general guidelines for the design of these systems without delving into the detailed calculation procedures. However, extensive data and experimental studies on this topic are available in the literature. The primary aim of this paper was to compile a database of experiments involving frames with different types of infill masonry. Subsequently, the empirical results obtained through the application of analytical expressions from various standards are compared to the experimental data included in the compiled database. The obtained load-bearing values were compared to different standards and work conducted by various researchers found in the literature in order to assess their reliability. Based on the obtained results, important conclusions were drawn, specifically to the most accurate equivalent diagonal model used and the analytical expressions to be used in the assessment of the masonry-infilled steel frame behavior. The equivalent diagonal model, utilized in all analytical expressions, can provide highly accurate estimations of load-bearing capacities that closely align with the experimental results. Regardless of the type of infill element, the analytical expressions consistently overestimated the load-bearing capacity. In the presence of longitudinal force, analytical expressions tend to be conservative, providing significantly lower load-bearing values compared with experimental results, which ensures a safety margin. The database can be utilized to develop numerical models, which can subsequently serve as the foundation for probabilistic methods used in conducting reliability assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Resistance and Vulnerability Assessments of Building Structures)

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29 pages, 10644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Performance of Fixed 3D-Printed and Dynamic Fabric Modules in a Second-Skin Façade System: A Residential Case Study in Southern Italy at Building and District Scales

by Yorgos Spanodimitriou, Giovanni Ciampi, Luigi Tufano, Michelangelo Scorpio and Sergio Sibilio

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020189 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The building sector accounts for 30% of worldwide final energy usage and 26% of global energy-linked emissions. In construction, innovative materials and systems can offer flexible, lightweight, energy-efficient solutions to achieve more efficient buildings. This study addresses the energy analysis and environmental impacts [...] Read more.

The building sector accounts for 30% of worldwide final energy usage and 26% of global energy-linked emissions. In construction, innovative materials and systems can offer flexible, lightweight, energy-efficient solutions to achieve more efficient buildings. This study addresses the energy analysis and environmental impacts of retrofitting residential buildings in Monterusciello, Italy, using an innovative second-skin façade system design that incorporates 3D-printed and fabric modules. The purpose is to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of residential buildings originally constructed with prefabricated elements that have degraded over time. This research employed TRNSYS modelling to simulate energy consumption and environmental impacts at the single-building and whole-district levels, analysing the system’s effectiveness in reducing cooling and heating demands and using different materials for optimal performance. The results show that retrofitting with the second-skin façade system significantly reduces cooling energy demand by 30.2% and thermal energy demand by 3.84%, reaching a primary energy saving of 16.4% and 285 tons of CO₂ emissions reduction for the whole district. The results highlight the potential of second-skin façade systems in improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, suggesting future research directions in material innovation and adaptive system development for district-wide applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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24 pages, 5004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Modelling and Damage Assessment Criteria for FRP-Retrofitted RC Columns

by Inês Sousa, Rita Peres, Rita Couto, Rita Bento and José Miguel Castro

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020188 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The numerical modelling procedures and damage criteria of both existing and retrofitted reinforced concrete (RC) elements are crucial for reliable seismic assessment and the retrofitting of existing RC buildings. A widely used retrofitting technique involves the application of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) to vulnerable [...] Read more.

The numerical modelling procedures and damage criteria of both existing and retrofitted reinforced concrete (RC) elements are crucial for reliable seismic assessment and the retrofitting of existing RC buildings. A widely used retrofitting technique involves the application of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) to vulnerable RC elements, enhancing their flexural and shear capacities. However, the current version of EC8-3 does not explicitly provide guidelines for numerical modelling, nor does it offer specific information on the assessment of retrofitting elements. This study focuses on developing a concentrated plasticity modelling approach and defining the damage state criteria for retrofitted RC columns with FRPs, based on experimental data from the literature. A database comprising 99 FRP-retrofitted RC columns was compiled, and regression analysis procedures were used to calibrate the peak load rotation, ultimate rotation, and post-capping rotation capacities. The modelling approach was validated through comparison with existing formulations using OpenSees, and the results indicate its adequacy for the seismic assessment of retrofitted buildings. This research advances the seismic assessment of FRP-retrofitted RC elements by introducing a novel trilinear moment–rotation model and refined damage criteria, which provide higher predictive accuracy in comparison to existing proposals. It also addresses critical gaps in seismic assessment practices by proposing the peak load rotation as a more reliable SD limit state threshold for retrofitted columns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Seismic Safety Assessment and Strengthening of Existing Constructions)

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22 pages, 2541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Scheduling Optimization for Multi-Line Production and Transportation of Prefabricated Components Considering Shared Resources

by Yiran Dan, Chengshuang Sun and Qianmai Luo

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020187 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

With the increasing popularity of prefabricated buildings, more and more precast plants have been equipped with multiple production lines to increase productivity and meet the growing market demand. Sharing equipment, human, and transportation resources is a typical feature of integrated scheduling management for [...] Read more.

With the increasing popularity of prefabricated buildings, more and more precast plants have been equipped with multiple production lines to increase productivity and meet the growing market demand. Sharing equipment, human, and transportation resources is a typical feature of integrated scheduling management for precast production and transportation on multiple production lines. In response to these characteristics, this article studies the integrated scheduling optimization of multi-line production and transportation for prefabricated components. With on-time delivery and lower costs as the goals, a scheduling optimization mathematical model is established for this scenario. This article adopts the genetic algorithm to design the solution algorithm for this model, and the effectiveness of the model and algorithm is verified through an example. The results show that compared with the traditional scheduling scheme, this method can prominently reduce costs while promoting on-time delivery. The model and method can help the precast plant with multiple production lines improve efficiency and reduce costs, as well as enhancing the practicability of the precast production and transportation scheduling scheme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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23 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Safety Leadership and Employee Morale on Safety Performance: The Moderating Role of Harmonious Safety Passion

by Emhemed Slil, Kolawole Iyiola, Ahmad Alzubi and Hasan Yousef Aljuhmani

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020186 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces, making safety a critical concern in the sector. This study investigates the interplay between safety leadership, employee morale, harmonious safety passion, and safety performance through the lens of the social exchange theory. This research aims [...] Read more.

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces, making safety a critical concern in the sector. This study investigates the interplay between safety leadership, employee morale, harmonious safety passion, and safety performance through the lens of the social exchange theory. This research aims to assess how safety leadership impacts safety performance directly and indirectly, with employee morale acting as a mediator while harmonious safety passion moderates these relationships. A quantitative approach was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to construction workers in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey. A total of 438 valid responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 25) and Analysis of Moment Structures (version 24) for reliability, validity, and hypothesis testing. The findings confirm that safety leadership positively influences both safety performance and employee morale. Employees with high morale directly contribute to improved safety performance and act as a mediator between safety leadership and safety performance. Additionally, harmonious safety passion moderates the relationship between employee morale and safety performance, strengthening the link for workers with higher levels of passion. However, its moderating effect on the relationship between safety leadership and safety performance was not significant. These insights offer practical implications for designing safety training programs, leadership development initiatives, and policies aimed at improving safety outcomes in construction. Future research should explore longitudinal designs and diverse contexts to further validate these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Health in Building Construction Project)

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12 pages, 656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Which Neighborhood Matters? Estimating Multiple-Location Built Environment Effects on the Modality Style

by Yaoxia Ge, Chen Gui, Yunqian Zhuang, Chaoying Yin and Wenyun Tang

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020185 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The literature on the built environment (BE) and travel has offered evidence on both short- and long-term aspects of travel behavior with a main focus on home and work neighborhoods; however, the effects of the BE at the main activity space on the [...] Read more.

The literature on the built environment (BE) and travel has offered evidence on both short- and long-term aspects of travel behavior with a main focus on home and work neighborhoods; however, the effects of the BE at the main activity space on the modality style have remained largely unknown. Moreover, little is known about the inter-modal substitutions and how the substitution is affected by the satiation effects. Based on survey data from Beijing, a Multiple Discrete Continuous Extreme Value (MDCEV) model is adopted to reveal the effects of BE at home, work, and activity space locations on the modality style. Results show that BE features at the home, work, and main activity space neighborhoods are essential triggers of the modality style, among which home BE features play the most vital role. The satiation effects visualized from various travel modes suggest that car traveling remains the most preferred travel mode. These findings can provide refined BE planning implications according to local land-use patterns for urban planners and transport policymakers because a one-size-fits-all design is not a solution to regulate people’s travel behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Built Environment and Mobility)

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15 pages, 7981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Shear Bearing Capacity Calculation of All-Welded Irregular Joints in Steel Traditional Chinese Buildings

by Zhanjing Wu, Xinwu Wang, Xin Bu and Jinshuang Dong

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020184 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Steel traditional Chinese buildings (STCBs) are constructed using modern materials, replicating the esthetics of ancient Chinese buildings, but their irregular joints differ significantly from those in conventional steel structures. To investigate the influence of beam section shape and axial compression ratio on the [...] Read more.

Steel traditional Chinese buildings (STCBs) are constructed using modern materials, replicating the esthetics of ancient Chinese buildings, but their irregular joints differ significantly from those in conventional steel structures. To investigate the influence of beam section shape and axial compression ratio on the failure mode and shear resistance of all-welded irregular joints (WIJs) in STCBs, the size proportion relationships in the traditional Chinese modular construction system for such joints in existing practical projects are analyzed. Four exterior joint specimens were designed and fabricated for pseudo-static loading tests. The failure mode, hysteresis curve, and skeleton curve of the specimens were obtained. The test results indicate that the failure mode of the specimens involves shear deformation in the lower core area, with final failure due to crack formation in the weld at the junction between the column wall and the beam flange. As the axial compression ratio increases, the bearing capacity of the joint decreases. Based on the test results, the numerical model was established by using finite element software Abaqus2016, and parameter analysis was performed by varying the axial compression ratio of the column. After analyzing the force transfer mechanism of the core area in the WIJs of STCBs, a simplified calculation formula for the shear bearing capacity of the core area was derived based on the proportional relationship outlined in the construction manual from the Song Dynasty. The calculated results show good agreement with the experimental results, providing a basis for the structural design of WIJs in STCBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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16 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Employee Training Stabilise the Workforce of Frontline Workers in Construction Firms? An Empirical Analysis of Turnover Intentions

by Wenyan Yao, Mohd Anuar Arshad, Qinjie Yang and Jianping Tan

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020183 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The construction industry is a critical pillar of China’s economy, providing substantial employment opportunities for society. However, the high turnover rate among frontline construction workers has become a significant challenge to the development of the industry. This high mobility not only increases recruitment [...] Read more.

The construction industry is a critical pillar of China’s economy, providing substantial employment opportunities for society. However, the high turnover rate among frontline construction workers has become a significant challenge to the development of the industry. This high mobility not only increases recruitment and training costs for companies but also seriously affects the quality, safety, and productivity of construction projects. This study aims to investigate the impact of employee training on the turnover intention of frontline employees in the construction industry, as well as to analyze the role of organizational identification and perceived supervisor support. Data were analyzed through a structured questionnaire survey of 533 frontline construction employees using the study’s Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that training is effective in reducing turnover intention among frontline employees and that this effect is partly achieved by increasing employees’ organizational identification. In addition, perceived supervisor support moderates the relationship between employee training and turnover intention, and the effect of employee training on reducing turnover intention is more significant when perceived supervisor support is high. This study further validates the applicability of social exchange theory in the context of China’s construction industry, reveals the key roles of employee training and organizational identification in reducing turnover intention, and highlights the important influence of perceived supervisor support as a means of enhancing the effectiveness of employee training, which provides a rationale for Chinese construction firms to optimize the training system and enhance supervisor support in order to improve employee retention intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workforce Development and Education in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Strategies)

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19 pages, 21264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vernacular Wooden Architecture in the City of Puntarenas: First Steps Towards Its Recognition

by Kenia García-Baltodano and David Porras-Alfaro

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020182 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

In Puntarenas City, a historic and tourist port of Costa Rica, several vernacular buildings constructed in wood can be observed. Despite the prevalence of this architectural type in the area, there is an absence of comprehensive studies aimed at documenting this significant heritage. [...] Read more.

In Puntarenas City, a historic and tourist port of Costa Rica, several vernacular buildings constructed in wood can be observed. Despite the prevalence of this architectural type in the area, there is an absence of comprehensive studies aimed at documenting this significant heritage. This article seeks to identify the vernacular architecture in this city through the architectural characterization, quantification, and geolocation of existing buildings, as well as the preliminary recognition of the state of conservation of the group of buildings. The methodological process proposed a four-stage approach. The initial stage involved an examination of documentary sources to verify existing information and obtain a preliminary profile of architectural characteristics. A participatory workshop with the community enabled the validation of this profile. The second stage comprised fieldwork, which yielded a starting list of properties. In the third stage, a detailed examination of the listed properties enabled the verification of the profile of characteristics, the delimitation of the architectural typologies, and the selection of buildings that did not fulfill the preliminary profile or possessed significant modifications that affected their architectural legibility. The fourth stage comprised the development of an inventory of vernacular architecture buildings and the systematic data transference to a Geographic Information System. This study mainly obtained the following results: an initial list of 172 wooden buildings in Puntarenas City and a geolocated inventory of 75 vernacular wooden architecture buildings that exhibit considerable architectural legibility. Moreover, identifying the uses and architectural features of the inventoried buildings permitted their categorization into ten distinct typologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the REHABEND 2024 Congress)

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29 pages, 7068 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Research Advances and Applications of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer in the Construction Industry

by Sheng-Jie Duan, Ru-Ming Feng, Xin-Yan Yuan, Liang-Tao Song, Gen-Shu Tong and Jing-Zhong Tong

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020181 - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Compared to glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) offers distinct advantages, including the relatively lower cost and superior creep resistance. As a result, its application in the construction industry has been gaining growing attention. This paper [...] Read more.

Compared to glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) offers distinct advantages, including the relatively lower cost and superior creep resistance. As a result, its application in the construction industry has been gaining growing attention. This paper begins by providing an overview of the fundamental background, as well as the mechanical and microscopic properties, of BFs. By exploring various application types, including one-dimensional (e.g., bars, cables), two-dimensional (e.g., grids, sheets), and three-dimensional (e.g., profiles) applications, the research progress of BFRP products in the construction industry is comprehensively summarized. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of BFRP in a variety of structural applications, such as reinforcing existing structures (e.g., concrete or masonry) using BFRP bars, grids, or sheets, and the development of novel design concepts that integrate BFRP products with existing structural systems. Furthermore, this paper identifies unresolved challenges and proposes potential research directions, intending to promote BFRP’s broader adoption as a standardized and innovative material in the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Polymers and Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Civil Engineering)

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