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Standards for the design of bridges, buildings and other infrastructure specify design loads for climatic hazards such as temperature, snow, wind, and floods based on return periods presented in maps or tables that account for regional differences. These design loads were developed from statistical analyses of historical hazard data under the assumption that the past is representative of the future. Climate change may affect the frequencies and intensities of environmental hazards which, depending on regional variations, raises questions as to whether structures designed to current specifications will meet minimum safety standards over their future service lives. This paper critically appraises issues related to using historical hazard data for future designs. It reviews basic principles of uniform reliability, that modern design codes use as the basis for ensuring minimum levels of safety, describing the relationship between hazard return periods, structural reliability, risk and the maximum loads expected within a structure's service life. Simple examples involving wind effects on structures demonstrate how to calibrate structural design hazard maps for climate-related extreme events to meet the minimum standards of safety implied in current specifications. The paper also introduces a possible practical approach to account for climate change when designing new structures and assessing the safety of existing facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the ways in which new national narratives are sought to be constructed in 'post-truth' era – marked by what Harsin terms competing convictions, discord and confusion and attempts to manage the communication environment. New technologies and online spaces facilitate the 're-creation' and 're-construction' of the past and are co-opted in the nation building project. In the context of extensive studies on how the democratic potential of new technologies is subverted, this paper calls for specific attention to the ways in which (imprecise) history forms part of discursive nationalism in present times. Taking up India as a case study, the paper explores and evaluates the strategies employed in the rescripting of the national narrative potentially leading to new national memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response spectra defined in the appropriate Euro standards from the first and second generation (EN 1998-1 and EN 1998-1-1), which determine the seismic load for common buildings, are critically presented first. To avoid a reduction in earthquake loading on structures using response spectra, only a few points of the response spectra in the second generation of EN 1998-1-1 are determined by applying the probabilistic concept of seismic hazard assessment. The comparison of current response spectra in EN 1998-1 is made with the uniform hazard spectra (UHS). The comment and application of the second generation of EN 1998-1-1 is a novelty that is introduced in this paper. On the basis of response spectra presented here according to EN 1998-1 and EN 1998-1-1 and other spectra obtained from real and artificial records, comparative different methods of analysis on one regular simple eight-story reinforced concrete frame structure are illustrated to find out how the kind of spectra and used methods of analysis influence the story displacements and story drifts of one simple regular structure. So, at the same time, the reader will be informed not only about novelties in the second generation of EN 1998-1-1 as far as response spectra are concerned but also understand the implication of various response spectra on the methods of analysis of building structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the number of floors is required for several applications, for instance, energy demand estimation, population estimation, and flood response plans. Despite this, open data on the number of floors is very rare, even when a 3D city model is available. In practice, it is most often inferred with a geometric method: elevation data is used to estimate the height of a building, which is divided by an assumed storey height and rounded. However, as we demonstrate in this paper with a large dataset of residential buildings, this method is unreliable: <70% of the buildings have a correct estimate. We demonstrate that other attributes and characteristics of buildings can help us better predict the number of floors. We propose several indicators (e.g. construction year, cadastral attributes, building geometry, and neighbourhood census data), and we present a predictive model that was trained with 172,000 buildings in the Netherlands. Our model achieves an accuracy of 94.5% for residential buildings with five floors or less, which is an improvement of about 25% over the geometric approach. Above five floors, our model has only a slight improvement on the geometric approach (5%). The main culprit is the lack of training data for tall buildings, which is uncommon in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of new building HVAC control algorithms has grown due to needs for energy efficiency and operational flexibility. However, case studies demonstrating new algorithms are largely individualized, making algorithm performance difficult to compare directly. In addition, the effort and expertise required to implement case studies in real or simulated buildings limits rapid prototyping potential. Therefore, this paper presents the Building Optimization Testing Framework (BOPTEST) and associated software for simulation-based benchmarking of building HVAC control algorithms. A containerized run-time environment (RTE) enables rapid, repeatable deployment of common building emulators representing different system types. Emulators use Modelica to represent realistic physical dynamics, embed baseline control, and enable overwriting supervisory and local-loop control signals. Finally, a common set of key performance indicators are calculated within the RTE and reported to the user. This paper details the design and implementation of software and demonstrates its usage to benchmark a Model Predictive Control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser scanning 3D technology is gaining prominence in Architecture, Engineering and Construction, aiming to organize space and shape the human environment. Main advantages of laser scanning, such as efficiency, high accuracy and precision, low time consumption, safety, and non-invasiveness, provide technological support for sustainable development goals. Obtaining a point cloud using laser scanning and creating 3D models allows producing a highly detailed computer image of a measuring facility. The resulting spatial model of the building makes it possible to prepare inventory documentation, conduct construction analyses, and widely support technical facility management. The use of detailed data about a single building is becoming possible to enrich BIM (Building Information Modelling) or GEOBIM (geospatial environment with BIM). The present paper discusses the measurement and modelling of buildings using both terrestrial laser scanning. As an auxiliary method, close-range photogrammetry was carried out from an unmanned aerial vehicle. For this purpose, models were created of three facilities located in Poland. Particular attention was drawn to analysing potential errors in mapping. Direct geometry measurements were performed, and statistical analyses, deviations of actual lengths were specified. The results obtained have indicated that the measurement accuracy of existing buildings and its digital model is better than ±1 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has caused public health and economic crises in many countries including the United States. Engineering control strategies are cited by leading agencies as the second effective recommendation after virus elimination to safer reopen buildings during the pandemic. This paper systematically surveyed and synthesized highly cited architectural guidelines in the U.S. published by leading agencies. As reviewed in this paper, all reviewed architectural strategies agreed on the importance of increasing outdoor air ventilation and maintaining social distancing, without specific consideration of the potential impact of these strategies on other aspects of buildings and occupants. Thus, this paper provides foundational knowledge for future studies around safer buildings during future pandemics and suggests conducting more pre/post-occupancy evaluations that incorporate human-centered studies and building performance analysis, using qualitative and quantitative methods to support various building stakeholders in making more informed decisions around recommendations to positively and holistically impact occupants and buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlements represent one of the most dangerous causes of degradation of the stability and preservation of buildings. This work presents a Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey aiming to investigate settlement problems that compromise the structural integrity of an Indiana-style house built in 1933–36 (Cabanas, northwest of Spain). From a simple visual inspection, it was possible to observe external damage like cracking, subsidence and bulging in the building façades, retaining walls and pavements. The GPR survey was conducted using a ProEx system with a 500 MHz antenna, which allowed for the production of an overall image of the subsoil until a depth of 3–4 m. The GPR data allowed for the detection of subsidence, voids and poor soil compaction, which made easier the identification of building settlements. The GPR interpretation was then validated with geotechnical prospection (sampling and dynamic probing superheavy (DPSH) tests), which showed good agreement between techniques. The better knowledge of this settlement phenomena was promising for the engineers and architects engaged in the design of conservation activities for such a singular architectural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a groundbreaking application of the Bellman-Ford algorithm for optimizing evacuation routes in multi-floor academic buildings, extending its traditional use in single-source shortest-path problems to address complex multiple- source multiple-exit (MSME) problems. A comprehensive computational model was developed, reflecting real-world evacuation scenarios and incorporating key constraints and assumptions. The model was rigorously benchmarked against a Dijkstra's algorithm-based model, revealing a 3.5% improvement in the number of evacuees evacuated after the initial 9 seconds. Detailed simulation results and extended data analysis further substantiate these findings. While the current model assumes perfect evacuee compliance and overlooks human behavior, future research could address these limitations to enhance the model's realism. This study significantly advances the field of emergency evacuation planning, offering valuable insights for emergency response practitioners, facility managers, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have recently emerged and attracted extensive attention as an alternative approach to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods, which can provide competitive solutions to a variety of forward and inverse fluid problems. In this study, we reconstruct a 3D wind field around a building model in wind tunnel test with a Reynolds number of 2.4 × 104 by formulating a novel PINN framework, which is the first exploration of PINNs for building wind engineering problems. To surmount the hurdle in multi-objective optimization for PINN training, a dynamic prioritization (dp) self-adaptive loss balance strategy is proposed (termed dpPINN), which adaptively reconciles the loss terms of distinct scales to facilitate convergence in PINN training. A zero-equation turbulence model and the wind velocity data collected in near-wall regions are embedded in dpPINN training. Comparison results indicate that dpPINN predictions show good consistency with observation data, which is superior to two current PINN paradigms in prediction accuracy. Furthermore, the influence of neural network configurations, turbulence models, and the layout arrangements of training points on the dpPINN prediction is investigated. It is demonstrated that the dpPINN could be a powerful auxiliary means for airflow simulation and reconstruction in wind engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue Plaques originated in London in 1867, prior to the formation of the National Trust, as a means of commemorating famous people who lived in the city and the building associated with them. Commemorative plaques are found in other cities and countries as a means of raising public awareness about material and social heritage. The Blue Plaques of the City of Johannesburg, South Africa were identified, thematically analysed, classified and compared with the formal heritage lists. The spatial distribution was interrogated, with the Blue Plaques and formally listed heritage resources mapped for the first time. The plaques are clustered around a few parts of the city, namely the CBD, Soweto, and the suburbs of Alexandra and Parktown. This reflects the impact of private sector lobby groups in motivating for, and in many cases, financing the erection of the plaques. The City of Johannesburg Department of Arts, Culture and Heritage plays a lead role in identifying and sponsoring a small number of plaques each year, however this role could be expanded to provide a more balanced representation of the city's heritage, both thematically and in terms of spatial distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Displacement is the most commonly used method to resolve spatial conflicts, but it creates difficulties in maintaining consistency in the spatial distribution pattern of building groups. In this study, a geometry constraints-oriented approach is proposed. First, buildings were classified according to the degree of encirclement by roads. On this basis, considering the road mesh as a unit, the minimum spanning tree was used to establish relationships between buildings and identify the structure of building clusters. In addition, the force received by the building was analyzed to determine the distance and direction of displacement. Owing to area constraints, buildings were scaled down to solve the problem of insufficient displacement space. Distance, direction, and area indicators were chosen as geometry constraints to conduct the displacement. Our results showed that the developed approach can effectively resolve spatial conflicts between roads and buildings, while maintaining the distribution pattern, and it is therefore a promising solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-glazed window coupled with phase change material (PCM) improves the thermal inertia and heat storage capacity, but the inefficient utilization of latent heat stored in PCM restricts the application in cold regions in winter. To surmount the deficiencies, a PCM ventilation window (PCMVW) with an airflow channel installed outside is proposed, in which the external ambient air enters the room after being heated by the PCM layer to realize the adequate utilization and recovery of the energy stored in the PCM. A two-dimensional model was established to investigate the photothermal performance of PCMVW in winter. Then, the effects of airflow rate and PCM melting point on the photothermal performance of PCMVW are analyzed. The results show that the thermal performance of the structure achieves significant enhancement with the airflow channel installed, which saves 521 kJ/d of energy, and the temperature fluctuation is 0.68 times that of the traditional PCMW. Meanwhile, the airflow improves the dynamic transmittance of the window at certain times. Remarkable enhancement of the thermal performance and optical performance of the PCMVW is achieved by adjusting the air mass flow rate and PCM melting point, which provides solutions for the application of PCMVW in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Masonry is a composite material often modeled as an equivalent homogenous material. However, the complexity of its micro-structure leads to complex mechanical responses, which are almost impossible to capture accurately with homogenous constitutive models. Micro-modeling can be used in these scenarios, allowing for the explicit modeling of microstructural components, leading to an accurate capturing of their interaction. Its main drawback is the computational cost, which often makes this approach suitable only for the simulation of small specimens. This is especially true due to strain-softening leading to severe instabilities and non-convergence of the solution. The objective of this work is to propose a simple yet effective constitutive plastic-damage model for the microstructural components of masonry. It is based on a damage model previously developed by the authors. For a better representation of the cyclic response of masonry, plasticity is added using a simplified implementation that does not strictly follow the rules of standard elastoplasticity, allowing an explicit computation of the stress tensor from the strain tensor without the need for an iterative loop at the material level. To reduce the numerical issues related to strain-softening and thus improve the stability of the solution, an IM-PLEX integration algorithm is adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Italy, the recent regulatory and legislative developments relevant to the seismic risk mitigation of the existing building stock aim to propose tax deductions and simple but reliable approaches for the quantitative evaluation of the beneficial impacts of seismic retrofitting. Nevertheless, currently policy makers need tools and models able to assess the seismic risk and the cost/benefit of the strengthening interventions at regional/national level in order to plan future mitigation policies and be aware of the effectiveness of measures taken. To this aim, this article proposes a heuristic vulnerability model for large-scale applications. Starting from macroseismic approaches widely used in Europe, fragility and vulnerability curves for masonry and RC buildings are calibrated using a specific procedure based on the new Italian 'guidelines for the seismic risk classification of constructions' approved in January 2020, namely the so-called 'Sisma Bonus.' According to the construction material, building type and number of floors, the developed curves are defined in terms of vulnerability and height classes. The derived vulnerability model can be used in exposure models which rely on poor census data. Finally, it is compared with existing vulnerability models and the comparisons are analysed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, overpopulation in Iran has created a significant demand for urban land. Iranian land administration system currently relies on two-dimensional (2D) plans to capture, register, and manage vertically stratified ownership rights. This 2D method leads to issues in representing the rights, restrictions, and responsibilities (RRRs) associated with complex building structures. This study proposes a new approach driven from Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support 3D urban land administration in Iran by considering the critical data requirements for managing ownership spaces in the context of Iranian jurisdiction. The BIM data model was implemented for a case study building in the City of Tehran to demonstrate its feasibility. The proposed BIM-based approach was compared with the traditional 2D system using a questionnaire responded to by land administration experts. This research confirmed that a BIM-based approach could provide significant benefits for 3D urban land administration in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered Wood Products like Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) are transforming capabilities of wood as a construction material, enabling architects and engineers to create innovative buildings. Using CLT can have many advantages compared with using traditional materials, not least of which is reducing total superstructure gravitational weights. Reducing gravitational weight can simplify and speed up construction processes and reduce foundation costs. Plus, being made from wood, CLT has desirable 'green' credentials like renewability of forest resources and carbon sequestration for the lifespans of buildings. However, like other lightweight structural systems, CLT buildings can be susceptible to high-amplitude motions during ambient or other dynamic force and displacement disturbances. Studies reported here address the dynamic behaviour of mid-rise multi-storey buildings constructed from massive CLF elements, with a focus on predicting lateral modal response characteristics of such buildings. The vehicle for this is detailed Finite Element (FE) models verified as accurate replicators of ambient dynamic motions of completed CLT buildings. Here applications of FE models relate to performances of buildings during seismic events. However, the intent is to also use them to predict motions of buildings during windstorms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joseph Buttigieg's introduction to his uncompleted edition of the Prison Notebooks is one of the best things ever written about Gramsci's prison writings. The last section reproduces, with minimal changes, Buttigieg's 1990 article "Gramsci's Method," and it has the same title. That title, however, is misleading, since what Buttigieg reconstructs is not so much Gramsci's method of writing the notebooks as his own process, as editor, of reading them, which is far from being a factual report of how Gramsci "actually wrote." It involves, instead, a set of interpretive hunches, which in turn presuppose a prior knowledge of all of Gramsci's texts, without which it would not be possible to make the connections he makes between different topics or to rank them, to identify some – such as the critique of positivist sociology and the idea of the philosophy of praxis – as more important, more overarching than others. Symptomatic here is Buttigieg's use of an apparently insignificant note, of just twenty words, "L'ossicino di Cuvier," generally overlooked by Gramsci scholars, as a point of entry into a set of interconnected notes and from there to the whole intellectual edifice of the Prison Notebooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings are beautiful mathematical objects tying a variety of subjects in algebra and geometry together in a very direct sense. They form a natural bridge to visualizing more complex principles in group theory. As such, they provide an opportunity to talk about the inner workings of mathematics to a broader audience, but the visualizations could also serve as a didactic tool in teaching group and building theory, and we believe they can even inspire future research. We present an algorithmic method to visualize these geometric objects. The main accomplishment is the use of existing theory to produce three-dimensional, interactive models of buildings associated with groups with a BN-pair. The final product, an interactive web application called The Buildings Gallery, can be found at [Bekker, B. (2021, June). The Buildings Gallery]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency factors in building codes and standards are crucial components that are prescribed to buildings to augment their energy efficiency. The objective of this study was to prioritize these vital energy efficiency factors. The present study derives its motivation from energy design and execution professionals, who face the challenge of selecting certain energy factors that may result in a trade-off over other factors. A fuzzy set theory with a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology was employed to obtain the results. A ranked list of prioritized energy efficiency factors is one of the key contributions of this research. We demonstrate that energy efficiency factors can be evaluated according to the degree of their importance. Based on the results, it was concluded that outdoor and indoor climatic conditions, air conditioning systems, orientation of buildings, and ventilation are the four most significant and highest-ranked factors that affect the energy efficiency of a building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]