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Modular construction and operation significantly impact building lifecycle management, with various stakeholders playing key roles. Digital twin technology emerges as a cutting-edge tool for information exchange, management, and forecasting in the construction sector, offering comprehensive services for diverse stakeholders. However, research primarily explores potential applications and practical solutions, with limited focus on application strategies considering all stakeholders' interests. This gap hinders the transition of digital twin technology from theoretical to practical use. Addressing this, the paper employs game theory to develop models that analyze key stakeholder decisions during the modular construction and operational phases. It creatively introduces mathematical models for complex conditions in the operation phase and conducts numerical simulations. Findings show that the diffusion rate of digital twin technology significantly affects decision-making by main stakeholders in the construction industries in two stages. The diffusion rate in other industries influences the decision of facility management contractors from different backgrounds, yet its implementation ultimately depends on their status and profitability during the operation process. These diffusion rates are influenced by various factors like government subsidies, development costs, and revenues. To enhance the application rate of digital twin technology, the paper suggests initiating pilot projects, creating project pools, expanding industry-university-research collaborations, and implementing subsidies and incentive programs. • We utilized game theory to analyze the decisions during the modular construction and operation phases • Mathematical models were developed under complex conditions to facilitate numerical simulations of modular construction and operation • We found that the diffusion rate of digital twin technology could impact owners' decisions • Measures were proposed to enhance the application rate of the digital twin technology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Examine existing literature on applying AI in the modular construction industry. • Exploring the production, operations and logistics (POL) management. • Analyze the progress and research patterns of AI for POL management. • Provide potential future directions for AI for POL management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered significant attention within the modular construction industry, emerging as a prominent frontier development trend. A comprehensive and systematic analysis is required to gain a thorough understanding of the existing literature on the use of AI in the management of production, operations, and logistics within the modular construction industry. This review delves into the various aspects of AI implementation in this sector, adopting a critical perspective. The objective of this paper is to analyze the progress, suitability, and research patterns in the field of AI for the management of productions, operations, and logistics within the modular construction industry. First, a concise overview of AI technologies pertaining to the contemporary research on the production, operations and logistics management of the modular construction industry is provided. Second, a bibliometric analysis is performed to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing publications pertaining to this subject matter. Subsequently, this paper presents literature reviews and outlines future directions for each component, specifically AI in the context of production management, operations management, and logistics management within the modular construction industry. The review provides a valuable knowledge base and roadmap to guide future research and development efforts in AI-enhanced modular construction management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aerial Building Machine (ABM) is a complex construction equipment used in high-rise building construction, facing challenges due to environmental uncertainties. This paper introduces a multi-condition generative design framework to improve ABM's visualization, operability, and intelligence. It seamlessly integrates real-time data between geometric and physical models and employs an ensemble deep learning model for objective value prediction, using a snapshot strategy. Combining structural reliability concepts with Latin hypercube sampling-based stochastic optimization, an optimal design scheme is obtained for uncertain loads. An ABM case study in China illustrates the approach's feasibility, showing it meets reliability requirements across different conditions and achieves significant improvements (16.59% under normal conditions and 16.91% under extreme wind conditions). Additionally, ensemble deep learning outperforms existing methods for ABM structural reliability estimation. Identifying optimal designs and evaluation options, this paper contributes a multi-condition optimization approach for enhanced structural reliability and establishes an efficient generative design workflow and system for exploring a vast solution space. • A multi-condition generative design framework for ABM is proposed. • The ensemble deep learning approach is employed to predict the structural response precisely. • The load uncertainties are considered according to the developed LHS-based SO approach. • A real aerial building machine in China is taken as a case study for illustration. • The proposed approach shows great performance in the structural optimization design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of digital fabrication with concrete (DFC) has the potential to bring sustainability, productivity, and process innovation to the construction industry. However, DFC adoption towards market-ready construction systems is lagging due to a lack of understanding in matching its technology capabilities with the needs of potential adopters. This paper describes a DFC Evaluation Framework, analyzing current advancements in DFC through a Conceptual Framework Analysis. The framework is focused on the inputs, process parameters and outcomes of a given technology solution independently of the enabling technology type. It can be used to classify and compare DFC technologies along their systemic characteristics, which are both technical and non-technical in nature. The DFC Scoreboard, an interactive tool to match DFC technologies with the needs of prospective adopters, is developed and tested based on the framework. The paper discusses how the DFC Evaluation Framework and Scoreboard offer one of the first systemic overviews of DFC adoption, with the capability to match technology capabilities and user needs in the technology adoption process. • Digital fabrication with concrete lacks guidance matching technologies with adopter needs. • Conceptual framework of categories for industry adoption of digital fabrication with concrete. • Interactive tool to match technology potential and needs of adopters in the construction industry. • Implications of the interactive evaluation tool for adoption of digital construction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the automation of calculation of building structures, in particular, multilayered structures. When designing monolithic reinforced concrete slabs in fixed formwork, it is necessary to perform very complex calculations, with many parameters being calculated, and, accordingly, it is necessary to exclude calculation errors. The proposed solution is a software module, which, firstly, solves this problem, and secondly, has a unique opportunity to select the calculation mode, which takes into account the relevant functional problem. The system of functional calculation tasks of building constructions is formed. A description of the software module design is given. Automation of calculations of reinforced concrete structures due to the use of the program module provides reduction of time expenses of their performance, reduces labour and financial expenses, considerably raises the quality of calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global construction sector consumes 40 billion tonnes of raw materials and is responsible for considerable CO 2 emissions. With growing awareness of its environmental impact, the construction sector is looking to transition from a linear economy "take-make-waste" scenario towards more circular economy principles. Lightweight exterior infill walls are built between floors of primary structural frames to provide building façades. The design of these components is usually based on the current linear economic model. While lightweight exterior infill walls are becoming increasingly common in building construction in the UK, no studies have investigated the potential environmental benefits of designing them with circularity in mind. This means there's a lack of research on both the carbon footprint of these walls and the potential environmental benefits of reusing them. Thus, this article assesses the significance of the carbon emissions from lightweight exterior infill walls and examines whether there is any carbon reduction when lightweight exterior infill walls are demounted from the building frames and reused. This paper first examines the construction process of lightweight exterior infill walls and explores the opportunity to demount and reuse them. Then, the environmental impacts of the lightweight exterior infill walls are analysed using a lifecycle assessment framework. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses are also conducted. The results demonstrate that (i) the embodied carbon of the lightweight exterior infill walls over their lifecycle represents approximately 22% of the embodied carbon of the entire building, and (ii) the disassembly and reuse of infill walls can reduce a building's embodied carbon over its typical lifetime by about 6% compared to the linear scenario where the walls were not reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to robotic construction requires advanced planning approaches to meet the specific requirements for successful robot deployment. Robots require precise information (e.g., position, velocity, force) to execute tasks reliably. Existing research focuses on robot-oriented construction processes but lacks real-time planning integration with building and construction information. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes the Robot Construction Action Node (RCAN), serving as a middle layer system between BIM-based smart components and the Robot Operating System (ROS). RCAN breaks down construction planning into ordered activities for flexible adaptation and direct robot control. By assigning these construction activities to components, the macro construction process is linked to the micro construction methods. This procedure is tested and evaluated using a Linked Building Data (LBD) data modeling approach. The proposed solution is validated through three robot construction scenarios in an earlier built simulation environment. • An RCAN middle layer system is proposed for data linking and interaction between BIM and ROS. • A procedure converts IFC models and construction plannings into merged RDF graphs. • An RCAN-based framework allows interaction between smart components and robots. • A simulation presents execution of construction activities by a mobile manipulator using the RCAN system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Methodology to perform RE activities during ITER construction is presented. It covers the Tokamak Machine and Buildings. • Reverse Engineering implementation workflow is described. • RE activities are implemented and managed in ITER by the As-Built Data management Working Group (ADM-WG). Group organization is described. • RE analysis is a valuable tool for assembly process optimization, interfaces customization and alignment target optimization. • RE methodology is described. The application of RE techniques to the assessment of Vacuum Vessel and Cryostat Base construction is presented. The ITER machine consists of a large number of highly integrated and complex systems, with critical functional positional requirements (e.g. accurate positioning of magnets to minimize error fields and location of plasma facing components with respect to magnetic axis) and reduced design clearances to maximize Tokamak performances and optimize sizing. Deviations from specified part tolerances and product assembly processes/accuracies could have a critical impact on assembly feasibility, schedule and achievement of final performances, compromising plasma operation. The assessment of potential deviations on as-manufactured and as-assembled systems, together with early mitigation of non-compliance with Tokamak dimensional requirements, are critical activities during the ongoing manufacturing and Tokamak construction phases. This paper describes the methodology implemented within ITER for the assessment of as-built integrated systems, based on Reverse Engineering (RE) techniques. It includes the identification of construction needs (at system and assembly levels), the acquisition of metrology data based on defined needs, the post-processing and alignment of data and the reconstruction and management of 3D as-built configuration models. RE techniques are a basic tool for the management of dimensional risk and opportunity for mitigation or recovery during ITER construction phase. ITER is a Nuclear Facility INB-174. This paper describes a Protection Important Activity (PIA) for safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the outcome of an investigation which was conducted soon after the 2015 Sabah earthquake in Malaysia. Buildings in the affected area were mainly constructed from reinforced concrete (RC) and wooden materials. Although the Mw 6.0 earthquake imposed significant damage to the majority of RC buildings, no significant structural damage was observed for the wooden structures. It was found that damage to the RC buildings was mainly because of non-ductile detailing of the structural components, strong-beam weak-column condition, captive-column and short-column effects, soft and weak stories mechanism, irregularity in plan and elevation, unconfined gable/infill walls, bad workmanship, and the low quality of construction materials. It was observed that many wooden structures had flaws in their design and construction as well. However, because of the high strength-to-weight ratio and the flexible properties of wooden materials which allow them to undergo several cycles of deformation without breaking, they survived the seismic actions. This paper identifies and discusses the main reasons for the damage observed in RC buildings and the construction flaws that were observed for wooden structures. Recommendations from seismic design codes in order to prevent the occurrence of such damage in the future are also highlighted. • A brief explanation about seismic activities in Sabah, Malaysia is presented. • Observed damage to RC buildings and seismic code requirements are discussed. • Damage to wooden buildings and observed construction flaws are discussed. • Suggestions for having safer structures in the future construction are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper explores the most influential aspects regarding the environmental and economic performance of zero-energy and zero-emission buildings and proposes a pathway for transition in building solutions. A representative zero-energy office building in Norway is investigated with alternative design solutions to achieve zero-emission status i.e., the extensive use of locally generated energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels and the use of materials with low embodied emissions, such as low-carbon concrete and wood. A life cycle environmental and economic assessment is performed to evaluate specific indicators during the building life cycle: cumulative energy (CED), global warming potential (GWP), and equivalent annual cost (EAC). The extensive use of PV panels was most effective in lowering the operational energy because it reduced the CED by about 30% compared to the building as-built. However, the extensive use of wood in the construction contributed the most to GWP reduction, with around 30% decrease compared to the building as-built. Finally, the differences in EAC were interestingly insignificant among the alternatives, with the investment costs dominating the EAC for all designs examined. The findings of this paper emphasise that a full compensation of the life cycle GHG emissions from materials is difficult to achieve through renewable energy, even with extensive use of PV panels, especially in a low-carbon grid situation as in Norway. A pathway strategy from zero-energy towards zero-emission buildings must therefore strongly focus on the materials' embodied energy and emissions because low operational energy demand is already a regulatory priority in most countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents an application of forensic engineering methods in civil engineering problems. Under the case study based on the failure of a tenement building from the 1930s, the authors want to present the analyses of the influence of design and contractor errors on this situation. These analyses were carried out using an advanced computer program - ABAQUS v.6.6. The work was split into three parts. In the first one, only the most cracked wall was analysed as a 2D model. Next, a 3D model of a building fragment with the floor removed was created. In the last stage, the entire building was modelled, including all the structural walls as well as window and door openings. In order to evaluate the percentage responsibility for the building failure, simple FA (failure analysis) was applied. The results show that the most significant influence on the current state resulted from subsequent modernization works and not from the piling works at the site to the north. These simply triggered the accumulated damage in the structure. Highlights • The paper analyses the causes of failure of the building, • These analyses were carried out using an advanced computer program - ABAQUS v.6.6, • In order to evaluate the percentage responsibility for the building failure, simple FA (failure analysis) was applied, • The causes of cracking was analyses and the mechanism was explained, • The analysis will be useful for engineers that supervise this kind of building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Design coordination and conflict detection with BIM are one of the most frequent and valued uses of BIM in the construction sector. However, our observations of design coordination meetings indicate that even when BIM tools are readily available, practitioners frequently revert back to 2D digital and paper-based drawings and rarely interact with BIM tools on their own without the help of a BIM Coordinator. To better understand the challenges of interacting with BIM, we conducted a long term ethnographic study of a project team performing design coordination using state of the art BIM tools. We developed a taxonomy to represent the relationships between goals, artifacts, interactions and transitions for BIM-based design coordination processes. This research extends this prior work by analyzing the frequency of interactions with different design artifacts, characterizing interactions with state of the art BIM tools, and identifying the motivation behind interactions with design artifacts. An important contribution of this research is the identification and characterization of the transitions participants had between design artifacts and views, which has previously not been studied in depth. We identified four major interactions with design artifacts, including preparation, annotation, navigation, and recording. We identified six categories of goals for interacting with design artifacts, including prepare, grab attention, visualize, inspect, document, and query. We discuss our findings and provide possible design considerations to address the challenges we observed. Highlights • A study of how and why practitioners interact with artifact in design coordination • Long term ethnographic study of project teams in design coordination using BIM • Developed a taxonomy characterizing interactions, goals & transitions with artifacts • Identification and characterization of the transitions between design artifacts and views • Found 2D paper, 2D digital & 3D digital information, utilized equally during coordination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme events (i.e. terrorist attacks, vehicle impacts, explosions, etc.) often cause local damage to building structures and pose a serious threat when one or more vertical load-bearing components fail, leading to the progressive collapse of the entire structure or a large part of it. Since the beginning of the 21st century there has been growing interest in the risks associated with extreme events, especially after the attacks on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma in 1995 and on the World Trade Center in New York in 2001. The accent is now on achieving resilient buildings that can remain operational after such an event, especially when they form part of critical infrastructures, are occupied by a large number of people, or are open to the public. This paper presents an ambitious review that describes all the main advances that have taken place since the beginning of the 21st century in the field of progressive collapse and robustness of buildings. Widely diverse aspects are dealt with, including: (1) a collection of conceptual definitions, (2) bibliometric details, (3) the present situation and evolution of codes and design recommendations, (4) quantification of robustness, (5) assessing the risk of progressive collapse, (6) experimental tests, (7) numerical modelling, and (8) research needs. Considering the comprehensive range of these aspects, this paper could be of great use to professionals and researchers who intend to enter the field of the progressive collapse of building structures and also to other experts who require an extensive and up-to-date view of this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Traditionally, the geometry of building components or rooms is either described by their boundary or it is defined by constructive solid models. Modeling tools are available which are based on the principle of constructing building components and of composing a building by adding building components step by step. However, topological relations are relevant besides the shape of components and rooms. These topological relationships are not necessarily explicit information in boundary representation or constructive solid models. As a consequence, they must be computed. At present time, there exists to the best knowledge of the author only a single approach in this subject area that is able to reconstruct topological relations including their geometry. The objects which need to be considered are building components, built-in components and rooms. The challenge is to calculate the three relevant aspects of geometry in digital building models completely and in an efficient way. These three relevant aspects are clashes, voids and contact faces. The existing approach to calculate these aspects is based on space partitioning concepts. Space partitioning concepts store neighboring relations explicitly. The approach presented in this paper is also based on space partitioning. One basic and novel consideration of the approach presented in this paper is to execute the reconstruction procedure in a mesh. The mesh itself is not refined anymore at a certain point during the calculations to avoid uncontrollable refinements. The second basic and novel consideration is the way of avoiding topological inconsistencies. Integer values are chosen for coordinates, and a specific algorithm is presented that guarantees that topological inconsistencies cannot occur. The research presented in this paper addresses the first step on the way to compute clashes, voids and contact faces. This is the reconstruction of edges. This paper presents the theory and a pilot implementation for the reconstruction of straight edges. Examples show the benefits of the approach presented. Open questions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • New method for generating and using BIM for energy retrofitting of old buildings. • The proposed method comprises 3 interrelated tasks: Anamnesis, Diagnosis, Therapy. • Templates help to fill in modeling gaps in the needed system identification cycle. • A variation model enables the use of templates for retrofitting design variants. • The developed framework can be reused in other domains such as bridge retrofitting. Abstract Building Information Modeling (BIM) is rapidly advancing as an efficient new approach to cooperative building design and construction. However, BIM methodology is still mainly developed and applied for new building projects. The strong societal needs to improve the quality and the overall performance of the existing building stock, especially with regard to energy use, are yet insufficiently supported by BIM. In this paper we propose a structured approach towards the creation of a building information model of an existing building and its use for the purpose of retrofitting or renovation, based on the standard IFC specification (ISO 16739). It implies a process we define as BIMification. This process undergoes two major stages: (1) Anamnesis, dedicated to the survey and collection of facts about the building, and (2) Diagnosis, dedicated to the analysis and interpretation of the collected facts to obtain the necessary understanding of the building and its performance and prepare for the retrofitting design. The paper outlines the broader research aim that triggered the development of the suggested approach and presents the overall concept and methodology, the ICT platform under implementation and the current state of the work. Discussed are also the scope of the approach, envisaged perspectives and further development efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction operations are typically spread across large areas and require remote collaboration between multiple disparate resources—characteristics that create logistical challenges for making and automating decisions on the worksite. This paper provides a framework for leveraging the growing ubiquity of devices that can be considered part of the internet of things (IoT) to inform real-time decision-making on the construction site. Specifically, systems and control theory concepts are implemented by first synthesizing sensor information at their point of origin into resource state, and then using this state as feedback into a process model of the operation. Decisions that are programed into the process model are then made automatically based on real-time status of the operation and relayed back to the entities on the construction site through the IoT infrastructure. The real-time decision-making capabilities enabled by the presented methodology and its associated benefits to construction performance are demonstrated through the use of a virtual experimental platform that simulates a potential implementation of IoT-enabled control on the construction worksite for an earthmoving operation. This research provides a practical and sensor-agnostic implementation of operation-level decision-making by utilizing IoT networks along with advancements in modeling and simulation tools. This paper illustrates the types of insights that can be synthesized from an operations-level IoT network that gathers and transmits information in real time from various locations of the worksite. Currently and without the use of the prescribed methodology, such actionable insight would be impractical, cost-prohibitive, and even impossible to obtain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings are the largest energy consumers in Europe and are responsible for approximately 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of the greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Two-thirds of the building consumption is for residential buildings. To achieve energy efficiency, buildings are being integrated with IoT devices through the use of smart IoT services. For instance, a smart space heating service reduces energy consumption by dynamically heating apartments based on indoor and outdoor temperatures. The W3C recommends the use of the Web of Things (WoT) standard to enable IoT interoperability on the Web. However, in the context of a smart building, the ability to search and discover building metadata and IoT devices available in the WoT ecosystems remains a challenge due to the limitation of the current WoT Discovery, which only includes a directory containing only IoT devices metadata without including building metadata. Integrating the IoT device's metadata with building metadata in the same directory can provide better discovery capabilities to the IoT services providers. In this paper, we integrate building metadata into the W3C WoT Discovery through the construction of a Building Description JSON-LD file. This Building Description is integrated into the W3C WoT Discovery and based on the domOS Common Ontology (dCO) to achieve semantic interoperability in smart residential buildings for the WoT IoT ecosystem within the Horizon 2020 domOS project. This integration results in a Thing and Building Description Directory. dCO integrates the SAREF core ontology with the Thing Description ontology, devices, and building metadata. We have implemented and validated the WoT discovery on top of a WoT Thing and Building Description Directory. The WoT Discovery implementation is also made available for the WoT community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently predicting the seismic response of urban building clusters is essential for preemptively identifying potential seismic hazards prior to an earthquake and optimizing resource allocation post-event. However, complete information of buildings at a city scale is generally un-accessible or non-existent. Existing methods struggle to reconcile low information demands, high computational accuracy, and computational efficiency. This paper proposes a fast prediction method for structural seismic time-history responses that combines deep learning methods with easy-getting structural parameters at an urban scale. An end-to-end network with adaptive multilevel fusion output is designed, which incorporates the autoencoder concept for predicting the structural seismic time-history responses based on ground motions records and five easy-getting structural parameters. The models are compared and optimized considering the training hyperparameters and network architecture, resulting in an optimized model with low complexity that provides valuable reference values for structural seismic response. Besides, the proposed model is applied to four actual buildings with different construction time, occupancy types, and floor sizes, demonstrating its good prediction performance and significant computational advantages comparing to the universally used MDOF method. • A two-stage approach is proposed to realize rapid prediction of seismic time-history responses of urban-scale buildings. • A deep learning-based model is developed for RC frames to swiftly predict structural seismic time-history responses. • The inputs to the model are easy-to-collect structural information and ground motion records. • The model is verified on four real buildings and compared with the simplified MDOF model demonstrating its good performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating building design options with a focus on simultaneously minimising life cycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and life cycle cost (LCC) is difficult due to a lack of comprehensive and accessible tools. An integrated approach where life cycle GHG and LCC performance can be balanced is essential in order to optimise a building's overall life cycle performance. This paper describes the development of an integrated framework designed to assist building design professionals in optimising the life cycle GHG and cost of a building. This paper demonstrates the framework's potential by applying it to glazing design options for a residential building case study. The demonstration of this framework highlights the fact that options such as triple glazing, often heralded as a solution for reducing GHG, may not lead to as great a reduction in life cycle GHG as options such as double glazing (which also comes at a lower LCC for this case study building). This paper not only highlights the need to analyse and select building design options based on both their life cycle GHG and LCC performance but also emphasises the significant amount of uncertainty attached to decision-making in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the building stock model CESAR (Combined Energy Simulation And Retrofitting), which is based on bottom-up modelling methodology for the development of sustainable energy transformation strategies for the buildings in Swiss districts. CESAR is composed of two sub-models: a Demand Model (DM) and a Retrofitting Model (RM). The DM is tasked with identifying the current energy demand of buildings in districts. It builds on geo-referenced information and available census data, and its flexibility allows it to be applicable to any kind of residential neighbourhood within Switzerland. The DM is based on an automated bottom-up modelling technique, which employs the dynamic building energy simulation software tool EnergyPlus as its simulation core to generate hourly energy demand profiles of individual buildings taking the interactions with neighbouring buildings (e.g. shading and solar inter-reflections) into account. Once current energy demands are calculated by the DM, the RM further offers the possibility to apply a set of energy transformation scenarios, based on the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050, to generate future demand and emission projections of districts including key economic indicators. Besides that, the building energy performance under climate change projections can be evaluated. In this paper, the tool is applied on three case study districts, an urban, suburban and rural area, within Switzerland and different transformation scenarios according to the Energy Strategy are investigated. Results revealed significant differences between the two implemented transformation scenarios, the Business as Usual (WWB) and the New Energy Policy (NEP). While in the WWB scenario, only a small number of buildings reaches the intended targets for primary energy and GHG emissions until 2050, the NEP scenario induces a much higher transformation of the districts. Besides that, the significance of the impact of global warming on future cooling demand is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of radiant technology in attics aims to reduce the radiation component of heat transfer between the attic floor and roof decks, gables, and eaves. Recently, it has been shown that EnergyPlus underestimates the savings using radiant technologies in attic spaces. The aim of this study is to understand why EnergyPlus underestimates the performance of radiant technologies and provide a solution strategy that works within the current capabilities of EnergyPlus. The analysis uses three attic energy models as a baseline for comparison for EnergyPlus. Potential reasons for the discrepancies between the attic specific energy models and EnergyPlus are isolated and individually tested. A solution strategy is proposed using the Energy Management System (EMS) capabilities within EnergyPlus. This solution strategy produces similar results to the other attic specific energy models. This paper shows that the current capabilities of EnergyPlus are sufficient to simulate radiant technologies in attics. The methodology showcased in this paper serves as a guide for engineers and researchers who would like to predict the performance radiant technology in attics using the whole building energy software, EnergyPlus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical validation and code-to-code comparison of more than one building simulation tool has seldom been done in literature. Therefore this paper presents the first detailed comparison of 1D building energy simulation tools with 3D CFD simulation and measurement data from a test bed (Test-Box), exposed to natural environmental conditions. Dymola (library: IDEAS), EnergyPlus, IDA ICE and TRNSYS –four commonly used tools– were selected for comparison against highly accurate real measurement data and dynamic CFD results. This paper evaluates the performance of mentioned above 1D simulation tools and in particular their implemented Thermally Activated Building Systems (TABS) models. The mean error, RMSE, standard deviation and maximal error for the room air, the ceiling surface and concrete temperature of the Test-Box model results are acceptable for all tools. The time course of the room air temperature follows the measurement data relatively well for all four tools. However, the negative bias (Dymola -0.92 K, EnergyPlus -2.18 K, IDA ICE -0.37 K and TRNSYS -1.13 K) indicates a general overestimation for all tools. Furthermore, the paper reflects the properties of simulation tools regarding the modelling language, GUIs, co-simulation capabilities and their recommended field of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a traditional building design process (TDP), design variables are fixed sequentially, as opposed to integrated design process (IDP) which tends to avoid sequential design phases to create more sustainable buildings. First, a reference building is introduced and an energy model based on TRNSYS is presented to determine the energy consumption and comfort in the building. The model is validated based on energy bills, certified simulations and literature. Then, the paper performs an extended sensitivity analysis (SA) of 30 design variables with respect to different performance criteria related to energy consumption and comfort, based on a TRNSYS model. Three SA techniques were used, namely standard regression coefficients (SRC), partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) and Sobol indices. Results show that all three techniques yielded a similar ranking of the importance of the variables for most model outputs. Interactions between variables were identified with second-order Sobol indices. In the second part of this paper, a traditional design framework was adopted in which sets of variables were fixed sequentially. A SA was performed at each phase of the process, assuming fixed values for parameters chosen in previous design phases. Results show that fixing variables during the phases of a traditional design process tends to reduce the probabilities of finding low-energy consumption designs. Moreover, the influence of some variables was found to change during the design phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for improved building performance is global and has led to numerous international collaborations. Since 2000, the International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy in Buildings and Communities Program (EBC, formerly ECBCS ) has completed two building commissioning research annexes, recognizing the role of the building commissioning process in meeting energy conservation goals. Annex 40 established a common understanding of the commissioning process and initiated research that became the basis for the development of national guidelines and automated tools. Subsequently, Annex 47 focused on advancing the use of technology in commissioning and the work developed and ideas exchanged in Annex 47 were foundational in enabling numerous positive impacts internationally. This paper describes research results from these annexes 1 1 Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this document in order to describe an experimental procedure or concept adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to imply that the entities, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose. and discusses the impact of both in four areas: 1) commissioning support software tools, 2) cost-benefit methodology, 3) guidelines and standards, and 4) industry associations and research conferences. The paper concludes with a discussion of current commissioning industry research and policy needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, heatwaves are the deadliest natural hazard and a major driver of peak electricity demand. The disproportionately high peak demand increases electricity prices, causes occasional blackouts and exacerbates energy poverty, all of which limit one’s ability to use air conditioning. Meanwhile, increased energy efficiency of dwellings may decrease their heat stress resistance. This paper challenges whether the current Australian Nationwide Energy Rating Scheme encourages heat stress resistance. Cooling consumption, peak cooling demand and the risk of indoor overheating were assessed for a typical single-storey home in Adelaide and Sydney. Design options between 6 and 8 stars, plus two traditional, energy-inefficient homes were simulated with the AccuRate energy simulation program. This paper demonstrates that the NatHERS does not directly encourage heat stress resistance in new homes and can even deliver buildings with worse heat resistance and increased reliance on air conditioning than traditional, energy-inefficient buildings. This overreliance on air conditioning can present a public health hazard, consequently, the integration of heat stress resistance in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme is recommended. Recommendations for the analysis and assessment of heat stress resistance are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A project of side-by-side shield tunnels beneath masonry buildings is introduced. • 3D model in view of shield tunnels, soils, and masonry buildings is established. • Potential damages of masonry buildings during shield tunneling are evaluated. • Influences of brick laying methods, mortar cohesion force, and grouting pressure are analyzed. After prolonged service, masonry buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s often experienced significant deterioration in strength and stiffness. Excessive ground deformation caused by shield tunneling frequently leads to cracking in adjacent masonry buildings. Most studies have focused on the settlement and tilting caused by shield tunneling on masonry structures, failing to reflect the specific damages caused by shield tunneling. This paper employs a jointed masonry model in numerical simulations to simulate masonry buildings, considering the actual measurement data from the Hohhot Metro Line 1 project. It discusses a thorough investigation into the potential damages and cracking on masonry buildings that may occur during shield tunneling in masonry structures. It provides a detailed study of the specific forms of cracking in masonry buildings. Then, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis is conducted on the impact of bricklaying methods, mortar adhesive strength, and synchronous grouting pressure on buildings in the context of shield tunneling through structures. The results show that using the jointed masonry model can effectively reflect the cracking and damage situation of masonry structures during shield tunneling construction, providing valuable guidance for actual shield tunneling operations. The area of cracking damage caused by shield tunneling construction gradually increases from the top to the bottom of the building. It is concentrated above the doors and windows of the structure. Potential cracks around door and window openings extend from the upper-middle part of the openings towards both sides, forming a regular figure-eight distribution. With changes in the masonry construction method, grouting pressure, and mortar bond strength, the settlement and damage levels of the building also undergo alterations. Specifically, as the mortar bond strength increases from 30 kPa to 50 kPa, the maximum tensile strain of the masonry construction decreases to 0.11 %. Simultaneously, when the construction method of the building bricks transitions from A to B, the damage at the door and window openings on the west wall of the building gradually intensifies, resulting in a rise in the maximum tensile strain to 0.109 %. Furthermore, as the grouting pressure increases from 50 kPa to 300 kPa, the maximum settlement of the building walls decreases by 51 %, and the maximum tilt reduces by 48 %. However, this study did not account for the lintels and sills in the masonry building, which may lead to an overestimation of simulated strain data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ellipse can be uniquely determined by five tangents. Given a convex quadrilateral, there are infinitely many ellipses inscribed in it, but the one with maximum area is unique. In this paper, we give a concise and effective solution of this problem. Our solution is composed of three steps: First, we transform the problem from the maximal ellipse construction problem into the minimal quadrilateral construction problem by an affine transformation. And then, we convert the construction problem into a conditional extremum problem by analyzing the key angles. At last, we derive the solution of the conditional extremum problem with Lagrangian multiplier. Based on the conclusion, we designed an algorithm to achieve the construction. The numerical experiment shows that the ellipse constructed by our algorithm has the maximum area. It is interesting and surprising that our constructions only need to solve quadratic equations, which means the geometric information of the ellipse can even be derived with ruler and compass constructions. The solution of this problem means all the construction problems of conic with extremum area from given pure tangents are solved, which is a necessary step to solve more problems of constructing ellipses with extremum areas. Our work also provides a useful conclusion to solve the maximal inscribed ellipse problem for an arbitrary polygon in Computational Geometry. • We find a method to transform the maximal inscribed ellipse for an arbitrary quadrilateral to a conditional extremum problem. • We derive the solution for the conditional extremum problem with elementary operations. • We design the construction algorithm for constructing the maximal ellipse inscribed in an arbitrary quadrilateral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In measuring the height of a tall building, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) recognises three categories: "height to architectural top"; "height to highest occupied floor"; and "height to tip". The "height to architectural top" category, which includes decorative spires, is used to define the influential CTBUH annual rankings of the "World's Tallest Buildings". The inclusion of decorative spires in the category ranking has created an incentive for developers to maximise the vanity height of tall buildings, defined as the height difference between a tall building's architectural top and its highest occupied floor. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the detrimental influence of spires and, by extension, vanity height on the embodied carbon of structural systems for tall buildings. This influence is evaluated using three tall building scenarios of varying heights (50, 70, and 90 storeys). Two finite element models, with and without spires, are parametrically designed for each scenario. All the modelled structural systems comprise a reinforced concrete tube-in-tube lateral load resisting system. A hybrid life cycle inventory analysis approach is used to quantify the embodied carbon of spires as well as the resulting increase in the embodied carbon of structural systems. The findings of this study indicate that even basic spires can lead to an increase of up to 14.2% in the embodied carbon of structural systems for tall buildings, underscoring the imperative to eliminate such elements in the design and construction of tall buildings to minimise overall embodied carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the role of basement depth on the response of framed buildings to tunnel construction in sandy soil using finite element modelling. Six frames are considered to explore the influences of tunnel cover depth, building width, eccentricity, and the number of storeys on the role of basement depth. The numerical models adopt the hypoplastic constitute model to simulate the behaviour of the sand. The results suggest that basement depth plays an important role in determining the settlements of the raft foundations and soil displacements due to tunnelling. Its effect on the structural shear distortion primarily depends on the ratio of tunnel depth to building width (C / B); an increase in basement depth decreases and increases building maximum shear distortion for C / B < 0.3 and for C / B > 0.35, respectively. The basement considerably increases the shear distortion of short eccentric structures by preventing tilt of the building, causing a divergence from existing empirical envelopes and modification factors for shear distortion. The applicability of the meta-model is extended to the embedded structures by linking the building tilt freedom coefficient with the basement depth parameter, achieving good agreement between the predicted results and calculated data. Limitations and practical implications of the research are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planning of construction projects that feature the reconstruction of historical buildings is a difficult task due to limited knowledge of their structure in terms of architecture and construction, as well as their historical substance. Thus, the planning phase of such a project needs to include various different scenarios for carrying it out, while the occurrence of these scenarios will be random. The uncertainty related to the estimation of the various parameters regarding the particular types of reconstruction work, as well as the probability of their necessity, their duration and cost is also a problem. In an attempt to address these problems, the authors of the paper have suggested a method of planning construction projects involving the reconstruction of historical buildings, which features the use of stochastic networks to model the undetermined structure of such projects; elements of fuzzy logic in the form of interval sets are used to model the uncertainty in estimating the parameters of reconstruction works. The authors have also pointed out the advantage of using this approach over the use of type-1 fuzzy logic, which is currently widely used. In order to improve and shorten the calculation process, a digital tool has been developed for the method in question, which can be put into practical use by property developers and other decision-makers when dealing with problems tied to the planning of the processes of the reconstruction of buildings, especially those of a historical nature. The method presented in the paper and its digital implementation has been used in the modeling and analysis of the construction project featuring the reconstruction of a historical retaining wall at the Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow, which serves as a typical example of a construction project with an undetermined structure. The results that were obtained were compared with the actual results of the project in question, confirming the usefulness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method to evaluate the thermal impact of complex fenestration systems on the energy balance of a building zone based on directional solar heat gain coefficients (DSHGC) and bi-directional scattering distribution functions (BSDF). The proposed methodology is presented as an alternative to layer-by-layer heat transfer models. An example of a layer-by-layer heat transfer model is the ISO15099 as implemented in the EnergyPlus building simulation program. The ISO15099 model relies on a number of assumptions that are not justified in the case of three-dimensional structures, air-permeable layers and deviations from ideal geometries, which are common features in commercial daylighting and solar-control systems. In this paper, the proposed methodology is implemented in the Fener simulation engine and compared with EnergyPlus for systems for which the assumptions of the ISO15099 model are valid. Then, the Fener program is used to simulate the thermal behaviour of a zone with a fenestration system that contains sawtooth-shaped retro-reflecting interior blinds, which cannot be directly modelled with the ISO15099 model. The impact of different control strategies on the thermal performance of the zone is demonstrated for this case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In times of great transition of the European construction sector to energy efficient and nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB), a market observation containing qualitative and quantitative indications should help to fill out some of the current gaps concerning the EU 2020 carbon targets. Next to the economic challenges, there are equally important factors that hinder renovating the existing residential building stock and adding newly constructed high performance buildings. Under these circumstances this paper summarises the findings of a cross-comparative study of the societal and technical barriers of nZEB implementation in 7 Southern European countries. The study analyses the present situation and provides an overview on future prospects for nZEB in Southern Europe. The result presents an overview of challenges and provides recommendations based on available empirical evidence to further lower those barriers in the European construction sector. The paper finds that the most Southern European countries are poorly prepared for nZEB implementation and especially to the challenge/opportunity of retrofitting existing buildings. Creating a common approach to further develop nZEB targets, concepts and definitions in synergy with the climatic, societal and technical state of progress in Southern Europe is essential. The paper provides recommendations for actions to shift the identified gaps into opportunities for future development of climate adaptive high performance buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the influence of outdoor inhalable particulate matter on the interior of existing public office buildings in Cold area, this paper uses the method of weight method and instantaneous detection to measure the indoor and outdoor inhalable particulate matter concentration of two existing office buildings in Shenyang in summer. The changes of daily average, instantaneous concentration and I/O ratio of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the indoor and outdoor are analyzed, and the influence of outdoor particulate matter on the concentration of indoor and outdoor inhalable particulate matter in two buildings was analyzed by analyzing the correlation of indoor and outdoor concentration change and regression. This paper provides a reference for the study of the different airtight buildings on the barrier properties of outdoor inhalable particulate matter and the improvement of the indoor environment quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The students’ dormitory is the minimum living unit of the universities’ campus, carrying the students’ living, communication and learning activities. In this paper, CFD method is used to simulate the indoor environment of the student dormitory in Jinan. The indoor natural ventilation of the interior corridor dormitory and the outer corridor dormitory was analyzed under two meteorological conditions. The results show that the natural ventilation of outer corridor dormitory is better than the natural ventilation of interior corridor dormitory. And based on these analyses, this paper puts forward a design strategy and optimization method of natural ventilation in the dormitory. Through the discussing of natural ventilation design in college students’ dormitory in this paper, hoping that the natural ventilation design in the design of the college dorms is valued, so as to attach importance to students’ dormitory, a particular type of building which is closely related to students’ daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of automated building code compliance checking systems requires appropriate representations for building codes. Building codes are complex documents written in natural languages, and the development of computable representations is challenging. This paper presents a new model and an accompanying modeling methodology for the representation of building codes that may be utilized in the development of future automated compliance checking systems. The new model combines the semantic modeling approach of the SMARTcodes project with the theoretical foundations established by Nyman and Fenves, namely the four level representation. This hybrid model organizes the representation in four levels and allows for separate modeling of domain concepts, individual rule statements, relationships between rules, and the overall organization of the building code. The model is evaluated with a case study. The İzmir Municipality Housing and Zoning Code is chosen as it is representative of complex building codes that are in effect throughout Turkey. The formalizable rules in the section of Izmir code that apply to all types of buildings, are represented in computer implementable format based on the new model. The research presented in this paper shows that decomposing a building code into four levels and modeling rules based on the semantic-oriented paradigm is an effective modeling strategy for representing building codes in a computable form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimentally validated, closed-form set of equations for predicting forces on rectangular buildings impinged by nominally unsteady tsunami inundation flows. The shallow water waves that drive the tsunami inundation flows described in this paper are generated using a novel tsunami simulator, uniquely capable of generating very long period waves featuring the characteristic draw-down of real-world tsunami. We describe an experimental study of the forces acting on a rectangular building occupying 10–80% of a channel, fixed in a free-surface-channel flow driven by shallow water waves with periods of 20–240 s. An idealised topography and a 1:50 Froude scale are adopted. A one dimensional model based upon open-channel flow principles is proposed for unsteady flows driven by prototype tsunami waves, providing empirical estimates for drag and hydrostatic coefficients. It is observed that the pressure field around the buildings is hydrostatic irrespective of the flow being steady or unsteady. An empirically derived force prediction equation, dependent upon the Froude number of the incoming flow and blocking fraction is presented, which provides good agreement with the experimental results. The equations presented in this paper will provide engineers, tsunami modellers, and risk evaluation experts with a convenient method of tsunami inundation force determination without recourse to computationally expensive multi-scale numerical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites or composite materials are engineered materials that consist of two or more constituent materials with wide discrepancies in their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The characteristic properties of these composite are as a result of the individual properties of their constituent parts and their respective volume fractions and arrangements in the material system. Depending on the intended application, composites can be designed to satisfy specific geometrical, structural, mechanical, chemical, and sometimes aesthetic requirements. Areas of application of these synthetic materials includes construction such as in buildings and bridges, automotive industry such as in car bodies, aeronautic, naval (e.g., ships and boats), and in the biomedical fields. Although metallic, polymeric and ceramic biomaterials have been in use for medical treatments such as tissue repairs and replacements for decades, composites are just coming to light. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to introduce composite materials and discuss their current and potential use in the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The designs of large-scale building systems, such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, undergo spatial changes during design-construction coordination, and as a result, their as-built conditions deviate, in some cases significantly, from their as-designed conditions. Construction engineers need to detect and analyze the differences between as-designed and as-built conditions of building systems promptly for responsive change management. Existing data-model comparison approaches either cannot correctly detect changed objects packed in small spaces, or cannot handle the computational complexity of comparing detailed as-designed and as-built geometries of MEP systems that contain hundreds or even thousands of elements (e.g., ducts). This paper presents a computationally efficient spatial-change-detection approach that reliably compares as-designed Building Information Models (BIMs) and 3D as-built models derived from laser scan data. It integrates nearest neighbor searching and relational graph based matching approaches to achieve computationally efficient change detection and management. A case study using data collected from a campus building was conducted to compare the new change detection approach proposed in this paper against the state-of-the-art change detection techniques. The results indicate that the proposed approach is capable of making more precise data-model comparisons in a computationally efficient manner compared to existing data-model comparison techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been general recognition within the construction industry that there is a discrepancy between the amount of energy that buildings actually use and what designers considered that they should use. This phenomenon is termed “The Performance Gap” and is normally associated with new buildings. However, existing and older buildings contribute a greater amount of operational carbon. In response to the Performance Gap, CIBSE have developed the TM54 process which is aimed at improving energy estimates at design stage. This paper considers how the TM54 process can also be used to develop energy management procedures for existing buildings. The paper describes an exercise carried out for a university workshop building in which design energy use has been compared with the actual building energy use and standard benchmarks. Moreover, a sensitivity assessment has been carried out using different scenarios based on operation hours of building/equipment, boiler efficiency and impact of climate change. The analysis of these results showed high uncertainty in estimates of energy consumption. If carbon challenges are to be met then improved energy management techniques will require a more systematic approach so that facilities managers can identify energy streams and pinpoint problems, particularly where they have assumed responsibility for existing buildings which often have a legacy of poorly metered fuel consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the investigation of defects of three-story masonry building due to improper design and infringement of the technological procedures during the construction of building. Various cracks in load-bearing masonry walls and also the cracks in masonry partition walls are significant defects. The main reason is usually improper design of load-bearing elements of the structure (dimensions of masonry walls and partition walls, reinforcement or thickness of RC ceilings, bracing of the whole structure, straining beams) and a non-uniform settlement of building. Therefore, a plate of typical floor and non-uniform settlement of selected building were assessed in this paper. Description of the structure, applied loads, considered soil-structure interaction in the computing model, and examples from the similar structures are mentioned. Obtained results are analyzed and recommendations in similar cases for planning engineers and site managers are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquiring 3D building geometries is crucial for rapid energy exchange modelling of buildings. With a significant potential to contribute to high-performance built environment, positioning systems and laser scanners are being increasingly utilised to the construction industry for acquisition of 3D models of buildings. However, there are major barriers to successful scanner implementation in construction projects including a lack of knowledge about the scanner applications, low skilled workers and complicated data analysis processes. While many studies focus on general IT/ICT adoption in construction, there is a lack of understanding about the process of sensing technology adoption and its utilization in construction. To address the gap in the literature, this paper presents the Scanner Technology Acceptance Model (STAM) utilizing two main criteria; ‘usefulness’ and ‘ease of use’ each measured by a range of factors. The model is verified based on the result of the application of scanner and location system in a university building renovation project. The scanners were used to collect raw 3D point clouds to transfer into a compact, semantically rich models aiding in updating construction drawings. The findings show the effectiveness of the STAM. STAM enables technology suppliers to predict the technology diffusion rate, and helps the users to make decisions on choosing the right technology in construction projects. Further research based on this investigation will validate and enhance the model by using larger scale consultation and interview process, and this will be reported in a future research paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the preliminary experimental results of a research project aiming at applying innovative materials and devices to a new modular construction system, named Easy House. The goal of the project is to use specific enabling nanotechnologies to achieve a significant enhancement of thermal performances of the building envelope as well as visual comfort indoor. With this aim, we perform a synthetic chemical route to obtain stable and monodispersed amorphous silica nanocapsules containing phase change materials (PCMs). The first results deriving from in vitro toxicological analyses, here reported, showed that such structures are not harmful and they can be adopted as suitable capsules to host a PCM, typically used in finishing materials, acting as thermal buffers. Moreover, the paper reports the possible advantages deriving from the integration of chromogenic devices, able to ensure energy saving and optimizing the use of daylighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of the geotechnical engineering and geological conditions of the ground is an essential aspect in design of pile foundations and the calculation of pile capacity and settlement. The results of some of static and dynamic pile integrity tests on problematical soils along the shores of the Ishim River in Astana and in the western part of Kazakhstan around the Caspian Sea will be presented. This data has been used to determine the length of H-piles for the new USA Embassy in Astana which is founded in soft soils. The paper will also present the geotechnical considerations for high rise buildings and buildings with unique architecture in difficult ground conditions in Astana (New Capital) and West Kazakhstan (the coast of Caspian Sea). The method of calculation of pile capacity and settlement based on static and dynamic pile integrity tests will be presented. It is found that geozoning is very important in design, construction and testing of piles in problematic ground in Kazakhstan especially in the new capital city of Astana. The paper presents the geotechnical challenges in the construction of piling foundations in problematical soils for Mega highway projects in Western Kazakhstan. Many factors, such as ground freezing, collapsing of soils, seismic zoning, are needed to be considered for design, testing and construction of the pile foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper evaluates usability of information modelling tools on the most common operating systems (Windows, Linux, Mac OS X). Stages of BIM maturity and availability of building information modelling tools vary dramatically on these platforms. Paper compares the current software tools, and how they can be used in the building process. The list of attributes that mature software platform should accommodate was created. Evaluation criteria are determined by specific needs of the various participants of the building process. This leads to the successful project completion and subsequent management of the lifecycle of the building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BIM has been widely adopted by the construction sector, though Facility Management (FM) is still based on a variety of disparate FM systems. The operational phase requires comprehensive set of well-structured information regarding the building asset. Therefore, a BIM model filled with the multifarious information from the pre-use phase ought to be exploited through its integration with existing FM systems. This paper aims to appreciate the contribution of BIM in optimizing the processes conducted conventionally within the FM practice. The importance of sustained information flow for the efficient operational stage is a pre-requisite of the further discussion. The exploration of FM application areas for BIM-enabled processes is aimed to depict the potential of the BIM for FM concept. By elaborating on the existing challenges concerning the shift from traditional FM processes to new BIM-based approach the outstanding problems are realized. On these grounds advice is provided. The study focuses mainly on new investments, where information management must be sustained from the project inception until the current operational stage. The paper proves the potential of BIM for the optimization of FM practices, presenting a wide range of application areas followed by tangible benefits for the building performance across its life-cycle. Identified barriers are assumed to be mitigated by diligent implementation of provided recommendations. It is concluded that BIM-based FM processes have the potential to shed a new light not only on the FM sector itself but on the perception of the whole industry being based on the collaborative approach towards delivery of the intelligent facilities. Nevertheless, such results demand profound cultural changes within the construction sector, with the FM appreciation as a starting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern construction sites are characterized by rapid pace and complicated organization of work processes. One of the important problems of a construction site is the human safety. The paper contains a categorization of human hazards during construction activities and an analysis of main causes of accidents in buildings and at construction sites. Together with general definitions of safety the paper reviews some new research trends in the field of mechanical safety and structural survivability of buildings and structures under different loads and impacts, including regular and accidental types of loading. It is shown that up-dating of safety regulations should mean not only the clarification of new terminology adopted in building codes and regulations on structural safety, but also supplementation of the regulations with sufficiently justified and experimentally verified provisions that should regulate the safety of buildings and structures under design and beyond-design basis loads and actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays one can find sustainability strategies, innovative architectural solutions which can respond to required changes to buildings over time in line with current requirements of owners and users of the buildings. It is desirable to replace monofunctional and static objects by adaptable ones which represent the new spatial, structural and program strategies of design. In this paper, the results of the research, which is aimed at adaptability of sports facilities, are published. The first part of the paper is aimed at analyse expression of the concept of adaptability in architectural theory and literature. The concept is divided into categories which comprehensively describe different levels of adaptability. In this part, the studies from the 20th century, which examine the strategy development of adaptability, are also described. The main part of the paper shows results of sport facilities which have been studied. Selected examples of buildings demonstrate the process of adaptation in a certain time frame. The analyses carried out examines common elements in the context of sports activities, architecture and adaptability of these spaces. Comparison of the results of the analyses of sports facilities primarily documents the tools and components necessary to achieve a certain degree of adaptability in this program. The final part presents recommendations for design of adaptable sports facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a fuzzy logic application for architectural site planning design. A residential settlement layout is the result of a complex design process aiming to manage the most advantageous location for all houses with certain objectives and constraints. The introduced fuzzy layout planning model will help designers to reach the optimum solution by supporting their reasoning patterns and decision making mechanism. This paper gives the general frame of the proposed analysis model with operational steps through a case study. To reconfigure it as a generative model for producing site layouts is the goal of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage to the structure of buildings near the coast is often caused by the marine environment. This paper describes a study carried out on the state of the structures of buildings in towns near the coast in Valencia (Spain). The findings were based on inspections carried out on all the buildings in 14 towns considered representative of those in the area. A total of 1816 buildings were inspected, and the typical damage found in structures exposed to a marine environment was identified. The percentage of affected buildings was found to be quite high, in some cases over 40% of the total number in the town. Damage was classified into four levels of severity, and a significant percentage of structures were found to be gravely affected, requiring immediate repairs. Based on the experience acquired in these inspections, this paper proposes a tool that would allow the general state of buildings in coastal areas to be assessed by what is called a Global Damage Index . This tool can classify towns according to the predictable presence and level of structural damage to its buildings, and provides a preliminary assessment together with criteria for the measures to be taken, including access to finance from public bodies to cover the repairs, maintenance and protection of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German Federal Government put its first net zero office building in operation in 2013 anticipating EU requirements for all public administrations to solely built “nearly zero energy buildings” from 2019 onwards. The two-storey building is situated in Berlin and has been designed for having an overall annual energy demand lower than the in-situ conversion of renewable energies. The paper shows the results of the first year of the operation. The overall annual electric usage is near to the expected value. Nevertheless, intensive monitoring showed differences between the expected and the measured electric usage in the areas of heating and domestic hot water (+172%), ventilation (−36%), lighting (−33%), equipment and auxiliaries (−14% and −13%, respectively), yield of the PV-system (+32%). A numerical model was created to investigate these deviations as well as to evaluate the impact of possible actions aimed at further improving the energy demand of the building. The model was calibrated with measured data, data from surveys, occupancy schedules, and validated by means of different indexes, among which the mean bias error (MBE). The MBE between monitored and simulated energy performance is below ±2% for all stated areas of energy usage. Analogously, the energy needs for cooling, monitored and simulated, as well as the trends of the indoor air temperature in both heating and cooling seasons, are in a very good agreement. In detail, the monthly MBE for the indoor temperature, in specific summer and winter periods and in the considered rooms, is below the threshold of ±5%, with values slightly higher (anyway lower than ±6%) only at the ground floor. Finally, the paper shows that the reasons for the detected deviations in electric energy usage can mainly be related to the usage pattern of the building and to the occupants’ behavior. In order to ensure energy efficiency as high as planned, a suitable monitoring of the energy performance is fundamental. It enables the calibration and validation of tailored energy models to detect possible malfunctions as well as propose actions aimed at further reducing the energy usage of the building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]