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Bibliometric Analysis and Research Trends on Earthen Architecture and Construction
No full textEarthen construction is one topic that has received much interest lately due to its sustainability potential and upscalability in a circular production model. In recent years, the research projects and publications regarding this field have grown considerably, with a notable literature production that comes from many different disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches. In this sense, a bibliometric analysis allows to study, process and represent data from the existing literature and large bibliographic databases. This tool makes it easier to manage this extensive information regarding parameters such as the occurrence of keywords, authors, number of publications and citations by year, publishers, journals, and production by countries or institutions, among others. Nevertheless, the main outcome of this technique is the identification of the trends and directions of a certain topic or research line. A bibliometric analysis of the earthen construction and architecture literature production was performed in the Scopus database and processed with the software VOSViewer. The analysis of the keywords and their occurrence and emergence by year identifies the newest trends and research lines, more focused on the sustainable applications of these techniques and their inclusion into circular economy models. On the other hand, differentiated clusters of the literature production were found, showing the encounter between diverse disciplines and the different methodologies and approaches to the earthen architecture and construction phenomenon
Experimental investigation on shear behaviour of corroded and repaired prestressed concrete beams
No full textIn this paper, an investigation on the shear capacity of naturally corroded prestressed concrete (PC) beams without transversal reinforcement is presented. At first, to estimate the corrosion level, a visual inspection was carried out to detect concrete spalling and cracking, together with chloride concentration, as well as potential, resistivity, and corrosion rate measurements. Moreover, in the damaged areas, measurements of cross-section and weight loss for reinforcement were carried out. Then, the beam was repaired, and full-scale tests were conducted. To evaluate the effectiveness of the repairing system for shear capacity, full-scale tests were conducted by applying a concentrated load close to the ends of the beam - where the strands were subjected to corrosion - and close to the central part of the beam - where strands were uncorroded. The experimental results highlight that, since the repairing system is not able to restore prestress, the shear capacity is strongly reduced also after reparation
Enhancing Civil Engineering Education through Affordable AR Tools for Visualizing BIM Models
No full textTraditionally, civil engineering infrastructures have been represented through two-dimensional (2D) drawings, which can lead to interpretation errors and jeopardize engineers’ understanding of complex projects. However, with the development of building information modeling (BIM) methodology, civil engineering projects can now be virtually modeled in three-dimensional (3D), offering a more accurate representation. Augmented reality (AR) tools can be linked to BIM models for educational purposes, allowing for a more immersive and interactive learning experience. While previous studies have focused on improving the visualization of mechanical and civil engineering drawings, this study presents the development of a low-cost AR tool for visualizing BIM models and its application in civil engineering courses. To achieve this, the main state-of-the-art AR software was compared for their characteristics and functionalities, and the software, Unity, was selected to develop an AR visualization tool. The application of this tool was then presented, along with an analysis of its benefits when introduced into two civil engineering courses at the University of Castilla La Mancha (UCLM) in Spain: Descriptive geometry, and Design work of a structure. Overall, the results of the study suggest that the integration of AR tools into civil engineering education can enhance students’ learning experience and improve their understanding of complex projects
Rising temperatures and sinking hopes: An in-depth analysis of the interplay between climate change, land use patterns, and the desiccation of a global biosphere reserve
No full textGlobal ecosystems and communities are significantly impacted by climate change and extreme events. The rapid desiccation of massive wetlands, which are essential for controlling water cycles, and biodiversity, preventing floods, and supplying essential ecosystem services, is one of the most upsetting effects. The once-largest lake in the Middle East, Lake Urmia, had a significant impact on ecology, economy, and human life contributing to climate regulation, species preservation, habitat conservation, tourism and recreation, and a wide range of other ecosystem services. The Ramsar Convention classified the lake as a Wetland of International Importance, and UNESCO designated it as a Biosphere Reserve. The ecological, agricultural, and societal challenges caused by rising temperatures, improper water resource management and overuse, enhanced salinity, and declining water levels have made Lake Urmia an acute symbol of environmental vulnerability. Using Landsat imagery, this study begins a thorough analysis of changes in the Lake Urmia basin from 1990 to 2020. The endeavor aims to develop effective conservation and restoration strategies by identifying the multiple reasons that led to its vulnerable situation. The study attempts to identify the role of precipitation, temperature trends, agricultural development, population growth, water consumption, evapotranspiration, and atmospheric salt and aerosol concentrations in the desiccation of the lake. This study presents a comprehensive knowledge of the complex interplay between climate change, human activity, and water management and may have implications for the holistic recovery of the lake. The findings have the potential to improve prognostic models and inform targeted mitigation strategies for not only Lake Urmia but also for other globally threatened wetlands
Using setpoint temperatures based on adaptive thermal comfort models: The case of an Australian model considering climate change
No full textIt has recently become clear that using adaptive thermal comfort models to determine setpoint temperatures is a successful energy-saving method. Global models like ASHRAE 55 and EN16798-1 have been used in recent experiments using adaptive setpoint temperatures. This work, however, has taken a different route by concentrating on a region-specific Australian adaptive comfort model. The goal is to compare the energy implications of the use of setpoint temperatures based on the Australian local comfort model compared to the worldwide adaptive ASHRAE 55 model to highlight the significance of choosing the most fitting comfort model for making accurate predictions. All of Australia's climate zones are taken into account, as well as mixed-mode building operation scenarios, current and future scenarios, namely the years 2050 and 2100 for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. It has been found that the Australian-model-based adaptive setpoint temperatures taking into account mixed-mode significantly lowers energy demand when compared to the ASHRAE 55 adaptive model (average energy-saving value of 63 %). Considering climate change, the Australian model has an average energy demand of 13–26 kW h/m2·year, and an average increase of 1–13 kW h/m2·year. In the case of ASHRAE 55 model, energy demand decreases in future scenarios and average values range between 3 and 11 kW h/m2·year. Therefore, setting setpoint temperatures in accordance with the Australian regional adaptive comfort model is a very efficient method for energy conservation. These differences raise awareness on the importance of the selection of the appropriate adaptive thermal comfort model
Characterization and performance of building composites made from gypsum and woody-biomass ash waste: A product development and application study
No full textThe aim of this study is to explore the potential of using biomass-ash waste as a secondary raw material for building composites. The waste is generated by a thermal power plant that burns woody biomass and would otherwise be disposed of in landfills. The study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum-based composites containing different proportions of biomass-ash waste and compares them with the reference and regulatory documents. The study also proposes some possible building applications for the optimal composite and evaluates its performance through simulations. The results indicate that adding up to 25% wood ash can improve the mechanical strength of the composites, exceeding the reference and minimum requirements. The proposed building applications using the new composite reach a reduction in the environmental impact and an improvement in the energy efficiency of the building envelope
Methodological framework for impact evaluation of Building-Integrated Greenery (BIG-impact)
No full textBuilding-Integrated Greenery systems, i.e., green roofs, walls, and facades, are Nature-based Solutions that make possible the renaturing of cities when there is no room for traditional greenery solutions. These green systems provide several ecosystem services at both the building and city level, such as urban heat island effect mitigation and noise reduction, support for biodiversity, runoff control, thermal and acoustic insulation, etc. However, once implemented in real cases, their impact is almost never evaluated. This fact limits the possibility of carrying out cost-benefit analyses that contribute to justifying their long-term maintenance, thus putting at risk their long-term sustainability and consequently the provision of benefits. Unlike existing approaches, the method presented here offers a comprehensive and practical tool that addresses the gap in BIG systems’ impact evaluation, facilitating informed decision-making and promoting the long-term sustainability of BIG systems
Influence of urban density on energy retrofit of building stock: case study of Spain
No full textEnergy retrofitting of existing buildings plays a key role in the European targets of Green House Gas reduction. The addition or substitution of construction materials is needed to improve energy performance of buildings and its environmental impact must be considered. This paper proposes a model for the assessment of the environmental impact of neighborhood retrofit in relation with urban density. The model is based on the decomposition of buildings into functional elements and the quantification of construction materials used in building energy retrofitting. As a novelty, the need of road rehabilitation was also considered. The environmental impact was assessed in terms of Embodied Energy (EE) and Embodied Carbon (EC). The operational energy after retrofit was also calculated. The results bring the evidence of the relation between the urban density and the EE and EC derived from building retrofit, which can be up to 60% higher in low density areas. The sensitivity analysis carried out demonstrates the influence of the urban compactness on the environmental assessment results. The model proposed can assist in the design of retrofit plans at urban level by highlighting those retrofit measures with most significant environmental impact depending on the urban density
Conversando con… in conversation with… PEREDA PÉREZ ARQUITECTOS
No full textUn caluroso viernes de junio nos acompañaba al entrar en el estudio de Pereda Pérez, un acogedor espacio a doble altura que se prolongaba haciaun fresco sótano. Descendiendo las escaleras del pequeño estudio a pie de calle, se observan varias maquetas y numerosos dibujos, croquis, planos, infografías y detalles que empapelan la pared. En la mesa, casi terminada, se encuentra una alargada maqueta de su último trabajo, una hermosa vivienda al norte de la península cuyo cliente observa desde la planta superior. Parece que permanecemos aislados del mundo en este semisótano, pero rodeados de un ambiente en el que se respira arquitectura. Les agradecemos que nos dedique unos instantes para hablar de dibujar, de proyectar, de enseñar y en definitiva de hablar de arquitectura. Óscar, Carlos, buenos días. Álvaro Moral García, Raquel Álvarez Arce, Pablo Cendón Segovia: Dibujamos desde niños, el dibujo es un lenguaje universal, dibujamos para conocer, para analizar. El dibujo es una forma de pensar, una forma de comunicar. Como docentes, vemos en lo gráfico un instrumento necesario para pensar la Arquitectura. ¿Qué significa el dibujo en Pereda Pérez? ¿Cómo ha cambiado la forma de proyectar, la forma de dibujar, la forma de pensar con referencia a la explosión de técnicas e instrumentos de dibujo informáticos?A warm Friday in June joined us as we arrived at the studio of Pereda Pérez, a cozy double-height space that extends into a fresh basement. Walking down the stairs of the small studio at street level, you can see several models and many drawings, sketches, plans, renderings and other details papering the wall. On the table, almost finished, there is an extensive model of their latest work, a beautiful house in the north of the peninsula whose client observes from the upper floor. It seems as we were isolated from the world in this semi-basement, but surrounded by an atmosphere where you can breathe architecture at the same time. We are grateful that you are giving us a few moments to talk about drawing, designing, teaching and, in summary, talking about architecture. Oscar, Carlos, good morning. Álvaro Moral García, Raquel Álvarez Arce, Pablo Cendón Segovia: We start drawing since we are children. Drawing is a universal language. It is a tool we use to learn and to analyze. Drawing is a way of thinking and of communicating. As professors, we consider graphics as a necessary instrument to think the Architecture. What does drawing mean to Pereda Pérez? How have the way of designing, the way of drawing, the way of thinking changed in reference to the increase in computerized drawing techniques and instruments
Arqueologia urbana o la tècnica per preservar l'arquitectura en un entorn urbà viu
Get PDFL’arqueologia urbana busca integrar el patrimoni històric amb els reptes de les ciutats actives. Un exemple destacat és el projecte de la Via Laietana, on es van descobrir restes de diverses èpoques. Gràcies a la col·laboració entre professionals, es va dur a terme un projecte sostenible i respectuós amb la història