3980 research outputs found

    Design and Production of Parametric Structure Through Grasshopper

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    In recent decades it has been witnessed a great development of parametric design and digital fabrication. This development has brought about a radical change in the way of thinking, conceiving, developing and materialising product design and architecture, opening up a new range of possibilities. Parametric design makes it possible to combine different disciplines such as mathematics, descriptive geometry, drawing and programming. This fact enables to develop ideas in which geometry plays a fundamental role, obtaining high level of precision and an unprecedented degree of complexity. Furthermore, digital manufacturing through CNC equipment provides accurate production of unique and non-standardised components, equalling in speed and cost to those of mass production. This contribution describes the parameterised design of a wooden structure, whose surface is generated according to dependency relations under mathematical equations. The parameterisation allows the modification of variables such as the size of the artefact, or the mathematical principle ruling the surface, among others parameters. The generated code can be adapted to different scenarios, materials and geometries, providing a wide range of final design possibilities, and so the automatic nesting of the plans. In this work is also described the manufacturing process for a specific design through the use of water jetting machinery

    Toward an innovative function-oriented assessment methodology (FOAM) for evaluating the functional condition of buildings during the operation and maintenance phase

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    This paper introduces a foundational approach toward defining a Function-Oriented Assessment Methodology (FOAM) for evaluating the functional condition of buildings during the operation and maintenance phase. Although various national classification systems exist, a unified international system for organizing construction elements has not been widely adopted. To bridge this gap, the paper proposes adopting an international standard-based classification system for identifying objects within a function-oriented structure. Traditional inspections often focus on damage, overlooking the functional condition of construction elements. This research addresses these limitations with a comprehensive methodological approach tailored to assess functional condition. It employs a multiple-choice questionnaire adapted from international rating scales to ensure consistency and minimize subjectivity among inspectors. A case study validates the effectiveness of this strategic framework, demonstrating high consistency and accuracy in evaluating functional conditions. Overall, this research lays the groundwork for FOAM, offering a clear path for its broader application in the built environment

    Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Consolidating Treatments in Pugliese Tuff (Gravina Calcarenite) Used in Italian Heritage Buildings

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    This work evaluates the effectiveness of various consolidating treatments applied to Pugliese tuff (Gravina Calcarenite). This type of stone has been used in numerous historic buildings in the Puglia area (southeast of Italy), which presents durability problems due to high porosity, low cohesion between clasts, and low mechanical resistance. Eco-friendly treatments that generate CaCO3 have been selected, specifically bioconsolidant KBYO biological and lime water, which a priori are capable of consolidating without occluding the pores or reducing them excessively, thereby creating compounds similar to those contained in the stone and being respectful of the environment. Nano-sized treatments have also been tested, including nanosilica and nanolime, to compare results with eco-friendly treatments. The bioconsolidating treatment has been applied in two different ways, the usual way consisting of two applications a day for 7 days, as well as a double treatment that is applied in two batches of 7 days with a rest of 7 days between applications. Double treatment has shown a great improvement in consolidation compared to the usual 7-day application; this treatment has obtained the best results in both mechanical and petrophysical properties. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the bioconsolidant but also expands eco-friendly conservation strategies to improve the preservation of historical structures built in calcarenite

    Guía de análisis del proyecto para la dirección de la ejecución de obra

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    Tiene en sus manos un documento que pretende ser de ayuda y apoyo a su labor técnica como director de ejecución de obra. Se trata de una guía que facilita la labor del análisis de proyecto, entendiendo éste como el estudio previo que puede efectuarse sobre el documento proyectual que facilita el promotor, y que sirve como instrumento para conocer las características y peculiaridades del diseño que deberá convertirse en una edificación. Este análisis, con vistas a la dirección de la ejecución material que deberemos acometer, es una exploración de los aspectos constructivos que marcarán y definirán los parámetros más importantes que tendrán que desarrollarse en las diferentes unidades de obra. Se trata, pues, de ser conocedores de las definiciones y condiciones principales previstas, las cuales marcarán el proceso de los distintos tajos, la forma de concebir los sistemas constructivos, así como otros condicionantes que puedan influir en la calidad de lo que hay que edificar. El enfoque y desarrollo que marcan la estructura de esta guía es fruto de la experiencia combinada de sus autores, como profesionales liberales, como redactores de otras monografías complementarias al texto que se presenta, pero también como fruto de los conocimientos y labor desarrollada en la secretaría técnica de un colegio oficial de aparejadores, en la docencia universitaria de una escuela superior de arquitectura técnica, así como en las supervisiones realizadas en entidades y laboratorios de control de calidad en la edificación, etc. Esta guía marca un sendero y desarrolla un hueco documental –del que no hay precedentes análogos en nuestro país– con el objetivo de ayudar a las labores profesionales del arquitecto técnico, idea de la que participan otras publicaciones de la Fundación Musaat (‘Criterios para dirección de la ejecución de obra’, ‘Documentos de orientación técnica en edificación’, etc.)

    Sustainable Solutions for Urban Flooding: The Case Study of Alcala de Guadaíra (Andalusia, Spain)

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    This chapter addresses the critical issue of soil waterproofing, often overlooked despite its significant environmental impact. Soil waterproofing, primarily caused by sealing materials like asphalt and concrete, disrupts natural soil functions, exacerbating land degradation and water consumption. The study focuses on the city of Alcala de Guadaíra, where 90% waterproof soil has led to numerous problems since 1900, including floods and landslides. The research proposes solutions at both private and public levels, emphasizing sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and private building interventions. These solutions involve intermediate storage on private properties, functioning as energy rooftops utilizing water as an energy source. The findings underscore the potential of public–private cooperation in managing urban rain, highlighting its effectiveness in preventing and mitigating floods

    Physical-chemical, mechanical and durability characterization of historical adobe buildings from the State of Michoacan, Mexico

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    Most earthen historical buildings have been abandoned for decades, exposed to the weathering and the passage of time. In Mexico, the low status of earthen constructions has increased these deterioration processes, resulting into the risk of disappearance of this significant architectural heritage. Historical adobes from monumental buildings in the State of Michoacan were sampled and collected in the localities of La Huacana (H) and Santa Cruz de Morelos (SC). The specimens were characterized in the materials laboratory, assessing their physical-chemical, mechanical and durability properties. An interdisciplinary methodology was designed through institutional cooperation and the application of different test methods. The adobes showed totally different compositions and proportions, and stabilizers like vegetal fibers, nevertheless, the mechanical performance of both samples was very similar, achieving respectable values in the context of historical adobe structures. Several correlations were found through the analyses: the physical properties like the density, the color or the electrical resistivity were related with the mechanical and durability ones; the non-destructive testing (NDT) allowed to calculate the dynamic elasticity modulus and infer the mechanical behavior; the chemical characterization enabled to obtain the elemental and mineralogical composition; and the Atterberg limits gave the soil classification. The research showed the broad diversity of earthen solutions and demonstrated how the granulometry is not a limitation to the adobe production, since the local soils can achieve similar mechanical and durability behaviors. Furthermore, H presented very different composition than the guidelines for earthen construction; nevertheless, the samples showed better durability performance and lower capillarity absorption rates. It is hoped that the results obtained with this research can help the further development of the earthen materials characterization and the decision-making process for the restoration and conservation of historical and vernacular constructions

    Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Masonry Mortars for Sustainable Construction: Experimental Study with Four Different Aggregates

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    The construction sector generates a strong environmental impact every year as a result of the high consumption of raw materials and the large waste volumes associated with this productive activity. In this sense, the search for alternative and sustainable solutions that allow progress towards responsible economic growth has become a priority activity. This work presents an exhaustive characterisation of masonry mortars made with four different types of aggregates: standard sand, natural sand, concrete waste recycled sand and ceramic components recovered sand. Differently from other studies, this research addresses the previous characterisation of the aggregates as raw material for the manufacture of masonry mortars, and, afterwards, a study of the most relevant properties for these cement composites in the fresh and hardened state is carried out. The most relevant properties of the mortars made with these raw materials are presented, and the repercussion of aggregate washing on their physical-mechanical characteristics is analysed. The results show how mortars made with 100% recycled aggregate can be competitive in the industry, presenting excellent properties in the fresh state and achieving an optimal mechanical strength. In addition, it has been observed that the introduction of a previous washing step of the aggregates improves their physical-mechanical properties and results in a higher quality of the cement mortars finally produced. In this way, the most representative properties of this type of materials have been collected in a well-structured and complete way, thus showing their possibilities of application in the construction industry

    Optimizing urban housing design: Improving thermo-energy performance and mitigating heat emissions from buildings – A Latin American case study

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    This study investigates the influence of urban heat islands (UHI) on buildings and explores passive design strategies to improve thermo-energy performance while mitigating heat emissions into the urban environment. Concentrating on Latin American cities, the research conducts an intra-urban and climate-related analysis in two scenarios: naturally ventilated and equipped with an HVAC system. The intra-urban analysis considers socioeconomic disparities and diverse urban zones, while the climate-related analysis covers five different cities. This analysis utilizes machine learning models combined with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) for optimization, along with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for suitable solution selection. The results reveal potential reductions of energy loads, discomfort hours, and heat emissions, ranging from 2 % to nearly 120 %, depending on the case or scenario evaluated. The Pareto front varieties are discussed, offering design recommendations for addressing housing disparities and optimizing urban zones or cities. The findings suggest that newer building energy standards might underestimate urban warming in historically cold climates. Additionally, shifting toward HVAC use in residential areas could lead to new socioeconomic and environmental issues. This underscores the need for holistic building design that integrates balanced urban planning considerations to mitigate urban overheating

    Digital Horizons in Construction: A Comprehensive System for Excellence in Project Management

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    In today’s competitive construction industry, companies are under increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and productivity. This research examines how digitalization can address issues such as market instability, low productivity, lack of investment in innovation, workforce issues, and management deficiencies. It explores the potential of technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction (LC) to improve project management. The “House of COANFI” framework, integrating Lean principles with strategy, process, projects, and people, is proposed as a solution for enhancing project management, promoting organizational coherence, continuous improvement, and technological adoption. The methodology includes a literature survey, stakeholder workshops, developing an information system, and validation through case studies. Key findings highlight the benefits of COANFI implementation, including better data management, improved productivity, collaborative integration, and organizational learning. However, challenges such as resistance to change, data quality issues, and integration complexity must be addressed. The study concludes that digitalization, supported by frameworks like COANFI, can significantly enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Future research should validate these methodologies in real-world applications, explore strategies for managing organizational change, and investigate the impact of digital technologies on sustainability, helping the construction sector achieve long-term growth and sustainability

    Job satisfaction in green construction projects: antecedent roles of green work climate, pro-environmental construction practice and green human capital

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    Purpose Job satisfaction (JS) of construction workers is important in determining the level of green construction project performance. Despite the importance of construction workers' JS in actualizing green construction projects' objectives, insufficient consideration has been accorded in green construction studies. This study aims to determine the link between green human capital (GHC), pro-environmental construction practice (PCP), green work climate (GWC) and JS. Precisely, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of GWC on the GHC and PCP relationship while analysing the moderating effect of GWC on the relationship between PCP and JS. Design/methodology/approach This research's data were collected through a survey questionnaire with 272 useable responses obtained. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used in the study's data analysis. Findings The findings of this study indicate that GHC was positively related to PCP; GWC had a significant mediating effect on the GHC–PCP relationship; PCP had a significant positive effect on JS; and GWC had a significant moderating effect on the PCP–JS relationship with high GWC yielding the greater effect. Practical implications This study gives a clearer picture of how GHC can lead to the adoption of PCP through GWC and translate to JS, thus providing stakeholders with the required information on firm-based initiatives that can promote the needed green behaviour on the construction site. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its contribution to both theory and practice as it provides g​r​e​a​ter insight into PCP alongside its antecedents and outcomes as it relates to the JS of construction project/site managers

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