Journal of Architectural Engineering

The structural advantages associated with the catenary shape strongly endorse its use for small to medium-sized unreinforced masonry shell structures. Furthermore, the adoption of low-cost materials, such as earth bricks, enables relatively cheaper construction than that associated with standard construction materials. However, earth masonry is weak in tension and flexure; hence, there is a need to eliminate tension forces when designing and building with these materials. In this paper, the implementation of steep catenary vaults for application in low-cost housing is examined. Design considerations are presented based on case-study investigations, experiences gained through shells designed by the authors, and through the assessment of related loading stipulations presented in the literature. An important finding is that wind loading may govern the design of masonry catenary shells—particularly those with steep profiles. It is also presented that certain elements, such as gable walls and window frames, which are often attached to these shells, have a tendency to cause cracking if they restrain thermal movement. Furthermore, shrinkage of mortar may also lead to cracking if restraint is generated during construction.

Identifying the criteria affecting multifamily housing and comparing different construction systems using these criteria to determine the optimal construction method based on a powerful decision-making technique can considerably help optimize multifamily housing, create more incentives for private contractors, and achieve ultimate success in multifamily housing projects. In this paper, 15 effective criteria for industrialized multifamily housing were identified through interviews and questionnaires. The alternatives of multifamily housing were then detected, and a model that could determine the best building method considering the criteria was developed through the analytic network process (ANP) technique. The reason for using the ANP technique was to organize the decision-making process in terms of a scenario affected by multiple independent factors. Contractors, consultants, owners, and those who are concerned with the issues related to industrial building will be the beneficiaries of this study.

In this paper, an application of statistical random sampling and probabilistic Bayesian updating for planning building façade inspection is introduced. The application method presented is specifically for façades made up of terra-cotta blocks, for which a mode of damage is deterioration in their metal anchors as a result of corrosion. Using this method, an initial probability distribution for the proportion of blocks with damaged metal anchors is assumed; a limited number of blocks is then randomly selected, the blocks are removed, and the state of damage in their metal anchors is investigated. Based on the results of this initial investigation, a Bayesian approach is used for updating information on the proportion of blocks with damaged metal anchors to modify the damage probability distribution, and a damage index is then introduced, based on the updated results. This index can be used as a decision-making tool in determining the state of the health of the façade and planning for the next step in further investigations of the condition of terra-cotta blocks. The presented method is a planning tool that can be used by architects and engineers in an effort to optimize the cost associated with opening blocks for inspection.

The present study analyzes how to trace a circle packing using a variable compass. Several of these circle packings have been used by artisans and designers to make ornamental patterns in architecture and arts. The present paper begins by analyzing tangent circles between secant straight lines based on the Archimedes theorem and then studies other ways to trace tangent circles between secant straight lines, showing how craftsmen applied this knowledge to their artistic or architectural creations. Packing circles with different diameters has led to analyzing various geometric constructions used to design Gothic rosettes and is how craftsmen were forced to face new geometric and mathematical problems, such as the Apollonius problem. Geometric constructions of rosettes led to the knowledge and design of different spiral patterns, which involved a new relationship with mathematicians. Similar to a previous study, this paper is limited to geometric constructions developed on the plane, leaving three-dimensional analysis for further study.

Concrete is widely used in buildings as a structural and finish material, and mix designs for these applications are well established. The thermal properties of concrete are also embedded in a number of building envelope design strategies, but mix designs to optimize for these performance characteristics are not generally considered. In this study, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength of concrete mixes were investigated. It was determined that a broad range of thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity values can be obtained through the adjustment of mix paste percentages. Portland cement (PC) and geopolymer cement concrete (GCC) mixes were compared for this application, with the range of thermal variability found to be greater with concretes that use the geopolymer binder.

This work was based on analyses of the following three issues: the detailed clauses of Agenda 21, a comparison of international rating systems, and the impact of the local context of Oman. The platform of Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development is used to verify and test various international rating systems and study their common concerns as well as how each of them prioritizes certain categories relevant to the local context of Oman. A study is conducted on the following constraints of the built environment of Oman: water, energy, materials and construction, sustainable sites, indoor environmental quality, waste management, and integrated development. The study concludes with a proposal of framework of an environmental rating system with a hierarchy of three levels, including categories, indicators, and parameters. It is to be named the Oman Building Environmental Certification (OMBEC), and it will be a pilot rating system for present-day homes. The study is intended to develop other rating systems in the future to address more building types, such as schools, healthcare and office buildings, and neighborhood development.

Uncertainty is an inherent characteristic of decision making related to sustainable construction projects. The main reason for this uncertainty is the incomplete information available to stakeholders on the relative impact of their decision criteria and the full consequences of the sustainability decisions on the projects’ financial and environmental performance. One of the critical decisions made to achieve the objectives of sustainable construction projects is the choice of credits that qualify projects for certification by sustainability rating systems like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The objective of this paper is to create an objective methodology for the sustainability credit selection along with a modeling tool that incorporates the proposed methodology and then compare the performance of this tool with that of the commonly used cognitive approaches to decision making. Therefore, structured interviews were held with industry professionals, the results of which are used to develop an ordered-probit statistical model that identifies the significant independent parameters affecting the subject credit-selection decisions. Subsequently, the proposed credit-selection methodology is developed based on the ELECTRE III technique and compared with the intuition-based approach. The validation of the model results is performed by comparing the model output with credits actually selected in a number of actual projects targeting certification by LEED and the Qatar Sustainability Rating System (QSAS). The results of this comparison indicate that the developed methodology is capable of providing valuable guidance in the credit-selection process in the early stage of project design. The methodology also provides a systematic and consistent way for credit selection based on in-depth analyses of the evaluation criteria and perceived project priorities.

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, endures up to 14 h of load shedding per day. In response to this daily challenge, the objective of this research was to design an energy-efficient commercial complex, a combination of a mall and an office complex, in Kathmandu that can function on minimal external energy resources. The research focused on careful analysis of the monthly climatic data, passive design strategies, and site elements to suggest passive solar techniques to reduce the amount of energy the complex would require and to select the best design approach for use of renewable energy sources. Because design decisions made in the very early stages have a significant impact on the overall energy consumption and the internal environment of the building, simulation models were tested and compared at the early massing design stages to make appropriate decisions toward this goal, seeking the best solution for an energy-efficient building design in terms of building massing, orientation, solar thermal heating, and cooling.

This study sought to develop a formalized integrated structural process that is enhanced by information and communication technologies (ICT). Formalized integrated structural processes can significantly improve the design of the building structural system in relation to other engineered and aesthetic systems through making a complementary and cohesive solution when followed. That said, current practices lack this significant workflow. The more multidisciplinary the design is, the more robust, innovated, and integrated the solution is with respect to the owners’ vision. Such a process has the ability to eliminate barriers and limitations on effective and efficient collaboration with other disciplines. The resulting integrated structural process model (ISPM) presented here was developed through literature, industry expert interviews, and case study projects. The end result is overarching in nature, in that it is not structural material or structural system specific, yet its scope is comprehensive because it encompasses a project from planning through construction. Results show that adopters of the ISPM can strengthen their integrated design practices within their structural firms. Core contributions of the ISPM add to traditional processes, including adopting later lifecycle notions as early as possible to provide a positive impact, detailing what modeling and technology can be used to support integrated design, determining what is necessary from other trades at different design points, carrying design options and solutions along further for more objective decision making, and more strictly adhering to meeting and achieving cross-competitive goals.

One way of reducing the use of fossil fuels in Denmark is to explore possible energy savings in the building stock, especially the large number of single-family houses built from 1960 through 1980. Energy renovation in this housing segment is progressing slowly. The aim of this project was to determine how a one-stop-shop (OSS) or full-service concept could be used to guide the extensive energy renovation of single-family houses. The purpose was partly to identify the benefits and disadvantages of using the concept and partly to evaluate the potential of the OSS concept for increasing the degree of renovation. The scope of the project was to carry out renovations on up to three houses. The project revealed that the concept on its own was not enough to motivate the house owners to engage in extensive renovation. However, interviews with the house owners indicated that the renovations that took place had probably been expanded and improved with the use of the concept and that the renovations in general benefitted from an independent adviser.