Journal of Architectural Engineering

The prevalence of contemporary architectural designs that feature inclined-form buildings continues to rise, propelled by advances in analytical and drawing techniques, material technology, and construction methods. When viewed from the outside, buildings that make a certain angle to the ground and whose floor plans are horizontally offset could be defined as inclined-form buildings. Although these buildings present unique design opportunities, they present considerable challenges. This study presents an overview of the geometric features and parameters that define inclined buildings, which explores their architectural merits and drawbacks. A thorough analysis of the impact of inclined forms on the structural system is conducted, which encompasses positive and negative effects. Various types of structural systems are exemplified by case studies that showcase buildings with inclined forms. This study delves into the challenges that are encountered during the design and construction of these buildings and scrutinizes the solutions that are devised and implemented by designers. The applicability and sustainability of inclined buildings are considered in compliance with contemporary regulations, which offer a comprehensive evaluation. Therefore, this study aims to provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and contractors who are involved in the design and execution of inclined buildings, which examines the diverse aspects of their structural behavior and construction processes.

The trend of twisted-form buildings, driven by advancements in analysis and drawing methods, material technology, and construction techniques, keeps growing. As buildings reach greater heights, the rotation of floor slabs relative to the previous slab creates diverse and intricate twisted forms. While twisted buildings offer novel design possibilities, they also pose significant challenges. In this study, an overview of the geometrical features and parameters that define twisted buildings are introduced, and their architectural advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The impacts of twisted forms on the structural system, considering both the positive and negative effects, are analyzed and several types of structural systems are presented as examples of buildings with twisted forms. Through case studies of twisted buildings, the problems encountered during their design and construction, and the solutions devised and applied by designers to address these challenges, are investigated. Consideration is given to the applicability and sustainability of twisted-form buildings while adhering to the rules and guidelines of today's regulations. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation related to twisted-form buildings and aims to offer valuable insights for architects, engineers, and contractors engaged in the design and execution of twisted buildings by examining various aspects of their structural behavior and construction process.

This paper addresses the research gap concerning the impact of thermal diffusivity on cooling energy consumption in buildings, specifically in the context of Saudi Arabia's hot climate. The objective is to determine the optimal thermal diffusivity of building walls for different climate conditions in Saudi Arabia to minimize the cooling energy consumption of residential buildings. The study analyzes four locations in Saudi Arabia, namely, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, and Tabuk, to understand the correlation between optimal thermal diffusivity and cooling degree days. The study includes numerical modeling using the finite-difference method and developing a calibrated building energy model of an existing residential building. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the influence of thermal conductivity and heat capacity on cooling energy consumption. Correlation analysis is performed to assess the relationship between optimal thermal diffusivity and cooling degree days. The results highlight the importance of finding a balance between thermal insulation and thermal mass for energy-efficient buildings, considering the unique climate conditions in Saudi Arabia. Finally, this study considered the development of the Saudi Energy Conservation Code (SBC-602), which provides guidelines and regulations for energy-efficient building design in Saudi Arabia by recommending the selection criteria for the optimal thermal properties of building walls while considering the outdoor climate conditions. By aligning the findings of this study with the requirements and recommendations of the SBC-602, the study aims to contribute to the effective implementation of energy-efficient strategies in building design.