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.

Abstract

This work aims to study the trajectory of the architect Frei Otto (FO) using an exploratory analysis of his projects, which pays special attention to the conceptual and chronological temporal evolution, the type of structures designed, and the relationship with his partners for his built and unbuilt projects. In the latter case, the projects developed, not requested, that are not part of his built works have been approached (i.e., not considered under competition). The main results indicate that FO's architectural trajectory, from a chronological point of view, was intense, which is generally reflected throughout the years. The 1950s–1970s were very productive. In addition to the large number of projects, there were innovative designs for quantity and structural innovation in Germany and other countries (e.g., France and Saudi Arabia). The analyses that were carried out made it possible to ascertain FO's professional and academic influence, which has been reflected in his projects. Likewise, his relationships with his collaborators have been long-lasting in some cases.

Practical Applications

This work aimed to study the work of the architect and engineer Frei Otto (FO), of recognized prestige by the awards received and his colleagues. Some mention the scarce diffusion of his work. The interest of this work lies mainly in making known to professionals, academics, and the general public, in a short format, such as that used in scientific papers, the design of his structures, built and unbuilt. As Félix Candela mentions about FO’s career, he is a typical and outstanding example of architectural innovation who concentrated his vocation and efforts on the study and research of tensile structures. His international projection and toward the citizen, give Frei Otto academic interest. This work is developed from different perspectives, which include chronological, type of structure, the location and function of the project, and the collaborators he worked with, with whom he shared his innovation and construction activities. Attention has been paid to a collection of unpublished or little-known projects by FO.

Federal and state governments have recently expanded their regulatory mandates and incentives to promote renewable energy (RE) use in their planned new buildings. This requires planners to analyze and optimize their preliminary design decisions, such as building dimensions, orientation, location, and window-to-wall ratio, to maximize the use of RE in their buildings. To support designers in this critical task, this paper presents a novel model for optimizing preliminary building designs. The two optimization objectives of the optimization model focus on maximizing harvested RE and minimizing construction cost by identifying optimal building dimensions, orientation, window-to-wall ratio, and site layout. The optimization model complies with all design requirements, such as building dimensions, natural lighting, and cost-effectiveness constraints. The model performance is analyzed using two application examples to illustrate its capabilities in considering the impact of the surrounding environment on design decisions. The results of this analysis confirm the model contributions in identifying a set of nondominated optimal solutions that provide tradeoffs among the two optimization objectives of the developed model. These capabilities are expected to support building planners in identifying an optimal preliminary building design that maximizes the use of RE while minimizing all related construction costs.

This study will investigate the current state of building information modeling (BIM) adoption, implementation, and challenges in the Ethiopian construction industry. Initially, various models for BIM adoption and implementation were assessed. Subsequently, an online survey was conducted using questionnaires. Responses were collected from BIM team members at the Ethiopian Construction Project Management Institute (ECPMI) and other stakeholders. Data analysis revealed that the adoption and implementation of BIM in the Ethiopian construction sector is in an early stage and faces critical barriers, such as the absence of BIM standards, lack of awareness, knowledge, and training, and limited government support. This study recommends including BIM in higher education curricula and providing professional training. To implement new technologies, the government needs to be committed and proactive. Implementing new technologies needs commitment to a paradigm shift from the traditional into an advanced technology working environment. In addition, the government and other concerned organizations could use this study as a reference document and guide for further BIM implementation and development for the Ethiopian construction industry.

Residents in aged care homes constitute a significant proportion of Australia’s population. The elderly population is vulnerable to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Because mobility declines with age, they tend to spend longer indoors compared with the general population. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an affordable ventilation retrofit to improve the IAQ in aged care homes in Victoria, Australia. The fresh filtered air ventilation system was installed independently of the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in each facility. The monitoring characterized the ventilation of aged care homes to establish the baseline performance. The results showed that air change rates (ACH) in the common rooms were from 0.84 ACH to 3.81 ACH. This was generally sufficient for low or average occupancy but insufficient when the rooms were fully occupied. Up to a 1,000 ppm reduction in the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration was achieved with the addition of a supplementary ventilation system. However, there was no reduction in the levels of particulate matter (PM). Local activities and the movement of people inside the room influenced the PM concentration. A systematic approach for the regular monitoring of IAQ, analyzing data, and adopting appropriate interventions is required to better prepare the community and the health systems against the consequences of climate change.

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) enables substantial improvement in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As a leading actor in the AEC industry, policymakers have the means to develop appropriate strategies for addressing the factor affecting BIM implementation. However, the lack of empirical investigation on the relationships between factors to implementing BIM and government strategies prevents the strategies from being effective. This study aimed to establish relationships between critical factors and government strategies for implementing BIM using Syria as a case study. A systematic literature review and semistructured interviews with AEC professionals yielded 27 factors and 12 government strategies for implementing BIM. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a chi-squared test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The EFA classified the factors into four underlying constructs (technology, project environment, governmental and organizational, and people) and government strategies into two underlying constructs (soft and hard strategies). The structural equation model revealed that soft strategies positively affect technology, project environment, and people. Moreover, hard strategies positively affect technology. These findings provide new insights into the body of knowledge on optimal government strategies for implementing BIM in low-income economies. Policymakers can use the findings of this study to prioritize efforts and resources when promoting BIM implementation in the local AEC industry.

Practical Applications

This study aimed to establish relationships between critical factors and government strategies for implementing building information modeling (BIM). The findings illustrate that soft strategies positively and substantially affect technology, project environment, and people. Furthermore, hard strategies positively and substantially affect technology. With these findings, policymakers and project stakeholders can make informed decisions on government strategy selection to address the critical factors. At the early stage, executing appropriate strategies saves resources and contributes to implementing BIM successfully. This study provides empirical evidence of the relationships between the critical factors and government strategies for implementing BIM. It provides major areas policymakers can commit resources to enhance and eventually help diffuse BIM across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It also helps embrace advances in BIM, including digital twins, and improve industry efficiency.