Authors:Christopher Fapohunda Pages: 3 - 12 Abstract: Introduction: Ten Books on Architecture (De Architectura) is a treatise by Vitruvius that describes construction work, as taught and practiced in the 1st century. In it, the functions and duties performed in the built environment by architects, construction workers, civil engineers, surveyors, sculptors, decorators, etc., are all lumped together into either architecture or civil engineering. However, for civil engineers, who operate both in built and unbuilt environments, the scope and depth of subjects covered by this work could serve as useful resources as they develop their competences in core practical aspects of civil engineering. Materials and Methods: This paper explores Ten Books on Architecture in relation to civil engineering in the 21st century. The materials used for this work were obtained from internet sources, university libraries, textbooks, write-ups and commentaries that were purchased from open markets and bookshops. Results: The review shows that: (i) the profession of the architect, used in the times of Vitruvius interchangeably with the civil engineer and town planner, as well as the very concept of architecture or civil engineering, in terms of social standing, differs significantly from the present times; (ii) most of the projects discussed in the book form the core of what is classified in the 21st century as civil engineering; (iii) civil engineers ought to be versatile in the art solving of problems that may arise during the course of construction, both in the built and unbuilt environments; and (iv) the buildability issues of civil engineering make knowledge of how to assemble simple construction equipment a necessity. Conclusion: Though not recommended in the curriculum, a working knowledge of either Latin or Greek will help to make the book an indispensable companion for structural and civil engineering practitioners and also enhance their performance capacity. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Aref Maksoud, Hayder Basel Al-Beer, Aseel Ali Hussien, Samir Dirar, Emad Mushtaha, Moohammed Wasim Yahia Pages: 13 - 24 Abstract: Introduction: With the rapid development in computational design, both architectural design and representation processes have witnessed a revolutionary change from the analog to the digital medium, opening new doors for adaptability in the architectural design process by leveraging nature concepts in design. The computational design approach starts with the mathematical model definition based on numerical relations and equations, thus, replacing the standard visual representation. Purpose of the study: We aimed to integrate computational design technologies to create self-learning buildings that could adapt to environmental challenges and adjust accordingly by collecting data from the surrounding environment via the implementation of sensors. Methods: We started with extensive research on state-of-the-art computational design in architecture, followed by the design implementation and the implementation of the architectural design of a building. The design followed a parametric approach to design and strategies. An algorithm was developed with Grasshopper Scripting to generate documents that mimic the growth process of cellular bone structures and adapt that form to a selected project site. To ensure that the generated form is adaptable, we performed multiple analyses, such as sunlight, radiation, and shadow analysis, before selecting the form and finishing its development. The results show that an environmentally responsive form that extends from the surrounding environment is characterized by high levels of adaptability. Results: In the course of the study, the effectiveness of computational design technologies in architecture was established. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Esraa Sh. Abbaas, Mazran Ismail, Ala’eddin A. Saif, Muhamad Azhar Ghazali Pages: 25 - 36 Abstract: Introduction: Window shading is considered one of the most effective passive design approaches that improves indoor thermal performance, minimizing the usage of HVAC and reducing energy consumption. Purpose of the study: We aimed to investigate the impact of external window shading on thermal performance of three existing residential buildings having different forms (rectangular, L-shaped, and U-shaped) in hot-dry climate in Amman, Jordan. Methods: Three types of shading, namely: vertical, horizontal, and combined, of different lengths (0.75 m, 1.00 m, and 1.25 m) were introduced to the existing buildings. The effect of those types of shading was studied using the OpenStudio SketchUp 2020 plugin and EnergyPlus simulation program. Results: It was established that vertical shading slightly improves the indoor air temperature in all building forms, while horizontal shading and combined shading improve the thermal performance of buildings to a more significant extent. Combined shading of 1.25 m in length shows the optimum behavior in all buildings since it reduces the indoor air temperature in the range of 2.6–3.3°C. Besides, it improves thermal sensation, which seem to be closer to the comfort zone, by reducing the predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) values as compared with the baseline situation without shading. In addition, the rectangular building demonstrated the best response for shading by showing the largest reduction in the indoor air temperature. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Faqiri Amanollah, Nadezhda Ostrovskaya, Yuriy Rutman Pages: 37 - 43 Abstract: Introduction: Earthquakes are one of the most frequent and potentially disruptive natural disasters. Up to this day, numerous methods have been tested and applied to prevent damage to buildings and structures as a result of earthquakes. Currently, one of the widely used methods is to provide seismic isolation between the building and the ground. Its main purpose is to reduce the interaction between the building and the ground as well as the impact of soil movement on the building. For our study, we chose a system of lead rubber bearings as isolators used to improve the seismic resistance of buildings. Purpose of the study: We aimed to expand the tool kit for the analysis of seismic isolation based on rubber bearings and demonstrate the effectiveness of ETABS software. Methods: The paper investigates the behavior of an isolation system with lead rubber bearings for various earthquake records with the use of ETABS software according to UBC-97 standards and software developed specifically for this study in Excel. Results: Based on the developed software, we analyzed how changes in properties of base isolators affect the behavior of structures exposed to earthquakes. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Omar Moustafa Alomari, A M Faten Albtoush, Mohammad Al-Rawashdeh Pages: 44 - 50 Abstract: Introduction: Everyone, regardless of culture, seeks a dwelling that provides comfort and safety at an affordable cost. Many countries worldwide have witnessed increased demand for residential buildings due to population growth. However, because of the economic conditions that most countries suffer from, the search for low-cost housing without compromising the quality of construction and materials has become extremely essential. Low-cost construction meets the demand for cost-effective design solutions without prejudice to quality. Purpose of the study: We aimed to determine the applicability of building materials and technologies used in low-cost construction. Methods: In the course of the study, we thoroughly reviewed literature sources addressing low-cost construction. Results: Based on the review, we determined six strategies of low-cost construction: effective planning, use of low-cost materials, use of environmentally-friendly materials, use of cost-efficient construction techniques, use of available alternative construction methods, and sustainable community through involvement and training. All over the world, knowledge exchange and technology development within local societies are considered techniques that reduce the cost of buildings at the expense of local manpower. We recommend governments to enhance the involvement of local resources by developing training programs in cooperation with local communities. Besides, governments should provide opportunities for the application of environmentally-friendly construction materials and encourage their use. This study will help researchers delve deeper into the issues and obstacles occurring in low-cost construction. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Andrey Belyaev, Aleksey Aleshkin, Elena Kuts, Vladimir Shabalin Pages: 51 - 59 Abstract: Introduction: Searching for methods to improve the efficiency of water treatment with reagents is quite important in both water conditioning and industrial wastewater purification. Among the technologies providing high efficiency and reducing resource consumption in combination with reagent methods, hydrodynamic cavitation water treatment is of particular interest. The analysis of scientific and technical data made it possible to determine the main indicators of hydrodynamic cavitation water treatment that can affect the efficiency of reagent purification. Extreme parameters occurring during intense cavitation are associated with the formation of high temperatures up to 2000°C and high pulse pressures of 100–1500 MPa in local areas of hydrodynamic systems. In such conditions, the initiation and intensification of the physical and chemical processes of water treatment are observed. Рurpose of the study: Improving the efficiency of existing traditional water purification technologies, allowing to improve its quality at the lowest cost. Methods: To study the parameters affecting water treatment efficiency and occurring with the cavitation flow of water, simulation in Ansys CFX was performed with the use of the finite volume method. The calculation was carried out with account for the turbulent nature of the flow based on the k-ε turbulence model. The cavitation process was calculated with the use of the Rayleigh-Plesset cavitation model. Results: Steam formation in the cavitation reactor promotes sufficiently complete absorption of the gaseous disinfectant by water. An increase in temperature is also considered as one of the factors increasing the efficiency of water treatment with reagents. During cavitation, water temperature increases in local micro-volumes. Thus, to intensify the process, there is no need to heat the entire volume of liquid, and, as a result, the total energy consumption for water treatment is reduced. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Aleksandr Chernykh, Tatiana Belash, Viktor Tsyganovkin, Anton Kovalevskiy Pages: 60 - 70 Abstract: Introduction: Part of the territory of Russia is located in a seismically dangerous area. In recent years, glued laminated wood has been gaining popularity in private housing construction as well as other construction sectors. However, Russian standards lack design and structural requirements for buildings and structures made of glued laminated wood. Methods: The paper reviews the foreign experience in construction with the use of glued laminated wood and presents seismic design for a multi-story building made of wood and materials based on it. Results: We considered the seismic design of a multi-story timber building and reviewed foreign experience in the construction of buildings made of glued laminated wood. Besides, we analyzed how the choice of the material for individual load-bearing structures affects seismic resistance. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Md. Basir Zisan, Biplob Kanti Biswas, Md. Abul Hasan, Mithu Chanda, Anindya Dhar Pages: 71 - 81 Abstract: Introduction: Ferrocement is a low-cost material that can be utilized as a replacement for expensive fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), which is generally used for retrofitting structural and non-structural reinforced concrete members. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of wire mesh in the retrofitting of flexural members such as reinforced concrete beams. It also investigated the flexural capacity of the beams, which are reinforced with wire mesh as a partial or complete replacement of regular rebar. The orientations and various forms of the wire mesh within the beam section are taken into consideration. The finite element method is used to model and analyze the beams. The structural performance of the studied beams, including the load-deflection relationship, first cracked and ultimate cracked loads, crack patterns, and flexural stress, were evaluated using the finite element method. The finite element model of the beam which is reinforced with wire mesh has been verified with experimental results. The results show that beams retrofitted with ferrocement or beams in which rebar is replaced by wire mesh have superior flexural performance and low crack depth. The beams retrofitted with wire mesh have a high ultimate load-carrying capacity and ductility. The confinement of three-sided wire mesh improves the flexural performance of the beam. It is observed that flexural performance remains the same when the length of the wire mesh exceeds half of the span length. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Sergey Repin, Ivan Vorontsov, Denis Orlov, Roman Litvin Pages: 82 - 87 Abstract: Introduction: The movement smoothness of transport and handling machines (THM) (excavators, cranes, road maintenance equipment, etc.) on a vehicle chassis significantly affects their durability as a result of the large weight of equipment and uneven load distribution along the axes of the base chassis, which causes heavy dynamic loads when moving along roads with imperfect pavement. However, THM often have to move along those very roads. Purpose of the study: We aimed to increase the movement smoothness of THM on a vehicle chassis by using a shock absorber of new design as the main vehicle undercarriage suspension element. Methods: The hydropneumatic shock absorber is considered the most common. The principle of its operation is based on hydraulic resistance that occurs when the piston with the rod move in a space filled with oil, while the gas in the closed part is compacted, compensating for changes in the internal volume. Most often, the main disadvantage related to the operation of hydropneumatic shock absorbers (HPSA) is the probability of bottoming when hitting a barrier (obstacle), which results in dynamic loads reducing the service life of the vehicle and the parts of the shock absorber. Results: The paper describes a new shock absorber design ruling out bottoming, provides a mathematical model of its elastic response, and presents the results of modeling in Mathcad, confirming the operability of the device. PubDate: 2023-03-31 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2023)
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