Building Engineering

Comprehensive seismic loss model of Tehran, Iran in the case of Mosha fault seismic scenario using stochastic finite-fault method

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:36:04 +0000

This paper presents the results of a study caried out to assess probable seismic loss, in term of damage to the residential buildings and the number of fatalities, in the case of Mosha Fault seismic scenario in Tehran, Iran. Accordingly, seismic risk components (including seismic hazard, exposure model and fragility curves) are evaluated. The stochastic finite-fault method with dynamic corner frequency is applied for quantifying ground motion values. The results shows that PGA on the soil surface could range between 0.1 g to 0.45 g. Then, a reliable model of building exposure by analyzing census data from Tehran is compiled. This model included 19 different classes of buildings and is used to evaluate the potential damage to buildings from seismic scenario. The results indicate that the median of damage ratio from 100,000 iterations for the whole of the city is about 6% ± 1.54%. The study found that the central and eastern parts of Tehran are the most vulnerable areas, with an estimated 15,952 residents at risk of losing their lives in this scenario. This is equivalent to 0.2 percent of total population of Tehran. The finding from this study can be used by local authorities to provide appropriate emergency-response and preparedness plans in the case of Mosha Fault seismic scenario.

Considerations for the effective management of LANs in hospital buildings

Eisuke Hanada, Takato Kudou — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 02:22:31 +0000

According to a joint survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan, over 90% of Japanese hospitals have introduced wireless LAN. However, about half of the hospitals that have wireless LANs have reported having experienced problems, with the most common cause being inappropriate management of signal propagation. Other factors include an excessive number of terminals connected to one AP, an information load that approaches or exceeds the limits of the network’s capacity, and a lack of information sharing during design and construction. There is also a move towards converting in-hospital PHS, which has been used mainly for nurse calls, to smartphones, which also provide voice communication over a wireless LAN. Furthermore, the number of medical devices with wireless LAN communication functions is increasing. In recent years, issues have emerged regarding the coexistence of wireless LANs used by patients. This includes security aspects, as with problematic operation of wireless LANs. The above could become even more significant considerations in future wireless LAN utilization. In this paper, we summarize issues we have identified, clarify their causes, and present possible future problems and current and future measures to be taken for their solution.

Roles of stakeholders for adopting sustainable design in buildings

Nor Aqilah Haji Juffle, Md Motiar Rahman, Rajul Adli Asli — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 06:11:55 +0000

Buildings account for the highest carbon dioxide emissions during their operation stage, primarily due to high energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting, which in turn contribute to global warming and climate change. Such impact can be considerably reduced through crafting sustainable design (SusD) in buildings. So, availability of relevant information, professional guidance to clients and appropriate decision making are crucial. A study summarized the findings from a questionnaire survey conducted in Brunei with 122 responses. The results revealed that architects, consultants, and government are more important stakeholders to assist with SusD adoption, while clients and developers are important stakeholders in decision-making. The results appreciate the roles of clients and architects to a higher degree, despite a comparatively higher number of private projects in Brunei with relatively more influence of contractors. This was interpreted to having a good degree of awareness of the survey participants towards the role of SusD and who actually can better contribute to SusD adoption. However, the outcome also revealed inconsistent perception among the respondents, both within and between different groups based on their affiliations and nature of job. This inconsistency implies the need for appropriate training or education to enhance awareness of SusD, make pertinent information available and developing appropriate skills.

Digital transformation of quality management in the construction industry during the execution phase by integration of building information modeling (BIM) and cloud computing

Mohamed Shaban, Bassel Al-Hassan, Alaa Shekh Mohamad — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 02:47:51 +0000

The quality of construction projects significantly impacts social and economic development. However, low quality and project failure often result from factors such as lack of quality procedures, poor communication, task coordination, and inefficient progress monitoring. This research aims to improve the efficiency of the construction phase by creating quality control checklists for processes and enhancing quality management through a collaborative digital environment integrating building information modeling (BIM) and cloud computing. Expert constructive interviews were first conducted to define a construction process quality control procedure to be linked to the 3DBIM model and then transition to a collaborative cloud environment (Autodesk Construction Cloud). An actual instance in Latakia City (Syria) demonstrated that the proposed methodology improves the efficiency and effectiveness of quality management during the implementation phase. It does so by offering a robust database, enhancing on-site quality information extraction from BIM models using smartphones, documenting defects and entering inspection data directly into a shared digital environment, and making it easier to track corrective actions and feedback. This facilitates constant and organized access to current data, reducing errors and rework, saving money and time, and enhancing decision-making speed and effectiveness. The search recommends the necessity of strict laws to adhere to quality procedures and the importance of providing infrastructure for digital transformation in quality management.

Practical approach for analysing and engaging stakeholders in construction megaprojects

Ayman Mashali, Ahmed Eltantawy — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:23:07 +0000

Purpose: The construction industry is a complex environment, it is facing massive challenges, especially on megaprojects, due to the huge construction development and stakeholder management (SM). This paper seeks to explore, investigate, and assess the methods for analysing and engaging stakeholders on construction megaprojects to overcome stakeholder management problems and enhance performance. Methodology: The quantitative methodology is adopted in this research; a questionnaire survey is carried out among big construction firms in Qatar, with a 59% response rate. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) software. Findings: This paper investigated and assessed the common methods for analysing and engaging stakeholders on construction megaprojects, where they come together more integrative. Hence, this will boost their chances of reaching higher levels of success and project effectiveness. Lastly, the findings are foreseen to aid project managers in adjusting their strategies when considering future implementation plans via a broad picture and understanding of SM and their relationships in CMPs. Practical implications: Investigating and assessing the methods for analysing and engaging stakeholders is expected to assist project managers in improving projects’ performance and completing construction within the predefined time and cost. Besides, it enhances and strengthens the present body of knowledge in SM study domains and provides a starting point for practitioners and academics. Originality: This study contributes significantly by investigating and assessing the methods for analysing and engaging stakeholders in MCPs. Moreover, the findings are important for all concerned project stakeholders and are considered as a roadmap for effective stakeholder management in MCPs.

Developing design response spectra for Benghazi city including soil magnification effects

Fathi M. Layas, Vail Karakale, Ramadan E. Suleiman — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:51:51 +0000

Earthquakes in some countries worldwide cause loss of lives and properties. In Libya, design of structures to resist earthquake forces was based on a paper work published by Mallick in 1976. In 1977, and after small changes in the earthquake zoning map of Libya, the ministry of housing, at that time, adopted it as a draft code of practice for the design of structures to resist earthquake forces. With Benghazi city undergoing significant rehabilitation and development programs, including major national projects, there is a pressing need to estimate updated probabilistic seismic hazard maps and design response spectra specific to the city. This study presented updated probabilistic seismic hazard ground motion for Benghazi city, considering different return periods and accounting for peak ground acceleration (PGA) values with various soil conditions. Proposed design response spectra for Benghazi City unveils substantial PGA amplifications in soft soil areas.

Evaluation of the response of historical structures fitted with seismic-isolation

Bogdan Felix Apostol, Stefan Florin Balan — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 02:21:52 +0000

The paper highlights the performance of the seismic isolation devices, installed on retrofitted buildings in reducing the seismic response when subjected to earthquakes. Two buildings from the beginning of the XX-th century in Bucharest are chosen from many more, monitored over the city area. We discuss the response of these base-seismic isolated structures, relying on good quality data acquired from the recent strong earthquake (03 November 2022, M_W = 5.0). Elastic response spectra computed from recordings at two levels of each structure are used, placed under and right above the isolating layer. At one building the existence of previous recordings and the particularity of the sensors allow a comparison with other two relatively recent medium intensity earthquakes. The assessment is carried out in terms of maximum acceleration a_max, measured at certain levels in each structure, spectral acceleration amplitude SA_max and spectral-peak corresponding period. We find that the base-isolation methodology is effective in reducing the response of the building right above the isolating layer, an observation valid for both structures, all components of the recordings, and spectral acceleration values. Moreover, the outcomes from the modal evaluation performed prior to rehabilitation and seismic isolation process are presented, by pointing out a higher newly acquired fundamental period of the isolated structures.

Machine learning algorithms for safer construction sites: Critical review

Yin Junjia, Aidi Hizami Alias, Nuzul Azam Haron, Nabilah Abu Bakar — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:03:12 +0000

Machine learning, a key thruster of Construction 4.0, has seen exponential publication growth in the last ten years. Many studies have identified ML as the future, but few have critically examined the applications and limitations of various algorithms in construction management. Therefore, this article comprehensively reviewed the top 100 articles from 2018 to 2023 about ML algorithms applied in construction risk management, provided their strengths and limitations, and identified areas for improvement. The study found that integrating various data sources, including historical project data, environmental factors, and stakeholder information, has become a common trend in construction risk. However, the challenges associated with the need for extensive and high-quality datasets, models’ interpretability, and construction projects’ dynamic nature pose significant barriers. The recommendations presented in this paper can facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between traditional construction and machine learning, thereby enhancing the development of specialized algorithms for real-world projects.