This research aims to investigate the influence of repeated low-velocity impacts on the residual tensile strength of composite laminates reinforced with E-glass/epoxy woven fabrics. To accomplish this, a comprehensive analysis of the specimens was conducted following a series of low-velocity impacts, with each impact delivering a constant energy of 4 J. Several key parameters, including maximum impact load, displacement, contact time, and absorbed energy, were examined. The residual tensile strength of the specimens was evaluated after each impact and subsequently compared to control specimens that had not experienced any impact. The outcomes of this study revealed a noteworthy reduction in the residual tensile strength following the initial impact. As subsequent impacts were applied, their effect on the specimens' tensile strength diminished until the complete puncture of the specimens. The findings of this study demonstrate the crucial role of repeated low-velocity impacts in the degradation of the residual tensile strength of composite laminates. The observed decrease in tensile strength, particularly after the first impact, indicates the vulnerability of these materials to such loading conditions. These findings have significant implications for the design and maintenance of composite civil structures exposed to multiple low-velocity impact events, emphasising the necessity for appropriate reinforcement strategies and monitoring protocols to ensure structural integrity and performance over the intended lifespan of the components.

The construction industry is growing day by day due to the immense need for infrastructure and development projects in developed as well as developing countries. At the same time, it is generating millions of tons of waste during the execution of these projects. Half of all construction waste comes from building projects. This underlines the importance of waste control in construction and especially for building projects. In this regard, a comprehensive literature review was conducted based on fifty shortlisted and most relevant papers from prestigious journals of construction management. Frequency analysis was then conducted. Based on the results, significant enablers at macro as well as micro levels in the construction industry were identified.

The provision of affordable housing has become a major concern for policymakers and urban planners, especially in developing nations of the world. One of the key challenges in this domain is the identification of suitable locations for the development of affordable housing. Appropriate locations of affordable housing will improve the housing satisfaction of residents by increasing the social and economic benefits for low-income residents, providing better accessibility to opportunities and services, and reducing poverty concentration. A bidirectional relationship exists among affordable adequate housing and health, and has been recognized as an essential sustainable development component. Therefore, this research aims to identify the factors that govern the spatial location choice of affordable housing. The determinants were derived through an exploratory study of relevant literature studies encompassing different geographical contexts, socio-economic backgrounds, and technological and economic advancement levels. A total of 61 parameters were identified, each of which lies in one of the following six categories: neighborhood characteristics, urban characteristics, social factors, economic parameters, demographic factors, and housing quality. The findings indicate that the location choice of users varies with regard to the context of an urban area. Broadly speaking, most of the prior studies have considered accessibility, transport-related factors, and housing prices as important attributes in determining the optimal location for siting affordable housing. However, parameters such as socio-economic criteria, accessibility to various facilities, and employment opportunities have greater significance in developing nations. Contrasting results are observed in the case of several developed nations, wherein factors such as safety, environmental aspects, and dwelling type were emphasized over elements of accessibility. The identified parameters can be considered by the policymakers to evaluate optimal locations for siting affordable housing projects, thereby ensuring that low-income residents reside in neighborhoods that promote social and economic sustainability.

The implementation of virtual design and construction (VDC) and digital twin (DT) methodologies plays a crucial role in the digital transformation of the construction sector. Within the discipline of architecture, several BIM-driven systems are utilized to enhance design processes. These systems encompass computer-aided design data, parametric design processes data, generative design models, and the extensive data derived from building activities. These data sources serve as inputs for artificial intelligence models, enabling the integration of advanced computational techniques in architectural practices. Artificial intelligence (AI) models exhibit a high degree of complexity and find application across various academic disciplines. The utilization and theoretical frameworks surrounding the implementation of deep neural networks (DNNs) in the fields of construction and architecture have experienced a steady growth over time. The power of the relationship between building information modeling (BIM) systems and advanced artificial intelligence models holds considerable weight for users of BIM. This relationship allows the generation, analysis, and deduction of insights from substantial construction data. Generative adversarial networks (GANs), text-to-image techniques, diffusion networks, and large-scale language models possess promising prospects for utilization within the domain of the use of BIM design. This research examines the relationship between generative artificial intelligence (generative AI), deep neural nets, and the BIM system, including its users. The utilization of generative models in conjunction with the BIM system facilitates the simplification of the designer's tasks. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the amalgamation of building information modeling and state-of-art deep learning models. This study examines the correlation between generative artificial intelligence and the BIM system by conducting a case study. In this case study, a comprehensive textual depiction of the architectural component was formulated, and various alternatives were developed at varying levels of specificity. Furthermore, this paper examines the conceptual and practical use of generative AI components (e.g., diffusion models) in BIM systems via bibliometric analysis.

A simple numerical approach to predict the efficacy of FRP hooping in historical masonry domes is presented. The dome is modeled with 8-noded elastic hexaedron elements connected by 1D trusses/springs on meridians and on parallels, where all the non-linearity takes place. The aim is to simulate the nonlinear behavior of domes through a FEM commercial software equipped only with non-linear 1D elements, namely point contacts and cutoff bars. The constitutive behavior of the trusses is assumed either perfectly brittle or perfectly ductile. A possible orthotropic behavior and the no-tension material case can be reproduced. An external retrofitting is simulated using trusses with an elastic-perfectly ductile behavior, assuming a perfect bond between substrate and reinforcement and imposing an ultimate strength for the trusses which takes into account in a conventional way the possible debonding/delamination from the substrate. The Italian code CNR DT200 and the existing specialized literature are used as reference. The models are benchmarked on a masonry dome reinforced with three hooping FRP strips and experimentally tested at the University Architecture Institute of Venice IUAV, Italy. The procedure is validated through extensive comparisons with available experimental data and numerical results obtained in the literature with a variety of different models. By the extensive comparisons carried out and discussed, the robustness and simplicity of the procedure are proven.

A construction project failure encompasses a multifaceted spectrum of disappointments, which may manifest individually or in combination, spanning the domains of cost, time, quality, and effective project management. This study represents a dedicated endeavor to discern the critical success factors (CSFs) that underpin the triumph or failure of construction projects, while simultaneously scrutinizing the intricate interplay between various attributes that contribute to the realization of project success. A comprehensive and thorough examination of prior research endeavors serves as the cornerstone. This extensive review of the literature functions as the lodestar, guiding the identification of CSFs that will subsequently serve as predictive indicators for assessing the likelihood of a project's success. The study endeavors to quantify the individual contributions of 19 of these critical success factors to the ultimate outcome of a building project. The overarching aim of this current literature research is to conduct a meticulous and exhaustive exploration of critical success factors within the context of building projects. This undertaking is approached with unwavering focus and precision, delving into articles published in highly reputable journals over the past decade. The outcome of this scholarly endeavor promises to shed new light on the dynamics of construction project success, enriching our understanding of the intricate factors that shape the destiny of these endeavors.

Sustainable urbanism has become a popular expression in the realm of planning and design. The concept of sustainable urbanism revolves around the idea of managing finite resources for the burgeoning population. The ultimate goal of sustainable urbanism is community wellbeing and inclusivity, which align with the objectives of place making. The paper aims to explore the prospects of place making in achieving sustainable urbanism. The case studies demonstrate successful place-making efforts across the globe and underscore a variety of best practices. The conclusion deliberates on the challenges related to citizen participation and governance, highlighting the necessity of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.

The role of construction and architecture in sustainable development is crucial as the sector has a significant environmental, social, and economic impact. Sustainable building design aims to minimise the negative impacts of building construction and operation while maximising the benefits to the environment and society. With the growing challenges of climate change, the development of new approaches to sustainable construction is a key aspect of the work of engineers around the world. This abstract focuses on innovations and prospects for multifamily timber structures as an important component of a global strategy for the future of sustainable architecture.

Modern technologies and materials used in timber construction can help reduce CO2 emissions, increase energy efficiency, and improve the overall living comfort. The construction methods currently being developed can be divided into more traditional techniques, such as timber frame construction, and modern innovations, such as laminated timber and prefabricated components. Case studies of multifamily buildings constructed using timber are used to illustrate the practical applications of these new approaches, highlighting their potential and limitations. The analysis of these cases allows us to look to the future of multifamily housing made of wood and to demonstrate its potential to transform our cities into greener, healthier, and more sustainable places.

The aim of this presentation is to highlight the need to further improve building technologies and practices to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the use of wood building materials. This will help stimulate further research and discussion on the role of wood in the future of sustainable architecture.

Presently, traditional industrial parks face challenges due to slow construction and outdated operational methods, resulting in high vacancy rates and severe pollution. These parks are unable to meet the demands of rapid economic and technological advancements. In contrast, prefabricated construction offers numerous advantages, including standardized design, rapid deployment, flexibility, sustainability, and environmental friendliness. Consequently, this construction approach has progressively found its application in industrial park development, effectively addressing the pervasive issues encountered in such environments.

Additionally, many industrial parks currently lack uniqueness, leading to a lack of vitality and dynamism. To tackle the problems associated with prefabricated construction in industrial parks, this research focuses on the specific case of Zhengzhou Accelerator Industrial Park. Based on the concept of the "interest-based relationship", which fosters the convergence of enthusiasts united by common interests, transforming their passions into professions, and facilitating the monetization of their interests, the research investigates and discusses the construction model of prefabricated industrial parks, emphasizing the integration of work and residential spaces based on the notion of work–life balance. The aim is to rejuvenate industrial parks and enhance their vibrancy.

Prefabrication technology aptly meets the ever-changing spatial requirements resulting from industrial transformation. It also accommodates the need for adjustments in industrial parks according to different work–life structures. Moreover, this model underscores the continuous expansion and evolution of industrial parks through the rapid and flexible characteristics inherent in prefabricated construction. By continuously expanding and changing based on the degree of correlation between interests, a new type of prefabricated industrial park model can be formed that can grow and replicate, thereby serving as a valuable reference for future industrial park renovations and optimizations.

The UK government has legally binding objectives under the “Climate Change Act 2008” to accomplish net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. The government has implemented a variety of measures across many different sectors of the UK economy that are accountable for carbon emissions. The aim of this research is to evaluate and compare some existing renewable energy technologies. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of installing these technologies into homes across the UK and the impact they have on contributing to the “net zero housing” scheme. A series of results were produced using SAP rating deploying an existing dwelling case study in Leeds, UK, fitted with a gas boiler, compared to an air source heat pump (ASHP) and a heat recovery mechanical ventilation system (MVHR). The tree systems were analysed in terms of cost effectiveness, carbon footprint, and energy savings. The study found that a gas boiler costs less than any other system to install, whilst an ASHP involves high upfront costs. However, the latter showed higher energy savings with an efficiency of 4.0 compared to efficiencies of 0.75 and 0.95 for gas boiler and MVHR, respectively. SAP rating showed that ASHP has a carbon footprint of 2396.3 kg/year for the studied flat of 65.72m2, whilst 3406.92 CO2 kg/year for gas boiler and 7143.45 kg/yea for MVHR. The study concluded that ASHPs work better for most existing UK housing, unless the improvement of the whole building fabric is considered, so some other renewable options could be a choice.