bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Management and Fault Detection Methods in Building Energy Renovation
Authors: Lastovets Natalia , Hirvonen Janne , Elsayed Mohamed , Sormunen Piia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMultifaceted challenges spanning the entire building’s lifecycle hinder energy efficiency in renovation projects. Despite regulatory frameworks for buildings’ renovation, operation and commissioning at both EU and national levels, numerous buildings fall short of energy performance targets. This persistent energy performance gap stems from decision-making processes across the building lifecycle, necessitating a comprehensive approach to practical solutions.Notably, modern hybrid energy systems and complex building automation demand meticulous attention to ensure optimal functionality.In Finland, current commissioning guidelines cover the design and planning phases but do not adequately address the construction and usage phases. In addition, the lack of training and motivation among managers and experts involved in energy renovation projects hinders data-driven insights.To address this issue, the study examines obstacles that face current energy renovation projects, such as measurement inaccuracies, data limitations, fault diagnostic methods, compliance issues, and practical impediments. The research involved a literature review and expert interviews.Initial findings reveal significant challenges investigators face when assessing energy efficiency in real-world scenarios. Measurement inaccuracies, data limitations, and practical impediments like compliance issues and fault diagnostic methods were identified as significant obstacles. Analysis of energy efficiency indicators used for building performance evaluation indicates a wide range of metrics employed. However, quantification in practical applications varies, posing challenges to establishing consistent evaluation standards.These preliminary results highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of energy efficiency challenges in building renovations. Early exploration of risk management practices for hybrid energy systems emphasises the need for a specific model addressing design and deployment risks. Insights from international practices are being gathered to propose effective risk management strategies tailored to the Finnish construction field.
Non-Destructive Assessment of Reclaimed Timber Elements Using CT Scanning: Methods and Computational Modelling Framework
Authors: Tamke Martin , Svilans Tom , Huber Johannes A. J. , Wuyts Wendy , Thomsen Mette Ramsgaard 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe reuse and recycling of timber are crucial for a circular economy, but barriers like insufficient information and concerns about material quality hinder their industrial-scale implementation. Uncertainty about mechanical properties often leads to downcycling and CO2 release. Circular practices involve cascading reuse of timber, but downcycling occurs at each step, leading to waste. To maintain carbon storage, reclaimed timber should be used with maximum integrity, like in load-bearing beams. Non-destructive assessment methods for reclaimed timber face challenges due to variations in origin, age, and wear conditions. X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning in conjunction with computational mechanics provides a means to structurally assess wood based on its internal density distribution. In this paper, a modelling pipeline is proposed using CT-based finite element analysis to assess the quality of reclaimed timber elements. The pipeline is part of an ongoing investigation where timber stiffness and strength are evaluated both destructively and non-destructively using various measurement modalities. Accurate non-destructive assessment of the mechanical properties of reclaimed timber could optimize its use and enable repeated reuse. In subsequent research, the pipeline will be validated and simplified to aim for practical application.
Early-Day Effects of Graphene on NA2CO3: Activated GGBS Concrete
Authors: Zhao Yongcong , Su Meini , Wang Yong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAchieving net-zero construction is curial for construction sector to mitigate the effects of climate change. Using alkali-activated materials (AAM) to replace the carbon intensive ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete has attracted many researchers’ attention in the past years. However, several problems are associated with AAM, such as lower early age mechanical strength. This paper aimed to investigate the early days effects of graphene on hydration mechanism of Na2CO3-activated granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) concrete. Graphene dosages ranging from 0.005% to 0.02% (of slag weight) were considered in this study. The compressive strength of GGBS concrete was measured at 3 days. Samples were cured under ambient room temperature around 20 ± 3 °C. Results indicated the incorporation of graphene could increase the compressive strength up to 33%. To understand the changes on the microstructure level, various microstructure technics were performed on 3-day curing samples to provide a comprehensive understanding of the microstructure elements. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to identify the composition and crystallinity of different phases. Overall, the higher gain in early-day strength of concrete and the shortened setting times are mainly due to the nucleation effect of graphene which was revealed by the much denser and compact microstructure, as shown in the SEM images.
An Experimental Investigation on Using Seawater in Sustainable Mortar Mixtures
Authors: Saxena Shekhar , Justnes Harald , Baghban Mohammad Hajmohammadian 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe process of concrete development requires extensive water use, leading to a scarcity of natural freshwater supplies. It was found that nearly 19% of the overall water is consumed by industrial fields in which the construction field takes the lead. Employing seawater for concrete construction activities could help in protecting vital freshwater supplies when concrete is reinforced by materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, polymer composites or bio-based materials which are less sensitive to seawater. In the present research, seawater is used in place of tap water for mixing and curing of mortar. Different tests such as heat of hydration, compressive strength, flexural strength, electrical resistance and test for water absorption and permeable voids were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mortar made with seawater and tap water. The findings of this study show that seawater is a viable option to produce mortar without compromising the properties of mortar. Unreinforced concrete, fiber-reinforced polymer and aluminum-reinforced concrete all offer promising applications when combined with seawater, enhancing their construction potential and sustainability.
The Use of Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste in Low-Strength Concrete Brick and Block Production: A South African Perspective
Authors: Simon Jaziitha , Beushausen Hans , Alexander Mark 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe surge in population and urbanization in South Africa has increased construction activities, leading to the generation of a significant amount of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). While a portion of this waste is used in low-grade applications, the rest ends up in landfills. The conventional use of virgin materials persists, contributing to environmental issues such as increased energy usage and CO2 emissions from the mining and transportation of raw materials and the use of cement in concrete production. To promote a circular economy, resource efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint, a shift toward C&DW recycling is imperative. Despite successful international practices, the recycling rate in South Africa still needs to improve. While previous research works have focused mainly on using recycled aggregates (RAs) in structural concrete, this review explores their potential use in the manufacturing of low-strength concrete bricks and blocks, which are essential construction products within the context of housing development in South Africa. The lack of certification and standards for RAs in South Africa has hindered their practical use. Thus, different stakeholders need to take responsibility for investigating and developing quality control procedures to ensure consistency.
Mechanical Reinforcement of Building Materials with Microfibers Produced by Electrospinning
Authors: Daniel Habtom , Omar Omar Mohamed , Kioumarsi Mahdi , Pilehvar Shima , Borrajo-Pelaez Rafael 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study investigates the integration of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) microfibers into cementitious composites to enhance the mechanical properties of the resulting composite material. Through systematic experimentation, optimal parameters for electrospinning CA fibers were inspected, and different methods were used to blend electrospun fibers and cement. Some preliminary tests of the mechanical properties indicate a significant increase in the compressive strength of the fiber-reinforced material with respect to the reference non-reinforced material. Incorporating 0.5% CA fibers led to a 15.5% increase in compressive strength compared to the reference sample. This research demonstrates that CA microfiber reinforcement in cement-based materials is promising, highlighting its potential for cost-effective enhancement of mechanical properties.
Thermal Performance Characterization of Recycled Textile-Based Materials for Building Insulation
Authors: Dama Alessandro , Khalfallaand Esra Abdelhalim Mohamed , Alongi Andrea , Angelotti Adriana 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study reports the experimental investigation of the heat transfer properties of building panels obtained from the post-consume textile waste through an Airlay process in the framework of a research project for the valorization of textile waste in the building sector. The analyzed panels are based on a different kind of textile fabric (mostly polyester, mostly cotton or mixed) and have a different density (low, medium and high). The heat transfer properties were measured through the dynamic methodology of the hot disc, both in laboratory conditions and in a climatic chamber. A good thermal insulation performance was generally observed for all the panels. For a given kind of waste textile, the thermal conductivity was found to increase with density, so that the most performing panels are the low-density ones. Moreover, thermal conductivity was found to increase with relative humidity. For the same density and relative humidity, the thermal conductivity of the cotton-based panels is higher by 26% on average compared to the polyester-based panels.
Effect of Lightweight Masonry on Life Cycle Energy: A Case Study of Residential Buildings in India
Authors: Sarkar Pradip , Zade Nikhil P. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe imperative shift toward sustainable construction practices drives the exploration of alternative building materials, among which autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is emerging as a promising option. This research focuses on assessing embodied energy throughout the life cycle of residential buildings using a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The study specifically investigates AAC masonry as an infill material in reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures, highlighting its eco-friendly attributes.The present study conducts a detailed comparative analysis between RC frame buildings infilled with AAC block masonry and their counterparts using traditional clay brick infill. The assessment covers different life cycle phases, including extraction of raw materials, production, transport, construction, maintenance, and eventual demolition. By using LCA techniques, the embodied energy of both building types is quantified and compared, providing valuable insight into the environmental impact and sustainability of these construction materials.
Seasonal Waste Heat Storage in Energy-Efficient Finnish Apartment Buildings
Authors: Hirvonen Janne , Sirén Santeri , Sormunen Piia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGround-source heat pump systems that collect energy from thermal borehole fields can produce heat independent of the outdoor temperature, making them ideal for heating cold climates. To reduce the risk of boreholes freezing due to excessive heat drain, the boreholes must be spaced far enough apart from each other. This requires space on the ground, which can be a great challenge in urban environments with limited plot sizes.This study looks into the potential of using residential waste heat to reduce the space requirements of ground-source heat pump systems while maintaining the long-term borehole field temperatures. In addition to conventional air-to-air ventilation heat recovery during the heating season, ventilation heat was also recovered in summer using a liquid-loop connected to the borehole fields. Similarly, sewage heat recovery was connected to the same loop.Hourly heating demand for a new apartment building in Finland was estimated using the IDA-ICE simulation tool. The various heat recovery schemes were modelled in TRNSYS 18. Two sets of similar simulations were completed: one for a single building case with a small borehole field and another for a block of buildings with a large borehole field. Widely spaced borehole fields were compared to tightly spaced borehole fields, to see how the ground temperatures and heat transfer fluid temperatures change over five years of operation.Without waste heat utilization, the tightly spaced borehole fields suffered from rapid temperature reduction. This problem was exacerbated in the large borehole field, due to having less natural regeneration as a result of a lower surface-to-volume ratio. However, when both ventilation and sewage heat were actively fed into the borehole field over the whole year, the ground temperature levels were stabilized and the fluid outlet temperatures remained above 0 °C.
Designing Eco-Friendly Materials Intended for Repairing Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Belmokretar Karim , Ayed Kada , Leklou Nordine , Kerdal Djamel El Ddine , Mouli Mohammed , Allal Meftah 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGiven the considerable number of concrete structures either damaged or nearing the end of their lifespan, it becomes crucial to undertake substantial repairs. This is essential not only to address existing deterioration but also to ensure the preservation and prolonged durability of these structures. This study aims to explore the usability of innovative concretes in the repair of damaged reinforced concrete structures. However, these repairs must be executed in an environment-friendly manner. Therefore, the envisioned characteristics aimed to develop highly fluid concretes comprised of readily available natural ingredients or sourced from recycled materials. In pursuit of this goal, the developed concretes draw inspiration from the principles of self-compacting concrete. Fluidity has been boosted by limiting aggregate diameters (Dmax = 5 mm), reducing the proportion of gravel, and increasing the proportion of sand. The resulting concrete was designated as Self-Compacting Sand Concrete (SCSC). Three distinct formulations of SCSC concrete were devised: SCSC-LF, enriched with limestone fillers; SCSC-Pr, incorporating natural perlite; and SCSC-Pz, featuring natural pozzolan. The substrates were constructed using standard vibrated concrete of ordinary class (OC). The repair success of composites, consisting of an OC substrate and a layer of SCSC, was evaluated under tensile stress. The results are highly promising, demonstrating the efficacy of concrete-reinforced composite (SCSC) systems in effectively repairing damaged concrete structures.
Energy Communities for the Decarbonization of Historical Villages: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Brunoro Silvia , Piaia Emanuele 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe chapter focuses on Historical Villages (HVs), a precious segment of European cultural identity heritage characterized by fragile environments that, over the last decade, have experienced a progressive rapid decay.There is an urgent need to develop initiatives aimed at preserving the memory and heritage of past communities and inhabitants.Renovation strategies are crucial in halting the depopulation of HVs, offering a wide-ranging opportunity for a novel approach to conservation and revitalization. This approach has the potential to generate added value, enhance appeal, spur growth, and facilitate transformation in areas grappling with degradation.Moreover, the paper introduces an innovative strategy for decarbonizing HVs known as Energy Communities (ECs): an approach gaining traction across Europe. These communities entail initiating participatory processes through public–private partnerships. The initial section provides a comprehensive overview of the growing concept of ECs in Italy, underscoring their pivotal role in fostering a transition toward economic, technical, and environmental sustainability.Furthermore, the paper examines challenges and opportunities in Italy aimed at preserving the heritage value of HVs and encouraging their historical identity. This involves empowering local inhabitants to spearhead bottom-up initiatives promoting their integral role in building refurbishment, retrofitting, and valorization toward decarbonization objectives.Finally, the paper presents an Italian case study: the CommOn Light Energy Community, which serves as an exemplar of best practices in Italy. It combines community engagement, innovative funding strategies, and a scalable model for national replication, emerging as a benchmark for future endeavors in sustainable energy development and community-driven initiatives.
Lessons learned – drei Jahrzehnte automobilkritische sozialwissenschaftliche Mobilitätsforschung
Authors: Götz Konrad 
Published: January 2025

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag thematisiert Eckpunkte des automobilkritischen, sozialwissenschaftlichen Mobilitätsdiskurses der letzten drei Dekaden. Dabei stehen folgende Fragen im Zentrum: Mit welchen zentralen Konzepten hat die sozialwissenschaftliche Mobilitätsforschung einen echten Mehrwert für das Verständnis von Mobilität und deren Veränderbarkeit geschaffen? Was an dieser Forschung hat konzeptuell und begrifflich eine Wirkung in Richtung eines innovativen Verständnisses von Mobilität geschaffen, das dazu beiträgt, die Hegemonie des automobilen Leitbildes zu überwinden? Dabei wird zunächst die Diskussion um unterschiedliche Definitionen von Mobilität und Verkehr rekonstruiert. Es wird auf den bis heute wirkmächtigen Begriff der Verkehrswende eingegangen, ebenso auf den techniksoziologischen Schlüsselbegriff Rennreiselimousine. Mit den Konzepten der Mobilitätskultur und der Mobilitätsstile sowie Folgerungen hinsichtlich einer zukünftigen transdisziplinären, die materielle Dimension stärker einbeziehenden Mobilitätsforschung schließt der Beitrag.
Dynamic properties of the structures with three level of symmetry
Authors: Vlase Sorin , Öchsner Andreas , Marin Marin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn the field of mechanical engineering, structural systems that can present different types of symmetries are frequently encountered. The choice of such solutions with symmetries is generally the result of considering factors such as reducing design and production costs, logistical considerations, but also for aesthetic reasons. The existence of these symmetries inside some structures brings new properties in the mechanical behavior and can be useful in simplifying the calculation, in the static and dynamic case. Symmetries can bring new properties when the problem of studying vibrations is raised. Thus, the dynamic analysis time can be reduced and the designer can get a quick picture of the behavior of the structure in operation. The paper aims to study a special situation of symmetry that can be encountered in engineering practice, namely the existence of three planes of symmetry within a structure. Such structures can be found frequently in the field of mechanical engineering but also in the construction of buildings. The presented properties can contribute to the reduction of dynamic analysis time and therefore to the reduction of design costs. An example from real life is analyzed in the work, highlighting the listed properties.
Cerebral Protection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Shams-Molkara Sheida , Mendes Vitor , Verdy François , Perez Maria-Helena , Di Bernardo Stefano , Kirsch Matthias , Hosseinpour Amir-Reza 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCardiac surgery, both adult and pediatric, has developed very rapidly and impressively over the past 7 decades. Pediatric cardiac surgery, in particular, has revolutionized the management of babies born with congenital heart disease such that now most patients reach adult life and lead comfortable lives. However, these patients are at risk of cerebral lesions, which may be due to perioperative factors, such as side effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and/or anesthesia, and non-perioperative factors such as chromosomal anomalies (common in children with congenital heart disease), the timing of surgery, number of days on the intensive care unit, length of hospitalization and other hospitalizations in the first year of life. The risk of cerebral lesions is particularly relevant to pediatric cardiac surgery given that cerebral metabolism is about 30% higher in neonates, infants and young children compared to adults, which renders their brain more susceptible to ischemic/hypoxic injury. This issue has been a major concern throughout the history of cardiac surgery such that many preventive measures have been implemented over the years. These measures, however, have had only a modest impact and cerebral lesions continue to be a major concern. This is the subject of this review article, which aims to outline these protective measures, offer possible explanations of why these have not resolved the issue, and suggest possible actions that ought to be taken now.