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  • Investigating the Relationship Between Thermal Comfort and Human Psychology: A Review

    Mehmet Furkan Özbey, Cihan Turhan

    The state of mind is a crucial factor in thermal sensation and should be thoroughly understood in studies of thermal comfort while integrating human psychology into the literature. Fanger's Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) method is a cornerstone in thermal comfort research. On the other hand, the Adaptive Thermal Comfort (ATC) model provides a broader perspective by including behavioral and psychological adjustments, along with the personal and environmental parameters outlined in Fanger’s PMV/PPD method. However, literature investigates the ATC model predominantly focuses on behavioral adaptations, neglecting psychological adjustments emphasized by ASHRAE as integral to "the state of mind. Moreover, qualitative approaches dominate the literature, with limited quantitative investigations. Therefore, this paper aims to address the importance of human psychology by systematically reviewing previous field studies to elucidate the magnitude and significance of psychological adjustments to the thermal comfort. Additionally, it introduces the Turhan and Özbey coefficients, derived from a quantitative study, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of psychological factors on thermal comfort. This work is highlighted the importance of the human psychology to achieve better indoor environmental quality in aspects of thermal comfort.

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  • Modification in the (NEN-)EN-ISO 7730 Model, with Regard of the Thermal Indoor Climate Assessment in Dutch Offices

    Paul Roelofsen, Kaspar Jansen

    Where previously the thermal indoor climate in a Dutch office was mainly assessed on the basis of sedentary activities, one must now also take into account activities associated with a higher metabolic rate to improve health by reducing sitting. This subject is receiving attention in the Netherlands; so also in the context of the Well certification of buildings for instance. Several studies show that the deviation between the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and the experimental results increases as the temperature and/or the activity increases. This technical note is a proposal to modify the calculation of the PMV for metabolisms up to 2.1 met, on the warm side of the thermal sensation scale, in the same way as Fanger describes in his thesis, using research results as they are currently available in the literature, excluding the adaptive thermal comfort aspect.

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  • Research Process of Recycled Cement Based on Life Cycle Assessment

    Jiangwei Zhang, Zhengheng Huang, Zhishuai Zhu, Shuaiyin Yang, Junxiao Wei

    Utilizing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is important because it solves the problems of resource scarcity and pollution from urban waste. Using RAC will have a significant positive environmental impact over time. Many studies compare the environmental benefits of RAC with natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and use life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the benefits of RAC. However, a mature and comprehensive research system for LCA application in RAC has yet to be developed. The purpose of this study is to review the environmental impacts of RAC throughout its life cycle using the novel perspective of the four steps of LCA, identify methods to address or mitigate biases, and suggest future development directions for this technology and database improvement to provide useful references for future research. The findings show that all four stages of LCA (goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment, and life cycle interpretation) have issues, primarily related to data measurement and selection, process step assumptions and simplifications, and algorithm limitations. We also recommend using the life cycle basic function evolution method to optimize Monte Carlo simulations, which reduces the uncertainty of LCA results. In the future outcomes of LCA ought to emphasize on the carbonation process and the analysis phase of cement's second life cycle.

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  • Implications for Cost Management Analysis of New Green Building Materials in the Context of Low-carbon Economy: A Critical Review in China

    Kaiying Liao, Ming Zhang, Huixin Zhang

    In 2020, the Chinese government made a clear international commitment to "carbon peak and carbon neutrality." The construction industry is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, posing a significant challenge to achieving the goal of "carbon peak and carbon neutrality." The development of low-carbon buildings can play a crucial role in reducing GHG emissions. China's low-carbon construction industry is experiencing continuous growth, and the building materials market is also evolving. To capitalize on the significant opportunity presented by the development of low-carbon construction, this paper delves into the background of the low-carbon economy. Firstly, the paper summarizes the impact of the low-carbon economy on the cost management of new green building materials. It then analyzes the current challenges facing the cost management of building materials in Chinese construction enterprises. Finally, it discusses strategies for enhancing the cost management of building materials within enterprises. This study aims to provide construction companies with valuable insights into the cost management of new green materials, enabling them to minimize capital expenditure through the implementation of scientific and strategic management practices. By benefiting from cost savings, enterprises can foster long-term development. Moreover, this research can serve as a reference point for China's endeavors towards achieving green development and facilitating a low-carbon transformation in the construction industry.

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  • Green Infrastructure as a Strategy for Building Resilience Against Stormwater in Ibadan

    Rasheed Sekore Busari, Oludare Akeem Adedeji

    Green Infrastructure provides cities with a wide range of benefits and solves myriads of problems facing the settlements. The study is aimed at examining the application of geospatial technologies to the environmental destruction problem facing Ibadan in the area of stormwater management. Data for the study were obtained from remote sensing, local observation and base map of the local governments making Ibadan core area. The data obtained were further validated using global positioning system for effective classification of the land uses and flooding classification. The analysis of the study made use of ArcGIS 10.3 and quantitative changes in land use pattern were obtained between 2000 and 2020 on a regular epoch of five years, Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The infill development of Ibadan has drastically reduced the green space from 37.64% in the year 2000 to 22.84% in the year 2020 and built up rose from 51.97% in the year 2000 to 69.04% in the year 2020 and absence of green infrastructure in high flood zones areas .The continuous decrease in the coverage of green infrastructure due to increase in anthropogenic activities has actually disrupted the structural integrity of the greens for environmental sustainability of the city and areas with high flood zones were not covered with any green infrastructure. It is therefore recommended that reduction in the built up and paved areas, and adequate green infrastructure management in the city can reduce the excessive stormwater in various settlement patterns of the city, and build resilience against this problem.

     

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  • Integration of Biophilic Design and Energy-Based Building Elements for Carbon Emission Reduction A Comprehensive Analysis

    Passaint Massoud

    This paper presents a novel approach to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the construction industry by integrating biophilic design and energy-based building elements. The research focuses on the implementation of natural elements such as plants, daylighting, natural ventilation, and views of nature into building design to enhance energy efficiency and decrease carbon emissions. The investigative approach of this study involves a thorough analysis of the application of natural materials like wood, stone, and wool as passive energy strategies to lessen the dependence on active heating and cooling systems. The research also scrutinizes daylighting techniques and the integration of green structures and vegetation in buildings to exploit natural solar energy. The key findings reveal that the combination of energy-based building elements with biophilic design can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings. The research underscores the importance of natural elements in building design and their substantial contribution to energy efficiency. The study concludes that the amalgamation of biophilic design principles and energy- efficient building components presents a potent solution to the challenges of energy use and carbon emissions in the construction sector. This approach transcends prior efforts in the literature by showcasing the practical application of natural elements in architectural design to attain sustainability objectives. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis of various natural elements and their impact on energy efficiency, and the emphasis on the practical implementation of these elements in building design to achieve tangible reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable construction practices and offers valuable insights for architects, designers, and policymakers in the field.

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  • A Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Influencing the Selection of Indoor Air Quality improvement Solutions for Healthcare Projects in Vietnam

    Dang Nguyen Hong Anh, Ahn Yong Han, Thach Nguyen Thao, Mohamed S. A. Binyumen, Pham Duy Hoang

    Vietnam battles severe air pollution and substandard infrastructure, leading to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), even in healthcare facilities. Enhancing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in hospital design and renovations is vital for safeguarding vulnerable groups, such as patients, children, and the elderly. However, akin to other developing nations, Vietnam must address specific local challenges before devising any strategies to improve IAQ in these critical settings. In this study, we identify factors influencing the selection of methods to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in healthcare facilities, considering Vietnam's specific conditions. 16 potential factors have been investigated and categorised into 4 influence groups based on a comprehensive literature review and validated by a survey of 160 architects, engineers, project managers, and hospital staff. We conducted an academic literature review to pinpoint these factors and propose design solutions. Additionally, we surveyed and quantified the effects from the perspective of Vietnamese healthcare experts. Based on our findings, we discussed the impact of these factors and suggested solutions for enhancing IAQ during the design and renovation phases of hospitals. The study's contribution lies in its practical insights for stakeholders seeking to improve IAQ. The outcomes of this study aim to provide a foundation for developing guidelines and standards to assess construction quality in healthcare facilities.

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  • Roles of Robotics in Architectural and Engineering Construction Industries: Review and Future Trends

    Abdullah Al Masri, Bruno Barzellay F. da Costa, Diego Vasco, Dieter Boer, Assed N. Haddad, Mohammad Najjar

    Over the past two decades, the field of Robotics in Construction has evolved into an interdisciplinary research domain that combines a multitude of pressing technologies. This work introduces an innovative review framework that assesses the interconnection between robotics in construction and automation, while also examining advancements in technologies. In this research, a novel classification framework was created and a comprehensive literature review was performed to shed light on recent developments in the field of robotic construction. The objectives are to delineate the diverse dimensions of robotics in construction, uncover the underlying themes and sub-themes within these dimensions, identify key research gaps in the current studies, and provide recommendations for future research endeavors. This paper concluded that the existing research focus primarily on technical aspects in robotics within construction, neglecting environmental considerations, while identifying a lack of long-term studies on structural performance, hindering concerns about durability. Additionally, challenges persist in integrating robotics into construction workflows without disruption, compounded by the absence of standardized practices and regulations, alongside concerns about safe human-robot interaction, affordability, and accessibility. Furthermore, inadequate training programs for workers and ethical concerns regarding job displacement, privacy, and societal impacts underscore the need for careful examination in the responsible and ethical deployment of robotics technologies. Finally, research efforts should emphasize the development of user-friendly interfaces and ergonomic designs for construction robots to enhance their usability and acceptance among workers, ultimately contributing to the successful integration of robotics into construction practices.

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