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The building sector is still criticized for its excessive energy use and negative environmental effects, even with significant improvements in recent years. It makes a major contribution to the world's energy, waste, and water use. This study investigates the possible benefits of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology in environmentally friendly building methods. It also seeks to identify and rank the major obstacles to the industry's integration of sustainability and BIM. The study aims to accomplish its research objectives by means of a questionnaire survey approach. The three primary categories of the possible benefits associated with BIM are social, economic, and environmental, which correspond to the generally acknowledged elements of sustainable development. The provision of a centralized database that facilitates the administration of the full building lifetime, less material waste, and increased design efficiency have all been noted as key benefits. In the building industry, BIM approaches have shown to be quite successful in improving sustainable practices. The study does, however, point out a few difficulties. The number of people with a BIM degree has increased significantly, but there are still not enough qualified professionals with the necessary knowledge and experience. Project managers with the necessary skills are needed to oversee BIM deployment successfully. They should be able to advice and counsel clients and other stakeholders on the benefits of BIM. Building professionals may maximize the environmental performance of structures across their lifetimes and make well-informed decisions by integrating sustainability concepts into the BIM process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural waste byproduct, has already been tested as a component in geopolymeric binders, typically as part of the precursor solid mix, alongside materials like fly ash (FA), slag, and cement. This study presents a novel approach where RHA is employed to create a solid activator, aimed at entirely replacing commercial sodium silicates. The synthesis process involves mixing RHA, NaOH (NH), and water by applying a SiO2/Na2O molar ratio equal to 1, followed by mild thermal treatment at 150 °C for 1 h, resulting in the production of a solid powder characterized by high Na2SiO3 content (60–76%). Additionally, microwave treatment (SiO2/Na2O = 1, 460 W for 5 min) increases the environmental and economical sustainability of alkali silicates production from RHA since this processing is 12 times faster than conventional thermal treatment reducing at the same time the final product's embodied energy. The efficacy of this new material as a sole solid activator for the geopolymerization of Greek FA is investigated through various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM). One-part geopolymers prepared with RHA-based solid activators demonstrated mechanical performance comparable to those prepared with commercial products (~62 MPa at 7 days). This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable construction practices emphasizing the importance of local materials and reduced environmental impact in achieving long-term sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid advancement of rural revitalization in China, protecting regional culture and construction techniques of traditional ethnic groups, while incorporating green energy-saving concepts, has become increasingly vital. With Sware ITES2023 as the simulation tool, this article conducts a comparative study on the green building technology and thermal comfort of traditional Tibetan residential houses in Songpan, Sichuan Province, and the new residential houses that villagers have incessantly renovated and built in the past two decades, thus demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of traditional houses and newly-built houses in terms of green building technology elements, such as stone and wood structures, roof floors, walls, doors, and windows, therefore developing an optimized design scheme, which includes the eastern direction of a building's orientation, concrete frame and wooden structure, brick wall and stone masonry, and optimized door and window size selection. This scheme will improve indoor thermal comfort by two to three times by calculation. Through preliminary simulation and deduction, the optimized design scheme combines traditional architectural culture and ethnic characteristics with green and energy-saving concepts. This provides a design paradigm that can be promoted and popularized for the construction of residential buildings in high-altitude ethnic areas of western Sichuan and also lays the foundation for future protection and research of traditional residential architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The paper substantiates the relevance of creating and improving digital tools for complex scientific research and development work based on the information model of a construction object at all stages of the life cycle. The research focuses on environmentally safe (green) construction in the northern and Arctic regions. The purpose of the study is to substantiate a set of criteria for “green” for the northern and Arctic regions of the Russian Federation on the basis of logically interrelated models: a design model, a full-scale model, mathematical models and a digital twin model. The main criteria include energy efficiency and environmental safety of buildings.Materials and methods. The objects of the study are two twin buildings designed and built according to the programme of scientific research in the Republic of Karelia and the Murmansk region. The objects are identical, but the conditions of their functioning are different. The methodology of complex scientific research for each stage of the life cycle of objects is proposed. The methods of comparative analysis and the method of expert assessments were used, as well as the methods presented in the normative and technical documents of the technical regulation system of the Russian Federation related to the technological aspects of construction.Results. Four groups of basic construction criteria for the northern and Arctic regions of the Russian Federation are defined: external environment; internal environment; materials and technologies; energy efficiency. The Research Information Model (RIM) was developed as a tool for comprehensive scientific research in the field of construction technologies in the northern and Arctic regions. The practical implementation of the results of the study at the two above-mentioned facilities, including digital monitoring of the condition of the facilities for two years (2021–2023), is considered. Prospects for the continuation of the research are determined.Conclusions. The necessity of the development is justified and the expediency of using the developed information model of research is confirmed by the example of two constructed objects. The experience of using the main blocks of the model and digital monitoring of the condition of objects for two years has confirmed the expediency of using information modelling and continuing research to improve construction technologies in the northern and Arctic regions.

To address the problem of accurately evaluating age-friendly retrofit indicators in urban communities, this study constructs an evaluation model that takes into account user preferences and their interaction needs based on the social–ecological–technological systems (SETS) theory. The model aims to establish a set of precise community retrofit indicators, covering aspects such as public participation level, public ancillary facilities, green space layout, living environment building, health service support, and accessible design. By employing prioritization strategies, the model seeks to maximize resident satisfaction and promote harmonious coexistence between the community and the environment. Firstly, the retrofit evaluation indicators are formulated using the SETS theory. The entropy weight method (EWM) is then applied to determine the initial weights of these evaluation indicators, followed by the use of the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to analyze the interrelationships among the indicators. The Kano model is integrated to adjust the weights, reflecting their importance. The final weights of the indicators are determined through normalization. Based on this, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to rank and analyze the importance of age-friendly retrofits in the community. Finally, six communities in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, are selected as samples to evaluate and analyze the age-friendly retrofit indicators. Different methods are compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are ranked to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach. Based on the analysis results, specific design schemes for improving the identified shortcomings in age-friendly aspects of these communities are proposed, considering the needs of aging populations and taking into account community public facilities, accessible design renovations, and the enhancement of green space layouts. This study aims to explore the comprehensive benefits of an age-friendly retrofit in urban communities and provide reference for the deep integration of social, ecological, and technological benefits in urban renewal. The evaluation indicators, methods, and conclusions presented can serve as a decision-making basis for the renovation and renewal of aging urban communities, particularly in terms of age-friendly updates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Railway Construction Technology is the property of Railway Construction Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The need to reduce the effects of climate change has been increasing. One of the pathways to answer such a need is green construction. Hybrid wood–soil (HWS) structures are eco-friendly in addition to being cost-effective. Within this study, a single-storey building has been architecturally and structurally designed and tested. A conventional reinforced concrete (RC) structural system was designed and considered as a control case to be compared to the design at hand, which is an HWS system incorporating locally cultivated Casuarina Glauca wood and an in situ earth-based mixture. The two design alternatives are compared in terms of cost and carbon emissions. The HWS has proven to be economically viable and eco-friendly when compared to RC. The following stage within the research was to validate that the HWS structure will be structurally sound when erected. First, the effectiveness of the finger jointing process of the wooden members was experimentally assessed through performing bending tests on a finger-jointed specimen. Furthermore, half-scale models of one room within the structure have been manufactured from Casuarina Glauca wood and tested laterally to investigate the resistance of the HWS structural system to lateral loads. The first model was tested laterally without the earth-based infill and plaster materials to assess the behavior of the structural elements and measure its deformations. The second model was tested after applying the earth-based materials to obtain the true structural behavior of the system and the effect of the earth-based materials on its resistance to lateral loads. The results were used to assess the degree of the structural effectiveness of this HWS and the contribution of its components to its lateral stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green construction evaluation system of the Xinyi expressway electromechanical installation, comprising 19 indicators, has been constructed using the IAHP, CRITIC, and grey clustering method. This system was developed based on the Xinyi expressway electromechanical installation project, which involved the use of the IAHP, CRITIC, and grey clustering method. The system was constructed from four aspects: comprehensive management level, resource saving and utilization, construction quality impact, and ecological environment impact. The green construction grade of the electromechanical installation of the selected five bidding sections is evaluated in a comprehensive manner, and the advantages and disadvantages of the selected bidding sections are analyzed using a radar chart method. The research findings indicate that the primary determinants of the green construction evaluation level of the project are the prefabrication rate of component parts, the vegetation restoration rate, and the utilization rate of environmental protection technology. Once the selected bidding section has achieved a higher grade in the green construction evaluation, the monitoring data of the electromechanical installation's green construction meets the requirements of the specification, and the level of green construction is close to the actual production of the project. This proves that the method is scientific and rational and provides a reference for the green construction evaluation of similar electromechanical installation projects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of Sustainability Development (SD), Green Construction (GC) has become a key direction for optimizing engineering project objectives. In order to improve the management ability of project engineering in GC, an improved NSGA - II algorithm was used in this study to establish a multioptimization model for engineering projects. In this process, the hill climbing is introduced to improve the search ability of NSGA - II algorithm. Finally, a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOP) model with strong convergence and distribution was obtained. In subsequent validation experiments, the total construction period of the engineering project MOP model based on the improved NSGA - II algorithm was between 190 and 234days. The total cost ranges from 171,473 to 20,461,800 yuan. Its total mass ranges from 90.41% to 92.19%. Its total safety is between 91.30% and 99.32%. The total environment is between 144.54 and 193.58. Its total resources range from 86.21% to 99.91%. The cost of improving the NSGA-II algorithm is 500300 yuan lower than that of the NSGA-II algorithm, with a resource target increase of 0.4% and an environmental target increase of 4.33%. The iteration curves of the improved NSGA - II algorithm in terms of duration, cost, and environmental objective function are lower than those of the NSGA - II algorithm. Overall, the improved NSGA - II algorithm has better MOP performance, can obtain better Pareto solutions, and has better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tunnel Construction / Suidao Jianshe (Zhong-Yingwen Ban) is the property of Tunnel Construction Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The sustainable implementation of resources and the transition to low-carbon construction is on the world's daily agenda. This paper describes the development of criteria for the efficient management of material resources in low-carbon construction. Net income, gross profit, balance sheets, and equity are proposed as indicators that serve as criteria for assessing the efficient use of resources. Nonlinear regression models were the methodological basis for the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships of the volume of construction of transport structures. It was established that since construction companies do not purchase materials for storage, the cost of materials for use in low-carbon technological construction work is directly proportional to the cost of construction. The volume of production in the construction industry is determined by construction costs. More efficient use of low-carbon materials reduces cost and construction waste. In this paper, we have established the relationship between the indicator of efficiency for the functioning of the construction enterprises in Ukraine and the use of low-carbon materials for the construction of transport structures. The practical value of the obtained results for low-carbon construction management lies in proving the relationship between the performance indicators of the construction enterprise (net profit, gross profit, output volume, balance sheets, and equity capital) and the use of low-carbon material resources. Our results form the basis for future research into the use of a cost-based model for low-carbon economy transition in municipalities and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous development of the social economy, the depth of foundation pit excavation of proposed construction projects in various places gradually increases, which is closer to the building red line, and the surrounding environment is relatively complex; therefore, there are few supporting schemes for foundation pit selection. Based on the Vanke B-6 plot of a real estate development project, the project has close neighboring buildings. If we use a normal anchor cable, underground cut line problems are possible, and so we choose the hot melt-type recoverable anchor; with three element dispersion pressure, the anchor cable can minimize broken sections of brush slope excavation and has advantages of a simplified construction process and good seismic performance. Except for the cable barrel, the other parts and all steel strands can be recycled, and recycled parts can be reused. The recyclable bolt (cable) overcomes the disadvantages of the conventional bolt (cable) as a temporary support, such as pollution of the underground environment, encroachment on the underground space of adjacent buildings, and becoming an underground obstacle in follow-up projects. It accords with the characteristics of the times of environmental protection and sustainable development, and has achieved good economic and social benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the College Of Basic Education is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Photocatalysis‐based advanced oxidation technologies have been developed as an attractive strategy for degrading pollutants. However, the question of how to increase removal specificity without sacrificing the degradation effect remains a difficult one. In this work, a photocatalytic system for the simultaneous targeted elimination of nine heterocyclic amines (HCAs) is established using a green‐prepared photocatalyst (CN@Mn–FeOOH@MIP) that activates sodium persulfate (PS) under visible light. Mn–FeOOH clusters are in situ covered on laminar g‐C3N4 (CN) carrier to form a heterojunction, along with a molecularly imprinted layer self‐polymerized from dopamine, which is grown on the outer layer, resulting in both the desired photochemical activity and specific sites for recognition. The conditions of composite and photocatalysis are explored and optimized for efficient and selective degradation. Notably, CN@Mn–FeOOH@MIP is synthesized free of any organic reagents, and the biosafety is confirmed by cellular and in vivo toxicity evaluation. The developed CN@Mn–FeOOH@MIP/PS system with visible‐light‐driven is applied to the removal of HCAs in coffee samples with the recoveries over 70% and the reuse rates greater than 85%. It coupled the advantages of specific enrichment and rapid degradation, which furnishes a novel approach for the control of trace thermal processing pollutants.

Within Malawi, and across the Global South, the adoption of stabilised soil blocks (SSBs) as a sustainable alternative to burnt clay bricks, has been hindered by the high cost of stabilisers. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the performance of cement as a stabiliser in soil stabilised blocks, and to propose cement ratios which both reduce the material cost while meeting building requirements for local applications. Using a brick production method replicable within a rural African context, we tested a range of cement contents for dry compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption properties. Our findings suggest that a cement content of 3.6% is adequate for single-story building applications, four times lower than that currently used in compressed brick production within the study area. Moreover, the elimination of the firing process – which represents half of burnt brick production costs – and the proposed cement ratios correspond to large cost savings, ranging from 20% to 77% depending on building application, for brick producers. These results suggest that the cost of manufacturing stabilised soil blocks can be considerably reduced and thus become financially viable; however further innovation is needed to achieve a sustainable means of production and use.

Copyright of Journal of Architecture & Civil Engineering is the property of Chang'an Daxue Zazhishe and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The reduction of environmental impact in buildings and the enhancement of environmental performance in the built environment are the key objectives of sustainable development. To achieve this, the adoption of green buildings requires a comprehensive construction approach that focuses on delivering environmentally friendly solutions throughout the entire construction process. This research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and the practical realities of construction in Iran. It proposes essential criteria and assigns weights to them for creating green buildings based on the opinions of experts from different backgrounds. To understand how buildings are influenced by the environment, society and economics, relevant factors were identified using library research. Web-based surveys involving experts, including architects, engineers, and environmental specialists, were conducted to gather insights into these criteria. A total of 14 criteria were accepted and categorized into economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) methodology was employed to assess the opinions of 45 expert participants, as provided in the questionnaire. The findings indicate that, among sustainability features, the environmental factor holds the highest significance in Iran, while the social factor is considered the least important. Looking at the sub-criteria, reducing water consumption, financial incentives, and achieving energy efficiency at a reasonable cost are given the highest priority within the environmental, economic, and social aspects of green buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica cladode (MOFIC), a bio-modifier, on Lime-stabilized Lateritic soil's durability and index features. Specifically, this research assessed the alterations to the Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR), index values and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) properties of the soil samples and the stabilised samples through laboratory experiments. Lime + MOFIC was added to the soil at 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% wt (%) of soil. The result confirms alteration in the index and strength characteristics of the soil upon the addition of MOFIC to the Lime-treated Lateritic soil. The geotechnical characteristics of the soil improved from a subgrade soil to a subbase material upon the addition of 2% of LIME + MOFIC; with the presence of Lime + MOFIC at 2–4%, the bearing capacity of the soil improved from a subgrade material to a subbase material according to the Nigerian General Specification. The highest CBR value in Lime-stabilised was 56%, while the CBR value of Lime + MOFIC-stabilised soil was 70%. This represents a 20% increment in CBR. The presence of polysaccharides in MOFIC enhanced the soil binding attributes of the Lime and hence accelerated the strength properties of the soil. The promotion of green construction and reduction in environmental impacts of using Lime motivates the use of MOFIC in the study. Based on the result of the experimental research, MOFIC is thereby recommended as an eco-friendly alternative for enhancing engineering properties of pavements interlayers. The addition of MOFIC improved the index and strength properties of pavement interlayer material in road construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a sustainable and innovative approach to green construction through the development of automatic pavement cutters. By comparing the performance of wet-type cutters with the newly developed automatic cutters, this research focuses on reducing scattering dust and promoting environmental sustainability. Comprehensive tests conducted on a testbed reveal that the automatic pavement cutters outperform their wet-type counterparts, reducing cutting time by 27% for asphalt pavement and an impressive 34% for concrete pavement. The newly developed equipment demonstrated noise levels of 82–83 dB at 4 m, meeting the low-noise target of 85 dB. Compared to conventional road cutters, it significantly reduces 11.5% noise pollution during road-cutting activities. Cost analysis reveals the economic feasibility of implementing these innovative machines, enabling the construction industry to achieve higher efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Embracing this green construction method paves the way for a more sustainable future.

Pemanasan global timbul akibat kerusakan lingkungan yang terjadi secara beriringan, salah satu penyebabnya berasal dari proyek konstruksi bangunan, sehingga penerapan green construction menjadi solusi untuk meminimalisir dampak negatif dari proyek konstruksi pembangunan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan green construction dalam proyek konstruksi pembangunan bendungan Jragung, Semarang. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui survei kuesioner terkumpul terhadap responden dari 50 pekerja dari 5 perusahaan (kontraktor) yang terlibat dalam pembangunan bendungan Jragung, Semarang. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif statistik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam proyek pembangunan bendungan Jragung, Semarang, para kontraktor sebagai pelaksana dan penanggungjawab proyek sudah menerapkan konsep green construction dalam proyek tersebut meskipun belum maksimal. Penerapan green construction berdasarkan 6 indikator penilaian memiliki persentase sebesar 53%-98%. PT Wijaya Karya menjadi kontraktor proyek yang sudah melakukan penerapang green construction dengan persentase tertinggi sebesar 81% diikuti oleh PT Waskita Karya (79%) dan PT Brantas Abipraya (77%), sedangkan 2 kontraktor lainnya yaitu PT Pelita Nusa Perkasa (68%) dan PT Basuki Rahmanta Putra (66%) menduduki peringkat 2 terbawah dalam penerapan green construction dalam proyek pembangunan bendungan Jragung, Semarang.

Taking the construction management of green water conservancy projects combined with BIM as the research background, we analyzed the application of BIM technology in green construction management. The results also showed that the overall trend of green construction management research is on the rise, the research on green construction management at home and abroad is relatively close, and the research directions tend to be intelligent and informative, but there is relatively little research on water conservancy engineering. Combining the current green construction standards of water conservancy projects, the related literature, and the current situation of the application of BIM technology in water conservancy project construction management, the concept of green construction of water conservancy projects and the core requirements of BIM technology for whole-life-cycle green construction are proposed. The new green construction technology was applied in combination with BIM to form a collaborative and scaled multiparty management structure map for the whole process area, build a framework system for green construction management of water conservancy projects, and design a specific implementation process for the application of real-time green construction simulation systems in BIM.

To address the problem of accurately evaluating age-friendly retrofit indicators in urban communities, this study constructs an evaluation model that takes into account user preferences and their interaction needs based on the social–ecological–technological systems (SETS) theory. The model aims to establish a set of precise community retrofit indicators, covering aspects such as public participation level, public ancillary facilities, green space layout, living environment building, health service support, and accessible design. By employing prioritization strategies, the model seeks to maximize resident satisfaction and promote harmonious coexistence between the community and the environment. Firstly, the retrofit evaluation indicators are formulated using the SETS theory. The entropy weight method (EWM) is then applied to determine the initial weights of these evaluation indicators, followed by the use of the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to analyze the interrelationships among the indicators. The Kano model is integrated to adjust the weights, reflecting their importance. The final weights of the indicators are determined through normalization. Based on this, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to rank and analyze the importance of age-friendly retrofits in the community. Finally, six communities in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, are selected as samples to evaluate and analyze the age-friendly retrofit indicators. Different methods are compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are ranked to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach. Based on the analysis results, specific design schemes for improving the identified shortcomings in age-friendly aspects of these communities are proposed, considering the needs of aging populations and taking into account community public facilities, accessible design renovations, and the enhancement of green space layouts. This study aims to explore the comprehensive benefits of an age-friendly retrofit in urban communities and provide reference for the deep integration of social, ecological, and technological benefits in urban renewal. The evaluation indicators, methods, and conclusions presented can serve as a decision-making basis for the renovation and renewal of aging urban communities, particularly in terms of age-friendly updates.

The need to reduce the effects of climate change has been increasing. One of the pathways to answer such a need is green construction. Hybrid wood–soil (HWS) structures are eco-friendly in addition to being cost-effective. Within this study, a single-storey building has been architecturally and structurally designed and tested. A conventional reinforced concrete (RC) structural system was designed and considered as a control case to be compared to the design at hand, which is an HWS system incorporating locally cultivated Casuarina Glauca wood and an in situ earth-based mixture. The two design alternatives are compared in terms of cost and carbon emissions. The HWS has proven to be economically viable and eco-friendly when compared to RC. The following stage within the research was to validate that the HWS structure will be structurally sound when erected. First, the effectiveness of the finger jointing process of the wooden members was experimentally assessed through performing bending tests on a finger-jointed specimen. Furthermore, half-scale models of one room within the structure have been manufactured from Casuarina Glauca wood and tested laterally to investigate the resistance of the HWS structural system to lateral loads. The first model was tested laterally without the earth-based infill and plaster materials to assess the behavior of the structural elements and measure its deformations. The second model was tested after applying the earth-based materials to obtain the true structural behavior of the system and the effect of the earth-based materials on its resistance to lateral loads. The results were used to assess the degree of the structural effectiveness of this HWS and the contribution of its components to its lateral stiffness.

Abstract Background Lignin played an important role in the establishment of coated fertilizers coating material as a substitute for petrochemical raw materials. However, so far, the lignin-based coated fertilizers was limited in only the poor slow-release performance. To achieve good slow-release performance of lignin-based coated fertilizers, hydrophilic of lignin need to be resolved to establish an green and better controllable lignin-based coated fertilizers. Results In the study, a novel green double layer coating with lignin-based polyurethane (LPU) as the inner coating and epoxy resin (EP) as the outer coating was effectively constructed for coated urea. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed that lignin and polycaprolactone diol successfully reacted with Hexamethylene diisocyanate. The loss weight and water contact angle (WCA, 75.6–63.6°) of the LPUs decreased with the increased lignin content. The average particle hardness of the lignin-based double-layer coated urea (LDCU) first increased from 58.1 N (lignin of 30%) to 67.0 N (lignin of 60%), but then decreased to 62.3 N (lignin of 70%). The release longevity of the coated urea was closely related to the preparation parameters of the coating material. The optimal cumulative nutrient release rate (79.4%) of LDCU was obtained (lignin of 50%, –CNO/–OH molar ratios of 1.15, EP of 35%, and coating ratio of 5%). The aggregates of hydrone on the LDCU caused the dissolution and swelling of nutrients, and then the diffusion of nutrients through the concentration gradient. Conclusions A though the nutrient release of the LDCUs was affected by many factors, the successful development of the LDCUs will help improve the rapid development of the coated fertilizer industry.

Green construction is an advanced concept and development trend in engineering construction. It is cold and arid in frigid plateau regions in western China, where the ecological environment is vulnerable to engineering constructions and other human activities. Hence, the time and cost for environmental remediation are much larger than in other areas. Based on the principles and category of green construction, this paper discusses the overall and partial relationship between green construction and green construction operation, presents the technical construction process of the green construction of a tunnel, and puts forward the key points of green construction with the construction practice for tunnels in frigid plateau regions as the engineering background. The main contents and results are as follows: (1) The breakthrough points of the research on green construction include five first-level evaluation indicators of savings the land, energy, water resources, materials, and human resources, as well as protection for personnel health and environment, i.e., five savings and two protections. A comprehensive evaluation system suitable for green construction is proposed and established. (2) The paper summarizes the following essential aspects: the fine classification and safety evaluation of surrounding rock, the changes in the seepage field in the construction process, and the establishment of a standardized construction system. (3) A green construction evaluation was conducted on the tunnel of the Yindajihuang Project, and the green evaluation results were obtained. The evaluation results are basically consistent with the actual situation. In addition, intelligent construction technology should be the orientation of green construction for tunnels. The research would be helpful to the implementation of green construction ideas and technologies for tunnels in frigid plateau regions and the persistence of green and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-criteria group decision-making approach, rooted in fuzzy mathematics theory, is employed to address the globally significant issue of green construction in this paper. The construction industry is one of the most prominent contributors to carbon emissions, which is evident throughout the entire supply chain. Meanwhile, the renovation of old residential communities is a large-scale urban construction project in China. In striving to advance the sustainable development of the construction industry and meet decarbonization goals, the attention has shifted towards green construction in the renovation of old residential communities. However, substantial gaps persist in both technical innovation and practical application of green construction. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the popularization and implementation of green construction practices in the renovation of old residential communities. To achieve this, a comprehensive decision-making approach is sought, and these factors are thoroughly investigated. In this paper, we propose a hybrid decision-making framework that incorporates grounded theory, the fuzzy decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, and the analytic network process (ANP) method. Leveraging triangular fuzzy numbers and other fuzzy mathematical theories, this approach is designed to assess the factors that influence the popularization and implementation of green construction practices, uncovering their interrelationships and mechanisms. The results indicate the comprehensive nature of advancing green construction practices, encompassing the entire supply chain involved in the renovation of old residential communities. Among these factors, social participation and market environment emerge as the most influential. Building upon these conclusions, this paper offers specific recommendations. Ultimately, this study equips the construction industry with both a theoretical foundation and a methodological framework to popularize and implement green construction practices effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba ions were successfully adsorbed using green NiFe2O4-NPs that were generated using Foeniculum vulgare seeds extract. To investigate the structural and textural characteristics of the adsorbent powder, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR), and scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM) examinations were conducted. The FTIR and EDX investigations revealed the formation of NiFe2O4-NPs as indicated by the elemental composition and the bonding patterns. Some remarkable properties, including the growth of crystallite size and lattice parameters, were reached due to the extract addition, as revealed further by XRD examination. The sorption results were consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the kinetic data were in accordance with pseudo-second-order kinetics. As a result of the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged NiFe2O4-NPs surface and the positively charged Ba (II) ions, the adsorption process improved significantly above pHzc. The NiFe2O4 nanostructures with high competence for Ba2+ adsorption could be nominated to abolish additional harmful metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to assess sustainable green building awareness in Kano State, in a case study of the Gwale local government area. This research makes use of both primary and secondary data to address these offered solutions. Descriptive and quantitative analysis using the BREAM and LEAD evaluation standards was used to analyze the case study and 251 questionnaires were distributed. To ensure a fair trial of each of the 251 building samples, they were chosen at random from various parts of the Gwale Yan-Alawa ward. A case study of a selected green building was chosen and analyzed. The logical comparison with Saudi Arabia was made. It is concluded that the Nigerian government at the national level should put more effort into encouraging green building construction through public awareness programs and incentives and subsidizing the green system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an essay that overviews the main North Algerian geological resources that can provide building stones. The stone potentialities were identified based on the carrying out-of-field investigations and the analysis of a high number of buildings. Taking into account the geological context of the study area, an inventory of these potentialities is suggested. The recognised stones have been characterised by using petrographic studies and physicomechanical tests. In addition, this study outlines the advantages of using building stones in Algeria to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. These advantages were classified into four axes of interest. The first concerns about environmental protection and the population’s physical health preservation. The second deals with the reconciliation with nature and the protection of people’s moral health. The third focuses on the reconciliation with history and the cultural development of peoples. The fourth relates to promoting an alternative economy of local materials and promoting sustainable tourism. The description of these axes was illustrated by historical and contemporary examples that summarise the major building stone potentialities in North Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Railway Construction Technology is the property of Railway Construction Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Railway Construction Technology is the property of Railway Construction Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The increase in the rate of environmental certification of buildings in foreign countries and Russia makes it necessary to study the role of environmental certification in construction, to highlight the degree of influence of environmental standards on architectural space. Consider the features of architectural shaping of buildings certified according to international and Russian environmental standards, and determine their new typology. In the conducted research, the percentage of architectural and technological requirements of foreign and Russian environmental standards in construction is presented. For the analysis of more than eighty environmentally certified buildings, a graph-analytical tabular form using an assessment matrix is used. The characteristic features of the objects of research are identified, similar features are generalized into groups and systematized. Typical architectural planning and engineering measures that are most often used to improve the environmental friendliness rating are identified. The impact of environmental standards requirements on spatial planning solutions is assessed. Identification of the share of architectural and engineering requirements in the assessment of objects according to environmental standards with the definition of a new typology of environmentally certified buildings is important for further improvement of the national environmental standard and the architectural space of Russian cities.

The article presents the results of competency needs analyses in the construction sector conducted by the Sectoral Council for Competencies in Construction between 2020 and 2022. A total of 79 potential market qualifications of strategic importance to the sector were identified (45 in 2020 and 34 in 2022), which could be incorporated into the Integrated Qualifications System. Additionally, three programs for additional professional skills (DUZ) were proposed to complement the educational programs offered by vocational schools. Development trends were examined, including modern technologies for energy-efficient and low-emission construction, proposals outlined in the National Smart Specialization Strategy, KIS 5: "Zero-emission smart construction," the results of the first edition of the Industry Human Capital Survey in the construction industry, and the educational programs for additional professional skills (DUZ) in construction occupations.

With the continuous development of the social economy, the depth of foundation pit excavation of proposed construction projects in various places gradually increases, which is closer to the building red line, and the surrounding environment is relatively complex; therefore, there are few supporting schemes for foundation pit selection. Based on the Vanke B-6 plot of a real estate development project, the project has close neighboring buildings. If we use a normal anchor cable, underground cut line problems are possible, and so we choose the hot melt-type recoverable anchor; with three element dispersion pressure, the anchor cable can minimize broken sections of brush slope excavation and has advantages of a simplified construction process and good seismic performance. Except for the cable barrel, the other parts and all steel strands can be recycled, and recycled parts can be reused. The recyclable bolt (cable) overcomes the disadvantages of the conventional bolt (cable) as a temporary support, such as pollution of the underground environment, encroachment on the underground space of adjacent buildings, and becoming an underground obstacle in follow-up projects. It accords with the characteristics of the times of environmental protection and sustainable development, and has achieved good economic and social benefits.

The construction of large bridges requires significant natural resource consumption and causes widespread environmental damage, violating the concept of sustainable development. Therefore, it is necessary to build a comprehensive evaluation system for green construction. This paper took a bridge as a research object to establish a green construction evaluation index system based on GB/T 50640-2010, the "Green Construction Evaluation Standard for Construction Projects". A combined game theory–radar chart method was adopted to evaluate the level of green construction for five construction schemes. The results were Scheme II > Scheme IV > Scheme III > Scheme I > Scheme V, where Scheme II was the best. The evaluations in this paper were consistent with those obtained by the G1-TOPSIS method; however, a combined-assignment method was used to avoid the one-sidedness of single-assignment, and to make the evaluations more objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]