Utilization of Basalt Saw Mud as a Spherical Porous Functional Aggregate for the Preparation of Ordinary Structure Concrete

To promote the production and application of artificial aggregates,save natural sand resources and protect the ecological environment,we evaluated the feasibility of using spherical porous functional aggregates(SPFAs) formed by basalt saw mud under autoclave curing in ordinary structural concrete.In our work,two types of prewetted functional aggregates were taken as replacements for natural aggregates with different volume substitution rates(0%,5%,10%,15%,20%,25%,and 30%) in the preparation of ordinary structural concrete with water-to-binder ratios(W/B) of 0.48 and 0.33.The effects of the functional aggregate properties and content,W/B,and curing age on the fluidity,density,mechanical properties and autogenous shrinkage of ordinary concrete were analyzed.The experimental results showed that the density of concrete declined at a rate of not more than 5%,and the 28 d compressive strength could reach 31.0-68.2 MPa.Low W/B,long curing age and high-quality functional aggregates were conducive to enhancing the mechanical properties of SPFAs concrete.Through the rolling effects,SPFAs can optimize the particle gradation of aggregate systems and improve the fluidity of concrete,and the water stored inside SPFAs provides an internal curing effect,which prolongs the cement hydration process and considerably reduces the autogenous shrinkage of concrete.SPFAs exhibits high strength and high density,as well as being more cost-effective and ecological,and is expected to be widely employed in ordinary structural concrete.

Simulation of Underground Reservoir Stability of Pumped Storage Power Station Based on Fluid-Structure Coupling

Based on global initiatives such as the clean energy transition and the development of renewable energy,the pumped storage power station has become a new and significant way of energy storage and regulation,and its construction environment is more complex than that of a traditional reservoir.In particular,the stability of the rock strata in the underground reservoirs is affected by the seepage pressure and rock stress,which presents some challenges in achieving engineering safety and stability.Using the advantages of the numerical simulation method in dealing deal with nonlinear problems in engineering stability,in this study,the stability of the underground reservoir of the Shidangshan(SDS)pumped storage power station was numerically calculated and quantitatively analyzed based on fluid-structure coupling theory,providing an important reference for the safe operation and management of the underground reservoir.First,using the COMSOL software,a suitablemechanicalmodel was created in accordance with the geological structure and project characteristics of the underground reservoir.Next,the characteristics of the stress field,displacement field,and seepage field after excavation of the underground reservoir were simulated in light of the seepage effect of groundwater on the nearby rock of the underground reservoir.Finally,based on the construction specifications and Molar-Coulomb criterion,a thorough evaluation of the stability of the underground reservoir was performed through simulation of the filling and discharge conditions and anti-seepage strengthening measures.The findings demonstrate that the numerical simulation results have a certain level of reliability and are in accordance with the stress measured in the project area.The underground reservoir excavation resulted in a maximum displacement value of the rock mass around the caverns of 3.56 mm in a typical section,and the safety coefficient of the parts,as determined using the Molar-Coulomb criterion,was higher than 1,indicating that the project as a whole is in a stable state.

Riding towards a sustainable future:an evaluation of bike sharing’s environmental benefits in Xiamen Island,China

In the pursuit of sustainable urbanization,Bike-Sharing Services(BSS)emerge as a pivotal instrument for promoting green,low-carbon transit.While BSS is often commended for its environmental benefits,we offer a more nuanced analysis that elucidates previously neglected aspects.Through the Dominant Travel Distance Model(DTDM),we evaluate the potential of BSS to replace other transportation modes for specific journey based on travel distance.Utilizing multiscale geographically weighted regression(MGWR),we illuminate the relationship between BSS’s environmental benefits and built-environment attributes.The life cycle analysis(LCA)quantifies greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions from production to operation,providing a deeper understanding of BSS’s environmental benefits.Notably,our study focuses on Xiamen Island,a Chinese“Type Ⅱ large-sized city”(1–3 million population),contrasting with the predominantly studied“super large-sized cities”(over 10 million population).Our findings highlight:(1)A single BSS trip in Xiamen Island reduces GHG emissions by an average of 19.97 g CO_(2)-eq,accumulating monthly savings of 144.477 t CO_(2)-eq.(2)Areas in the southwest,northeast,and southeast of Xiamen Island,characterized by high population densities,register significant BSS environmental benefits.(3)At a global level,the stepwise regression model identifies five key built environment factors influencing BSS’s GHG mitigation.(4)Regionally,MGWR enhances model precision,indicating that these five factors function at diverse spatial scales,affecting BSS’s environmental benefits variably.

A Novel Hybrid Architecture for Superior IoT Threat Detection through Real IoT Environments

As the Internet of Things(IoT)continues to expand,incorporating a vast array of devices into a digital ecosystem also increases the risk of cyber threats,necessitating robust defense mechanisms.This paper presents an innovative hybrid deep learning architecture that excels at detecting IoT threats in real-world settings.Our proposed model combines Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN),Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory(BLSTM),Gated Recurrent Units(GRU),and Attention mechanisms into a cohesive framework.This integrated structure aims to enhance the detection and classification of complex cyber threats while accommodating the operational constraints of diverse IoT systems.We evaluated our model using the RT-IoT2022 dataset,which includes various devices,standard operations,and simulated attacks.Our research’s significance lies in the comprehensive evaluation metrics,including Cohen Kappa and Matthews Correlation Coefficient(MCC),which underscore the model’s reliability and predictive quality.Our model surpassed traditional machine learning algorithms and the state-of-the-art,achieving over 99.6%precision,recall,F1-score,False Positive Rate(FPR),Detection Time,and accuracy,effectively identifying specific threats such as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport(MQTT)Publish,Denial of Service Synchronize network packet crafting tool(DOS SYN Hping),and Network Mapper Operating System Detection(NMAP OS DETECTION).The experimental analysis reveals a significant improvement over existing detection systems,significantly enhancing IoT security paradigms.Through our experimental analysis,we have demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in comparison to existing detection systems,which significantly strength-ens the security standards of IoT.Our model effectively addresses the need for advanced,dependable,and adaptable security solutions,serving as a symbol of the power of deep learning in strengthening IoT ecosystems amidst the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape.This achievement marks a significant stride towards protecting the integrity of IoT infrastructure,ensuring operational resilience,and building privacy in this groundbreaking technology.

Development and optimization of object detection technology in pavement engineering: A literature review

Due to the rapid advancement of the transportation industry and the continual increase in pavement infrastructure,it is difficult to keep up with the huge road maintenance task by relying only on the traditional manual detection method.Intelligent pavement detection technology with deep learning techniques is available for the research and industry areas by the gradual development of computer vision technology.Due to the different characteristics of pavement distress and the uncertainty of the external environment,this kind of object detection technology for distress classification and location still faces great challenges.This paper discusses the development of object detection technology and analyzes classical convolutional neural network(CNN)architecture.In addition to the one-stage and two-stage object detection frameworks,object detection without anchor frames is introduced,which is divided according to whether the anchor box is used or not.This paper also introduces attention mechanisms based on convolutional neural networks and emphasizes the performance of these mechanisms to further enhance the accuracy of object recognition.Lightweight network architecture is introduced for mobile and industrial deployment.Since stereo cameras and sensors are rapidly developed,a detailed summary of three-dimensional object detection algorithms is also provided.While reviewing the history of the development of object detection,the scope of this review is not only limited to the area of pavement crack detection but also guidance for researchers in related fields is shared.

Integration of Environmental and Social Values in Cultural Spaces:Sustainable and Inclusive Wayfinding Materials for Museums

In the context of use of large museum centers,numerous national and international methodological experiments show that the wayfinding project must consider the needs of both habitual users(user-centered design)and local communities(design for communities)and the importance of environmental protection(eco-design)as a priority interest of the community.This“double target”,“user-centered”and“environment-centered”can be applied during the selection process of materials to be used in the project.With respect to these possibilities,this contribution intends to present the results of research focused on material characterization of the reception and distribution spaces of large museum centers.This characterization is based on use of sensory materials and aims to evaluate their impact on the usability and sustainability of wayfinding systems.The paper directed towards a proposal for organization of integrated information on new generation so-called smart materials;within the design of a wayfinding system,these can balance the aesthetic-perceptual and performance and environmental impact,in order to allow designers to make informed decisions oriented towards inclusion and sustainability.The study was addressed by conducting two phases of systematic literature and library review of materials.The investigations conducted led to achievement of a first research result which consists in the identification of a“standard sheet”for the mapping and cataloging of the materials used for wayfinding.The“standard sheet”allows organizing the information on smart,sensorial,and eco-friendly materials,balancing the aesthetic-perceptive component with the performance on the environmental impact along the entire life cycle in a circular perspective.This tool could guide designers towards an environmental communication project oriented towards sustainability and is effective for usability and wayfinding.

A Survey of Bulgarian(National)Planning and Regulation Acts and Documents Concerning Urban Sprawl

In the last 20 years,the built-up areas of Europe have increased by 20%,while the population increased by 6% only.Given the fact that urban sprawl occurs when the rate of land-use conversion exceeds the rate of population growth,we can now talk about the existence of urban sprawl in Europe.In Bulgaria,during the period 2004-2012,the developers’interest in agricultural and forest lands located outside the development zones of different settlements increased in parallel with the construction development of urban areas,mainly around larger towns,resort and holiday areas.The low price of agricultural lands can be seen as one of the main reasons in this regard.The issues of the utilization of agricultural lands,their conversion into urban(construction)lands,and zoning have been defined by a number of national and local legal acts,which were passed and subsequently renewed/modified in a more recent period.The main act regulating the spatial planning and construction on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is the SPA(Spatial Planning Act).The ALPA(Agricultural Land Protection Act)and its corresponding regulations provide an appropriate legal basis for the protection of agricultural lands and their yield.Overall,as different acts and regulations concerning issues related to the conversion of agricultural,forest,and protected areas are not in conflict,they may be said to have been harmonized.There are,however,some points which leave possibilities for uncontrolled urban growth.

Decontamination of Cr(Ⅵ) from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar: Role of environmentally persistent free radicals

Biochar is a well-known material for pollutant removal owing to its low cost and rich surface functionality. A kind of highly active substance, called environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs), can be produced in the preparation process of biochar, playing an important role in the removal of pollutants.In this study, sludge-derived biochars(SBC_(120) and SBC_(270)) were prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization under two temperatures(120℃ and 270℃) to investigate their removal abilities of Cr(Ⅵ). The maximum removal amounts of Cr(Ⅵ) by SBC_(120) and SBC_(270) were 16.58 and 22.93 mg·g^(-1), respectively. It was further revealed that the appearance of Cr(Ⅲ), as a result of EPFRs on sludge-derived biochar(SBC) transferred electrons to Cr(Ⅵ) in neutral solutions. That is to say, oxygen-centered(O-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(120) and carbon-centered(C-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(270) all could be used as electron donors to Cr(Ⅵ) to make it become Cr(Ⅲ). This study not only provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of pollutants removal by sludge-derived biochar but also offers a new perspective on the direct effect of EPFRs on pollutants.

Poetic and Pictorial Splendor-Expression of Traditional Chinese Literati in Chinese Architecture

The expression of traditional Chinese literati is based on connection, seeking emotion and harmony. With various forms, though, this style of expression shares the same value in some art forms, like traditional Chinese poetry, calligraphy and paintings, and Chinese architecture. Based on the commonalities of various forms of literature and art, this paper offered an insight into Chinese architecture in light of poetic and pictorial expression of traditional Chinese literati. In order to illuminate the corresponding connection between traditional Chinese poetry, calligraphy and paintings, and Chinese architecture, this paper discussed the expression of Chinese architecture corresponding to the essence of traditional Chinese poetry, calligraphy and paintings respectively from the perspective of philosophy, aesthetics, and culture study of Chinese architecture. Via analogous analysis, which includes the analogy between the emotion of architecture and the feelings in traditional poetry, the analogy between the order of architecture and the spirit of calligraphy, and the analogy between the artistic conception and the picturesque scene, the poetic and pictorial expression of Chinese architecture was clarified. This paper emphasized that Chinese architecture needs to jump out of the concrete image, eradicate the interdisciplinary boundaries, and stress the integration of arts and humanities in a higher level, to express Chinese architecture in a Chinese way. That means making Chinese architecture modern in forms and techniques, and traditional in spirit and artistic conception.

High Performance and Intelligence of Glass Technologies in Architecture

The new production models that aim at both the improvement of the various new processes and the existing ones,create new markets with innovative business methods and introduce sufficient technological solutions for the conversion and enhancement of electricity in construction.The objectives are of innovative glass technologies in the new building process with lean manufacturing,and robotic devices,follow criteria according to the needs of energy efficiency,energy saving,usability,reliability,thermo-hygrometric well-being,appearance,visual,acoustic well-being,reduction costs,safety of building systems and productivity.We highlight the strategic application of integrated design instrumentation and methodologies,digital fabrication,for intelligent,dynamic,adaptive and LED enclosures,BIPV(building integrated photovoltaics)with intelligent glass facades integrated with photovoltaic panels,with hybrid hydrogen systems and integration of RES(renewable energy sources)on the network,and their reliability.The criteria are for the use of clean energy with renewable resources.The challenge is new building models,with an increase in scientific support,in the application of intelligent glass technologies and in the efficient use of the various solutions that aim to reduce energy needs,with passive use of clean energy from RES.

Sustainable Identities in the Technological Esprit of Architecture

Innovation and energy efficiency are the essential paradigms of the new technology and design culture, in the sustainable economic and social development, highlighting the performance of new technologies, systems and intelligent materials, such as sustainable identities in architectural envelopes. Then, contextualized sustainable architectural objectives favor material and energy flows, pointing to the constructive flexibility, identity and compatibility of technological innovation, which contrasts with climate change. So sustainable use of natural resources, renewable energy, in line with the principles of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs （Sustainable Development Goals）. The well-being of the community with the valorisation of places and the environment, indicates the technological excellence of architecture, synchronous with territorial metamorphoses. Thus, vision glass principles in the environmentally responsive wall, and engineered wall, in external awareness, cellular flooring for eco-efficiency. The methodologies indicate the applications of new design models for new constructions and regeneration, with dynamic, efficient and integrated envelopes integrated with renewable energy storage technologies, neomaterials and high performance insulating. Then HPP （high performance polymers） nanotechnologies are based on efficient pigments, intelligent bioPCM （PCM for phase change material） nano technologies, thermoregulators with high thermal inertia. The goal is towards an escalation of sustainable architectures that contrasts with climate change and pollution ofanthropic origin, for smart and sustainable growth.

Collaborative Design of Parametric Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is complex. Many aspects, differently important to many stakeholders, are to be optimized. BIM should be used for this. Building Information Modellingis a collaborative process where all stakeholders integrate and optimize their information in a digital 3D model. Sometimes it is called Green BIM. But what exactly is that？ Is the International Standard Organization IFC standard useful for this？ And is it compatible with new developments in parametric design？ Advantages and disadvantages of BIM are listed. Full parametric design is needed because it keeps the design flexible and open for changes until the end of the design process. However it is not compatible with IFC; only object parametric design is. A possible way out of this paradox could be the use of scripts that only create objects if they are not already in the BIM database and otherwise only adapt their properties. An example of parametric sustainable architectural design explains the mentioned issues.

Architectures in the Shadow of ＂Investors＇ Urban Planning＂--Case Study of Avala Hotel in Budva, Montenegro

Avala Hotel in Budva, Montenegro, has undergone three reconstructions. Each of them led to significant spatial changes. The first hotel established the foundation of urbanization process in Budva, the building was too high compared to the old town walls in the surrounding and thus not well integrated. The second reconstruction was the only successful achievement. At this time, in the first detailed urban plan including hotel and its surrounding area, the conclusion was that it represents ＂high-quality, seaside-favorable ambience＂ that should not be harmed by further building expansion. The last, illegal reconstruction in 2006 resulted in over enlarged new building disrespectful of the surrounding and the previous design. Similarly, the 2008 new detailed urban plan was the creation of ＂investors＇ urban planning＂. Entirely driven by profit, it arranges building reconstructions with multiple enlargements. This study tends to point out contextual impacts of the three hotels on the surrounding area, with special focus on the last reconstruction and ＂investors＇ urban planning＂ phenomena. The applied research method is comparative, chronological analysis of the three hotels. The aim of this research paper is to inspire initiatives that will help overcoming declining and harmful synergy of architecture and new socio-economic phenomena. It is the only way leading to the significant architectural goal： creating refined, harmonized and high quality ambience.

Speculation about Recombination of Vernacular Dwellings in the Contemporary Regional Architecture

Application of local elements in contemporary architectural creation is a process of keeping pace with the times. This paper analyzed several creations of contemporary regional architecture, and discussed the effective approach of achieving the co-existence between tradition and modernity in architectural designs. Against the background of current social cultural development, interpretation of regional architectural culture was reviewed from three perspectives of traditional construction vocabularies, specific regional problems, local cultural artistic ambience. This paper tries to further understand reconstruction of vernacular dwellings, speculate the marginalized regional architectural creation in the fast-developing and "explosive" construction movements.

The Architecture of Bridges

The paper looks at some bridge structures from ancient aqueducts to the most recent viaducts since people have always built structures that help them to cross terrain obstacles such as rivers, ravines and hills. Their primary goal has functionality and efficiency rather than aesthetic considerations and, yet from a time perspective, they still impress with their beauty and perfection. Gradually, architects began to take care of the form of bridges, as in the case of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Nowadays, the most renowned architects, with Norman Foster in the lead, take up the design of bridge ＂architecture＂. Although technical solutions remain top priority, aesthetic qualities are widely recognized and appreciated.

Teaching Architecture through Design References： The Contribution of Brazilian Journals in the Publication of Visitable Architectures

The aim of this work is to illuminate how the architectural publication in Brazil is influenced by the location of its economic poles. Although the main specialized journals are nationwide read and the published projects are frequently used as design references by students at architecture schools all over Brazil, it appears to be a favor for those projects located at the southeast region. In order to investigate this initial assumption, we selected two of the most influential architectural journals, A U and Project Design magazines, focusing on visitable projects that are, therefore, capable of offering an experience for learning about architectural project. The analysis covered three years of publications in which four states in Brazil were distinguished： Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Federal District. The collected data show that the published visitable projects coincide with the economic poles around centered cities in Brazil, as well as the location of architecture schools and specialized media, becomes evident; not only because of the greater number of projects in the Sao Paulo area, but mainly because most of the published projects are located in the capitals of the analyzed poles.

Network of Architecture Roads

In the literature that follows the history and theory of architecture,architecture is mainly studied from the aspect of disposition,construction and materialization“in itself”,sporadically establishing the“originality”(first appearance)of certain dimensions of architectural solutions and their connection with solutions from previous historical epochs.The title of this work(Network of Architectural Paths)suggests the simultaneous uniqueness(authenticity)of people and their culture throughout the planet Earth and comprehensiveness(universality)of human ideas and all forms of human creativity.The aim of this work is to show the authenticity of ideas(expressed by architecture)in accordance with the concrete natural and social environment and,at the same time,their mutual connection(networking)on the global world level(Earth).Examples of vernacular architecture in various parts of the world and examples of author’s(contemporary)architecture in other parts of the world that are articulated in the language of the modern era while preserving the concepts of their vernecular“models”are thus compared.The methodological approach in this paper is based on the author’s theory of architecture,which he described and published in his book:Hadrovic,A.(2007).Defining Architectural Space on the Model of the Oriental Style CityHouse in Bosnia and Herzegovina,Serbia,Montenegro,Kosovo and Macedonia,Booksurge,LLC,North Charleston,SC,USA.

Resilience of Wengding,the Phoenix Wa traditional village

The village of Wengding,ancestral home of the Wa ethnic group,considered as China’s last primitive tribe,suf-fered near-complete extinction due to a fire incident in 2021.Historical records indicate that stilt-style buildings,also in Wengding,are highly susceptible to fire.Nevertheless,this has not hindered the long-term existence of these distinctive architectural forms.This study analyses the reasons for the sustained existence of the traditional building forms in Wengding,from the perspective of resilience.The findings indicate that the requirements of the traditional nomadic civilization for rapid construction of dwellings,the communal consciousness toward dis-aster resistance,and the implementation of spatially oriented fire protection measures collectively account for the swift recovery and reconstruction observed in Wengding village after the disaster.These aspects are tangible manifestations of the capacity of the village for resilience.Overall,resilience is essential for the sustainability of such traditional villages in the long term.

Novel Proposal of Bio-based Sewing Timber Joint:Learning from Diatoms

The twenty-first century is one of the most complex in the history of humanity,mainly due to the ecological crisis it is going through.The construction sector generates about 40%of CO2 emissions into the environment;the foregoing should motivate this sector to seek new alternatives to develop new building practices.Taking these current needs into account,this document classifies and presents a multidisciplinary solution that integrates biology,engineering and architecture to develop a new and innovative lightweight timber structure;it divides with a main structure made of timber and an innovative joint system made of bio-polymers connecting all the panels.Through the study of diatoms,it was able to analyze the bio-morphology of the structure,joints and in particular the geometry since they were the inspiration for the design of this structure that presents an innovative and novel design of structural optimization.Through parametric design and digital fabrication,it was able to create a complex geometry that obtains excellent structural behavior.This research discusses and explores how materials,geometry led to the optimization of a structure and how new structures can arise,thanks to biology new solutions can be obtained that are completely sustainable,being a clear example of how to combat the effects of the climate change and in a precise way it highlights the advantages of the bio-design in the architectural design.