Architecture Engineers Award

The accelerating global transition toward carbon neutrality demands rapid and reliable energy prediction tools for innovative building systems such as Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modular buildings. Conventional physics-based simulation methods, while accurate, are computationally intensive and unsuitable for real-time design optimization. This study proposes a novel machine learning-based rapid energy prediction methodology tailored specifically to the thermal and geometric characteristics of modular BIPV-integrated buildings. Feature Engineering for Modular Building Representation A comprehensive feature engineering framework was developed to capture the distinctive attributes of modular construction. The approach incorporates six-surface thermal property encoding, geometric parameters, and detailed solar irradiance calculations to represent envelope exposure and inter-module interactions. This structured encoding ensures that key thermal behaviors and photovoltaic infl...

Enhancing the thermal efficiency of building envelopes while preserving mechanical integrity remains a central challenge in sustainable construction. Conventional insulation mortars often struggle to simultaneously optimize low thermal conductivity, moisture resistance, and adequate structural strength. This study develops aerogel–perlite–cement (ACM) composite insulation mortars through particle packing optimization to achieve balanced thermal, mechanical, and hygric performance, while also evaluating their building-scale energy implications. Material Design Based on Particle Packing Optimization ACM mortars were formulated using the modified Andreasen & Andersen particle packing model with distribution moduli of q = 0.2 and 0.3 to optimize aggregate gradation. A silica aerogel slurry was incorporated into expanded perlite carriers to enhance insulation performance while maintaining structural cohesion. This design strategy aims to minimize pore connectivity for improved therma...

  The global construction sector faces immense pressure to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental degradation and resource depletion. Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) has emerged as a promising solution, offering a means to reuse construction and demolition (C&D) waste effectively. By substituting natural aggregates with recycled ones, RAC contributes to reducing landfill accumulation and conserving natural resources. However, challenges such as variability in recycled aggregate (RA) quality, higher water absorption, and the presence of adhered mortar demand systematic research to optimize its performance. This introduction sets the foundation for exploring the multifaceted aspects of RAC, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete (CC). Fresh-State Characteristics of Recycled Aggregate Concrete The fresh-state behavior of RAC is largely influenced by the physical properties of recycled aggregates. Increased porosity and...

The rising need for sustainable and resilient marine infrastructure has accelerated the adoption of advanced fabrication technologies like 3D printing. Among these, 3D-printed fiber-reinforced concrete (3DPFRC) has emerged as a transformative solution for developing complex and durable marine structures such as sea walls, breakwaters, and underwater pipelines. This innovation combines precision design with environmental responsibility, significantly reducing material waste and production time. However, ensuring both high mechanical performance and low carbon emissions in 3DPFRC remains a pressing research challenge that requires interdisciplinary approaches integrating material science, artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering. Significance of 3DPFRC in Marine Environments Marine environments pose extreme challenges such as corrosion, pressure fluctuations, and high salinity, demanding materials with superior strength and durability. 3DPFRC addresses these issues by e...

  Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is revolutionizing sustainable construction with its strength, versatility, and environmental benefits. Multi-storey CLT buildings, however, face challenges in lateral stability under wind and seismic forces. Recent research shows that perpendicular walls play a crucial role in improving structural stability, reducing lateral displacements, and efficiently distributing loads. Understanding Shear Walls and Perpendicular Interactions Shear walls are primary elements resisting lateral forces in CLT structures. This study highlights the synergistic effect of perpendicular walls , which share overturning forces and enhance the overall stiffness of the building. By analyzing hold-downs and wall-to-wall connections, researchers have quantified how perpendicular walls reduce stress on shear walls by up to 50%, contributing to safer and more resilient timber structures. Lateral Stiffness Gains Through Perpendicular Walls Through a combination of analytic...

  The construction sector is undergoing a paradigm shift as it faces increasing pressure to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly those linked to upfront embodied carbon. With operational emissions gradually decreasing due to grid decarbonization, the focus has shifted toward emissions from materials and construction activities. Prefabrication has emerged as a promising approach to tackle this challenge, but its benefits remain underexplored due to the absence of reliable benchmarks and frameworks. This research introduces a BIM-integrated carbon accounting framework designed to address this gap, providing new insights into the sustainability of prefabricated steel-framed buildings. Significance of Embodied Carbon in Prefabricated Construction Embodied carbon has become a critical research area in architecture and construction, given its growing contribution to the built environment’s carbon footprint. While prefabrication offers clear advantages in reducing on-site ...