scholarly journals Genetic Algorithm for Embodied Energy Optimisation of Steel-Concrete Composite Beams

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 3102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex H. Whitworth ◽  
Konstantinos Daniel Tsavdaridis
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Parametric Design ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Tall Buildings ◽  
Composite Beams ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Objective Functions ◽  
Composite Frames ◽  
Energy Optimisation ◽  
The Relationship

The optimisation of structural performance is acknowledged as a means of obtaining sustainable structural designs. A minimisation of embodied energy of construction materials is a key component in the delivery of sustainable future designs. This study attempts to understand the relationship between embodied energy and structural form of composite floor plates for tall buildings, and how this form can be optimised to minimise embodied energy. As a search method based upon the principles of genetics and natural selection, genetic algorithms (GA) have previously been used as novel means of optimising composite beams and composite frames for cost and weight objective functions. Parametric design models have also been presented as optimisation tools to optimise steel floor plates for both cost and embodied carbon. In this study, a Matlab algorithm is presented incorporating MathWorks global optimisation toolbox GA and utilising Eurocode 4 design processes to optimise a composite beam for five separate objective functions: maximise span length; minimise beam cross-section; minimise slab depth; minimise weight; minimise deflected shape for each of the objective functions. Candidate designs are to be assessed for embodied energy to determine individual relationships. This study shows that it is possible to reduce the embodied energy of steel–concrete composite beams by genetic algorithm optimisation whilst remaining compliant to given design codes.

Agriculture—Things That Are Grown

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Rez
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Recycled Paper ◽  
Additional Energy ◽  
Energy Inputs

Timber has the lowest embodied energy of any of the construction materials. Paper production from trees requires much more energy. There is some energy saving in recycling, as recycled paper substitutes for pulp derived from wood chips. Growing crops for food also requires energy. The energy required for plants to grow comes from the sun, but there are additional energy inputs from fertiliser and farm machinery to speed up the growth process and vastly improve crop yields. If grains are used as animal feed, then the energy inputs are much larger than the dietary energy output—the larger the animal and the longer it is fattened up before slaughter, the more inefficient the process. The use of crops to make fuel for electrical power generation or for processing into liquid fuels is horribly inefficient. The problem is simple—the plants do not grow fast enough!

scholarly journals A Method for Integration of Preferences to a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Using Ordinal Multi-Criteria Classification

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Alejandro Castellanos-Alvarez ◽  
Laura Cruz-Reyes ◽  
Eduardo Fernandez ◽  
Nelson Rangel-Valdez ◽  
Claudia Gómez-Santillán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Selective Pressure ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Multiple Objective ◽  
Objective Functions ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Imperfect Knowledge ◽  
Real World Problems

Most real-world problems require the optimization of multiple objective functions simultaneously, which can conflict with each other. The environment of these problems usually involves imprecise information derived from inaccurate measurements or the variability in decision-makers’ (DMs’) judgments and beliefs, which can lead to unsatisfactory solutions. The imperfect knowledge can be present either in objective functions, restrictions, or decision-maker’s preferences. These optimization problems have been solved using various techniques such as multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). This paper proposes a new MOEA called NSGA-III-P (non-nominated sorting genetic algorithm III with preferences). The main characteristic of NSGA-III-P is an ordinal multi-criteria classification method for preference integration to guide the algorithm to the region of interest given by the decision-maker’s preferences. Besides, the use of interval analysis allows the expression of preferences with imprecision. The experiments contrasted several versions of the proposed method with the original NSGA-III to analyze different selective pressure induced by the DM’s preferences. In these experiments, the algorithms solved three-objectives instances of the DTLZ problem. The obtained results showed a better approximation to the region of interest for a DM when its preferences are considered.

Excavations of Aztec Urban Houses at Yautepec, Mexico

1999 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 133-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Smith ◽  
Cynthia Heath-Smith ◽  
Lisa Montiel
Keyword(s):  
Construction Materials ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Mexican State ◽  
Residential Structures ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
House Size

Our recent excavations at the site of Yautepec in the Mexican state of Morelos have uncovered a large set of residential structures from an Aztec city. We excavated seven houses with associated middens, as well as several middens without architecture. In this paper, we briefly review the excavations, describe each house, and summarize the nature of construction materials and methods employed. We compare the Yautepec houses with other known Aztec houses and make some preliminary inferences on the relationship between house size and wealth at the site.

Embodied Energy of Construction Materials: Integrating Human and Capital Energy into an IO-Based Hybrid Model

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 1936-1945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish K. Dixit ◽  
Charles H. Culp ◽  
Jose L. Fernandez-Solis
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid Model ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Embodied Energy

scholarly journals FOREST IN THE BASHKIRS' VIEW OF THE WORLD

2022 ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Ю. А. Абсалямова
Keyword(s):  
World View ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
The Other ◽  
Aesthetic Perception ◽  
Food Protection ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The World ◽  
Other World ◽  
The One ◽  
The Relationship

В статье анализируются особенности восприятия лесного пространства башкирами. На основе языковых, фольклорных материалов сделана попытка раскрыть различные аспекты взаимоотношений лес - человек, образ леса в картине мира башкир. Как и в большинстве традиционных культур, в целом мифологический образ леса носит отрицательный характер. В фольклоре он часто описывается как тёмный, мрачный, неизвестный, таящий опасности, противопоставляясь обжитому и освоенному пространству селений. Лесной пандемониум также представлен в основном отрицательными персонажами. В целом образ леса в традиционной картине мира башкир предстаёт довольно неоднозначным. С одной стороны - это категория, связанная с потусторонним миром, неизведанная, «чужая» территория. С другой - лес издавна являлся источником различных благ - в виде строительного материала, пушнины, различных продуктов питания, укрывал от врагов. The article analyzes the features of Bashkirs' perception of the forest space. On the basis of the materials of the epos, folklore, folk ideas, an attempt was made to reveal the various aspects of the relationship between forest and man, the image of the forest in Bashkirs' world view. As in most traditional cultures, the mythological image of the forest as a whole is negative. In folklore, it is often described as dark, gloomy, unknown, fraught with danger, being contrasted with the inhabited and developed space of the villages. The forest pandemonium is also represented mainly by negative characters. On the other hand, in the domestic perception forest is valued for the benefits derived from it: shelter, food, protection from enemies. In addition, Bashkirs, distinguished by a developed aesthetic perception and contemplative thinking, appreciated its beauty, which is also reflected in folklore. In general, the image of forest in the Bashkirs' traditional view of the world appears rather ambiguous. On the one hand, it is the category associated with the other world, unknown, «foreign» territory. On the other hand, the forest has long been a source of various benefits - in the form of construction materials, furs, various food products, and it sheltered them from enemies.

scholarly journals Resource harvesting through a systematic deconstruction of the residential house: a case study of the ‘Whole House Reuse’ project in Christchurch, New Zealand

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atiq U. Zaman ◽  
Juliet Arnott ◽  
Kate Mclntyre ◽  
Jonathon Hannon
Keyword(s):  
Emission Reduction ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
New Products ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Resource Conservation ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Market Condition ◽  
Residential House

This study analyses the case study of a deconstruction project called the ‘Whole House Reuse’ (WHR) which aimed, firstly, to harvest materials from a residential house, secondly, to produce new products using the recovered materials, and thirdly, to organize exhibition for the local public to promote awareness on resource conservation and sustainable deconstruction practices. The study applies characterization of recovered materials through deconstruction. In addition to the material recovery, the study assesses the embodied energy saving and greenhouse gas emission abatement of the deconstruction project. Around twelve tonnes of various construction materials were harvested through a systematic deconstruction approach, most which would otherwise be disposed to landfill in the traditional demolition approach. The study estimates that the recovered materials could potentially save around 502,158MJ of embodied energy and prevent carbon emission of around 27,029kg (CO2e). Deconstruction could eventually contribute to New Zealand’s national emission reduction targets. In addition, the project successfully engages local communities and designers to produce 400 new products using the recovered materials and exhibited to the local people. The study concludes that there is a huge prospect in regard to resource recovery, emission reduction, employment and small business opportunities using deconstruction of the old house. The socio-cultural importance of the WHR project is definitely immense; however, the greater benefits of such projects are often ignored and remain unreported to wider audiences as most of the external and environmental costs have not been considered in the traditional linear economy. It is acknowledged that under a favourable market condition and with appropriate support from local communities and authorities, deconstruction could contribute significantly to resource conservation and environmental protection despite its requirement of labour intensive efforts.

scholarly journals A novel one-sided push-out test for shear connectors in composite beams

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdulhussein Al-Shuwaili ◽  
Alessandro Palmeri ◽  
Maria Teresa Lombardo
Keyword(s):  
Shear Resistance ◽  
Composite Beams ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Bending Tests ◽  
Shear Connectors ◽  
Shear Connections ◽  
European Standards ◽  
Headed Stud ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Push Out

Push-out tests (POTs) have been widely exploited as an alternative to the more expensive full-scale bending tests to characterize the behaviour of shear connections in steel-concrete composite beams. In these tests, two concrete slabs are typically attached to a steel section with the connectors under investigation, which are then subjected to direct shear. The results allow quantifying the relationship between applied load and displacements at the steel-concrete interface. Since this relationship is highly influenced by the boundary conditions of POT samples, different experimental setups have been used, where the slabs are either restricted or free to slide horizontally, as researchers have tried to reduce any discrepancy between POT and full-scale composite beam testing. Based on a critical review of various POT configurations presented in the dedicated literature, this paper presents an efficient one-sided POT (OSPOT) method. While OSPOT and POT specimens are similar, in the proposed OPSPOT setup only one of the two slabs is directly loaded in each test, and the slab is free to move vertically. Thus, two results can be obtained from one specimen, i.e. one from each slab. A series of POTs and OSPOTs have been conducted to investigate the behaviour and the shear resistance of headed stud connectors through the two methods of testing. The results of this study than were compared with those of different POTs setups conducted by other researchers. The new OSPOT results show in general an excellent agreement with the analytical predictions offered by both British and European standards, as well as the estimated shear resistance proposed other researchers in the literature. These findings suggest that the proposed one-sided setup could be used as an efficient and economical option for conducting the POT, as it has the potential not only to double the number of results, but also to simplify the fabrication of the samples, which is important in any large experimental campaign, and to allow testing with limited capacity of the actuator. 

scholarly journals Reduction of Embodied Energy and Construction Cost of Affordable Houses through Efficient Architectural Design: A Case Study in Indian Scenario

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Deepak Bansal ◽  
V. K. Minocha ◽  
Arvinder Kaur ◽  
Vaidehi A. Dakwale ◽  
R. V. Ralegaonkar
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Construction Cost ◽  
Area Ratio ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Individual Unit ◽  
Architectural Planning ◽  
Cost Of Construction

Embodied energy and cost of construction of any building depends upon the consumption of resources, more specifically construction materials. In housing clusters, the spaces provided for horizontal and vertical circulation of occupants such as corridors and contribute in the built-up area of individual unit without any increase in the usable/carpet area. Thus, an efficient architectural planning of common circulation spaces plays a major role in lowering the built-up-to-carpet area ratio of individual housing unit in clusters. This may, thus, result in lesser embodied energy and maximum area availability for occupant usage. In the present study, 30 clusters of Indian affordable housing units (IAHUs) of similar typology and different architectural designs are analyzed. The built-up and carpet area of each IAHU are estimated, and the ratio of the built-up to carpet area is calculated. Detailed estimates of construction materials for each IAHU is prepared, and cost of construction and embodied energy is calculated. The calculations of embodied energy and construction cost are done for major construction materials, viz., cement, steel, bricks, sand, and coarse aggregate and compared with different built-up-to-carpet area ratio. The study of IAHUs concludes that a variation of 1.30 to 1.62 in the built-up area-to-carpet area ratio results in variation in construction cost (INR 13,425.00 to 20,138.00 per m2 carpet area) and embodied energy (4–6.5 GJ per m2 carpet area). Analysis suggests that the IAHU with a lower built-up-to-carpet area ratio exhibits reduction in the cost of construction and embodied energy simultaneously. Thus, an efficient architectural design plays a major role in improving the sustainability of IAHUs and built-up-to-carpet area ratio is an important indicator of sustainability.

Fibre optic sensors for delamination identification in composite beams using a genetic algorithm

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 287-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang-yin Ling ◽  
Kin-tak Lau ◽  
Li Cheng ◽  
Wei Jin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Composite Beams ◽  
Fibre Optic
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