This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd National Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management (SECON'19), held in Angamaly, Kerala, India, on 15-16 May 2019. The meeting served as a fertile platform for discussion, sharing sound knowledge and introducing novel ideas on issues related to sustainable construction and design for the future. The respective contributions address various aspects of numerical modeling and simulation in structural engineering, structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, advanced analysis and design of foundations, BIM, building energy management, and technical project management. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable, up-to-date tool and essential overview of the subject for scientists and practitioners alike, and will inspire further investigations and research.

This book gathers 23 papers by top experts from 11 countries, presented at the 3rd Houston International Forum: Concrete Structures in Earthquake. Designing infrastructures to resist earthquakes has always been the focus and mission of scientists and engineers located in tectonically active regions, especially around the "Pacific Rim of Fire" including China, Japan, and the USA. The pace of research and innovation has accelerated in the past three decades, reflecting the need to mitigate the risk of severe damage to interconnected infrastructures, and to facilitate the incorporation of high-speed computers and the internet. The respective papers focus on the design and analysis of concrete structures subjected to earthquakes, advance the state of knowledge in disaster mitigation, and address the safety of infrastructures in general.

This is the proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites (SHCC4), that was held at the Technische Universitat Dresden, Germany from 18 to 20 September 2017. The conference focused on advanced fiber-reinforced concrete materials such as strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC), textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) and high-performance fiber-reinforced cement-based composites (HPFRCC). All these new materials exhibit pseudo-ductile behavior resulting from the formation of multiple, fine cracks when subject to tensile loading. The use of such types of fiber-reinforced concrete could revolutionize the planning, development, dimensioning, structural and architectural design, construction of new and strengthening and repair of existing buildings and structures in many areas of application. The SHCC4 Conference was the follow-up of three previous successful international events in Stellenbosch, South Africa in 2009, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2011, and Dordrecht, The Netherlands in 2014.

This volume consists of 52 peer-reviewed papers, presented at the International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing (SDM-19) held in Budapest, Hungary in July 2019. Leading-edge research into sustainable design and manufacturing aims to enable the manufacturing industry to grow by adopting more advanced technologies, and at the same time improve its sustainability by reducing its environmental impact. The topic includes the sustainable design of products and services; the sustainable manufacturing of all products; energy efficiency in manufacturing; innovation for eco-design; circular economy; industry 4.0; industrial metabolism; automotive and transportation systems. Application areas are wide and varied. The book will provide an excellent overview of the latest developments in the Sustainable Design and Manufacturing Area.

This book is mainly based on the results of the EU-funded UE-FP7 Project EnCoRe, which aimed to characterize the key physical and mechanical properties of a novel class of advanced cement-based materials incorporating recycled powders and aggregates and/or natural ingredients in order to allow partial or even total replacement of conventional constituents. More specifically, the project objectives were to predict the physical and mechanical performance of concrete with recycled aggregates; to understand the potential contribution of recycled fibers as a dispersed reinforcement in concrete matrices; and to demonstrate the feasibility and possible applications of natural fibers as a reinforcement in cementitious composites. All of these aspects are fully covered in the book. The opening chapters explain the material concept and design and discuss the experimental characterization of the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the recycled raw constituents, as well as of the cementitious composite incorporating them. The numerical models with potentialities for describing the behavior at material and structural level of constructions systems made by these composites are presented. Finally, engineering applications and guidelines for production and design are proposed.

This book comprises the proceedings of the International Conference on Green Buildings and Sustainable Engineering (GBSE 2019), which focused on the theme "Ecotechnological and Digital Solutions for Smart Cities". The papers included address all aspects of green buildings and sustainability practices in civil engineering, and focus on ways and means of reducing pollution and degradation of the environment through efficient usage of energy and water. The book will prove a valuable reference resource for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.

This book presents select proceedings of the National Conference on Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials (ASCM 2019) held at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India. The book includes contributions from academics and practitioners on low-energy cement technologies, innovative materials and structural technologies towards cost-effective, environment friendly, durable, energy-efficient, and sustainable construction. The topics covered emphasize on cutting-edge, economically viable, and sustainable solutions with an aim to increase profitability, and decrease construction time and overall impact on the built environment. The book will be useful for researchers and practitioners interested in sustainable construction and allied fields.

The book presents the select proceedings of International Conference on Structural Health Monitoring and Engineering Structures (SHM&ES) 2020. It brings together different applied and technological aspects of structural health monitoring. The main topics covered in this book include damage assessment, structural health monitoring, engineering fracture mechanics, Inverse problem using optimization techniques, machine learning, deep learning, Artificial intelligent and non-destructive evaluation. It will be a reference for professionals and students in the areas of civil engineering, applied natural sciences and engineering management.

This book focuses on human adaptive thermal comfort in the building environment and the balance between reducing building air conditioning energy and improving occupants' thermal comfort. It examines the mechanism of human thermal adaptation using a newly developed adaptive heat balance model, and presents pioneering findings based on an on online survey, real building investigation, climate chamber experiments, and theoretical models. The book investigates three critical issues related to human thermal adaptation: (i) the dynamics of human thermal adaptation in the building environment; (ii) the basic rules and effects of human physiological acclimatization and psychological adaptation; and (iii) a new, adaptive, heat balance model describing behavioral adjustment, physiological acclimatization, psychological adaptation, and physical improvement effects. Providing the basis for establishing a more reasonable adaptive thermal comfort model, the book is a valuable reference resource for anyone interested in future building thermal environment evaluation criteria.

These proceedings of the EPS 2018: 5th International Conference on Geofoam Blocks in Construction Applications, held in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus on May 9 to 11, 2018, present a collection of contributions on the state-of-the-art of research and applications relating to geofoam. Geofoam researchers, consultants, molders, contractors and practitioners from all around the globe discuss the recent developments and future trends of expanded polystyrene (EPS)-block geofoam technology and its construction applications. EPS'18 contributes to the development of geofoam applications, following on from successful conferences in Oslo (1985), Tokyo (1996), Salt Lake City (2001) and Oslo (2011). The book discusses topics including, but not limited to, current use of geofoam, design specifications, applications, new concepts, material properties, modeling and specific topics in geofoam blocks in construction applications.

This book gathers the peer-reviewed contributions presented at two parallel, closely interconnected events on advanced construction materials and processes, namely the 2nd International RILEM Conference on Rheology and Processing of Construction Materials (RheoCon2) and the 9th International RILEM Symposium on Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC9), held in Dresden, Germany on 8-11 September 2019. The papers discuss various aspects of research on the development, testing, and applications of cement-based and other building materials together with their specific rheological properties. Furthermore, the papers cover the latest findings in the fast-growing field of self-compacting concrete, addressing topics including components' properties and characterization; chemical admixtures, effect of binders (incl. geopolymers, calcined clay, etc.) and mixture design; laboratory and in-situ rheological testing; constitutive models and flow modelling; numerical simulations; mixing, processing and casting processes; and additive manufacturing / 3D-printing. Also presenting case studies, the book is of interest to researchers, graduate students, and industry specialists, such as material suppliers, consultants and construction experts.

This book describes how, given the global challenge of a shortage of natural resources in the 21st century, the recycling of waste concrete is one of the most important means of implementing sustainable construction development strategies. Firstly, the book presents key findings on the micro- and meso-structure of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), while the second part focuses on the mechanical properties of RAC: the strength, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, stress-strain curve, etc. The third part of the book explores research on the durability of RAC: carbonization, chloride penetration, shrinkage and creep. It then presents key information on the mechanical behavior and seismic performance of RAC elements and structures: beams, columns, slabs, beam-column joints, and frames. Lastly, the book puts forward design guidelines for recycled aggregate concrete structures. Taken as a whole, the research results - based on a series of investigations the author has condu cted on the mechanical properties, durability and structural performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) over the past 10 years - demonstrate that, with proper design and construction, it is safe and feasible to utilize RAC structures in civil engineering applications. The book will greatly benefit researchers, postgraduates, and engineers in civil engineering with an interest in this field.

This book presents an approach to energy-efficient building design, which takes into account the most important challenges in climate change mitigation and adaptation in Southern Europe. It outlines a specific approach related to residential buildings and their intergenerational and vulnerable occupants, such as ageing population and users in fuel poverty. It also focuses on the use of passive energy measures throughout the year, and on pursuing a realistic and affordable approach to the efficient rehabilitation of resilient residential buildings. In addition, the book presents case studies that include surveys, monitoring, and simulation of residential buildings in Spain and other Southern European representative locations, in order to go further on the study of this challenging topic.

This volume contains the Proceedings of the RILEM TC 252-CMB International Symposium on the Chemo-Mechanical Characterization of Bituminous Materials. The Symposium was attended by researchers and practitioners from different fields presenting the latest findings in the chemical, mechanical, and microstructural characterization of bituminous materials. The book offers new and cutting edge papers on innovative techniques for the characterization of bituminous materials, gaining new insights into current issues such as effects of aging, moisture, and temperature.

1. Der UEbergang zur Informationsgesellschaft als sozio-oekonomischer Prozess.- 1.1 Das Ende der Industriegesellschaft.- 1.2 Die Informationsgesellschaft und der Wandel der Arbeit.- 1.3 Der charakteristische Arbeitsplatz der Informationsgesellschaft.- 1.4 Resumee.- 2. Raumliche Strukturen in der Informationsgesellschaft.- 2.1 Anthropologische Voraussetzungen und Bedurfnisse.- 2.2 Global Cities/Global Village?.- 2.3 Das "ortlose Buro", die vergessene Kommunikation versus "Mediatektur".- 2.4 Resumee.- 3. Der Industriebau - ein Gebaudetyp im Wandel.- 3.1 Begriff, Arten und Funktion der Gebaudetypologie.- 3.2 Die funktionale oder Zwecktypologie.- 3.3 Corporate Process Architecture - von der Fabrik zum Unternehmensgebaude.- 3.4 Industriebau und Konversion.- 3.5 Resumee.- 4. Der Perspektivenwechsel bei der Betrachtung von Gebauden in der Informationsgesellschaft.- 4.1 Die wirtschaftliche Aufwertung der Gebaude.- 4.2 Corporate Real Estate Management und Facility Management - rein quantitative Instrumente?.- 4.3 Resumee.- 5. Informationstechnologie in der Planung und Bewirtschaftung von Gebauden.- 5.1 Planung unter den Bedingungen der Ungewissheit - die Beschleunigung der Prozesse.- 5.2 "Digitales" Bauen.- 5.3 Informationstechnologie und OEkologie.- 5.4 Resumee.- 6. Von der isolierten zur holistischen Gebaudekonzeption.- 6.1 Die Synthese von Informationstechnologie und Humanitat in Gebauden.- 6.2 Integrales Infrastrukturmanagement.- 6.3 Kompetenz im Wandel: das kunftige Profil des Planers und Architekten.- 6.4 Resumee.- 7. Ergebnis: Zur Programmatik der Corporate Process Architecture.

This book presents essential methods of deformation compatibility control, and explicitly addresses the implied conditions on the methods' deformation compatibility. Consequently, these conditions can be considered in engineering structure design, while the conditions on stable equilibrium can be taken into account in the design method. Thus, the designed deformation and the actual deformation of the respective structure are approximately identical, guaranteeing both the flexibility of the construction material in force transmission and the equilibrium of force in the structure. Though equilibrium theory in engineering structures has been extensively studied, there has been comparatively little research on compatibility. In the limited researches available, the topics are primarily the theories and assumptions on the deformation compatibility, while few systematic works focus on the mechanical theoretical principles and methods of deformation compatibility control. As such, the flexibility of the construction material in force transmission and the stable equilibrium of the structure as a whole cannot be guaranteed based on these research results. Successfully addressing this important gap in the literature, the book is intended for researchers and postgraduates in engineering mechanics, civil engineering and related areas.

This book details the rigorous requirements for refractories designed for aluminium metallurgical processes: reduction, cast house, and anode production. The author describes requirements specific to the properties and structure of refractory materials that differentiate it from materials used for ferrous metallurgy, among others. A comparison is drawn between the properties and structure of refractories and carbon cathode materials from different points of view: from the perspective of physical chemistry and chemical interactions during the metallurgical process and from the aspect of designing reduction pots and furnaces to accommodate the lifetime of metallurgical aggregates that are a part of aluminum refractory processes.

Wood material has acquired great importance due to its short supply and increasing environmental awareness amongst users and manufacturers. However, its use as an engineering material requires consistent research developments in order to provide accurate responses to industrial processing problems. Research Developments in Wood Engineering and Technology examines the latest research advances and technological developments for wood material as an engineering product and the innovation it provides for environmentally-friendly materials. This reference source is essential for academics, engineers, students, and professionals involved in the multidisciplinary fields of wood science, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing engineering.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of building design and construction, as presented by researchers and engineers at the International Conference BUILDINTECH BIT 2020, Innovations and Technologies in Construction, held in Belgorod, Russia, on October 8-9, 2020. It covers highly diverse topics, including building materials, industrial and civil construction, structural mechanics and theory of structures, computational methods and IT in construction, organization and technologies of construction production. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.

The book presents eight well-known and often used algorithms besides nine newly developed algorithms by the first author and his students in a practical implementation framework. Matlab codes and some benchmark structural optimization problems are provided. The aim is to provide an efficient context for experienced researchers or readers not familiar with theory, applications and computational developments of the considered metaheuristics. The information will also be of interest to readers interested in application of metaheuristics for hard optimization, comparing conceptually different metaheuristics and designing new metaheuristics.

Ensuring current and future architecture is both successfully and sustainably produced is critical for cities and communities to not only survive but thrive. Additionally, improving built environment practices is necessary to protect the world as well as its various populations. Further study on the current challenges and future directions of sustainable architecture is required in order to create a stronger, healthier society. Contemporary Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities in Sustainable Architecture discusses the role of architecture and the built environment on communities, ecology, and society; relevant issues related to the production of sustainable built environments; and the socio-cultural integration aspects of innovative architectural designs in urban settings. The book also addresses heritage practices, responses to climate action, and technology applications. Covering key topics such as energy efficiency, urban green spaces, and sustainable solutions, this reference work is ideal for policymakers, architects, industry professionals, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Textile Fibre Composites in Civil Engineering provides a state-of-the-art review from leading experts on recent developments, the use of textile fiber composites in civil engineering, and a focus on both new and existing structures. Textile-based composites are new materials for civil engineers. Recent developments have demonstrated their potential in the prefabrication of concrete structures and as a tool for both strengthening and seismic retrofitting of existing concrete and masonry structures, including those of a historical value. The book reviews materials, production technologies, fundamental properties, testing, design aspects, applications, and directions for future research and developments. Following the opening introductory chapter, Part One covers materials, production technologies, and the manufacturing of textile fiber composites for structural and civil engineering. Part Two moves on to review testing, mechanical behavior, and durability aspects of textile fiber composites used in structural and civil engineering. Chapters here cover topics such as the durability of structural elements and bond aspects in textile fiber composites. Part Three analyzes the structural behavior and design of textile reinforced concrete. This section includes a number of case studies providing thorough coverage of the topic. The final section of the volume details the strengthening and seismic retrofitting of existing structures. Chapters investigate concrete and masonry structures, in addition to providing information and insights on future directions in the field. The book is a key volume for researchers, academics, practitioners, and students working in civil and structural engineering and those working with advanced construction materials.