Architecture Commons^™

Model For Analyzing Floorplate Morphology That Optimizes Daylighting And Cost, Andrew G. Welch, Ermal Shpuza Phd

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

One key method to improve the energy efficiency of a building is to enhance daylight levels, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. Elevated daylight levels are also associated with increased productivity and well-being of building occupants. Daylight levels are inversely proportional to the building compactness, where shallow floorplates and elongated buildings are associated with higher daylight levels. However, creating buildings that have more natural light comes with a greater construction cost due to larger envelope areas as well as greater operating costs due to the energy loss through the exterior envelope area. This research identifies the basic design strategies …

Impact Of Femalized Kinesthetic Learning Model On African American Middle School Girls’ Career Interest, Mercy F. Fash, Andrea Ofori-Boadu

Journal of Global Education and Research

Engaging African American middle school girls in out-of-school-time (OST) Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) programs can boost interest in male-dominated AEC careers. This study adopts Lent’s Social Cognitive Career Theory to evaluate the impact of an OST feminized AEC kinesthetic learning model (fAEC-KLM) on the career interests of this demographic. Through a qualitative research approach, fourteen (14) African American middle school girls from Guilford County, NC, completed pre- and post-interviews on how fAEC-KLM interactions influenced their AEC career interests. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out on transcribed interviews. Results show that effective components, such as lectures on AEC, bridge construction …

Methodology For Surface Defect Assessment In 3d Concrete Printing Using Computer-Vision And Ultrasonic Testing Considering Structural Build-Up, Seongho Han, Eunjong Ahn, Myoungsu Shin, John S. Popovics, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study quantifies how interlayer time gaps and mixture rheology jointly influence interfacial integrity and mechanical performance in 3D concrete printing (3DCP). Two mixtures incorporating identical binders, but differing limestone fineness (4 and 50 μm) were printed with interlayer delays of 0, 2, and 5 min, corresponding to stacking rates of approximately 9, 0.5, and 0.2 m/h. The finer limestone mixture exhibited higher plastic viscosity (13.2 vs. 11.5 Pa s) and faster structural buildup (58 vs. 38 Pa/min), resulting in accelerated early stiffening. Deposition yield stress derived from buildup measurements remained low for 0–2 min (1400–1500 Pa for the higher-thixotropy …

Analysis Of The Potential Of Urban Surfaces For Energy Use By Applying Solar Energy Or Green Roofs, Kristin Dietrich, Jose Ambrosini, Fabio Capra-Ribeiro, Juan Raul Massipe Hernandez, Alberto Tama Franco, Fernando Mayor-Vitoria

Faculty Publications

Renewable energy is rapidly increasing in importance in the energy mix in many countries worlwide. They are a key part of the energy transition to more sustainable energy systems. Green roofs are multi-layered systems covered with plants, grasses or turf that are placed on terraces and roofs of different types. Energy savings and reduced urban heat-island effects are among the most notable benefits of green roofs. Traditionally, green roofs and photovoltaic (PV) or solar-thermal installations have been competing systems, but several studies and actual installations have shown that synergistic effects predominate. For example, vegetation has a cooling effect on green …

Rheological Modification Of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar: Roles Of Sodium Gluconate Retarder And Dispersants, Tae Yong Shin, Seongho Han, Ryong You, Yubin Jun, Jae Hong Kim

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Alkali-activated materials have emerged as promising low-carbon alternatives to ordinary Portland cement-based binders; however, their practical application is strictly limited by rapid setting and poor workability. To address these challenges, this study proposes an evaluation methodology combining setting time measurement, cloud point tests for chemical stability, and wide-range rheological analysis. While conventional superplasticizers like polycarboxylate ether (PCE) proved unstable in high-alkaline environments, cloud point tests revealed that polynaphthalene sulfonate (PNS) and butyl acrylate (BA) exhibited superior chemical stability. Notably, BA was identified as a novel and effective dispersant in 3.5 M KOH-activated systems, reducing yield stress of fresh mortar by …

The Effectiveness Of Public-Private Partnerships In Addressing Residential Urban Development Challenges In Greater Cairo, Sara Nagy Abdelmessih

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in tackling the residential urban development challenges facing Cairo today. In the past two decades, PPPs have emerged as a dominant mode of housing production, positioned as collaborative ventures between state agencies and private developers. They have become integral to the expansion of Greater Cairo, producing vast new urban extensions under the promise of mobilizing private capital, technical expertise, and delivery capacity. Yet, questions remain about whether these arrangements genuinely address Egypt’s most urgent housing needs, or whether they reproduce market-driven logics that leave large segments of the population excluded.

The …

From Informal Into Collective Urban Farming: Investigating Potentials In Local Communities In Al Ain, Uae, Nour Khaled Mousa

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

By 2050, the world’s population is expected to grow from 7.9 to 9.7 billion. Therefore, collective urban farming is considered to be a practical way to deal with the rising food needs in the limited available urban land which will result in strengthening the local food security and reducing the dependence on imported goods. When farming activities are transformed from random and informal into collective and well-managed spaces more benefits will be brought into a community including social cohesion, education and skills, and better economic opportunities. Collective urban farming is very important to the environment as it delivers multiple ecosystem …

The Impact Of Supermarket Layouts On Female Shopping Behavior: A Spatial Configuration Analysis, Yara Fahmy

Theses and Dissertations

As supermarkets continue to evolve into hybrid spaces for both consumption and social interaction, understanding how spatial design shapes shopper experience has become increasingly essential. This study investigates the impact of supermarket layout—specifically free-flow configuration—on female shopping behavior within the New Cairo context. Recognizing women as primary decision-makers in household purchasing, the research adopts a gender-informed lens to uncover behavioral patterns, navigation preferences, and layout perceptions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates macro-scale online surveys (N = 173 female shoppers) with micro-scale data, including behavioral observation and path tracking of 65 female shoppers, post-shopper interviews, and spatial configuration analysis …

Utilization Of Plastic Waste In The Concrete Industry, Nancy Abdelmoneim Sakr

Theses and Dissertations

Plastic recycling has emerged as a crucial strategy that aligns with environmental, social and economic sustainability indicators. Currently, substantial volumes of plastic waste are either deposited in landfills or incinerated, neglecting the potential to harness its embodied energy and the energy consumed for producing virgin materials. A key advantage of plastic lies in its promising mechanical properties. Concrete mix design is fundamental to a wide range of construction applications, including brick walls, reinforced concrete slabs and concrete pavements. Despite the adoption of recycled plastic in construction materials in various countries, its widespread implementation remains limited. This is primarily due to …

The Philosophy Of Selling Community: Developer Narratives And Resident Experiences Of Privacy And Community In Gated Communities In Cairo, Yosr Samir Raghib

Theses and Dissertations

Gated communities have become a global urban form with diverse impacts on their inhabitants. In recent years, Cairo has been expanding to the edges, and land that has always been a desert is now rapidly transforming into new cities that people are leaving their homes in the center of the city to move to seeking seclusion, security, privacy, and sense of community. Despite the tension proven between privacy and community, developers attempted to sell both concepts to coexist in gated communities in different manners to express their unique brand. Both concepts are defined differently by each developer, resulting in different …

Kajian Arsitektur Lumbung Padi, Lolo Gedang, Kerinci, Romario Lubis

Multikultura

Rice barns are agrarian vernacular architecture that reflects local knowledge, environmental adaptation, and the socio-cultural values of the supporting community. This study aims to examine the architectural characteristics of traditional rice barns in Lolo Gedang Village, Kerinci, through analysis of form, construction techniques, and cultural context. The method used is descriptive qualitative with inductive reasoning based on literature studies and analysis of the architectural elements of the barn as a cultural artifact. The results show that the Lolo Gedang rice barn is designed adaptively to highland climate conditions, especially in maintaining the quality of grain from humidity and pests, through …

Influence Of Co2 Curing On Carbonation Depth, Phase Composition, And Micro-Mechanical Properties Of Fbc Ash-Blended Cementitious Materials, Heejung Jun, Seongho Han, Sanghwon Wi, Jinyoung Yoon

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study investigates the physicochemical and mechanical performance of cementitious composites incorporating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) ash under accelerated carbon dioxide (CO₂) curing. FBC ash, due to its high contents of free calcium oxide (CaO) and sulfate (SO₃), has been reported to cause challenges, such as volume instability and lower early-age strength. To address these limitations, CO2 curing was applied to promote accelerated carbonation and stabilize the hydration products. Cement paste and mortar samples, made with up to 40 % by cement weight replacement with FBC ash (labelled CF), were subjected to either CO₂ curing …

Affordable Infill Housing For Zillennials: Enhancing Urban Mobility Through Walkable And Bikeable Access In Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Mewan Indra, Arif Kusumawanto, Agus Hariyadi

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Rapid urbanization in developing countries has intensified housing challenges for younger generations, particularly Zillennials (aged 24–34), who demand affordable, accessible, and sustainable living environments. This study investigates the optimal location for small-scale housing integrated with large-scale developments in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA), emphasizing mobility as the primary criterion. The research is guided by a conceptual framework that synthesizes compact city principles, the 15-minute city concept, and Zillennial lifestyle preferences, with walkability and bikeability serving as mediating variables. Mobility simulations were conducted using the Urban Modeling Interface (UMI), applying Walk Score parameters to evaluate walking and cycling accessibility. Six simulation …

Assessment Of Advanced Glazing Systems For Building Energy Efficiency In Hot-Arid Climates, Ahmad I. Elshamy, Yousef Elgefly, Yara El-Metwally, Serag Salem

Architectural Engineering

The built environment is considered among the most contributing factors to energy consumption. The building envelope plays a crucial role in determining the building energy consumption, regulating heat transfer and maintaining adequate indoor environmental quality. Hence, optimizing the thermal performance of the building envelope by achieving optimal glazing solutions while fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) is the main aim of this research. This study investigates the impact of various facade glazing systems on the building energy performance, focusing on the cooling energy consumption of an office building in a hot arid climate, Cairo, Egypt. The novelty of this …

Open House Celebration, The University Of North Alabama

Documents

Invitation for open house of Flowers Hall Annex, the renovated Collier Library Facility, and the new Computer Center at UNA

Physics-Based Multi-Hazard Fragility Modeling Of Low-Rise Wood-Frame Buildings Under Hurricane-Induced Wind And Surge, Mumtasirun Nahar, Abdullah M. Braik, Mohammad Syed, Maria Koliou, Petros Sideris

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Coastal buildings are exposed to concurrent hurricane-induced wind and storm surge, yet their vulnerability is commonly assessed using separate single-hazard models that neglect hazard interaction. This study developed a physics-based finite element framework to evaluate the performance of a low-rise light wood-frame building under simultaneous wind and surge-wave loading. A detailed three-dimensional model was constructed using a sub-assembly strategy that explicitly represented framing members, sheathing systems, and critical connections. Structural response was evaluated across a hazard space defined by wind speed, still-water depth, and flow velocity, and component- and system-level fragility functions were derived using Monte Carlo simulation and generalized …

Enhancing Urban Resilience In Ariha City, Syria: Integrating Active And Passive Climate Adaptation Strategies, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Ayham Ahmed Karoum

Architectural Engineering

Ariha City in Syria faces urgent challenges for post-war reconstruction, including damaged infrastructure and environmental pollution resulting from the conflict. Enhancing urban resilience has become a priority to ensure sustainable recovery and mitigate the ongoing environmental impacts. This study investigates how combining traditional passive design strategies with modern active technological systems can strengthen urban resilience in this context. A two-phase methodology was employed. In the first phase, a field assessment examined existing urban conditions through site surveys, spatial analysis, and documentation of passive and active resilience strategies in both the historic center and new growth areas. In the second phase, …

Optimizing Energy Efficiency In Educational Buildings Through Facade Material Selection, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Malak Ayman, Khloud Khalid

Architectural Engineering

Facade material selection is crucial for improving building performance and reducing environmental effect, as evidenced by the growing demand for sustainable architectural solutions, especially in educational institutions. The use of typical, non-sustainable facade materials in Egyptian educational buildings is a major cause of the country's high energy consumption, poor indoor air quality, and rising carbon emissions. This research explores the possibility of using cuttingedge facade materials to promote sustainability in Egyptian university buildings in order to close this crucial gap. The study incorporates a mixed-methods approach and begins with a qualitative theoretical review that includes a thorough literature analysis. A …

Energy Efficiency Analysis And Innovation In Mulia Gading Kencana Housing, Aqmala Fatma Kurniasih, Lita Sari Barus

Cities and Urban Development Journal

Background: The development of sustainable housing has become an important issue amid global climate change challenges. Although the concept of green housing has begun to be implemented in Indonesia, evaluations of its application in subsidized housing remain limited, particularly those examining design readiness and neighborhood system integration.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the implementation of energy efficiency and neighborhood innovation variables within the green housing concept at the Mulia Gading Kencana (MGK) Housing Estate in Serang, Banten.

Methods: This research employed a descriptive–quantitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through field observations, brief interviews with the …

A Social Media-Based Framework For Marketing Architectural Design Firms In Egypt During Global Economic Downturn, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Yara Ahmed Maarek

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – The global economic downturn has greatly impacted the construction industry and architectural design firms (ADFs). Social media, however, provides a strategic avenue to enhance the visibility and resilience of ADFs. This paper aims to develop a framework integrating social media as an innovative marketing approach for mitigating the impacts of the global economic downturn on ADFs in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review examined the global economic downturn and marketing ADFs. Three case studies investigated the role of social media in marketing ADFs during economic uncertainties. …

From Inside The Recording Studio, Mckayla J. Adkison

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project documents the historical, technical, and creative significance of recording studios through both industry examples and the design and construction of a personal backyard studio. By examining iconic studios such as Abbey Road and Capitol Records, the paper highlights how technological innovation, acoustic engineering, and architectural design have shaped the evolution of recorded music. These concepts are then applied to the planning and construction of a custom-built recording studio, emphasizing room dimensions, sound isolation techniques, acoustic treatment, lighting, and sustainable design choices. In addition, the project addresses the importance of aesthetics and emotional comfort in creating a space that …

Large-Scale Experimental Study On The Impact Of Air Cleaning & Ventilation On Indoor Air Quality And Student Illness-Related Absenteeism, Daud Nosham

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This large-scale randomized experimental field study investigated the effect of portable air purifiers (PAPs) on classroom’s air quality and student’s illness related absenteeism. PAPs were installed in 317 classrooms from various school districts located in Eastern Nebraska. The classrooms were randomly assigned into four conditions: three treatment conditions (T1, T2 & T3) and one control condition (device without any filter). T1 was equipped with HEPA filters, T2 added Activated Carbon (AC) layer to HEPA, and T3 further integrated Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) alongside HEPA and AC filters. The measured variables were carbon dioxide (CO2), fine particles (PN2.5) and coarse particles (PNcoarse), …

Rapid State-Of-Health Estimation Of Batteries Using Machine Learning With Limited Eearly-Discharge Voltage Data, Mohammad Bakhtiari

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The utilization of lithium-ion batteries has been rapidly expanding across diverse sectors, including electric transportation, stationary energy storage systems, and the built environment. Ensuring a high level of reliability in these applications is essential, as the performance and safety of such systems depend strongly on the accurate assessment of the battery’s State of Health (SOH). Conventional SOH estimation techniques—often based on complex electrochemical models or extensive laboratory testing—tend to require a large number of measurements, advanced instrumentation, and high computational cost. These factors make them impractical for large-scale deployment or real-time monitoring. This study introduces a simplified machine-learning-based approach for …

Bond Behavior Of Full-Scale Beams Using Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete, Hayder H. Alghazali, Atheer H.M. Algburi, John J. Myers

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Sustainable concrete is a step towards greener and more eco-friendly concrete construction practices, helping to solve global environmental problems. The present study focuses on the bond behavior between steel reinforcement and greener self-compacting concrete, specifically sustainable self-compacting concrete (SUS-SCC). Three SUS-SCC mixtures with different fly ash (FA) to cement replacement levels of [50, 60, and 70% (by mass)] were developed. Twelve full-scale SUS-SCC beams with a cross-section of (305 x 57) mm and a total length of 3048 mm were cast and tested using a four-point load test setup. The effect of longitudinal and lateral steel reinforcement ratios in the …

Nonlinear Flow Structures From The Interaction Of Internal Waves With Topography, Matthew R. Klema, S. Karan Venayagamoorthy

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents numerical simulations of the interaction of first-mode internal waves with a topographic edge at the intermediate scale, O (100) m, with a focus on the evolution of flow structures. Flow structure variation and evolution is explored through direct modifications to the amplitude of the internal wave interacting with topographic features of varying wave-topographic slope (g/s), height of the topography to the total domain depth (ht/d), and the wave Froude number (Fr = U0/cph), where g is the internal wave slope, s is the topographic slope, ht is the height of the topography, d is the simulation depth, …

Development And Experimental Validation Of A Bio-Based Co2 Purification Medium Derived From Puffed Rice Waste For Indoor Air Quality Improvement, Abeer Fuad Othman

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Indoor environments are crucial for human activity, as people spend over 90% of their time indoors. This extensive indoor presence makes these spaces crucial for overall well-being. The growing awareness of Indoor Air Quality's (IAQ) impact on health, productivity, and wellness contrasts with buildings' contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through construction materials such as exterior walls, upper floors, and interior finishes. Classrooms are especially concerning because they house many students who are exposed to indoor air pollutants for extended periods. Given the significance of IAQ in educational settings, there is an urgent need for effective solutions to improve air …

Urban Form, Density, And Energy Efficiency: A Typo-Morphology-Based Simulation Framework For Superblock Planning And Densification In Abu Dhabi, Najeeba Ali Kunju

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Urban form plays a critical role in shaping environmental performance, particularly building energy. In Abu Dhabi and other GCC cities, development is structured around superblocks—large arterial-bounded land parcels units derived from NPU planning principles. Rapid urban expansion, rising energy demand, and the predominance of low-density suburban growth (now exceeding 55% of Abu Dhabi’s footprint) highlight the need for frameworks that can evaluate the energy implications of this morphology and guide both new development and retrofitting strategies. Superblocks therefore offer a consistent and policy-relevant scale for analysing form–energy interactions in the GCC’s hot-desert context, where early-stage, morphology-informed planning tools are essential. …

Assessment Of Traffic Related Air Pollution Effects On Indoor Air Quality In Educational Buildings, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed, Mohamed Sherif Dr., Fahad Alqahtani Dr., Yousif Deeb Eng.

Civil Engineering

This study assesses the impact of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on indoor air quality (IAQ) within a Riyadh school. The main objectives are to pinpoint factors influencing IAQ and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing ventilation and filtration systems. Air quality Egg sensors monitored nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) levels both indoors and outdoors over 30 days. Findings revealed average indoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations of 14.09 µg/m3 and 18.15 µg/m3, respectively, while outdoor concentrations averaged 20.63 µg/m3 and 27.88 µg/m3. A strong positive correlation was observed between indoor and outdoor PM levels, …

Mass Timber Construction: Products, Performance And Design, Anthony Harvey

Civil Engineering Professional Development Seminar

Due to their high strength, dimensional stability and positive environmental performance, mass timber building products are quickly becoming materials of choice for sustainably‐minded designers. This presentation will provide a detailed look at the variety of mass timber products available, including glue‐laminated timber (glulam), cross laminated timber (CLT), nail laminated timber (NLT), heavy timber decking, and other engineered and composite systems. Applications for the use of these products under modern building codes will be discussed, and examples of their use in U.S. projects reviewed. Mass timber’s ability to act as both structure and exposed finish will also be highlighted, as will …

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …