Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 789-790

Abstract: Today's global environmental problems, such as global warming, destruction of the ozone layer, degradation of air quality and their implications for human health have become a major concern for the environment, residential areas as well as our living conditions. Numerous research studies were devoted to address these topics due to their crucial importance. The purpose of this study is to develop and improve the bioclimatic architecture of residential housing according to the Algerian energy policy. We have calculated the reduction of housing energy consumption for air conditioning and hot water by replacing the system which is based on fossil fuels (oil and gas) by the newly proposed architecture which is based on renewable solar energy. This is being conducted for three different sites within Algeria. We carried out an explorative economic comparison of the two systems. Based on experimental results, the proposed system proved to be able to cover more than 55% of the total electricity needs for air conditioning. Therefore, this shows the potency of reducing the electricity utility bill up to a half with much better expected results for southern regions of Algeria.

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical study to simulate airflow around an array of buildings with different heights. The simulation showed a complex 3D flow pattern around the buildings. The velocity and standard deviation around the short buildings increased by about 30% compared to the same arrangement with buildings of the same height. Thus, the existence of the tall buildings increased the turbulence level and velocity magnitude around the short buildings. This suggests that the proposed buildings arrangement and spacing were effective in improving the wind environment around the buildings.

Abstract: This paper presents the pullout performance of grouted splice connections made with steel pipes and double spirals in connecting high tensile steel deformed bars. The parameters studied were the steel bar embedded lengths, grout strength and diameter of the pipe in influencing the tensile performance of the splice connections. A total of nine proposed grouted spiral connections with double spirals were tested under increasing axial tension until failure. The results indicated that the use of double spiral combined with grout strength of at least 60 N/mm2 and main steel bar embedded length of 10 times bar diameter could provide adequate bond strength to form a satisfactory precast connection system.

Abstract: This study used test frames were purposely detailed and constructed with observed deficiencies in investigated dormitory buildings of Turkey. In this study, four reinforced concrete frames were produced two storeys, one bay and 3D in 1/6 geometric scale was tested. Since the studied frame was the external frame of the structure, brick infill wall with a window opening was also included. The first specimen was the reference specimen and contained no strengthening and no brick wall. The second specimen was contained brick wall. The third specimen was strengthened with internal steel panel. Finally fourth specimen’s was strengthened with infilled RC shear wall. The test specimens were subjected to reversed cyclic quasi-static lateral loading. Strength of the test specimens were measured and compared. Test results indicated that the strengthened specimens displayed significantly higher lateral strength than the reference specimen considerably.

Abstract: The increase of energy consumption has produced significant environmental impacts such as climatic change, acid rain, photo chemical smog formation, nonrenewable resource consumption etc. Considering the urgency of saving the world’s energy reserve and reduction of environmental impacts, studies on the energy consumption throughout the life cycle of building materials are crucial.In this study, it was aimed to indicate the factors which contribute the energy efficiency in manufacturing processes of building materials. The study included the energy used for raw material extraction, production energy for manufacturing of building materials, transportation energy and construction energy on site. A literature review was made. Energy use and efficiency for each process were evaluated.

Abstract: In Reunion Island, many buildings have been equipped with PV panels on their roofs in order to produce electricity. These PV systems were built to increase the penetration of renewable energies in the public electricity grid and so reduce greenhouse effect gases emissions. This type of installation was designed just in order to produce electricity but many works have shown that PV systems integrated to walls can also cool or heat the buildings. This paper presents how PV systems integrated to building can be used to help meeting energy needs in two microclimates of the island by cooling or heating the building where it is installed. To show this, a building simulation code able to model BIPV buildings is used.

Abstract: This paper examines the causes and the collapse of an historic masonry tower, underlining the influence of material's resistance and in particular its state of conservation. NDT tests such as sonic test on masonry evaluates wave propagation's speed through the surface layers to investigate the state of material and stratification. A FE model has been used to determine dynamic parameter of the structure, and to make a comparison than effective damages. The investigation face the relation between the material and the structural seismic response of the tower.

Abstract: This paper mainly put forward to the structure of the vertically multichannel solar chimney, which is the inbuilt endothermic triangle wall. According to the method of numerical simulation, it researched and explored the characteristic of ventilation in the vertically multichannel solar chimney. The purpose of this paper is to research the variation of air volume to the optimize structure on vertically solar chimney depend on different conditions, including aisle width, W and the radius of the endothermic semicircular wall, S. In addition, it makes a comparison on air volume between optimized and traditional solar chimney structures. The results show that the air volume of the solar chimney with endothermic triangle wall increased 18%-25.4% than traditional structures within the prescribed limits such as radius (100mm, 150mm, 200mm and 250mm) and heat flux (1000W/m2). While there is not an obviously change on the air volume of solar chimney with variations in radius.

Abstract: Saturation-unsaturation process of compacted clay fill may lead to loss of shear strength and collapse compression or heave of the fill. These are the two main engineering problems associated with compacted clay fills and naturally before, granular based compacted fills are often employed at construction sites. Use of granular material for compaction may not be economical and sustainable. Therefore, a laboratory-based study was carried out to examine the structure of the compacted clay when used as backfill material. Several kaolin clay specimens prepared under similar condition were subjected to wetting with and without K₀ control.

Abstract: Composite materials are made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. The materials work together to give the composite more excellent properties than its components.Fiber reinforced composite materials constitute a widely used group of the composites. There are many researches about fiber reinforced composites. This study focused on fiber reinforced composite materials used in architecture unlike other researches. It was aimed to specify the benefits of the fiber composite materials for architecture and discussed several recent developments related to these materials. A literature review was made by grouping composites materials. The study reported that more research is needed for fiber reinforced composites to improve their technical performance, environmental and economic properties.