Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 173

Abstract: This paper presents a toolpath optimization strategy for 3D-printed ceramic structures, inspired by the continuous flow of weaving patterns. By adapting algorithms based on the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), the method generates uninterrupted extrusion paths that reduce retractions and minimize abrupt toolhead movements. This approach is validated through full-scale ceramic panel prints, examining the impact of pattern geometry, density, drying time, and shrinkage behavior. Results indicate that a panel with pattern density of 50–70%, combined with a 1.5 mm layer offset and a 2 mm fillet radius, produces the most stable and visually coherent prints. Additionally, the number of layers and toolpath sequence significantly affect drying rates and anisotropic shrinkage. This study highlights the potential of optimized toolpath design to improve both performance and aesthetic quality in clay-based additive manufacturing for architectural and industrial applications.

Abstract: This paper presents an experimental investigation of a scaled C-shaped rammed earth wall subjected to displacement-controlled monotonic lateral loading. The specimen was constructed using traditional manual compaction of soil containing 2% lime and tested under significant vertical load. Full-field deformation measurement and localized instrumentation captured the non-linear response, including the onset of cracking at 0.2% drift, progressive stiffness degradation and base slippage. Combined failure due to shear– and bending was observed. The results provide new experimental data on the seismic behavior of in-plane earth structures and contribute to the knowledge base needed for future numerical modelling and design of traditional rammed earth structures.

Abstract: Microbially induced bio-clogging presents a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional soil improvmeent methods for mitigating seepage in geotechnical applications. Despite its potential, uncertainties remain regarding the influence of bacterial concentration, culture medium application, and associated setting times under field-like conditions—factors which are critical to the effective deployment of this technology in practice. This study investigates the impact of bacterial bio-clogging on the hydraulic behaviour of coarse-grained soils, with particular emphasis on the system's performance during and following the cessation of culture medium supply. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the mechanisms of permeability reduction resulting from microbial colonisation and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production. Results demonstrate that bacterial adhesion and subsequent EPS accumulation lead to the progressive clogging of soil pores, causing a marked decline in saturated permeability. The observed reductions in permeability are comparable to those produced by traditional methods such as cement and bentonite grouting. This highlights the durability of the biofilm matrix and its ability to maintain hydraulic resistance in the absence of continued nutrient input. These findings contribute valuable insight into the viability of bio-clogging as a ground improvement strategy. By elucidating the relationship between bacterial activity, EPS production, and soil pore occlusion, this research advances the practical understanding required to optimise bio-mediated techniques for field-scale applications in sustainable geotechnical engineering.

Abstract: The Anglo-American term “eco house” is part of an emerging ecological hypothesis in architecture that prioritizes ecological responsibility for a sustainable future. This paper reviews and compares the technical, regulatory, and green rating frameworks applicable in India for sustainable habitat. Furthermore, the paper examines the extent of benefits achievable through Indian exemplar studies in three categories: best practices, green rating models, and solar models/net-zero energy models. Finally, the paper presents a cost-effective ‘Eco-house prototype,’ a design-build research project in Raipur. The house demonstrates the adoption of energy efficiency (both embodied and operational), water efficiency, and good indoor environmental quality measures, resulting in an ecologically sustainable habitat.

Abstract: Active shooter emergencies represent one of the most critical threats within the built environment. While numerous studies have aimed to enhance evacuation effectiveness, a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on evacuation systems for active shooter scenarios remains limited. This paper presents a systematic literature review of such studies, revealing that 1) current evacuation simulation systems lack real-time route optimization and rely on oversimplified floor plans, 2) evacuation facilitation systems overlook critical data such as shooter location and movement, and 3) evacuation training systems fail to offer scenario-specific guidance within actual building layouts. Based on these findings, this study outlines future research directions, including the development of IoT-enabled systems for real-time data sharing, advanced simulation models using detailed building spatial data, evacuation facilitation systems informed by active shooter dynamics, and training systems grounded in real-world building spatial data. These directions advance the understanding of active shooter evacuation by enhancing simulations, support systems, and training, ultimately helping reduce casualties in built environments.

Abstract: Morphometric analysis has been conducted to measure a river basin's linear, aerial, and relief aspects. Studies showed that basin morphometry has a relationship with the hydrologic phenomenon of a river basin, thus influencing occurrences of floods, run-off, erosion, and channel abrasion. The Binahaan River in Leyte, Philippines, has a history of frequent flooding events that average more than one damage-causing event yearly. The study aimed to determine the morphometric parameters of the Binahaan River basin and evaluate their implications for hydrologic processes, most specifically, flooding, using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to delineate, extract, and analyze the parameters. The study revealed the flood susceptibility ranking of the sub-catchments: High (catchments 6 and 7), Intermediate (catchments 1 and 5), and Low (catchments 2, 3, and 4). Catchments 6 and 7 were noted to have high basin relief, relief ratio, ruggedness number, and mean bifurcation ratio with low circularity ratio and compactness coefficient. Validation through interviews and georeferencing with existing flood hazard maps also mainly showed the same results. The study presented that morphometric analysis and GIS can be utilized to analyze drainage basins comprising large areas with time constraints but still yield accurate data.

Abstract: In the world, non-Newtonian flows, also known in Peru as landslides, currently generate human and, above all, material losses, and they are activated when heavy and prolonged rains occur. The magnitude and frequency of these phenomena have increased in the last 50 years not only due to the lack of management of water resources in streams, but also now due to the effects of climate change that has generated a change in the regional and local water cycle. To analyze this vulnerability in the Tinajas stream with 13km in length, a field campaign was executed and important precipitation data collection, then with the definition of the conceptual model a numerical model was applied, the latter was validated with a water footprint that occurred in 2017, with this methodology, the location of control structures called dikes of 150 m long, 5m wide and 4m high in strategic areas in the creek was proposed, and predictive scenarios were simulated to evaluate the contribution of the containment dikes to the vulnerability of this non-Newtonian mixture that converges more frequently in the Tinajas creek. The results of the hydrologic scenarios were analyzed with and without the control structures, obtaining up to 60% containment for a 200-year hydrologic event.

Abstract: This study investigated the performance and life cycle costs of a snow-melting system that employs waste heat from a building in the Matsunokitouge parking area of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. The average center temperature of the interlocking blocks and air temperature inside the pallets in the snowmelt area were 4.8°C and 9°C higher, respectively, than those in the non-snowmelt area during the short-term observation period. Snowmelt occurred in this system when the outdoor temperature was −2°C or higher and the snowfall rate was 2.5 cm/h or lower. The life cycle costs estimated based on the experimental results generally became lower than those of the conventional system within ten years.

Abstract: This study presents a hybrid solar thermal self-regulating power generation system, designed for installation on rooftops and other small spaces. In addition to functioning as a solar water heater, the system also incorporates a power generation mechanism, promoting the adoption of green energy within general households beyond industrial or government contexts. Unlike conventional solar systems that are often constrained by cost and space requirements, this device can be easily added to existing structures, enhancing user acceptance and facilitating broader participation in energy conservation and carbon reduction efforts. Experimental results shows that at the temperature difference between the thermoelectric modules reaches 17.5°C, the system can generate up to 23W of electrical power. Even during nighttime, the system can still generate electricity by utilizing the thermal energy stored in the water tank during the day, achieving an output power of up to 10W.

Abstract: Las comunidades rurales enfrentan acceso limitado al agua gestionada de manera segura, un problema agravado por las lluvias impulsadas por el viento y la variabilidad climática. Este estudio presenta, a escala de prototipo, un sistema móvil autónomo de recolección de lluvia cuyo embudo se reorienta automáticamente hacia la dirección predominante de la precipitación, superando la ineficiencia de los colectores estáticos. El dispositivo combina un embudo de acero galvanizado montado en un poste de acero con un servomotor controlado por Arduino, un anemómetro, un inclinómetro y un pluviómetro de cangilones basculantes, todos alimentados por un módulo fotovoltaico; un bajante de PVC canaliza el agua a un tanque de HDPE de 250 L. Las pruebas de campo en San Francisco de Asís, Ancalahuata, distrito de Chilca, Huancayo, Perú, compararon el prototipo con un colector estático de igual área proyectada. La unidad móvil capturó entre un 40 % y un 81 % más de agua; una prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov confirmó la normalidad y una prueba t independiente arrojó p < 0,01, lo que indica una mejora significativa. El tiempo promedio de reorientación para fijar la dirección dominante fue de 3,7 s, y la eficiencia se mantuvo bajo ráfagas de 22 km h⁻¹. Las encuestas (n = 12) mostraron un 92 % de intuición percibida y un 100 % de aceptación. Los resultados demuestran que una arquitectura móvil, autoalimentada y autoorientable para la captación de agua de lluvia puede aumentar significativamente la disponibilidad de agua en zonas rurales, manteniendo la simplicidad estructural y la aceptación social. En el futuro, se ampliará el diseño, se optimizará la lógica de control para condiciones extremas y se realizarán evaluaciones del ciclo de vida para facilitar su implementación en regiones con escasez de agua.