Cerebration Science Publishing Co., Limited
Structural Investigation of Fatigue Behaviors in Corroded Subsea Pipelines for CO2 Transportation Using the Strain–Life Approach
The subsea CO2 transport pipelines, which are closely related to environmentally sound technology under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, are subjected to cyclic loading from ocean currents, wave-induced forces, internal pressure fluctuations, and start–stop operating cycles. In harsh marine environments, corrosion may reduce pipe-wall strength and create local defects that promote fatigue crack initiation. These cracks may subsequently propagate under cyclic loading, leading to structural failure. This study investigates the fatigue crack initiation life of corroded subsea steel pipelines for CO2 transportation using an integrated local strain–life (ɛ–N) framework. The framework combines nonlinear finite element analysis, the Coffin–Manson–Basquin relation, and the Smith–Watson–Topper mean-stress correction. The modeled pipeline has an outer diameter of 300 mm, a wall thickness of 20 mm, and a length of 1,800 mm, with API 5L X65 steel adopted as the pipeline material. Rectangular corrosion defects with varying depth, length, and width are considered, while the internal pressure ranges from 0 to 20 MPa. Fully reversed cyclic bending is applied with a stress ratio of R = −1. The finite element results are used to extract local stress–strain responses at the corrosion defect, which are then used to predict fatigue crack initiation life. The results show that corrosion defects produce pronounced strain localization, in contrast to the relatively uniform strain distribution in intact pipelines. Corrosion depth is the most critical geometric parameter because it directly reduces the effective wall thickness and increases the local cyclic strain amplitude. Corrosion length affects fatigue life through strain redistribution: short defects behave as severe strain concentrators, whereas longer defects reduce peak strain under displacement-controlled bending. Corrosion width has a secondary effect by modifying the circumferential constraint. Internal pressure further reduces fatigue life by introducing tensile membrane stress and a non-zero local mean stress. Overall, fatigue crack initiation in corroded subsea CO2 pipelines is governed by the coupled effects of thickness reduction, strain localization, circumferential constraint, and pressure-induced mean stress. These findings highlight the importance of local strain-based assessment for reliable pipeline integrity evaluation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Future Cities and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Hybrid AHP–Machine Learning Framework for Integrating Generative AI as a Co-Creative Partner in Interior Design Engineering Studios
This research focuses on the increasing but poorly specified use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in interior design engineering studios, which in the past have been focused on adopting the tool and perception-based evaluation rather than conducting engineering-level reproducible evaluation of the learning that is taking place in the co-creative processes. It evaluates a framework for assessing co-creativity using three stages (Dialogical Exploration, Critical Synthesis, and Critical Synthesis) along with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model for weighting the co-creativity criteria, the resulting Co-Creative Performance Index (CCPI), and machine learning with explainability for predicting performance based on process behaviors. Outcome analysis from the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) indicated that the relative weights were on Creativity and Conceptual Diversity (weight w = 0.20), Critical Thinking and Justification (weight w = 0.19), and AI Literacy and Prompting Competence (weight w = 0.18), with sound expert consistency (CR = 0.06). The CCPI increased dramatically from .329 (SD = .032) prior to intervention to .599 (SD = .027), securing a mean gain of .270 (SD = .046). Predictive analysis showed that co-creative performance is a behaviorally learnable process with XGBoost achieving strong cross-validated accuracy (R^2 = 0.82, RMSE = 0.041, MAE = 0.033).
Mechanical Performance and Compressive Behaviour of Plastic Waste–Based Brick under Horizontal and Vertical Loading Orientations
Plastic waste–based bricks (PW-Bricks) offer a promising pathway for plastic waste valorisation in the construction sector; however, their mechanical performance is commonly evaluated using a single compressive strength metric that does not reflect actual masonry loading conditions. This study investigates the compressive behaviour of PW-Bricks under horizontal and vertical loading and proposes an orientation-sensitive evaluation framework for mix optimization. PW-Bricks incorporating 20–50% plastic waste were fabricated alongside conventional cement–sand bricks as control specimens and tested at curing ages of 3, 7, and 10 days following ASTM C109/C109M-21. The results demonstrate a pronounced orientation-dependent response. Under horizontal loading, compressive strength increased with plastic waste content and curing age, reaching 30.15 MPa for PW-Bricks containing 50% plastic waste at 10 days, compared with 22.74 MPa for conventional bricks. In contrast, under vertical loading, PW-Bricks exhibited relatively low and nearly constant compressive strengths ranging from 1.08 to 1.22 MPa, whereas conventional bricks achieved 2.48 MPa at 10 days. To evaluate this trade-off, normalized horizontal and vertical strength indices were integrated into a composite performance index balancing enhanced horizontal resistance with minimum vertical stability requirements. Based on this evaluation, PW-Bricks containing 40% plastic waste were identified as the optimal mix, providing the most favourable balance between mechanical performance, material homogeneity, and sustainability. The proposed framework offers a transferable methodology for evaluating heterogeneous waste-based masonry materials and supports application-oriented mix design for non-load-bearing and semi-structural masonry systems.
Orientation-dependent compressive behaviour
Punching Shear Behavior of Polymer Nanocomposite Flat Slabs with Shear Reinforcement under Monotonic Loading
This study investigates the punching shear response of flat slabs made with polymer nanocomposite materials and different amounts of shear reinforcement under monotonic loading. Eight slab models were analyzed using three-dimensional finite element analysis, including both normal concrete and polymer nanocomposite slabs. The results show that adding shear reinforcement increases the load the slabs can carry and limits their deformation. In the polymer nanocomposite models, the ultimate load increased from 525 kN without shear reinforcement to 562.5 kN with Ø12 shear reinforcement, while the maximum deflection was reduced by up to 38.1%. Compared with the normal concrete models, the polymer nanocomposite slabs carried 45–55% higher loads and dissipated up to 238% more energy. The higher stiffness and shear resistance obtained with additional reinforcement were accompanied by a small reduction in ductility, indicating a stiffer response before failure. The stress contours also showed that larger shear reinforcement diameters spread the stress over a wider region and reduced the concentration around the column. Taken together, the results show that polymer nanocomposite materials can improve the punching shear response of flat slabs, particularly when combined with suitable shear reinforcement.
Ultimate Capacity of Subsea CO2 Transport Pipelines with Semi-Elliptical Corrosion Defects under Combined Internal Pressure and Bending Moment: A Finite Element Study
This study investigates the ultimate bending capacity of API 5L X52 subsea CO2 transport pipelines as part of environmentally sound technology within Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, incorporating idealized semi-elliptical corrosion defects under combined internal pressure and bending moment. A nonlinear finite element model was benchmarked against published four-point bending tests on corroded pipes with rectangular defects for validation purposes. The validated modeling procedure was then applied to a deterministic parametric study involving 33 selected cases, with corrosion depth ratios of = 0.1 – 0.8, defect length ratios of = 0.2 – 1.2, and internal pressures ranging from 0 to 20 MPa. The results show that corrosion depth is the primary parameter controlling bending-capacity degradation because it reduces the residual wall thickness, local section stiffness, and shell stability at the remaining ligament. Increasing defect length reduces the bending capacity up to a saturation region, after which the response is mainly governed by the weakest local cross-section. For the investigated semi-elliptical defect configuration, internal pressure reduces the ultimate bending capacity rather than improving it. The pressure-induced circumferential stress interacts with the bending-induced axial stress, promoting earlier yielding and local buckling at the corroded ligament. The normalized ultimate bending capacity at and decreased from 0.95 to 0.86 as the pressure increased from 0 to 20 MPa. These findings indicate that the residual bending capacity of corroded CO2 pipelines should be assessed by considering the coupled effects of metal-loss geometry, pressure-induced membrane stress, and local shell instability. The results are deterministic estimates and are limited to the investigated pipe geometry, idealized single-defect morphology, material model, and loading range. The benchmark validation supports the FE framework but does not directly validate the semi-elliptical defect morphology.
Barriers and Challenges in BIM-Enabled Facility Management: A Delphi Study in Thailand
Building Information Modeling for Facility Management (BIM-FM) has gained increasing attention as an approach to improving building operation and lifecycle management. However, BIM-FM adoption in Thailand remains limited due to organizational, technological, and managerial challenges. This study aims to identify and prioritize the barriers affecting BIM-FM adoption within the Thai context using the Delphi method. A two-round Delphi study was conducted with 29 experts from academia and industry with experience in BIM-FM. The questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and expert interviews. The findings indicate that insufficient management support, budget limitations, inadequate training, shortages of BIM-FM experts, and the lack of standardized data management practices are the most significant barriers. The results also suggest that these barriers are interrelated and can be categorized into three levels: root causes, operational barriers, and outcome barriers. In addition, the study proposes a BIM-FM implementation framework to support sustainable facility management practices. This research contributes to the BIM-FM body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence from a developing-country context and highlighting the influence of organizational and policy-related factors on BIM-FM adoption in Thailand.
Energy plus concept application on Stadia: Simulation based research on International Olympic stadium Challenges in Egypt
Large-scale sports infrastructure represents one of the most energy-intensive building typologies, posing significant challenges to national climate strategies especially the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the integration of renewable energy systems within the built environment. This research proposes a decision-support framework to transition sports stadia from high-demand consumers to Net Plus-Energy (NPE) hubs within decentralized Energy Communities, supplying the main grid with excess energy within the surrounding community. Using TRNSYS simulation software, the study evaluates the renewable energy potential of the International Olympic Stadium in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. The methodology integrates environmental data analysis with smart storage management to develop various energy autonomy scenarios. Results indicate that the optimized configuration not only meets the stadium’s total annual demand but generates a significant surplus represent 46% excess energy of the stadium renewable sources generation, validating the feasibility of the stadium as a primary energy node. This study provides a quantitative framework for evaluating energy autonomy in mega-scale buildings and offers strategic recommendations for the Egyptian Building Code to enhance renewable technology integration and opens up for a new section within the Code regarding new building types, directly supporting Egypt Vision 2030 and global energy transition goals.
BIM in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis About BIM and Digital Twin
Even though the integration of BIM and digital twin technologies is still relatively new, it has rapidly become a key research focus due to the urgent need for a technologically advanced and sustainable built environment. This research paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric literature analysis of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twins in the construction sector. By exploring a global dataset of 239 publications, the study dives into co-citation, co-authorship, and keyword patterns to pinpoint influential authors, emerging research clusters, and key trends. The findings show a rapid surge in BIM research, peaking in 2023, with international collaborations driven by countries like the United Kingdom, China, and Australia. The thematic clusters emphasize sustainability, Industry 4.0, construction 4.0, and smart city development, highlighting how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and automation are changing construction management. This analysis paper shines a light on future opportunities for seamlessly integrating BIM and Digital Twins into construction and smart infrastructure projects, serving as a strategic roadmap for researchers and practitioners to understand the evolving BIM and Digital Twin research area.
Toward Low-Carbon Cement: Comparative Assessment of Industrial and Plant-Based SCMs for Cleaner Cement Production
The environmental impact of cement production has to be lowered since normal Portland cement generates approximately 0.8 kg CO2 per kilogram and produces approximately 10% of all emissions worldwide. This paper explores the effect of partial replacement of cement by addition of cementitious materials (SCM) which are fly ash, bagasse, silica fume, quartz powder and calcium carbonate on performance as well as sustainability. Water to binder ratios of 0.30 and 0.40 were used to prepare cement pastes with dosage of 5% to 25% by mass of SCM. Indirect tensile strength were conducted and estimated CO2 savings. The dominance patterns globally are indicated by the slope graphs of the winners at each W/C. The global dominance patterns are captured by the heatmaps with isocontours. The findings indicate that when quartz and bagasse ash content in low to moderate amounts (10–15percent) were replaced, tensile strength rose by 23–88 percent than in controls and clinker demand was minimized by as much as 15 percent. Silica fume showed the greatest uplift of +58% at 5–10 per cent mixes of high water-to-cement but showed no improvement at low W/C. Calcium carbonate showed more modest and broader, with maxims of 15–20 per cent replacement. Fly ash has always had a low performance on early age controls because of the slow pozzolanic reaction. The calculated sustainability indices showed that a 15 percent cement replacement will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 0.12 per tonne of binder, which depicts significant environmental advantages. Results show that quartz powder (10–15%) and bagasse ash (10–15 %) significantly enhance early age tensile strength (up to 88%), while a 15% cement replacement reduces embodied CO₂ by approximately 0.12 t per tonne of binder, demonstrating a direct performance sustainability synergy. This work shows that the direct correlation of mechanical performance with embodied CO2 reductions can be used to generate cleaner and sustainable binders through optimized use of agro-industrial wastes and filler type SCMs to promote both performance objectives and cleaner production strategies.
The New Urban Paradigm (Synergistic Antifragility): The Role of Complex Systems Theory and Network Theory in Enhancing Urban Synergy and Mitigating Fragility
Cities today are under increasing systemic stressors that expose the limitations of conventional resilience discourses. In answer, this paper proposes an ambitious dual urban model in Synergistic – Antifragile Urbanism that moves beyond mere survival, to enable cities to grow and thrive under uncertainty. Based on Network Theory and Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), the model represents an integrated schema incorporating six dimensions: interactive-structural, dynamic-functional, transformative-social, inclusive-environmental, participatory-institutional and enabling-digital—by means of three core mechanisms, integration, cooperation and effective interaction. The paradigm envisages urban form as an organic and mobile entity as opposed to a static form, and capable of emerge forces of collective worth (synergy) and growth through disorder (antifragility). The model is applied as an evaluative framework to the public space of Bab al-Sharqi area in Baghdad, historically significant as the location of the Tahrir Square and Al-Umma Park. A structured Likert-scale questionnaire was issued to 41 urban specialists who are simultaneously the users of the site To obtain assessments based on both experience and expertise. The study used SPSS v.26 and Microsoft Excel for the data analysis of the results from the questionnaire and from which the mean, To arrive at descriptive and quantitative statistical analyses. In review, the results show a moderate all-embracing performance, with significant strengths to be found in its physical connectivity, functional multiplicity and social interaction—the results show critical weaknesses also in institutional participation and digital responsiveness. Overall, the results indicate that this particular spatial location displays the prodromal conditions of potential synergies, but has not yet emerged through the complete integrated system dynamics with feedback system of potential antifragility. The research offers An urban diagnostic tool was able to effectively reveal the ineffective dimensions of the urban model in the study area, and to develop an effective strategy for activating a comprehensive urban model capable of addressing current challenges and supporting future development possibilities
Cross Ventilation Enhancement in Small Dwelling Units with Double-loaded Corridor: A CFD and Field Study in Bangkok
Small dwelling units in urban multi-storey buildings often suffer from inadequate ventilation due to single-sided openings, which negatively impacts thermal comfort and indoor air quality. This study investigated solutions to enhance cross ventilation, adopting a typical studio-unit layout of a Bangkok apartment as a case study. CFD simulations were conducted for 48 scenarios, varying by the internal opening design, wind direction, and unit location. Each scenario was evaluated using the average indoor velocity coefficient at occupied level (Cvi) and the product of the velocity coefficient at openings and inlet area (Cvo × A). It was found that the base case unit (BC) provided the poorest performance (mean Cvi = 0.01; Cvo × A = 0.02). The improved unit with a transom window (C1) exhibited higher mean Cvi and Cvo × A values (0.09 and 0.26, respectively), while the unit improved with a louvre door (C2) achieved the highest values (0.20 and 0.76, respectively). The most significant parameter for improving mean Cvi and Cvo × A was found to be the opening design, followed by wind direction in relation to building orientation, and unit location, respectively. Further analysis based on Bangkok’s climate indicated that the ventilation rate of most BC unit scenarios failed to meet the recommended criterion (5.0 ACH). In comparison, the C1 unit and C2 unit achieved ACH ranging from 12.6 to 173.7, consistently meeting the recommended criterion throughout the year across all building orientations and unit locations. Moreover, several scenarios of the C2 unit can provide occupied-level air velocities that pass the recommended criterion for thermal comfort throughout the year. The findings revealed both the potential and limitations of using internal openings for cross ventilation in compact units to improve indoor air quality and thermal comfort, providing practical solutions for architects and policymakers to enhance sustainable residential design.
Ultimate Bending Capacity of Wind Turbine Tower Structures: A New Empirical Formulation Based on the Geometric and Material Factors
Wind energy is emerging as the most promising sustainable energy source due to its abundant resources and environmental benefits. One of the most essential parts of a wind turbine system is the tower, as it is responsible for supporting the weight of the tower top and the loads given by its environment. The preliminary design of the tower section of the wind turbine system is crucial to ensure the system's safety, and a simplified formula is needed to make it more practical. A comprehensive series of ultimate strength analyses on tapered pipes was performed to optimize the tower design, involving the variation and cross-combination of numerous geometric and material parameters. A total of 900 tapered pipe configurations were assessed using finite element method (FEM) analysis via the ABAQUS/CAE program. In the case of tapered cylindrical shells length variations, there was an increase in bending moment from the plastic deformation phase to the critical phase of 29%, 31%, and 39% for pipes measuring 50 m, 30 m, and 10 m, respectively, with the highest ultimate moment of 278.7 kN·m achieved at a pipe length of 50 m. The ultimate bending moment values were then formulated through regression analysis, resulting in a derived formula to predict the ultimate bending capacity of tapered pipes for wind turbine structures. The findings revealed that varying multiple parameters significantly impacted the ultimate strength and critical failure modes of the tapered pipe. The newly developed formula showed good accuracy, providing a reliable tool for design predictions
Single-Family Wooden House That Chases the Sun and Saved Energy
For several decades now, the energy problem has been a matter of vital importance, both for the very existence of human beings and for that of our planet. Real solutions are based on energy savings and energy production through renewable energy sources (RES). The building industry, with consumption corresponding to about 40% of global energy needs, is a sector of great interest for which to develop such solutions. This article aims to present a study relating to the actual energy gains that can be obtained from the construction of solar-tracking buildings. The study was conducted by taking into consideration a standard single-family timber building, with a rectangular geometry and a flat roof, and making calculations in correspondence for 21 Italian locations. This article presents the results of the 11 sites that best represent the different climatic conditions present in Italy. Starting from astrophysics and heat transfer studies, it has been demonstrated that the rotation of a building with a speed equal to the apparent speed of the Sun, characterized by appropriate angles of incidence of the rays depending on the different climatic conditions encountered during the year, makes it possible to obtain energy gains of great interest, both in the autumn-winter heating phase and in the spring-summer cooling phase, without compromising the conventional techniques used in the energy-saving sector. In addition, further energy increases are obtained by photovoltaic and solar-thermal systems, located on the roof of the structure.
Harnessing Oman's Basalt Resources for Economic Diversification: A Strategic Roadmap for High-Value Manufacturing and Clean Energy Applications
In line with its Vision 2040 goals for economic diversification, the Sultanate of Oman holds extensive but largely untapped basalt reserves. This study presents a screening-level techno-economic analysis and strategic roadmap for transforming this indigenous resource from a low-value commodity into a cornerstone of a high-value and sustainable industrial ecosystem. The research methodology integrates a quantitative analysis of Oman's current basalt sector with a formal comparative economic model to quantify the potential for value addition. The study highlights a stark economic contrast: exporting raw basalt earns only about $7.30 per tonne, while converting it into Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) rebar can generate over $2,500 per tonne. The analysis shows a conservative value increase of more than 300 times, with a preliminary Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) demonstrating that BFRP significantly outperforms traditional steel economically in infrastructure projects. It also confirms that Omani basalt from the Samail Ophiolite is exceptionally well-suited for producing advanced fibers. Furthermore, this paper identifies and discusses a parallel strategic opportunity for Oman to leverage these same geological formations for large-scale, permanent carbon sequestration with the potential for clean hydrogen co-generation. The paper concludes by proposing a phased strategic roadmap for Oman, recommending the prioritized development of an integrated BFRP rebar value chain while initiating research into basalt-based climate technologies, thereby positioning the Sultanate as a future regional leader in both advanced green materials and the global energy transition.
Low-Cost Solutions for Concrete Enhancement: Assessing Steel Clamp Efficacy
This study evaluates the effectiveness of steel clamps as a low-cost passive confinement system for reinforced concrete (RC) under axial compression. Cylindrical RC specimens with different unconfined strengths, reinforcement types, and numbers of steel clamps (3, 5, and 11) were experimentally tested to investigate their influence on failure modes, compressive strength, strain capacity, and energy dissipation. The results show that steel clamp confinement significantly delayed cracking, improved ductility, and enhanced compressive performance. Peak compressive strength increased by up to 77%, while strain at peak strength and ultimate strain improved by up to 268% and 900%, respectively. Energy dissipation increased by nearly 2000% in highly confined specimens. Based on the experimental data, nonlinear regression-based expressions were developed to predict peak strength, peak strain, and post-peak degradation behavior, enabling accurate simulation of the full stress–strain response. The proposed analytical model follows the ACI 440 formulation style and provides a practical design-oriented tool for applying steel clamp confinement in RC elements.
Comprehensive Energy and Decarbonisation Audit of a Multi-Unit Residential Building in Toronto: Methods, Findings, and Recommendations
This research investigates a structured energy audit methodology to support the decarbonisation of multi-residential buildings, with a primary focus on operational energy performance. The objective is to develop and apply a systematic framework that integrates audit levels, detailed data collection, and software-based energy modelling to quantify energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The methodology combines site inspections, thermographic analysis, benchmarking, and eQuest simulation to evaluate baseline conditions and retrofit scenarios. Results identify space heating and electricity consumption as dominant energy and emissions drivers. Targeted retrofit measures demonstrate substantial potential to reduce energy demand and carbon intensity when expressed in kg CO₂e. Importantly, the correlation analysis does not capture retrofit interactions, system efficiencies, or behavioural adaptations following upgrades, nor the compounding effects of bundled measures. Carbon-counting results show these combined effects to be significant, with the full retrofit package achieving an overall emissions reduction of approximately 25%, equivalent to more than 1,100 t CO₂e annually. Overall, separating results from interpretation strengthens decision-making and confirms the value of operationally focused audits for prioritising decarbonisation strategies in existing multi-residential building stock.
Current Milestone and Emerging Trend of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technology: Bibliometric Analysis and Review of Risk-Hazard, Economic, and Numerical Assessments
Background: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is emerging as a potential solution to reduce CO2 emissions. This technology captures CO2 for reuse or stores it safely underground, preventing pollution of the atmosphere. CCS is the best technology to control climate change and global warming. Purpose: This review aims to map the achievements that have been made and future research trends. Methods: This bibliometric review analyzes CCS-related research from 2010 to 2024 using the Scopus database. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software are used for data processing and visualization. Findings: Significant advances have been made in CCS technology research. The growth of the number of publications, collaboration networks, the most influential contributors, and research trends has been mapped, which can be used as a reference for future research. Conclusions: The methodology used can still be refined to eliminate the potential bias in data interpretation. However, certain conclusions can be drawn from this bibliometric analysis. The research trend began to shift toward efforts to utilize CO2 in useful products, improve safety, and reduce implementation costs. Originality: This bibliometric review provides an in-depth examination of the scientific literature on CCS, with a particular emphasis on risk assessment, economic perspectives, and numerical modeling. In contrast to previous bibliometric research, it stands out by integrating these three central themes while also highlighting the limitations and gaps in existing knowledge
Extreme Value Theory for Climate-Related Environmental Disaster Risk Analysis: A Review of Urban Impacts and Vulnerabilities
Climate change is a major contributing factor to environmental disasters, frequently increase the risk and vulnerability of urban areas to various hazards. Appropriate methods for analysing climate change indicators are essential for developing risk management strategies in urban areas. Extreme Value Theory (EVT) provides a robust statistical framework for modelling and predicting rare, high impact events, making it essential for assessing climate-related risks. This review examines the application of EVT in analysing environmental disasters triggered by climate change, focusing on the Block Maxima (BM) method and Peak Over Threshold (POT) approaches, with an emphasis on assessing urban impacts and vulnerabilities. Through a comprehensive literature review, this paper highlights EVT’s growing importance in predicting extreme climate events in cities, underscoring its value for researchers, policymakers, and disaster risk managers that are important for urban adaptation strategies. The findings confirm the effectiveness of EVT in reliably modelling and predicting extreme environmental events, indicating its competence to obtain accurate risk estimates that reflect observed extreme events through its return period calculations. The BM is beneficial for determining absolute extremes, while POT provides more detail about threshold-exceeding extreme events. EVT describes an essential framework for modelling extreme environmental disasters exacerbated by climate change, enabling the development of adaptive strategies to reduce urban impacts and vulnerabilities.
Integrating Historic Areas with the Urban Fabric for Sustainable Development: The Case of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
This research investigates the integration of heritage centers into the urban fabric to achieve sustainable development, with Diriyah in Saudi Arabia as a case study. The study emphasizes the dual objective of conserving cultural identity while promoting socio-economic vitality. The novelty of the research lies in combining Space Syntax analysis with a comprehensive literature review, offering a framework that links spatial configuration with heritage conservation. The methodology compares pre- and post-development scenarios of Diriyah, where global integration values increased by 27% and local connectivity improved by 19%, reflecting enhanced accessibility and potential social interaction. These findings provide evidence-based insights into how heritage preservation can be aligned with contemporary urban planning strategies, contributing to a broader model for sustainable revitalization in historic cities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Future Cities and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Field-Validated Digital Twin–Enabled Structural Health Monitoring for Offshore High-Pile Wharves
Offshore high-pile wharves operate under harsh, variable loads that can mask the earliest signs of deterioration. We present a closed-loop structural health monitoring (SHM) framework that couples multimodal machine/deep learning with a physics-based digital twin (DT). A year-long field deployment at an operating high-pile wharf in Western Asia instrumented six piles with triaxial accelerometers and strain gauges (GPS-synchronized, 100 Hz). After quality control and environmental/operational variability normalization, an unsupervised VAE produces an anomaly score that is fused with a CNN–GNN classifier to yield window-level damage probabilities and pile-by-elevation localization. The DT assimilates these diagnostics through weighted least squares and an EKF, with measurement covariance derived from model uncertainty; “what-if” simulations quantify the structural consequence of candidate repairs. Under chronological splits with leave-one-pile-out, the framework achieves F1 = 0.95 and AUC-ROC = 0.98, with false-alarm rate ≈ 2–5 % and median detection latency ≈ 45 s. Spatial heatmaps consistently pinpoint the affected elevation, while online updating reduces mean frequency bias from ≈ 4.8 % to ≈ 0.9 % and increases mode-shape MAC from ≈ 0.81 to ≥ 0.92. First-mode shifts of ≈ 3–4 % observed in the field are reproduced by DT “stiffness-restoration” scenarios, enabling risk-informed maintenance planning. Compared on identical normalized windows, the proposed method outperforms classical vibration-based indices in both discrimination and false-alarm control. The results demonstrate a scalable, explainable pathway to predictive asset management for critical maritime infrastructure. Beyond structural safety, the proposed framework contributes to sustainable port operation by enabling condition-based maintenance, reducing unnecessary inspections, extending asset service life, and lowering the embodied carbon associated with premature repair or replacement.
damage localization; environmental/operational variability (EOV)
modal updating; uncertainty quantification
Intelligent Structural Health Monitoring of Jack-Up Platform Legs Using High-Density Sensor Networks, Real-Time Digital Twins, and Machine Learning-Based Damage Detection
Offshore jack-up platforms operate in harsh marine environments, where undetected structural degradation can quickly escalate into catastrophic failure. To address this challenge, this study presents an intelligent Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) framework specifically designed for jack-up platform legs. Unlike previous offshore SHM approaches that often rely on single-modality vibration analysis or lack field-validated digital twins, the proposed system integrates high-density wireless sensor networks, a real-time physics-based digital twin, and advanced machine learning to enable accurate and timely damage detection under real operating conditions. The architecture deploys 128 marinized sensor nodes in a mesh network, continuously feeding data into a high-fidelity finite element digital twin updated via extended Kalman filtering. A hybrid learning pipeline—combining variational autoencoders for anomaly detection with graph neural networks for spatial localization—enables high-resolution damage assessment without extensive labeled field data. Laboratory-scale validation on a 1:22 physical model and preliminary offshore deployment demonstrated the system’s ability to detect stiffness losses as small as 2.5%, with localization errors within ±0.8 m and a classification accuracy of 94.2%. Edge computing at the sensor level reduced communication loads by 65% while maintaining an end-to-end inference latency of 850–1100 ms. Field deployment over six months achieved 94.7% uptime, with maintenance costs reduced by 23% and unplanned downtime by 41%. An extended 18-month trial further achieved 99.2% availability, a 34% cost reduction, and a 67% reduction in downtime. This integrated, field-proven framework offers a scalable solution for continuous monitoring, early damage detection, and maintenance optimization in critical offshore assets.
Blue-Green Infrastructure and Cleaner Air: A Systematic Literature Review for the UK
Air pollution is a widespread problem that impacts both indoor and outdoor spaces, posing serious risks to human health and well-being. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution have detrimental effects on human health and the climate, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disorders, respiratory illnesses, and global warming. Many cities throughout the world, including those in the UK, have explored the potential of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) as a strategy in addressing air quality. BGI is a nature-friendly strategy of working with green spaces - such as street trees, parks or gardens; and blue elements such as rivers, wetlands, canals or lakes to address climate change and environmental degradation while promoting the creation of resilient and liveable cities. However, BGI’s efficacy varies depending on design, scale, and location; therefore, customised strategies are needed for various urban settings. According to this systematic review of the latest research (years 2015 to 2025) on BGI and air pollution; road-side trees, green walls, and wetlands as a blue infrastructure help in filtering outdoor pollutants. By reducing pollutant concentrations and fostering sustainable urban environments, green infrastructure may have a great potential to enhance outdoor air quality in comparison to indoor air quality. The systematic review also points out the need for policy frameworks to include evidence-based strategies into urban planning, ensuring that outdoor BGI is accessible, equitable, and effective in addressing air pollution and climate challenges. Trans-disciplinary research is necessary to optimise BGI deployment to develop future British cities that prioritise sustainability, clean air, and public health.
Performance Analysis of Salt-In-Pumice Composites Under Varying Air Velocities for Thermochemical Heat Storage
Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) offers significant potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing the utilization of renewable energy sources. The performance of TCES systems is critically influenced by the properties of thermochemical heat storage materials (TCMs), which directly affect both energy efficiency and storage capacity. In this study, a laboratory-scale experimental investigation was conducted to assess the performance of three pumice-based composite TCMs (P/LiCl-CaCl₂, P/CaCl₂, and CS-P/CaCl₂) under varying air velocities. Pumice particles with diameters of 1–3 mm were employed for P/LiCl-CaCl₂ and P/CaCl₂, whereas coarse size (CS) (4–6 mm) pumice was used for CS-P/CaCl₂. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of particle size and LiCl incorporation on the thermal performance of composite TCMs. Key performance indicators, including energy efficiency (ηI), exergy efficiency (ηII), energy storage density (Ed), and outlet peak temperature (To,p), were determined. For P/LiCl-CaCl₂, average energy efficiencies of 64.0% and 76.6% were recorded at air velocities of 2.1 m/s and 3.7 m/s, respectively, with corresponding exergy efficiencies of 10.5% and 11.2%, and Tₒ,p values of 46.4 °C and 47.7 °C. The P/CaCl₂ composite achieved lower performance, with energy efficiencies of 44.7% and 48.4%, exergy efficiencies of 4.9% and 5.2%, and Tₒ,p values of 42.5 °C and 39.0 °C. For CS-P/CaCl₂, energy efficiencies were 64.2% and 72.2%, exergy efficiencies were 5.8% and 5.4%, and Tₒ,p values were 40.9 °C and 39.0 °C, respectively. The maximum Ed of approximately 181 kWh/m³ was observed for P/LiCl-CaCl₂ at 3.7 m/s. Across all composite materials, both energy efficiency and Ed increased with higher air velocity. Furthermore, the exergy efficiency of P/LiCl-CaCl₂ was nearly double that of the other two composites, indicating a clear advantage of LiCl incorporation combined with smaller pumice particle sizes.
Performance Investigation on the Heat Transfer of Composite rGO-SiO₂ Nanofluid in a Radiator
High-performing cooling fluids are increasingly gaining prominence in thermal applications due to their superior heat transfer (HT) features compared to conventional coolants. This is attributed to the sub-optimal cooling and heat transfer limitations by conventional coolants. Reports reveal that HT enhancement includes different modifications to the radiator for effective heat dissipation, engineered suspensions of nanoparticles in base fluids ensures the direct deployment of existing radiators. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticle was prepared by modified Hummer’s technique via reduction process, with graphite powder as starting material, while silicon dioxide (SiO₂) was commercially sought. A comparative study was conducted to investigate the heat transfer of de-ionised (DI) water-based rGO-SiO₂ against its individual make-ups (rGO and SiO₂). At different volumetric concentrations (0.1%–0.3%) and temperature (20-60°C), SiO₂-rGO|0.3 composite nanofluid achieved a thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement of 16.8%, 9.4%, 7.1%, and 1.8% over the DI-Water, SiO₂|0.1, rGO|0.1, and SiO₂|0.3, which suggest a quick temperature equalization and better heat dissipation potential via Brownian motion, but 0.6% lower Tc compared to rGO|0.3 nanofluid. The viscosities of SiO₂|0.1, rGO|0.1, SiO₂|0.3, rGO|0.3 and SiO₂-rGO|0.3 nanofluids increased by 4.5%, 8.8%, 12.2%, 17.0%, and 14.0%, respectively, which may lead to an increase in pumping power demand, however, the positive figure of merit (TCR>1.0) justifies the nanofluids as better alternative to the basefluid. Furthermore, the Nu values of DI-Water/rGO SiO₂|0.3 was enhanced by 27.4%, 11.6%, 13.2%, 7.6% and 3.9% over the basefluid, SiO₂|0.1, rGO|0.1, SiO₂|0.3 and rGO|0.3 nanofluids, with an observable Nu increment of 3.71% and 8.87% of SiO|0.3 and rGO|0.3 compared to SiO|0.1 and rGO|0.1, respectively. In conclusion, TC ratio of the nanofluids were above unity, indicating enhanced heat transfer capability of the nanofluids compared to the base-fluid, and the MATLAB implementation of the proposed nusselt number correlation, fitted from experimental data achieved an R2 = 0.964.
Multi-Level Simulation for Dynamic Analysis of A Domestic Electric oven in Forced Convective Heating—Evaluation and Optimization of Energy Consumption Using the Brick Test
The study proposes a novel method aimed at the optimization of the energy consumption of a domestic electric oven. The goal is to achieve the best trade-off between the oven energy consumption and its performance in terms of thermal distribution. The method revolves around a multi-level analysis that couples detailed, steady-state CFD results with the transient evaluation of the associated lumped parameters. In particular, the distribution of the heat transfer coefficients (convective and radiative) is computed through the CFD analysis and used as the input for the dynamic analysis to get the time evolution of the oven energy consumption. The tested oven has a volume of 68L and is equipped with three heating elements. The numerical model has been validated through measurement data on the temperature distribution, showing high accuracy in predicting the thermal behaviour and energy fluxes of the cavity. Moreover, experimental validation of the energy consumption has been performed following the EN 60350 standard, which involves a wet brick initially cooled to 5 ± 2 °C and then heated until its core temperature rises by 55 °C. Results suggest that this approach can lead to a substantial reduction of the oven energy consumption while maintaining high performance standards.
Renewable Energy Integration throughSemi-Transparent Photovoltaic Windows: A Framework for Sustainable UrbanDevelopment in Hot Climates
As cities in hot climate regions face escalating challenges from rapid urbanization and climate change, there is a pressing need for innovative strategies that reduce building energy demands while ensuring occupant comfort and environmental quality. Semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) windows present a promising solution by enabling on-site renewable energy generation through building façades, without compromising daylight access or architectural integrity. This study proposes a practical framework for integrating STPV technologies to support urban sustainability in hot climates, based on a multi-dimensional analysis of energy performance, thermal behaviour, and visual comfort under intense solar exposure. Critical design and operational challenges—such as overheating, glare, and dust accumulation—are examined to inform climate-responsive integration strategies. Insights from the Msheireb Smart City case study in Qatar illustrate how mixed-use developments can leverage STPV technologies to enhance energy efficiency, align with climate adaptation goals, and maintain cohesive architectural aesthetics. Findings suggest that STPV systems have the potential to reduce cooling loads by up to 25% and provide on-site electricity generation that could meet 10–20% of a building’s energy needs, depending on factors such as glazing type, orientation, and integration method. This study also highlights the potential of STPV to contribute to policy recommendations on sustainable energy practices in hot climates. By positioning STPV systems at the intersection of renewable energy innovation and urban climate resilience, this research offers actionable guidance for advancing sustainability in hot-climate cities through integrated building design, energy strategy, and urban planning.
Sustainability Assessment of Farming in Northeast India Using PSR Model
Agricultural sustainability in India’s North Eastern Region (NER) is challenging due to mounting environmental degradation, socio-economic inequalities, and institutional gaps. The region faces challenges such as land degradation, limited irrigation, and inadequate rural infrastructure despite its rich agroecological diversity and traditional practices. This study assesses the sustainability of agriculture in the eight Northeastern states using the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model to generate a composite Agricultural Sustainability Index (ASI). A total of 16 indicators across environmental, economic, and social dimensions are selected. These indicators are normalized using the Min-Max method, and objective weights are assigned using the entropy method. The PSR framework was applied to analyze human-induced pressures, the current state of resources, and institutional responses across the states. Findings show significant spatial disparities. Tripura ranks highest in sustainability (ASI = 0.543), owing to better productivity, irrigation, and strong social indicators. Assam (ASI = 0.481) and Meghalaya (ASI = 0.430) follow, while Nagaland (ASI = 0.278) and Sikkim (ASI = 0.313) perform poorly due to ecological stress, low economic security, and weak institutional support. There is a trade-off between environmental conservation and increasing agricultural output. This requires socially inclusive and flexible policies without affecting the local realities of NER. Originality/Value: This study advances a standard PSR application through implementation-level rigor and decision relevance. First, the study provides a fully auditable indicator pipeline—explicit selection rules, polarity checks, and PSR tagging—so readers can reproduce each step. Second, the study report formal robustness of the composite to common researcher degrees of freedom (normalization, outlier handling, imputation, and weighting choices), described transparently in Methods, with qualitative results summarized in the text. Third, the study benchmarks entropy-weighted results against a simple equal-weights baseline to demonstrate that headline findings are not an artifact of a single weighting scheme. Finally, the study translates the composite into policy guidance by identifying the most influential indicators behind each state’s position and explaining why those levers matter in context. These elements yield context-sensitive insights without introducing new data or exotic methods.
Conserving Urban Heritage for Tourism Development: Addressing the Constraints Affecting Urban Heritage Sites Conservation Using FAHP Approach
This study aims to identify, analyze, and prioritize the key constraints affecting the conservation and management of urban heritage sites in Saudi Arabia while evaluating viable solutions to address these challenges. Although previous research has acknowledged these constraints, comprehensive prioritization of their impact and systematic evaluation of alternative strategies remain limited. To address this gap, the study adopts an expert-driven approach and employs the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to assess the relative importance of seven critical constraints and five potential solutions. The findings reveal that lack of awareness and appreciation (LAA) (27%) is the most significant constraint, followed by an inadequate legal framework (ILF) (23%) and a lack of professional expertise (LPE) (20%). Rapid development and urbanization (RDU) (4%) and insufficient funding and resources (IFR) (2%) rank lowest. Among the proposed solutions, improving legislation and enforcement (ILE) (37.7%) emerged as the most effective strategy, followed by raising public awareness (RPA) (24.1%) and fostering partnerships (FP) (19.6%), while allocating adequate resources (AAR) (3.5%) was deemed least influential. Based on these results, the study proposes a final FAHP-based decision-making framework for enhancing heritage conservation in Saudi Arabia. This framework integrates expert judgment with fuzzy logic to systematically prioritize challenges and align them with the most impactful interventions. It provides policymakers, planners, and heritage professionals with a structured tool for developing targeted, data-informed strategies that promote the sustainable preservation and revitalization of urban heritage sites. In doing so, the framework also supports heritage tourism and aligns with national development goals.
Assessing Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter Dynamics in Daycare Center: A Case Study in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This study examines the dynamics of indoor and outdoor particulate matter concentrations in childcare facilities in Dubai, UAE, with a focus on particle size-specific behavior under varying occupancy conditions. Measurements were conducted in a daycare room for three-year-olds over five consecutive days, capturing realworld activity scenarios. The study employed an Optical Particle Counter to measure particulate matter concentrations for six particle sizes (0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, 1 µm, 3 µm, 5 µm, and 10 µm), along with indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels as an indicator of source intensity. The findings reveal a strong correlation between indoor and outdoor concentrations for smaller particles (0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, and 1 µm), regardless of occupancy, indicating the dominance of outdoor sources. Conversely, larger particles (3 µm, 5 µm, and 10 µm) displayed significant variability in Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratios, with indoor activities such as movement and bedding preparation contributing to elevated concentrations during occupancy. For particles measuring 10 µm, no correlation with outdoor sources was observed under either condition, emphasizing the predominance of indoor factors. Additionally, the positive correlation between CO₂ levels and concentrations of larger particles (3 µm, 5 µm, and 10 µm) confirms that occupant activities significantly contribute to their generation and resuspension. These results underscore the importance of targeted strategies for air quality management, including the implementation of enhanced filtration systems for smaller particles and design interventions to minimize resuspension for larger particles. This research provides actionable insights for creating healthier childcare environments, addressing the unique challenges posed by Dubai’s environmental conditions.
A Study of Changes in User Satisfaction in Metro Stations in Dubai
Over the past twenty years, rapid urbanization in Dubai has fundamentally changed land use. This has necessitated significant infrastructure development to meet the needs of the growing urban population. Therefore, this study examines changes in public satisfaction with the Dubai Metro between 2010 and 2018. Surveys were conducted at eight strategically selected metro stations, with 400 respondents at each time point, to evaluate six core factors, which are usage, cost, facilities, challenges, contextual integration, and walkability. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests, revealed significant shifts across all factors. Daily metro usage increased by over 10%, indicating growing reliance on the system, while perceptions of affordability declined, with twice as many users finding fares expensive in 2018. Satisfaction with station facilities and contextual integration improved substantially, reflecting successful investments in infrastructure and urban planning. However, accessibility and external walkability emerged as growing concerns, underscoring the need for enhanced pedestrian connectivity and inclusive design. The findings offer actionable insights for transport policy and urban development for Dubai and underscore the importance of continuous feedback in shaping public infrastructure.