IoT-based BIM integrated model for energy and water management in smart homes

Increasing urbanization and growth in infrastructure create a demand to utilize modern tools to manage human needs. Effective integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into the design of smart homes is an actively growing area in the construction industry. The ever-increasing demand and cost of energy require a smart solution in the design stage by the construction industry. It is possible to reduce household energy consumption by utilizing energy-efficient sustainable materials in infrastructure construction. Building Information Modeling (BIM) can provide a solution to effectively manage energy. The integration of the IoT further improves the design of comfortable smart homes by utilizing natural lighting. BIM aids in determining energy efficiency and making decisions by presenting the user with several design options via the 6D method. The present study considered a sample home design following the National Building Code (NBC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards for implementation. Natural lighting analysis is carried out with the tool Insight 360 to analyze the energy consumption of the building. Some of the outputs obtained from the analysis are wall-to-window ratio (WWR), window shades, design options for window glass, energy use intensity (EUI), and annual energy cost (AEC). The results of the outputs are compared to find the energy-efficient optimum natural lighting of the proposed building. The lesser EUI (16%–21%) and AEC (23%–28%) are identified with the utilization of low emissivity glass in window panels compared with other types of glass. The proposed IoT-based BIM integration model proves that the effective utilization of natural lighting reduces overall household energy consumption

Evaluation of the Rheological and Durability Performance of Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a special concrete that can flow easily across congested reinforcements. Also, it is easy to work with and does not segregate. The present investigation aims at the design and development of sustainable SCC with the employment of industrial by-products such as Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), and Expanded Perlite Aggregate (EPA). Four SCC mixes were developed to attain a target strength of 30 MPa. Workability tests (slump flow, J-ring, and V-funnel tests) were performed following the EFNARC guidelines to ensure fresh SCC properties. Detailed experiments were conducted to evaluate the durability characteristics of the developed SCC, such as water absorption, sorptivity, acid attacks (sulphuric, nitric, sulphate, and chloride), the Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT), and finally, the elevated temperature test. Weight loss, strength loss, and physical observations of the acid and temperature effects of SCC mixes were evaluated. Also, the study focuses on the cost and sustainable index of SCC mixes and compares them with OPC mixes. From the experimental data analysis, it was observed that the developed SCC showed excellent physical and mechanical properties with a considerable reduction in cement content. SCC specimens with FA and EPA exhibit excellent acid and temperature resistance. Following the sustainable analysis, it was noted that SCC mixes reduce about 15–17.2% of carbon emissions compared to the OPC mix

Efficacy of Fire Protection Techniques on Impact Resistance of Self-Compacting Concrete

The present research investigates the behaviour of sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) when subjected to high temperatures, focusing on workability, post-fire impact resistance, and the effects of fire protection coatings. To develop environmentally friendly SCC mixes, Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) such as Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), and Expanded Perlite Aggregate (EPA) were used. Fifty-six cubes and ninety-six impact SCC specimens were cast and cured for testing. Fire-resistant Cement Perlite Plaster (CPP) coatings were applied to the protected specimens, a passive protection coating rarely studied. SCC (unprotected and protected) specimens, i.e., protected and unprotected samples, were heated following the ISO standard fire curve. An extensive comparative study has been conducted on utilising different SCMs for developing SCC. Workability behaviour, post-fire impact resistance, and the influence of fire protection coatings on sustainable SCC subjected to high temperatures are the significant parameters examined in the present research, including physical observations and failure patterns. The test results noted that after 30 min of exposure, the unprotected specimen exhibited a significant decrease in failure impact energy, ranging from 80% to 90%. Furthermore, as the heating duration increased, there was a gradual rise in the loss of failure impact energy. However, when considering the protected CPP specimens, it was observed that they effectively mitigated the loss of strength when subjected to elevated temperature. Therefore, the findings of this research may have practical implications for the construction industry and contribute to the development of sustainable and fire-resistant SCC materials