Journal of Architectural and Engineering Research

Regression Modelling of Service Life Prediction of External Wall Painting of Algiers Building

2025-06-15T13:09:22+04:00

Paint coatings, as a protective layer of external wall building envelopes, are mainly exposed to several degradation agents, including environmental and climate factors. In the case of North African countries, there are no studies about the estimation of the performance of this coating exposed under the conditions of these regions during its service life. For this purpose, this paper presents a statistical study on the evolution of service life (SL) prediction for external wall painting, based on the inspection of the degradation state of 45 building facades located in Algiers, Algeria. The selection of different investigated external wall paintings is mainly focused on considering their age, the distance from the coastal zone, and the facade orientations. The degradation severity of selected coatings was also estimated in this work using the calculation of a numerical index (Sw). Simple regression analysis (graphical method) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) are used for the development of a mathematical model. The main results of this work indicate clearly a high correlation between the values predicted by the mathematical model, which corresponds to a high value of coefficient of determination of 0.95. A comparison study is also conducted in this investigation work between the performance of the obtained model and the MLR model developed by previous research about the SL prediction of paint coating. As a result, the obtained model during this study gives good precision despite the moderate quantity of considered external wall painting.

Cultural Influences on Architectural Design in Rwanda's Urban Centers

2025-05-01T08:44:29+04:00

Rwanda's architectural identity reflects a dynamic blend, for example, the circular forms of inzu huts, colonial influences, for example, Belgian rectangular forms, and contemporary urban aspirations as current as Kigali Vision 2050. This integration of ancient features, e.g., nyakatsi (thatched houses), into modern designs demonstrates a dynamic interaction between past and present life. This paper analyzes the cultural influences on architectural design in urban contexts such as the City of Kigali, concerning how local traditions, building materials, and community requirements influence building activities. The study uses qualitative methods, such as interviews with architects, urban planners, and the community, as well as case studies of exemplary works. Results show a high preference for sustainable materials and designs that tie into Rwandan culture and a strong focus on the engagement of the community in the planning stage. The work further reveals issues of rapid urbanization and modernity vs. traditional tension. Suggestions involve the establishment of policies that protect cultural heritage and accommodate urbanization. This study contributes to the knowledge of the role of cultural representations guiding architectural practices in Rwanda and provides some implications for urban development.

Application of Basalt Fibers and Cement Through FDR Technology in the km 93+880 Section of the M2 Yerevan–Goris–Meghri Highway

2025-10-06T20:46:08+04:00

The maintenance and rehabilitation of road networks remain among the most critical challenges in the global road construction sector, as increasing traffic volumes and pavement deterioration demand efficient solutions. Road repair and maintenance are essential not only for ensuring traffic safety but also for optimizing economic expenditures. Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) is a pavement rehabilitation method in which the existing pavement—comprising the asphalt concrete surface, the base layer, and in some cases, additional base and subbase layers—is uniformly pulverized and blended to a predetermined depth, producing an improved, homogeneous base material. FDR is carried out entirely on-site without the application of heat. The treatment depth depends on the structure of the existing pavement and typically ranges from 100 to 300 mm. Compared to other technologies for rehabilitating flexible pavements, FDR significantly reduces the need for importing new materials, lowers energy consumption, and decreases harmful atmospheric emissions. The implementation of FDR in road construction began several decades ago, initially involving various mechanisms for pavement treatment, including pulverizers, scarifiers, mixers, and a range of additives. However, the adoption of high-powered self-propelled reclaimers provided significant momentum to the use of FDR, enabling deeper processing, higher productivity, and more reliable control of the stabilization process when additives are introduced. This article examines the impact of applying Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology with cement and basalt fibers as additives on the strength and crack resistance of road pavements. The km 93+880 section of the M2 Yerevan–Goris–Meghri highway in the Republic of Armenia was selected as the experimental test site.

Influence of Thermal Insulation Materials on Natural Gas Consumption under Cold-Climate Conditions

2025-10-26T10:02:04+04:00

This article presents a comprehensive and in-depth study focused on improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings in cold-climate regions, using the town of Sisian in Armenia’s Syunik Province as a case study. The primary objective of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of thermal insulation applied to the external load-bearing structures, specifically the exterior walls and roof of a typical two-story residential house. The study emphasizes the use of polyurethane foam, a modern insulating material known for its high thermal resistance, durability, and ease of application. The research was conducted during the heating season, a period marked by high energy consumption due to cold weather, which provided an ideal context for analyzing thermal losses and energy demand. Through a detailed comparison of pre- and post-insulation energy performance, the results demonstrated a substantial reduction in heat loss through the building’s envelope. The application of polyurethane foam not only minimized energy loss but also led to a significant decrease in the total energy required to maintain indoor thermal comfort. This translates into lower energy bills for residents and a reduced environmental footprint, given the lowered demand for heating fuels, such as natural gas or electricity. The findings of this study are particularly important for regions like Sisian and other mountainous or high-altitude settlements in Armenia, where harsh winters and insufficient insulation in older housing stock lead to excessive energy consumption. By highlighting the benefits of thermal insulation in terms of energy savings, comfort, and sustainability, the research advocates for broader adoption of energy-efficient construction practices. Moreover, the study offers essential insights for policymakers, architects, and engineers, reinforcing the need to revise national building codes and develop targeted energy efficiency programs. Overall, the research serves as a valuable contribution to Armenia’s efforts toward sustainable development and energy independence.

Studying the Architecture Elements of Suburban Caravanserais in Central Iran to Identify Their Similarities and Differences

2025-08-28T21:03:29+04:00

This study explores how the architecture of Iranian caravanserais evolved due to changes in architectural knowledge, techniques, and functional needs. The main goal is to classify and compare the physical and architectural features of caravanserais in central Iran to identify their common and distinctive characteristics. The research addresses one main question: How do physical and metaphysical factors influence the formation of architectural styles?. Using a developmental and applied approach, the study combines inductive, interpretive, historical, and comparative methods. Data were collected through library research and field observations. Key architectural components—such as entrances, vestibules, porches, courtyards, rooms, porticos, stables, and towers—were analyzed in terms of spatial organization and typology. Findings show that caravanserai architecture was shaped by the construction traditions and design systems of its time, following shared frameworks created by skilled architects and coordinated institutions. By comparing architectural features, the research identifies which elements remained consistent and which evolved, offering valuable insights for the conservation and restoration of damaged caravanserais. The study focuses on roadside caravanserais in Isfahan, Qom, Markazi, and Tehran provinces, analyzing 65 examples from various historical periods in Iran’s hot and dry central regions

On the Geometric Aspects of Architectural Compositions

2025-10-14T19:15:53+04:00

We consider different aspects of the application of non-Euclidean geometries in architectural compositions. The main attention is put on Lobachevski's and Mandelbrot's fractal geometry. Lobachevski's geometry is indirectly applied to architecture through models such as the Poincaré disc model. Using them, architects can design complex non-Euclidean forms that are represented as concave or saddle-shaped in modern buildings. The ideas of fractal geometry have been increasingly used in architectural compositions since the last decade of the 20th century. It has been noted that if the fractal component of an architectural structure is clearly traced, then this structure has strong architectural aesthetics. Many famous architectural compositions were studied on the subject of the application of non-Euclidean geometry and the level of their fractality. However, these questions have not been considered for Armenian architecture. The current paper is devoted to filling this gap and to drawing the attention of contemporary architects to the subject.