Journal of Architectural and Engineering Research

Moisture Protection of Residential Buildings Influence of Tynes on the Thermal-Humidity Regime of the Building

Artashes Petrosyan — 2025-02-16

Moisture penetration into the building structures of residential buildings is caused by climatic conditions and has a negative impact on the operation of buildings. Since thermal insulation of structures directly increases the energy saving of buildings, it can also affect the energy saving of buildings, contribute to the durability of enclosing structures, reduce condensate zones, and reduce fuel consumption during measures to eliminate penetrating water vapor. Buildings in different climatic zones have different vapor permeability rates, which can have different effects on the physical condition and thermal properties of surrounding structures. Thermal insulation significantly reduces the intensity of thermal conductivity and heat transfer processes, reduces air and moisture permeability. The main goal of this study was to determine the construction the amount of steam passing through the structure due to its vapor permeability and its impact on the thermo-humidity regime of the building. The thermal and air-humidity conditions of two types of buildings widespread in the Republic of Armenia, 5-story tuff and 9-story RC panel cladding structures, were observed in different climatic zones of the republic. It has been proven that the type, thickness and installation method of thermal insulation material have different effects on the formation of condensate zones in external structures for different settlements of the Republic of Armenia. As a result of the research, it was found that in tuff cladding structures (in the cities of Yerevan, Gyumri, Hrazdan, Vanadzor and Sevan) a condensate zone forms, while in Kapan it does not. However, by using different types of thermal insulation materials, such a phenomenon can be avoided. Studies have shown that in order to ensure the required thermal resistance and avoid condensation in the mentioned cities, it is necessary to use a thermal insulation material with the minimum required thickness. The thickness of the foamed polystyrene thermal insulation layer in buildings with a tufa structure is: In Yerevan and Vanadzor - 5 cm, in Gyumri - 6 cm, in Hrazdan and Sevan - 7 cm, in Kapan - 4 cm, and in expanded polystyrene - 6 cm in Yerevan and Vanadzor, 8 cm in Gyumri, Hrazdan and Sevan, and 5 cm in Kapan. In the case of reinforced concrete panel construction, the thickness of expanded polystyrene will be 9 cm in Yerevan, 10 cm in Vanadzor, 11 cm in Gyumri, Hrazdan, and Sevan, and 8 cm in Kapan, in the case of expanded polystyrene։ 7 cm in Yerevan, 8 cm in Vanadzor, 9 cm in Gyumri and Sevan, 10 cm in Hrazdan, and 7 cm in Kapan.

Improvement of the Cement Mortar Characteristics Reinforced with Basalt Fibers

Artyom Grigoryan — 2025-03-07

Fibers derived from basalt rocks exhibit high strength and stability in aggressive environments and are environmentally benign. Consequently, in this study, basalt fiber (BF) was selected as a material to reinforce the mortar. The influence of BF content on the mechanical properties of cement mortars was investigated, and the optimal fiber concentration was determined to be 3.3 kg per 1 m³ of the mixture. The research was conducted on the filler-cement-fiber-water system, and the following results were obtained through analysis of experimental research: flexural strengths increased by 3.7-16.2% for mixtures prepared with river sand and 9.1-16.8% for those prepared with lithoidal sand. Additionally, compressive strengths increased by 3.1-13.7% when river sand was utilized as filler and 5.9-12.4% when lithoidal sand was employed. Developing cement mortar compositions incorporating basalt fibers up to 12 mm in length and lithoidal light and river sands, abundant in our republic, represents a scientific innovation that results in enhanced compressive and bending strengths.

Evolution of Cities under Climate Change: Greening and Blue-Green Infrastructure

Marek Bogacki — 2025-03-10

Every year the world's population moves more and more to cities. Today 56% of all people live in cities, the forecast for 2050 suggests an increase in this figure to 60%. Sustainability for urban development is critical, as it addresses such issues as water and air pollution, waste management and resource consumption. Green cities use environmentally friendly practices to promote the health of the urban environment and, as a result, improve the quality of life. Nature-based solutions represent an interdisciplinary issue, including the competencies of urban planners, landscape designers, engineers, hydrologists, ecologists, economists, etc. and are critically needed for climate change adaptation.

The paper is focused on the role of blue-green infrastructure as key adaptation strategy for climate change. Innovative approaches and technologies as examples of the best urban management strategies promoting a more sustainable urban environment resistant to climate change will be presented and discussed.

The History of Square Formation and Peculiarities of Compositional Formation

Zhora Sagaryan — 2025-03-20

This work delves into the compositional aspects of urban space organization, aiming to provide an overview of the historical development of squares and elucidate the intricacies of their compositional formation through the analysis and comparison of various examples. The article draws upon published materials and employs scientific methods of generalization and analysis. It synthesizes the history of square formation and development while scrutinizing the key characteristics influencing square composition. By examining 40 squares at different times and locations, certain recurring features impacting compositional formation–such as perception of space, degree of enclosure, architectural and compositional imagery, and scale–have been identified. Furthermore, the study identifies additional factors affecting the formation of square composition, the further exploration of which promises to enrich and refine ongoing investigations on the subject matter. The insights gleaned from this study hold relevance for future scholarly endeavors concerning square composition and for researchers with an interest in the study of squares in general.

Thermal Performance Evaluation of Traditional Buildings Flat Roofs in a Hot and Arid Climate of Algeria

M'hamed Mahdad — 2025-04-16

This investigation aims to apply the analytical method of admittance for determining the thermal performance of composite flat roofs in traditional houses located in the southern region of Algeria, characterized by hot and arid climate conditions. The effect of adding insulation to the composition of flat roofs in traditional houses is studied by varying its, type, location and thickness. In this study, nine configurations of composite flat roof systems were manufactured using multiple layers with five types of insulations. Moreover, different dynamical thermal parameters are analyzed in this study, namely time lag (TL), decrement factor (DF), admittance (Y), transmittance (U), and surface factor (SF). The main results revealed that the roof configuration of R8 with insulation based on formaldehyde board presents a high value of TL (9.94 hours) and the lowest value of DF (0.1). In contrast, the configurations without insulation addition (R1, R2, and R3) display the lowest values of TL (4.91, 4.74, and 4.81, respectively) and the highest values of DF (0.59, 063, and 0.62, respectively). This research is useful for clearly understanding the thermal performance of composite flat roofs for the improvement of the energetic efficiency of traditional buildings.

The Effect of Different Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Aspect Ratio on the Compressive Strength of the Cement-Based Concrete

Suren Malumyan — 2025-05-12

In recent years, there has been extensive research on the mechanical and physical properties of composite cement-based building materials containing nanosized carbon particles, particularly multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), owing to their mechanical and physical advantages. This study investigated the effect of purified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different aspect ratios on the compressive strength of cement-based concrete. This study aimed to enhance the mechanical properties of the composites by optimizing the MWCNT dosage and type. The novelty of this study lies in comparing three MWCNT types (TNM2, TNM3, and TNM7) with aspect ratios ranging from ~250 to ~4347. Concrete samples with 0–0.2 wt.% MWCNTs by the weight of cement were tested after 7 days of curing. The results show that the compressive strength increased by 9.41% (TNM2 at 0.2%), 2.80% (TNM3 at 0.05%), and 12.13% (TNM7 at 0.05%). High-aspect-ratio MWCNTs showed consistent improvement with increasing content, whereas low-aspect-ratio MWCNTs peaked at 0.05%. This effect is attributed to the nanotube dispersion, reinforcement efficiency, and porosity control. A standardized ultrasonic dispersion technique was used to ensure the homogenous distribution of nanotubes in the cement matrix. These findings support the development of nano-engineered concrete with improved early strength for structural and precast construction applications.

Deaf Space in Baznas Dki Jakarta Pesantren Tahfiz Difabel Complex

Latansa Amanta — 2025-05-16

The Tahfiz Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) for the hearing impaired is a significant innovative step in overcoming the challenges of access to religious education for individuals with disabilities in Indonesia. This research aims to thoroughly explore and analyze the application of deaf space architecture in the K.H Lutfi Fathullah BAZNAS DKI Jakarta Pesantren Tahfiz Difabel Complex which is exclusively designed to meet the needs of deaf people. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with two elaborations. The first is through interview and observation. The second examines deaf space architecture through literature studies via the internet. This research provides an in-depth description of how the architectural design of the boarding school complex has taken into account aspects of inclusivity for deaf people. The results highlight that the main buildings such as classrooms, places of worship, dormitories, and other public areas haven’t been designed by considering the accessibility and safety needs of people with disabilities by integrating passive design in the form of other supporting facilities effectively. However, this research also highlights the need for continued efforts in monitoring and evaluation to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of inclusivity in practice, in order to meet the needs of the disabled holistically.