Projects / Programmes
Development, modelling and optimisation of structures and processes in civil engineering and traffic
January 1, 2022
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.01.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Civil engineering |
|
| 2.19.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Traffic systems |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.01 |
Engineering and Technology |
Civil engineering |
Civil engineering, traffic, energy efficiency, wood, glass, steel, concrete, composites, planar structures, halls, modelling, optimisation, structural optimization, project scheduling, MINLP, automation in AEC, Building Information Modelling, BIM, alternative types of roundabouts
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 28, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
202 |
2,101 |
1,714 |
8.49 |
| Scopus |
288 |
2,887 |
2,331 |
8.09 |
Researchers (16)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Due to the highly interdisciplinary structure of the research programme, which covers different segments of modelling and optimisation in civil engineering and traffic engineering, the content of the programme will consist of different sets, which will be interlinked as much as possible. In the field of timber buildings, the research work will mainly focus on the modelling and optimisation of multi-storey prefabricated timber structural systems, which will be analysed in different European climatic environments with widely varying wind and seismic intensities, while simultaneously integrating structural and energy-efficient aspects. Most known studies to date consider multi-storey timber construction only separately in terms of energy or only in terms of structural parameters without simultaneously integrating environmental and structural aspects. Such an integrated developed model would thus allow for an optimal design of multi-storey timber buildings in different European climatic conditions, taking into account temperature and solar conditions as well as wind and earthquake loads as variable parameters. In relation to structural optimisation, we will deal with the multi-parametric optimisation of various floor systems, columns, and structures of single-storey halls. The first goal of the research will be to develop optimisation models of the aforementioned structures and to define accurate cost objective functions of structures, taking into account the life cycle. The second goal will be to develop an appropriate MINLP strategy to achieve the optimal result. The development of a model for cost optimisation of construction project schedules, which combines mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) and project management tools (PMT), will also be researched. Regarding transport and transport infrastructure, research will focus mainly on two areas, with the being the planning and management of the transport system components, and the second the modelling and optimisation of new types of level crossings and grade-separated junctions, which will be analysed according to different strengths of traffic flows, different locations of implementation or different population densities (compact urban environment, diverse urban environment, rural environment) and different types of motorised road users. In digitalisation and automation, research work will mainly be focused on modelling and optimising all systems that constructively contribute to the interdisciplinary connection of individual areas of the entire Programme Group, i.e. timber buildings, fracture mechanics, the optimisation of structures and processes, and traffic engineering. An essential novelty of the developed method of the automatic continuous monitoring of the construction process (ACCPM) is the process of data collection, which eliminates the shortcomings of existing methods and allows for a comprehensive and reliable automatic monitoring.
Significance for science
In the field of multi-storey timber building, the expected results of the programme will demonstrate the first ever multidisciplinary scientific approach to the development of design guidelines for multi-storey timber buildings around the world, adapted to different local contexts or different climatic conditions. Such an approach simultaneously takes into account both structural and energy requirements. The existing scientific literature does not address this type of research, which would adopt a holistic approach to the issue, nor does the existing regulatory framework provide guidance on how to deal with simultaneous architectural, structural, energy and environmental considerations of multi-storey timber building design. At the same time, the research work will finalise the development of double-skin timber façade elements as primary load-bearing elements to horizontal loads, extending the potential applicability of multi-storey timber construction in climatic areas with increased horizontal loads (wind, earthquake). The expected results of the set of the mathematical modelling of cracked slender beams will first provide a very widely applicable set of transversely cracked beam finite elements for various cross-sectional changes along the finite element. These elements will be directly applicable to all three typical structural analyses (static, dynamic, and stability). They will provide an excellent alternative to the elementary modelling of the cracking of the element, which must be considered during the analysis of seismic impacts on the structures. In relation to structural optimisation, we will specifically deal with multi-parametric optimisation of various floor systems, columns, and hall structures. These structures can be made of different materials like reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and composites. We will perform optimisation for different spans, and loads, and define (or upgrade the existing) accurate objective functions of self-manufacturing costs of the structures (material, labour, energy) by also taking into account life cycle costs. A comparison of the results of such multi-parametric optimisation of the aforementioned structures has not yet been performed. Sustainable scheduling, in terms of continuous optimal time and resource allocation throughout the project's life cycle, is broadly recognised as a relevant topic of construction management. Construction is often characterised by a diversity of contracted works requiring various participants, many of whom are simultaneously burdened by activities in their other dealings. In addition, influenced by location-specific conditions and weathering, construction projects are commonly carried out in stochastic and dynamic environments. All the said particularities, and the fact that wrong decisions taken in high-value construction can seriously compromise business success or even contractor's existence on the market clarify the exposed need of the building industry to engage optimisation-supported project management tools (PMT) into scheduling tasks which will be developed during this project. In the field of transport and transport infrastructure, the research results will assist urban and rural decision-makers in making strategic and tactical decisions on transport development and investment. In connection with digitalisation and automation in construction, the results of the programme will certainly contribute to the development of an interdisciplinary scientific approach with the diverse fields dealt with by the Programme Group within the programme. The BIM approach constitutes a connecting platform within the programme and addresses digitalisation in construction. A specific upgrade in automation in construction is the optimisation of the newly developed method of automatic construction process monitoring (ACCPM) in the implementation phase of construction projects. The expected results lead to the development of the prototype (TRL 1-3), which as such has not yet been developed and whose intellectual property is envisaged to be protected by a patent . The latter indicates the innovation of the developed method in automation in construction.
Significance for the country
As timber buildings are the most ecological type of buildings, the development in this field can significantly contribute to improving the environmental performance of the Slovenian and, in a broader context, the international building stock. The group's work will also target indicators of the liveability of buildings, which can contribute significantly to better well-being and health of the occupants of such buildings. The quality of life is an extremely important factor from the societal aspect of sustainable development, as it has a direct impact on the well-being, health and performance of building occupants and, in a broader sense, on society as a whole. At the same time, the results of this research will make a significant contribution to the increased use of woodland in Slovenia. The impact of the developed solutions for the mathematical models of cracked slender beams is possible on the protection of cultural heritage within the preservation and protection of the existing fund of listed buildings. We will optimise the sustainable profit obtained in the production of structures. The optimisation will cover economic gains, social gains, and greenhouse gas emissions. We will also take into account the costs of maintenance, final disposal, and recycling of structures. With structural optimization, we intend to reduce production costs and material consumption as well as increase employment and the competitiveness of companies. At the same time, we will be involved in the life cycle assessment process, and contribute to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources. In the field of transport and transport infrastructure, there are two possible impacts. The results will provide a scientific and technical basis for the management and reallocation of public budgets for transport and mobility. The elaborated bases will constitute conditions for competing for European funding in the field of sustainable development and investment in transport infrastructure. A further impact on health can be expected and will benefit society as a whole. Considering the responsibility of the state for health, safety, and environmental protection on the one hand, and the cost of the consequences of traffic accidents (in 2019, the cost of a fatal traffic accident was EUR 2,074,870) on the other, it is clear that any reduction in traffic accidents at multi-level junctions will have a major impact on society. Digitalisation and automation in construction are directly involved in the development of society as a whole, especially in activities that should establish Slovenia as a green, active, healthy, and digital region with superior conditions for creation and innovation, aimed at developing medium and high technology solutions with strategic orientation towards sustainable technologies and services for healthy living. We provide the above with the optimal design of construction projects with interdisciplinary professional treatment, where the BIM approach is a platform for the comprehensive and sustainable implementation of construction projects throughout their life cycle. The objectives of the project correspond to the Slovenian Development Strategy 2030, whose goals include 'Healthy and active life' (by reducing health risks for people arising from environmental pollution and climate change) and 'Low-carbon circular economy' (by promoting innovation to develop new products for efficient use of raw materials and energy, and by adapting to climate change) (Slovenian Development Strategy 2030, 2017). The objectives of the project additionally correspond to the following sustainable development goals as part of the Agenda 2030 (United Nations Agenda 2030): - Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being: By suitably designing multi-storey timber buildings, we could increase useful areas (residential, business, etc.) with a high-quality indoor environment, resulting in a high level of living comfort which positively affects the health, well-being, and work performance of users. - Goal 13: Climate Action: In the construction industry, multi-storey timber construction has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and emission intensity in energy use.
