The paper presents an evaluation of a heating system installed in a church, focusing on the thermal comfort provided to both churchgoers and the interior finishes. Ensuring a comfortable environment is a critical objective for designers, particularly when considering both the well-being of occupants and the preservation of the building's aesthetic elements. The heating system utilizes hydronic radiators, and its performance is assessed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling. CFD simulations were conducted in Autodesk CFD, offering a detailed analysis of the system's efficiency and performance. The results highlight both the benefits and potential drawbacks of using this heating system in a church setting. One advantage is that the hydronic radiators provide a steady, even distribution of heat, which is beneficial for maintaining a comfortable interior climate. However, challenges such as uneven heat distribution in larger spaces and potential energy inefficiencies were also identified. Alternative heating systems, such as underfloor heating or forced-air systems, could offer different benefits. Underfloor heating provides even heat distribution and can be less visually intrusive, while forced-air systems may have faster response times but might be less energy-efficient or effective in preserving the interior finishes. Each of these systems presents distinct trade-offs that must be carefully considered based on the church's specific needs, including comfort, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and preservation of the building's structure and decor.
Private sector investment in transportation infrastructure, especially freeway projects, has gained significant traction in developing countries over recent decades. However, inadequate research and improper identification of criteria in many cases have led to challenges, and in some instances, project failures. The success of freeway construction projects heavily depends on the choice of a public-private partnership (PPP) model, but the economic conditions in countries like Nepal introduce various risks to these projects. This study examines the financial risks associated with PPP financing for road construction projects in Iran, using an uncertainty approach and the BAS (Best Alternative Strategy) method. The research sample included 23 experts with Ph.D. degrees in finance, all with substantial experience in research and financial consulting for investment firms. The findings indicate that political risks, coupled with the instability in government planning and program execution, significantly increase the financial risks of road construction projects. The study suggests that managing price fluctuations and enhancing bank financing options for road construction could mitigate these risks and improve the overall success of such large-scale infrastructure projects. This research highlights the need for careful planning and risk management strategies to ensure the sustainability and success of PPP road projects in Iran.
Soft soils are characterized by low bearing capacity, which can lead to significant settlement when subjected to loads. As the lowest layer in road construction, the subgrade must have adequate bearing strength to support the construction load. Variations in the thickness of soft soils in the subgrade can exacerbate settlement issues, making reinforcement essential. In this study, foam mortar is explored as a potential reinforcement to enhance the properties of soft soils. The aim of this research is to analyse the behaviour of soft soil embankments with foam mortar reinforcement, considering variations in the soft soil layer thickness. The analysis was conducted using the Plaxis 2D numerical model (version 2023). The model incorporated a foam mortar layer of 30 cm thickness, applied to subgrade layers with heights of 60 cm, 120 cm, and 180 cm. The study simulated a centralized load, varying from 0 to 120 KN in increments of 10 KN. The results revealed that the highest settlement occurred at the 180 cm soft soil layer, with a settlement of 0.01421 mm. Additionally, the largest deformation was observed in the soft soil layer, measuring 1.461 x 10^-3 mm demonstrates that as the thickness of the soft soil layer increases, both the settlement and deformation also rise. Foam mortar reinforcement shows promise in improving soft soil performance, but the variation in soil thickness needs to be carefully considered to minimize potential settlement issues.
This research explores the application of the Variable Parameter Kinematic Wave Numerical Model to simulate the propagation of flood waves in non-prismatic natural waterways in ungauged basins. This study addresses issues related to irregular channel boundaries and unreliable inflow data upstream and highlights impacts associated with slope variability and changes in wetted perimeter. The inflow hydrograph is evaluated by the developed study using the SCS-CN method and a quantitative approach is adopted to analyse relationships between channel characteristics and flood wave behaviour. Five hypotheses are analysed and tested to determine if variability in channel slope and variability in wetted perimeter, effectiveness of the SCS-CN method, and an integrated approach of comprehensive performance metrics all make a difference. Agreement with observed data validates that VPKWM is reliable to model flood wave propagation. The findings suggest a need for realistic representation of channel characteristics and robust validation frameworks to improve flood management practices.
In the past 15 years, mapping technology has become increasingly vital for the development of smart cities, with 3D maps gradually supplementing traditional 2D maps. These 3D maps are now widely utilized in cartography to provide a detailed, three-dimensional perspective of landscapes and buildings. This paper examines the concept of 3D maps and compares two prominent methods for their creation. In this study, one 3D map was generated using photogrammetric 3D stereo-restitution, while the other was created by automatically extruding a LiDAR point cloud with 2D vector polygons. Upon comparing the two methods, we found that their accuracy is comparable, with performance largely determined by the quality of the input data. We also observed that constructing a 3D map using photogrammetry requires significantly more time than the LiDAR-based approach. As 3D maps play an increasingly important role in mapping, the demand for more precise and comprehensive field data is growing. With the availability of better field data, a clearer determination of which method yields the most accurate 3D map could be made. The rapid evolution of 3D mapping technology, along with its growing applications in fields like surveying and material monitoring, is essential to the development of smart cities. Ultimately, the advancement of infrastructure design and city planning will rely heavily on 3D mapping technology as a fundamental tool.