In slope engineering, the foundation grooves of slope protection gird beams are mostly excavated manually. However, manual excavation presents problems, such as low construction efficiency, uneven groove bottoms, inconsistent cross-section groove widths, and curved groove axis, which reduces the quality of cast-in-place grid beams or complicates the installation of prefabricated grid beams. To address these issues, a mechanized grooving device for slope protection grid beams has been developed and successfully applied in the project. The grooving device is composed of interlocking dual spiral cutter heads, a mechanism for the groove width and depth adjustment, a cutter head working platform, a platform azimuth adjuster, a cutter head sliding mechanism, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic power system and a platform anchoring mechanism. It can be used to groove on soil and strongly weathered rock slopes at different slope angles, and the foundation grooves of slope protection gird beams of different depths and widths can be carved according to the design requirements. Moreover, the grooved trenches feature flat bottoms, consistent widths, and straight axis, making it easy to install prefabricated grid beams and greatly improving the quality of cast-in-place grid beams. According to the construction statistics of a slope project in Guangdong, the grooving speeds of the grooving device on the slope of soil and strongly weathered rock are about 1.5m/min and 0.5m/min respectively, which greatly improves the construction efficiency and quality.

Improving the efficiency of the supply process in prefabricated components is challenging and requires accounting for a variety of risks involved in the management of the suppliers. The purpose of this study is to present a method to account for the systematic trade-offs between several supplier alternatives. A novel framework is presented for the whole assessment of supplier alternatives by taking advantage of the information extracted from customized building information modeling (BIM) and a database required for assessment of impacts. A data library related to assessment criteria for supply alternatives is built to facilitate the storage and sharing of information. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to select the optimal supplier that is able to provide the most satisfaction for the determined criteria. The proposed framework was also illustrated by the implementation in a mega project. The study implication is that BIM-enabled supplier selection can indeed lead to more benefits and higher values for all stakeholders.

The slope protection structure of the prefabricated lattice beam is one of the most widely used and studied systems in slope structure, the core part of which is the connection between the lattice beam joint and the longitudinal and transverse beams. Because the prefabricated structure is weak in its structural integrity, it is necessary to study the influence of prefabricated lattice beam joints and the longitudinal and transverse beams on the overall mechanical properties of the structure. In this paper, one ordinary cast-in-place concrete beam and six prefabricated beams with different joint connection modes are designed, and the influence of different connection modes on the bending capacity of the beams is accordingly explored. Moreover, the flexural capacity, bending stiffness change, ductility and energy absorption capacity of the beams are analyzed through three-point bending test. The test results show that the connection mode at the joints could significantly affect the overall mechanical properties of the structure. By embedding holes in steel sleeves, filling cement mortar in the middle, and using steel plates with a thickness of 16mm for anchoring treatment joints of end plates, the specimen beams are thus obtained with the same flexural capacity, ductility and energy absorption capacity as ordinary cast-in-place concrete beams, which could be used for specimen engineering applications.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the failure mechanism and preventive strengthening methods of prefabricated full length small box girder (PSBG) under car explosion. After damage analysis during blast loads using the commercial software Autodyn, three strengthening methods are presented to improve the blast mitigation performance. The results show that the failure modes and bearing capacity are significantly different with various strengthening measures. Adhering U-shaped steel plate can effectively enhance the shear performance of PSBG under blast loads. Strengthening the bottom of the upper flange of box girder with steel plate can effectively mitigate the local bending failure, and enhance the overall flexural capacity during car explosion.

The connection between a prefabricated reinforced concrete column and a pocket foundation is a case treated from a general perspective in the European Standard named EN 1992-1-1, and when the structural engineer deals with the dimensioning or verification of the connection, he tackles several unknowns. The present work aims to fill in the missing information by presenting detailed calculation models based on the strut-and-tie method for 4 of the widely used pocket foundations: pedestal pocket foundation with smooth, rough or keyed internal walls, and pad foundation with pocket possessing keyed internal walls. Additionally, detailed design prescriptions applicable to seismic areas are given. Afterwards, as a case study, a pocket foundation is designed in all 4 variations, having the structural design particularities, similitudes and differences pointed out. Finally, to conclude the advantages and disadvantages are mentioned for pocket foundations in respect to the type of internal wall surface used. Quantifiable data based on the case study undertaken is available.

The need for quick and easy deflection calculations of various prefabricated slabs causes that simplified procedures and numerical tools are used more and more often. Modelling of full 3D finite element (FE) geometry of such plates is not only uneconomical but often requires the use of complex software and advanced numerical knowledge. Therefore, numerical homogenization is an excellent tool, which can be easily employed to simplify a model, especially when accurate modelling is not necessary. Homogenization allows for simplifying a computational model and replacing a complicated composite structure with a homogeneous plate. Here, a numerical homogenization method based on strain energy equivalence is derived. Using the method proposed, the structure of the prefabricated concrete slabs reinforced with steel spatial trusses is homogenized to a single plate element with an effective stiffness. There is a complete equivalence between the full 3D FE model built with solid elements combined with truss structural elements and the simplified homogenized plate FE model. The method allows for the correct homogenization of any complex composite structures made of both solid and structural elements, without the need to perform advanced numerical analyses. The only requirement is a correctly formulated stiffness matrix of a representative volume element (RVE) and appropriate formulation of the transformation between kinematic constrains on RVE boundary and generalized strains.

The increased volume of heavy vehicles and the use of de-icing agents on concrete bridge decks have accelerated their deterioration. Concurrently, the demand for rapid replacement of these structures and research interest in prefabricated bridges have increased. Traditionally, horizon-tal shear connections between girders and precast decks have utilized rebar stirrup shear con-nectors. Although effective for initial construction, this method complicates the dismantling of aged decks because the rebar connectors are fully embedded within the girders. The removal of concrete decks requires cutting, whereas composite decks atop girders must be demolished us-ing breakers. This process generates dust, noise, and vibrations, raising environmental concerns and causing delays in urban demolition projects due to public complaints. This study introduces an embedded separable shear connector that minimizes deck breaking and facilitates easy rein-stallation by allowing simpler separation of the deck from the girder. Horizontal shear and flexural tests on composite girders and comparisons with various design codes were conducted to evaluate this innovative connector. The results show that the proposed connector provides superior horizontal shear strength relative to traditional methods and satisfies modern ductility design criteria. Simulations confirmed that the decks could be easily separated and reassembled, maintaining shear strength under initial construction conditions.

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) printed resin denture teeth represents a significant ad-vancement in digital dentistry. This study aimed to assess their ability to withstand chipping and indirect tensile fractures, comparing them with conventionally manufactured resin denture teeth. Four groups, each comprising 30 specimens, were examined: Group 1 featured 3D printed denture teeth (NextDent, 3D Systems, Soesterberg, The Netherlands), while the others included commer-cially obtained Ivostar Shade, SpofaDent Plus, and Major Super Lux teeth. Stereolithography 3D printing was utilized to produce methacrylate-based photopolymerized resin teeth models for Group 1, while the remaining groups were commercially sourced. Chipping and indirect tensile fracture tests were performed at a speed of 1 mm/min until fracture occurred. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's honestly significant difference multiple comparisons test (p < 0.05). Results indicated that 3D-printed teeth exhibited higher indirect tensile fracture resistance than Major Super Lux and Ivostar Shade but lower than SpofaDent Plus. Additionally, in the chipping test, buccal chipping occurred in 3D-printed resin teeth without distortion. In the indirect tensile test, the fracture line emerged near the loading point, extending cervically from the inner incline of both cusps. Overall, denture teeth produced via 3D printing with printable resin materials demonstrated sufficient fracture resistance, making them suitable for prosthetic applications.

Dental caries is a public health problem worldwide according to WHO data. Among treatments in pediatric dentistry, prefabricated metal crowns (PMCs) have been one of the most successful options since they were introduced in cases of considerable tooth destruction. Our objective was to detect the presence and concentration of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in saliva of patients who require rehabilitation with PMCs, before and after their placement. A quasi-experimental study was performed in 32 patients who attended dental care in a pediatric dentistry clinic at a public university and who required rehabilitation with PMCs. Parametric tests (ANOVA and Pearson correlation) were performed, and a p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the Ni release before, 1 week, and 1 month after placing the crowns. Similarly, we observed a positive correlation between the number of crowns and Ni release. No tests were performed for Fe and Cr because the amounts of these metals were less than 0.1 ppb, which was not detectable by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The levels of Fe, Cr, and Ni released were below toxic health levels. Studies are required to evaluate whether this release has negative effects at cellular levels.

The consistently positive Australian economic environment and stable population increase have led to a higher demand for new houses in recent years. Prefabrication is a promising method to help alleviate the issues related to housing shortage and affordability due to reduced material wastage, construction delays due to weather conditions, unexpected costs, shortage in labour and onsite risks. With the advancements in automation and manufacturing methods such as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), the quality and precision of prefabricated materials is tightly controlled, and the fabrication and assembly period are reduced. However, the full potential of prefabricated construction is yet to be realised in part due to most of developments being focused on its superstructure. A review of the current available options suitable for houses is necessary to understand the present state of the residential footing industry, which will help evaluate the necessary innovations for the growth of the Australian construction industry considering the local reactive soil conditions. This paper presents a summary of existing footing systems and potential prefabricated footing solutions for low-rise residential structures with one storey to two storeys. This paper also reviews the benefits and challenges of designing, manufacturing, transporting, handling and installing of prefabricated footings on site, which have great influence on the acceptance of these innovative footing systems.

It is meaningful to monitor and identify the concrete cracks as they will seriously reduce the fatigue life of pavement. In this paper a new method based on distributed long-gauge optic fiber sensing is proposed to implement the crack identification. Firstly, the damage indicator, namely strain curve envelope area ratio (SCEAR), is proposed and calculated with the measured strain in time series when the plane goes across the pavement where the sensors are installed. Then the indicators with different sensors are normalization by the value of the indicator from one referenced sensor where damage normally will not happen. If the crack happens within the sensing gauge of the sensor, the value of damage indicator SCEAR from the sensor will increase. Therefore, the crack will be identified with the change of the damage indicator. The effect of the proposed method is first verified by some simulations of prefabricated pavement as the cracks can be accurately identified by the proposed method. Moreover, the influence from the aircraft, such as taxiing position, aircraft load and aircraft type, is not obvious enough to mislead the identification results. Lastly the static loading tests were implemented with one small-scale model of prefabricated concrete pavement in the lab. From the experimental results the prefabricated cracks inside the pavement slab can be identified accurately with the proposes method as the parameter SCEAR is increased by about 100% at the crack position, while it is only changed by about 3% at the undamaged position.

This paper proposes a lightweight joint with bamboo culm cross connection, which is constructed by screwing one side of the screw into the other side of the wooden plug, its simple construction makes it easy to manufacture and cost-effective. This form connects adjacent bamboo culms to form corner joints, and bolt connects adjacent bamboo culm frames to form edge joints, to explore the mechanical properties of the combination joints formed by corner joints and edge joints, by combining experiments and numerical simulations, the method discovered and explained the relationship and mechanism between the number and position of bolts and the stiffness of edge joints. A calculation model for frame-unit bamboo culm members considering semi-stiffness of joints is proposed, and the conversion equations between linear stiffness of corner and edge joint and their rotational stiffnesses are derived. By establishing the series and parallel relationship between the corner and edge joints in the assembled members, a generalized relational equation between the total stiffness of the assembled joint and the stiffness of the corner and edge joints is derived. A numerical simulation method for frame-unit bamboo culm members with semi-rigid joints is proposed, which can obtain the stiffness calculation formula of edge joints and the average rotational stiffness value of semi-rigid corner joints. A finite element analysis method based on semi-rigid joints is proposed for frame-unit bamboo culm members, and the internal force sketches and calculation methods for bamboo culms and joints are presented, which can be used for the internal force analysis and design of frame-unit bamboo culm lattice structures.

Dealing with and maintaining high-quality standards in the design and construction phases is challenging, especially for on-site construction. Issues like improper implementation of building components and poor communication can widen the gap between design specifications and actual conditions. To prevent this, particularly for energy-efficient buildings, it's vital to develop resilient, sustainable strategies. These should optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and enhance livability, contributing to carbon neutrality by 2050 and climate change mitigation. Traditional post-occupancy evaluations, which identify defects after construction, are impractical for addressing energy performance gaps. A new, real-time inspection approach is necessary throughout the construction process. This paper suggests an innovative guideline for prefabricated buildings, emphasizing digital 'self-instruction' and 'self-inspection'. These procedures ensure activities impacting quality adhere to specific instructions, drawings, and 3D models, incorporating relevant acceptance criteria to verify completion. This methodology, promoting alignment with planned energy-efficient features, is supported by BIM-based software and Augmented Reality (AR) tools, embodying Industry 4.0 principles. BIM and AR bridge the gap between virtual design and actual construction, improving stakeholder communication and enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments. This integration fosters accuracy and efficiency, key for energy-efficient and Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings, marking a shift towards a more precise, collaborative, and environmentally sensible construction industry.

The prefabricated ECC/RC combined shear wall structure is an innovative prefabricated composite structure with better seismic performance by using ECC materials with better ductility in the main force and energy consumption regions of the prefabricated reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall structure. The key factors controlling the seismic energy dissipation capacity of this kind of structure are the use regions of ECC in composite coupling beams, use regions of ECC in shear walls, strength of ECC, stirrup ratio of coupling beams, strength of longitudinal reinforcement and so on. The parameters affecting seismic energy consumption are quantified by the finite element analysis method. By comparing and analyzing the load-displacement curves, hysteresis curves, energy dissipation capacity and stiffness degradation of the prefabricated ECC/RC combined shear wall structure specimen under these parameters, it is proposed that the best use regions of ECC is the cast-in-situ zone of the coupling beams with the scope of no more than400 mm at the shear walls’ bottom. The strength grade, the strength grade of longitudinal reinforcement, and the stirrup ratio of coupling beams are suggested design as E40, HRB400 and 0.5%, respectively.

Prefabricated forms of construction have led to the rapid onsite assembly of buildings however there are still on-site tasks and processes which can be reevaluated and redone specifically in keeping with the principles of prefabrication instead being adapted to fit its purpose. One such process is that of waterproofing between prefabricated panels and modules which come from the factory fully complete façade and all. Conventional means of waterproofing can be used however it results in more work done on site, potential delays and generally requires access from the external face of the building. This paper presents the Modelling, Implementation and Evaluation of purpose developed weatherproof seals specific for Prefabricated Construction. An overview is provided of the entire development process and specific focus is given to the modeling using FEA computer simulations, manufacturing and testing which then resulted in the implementation in a prefabricated panelised building which is used as a case study and the means of further evaluation. These strategies have enabled an efficient and robust prefabricated waterproofing solution specific for this form of construction to be understood and implemented. The resulting case study has successfully verified the time and cost savings when compared to conventional techniques whilst still providing a durable and effective weatherproof seal for prefabricated panelised and modular systems.

Satisfactory weatherproofing of buildings is vital to maximise their design life and performance which requires the careful design of external sealing technologies. Systems commonly available have served well in conventional construction however with many prefabricated systems emerging in the building industry new and novel means of weatherproofing between panels and modules need to be developed purpose specific to this application. This paper presents a holistic and fundamental methodological approach to Design and Development of waterproof seals and has been applied specific for prefabricated panelised and modular systems. Two purpose specific weatherproof seals are finally presented. Flow charts of the overview of the suggested methodological approach and the processes within which include DfMA that have been incorporated into understanding and developing seals for this practical application. These strategies have enabled a resourceful and holistic set of processes that can be adapted and used for similar forms of product research in new and developing areas of construction such as prefabrication. The design and development process is thoroughly explored and has resulted in an exploration of the technical challenges and potential solutions which take into consideration factors from installation limitations to building tolerances.