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The built environment plays a crucial role in optimizing energy consumption within hospital buildings. Enhancing its efficiency is vital for sustainable development. The form, shape and orientation of hospital buildings significantly impact their energy performance, leading to energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced thermal comfort. This research focuses on assessing the interactive effect of courtyard building forms and orientation on energy performance in hospital buildings in warm humid climatic zone of Indian coastal region. The findings suggest that building form consistently plays a dominant role in determining the energy performance Index (EPI), while orientation exerts a more nuanced and season-dependent influence. The study reveals a significant interaction between forms and orientation, indicating an interdependent effect on energy-efficient building design. The model explains 98.6% of variation in EPI, with an excellent fit and low standard error, highlighting the importance of optimizing both forms and orientations for energy-efficient building designs. This study presents a novel perspective on performance-driven sustainable hospital design, tailored to the unique climatic demands of India’s coastal, warm-humid regions. In the context of climate change, the study emphasizes the need for passive design measures, adaptive architectural solutions, and performance-based modelling to lower operational energy demand and enhance resilience to climatic shifts.

Fresh groundwater is scarce on estuarine islands due to seasonal fluctuations in the groundwater table and tidal influence. Larger inhabited islands face increasing concerns over access to safe water for household activities. This study evaluates the groundwater quality on Mudukudru Island, one of the largest in the estuary of the Swarna-Sita River system in Udupi district, Karnataka. A total of 43 wells used for non-potable domestic purposes were analyzed during the pre-monsoon season (2021–2022) using a Hanna HI9829 multiparameter testing kit. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index Method was applied to assess water quality based on four physical parameters (Total Dissolved Solids, Electrical Conductivity, Salinity, Temperature), three chemical parameters (pH, Oxygen Reduction Potential, Dissolved Oxygen), and one biological parameter (Most Probable Number of coliform bacteria). GIS-based spatial maps were developed to visualize distribution patterns. The overall WQI results indicate that approximately 30% of the island’s groundwater falls under the “unsuitable” category. Traces of coliform bacteria were recorded in all samples, indicating that the groundwater is not suitable for drinking without treatment. The findings underscore the need for water purification, regular monitoring, and sustainable management of groundwater used for non-potable household use.

Bengaluru, India's Silicon Valley, faces severe mobility challenges due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing reliance on private vehicles, resulting in traffic congestion, long commute times, and deteriorating air quality that undermine the quality of life. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) offers a sustainable approach by integrating land use and transportation planning to reduce car dependency, promote compact development, and enhance accessibility. This Study examines the potential of TOD along the North-South Hebbal-Silk Board corridor, a critical axis with high transit demand and persistent congestion. The research uses secondary data from government reports, transportation studies, and site analyses to evaluate existing infrastructure, identify bottlenecks, and benchmark successful TOD strategies from global cities. Findings indicate that TOD implementation in Bengaluru can reduce travel times, increase public transit ridership, and improve non-motorized transport infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns through lower emissions and reduced sprawl. However, challenges remain in ensuring affordability, inclusivity, and effective inter-agency coordination. The Study concludes that TOD can serve as a transformative strategy for Bengaluru if supported by institutional integration, equity-oriented planning, and systematic monitoring. It further recommends scaling its application across other urban corridors in India to promote sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

Permanent construction has evolved from the Palaeolithic age to today’s skyscrapers. Constructing the structure, which promises occupants safety, has become a concern because of the uncertainties in nature. Therefore in recent years, attention has been given to the development of structural protective devices that could take care of the external loads. Structural control against the wind and earthquake load has been seriously studied where the structure behaves differently for wind and earthquake load has been briefly discussed in this paper. Initially, paper discusses the history of the construction and the passive control system, which was used in structural control, is briefly discussed in this paper. Also, the implementation of active control has been discussed which was introduced later in the structural control for more effective control. But the limitations of the passive and active control system have introduced semi-active control and also the hybrid control strategy. The two mechanisms are put together in the semi-active and hybrid system to obtain all advantages of the algorithm along with overcoming their limitations. The review also briefs about stochastic vibrational control of the structure where randomness is considered in external loads, parameter of the system and also in the external devices which are implemented in the structural control. As construction sector is a complex system, big data analysis, a new field in structural control system is discussed and future scope is also mentioned.

Transit accessibility is a critical determinant of urban equity (SDG-11) in the Global South, a term referring to emerging economies characterised by rapid urbanisation and significant infrastructure deficits. A significant ‘compliance–resilience gap’ persists in intermediate Indian cities. This study evaluates a 10.2 km primary transit corridor in Udupi, auditing 42 transit interfaces across 21 nodes using a unified 14-parameter framework. Analytical reliability was confirmed via inter-rater reliability testing (Krippendorff’s alpha = 0.822). Using a joint display synthesis, technical compliance failures were mapped to qualitative user narratives. Results supported Hypothesis 1 (H1) via chi-square testing, revealing systemic failures (p < 0.05) in ramps (2%) and information systems (0%). Hypothesis 2 (H2) was validated through a one-sample t-test, showing that stakeholder perception (mean = 1.55) was statistically significantly lower than the neutral threshold (t(99) = −21.10, p < 0.001). These deficits triggered restrictive user adaptation strategies, including temporal displacement and forced social dependency. The study establishes a replicable ‘justice-centred’ audit framework to prioritise interventions in resource-constrained urban contexts.

Grouting techniques are used in retrofitting structures to improve the structural integrity and performance of existing structures. The recent era of nanotechnology enabled the development of high-performance nanocomposite based cementitious grouts, epoxy grouts, and polyurethane grouts which enhance the strengths, durability, and life span on structures. However, use of only nanocomposite cement grouting is inadequate to bridge micro-cracks, densify the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) after retrofitting. In this study, a novel two-step hybrid crack restoring approach for concrete structures is introduced by combining injected Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced cementitious grout for nanoscale crack-bridging and ITZ densification with an epoxy coating for surface sealing for treating cracks as an integrated nano–micro–surface system. The main objective of the study is improving the mechanical performance and structural integrity of retrofitted concrete structures by assessing their synergistic effect on load-carrying capacity, deformation, and durability. The experimental study is carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties such as load carrying capacity, stress, strain, ductility, sulfate attack and influence of elevated temperature. The results demonstrate that the rupture strength of crack-restored specimens increased by 27.27, 33.33, and 20% compared to plain concrete specimens subjected to controlled room temperature, elevated temperature of 400 °C, and sulfate exposure, respectively. The microstructural analysis reveals that nanoparticle fill-up cracks in the cement composite, enhancing interaction at the interfacial zone. This study highlights the effectiveness of nanomaterial-infused grouting techniques as an innovative and efficient solution for structural retrofitting by offering improved strength, longevity, and resistance to environmental conditions.

Corrosion continues to be a major challenge affecting the service life, safety and durability of steel-reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The deterioration of steel not only reduces structural capacity but also increases long-term maintenance costs. To address this limitation, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) is being investigated as an alternative to conventional steel reinforcement, particularly in aggressive environments. This work examines the behavior of composite columns reinforced with GFRP bars with steel stirrups. Sixteen square columns of 150 × 150 × 850 mm dimensions, cast with M30 grade concrete, were reinforced using either GFRP or steel, while varying stirrup spacing and bar diameters. Experimental observations showed that GFRP reinforcement contributed about 10–12% of the ultimate capacity of the columns. A marked enhancement in load carrying capacity of GFRP-RC columns was obtained with closer stirrup spacing. The axial strength of GFRP-reinforced columns was comparable to steel-reinforced ones with the same main reinforcement ratio. Ductility increased by 12% when stirrup spacing was reduced. The difference between analytical and experimental values ranged between 12% and 15%, whereas experimental and numerical results differed by 10–12%. Based on these results, a modification factor derived from IS 456:2000 is proposed for predicting the capacity of ‘GFRP-reinforced’ columns. The outcomes clearly highlight the potential of GFRP reinforcement as a durable, sustainable and practical substitute for conventional steel reinforcement.

The use of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars is an innovative approach to replace traditional reinforcement of steel into concrete structures. GFRP bars provide notable benefits like corrosion resistance, electromagnetic neutrality, higher tensile stress by weight ratio, sustainability, and cost-effective construction reducing maintenance cost. However, challenges like brittleness, reduced ductility, and lower elastic modulus limit their practical applications. This research examines the flexural behavior of GFRP-reinforced concrete beams using experimental and numerical methods. Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEM) was performed in ABAQUS, employing a three-dimensional deformable model, concrete damage plasticity (CDP) theory, and detailed material properties for concrete, steel and GFRP. Four-point flexural load conditions were simulated, and mesh sensitive analysis was conducted to ensure model accuracy. Experimental results demonstrated that GFRP-reinforced beams had higher load-bearing capability, but wider cracks and larger deflections compared to steel-reinforced beams. Failure of flexural members primarily due to concrete crushing was observed. Numerical simulations closely exhibited experimental load deflection performance, stress distributions, and failure patterns with accuracy variation of ~10%–16%. This study highlights the potential of FEM for correctly simulating the performance of GFRP-reinforced concrete beams and comparing the numerical outcomes with experimental studies. It was observed that GFRP-reinforced beams had 20% more load-carrying capacity compared to steel-reinforced beams based on grade of concrete and size of reinforcement. Deflection values for GFRP-reinforced beams were higher compared to steel-reinforced beam leading to requirements for serviceability considerations. The outcome of the study exhibited the potential of GFRP as a superior reinforcing material for specific applications.

Sikkim is situated in the Himalayan seismic region, and earthquakes pose a serious threat to the small towns within the state’s-built environment. Traditional structures are vulnerable, whereas buildings built in accordance with modern building rules show less sensitivity to seismic events. Many of these structures are old, inadequately designed for seismic forces, or constructed without adherence to modern building codes. However, a comprehensive, fast, efficient, and economical method is required to identify vulnerable structures during probable future earthquakes due to the large number of buildings built within the state without proper consideration of seismic forces. Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) is a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable tool that allows for the preliminary identification of high-risk buildings based on visual observations of structural and non-structural features, construction type, site conditions, and known seismic hazards. This study employs the RVS methodology to assess the seismic vulnerability of school buildings across the region. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved seismic design standards, public awareness campaigns, and measures for retrofitting older structures.

The growing need for sustainable materials in architecture has sparked significant interest in natural-fiber-based composites. Among these, coconut coir, a by-product of the coconut industry, has emerged as a promising raw material owing to its abundance, renewability, and excellent mechanical properties. The promise of coir-based composites in architecture is highlighted in this review, which also looks at their problems, advantages for the environment, manufacturing processes, and mechanical, thermal, and acoustic performances. The fibrous shape of the coir provides efficient thermal and acoustic insulation, while its high lignin concentration guarantees stiffness, biological resistance, and dimensional stability. Fiber-matrix adhesion and durability have improved owing to advancements in treatment and environmentally friendly binders, opening up the use of cement, polymers, and hybrid composites. In terms of the environment, coir composites promote a biophilic design, reduce embodied carbon, and decrease landfill waste. Moisture sensitivity, inconsistent fiber quality, and production scaling are obstacles; however, advancements in hybridization, grading, and nanotechnology hold promise. This review provides comprehensive, architecture-focused review that integrates material science, fabrication techniques, and real-world architectural applications of coir-based composites. Coir-based composites have the potential to be long-lasting, sustainable substitutes for conventional materials in climate-resilient architectural design if they are further investigated and included in green certification programs and the circular economy.