Kyoto Architecture University

In-situ construction technology refers to the direct use of indigenous resources of celestial bodies for construction and production activities in space exploration activities. Focusing on in-situ construction technology aims to improve the sustainability and cost efficiency of lunar missions by utilizing lunar indigenous resources. The research methodology involved sintering experiments using simulated lunar soil, where cubic specimens (40 mm × 40 mm × 40 mm) were prepared based on material similarity analysis. Based on differences in pressure and temperature, three distinct sintering conditions were designed for the experiments. The experimental results yielded essential material properties, including density, compressive strength, and shrinkage rate. Based on these mechanical properties and the characteristics of mortarless masonry, a self-locking Afghan vault structure was developed. Designed as an external shielding shell to protect internal inflatable habitats from radiation and meteorites, this structure functions under unpressurized conditions. Finite element analysis was employed to develop a parametric model of the Afghan vault structure, enabling comprehensive evaluation of its mechanical properties under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The study specifically analyzed the optimal construction angles under two different loading conditions: self-weight load and typical seismic load. Analysis revealed that structural stability was optimized at inclination angles of α = 30° and θ = 80° for these respective conditions. These research advancements have laid a theoretical foundation for the practical application of Afghan vault structures in lunar construction engineering.

Abstract In response to the difficulty of accurately analyzing the vibration characteristics of guide frame lifting platforms using multi-rigid body models, this paper proposes a flexible-rigid coupling dynamic equation and simulation model. By integrating ANSYS APDL and ADAMS, an organic replacement between the flexible components and rigid bodies is achieved during the process of flexibilizing the lifting platform. A joint ANSYS-ADAMS simulation is conducted to analyze the axial vibration characteristics of the guide frame lifting platform under standard operating conditions. Additionally, simulations are performed to assess the impact of various operating conditions, including running speed, load magnitude, off-center loading, and braking time, on the vibration characteristics of the platform. The accuracy and validity of the proposed model are verified through experimental data on axial vibration characteristics and vibration acceleration. This research provides a theoretical foundation and model support for subsequent structural optimization, comfort design, and vibration pattern studies of lifting platforms

This paper analyzes the formation of urban tissues north of Gifu Station during postwar reconstruction, focusing on two row-type shop-house developments built by repatriates: “Dai-Harupin-gai Housing” (1947) and “Kōsei Housing” (1950). Through historical documentation and field surveys, the research reconstructs their original spatial and architectural configurations. It highlights a unique building-led development pattern where housing construction preceded urban infrastructure planning, significantly influenced by pre-war textile factory remnants.

Spectral geometry is a mathematical field that links geometrical properties to eigenvalues of differential operators on surfaces. Although it is a well-established tool in geometry processing and has been used in many contexts, the structural engineering and architectural geometry communities have not yet adopted this framework for shape modeling. This paper aims to explore spectral methods for applications in architectural geometries. A novel methodology for generating anisotropic Laplacian operators based on regions of interest defined by the user is proposed. The potential of spectral methods in structural design is illustrated through design problems expressed on meshes and graphs. • Spectral geometry is proposed as a generic modeling framework for free-form structures. • Feature-aligned anisotropic Laplacian operator is introduced. • Linear and affine constraints are handled.

In some industrial buildings, ventilation system continues to be operated even after the break of fire in order to keep the necessary pressure differences. In such situations, supplied air at the ceiling creates a downward plume. The plume entrains smoke in the upper layer and move the smoke particles downward. As a result, lower air layer is contaminated by smoke. In this paper, model scale experiments were carried out to investigate the properties of downward plume. A smoke layer was created in the upper part of a model room. Fresh air was supplied downward via an outlet equipped at the ceiling. The velocity and temperature profiles and the mass flow rate of downward plume was measured by direct measurement method and gas analysis method. The mass flow rate was formulated by Zukoski’s plume formula and compared with experimental measurements. To evaluate the degree of contamination of the lower layer, the yield ratio of downward plume to lower layer was investigated with the Froude number at the bottom of smoke layer. The yield ratio was around 0.8.

This paper attempted to improve the usability of BIM by utilizing Excel, a familiar tool, and to create a system that would allow even owners with limited knowledge of BIM to perform effective factory maintenance management. Based on the literature, the authors summarized examples of BIM being used for FM and conducted interview surveys with the owner of the target building, a factory, to practically examine the utility and issues of using Excel for FM, and what an effective form of FM would look like for the target building.