The kiiz üy (yurt) - the traditional portable home of Kazakh nomads, stands as a core symbol of Kazakhstan's cultural identity, embodying centuries-old traditions and the ecological wisdom of the steppe civilisation. Its architecture is not merely a functional spatial solution derived from an ingenious lightweight structure, but also an expression of the aesthetic and symbolic values of the Kazakh worldview. This study reconsiders the yurt as a living architectural archetype that continues to shape the sustainable design culture of twenty-first-century Kazakhstan. It analyses how the spatial logic, material language, and ornamentation of the kiiz üy are reinterpreted in contemporary architecture and interior design, linking vernacular traditions to regional identity and ecological innovation. The originality of this research lies in its focus on recent architectural and artistic practices - including the Contemporary Kazakh Yurt by Nurgissa Architects and the Ancient Futures exhibition - which exemplify how traditional knowledge can be transformed into forward-looking architectural strategies. This perspective, connecting vernacular symbolism with sustainability principles, has not been addressed in previous literature. The findings highlight the continuing relevance of the kiiz üy as a source of adaptive design principles and cultural meaning. They may serve architects and designers seeking to integrate national heritage into modern contexts, thereby reinforcing environmental awareness and a renewed sense of cultural continuity.

The use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) jackets as an external technique to strengthen existing reinforced concrete (RC) columns has become increasingly popular in recent years, resulting in very promising results. Existing research, primarily focused on columns fully wrapped with FRP jackets, has demonstrated that FRP strengthening considerably affects both their strength and ductility. However, the current focus has transitioned towards partial confinement, which is more cost-effective as it requires less FRP and adhesive, and is also simple and quick to implement on-site. Using the finite element program ATENA GID 3D, a 3D finite element model of a CFRP partially confined square reinforced concrete column subjected to eccentric loading has been created for this investigation. The numerical models were validated through comparison with the results from a subsequent experimental study. To investigate the effects of confinement configurations, slenderness ratio, strengthening ratio, concrete strength, and load eccentricity on column behavior, parametric research was conducted. The results indicated that an increase in load eccentricity leads to a considerable decrease in the load-bearing capacity of columns, while the mid-height horizontal displacements remain unaffected by eccentricity. The effectiveness of partial confinement decreases as the concrete grade rises. An increase in the slenderness ratio results in a significant reduction in their ultimate load-bearing capacity, accompanied by an enhancement in the lateral ductility of the columns. Concerning the strengthening ratio, an optimal value is found between 3 and 5 confining layers, which helps to minimize material waste and reduce costs. The best performance regarding ultimate load and lateral ductility ratio is attained by both configurations featuring small distributed wraps and a single large central wrap, which also necessitate the least amount of labor cost.

The multidisciplinary goal of the scientific research was achieved through the interdependent achievement of building design problems on its seismic-resistance, energy-efficiency, thermal comfort, and sanitary conditions. Practical issues in optimal design of low-rise buildings are solved by proposing joint structures of brick walls with monolithic reinforced concrete columns, tie beams, and foundations. Based on numerical investigations, the cross-sections of these elements are reduced, since the maximum displacements of the building frame's upper points along the X and Y axes under seismic loads are lower than the regulatory limits. The presented isotherms and heat flow intensities on the cross sections of the structural joints made it possible to eliminate the negative effects of thermal bridges and mold growth by installing additional layers of thermal insulation on them. Based on the developed schedules, the optimal width of these additional layers of thermal insulation and the radius of rounding of the inner corner of the outer wall with cement-sand mortar are proposed. The authors' comprehensive solutions enabled savings of 11.3% for concrete and 3.54% for steel reinforcement, as well as a reduction in annual heat consumption of 6.61–8.08% for the studied building, located in six representative cities in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

This research analyses the thermal performance and sustainability of traditional adobe housing in Tamaulipas, Mexico, focusing on the use of earth and plant fibers as construction materials. The research aims to emphasize the advantages of adobe as an energy-efficient and climate-responsive building method, particularly in rural areas where such techniques remain prevalent. The study was conducted through a combination of literature review and case studies from three representative communities in the region. Thermal measurements and interviews with local experts and residents provided valuable insights into the thermal behavior of adobe and other materials traditionally used in rural housing. The findings indicate that adobe structures excel in maintaining stable indoor temperatures by leveraging their high thermal mass, significantly reducing the need for artificial climate control and energy consumption. This advantage positions adobe as an environmentally sustainable option, particularly in the face of global climate change, where energy efficiency and resilience are becoming increasingly important. In addition to traditional adobe construction, the study also explored the potential integration of bioclimatic design strategies to further enhance the thermal performance and resilience of residential houses in the region. The research suggests that incorporating modern materials and techniques, such as bamboo reinforcement or stabilizing cements, could strengthen the benefits of traditional adobe while promoting local economic development. Ultimately, the study highlights the enduring value of vernacular construction techniques in fostering sustainable housing solutions and calls for further research to optimize the integration of traditional methods with contemporary construction practices for enhanced environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

Floods are among the most frequent and damaging natural hazards in Indonesia, particularly in flood-prone subdistricts. This study conducts an index-based spatial assessment of flood hazard and multi-sectoral vulnerability in Momunu Subdistrict, Buol Regency, Central Sulawesi. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), flood hazard mapping reveals that the total flood-prone area covers 3,022.02 hectares, consisting of low (1,674.18 ha), medium (958.05 ha), and high (389.79 ha) hazard classes. The most affected villages include Panimbul (low hazard), Pinamula (medium), and Lamadong I (high hazard), especially in areas with flat topography near river systems. The vulnerability analysis incorporates social, physical, economic, and environmental indicators. Social vulnerability is highest in villages such as Potugu, Pomayagon, and Guamonial. Physical vulnerability is generally low to moderate but increases near rivers and in settlements with non-permanent structures. Economic vulnerability shows significant variation, with the highest index value of 0.565568, indicating substantial exposure to potential economic losses. Environmental vulnerability peaks at an index value of 0.633431, reflecting ecological stress due to land-use changes and diminished protected areas. Furthermore, the exposed population in Momunu Subdistrict is estimated at 8,637 people, including 39 persons with disabilities, 4,461 males, and 4,176 females. Estimated flood-related losses reach IDR 49.063 billion, comprising IDR 49.025 billion in physical damage, IDR 38.32 billion in economic losses, and environmental degradation over 869 hectares. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted flood mitigation strategies and resilience planning based on spatially explicit risk assessments.

The development of the concept of prefabricated low-rise housing adapted to the conditions of Kazakhstan is of particular relevance in the context of specific climatic and geographical features of the region, such as high seismic activity, sharp temperature fluctuations, and the need for rapid deployment of residential facilities in emergency situations. The purpose of this study was to create an architectural and design concept of prefabricated housing with a focus on innovative structural solutions that meet modern requirements for energy efficiency, earthquake resistance and mobility. The study developed and tested three experimental variants of architectural models: block-modular system, containerised assembly, and transformable design. These schemes were chosen due to their prominent degree of industrialisation, the possibility of rapid assembly, and adaptation to the natural and climatic conditions of Kazakhstan. Each model was analysed in detail in terms of speed of assembly, energy efficiency, resistance to seismic loads, and economic feasibility. The findings revealed that the block-modular system demonstrated the best balance between adaptability, energy efficiency, and scalability, making it the most suitable for permanent housing. The containerised system was found to be the most suitable for use in remote areas due to its factory-ready and compact nature, while the transformable design provided high flexibility, making it ideal for temporary and seasonal solutions. The developed architectural model demonstrated high energy efficiency and seismic resistance, as evidenced by heat loss and seismic load calculations, as well as its ability to be used in extreme climatic changes. The seismic resistance of the model was evaluated considering seismic loads of magnitudes 8-9, which confirmed its ability to withstand considerable deformations and stresses. These findings make the proposed concept suitable for mass application in Kazakhstan, both for permanent housing and for emergency deployment of residential facilities.

Traditionally, the planning and design of road infrastructure projects relied on conventional methods. However, with technological advancements, the InfraWorks tool, integrated into BIM, has become essential for planning these projects in a realistic environment. This process begins with the evaluation of multiple route alternatives, comparing them based on technical, environmental, and economic criteria, to select the optimal option. The primary objective of this research is to replace the most flood-prone road section among those connecting the city of Sidi Belattar to RN 90, located on the left bank of the Chellif River in Algeria. To achieve this, the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods VIKOR and TOPSIS are used to evaluate and rank the different options. The analysis is based on MCDM methods, combining two complementary approaches: VIKOR (VIsekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), to rank the alternatives. The results revealed a general consistency between the two methods, designating the first alternative as the optimal solution to replace the vulnerable section of the existing route. In conclusion, this approach represents a significant advancement thanks to the integration of InfraWorks and MCDM methods, offering an innovative approach to optimize the planning and design of road infrastructure from the early stages of development.

In this experimental investigation, CFRP fabrics are wrapped around RC beams to improve their flexural strength. The wrapped beams are then subjected to a two-point loading process, and the following test results, including ultimate load capacity and flexural strength of the wrapped beams, are compared with those of the control beam. A total of 9 RC beams were used in the investigational work, and the beam dimensions are 200 x 250 x 2000mm. The casting work includes three control beams (CB), three beams wrapped in CFRP fabric in the base (BCFRPFB), and three beams wrapped in CFRP fabric in the base and along the two longer sides of the beams that were outwardly bonded with epoxy resin (BCFRPFBS). Experimental analysis was performed to study the outcome of CFRP fabrics on beams with the flexural strength, ultimate load capacity, stress-strain curves and load-deflection relationship. Results show that the average ultimate load capacity of the beam wrapped with CFRP fabrics on the base & along two longer sides is 94% higher than that of the control beam and 27% higher than that of the beam wrapped with CFRP fabrics on the base of the beam.

Energy-efficient retrofitting of building envelopes is a cost-effective and scalable strategy for reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing thermal comfort. This approach has gained increasing attention in recent years, driving significant growth in research publications. However, the rapid field expansion makes it challenging to discern the research landscape's direction, scope, and gaps. This paper provides a bibliometric review of the building envelope retrofitting research domain that focuses on energy efficiency and climate resilience, utilizing citation data from the Scopus database. 1214 relevant research articles were analyzed using the Biblioshiny application in the R-Studio package. Bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis and contributes to a deeper understanding of the research domain. The study maps publication trends, tracks trajectories, and identifies active collaboration networks among researchers. The review examines the evolution and distribution of frequently cited keywords, offering a detailed overview of emerging topics and dominant research themes. It highlights key sub-areas such as energy efficiency, energy conservation, materials and methods, energy simulations, life cycle analysis, performance assessments, and optimization. The study identifies research gaps and presents future opportunities to advance energy-efficient building envelope retrofitting for energy efficiency and climate resilience. This paper can guide future research and policy making and promote sustainable retrofit practices. The paper provides recommendations for future research and emphasizes the importance of continued innovation and international collaboration in an effort toward energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings.

The article addresses risk management in the face of heavy rains, highlighting the importance of developing comprehensive public policies that minimize the impacts on infrastructure, economy, and security. This study addresses the urgent need to implement preventive and resilient measures through a qualitative phenomenological approach. A systematic literature review was conducted, using recognized databases and applying rigorous inclusion criteria, which allowed us to analyze studies published between 2019 and 2024. In addition, structured search equations were adopted, and specific cases evidencing the effectiveness and challenges of these policies were evaluated. The results show that strategies such as early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and community participation have been implemented; however, limitations related to inter-institutional coordination, resource allocation, and integration with urban and environmental development plans persist. The discussion also highlights the need to strengthen evaluation and monitoring mechanisms to adjust response protocols to extreme events. Finally, it is concluded that an effective risk management policy requires a preventive and collaborative approach that integrates innovative technologies and promotes the participation of all stakeholders.