in recent years, seismic evaluation and vulnerability of the existing buildings, that have been designed based on an earlier seismic design code or designed without seismic design criteria, has been very important. in this paper, the seismic evaluation and vulnerability of concrete buildings, using an old 5- story building with shear walls as an example has been discussed. for this building, fi...

abstract a basic aim of low energy architecture is to create a thermally comfortable internal environment for building occupants whilst consuming the least possible amount of energy. in desert countries this aim is more difficult to achieve since high ambient air temperatures create a barrier to comfort. traditional building types of these countries, such as courtyard building, have evolved to ...

This paper utilizes recent optimization algorithm called Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) for optimal design of skeletal structures. The ALO is based on the hunting mechanism of Antlions in nature. The random walk of ants, building traps, entrapment of ants in traps, catching preys, and re-building traps are main steps for this algorithm. The new algorithm is examined by designing three truss and frame...

this paper examines differences in performances of a range of torsionally stiff and flexible single story buildings designed with the provisions of iranian standard 2800. seismic nonlinear dynamic time history behavior of eight building models subjected to seven horizontal bi-directional design spectra compatible ground motions are investigated. these models cover a wide range of very torsional...

The Building Design Advisor (BDA) is a software environment that supports the integrated use of multiple analysis and visualization tools throughout the building design process, from the initial, schematic design phases to the detailed specification of building components and systems. Based on a comprehensive design theory, the BDA uses an object-oriented representation of the building and its ...

Nowadays, the increase of fossil fuel consumption intensifies the crucial role of architects. As buildings consume over one-third of the used energy, the society of architects is held responsible for this consumption. Therefore, the amount of energy used by a building is directly related to its design; meaning that reduction of energy consumption should be targeted at the design stage. In this ...