In 2024, Haoyu participated in a research led by Jiaqi Yu at the University of Sheffield and Prof. Wen-Shao Chang at the University of Lincoln. It has now been published in Energy and Buildings. Unlike Haoyu’s usual focus on structural engineering, this research was centered on the built environment. The shift was motivated by the critical importance of addressing operational carbon emissions and energy efficiency in the context of achieving net-zero goals. Additionally, studying U-values is a key aspect of this research.
Haoyu plans to use this opportunity to expand his research into the built environment and carbon-related topics. Currently, he supervises two PhD students, Ms. Zhenhong Zhao and Ms. Yaxuan Yi, who are conducting research on low-carbon solutions for timber buildings. Haoyu hopes these works will lead to significant outcomes and welcomes collaborations with others interested in his research.
The 1st International Conference on Engineering Structures (ICES2024) was successfully held from 8th to 11th November in Guangzhou, China. ICES2024 marks the inaugural event in a series of conferences launched under the auspices of Engineering Structures. This international, multidisciplinary forum brought together scientists and engineers to share the latest innovations and achievements, discuss current trends and emerging challenges in the fields of structural engineering and structural mechanics, and foster information exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration within this dynamic domain.
Haoyu presented his recent collaborative research with Nanjing Tech University titled Performance of DELTABEAM-CLT Composite Floors Under Human-Induced Vibration. His presentation received excellent feedback from the audience, sparking engaging discussions and paving the way for potential future collaborations.
Haoyu engaged in productive and insightful discussions with academics from institutions such as Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Göttingen, Nanjing Forestry University, and others. These interactions provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and potential collaborations.
Abstract of the conference paper: The construction sectors account for almost 40% of global CO2 emissions. Timber floors, especially cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors, have been gaining popularity worldwide as an effective solution to reducing CO2 emissions and sequestering atmospheric carbon. However, given the lightweight nature of timber, timber floors are vulnerable to excessive vibration, especially in modern buildings designed with open spaces for flexible use. This research aimed to investigate the effect of beam–panel connections on the vibration serviceability of CLT floors and also explores the application of tuned mass damper (TMD) system to further control the vibration. In terms of the beam-panel connections, the research variables were the size (diameter and length) of and spacing between coach screws. Cyclic tests were first conducted on specimens of beam–panel connections with varying screw sizes. Then, the results were used to establish and verify a numerical model of a full-scale CLT floor, referring to experimental results of previous research. The vibration performance of floors with different screw configurations was analysed, and a theoretical model that considers beam–panel connections was proposed to estimate the fundamental natural frequency of the CLT floor. The following conclusions were drawn: The size of screws had limited influence on the fundamental natural frequency and damping ratio of the floor. Reducing the spacing between screws increased the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system by 4.3%, corresponding to an 8.8% increase in the effective stiffness. Reducing the spacing between screws is an effective way to improve floor serviceability. By reducing the spacing between screws from 1400 mm to 181 mm, the VDV decreased by 38.3%. Finally, a process of CLT floors serviceability design was proposed. VDV can be predicted based on weighted peak acceleration response. Various factors, such as the property and boundary conditions of floors, and the human-induced excitation were considered. Regarding the control of vibration in timber floors, this study has developed a multi-TMD (MTMD) system aimed at mitigating human-induced vibrations on CLT floors. We designed two different 3-TMD systems and a 5-TMD system, each tailored to be effective within specific frequency bandwidths. The findings indicate that the 5-TMD system is the most effective at reducing human-induced vibrations, such as those caused by activities like slow walking by one or two people, fast walking, and running, due to its ability to cover a broader frequency range. Moreover, when the loads on the CLT floor varied, the SMA-based 5-TMD system demonstrated significant robustness, successfully maintaining low response levels. This study demonstrates that using TMD systems effectively reduces vibrations in timber floors, potentially encouraging their use in modern construction. These advancements expand timber floor applications in future wood engineering, promoting sustainable construction practices and reducing CO2 emissions.
Prof. Sean Wilkinson and Dr. Haoyu Huang were honoured to be invited by Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), China, for an academic visit in the first week of September 2024. During this visit, Prof. Wilkinson delivered an engaging keynote presentation on Future-Proofing Infrastructure Using Consequence Forecasting, providing valuable insights into predictive methodologies for enhancing the resilience of modern infrastructure. Dr. Huang presented a talk titled Modern Timber Construction and Vibration Control, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in timber engineering and strategies for mitigating structural vibrations.
The visit also featured a series of interactive academic seminars that brought together academics, students, and researchers to discuss critical topics such as building resilience, bio-based construction, and sustainable development practices. These discussions fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Prof. Wilkinson and Dr. Huang had the opportunity to tour the new structural laboratories at the university’s Caotang Campus.
This visit marked the beginning of promising research collaborations between XAUAT and Newcastle University. Both Prof. Wilkinson and Dr. Huang expressed optimism about future visits, envisioning further opportunities for co-research, student exchanges, and collaborative innovations in sustainable and resilient construction.
