• Energy Research

Globally, solar energy has become a major contributor to the rapid adoption of renewable energy. Significant energy savings have resulted from the widespread utilization of solar energy in the industrial, residential, and commercial divisions. This review article comprises research conducted over the past 15 years (2008–2023), utilizing a comprehensive collection of 163 references. Significantly, a considerable focus is directed towards the period from 2020 to 2023, encompassing an extensive investigation into the latest developments in solar panel technology in civil engineering. The article examines the incorporation of solar panels into building designs and addresses installation-related structural considerations. In addition, the present review examines the applications of solar panels in terms of innovative infrastructure development applications of solar panels, such as photovoltaic parking lot canopies and photovoltaic noise barriers, which contribute to improved energy efficiency. It also emphasizes their role in water management systems, including water treatment plants, water pumping and irrigation systems, energy-efficient solar desalination technologies, and promoting sustainable water practices. In addition, this study examines how solar panels have been incorporated into urban planning, including smart cities and public parks, thereby transforming urban landscapes into greener alternatives. This study also examined the use of solar panels in building materials, such as façade systems and solar-powered building envelope solutions, demonstrating their versatility in the construction industry. This review explores the diverse applications of solar energy, which promotes sustainable practices in various industries. Owing to the ongoing research, solar energy holds great promise for a greener and cleaner future.

This comprehensive review focuses on the integration of intelligent technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial intelligence (AI), and Nondestructive Testing (NDT), in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) field of civil engineering. The article discusses intelligent technologies in SHM for residential, commercial, industrial, historical, and special buildings, such as nuclear power plants (NPPs). With the incorporation of intelligent technologies, there have been remarkable advancements in SHM, a crucial aspect of infrastructure safety, reliability, and durability. The combination of SHM and intelligent technologies provides a cost-effective and efficient building monitoring approach, significantly contributing to energy and resource conservation. This article explores using electronic instruments, such as sensors, microcontrollers, and embedded systems, to measure displacement, force, strain, and temperature, which are crucial for detecting structural damage. Implementing intelligent technologies in SHM reduces the reliance on manual and hazardous inspection practices, simplifying and reducing the cost of building monitoring. The article highlights the social, economic, and environmental benefits of adopting intelligent technologies in SHM by presenting key findings from existing research. This review aims to increase the reader’s understanding of the significance of these technologies in enhancing the efficiency of SHM in civil engineering by illuminating their advancements and applications.

Green building is a way to reduce the impact of the building stock on the environment, society, and economy. Despite the significance of a systematic review for the upcoming project, few studies have been conducted. Studies within the eco-friendly construction scope have been boosted in the past few decades. The present review study intends to critically analyse the available literature on green buildings by identifying the prevalent research approaches and themes. Among these recurring issues are the definition and scope of green buildings, the quantification of green buildings’ advantages over conventional ones, and several green building production strategies. The study concludes that the available research focuses mainly on the environmental side of green buildings. In contrast, other crucial points of green building sustainability, such as social impacts, are often neglected. Future research objectives include the effects of climate on the effectiveness of green building assessment methods; verification of the actual performance of green buildings; specific demographic requirements; and future-proofing.