Wall crack detection is one of the primary tasks in determining the structural integrity of a building for both restorative and preventive attempts. Machine learning techniques, such as deep learning (DL) with computer vision capabilities, have gradually become more prevalent as they can provide expert assessments with an acceptable performance when the crack detection involves a considerable number of structures. Despite such a prospective application, classification on different types of wall cracks is relatively less common, possibly due to the absence of the professional-standard-to-dataset translation. In this work, we utilised a complete pipeline, starting from novel dataset construction, ground truth formulation based on civil engineering standards, and training and testing steps. Our work focused on multi-class classification with regard to the binary classification (i.e., determining only two categories) used in previous studies. We implemented transfer learning based on VGG16 and RestNET50 for feature extraction, combined them with an ANN and kNN for the classifier, and compared their prediction performances. Our results indicate that the developed models can distinguish images that contain wall cracks into three categories of features based on the degree of damage: light, medium, and severe. Furthermore, since greyscale images offer more precise readings and predictions, the use of augmentation in dataset generation is critical. Although ResNet50 is the most stable network in terms of accuracy, it performs better when paired with kNN.

This study investigates a sustainable coating method for modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS) beads to improve the thermal insulation of lightweight concrete intended for wall application. The method employed in this study is based on a novel coating technique that represents a significant advancement in modifying Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads for enhanced lightweight concrete. This study experimentally assessed the energy-saving capabilities of MEPS concrete in comparison to control groups of uncoated EPS beads and normal concrete by analysing early-stage temperature, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, heat flux, and thermal diffusivity. The thermal conductivity of MEPS concrete is approximately 40% lower than that of normal concrete, demonstrating its usefulness in enhancing insulation. The heat flux calculated for MEPS concrete is significantly reduced (approximately 35%), and it has a 20% lower specific heat capacity than ordinary concrete, indicating a reduction in energy transfer through the material and, thus, potential energy-efficiency benefits. Furthermore, the study discovered that all test objects have very low thermal diffusivity values (less than 0.5 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s), indicating a slower heat transport through the material. The sustainable coating method utilized fly ash-enhanced thermal efficiency and employed recycled materials, hence decreasing the environmental impact. MEPS concrete provides a practical option for creating sustainable and comfortable buildings through the promotion of energy-efficient wall construction. Concrete incorporating coated EPS can be a viable option for constructing walls where there is a need to balance structural integrity and adequate insulation.

Identifying sustainable alternatives and addressing the environmental impacts of cement production are becoming increasingly vital. Alternative materials, such as fly ash, can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete and mortar. This study will examine the impact of early-age heat of hydration on compressive strength of mortar when cement is partially replaced by fly ash. The mix proportion used in this study was 1:3 (cement: fine aggregate) with a w/b ratio of 0.4. Furthermore, the replacement of cement with fly ash was calculated based on weight percentage proportions, ranging from 10, 30, and 50% of the cement weight. Fly ash can be effectively used as a substitute for cement to reduce thermal hydration and maintain acceptable levels of compressive strength. As the fly ash substitution rate increased, the thermal hydration of the samples decreased. Nevertheless, the increased strength level may serve as a counterbalance for the initially reduced strength of the mortar that contains fly ash.

Aspek manfaat sebagai dampak dari pelaksanaan rekomendasi merupakan faktor penting dalam pemeriksaan kinerja. Tulisan ini menguraikan hasil dari penelitian deskriptif melalui metode survei untuk menilai sejauh mana manfaat hasil pemeriksaan kinerja BPK serta mengetahui pengaruh rekomendasi yang diberikan oleh BPK terhadap entitas yang diaudit (auditee). Survei dilakukan terhadap obyek pemeriksaan kinerja BPK yang berasal dari Kementrian/Lembaga, BUMN/BUMD, RSUD, serta Satuan Kerja Perangkat Daerah (SKPD) pada pemerintah Provinsi/Kabupaten/Kota dan “entitas lainnya”. Hasil survei menunjukkan pemeriksaan kinerja BPK bermanfaat untuk meningkatkan kinerja auditee, dimana auditee pemerintah daerah mendapatkan manfaat yang lebih besar dibandingkan pemerintah pusat. Survei juga menunjukkan, semakin tinggi frekuensi pemeriksaan kinerja, semakin baik kualitas rekomendasi yang diberikan memberikan manfaat yang lebih besar bagi auditee. 90% responden menyatakan, rekomendasi yang diberikan BPK dapat ditindaklanjuti. Beberapa masukan diberikan oleh auditee terkait upaya yang perlu dilakukan oleh BPK untuk meningkatkan kualitas pemeriksaan dan kualitas rekomendasi untuk meningkatkan pelaksanaan tindak lanjut oleh auditee.