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Article
Publication date: 28 March 2008

Sonya Lipczynska

187

Abstract

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Reference Reviews, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0950-4125

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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2019

Soufyane Bellifa and Nadir Boumechra

This paper aims to assess the effects of chemically accelerated leaching on the physical and mechanical properties of aerial lime–cement mortars (LCMs).

87

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the effects of chemically accelerated leaching on the physical and mechanical properties of aerial lime–cement mortars (LCMs).

Design/methodology/approach

Two aerial LCMs, differencing mainly in their calcium hydroxide content, were degraded by the use of an ammonium nitrate solution as a leaching agent. The leaching effects were studied by evaluating the rate of change in physical (sorptivity and mass loss) and mechanical (flexural and compressive strength) characteristics of aerial LCMs. To quantify the evolution and kinetics of degradation, the leached depth was then characterized at different levels of degradation by means of a phenolphthalein solution.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the dissolution of binder decreases the mass, alkalinity and strength of aerial LCMs but increases their sorptivity. A linear relationship was derived by plotting the values of leached depth against the square root of immersion time in an aggressive solution. It was found that the leached depth followed diffusion-controlled kinetics.

Originality/value

It was found that the global loss of compressive strength of aerial LCMs because of complete dissolution of calcium hydroxide can reach up to 80 per cent.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Brit Anak Kayan, Alan M. Forster and Phillip F.G. Banfill

Sustainability is well understood to encapsulate economic, environmental and societal parameters. The efficiency of maintenance interventions for historic buildings is no…

579

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainability is well understood to encapsulate economic, environmental and societal parameters. The efficiency of maintenance interventions for historic buildings is no exception and also conforms to these broad factors. Recently, environmental considerations for masonry repair have become increasingly important and this work supports this growing area. The purpose of this paper is to give insight on how an option appraisal approach of “Green Maintenance” modelling for historic masonry buildings repair practically determine and ultimately substantiate the decision-making process using a calculation procedures of life cycle assessment, within delineated boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

Calculation procedures of the model enables an assessment of embodied carbon that is expended from different stone masonry wall repair techniques and scenarios for historic masonry buildings during the maintenance phase.

Findings

It recognises the importance roles Green Maintenance model can play in reducing carbon emissions and underpins rational decision making for repair selection.

Practical implications

It must be emphasised that the calculation procedures presented here, is not confined to historic masonry buildings and can be applied to any repair types and building form. The decisions made as a result of the utilisation of this model practically support environmentally focused conservation decisions.

Social implications

The implementation of the model highlights the efficacy of repairs that may be adopted.

Originality/value

The paper is a rigorous application and testing of the Green Maintenance model. The model relays the “true” carbon cost of repairs contextualised within the longevity of the materials and its embodied carbon that consequently allows rational appraisal of repair and maintenance options.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 8 November 2011

A.M. Forster and K. Carter

The selection of lime mortars for masonry structures can be an important component of a repair or new build project. This selection is considered difficult due to the number of…

1300

Abstract

Purpose

The selection of lime mortars for masonry structures can be an important component of a repair or new build project. This selection is considered difficult due to the number of variables to consider during the decision‐making process and the perceived inherent complexity of the materials. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the selection process for determining suitable natural hydraulic lime repair mortars for masonry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a conceptual and practical framework for the determination of suitable lime mortars for repair and construction of masonry structures, drawing and building on relevant, literature and existing best practice guidance on specification.

Findings

The use of various relatively newly produced data sets pertaining to durability can aid in the appropriate selection of lime mortars. These determinants must however, be correlated with traditional evaluation of exposure levels, building detailing and moisture handling performance. Building condition survey of the existing fabric is essential to enable refinement of the selection process of these mortars. The adjustment of the initially identified mortars highlighted in the best practice guide may potentially benefit from modification based on the aforementioned factors.

Originality/value

Whilst data exist to help the practitioner select hydraulic lime mortars they have never been correlated with the tacit and expressed protocols for survey and the evaluation of the performance of structures.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Article
Publication date: 26 November 2021

Nigel Craig, Nick Pilcher, Alan M. Forster and Craig Kennedy

The spirits industry is a major economic contributor worldwide, often requiring years of maturation in barrels that is associated with significant release of ethanol into the…

259

Abstract

Purpose

The spirits industry is a major economic contributor worldwide, often requiring years of maturation in barrels that is associated with significant release of ethanol into the surrounding environment. This provides carbon nutrition for colonisation of black fungal growths, one type being Baudoinia compniacensis, or Whisky Black. Although growth is localised in production areas, numerous sites exist globally, and this paper's purpose is to investigate the extent and implications of colonisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents and discusses the results of a visual survey of the area surrounding a site where whisky is maturing in nearby bonded warehouses. The evaluation considers radial zoning distance from the ethanol source and material substrate types and surface textures. Classical key stages of Building Pathology, namely manifestation, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, are considered.

Findings

Key findings are that the colonisation of the fungus is non-uniform and dependent on the substrate building material. Additionally, rougher-textured building materials displayed heavier levels of fungal manifestation than smooth materials. Aspects such as distance, wind direction and moisture are considered relative to the extent and level of fungal growth.

Originality/value

This investigation provides the first assessment of the extent and nature of the fungal growth in properties built in surrounding areas to bonded warehouses. Such information can facilitate open dialogue between stakeholders that recognise the aspirations of values of corporate social responsibility, whilst balancing the economic importance of distilling with recognition of the fungus's impact on property values and appropriate recurring remedial treatments.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 14 March 2016

Marc Forster

– The purpose of this paper is to describe how an “experience framework” for an evidence-based information literacy educational intervention can be formulated.

800

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how an “experience framework” for an evidence-based information literacy educational intervention can be formulated.

Design/methodology/approach

The experience framework is developed by applying the qualitative methodology phenomenography to the analysis of the variation in the experience of a phenomenon by a target group, making specific use of one of its data analysis methods, that pioneered by Gerlese Akerlind. A phenomenographic study’s descriptions of the limited but related experiences of the phenomenon, and the detail of context and complexity in experience achieved through the Akerlind data analysis technique, are essential to a framework’s structure and educationally valuable richness of detail.

Findings

The “experience framework”, an example of which is set out in this paper, is formed from a detailed range of contexts, forms and levels of complexity of experience of a phenomenon, such as information literacy, in a group or profession. Groupings of aspects of that experience are used to formulate, through the application of variation theory, an education theory developed from previous phenomenographic research, learning contexts and aims which can form the focus of educational activities.

Originality/value

The framework can be used to form the basis of an evidence-based educational intervention to enrich the experience of any concept within LIS that Information professionals work to develop in their users.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 72 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

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Article
Publication date: 24 August 2012

Clare Torney, Alan M. Forster, Craig J. Kennedy and Ewan K. Hyslop

The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of perceptions of suitability of different materials for a repair. The use of highly cementitious materials in the repair of…

585

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of perceptions of suitability of different materials for a repair. The use of highly cementitious materials in the repair of historic masonry is causing great concern due to their incompatibility with adjacent stone and the associated accelerated deterioration which results from their use. The relatively recent development of so‐called “restoration mortars” based on a “mix and go” application, combined with the enhanced weathering of stone in a changing climate, may be contributing to the use of “plastic” repair materials on stone across Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, case studies of repairs are presented to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of using such materials, and comparisons are made with the alternative options.

Findings

The case studies presented highlight the use of a number of different stone repair materials, sometimes in combination with stone replacement, representing functional and philosophical approaches to masonry repair. However, the research has also highlighted the increasing use of plastic repairs for large‐scale repair including façade rendering, which fail to incorporate these systematic and informed approaches, and can ultimately lead to failure of repairs.

Originality/value

An evaluation of the current standing of the materials, methods and the extent of this type of repair, is vital for the substantiation of further research, and to enhance the empirical knowledge of in‐use performance, longevity and failure. The increasing emergence of restoration mortars, and their manufacture and supply on an international scale, highlights the global impact and relevance of this research.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Article
Publication date: 13 July 2010

Alan M. Forster

The techniques available for the repair of historic masonry structures are extremely wide ranging. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of repair can be evaluated in…

2747

Abstract

Purpose

The techniques available for the repair of historic masonry structures are extremely wide ranging. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of repair can be evaluated in terms of cost, time and quality as with modern projects. It is however, important to realise that when repairs to historic buildings are selected they must conform to building conservation philosophy, or an ethical and principle based evaluation. The purpose of this paper (part 2 of 2) is to establish what is meant by principles in this context and wherever possible apply practical examples to illustrate these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluative literature review of the principles encapsulated within building conservation philosophy utilising them to stimulate discussion on practical repair interventions.

Findings

It has been shown that the principles of building conservation philosophy must be considered prior to making decisions relating to masonry repair. These repairs have varying degrees of defensibility, and will ultimately lead to good or bad conservation approaches. This paper briefly discusses the principles, highlighting some of the issues that may be initially confusing to the practitioner.

Originality/value

The evaluation of building conservation philosophy for masonry repair, and more specifically the “principles” have been little studied. The importance of this cannot however be over stated, as far from being an esoteric concept it affects every practical repair. This work brings together the study of the philosophical and practical, enabling practitioners to better understand the ramifications of building conservation philosophy for their projects. It must however be emphasised that as with any aspect of philosophy, there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer, only higher levels of defence for the selected repairs.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Article
Publication date: 11 July 2016

Scott McGibbon and Mohamed Abdel-Wahab

Scotland’s built heritage (pre-1919 building stock) is exhibiting varying levels of disrepair, in particular for stonemasonry works, despite the government’s on-going efforts for…

562

Abstract

Purpose

Scotland’s built heritage (pre-1919 building stock) is exhibiting varying levels of disrepair, in particular for stonemasonry works, despite the government’s on-going efforts for promoting higher standards of repair and maintenance (R & M) of historic buildings. The purpose of this paper is to examine the problems associated with the R & M of historic buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies (Projects A and B) exhibiting critical disrepair are reported. Site surveying was carried-out on both projects, to identify site features and R & M problems along with proposed solutions drawing on the lead author’s extensive industry experience as a stonemasonry consultant. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals involved in each project to elicit views on the challenges faced. Additionally, three industry experts were interviewed to provide a wider perspective of the R & M challenges facing historic buildings.

Findings

Neglect and poor practice resulted in both projects becoming more challenging and expensive than they needed to be, which was attributed to generic and advanced skills 6deficiencies of the workforce. There is an urgent need for a multi-disciplinary approach to the development of a method statement for R & M, drawing on the expertise of professionals and contractors, particularly when specifying repairs to structural elements.

Originality/value

This paper has provided original and valuable information on R & M problems, highlighting the importance of continued investment in skills development for historic building R & M to enhance existing current training provision and practice. There is a need for further similar project-based data to inform skills development strategies for the R & M of historic buildings as well as enhancing existing qualification frameworks.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Book part
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Stephanie von Hinke, Jonathan James, Emil Sorensen, Hans H. Sievertsen and Nicolai Vitt

This chapter shows the prevalence, trends and heterogeneity in maternal smoking around birth in the United Kingdom (UK), focussing on the war and post-war reconstruction period in…

Abstract

This chapter shows the prevalence, trends and heterogeneity in maternal smoking around birth in the United Kingdom (UK), focussing on the war and post-war reconstruction period in which there exists surprisingly little systematic data on (maternal) smoking behaviours. Within this context, the authors highlight relevant events, the release of new information about the harms of smoking and changes in (government) policy aimed at reducing smoking prevalence. The authors show stark changes in smoking prevalence over a 30-year period, highlight the onset of the social gradient in smoking as well as genetic heterogeneities in smoking trends.

Details

Recent Developments in Health Econometrics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-259-9

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