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Article
Publication date: 6 April 2010

I. Lombillo, L. Villegas and J. Elices

The analysis of ancient buildings presents professionals with important challenges, so it is necessary to have a rational methodology of analysis of these constructions. From the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The analysis of ancient buildings presents professionals with important challenges, so it is necessary to have a rational methodology of analysis of these constructions. From the point of view of the technology of structures it is imperative to know the mechanical characteristics of the structural elements involved, as well as the existing stress levels. Currently the tendency is to obtain such knowledge in a non‐destructive way, producing minimal damage. The purpose of this paper is to provide a vision of some of the minor‐destructive techniques (MDT) applied to the diagnosis of historical rubble stone masonry structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses attention on the employment of techniques based on mechanical stress aspects: flat jack, hole‐drilling and dilatometer, conducted on rubble stone masonry structures. Several computational models were made of parts of the building. These models were used to obtain experimental data (modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio). The accuracy of the models was contrasted through the comparison with compression stress levels obtained experimentally.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description of these MDT, and exposes the flat jack tests results obtained on several historical masonry walls in the Major Seminary of Comillas (Spain): Compression stress levels, modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of several masonries of this building.

Practical implications

These techniques improve the computational models of constructions, because they can obtain a better knowledge of their mechanical properties, from experimental ways, and the calibration of models through experimental data.

Originality/value

This paper describes one of the first applications of these techniques in Spain.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

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Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Bekir Yilmaz Pekmezci and Isil Polat Pekmezci

Material properties, such as shear and compressive strength of masonry, have a crucial impact on the seismic analysis results of masonry structures. Considering that most of the…

135

Abstract

Purpose

Material properties, such as shear and compressive strength of masonry, have a crucial impact on the seismic analysis results of masonry structures. Considering that most of the historical buildings are masonry structures, the damage caused by obtaining shear strengths with known methods exceeds acceptable limits. Instead of traditional shear strength index tests, this paper presents a test technique that has been developed which causes less damage to the structure, to obtain mechanical properties in masonry structures.

Design/methodology/approach

A new approach to shear testing and a test probe has been developed to minimize the destructive effects of mechanical in situ testing on masonry structures. The comparison of the results obtained with reduced destruction level using the novel shear strength index test probe with those obtained from the traditional method is addressed. Masonry specimens were tested in the laboratory and in situ tests were carried out on 12 historical buildings.

Findings

Test results obtained from the proposed probe shear strength index test were consistent with the results obtained from the conventional shear strength test both at the laboratory setting and in situ. Although a large number of data is needed for the validation of a method, satisfactory agreement with the conventional shear strength index test method was obtained.

Originality/value

The authors believe that the proposed method would give the opportunity to collect more mechanical strength data with much less destruction. The experimental work in the laboratory and in situ tests and their comparisons are the supportive and original values of this research.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 40 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 17 September 2021

Sanaz Tabatabaee, Mojtaba Ashour, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Haleh Sadeghi, Amir Mahdiyar, M. Reza Hosseini and Syuhaida Ismail

Green walls (GWs), comprising living walls and green facades, have been touted as environmentally friendly products in architectural design. GWs can be viable in every aspect of…

606

Abstract

Purpose

Green walls (GWs), comprising living walls and green facades, have been touted as environmentally friendly products in architectural design. GWs can be viable in every aspect of sustainability; they provide residents of buildings with a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits. Despite this, the adoption rate of GW is still in its infancy stage, and the existing literature concerning the hindrances inhibiting GW adoption is very limited. To address these gaps, the aim of this paper is to identify and prioritize the hindrances to GW adoption in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

After identifying 17 hindrances through an in-depth review of literature, the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) is employed to refine the hindrances based on the local context with the help of 21 qualified experts in the field. Subsequently, Fuzzy Parsimonious Analytic Hierarchy Process (FPAHP) is exploited as a recently developed technique to prioritize the identified hindrances.

Findings

Results reveal that the most significant hindrances to the adoption of GW are maintenance cost, high installation cost, difficulties in maintenance, sophisticated implementation and inducement to fire. Findings call for scholars to address ways to improve GW installation practices and methods in order to eradicate the hindrances and provide lessons for policymakers, assisting them in facilitating the larger-scale adoption of GW.

Originality/value

Considering the dearth of studies on hindrances to the adoption of GWs, this paper provides a comprehensive outlook of the issue, providing knowledge that can be used as a building block for future scholars within the field. It also provides valuable insights for stakeholders within the construction industry about the hindrances to the adoption of GWs which could direct their efforts toward better implementation of it.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 23 December 2021

Yu Zhang and Lan Xu

This study establishes a risk management system for medical and health care integration projects to address the problem of high-risk potential and a strong correlation between…

216

Abstract

Purpose

This study establishes a risk management system for medical and health care integration projects to address the problem of high-risk potential and a strong correlation between risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A new fuzzy WINGS-G1 model for identifying key risk factors in medical and health care integration projects is proposed by introducing the fuzzy theory and the concept of risk incidence into the Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System (WINGS) method.

Findings

The authors analyze the fluidity of project risk factors through complex networks to control direct risks and cut off risk transmission paths to provide a reference for risk control and prevention of medical and health care integration projects.

Originality/value

(1) The integration of fuzzy theory into the WINGS method solves the problem of strong subjectivity of expert scoring in the traditional WINGS method; (2) By the different probabilities of risk factors, the concept of risk incidence is introduced in the WINGS model, which is more conducive to the identification of the critical risk factors and the rational allocation and utilization of organizational resources; (3) The use of the complex network for risk interactivity analysis fully reflects the dynamic nature of risk factors in medical and health care integration projects.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 19 September 2022

Dilruba Yağmur Ertemir and Ecem Edis

Regular inspection and maintenance is recommended to preserve and sustain built cultural heritage. Systematising inspection processes and knowledge on defects, and providing…

272

Abstract

Purpose

Regular inspection and maintenance is recommended to preserve and sustain built cultural heritage. Systematising inspection processes and knowledge on defects, and providing pictorial guides for evaluating defects is an approach that may facilitate their condition survey. Generating pictorial guides for preliminary visual inspection of Modern Heritage buildings with rendered-painted facade concerning two defects (i.e. crack and efflorescence) is aimed in this study. These guides are thought as aids in determining the defect levels and deciding the necessity of advanced examination and/or maintenance. Analysing briefly the evolution of crack over time in the inspected buildings under environmental conditions of Istanbul (Turkey) is also aimed.

Design/methodology/approach

Preliminary guide generation was based mainly on literature survey on defects, and visual data collection from eight Modern Movement examples in Istanbul. The guides were then refined through systematic visual inspection of three buildings among them. Evolution of crack over time was analysed through a second inspection performed after 2.5 years.

Findings

Visual inspections showed that crack is the commonest defect occurring mostly on projecting structural members, while efflorescence is less in number. Comparison of cracks' visuals taken in the first and second inspections showed that deterioration process is slow.

Originality/value

Modern heritage buildings usually have some characteristic features, which may sometimes lead to accumulation of defects at certain locations or may lead to formation of certain defects. Generating visual guides as a start for an initiative for a comprehensive defects catalogue particular for Modern Movement buildings in line with associated cultural heritage standards may contribute to their preservation by easing the condition surveys.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Amar Messas, Karim Benyahi, Arezki Adjrad, Youcef Bouafia and Sarah Benakli

The purpose of this study, is to deals with capacity design (strong column – weak beam) in reinforced concrete frames, slightly slender, which depends on the determination of a…

353

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study, is to deals with capacity design (strong column – weak beam) in reinforced concrete frames, slightly slender, which depends on the determination of a capacity ratio necessary to reach a structural plastic mechanism. To find the capacity ratio allowing to achieve a fairly ductile behavior in reinforced concrete frames, it is necessary to validate this concept by a non-linear static analysis (push-over). However, this analysis is carried out by the use of the ETABS software, and by the introduction into the beams and columns of plastic hinges according to FEMA-356 code.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach makes it possible to assess seismic performance, which facilitates the establishment of a system for detecting the plasticization mechanisms of structures. It is also necessary to use a probabilistic method allowing to treat the dimensioning by the identification of the most probable mechanisms and to take only those that contribute the most to the probability of global failure of the structural system.

Findings

In this study, three reinforced concrete frame buildings with different numbers of floors were analyzed by varying the capacity ratio of the elements. The results obtained indicate that it is strongly recommended to increase the ratio of the resistant moments of the columns on those of the beams for the Algerian seismic regulation (RPA code), knowing that the frameworks in reinforced concrete are widespread in the country.

Originality/value

The main interest of this paper is to criticize the resistance condition required by RPA code, which must be the subject of particular attention to reach a mechanism of favorable collapse. This study recommends, on the basis of a reliability analysis, the use of a capacity dimensioning ratio greater than or equal to two, making it possible to have a sufficiently low probability of failure to ensure a level of security for users.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 14 September 2015

Fabio Fatiguso, Mariella De Fino and Elena Cantatore

The purpose of this paper is to develop and discuss a methodological approach for energy assessment and retrofitting of envelope systems in Mediterranean historical buildings, in…

399

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and discuss a methodological approach for energy assessment and retrofitting of envelope systems in Mediterranean historical buildings, in order to ensure the desirable balance between improvement requirements and preservation principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on the assessment of historical districts at the site, building and component scales, the development of energy models of building-types that are highly representative, in terms of materials, construction techniques, typologies and performances, the identification of intervention priorities and the validation of compatible retrofitting solutions.

Findings

The methodology, applied to a representative Adriatic sea town in South Italy, shows the potentialities of innovative materials and technologies (aerogel, PCMs, etc.) as tools to achieve the improvement of the energy performances and the preservation of the original characters. Nevertheless, it shows how the preliminary qualification of the environmental, architectural, constructional and technological characteristics is paramount to support the identification of the current behavior of the building system and the transformation boundaries from the historical values.

Originality/value

The paper proves how assessment and intervention methods and tools, besides effective, compatible, low invasive and durable, should be geocluster oriented and performance based, thus with general reliability for the whole local context and suitable flexibility to be tailored to different specific situations, toward the definition of retrofitting micro-scale measures and macro-scale strategies that are replicable and scalable.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

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Article
Publication date: 10 January 2025

João Guilherme Alves Correa, Josivan Leite Alves, Aline Sacchi Homrich and Marly Monteiro de Carvalho

Investigate distinctive skills, encompassing Building Information Modeling (BIM skills, project management (PM) skills (PMSs), as well as strategic and operational skills (OSs…

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Abstract

Purpose

Investigate distinctive skills, encompassing Building Information Modeling (BIM skills, project management (PM) skills (PMSs), as well as strategic and operational skills (OSs) in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design adopts a quantitative survey-based approach, utilizing a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings underscore a significant relationship between OSs and both BIM and PMSs, while also illuminating the relationship of strategic skills with both BIM and PMSs. However, intriguingly, the study reveals that although BIM skills and PMSs are indispensable, they lack a statistically significant relationship. Despite this, we have identified a pathway from BIM skills to operational and strategic skills that traverses through PMSs, exhibiting significant indirect effects.

Research limitations/implications

Our study employs cross-sectional data rather than longitudinal data, which hinders temporal interpretations of the associations between competence building for AEC professionals especially given that BIM skills are still in the early stages within AEC projects, particularly in Latin America. Therefore, a longitudinal study would offer deeper insights into potential causation, allowing for a more robust establishment of underlying associations. Additionally, future research endeavors should focus on capturing longitudinal data through case studies that explore perceptions and observations of the roles of BIM managers and project managers in project-based organizations.

Practical implications

Our model guides organizations to recognize the importance of BIM management skills as a pivotal role in the AEC industry, bridging operational and strategic levels. While project managers focus on tools that facilitate team and project integration, BIM managers enhance collaboration and communication across different disciplines within construction projects. This synthesis highlights the complementary roles of project managers and BIM managers in driving successful project outcomes, showcasing the synergy between their skill sets in achieving strategic objectives within the AEC industry. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role of indirect and cascading flows of influence among skill domains through multiple interconnected pathways.

Originality/value

Our study demonstrates that different types of skills are required to manage AEC projects. These skills are interconnected through direct and indirect pathways that warrant attention from academia. The theoretical contribution of the research model is clearly shown in the linking between PM and BIM in the AEC industry. Several scholars recognize BIM as innovative and that drives the success of civil construction projects; however, our study goes further in identifying the significant relationships among variables and the magnitude of their effects on strategic and OSs for BIM management and PM domain.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 25 May 2022

Yee Sye Lee, Ali Rashidi, Amin Talei, Mehrdad Arashpour and Farzad Pour Rahimian

In recent years, deep learning and extended reality (XR) technologies have gained popularity in the built environment, especially in construction engineering and management. A…

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Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, deep learning and extended reality (XR) technologies have gained popularity in the built environment, especially in construction engineering and management. A significant amount of research efforts has been thus dedicated to the automation of construction-related activities and visualization of the construction process. The purpose of this study is to investigate potential research opportunities in the integration of deep learning and XR technologies in construction engineering and management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a literature review of 164 research articles published in Scopus from 2006 to 2021, based on strict data acquisition criteria. A mixed review method, consisting of a scientometric analysis and systematic review, is conducted in this study to identify research gaps and propose future research directions.

Findings

The proposed research directions can be categorized into four areas, including realism of training simulations; integration of visual and audio-based classification; automated hazard detection in head-mounted displays (HMDs); and context awareness in HMDs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying the necessity of integrating deep learning and XR technologies in facilitating the construction engineering and management process.

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Article
Publication date: 8 March 2022

Adamu Muhammed, Clement Oluwole Folorunso and Gabriel Fadairo

Understanding the thermal performance of sandcrete hollow block walls in the tropic is very essential for occupants' well-being, productivity and efficiency, due to its widespread…

147

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding the thermal performance of sandcrete hollow block walls in the tropic is very essential for occupants' well-being, productivity and efficiency, due to its widespread application in buildings in the study area. Lokoja, in Nigeria, lies in the warm humid zone with its attendant's high temperatures all year round. Thus, providing an acceptable walling material that will control the high indoor air temperature becomes imperative. This paper assessed sandcrete hollow blocks as a walling material used in Lokoja, to determine the thermal performances for effective thermal comfort of the residents.

Design/methodology/approach

It involves the construction of a habitable model building with the commonly available sandcrete hollow blocks in the area. One unit of Cryopak iMINI Temperature and Relative Humidity Data Logger called new generation intelligent iMINI with Serial Number and Product Code MX-CI-145–0009 and MX-HE-S-16-L was installed, to record the indoor air temperature and relative humidity data at an interval of one hour, for 12 months covering dry and wet seasons. The results of the recorded data were downloaded to an excel spread sheet for assessment and analysis throughout the seasons. The values were computed using the temperature–humidity index (THI) equation, with a view to determine the indoor thermal comfort level category.

Findings

The study revealed that sandcrete hollow block walls provide thermal discomfort of the indoor environment for both seasons, with attendant adverse effects in the comfort of the occupants. The paper concludes that proper orientation of buildings, planting of trees, use of low absorbing or reflective surface materials, application of cavity walls to receive insulation materials in between the hollow spaces provided, instead of the single walling as well as providing shading device elements, can improve users' comfort and also ameliorate the heat effect on the external surface of building transferred into the interior by conduction, radiation or convection within the area and in the tropics at large. Other thermally eco-friendly wall materials available in Lokoja includes timber, stabilized laterite–cement blocks, burnt bricks and earth-mud bricks which can be used to replace sandcrete hollow block walls. These alternative wall materials are used for construction of residential and office buildings by the colonial government of Sir Fredrick Lugard in the study area.

Practical implications

The application of sandcrete hollow blocks as a wall material is in vogue, not minding its thermal discomfort to the users and the environment; this is due to its availability and ease of production. The acceptability of this walling material requires holistic study to unravel the best way to reduce the thermal discomfort inherent in its application.

Originality/value

The author succeeded in revealing the thermal performance of sandcrete hollow blocks as walling material in Lokoja, the study area. It is a first attempt at understanding the performance for human comfort in the area. This will greatly assist the resident and other researchers to improve on the application of sandcrete hollow blocks as walling material towards ensuring that maximum indoor thermal comfort is achieved.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

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