Kelvin Zuo, Regan Potangaroa, Suzanne Wilkinson and James O.B. Rotimi
The purpose of this paper is to explore the alternative procurement procedures that will address the complexity of issues surrounding timber procurement for housing reconstruction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the alternative procurement procedures that will address the complexity of issues surrounding timber procurement for housing reconstruction after the Tsunami in Banda Aceh. It reviews construction supply chain management (SCM) and procurement philosophies with a project management (PM) perspective to facilitate the logistics of post‐disaster reconstruction.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on two fieldtrip experiences in Banda Aceh in 2006 (one month) and 2008 (two months) with the housing reconstruction program of an international non‐governmental organisation, this paper examines the modern literature on SCM and analyses this process associated with construction material procurement in practice, reviews the problems inherited in the Indonesian context and analyses the proposed procedures of local and international procurement of timber to streamline the supply for reconstruction in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
Findings
The incorporation of sustainable considerations into the design of procurement routes in the overall PM process for post‐disaster construction should be well recognized. The paper shows that basic SCM philosophies of ensuring stakeholder integration and collaboration could reduce the problems in timber procurement in Banda Aceh. Sustainable construction and triple bottom lines criteria are proposed to ensure a value creation process for a wider stakeholder engagement and overall reconstruction project delivery.
Originality/value
The paper provides useful PM insights into SCM and sustainable construction literature. The case study reviews the timber procurement problems and goes further to present two alternative procurement models that could be implemented as more sustainable responses to post‐disaster reconstruction in Banda Aceh.
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The purpose of this paper is to study the electrochemical behavior of 690 alloy with corrosion products in simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the electrochemical behavior of 690 alloy with corrosion products in simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper opted for a laboratory study using simulation of high temperature and high pressure environment immersion testing. The electrochemical behavior was studied by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKP). Moreover, the corrosion products were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Findings
The results demonstrated that the particle majority in the 690 alloy corrosion products subsequent to high temperature and high pressure immersion testing were mainly oxides of Fe and Ni, which protected the matrix. As the immersion testing duration increased, the corrosion potential of the 690 alloy apparently increased, and the corrosion current density de'creased, while the corrosion resistance Rf increased gradually along with the density. The SKP demonstrated that the EKP increased by nearly 400 mV from −0.42 to −0.03 V following the immersion testing, indicating that the corrosion product film played an apparent protective role on the substrate.
Originality/value
This paper provides a theoretical basis for the corrosion behavior and inhibition mechanism of 690 alloy in PWR primary water environment.
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Qiang Sun, Quantong Jiang, Siwei Wu, Chang Liu, Heng Tang, L. Song, Hao Shi, Jizhou Duan and BaoRong Hou
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of ZnO on the structure and properties of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on rare earth magnesium alloy under large…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of ZnO on the structure and properties of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on rare earth magnesium alloy under large concentration gradient.
Design/methodology/approach
The macroscopic and microscopic morphology, thickness, surface roughness, chemical composition and structure of the coating were characterized by different characterization methods. The corrosion resistance of the film was studied by electrochemical and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy. The results show that the addition of ZnO can significantly improve the compactness and corrosion resistance of the MAO coating, but the high concentration of ZnO will cause microcracks, which will reduce the corrosion resistance to a certain extent.
Findings
When the concentration of zinc oxide is 8 g/L, the compactness and corrosion resistance of the coating are the best, and the thickness of the coating is positively correlated with the concentration of ZnO.
Research limitations/implications
Too high concentration of ZnO reduces the performance of MAO coating.
Practical implications
The MAO coating prepared by adding ZnO has good corrosion resistance. Combined with organic coatings, it can be applied in corrosive marine environments, such as ship parts and hulls. To a certain extent, it can reduce the economic loss caused by corrosion.
Originality/value
The effect of ZnO on the corrosion resistance of MAO coating in electrolyte solution was studied systematically, and the conclusion was new to the common knowledge.
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Pan Hao, Yuchao Dun, Jiyun Gong, Shenghui Li, Xuhui Zhao, Yuming Tang and Yu Zuo
Organic coatings are widely used for protecting metal equipment and structures from corrosion. Accurate detection and evaluation of the protective performance and service life of…
Abstract
Purpose
Organic coatings are widely used for protecting metal equipment and structures from corrosion. Accurate detection and evaluation of the protective performance and service life of coatings are of great importance. This paper aims to review the research progress on performance evaluation and lifetime prediction of organic coatings.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the failure forms and aging testing methods of organic coatings are briefly introduced. Then, the technical status and the progress in the detection and evaluation of coating protective performance and the prediction of service life are mainly reviewed.
Findings
There are some key challenges and difficulties in this field, which are described in the end.
Originality/value
The progress is summarized from a variety of technical perspectives. Performance evaluation and lifetime prediction include both single-parameter and multi-parameter methods.
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Rosemary Sokalamis Adu McVie, Tan Yigitcanlar, Isil Erol and Bo Xia
Many cities across the world are actively investing in ways to excel in the innovation economy through the development of innovation districts as one of the most popular policy…
Abstract
Purpose
Many cities across the world are actively investing in ways to excel in the innovation economy through the development of innovation districts as one of the most popular policy options. While innovation districts are among the leading drivers of innovation activities in cities, they are also high-cost and high-risk investments. Besides, holistic approaches for assessing these districts’ multifaceted performances are scarce. Bridging this knowledge gap is critical, hence, this paper aims to explore how innovation district performance can be assessed through a classification framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper introduces a multidimensional innovation district classification framework and applies it into Australian innovation districts with divergent features, functions, spatial and contextual characteristics. The study places 30 innovation districts from South East Queensland under the microscope of the framework to assess the multifaceted nature of innovation district performance. It uses qualitative analysis method to analyse both the primary and secondary data, and descriptive analysis with basic excel spreadsheet calculations to analyse the validity of the data.
Findings
The data analysis clusters 30 innovation districts from South East Queensland under three performance levels – i.e. desired, acceptable and unsavoury – concerning their form, feature and function characteristics.
Originality/value
The results disclose that the framework is a practical tool for informing planners, developers and managers on innovation district performances, and it has the capability to provide guidance for policymakers on their policy and investment decisions regarding the most suitable innovation district types and characteristics to consider.
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Bushra Rafique, Mudassir Iqbal, Tahir Mehmood and Muhammad Ashraf Shaheen
This review aims to focus on recent reported research work on the construction and function of different electrochemical DNA biosensors. It also describes different sensing…
Abstract
Purpose
This review aims to focus on recent reported research work on the construction and function of different electrochemical DNA biosensors. It also describes different sensing materials, chemistries of immobilization probes, conditions of hybridization and principles of transducing and amplification strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The human disease-related mutated genes or DNA sequence detection at low cost can be verified by the electrochemical-based biosensor. A range of different chemistries is used by the DNA-based electrochemical biosensors, out of which the interactions of nanoscale material with recognition layer and a solid electrode surface are most interesting. A diversity of advancements has been made in the field of electrochemical detection.
Findings
Some important aspects are also highlighted in this review, which can contribute in the creation of successful biosensing devices in the future.
Originality/value
This paper provides an updated review of construction and sensing technologies in the field of biosensing.
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Ann T.W. Yu, Kelvin S.H. Mok and Irene Wong
The capacity of landfills will reach saturation in the 2020s. There are more than 50,000 buildings in Hong Kong over 30 years old and which may require extensive refurbishment…
Abstract
Purpose
The capacity of landfills will reach saturation in the 2020s. There are more than 50,000 buildings in Hong Kong over 30 years old and which may require extensive refurbishment under the Mandatory Building Scheme. Additionally, most new owners/tenants tend to renovate their premises before moving in. Hence, there is an urgent need in Hong Kong, to explore strategies and measures to enable the development of effective refurbishment and renovation (R&R) waste management for such projects. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the process of R&R for identifying the perceived barriers and thereby the strategies for minimisation and management of R&R waste in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
Desktop study, semi-structured interviews, site observations and document reviews were used as the data collection methods to achieve the objectives of this research. Considering the nature and characteristics of the industry structure, the snowball sampling process was deployed for data collection. Thematic analysis and content analysis were used for data analysis. Waste minimisation and management strategies for R&R projects were then discussed and developed by the research team and a focus group meeting was held to validate the research findings. Six strategies were then proposed to the government.
Findings
R&R projects contribute 10–20% of the construction and demolition waste. The barriers to recycling of R&R waste can be grouped into six major categories: (1) lack of sorting and storage spaces, (2) high cost, (3) insufficient government supporting policy, (4) complicated recycling processes, (5) immature recycling market and (6) insufficient public education. Also, six strategies are proposed in this study, which include (1) pre-refurbishment audit, (2) development of recycling market, (3) sea reclamation, (4) incineration, (5) government support and (6) education and research.
Originality/value
The strategies and measures proposed in this research could most adequately serve as reference for the government officials, building professionals and academic researchers. Such knowledge would make possible the development of effective strategies and measures for minimising and managing R&R waste.
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Abstract
Purpose
The authors have prepared the triazole film on copper surface by click reaction and explored its inhibition mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
The protective film is assembled by immersing bronze in solution containing p-toluenesulfonyl azide (TA) and propiolic acid (PA).
Findings
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicates that triazole (TTP) film was formed on bronze surface via click chemistry reaction between TA and PA. It shows TTP film has a good protection for bronze in the atmospheric environment simulation solution. Quantum chemical calculation (QC) and molecule dynamics simulation suggests TTP molecule adsorbs on bronze surface via N and O.
Originality/value
This is beneficial to develop the corrosion inhibitors for the corroded copper alloys.
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Xiaobo Wang, Zhipeng Li, Wen Zhan, Jesong Tu, Xiaohua Zuo, Xiangyi Deng and Boyi Gui
This study aims to expand the reliability and special functions of lightweight materials for high-end equipment and green manufacturing, so that it is the first such research to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to expand the reliability and special functions of lightweight materials for high-end equipment and green manufacturing, so that it is the first such research to carry out nano-composite technology of nickel-coated carbon nanotubes (Ni-CNTs)-based titanium-zirconium chemical conversion on aluminum alloy substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
Corrosion behavior of various coatings was investigated using dropping corrosion test, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the nano-composite conversion coatings was significantly improved to compare with the conventional titanium-zirconium conversion coating. The morphology and microdomain characteristics of the nano-composite conversion coatings were characterized by SEM/eds/EPMA, which indicated that the CNT or Ni-CNTs addition promoting the integrity coverage of coatings in a short time.
Findings
Surface morphology of titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr)/Ni-CNT specimens exhibited smooth, compact and little pores. The nano-composite conversion coatings are mainly composed of Al, O, C and Ti elements and contain a small amount of F and Zr elements, which illuminated that CNT or Ni-CNT addition could co-deposit with aluminum and titanium metal oxides.
Originality/value
The study of corrosion resistance of nano-composite conversion coatings and the micro-zone film-formation characteristics would be provided theoretical support for the development of basic research on surface treatment of aluminum alloys.