Michael Y.L. Chew and Sheila Conejos
The use of green wall technology in green buildings is a growing trend; however, more research is required about their maintainability, taking into account that maintainability at…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of green wall technology in green buildings is a growing trend; however, more research is required about their maintainability, taking into account that maintainability at the design stage is a valuable strategy in achieving building efficiency and sustainability. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to determine the issues in operating and maintaining green walls, particularly in tropical areas like Singapore, leading to the development of a green maintainability framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a qualitative method that combines a thorough and systematic literature review, multiple case studies, field observation surveys and selected instrumental case studies with building plan appraisal and interviews to investigate the potential issues associated with the maintainability of green walls in tropical areas like Singapore.
Findings
The findings show that technical and environmental issues/defects are prevalent in the operation and maintainability of green wall technologies applied in green buildings located in tropical regions. Proper considerations of these findings will encourage green building designers and facilities managers to collaborate in the effective implementation of operations and maintenance of green building technologies.
Originality/value
This research gives new and significant information while identifying a clear knowledge gap. The paper recommends the formulation of a green maintainability framework with a set of design criteria that will serve as a benchmark in the future design of green walls. The green maintainability framework would be a valuable addition to green facilities management in ensuring the long-term maintainability and sustainability of existing and new green walls in tropical areas specifically in Singapore.
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Sheila Conejos, Michael Y.L. Chew, Karlyn Tay, Stephen Tay and Sufiana Safiena
The maintenance of green building technologies such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is a challenge due to the non-existence of maintainability considerations during the…
Abstract
Purpose
The maintenance of green building technologies such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is a challenge due to the non-existence of maintainability considerations during the design stage. This led to building defects which accounts to high expenditures throughout the building's lifecycle. The use of BIPV in buildings is an emergent trend, and further research is requisite for their maintainability. This paper assesses the performance and maintainability of BIPV façade applications based on the green maintainability design considerations.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative method is undertaken in this study, which includes field surveys, instrumental case studies and stakeholder interviews to probe the issues linked with the BIPV's maintainability.
Findings
Findings have shown some technical defects discovered in BIPV applications in tropical areas, as well as issues on cost, aesthetics and implementation are the main causes for the low adoption of BIPV in Singapore.
Originality/value
Understanding the research outcomes will embolden designers and allied professionals to team up in ensuring the long-term maintainability and sustainability of green building technologies. This research gives recent and important information in the design, installation and maintainability of BIPV, as well as good practices that would add value to facilities management and to the design of green building technologies.
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This paper highlights a crucial public safety issue due to falling objects from tall residential buildings in Singapore. A systematic façade inspection regime and a system of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper highlights a crucial public safety issue due to falling objects from tall residential buildings in Singapore. A systematic façade inspection regime and a system of evaluation of severity for the detection and assessment of potential falling objects from tall buildings are presented.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses qualitative case study approach with 450 tall residential buildings sampled for the study. The common materials, elements, components with high risk of falling objects, the nature and type of the falling, the critical factors affecting the falling, the respective level of severity, and the effectiveness of various diagnostic techniques and protocols, are summarised.
Findings
Façade for tall residential buildings in Singapore comprises mainly cementitious materials cast in situ or precast, with fixtures and architectural features, all of which have potential of falling. The common anomalies arising from each material and fixture/features are identified, the causes evaluated and their implications to future design, construction and maintenance analysed.
Originality/value
This study provides original and significant information to a crucial public safety issue, setting design and construction criteria that will serve as a benchmark for new and existing facades, applicable to all cities dominated by tall buildings. The paper presents original figures, checklists and guides as a basis for readers' consideration to use according to their respective unique conditions.
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M.Y.L. Chew, Sheila Conejos and Ashan Senel Asmone
The aim of this paper is to present a research framework for the green maintainability of buildings. This study makes the case for the development of a new concept called “green…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present a research framework for the green maintainability of buildings. This study makes the case for the development of a new concept called “green maintainability”. The paper also identifies and discusses the knowledge gap concerning green facilities management (FM). As an integral part of green FM, the economic, environmental and social impacts and opportunities of green maintainability throughout the total life cycle of the facility are also highlighted.
Design/methodology/approach
The little attention paid to the maintainability of green buildings has resulted in losses of lives due to occupational health and safety hazards as well as high operation and maintenance costs. To address this issue, this study has conducted a literature review to determine the relevant background knowledge and provides a conceptual framework that will aid in conceptualizing the green maintainability of buildings and the development of a research framework for the furtherance of this concept.
Findings
This paper finds that there is little research on the maintainability of green buildings, and the studies about the maintainability of green features are nonexistent in current research. This study confirms the knowledge gap of this little-researched area and draws from it the formulation of a research framework for the green maintainability of buildings to ensure green FM. Emerging literature on green practices and methods is currently receiving attention from academia, as well as building and construction practitioners, and can valuably contribute to the existing theories, practices and methods concerning building maintainability and facilities management.
Originality/value
This study develops the novel concept of green maintainability, which integrates maintainability and green FM at the planning/design stage. The proposed research framework is the first attempt to investigate the green maintainability of different typologies of buildings and especially green building technologies.
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Sheila Conejos, Michael Yit Lin Chew and Fikril Hakim Bin Azril
Vertical greenery systems (VGS) have been a widely accepted design strategy that contributes to creating sustainable built environments. However, green building technologies (e.g…
Abstract
Purpose
Vertical greenery systems (VGS) have been a widely accepted design strategy that contributes to creating sustainable built environments. However, green building technologies (e.g. VGS) have grown in complexity which poses maintainability challenges. Designing with maintainability in mind is crucial in delivering efficient and sustainable buildings. This paper aims to assist designers and allied professionals in terms of integrating maintainability and sustainable design in developing high-rise VGS directly from its design inception.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is grounded on the “Green Maintainability” concept which link maintainability, sustainability and facility management right at the outset. The Green Maintainability factors are translated into critical design criteria which are used to analyze the selected instrumental case studies to evaluate the high-rise VGS performance and maintainability potential. A qualitative approach via the triangulation of data collected from relevant literatures, field surveys and walkthrough interviews is undertaken.
Findings
Findings have shown that the major VGS defects which are mostly occurring in the case studies are issues concerning fallen leaves and dirt accumulation; safety issues during cleaning and repairs; insufficient maintenance access; algae/ mould growth; withering plants; water stagnation/ ponding; poor/faulty irrigation and water dripping and unavailability of natural elements. Best practices and lessons learned revealed few design oversight and technical issues concerning high-rise VGS façade implementation. While maintenance cost, biodiversity and lack of coordination among involved professionals are the additional issues which emerged during the stakeholders’ walkthrough interviews.
Originality/value
Current researches conducted on the maintainability of green building technologies (e.g. high-rise VGS) are still few. This research study is the first comprehensive assessment to determine the green maintainability potential and performance of high-rise VGS in tropical conditions.
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Michael Y.L. Chew, Sheila Conejos and Jessie Sze Long Law
Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) coatings can potentially address the current surge in façade cleaning cost, maintenance and labour problems. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) coatings can potentially address the current surge in façade cleaning cost, maintenance and labour problems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential maintainability issues and design challenges concerning the effective performance of TiO2 façade coatings’ hydrophilic properties, especially in tropical environments such as Singapore. This paper aims to establish a list of green maintainability design criteria to help minimise future TiO2 façade coating issues when this coating is applied on commercial buildings with concrete and stonemasonry façade materials.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-mode approach that includes a literature review, site investigation, instrumental case studies and expert interviews is used in this study.
Findings
TiO2 coatings help improve façade performance whilst offering environmental benefits to society. This study reports that green maintainability design criteria are vital requirements in designing sustainable buildings at the outset. The identified defects and issues will aid in ensuring the effectiveness of TiO2 application in building façades.
Originality/value
This study acts as a foundation for future researchers to strengthen this little researched area, serves as a useful guide in preventing possible TiO2 coating issues and promotes industry awareness of the use of TiO2 façade coatings.
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M.Y.L. Chew, Nayanthara De Silva and S.S. Tan
This paper discusses some important findings from a research project on the maintainability of wet areas of high‐rise non‐residential, buildings. The implications of six key…
Abstract
This paper discusses some important findings from a research project on the maintainability of wet areas of high‐rise non‐residential, buildings. The implications of six key factors of maintainability namely water‐tightness, spatial, integrity, ventilation, material and plumbing on the occurrence of 14 most common defects found in wet areas were evaluated. Problem areas evaluated include water leakage from ceiling, staining/discolouration, paint defects, cracking/spalling of concrete, cracking/debonding of tiles, fungi/algae growth, pipe leakage and corrosion. An industry wide survey was conducted and the factors including workmanship, design detailing, maintenance and material incompatibility under tropical conditions are identified and discussed.
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This paper highlights the significance of environmental effects and movements on the performance of tile adhesive. Discusses the selection of the appropriate tile adhesive for…
Abstract
This paper highlights the significance of environmental effects and movements on the performance of tile adhesive. Discusses the selection of the appropriate tile adhesive for outdoor applications where the adhesive is subjected to thermal and moisture movements. The study has shown that the effect of temperature during and after application on the development of bond strength is significant. It was shown that adhesive with approximately 50 per cent of the water replaced by a polymer latex has the most consistent performance in the achievement of bond strength. Adhesive with 100 per cent of the water replaced by a polymer latex was found to dry up too rapidly to allow sufficient time for the adhesive to interact with the substrate at the adhesive/substrate interface. The results reflect the importance of a proper mix design, especially when work has to be carried out in hot and dry weather.
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M.Y.L. Chew, S.S. Tan and K.H. Kang
An assessment framework derived from face‐to‐face interviews with building managers and comprehensive condition surveys of commercial buildings is proposed. Twenty‐eight…
Abstract
An assessment framework derived from face‐to‐face interviews with building managers and comprehensive condition surveys of commercial buildings is proposed. Twenty‐eight parameters are identified and tested for significance in affecting the technical evaluation score for curtain wall and cladding facades. The proposed framework is intended as a practical benchmark to assess and document the existing condition of the facade and further assist in the proper management of the maintenance strategy of the facade throughout its whole service life.
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Daniel C.W. Ho, S.M. Lo and C.Y. Yiu
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the various causes of failures of external wall tile finishes.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the various causes of failures of external wall tile finishes.
Design/methodology/approach
A 4×3 matrix hierarchy framework is developed for a systematic analysis of the literature reviewed.
Findings
The findings from this paper indicate the importance of environmental effects, movement joints, and adhesive on the performance of external wall tile finishes. Thermal and moisture effects induce movement of tiles, and the failure of the tiling system depends very much on the adhesive strength and the provision of movement joints. Workmanship is also a key factor affecting the performance of external wall tile finishes and should not be overlooked.
Research limitations/implications
Various studies have been carried out on the causes of defects in external finishes in the past. However, many of them were case‐oriented and were not supported by laboratory findings. The hierarchical framework developed in this paper serves as a basis for further laboratory and field studies on this issue.
Practical implications
The framework is conducive to the diagnosis of external wall tile delamination.
Originality/value
This paper reviews systematically and comprehensively the literature on the causes of external wall tile delamination.