Structural Survey

McGibbon, Scott; Abdel-Wahab, Mohamed

2016 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/SS-03-2015-0016

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.

Alwan, Zaid

2016 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/SS-03-2015-0018

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic framework for maintenance and refurbishment in domestic housing sector for utilising BIM processes, which tackles ageing housing stock and allows for sustainability improvements, and carbon footprinting. Design/methodology/approach– The methods used consisted using modern technology currently used in the built environment sector, and applying them to BIM framework. The BIM implementation covered both technical and social implications, and appraisal of different approaches needed to make the framework effective within the housing sector. Findings– The study revealed that there are many modern approaches for a BIM framework in relation to maintenance and refurbishment, and a possible strategic BM approach largely used in new built sector can be applied to domestic building to achieve effective modern asset management. This makes the housing stock easier to manage as well as addressing vital issues such as carbon footprint, and excessive energy wasted on inefficient buildings envelopes. Research limitations/implications– Further testing and adoption of the approach and model proposed, will result in greater acceptance of BIM for housing management and greater realisation of benefits. Practical implications– A potential model that can be used and applied to domestic housing sector as a result of this research. Originality/value– Demonstration of a road map for BIM applications within the maintenance and refurbishment for housing stock is currently under researched, and the findings aimed to address such a gap. This can in turn shift the focus of BIM towards asset management and building performance rather than just new build.

Wilson, Hannah Kira; Cotgrave, Alison

2016 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/SS-01-2016-0004

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify personality types between different university disciplines, and to establish whether there are differing requirements in the design of physical learning environment. Also to identify features of the learning environment that can support a sense of community. This paper seeks to investigate the relationship between student’s personality and preferences of features of the built environment. Design/methodology/approach– Quantitative questionnaires were distributed in three university disciplines based on the variables personality, elements of the physical learning environment and features that could support a sense of community. Findings– The analysis revealed that there are differences in preferred features within the physical learning environment for the three university disciplines within a large UK-based university. It can also be seen that there are differences in personality profiles between these three university disciplines. Features of the environment that could support a sense of community have been also identified. Research limitations/implications– Those who are responsible for the design and refurbishment of higher education institutions may find this research useful to improve the facilities for students. To support the development of appropriate physical learning spaces through the understanding of students’ requirements. Originality/value– This paper presents a new perspective on how the development of higher education facilities can be designed to increase student experience by identifying specific features of the physical learning environment students prefer.

Ruiz-Jaramillo, Jonathan; Mascort-Albea, Emilio; Jaramillo-Morilla, Antonio

2016 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/SS-02-2016-0006

Purpose– Growing awareness of the importance of preserving the built environment has created an increasing demand for experts capable of performing building inspections to ensure a high level of preservation. Technical surveys include a set of procedures and tests that have become essential tools providing the necessary knowledge required for maintenance, preservation and improvement of buildings. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach– Within this set of inspection techniques, this paper presents a method developed to produce vertical deformation plans from the levelling data obtained from different floors of a building. It also explains how to perform accurate levelling and an outcome analysis to provide displacement maps. Thus, based upon obtained measurements, it is possible to achieve 2D contour maps and three-dimensional (3D) surface mapping by means of specialized software that is typically used for cartographic and territorial analysis. Findings– The developed methodology provides easier analysis of the deformation of buildings and structures. Consequently, the method produces relatively accurate outcomes that are sufficient to make a proper assessment that facilitates the diagnostic and decision-making process. The case studies analysed show the applicability and usefulness of the procedure. Originality/value– This sustainable and non-destructive system is an essential instrument for providing valuable and useful information to the specialist. The 2D/3D graphical data displays enable easier analysis of survey results, also aiding comprehension of these results in the context of liability claims.

Opawole, Akintayo; Jagboro, Godwin Onajite

2016 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/SS-01-2016-0003

Purpose– Little success had been recorded on concession-based public private partnership contracts in Nigeria for reasons attributable in part to poor assessment of the socio-cultural and economic factors that contribute to the parties’ costs while preparing contract packages. The purpose of this paper is to assess the factors which significantly influence the private party’s obligations and costs in a concession-based contract thereby enhancing the robust assessment of contract packages when bidding by private investors. Design/methodology/approach– The assessment was based on primary data obtained through questionnaire survey. Structured questionnaire was administered on professionals comprising architects, estate surveyors, quantity surveyors, engineers and builders, accountants/bankers/economists and lawyers who had been involved in concession-based contracts in the Southwestern Nigeria, selected using respondent-driven sampling approach. Factors evaluated were those identified through in-depth literature review and brainstorming of those pertinent to concession transaction in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics including mean, relative significance index, impact weighting and factor analysis. Findings– Significant factors that influence private party’s cost were found to be political interference, delay in land acquisition, variation to the contract and non-availability of supportive infrastructure. Originality/value– Findings provided information for structuring concession contract for effective management of country-specific characteristics in concession contract. The understanding of the factors that affect private party’s obligations and costs would guide effective assessment of concession contract in developing economies by foreign investors. Moreover, the study provided implication for the understating of country-specific factors affecting concession contract in Nigeria which would contribute to robust assessment of contract packages when bidding by private investors.