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Design for maintainability tool for nano-façade coating applications on high-rise facades in the tropics

Sheila Conejos (School of Science and Technology, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore, Singapore)
Aristotle Ubando (Mechanical Engineering Department, De la Salle University, Manila, Philippines)
Michael Yit Lin Chew (Department of Bulding, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore)

Built Environment Project and Asset Management

ISSN: 2044-124X

Article publication date: 11 March 2021

Issue publication date: 1 March 2022

562

Abstract

Purpose

The self-cleaning properties of nanostructured titanium dioxide facade coatings are useful in Singapore's tropical climate. However, its potential maintenance issues need to be determined right at the design stage. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the development of the design for maintainability tool which is a multicriteria design decision score sheet that evaluates the maintainability potential of nano-facade coating applications on high-rise façades with concrete and stonemasonry finishes and curtain walls.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods (expert and practitioner surveys) are conducted in this research study. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and sensitivity analysis were used to develop a robust Design for Maintainability tool.

Findings

Safety measures indicator received the highest weighted score by experts, while the maximizing performance, minimizing risk, minimizing negative environmental impact and minimizing consumption of matter and energy were the top ranking main criteria by both experts and practitioners. The top ranked design for maintainability sub-criteria identified by practitioners and experts were risk management, maintenance considerations, climatic conditions, safety measures, lifecycle cost and maintenance access, sun's path, rainfall intensity, biological growth measures and building age profile.

Originality/value

Most researches on the maintainability of nano-façade coatings uses experimentation to test the durability of nano-façade coatings, while this study focuses on design based empirical data such as establishing and ranking the list of design for maintainability criteria or indicators to minimize future defects and maintenance issues. The design for maintainability tool contributes to the maintainability of nano-façade coatings leading to maximizing its performance while minimizing cost, risks, resource consumption and negative environmental impact.

Keywords

Citation

Conejos, S., Ubando, A. and Chew, M.Y.L. (2022), "Design for maintainability tool for nano-façade coating applications on high-rise facades in the tropics", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 70-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-04-2020-0078

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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