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Article
Publication date: 10 May 2019

Zhi Ding, Xinjiang Wei, Xiao Zhang and Xinsheng Yin

The shield tunnels closely constructed near the foundations have an inevitable influence on the structures, even results in the large settlement or uplift of the structures.

Abstract

Purpose

The shield tunnels closely constructed near the foundations have an inevitable influence on the structures, even results in the large settlement or uplift of the structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The comparison of structural deformation of three different foundations is presented based on the field monitoring data.

Findings

Shield tunnelling parameters vary for the different types of foundations. For the long pile foundations, the recommended speed is 3 to 4 cm/min, the grouting pressure is about 0.3 MPa and the grouting rate ranges from 150 to 180.

Originality/value

The study based on the field monitoring data is rarely reported, especially the topic about the structural deformation of different types of the foundations.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2008

Yung Yau, Kwong Wing Chau, Daniel Chi Wing Ho and Siu Kei Wong

The paper's objective is to empirically study the effects of building refurbishment on the prices of the dwelling units in a contiguous housing estate in Hong Kong.

1083

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's objective is to empirically study the effects of building refurbishment on the prices of the dwelling units in a contiguous housing estate in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

In a congested living environment like Hong Kong, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have a view unobstructed by buildings. As such, the quality of views is dependent on the aesthetic quality of surrounding buildings. It is likely that poorly maintained buildings will impose negative visual effects on their immediate surroundings. Refurbishing these poor buildings should, therefore, reduce or even counter this negative externality. To study the positive externality brought about by building refurbishment, a hedonic price analysis was conducted on a set of panel data consisting of property transactions in a large housing estate located in Pokfulam. This estate was chosen because its adjoining buildings underwent refurbishment in 1998.

Findings

The results showed that the refurbishment increased significantly the prices of those properties which faced refurbished buildings, keeping other things constant. The increments, on average, amounted 6.6 per cent of the prices of the properties.

Research limitations/implications

Building refurbishment can have various scopes and scales but this study did not consider how the characteristics of the building refurbishment affected the prices of neighbourhood properties.

Practical implications

Given the problems of aging buildings in most urban areas, the results presented significant practical implications for building refurbishment and urban renewal as a whole. Developers or property owners may be lured to invest in the refurbishment of adjacent dilapidated properties with a view to enhancing the values of their own properties.

Originality/value

Although previous studies analytically suggested that building refurbishment created positive externality, this study is the first attempt to explore this connection.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

Richard Catt

Homelessness has nothing to do with a shortage of houses. There is a ‘crude surplus’ of about two thirds of a million dwellings over households in the United Kingdom. Most stand…

Abstract

Homelessness has nothing to do with a shortage of houses. There is a ‘crude surplus’ of about two thirds of a million dwellings over households in the United Kingdom. Most stand empty. It is naive to imagine that by pairing homeless families with empty houses the housing problem can be solved overnight. Many vacant premises are unfit and out of date; others are simply in the wrong place. But the non‐occupation of so many dwellings is wasteful; the loss of rent from empty council dwellings alone amounted to £79m in 1984. Studying the problems of empty buildings, how they deteriorate after vacation and the inadequacy of current protective legislation throws into relief the need to cope with increased expectations for the longevity and performance of all old buildings. The public prefer the preservation and rehabilitation of buildings to clearance and redevelopment. This mood is encouraged by disillusion with modern architecture, an increased awareness of the inherent qualities of old buildings and plain nostalgia. The widespread distrust of modern buildings — particularly public housing — is borne out by a recent estimate of repairing and replacing faulty council flats of between £3,750 and £5,000m. Already Britain has more protected historic buildings and monuments per head than any other country in the world. The number of ‘listed’ buildings is likely to double in the next few years. The post‐war boom up to 1972 was marked by major increases in public services and support for industry. This was halted abruptly by the collapse of the world export boom, the banking crisis and the quadrupling of oil prices and, since the late 1970s, there have been successive attempts to curb public expenditure. Public expenditure has fallen over 58 per cent in cost terms between 1979/80 and 1983/84 and at the same time public expenditure on housing fell from nearly 6 per cent to 2 per cent of the total. Successive English house condition surveys show that the condition of our housing stock is steadily deteriorating. Traditionally, buildings are built to last for 60 years and are funded and valued on this basis. Even when public spending on houses was at its height, however, it would not have been possible to replace the then existing housing stock in less than a century. At the present level of expenditure, it has been estimated that in one London borough alone it will take 1,000 years to replace the housing there. Leases are regularly granted for 99 or 125 years on flats in buildings already over a century old, often without the blocks being subjected to major repair. If buildings have to last longer, changes in the law and building practice are needed to ensure ready protection without financial penalty. Examining empty buildings in distress — particularly those that are not ‘listed’ — is a good way to start. This first article examines the laws which apply to empty buildings and how they fall short. Subsequent articles will examine the costs of leaving buildings empty, consider current initiatives for rescue and put forward positive proposals for change.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2022

Mehrdad Rahmani, Aynaz Lotfata, Sarasadat Khoshnevis, Komar Javanmardi and Mehmet Emin Akdogan

Tehran’s health-care system is growing, yet it lacks emergency planning procedures. The premise of this study is that the urban environment around a hospital is just as robust as…

Abstract

Purpose

Tehran’s health-care system is growing, yet it lacks emergency planning procedures. The premise of this study is that the urban environment around a hospital is just as robust as the hospital itself. This study aims to look at hospital resilience in an urban setting to see where it may be improved to keep the hospital operational during a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

The urban resilience (UR) of Amir-Alam Hospital was analyzed in this study using a customized version of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s City Resilience Profiling Tool. The 34 indications were broken down into five categories.

Findings

The result revealed that the hospital’s UR score was 51.75 out of 100, indicating medium resilience. The results of this study enable the decision-makers to determine what measures they may take to improve the hospital’s resilience in terms of its surrounding urban context.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is based on the surrounding urban environment’s resilience as an integral part of hospital resilience.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Simon Mack

Describes how RCHME carries out surveys of old buildings in order to explain not only their present state, but the past stages of their development, and how this helps in…

309

Abstract

Describes how RCHME carries out surveys of old buildings in order to explain not only their present state, but the past stages of their development, and how this helps in understanding the past. Outlines how the archetypal stages of any survey (client’s requirements; inspection; documentary research; survey report) apply to surveys of this type. Describes how documentary research, vital in this type of survey, is used and explains the extent to which modern technology contributes; includes case examples. Concludes with some brief relevant anecdotes.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Donghua Zhao, Weizhong Guo, Baibing Zhang and Feng Gao

The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the manufacturing principle and show advantages of this approach, especially for larger parts with large Z steps in the build, such as 2 mm stepwise.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces 3D sand mould printing, compares and analyses technological process and existing fabrication approaches among available technologies first. Then, a new approach of 3D sand mould printing is proposed to improve build speed. In addition, the proposed system will be analysed or benchmarked against existing systems.

Findings

A new approach based on line forming of sand mould printing is put forward by reviewing and analysing available technologies, to improve build speed from the aspect of basic moulding movement instead of optimization of moulding methods and process parameters. The theoretical calculation and analysis shows that build speed can be improved greatly, and it is more suitable for the manufacture of large-scale casting’s sand mould when considering dimensional accuracy and printing error, as well as uniformity of each layer.

Research limitations/implications

The specific implement scheme of line forming and nozzle’s specific structure of this new approach need further study.

Practical implications

Much higher build speed of 3D sand mould printing with new approach brings evident implication for moulds companies and manufacturing industry, having a far-reaching influence on the development of national economy.

Originality/value

This paper reviews available technologies and presents a new approach of 3D sand mould printing for the first time. Analysis of the new approach shows that this new method of sand mould printing can boost build speed greatly. So, its application prospect is great.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2018

Nima Amani

This paper aims to investigate the optimum energy consumption of building atriums in hot, cold and dry climate zones in Iran.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the optimum energy consumption of building atriums in hot, cold and dry climate zones in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses simulation software to analyze atrium design for energy saving in buildings and the effects of the energy saving process on the use of atrium in hot summer and cold winter zones in Iran. The buildings exhibit brick cavity concrete block plaster for wall, double-glazed alum frame for glaze, concrete slab on ground for flour and plaster insulation suspend for ceiling. This process is analyzed by choosing a suitable atrium for building energy efficiency in warmest session for warm weather conditions and the coldest session for cold weather conditions in Iran.

Findings

According to the analysis done using simulation software, with respect to the hot need prevention of direct and indirect solar energy and cold need absorption of direct and indirect solar energy, four-side atrium with total radiation incident of 2,506,027 and 69,613 W, radiation absorption of 902,795 and 29,057 W and radiation transmission of 297,118 and 4,201 W in hot summer and in cold winter are the best optimum selections.

Originality/value

The results of this research are useful for both building energy efficiency and producing a comfortable living environment in the future and will support new observations of how residential building developers can accept sustainable strategies to grow their overtaking in the Iranian construction market.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2011

H. Kit Miyamoto, Amir S.J. Gilani and Akira Wada

School buildings have suffered disproportionate damage during past and recent earthquakes. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, many school buildings collapsed…

Abstract

Purpose

School buildings have suffered disproportionate damage during past and recent earthquakes. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, many school buildings collapsed, resulting in loss of life. School buildings in many other parts of the world are also susceptible to this type of widespread damage because of inadequate design, detailing, or poor construction quality. The purpose of this paper is to show how these fatal flaws can be mitigated prior to future catastrophe by using good engineering practice to retrofit vulnerable schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional and innovative, cost‐effective, and reliable tools are available to prevent damage to schools. It is often necessary to examine a group of buildings or all structures in a locality and develop a comprehensive risk management plan for the vulnerable buildings. As an example, a comprehensive evaluation and retrofit project, under the auspices of the World Bank, is currently under way in Istanbul, Turkey, to address vulnerable school and hospital buildings as discussed in the paper. As part of this effort in Turkey, a guideline that relies on state‐of‐the‐art evaluation and retrofit methods has been developed to assist the local engineers.

Findings

Implementation of the program based on the uniform standards developed in the retrofit guidelines, has significantly reduced the seismic risk to schools in Istanbul.

Practical implications

The proposed evaluation and implementation technique can be utilized by governments worldwide to prevent further damage to key infrastructure and save millions of lives.

Originality/value

Innovative retrofits can be used to provide enhanced performance and provide seismic resiliency for cluster of school buildings.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2017

Susse Georg and Lise Justesen

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a particular form of environmental accounting, energy accounting, is negotiated in practice and how energy accounting may act as a…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a particular form of environmental accounting, energy accounting, is negotiated in practice and how energy accounting may act as a productive organizing device in organizational contexts. Energy accounting is considered as performative in organizational practices rather than as a representation of resource use.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a longitudinal case study of the design phase in a construction project. Data collection entailed observational and document studies as well as interviews with those involved in the design processes. This paper draws on actor-network theory, notably the notions of framing and overflowing, in analyzing the role of energy accounting in design processes and in affecting organizational practice.

Findings

The paper provides several insights regarding energy accounting in the making, energy accounting’s performative role in enacting possible futures, the narrative importance of numbers, and the entangled nature of designing, accounting and organizing practices. The findings demonstrate the strong links between accounting and organizing.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the extant literature on environmental accounting by directing attention to how such accounting practices contribute to forming rather than just informing management decisions. By focusing on how the calculative practices of making such accounts mediate ideas and help assemble new entities, this paper provides useful insights into the performative role of environmental accounting.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2010

Alan M. Forster

The techniques available for the repair of historic masonry structures are extremely wide ranging. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of repair can be evaluated in…

2097

Abstract

Purpose

The techniques available for the repair of historic masonry structures are extremely wide ranging. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of repair can be evaluated in terms of cost, time and quality as with modern projects. It is however, important to realise that when repairs to historic buildings are selected they must conform to building conservation philosophy, or an ethical and principle based evaluation. This paper (part 1 of 2) aims to establish what is meant by ethics in this context and wherever possible seeks to apply practical examples to these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an evaluative literature review of the ethics encapsulated within building conservation philosophy utilising them to stimulate discussion on practical repair interventions.

Findings

It is shown that ethical considerations are of prime importance for decisions relating to masonry repairs. These repairs have varying degrees of defensibility, and will ultimately lead to good or bad conservation approaches. The paper briefly discusses the ethics, highlighting some of the issues that may be initially confusing to the practitioner.

Research limitations/implications

It must be emphasised that as with any aspect of philosophy, there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer, only higher levels of defence for the selected repairs.

Originality/value

The evaluation of building conservation philosophy and more specifically, ethical considerations for masonry repair has been little studied. The importance of this undervalued aspect of building conservation cannot be over emphasised and far from being an esoteric concept, it affects every practical repair. This paper brings together the study of the philosophical and practical, enabling practitioners to better understand the implications of building conservation philosophy on their projects.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

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