Search results

Based on the shake table test on "tie column-ring beam-cast-in-place slab" construction waste recycled brick masonry structure, a 1/3 scaled model of 4 stories is tested to analyze the seismic behavior of the multi-storey masonry structure. The test is conducted with EL-Centro seismic wave, Taft wave and artificial wave to simulate the damages observed and the seismic response under different earthquake levels. On the basis of test results, the seismic performance of the model is good and the overall structure could satisfy seismic fortification requirements in the region of intensity 8. At the same time, there was no obvious difference between this masonry structure and recycled aggregate concrete block masonry structure. The lintel of the door and window damage seriously. The base damages more easily than the superstructure. Masonry structure with construction waste recycled brick can satisfy the requirement of the masonry structure buildings in eight degree of aseismatic design area.

The use of clay brickwork masonry as a cladding on framed building structures is reviewed and the problems with the modern form of construction for brickwork cladding highlighted. The potential for developing simpler, improved forms of cladding, in which free vertical movement of the brickwork is restrained, is discussed. Preliminary results are presented of an ongoing programme of research to investigate the performance of clay brickwork under conditions of vertical restraint, involving the construction and monitoring of full‐scale brickwork test panels on a multi‐storey concrete frame.

Reinforced concrete structural frames with masonry infills (infill-frames) are commonly used for construction worldwide. While the behavior of such frames has been studied extensively in the context of earthquake loading, studies related to their fire performance are limited. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the behavior of infill-frames under fire exposure by presenting a state-of-the-art literature review of the same.

Both experimental and computational studies have been included with a special emphasis on numerical modeling (simplified as well as advanced). The cold behavior of the infill-frame and its design requirements in case of fire exposure are first reviewed to set the context. Subsequently, the applicability of numerical modeling strategies developed for modeling cold infill-frames to simulate their behavior under fire is critically examined.

The major hurdles in developing generic numerical models for analyzing thermo-mechanical behavior of infill-frames are identified as: lack of temperature-dependent material properties, scarcity of experimental studies for validation and idealizations in coupling between thermal and structural analysis.

This study presents one of the most popular research problems connected with practical and reliable utilization of numerical models, as a good alternative to expensive traditional furnace testing, in assessing fire resistance of infill-frames. It highlights major challenges in thermo-mechanical modeling of infill-frames and critically reviews the available approaches for modeling infill-frames subjected to fire.

The applicability of learning curve theory to the construction industry has been investigated by several studies; however, the outcomes are characterised by inconsistent, rather sporadic patterns. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of learning on concrete masonry blockwork labour productivity in recurring building floor cycles.

Repetitive blockwork labour inputs from 52 multi-storey residential buildings were collected and analysed using the straight-line learning curve model. The cumulative average labour input for each recurring floor and its corresponding cycle number were modelled using the least squares method.

According to the learning curve theory principles, labour inputs are expected to decrease by a certain percentage as the floor cycle number within each building observed increases. Nonetheless, the patterns emerged from this study provide little evidence for that.

Contrary to several previous findings which have asserted the significance of the learning concept to construction productivity, the results obtained for the activity investigated suggest that there is no potential context for the theory to be used as a useful tool to quantify productivity improvement, or to provide for a practical project management observation and control system.

Notwithstanding the numerous research into the effect of learning on construction activities, this study is unprecedented in examining the applicability of the theory to concrete masonry blockwork labour productivity in building construction. It can thus assist in achieving reliable planning, determining the plausibility of correlating past performances or predicting future expenditures, and appraising the potentiality of the learning phenomenon as a useful tool to quantify productivity improvement over the repetitive cycle process of such a distinct construction activity.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of regulations, perceptions, and promotions on the emergence of an innovation system for wood‐framed multi‐storey buildings in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK).

This descriptive paper made a qualitative analysis of information collected mainly from secondary sources such as reports, newspapers, journal publications, conference proceedings and general internet search.

Results showed that the conditions for market growth of multi‐storey construction seemed to be the most favourable in Sweden followed by the UK and Germany. The regulations are stringent in Germany, followed by the UK and Sweden. In all countries, the construction professionals seemed to have negative perceptions regarding engineering properties of wood. Similar negative perceptions exist among the general public in Germany and the UK, but not in Sweden. The wood construction promotional activities in Germany and the UK are directed to all types of houses, while in Sweden multi‐storey buildings are targeted.

An important implication of this paper was that it highlighted the usefulness of cross‐country surveys at the European level, in order to better understand observed differences in the adoption of innovative systems. However, there might be shortcomings in the comparability of the information across the countries analysed because it was difficult to make an objective assessment of the claims made in some of the information sources. Also, there was varying and limited information about the survey methodologies used in some of the reviewed studies.

The study showed that market intervention is needed to promote radical or really new innovations such as wood construction. The variations in the promotional measures undertaken partly explained the variations in growth of wood construction system in the three countries.

The paper applied a theoretical framework on technology transition to analyse emergence of wood construction system in Germany, Sweden and the UK. The framework can be applied to analyse the development of wood construction system in other countries also.

The most simple equivalent frame system with reduced degrees of freedom is proposed for handling multi‐story multi‐bay infilled frames. The system is composed of homogenized continuum for the reinforced concrete members braced with unilateral diagonal struts for each bay, which are only activated in compression. Identification of the equivalent system characteristics and nonlinear material properties are accomplished from the concepts of inverse analysis approach along with statistical tests of hypotheses is employed to establish the appropriate filtering scheme and the proper accuracy tolerance. The suggested system allows for nonlinear finite element static and dynamic analysis of sophisticated infilled reinforced concrete frames. Sensitivity analysis is undertaken to check the suitability of the proposed system to manipulate various structural applications.

The aim of the project entitled Training for the Evaluation and Repair of Non‐Traditional Buildings is to bring together current research, knowledge, practice and development in a range of units, comprising videos and handbooks on a wide spectrum of subjects. These relate to the effective diagnosis, evaluation and repair of defects to non‐traditional buildings, primarily housing. The definition of non‐traditional for this project is any structure not built in load‐bearing masonry walls. It includes concrete‐, timber‐ and steel‐frame; pre‐cast concrete columns, beam panels; large panel construction in concrete; in situ concrete framed multi‐storey blocks using a variety of cladding panels. It covers low‐, medium‐ and high‐rise. It embraces a large number of structures, for example Birmingham City Housing Department term all their housing over six storeys (426 blocks) as non‐traditional as it was not the normal method for housing people in the UK prior to the development of the 1960s. The material, six videos and 22 handbooks, is produced in an open learning style for in‐house or at home study and is intended for use by anyone involved, whether they are clients/owners, professional advisers, or builders. It is intended to bridge gaps in knowledge and stimulate thought and practice procedures in specifying and executing appropriate remedial works.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.