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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Sara Stingl de Freitas and Vasco Peixoto de Freitas

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of cracks on external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) along the thermal insulation joints and the information…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of cracks on external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) along the thermal insulation joints and the information available on the building pathology catalogue – PATORREB. The aim is to establish the methodology to study the cause of the pathology observed on a building which is located on the interior of Portugal based on in situ probing together with the analysis of hygrothermal and mechanical behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

An in situ analysis was performed to assess the causes. The hygrothermal dynamic behaviour of the wall was analysed with a numerical simulation advanced tool considering the climatic conditions, the characteristics of the thermal insulation plates as well as the support and finishing layer properties. Moreover, a qualitatively analysis of the mechanical behaviour, based on the bonding process, thermal insulation and exterior rendering properties was performed.

Findings

It was concluded that the insulation properties – thermal expansion coefficient and stiffness, the thermal expansion coefficient of the exterior rendering, together with adverse climatic conditions were critical for the appearance of cracks along the plate joints, particularly with spot bonding. The expansion and retraction stresses and the restrained movements of the components can result in bending moments, especially when the insulation material has a high stiffness value, which will create the crack on the rendering system.

Originality/value

A combination between a hygrothermal and mechanical analysis of an ETICS pathology concerning the appearance of cracks with a subsequent integration into a building pathology catalogue.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 April 2010

Vasco Peixoto de Freitas

480

Abstract

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2009

Sutapa Das, Kim Leng Poh and Michael Yit Lin Chew

Besides designing a comprehensive building maintainability scoring system, this paper aims to develop a standard and reliable method for acquisition of tacit knowledge in facility…

1092

Abstract

Purpose

Besides designing a comprehensive building maintainability scoring system, this paper aims to develop a standard and reliable method for acquisition of tacit knowledge in facility management (FM) and convert the same into organizational records so that the current dearth of information and poor feedback leading to recurrent defects and arbitrary FM strategies can be eliminated.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine major building elements in terms of maintainability were compared by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Various aspects of consistency checking and group decision making were reviewed to find the best suitable method. During data collection via an AHP questionnaire in face‐to‐face interviews, logical reasoning employed by experts was noted and later matched with the subjective data.

Findings

It was observed that technical viability of services and business profile given by building height and location, respectively, set different priorities for major building elements. HVAC system is the prime element followed by elevator and façade. Such priorities can be derived from consistent judgment which improves steadily with a decision‐maker's work experience. A threshold of 10 per cent consistency and aggregating individual priorities (AIP) using geometric mean method of AHP were found most appropriate.

Practical implications

Adaptation of this framework will help industry experts to document their tacit knowledge in a structured manner without facing present constraints. By tracking the recorded facts and logical reasoning, neophytes can learn the multi‐faceted aspects of FM without trial and error.

Originality/value

This research establishes AHP as a standard and reliable method for knowledge acquisition and thus elevates its status from a multi‐criteria decision analysis tool to decision enhancement tool.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Teresa Cunha Ferreira

In the present-day context of a sharp decrease in economic and ecological resources, planned conservation and community empowerment are key strategies for sustainable heritage…

Abstract

Purpose

In the present-day context of a sharp decrease in economic and ecological resources, planned conservation and community empowerment are key strategies for sustainable heritage management, because of their cost effectiveness, increased preservation of authenticity and socially development. However, there are still very few practical implementations, so the purpose of this paper is to present applied research to real case studies, as well as to demonstrate that preventive-planned conservation is increasingly successful when linked with the empowerment of local communities and users.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a methodology that focuses on two complementary aspects: planned conservation (material component) – undertaken directly on buildings, through inspection, monitoring, maintenance and repair activities; community empowerment (intangible component) – afforded indirectly to users, through participatory strategies and training in prevention, maintenance and use.

Findings

Based on an estimation of costs, this paper suggests that preventive-planned conservation strategies (pre-damage) can be one-third cheaper than the reactive and interventionist approach (post-damage). Moreover, this study also develops innovative ICT tools for the planned conservation of the built heritage, namely a specifically designed computer software/App (“MPlan”) that can be used to compile maintenance plans.

Originality/value

The case studies are among the first applications of preventive-planned conservation strategies to the built heritage in Portugal. Different types of case studies are provided to better illustrate the methodological approach adopted and the results obtained. Special attention is given to the Romanesque Route, a cultural itinerary with 58 monuments (monasteries, churches, bridges, towers and a castle). illustrated manuals contribute to the empowerment of local communities and users.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

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