Pub Date : 2023-08-04DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0169
C. Amoah
PurposeIn addressing the housing deficits for the less privileged citizens, the South African government began constructing social housing after coming to power in 1994. However, the construction of these houses is bedevilled with many issues; prominent among them are poor quality of the constructed houses. This study seeks to develop a quality management framework for achieving quality and efficiency in public-sector housing construction, a hallmark of the country's procurement goals.Design/methodology/approachTelephone interviews were conducted with construction professionals involved in constructing government social houses across South Africa, chosen randomly. The data gathered were analysed using the content analysis method.FindingsThe study found that the most significant cause of poor quality government-constructed social housing is multifaceted, categorised into project management-related, procurement-related, contractor-related, corruption-related and political-related.Practical implicationsFailure to develop and implement a quality management framework on government-constructed social housing leads to poor quality social housing.Originality/valueThe study has identified quality-related issues and has developed a Quality Management (QM) framework for the stakeholders involved in the construction of the houses to guide them in the project implementation process to ensure project success and quality standards.
{"title":"Quality management framework for government social housing construction in South Africa","authors":"C. Amoah","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0169","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn addressing the housing deficits for the less privileged citizens, the South African government began constructing social housing after coming to power in 1994. However, the construction of these houses is bedevilled with many issues; prominent among them are poor quality of the constructed houses. This study seeks to develop a quality management framework for achieving quality and efficiency in public-sector housing construction, a hallmark of the country's procurement goals.Design/methodology/approachTelephone interviews were conducted with construction professionals involved in constructing government social houses across South Africa, chosen randomly. The data gathered were analysed using the content analysis method.FindingsThe study found that the most significant cause of poor quality government-constructed social housing is multifaceted, categorised into project management-related, procurement-related, contractor-related, corruption-related and political-related.Practical implicationsFailure to develop and implement a quality management framework on government-constructed social housing leads to poor quality social housing.Originality/valueThe study has identified quality-related issues and has developed a Quality Management (QM) framework for the stakeholders involved in the construction of the houses to guide them in the project implementation process to ensure project success and quality standards.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48327751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-25DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-02-2023-0016
R. Adel, Naglaa A. Megahed, Asmaa M. Hassan, Merhan M. Shahda
PurposePassive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention from researchers because of their significant role in reducing energy demand. However, the abundance of multi-story buildings and the courtyards' incompatibility with them, the courtyard is currently limited. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternatives. This paper aims to bridge the gaps in previous limited studies considering skycourt as a passive alternative on the vertical plane of the facades in contrast to the courtyard.Design/methodology/approachThis research presents an overview and a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt via VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package.FindingsThe research provided various concepts related to skycourt as a promising passive design strategy, which can be suitable for multi-story buildings, starting with its evolution, characteristics, configurations, benefits, and challenges.Practical implicationsThe findings can urge designers, researchers and policymakers to incorporate such an important passive alternative.Social implicationsResearchers, instructors, educational specialists, faculty members, and decision-makers can provide design motivation for skycourt in buildings, in addition to achieving awareness about skycourt and its significant benefits and its role as an important passive design strategy.Originality/valueThe research highlights the possibilities of the skycourt and its role as a passive design element as an extension of the courtyard in addition to identifying design indicators that help designers determine the appropriate designs.
{"title":"Evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt: a bibliometric analysis of research trends","authors":"R. Adel, Naglaa A. Megahed, Asmaa M. Hassan, Merhan M. Shahda","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-02-2023-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-02-2023-0016","url":null,"abstract":"PurposePassive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention from researchers because of their significant role in reducing energy demand. However, the abundance of multi-story buildings and the courtyards' incompatibility with them, the courtyard is currently limited. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternatives. This paper aims to bridge the gaps in previous limited studies considering skycourt as a passive alternative on the vertical plane of the facades in contrast to the courtyard.Design/methodology/approachThis research presents an overview and a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt via VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package.FindingsThe research provided various concepts related to skycourt as a promising passive design strategy, which can be suitable for multi-story buildings, starting with its evolution, characteristics, configurations, benefits, and challenges.Practical implicationsThe findings can urge designers, researchers and policymakers to incorporate such an important passive alternative.Social implicationsResearchers, instructors, educational specialists, faculty members, and decision-makers can provide design motivation for skycourt in buildings, in addition to achieving awareness about skycourt and its significant benefits and its role as an important passive design strategy.Originality/valueThe research highlights the possibilities of the skycourt and its role as a passive design element as an extension of the courtyard in addition to identifying design indicators that help designers determine the appropriate designs.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45980922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-20DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-03-2023-0030
Andrew Ebekozien, C. Aigbavboa, M. S. Samsurijan, Mohd Isa Rohayati, Nor Malina Malek
PurposeInadequate strategic planning and maintenance budget may undermine the maintenance of the Higher Education Institution Building (HEIB). Studies have shown that a customised maintenance concept such as Soft System Methodology (SSM) can improve public building maintenance operations. There is a paucity of studies regarding public HEIB maintenance in Nigeria via an SSM approach. Therefore, the research investigated the state of public HEIB and developed a framework to improve public HEIB maintenance practices in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted SSM to understand Nigeria’s public HEIB maintenance practices. The SSM permitted a substitute approach to improve public HEIB maintenance practices via a developed framework. Data were collated via virtual interviews with experts, and findings were presented in line with the SSM seven steps.FindingsFindings show that besides the shoddy state of public HEIB maintenance, there is no public digitalised HEIB framework to improve maintenance practices across Nigeria’s higher education institutions. The study developed a digitalised framework with the support of Computerised Maintenance Management System from the findings. It would reposition the public HEIB and stir up various agencies/departments/units managing maintenance for better service delivery via integrated delivery, practical, methodological and managerial aspects.Originality/valueThe research investigated Nigeria’s public HEIB maintenance practices via SSM to identify the required document and propose a feasible framework to improve Nigeria’s HEIB maintenance practices. Besides the developed conceptual framework, Nigeria’s HEIB maintenance practitioners and higher institution chief executives can use the recommended framework as guidelines to improve HEIB maintenance practices.
{"title":"Developing a framework for higher education institution building maintenance via soft system methodology","authors":"Andrew Ebekozien, C. Aigbavboa, M. S. Samsurijan, Mohd Isa Rohayati, Nor Malina Malek","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-03-2023-0030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-03-2023-0030","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeInadequate strategic planning and maintenance budget may undermine the maintenance of the Higher Education Institution Building (HEIB). Studies have shown that a customised maintenance concept such as Soft System Methodology (SSM) can improve public building maintenance operations. There is a paucity of studies regarding public HEIB maintenance in Nigeria via an SSM approach. Therefore, the research investigated the state of public HEIB and developed a framework to improve public HEIB maintenance practices in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted SSM to understand Nigeria’s public HEIB maintenance practices. The SSM permitted a substitute approach to improve public HEIB maintenance practices via a developed framework. Data were collated via virtual interviews with experts, and findings were presented in line with the SSM seven steps.FindingsFindings show that besides the shoddy state of public HEIB maintenance, there is no public digitalised HEIB framework to improve maintenance practices across Nigeria’s higher education institutions. The study developed a digitalised framework with the support of Computerised Maintenance Management System from the findings. It would reposition the public HEIB and stir up various agencies/departments/units managing maintenance for better service delivery via integrated delivery, practical, methodological and managerial aspects.Originality/valueThe research investigated Nigeria’s public HEIB maintenance practices via SSM to identify the required document and propose a feasible framework to improve Nigeria’s HEIB maintenance practices. Besides the developed conceptual framework, Nigeria’s HEIB maintenance practitioners and higher institution chief executives can use the recommended framework as guidelines to improve HEIB maintenance practices.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45541800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-20DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-03-2023-0033
Andrew Ebekozien, C. Aigbavboa, M. S. Samsurijan, Ahmad Salman, Godspower C. Amadi
PurposeThe organised self-help approach successfully enhances urban low-income earners' (LIE) homeownership in some developing countries. The technique can enhance urban resilience for sustainable LIE homeownership. There is a paucity of studies concerning sustainable homeownership for Nigeria's urban LIE through a self-help approach. The study investigated the housing needs of the urban LIE via organised self-help mechanisms and how the same can enhance urban resilience for sustainable homeownership in the Ancient City of Benin, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachGiven the unexplored nature of the issue, 20 face-to-face interviews were conducted with experts and analysed through a thematic approach.FindingsFindings identified eleven main barriers faced by the urban LIE. This includes the absence of government housing policy, funding frameworks, urban land scarcity, high property development costs, naira devaluation, high-interest rates, inflation, bribery and corruption, lax mortgage sub-sector, high cost of infrastructure, and government bureaucracy.Originality/valueThis study will contribute to pioneering the role of organised self-help mechanisms in urban resilience for sustainable LIE homeownership in developing cities via a qualitative approach. Also, findings would significantly contribute to developing countries' sustainable housing and urban resilience literature.
{"title":"Urban resilience for sustainable homeownership: the role of self-help in the ancient city of Benin, Nigeria","authors":"Andrew Ebekozien, C. Aigbavboa, M. S. Samsurijan, Ahmad Salman, Godspower C. Amadi","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-03-2023-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-03-2023-0033","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe organised self-help approach successfully enhances urban low-income earners' (LIE) homeownership in some developing countries. The technique can enhance urban resilience for sustainable LIE homeownership. There is a paucity of studies concerning sustainable homeownership for Nigeria's urban LIE through a self-help approach. The study investigated the housing needs of the urban LIE via organised self-help mechanisms and how the same can enhance urban resilience for sustainable homeownership in the Ancient City of Benin, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachGiven the unexplored nature of the issue, 20 face-to-face interviews were conducted with experts and analysed through a thematic approach.FindingsFindings identified eleven main barriers faced by the urban LIE. This includes the absence of government housing policy, funding frameworks, urban land scarcity, high property development costs, naira devaluation, high-interest rates, inflation, bribery and corruption, lax mortgage sub-sector, high cost of infrastructure, and government bureaucracy.Originality/valueThis study will contribute to pioneering the role of organised self-help mechanisms in urban resilience for sustainable LIE homeownership in developing cities via a qualitative approach. Also, findings would significantly contribute to developing countries' sustainable housing and urban resilience literature.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43580593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-17DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0184
Nadira Islam Nila, J. Akter, M. M. Hossain
PurposeChange orders are a typical occurrence in building projects. Change orders indirectly affect labor productivity, resulting in a significant delay in the completion of a building project. Change orders cause labor productivity losses that are difficult to describe, establish and account for contractors and subcontractors. This study aimed to look at the influence of change orders on labor productivity and develop methods to mitigate their adverse effects.Design/methodology/approachTo assess the change orders' impact on productivity levels a system dynamic model was developed and devise ways were developed to counteract these negative impacts in this research. The impact of change orders on labor productivity and project time was then controlled using techniques established. Finally, a case study of KUET's hall extension was chosen, and the model and principles developed were implemented.FindingsThis study established that if the project delivery date is set and change orders are occurring often, labor productivity will be impacted. With adequate monitoring and supplemental management techniques, it can be reduced by prolonging the project.Originality/valueThe developed policies aid to mitigate the effect of change orders on labor productivity.
{"title":"Change order effects on labor productivity and mitigation the effects by developing policies using system dynamic modeling: a case study in a construction project","authors":"Nadira Islam Nila, J. Akter, M. M. Hossain","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0184","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeChange orders are a typical occurrence in building projects. Change orders indirectly affect labor productivity, resulting in a significant delay in the completion of a building project. Change orders cause labor productivity losses that are difficult to describe, establish and account for contractors and subcontractors. This study aimed to look at the influence of change orders on labor productivity and develop methods to mitigate their adverse effects.Design/methodology/approachTo assess the change orders' impact on productivity levels a system dynamic model was developed and devise ways were developed to counteract these negative impacts in this research. The impact of change orders on labor productivity and project time was then controlled using techniques established. Finally, a case study of KUET's hall extension was chosen, and the model and principles developed were implemented.FindingsThis study established that if the project delivery date is set and change orders are occurring often, labor productivity will be impacted. With adequate monitoring and supplemental management techniques, it can be reduced by prolonging the project.Originality/valueThe developed policies aid to mitigate the effect of change orders on labor productivity.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46778819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-17DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0168
Zahra Jalali, A. Shamseldin, Sandeeka Mannakkara
PurposeClimate change reports from New Zealand claim that climate change will impact some cities such as Auckland from a heating-dominated to a cooling-dominated climate. The benefits and risks of climate change on buildings' thermal performance are still unknown. This paper examines the impacts of climate change on the energy performance of residential buildings in New Zealand and provides insight into changes in trends in energy consumption by quantifying the impacts of climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper used a downscaling method to generate weather data for three locations in New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The weather data sets were applied to the energy simulation of a residential case study as a reference building using a validated building energy analysis tool (EnergyPlus).FindingsThe result indicated that in Wellington and Christchurch, heating would be the major thermal load of residential buildings, while in Auckland, the main thermal load will change from heating to cooling in future years. The revised R-values for the building code will affect the pattern of dominant heating and cooling demands in buildings in Auckland in the future, while in Wellington and Christchurch, the heating load will be higher than the cooling load.Originality/valueThe findings of this study gave a broader insight into the risks and opportunities of climate change for the thermal performance of buildings. The results established the significance of considering climate change in energy performance analysis to inform the appropriate building codes for the design of residential buildings to avoid future costly changes to buildings.
{"title":"Evaluation of climate change effects on residential building cooling and heating demands in New Zealand: implications for energy efficiency standards and building codes","authors":"Zahra Jalali, A. Shamseldin, Sandeeka Mannakkara","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0168","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeClimate change reports from New Zealand claim that climate change will impact some cities such as Auckland from a heating-dominated to a cooling-dominated climate. The benefits and risks of climate change on buildings' thermal performance are still unknown. This paper examines the impacts of climate change on the energy performance of residential buildings in New Zealand and provides insight into changes in trends in energy consumption by quantifying the impacts of climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper used a downscaling method to generate weather data for three locations in New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The weather data sets were applied to the energy simulation of a residential case study as a reference building using a validated building energy analysis tool (EnergyPlus).FindingsThe result indicated that in Wellington and Christchurch, heating would be the major thermal load of residential buildings, while in Auckland, the main thermal load will change from heating to cooling in future years. The revised R-values for the building code will affect the pattern of dominant heating and cooling demands in buildings in Auckland in the future, while in Wellington and Christchurch, the heating load will be higher than the cooling load.Originality/valueThe findings of this study gave a broader insight into the risks and opportunities of climate change for the thermal performance of buildings. The results established the significance of considering climate change in energy performance analysis to inform the appropriate building codes for the design of residential buildings to avoid future costly changes to buildings.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49268665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-12DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0173
Frank Victor Mushi, H. Nguluma, J. Kihila
PurposeGreen buildings have proven to be essential contributors to the sustainability of buildings in the construction industry. However, in developing economies, the rate of green building adoption is slow. Moreover, the factors linked to a relatively slow adoption rarely feature in the literature. This study seeks to bridge the gap by first exploring factors influencing the adoption of green buildings. Second, analysing strategies and preferences determining the adoption of green building principles and lastly, exploring case-based opportunities for their adoption in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from twelve key informants. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that the most influential factors in green building adoption are related to key organizational decisions. Moreover, social and environmental factors are more related to green building adoption than economic factors. In addition, energy and water efficiency are the most commonly adopted sustainability features, while certified materials, recycling and reusing are rarely implemented.Practical implicationsSince green building adoption is still in its infancy, this study informs policymakers, professional bodies, developers, and researchers of the empirically supported factors for green building adoption. The conclusions can be amplified within the sustainability movement.Originality/valueThis study provides an in-depth understanding of the precursors of green building adoption, which is increasingly becoming a paradigm shift in the construction sector. The study is the first to present an in-depth analysis of the real-life factors influencing the adoption of green buildings in Tanzania.
{"title":"Factors influencing adoption of green buildings in Tanzania: a qualitative case study","authors":"Frank Victor Mushi, H. Nguluma, J. Kihila","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0173","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0173","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeGreen buildings have proven to be essential contributors to the sustainability of buildings in the construction industry. However, in developing economies, the rate of green building adoption is slow. Moreover, the factors linked to a relatively slow adoption rarely feature in the literature. This study seeks to bridge the gap by first exploring factors influencing the adoption of green buildings. Second, analysing strategies and preferences determining the adoption of green building principles and lastly, exploring case-based opportunities for their adoption in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from twelve key informants. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that the most influential factors in green building adoption are related to key organizational decisions. Moreover, social and environmental factors are more related to green building adoption than economic factors. In addition, energy and water efficiency are the most commonly adopted sustainability features, while certified materials, recycling and reusing are rarely implemented.Practical implicationsSince green building adoption is still in its infancy, this study informs policymakers, professional bodies, developers, and researchers of the empirically supported factors for green building adoption. The conclusions can be amplified within the sustainability movement.Originality/valueThis study provides an in-depth understanding of the precursors of green building adoption, which is increasingly becoming a paradigm shift in the construction sector. The study is the first to present an in-depth analysis of the real-life factors influencing the adoption of green buildings in Tanzania.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45261692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-11DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0167
T. Gledhill, W. Swan, R. Fitton
PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the assessment of a domestic property's energy performance status by a domestic energy assessor (DEA), to ascertain the possible underlying reasons for variability in the results of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). By variability, the authors mean discrepancies in assessment between different DEAs on similar properties. This is important because the uses for the EPC have been extended beyond their original function as an asset rating system, to include themes encompassing building policy decisions, building performance and the distribution of incentives and grants. Consequently, inaccuracies in EPC reporting will have a greater impact than may have been the case at the outset.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach involving the conducting of semi-structured interviews with 20 practicing DEAs was carried out, with transcribed recordings of the interview material subjected to thematic analysis. This formed part of a wider mixed methods study.FindingsThe results identify a wide range of underlying reasons for variability driven by issues in both practice and process, including conflicts of interests, the EPC auditing process, the default inputting of missing data by RdSAP where information may not be available/discoverable by the DEA, the quality and perception of EPCs and DEA training and experience.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size of 20 is by definition limiting, and it is possible that different results would have been obtained from a different sample. Although thematic saturation from the analysis of the responses on the key question of whether EPCs are considered variable does mitigate this. The respondents were all in possession of five years or more experience and of carrying out EPCs for different purposes. Less experienced DEAs may inevitably have responded to questions differently. The thematic analysis gives the researcher control over the presentation of the results, and it is noted that this creates a potential for bias. The researcher is immersed in the world of construction and property, with regular contact with DEAs and EPCs, which may influence the perspective of the results.Practical implicationsThe research identifies risks to the accuracy of EPCs. To this end, and with the specific research findings in mind, this research may be of interest to construction professionals with respect to EPC practice and procurement, to the Accrediting Bodies who audit EPCs, to the creators of RdSAP with respect to automated EPC inputs, to academics either at face value or for use in further research and to policy makers who may wish to consider RdSAP data in future with qualifiers or margins of error, or may even look to review the EPC as the instrument of choice for some applications.Originality/valueThere is much literature analysing the shortcomings and nuances of RdSAP results, and the software model that generates the EPC, but only very limited literature extending the discu
{"title":"A practitioner study into the variability of UK domestic energy assessments","authors":"T. Gledhill, W. Swan, R. Fitton","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-10-2022-0167","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the assessment of a domestic property's energy performance status by a domestic energy assessor (DEA), to ascertain the possible underlying reasons for variability in the results of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). By variability, the authors mean discrepancies in assessment between different DEAs on similar properties. This is important because the uses for the EPC have been extended beyond their original function as an asset rating system, to include themes encompassing building policy decisions, building performance and the distribution of incentives and grants. Consequently, inaccuracies in EPC reporting will have a greater impact than may have been the case at the outset.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach involving the conducting of semi-structured interviews with 20 practicing DEAs was carried out, with transcribed recordings of the interview material subjected to thematic analysis. This formed part of a wider mixed methods study.FindingsThe results identify a wide range of underlying reasons for variability driven by issues in both practice and process, including conflicts of interests, the EPC auditing process, the default inputting of missing data by RdSAP where information may not be available/discoverable by the DEA, the quality and perception of EPCs and DEA training and experience.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size of 20 is by definition limiting, and it is possible that different results would have been obtained from a different sample. Although thematic saturation from the analysis of the responses on the key question of whether EPCs are considered variable does mitigate this. The respondents were all in possession of five years or more experience and of carrying out EPCs for different purposes. Less experienced DEAs may inevitably have responded to questions differently. The thematic analysis gives the researcher control over the presentation of the results, and it is noted that this creates a potential for bias. The researcher is immersed in the world of construction and property, with regular contact with DEAs and EPCs, which may influence the perspective of the results.Practical implicationsThe research identifies risks to the accuracy of EPCs. To this end, and with the specific research findings in mind, this research may be of interest to construction professionals with respect to EPC practice and procurement, to the Accrediting Bodies who audit EPCs, to the creators of RdSAP with respect to automated EPC inputs, to academics either at face value or for use in further research and to policy makers who may wish to consider RdSAP data in future with qualifiers or margins of error, or may even look to review the EPC as the instrument of choice for some applications.Originality/valueThere is much literature analysing the shortcomings and nuances of RdSAP results, and the software model that generates the EPC, but only very limited literature extending the discu","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49634623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-07DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0183
Ala'aldin Al-Hassoun, Rabab Allouzi
PurposeConcrete-filled double skin steel tubes (CFDST) columns are taken more attention due to their ability to withstand high structural loads in structures such as high-rise buildings, bridges' piers, offshore and marine structures. This paper is intended to improve the CFDST column's capacity without the need to increase the column's size to maintain its lightweight by filling it with self-compacted concrete (SCC) containing nanoclay (NC).Design/methodology/approachFirst, experimental investigation is conducted to select the optimal NC percentage that improves the mechanical properties. Different mixing method, mixture ingredients, cement content, and NC percentage are considered. Then, slender and short CFDST columns are tested for axial capacity to investigate the effect of adding the optimum NC percentage on column's capacity and failure mode.FindingsThe test results show that adding 3% NC by cement weight using dry mixing method to SCC is the optimum ratio. It is concluded that adding 3% NC by cement weight increased the CFDST column's capacity, especially the specimens with higher slenderness ratio. Moreover, it is concluded that more specimens should be tested under various geometric and reinforcement details.Originality/valueRecently, CFDST tube columns solve many structural and architectural problems that engineers have encountered in traditional systems. Therefore, more studies are required to design high-performance columns capable of carrying complex loads with high efficiency since the traditional design could not achieve the required performance. Since concrete contributes to a large portion in the axial capacity of the CFDST columns, it is proposed to improve the CFDST column's capacity without the need to increase the column's size to maintain its lightweight by filling it with (SCC containing NC. Previous research has affirmed the effectiveness of employing nanoclay in the concrete's workability, durability, microstructures, and mechanical properties.
{"title":"Performance of double skin steel tube columns filled with self-compacted concrete containing nanoclay","authors":"Ala'aldin Al-Hassoun, Rabab Allouzi","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-11-2022-0183","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeConcrete-filled double skin steel tubes (CFDST) columns are taken more attention due to their ability to withstand high structural loads in structures such as high-rise buildings, bridges' piers, offshore and marine structures. This paper is intended to improve the CFDST column's capacity without the need to increase the column's size to maintain its lightweight by filling it with self-compacted concrete (SCC) containing nanoclay (NC).Design/methodology/approachFirst, experimental investigation is conducted to select the optimal NC percentage that improves the mechanical properties. Different mixing method, mixture ingredients, cement content, and NC percentage are considered. Then, slender and short CFDST columns are tested for axial capacity to investigate the effect of adding the optimum NC percentage on column's capacity and failure mode.FindingsThe test results show that adding 3% NC by cement weight using dry mixing method to SCC is the optimum ratio. It is concluded that adding 3% NC by cement weight increased the CFDST column's capacity, especially the specimens with higher slenderness ratio. Moreover, it is concluded that more specimens should be tested under various geometric and reinforcement details.Originality/valueRecently, CFDST tube columns solve many structural and architectural problems that engineers have encountered in traditional systems. Therefore, more studies are required to design high-performance columns capable of carrying complex loads with high efficiency since the traditional design could not achieve the required performance. Since concrete contributes to a large portion in the axial capacity of the CFDST columns, it is proposed to improve the CFDST column's capacity without the need to increase the column's size to maintain its lightweight by filling it with (SCC containing NC. Previous research has affirmed the effectiveness of employing nanoclay in the concrete's workability, durability, microstructures, and mechanical properties.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42789164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-04DOI: 10.1108/ijbpa-08-2022-0136
A. Shaikh, Robert Osei Kyei, M. Hardie, M. Stevens
PurposeThis paper systematically reviewed research work on drivers of teamwork, which will reinforce construction work teams to enhance workers’ safety performance. This study adds to the existing but limited understanding of teamwork drivers on construction workers’ safety performance. This paper presents scholars and industry-based professionals with critical initiatives that have to be implemented in organisations to get positive results in safety while working in teams with an emphasis on systems drivers of teamwork on safety performance at the organisational level, which will help in providing information on the functioning of the teams and contribute towards improved safety performance of team workers.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to systematically examine the existing body of knowledge on drivers of teamwork by analysing 53 publications from the years 1997–2021. The Scopus search engine was used to conduct a systematic review and germane publications were collated.FindingsAccording to the findings of the review, since 1997, there has been a burgeoning concern in the research of drivers of teamwork and its impact on workers’ safety performance. After performing a systematic review, 37 drivers of teamwork were identified. The top five drivers are effective communications, team workers’ relations, leadership, shared knowledge and information, and team training. Moreover, it was noted that the United States and Australia have been the international regions of focus for most of the research in the area of drivers of teamwork from the years 1997–2021. The 37 drivers of teamwork are distributed into six major socio-technical components: people drivers; culture drivers; metrics drivers; organisational and management practices and procedures drivers; infrastructure drivers and technology drivers.Practical implicationsThe results reported present research scholars and professional practitioners with an overview of the drivers of teamwork that could be implemented in the construction industry to streamline potential implementations and improve safety performance of construction workers.Originality/valueA list of teamwork drivers has been developed to ratify potential empirical research in the area of construction safety. The results would contribute to the existing but restricted understanding of drivers of teamwork in the construction industry.
{"title":"Review of drivers of teamwork for construction health and safety","authors":"A. Shaikh, Robert Osei Kyei, M. Hardie, M. Stevens","doi":"10.1108/ijbpa-08-2022-0136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-08-2022-0136","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper systematically reviewed research work on drivers of teamwork, which will reinforce construction work teams to enhance workers’ safety performance. This study adds to the existing but limited understanding of teamwork drivers on construction workers’ safety performance. This paper presents scholars and industry-based professionals with critical initiatives that have to be implemented in organisations to get positive results in safety while working in teams with an emphasis on systems drivers of teamwork on safety performance at the organisational level, which will help in providing information on the functioning of the teams and contribute towards improved safety performance of team workers.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to systematically examine the existing body of knowledge on drivers of teamwork by analysing 53 publications from the years 1997–2021. The Scopus search engine was used to conduct a systematic review and germane publications were collated.FindingsAccording to the findings of the review, since 1997, there has been a burgeoning concern in the research of drivers of teamwork and its impact on workers’ safety performance. After performing a systematic review, 37 drivers of teamwork were identified. The top five drivers are effective communications, team workers’ relations, leadership, shared knowledge and information, and team training. Moreover, it was noted that the United States and Australia have been the international regions of focus for most of the research in the area of drivers of teamwork from the years 1997–2021. The 37 drivers of teamwork are distributed into six major socio-technical components: people drivers; culture drivers; metrics drivers; organisational and management practices and procedures drivers; infrastructure drivers and technology drivers.Practical implicationsThe results reported present research scholars and professional practitioners with an overview of the drivers of teamwork that could be implemented in the construction industry to streamline potential implementations and improve safety performance of construction workers.Originality/valueA list of teamwork drivers has been developed to ratify potential empirical research in the area of construction safety. The results would contribute to the existing but restricted understanding of drivers of teamwork in the construction industry.","PeriodicalId":44905,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49670298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}