Building Technology and Civil Engineering

This paper describes the methodology and results obtained after productivity improvement work conducted on two consecutive building construction jobs.  The first one was used to evaluate production rates and productivity, current construction methods, potentials and lacks of construction equipment, current construction planning methodology, and existing tools to asses productivity.  These are briefly discussed in this paper. The second job was preplanned based on the experience and detailed documentation obtained in the first one. Work was conducted in order to “design” construction methods in detail, develop a detailed production planning based on the construction methods developed, select crew components and select their specific tasks, and design communication and control tools. Although the second job’s schedule and budget were originally calculated using standard methods (i.e. historical production rates), new schedule and budget were calculated based on the preplanning effort. Construction performance was measured against these values.

Construction progress monitoring has been perceived as one of the key factors that prompt the achievement of a construction project. However, assessing the progress is time consuming, costly and obliges specialized personnel to reduce disagreements and approximate the actual performance to the original plan as close as possible. Image processing is a promising method that has been developed for automated monitoring of construction projects. It has attracted increasing attention for progress monitoring, quality assurance and work space analyses. Nonetheless, remarkable drawbacks still remain in image processing, particularly for outdoor environment such as construction progress monitoring. The principle downside of image processing goes back to the image resolution. Ambient lightning condition significantly affects the image quality which does affect the accuracy of data, extracted from related images. Much research strives to reduce the level of errors for data extraction but so far none has been able to deliver complete satisfactory and reliable result. In this research a novel approach based on thermal image analysis is presented. The new method consists of three phases: First, collecting the thermal and original images by utilizing Infrared-Camera. Second, estimating the position of captured images by the use of wireless sensor network implemented in the work space. Finally, the 3D plan will be updated automatically in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. The preliminary experimental results from an actual concrete building construction site show the feasibility of inferring the actual state of progress by the use of thermal images to overcome the limitation of vision monitoring. 

AUTOMATED CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS MONITORING USING THERMAL IMAGES AND WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275024236_AUTOMATED_CONSTRUCTION_PROGRESS_MONITORING_USING_THERMAL_IMAGES_AND_WIRELESS_SENSOR_NETWORKS#share [accessed Sep 11, 2015].

El presente artículo está escrito en memoria del Arquitecto Thomas S. Marvel, FAIA (1935-2015). Describe las vidas de Antonín Nechodoma y Frank Bond Hatch, arquitecto y contratista respectivamente quienes colaboraron en innumerables proyectos en Puerto Rico y la República Dominicana. El Arq. Marvel dedicó gran parte de su vida a investigar al Arq. Nechodoma y como resultado en 1993 publicó el libro: Antonin Nechodoma Architect, 1877-1928 - the Prairie School in the Caribbean. Un video tomado en abril, 2014 grabó una charla informal que ofreció el Arq. Marvel recoge sus comentarios más recientes sobre estos individuos. El link para acceder este video es: https://youtu.be/OQscXOBYUFw
El presente trabajo está enfocado a las tecnologías utilizadas para construir los edificios que trabajaron en conjunto. Estas fueron los morteros de cemento Portland, la piedra artificial o la piedra plástica como se les conocía a principios del siglo 20. Estos materiales fraguaban o secaban rápidamente, endurecían bajo el agua, y protegían los edificios del agua y contra el fuego. El bloque de concreto y el hormigón armado fueron productos del cemento, además de ser los materiales más utilizados para las estructuras de Nechodoma y Hatch quienes fueron verdaderos pioneros en la industria de la construcción puertorriqueña y dominicana durante más de dos décadas, no solamente por el tipo de arquitectura que construyeron, sino por el uso (a veces arriesgado) de estos materiales innovadores. La obra que realizaron en conjunto, en ambos países, ha permanecido principalmente debido a su buena construcción.

Flat slab is a reinforced concrete structural system supported directly by concrete columns without the use of beams reinforced that includes either drop panels or column capitals at columns to resist heavier loads and thus permit longer spans. By that large Bending Moment & Shear Forces are developed close to the columns. These stresses bring about the cracks in concrete & may provoke the failure of slab, thus there is a need to provide a larger area at the top of column recognized as column head/capital. Flat slab is defined as one sided or two-sided support system with shear load of the slab being concentrated on the supporting columns and a square slab called ‘drop panels’.

Rice  Husk  Ash  (RHA)  and  Cow  Dung  Ash  (CDA)  are  agriculturally  based  pozzolanic  materials,  these
materials are available in huge quantities. This final year project report highlights and presents the results of
the study on the use of Cow Dung Ash and Rice Husk Ash as partial replacement of cement in concrete. The
experiments were conducted to study the impacts of adding  Cow Dung Ash and Rice Husk Ash  in several
percentages by weight (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of cement and cure for periods of 28 days before testing
for compression strength. The consistency, workability, sieve analysis of aggregates were also tested in this
research study. The Compressive test results are 37.75 N/mm
2
, 31.25 N/mm
2
, 31.25N/mm
2
and 25.25 N/mm
2
for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% replacement of cement with Cow  Dung  Ash and  Rice  Husk  Ash  respectively at
28days. The Workability results gives 45mm, 49mm, 56mm, 68mm and 75mm respectively for 0%,5%, 10%,
15%, and 20% replacement of cement with Cow Dung Ash  and Rice Husk Ash. The consistency test results
are 0.29, 0.32, 0.36, 0.41  and 0.43 for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% replacement of cement with  Cow  Dung
Ash and Rice Husk Ash respectively. The bulk density results are 2452.53 kg/m
3
, 2370.8 kg/m
3
, 2380.0 kg/m
3
and 2348.5 kg/m
3
for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% replacement of cement with Cow Dung Ash and Rice Husk Ash
respectively.  The  main  highlights,  it  should  be  highlighted  that  the  more  quantity  of  water  is  required  to
standard consistency as the percentages of Cow  Dung Ash and Rice Husk Ash are added.  Dung Ash and Rice
Husk Ash concrete is recommended for use when a ten percentage (10%) of Cow Dung Ash and rice husk ash
are not exceeded.
Key words: cement, concrete, cow dung ash, rice husk ash, workability, standard consistency,
Slump test, bulk density, curing, mortar, aggregates, water, compressive strength.

Il saggio analizza in modo dettagliato l'evoluzione delle tecniche costruttive impiegate nelle caserme Italiane costruite tra l'Unità d'Italia e la seconda guerra mondiale, toccando anche il tema dei metodi di verifica statica, in particolare quelli relativi alle strutture di copertura.

According to the father of Organic Architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright as rightly said, that the mother art is Architecture, without Architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization. Art and Architecture should live as a family or live as husband and wife. No Architecture is good without the application of art. A building without art is like Bread without butter or tea without sugar. The use of colour in Architecture has been effectively applied since the early ages in both India as well as Europe, Middle Eastern and Chinese cultures. In Italy, during the Baroque era, architecture was assigned the role of conveying emotions and captivating the imagination of the masses visiting churches. Colour played a vital role in fulfilling this architectural ambition. Following that trajectory of radical use of colour and blending it with his curvilinear fluid forms that were done by the master architect Antonio Gaudi during his time. He was perhaps the most radical in his experimentation of colour and architectural form and showcasing to the world the magic that could happen when the two combined.

Colour plays a significant role in the perception of a space in the human mind. When lighter shades are used, it makes the space appear bigger. On the other hand, using darker shades make the same space look smaller. Hence colours can be used to adjust the proportion of a building space. In the Expression of material, we saw in the example of falling water that light painted materials seem lighter than dark coloured materials. Other visual effects of colour can make things look further away or more distant; larger or smaller; cooler or warmer. For example, a cool blue bathroom and warm red living room. This paper is a review of literature that were collected from documents, journals, books, periodical and other materials that will explore the key importance of  art and appreciation of colours in Architecture.

The aim of this study is to develop a decision-making approach in multi-storey housing design that will allow for alterations in the layout of the dwellings at the time of the users' initial moving in and/or at later periods of the use, in response to new requirements arising from the users' initial characteristics or any changes in their characteristics in the course of time, and to select the most suitable building plan alternatives for the users. The houses demands of the real user groups with different charactericstics and a variety of lifestyles might usually lead to a conflict between the users and the houses even at the time when they move in. Futhermore, the houses may fall short in meeting demands when the original users move out and other users move in, or as a result of changes that may occur in the family structure, socioeconomic statuts,lifestyle etc. In this study, a multistorey housing system with a reinforced concrete skeleton structure is being proposed which allows the design of floor plans that are variable to accommodate different family structures. In housing blocks built according to this design principle, the users must be able to choose the plan of their flat according to their own needs and desires, accounting for a higher degree of satisfaction with their living space.

Similar to concretes, soil cements have increasing strengths with age. More importantly, this type of material has lower elasticity comparatively to solely soils. Being used as road foundation materials, soil cements may have sufficient strength to support loads from vehicles. However, in a long run, repetitive loadings, such as those from vehicles, may damage soil cements foundations signified by cracking. To address this limitation, palm sugar fibers have been added to the soil cement mixture. It is found that fibers can increase the elasticity of soil cements. This study has also provided results of compression strength tests conducted in soil mechanic laboratory over 30 (thirty) remolded cylindrical samples of soil cements that have different ages, e.g., 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, respectively. The samples are reconstructed of type SC soils, type I cements, and palm sugar fibers. The amounts of cement are 6% and 10% by weight of dry soils, while the portion of palm sugar fiber is 0,5% by weight of dray soils. Before being tested, the samples are stored under a constant temperature. Last but not least, the data series obtained from these tests are analysed and results in an important expression that can be used for estimating the compression strength and elasticity module of soil cements added with palm sugar fibers. Last but not least, the data series obtained from these tests are analysed and results in an important expression that can be used for estimating the compression strength and elasticity modulus of soil cements mixed ijuk-aren. The results obtained is empirical equation models forecast increased compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of soil cement mixed ijuk-aren. Keywords— Soil-cement, Ijuk-aren, Compressive strenght, Elasticity I. INTRODUCTION Soil cement can be used as pavement in certain areas. Soil cement is an alternative soil improvement method by mixing soil and cement. This method has been widely used for a variety of countries. Coarse or fine grained soil material is clay soil, silt, sand, gravel and other similar materials are mixed with cement and water. The mixed soil cement using a certain ratio then hardened with a fixed shape. This mixture using a certain ratio in the plastis mixture then hardened and has a fixed shape. The chemical reaction of cement in order to improve the strenght occurred in the two processes, namely primary and secondary. Primary process is the occurrence of hydrolysis and hydration in cement where cement particles form bonds with grain mineral of the soil. Secondary process is a process that is influenced by increasing the strength of soil cement mixtures and also reduce plasticity and swelling properties of soil [7]. Soil cement mixture permanently have a high density and the settlement due to consolidation causes by the traffic load will not occur. Soil cement widely used as a pavement base for roads, residential street, parking areas, airport, shoulders, and materials handling and storage areas. In general, soil cement pavement is divided into three main components, according to the function in the structure of road pavement. These components are Cement-Modified Soils (CMS), Cement-Treated Base (CTB), and Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR). In highway construction pavement resist the load from vehicle. Repetitive load causes a shear stress to the pavement. Pavement made of soil cement which having a properties are hard and rigid, will still produces a cracks. These cracks are due to the shrinkage of the mixture, or drying due to cement hydration [6]. Highway with the repeated load of passing vehicles can accelerates and improve the cracks and it will show the reflective cracks. On the other hand, cracks occurred due to volumetric changes in the soil caused by pressure from repetitive load [12]. Cracks that occur can be minimized by adding natural or artificial fiber material into the soil cement [5]. Fiber material have a function to resist the tensile strength and improved the shear strength of the soil. Therefore fiber can improved the strength or bearing capacity of soil cement and reduced the potential of shrinkage cracks. The experimental results showed a significant effect from the addition of polypropylene fiber and high confining pressures on the mechanical behaviour of Portaway sand improved the stress-strain and bearing capacity [13]. The pineapple leaf fibres (PF) and oil palm fruit bunch fibres (OF), then mixing with cement as the binder of the soft soil, generally increased the compressive strength and the density remained largely unchanged over the range of fibres added [4]. Palm fibers are added into the soil cement provides compressive strength increased significantly [11]. Cement-treated aggregate base (CTAB) from two different base material (conventional crushed limestone base material and the other is a recycled concrete material) were used in the unconfined uniaxial compression tests at different ages. Test results finding a relationship between the compressive strength and elastic modulus of CTAB material [9]. Then the lateritic soil-cement mixtures showed a significant increasing in compressive strength and elasticity by adding cement and curing time [8].

Opportunities offered by the explosion of Information Technology (IT) tools are not being adequately used to solve productivity, schedule, cost and quality problems faced by the design and construction of industrial projects.
The Computer Advanced Visualization Tools (CAVT) concept defined as “the collection of all the necessary tools, which allow for the visual representation of the ends and the means of AEC/EPC needed to accomplish an AEC/EPC design and construction project” was developed and its impact in the design process of industrial projects was described as an answer to the stated problem.
The research was carried out using the observation-participation method in which the industry became a laboratory that offered the opportunity to have access to events and groups that are not commonly accessible to scientific research.
The design process was studied considering the state of the art about production principles applied to the construction industry through the Lean Construction approach. This allowed the ability to model, analyze, understand and describe the design process, providing and adequate framework to study the impact of CAVT which is presented mainly considering activities that add value to the design process.
The research led to discover change patterns and trends in the design process of industrial projects that can lead to obtain benefits in terms of cost and schedule reduction, and productivity, quality and safety increase in construction industry projects.

This is an old age saying but ever new, and it is most befitting in context of river, lake or pond quality management. Due to rapid industrialisation and intensive irrigation the flow in our streams is ever decreasing, which is posing more stress on self purifying capacity of stream. It has been felt lately that the Lakha Banjara Lake which is a substantial lake in Bundelkhand region is fast losing its importance because of the degradation in its water quality.  Various physical and chemical tests are carried out on the samples of the two sources and quality index of each is studied. The main focus is to compare the quality of the two sources and point out the deterioration of water quality, changes in its properties and adverse effects on environment

It is very essential to consider the effects of lateral loads induced from wind and earthquakes in the design of reinforced concrete structures, especially for high-rise buildings. A computer program is developed to analyze the structural buildings behavior under wind pressure defined considering all factors in the codes. In present study, Multi-storey buildings with 5 and 10 storeys have been modeled using software package ETABS. This paper also deals with the effect of the variation of the building height on the structural response of the building. The significant of this work is to estimate the design loads of a structure which is subjected to wind loads in a particular region.

Abstrak Penelitian ini membahas assesmen keandalan bangunan beton bertulang yang berusia lebih dari 30 tahun. Obyek penelitian berada pada 3 lokasi bangunan yaitu Struktur A berlokasi di Jakarta Pusat, Struktur B berlokasi di Tangerang Selatan, dan Struktur C berlokasi di Jakarta Utara. Survei visual lapangan dilakukan untuk mengamati kondisi terkini dari struktur bangunan. Pengujian tanpa merusak / Non-Destruktif Test (NDT) dilakukan untuk mendapatkan kekuatan tekan beton aktual dan jumlah tulangan yang terpasang dalam elemen struktur. Berdasarkan kekuatan material eksisting dilakukan modeling 3-Dimensi dan analisis struktur dengan metode elemen hingga, dengan menggunakan software ETABS 2017 diterapkan persyaratan seismik yang terdapat dalam RSNI03-1726-2018 untuk mengevaluasi kekuatan nominal elemen beton bertulang. Hasil Analisa strukur menunjukkan bahwa elemen kolom, balok dan pelat pada Struktur A, Struktur B, dan Struktur C tidak mampu menahan gaya momen, geser, dan drift inter story yang timbul akibat beban gempa yang timbul menurut persyaratan gempa pada RSNI03 1726-2018. Perlu dilakukan perkuatan struktur pada ketiga struktur, agar kapasitas elemen struktur mampu menahan beban-beban yang bekerja pada struktur bangunan. Abstract This research presents and discuss reliability assessments of concrete building structures with the age of more than 30 years. The research objects located at 3 location in the Greater Jakarta area where Structure A is located in Jakarta Pusat, Structure B in South Tangerang and Structure C in North Jakarta. Visual field surveys were conducted to obtain the current conditions of the building structures. Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) were employed to find out actual concrete compressive strength and the amount of steel reinforcements in the structural elements. Based on those experimental results, 3-D models and structural analysis by means of the finite element method using the ETABS 2017 computer software, were conducted. Seismic requirements as defined in the RSNI03-1726-2018 for evaluating nominal strength structural concrete element were used. Structural analysis results have shown that the columns, beams and slab elements of Structure A, Structure B and Structure C cannot resist the bending moment, shear forces and inter-story drift from the seismic loads according to the seismic requirements. Hence, structural retrofitting and strengthening should be conducted in order to increase the capacity of the building structures in resisting the loading combinations occur on the structure.

Objective of this paper is study of thermal behavior to a building roof which covered by water layer [add water to (0.64 m²) from roof area] and calculate time of evaporating. Water layer was added to a model the roof and measure the temperature with and without the water to study of temperature reduction, effect air velocity on the cooling process, calculate time of evaporating and calculate percentage of decrease in temperature and heat transfer from the ceiling. The results showed that addition of water to the roof in different conditions lead to temperature reduction (5.57 ̊C to 14.9 ̊C) and percentage of decrease is (14.69% to 26.6%), and the percentage of reduction in heat transfer is (37.3% to 56.12%) and increasing air velocity has passive effect on temperature reduction due to evaporation of water to the surroundings quickly which leads to a reduced its effects on temperature of the surface. The experimental work was carried out at ALNAHRAIN University, the city of Baghdad, Iraq

Infrastructure Asset Management is a multi-disciplinary journal publishing articles on the major aspects of asset management providing an invaluable source to those researching, practising or learning about infrastructure asset-intensive industries. Infrastructure Asset Management publishes articles on the strategic management, organisation, planning, designing, acquisition, care, renewal and disposal of infrastructure assets. It includes areas such as disaster, resilience and sustainability of infrastructure assets. The journal formulates a systematic, practical and theoretical approach to the subject of whole-life management of infrastructure assets and systems. The remit of the journal is to publish articles from, the public and private sector on, transportation, utilities, oil and gas, energy, telecommunications and estate management infrastructure assets and systems. Infrastructure Asset Management features articles on the origins, knowledge development, policy initiatives and achievements of asset management and its implications for organisations, policy, technology, culture, leadership, competence and future challenges.
The following is a list of referees who have reviewed papers for the journal between 1 December 2019 and 30 November 2020.

Sinan, her defasında yeni terkipler sunan, bir
sonrakine ve gelecek nesillere örnek teşkil eden
eserleriyle muhayyilesi oldukça güçlü bir mimardı.
Ayrıca, tabiata; fiziğe ve malzemeye yönelik
olağanüstü duyarlılığı ile yetenekli bir yapı mühendisiydi.
Roma’daki Pantheon, Ayasofya ve
Floransa Katedrali gibi devasa yapılara rağmen
temkinlilik, sıradışı işlerde gösterdiği ihtimam ve
âfetlere karşı aldığı önemler onun olgun, kararlı ve
mutedil bir mühendis oluşuna işaret etmektedir.
Sinan’ın imzasını taşıyan yegâne eser olan Büyükçekmece
Köprüsü, onun sanatında gösterdiği
bu inceliklerin veciz bir örneğidir. Bu köprüyü; tabiatla
amansız kavgalarımızı, beyhude hırçınlığımızı
dizginlemek üzere hatırlamak istedik.

Infrastructure Asset Management is a multi-disciplinary journal publishing articles on the major aspects of asset management providing an invaluable source to those researching, practising or learning about infrastructure asset-intensive industries. Infrastructure Asset Management publishes articles on the strategic management, organisation, planning, designing, acquisition, care, renewal and disposal of infrastructure assets. It includes areas such as disaster, resilience and sustainability of infrastructure assets. The journal formulates a systematic, practical and theoretical approach to the subject of whole-life management of infrastructure assets and systems. The remit of the journal is to publish articles from, the public and private sector on, transportation, utilities, oil and gas, energy, telecommunications and estate management infrastructure assets and systems. Infrastructure Asset Management features articles on the origins, knowledge development, policy initiatives and achievements of asset management and its implications for organisations, policy, technology, culture, leadership, competence and future challenges.
The following is a list of referees who have reviewed papers for the journal between 1 December 2018 and 30 November 2019.

This research aims to analyze the effect of composite pile-PVD (hybrid pile) as the reinforcement in embankment on soft soil by the means of numerical simulation and Full-Scale Trial Embankment. The first phase cunducted by numerical analysis and obtained 6-8 meters hybrid pile length effective.  Full-Scale trial embankment. was installed hybrid pile of 6 m and preloading of 4,50 height.  Full-scale tests were performed to investigate the performances of Hybrid pile reinforcement. This research observed vertical displacement, lateral displacement, and pore water pressure. Observation were taken for each stage construction in 3 months. The result of full-scale observation validated with numerical method. Reinforced with hybrid pile able to increase the bearing capacity and accelerate the rate of consolidation.

This paper explains the causes of poor communication between contractor and subcontractor and the need for effective
communication which is vital to the successful completion of any construction project. Good communication can improve teamwork and lead to better project collaboration. Poor communication can result in misunderstandings and delays. Communication is simply the exchange of information in order to convey a message and good communication involves being able to transmit your message so it is received and understood by the intended recipients. The performance of construction projects will be adversely affected if the relationships between contractors and subcontractors are not properly managed. Therefore, the relationships between contractors and subcontractors are becoming
more and more important to the success of construction projects. Contractors in the local industry can be classified into four clusters
according to the nature of their relationship with subcontractors, namely, adversarial, co-opetitive, collaborative, and partnering. Furthermore, the impact of these relationships on contractor competitiveness and the critical factors affecting collaborative/partnering relationships with subcontractors will be examined.

Infrastructure Asset Management is a multi-disciplinary journal publishing articles on the major aspects of asset management providing an invaluable source to those researching, practising or learning about infrastructure asset-intensive industries. Infrastructure Asset Management publishes articles on the strategic management, organisation, planning, designing, acquisition, care, renewal and disposal of infrastructure assets. It includes areas such as disaster, resilience and sustainability of infrastructure assets. The journal formulates a systematic, practical and theoretical approach to the subject of whole-life management of infrastructure assets and systems. The remit of the journal is to publish articles from, the public and private sector on, transportation, utilities, oil and gas, energy, telecommunications and estate management infrastructure assets and systems. Infrastructure Asset Management features articles on the origins, knowledge development, policy initiatives and achievements of asset management and its implications for organisations, policy, technology, culture, leadership, competence and future challenges.
The following is a list of referees who have reviewed papers for the journal between 1 December 2017 and 30 November 2018.

Infrastructure Asset Management is a multi-disciplinary journal publishing articles on the major aspects of asset management providing an invaluable source to those researching, practising or learning about infrastructure asset-intensive industries. Infrastructure Asset Management publishes articles on the strategic management, organisation, planning, designing, acquisition, care, renewal and disposal of infrastructure assets. It includes areas such as disaster, resilience and sustainability of infrastructure assets. The journal formulates a systematic, practical and theoretical approach to the subject of whole-life management of infrastructure assets and systems. The remit of the journal is to publish articles from, the public and private sector on, transportation, utilities, oil and gas, energy, telecommunications and estate management infrastructure assets and systems. Infrastructure Asset Management features articles on the origins, knowledge development, policy initiatives and achievements of asset management and its implications for organisations, policy, technology, culture, leadership, competence and future challenges.
The following is a list of referees who have reviewed papers for the journal between 1 December 2016 and 30 November 2017.

Light envelopes are more and more frequently used in modern buildings but they do not present sufficient thermal inertia. A solution to increase this inertia is to incorporate a phase change material (PCM) in this envelope. This paper presents the performance of a test-cell with a new structure of light wallboards containing PCMs submitted to climatic variation and a comparison is made with a test-cell without PCMs. To improve the wallboard efficiency a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) was associated to the PCM panel. This new structure allows the apparent heat capacity of the building to be increased, the solar energy transmitted by windows to be stored without raising the indoor cell temperature, and the thickness of the wallboard to be decreased compared with that of traditional wallboards. An experimental study was carried out by measuring temperature and heat fluxes on and through the wallboards. The indoor temperature, which has a special importance for occupants, was also measured.

Acoustic Comfort and Acoustic Silence are determinants of tranquility in a worship space. The results presented here are part of a study that investigates the behaviour of acoustically constituted worship parameters in six Catholic churches (Goa, India). Acoustic comfort is quantified through an Acoustic Comfort Impression Index which measures the net comfort induced through the optimization of the desired subjective acoustic impressions for different types of music and different music sources. Silence Factor is constituted through the normalization of equivalent noise level (L Aeq) and the subjective acoustic impressions of background noise and echoes. Regression analyses of the derived acoustic parameters generate significant results. Acoustically, the Silence Factor quadratically decays with L Aeq and the Acoustic Comfort Impression Index is predicted as a multiregression on the subjective acoustic impressions of balance and clarity. Architecturally, the Silence Factor linearly grows with the width of the nave (of the church) whereas, the Acoustic Comfort Impression Index does not significantly relate with any of the tested architectural parameters. Silence Factor was found to linearly grow with Acoustic Comfort Impression Index in a church. The predictability of acoustic comfort and acoustic silence from acoustic and architectural measures can be developed into a design tool for the prediction of a tranquility factor in worship spaces.

Globally construction industry has enormous growth year by year. This leads to increase the need for construction materials. We are taking the materials from natural resources because of this natural resource depletion occurs at a faster rate. Also this affects the environment. Cement production leads to higher amount of CO2 emission similarly depletion in river sand leads to ground water problems. So we have to find some alternate materials to conserve the earth for next generation. The faster industrial growth generates large amount of industrial wastes. Industrial waste material management is such a challenging area. Handling and disposal of industrial waste is a big issue for every country around the world. Ferrous slag is considered as an industrial waste which is obtained from iron smelting process. To minimize the environmental problems ferrous slag is used in concrete as a partial replacement of fine aggregate. Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension. Using Polypropylene fibre we can increase the tensile strength of concrete. Mainly polypropylene fiber resists the micro plastic shrinkage cracks. Here polypropylene fibers added as micro reinforcement. A few researchers have already found it possible to use ferrous slag as a fine aggregate similarly polypropylene fiber as a micro reinforcement. But not much research has been carried out to study the combined behaviour of ferrous slag and Polypropylene fiber. The percentages of replacements of sand by granulated ferrous slag are 0%, 20%, & 50% and also the fiber dosage is maintained as constant 0.5% of cement. This research focused on the combined behaviour of ferrous slag and polypropylene fiber in study strength and transport properties.

Light envelopes are more and more frequently used in modern buildings but they do not present sufficient thermal inertia. A solution to increase this inertia is to incorporate a phase change material (PCM) in this envelope. This paper presents the performance of a test-cell with a new structure of light wallboards containing PCMs submitted to climatic variation and a comparison is made with a test-cell without PCMs. To improve the wallboard efficiency a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) was associated to the PCM panel. This new structure allows the apparent heat capacity of the building to be increased, the solar energy transmitted by windows to be stored without raising the indoor cell temperature, and the thickness of the wallboard to be decreased compared with that of traditional wallboards. An experimental study was carried out by measuring temperature and heat fluxes on and through the wallboards. The indoor temperature, which has a special importance for occupants, was also measured.

... The methodology proposed for assessment of seismic vulnerability of existing buildings inhistorical centres concerns the application of simply kinematics models able to describe the mechanical behaviour of structural components and assemblages (macro-models) [3], [4], [5], [ ...

This paper presents research results that describe how value generation can be improved in the design process of industrial projects when using computer advanced visualization tools ͑CAVT͒. The CAVT concept definition, prior studies about impacts of CAVT, and why they are not sufficient are presented in the paper, supporting the assertion that the extensive attention to technology instead of to the context of technology application and the lack of a conceptual framework has prevented some prior research about CAVT impacts to truly focus in ideas about how to improve engineering and construction processes. Combining production theory and lean construction principles with information technology ͑IT͒, a framework for understanding the impacts of CAVT developed as part of the research is proposed. Illustration of the use of the framework in a case study and research validation activities leads to analytic generalization of the research results.

A table of contents for 10 volumes each of seven chapters in astroparticle physics, energy & building, a summary of research work and innovation & ideas garnered over 20 years at the University of Zambia, University of the Witwatersrand South Africa, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Maputo, Mozambique, Lund Technichal University & Solar Energy Materials Project-Energy & Environment Research Group Uppsala University Sweden. Material Has been arranged accordingly and requires typing and materials production as a collaboration-hopefully over a period not less than 3 years.

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning(IJCIVLE)is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews are invited for publication in all areas of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. . The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas.

Light envelopes are more and more frequently used in modern buildings but they do not present sufficient thermal inertia. A solution to increase this inertia is to incorporate a phase change material (PCM) in this envelope. This paper presents the performance of a test-cell with a new structure of light wallboards containing PCMs submitted to climatic variation and a comparison is made with a test-cell without PCMs. To improve the wallboard efficiency a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) was associated to the PCM panel. This new structure allows the apparent heat capacity of the building to be increased, the solar energy transmitted by windows to be stored without raising the indoor cell temperature, and the thickness of the wallboard to be decreased compared with that of traditional wallboards. An experimental study was carried out by measuring temperature and heat fluxes on and through the wallboards. The indoor temperature, which has a special importance for occupants, was also measured.

Το διατηρητέο βιομηχανικό συγκρότημα της Ζυθοποίας ΦΙΞ, που βρίσκεται επί της οδού 26ης Οκτωβρίου στην Θεσσαλονίκη εμπίπτει στις διατάξεις του Ν. 3028/02 "για την Προστασία των Αρχαιοτήτων και εν γένει της Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς" (ΦΕΚ 153/Α΄/28.6.02) και προστατεύεται από το ΥΠ.ΠΟ.Τ. Το βιομηχανικό αυτό συγκρότημα χαρακτηρίστηκε, σύμφωνα με το Ν. 1469/50, με την Υπουργική Απόφαση Υ.Α ΥΠΠΟ/ΔΙΛΑΠ/Γ/993/26938/23-5-94 (ΦΕΚ 479/Β/24-6-94), «…χαρακτηρισμός ως ιστορικών διατηρητέων κτιρίων του βιομηχανικού συγκροτήματος Ζυθοποιία ΦΙΞ … μαζί με τον τεχνολογικό-μηχανολογικό εξοπλισμό τους, καθώς και ορισμός ζώνης προστασίας». Με την ίδια απόφαση χαρακτηρισμού, ορίστηκε ζώνη προστασίας μέσα στα όρια ιδιοκτησίας του συγκροτήματος, για την προβολή και ανάδειξη των μνημείων.

Civil Engineering and Urban Planning: An International Journal (CiVEJ) is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews are invited for publication in all areas of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. All submissions must describe original research, not published or currently under review for another conference or journal.

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning(IJCIVLE)is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews are invited for publication in all areas of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. . The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas.

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning(IJCIVLE)is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews are invited for publication in all areas of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. . The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas.

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning(IJCIVLE)is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews are invited for publication in all areas of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. . The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on Civil Engineering and Urban Planning advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas.

Building projects are not a core competency of local government. Most local governments have someone in charge of facilities, but they have little internal expertise, when compared to a major corporate or institutional entity. As a result, most of their guidance on new and renovated projects comes from outside consultants, including architects, contractors, cost consultants and owner's representatives. While many of these outside consultants have a place at the table, most of their interests are in design or budgets. There is usually no one defining and representing the client's interests.