Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
Not a member yet
631 research outputs found
Sort by
Use Of Technologies in Inner City Renewal Projects: A Review
No full textInner cities are characterised by derelict, dangerous, high-rise buildings no longer fit for purpose. This review encompasses technological solutions, including Generative AI, Blockchain, Digital Twins, and Modular Integrated Construction. It aims to understand their roles, opportunities, and challenges in revitalising urban spaces whilst integrating sustainability practises through circular economy processes. Through an extensive analysis of recent research and practical applications, the paper highlights the transformative potential of these technologies in optimising circular economy processes and enhancing sustainability outcomes. However, it identifies critical challenges such as financial constraints, integration complexity, and data management. The paper recommends that stakeholders collaborate closely, navigate challenges effectively, and capitalise on technological innovations to create more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and livable urban environments.</p
Do Built Environment Students Want Feedback?
No full textFeedback is a fundamental building block of Built Environment education For undergraduates, it is often the first-time students have transitioned from a more supervised and directed style of learning to becoming independent self-directed learners. As independent learners, feedback is arguably of key importance as it offers reassurance and guidance. Therefore, a failure to engage with feedback, could have detrimental impacts on the learning experience. Arguably, it is the students who achieve lower grades who are in most in need of feedback. However, there is a gap in current knowledge with regards to which students access the feedback available, and if this feedback is then actioned. This study aims to understand which students engage with feedback and what this engagement looks like. The grades and feedback engagement records of 494 students were analysed. This was then followed up with 12 student interviews. Analysis of student feedback requests reveals that interestingly, the higher a student’s grades, the more likely they are to request and action feedback. It appears the students in most need of feedback are the ones least likely to request and action it. The impacts of this research can help inform Higher Educational feedback policy and help support Built Environment students who could benefit the most from feedback, but are often not aware of the benefits feedback provides to become more resilient learners.</p
Digitalization of the Offshore Wind Sectors Supply Chain
No full textClimate change has prompted a consensus change to approaches used in electricity generation globally from fossil fuel to sustainable energy sources. In lieu of this, a target was set by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRNEA) in conjunction with Global wind energy council (GWEC), to produce 380 GW of energy from offshore wind in 2030 and 2500 GW in 2050. Today only 63.2GW is produced by offshore wind farms globally. Meeting the set target by 2050 requires taking measures that will enhance greater efficiency. Digitalizing the offshore wind supply chain is one measure that will encourage greater collaboration amongst supply chain participants which will lead to reduced costs of electricity generation, leading to increased sector investment. This paper is aimed at identifying the current digital maturity of the offshore wind supply chain based on a digital maturity model by Agca et al. (2022). The objective is to evaluate the rate of deployment of digital technologies, measure the current level of digital maturity and suggest suitable digitalization technologies that can be deployed to enable the supply chain to reach its highest level of maturity. The survey was quantitative in nature using structured questionnaire constituting 93 respondents from 30 countries. The data fetched from across supply chain practitioners in the offshore wind sector was analysed using relative importance index and statistical analysis. The result revealed the offshore wind supply chain is at developing stage (stage 2) of digital maturity based on digital maturity model by Agca et al. (2022). This research also proposes that although some digital technologies have been fully integrated into the offshore wind supply chain, several technologies are not used to their full potential.</p
Embodied Water Monitoring for Sustainable Construction: A Case of India
No full textGrowing concerns surrounding water scarcity have spiked an interest in Embodied Water (EW) studies globally. The EW of a building is the amount of water needed to manufacture all the materials that constitute the building (Indirect EW) plus the amount of water needed to construct that building (Direct EW). Regular monitoring of EW can help identify possibilities for water conservation and enhance water efficiency. This paper will present an analysis of the application of Water Metering (WM) for EW monitoring in India along with analysing the benefits of upgrading it to Internet of Things (IoT) Smart WM. A qualitative approach is adopted in which semi-structured interviews with seven construction professionals and eight construction material manufacturers were conducted to determine the extent of WM on construction sites and manufacturing plants in India, along with the challenges faced, and the drivers for its adoption. The interview analysis revealed that the large number of consumption points along the EW supply chain, makes it economically challenging to monitor water consumption at each point. As a result, using a single water meter at the point of water withdrawal is the most common methodology adopted for EW metering. WM is more prominent in material manufacturing plants as opposed to construction sites due to the presence of stringent regulations set up by governing bodies such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). These governing bodies have set benchmarks to regulate the water footprint at manufacturing plants. The high cost of an IoT Smart WM and the lack of knowledge among people regarding its benefits limits its adoption for EW monitoring in India.</p
Analysis of monitoring systems through the study of measurement uncertainty to improve the estimation of the Key Performance Indicators of the energy behaviour of the building's thermal envelope
No full textThe Energy Performance of Building Directive 2010/31/EU notes the importance of implementing an MCS to achieve quality assurance ((10288/17, 2017), (Brajterman et al., 2018)) and the importance of comparing EPC issued before and after the renewal of buildings. The Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) is a potential Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to be used [4] in the future Energy Performance Certification (EPC) of buildings, making it necessary to improve the technologies of Monitoring and Control Systems (MCS) integrated into Automated Building (AB), as well as having experimental tests for reliable HTC estimation. To estimate reliable HTC, it is necessary to assess its uncertainty through the measurement uncertainty propagation of the physical variables involved in the HTC estimation. Where decreasing HTC uncertainty involves collecting reliable MCS data to estimate measurement uncertainties as low as possible. In turn, knowing the best technology allows the MCS to be optimized, providing the best sensor layout and technological accuracy, among others aspects. Considering all of the above, in order to estimate a more reliable HTC for use in future EPC and to advance to an optimized MCS, this research study performed a 3D MCS in a tertiary building to identify the best location, precision and accuracy of the sensors through the uncertainty analysis of indoor air temperature. The results show the importance of sensor accuracy, in which there is a discrepancy between the manufacturer`s accuracy and the sensors’ experimental accuracy, showing how it can impact the HTC uncertainty. The main conclusion of this study is that the overall Temperature Uncertainty () of the monitored thermal zones is 2.4 to 10.7 times bigger than the manufacturer's sensor accuracy. Thus, using the manufacturer's accuracy as the overall temperature uncertainty value could greatly underestimate the measurement uncertainty. Underestimating the measurement uncertainties of the HTC variables implies underestimating the HTC uncertainty, resulting in unreliable HTC estimations.</p
Co-Lateral Learning Platform; a Roadmap for External-Collaborator Engagement in Architecture Live Projects
No full textThe thesis highlights the positive value of co-design within architecture and its education, demonstrating the empowerment of communities and positive societal change achievable through collaborative working between universities and their locality.
The thesis contributes the newly constructed Co-Lateral Learning Platform and Roadmap for External-Collaborator Engagement, which identify the previously unexplored possibility that individuals commissioning architectural works gain new knowledge, and develop new skills, through participatory co-design. The findings are an important tool in the development of architectural pedagogy as, for the first time, they establish what the positive outcomes for non-students engaged in architecture live projects are.</p
Eventization of Faith: Conceptual development, articulation, and manifestation, with application to church and events in England and beyond.
No full textEmerging from my decade-long qualitative research programme and intersecting emic roles of events practitioner, events academic, and priest, this exegesis articulates my innovative reconceptualization of Pfadenhauer’s (2010) initial ‘Eventization of Faith’ construct. Illuminating the nuances resulting from denominational theological differences in the use of sacred spaces for events, my conceptual development enables faith communities to consider their strategic positioning and practical event processes to facilitate holistic local event programming.
Incorporating critical analysis of relevant literature, my research on eventization of faith demonstrates transcendence beyond the marketing limitations ascribed by Pfadenhauer and Hitzler. My work establishes that whilst the core motivational aim of intentional Christian faith event activity is mission and evangelism, it is complexified by a plethora of interconnected event purposes, with varied theological perspectives and local contexts influencing each event management element. Church denominations and traditions have established diverse moral, ethical and theological boundaries regarding appropriate use of sacred space, a vital factor that especially complexifies secular event usage following venuefication. The resulting considerations, models and processes enable local faith communities to situate themselves strategically in events practice, minimising reputational and financial risks.
The naming of the concept is critically assessed, justifying the broader terminology of ‘faith’ rather than ‘church’. Being based on ancient, traditional, and mega-church event spaces and practices, my research presents a vital lens enabling diverse faiths to consider their strategic values, policies and resources in delivering operational offerings. Practical theology invites a theological reading of the events engagement of churches, contributing to the justification of the ethnographic methodological choices that shaped my research into the life of church communities. Reflecting Ziakas’ (2023) ontological invitation to critical event studies, my academic, professional practice, and embedded faith perspectives facilitated analysis of numerous events, in multiple European locations, across denominations and theological traditions.</p
ON THE ORIGIN OF METHODOLOGY: A sustainable construction assessment framework for UK housing.
No full textThis research sets out to produce a practical framework for the selection of appropriate construction methodology, based on sustainability criteria, for use in the UK residential construction sector. This tool is for industry professionals to assess their construction project and compare differing methods of construction. Professionals are then provided with the most suitable methods, based on their own sustainability criteria. This may aid in the adoption of more suitable MMC. This paper aims to determine the influential criteria on sustainability in the UK residential construction sector. The opinions of relevant stakeholders are assessed as a foundation for developing a new construction methodology assessment framework. Primary data has been collected to highlight the current assessment methods used in the residential sector, along with identifying the opinions of industry professionals on the importance of sustainability criterion. Secondary data is collected from existing literature on the frameworks, and methods currently utilised by industry professionals. A new framework is proposed – the Method Assessment in Construction (MAC) – which provides a comprehensive analysis of sustainability criteria and construction methodology. Proof of the efficacy is detailed with the example of a typical residential scheme. The MAC is proposed to be used during the initial design stages to provide a suitable method of construction.</p
Investigating the Impact of BIM Implementation on Mitigating Construction Delays in Building Projects in Bangladesh
No full textConstruction delays are a persistent challenge in Bangladesh's construction industry, impacting project timelines, costs, and overall efficiency. This study investigates the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to address these delays by enhancing communication, streamlining processes, and improving project management practices. Through a comprehensive examination of BIM's effectiveness, adoption levels, and implementation challenges, this research aims to deepen the understanding of construction delay factors and promote the effective application of BIM in Bangladesh. Using a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, survey analysis, and qualitative interviews, data were collected and analyzed to assess the role of BIM in mitigating construction delays. The findings reveal insights into the main factors contributing to delays, the current state of BIM adoption, and the challenges faced in its implementation within the Bangladeshi context. Results indicate a significant correlation between BIM adoption and reduced construction delays, highlighting the potential of BIM as a transformative tool in the construction industry. Key findings include highly significant factors contributing to delays such as owner decisions, design modifications, and poor site management, as well as the emerging adoption of BIM in Bangladesh, despite challenges like lack of expertise and resistance to technology. Despite these challenges, BIM has shown promise in reducing delays, particularly in areas such as design changes, shifting owner decisions, and poor site management. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements like BIM to address the complex challenges faced by the construction industry in Bangladesh. By leveraging BIM's capabilities, stakeholders can improve project management practices, streamline processes, and ultimately achieve timely and cost-effective project delivery.</p
Integrating DfMA and BIM for Sustainable Infrastructure: Industry Perspective
No full textModular construction has been globally recognised as a sustainable solution to the higher material consumption and wastes that account for 70% of carbon emissions in infrastructure projects. MC faces challenges with design coordination and post-design changes, leading to extra costs and delays. Integrating DfMA and BIM has emerged as a solution to these challenges. Prevailing global DfMA-BIM guidelines mainly focus on the design stage, while the procedural connection of the DfMA process with BIM tasks was inadequately addressed. Hence, this study aims to explore the current status and required procedural support for integrating and implementing DfMA and BIM for sustainable infrastructure. Following a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews and analysed using content analysis. The research articulates the prevailing challenges in DfMA-BIM implementation and suggests ways to improve their synergy. The identified critical challenges include deciding to use DfMA after concept design, early collaboration, overlooking logistics and installation requirements and resistance to commit to BIM contractually. The study suggests implementing DfMA early, pushing all the decision-making upstream, and using ECI contracts for early collaboration. The findings highlight BIM's use in visualising, compliance checking, scenario planning, workforce training, and developing engineering solutions based on dynamic forces acting upon modules in transporting and lifting. These findings will contribute to developing a comprehensive procedural guideline for the DfMA-BIM approach in infrastructure projects.</p