Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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The role of digital workflows for lowering the climate impact of residential buildings: a case study in Northern Sweden
No full textThe Swedish government has introduced a requirement to conduct a climate declaration for new buildings, and climate impact limit levels are set to be implemented by 2025. This has put pressure on structural engineers, who are an important part of the decision-?making process regarding materials for and design of the superstructure of buildings. Since climate calculations usually occur towards the end of the project and are a time-?consuming and manual effort, structural engineers seldom evaluate the climate impact of their designs daily. The literature also suggests that while integrations of building information modelling software for structural engineering with climate calculation software exist, there is still a long way to go before this becomes fully automated. Moreover, even if automated, does this really help the housing companies and consultants where they are today? The aim is, therefore, to discuss the role of digital workflows in lowering the climate impact of residential buildings. This paper presents a case study examining a recently built apartment building in Northern Sweden in collaboration with the structural engineers and the housing company. The digital workflow used during the design phase was mapped, and several redesign ideas (e.g., climate-improved concrete, timber instead of concrete, innovative foundation design) were evaluated for their climate impact, cost, and feasibility from the perspectives of the architect, the client, and the contractor. The connection between the redesign ideas and the digital workflow is discussed. The results show that while there is potential for enhancing the building information models and tools used in the project, the digital workflow is not the primary challenge to reducing the climate impact. Instead, other factors, such as limited access to climate-?improved concrete and a lack of early discussion of the climate impact of the design ideas between the different actors involved, present more significant challenges.</p
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Real Estate Valuation Practice in Lagos, Nigeria
No full textThe market value of real estate assetsis one of the major determinants influencing real estate investment decisions in the property market, and it can only be accurately ascertained through a property valuation exercise. The correctness of the valuation reports is often informed by a number of factors which often affect the valuation accuracy, if not properly managed. However, given investors increasing sophistication, the demand for high level valuation accuracy, and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in achieving high level valuation accuracy, the need to integrate AI into property valuation practice comes to the fore. While many professions have embraced AI, it seems that real estate sector, especially in most emerging markets, has been slow to integrate AI into property valuation practice. This study evaluated the real estate professionals' profiles, their knowledge of and willingness to use AI valuation tools, as well as the level of adoption of AI in the property valuation practice in Lagos, Nigeria. Interviews with registered estate surveyors and valuers working in Lagos real estate market—the country's commercial hub—were used to analyze the study qualitatively. It was discovered that real estate professionals have generally low levels of awareness, which means that adoption of the AI valuation model is below average. However, the readiness to embrace AI in valuation is above average. The study suggests that professional regulatory bodies and other stakeholders at all levels should establish supportive framework towards integrating AI into valuation practice. Also, real estate professional bodies should regularly conduct adequate sensitization on the accruable benefits of integrating AI valuation tools into real estate valuation practice. This will minimize valuation inaccuracy and provide easy access to market data when carrying out valuation exercises. Finally, government should provide a framework that is conducive for appropriate execution and promote sustainable smart cities in Nigeria.</p
Agricultural Irrigation Water and Wastewater Management Strategies for Reduction of Environmental Hazards and Risks on Agricultural Lands In the Caribbean: A Case Study in the Caroni River Basin, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies
No full textWater and wastewater management, a topic of immense significance, encompasses various initiatives such as reuse, recycling, and discharge, all aimed at promoting responsible water utilisation, treatment, and disposal, with a focus on watershed preservation. This research study aims to explore the approaches suitable for assessing performance of permeable geotextile materials to improve water supply and wastewater quality for agricultural irrigation, to assess and quantify the performance of permeable geotextile membranes installed in water storage tanks for reducing wastewater pollution loads and effectively mitigate potential environmental hazards and risks on agricultural lands in the Caribbean. The study uses a permeable geotextile membrane in a WWRprototype placed in a storage tank, a state-of-the-art compact combination of water treatment technologies based on filtration through a gravel profile, which will be employed to reclaim water for agricultural irrigation. Water reclaimed through the WWRprototype (RW) from a secondary effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), conventional irrigation water (CW) and the secondary effluent (SW) from the WWTP, were employed to cultivate lettuces in a shade house in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies (W.I.), using drip and sprinkler irrigation methods, thus establishing six treatments. Assessments of irrigation water's physicochemical and microbiological quality and the agronomic and microbial quality of crops from all treatments showed that results associated with RW complied with relevant standards and guidelines in all cases. The assessments will conclude that the WWR-prototype is an appropriate technology for safe water reclamation oriented to agricultural production that can be complemented by a proper irrigation method to reach safety targets. The research will conduct assessments of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and willingness to pay (WTP) to inform the national voluntary standard for wastewater reuse and for implementation of treated wastewater and water management strategies for effectively mitigating environmental hazards and risks on agricultural lands.</p
Development of Sustainable Materials for Greener Infrastructure Construction and Hydromodifications/ Water Channel Stabilisation
No full textAnthropogenic activities in river catchments and hydromodification in the channel's morphology impact the ecology/ climate, resulting in catastrophic flooding. Structural measures using cement concrete are employed without efficient flood risk assessment, resulting in additional environmental damages as cement concrete is considered the third biggest emitter of CO2 globally (7-10%) after power generation and aviation/ transportation industries. The researchers always endeavoured to dispose of substantial waste exhibiting pozzolanic properties from diverse industrial/ agricultural fields and the construction industry to formulate greener supplementary cementitious composites (SCMs). The incorporation of fibres obtained from the waste materials had been envisaged as an inexpensive solution to overcome the weak tensile/ flexural strength of binders for lesser reinforcement stipulations for mitigation against rupture before the initiation of plastic deformation. As a solution, non-cement alternative, lime-based fibre-reinforced pozzolanic, innovative composites (NALFRIC) (low - medium strength requirements of 10-30 MPa), fibre-reinforced partial cement-based SCMs (medium - high-strength SCMs 50-70 MPa), and novel, alternative fibre reinforced iron-based composites (NAFRIC) (high-strength SCMs 50-70 MPa) were developed in this research project as sustainable, eco-friendly greener materials. NAFRIC contains iron powder, pozzolans, limestone and fibres, which was anticipated to attain a lower CO2 equilibrium as it absorbs CO2 from the environment to produce ferrous carbonate (FeCO3), yielding a rock-like sustainable performance to drying/ setting. The durability study using concentrated sulphate solution of 2.5% Na2SO4 + 2.5% MgSO4 and chemical-mechanical synthesis/ micro-structural studies using advanced XRD/ SEM/ TEM/ EDX testing supported the findings about the developed composites as sustainable/ eco-friendly. These materials demonstrated up to 50% lower embodied CO2 with up to 25% lower cost and are considered suitable for all types of applications/ strength stipulations in the construction industry, especially in megaprojects, marine environments, and water channel stabilisation/ hydromodifications.</p
Exploring the meanings of leisure time physical activity in the lives of individuals ageing with a spinal cord injury: a narrative study
No full textThe spinal cord injured population is ageing; medical advances and improvements in the availability of health and social care are enabling increasing longevity for people who experience the onset of spinal cord injury (SCI) in early or mid-life. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is vital for the maintenance of physical and psychological health and wellbeing, but people with SCI are largely inactive. Additionally, there is a paucity of research concerning the intersection of ageing and SCI generally, but also specifically regarding experiences of LTPA.In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants over the age of 50 who had lived with SCI for between 19 and 56 years. Narrative thematic analysis of the interview data revealed four overarching themes which formed the basis of the four empirical chapters presented in this thesis. The first theme related to the impact of SCI on participants’ experiences of LTPA, specifically regarding the dominant ableistnarratives which shaped their engagement in LTPA. The second theme was concerned with the impact of ageing with SCI on experiences of LTPA; the influence of the problematic concept of successful ageing, changing relationships with family and friends and the absence of narrative resources regarding living into old age with SCI. The third theme covered both the conceptualisation of LTPA as health work influenced by the dominant ‘exercise is medicine’ narrative, and the embodied action problems associated with SCI which affected participants’ experiences of LTPA. The final theme was pleasure and participants’ experiences of social, sensual, and intellectual pleasure through engagement in LTPA. There are several implications of this work; firstly, that the normative concept of successful ageing should be viewed with caution for those living with SCI, including dominant messages around ‘exercise is medicine’. Also, pleasure, and in particular social pleasure, should be a focus of LTPA discussions, narratives, and recommendations for older adults with SCI.This research demonstrates a novel exploration into the meanings of LTPA in the lives of individuals ageing with SCI and contributes to the existing literature by exploring the influence of social and cultural narratives on the experiences of a population that have so far been largely overlooked.</p
Social determinants of the nutritional status of female adolescents in The Gambia
No full textThere is global recognition of the impact of malnutrition among adolescent girls on current health, adult health, and the health of subsequent generations. However, there is a dearth of evidence in this area in The Gambia with which to inform effective solutions to this public health issue. The aim of this programme of research was to investigate nutritional status and the individual and wider level determinants among adolescent girls in The Gambia. Three interrelated studies were conducted to address the overall aims. A systematic review (study 1) examined prevalence and determinants of nutritional status among female adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Study 1 revealed multiple determinants (including age, nutrition knowledge, unfavourable eating habits, parental occupation, and setting) of a triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies) among girls in LMICs. The review confirmed the need to conduct primary research among female adolescents in urban and rural Gambia. A pilot study (study 2) involving 32 adolescent girls was conducted. Four focus groups discussions were held to understand views on cultural contexts relevant to nutritional status, optimal recruitment methods, and feasibility and acceptability data collection methods. Questionnaires were administered and physical measures conducted to assess the quality and plausibility of the data obtained (health, diet, physical activity, and nutritional status outcomes, and potential individual and wider-level influences on nutritional status). Findings suggested the main study (Study 3) would be feasible but required mitigation of challenges such as potential refusal to participate linked to fear of injections and distrust of research. Study 3 assessed individual and wider-level influences on nutritional status (including anaemia, weight status, and stunting) defined from anthropometric indices and biomarker measures among 208 adolescent girls. The prevalence of anaemia, underweight, and stunting were 36%, 33%, and 31% respectively, and 26% of participants experienced overweight. Determinants of undernutrition at the individual level included younger age, lack of parasitic worm treatment, and low nutrition awareness. For example, in fully adjusted logistic regression models, the odds of undernutrition (95% confidence intervals) among younger (10-14 years) compared to older (15-19 years) adolescents was 2.44 (1.137 to 5.242); p=0.022. Wider determinants of malnutrition include the availability of electricity, and rural or urban settings. This programme of research identified various individual, household, community, and national level determinants contributing to the triple burden of malnutrition in LMICs, including The Gambia. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage requiring more attention, including targeted nutrition related programmes and policies.</p
Exploring the Drivers, Opportunities, Challenges and Benefits Influencing the Implementation of Immersive Technologies within On-site Construction Safety Management
No full textThe construction industry requires proactive safety management to identify hazards and plan work activities due to its high risk and dynamic nature. Integrating immersive technologies (ImTs) within safety management has been acknowledged within literature, however the practical industry
application on construction sites remains limited. To date research into ImT implementation within construction has focused on safety training or using simulated environments. Whilst various aspects of ImTs such as drivers, opportunities, challenges and benefits have been considered by researchers, there is a dearth of studies that have explored these from an industry-based context. To accelerate industry implementation of ImTs, a critical missing element is considering these aspects collectively, through the lived experiences of construction professionals working within the
field. To bridge this gap, this study aims to explore the site-based implementation of ImTs within safety management on construction projects, with a focus on the drivers, opportunities, challenges and benefits.
This study adopts a multi-method qualitative approach to primary data collection through two key phases. The first phase used focus groups to gather the perception and experiences of ImT implementation within four recognised categories from 21 UK based construction professionals.
Through inductive analysis the results identified key themes, which were tested during the second phase, an exploratory case study within a live project environment. This case study presents a unique empirical insight of ImT implementation within practical on-site safety management processes, and captures the lived experiences from 19 project based construction professionals within a range of roles.
Findings from the thematic analysis in both phases found a total of 18 themes within the four categories. Results showed that there are opportunities for on-site integration within safety
logistics planning and site-based training. The drivers focused on independent innovation, mandated requirements and the potential for future recruitment growth, whilst the challenges
included senior management investment, costs and expertise. Practical on-site applications showed benefits of ImTs in enhancing the communication of hazards, engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration which led to more effective risk assessment. Although it was also highlighted that overexposure could lead to complacency. Results from the study suggests that industry perceptions of ImTs can be positively influenced through the lived experience of its practical on-site application and demonstration of performance impacts.
Through the unique use of thematic analysis, using active industry professionals experience and practical on-site application, this study provides a fresh industry perspective into the underdeveloped field of site-based ImT research by exploring further practical understanding of the drivers, opportunities, challenges and benefits of ImTs implementation for on-site safety management. This study offers an analytical framework to inform industry adaptors of the key influencing factors influencing ImT implementation and recommends further practical testing using a range of project scales and site activities. Moreover this study recommends investigating these key themes from a clients perspective and further research into behavioural impacts of applying ImTs practically in on-site safety management.</p
Towards Energy Efficient Homes: A review of Retrofitting Policies in the UK
No full textThe Climate Change Act committed the UK to reduce GHG emissions by at least 80 per cent in 2050. This ambitious target requires millions of homes to be retrofitted and, in response, the Government have implemented multiple retrofit policies and funding mechanisms, including supplier obligations. This study presents a review of retrofit policies, compares the objectives and the carbon/energy savings achieved. The review focusses specifically on the 4 iterations of the supplier obligations that have been implemented since 1994. It finds that the supplier obligations have had similar objectives and followed similar trends in the retrofit measures installed. The study further identified the benefits and challenges of the suppliers. Obligations. The paper concludes by discussing lessons learned for the design of future policies and implementation strategies to improve the energy-efficiency of homes in the UK to achieve net zero by 2050.</p
An Evaluation of Regulatory Documents Towards Automated Compliance Checking in Green Building Design
No full textRegulatory frameworks related to building design are typically complex, encompassing extensive sets of rules and regulations. In the case of green building projects, this includes both regulatory requirements and guidance documents. Previous studies have indicated that these documents often contain subjective criteria, which makes it challenging to implement automated compliance checking effectively. Most efforts to automate compliance checking are objective in nature. However, there is a lack of initiatives aimed at automating the compliance checking process specifically for green building designs, and there is insufficient documentation on the systematic evaluation of legal documents within the green building domain to ensure efficient automated compliance checking. Therefore, the aim of this research is to conduct a thorough evaluation of the legal documents pertaining to green buildings in order to propose requirements taxonomy for integrating automated compliance checking into the design process of green buildings. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. The LEED regulatory document was analysed to extract and categorise the design requirements. The semantic and syntactic information elements were employed to establish the requirements taxonomy. The study provides a taxonomy for the requirements and ambiguities contained in the regulatory document guiding green building designs.</p
Digital Twins in The Net-Zero Carbon Transition for the Built Environment
No full textIn recent years, there has been much focus on the role of digital twins (DT) in the areas of construction productivity, quality and indoor air quality. However, attention on promoting net-zero with DT is limited in the emerging construction literature. This highlights a significant research gap on the role of DT in net-zero research. Therefore, this study aims to explore the nexus between DT and net-zero research to identify prominent research topics and uncover under-researched areas that would improve the application of DT in the net-zero transition. A two-step review process involving scientometric and a critical review was conducted. The findings reveal that building energy, emissions assessment, artificial intelligence and solar energy are gaining traction in the DT-net-zero research nexus. However, the under-research net-zero areas that could be improved in future research are DT's relationship with blockchain, other renewable energies and cost effectiveness. This study would aid researchers and practitioners with knowledge on effective ways to promote DT in the net-zero transition for a more sustainable industry.</p