Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 61 views
Abstract Polystyrene spheres can be used to substitute concrete in reinforced concrete slabs. Despite the weight, the structural performance of the slab would also be affected. This study investigated the behaviour of slabs containing polystyrene spheres under loads. Six specimens were fabricated and tested under the four-point load setup. The parameters studied included the diameters of the polystyrene spheres and the spacing between them. The polystyrene spheres reduced the slabs’ first crack load, stiffness, yield strength, and ultimate strength. The first crack, yield, and ultimate loads decreased by 22.3%, 2.1%, and 4.1%, respectively, when the polystyrene sphere’s diameter increased from 75 mm to 125 mm. As the polystyrene spheres’ spacing decreased from 50 mm to 10 mm, the first crack, yield, and ultimate loads dropped 14.2%, 9.2%, and 7%, respectively. Despite some limitations identified during the feasibility analysis, specimen SP3 was found feasible as a simply supported one-way spanning slab. In the specimen, the polystyrene spheres were 0.625 times the slab thickness in diameter and 2.5 times the concrete cover in spacing.[...] Read more. Full text

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 276 views
Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) Construction Lifecycle Process offers digital construction solutions throughout the whole project lifecycle by providing sustainable productivity and quality and increasing the work collaboration and efficiency of the design teams. BIM represents the development and application of computer-generated n-dimensional (n-D) models to simulate building construction planning, design, construction, and operation. In Sarawak, the BIM technology does not meet the construction stakeholder's expectations during the project lifecycles in different stages, which resulted in low BIM implementation. Therefore, this research study aims to identify the salient barrier factors to the implementation of BIM in the Sarawak construction industry, specifically in the design stage. To achieve the research study, the methodology is applied through literature review, followed by an online interview with BIM experts in Sarawak Construction Industry. Lastly, the findings of this study indicate the most salient factors faced by the Sarawak construction industry until the present, in terms of Technology, Cost, Management, Personal and Policy, such as (1) Lack of active participation from consultants in the project team, (2) Low enforcement from client, (3) Lack of senior management support, (4) Lack of desire to change of the older generation to implement BIM and (5) Lack of the knowledge regarding the cost benefits for implementing BIM.[...] Read more. Full text

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 188 views
Abstract The beam is a structural element in a reinforced concrete structure. However, its weight places additional strain on the columns and foundations.Polystyrene spheres can be used to replace concrete in a beam to reduce its weight. However, this can affect the beam’s structural performance. This study investigated the behavior of beams with embedded polystyrene spheres under loads. The purpose was to determine the feasibility of this technique. Six beam specimens, including a control specimen, were tested under the four-point load setup. The polystyrene spheres’ diameter ranged from 50 mm to 75 mm. The spacing between the spheres varied from 10 mm to 30 mm. By replacing 8.7% of the concrete, the beam's strength increased by 8% per unit of concrete. The polystyrene spheres marginally altered the load capacity but reduced the stiffness, uncracked load, and ductility. The load capacity decreased by 2.6% as the polystyrene sphere’s diameter increased from 50 mm to 10 mm. The strength increased by 0.6% as the spacing increased from 10 mm to 30 mm. For satisfactory performance, the polystyrene spheres with a diameter of 0.57 times the beam’s width may be spaced at 1.2 times the concrete cover.[...] Read more. Full text

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 180 views
Abstract This study investigated the effects of clogging in Pervious Concrete (PC) from January 2015 to December 2022. Three different PC mixtures were used, which included coarse aggregate (4.75-9.5 mm), fine aggregate (0-20% weight of coarse aggregate), cement (340 kg/m3), and w/c ratio of 0.35. The samples were tested for compressive strength, permeability, and porosity. The best PC mixture containing 10% fine aggregate was selected for monitoring clogging over time. This mixture had a compressive strength of 24.7 MPa, permeability of 1.19 mm/s, and void content of 13.96%. A large-scale prototype of PC10 (10% of fine aggregate) measuring 3.5 m in length, 1.7 m in width, and 0.20 m in depth was constructed in Mashhad City, Iran. The in-place infiltration rate was measured on a monthly basis as the PC experienced different rainfall levels. The results showed that due to clogging, the infiltration rate was reduced by an average of 10% for the first four years of the experiments. This was followed by a substantial reduction of 20% in 2019 and 16.75% in 2020. Due to a high level of clogging, the infiltration rate was reduced by 5.02% and 2.23% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, the system still has the capacity to infiltrate at 1.14 mm/s. Although no maintenance was performed on the PC system, its efficiency and lifespan were substantially reduced. Nonetheless, the system can still be considered as an effective solution for stormwater management.[...] Read more. Full text

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 463 views
Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the most advanced developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry that can generate a 3D virtual information model which can be used for planning, design, construction, and operations. As Building Information Modelling (BIM) approaches the construction industry as a new technology and process, changes in the industry have created some barriers to BIM adoption in Malaysia. This research aims to enhance the implementation of BIM in the construction stage of Sarawak's construction industry by identifying and classifying the critical barriers. This study fills this current knowledge gap and enhances the understanding of BIM in the construction stage and the factors that hinder implementation in Sarawak. To develop the challenges being faced in this industry, a set of barrier clusters based on people, process, policy, technology, and cost were pre-identified through a literature review, and a structured interview involving three BIM experts was conducted on WebEx to refine these barriers with the current industry situation. As an outcome, this study identified 49 of the barriers from the literature and refined them into 26 of the barriers under their main clusters. Interestingly, they all validated the fact that lack of government involvement in BIM implementation is an undeniable barrier factor to growing BIM utilization and reaching its full potential. This study will form the basis of further research, and additional studies focusing on prioritizing these identified barriers for strategic planning would help the construction players in their swift transformation to BIM.[...] Read more. Full text

Civil Sustain. Urban Eng. 38 views
Abstract A grouted sleeve is a mechanical coupler used to join steel bars. It can be used to join precast concrete walls. Most grouted sleeves are pricey proprietary products. This study investigated the behaviour of a grouted sleeve made of steel pipe sections. The grouted sleeve was used as a wall panel connection. The specimens were subjected to three types of loads: tensile, shear, and flexural. The performance of the specimens was evaluated based on the load-displacement responses. For satisfactory bond strength, a bar embedded length of 11 times the bar diameter was required. The grouted sleeve performed well in tension but poorly in shear load. The service shear load was just one-third of the total load capacity. Thus, the grouted sleeve was not recommended for resisting shear load without shear keys to strengthen the joint.[...] Read more. Full text