British Standards Research Articles

Statistical Evaluation of Value Engineering Criteria's in Sustainable Building Projects

Sustainable buildings reflect the interest rising of Urbanism sectors in issues of economic development, optimal utilization of natural resources and greater reliance on "renewable" sources of energy. The objective of the research is to identify and Diagnosis the priority of alternatives to sustainable projects with the of relative importance and to review the value engineering indicators in building and the possibility of applying sustainable building standards such as British Standards (BREEAM), US Standards (LEED), Pearl Rating System and Green Pyramid Assessment System. The research is based on four axes. The first axis is the foundations of architectural design to serve the optimum use of the available resources. The second axis is based on the methods of producing building materials with optimum use of natural resources; Third axis: The sustainable use of the building to achieve conservation of the environment using economical sources of energy, waste recycling and maintenance of the building according to the required specifications. The fourth axis, which means Using renewable energies to provide the building with the energy it needs. The literature and researches in the field of research work were reviewed, which included the concept of applying value engineering method in the sustainable buildings and the most important areas of their applications during the stages of completion of the project and what are the basic considerations that should be provided in the construction projects, Which represents the practical aspect in relation to the various stages of the field study, which includes aspects related to the field survey, through the preparation and Configure of questionnaires derived from the theoretical study and interviews and also focused on the indicators and areas of applications during the stages of the project (pre-construction stage, implementation stage, A maintenance and operation, post-construction phase (end of the age of the building) and what are the basic considerations that must be provided in the construction projects. The research provided this results: The Sustainable Buildings Projects location Selection Index is The most important indicators of value engineering for sustainable buildings where relative importance of it is 72%, according to the respondents' answers, conversely the architectural index, with its relative importance of 55%, while the electromechanical index was 68% and the constructional index by 65%. And the development of a waste management program during the process of construction and operation so that this program achieves the minimum recycling and the use of new alternatives to building materials drawing on what has been developed within other areas in the development of the construction industry.

Technical and Quality Standards and Practices in Healthcare Facilities

This paper presents the highlights of many technical standards, as established by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through International Classification for Standards (ICS) and British Standards (BS), and quality standards and practices as governed by some international, regional or national institutes in promoting patients rights and safety control in medical sciences and healthcare facilities. The paper draws attention to adopt these standards in Pakistan.

Technical and Quality Standards and Practices in Healthcare Facilities

This paper presents the highlights of many technical standards, as established by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through International Classification for Standards (ICS) and British Standards (BS), and quality standards and practices as governed by some international, regional or national institutes in promoting patients rights and safety control in medical sciences and healthcare facilities. The paper draws attention to adopt these standards in Pakistan.

Behaviour of Strength Properties of Fast-Growing Endospermum diadenum Species at Different Distance from the Vortex

The data performance for structural usage of highly engineered wood is very useful, however, the lacking of the data is very much concern for fast-growing indigenous timber species in timber engineering field. In correlation with that, the strength properties behaviour of Endospermum diadenum has to be studied to analyse the distribution pattern of strength properties at a different distance from the vortex also known as pith. The species have been obtained from the East Campus of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s forest reserve. Strength properties test were carried out namely, static bending (modulus of rupture – MOR and modulus of elasticity – MOE), and the compressive strength (compression stress parallel to grain). Meanwhile, physical properties test was carried out namely, moisture content (MC) and density. Small specimens measuring 20 x 20 mm were tested in green and dry conditions in accordance with British Standard, BS 373:1957 (British Standards Institution, 1957). The green condition refers to moisture content greater than 19 percent and dry condition with moisture content less than or equal 19 percent. All the results that had been tested were analyzed using statistical analysis as mean results. The strength properties of specimen increased from the pith towards the sapwood in which the strength is the lowest at 25 mm from pith followed by 50 mm, and the highest is at 75 mm from the pith. Distribution of the basic density also increases slightly from the pith towards the sapwood with a significant increment in average mean value at 25 mm from vortex with 0.54 g/cm 3 , 0.62 g/cm 3 at 50 mm and 0.66 g/cm 3 at 75 mm from the vortex. Meanwhile, for dry condition, the increases in average mean value with 0.425 g/cm 3 at 25 mm, 0.427 g/cm 3 at 50 mm and 0.47 g/cm 3 at 75 mm from the vortex. It can be concluded that the physical properties of the wood have a direct impact on the wood stiffness and strength. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.23.3.16642

Smart Cities: Towards a New Citizenship Regime? A Discourse Analysis of the British Smart City Standard

ABSTRACTGrowing practice interest in smart cities has led to calls for a less technology-oriented and more citizen-centric approach. In response, this article investigates the citizenship mode promulgated by the smart city standard of the British Standards Institution. The analysis uses the concept of citizenship regime and a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods to discern key discursive frames defining the smart city and the particular citizenship dimensions brought into play. The results confirm an explicit citizenship rationale guiding the smart city (standard), although this displays some substantive shortcomings and contradictions. The article concludes with recommendations for both further theory and practice development.

Measurement techniques and procedures for standardized SE(T) testing of linepipe steel

The single edge-notched tension (SENT or SE(T)) test uses a low-constraint specimen geometry to determine the elastic-plastic fracture toughness of relevant linepipe steels. Application of the results include, but are not limited to, design methods, material selection, structural integrity assessment, fitness for service (FFS) and engineering critical assessment (ECA). Until recently, industry and government researchers have developed and published recommended practices without consensus from standard development organizations. A test standard was recently issued in 2014 by the British Standards Institution as BS 8571, and there is an ongoing effort to publish a robust standard test method within the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM International). Standardization of any test method should consider the influence of physical measurements on the results of the test. Generically, all measurements have uncertainty, and a standardized test method endeavors to produce results with a minimum uncertainty, as well as known precision and bias so that the results can be intelligently used for their intended purpose. This paper reviews the measurement techniques and procedures from each of the published recommended practices and BS 8571 and provides further guidance on specific techniques and procedures with respect to uncertainty.

Viewpoint: Reinforced concrete design: Eurocodes and British Standards compared

Viewpoint: Reinforced concrete design: Eurocodes and British Standards compared

Properties of Different Mortars and their Effect on the Flexural Strength of Low Density Block Walls

Mortar for masonry is important because it provides the linkage between masonry units so enabling the composite to behave as a single material. The type of mortar used determines the flexural and compressive strength of the masonry so in this paper, a range of mortars are examined and their effects on the flexural strength of low density block walls determined. These include traditional designation (iii) (1 cement : 1 lime : 6 sand), designation (iv) (1 cement : 1 lime : 9 sand) mortars as defined in BS 5628, and two thin layer mortars. The conventional mortars were formed using both 42.5N or 32.5N PC to BS EN 197 in order to ascertain the difference these two cements have on the properties of mortar. The thin layer mortars show remarkably high compressive strength. The characteristic flexural strength of low density aircrete wallettes incorporating both these conventional and thin layer mortars was verified. The wallettes were tested in accordance with British and European standards. The flexural strength of aircrete wallettes was derived from the strength of small specimens tested to destruction under four-point loading. The strengths of the wallettes are high with impressive repeatability with the maximum strength being reached for thin layer wallettes within 7 days curing time. In general the strengths of both conventional mortar and thin layer mortar wallettes compare favourably to values reported in the standards.

Properties of Different Mortars and their Effect on the Flexural Strength of Low Density Block Walls

Mortar for masonry is important because it provides the linkage between masonry units so enabling the composite to behave as a single material. The type of mortar used determines the flexural and compressive strength of the masonry so in this paper, a range of mortars are examined and their effects on the flexural strength of low density block walls determined. These include traditional designation (iii) (1 cement : 1 lime : 6 sand), designation (iv) (1 cement : 1 lime : 9 sand) mortars as defined in BS 5628, and two thin layer mortars. The conventional mortars were formed using both 42.5N or 32.5N PC to BS EN 197 in order to ascertain the difference these two cements have on the properties of mortar. The thin layer mortars show remarkably high compressive strength. The characteristic flexural strength of low density aircrete wallettes incorporating both these conventional and thin layer mortars was verified. The wallettes were tested in accordance with British and European standards. The flexural strength of aircrete wallettes was derived from the strength of small specimens tested to destruction under four-point loading. The strengths of the wallettes are high with impressive repeatability with the maximum strength being reached for thin layer wallettes within 7 days curing time. In general the strengths of both conventional mortar and thin layer mortar wallettes compare favourably to values reported in the standards.

Assessing riveted connections to Eurocode 3

The focus of this paper is the assessment of wrought iron and early steel riveted connections in the future, with recommendations as to how different codes currently deal with the assessment and what may change if alternative codes are adopted. As British standards are being replaced by Eurocodes for design, it is inevitable that assessment codes of practice based on British standards will be replaced by those based on Eurocodes. This progression will ensure that future structures are designed and assessed using codes based on similar philosophies. However, this will also lead to older structures designed according to older codes based on different philosophies and constructed of materials not covered by the Eurocodes also being assessed according to Eurocode-based assessment codes. A similar situation already exists with structures being assessed using British standard-based assessment codes, which were written for the design of steel structures. This has resulted in the leading asset-owning organisations, such as Network Rail and Highways England, including guidance on adapting calculations to account for different material types.

HS2 project creates and updates British standards and guidance to improve delivery

Inefficient and inconsistent use of codes, standards and guidance documents can hamper effective delivery of infrastructure projects. Colin Rawlings of CH2M/High Speed Two Ltd (HS2) summarises initiatives taken on the project to deliver new and updated standards and guidance.

Comparing the Role of Independent Quality Assurance System for Chinese and British Higher Education: Curriculum Standards and Monitoring Confusion

The curriculum of higher education is designed to reflect the overall objectives and process of university talents cultivation, and curriculum is also the ground for cultivating talents. The monitoring of the construction and implementation of the curriculum standards of Chinese and foreign universities is the starting point and the basis of the third party supervision and evaluation on the school work. Compared with the curriculum standards of Chinese and British curriculum standards, process and evaluation mechanism, China curriculum quality standard monitoring faces many problems. The curriculum quality standards are not in accordance with the personnel training objectives in curriculum of Chinese higher education, its outline structure conflict with its form, and also, the goals to be achieved and requirements are not specific enough. When using the existing curriculum standards to check or evaluate curriculum, the “third party” supervision often encounters the embarrassing situation of what curriculum standards is in the process. The “third party” power can help to improve the curriculum construction, evaluation and quality control. The establishment and improvement of the “third party” power of colleges and universities become the key to solve the problems and confusion in teaching quality monitoring.

Material properties of cold-formed high strength steel at elevated temperatures

This paper presents the material properties of cold-formed high strength steel at elevated temperatures. Material properties at elevated temperatures have a crucial role in fire resistance design of steel structures. The fire resistances of steel structures in the existing international standards are mainly based on experimental data of hot-rolled mild steel. However, investigation of high strength steel at elevated temperatures is limited. Therefore, a test program has been carried out to investigate the material properties of cold-formed high strength steel at elevated temperatures. The coupon specimens were extracted from cold-formed high strength steel square and rectangular hollow sections with nominal yield stresses of 700 and 900MPa at ambient temperature. The coupon tests were carried out through both steady and transient state test methods for temperatures up to 1000°C. Material properties including thermal elongation, elastic modulus, yield stress, ultimate strength, ultimate strain and fracture strain were obtained from the tests. The test results were compared with the design values in the European, American, Australian and British standards. The comparison results revealed the necessity of proposing specified design rules for material properties of cold-formed high strength steel at elevated temperatures. New design curves to determine the deterioration of material properties of cold-formed high strength steel at elevated temperatures are proposed. It is shown that the proposed design curves are suitable for high strength steel materials with nominal yield stresses ranged from 690 to 960MPa at ambient temperature.

A Comparison of Liquid Limit Values for Fine Soils: A Case Study at the North Cairo-Suez District, Egypt

ABSTRACT This study compare liquid limit values obtained by the Casagrande apparatus, Russian and British drop cone penetrometer. Liquid limit determined for clay samples collected from 10 boreholes at the Cairo-Suez district (north western part of Badr City), Egypt. It is the most important geotechnical parameter used of fine-grained soils. The liquid limits for 40 natural clay samples varying between 27.8 and 69.7%. It is found that the liquid limit determined by the Casagrande apparatus and Russian standard (cone penetrometer) give essentially the same results with a difference of < 5%. It is observed that the values of Casagrande apparatus were generally lower than those obtained by the cone penetrometer with Russian standard. In addition, Casagrande apparatus for some samples, which had liquid limits of more than 60%, give a higher result. The liquid limits determined by the Russian and British standards are not consistent with a difference of < 1%. Besides, the results which determined by the Casagrande apparatus and British standards (BS), provide equivalent values with a difference of < 3%.

A study on mechanical behavior occurred at the adhesive interface delamination of jointed structure

Since the use of composite materials can cause breakage at the fastening part when bolts and nuts, rivets or welding are used with the existing metals, a surface adhesion method using chemical adhesives is being used as the measure against such risk. In this study, the analysis results of the stresses applied to the joining interface and deformation, deformation energy produced at this time when displacements occurred at the shear face in the structures using the joining method were calculated through the analytical method based on CAE. In the analysis model, mode 1 condition for DCB test specimen specification with incorporation of British industrial standard was applied. Thicknesses of specimens were divided into 4 cases of 25, 30, 35, 40 mm, and the stresses at the adhesive interface for each specimen were calculated to be 14.5, 7.8, 9.1, 6.8 MPa, respectively, at the point where the displacements caused the adhesive interface to drop out. As the time for such occurrence of the maximum change in stresses due to thickness can be seen to be similar to the time dropping out of the adhesive interface, it is considered that base data for safety design and breakage prediction of jointed structures can be provided.

Volatile Organic Compounds Sensing Using Optical Fibre Long Period Grating with Mesoporous Nano-Scale Coating.

A long period grating (LPG) modified with a mesoporous film infused with a calixarene as a functional compound was employed for the detection of individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their mixtures. The mesoporous film consisted of an inorganic part, SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), along with an organic moiety of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) polycation PAH, which was finally infused with the functional compound, p-sulphanato calix[4]arene (CA[4]) or p-sulphanato calix[8]arene (CA[8]). The LPG sensor was designed to operate at the phase matching turning point to provide the highest sensitivity. The sensing mechanism is based on the measurement of the refractive index (RI) change induced by a complex of the VOCs with calixarene. The LPG, modified with a coating of 5 cycles of (SiO2 NPs/PAH) and infused with CA[4] or CA[8], was exposed to chloroform, benzene, toluene and acetone vapours. The British Standards test of the VOCs emissions from material (BS EN ISO 16000-9:2006) was used to test the LPG sensor performance.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of gravel deposits between Aaptar and Malekhu, Central Nepal for aggregates

The Malekhu Khola is rich in sediments which are widely exposed along its banks. In recent years, river mining sites have been established and mining has been carried on to produce aggregates to meet a small portion of the market demand. Because the riverbank deposits are of heterogeneous composition, quality of the aggregate from such deposits is of main issue. This study therefore, aims to evaluate quality of river sediment to know its suitability for aggregate as raw material for various uses, and the volume of the deposit. Field observation and intensive laboratory works were carried out to evaluate aggregates. The samples of aggregates were analyzed for texture, composition, durability and physical and mechanical properties. Majority of the aggregate particles were found metamorphic rocks of the Lesser Himalaya like quartzite, schist, marble, metasandstone, amphibolites, gneiss and granite, etc. Most of the deposits were matrix-supported and the matrix was basically sandy. The majority of clasts showed bladed to disc, and were generally rounded to sub rounded. The sediment size ranged from granule to upto boulder but the modal size was of cobble grade. While tested for gradation, the coarse aggregates ranged from uniform to gap graded categories. In terms of shape, workability of aggregate was found satisfactory. Aggregate samples possessed low Water Absorption Value (0.53–1.08%) and thus low effective porosity. Aggregate Impact Value (13.40–15.70%) and Aggregate Crushing Value (17.50–19.67%) showed good soundness. Los Angeles Abrasion Value (37.00–48.40%) showed the consistent hardness of each of the samples. The low range of Sodium Sulphate Soundness Value (1.37–2.16%) indicated good resistance of aggregates against chemical weathering and frosting. The aggregates were also resistant to slaking as indicated by very high range of Slake Durability Strength Index (98.67–99.72%). Comparing with the existing Nepal Standard (NS), British Standard (BS) and American Standard of Testing Material (ASTM), the studied samples were suitable for concrete structures and unbound pavements. Six different localities were considered in the study area to estimate for resource of aggregates. The total volume of the deposits was estimated to be 392273 cubic meter.Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 18, 2015, pp. 49-58

Vulnerability Assessment of Building Frames Subjected to Progressive Collapse Caused by Earthquake

Progressive collapse is an initial local failure of the structural component and leading to the additional collapse of the building frames. This study investigated the vulnerability of four- and six-storey moment resisting concrete frame (MRCF) buildings subjected to progressive collapse. The four- and six-storey MRCF buildings were designed based on British Standard (BS) and Eurocode (EC). The differences between these two codes were investigated. Nonlinear static analysis, which is also known as pushover analysis (POA), and nonlinear dynamic analysis or incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), were performed for each model to obtain capacity curve and explore vulnerability measures. IDA was conducted using a sample of ground motion from an earthquake that occurred in Ranau, Sabah in 2015. The four-storey building was more vulnerable than the six-storey building.

Influence of Constituent Materials Properties on the Compressive Strength of in Situ Concrete in Kenya

The poor quality of Kenyan in situ concrete has necessitated research to establish the properties of the ingredient materials and their influence on the troubling rate of failure of reinforced concrete structures in the country during construction and usage. The compressive strength of concrete relies on the properties of the constituent materials, proportions of the mixture, workmanship, compaction method and curing conditions. This paper outlines findings of an experimental investigation on the properties of Kenyan concrete ingredient materials and their influence on the compressive strength of concrete in Kenya. Three types of cements (42.5N, 32.5R, 32.5N) from six different cement manufacturers and fine aggregates from three different regions in the country were used during the study. Cements and aggregates chemical analysis was done using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer machine while the physical and the mechanical properties were checked based on the British Standards. The British DOE concrete mix design method was used to generate the concrete mix proportion and concrete was tested for early and ultimate compressive strengths at 7, 14 and 28 days. It was observed that the different cement brands have varying properties with CEM A having the highest ultimate compressive and flexural strengths. It was further noted that aggregates from the coastal region produced concrete of higher compressive strengths. When the commonly used mix design method was adopted, blended Portland cements produced concrete with ultimate compressive strengths lower than the designed target strengths. The study therefore recommends the development of a concrete mix design procedure for blended cement concrete production in Kenya.

The Intelligenter method (III) for “smarter” standards development and standardisation instruments

This paper shows the need for innovation in the development of standards and standardisation instruments. While standardisation activity overall is growing in terms of the number of standards being developed, exploration of new domains, organisations promoting standards development, etc.; the models and techniques to put forward new standards remain unchanged. This paper presents the third implementation of the Intelligenter Method, this time applied to the reinvention of the standards development model and standardisation practices in general. This new model is exemplified in this paper with a use case in the urban domain, the Cites Standards Institute (CSI 2.0). The CSI 2.0 is a pioneering format of standardisation group consisting of the partnership between a formal standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI) and an urban innovation centre, Future Cities Catapult (FCC), both UK-based organisations. The CSI 2.0 uses the intelligenter principles to develop more user-driven and participatory-led standards development process. The Intelligenter Method principles consist of the creation of a collaboratory based on multi-stakeholder collaborations in an integrated multi-subsystems physical environment and have been successfully implemented so far in the intelligenter making of plans and projects (I) and in the drafting of policies and regulations (II). This paper presents how these collaboratories can help in the development of intelligenter standards and standardisation instruments (III).