Abstract: Recent governments have highlighted the problems of unfitness and why individual homeowners should intervene to deal with the maintenance problems of their own homes. Current estimates of the cost of comprehensive renewal are said to run into billions of pounds. There is also a genuine concern that the number of unfit dwellings will continue to increase regardless of the steady pace of renewal programmes. Arguably this concern has greatly influenced the dynamics of primary maintenance attributes of property owners. The primary attributes are recognised to be a product of increased owner‐maintenance awareness; enhanced owner‐maintenance skills and knowledge; and the owner‐maintenance management abilities. These attributes are interwoven, and therefore cannot be left out of current initiatives to improving the backlog of under‐maintenance in the owner‐occupier sector.

Abstract: There are numerous demolition techniques available to the demolition contractor from the well‐known blasting techniques to the less known hydrodemolition techniques. It is essential for the demolition contractor to be aware of the various types of demolition techniques available in the demolition industry and to know their advantages and disadvantages. It is also equally important for the demolition contractor to have a set of criteria to follow in order to arrive at the most appropriate demolition technique to employ on projects. This paper outlines the case study of the demolition of Warren Farm Bridge over the M1 motorway in the UK. The demolition was closely followed from the planning stage until the actual execution on‐site with the co‐operation of the demolition contractors and site agents. The paper also discusses the selection criteria for demolition techniques and as a result some guidelines for selecting a demolition technique have been produced.

Abstract: From recent laboratory research monofilament and fibrillated polypropylene fibres were used in structural concrete and have been tested against 150 freeze/thaw cycles. The findings show monofilament fibres to play a significant role in protecting the concrete matrix against the forces encountered. External cube integrity was shown to be a poor indicator of structural condition. A significant aspect of the work is the range of tests applied to the freeze/thaw concrete cubes against the control sample. Strong evidence of condition was obtained from ultrasonic, compressive strength and weight loss. Surface scaling was not a satisfactory indication of the structural condition of the concrete.

Abstract: Basement defects such as water seepages/leakages are tedious and expensive to rectify. Intensive research has been conducted to study the problem type, their causes and preventive measures. The study explored 987 water seepage/leakage cases in 61 buildings. Eleven significant factors leading to the occurrence of water seepage in basements were identified. The implications of six benchmarks, namely: degree of water‐tightness; safety measures for structural concrete; performance of waterproofing systems; integrity of basement structure; provision for movement and quality of compaction in concreting, for minimizing four types of water seepage/leakage problems in basements are discussed.

Abstract: Recent laboratory research has shown that small additions of monofilament polypropylene fibres in concrete, in diameter range of 22 to 35 micron by 19mm long, reduce the flow of water through the concrete matrix by preventing the transmission of water through the normal modes of ingress, e.g. capillaries, pore structure, covercrete, etc. The implications of these qualities in concrete with polypropylene fibre additions is that cement hydration will be improved, separation of aggregate will be reduced and the flow of water through concrete that causes deterioration from freeze/thaw action and rebar corrosion will be reduced, creating an environment in which enhanced durability may take place. As a consequence, lower life cycle costs and best value will be achieved for concrete use, with an ultimate reduction in the cost of maintaining the aging infrastructure. A unique aspect of this work is that heart and covercrete are analysed and compared with corroborative results.

Abstract: Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are currently used for concrete structures in areas where corrosion problems are serious. Recent applications of FRP rebars in normal reinforced concrete structures in fact cannot fully utilise the strength of FRP. A more rational use of FRP would be in the area of prestressed concrete (PC) structures. In spite of the superb strength provision of FRP tendons over steel tendons, use of FRP PC members is often questioned by practising design engineers. This is largely due to the brittleness of FRP tendons and lack of ductility in FRP RC structures. Recent research has demonstrated some important findings in promoting the confidence of adopting FRP RC beams. This paper reviews some recent work on the use of FRP in PC structures. Future possible research areas are also highlighted.

Abstract: This paper (and Part 2, to appear in the next issue) set out the results of a housing field trial designed to evaluate the impact of an enhanced energy performance standard for dwellings. The project was designed to inform the next review of Part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales, which, following the publication of the UK government's white paper on energy policy, is expected in 2005. The project explores the implications of an enhanced standard in the context of timber frame construction. Although for programming reasons it was necessary to terminate the research project at the end of the design phase, the results suggest that the standard investigated is well within the capacity of the industry but it was clear that the whole supply chain will need to take a positive approach to the development of new solutions. The secret to a smooth and cost optimised transition is for the necessary development work to begin immediately, not when regulation changes.

Abstract: Reviews the early years of the operation of the “one‐stop” approved list for public sector construction work in the UK. The findings of questionnaire studies of clients and contractors/consultants suggest that a majority of users are satisfied with the system but that some fine‐tuning is required to ensure further take‐up of Constructionline.

Abstract: In this study, tests were conducted to investigate the effect of different concretes on the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams with central splices. Five beam specimens were prepared using different concrete mixes in their splice regions. Experimental results indicated that the bond failure of the spliced rebars governed the ultimate flexural behaviour of all specimens, except the one cast with steel fibres. A small increase in flexural strength was found for both the spliced beams cast with high‐strength concrete and steel fibres. Moreover, use of high‐strength concrete and steel fibrous concrete led to a remarkable improvement in the beam's displacement capacity. The effect of pulverised fuel ash on the splice performance was insignificant while the introduction of silica fume caused improvements in loading capacity and ductility.

Abstract: Surveyor variability has been previously identified as a barrier to the consistency and usability of house condition survey data. This paper explores the use of social judgement theory (SJT) as a potential method to account for, and reduce the impact of, surveyor variability. The study followed the principles of SJT first proposed by Egon Brunswik. The results of the study indicate that the SJT method does have the potential to aid understanding of the survey judgement policy of individual surveyors in terms of the importance they give to building elements and the underlying focus, or theme, of a survey. Knowledge of this policy could be utilised in house condition surveys by recalibration of survey results to take account of a surveyor’s policy. In addition, training requirements for individual surveyors could be identified.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was first reported in China in November 2002 and had spread to Hong Kong by late February 2003. Initially hospitals were the main sites of the infection which was thought to be due to an airborne virus. However the spread of the virus to large residential tower blocks led authorities to suspect that the evaporation of toilet floor drain U‐traps may be a possible way of spreading the virus. The paper reports a full scale rig testing of methods to prevent the evaporation of the U‐trap water seals and concludes with recommendations for further research.

Abstract: Professional consultants are liable for damage resulting from negligent advice, design or acts. This research examines the perspectives of professionals involved in advice on the built heritage. It examines the risks for consultants as perceived by conservation advisory bodies, insurers, legal consultants and conservation consultants. The paper explores the risks assumed in conservation of the built heritage and control measures generally adopted. Results indicate two types of consultancy advice that incur different risk levels. Conservation consultancy can be separated by the knowledge and experience of the consultant(s) involved, either conservation awareness or general property and construction awareness only. The former can be further subdivided by the particular nature of their advice: advice relating to survey and valuation, and advice relating to repair and refurbishment. Consultants perceive clients to be divided into two categories: informed and uninformed. A typology of clients and professional consultants is presented, which indicates broad risk categories.

Abstract: This paper and part 1, which appeared in the last issue, set out the results of a housing field trial designed to evaluate the impact of an enhanced energy‐performance standard for dwellings. The project was designed to inform the next review of part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales, which, following the publication of the UK government's White Paper on energy policy, is expected in 2005. The project reported explores the implications of an enhanced standard in the context of timber frame construction. Although, for programming reasons, it was necessary to terminate the research project at the end of the design phase, the results suggest that the standard investigated is well within the capacity of the industry. It was clear, however, that the whole supply chain will need to take a positive approach to the development of new solutions. The secret to a smooth and cost‐optimised transition is that the necessary development work begins immediately, not when regulation changes.

Abstract: Current approaches to the control of house mouse infestations rely heavily on a reactive service, where treatments are undertaken in response to complaints. The impact of buildings on the distribution and persistence of house mouse infestations has received little attention. This paper reports the results of 117 surveys of domestic properties in an urban area of Manchester. Results found that mice were not uniformly distributed within the domestic properties surveyed and that general characteristics and construction of the property, food hygiene within the kitchen area and overall fitness influenced distribution. The paper highlights the need for an integrated approach to control to ensure long‐term eradication of chronic house mouse infestations.

Abstract: The cost of concrete ground‐supported floor slabs represents a significant proportion of the total capital cost of industrial projects. There are many structural design issues that impact on the concrete contractors’ method of construction. This is becoming more apparent with the use of new high‐technology levelling and trowelling equipment, which has significantly increased the pour and finishing rates, resulting in much faster slab construction times compared with the traditional methods of construction. Selection of both the design and the construction methods exerts a large influence on the initial cost. According to the results of the research reported in this paper, it may be possible to save between 2‐4 per cent of the building cost if high technology solutions are incorporated into the design and construction process. This paper investigates cost issues that impact on the design and construction of ground‐supported floors for industrial buildings.

Abstract: PVC‐U replacement windows are being installed in domestic property across the developed world. It could be argued that this is a result of vigorous marketing, a need for energy conservation and possibly creative advertising. Citizens in Europe, the USA, even former Soviet countries are embracing this material as a suitable remedy for corroded mild steel and decayed timber original sash windows within residential properties. This paper seeks to try to quantify the phenomenon of PVC‐U replacement windows and also to explore the aesthetic effects of such replacements and argues that they constitute a permanent heritage loss to vernacular architecture in maturing towns and cities within the UK and examines the implications across Europe.

Abstract: This paper considers vernacular roofing practices for natural slate within the Lake District National Park and looks at the application of traditional techniques within the environmentally‐sensitive area. The paper examines the geology of the Lake District, slate production, methods of re‐slating and specific techniques and details. The paper uses case studies of recent roofing projects to illustrate good practice.

Abstract: Recent fire disasters in Hong Kong and other cities in China show that fire safety should receive more attention In Hong Kong, a large number of pre‐1980 high‐rise buildings were designed according to old prescriptive building and fire codes The fire protection measures of these buildings may not be the same as the standard in effect today, even if all fire safety items have been well maintained Assessment of the fire safety level of these old buildings – on the basis of current prescriptive requirements – may return a conclusion that many buildings’ fire safety systems are “sub‐standard”, and the fire safety level is unacceptably low However, whether such a conclusion is warranted, thereby triggering immediate improvement action, is debatable, because the rigid prescriptive requirements in the fire codes do not provide a holistic picture of the fire safety level in these buildings This paper discusses the issues of site inspections for a systematic approach to perform the fire safety ranking for multi‐storey buildings

Abstract: This paper seeks to explore and detect underlying relationships between identifiable attributes that are influential to successful outcomes of home maintenance activities. The study's approach is to identify, from the perspective of owner‐occupiers, the attributes that are influential on the successful outcomes of home maintenance activities. The study is primarily based on 186 questionnaire responses from a stratified random sample of owner‐occupiers taken from 12 local authority wards identified on the basis of a Ward Index of Multiple Deprivation. The intercorrelations among the attributes influential to the outcomes of home maintenance activities demanded the application of principal component analysis to determine the factors perceived to dictate home maintenance outcomes. This resulted in the extraction of nine significant factors, which combine to exert their influence on the quality of the maintenance activities in the owner‐occupied sector.