Innovative Technologies, Components and Materials - Essay Example

Innovative Technologies, Components and Materials Innovative Technologies, Components and Materials Building Forms in use in the UK The United Kingdom has seen innovative developments in building forms over the centuries. Masonry has been the most enduring form with the majority of buildings constructed using this technology. However, timber frames constitute another form of construction popular in locales with adequate timber resources. Technology has now resulted in innovations of newer forms building techniques (Taylor, 2009). The rise of Innovative Technologies in Building and Construction The increasing construction costs, discovery of newer building techniques, land scarcity, high costs of electricity and energy needed in heating homes account for increasing innovations in building and architecture. Moreover, building and construction environmental challenges such as noise and dust particles generated by onsite construction necessitate the need for alternative offsite construction solutions (Taylor, 2009). Off-Site or Factory-Based Construction Technologies Most of the construction processes involving building components is done in factories while simplified assembly of the building takes place at the construction site. The most common examples of off-site, industrial or factory-based construction technologies are demonstrated in prefabricated and panel housing. Off-site construction can also be combined with improved building materials like lightweight aerated blocks. Factors Facilitating Adoption of Off-site Construction Technology Many off-site construction technologies are innovative improvements and combinations of traditional construction and new technologies. Improved materials enhance building efficiency and overcome shortcomings of traditional materials and onsite construction methods. Off-site construction technologies used in the U.K incorporate materials such as timber, steel, concrete, and hybrid framed buildings. Modern Off-site Construction Technologies used in the United Kingdom Dimensional Volumetric technologies use factory-made concrete, steel or timber units assembled at building sites. The technology favours small-scale construction of hotels, student hostels and fast food outlets. Faster and higher structural accuracy is achieved which raises its suitability for construction of identical residential units. Well-made 3D panels provide thermal mass, sound proofing and fire resistance when concrete is used. Timber and steel panel versions need insulation for heat and soundproofing. 3D structures can be visualized for design changes and customization (Taylor, 2009). It is easy to install plumbing, wiring, kitchen pods and water closets. However, dampness can warp wall panels made of timber so waxing, varnishing or waterproofing is important in kitchens and bathrooms. Panels can crack but steel or copper fibres can be used to strengthen the panels. Precast Flat Panel building technology uses industrial wall and floor panels. The panels can form concrete load-bearing structural elements. Setting up structures with this technology is faster than traditional construction methods and no littering occurs on site. Templates and CAD designs can then be used to compute tensile and environmental tolerances of these structures to avert any faults that might endanger occupants of the structures (Taylor, 2009). The panels come lighter and decorated with wall cladding and insulation. Precast buildings are weather-resistant and durable. However, the cost does not significantly vary from traditional housing. Hybrid Concrete technology combines pre-casting and on site cast construction. This resultant hybrid frames allow creativity, economy of time and materials. Precast foundation housing plans and designs are also high-quality, cost-effective and error-free. The factory-made concrete materials can be used to make heavy duty structures, tunnels and bridges due to the enhanced expertise. The structural strength of such buildings result in a smaller footprint leaving extra space for the occupant’s convenience. Such houses are solid and comfortable but construction can be expensive for locations far from the factory. Structural Insulated Panels technology is an application of timber-based offsite building. Instead of sheet material fixed on either side of insulation in ordinary timber panels, the timber is bonded directly to the insulation to make the oriented strand board. Polyurethane foam, known for sound and thermal proof properties forms the primary insulator. SIPs can be used for walls and roofs and can be pre-fabricated; reducing on-site construction time and skilled installation labour costs. Panels are suitable for small-to-medium sized homes as finishing and fitting specifications can be done. However, fire remains a safety risk to occupants. Uptake of this construction technology remains limited in the U.K. as most people prefer masonry, concrete and brickwork structures (Taylor, 2009). In Facit Home technology structural components of the building are assembled next to construction sites. A steel foundation screwed to the ground carries the weight of timber beams. This housing design can be completed by a single contractor using wooden panels. Easy installation of facilities minimizes timber wastes and does not need heavy mechanical lifting equipment. Since timber structures are sensitive to time-dependent loading, they require sustained testing over 20 hours especially for multi-storeyed structures (Taylor, 2009). Such structures are susceptible to warping especially after exposure to moisture so construction should be done using well cured materials such as timber. Caution should also be taken to prevent damage of metal parts by water or corrosive chemicals. It is not recommended for marshy locations but makes attractive town or country houses. Analysis of Off-site Construction Technologies Off-site construction technologies significantly reduce time spent in the construction processes such as ferrying building materials. They lower construction and labour expenses, and minimize logistical challenges due to economies of scale in factory manufacture. When most of the work is done at the factory it reduces noise and dust pollution in urban living environments and dependence on scarce working spaces. However, setting up high-rise structures becomes a delicate process using off-site technologies. The U.K government, the Building Research Establishment and other construction industry organizations are assessing the technical aspects of these technologies. For instance, U.K Building Regulations require structures over four storeys high to demonstrate resistance to collapse when exposed to damage such as accidental fires. In some cases, installation of precast concrete foundations requires heavy cranes that might malfunction causing accidents (Taylor, 2009). Off-site construction technology continues to grow in popularity in the U.K as demand for more affordable housing continues with a market share value estimate of £ 2-3 billion. Conclusion Construction technology, techniques and innovations in the United Kingdom, continue to evolve alongside other developments in architecture in other parts of the world. The trend signals a continual search for cost-effective materials, less labour and time consumption as well as eco-friendly construction technologies. Moreover, industrial processing and manufacture of building materials and technologies continue to feature more prominently in the UK architectural engineering and construction sector. Prefabricated materials, mainly concrete, steel and timber as well as insulation and fittings are gaining more architectural research attention. While traditional building and construction models and technologies still exist in many parts of the UK, modern methods are responding to the growing need for improvements in the architectural field. Reference Taylor, S., 2009. Offsite Production in the UK Construction Industry. London: Health and Safety Executive. Read More