Browsing by Author "Jurgens, Christiaan Johannes"

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    An investigation into the feasibility of hybrid concrete construction in South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Jurgens, Christiaan Johannes; Wium, J. A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.
    Introduction South Africa is currently experiencing a significant increase in infrastructure investment. Forecasts by BMI-BRSCU have shown that the building and construction industry is expected to grow considerably to 2010, before languishing slightly to 2015. This growth will be driven in particular by investment in non-residential building (41% growth) and construction (73% growth) activities. Even beyond 2015 however, the demand will still be high on the construction industry to provide infrastructure for South Africa’s growing population. South Africa is also facing a serious shortage of engineers, technicians and other skilled workers in the construction industry. This places high demands on designers and contractors to provide services and to realise projects in ever-reducing time periods and at less cost. These conditions have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the required quality of construction in an industry where mistakes can lead to disastrous consequences. Recent advances in structural materials, structural systems and the way in which projects are handled, now enables a new look at the possibilities of combining pre-fabrication with on site work. This method, known as Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC), has the potential to revolutionize the South African construction industry if applied correctly. Local research into this technique is however required and it is the aim of this thesis to draw attention to this subject. Key Findings Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC) can be applied to any structural project, it will however not necessarily be successful. A structure needs to be adapted from the very start to suit a particular construction method. This ensures that all the advantages of the selected construction method may be achieved. Adapting a structure to a different construction method requires a mutual understanding and commitment from all project participants, including the architect, engineer, contractor and client. HCC also requires a certain degree of repetition in a project to be financially viable. A theoretical cost exercise was performed where only the material and erection costs were considered. In this exercise, HCC was found to be slightly less expensive than other construction methods for the Office Building of more than 10 storeys. HCC was also found to be significantly faster than other construction methods for the Office Building of more than 3 storeys. The time calculation was however based on the simplified time estimates from one source. Because of HCC’s shorter estimated construction period, the client can expect to earn revenue from a much earlier date. This decreases the relative cost of a HCC project. This advantage, however, needs to be quantified for chosen South African projects. On-site safety is still an important issue with HCC projects. Labourers are not accustomed to this construction method and it may be necessary to alter current skill development programs to include a crane safety course. The training of qualified riggers and crane operators should receive priority if HCC is to develop in South Africa. This preliminary investigation has shown that Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC) can be feasible for the South African market. Further investigation is however required to determine the parameters for which HCC would be the preferred construction method. Recommendations Based on the findings and conclusions of this investigation, the following recommendations are made. The following actions should be undertaken by individual South African companies: · Develop relationships with external project partners · Train competent riggers and crane operators The South African concrete industry should invest in the following actions: · Invest in mass-producing precast concrete facilities · Develop a central database of South African projects with information on time, costs, project concepts and layouts to be used as a guideline for decision making · Develop local guidelines for the production and application of self compacting concrete · Compile guidelines for the design and construction of HCC and precast concrete construction in South Africa · Develop a local hidden corbel type connection to its full potential
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    The Technology Adoption Propensity of Professionals and Companies in the Construction Industry
    (Stellenbosch University, 2024-12) Jurgens, Christiaan Johannes; Wium, Jan Andries; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.
    The construction industry is a strategically vital sector, but it has many concerns. Notably, some of these concerns are related to its low technology adoption. Technology adoption propensity influences technology adoption behaviour. The construction industry’s technology adoption propensity (i.e., its willingness to adopt new technologies) is therefore of key importance to its future success. This dissertation aims to quantify the technology adoption propensity of professionals and companies in the construction industry. It uses diffusion research to investigate the construction industry’s “resistance to change.” The diffusion of innovations theory, developed by E.M. Rogers in 1962, is selected as its foundational theory. The research design of this dissertation is characterised by a mixed-methods methodology using both positivist and interpretivist philosophies. The collected data are used to evaluate propositions related to its foundational theory. Validation of the findings is undertaken throughout the dissertation. This dissertation includes an examination of existing relevant international and South African literature to validate its original contributions, a review of two selected case studies, and a review of some influential books. In addition, it develops the Simple adopter categories through modification of the standardised adopter categories as published by E.M. Rogers in 1958. The dissertation then proceeds with the development, execution, and analysis of a technology adoption propensity industry survey. This is done via a self-reported questionnaire to gather primary data from registered and candidate professionals in the South African built environment. Despite being limited to South Africa, the survey results are shown to have international applicability due to the shared challenges experienced by the South African construction industry and its international counterparts. The industry survey results classify construction industry professionals as early majority technology adopters who tend to adopt new technologies slightly faster than the average person. Construction industry companies are shown to be balanced technology adopters, positioning between the early majority adopter and late majority adopter categories. They tend to adopt technology products at a rate as expected/predicted by the diffusion of innovations theory. In addition, this dissertation develops four possible future technology adoption propensity scenarios for the construction industry using a standardised scenario planning method. Each of the scenarios are discussed, before being comparatively evaluated to identify the best- and worst-case scenarios. Such scenarios have not been developed before. This dissertation finds that professionals and companies in the construction industry are not slow to adopt new technologies. In addition, the diffusion of innovations theory and the developed Simple adopter categories are found to be appropriate for achieving the aim and objectives of this study. Additional research is recommended to validate the effectiveness of the Simple adopter categories for conducting diffusion research in other industries. Lastly, the need to accelerate the technology adoption propensity of companies in the construction industry is identified. This dissertation then develops actionable guidance to address some of the industry’s many concerns. Separate guidelines are developed for companies, technology developers, opinion leaders, and technology champions. These guidelines are not tested, and validation of their effectiveness is recommended for further research.