Achieving sustainable construction in the developing countries Of Southeast Asia

Sustainable construction is a way for the building industry to move towards achieving sustainable development, taking into account environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues. Differing approaches and differing economic markets lead to different priorities. This paper presents the construction scenario of Southeast Asia and the developments in sustainable construction taking place in the region. Barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction are discussed. A list of recommendations was proposed to drive sustainable construction in the region. In conclusion, the status of sustainable construction in Southeast Asia is still in its infancy. The lack of awareness, training and education and ineffective procurement systems are among the major barriers for sustainable construction in the region. In some countries public policies and regulatory frameworks do not encourage the development of the construction sector. Besides the needs for capacities, technologies and tools, total and ardent commitment by all players in the construction sectors including the governments and the public at large are required in order to achieve sustainable construction in South-East Asia

Standardisation Of Structural Design: A Shift From British Standards To Eurocodes

The background, objectives and mechanics of producing Eurocodes for structural design in concrete, steel and masonry are described. Comparisons are made between the approaches recommended by existing British Standards structural codes and corresponding Eurocodes. Eurocodes, together with some of the factors which influence its use, is discussed in the hope that it might be helpful to professionals in deciding its future applications in Malaysia. Existing knowledge based on British Standards is examined, as is the ability of Eurocodes to transfer technology in codes of practice and materials standards indirectly from one country to another

The effects of electrolytes on the liquid limit of clay

The liquid limit of clay treated with electrolytes were investigated and examined with respect to electrolyte types and concentration, time-dependent effects, and mineralogy of clay. The findings indicated that the types and concentration of electrolytes in the pore fluid of clay have a marked effect on the liquid limit of clay. Ageing has a pronounced effect on the liquid limit, particularly for clay treated with cementing agent

Modelling of shear in post-tensioned brickwork cantilever fin walls

This paper describes a model scale investigation of the shear behaviour of post-tensioned brickwork cantilever fin walls. The developments of models to represent the critical region under shear are described. Details of reduced height test walls to simulate the actual forces and critical shear zone are presented. It is concluded that the shear behaviour of prestressed walls can be studied by modelling at reduced scal