Risk-Informed, Reliability-Driven Decision Support for Building Basement Systems

Authors: A.S. Asmone, H.N.Y. Senarathne, M.Y.L. Chew

Source: Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2737; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112737

Abstract:

A lack of consideration for maintainability at the planning/design stage of a construction project often results in inadequate decision-making and selection of design alternatives, which will likely lead to unproductive operational regimes riddled with frequent defects. This paper attempts to anchor the quantitative risk analysis technique, Bayesian networks, as apt in predicting future operational defects based on the initial design alternatives by looking at specific case studies in building basement systems. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a comprehensive risk-informed, reliability-driven decision-making system. Central to this process is the implementation of a setup wherein a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) operates as a powerful reliability engine. Concurrently, a risk matrix serves as a vital tool for facilitating risk-informed decision-making. This approach empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding design choices while keeping maintainability at the forefront. It allows for maintainability to be practically used as an effective tool in buildings to lower the lifecycle cost. Furthermore, it is envisaged that this approach can be adopted in the construction industry globally for the prediction and diagnosis of defects, thereby facilitating risk-informed decision support. This study provides significant contributions to the building industry by providing a novel approach to a basement defect analysis, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among construction stakeholders, and assisting facility engineers and managers in properly determining maintenance requirements.

Keywords: building maintainability; Bayesian network; decision-making; risk assessment; risk-informed; building diagnosis; building pathology

Developing A Waterproofing Decision-Making Model for High-Rise Building Projects in the Tropics

Authors: H.N.Y. Senarathne, A.S. Asmone, M.Y.L. Chew

Source: Buildings, Vol 13, Issue 9, 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/13/9/2328

Abstract:

The most severe problem in high-rise structures is a failure to achieve watertightness. Since the presence of water in a structure can have a detrimental impact, adequate consideration must be taken when selecting a suitable waterproofing system based on several factors. As a result, this research aims to examine the factors that affect the selection of the best waterproofing solution in high-rise building projects in the tropics. Preliminary observations were conducted to investigate typically occurring issues with high-rise buildings which contain commercial, office, and residential facilities. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with professionals in the waterproofing industry. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the issues concerning waterproofing and suggests an effective solution for the same. The assessment of the best waterproofing selection criterion was analyzed by incorporating the Best Worst Method (BWM). Based on the global ranking reached, the decision-making framework was developed, and three main specifications, technical, construction, and product, were suggested to select an ideal waterproofing solution. This study provides insightful guidance for professionals in the waterproofing industry and their clientele towards an optimal solution, facilitating informed decision-making processes.

Keywords: building defects; Best Worst Method (BWM); Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM); decision-making framework; waterproofing

Design for Maintainability of Basements and Wet Areas

Authors: Michael Yit Lin Chew

Source: Buildings 2021, 11(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11020075

Abstract:

With the motto of “doing it right the first time”, this study focuses on spearheading the integration of designers, constructors, and facility mangers, at the outset of the planning/design stage, by providing easy-to-read tables summarising (1) knowledge learnt from past mistakes and (2) maintainability benchmarks, to ensure high maintainability for Basements and Wet Areas. The commonly occurring problems in Basements and Wet Areas of a total of 110 buildings comprising of commercial, hotels, industrial, institutions, healthcare facilities, and residential facilities were evaluated using case and field studies. Face-to-face interviews and workshops with the respective professionals involved in the design, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) of the buildings were conducted for detailed investigation on each problem for their (a) problem types, (b) extent of problem, (c) failure mechanism, (d) good practices in design/construction/O&M/facilities management (FM), and (e) environmental issues. Easy-to-read tables of checklists based on a preventive/predictive performance-based approach, which defines acceptable standards in design, construction and O&M/FM practices, were derived. The checklists help enhance the integration of designers, constructors, and facilities managers (FM), ensuring high maintainability and productivity right at the outset of the planning/design stage. They also help professionals derive, customise, and validate their own Maintainable Design Appraisal System (MDAS) according to their own needs.

Keywords: basement; wet areas; maintainability; facilities management; risk analysis; building performance; life cycle analysis; service life; building diagnostics; building pathology

Benchmarks to Minimize Water Leakages in Basements

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Nayanthara De Silva

Source: Structural Survey, Volume 21, Number 4, 2003, pp. 131-145.

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.

Keywords: Underground corrosion, Water, Buildings

Benchmarks to Minimize Water Leakages in Basements

Authors: M.Y.L.Chew, Nayanthara De Silva

Source: Structural Survey, Volume 21, Number 4, 2003, pp. 131-145.

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.

Keywords: Underground corrosion, Water, Buildings