Masters

Management of Change in the Irish Construction Industry

Louis Gunnigan — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:01:01 PST

Ireland is changing and this change is nowhere more apparent than in the rapidly growing construction industry. The industry is being forced to change at an unprecedented pace. This thesis sets out to develop a framework on which construction organisations can approach and manage change.

It examines the issues that will cause change, reviews the available literature to find how change can be managed and controlled, and develops a model for guiding change programmes in the construction industry. The model is tested against three case studies, the first two of which are concerned with finding increases in efficiency and demonstrating how the changes necessary to bring about these efficiencies would be implemented. Data, gathered both by observation and by interviewing staff in three companies, was used to establish the means by which the current systems and processes worked. It also allowed the author to build up a clear picture of the working relationships of all of those in each system. In turn, this showed both where changes would be necessary and the effect such changes would have on the working relationships. A plan for change was then proposed in each case.

In the third case study the initial data, gathered by interview and surveys, again identified the original systems and the working relationships. A consultation process was set up to establish the extent of the changes necessary, the potential effects of the change were assessed and a plan of action was devised to ensure acceptance of the change. The change programme was then implemented and monitored through its first year of operation.

Change is difficult to achieve in the Irish construction industry as it is restricted by the structure of construction organisations (being project-driven rather than enterprise-driven) and by the proliferation of construction-related activities among governmental departments. However, the model for change proposed by this work was particularly effective in these circumstances, as it forced the author to fully analyse and constantly re-assess each interface with change.

In the course of the compilation of this thesis, it was found that the means by which change programmes are implemented are crucial to success. It is essential that the interfaces between tasks, processes and systems are fully analysed to determine the means by which the individual can become a supporter, rather than a potential opponent, of the change.

The Use of a Multi-Criteria Decision Model to Choose Between Different Structural Forms Within Modern Office Construction

Margaret Rogers (Thesis) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:01:55 PDT

In 1993 the Steel Construction Institute carried out an economic analysis (including frame and overall construction time) of a number of structural options, for what is regarded as atypical office building, in outer Manchester. The study was later updated in 2004 due to changes in cost and new forms of construction notably the ‘slimdeck’ system. In 1994 the Steel Construction Institute carried out a study with regard to initial embodied energy on
the same structural options considered in the 1993 publication.
This Project carries out a similar analysis of the 10 structural forms previously analysed by the Steel Construction Institute (SCI 1993, 1994 & 2004) in relation to cost, initial embodied energy, frame construction time and overall construction time. The research uses data gathered from the Irish construction industry. In Ireland the building is assumed to be on the outskirts of Dublin where site access is not a problem. The study uses this information to rank the Irish options 1 to 10 on the basis of the four criteria. The ranking is achieved using various decision models. A similar ranking is carried
out for the UK options. The Project concludes with a comparison of the 2 sets of results and determines the preferred structural form in both Ireland and the UK.

Electronic Tendering: Recognising a More Effective Use of Information Communications Technology in the Irish Construction Industry

Larry O'Connell (Thesis) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:51:55 PDT

When undertaking a traditional tender in Ireland, computer applications are heavily relied upon. Documents, from drawings to Bills of Quantities, are created with an array of computer applications. These documents are subsequently exchanged from surveying firms to a number of main contractors and, additionally, from the main contractors to subcontractors. However, even though the documents have originated in an electronic
form, the majority of the documents are communicated in a paper format. Therefore, with each new communication between the parties more paperwork is created. This system of communication is inefficient and process gains can be made through the utilization of already existing Information Communication Technologies (ICT) . The thesis initially provides an analysis of the literature relating to the existing traditional tender process in the Irish construction industry. These findings are then compared with techniques being undertaken in other parts of the world, where ICT is implemented to a greater degree in the tender process. An observation study, subsequently, reveals a clearer picture of the tender process to the author. In particular, the tasks a contractor completes when pricing a competitive tender are clarified. The communication methods used by the contractor between both the PQS and subcontractors are also investigated. This investigation shows that a relatively low level of eCommunication is being undertaken by the individuals within the industry. A survey carried out by the author in the summer of 2008, establishes the current level of ICT usage in Irish construction companies with respect to the tendering process. These results show that there is a similar level of eTendering uptake to that of other countries. However, this uptake is significantly discouraged by a number of barriers identified by the author.
Finally, the thesis presents an industry led pilot project. This pilot project
clarifies the potential cost savings that the Irish construction industry achieved through the application of integrated ICT tools in the construction tendering process

Spatial Reconfigurations: Bodily Terrains and their Suppression on the New York Waterfront: the Greenwich Village Piers 40-53 1936-1998

Mark Curley (Thesis) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:47:04 PDT

There has been seismic change on the New York waterfront since World War II. The shipping industry of longshoremen on the rough docks, has given way to mothers with babies in a bucolic landscape. The former condition existed within Kristeva's theories of abjection (1982), and today we have a suppression of that abjection through the municipal authority of the Hudson River Park Act (1998). This control of space is integral to gentrification. The abject condition existed as a changing zone of spatial occupiers and colonies, who demarcated their territories as bodily terrains on the edge of the city. Due to particular cultural episodes on the Greenwich Village waterfront- mob violence, sexual activity, cultural creations, reformer and gentrifier plans- there is an opportunity for reading spatial reconfigurations as coalescing around the changes in occupancy and colonies. It allows for contemplation on marginality and the reality of national border zones as places of varying frontiers. This study set out to identify the key themes of change, how they progressed over time, and their impact on the waterfront of the Village. The use of maps, photographs and social, economic and historical literature support the theory that the abject was inherently symbolic on the waterfront and integral to its transformation. Key themes, segregated by colonial identity (Mr. Joe Docks vs. the Gangsters and Shylocks; The Clone; The Legendary Children; The Mamas) are individually explored in a chronological order. Conclusions are referenced together to form an overall theory that demonstrates the argument. The dominating slant of the thesis is in the social/ cultural reconfiguration of space- 'the crowds, pacing straight for the water' - that has fostered on the waterfront over the latter part of the twentieth century. I argue colonization is the evidence for this socio-spatial condition, and a forgotten generator of spatial change. Its study therefore is important within a framework of gentrification and the transformation of public space in New York in the Twentieth Century.

An Assessment of Epiphytic Lichens, Lichen Diversity and Environmental Quality in the Semi-natural Woodlands of Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve, Enniskerry, County Wicklow

Lenka Mulligan (Thesis) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:09:26 PDT

This research work adapted and applied a recently developed method for assessing epiphytic lichen species diversity to the Irish semi-natural woodlands of Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve, Enniskerry, County Wicklow. The study focused on the differences that arise in relation to acidophilous oak woodland (Blechno-Quercetum petraeae) versus ash-hazel woodland (Corylo-Fraxinetum). The research also addressed differences in relation to the mixed oak-ash-hazel woodland located in Knocksink Wood and the neighbouring woodland at the Powerscourt Waterfall. The frequency of occurrence of lichen species on a defined portion of tree bark was used as an estimate of diversity and to evaluate the degree of environmental stress on the sensitive lichen community. In total 52 lichen taxa were recorded on the trees in the woodlands in Knocksink Wood. The sequence of lichen numbers recorded per tree genera in Knocksink Wood was oak > ash > willow > beech > sycamore. The oak trees in the oak woodland were richer in lichen flora on the trunk area (35 lichen taxa) than the ash trees in the ash- hazel woodland (24 lichen taxa). Very low lichen diversity (LD) values were recorded in the oak woodland and the oak-ash-hazel woodland and a higher LD was recorded in the ash - hazel woodland. The overall pattern for Knocksink demonstrated low diversity of epiphytic lichens. Based on the recorded epiphytic lichens and LD values generated, the quality of the natural environment in Knocksink Wood was assessed as relatively low. This had been further corroborated by comparison with the epiphytic lichen flora of other broadleaf woodlands in Ireland. The unique setting of Knocksink Wood in a sheltered river valley and human input were identified as the main factors influencing development of epiphytic lichens in Knocksink Wood. The most significant parameters influencing epiphytic lichen development at trunk level in the woodlands at Knocksink were tree species, age profile and diversity of woodlands, bark properties and light availability, past woodland management and contemporary human input. The results of this research suggest that the European guideline for mapping lichen diversity developed in mainland Europe has applicability in the Irish setting and can detect differences between woodland habitats in terms of epiphytic lichen distribution. This research advances understanding of the factors that drive the sensitive and dynamic patterns observed for epiphytic lichen abundance and distribution in Irish broadleaf woodlands and forms a base for future environmental monitoring studies.

Rail Stations as Locations for Commercial Property Development: the Implications for Dublin

Mark Adamson (Thesis) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:20:20 PDT

Throughout Europe there are many examples of the redevelopment of rail stations to include significant commercial development as well as the rebuilding of the stations themselves. In Ireland such development is in its infancy with the only major mixed station/commercial development to date being the concourse and office development at Connolly Station in Dublin. The potential of stations for commercial development may be limited by their location, the limited extent and capacity of the rail network and the attitude of the property industry to these locations. However, the potential of these locations in Dublin City may be about to change. The unprecedented economic growth of recent years has led to ever worsening traffic congestion in the city. It is accepted that an efficient public transport system is essential to the survival and economic well being of the city. The proposed investment of £2.2 billion in public transport in the Greater Dublin Area under the National Development Plan will see a significant expansion in the capacity and extent of the city’s rail network up to 2016. This greatly expanded rail system will form the backbone of the public transport network in Dublin. This will increase the importance of stations as access point to the city especially in the city centre, the principal employment and cultural area of the city and the focal point for the rail network. This in turn may result in a reappraisal of these locations form a commercial property standpoint. However, the nature of development at stations presents unique problems including possible higher than normal costs which affect the viability of development at these locations. The increasing attractiveness of the station as a location for commercial development will have to produce returns adequate to offset the additional costs and other risks.

Dublin City Foresight: a Scenario Approach

Sinead Branagh (Thesis) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:55:36 PDT

As we begin a new Millennium, a subtle and positive shift is occurring in all segments of society: an increased emphasis on the future – what it might look like, what challenges and opportunities it might present, and in what ways we might be able to respond most positively. It is emerging at a time of national reflection for organisations and individuals alike – and perhaps none too soon as changes in our social fabric, resource base, business and political environments, and perhaps most importantly, the pace and extent of changes in science and technology, launch us into exciting but uncertain territory in the 21st century. Scenario Planning has been widely used by decision-makers in business, industry and government as a technique to learn about the future before it happens. This paper examines Scenario Planning with the aim of presenting the technique as one relevant to the study of future city planning. A scenario Planning Exercise was completed using Dublin City as a case study, and the step by step process of scenario building evaluated.

A System Design Framework for Project Cost Control in the Irish Construction Industry

Thomas Kelly (Thesis) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:02:07 PDT

The construction industry is a major contributor to the Irish economy. The common denominator of the of the industry’s business is the “construction project”. Construction projects by their very nature are unique being influenced by many variables such as weather, location, design and personnel. This situation demands strong management to fulfil the cost control function. The primary aim of this project has been the illustration of a system design framework for project cost control in the Irish construction industry. This system design should be based upon a general principle identified for the design of an overall project management system. Whilst cost control is the primary focus, it is not the exclusive concern of the proposed system as this would be ignoring the very source of the industry’s problems namely, the complex interrelationships of its various components, aesthetics, structural, financial and environmental. Two main research techniques were adopted in this study, a comprehensive literature review examined recent developments and emerging technologies and a postal questionnaire surveyed construction industry professionals to establish the factors effecting cost control. The analysis of the result of this research concluded with the identification of the general principle for the design of an overall project management system. This principle was that such a system should be based on Information Management using an integrated Database structure. Having verified its suitability for the cost control subsystem the next step was the specification and design of the proposed framework. The system has been designed using object oriented methods, following formal procedures through the system analysis (specification) and system design stages. Further research is required to develop links and incorporate the latest advances in Information Technology.

The Secondary Retail Market - a Viable Option?

Elaine Murphy (Thesis) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:55:49 PDT

The secondary retail market in Dublin has dramatically altered over the last four years. Indeed, the entire retail market in Dublin and countryside has witnessed a substantial upsurge in activity over the last four years. On Grafton Street retail Zone A rents are breaking £2,153 per square metre (£200 per square foot) barrier and premiums are in the region of £300,000 -£400,000. There is currently a shortage of good retail investment opportunities on Grafton Street, which is leading investors to turn to Dublin’s other prime street, Henry Street. Over the last year Zone A rents on Henry Street have increased to about £1.830 per square metre (£170 per square foot) and there has been a return to the payment of premiums. Outside of Dublin City Centre the new regional centres are performing extremely well and have resulted in increasing levels of competition between retail locations. The question that must be asked is what will happen to in-town shopping? Will the city centre be able to compete with the out-of-town centres where everything is available under one roof and car-parking is free? These areas are examined in detail, which leads to the introduction of the concept of Town Centre Management (TCM). This concept is explored indicating its benefits and indicating how Dublin City Centre could especially be improved with a comprehensive TCM Policy, Examples of the different TCM Policies provides an insight into which would be most suitable for Dublin. TCM has been very successful in towns in Britain and would certainly revitalise Dublin City. This research focuses primarily on secondary retail streets. Most of the research that has been undertaken regarding retail property relates to the prime areas. This research attempts to determine how the secondary streets have performed during the upsurge in retail activity over the last number of years, particularly since the commencement of the “Celtic Tiger” in 1994. It is examined both in terms of retail development and investment opportunities. The early chapters of the report are devoted to defining and analysing what constitutes a secondary street and how recent trends have changed. A Profile of Streets is identified which will be used in comparison with the prime areas. The Investment Section forms a substantial part of the report. It will analyse the breakdown between private investors and the institutions and a rent table is compiled which will be useful for players in the property section to examine as it will enable them at a glance to ascertain rents, yields, capital values etc. in the secondary market which can then be compared to the prime sectors to establish just how well secondary investments are performing. The research also deals with Socio-Economic features such as how the city-centre is affected by population growth and also various incentives which have been introduced such as “living over the shop”. Planning is also an issue which is included in the overall report. The 1998 Draft Development Plan for Dublin City contains various specific policies for secondary retail areas in Dublin thus signifying their continuing importance in the City. Secondary retail property is a lucrative investment as returns over the last five years indicate. The structure of the market has changed considerably as the quality of tenants have improved and streets are identifying niches in the market. The continued shortage of prime retail investment and the constraints introduced by the Bacon Report, in relation to residential property, will ensure that secondary retail property will continue to be a viable investment. The continued success of the secondary retail market will be dependent upon economic performance, which is forecast to remain very favourable over the next five years.

Land Surveys and the Robinsons of North Kildare (1769-1864)

James Robinson (Thesis) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:55:46 PDT

Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the prosperity of Irish Catholic Tenants ebbed and flowed with the prevailing economic, political and social climate. The objective of this work is to illustrate that process by reference to the Robinson Family of North Kildare. Specifically, the dissertation will • Review the surveys undertaken in 1769, 1803, 1819, 1834, 1853, 1864 and 1744 • Establish the status of the Robinson Family as demonstrated by these surveys and other social and economic information, much of it previously unpublished. • Record, where, relevant, the contribution of the family to the social, economic and political developments in Kildare, in the broader national context and in a small number of cases, in the international area. Following an introduction, the methodology adopted involves a chapter on each of the relevant surveys. Each of these chapters will comprise two parts: Part A describes the survey and the surveyor while Part B focuses on the Robinson Family property, which they tenanted. The concluding chapter summarises the earlier work and clearly shows that the Robinson Family generally prospered during the 95 years under review. However, it is also evident that some members of the family were less fortunate and lived in virtual poverty. It may be concluded, therefore, that the Robinson Family were not atypical of the Catholic tenantry of the time. Appendix E concerns a paper on Charles Frizell, the surveyor who executed the 1803 survey, which the writer is scheduled to read at a forthcoming meeting of the Old Dublin Society. Frizell was a leading surveyor of his day and this paper on his work, life and family gives an insight into a member of a profession who are largely discreet, anonymous and non-controversial. Finally, a significant outcome of this study is the Robinson Family Genealogy line, which has been prepared to correlate with each of the seven surveys.

The Exterior Orientation of Aerial Imagery using Existing Orthoimagery and Terrain Models – a Performance Test

Finnian O'Cionnaith (Thesis) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:05:05 PDT

In every part of the world the rate of map revision is alarmingly low when compared to the rate of change of many human influenced surface features. There is therefore a requirement to regularly gather up-to-date information about surface features and to incorporate changes in maps both quickly and effectively before it becomes history. When an aerial photograph is taken, it contains errors one category of which is caused by the aircraft taking the photograph being tilted. This aerial photograph by itself is of little commercial value. Accurate maps cannot be created from it, its use in GIS (Geographical Information System) is limited and correct metric information about ground features cannot be extracted. It requires orientation in order to attain accurate real world information about the location that it represents. This orientation is a time consuming process that does not yield a definitive product. The traditional way to rectify an aerial photograph involves expensive fieldwork in the form of establishing suitable ground control points, which slows the production process down greatly. There now exists a substitute to the information gathered by such field surveys, and it is contained in products created from aerial photography- Orthophotos and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) where they exist. Other methods of correcting such errors include the use of GPS/INS systems on board aircraft. However, whereas GPS is used on almost every flight taking aerial photography,a combined GPS/INS system is not, as the INS part is still very expensive. Through the use of DTMs and Orthophotos this research shows that the orientation of aerial photographs is possible and can obtain reasonable results compared to GPS coordinates for a set of checkpoints within the project area. X, Y and Z values of control points were extracted using DTMs and Orthophotos, which traditionally would have to be determined by surveyors in the field or by aerial triangulation which also requires ground control. The position, size and local accuracy of different sized Orthophotos and DTMs were examined in order to find which combination produced the most accurate results. Conclusions and future recommendations could then be reached.

The Influence of Surface Treatments and Surface Finish on the Fatigue Properties of Elastomers

Amir Tabakovic (Thesis) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:04:36 PDT

Recent research has shown that fatigue life in non strain-crystallising rubber increases if the material is subjected to pre-loading. The central research question posed in this project is ‘whether preloading and surface treatments improve the surface finish of rubber components, reduce stress concentration and can this reduction partially account for greater fatigue resistance’. The specific objectives of the research are:- i) To assess surface finish measurements and to investigate the changes in stress concentration in preloaded rubber samples using White Light Interferometry. ii) To consider other non-contact methods of observing changes in stress concentration in preloaded samples through use of: i) Electronic Speckly Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) methods, ii) Ultrasonic methods iii) To examine whether coatings or other surface treatments can play a part in diminishing the surface flaws produced in the various manufacturing processes. The coatings/treatments investigated were: i) Diamond Like Carbon Coating (DLC), ii) Sol-gel Coating Technology, iii) Surface Peening treatments. iv) To use MSC/MARC Non-linear Finite Element software to model: i) fatigue behaviour of DLC coated EPDM rubber, ii)EPDM rubber elastomeric crack propagation, iii) flaw behaviour in EPDM rubber. v) To advise on design standards for pre loaded rubber components and to establish criteria for selecting elastomers that will minimise the likelihood of fatigue failures in the light of the aforementioned research and of this study. The Deutsches Institute fur Kautschuktechnologie (DIK) supplied the test material for this research and provided facilities for the rubber vulcanisation process described in this work. DIK also allowed use of their test equipment. The Research involved the design of a clamp for tensile testing of elastomers, a compression mould and an ESPI in-plane test rig. An initial investigation determined that stress concentration diminishes with prestressing rubber components. White Light Interformetry was found to be the most suitable method of non-contact analysis. The only disadvantage proved to be the small field of view. The ESPI Method did not show results as positive as those achieved using WLI, however further investigation is required before this method is discounted. The Ultrasonic non-contact method was not evaluated but a schematic system is recommended for further research. Analyses for surface roughness and stress concentration at the surface flaws of EPDM rubber using the WLI confirmed that prestressing decreases surface roughness values. The measurement of stress concentration at surface flaws using the WLI method was not successful, because the test rig used was inappropriate to perform this test. However, it was shown that WLI could detect surface defects. Another method was evaluated which uses the Olympus BX60M System Microscope in combination with the Omnimet Archive Digital Imaging System. This method was used to measure stress concentration at the tip of an initiated edge crack. The Griffith theory for measuring stress concentration at the crack tip was employed. The results showed that pre-stressing of rubber samples results in reduction in stress concentrations at the crack tip. The first surface treatment applied was Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This coating was used because carbon particles exhibit an appropriate size to fill the surface defects present in rubber. The coating process was performed in the laboratories of Enterprise Ireland (EI). The coating procedure involved heating the samples to a temperature of 120°C and this caused a change in the physical properties of the rubber samples. The fatigue test results show that DLC treatment does not improve the fatigue life of elastomers. However, data from the same tests also show that the complex modulus E* fell to approximately 76% for the first cycle. This supports the hypothesis in the earlier research that the complex modulus can be used for safely predicting the service life of rubber components. Following these tests, further coating was attempted, this time employing a rubber like material using Sol-gel technology. Tetraoxidsilicate (TEOS) liquid solution was chosen as the coating material because it has a low cyrstallisation temperature. The results were disappointing because the coating id not react with the rubber material and so did not successfully crystallise on the surface of the rubber specimen. Shot Peening was also used to treat the EPDM rubber surface of same samples pior to tensile testing. The tests showed that no change in tensile properties of EPDM rubber occurred in comparison with untreated EPDM rubber. However, microscopic analysis showed improvement in the surface roughness (Ra). For carrying out a Finite element Analysis (FEA), material data was obtained from uniaxial tests. The first test was an axisymmetric analysis of fatigue behaviour of the DLC coated EPDM rubber. For these analyses data was used from the first recorded cycle and the last recorded cycle of the fatigue tests. Material models were determined for implementation in the analysis using MSC/MARC software. The axisymmetric analysis of the fatigue specimen simulated the model being subjected to the same displacements that produced values of maximum stress in the tests. FEA reasonably accurately predicted the physical test results. The axisymmetric FEA of the crack models showed a large concentration of stress at the tip of the crack. The FE plain strain analysis of the EPDM rubber sample, with a flaw of 60um in diameter modelled, gave the best correlation with physical tests. The Ogden material model represents the most plausible model and is the most popular function using stretch ratios. For the Ogden model, a two-term function was used and constants were calculated from uniaxial tests. In future an emphasis must be placed on creating appropriate material models. Conclusions can be summarised as follows. While Light Interferometer is the best metrology method considered for measuring surface roughness and profiling the geometric of surface defects in rubber materials Tensile loading reduces stress concentration Surface finish improvements may contribute to improve fatigue life. An exponential decay formula is proposed for determining improvement in surface finish with tensile load. The coatings or surface treatments did not increase fatigue life. The dynamic stored energy theory of fatigue in non-strain crystallising rubbers is supported. That ‘loss in complex modulus’ can be used as a predictor of fatigue life for non-strain crystallising rubbers are confirmed.

Recording of Historic Structures and Areas

Ronan Olwill (Thesis) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:04:35 PDT

The Development of a Computer Program to Co-ordinate Early Design Stage Information

Bernard Denver (Thesis) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:21:29 PDT

local and global environment is becoming increasingly important. Several methods and procedures have been adopted to encourage designers and engineers to become more environmentally friendly and energy conscious. The advance of computer simulation and modelling of buildings has been successful in addressing potential problems in the design process while providing additional information otherwise not available to the design team. However, it is the purpose of this thesis to use this information and benefits of simulation and modelling at an earlier stage in the design. This thesis endeavours to investigate the requirements and benefits and integrated Early Design Stage program would bring to a project and the design process. As the essence of this thesis would have implications on the role of a Building Services Engineers in the design process, it was necessary therefore to identify the role currently of the Building Services Engineer and the other members of the design team throughout a project from the initial brief through to construction. An extensive Literature Review of approx. sixty computer programs was analysed to establish the computer software programs available both commercially and educationally. This Literature Review entailed a description of the programs, their advantages and disadvantages, number of world-wide users, user expertise required and the computer language the programs are written in. A Questionnaire/Survey was carried out on Building Services Engineers working in the Industry to establish the current design procedures with respect to building services systems design and assess the industries experience and knowledge in regard to computer simulations and modelling. The results of the Questionnaire/Survey identified that an Early Design Stage tool would be beneficial to the design process and it was widely recognised the potential of such a program to tackling energy efficiency and energy reduction in buildings. In order to emphasise the importance of computer simulation and modelling in the design of a building and its potential benefits to the design process, two case studies were investigated. Both of the case studies directly compared computer simulation of a building to traditional calculation methods. With the completion of the Literature Review, Questionnaire/Survey and the Case Studies, the need for an Early Design Stage computer program was identified. It was therefore necessary to specify the requirements of such a program. This entailed proposing the structure of a program, input and output parameters and working with my industrial partner in the development of the software. Following the completion of the development of the Early Design Stage Computer Program, a case study on the program was carried out. This identified the benefits of the program and highlighted the advantages this new program would bring to the design team, especially in terms of the information available to the engineer, architect and the client at the early design stage.

The Extraction of a Road Centre Line from Airborne Laser Scanning Data

Patrick Doyle (Thesis) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:21:27 PDT

Due to its speed and accuracy the Global Positioning System (GPS) is widely used as a data collection tool. Problems however can occur when this GPS data is used in conjunction with existing National Mapping Agencies (NMA) vector databases that are not of comparable accuracy. Shifts and misalignments of the datasets can occur. In talks with the Irish mapping agency, Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), prior to this project, it viewed with interest the possibility of using Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data as a general quality indicator of existing vector databases. The aim of this research was to extract the centre line of a small segment of straight road from triangulated ALS ground points. ALS data with a point density of 2 points per square metre was processed using TerraScan to yield a set of ground points. The extraction process was based on the creation and analysis of cross-sections taken at regular intervals from the triangulated ALS data. The cross-section widths and intervals were based on a search template developed from the start and end coordinates of an assumed centre line taken from an existing vector database. The cross-sections developed were based on individual triangles of the triangulation, groups of triangles and on interpolated data. Parameters of gradient, intensity and interpolated height are investigated. Algorithms were developed in MatLab to create and semi-automatically analyse the cross-sections. Cross-sections were generated for two different road sections and a ground truth survey was conducted for one of the roads. The most useful cross-sections were those based on Interpolated Heights from the triangulated ALS data using the road width as an additional parameter. Results demonstrated that it was possible to define the true road extent from the ALS data with accuracy equal to its point density of 2m by using a linear Least Squares best-fit algorithm. The Intensity of the return pulse was not used in the extraction process and formed a separate piece of research. The findings were that the most useful cross-section were those based on the Intensity Standard Deviations of the vertices of individual triangles in the triangulated ALS data and on Interpolated Intensity. Results show that it is possible to detect road markings from this information.

Policy and Programme Responses to Urban Social Exclusion 1990-2000 : a Selective European Cross Country Comparative Study

Caren Gallagher (Thesis) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:48:01 PDT

Historically, poverty has been a deeply embedded reality within society, its nature and extent altering, over time, in response to shifts in socio-economic conditions, political ideology and value system. Poverty, as part of the human conditions, still remains intractable problem in both developed and developing nations and regions. This study is concerned, in particular, with urban poverty in an E.U. context. The overall aim of the research is to consider whether urban social exclusion is amenable to public policy intervention. A comparative study approach is used to explore the various approaches to partnership and anti-poverty policy in the selected countries and, where possible, identify positive, transferable elements of these programmes. The concept of poverty is one which has eluded an accepted definition for many years and the terminological debate looks set to continue. However, the recent introduction of the policy concept of social exclusion has drawn attention to the dynamic processes which are distinct from poverty itself, such as, labour market exclusion and exclusion from services and social relations. Tackling social exclusion has now become a key priority for many governments and, encouraged by the E.U., the last decade has seen a significant increase in the number of anti-poverty programmes which are managed through partnership with the various stakeholders involved. In many countries, particularly Ireland, these partnerships have developed and matured over the years and have had a varied impact on their catchment areas. It is now widely accepted that working in partnership is the most effective method for tackling the multi dimensional nature of the problem of social exclusion

Property Value Assessment and the Irish EIA Process

Siobhaun Cawley (Thesis) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:49:44 PDT

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) provides for the assessment of the likely significant effects of a proposed development in the environment. Due to the ambiguous nature of the legislation on EIA, there are widely differing views as to whether the impact of a proposed development o surrounding property values should be considered as part of the EIA process. The primary objective of this thesis was to establish if property values should be considered within the Irish EIA process. In this regard, the most relevant provisions of the EC Directive 97/11/EC and the corresponding Irish legislation (Part X of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001) were reviewed and it was established how these legislative provisions were being interpreted in practice. This was achieved by means of interviews with key personnel in the Irish EIA process and through a review of all of the Environmental Impact Statements submitted to ‘competent authorities ‘in Ireland over a ten year period. The thesis concludes that ‘impacts on property values’ are economic impacts upon “human beings” and “material assets” i.e. land and/or property, and as such, they should be considered in the Irish EIA process., but only in instances where the potential impact of the proposed development on property values is likely to be significant. The secondary objective of the thesis was to establish if it was possible to devise a suitable quantitative methodology for property value assessment for application in the Irish EIA process. Three quantitative methods were identified that have been used for property value assessment in countries such as the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia. The methods were the hedonic pricing method, the ‘before and after’ study method and the benefits/costs transfer method. These methods have been applied to a limited extent in EIA world-wide. The study, explores, through the use of case studies, the practical application of the three quantitative methods to property value assessment in the Irish EIA process. However, the thesis concludes that there are a number of inherent problems which need to be overcome in formulating and testing a quantitative approach and methodology for the assessment of the potential impact of a proposed development on property values. The main problem is the lack of public access to accurate and detailed information on both property transactions and environmental considerations.