Purpose -The paper proposes addressing the design and implementation of a web-based risk assessment system that enables remote project team members to assess the risks at the conceptual design stage. Design/methodology/approach -The prototype system is based on a client/server architecture and uses fuzzy logic and web-based technology. A risk assessment scenario is used to demonstrate the operation and benefits of the prototype system. Findings -The research found that the use of a web-based risk assessment system for distributed project team members has major benefits in terms of use of linguistic terms to express risk assessment, ease of communication, ease of maintenance, and greater consistency, among others. Research limitations/implications -There is scope for enhancing the system through the development of a risk management module, improving the user interface and making specific provisions for different project types. Practical implications -The move in industry towards collaborative working practices is supported by systems such as this. Risk assessment is an important area that requires the input of all team members, if evenly distributed. Originality/value -This paper has presented an innovative approach to risk assessment for distributed project teams. It will be of interest to all parties involved in construction projects, particularly those involved in risk assessment.
Current seismic strengthening approaches to historic buildings place emphasis upon concealing engineering technologies. This study investigates, through a process of architectural and structural engineering design, the architectural possibilities inherent in a completely different approach. Recognizing both conservation concerns and the architectural qualities of two existing earthquake-prone buildings, the study explores seismic strengthening strategies that are exposed to view in order to contribute, in both a physical and aesthetic sense, a layer of architectural richness. A 1960s eight-story reinforced-concrete office building and a three-story unreinforced masonry building are the subject of theoretical seismic strengthening schemes. The paper describes the buildings, the strengthening approaches from both architectural and structural engineering perspectives, and comments on the outcome with respect to conservation guidelines. Although the proposed schemes challenge some sections of the guidelines, the authors believe the exposed structure enhances the existing architecture, and in so doing suggests an alternative approach for seismic retrofitting.
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