Analyses of the cost efficiency of structural systems in the local construction industry

Abstract

Over the years building construction has advanced and, consequently, the cost of construction has become a major consideration in any development project. One could say that the economics of a building has become as complex as its design (Wilson, in foreword to Ruegg & Marshall, 1990). The frequent questions when reviewing property advertisements are: Why is property so expensive locally? What are the main factors affecting today's building construction? In what way are the increasing labour and material costs contributing to the high building cost in the local building industry? The purpose of this dissertation is not to analyze the cost of a whole building but to try and compare how the use of different structural systems and materials could affect the cost efficiency of structural elements within the local construction industry. More precisely, the dissertation would focus on types of suspended floor slab systems, which could be used in local buildings. It is proposed to compare the respective cost efficiencies of the traditional in-situ reinforced concrete slab with more modern structural systems such as: predalle slabs; Inverted T-Beam and block slabs; composite steel sheeting/concrete decking; prestressed floor units. A parametric study would be conducted on various: slab aspect ratios; loading conditions; boundary conditions; material properties. The results of such a study would provide a better understanding of the cost-efficiency of several different structural systems as well as the way in which optimized minimum weight design could lead to a reduction in the overall cost of structural elements.