Acta Structilia

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Acta Structilia is a South African accredited journal for independently adjudicated research articles on any topic in the field of the physical and development sciences. Each peer refereed article is indicated as such in the journal. The editorial staff considers articles in English and Afrikaans, written from any responsible point of view on subjects in any applicable field of scholarship, i.e. architecture, urban and regional planning, quantity surveying, construction management and project management, building economy, engineering and property or community development. Acta Structilia is published biannually by the University of the Free State.

Alternative title(s): Journal for the physical and development sciences | Tydskrif vir die fisiese en ontwikkelingswetenskappe

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ISSN 2415-0487 (Online), ISSN 1023-0564 (Print)

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 177

Open Access
Affordability of quantity surveying services on construction projects in South Africa*
(University of the Free State, 2006) Cruywagen, Hoffie; Snyman, Emile
English: surveyors to offer reduced professional fees on construction projects due to the competitiveness of the market. This reduction in fees offered by professionals usually falls somewhere between the recommended fees as published by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors and a fee that is far below a fair remuneration for the services offered. Research was done by means of questionnaires to practicing quantity sur veyors, as well as analysing time spent on projects in order to determine how affordable professional services can be rendered and what the most influ encing factors for determining fees are. The current Tariff of Professional fees was also scrutinised to see how it evolved over the years, as it is still used as a basis to calculate the fees on which a discount is offered. The main findings of the research were that quantity surveying services can be rendered affordable, but the quantity surveyor is more exposed to the risk of not being able to render the service affordable on certain projects types and the risk further increases with a decrease in project value.
Open Access
African courtyard architecture: typology, art, science and relevance
(University of the Free State, 2005) Steyn, G.
English: Because current international trends in urban design principles are towards compact neighbourhoods and housing, attempts to accommodate South Africa’s lower-income households in massive schemes of identical little freestanding houses is increasingly being questioned. But instead of only considering Euro-American models, should planners and architects not also investigate traditional settlements for formative ideas? Most sub-Saharan vernacular dwellings, including the archetypal clustering of huts around an open living space, are conceptually a courtyard configuration, and courtyard housing offers relatively high densities, privacy and protected outdoor living space, as well as allowing a social mix – all desirable characteristics of a good contemporary neighbourhood. This study attempts to determine the relevance of traditional African courtyard houses for contemporary urban solutions by investigating a number of representative examples in terms of their potential for densification, ability to provide privacy and psychological well-being, climatic behaviour and responsiveness to social and economic needs. While both informal and formal housing have been wasteful in the use of land, functioning historic towns along Africa’s East Coast arguably offer ideas and concepts for the definition of a true African neighbourhood. The study suggests that, from the synthesis of historic precedent and custom, a contemporary model of courtyard houses could be developed that would contribute towards much more compact, low-energy and socio-economically equitable neighbourhoods.
Open Access
An analysis of the quality of property management principles in the South African public sector – a focus on residential property
(University of the Free State, 2015) Maletswa, Girles-kate; Boshoff, Douw
English: The aim of this paper is to investigate the applicability of public-sector residential property management as implemented by the Department of Public Works (DPW) at national level to current leasing management practices. The article investigates current best practice in leasing of residential property and evaluates the applicability of these practices to the DPW, as the landlord, when letting out surplus residential properties. The findings indicate that the DPW residential leasing management is not in line with best practices, together with inadequate capacity in terms of the size of the portfolio and the requisite expertise to adopt and implement effective lease management of surplus state-owned residential property. Thus the DPW property-leasing function should be subjected to a review and re-engineering of the current status quo with guidance from an independent property-management advisory committee or reference group.
Open Access
An analysis of the use of mass appraisal methods for agricultural properties
(University of the Free State, 2017) Van der Walt, Kobus; Boshoff, Douw
English: There are numerous factors that influence the price of a farm and some of these factors are not monetary related. This makes the task of the valuer complex and increases the possibility of large differences in the estimated market value determined and the actual selling price. This article reports the results of a study that analysed the unique and distinctive attributes of farms, in order to determine whether it is possible to develop a linear multiple regression model for the valuation of farms (which satisfies accuracy requirements) with reasonably available data. The improvement of accuracy levels of Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) models as well as the limitations of using these MRA models during farm evaluations was also studied. By following a stepwise regression approach, 60 farms, primarily located in the eco-zone “mixed bushveld” western area of the Limpopo province, were analysed using ten independent variables. Three models have been developed. The results showed that a fairly accurate regression model could be developed. However, a model that achieves a high level of accuracy could not be developed, due to multifaceted reasons, including non-farm factors and the size of the geographical areas. Accurate MRA valuation estimates will be to the advantage of individual farm owners regarding their municipal tax assessments. It will lead to a wider use of MRAs for the valuation of farms, but great circumspect should be taken when using MRA models in farm valuations. This is due to the possibility that the MRA models do not satisfy minimum accuracy requirements. It is difficult, but possible, to develop a fairly accurate MRA model for the valuation of farms. Therefore, if currently used MRA models are not fairly accurate for municipal valuation purposes, it should be possible to improve the accuracy. Further research is recommended in the use of other regression techniques such as non-linear, geographic weighted regression and quantile regression. These other techniques would, however, require a larger data sample, in order to provide meaningful results.
Open Access
Architecture, heritage, history, memory
(University of the Free State, 2004) Lipman, Alan
English: ... when the modern world finds that the eclecticism of the present is barren and fruitless, and that it needs and will have a style of architecture which ... can only be as part of a change as wide and as deep as that which destroyed Feudalism; when it has come to that conclusion, the style of architecture will have to be historic in the true sense; it will not be able to dispense with tradition; it cannot begin at least without doing something quite different from anything that has been done before; yet whatever the form of it may be, the spirit of it will be in sympathy with the needs and aspirations of its own time, not simulations of needs and aspirations passed away. Thus it will remember the history of the past, make history in the present, and teach history in the future. (William Morris, 1889 in Cole, ed.,1944, p. 492)
Open Access
The art of the brick: reviewed
(University of the Free State, 2004) Groves, Derham
English: To celebrate Australia’s strong tradition of brick architecture, as well as the largely unsung art of bricklaying, Australian architect and curator, Derham Groves, organized two complementary public exhibitions of full-scale brick structures designed by various architects and artists. The results were an intriguing mixture of art and the everyday, as Groves describes in the following article.
Open Access
Assessment of housing quality in Ibeju-Lekki peri-urban settlement, Lagos State, Nigeria
(University of the Free State, 2018) Adedire, Funmilayo; Adegbile, Michael
English: This article assesses housing quality in Ibeju-Lekki, a peripheral settlement outside Lagos metropolitan region. Using purposive sampling, 370 housing units from clusters of 16 periurban settlements constituted the sample size. Primary data was sourced through structured questionnaires, interview (with local planning personnel) and observation schedules administered through a field survey. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, data analysis was done using descriptive analysis to generate frequencies and percentages on socio-economic profile, neighbourhood quality, locational quality, dwelling quality, and building materials used. Tests of correlation were conducted on the mean of variables of neighbourhood quality, locational quality and building materials, derived through recoding of variables by means of Transform statistical tool, to establish the factors influencing housing quality in the study area. The findings show a significant positive correlation between household income and housing quality. The latter is found to be influenced by respondents’ socio-economic attributes, building materials, neighbourhood quality, and locational quality in the study area. It can be concluded that socio-economic characteristics, predominantly income of households, play a major role in the level of housing quality that can be accessed in the study area. It is, therefore, recommended that the state government and private developers should promote alternative building materials, in order to enhance housing affordability by the low-income group. This will reduce the spread of informal housing development. In addition, the state government should align urban policy to eliminate disparity in infrastructural development which has impacted on poor neighbourhood and locational quality in Lagos peri-urban settlements.
Open Access
An assessment of the causes, cost effects and solutions to design-errorinduced variations on selected building projects in Nigeria
(University of the Free State, 2018) Dosumu, Oluwaseun; Aigbavboa, Clinton
English: Design errors and variations are inherently part of many construction projects and require deliberate effort to combat. The literature reviewed indicates that empirical studies of the cost effect of design-error-induced variations are scarce. This study investigates the causes of variation on building projects, the frequent design errors that lead to variation, the effects of design error on variation cost, and solutions to design-error-induced variation in design documents. A mixed methods research (interviews and 30 case study building projects) was used to collect the necessary data for the study. Interviews were conducted with 25 construction professionals to obtain information on the causes of variation on building projects and solutions to design-error-induced variation on building construction projects. Thirty documents including valuation breakdowns and variation/change order documents were obtained by convenience sampling technique and used for the extraction of design errors leading to variations and their associated costs. The data was analysed with frequencies and percentages. The study found that poor working drawing and lack of coordination among design documents are the major causes of variation. Errors in design calculations and wrong descriptions in specifications are prominent design errors that led to variation. Design errors account for roughly 36% of the variation cost of building projects. Structural and architectural drawings contain the largest number of errors among design documents, but electrical and mechanical documents have the highest contribution to variation cost. The study concluded that variation costs could be minimized if government policies, aimed at ensuring proper contract documentation, were put in place, and construction professionals were limited to their core roles on construction projects. Rechecking of design documents prior to use, knowledge sharing, and use of computer programs were among the recommended solutions to design-error-induced variation in project documents.
Open Access
An assessment of the feasible application of environmental valuation methods on Rand Water open-space
(University of the Free State, 2008) Bouwer, Rinus; Hendrick, Richard; Taylor, Megan; Kruger, Andre
English: Rand Water has contracted University of South Africa (UNISA) to develop a monetary valuation method for its open spaces and its inherent ecological functions. This article begins by reviewing existing contemporary definitions for open space in South Africa and then identifies the key characteristics thereof. Open Spaces in the Gauteng urban environment is in a crisis and factors such as open space coverage standards, sale of open space, crime and the impact of the apartheid legacy are briefly examined. Rand Water’s open space contributes to the total open space stock of Gauteng province. Any shortage of open space and threats to the sustainable management and expansion of the open space network of the province therefore has a direct bearing on how Rand Water views and manages its open space resources. Environmental resource economics provides economists and environmentalists with various instruments to place a monetary value on the environment. The available valuation instruments are briefly reviewed and questionnaires are developed from this to determine whether it can be applied by Rand Water staff to obtain values at a minimal cost, in a short space of time, and whether it assesses the various use and non-use values.
Open Access
Assessment of time management practices of small medium sized contractors in project delivery in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2021) Sogaxa, Athenkosi; Simpeh, Eric; Ndihokubwayo, Ruben
The purpose of this article is to assess the effective time-management practices adopted by construction SMEs to enhance successful construction project delivery. A mixed methods approach, consisting of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was adopted. A questionnaire was distributed to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) management team purposively selected from CIDB Grades 1 to 4 registered contractors under the general building category. The quantitative data were analysed, using descriptive statistics. To validate quantitative findings, semi structured interviews were conducted with randomly selected respondents who were part of the survey study where content analysis was adopted. The findings revealed that the most adopted effective time-management practices to enhance the sustainable success rate of construction SMEs in South Africa included progress meeting with consultants to ensure regular monitoring of the work progress, strategic planning to recover time lost, effective management of subcontractors, and allocation of tasks to workers according to their skills and expertise. It should be noted that the quantitative findings were consistent with the qualitative findings, and revealed that effective project planning, periodic progress meetings and labour production contribute to the sustainable success rate of SMEs. The results obtained from this article could be adopted as SMEs’ effective time-management practices to enhance sustainable construction project delivery.
Open Access
Assuring health and safety performance on construction projects: clients’ role and influence
(University of the Free State, 2012) Musonda, Innocent; Pretorius, Jan-Harm; Haupt, Theo
English: This article presents findings from an investigation conducted in Botswana and South Africa on how construction clients could influence health and safety (H&S) performance on construction projects. The continued poor state of construction H&S and the inability of designers and contractors to influence an industry-wide H&S culture change motivated the article. It was also recognised that one of the reasons the construction industry continued to lag in H&S performance was the way in which H&S implementation and management was organised. The article proposes a client-centred model for H&S performance improvement. The conceptual model and its factors were developed from both literature and a Delphi survey. Structural equation modelling was applied to data collected from a questionnaire survey to design a best fit model. The key finding was that, generally, client H&S culture impacted on project H&S performance. The influence of clients was found to be statistically significant when commitment, communication and H&S procedures were evident. This finding was encouraging as it specifically shows how clients could influence performance. However, it remains to be seen whether these results could be replicated in other datasets. If indeed that is the case, then this article contributes significantly to the body of knowledge.
Open Access
Bemagtiging: ’n geïntegreerde model vir die ontwikkeling van opkomende kontrakteurs in die konstruksiebedryf
(University of the Free State, 2005) Hauptfleisch, A. C.
English: In this review an empowerment model for construction emerging contractors is described. It is based on experimental research and the continuous ap plication thereof during the last decade in the construction industry in South Africa. The numerous roleplayers which entered the scene over time and their participation are briefly described. An important observation is that the model is composed of generic elements and can probably be applied in the same format in other industries.
Open Access
Benchmarking SMMEs’ management performance in the built environment of Gauteng province, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2010) Ladzani, Watson; Smith, Nico; Pretorius, Leon
English: In South Africa, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are characterised by poor management, weak entrepreneurial performance and low global competitiveness, among other challenges. The primary objective of this article is to identify reasons for this poor performance of SMMEs in the building construction industry. Secondary objectives were to evaluate, benchmark and rank the management performance of SMMEs in this industry. An evaluative, comparative, analysis research design was constructed to do the research. A total of 326 employees from 64 randomly selected SMMEs participated in a self-assessment evaluation process. The Performance Excellence Self-assessment Questionnaire (PESQ) was used to collect primary data. Secondary data on the models of management performance was obtained from relevant publications. The study established management performance benchmarks for SMMEs in the Built Environment. SMMEs in the study area in South Africa do not benchmark their management performance against world-class and SADC best practices. The three lowest ranked criteria out of the eleven management performance criteria evaluated were social responsibility, business processes, and planning and strategy. These criteria were the main causes of poor management performance of SMMEs. The study concluded with a summary of management performance scores and recommendations for improving productivity and benchmarking of SMMEs in the building construction industry against international comparative levels.
Open Access
Beyond Egan’s supply chain management: advancing the role of logistics in the South African construction industry
(University of the Free State, 2007) Shakantu, Winston; Tookey, John; Muya, Manya; Bowen, Paul
English: The construction industry has globally been identified by investors and portfolio managers as under-performing in terms of return on investment (ROI), while simultaneously exposing the capital investment of investors to the highest levels of risk compared to any significant industry. In some cases, construction firms have received rates of return of as low as 1.5 to 2%. This is typically an unsustainable level of return for investors as they can gain a considerably higher ROI through much less risky financial vehicles such as gilts and bonds. Given such a low rate of return, the construction industry has for a number of years attempted to increase efficiency and reduce costs as a means of winning further business and increasing profitability. One of the methods that have been espoused as offering significant potential benefits for construction has been the industry-wide adoption of the principles of supply chain management (SCM). However, at present the bulk of SCM practice is focussed on high level strategic issues, whilst largely ignoring more operational issues related to logistics. This is a major omission, given the fact that a recent study by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK indicates that as much as 30% of the cost of construction is attributed to transportation of materials. This article examines, through a review of literature, the role of SCM in construction and the contribution an effective logistics system can make to increasing efficiency and reducing construction costs.
Open Access
Building an infrastructure project performance in the North-West Province Department of Public Works and Roads
(University of the Free State, 2017) Murwira, Davison; Bekker, Michiel
English: Building and infrastructure projects at the North-West Province Department of Public Works and Roads (NW DPWR) often perform poorly in terms of overrunning both the original approved timeline and the budget. Adding to poor time and cost performances, these projects often do not meet the desired functional requirements. This article reports on findings of a study which investigated the causes of these poor performances in the NW DPWR. Fifty potential causes of poor performance were identified from literature. These factors were grouped under three main related categories of owner-related, contractorrelated and consultant-related and were subjected to a questionnaire survey to identify the most critical causes of failure. The results were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficients. The results indicated that the most significant causes of poor building and infrastructure project performance in the NW DPWR include underestimation of project cost, the lack of experience in executing projects, contractor’s cash-flow constraints, corruption and bribery during the bidding and contract award phase, as well as poor site management and supervision. Recommendations are made to prevent similar causes of projects failure in the NW DPWR in future.
Open Access
Building performance evaluation of public housing in Harare, Zimbabwe
(University of the Free State, 2021) Chombo, Ignatius Morgen; Youm, Sang Hoon
This study sought to evaluate the performance of residential building spaces in public housing in Harare, Zimbabwe. It specifically measured building performance indicators determined by the building’s characteristics and the physical, locational and service attributes of buildings. A quantitative research design was adopted, in which questionnaires and observations were used in data collection. A two-stage sampling technique was used, because the population could be subdivided into clusters. From residents in three clusters, which include Highfield-Venice Flats, Avenues Flats and Mbare Flats, 263 respondents were conveniently chosen. Results from the independent t-test that was conducted showed that, at 95% confidence level, there exist significant differences in residential satisfaction among residents of Highfield-Venice Flats and those of Avenues Flats (t = 2.159, p-value= 0.035>0.05). Overall, residents are dissatisfied with the attributes of the buildings in which they live and the general residential situation. There is a general dissatisfaction with the buildings, suggesting that the building performance is not meeting their needs and expectations. Housing attribute preferences, privacy, dwelling proximity, and neighbourhood attachment showed a significant and positive impact on general residential satisfaction. Hence, there is a need to improve housing attribute preferences such as improving the quality of air and lighting as well as noise levels, since respondents expressed dissatisfaction with these attributes. Housing ceilings can be installed to reduce noise levels. More so, the quality of air and lighting can be improved by inserting more air ventilations and wider windowpanes. Privacy should be improved by ensuring that the residential structures have boundary walls that may be needed by the residents. More so, dwelling proximity ought to be improved. The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities and other public housing institutions can consider developing structures such as shopping centres, public schools as well as roads and social amenities such as parks, pools and workout facilities before they build residential houses.
Open Access
The calculation of acceleration costs on construction projects
(University of the Free State, 2009) Maritz, Tinus; Schutte, Andries
English: A lack of understanding often exists between contractors, client organisations and consultants as to what may, and what may not, be included in acceleration claims on construction projects. The aim of this article is to create a better understanding of the complexity of acceleration claims. It should also lead to new insights into claim procedures and the substantiation of acceleration costs. The impacts and delays which may result in acceleration claims on a project were analysed as they form the basis for establishing liability in terms of a particular contract. Matters of principle that are applicable to acceleration claims, regardless of the form of contract recommended for use in the South African construction industry, were also examined. The findings indicate that there are significant differences on a number of aspects regarding the calculation of acceleration costs on construction projects between contractors, consultants and employers/developers. The majority of the respondents, however, were of the opinion that of the various methods used for calculating acceleration costs, the time impact analysis is most frequently applied, but that the modified total cost approach is the method most suitable on projects where there is a significant increase in the scope of work, something that occurs regularly on construction projects.
Open Access
The calculation of acceleration costs on construction projects
(University of the Free State, 2009) Maritz, Tinus; Schutte, Andries
English: A lack of understanding often exists between contractors, client organisations and consultants as to what may, and what may not, be included in acceleration claims on construction projects. The aim of this article is to create a better understanding of the complexity of acceleration claims. It should also lead to new insights into claim procedures and the substantiation of acceleration costs. The impacts and delays which may result in acceleration claims on a project were analysed as they form the basis for establishing liability in terms of a particular contract. Matters of principle that are applicable to acceleration claims, regardless of the form of contract recommended for use in the South African construction industry, were also examined. The findings indicate that there are significant differences on a number of aspects regarding the calculation of acceleration costs on construction projects between contractors, consultants and employers/developers. The majority of the respondents, however, were of the opinion that of the various methods used for calculating acceleration costs, the time impact analysis is most frequently applied, but that the modified total cost approach is the method most suitable on projects where there is a significant increase in the scope of work, something that occurs regularly on construction projects.
Open Access
The capacity of emerging civil engineering contractors
(University of the Free State, 2008) Ramokolo, Bruce; Smallwood, John
English: Construction management competencies are essential to realise sound practices among and to realise optimum performance by, inter alia, emerging civil engineering contractors. Such competencies enable the success of the business of construction and the management of projects, with increased efficiency and reduced costs as a benefit. The article presents the findings of a Masters study, the objectives in general being to determine the current practices and performance of emerging civil engineering contractors in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The descriptive method was adopted in the empirical study. The salient findings of the study are: most of the emerging civil engineering contractors do not possess civil engineering related qualifications; construction resources are inappropriately managed leading to construction failures; skills programmes are not well structured and supported; there is a lack of capacity at all management levels of the organisations in terms of managing the business of construction and projects; the nine functions of organisations in the form of general management, technical or production, procurement, marketing, financial, human resources, public relations, legal, and administration and information technology, are not comprehensively represented; and self-ratings indicate inadequacy relative to the controlling function of management work, and relative to certain activities of the organising function. The article concludes that emerging civil engineering contractors lack the requisite competencies and resources to realise sustainable contracting organisations. The article recommends that formal civil engineering and construction management education and training should be promoted throughout the industry for all categories of civil engineering contracting organisations. The article further recommends that all nine functions should be adequately staffed with suitably qualified people in order to manage and undertake the work successfully. Organisations should have the requisite construction-related resources, and owners and managers should market their organisations to ensure the sustainability thereof.
Open Access
The carbon footprint and embodied energy of construction material: a comparative analysis of South African BRT stations
(University of the Free State, 2014) Hugo, Jan; Barker, Arthur; Stoffberg, Hennie
English: This article describes strategic design decisions that architects can make during the initial stages of a project to minimise the use of construction materials, reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. A proposed prototypical Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station Switch is used as a case study. The investigation focuses on minimising the use of construction materials through an iterative design and assessment process. This article extends an earlier study which analysed existing BRT stations in South Africa by conducting comparative life-cycle analyses (LCA). The earlier study by Hugo, Stoffberg & Barker (2012) identified a series of guidelines to inform the design of low-carbon and embodied energy BRT stations and determined a specific station, the MyCiti station, as the most efficient in terms of its carbon footprint and embodied energy intensity. As a result, the MyCiti station was identified as benchmark for future LCAs of station designs. The Switch prototypical BRT station is purpose designed for the Tshwane1 context and uses the identified guidelines (Hugo, Stoffberg & Barker, 2012) as well as carbon footprint (CF) and embodied energy (EE) of construction systems and materials as design informants generated from a study conducted by Jones (2011b). These informed material choices, use of low-carbon structural systems and integration of multifunctional station components. A cradle-to-gate2 life-cycle assessment compares the CF and EE of the Switch station and an existing South African precedent, the MyCiti station in Cape Town. The Switch station is 35% and 34% (4.08 GJ/m2 & 378.6kgCO2/m2 vs 6.28 GJ/m2 & 574.7kgCO2/m2) more efficient than the existing MyCiti station, in terms of respective embodied energy intensity and carbon-footprint intensity. This prototype is proposed as a benchmark for prospective life-cycle analyses to inform the material choice and design of future BRT stations in South Africa.

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