Azizul Hoque - SN: 14032147

BENV GA05 Year 5 Thesis

Research Methods

Introduction
In order to define what a research method is, we must clarify its appropriation of application. In
Academia, research driven works are created in every subject at every level and the research is
considered an investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding (Denison,
2015). Similarly, the research method is the strategy used by the researcher to acquire the necessary
information required for the final product. This strategy uses different techniques that are carried out
in a systematic order to make the product convincing, understandable, and true to the intention of the
researcher.

1. Resource Category 5: Material Efficiency in Construction,

M.C. Moynihan, J.M Allwood, S.Kaethner.

The Aim of this research is to argue the necessity of material efficiency in construction in order to
meet carbon emissions targets by 2050, with a focus on steel and cement. The question deployed in
this paper to stimulate the research method is What strategies will designers, contractors and
suppliers need to employ by 2050? (Moynihan et al, 2012, p.33). By identifying the area of
investigation with the use of materials in the construction industry and proposing an architecturally
relative question, the research method is able to provide architectural knowledge and understanding.
The core research method in this paper is based on an existing research methodology (WellMet2050)
that has been used to assess material efficiency on a global industrial level. The application of this
method for the construction sector is manifested in supporting data, graphs, diagrams and texts within
the research.
An initial point on steel and cement consumption in the construction industry and its effect on
emissions is made, followed by a suggestion that will help reduce emissions. Expansion on the
concerns of emissions is also backed by a pie chart diagram Fig.1 (p.33), although the data depicted
in this diagram is not distinctly architectural. However, the paper ties down the construction industrys
role within this data and thus provides an architectural understanding of the situation at large. The
research distinguishes the overall implementation on emissions from all industries, and the
construction industry alone. For example, the majority of emissions that the construction sector is
responsible for come from the use of steel and cement. The research method used to support this is
manifested in Table 1 (p.33.) The table depicts the types of products made from concrete and steel,
and the quantities of each used in building construction and infrastructure. The point is to emphasise
the widespread use of these products on a global industrial level, and to contrast this with the material
efficiency required in the construction sector.
Once the agenda and strategy have been clarified, the focus of the research shifts to material
efficiency in the construction industry. The research method is a cross-examination of the material
efficiency methodology and its effect on the construction sectors material use, which is then

employed to figure out how much of the material can be saved and reduced. The methodology has
three strategic points that relate to material efficiency, and the examination takes these points into the
construction field to compare the results, as each strategy has varying outcomes when focused on
construction material uses. The paper explicitly states, The project process was to focus on scale,
investigating the largest material flows (Moynihan et al, 2012, p.33). Data presented through the
methodology depicted the following results: how much of the material was being used, where the
material was being used in the construction sector, and the potential effectiveness of the reduction
strategy points.
The method then expands on the data of the methodology - WellMet2050, and provides an
explanation for the impact on the construction sector with regards to steel and cement use. The
explanation is backed by a series of graphs and diagrams; Fig.2, Fig.3, Fig.4 and Fig.6 (p.34)
depicting the distribution areas and quantities of use. The data helps support the papers argument
and also provides architectural knowledge. The tables and diagrams are included in the text to further
clarify the nature of the results and what they imply for the papers argument. For example, the paper
describes how the pie graphs in fig.2 and fig.4 show that material use in buildings is relatively evenly
spread between sectors (Moynihan et al, 2012, p.34). The research method becomes more explicit
when the paper starts to detail the sources used to gather the data:
This was achieved by combining top-down reports of material flows with bottom-up studies, utilising
sources from trade associations, academia, industry, case studies and design guides. (Moynihan et
al, 2012, p.34)

The goal of the examination was to identify where the use of cement and steel in the construction
industry can be made efficient. Results for this goal were produced based on the three strategies
identified in the research methodology. Table 2 (p.34) is the key piece of data that is used to illustrate
and discuss the potential of the intended method strategies, and the paper tries to argue the
effectiveness of the strategies based on the data collected. For example, under the strategy of Using
Less, departing from recto-linear geometries for concrete elements can save up to 40% of material
use by weight (Moynihan et al, 2012, p.34). This example is also evidence of the architectural
knowledge being delivered.

Nonetheless, the effectiveness of this research method to justify the necessity of material efficiency
action with regards to cement is unconvincing because the paper states that the methodology
(WellMet2050) is used to examine the use of metal in industry. This is an especially weak argument
when considering that the construction sector uses all cement worldwide for building and
infrastructure. The research method addresses this is by considering both steel and cement as
important materials within construction, (Moynihan et al, 2012, p.33) and while it doesnt go into
specific detail, Fig.4 (p.34) does indicate global cement usage by sector. Where the use of steel is
expressed in detail and supported by tables and diagrams, cement is simply described as being
distributed in similar proportions (Moynihan et al, 2012, p.33).

2. Resource Category 1: History and overview of fabric formwork: using fabrics for concrete
casting,
D. Veenendaal et al.

The focus of this paper is on how the use of fabric formwork in concrete construction has evolved
throughout history. This aim is presented by providing an overview of fabric formwork, key
innovators, technological developments and examples of structures (Veenendaal et al, 2011, p. 164).
The resulting information should conclude into an architectural classification of the subject and a
formal definition of fabric formwork, with a research method supported by images, diagrams and text.
The text puts an emphasis on the individuals responsible for the building technologies associated with
fabric formwork in order to strengthen their core research ambition and draw their experiences to a
position that provides architectural knowledge and understanding. Another focus of the paper is put
on the resulting technological patents. The patents are points of reference in the research method that
signify the changes and development of fabric formwork in concrete construction. Examples of the
different patents are presented chronologically throughout the research, some discussed in detail and
others noted for reference.
Fabric formwork is described as a building technology that involves the use of structural membranes
as the main facing material for concrete moulds (Veenendaal et al, 2011, p. 164).
The research method used to elaborate this point can be described as a historically analytical
biographical narrative whose chronological discussion begins during the Roman period. Examples of
this periods fabric formwork (known as reed basket) are described by their physical properties,
location of use, and technique of construction. The differences and qualities in each example are
highlighted. Based on the properties of the examples depicted, a conclusion as to why these building
techniques were used, is suggested. This method of comparison is backed by two images in Fig 1
and Fig 2 (p.164), which illustrate the examples of the fabric formworks discussed in this section.
The paper advances chronologically to discuss developments in the 18

th

and 19

th

century, and

inventors Gustav Lilienthal and James Waller are distinguished for their roles in the development of
fabric formworks during this period. Their building techniques are analysed and critiqued, thus
resulting the inventor's recognition. The research method is used here to argue why the individuals
and their building techniques are important to the understanding of the subject, but also how the two
techniques draw similarities through comparison. Based on the running chronological factor of the
research method, it is suggested that Wallers system expands on Lilienthals original concept.
Diagrams in Fig 3, Fig.4 and Fig.5 (p.165) illustrate both individual techniques and support a visual
comparison of Lilienthals initial system against the evolved construction systems devised by Waller.
th

The sequential narrative follows the works of James Waller through the early 20 century and depicts
the accounts of significant projects that result in a body of architectural knowledge that helps support
the intended purpose of the research. There are three images Fig.6, Fig.7 and Fig.8 (p.166) which
give visual reference to the research method in this section. The text describes all the technical

aspects of the works discussed and the images serve to make the knowledge understandable. For
example, attention is drawn to the first column free rectangular building of importance (Veenendaal
et al, 2011, p. 166). The image that this description is referring to is Fig.6. In other words, architectural
knowledge is acquired by understanding the narrative and cross referencing it with the supporting
image.
From the technical roots of the fabric formwork, the discussion is then focused on the architectural
aesthetic influences while remaining in a time-sequenced order. This is to strengthen the research on
the development of fabric formwork throughout its history. The significant figure discussed here to
evidence the point is Miguel Fisac. The research method puts strong emphasis on the images Fig.9,
Fig.10 and Fig.11 (p.167) to support the aesthetic argument of fabric formwork. The method is
effective because when discussing the visual quality of a specific historical style or technique, images
to reference the argument can make the research more convincing and understandable. The text
describes the qualities of different projects that Fisac was responsible for, and the underlying
conditions that brought them about are also described. Focus is put on Fisac being responsible for
some amount of change in architectural thought when considering building forms and contextual
design. The projects and their aesthetic formwork can be cross-referenced in the supporting images.
In the proceeding sections, the subject is discussed outside the architectural field, thereby broadening
its development and bringing the concept closer to a more recent chronological realm. The paper
consistently deploys the research method by referencing key innovators, technological patents, and
project implementations all supported by images and diagrams.
An aspect that is stressed in preparation for the conclusion of this research is the way the subject is
classified. Following a thorough discussion with referenced sources, Fig.29 (p.174) is a diagram that
illustrates the taxonomy of Fabric Formwork and Formwork liners. Based on these, the research
method provides a complex explanation that gives substance to the subject.
It is questionable whether or not the research method has led to a new definition of the technology,
and it does not go into detail over conflicting ideas on the subject for not providing substantial
evidence as to why a new definition is needed. A taxonomy of the technology is suggested as shown
in Fig.29 (p.174.). Through the chronological narrative depicted with the use of image references, the
research thoroughly elaborates on the history and overview of Fabric Formwork and provides
substantial architectural knowledge.

Bibliography

D. Veenendaal et al., 'History and overview of fabric formwork: using fabrics for concrete
casting', Structural Concrete (2011), 12 (1), 30-35
M.C. Moynihan, J.M Allwood, S.Kaethner, 'Material Efficiency in Construction, Arup Research Review
2012, http://www.arup.com/Home/Publications/Research_review.aspx
E. Denison, Research Methods WS1 ED (2015)

Word count: 1928