No description available.

The flexible partition, one of the main components of the flexible housing schemes in West European countries exhibited a comparative technological lack. This research investigated the adaptability of selected commercial flexible partitions available in the North American market to residences since the most realistic way to influence the technological process was to start from the known products and developing them in an innovative direction. The consequences of the proposed sectoral transfer were seen as immediate and long term effects and categorized into three groups of constraints: legal, technological and marketing constraints. The context of evaluation was drawn, and the performance concept was used to form a set of evaluation criteria. Fifty partition systems were reviewed, characterized and mismatched portions were screened out. The analysis with thirteen selected partition systems suggested that the performances of most of them were above the level required for dwelling. The study showed that most of them were economically more feasible as compared to fixed gyproc partitions if life-cycle costs were considered. Since the study showed that the partitions were sound in technical terms, it recommended further studies to look into the matter of modifying them by introducing new materials which would cut down the unnecessary performances and might reduce the initial cost as well.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1981. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-124). / This thesis initially focuses on the development of the U.S. stick-built house. The material and construction methods of the structure remain simple and unchanged, whereas the non-structural elements offer an enormous variety of choices in materials and components as a result of the improvements in technology . In Chapter 2, a case study of the U.S. system suggests that the stick-built house has a great potential for self-help construction, with least subcontracting, rental of some special tools and equipment and the use of prefabricated materials. A comparison of the U.S. and Japanese systems shows that the Japanese system offers lesser potential for self-help . On the average, higher skills would be required in on-site assembly. Difficulties would occur in using members of different sizes and joining methods. Also, there would be less flexibility in future change of housing design. The author recommends greater simplification of structural members for production and construction methods in Japan. / by Yutaka Takase. / M.S.

Thesis (B.Arch)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1970. / by Sanford Bond, Robert J. Slattery. / B.Arch

Thesis. 1975. M.Arch.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. / Bibliography: leaves 188-189. / by Michael S. Harris. / M.Arch.

The object of this study was to investigate the recent developments in the use of precast prestressed concrete members for buildings in the United States and Iran. In the United States, the study was concerned with developments in the usage of members such as slabs, wall panels, beams and columns. The latest technical and engineering reports, along with personal interviews, were used, and a number of case studies were conducted on recently built structures. The author also studied the newest developments in the precast concrete industry in Iran. A questionnaire was formulated in both Persian (native language of Iran) and English, and was sent to twelve of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in Iran. This study was extended to include the use of precast concrete members in alleviating Iran's housing shortage, which is one of the greatest problems facing the country today. From these studies the following observations have been made with respect to the United States: There is a vast variety of precast concrete units designed and manufactured in the country. The majority of precast concrete units in buildings are assembled by using simple connections. There has been great improvement in the quality of sealant materials. In the case studies conducted, it was evident that proper planning in design, production, transportation and erection of members were the major reasons in lowering the cost of precast concrete structures as compared to cast-in-place structures. The rapid increase in the use of precast concrete members is due to repetition of similar members, increase in strength and serviceability by prestressing, rapid construction, better quality control, improvement in handling and fire resistance qualities. In the case of Iran, the following observations have been made: The use of precast concrete members has increased rapidly in the last decade. Precast concrete construction, with proper sheer design, appears suitable in areas where there is stronger and more frequent earthquake occurrence. Precast concrete members are considered to be suitable for low-cost housing projects because of the availability of cement and steel reinforcement, an inadequate supply of wood and also because of the advantages of precast concrete mentioned above.

edited by Albert G. H. Dietz [and] Laurence S. Cutler. / Papers selected from 2 M.I.T. special summer sessions: Aug. 18-29, 1969 and June 16-20, 1970. / Bibliography: p. [253]-[255]