This thesis presents a new concept in steel-concrete-steel sandwich construction in which a bi-directional corrugated-strip core is proposed as an alternative inclined shear connector. The focus is on the feasibility study of fabrication techniques and the theoretical study of the structural responses of both unfilled and concrete-filled steel-concrete-steel sandwich beams under static flexural loading using numerical and analytical methods. Two possible fabrication techniques to create the proposed bi-directional corrugatedstrip core are presented. The unfilled sandwich beam is studied using a finite element method and three analytical methods referred to as the modified stiffness matrix, the braced frame analogy, and the discrete beam methods The finite element method is used to investigate the stiffness and strength behaviour of the unfilled sandwich beam. The modified stiffness matrix method provides good correlation with the finite element method. The other two analytical methods are less accurate. The assessment of the effect of geometrical parameters defining the bi-directional corrugated-strip core is carried out. The responses of the strength and stiffness, especially the transverse shear stiffness, are examined and discussed. The optimum configuration of the core is found at the angle of the inclined part of the corrugation is about 45o. The concrete-filled sandwich beam is studied using the fnite element method. The finite element method is used to investigate the transverse shear strength and the crack development of a four-point loaded concrete-filled sandwich beam. The assessment of the effect of geometrical parameters defining the inclined shear connectors is carried out. The responses of the concrete-filled sandwich beam are examined and discussed. The optimum advantage of the transverse shear strength of the concrete-filled sandwich beam is also found when the inclined shear connectors align at an angle 45o. It is found that creating the proposed core with a 45o pattern provides a great advantage in transverse shear stiffness and strength in both the unfilled and concrete-filled sandwich beams.

A large number of Building Services Engineering (BSE) graduates from UK universities either already live and work abroad, or aspire to do so, and the destinations for such migrants are most often English-speaking countries or countries where English is commonly used in business. Academic programmes in BSE are usually professionally accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) under licence from the Engineering Council (EC). In the common destination countries for UK BSE graduates the Washington, Sydney and Dublin Accord (WSDA) agreements prevail, meaning that there is a mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and professional accreditation of academic courses, and this facilitates international mobility. Since it is widely accepted that buildings account for as much as 50% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, it could be said that there is a worldwide sustainability agenda with respect to buildings. The common factor across national boundaries is that Building Services Engineers, as central members of building design teams, must provide much of the specialist practical knowledge to enable more energy efficient buildings to be designed and constructed, and it is therefore likely that UK educated engineers will be working in far more varied overseas locations in the near future. The main aim of the work is to synthesise an education and training model to encourage and enable international mobility of UK BSE graduates, and to carry out some evaluation of this model. This work sets out initially to question whether a UK education in BSE necessarily provides UK graduates with the best possible skillset for work abroad. The influence of the EC upon the content of BSE study programmes has been examined, and the research assesses the benefits of the EC’s influence in countries with different economic and political priorities to the UK, other western economies and to the WSDA countries. Following identification and analysis of the main issues, the model was constructed and evaluations were made using semi-structured interviews. The methodology used in this research is necessarily underpinned by a pragmatist paradigm, which has led to the use of a mixed methods blended approach. In addition to thorough review and analysis of literature, the practical methods employed include a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews in three phases: an exploratory phase, an in-depth analysis, and a concluding phase. The early conclusions indicated that the EC influence upon BSE study programmes is generally regarded as necessary and beneficial, since it provides an engineering skillset that is internationally respected and recognised. There is, however, less confidence in applying this in an international arena outside of the WSDA umbrella since different parts of the world face different economic challenges, divergent societal imperatives, and diverse attitudes to sustainability and green issues. An education and training model was constructed to address these issues and, after initial testing, was found generally to be a workable proposition to enhance the international prospects of UK BSEs, and further, could be adopted in the UK under the auspices of the Degree Apprenticeship initiatives. Such a model is, however, unlikely to be adopted in many overseas locations due to differing cultural views on the value of work-based learning and apprenticeship.

Examined in this study were some physical, mechanical, compositional and durability properties of AAC, its neighboring plasters and jointing adhesive, all of which were produced in Turkey. The compatibility of these materials inside the contemporary wall section and within historic fabric was discussed in terms of their material properties. In addition to the literature survey, laboratory studies were conducted on two types of AAC as G2 and G4, its jointing adhesive and exterior finishing layers as base coat, under coat, finish coat, water repellent finish coat / and some historical traditional construction materials of Anatolia as timber, masonry and infill brick, lime based exterior and interior plasters. The results were evaluated in terms of material properties of AAC, the compatibility of AAC and its complementary elements with each other and with the historic timber framed structures in Anatolia. It was concluded that the use of AAC in repairs of historical structures could be discussed only if the original infill is lost. In addition, its cement-plasters should be avoided from the historic fabric since they introduce salt problems to the structure. In terms of vapor permeability and modulus of elasticity, water repellent finish coat was proper finishing for AAC, and AAC, especially G4, exhibited similarities with historic infill mud brick. Further studies on other compatibility parameters were, however, necessary to decide on the compatibility of AAC with its neighboring materials. Moreover, the integrity of AAC with the historic fabric needed improvement by increasing its pozzolanicity and/or producing a new intermediary repair mortar/plaster.

It is vital that Turkey keep abreast of developments in the world and build up its technology to become a developed country. Steel construction is one of these areas. In this context, the main purpose of this study was to define, analyze and evaluate the general characteristics of structural steel and steel construction with the purpose of throwing new light on its advantages and disadvantages. Within this framework, a literature survey was conducted on structural steel components and structures / and on steel construction in Turkey. Additionally, a case study was carried out on a steel office building in Ankara. In this, the T&uuml / rkiye Esnaf ve Sanatkar Kredi Kefalet Kooperatifleri Merkez Birligi (TESKOMB) Building was investigated in terms of the design and production criteria for steel structures and to determine problems faced during these processes. As a result of this study, the existing condition of the construction sector and the means to improve use of structural steel in Turkey were discussed more realistically.

Construction contracts are one of the most important tools in the construction sector. They define the various aspects, obligations and relations between each party that are necessary to reach a common expected goal. They contribute to successful completion of projects. Turkish construction companies have successfully completed many projects in domestic and international venues and gained important experience in this respect / however, they still encounter problems in application. The aim of this study was: - to analyze Yapim &amp / #272 / slerine Ait Tip S&ouml / zlesme (Standard Contract for Construction Works, YIATS) of Kamu &amp / #272 / hale Kurumu (Public Procurement Authority KIK) and F&eacute / d&eacute / ration Internationale des Ing&eacute / nieurs-Conseils (International Federation of Consulting Engineers, FIDIC) standard contract for construction / - to identify problem areas and their causes in application of contracts / - to compare YIATS and FIDIC contracts with respect to problem areas / - to analyze views, experiences and recommendations of companies about YIATS and FIDIC contracts. In this study, based on survey conducted on contract literature, questionnaire was applied to member companies of T&uuml / rk M&uuml / teahhitler Birligi (the Turkish Contractors&rsquo / Association, TMB). Applied standard contracts, Court of Cessation decisions and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration awards were analyzed to determine problem areas. Telephonic and face-to-face interviews were performed with staff of companies for further information on their answers, their opinions and recommendations on problem areas. Additionally, hypotheses were tested: to determine the effect of existence of clauses on exposure of contractors to consequences of problems emerged in execution phase of contract / to analyze relationship between problems encountered in FIDIC or YIATS and financial, temporal and non-compliance problem areas / to analyze effect of cost determination method on emergence of problems related to these areas. These studies revealed main problem areas as: financial, temporal and non-compliance issues.

Harmony search method based optimum topology design algorithm is presented for single layer lamella domes. The harmony search method is a numerical optimization technique developed recently that imitates the musical performance process which takes place when a musician searches for a better state of harmony. Jazz improvisation seeks to find musically pleasing harmony similar to the optimum design process which seeks to find the optimum solution. The optimum design algorithm developed imposes the behavioral and performance constraints in accordance with LRFD-AISC. The optimum number of rings, the height of the crown and the tubular cross-sectional designations for dome members are treated as design variables. The member grouping is allowed so that the same section can be adopted for each group. The design algorithm developed has a routine that build the data for the geometry of the dome automatically that covers the numbering of joints, and member incidences, and the computation of the coordinates of joints. Due to the slenderness and the presence of imperfections in dome structures it is necessary to consider the geometric nonlinearity in the prediction of their response under the external loading. Design examples are considered to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm presented.

The major concern in the design of the multi-storey buildings is the structure to have enough lateral stability to resist wind forces. There are different ways to limit the lateral drift. First method is to use unbraced frame with moment-resisting connections. Second one is to use braced frames with moment-resisting connections. Third one is to use pin-jointed connections instead of moment-resisting one and using bracings. Finally braced frame with both moment-resisting and pin-jointed connections is a solution. There are lots of bracing models and the designer should choose the appropriate one. This thesis investigates optimal lateral bracing systems in steel structures. The method selects appropriate sections for beams, columns and bracings, from a given steel section set, and obtains a design with least weight. After obtaining the best designs in case of weight, cost analysis of all structures are carried out so that the most economical model is found. For this purpose evolution strategies optimization method is used which is a member of the evolutionary algorithms search techniques. First optimum design of steel frames is introduced in the thesis. Then evolution strategies technique is explained. This is followed by some information about design loads and bracing systems are given. It is continued by the cost analysis of the models. Finally numerical examples are presented. Optimum designs of three different structures, comprising twelve different bracing models, are carried out. The calculations are carried out by a computer program (OPTSTEEL) which is recently developed to achieve size optimization design of skeletal structures.

To maintain the sustainability of cement and concrete production, there is a trend to use wastes in their production. Soda waste, generated by soda ash production process, and beer waste, generated by beer filtration process, are two locally produced wastes in Turkey and many other countries. The nature of these wastes, mostly their fineness, makes them possible to be used in concrete production, especially as a viscosity modifying agent in the self consolidating type of concrete. In this study, the addition of soda and beer wastes to self consolidating mortar (SCM) and self consolidating concrete (SCC), without any treatment but drying, and its effect on their properties were investigated. Mortar and concrete mixes were prepared using these two wastes as cement or aggregate replacement in various amounts. Tests like slump flow, V-Funnel and L-Box for determining the fresh properties, and compressive strength for the hardened properties of the mixtures were carried out to examine the effects of these wastes on the properties of SCM and SCC. The tests revealed that soda waste takes no role in the strength development of the mixes. However, it is possible to use this waste as aggregate replacement to improve the workability and flowability properties of SCM and SCC. The use of beer waste showed contradictive results. A special treatment for this waste before using it in concrete might be required.

By its nature, building maintenance requires an ability to respond to a demand that is random in time, random in nature and random in location. This in turn creates complex operational and logistical problems for management, specially if the property complex is large. The objective of this research is to assess the scope for and effectiveness of quantitative modelling, and the prediction of the outcome of alternative management action (policy), to assist in the management of building maintenance complexes of the size of a hospital. Both building and engineering equipments are encompassed within the study as appropriate. The research issues are split into three related phases; a demand study; a defect reduction study; and a maintenance management model. 1- The maintenance demand study: Based upon general statistics obtained, attempts have been made to identify and quantify both the major problems areas (in terms of cost and frequency of maintenance activities), and the nature and cause of the demand for maintenance. They have revealed no coherent picture in that the demand from wards and buildings seems independent of the patient throughput and the age of buildings. The demand for maintenance, for the main trades involved, has been estimated and used in the simulation models mentioned in below. 2- Demand reduction model: Accepting the current demand situation for maintenance, it was proposed to identify what is the cause of the demand and what possible actions could reduce the demand: Possibly through design modification, changes in materials used, change in practice of service/building user, development of Preventive Maintenance 'PM' or inspection system for component. Despite considerable effort, it proved not possible to progress this aspect of the study and the reasons are discussed. 3- Maintenance management models: Simulation models to the maintenance activities within the hospital has been developed using, Extended Control and Simulation Language, ECSLPLUS, to model the maintenance policies, and assessing any changes in operating procedures. The advantage of modelling is that the magnitude and nature of changes can be assessed and contemplated prior to any actual change in operating procedures. This is generally recognised as being most valuable. For specific problems and areas of operation identified, development of specific methods of deployments have been attempted. For instance, 'recieving one job at a time'; 'recieving a batch of jobs at a time'; and 'delaying non-urgent jobs and grouping them in time'. A number of maintenance management policies have been assessed using the above models, these are: 'Previewing' and 'not previewing' most of the defects before repair to identify the required resources; 'employing extra part-time tradesmen during the busy days'; 'working 7 days instead of 5 days a week'; 'no sickness policy'; and 'employing multi-skilled tradesmen option'. These models should be capable of indicating to management the gains and consequances, in terms of measures of interest to them such as the workforce and manhours required to meet the demand for maintenance per trade, changing operating practice, customs and timescales. That is, their decision variables.

Waste production and management problems have increased in this century. Population growth and consumption patterns in developing societies are associated with this growth. During the last decades, some world organisations have contributed to a global discussion and common resolutions. Concerns about the environment and sustainable development have been soundly highlighted. The European Union through its five Environment and Development Programmes as well the Directives and other special Regulations have responded that Agenda 21. The complexity and historical context of integrated and sustainable waste management is studied within the context of the construction industry in Portugal. International experience and knowledge were also drawn upon to add to the local knowledge. The study classifies the debris trail. The deconstruction process is studied in order to illuminate the relationship with the nature of the debris trail. This is the core of the research which seeks to make a contribution to the understanding of this relationship and forms the basis for the development of a dynamic construction and demolition estimating and assessment model. The work is based on case studies derived by observation from five complex and holistic case studies in Lisbon, cases studies reported from other countries and from work by others undertaken in France. Soft Systems Methodologies are used to illuminate the qualitative concerns. The quantitative information from practice is placed along side the qualitative data to give further insight into the issues being studied. The difficulties of insufficient actor involvement and participation in the process are also discussed. Systems Dynamics methodologies are used to define a dynamic model using data from the sources referred. The model is intended to assist the assessment and estimation of the characteristics of the debris trail. The output of the dynamic model will contribute to a national strategy and plan for the construction and demolition waste stream in Portugal within the context of European Union strategies and guidelines.