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Browsing Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment by Type "Honours Reports"
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Item Backyards life(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Matsheng, ChelsyThe RDP housing programme was considered as a solution to poverty in South Africa. It was believed that households could either sell their house in the housing market or use it as a collateral to access finance. However, this has proven ineffective because households often attach values to their housing, and are not willing to either sell or use their houses as collateral. Households rather resort to generating income for themselves through backyard rental accommodation. However the state been unsupportive of the backyard rental accommodation, reasoning that it increases the density of the houses beyond which it was created for. The findings of this research reveals that the income from the backyard rental accommodation income plays an important role in improving the quality of life of the RDP beneficiaries. This research argues that backyard rental accommodation provides the RDP beneficiaries with opportunities to improve their economic situation, material and social well-being and also allows them to improve their houses, thereby improving their quality of life. At the same time providing affordable, flexible accommodation and social stable environments to tenants. Taking into consideration of the benefits of backyard rental accommodation to RDP beneficiaries, this research argues it helps housing to perform as an asset. This is because it does not only provide survival strategy to RDP beneficiaries, it helps them improve their economic situation and consequently improves their quality of life.Item Conflicting rationalities in densifying the Corridors of Freedom: the case of the knowledge precinct.(University of the Witwatersrand, School of Architecture and Planning, 2017) Tshiashi, Livhuwani WarenThe City of Johannesburg’s spatial structure still resembles the apartheid spatial configuration. The marginalized are still mostly located at the outskirts of the city without the monetary means to move to well-located areas and closer to economic opportunities. The City has highlighted the daily hardships of the poor as a major problem. Furthermore, the majority of the working class have to spend approximately 20 per cent of their monthly income on transport (City of Johannesburg, 2015). The lack of affordable housing in close proximity to the inner city further adds to the challenges. The City seeks to address these challenges through Corridor and Transit Oriented developments (TOD). According to the City, through the use of cheaper, efficient transportation systems, people will be able to spend less time commuting to and from work (City of Johannesburg, 2015). However, transportation forms only but one part of the plan to try and bring people closer to economic opportunities. The City seeks to accommodate people of different socio-economic stature along the proposed developmental corridors. TOD builds on densification as a tool to increase populations around transport systems in order to maximize public transport use. They create an environment that stimulates the use of alternative transport to private cars. Through mixed land-use, the City seeks to create integrated neighbourhoods where people will ‘live, work and play’ without having to travel long distances (City of Johannesburg, 2015). However, TOD is often associated with rising property prices (Curtis, et al., 2009). In a context where there is a need for affordable housing in well-located areas, there is a risk that TOD will result in higher property prices and pose a threat to the inclusion of low-income residents in the City. People living in cities in Africa have often looked at bottom-up approaches to solving their problems. Despite being regarded as ‘informal’ these practices are a norm and they are an important component of the city fabric (Jenkins, 2013). Backyard housing is an example of these practices and it significantly reduces the housing demand in South Africa (Lemanski, 2009). Furthermore, it is an affordable housing alternative that performs various roles for poor households. The aim of this research is to find out how people in the Corridors of Freedom perceive densification and their position on the proposed densification policy in light of the need for affordable housing in the Knowledge Precinct. It draws on the characteristics of TOD and questions the feasibility of achieving affordable housing through TOD and whether or not ‘unconventional’ or ‘informal’ ways to densification have a place in the Corridors of Freedom. The research concludes by drawing on the possible impacts of TOD on housing affordability and provide recommendations on how affordable housing could be achieved in the Corridors of Freedom.Item The creative city approach to urban generation: an evaluation of its benefits in Braamfontein Johannesburg(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Khwashaba, UnarineIn the pursuit of creating post-industrial cities, the creative city approach was established in 1988 (Cohendet et al). During the 1990s the approach was intertwined with the process of urban regeneration (Cohendet et al). The creative city approach has facilitated many cities around the world in the transitioning from an industrial production based economy to a post-industrial knowledge based economy1, the knowledge based economy is currently the kind of economy which cities are using to compete globally (OECD,1996). The transition is made through the production, consumption and trading of products and services resulting from innovation/creativity .When an area or a city is regenerated using the creative city approach to urban regeneration certain benefits are encountered, these are benefits such as adequate housing with complementary utilities, diversity of job opportunities, convenience and creative centres where innovative skills are enhanced. This research report focuses on the evaluation of these benefits, in an attempt to answer the question of how do residents in Braamfontein benefit from the developments influenced by the creative city approach to urban regeneration. Residents refers to interviewees from three social groups namely the creative class, students and the blue-collar workers2. The reason why these categories were chosen is the fact that they are the top 3 dominant population in Braamfontein. The rationale for this evaluation is based on Landry and Johnathan (2009) and Hall’s (2008) argument that the evaluation of the benefits of the creative city approach helps to position a city and inspires it to do better by outlining its weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats, cities which lack evaluations often decline in the long or the short run. After conducting interviews and taking into consideration available literature, it was revealed that there is an imbalance in benefiting from the developments influenced by the creative city approach to urban regeneration i.e. the creative class benefit more than students and the blue-collar workers respectively, the reason for this is socio-economic exclusion. However if social innovation or artistic creativity was highly taken into consideration and supported in Braamfontein as economic or technological innovation , non skilled workers could have been highly benefiting too. The creative city approach to urban regeneration consist of different kinds of innovation which include economic innovation, social innovation and technological innovation, this will further be explained in the literature review. It was recommended that Students and the blue-collar workers can be integrated into the developments happening in the area through all-inclusive public spaces in order to empower them, improve their sense of belonging and improve their liveability in the area of Braamfontein. It was also recommended that social innovation which is synonymous artistic creativity should be supported by providing platforms where it should take place ,this will help non creative class residents to highly benefit from the development influenced by the creative city approach to urban regeneration.Item Drones in construction: a tool to measure progress(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Mkansi, Nkhesani; Ramsamy, Noelle; Laher, YahyaAt first, drones were commonly associated with military tactics used by the US government. Today, its array of uses has lead the flying machine’s popularity to grow exponentially. The use of drones vary from life guards using the drone to monitor beach-goers to the next-level ‘selfie-stick’. Commercially drones have captured the attention of companies looking for innovative solutions. Amazon.com is currently looking to employ drones as delivery vehicle. In construction, drones are used to monitor workers on site. In this research, we seek to explore the use of drones as a tool to measure progressItem The effectiveness of construction management in improving labour productivity(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Mayet, Uzair; Phakathi, Sidumo; Lelosa, JeremiaManagement is one of the major key performance indicators that influence labour productivity of construction projects. Mismanagement of construction activities leads to poor construction labour productivity which has a negative impact on a project’s time, cost and quality. The aim of this study is to investigate management factors that have an influence on construction labour productivity and also provide measures that can help improve labour productivity in the South African construction industry. The research instrument adopted in this research is a survey utilising a questionnaire that consists of sub categories of factors that influence construction management. The sampling plan that was adopted during this research study is a purposive sampling technique. The questionnaire survey involves distributing an online questionnaire to construction managers that are “professionally” accredited to the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). A likert scale was used to rank the results of the fifty-eight valid responses. The top three main factors that were found to be most effective in improving construction labour productivity were communication, planning and scheduling and motivation. The researchers then recommended a productivity management framework in order to measure and improve labour productivity. Further research can be done to improve the framework by considering the perceptions other site orientated construction professionals and relevant stakeholders.Item The effects of densification on urban resilience in Parktown West.(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Phewa, NombusoAfrican cities are continuously undergoing changes through densification and urban regeneration projects. Although mostly anticipated, these changes often have to be responded to with tools and strategies on maintaining the general character of the areas as the heritage and history then become affected. In this regard, it is crucial to observe the various ways through which densification affects the resilience of certain suburbs. This will aid in developing resilience thinking methods to aid in the maintenance and protection of the character of cities. In many countries around the world, governments are seeking to increase urban densities (Tighe, 2010). Residential densification is often the main focus in the densification policies of South African cities as a result of the apartheid legacy of sprawling, fragmented and racially segregated cities (Turok, 2011). The aim of this research is therefore to shed some light on the impact that densification in general has on urban resilience. The suburb of Parktown West has been selected as a case study. This research utilises qualitative research methods to establish ways through which densification has and is affecting Parktown West’s general urban resilience. The research findings suggest that the Parktown Residents’ Association, the Heritage Council, planning policy as well as the Parktown – Westcliff ridges are the key reasons behind the resilience of Parktown West’s urban environment. The study is therefore valuable in that it provides a perspective different to that of residential densification and its effects on urban resilience. The study recognises limits to the applicability as well as limits to the replicability of the study. Applicable limits are the factors identified as having contributed to the resilience of Parktown West and could still be applicable to a different context. Furthermore, the replicability of this research means that it can be conducted at a context different to Parktown West. Finally, the study recommends that South African cities need to adopt resilience thinking in order to anticipate changes to urban form that result from densification.Item Evaluating self-help initiatives in the upgrading of informal settlements(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Mbunjana, ZiziphoApartheid spatial policies have left many black South Africans living in peripheral areas far from their places of employment. These people have occupied vacant land closer to urban areas and have built what they now refer to as home in an attempt to integrate themselves into the city. This research paper highlights the government’s failure to provide access to affordable housing for low-income people in well-located areas close to economic opportunities. The paper will look specifically at the Slovo Park informal settlement’s self-help project and the benefits the community derived from this initiative. The research will then show that self-help housing is a desirable approach to upgrading informal settlements, although it is not highly supported by government officials. The paper also proves that communities are willing to provide their own housing, provided there are sufficient infrastructural services.Item The ‘gates’ next to the ‘shacks': exploring the relationship between gated communities and its surrounding poor neighbourhoods(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Tswai, KlaasGated communities are a global phenomenon, which is one of the most striking features of contemporary urbanism. Their rise and popularity have provoked different experiences and narratives, but most specifically in South Africa, it has caught the attention of many commentators and academics. Lemanski (2006) argued that majority of literature has emphasized the negative impacts, whereas their positives are less announced. This research report assess the impacts of gated communities on surrounding disadvantaged areas by investigating the socio-economic and spatial relationships that existing between them. Steyn City and Dieplsoot are used as a case study for this research and the research is using the perception of Diepsloot residents to understand the relationships between these two communities. This research has discovered socio-economic and spatial relationships between Diepsloot and Steyn City and as opposed the huge amount of critique gated communities in South Africa have received, Diepsloot residence tends to differ, because for them Steyn City Development brought hope and revival for the community.Item The impact of the Gautrain station in Midrand.(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Surti, NaeemaTransport and the need for mobility in a city is dependent on the development of land uses, social factors and economic sectors. It is largely linked to the development of a country. When development takes place, expansion of road networks and in some cases rail networks take place as well, in order to access the new area. Passenger rail is not a new concept, and has been around for over two centuries. In South Africa however, it has been in existence for over 150 years. Metrorail, PRASA, Transnet and now the Gautrain are the three types of passenger rail available in Gauteng. With the Gautrain gaining popularity by the day, it is only natural to look at the way it has performed over the last six years. From 2010 to now, the Gautrain Rapid Rail has had an impact on the whole province. Its effects can be seen at all stations, especially at Sandton, Rosebank, Centurion and Pretoria. It has spurred all kinds of developments and investments into these areas, allowing them to grow and increase in value. This report seeks to understand the impact the Gautrain has had in Midrand, looking at its effect on development. It also seeks to demonstrate that Transit Oriented Development has a place in South Africa, and the Gautrain Stations are the best place to implement it. Midrand is still developing and because of this, it has the potential to flourish into a fully functional Transit Oriented Development.Item Impacts of urban regeneration in Johannesburg's inner city: a study of Maboneng in relation to Jeppestown(University of the Witwatersrand, School of Architecture and Planning, 2017) Mashiri, LesleyIt is evident that urban regeneration has been able to revitalize the Johannesburg inner-city and improve its urban environment. The project has been able to bring investment and people back into to inner-city, however it is important to analyse what type of investment is returning as this has a bearing on who is being attracted back to the city. The study examines neighbourhood in Jeppestown in order to assess the urban contestations over space as well as the impacts of urban regeneration on the lives of the people in Jeppestown. A significant part of the literature covers the process of urban regeneration and the factors existing in cities which lead to it being needed to improve the urban environment. The second part suggests that urban regeneration causes exclusion and forced evictions of pre-existing lower- income residents in the effort to make way for the middle class leading to undesirable social problems such as urban marginality and segregation. The study finds that Jeppestown and Maboneng can develop a symbiotic relationship provided that there is a connection between the two.Item The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in facilities management stage of a building project(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-11) Mashita, Phuti; Mohamed, Mubeen; Manjra, Mohammed SaalimBIM is ‘new’ in South Africa and there are signs of BIM to be growing in the adoption and implementation by Facilities Management firms. BIM offers Facilities Managers with access to greater dimensional views of the building as well as ease of access to identifying components due for maintenance. The implementation of BIM by Facilities managers is slow due to the three keys barriers which are cost, skills and knowledge. It has also been found that there is a lack of knowledge with regards to BIM as well as insufficient skilled individuals to carry out BIM effectively. Firms are aware of the benefits of the implementation of BIM which can be used to solve the problems faced by Facilities Managers such as access to pivotal information which can be used for operations and maintenance.Item Investigating collaborative procurement processes in green buildings(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Mohale, Lerato; Mamathuba, Mulalo; Mochalibane, BontleIt has been acknowledged and appreciated on a global scale how climate change has direct negative effects on the environment, economy and society as a whole. The construction industry’s response to this is the introduction of green buildings. However, green innovations are far from becoming customary due to insufficient knowledge in the implementation of procurement processes. The use of a dominating default method known as traditional procurement practice is being implemented which hinders successful project delivery as it neglects the collaborative intensive nature of green buildings. The aim of the study is to determine the changes that occur in the procurement processes of green building at Wits University, to establish the most suitable process that is aligned with achieving high performance through project delivery. The study adopted a qualitative research approach suited for exploratory research where the nature of a problem is being investigated. A total of three project participants including the project manager, contractor and quantity surveyor involved in the erection of New John Moffat Building, Maths Building and Wits Science Stadium participated in the study. Open-ended interviews were used to explore the nature of collaborative procurement processes adopted during the lifecycle of each building. The use of framework agreements fostered collaborative practices as they were deemed suitable for green buildings. As much as we are unable to conclude that traditional procurement is inadequate for green buildings, we were able to establish that when incorporating green elements into a structure, traditional procurement does not sufficiently conform to sustainability parameters.Item Investigating gender sensitivity regarding health and safety provisions within the South African construction industry(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Jameson, Destiny; Wray, Kathryn; Moolla, RiyaadhThe purpose of this research report was to investigate the extent to which current health and safety provisions are inadequate in gender sensitivity, and whether this increases the vulnerability of women leading to incidents and long term health implications on South African construction sites. Factors affecting women’s health and safety were analysed and possible recommendations on how to remedy and improve these factors were made. This research provided a platform for both female operative and managers on site to express their perspectives and factual experience regarding issues on site, with particular attention paid to the availability and adequacy of PPE and sanitary facilities and the provisions, both locally and internationally, that govern these. The physical and, perhaps to a lesser extent, psychological consequences of these health and safety concerns are explored in our research. The research design adopted was that of a positivist research philosophy, which utilised a mixed methodology approach and incorporated the usage of two instruments namely; a semistructured questionnaire, utilising both open and closed-ended questions, aimed at female site operatives and, secondly, interviews aimed at managerial personnel of the corresponding construction sites. In particular, 32 female site operatives participated in the study and a further 6 managerial personnel. Field data collection was limited to construction sites within the Johannesburg region and encompassed both commercial building sites and civil.Item Investigating how ICT affects the performance of geographically dispersed construction project teams within South Africa(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Cele, Sibhekiwe; Mashao, Morongwa; Mokoka, WilheminahThis study examines how information and communication technology (ICT) affects the performance of geographically dispersed construction project teams within South Africa. It focuses on how project team dispersion due to the geographic separation of the project location from the construction teams’ primary facility affects performance and how the project teams make use of information communication technology (ICT) to address the challenge of executing the project. This will be done by looking at the means in which the ICT is used, the seven ICT perspectives and how they are applicable to the project teams, the processes and mechanisms in place to deal with the communication requirements to performance and, as such, attempt to measure the perceived performance of the construction project teams. The mixed method research methodology is adopted in the study in order to fulfill its objectives that span the collection of primary and secondary data. The limitation of the study is that data collection is limited to addressing and questioning potential respondents only within the in the Gauteng province - predominately in Johannesburg, South Africa. As a result, findings from this study cannot be freely generalized beyond the Metropolitan or provincial sample group. Nonetheless, the findings will form a basis for a future research. Undertaking this study will shed light to project parties about the importance of incorporating information communication technology processes to manage and alleviate the challenges faced with handling the performance of geographically dispersed construction project teams.Item Investigating quality in construction in the residential sector around the Gauteng region(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Mulla, Mohamed; Crossman, Richard; Nyalunga, SikhulileAccording to the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), quality in the residential sector in South Africa is the least satisfactory among all sectors. It is therefore important to research further into this sector to establish the current state of quality and factors that affect it from homeowner’s perspective. The key purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the level and factors that affect the quality of construction in recently developed (in the 12 last years) private estates in Johannesburg, South Africa. Literature was used to determine factors that affect quality in residential properties. These factors were then used to design a questionnaire that helped to determine the level of quality in estates in the Johannesburg region. Quality has been found to be of a satisfactory level however some notable points were raised from respondents regarding some underperforming aspects. These factors are floor finishes, running costs, outside area of the home, general aesthetics of the home, ambient temperature, natural lighting, parking area, air conditioning and delays in construction These factors are analyzed and recommendations for future studies have been made.Item Investigating the impact of prefabrication of floor structures on construction waste minimization(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Msibi, Thapelo; Baloyi, Tlangelani; Seedat, ZaeemConstruction and Demolition waste is a phenomenon that is a global challenge and the Construction Industry has been classified as one of the largest waste producers worldwide. This waste in South Africa is negatively affecting the economy and environment. The literature study reveals the negative impacts of poor construction waste management but however, the prefabrication method of construction as the means to minimize waste is regarded by researchers as the most efficient and effective method to reduce waste generation in the construction industry. For the first part of this study, it focuses only on material construction waste rather than including time and cost waste. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether prefabricated materials can reduce the generation of construction waste as compared to traditional method of construction. For the second part of the study, a quantitative research method, using an online survey, sub-factors of main origins of waste are evaluated. Their contribution to construction waste generation will be rated for both sectors; traditional construction and prefabrication method of construction. The results consequently demonstrate “by how much prefabricated materials can reduce waste generation” and which factors are mainly responsible for the production of waste in construction projectsItem Knowledge and skills transfer between emerging and established contractors(University of Witwatersrand, 2016-10) Ajusi, Brenda; Melamu, Mamoji; Mkhulisi, NoxoloEmerging contractors in the South African construction industry, owned and managed by HDIs, lack the knowledge and skills to develop into sustainable businesses; underlying most factors, contributing to the hindrance of growth and development among emerging contractors, is a general lack of knowledge. (Martin, 2010) A study by Martin 2010 was conducted where insight to interactions between emerging and established contractors was provided. Despite the transfer of knowledge however, concern remains over the ability of emerging contractors to develop. This research determines the progress of the respondents previously surveyed by Martin 2010 in order to analyse the effect of skills and knowledge transfer between emerging and established contractors. An electronic survey is conducted, the results of which are used to deduce the degree to which the emerging contractor has progressed as a result of skills and knowledge transfer, as well as the interaction with emerging contractors yielding the most effective transfer of skills and knowledge.Item Land use changes along a spine road: Soshanguve residents’ use of private space.(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Mashaba, ReabetsweFrom the late 1990s, townships have experienced substantial economic development. Townships have experienced increased spatial development and investments and housing is seen as an asset. This research report explores land use changes along a spine road, particularly in residents’ private space or properties. The research question addressed by this research report is; what activities are residents undertaking in their private space along Aubrey Matlala spine and what are the implications for land use management? The relevance of this research rises from the fact that it is undertaken in a peripheral township which has not been given much attention in literature. This research is a qualitative research taken on the basis of a single case study. The research is aimed at exploring small-scale and often informal private developments, and associated activities that are found in residential properties. The research is undertaken in one of South Africa’s townships, Soshanguve and particularly along an activity spine, Aubrey Matlala Road. The research investigates how residents along Aubrey Matlala road have attempted to maximize their assets and respond to socioeconomic opportunities that arise from developments. A related concern is the implications of these small-scale private investments in residential areas for land management in the context of post-apartheid spatial planning. South Africa’s changing landscape has not only had negative impacts on small-scale business activities, but has also provided opportunities that many residents have taken advantage of.Item Level of use of BIM in the architectural sector of the South African industry(University of the Witwatersrand, School of Construction Economics and Management, 2016-10) Moraba, Mmanoko; Oni, Ifeoluwapo; Ngwenyama, SibonisileThis research therefore aims to provide a BoK (Body of Knowledge) and understanding of the level of use and maturity level of BIM in the architectural sector of the South African construction industry. This will be executed by first reviewing the Body of Knowledge already available on BIM, both in South Africa and other parts of the world, as well as literature available on measuring BIM maturity levels or the level of use of BIM in other parts of the world. This will form a basis for investigating level of use of BIM and understanding the maturity level of BIM in South Africa, from which a report will be drafted providing some evidence and an understanding of the level of use of BIM in the South African architectural sector.Item Lived experiences of a physical shift: from informal settlements into mulit-storey RDP housed.(School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand., 2017) Mabasa, Rhulani CharityOne in every eight people in the world live in informal settlements. The informal settlements sector is one of the oldest alternative providers of housing in cities for the majority that are not able to buy or rent a formal place of living. Official urban planning has shown an interest in addressing living conditions in informal settlements. In South Africa, the approach employed in addressing informal settlement conditions has mainly been through the provision of low-income housing. Scholars of urban planning and assessment reports in South Africa have illustrated how the low-income housing programme adopted in 1994 to roll-out houses to the previously disadvantaged citizens of the country has failed to deliver housing effectively and, in fact, perpetuated sprawl. Policy makers, urban planners and other spatial practitioners sought a way to effectively respond to informal settlements, house informal dwellers and densify cities. The multi-storey RDP was adopted as a solution to addressing these problems. Against this backdrop, this research report interrogates the lived experiences of shifting from informal settlements into multi-storey RDP housing. The interrogation uses Fleurhof Ext. 9 as a case study to reveal the lived experiences of former informal dwellers. This research reports on the ways in which the dwellers engage with the multi-storey dwelling in the common spaces of the neighborhood. The research also provides an outline of the opportunities and challenges that the dwellers of multi-storey RDP housing encounter in their daily living. This research builds an understanding of housing informal dwellers in multi-storey low-income housing. Moreover, the results of the research and recommendations offer spatial planning practitioners, designers and policy makers an insight of the performance of multi-storey housing built to upgrade and house informal dwellers, thereby informing them of possibilities of continuing in exploration of multi-storey RDP housing across the country for informal settlements.