❖

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Defective construction in cities:
Eco-friendly structure

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 Forwarding Letter
13 November, 2017
The Course Instructor
Khanam Nargis Sultana
Assistant professor
Department of Humanities,
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

Subject: Submission of report on “Defective construction in cities: Eco-friendly structure”.

Dear Madam,
We are very much grateful to you for giving us the opportunity to submit the report entitled
“Defective construction in cities: Eco-friendly structure” under your ascendancy. We all were
extremely enthusiastic as well as scrupulous, under your sagacious and radical instructions, in dealing
with nature friendly construction and structural development of the single construction as well as the
whole city, which has recently received a close attention of the environmentalists as well as the
environment and structural engineers throughout the world.

We truly believe that in this very report we left no stone unturned to explore the practical,
convenient, nature friendly and sustainable solutions for structural defects of the constructions.
At the same time, we have tried to leave our footprint on every possible area for getting access to
all possible paths related to environment friendly structural engineering which will highlight the
new horizon of environmental engineering. We also have tried to explore the possibilities of
versatile new materials for construction instead of traditional environment polluting agents.
We are humbly gratified to you for all your support and assistance you provided us during our
work. It would not be possible in our part to accomplish this report with distinction in absence of
your inspiration and guidance. Nevertheless, we confess our limitations and imperfections over
which we have no control and we humbly apologize for the inconsistency, if any. We are keenly
waiting for your commiserating perusal as well as just consideration and judgment.
Sincerely yours,
Md. Sayed Delowar
Ashik Ahmed
Azizur Rahman Nur
Tripta Bhattacharjee
Md. Rasel hossain
Saeefa Rubaiyet Nowmy

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Table of contents

Sl. No. Contents Page no.

1 Summary 5
2 Introduction 6
3 Description 7
4 Recommendation 16
5 Conclusion 18
6 Appendix 19
7 Reference 20
8 Glossary 21

List of illustration

Figure Topic Page no.

Figure 1 Negligent construction 9

Figure 2 Negligent misrepresentation 10
figure 3 Characteristics of green urbanism and sustainable cities 11
Figure 4 Green urbanism 12
Figure 5 A rough guide to healthy cities 13
Figure 6 A single room 14
Figure 7 A bed room 14
Figure 8 A green home 15
Figure 9 A solar home 15
Figure 10 A green pipe 16

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 Summary

The 21st century’s world is passing through a transitional phase. Modern technologies are
changing rapidly. There are some burning issues which are being faced by almost every country
of the world. Lack of habitable area and environment pollution are top listed among them. In this
report we have discussed about common defects in our constructions (on the initial part of body)
and eco-friendly solutions for those (on the later phase) so that we can accommodate more
people in less area and can make a better greener earth.
The main reasons behind construction defects are – improper soil analysis, poor civil and
structural engineering, product or material insufficiencies, poor maintenance, poor workmanship,
faulty design, lack of skilled workers, lack of knowledge about modern technologies, improper
time management, improper cost management etc.
To overcome these problems first of all the designs and plans should be done by the
professionals. They should be acknowledged about modern technologies of this field. Proper
training should be given to the workers. The area should be surveyed properly and soil of the
area should be meticulously analyzed so that the foundation of the construction can be done
accurately. Quality materials should be used for the whole construction otherwise that may
collapse. Design and plan should be evaluated before implementation. Overall maintenance is a
must.
We can also follow the footsteps of Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm, GIIG’s mission of
healthy city to build an ideal city where the passage of sunlight and air is ensured for all and
conversion of desert areas into greener territory to build suitable home.
Moreover, awareness of people can make the world a better habitat for the future generation.

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 Introduction

The construction industries build the main structure of a nation, so a defective plan makes a huge
effect on the overall progress of that country. Most plans become ineffective with the passage of
time as it cannot cope up with the growing population throughout the world and due to
increasing of environment pollution leading to calamities like flood, earthquakes, heat wave,
drought etc. throughout the world.
With the rapid rise of pollution, today’s world is becoming mostly city-oriented. The world
population was estimated to have reached 7.6 billion as of October 2017. The United Nations
estimates it will further increase to 11.2 billion by the year 2100. To provide shelter to this ever
growing population the world is slowing moving towards making skyscraper, multi-storied
buildings and giving rise to more and more cities. In doing so the number of forests, agricultural
lands are declining.
Again, from the research posted by Maua Loa Observatory, highest record of the CO 2
concentration on atmosphere in one day is 404.84 ppm in 2015, 409.39 ppm on 2016 and
412.63ppm on 2017. Which is resulting in a huge degradation of the climate we live in. The
number of large scale earthquakes have increased more on the 21th century than that of the 19 th
century. Due to defective construction, the consequences of this earthquakes have resulted in an
estimated death of 298101 in 2004, 87992 in 2005, 88708 in 2008 and 226050 in 2010 (most
notably).
A wise, well-thought plan can change the overall look of the country as well as provide a risk-
free, healthy life style to all the people across the world. All these plans have a long time
consequence; thus it not only has its effects on mankind but also the environment is hugely
effected by it. Hence, it has become a high-time for all to think about eco-friendly structures and
slowly replace of the defective plans.

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 Description

This part is organized in three steps. At first the common problems of constructions are discussed
briefly, then three modern concepts about green cities are recommended and finally some
practical and convenient solutions to the problems and suggestions for making a green city are
recommended.

Causes of Defective Constructions:

i. Improper Soil Analysis:

Soil analysis is the first and foremost part of any construction. It is necessary for knowing about
it can lead the construction to collapse.
One of the first steps in a construction project is to perform proper soil analysis and preparation.
Proper soil analysis helps the developer to know the right strategy to use in preparing the land
prior to construction. Soil not properly analyzed and not developed properly can have damaging
effects on a structure. Builders who unknowingly build upon expansive soil can experience
cracks throughout the structure and on the outside pavement as well.
ii. Poor Civil and Structural Engineering:
If the defects of a construction those occur due to engineering skill deficiency can be categorized
in four types. Those are:
1. Design deficiencies
2. Material deficiencies
3. Poor Workmanship
4. Subsurface problems

❖ Design Deficiencies
Design deficiencies relate to architectural or engineering designs that do not meet code
specifications and can create such problems including drainage problems, leaks or structural and
foundation problems. Sometimes a structural defect can be traced all the way back to the
designer. Sometimes architects can design a structure that is aesthetically pleasing yet with
structural deficiencies that can lead to defects.
❖ Poor Workmanship
Poor quality workmanship can cause many defects such as mold, cracks in foundations or walls,
electrical, plumbing and mechanical problems and even infestation by wood destroying
organisms (termites).

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 ❖ Material Deficiencies
The use of inferior building materials can cause significant problems, such as windows that leak
or fail to perform and function adequately, even when properly installed. Window leaks can
result from many things including, rough framing not being flush with outside at openings,
improperly flashed windows, improperly applied building paper, window frame racked during
storage/ moving, lack of sheet metal drip edge above window header, etc.
Common Manufacturer problems with buildings materials can include deteriorating flashing,
building paper, waterproofing membranes, asphalt roofing shingles, particle board, inferior
drywall and other wall products used in wet and/or damp areas, such as bathrooms and laundry
rooms.
❖ Subsurface Deficiencies
Subsurface deficiencies can cause drainage problems and geology problems as a result of
improper settling. Homes can shift and move off their foundations during floods and mud
slides. Homes that are built on hillsides do not have the proper type of foundation and geology
to support the structures.

iii. Time and cost aspects:

The project time tends to be shorter. In most cases client wants the project to be done in a short
time. For financial and some other reasons, they sometimes have to do it. To finish the work in
short time, more workers are necessary. So, planning with more workers in same area becomes
difficult.
Due to hard competition, projects are purchased at a price lower than the prime price. So the
contractor has to force the price of materials down. It gives negative results. The site managers
have to reduce machine use which is prohibited. This causes pressure on workers. Thus short
time projects and forced cost lessening cause defects.

iv. Design and production managements

Among design defects, lack of knowledge in most commonly followed by lack of motivation.
For defects in production management, it is opposite. For workmanship defects lack of
motivation is dominated. A comparative picture of these issues is given below.

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 Cause Design Production Workmanship
Managements
Lack of knowledge 44 34 12
Lack of information 18 11 6
Lack of motivation 35 42 70
Shortage of time 2 5 1
Risk 1 8 11
total 100% 100% 100%

Design is knowledge based and needs communication. Production managers have varied tasks
too. Their workload is often heavy and stressful. Workers do the same type of thing for a long
time, so this kind of error is rare. Half of the defect are caused by lack of knowledge, 1/4 th by
lack of skill and 1/7th by lack of experience.
v. Negligent Construction:
One of the foremost cause of construction defect is negligent construction. A negligent
construction claim is independent of a breach of contract claim and is not based on the standards
in the contract, but, instead, on whether the work complies with general industry standards.
While construction one should maintain a high standard of care, skill and ability. Traditional
elements of negligence apply to construction based negligence claims which are:
1) Duty
2) Breach
3) Causation and
4) Damages

Due to negligence towards maintaining the standard

throughout the work, more and more “breach of
contract” claims are arising. In most cases this claims
are taken to court. Construction contracts are
computed based on either cost-to-complete or

Figure 1: Negligent construction

diminution-in-value. While both measures are perfectly valid, it will be up to the court to
determine which method is used. With cost-to-complete, the losing party is required to pay
damages to either

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 replace or complete the project based upon the original agreement. This method is typically
used when the breaching party has either provided poor quality workmanship or when they
have failed to complete the project.

But the fact is once a construction is done, it cannot be undone. And re-construction on the place
become costlier than before. Thus, law can only bring compensation but the defective
construction brings huge risk to the planning of that area.

vi. Negligent Misrepresentation:

Misrepresentation of plans to make the
project eye-catching, lucrative is playing a
part in unplanned construction plans. The
plan shown is done so as the clients have not
enough knowledge on construction planning.
These plans are far from reality for
implementation on that space of land. As
such, the construction company taking the
project wastes time to handover the
construction. In doing so they block a large Figure 2: Negligent misrepresentation
space of land causing several problems such as blocking space of walk, transportation etc. as
well as exposing the local people to construction pollutions for a long time.

vii. Breach of warranty:

Breach of both express and implied warranty claims are commonplace in construction defect
cases. Warranty claims are generally not covered by insurance policies. A warranty claim
involves a product manufacturer (for example: cements, construction equipment etc.) warranty
claims can take on greater significance. The express warranty includes: contract warranty,
product warranty or a sales contract warranty. Express warranties generally require notice and
opportunity to remedy whereas, implied warranties include: warranty of fitness and warranty of
habitability.
viii. Breach of contract:
With the up rise of the building farms, construction works are increasing more and more day by
day. To cope up with the development plans, the construction farms are facing problems to
maintain the standard of the word. To increase man power, more and more unskilled workers
are employed to different works without sufficient training. As such the commitment to
maintain high work standard are not fulfilled by the farms. In such case, contract breach claims
are seen. In fact, contract breach is often the real claim. However, contract claims generally
typically do not trigger insurance coverage so they tend to receive less focus from the plaintiff’s
side of the table.

According to O.C.G.A § 13-6-8, breach of

contract damages “are such as arise
naturally and according to the usual course

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of things from such breach and such as the parties contemplated, when the contract was
made, as the probable result of its breach.”
The builder is not the only party who can breach contract. There can also be a breach of
contract claim against a plaintiff who makes unreasonable demands and then terminates the
contract based on such demands.

Processes to eco-friendly city:

● Introducing the Concept of Green Urbanism

Green Urbanism makes every effort to minimize the use of energy, water and materials at each
stage of the city’s or district’s life-cycle, including the embodied energy in the extraction and
transportation of materials, their fabrication, their assembly into the buildings and, ultimately, the
ease and value of their recycling when an individual building’s life is over.
Today, urban and architectural design also has to take into consideration the use of energy in the
district’s or building’s maintenance and changes in its use; not to mention the primary energy use
for its operation, including lighting, heating and cooling. It makes the city more sustainable.

Figure 3: Characteristics of Green Urbanism and Sustainable city

The green district Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm is widely accepted as a best practice model
for sustainable urban development. The city is to take its full shape on 2018. It has taken some
innovative principles of water and waste management and reduction of car dependency. The
proposed masterplan, was submitted by, Jan Inghe-Hagström, at Stockholm’s City Planning
Bureau. According to this masterplan the area is divided into twelve sub-districts, which are
being implemented as a series of development phases. The City selects three to four
architect’s/master planners who were appointed to 'test' the proposed strategic.

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It occupies an area of about 200 hectares, which, according to the masterplan, will comprise
11,000 apartments, for about 20,000 residents, and an additional 200,000 sqm area of
commercial space by the year 2018. The project, which was started in the mid 1990s, expands
the inner city center towards to the waterfront, having water as a central focus for the
development. It is the conversion of an old industrial and harbor area (brownfield site) into a
modern, sustainable neighborhood. The city has a strong emphasis on design principles of
ecology and environmental sustainability. The design promotes sustainability and follows
modern architectural principles, such as maximizing light and views of the water and green
spaces. It follows standard dimensions of street width (18m), block sizes (70x100 m), density,
and land use. Public transport and the creation of new road and tram infrastructure make the area
easily accessible.
One could say that the new district has a traditional Swedish structure, which it has combined
with a modern architectural language that responds to the specific waterside context which was
followed on the premature stages of urbanization.
There are different types of
buildings seen. Every small
detail of construction is done
following the specified
guidelines given. For example:
Façade materials, location of
stairwells, window and balcony
arrangement, roof type, are
described in the design code as
well as specific guidelines such
as dimensions for the entrances,
balconies, windows and roofing,
including dimensions,
proportions, colors and material
Figure 4: Green Urbanism for each block or key landmark
building is also described under the design code.
The city’s environmental planning is also noteworthy. The proportion of green to hard open
space (50%), the choice of planting, play area as well as materials for hard areas and street
lighting and furniture are also described in the code. Sustainability is maximized across the
development using green roofs, solar panels, and eco-friendly construction products. It has a
fully integrated underground waste collection system; piping waste to the local district heating
plant. The development has its own ecosystem, known as the Hammarby Model.

The city plan is the most ideal type and realistic step towards eco-city formed up to now. By
taking city model as a basis the urbanization should be done.

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 ● GIIG’S MISSION (A Healthy City):
The vision of the GIG group is to encourage people in building an environmental city following
the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC)’s formulation of a greener Qatar in place of the
desert stricken Qatar we all know about. GIIG group plays a vital role in discussing the wide
range of challenges faced in shaping Qatar’s built environment. This includes sustainable urban
planning, climate change adaptation and mitigation, cultural relevance and social wellbeing and
other related topics.

The Green Infrastructure Interest Group of Qatar Green Building Council has prepared a chiseled
info graphic to highlight the benefits of planning and designing a healthy city under the Healthy
Cities Initiative.

The info graphic is non-technical and targeted at design and planning professionals, senior
school children and advocates of sustainable development. The aim of the release is to inspire
and inform the actions required to create healthy cities from an economic, environmental and
social perspective.

Figure 5: A rough guide to healthy cities

● Eco-Friendly House Design:

Eco-friendly products not only are favorable for the environment, in fact, does great benefit to
the consumer as in reducing the expenditure in the long run, makes one feel happy about not
harming the environment. Green is the in thing nowadays. People today are becoming
environmentally aware and picking up the stuff that ensures to cause no harm to the
environment. Taking into consideration the home products, people are taking extra care that they

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are not making the wrong choice and understanding how eco-friendly a product is. Main
concepts of eco-friendly house design are given below.

1. Single Room Living Idea

It’s a smart idea to have a big room that has living/dining/cooking space within. Less number of
rooms means less electricity consumption, more open area.

Figure 6: a single room

2. Bedroom at Lower Level

In case of a double storied apartment, it is suggested to go for bedroom below and living space
upstairs. If there are trees around, the bedroom will be covered with trees.

Figure 7: a bedroom

3. Pest Resistance
The materials should be pest and water resistance, low on maintenance and should be easy to
take care of.

4. Low VOC Paint

Atmosphere- polluting volatile organic compounds are not eco-friendly. Low VOC white paint
enables the wood’s texture to show through. Color the walls with natural paints. Natural paints
made of plant oils, extracts and minerals are eco-friendly and safe .

5. Planting Trees
If around the home there are no trees, plant some. Trees provide shade that keeps the house cool .

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 Figure 8: a green home

6. Allowing Natural Light to Come in

Glass windows should be used, until required, lights should not be turned on and optimum use of
natural light should be made. The home should be well ventilated.

7. Eco-friendly Doors and Windows

Front door should be without windows and it should be made of eco-friendly wood, a recyclable
material. Windows with energy star rating for the climate zone will help in designing the home
in eco-friendly way.

8. Green Roofing
The material of the roof should be such that it is naturally heat-resistant and reusable.

9. Solar Panels
Now-a-days, solar panels are being preferred over the other source of energy. For eco-friendly
homes, it is a wise idea to get solar panels installed, which would help reduce the energy
consumption.

Figure 9: a solar home

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10. Eco-Friendly Siding
Wood, aluminum or stucco siding is best for the environment. At any cost PVC vinyl siding
should be avoided as it releases toxins and is not biodegradable or reusable.

11. Green Plumbing

At any cost, PVC should be avoided, which is a plastic that contains harmful chemicals. Instead,
clay for underground pipes. Zinc, galvanized steel and aluminum are green alternatives for
piping above ground should be used.

Figure 10: a green pipe

Recommendations:

# Using Quality Materials and Modern Technologies

Modern and computerized technologies should be used in soil analysis. Using defective soil
digging instruments can be the cause of many construction defects in a structure. Chemical
elements of soil should be analyzed properly in modern soil testing laboratories with
sophisticated equipment so that the result can be most accurate and the developer can take the
right decision about the construction.
# Having the Work Done by the Professionals
Chemical elements of the soil should be tested by qualified chemists and chemical engineers.
Different properties of soil like- pressure bearing ability, underground water level, structure of
soil etc. should be tested by the civil and water resource engineers. Then proper permissions and
legal steps should be done through the authorized organizations.

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# Evaluating the Plan before Implementation
In order to keep design flaws from occurring, other architects should evaluate the design for
flaws before the design is implemented in a structure. However, some design flaws are not
evident until the structure is built, which means that testing a design with a scale model or
building a test house prior to marketing the design should be a requirement.
# Employing Trained Worker
Trained worker should be employed. Higher education and training for the engineers and
architects should be introduced. Standard wages should be paid. Thus good workmanship can be
ensured.
# Ensuring Prime Cost and Proper Timing:
As the matter is a huge issue we, ourselves can’t do much about the rapid defective
constructions. The city mayors should be inspired and informed the bad consequences about it.
Where there is any kind of corruption, they are to be brought under heavy punishment. Seminars
about consequences of bad construction can be arranged.

#Proper Design and Managing:

Our education system has some defects, it creates bad engineers who knows only percentage,
obviously not all of them. Ethics should a mandatory course, so the engineers say what should be
said. Construction rules, costs etc. are fixed by experienced personnel. All the engineers and
workers should be trained properly. This is governmental issue so they must take steps about it.
We, common people should not do mischief for money.

# Quality materials should be used:

It should always be remembered that, no matter how much precautions you take if the inner
materials are not good enough than the structure is more likely to fall. So one should make the
effort to use best material available within the range.

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 Conclusion

In recent years, constructions are being increasing rapidly. Due to improper analysis, lack of
knowledge, materials, demand and cost aspects, negligence, misrepresentation and some other
reasons defective constructions are prevailing.
Unplanned structures are being made. As a result, cities are becoming complex. Many cities are
already in a state of threat. Accidents are occurring frequently.
The devastating effects of earthquakes that occurred in this century are known. But in recent
years due to conscious planning the estimated death counts declining massively to 689 in 2012,
1572 in 2013 and 756 in 2014.
Now people are becoming conscious. When a collapse happens, a huge loss takes place. So
attention is being paid to safety. Builders are being brought under rules. Education system is
getting modernized. Better materials are being produced. New cities around the world are
seemed to be planned.

Still in our country construction system is not much developed. RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan
Kartripakkha) is trying to solve the problem. All over the world, new structures are planned and
people are more efficient. Advanced machines are being introduced. Constructions are becoming
eco-friendly.

Many functions are broadcasted in mass media. In some countries such as UAE, Qatar, China,
Japan well planned and environment friendly structures are constructed. The Padma bridge is
being constructed with good plan and effort. Designs and model of cities are being included.

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 Appendix

1) Is project time shortening related to financial state?

a) Yes b) No c) No idea
2) Is Production management stressful?
a) Yes b) No c) No idea
3) Are problems in construction rising because of negligence?
a) Yes b) No c) No idea
4) Misrepresentation makes the project unreal-
a) Yes b) No c) No idea
5) To increase man power unskilled workers are employed-
a) Yes b) No c) No idea
6) Does green urbanism make the city sustainable?
a) Yes b) No c) No idea
7) Are modern technologies necessary for soil analysis?
a) Yes b) No c) No idea
8) Wages should be increased to make good workmanship-
a) Yes b) No c) No idea

9) Does ethics have a relation with planned city?

a) Yes b) No c) No idea

10) “Material quality should be detected before a plan” – do you agree?

a) Yes b) No c) No idea

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 References:

● https://www.stalawfirm.com/en/blogs/view/delay-penalty-in-construction-
contracts.html
● https://www.assurexglobal.com/deconstructing-construction-defect-claims/
● http://www.losangelesbusinesslitigationfirm.com/Practice-Areas/Construction-Defect-
Litigation/Breach-of-Construction-Contracts.aspx
● https://www.intechopen.com/books/climate-change-research-and-technology-for-
adaptation-and-mitigation/what-is-green-urbanism-holistic-principles-to-transform-
cities-for-sustainability
● http://urbantheory-hammarbysjostad.blogspot.com
● http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/breach-of-contract.html
● http://qatargbc.org/interest-groups/green-infrastructure
● https://www.qf.org.qa/news/qgbc-to-launch-guide-on-creating-a-healthy-city
● http://realestate.findlaw.com/construction-defects/construction-defect-faqs.html
● https://www.irmi.com/articles/expert-commentary/construction-defect-and-occurrence-still-
crazy-after-all-these-years/
● http://www.hpwlegal.com/_literature_125157/Construction_Defect_-_Litigation_Paper
● Josephson, P.-E., (1998) Defects and Defect Costs in Construction- a study of seven building
projects in Sweden, Working Paper, Department of Management of Construction and
Facilities, Chalmers University of Technology.
● Atkinson, A. (1998) Human error in the management of building projects, Construction
Management and Economics, Volume 16, May, pp 339-349.
● Nowak, A.S. (1992) Human Errors in Structures, Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineer,
11th international conference, Vol. II, pp 335-341, Calgary, Canada, June 1992.
● https://www.travelers.com/resources/business-industries/construction/types-of-construction-
defects.aspx
● http://realestate.findlaw.com/construction-defects/construction-defect-faqs.html
● https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/professional
● https://www.co2.earth/daily-co2
● https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/browse/stats.php
● https://inspectapedia.com/Admin/Link_List.php

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 Glossary terms:

♦ Breach of contract: Contracting party’s actual failure or refusal to perform (or a clear
indication of its intentions to not perform) its obligations under the contract.
♦ Motivation: Desire to do things
♦ Project: Something that is planned
♦ Workmanship: The art or skill by which something is made
♦ GIIG: Green Infrastructure Interest Group
♦ Green Urbanism: A conceptual model for zero-emission and zero-waste urban design,
which arose in the 1990s, promoting compact energy-efficient urban development,
seeking to transform and re-engineer existing city districts and regenerate the post-
industrial city center
♦ Evaluation: To judge or determine the significance, worth, or quality of any project
♦ Sustainable city: A city designed with the consideration of environmental impact
♦ Healthy city: A term used in public health and urban design to stress the impact of policy
on human health
♦ Prime cost: The primary costs of production; the sum of the direct materials costs and
direct labor costs
♦ Professional: A person competent or skilled in a particular activity
♦ Contract management: Management of contracts made with customers, vendors,
partners, or employees
♦ Misrepresentation: To give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent
to deceive or be unfair
♦ Sustainability: The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural
resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance
♦ Façade: The principal front of a building, that faces on to a street or open space

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