In the heart of Iran, a city grapples with the silent battle against time and decay, as concrete buildings, the backbone of its urban landscape, face an uncertain future. Mashhad, a city rich in history and culture, is now at the center of a study that could redefine how we approach the lifespan of concrete structures, with significant implications for the energy sector.
Farzad Ghaderi Bafti, a researcher from the Department of Construction Management at the Islamic Azad University’s Shirvan Branch, has identified and ranked the critical factors affecting the lifespan of concrete buildings in Mashhad. His study, published in the journal ‘مهندسی و مدیریت ساخت’ (translated as ‘Engineering and Construction Management’), sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of building maintenance and care, offering a roadmap for stakeholders to enhance the durability of concrete structures.
The study reveals that managerial factors top the list of concerns, with a criterion weight of 0.214. “The lack of supervision and control of the process of carrying out electrical and mechanical installations according to national building regulations is a significant issue,” Bafti explains. This finding underscores the importance of stringent oversight and adherence to regulations in prolonging the life of concrete buildings.
Technical factors also play a pivotal role, with the lack of proper curing of concrete before and after concreting weighing heavily with a criterion weight of 0.182. This highlights the need for improved technical practices and quality control in construction processes.
Economic factors, particularly the use of unskilled workers to reduce costs, are identified as a critical concern. “The use of unskilled workers in concrete construction operations can lead to subpar workmanship, ultimately reducing the building’s lifespan,” Bafti notes. This finding emphasizes the importance of investing in skilled labor to ensure the longevity of structures.
Natural and unnatural disasters, such as leakage and dampness, along with unprincipled use of the building, also significantly impact the lifespan of concrete buildings. Additionally, the lack of periodic services for building facilities like elevators is a major factor, with a criterion weight of 0.21.
The implications of this research extend beyond Mashhad, offering valuable insights for the global construction industry. By addressing these critical factors, stakeholders can enhance the durability of concrete buildings, reducing the need for premature renovations or reconstructions. This, in turn, can lead to substantial energy savings, as the energy-intensive process of producing and transporting construction materials is minimized.
Moreover, the study’s findings can guide policymakers in developing regulations that promote better building practices, ultimately benefiting the environment and the economy. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, this research offers a timely reminder of the importance of sustainable construction practices.
In the words of Bafti, “This study is a call to action for all stakeholders in the construction industry to prioritize the longevity of our buildings. By doing so, we can contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.”
As Mashhad continues to evolve, the insights from this study will undoubtedly shape the city’s approach to construction and maintenance, setting a precedent for other cities to follow. The journey towards enhancing the lifespan of concrete buildings has just begun, and the path forward is illuminated by the findings of this groundbreaking research.