With the pressing need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy has become an increasingly important topic in recent years Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources or processes that are constantly replenished, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. These sources offer a sustainable alternative to finite and
BIM or Building Information Modelling, is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project’s lifecycle and is central to the digitisation of the construction industry. Government policy has long been one of the leading drivers for BIM implementation in Ireland with stated objectives including the following. Cost certainty at
“You pay for a site investigation whether you undertake one or not” this was my third-level soil mechanics lecturer’s favourite phrase. I remember thinking at that time that it sounded logical although maybe a bit exaggerated. However, it was not until I began my career consulting engineering that I fully began to appreciate how accurate
It is estimated that the built environment in Ireland is responsible for approximately one-third of our national greenhouse gas emissions. The Irish Green Building Council has found that producing and transporting construction materials and constructing buildings and infrastructure account for 11% of our national emissions. Therefore, decarbonizing the construction industry is essential in addressing the
Cracking is a relatively common feature in all buildings, regardless of age or form of construction. Types and severity of cracking vary widely from cracking in non-structural finishes due to drying and shrinkage of material up to more severe forms which have a destabilising effect on the building structure. This article focuses on cracking which
Irish water is Ireland’s national water utility provider and is responsible for management of water and wastewater services, infrastructure, and additions or upgrades to the network throughout the Republic of Ireland. As part of any proposed new construction development, it is vital to engage with Irish Water as early as possible. A pre-connection application is
Requests for structural condition surveys on properties can come from several sources. The usual candidates include prospective purchasers, property vendors, owners or tenants. The types of properties to be surveyed can range from domestic housing units to retail, industrial or public buildings. A structural condition survey can take many forms and is usually tailored to
The importance of engineering in refurbishment and fitout projects The successful change of use or refurbishment of existing buildings to facilitate the fitout of retail, commercial, hospitality or healthcare facilities, requires careful planning and coordination. A key to the success of a refurbishment or change of use project is the early establishment of a competent
Can Lean practices and BIM change how we deliver public buildings in Ireland? In recent years, two major developments have imposed a disruptive change in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. First is a streamlined approach to project and construction management— Lean Construction principles — and second is an adaptive information technology — Building