Third Day Poster Session, 17 June 2010 - NanoTR-VI

P
Poster Session, Thursday, June 17
Theme F686 - N1123
Value Engineering for Nanomaterial Applications in Construction
1
UJulide DemirdovenUP P*
1
PDepartment of Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
Abstract - How often have you heard the expression “It’s a great idea, but where has it been done before?” There is considerable interest in
academia, the investment community and among manufacturers about the exciting opportunities offered by nanoscale materials. Although many
applications for nanotechnology remain theoretical, construction is one area where several applications have already emerged. While current use
is limited, the market is expected to approach huge demand within ten years. Can nanotechnology be the reference of the construction
professionals in terms of value engineering approach? In this study we are searching for the respond of the question by giving nanomaterial
examples represented in global markets for diversified phases of a project life-cycle. We will briefly look at Tthe highly developing construction
sector in Turkey with contractors operating nationwide as well as abroad.T TA large number of the countries in the region rely on Turkey as a
major supplier of building materials and construction services. There should be a share for nanomaterials. TT
Decision makers in the building industry have one goal:
deliver a project on time and on budget. They go to great
lengths to avoid any uncertainty that might threaten this
objective. Their aversion to risk can stifle innovation in the
delivery process. But barriers to innovation may be barriers to
good business. Sometimes the parameters of a project cross
the bounds of experience, where traditional methods are
known to be at their limits. In these cases, innovation, with its
inherent uncertainty, may offer a solution with more promise
and less risk [1].
Nanomaterial producers promise numerous benefits from
nano-enhanced construction products, including low
maintenance windows, long lasting scratch resistant floors,
super strong structural components, improved longer lasting
house paint, healthier and safer indoor climates, self cleaning
skyscrapers, antimicrobial steel surfaces, improved industrial
building maintenance, lower energy consuming buildings and
longer lasting roads and bridges. The use of nanomaterials
allows product manufacturers to offer longer product
warranties. Building owners are expected to enjoy lower
maintenance costs while consumers can look forward to
houses that maintain themselves [2]. Can nanotechnology be
the reference of the construction manager?
Value engineering and cost reduction are often confused.
The distinction, however, is important. Value engineering is a
process that considers cost in the context of other factors:
life-cycle cost,
quality
durability
maintainability
Cost reduction, on the other hand, considers only first cost.
Although tight budgets make cost reductions a fact of life, the
owner needs to know exactly what he or she is buying. Value
engineering gives a "better solution," while cost reductions can
reduce the quality or quantity of the project to save money. To
bring a framework to the value engineering discussions, the
owner sets the criteria with the help of the designer and the
construction professional. Generally, these criteria fall into a
few categories:
best cost
best function
best aesthetic value
Determining the best cost can be done effectively with a lifecycle
cost analysis. Figure 1 shows the design phase of a
project in the life-cycle [3].
Figure 1. The four phases of project design.
While nanomaterials are already making inroads into certain
construction applications, many obstacles remain to
widespread adoption of this technology, including the
conservative nature of construction contractors, the
complicated nature of building codes and the sometimes too
high expectations of consumers. In addition, material and
manufacturing costs remain an issue in cost sensitive, large
volume applications while concerns over health and safety are
also at the forefront of discussions. Some suppliers will be
able to overcome these factors and establish significant
markets for nanomaterials in construction applications, while
other products are expected to remain only niche market
curiosities.
TTurkey is primarily self-sufficient in conventional building
materials. However, imported building materials are also
increasingly being used, especially in modern world-class
hotels, tourist centers, and in the country's more affluent
residential areas.TT TThis study analyzes the market demand of
construction professionals for nanomaterials in construction by
using value engieering method. It also considers market
environment factors, details industry structure and profiles of
leading industry players [4].
*Corresponding author: HTjbozoglu@gmail.comT
[1] H. Sommer, Prj. Mng. for Building Construction 163, (2009).
[2] Nanotechnology in Construction, HTwww.marketresearch.comT
rd
[3] F. E. Gould & N. E. Joyce, Const. Prj. Mng., 3P P. Ed 132, ( 2009).
[4] Construction and Building Materials Industries in Turkey,
HTwww.dtcsee.um.dkT
6th Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Conference, zmir, 2010 804