Output characteristics of 'Chapparu' brickwork

Article


Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2010. "Output characteristics of 'Chapparu' brickwork." Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. 43 (4), pp. 57-74.
Article Title

Output characteristics of 'Chapparu' brickwork

ERA Journal ID123182
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorAbeysekera, Vasantha
Journal TitleEngineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka
Journal Citation43 (4), pp. 57-74
Number of Pages18
Year2010
Place of PublicationColombo, Sri Lanka
ISSN1800-1122
Web Address (URL)http://plesk.web1.webhostbox.net/$sitepreview/web.iesl.lk/pdf/journals/October%202010.pdf
Abstract

Chapparu is an innovative practice borne out of adversity to cope with a wide variety of brick sizes to build walls of a given width. It is also the name given to mortar that is applied on the side of a brick on the header course to make the sides appear flat-as-a-plate when single-brick thick walls are built using the English bond. Moreover, it is also a type of joint which holds the bricks together. Such brickwork may be labelled as 'chapparu brickwork'.
Output characteristics of such brickwork are studied with respect to variations in brick and joint sizes using a simulation methodology. Simulation trials are undertaken using output rates of macro-activities established using the activity sampling and the synthesis techniques to establish rates and rates for 'three scenarios', viz. fastest and the slowest rates of working including an average rate. Brickwork output under different combinations of study variables are predicted by selecting a 'representative-unit' of brickwork in five randomly chosen walls for which purpose volume of mortar in different joints of the representative-unit and the number of bricks had to predicted using a separately validated model. Micro-activity rates were then used to build up the time taken for each course of brickwork and thereby predict the time taken for building a wall of a specific size. Hourly outputs were so calculated repeating the simulation for the 'three scenarios' as necessary. A general specification for increasing hourly output is developed using such analyses which recommends the use of large bed joints and taller bricks, in addition to smaller (or no) vertical joints adopting a flexible approach to lap requirements and joint sizes, including the use of under filled or unfilled vertical joints. Moreover, in order to minimise the negative impact of chapparu, it recommends smaller chapparu joints (<10-12mm) as the impact on output is insignificant at such values when current methods of construction are used. Nevertheless, it is noted that increase in output may not necessarily translates to savings in cost.

The simulation methodology developed under this study is a versatile approach for evaluating different scenarios when compared with regression models. It can also be used for evaluating new methods of construction with relative ease.

It is expected that this first time study would clear common understandings surrounding chapparu brickwork thereby exploring new opportunities through a non-standardisation route!

Keywordsactivity sampling; brickwork joints; chapparu; simulation; productivity
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020401699. Materials engineering not elsewhere classified
400505. Construction materials
330202. Building construction management and project planning
Public Notes

Relevant to commercial, industrial and residential construction and also to civil construction.

Byline AffiliationsFaculty of Engineering and Surveying
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q0865/output-characteristics-of-chapparu-brickwork

Download files


Accepted Version
  • 1956
    total views
  • 173
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

A Methodology for Establishing the Relevance of the RGR Model to Construction
Shelke, Mayur and Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2019. "A Methodology for Establishing the Relevance of the RGR Model to Construction." Ahmed, Syed M., Hampton, Paul, Saul, Amelia D, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shaunna C. and Mahaffy, Kelly L. (ed.) CITC Global Construction in the 21st Century 11th International Conference (CITC-11). London, United Kingdom 09 - 11 Sep 2019 United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48465-1_108
Reviewing and Refining the RGR Model for Quality Management: A Generic Blueprint
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur. 2019. "Reviewing and Refining the RGR Model for Quality Management: A Generic Blueprint." Ahmed, Syed M., Hampton, Paul, Saul, Amelia D., Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shaunna C. and Mahaffy, Kelly L. (ed.) CITC Global Construction in the 21st Century 11th International Conference (CITC-11). London, United Kingdom 09 - 11 Sep 2019 United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48465-1_107
The journey of exploring ‘construction as biological cells’ for improving construction quality: articulating the research paradigm
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur. 2018. "The journey of exploring ‘construction as biological cells’ for improving construction quality: articulating the research paradigm." Ahmed, Syed M., Shah, Attaullah, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shauna, Mahaffy, Kelly and Saul, Amelia (ed.) 10th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-10) . Colombo, Sri Lanka 02 - 04 Jul 2018 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Biological cell surveillance: implication on construction cell
Shelke, Mayur and Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2018. "Biological cell surveillance: implication on construction cell ." Ahmed, Syed M., Shah, Attaullah, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shauna, Mahaffy, Kelly and Saul, Amelia (ed.) 10th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-10) . Colombo, Sri Lanka 02 - 04 Jul 2018 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Biological cell theory based interventions and the impact on quality: the case of a tower project
Shelke, Mayur and Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2017. "Biological cell theory based interventions and the impact on quality: the case of a tower project ." Ahmed, Syed M., Azhar , Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shaunna C., Russell , Laura and Shah, Attaullah (ed.) 9th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-9) . Dubai, United Arab Emirates 05 - 07 Mar 2017 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Understanding the relevance of biological cell control theory and cell control mechanism for solving quality problems in a tunnel construction project
Shelke, Mayur and Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2017. "Understanding the relevance of biological cell control theory and cell control mechanism for solving quality problems in a tunnel construction project ." Ahmed, Syed M., Azhar , Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shaunna C., Russell , Laura and Shah, Attaullah (ed.) 9th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-9) . Dubai, United Arab Emirates 05 - 07 Mar 2017 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
A trade-based risk management approach towards the elimination of defects in residential construction
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Dhakal, Bibek. 2017. "A trade-based risk management approach towards the elimination of defects in residential construction ." Ahmed, Syed M., Azhar , Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shaunna C., Russell , Laura and Shah, Attaullah (ed.) 9th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-9) . Dubai, United Arab Emirates 05 - 07 Mar 2017 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Personalised study time plans, and study time management: a joint responsibility of staff, students, and university administrators
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Abeysekera, Ashoka. 2017. "Personalised study time plans, and study time management: a joint responsibility of staff, students, and university administrators ." Ahmed , Syed M., Azhar , Salman, Smith, Norma A., Campbell, Shaunna C., Russell , Laura and Shah, Attaullah (ed.) 9th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-9) . Dubai, United Arab Emirates 05 - 07 Mar 2017 Greenville, North Carolina, USA .
Construction as biological cells: an exploratory study
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur. 2018. "Construction as biological cells: an exploratory study." The International Journal of Construction Management. 18 (4), pp. 276-292. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2017.1358132
Construction as biological cells: can construction cells be similar to biological cells?
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur G.. 2015. "Construction as biological cells: can construction cells be similar to biological cells?" Ahmed, Syed M., Xenidis, Yiannis, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Yaris, Cat E. and Campbell, Shaunna (ed.) 8th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-8). Thessaloniki, Greece 27 - 30 May 2015 Greenville, North Caroina, USA.
Construction as biological cells: implications of the biological cell cycle for managing construction
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur G.. 2015. "Construction as biological cells: implications of the biological cell cycle for managing construction ." Ahmed, Syed M., Xenidis, Yiannis, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Yarris, Cat E. and Campbell, Shaunna (ed.) 8th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-8). Thessaloniki, Greece 27 - 30 May 2015 Geenville, North Carolina, USQ.
Wither monetary retentions for subcontract work? A theoretical framework for rationalising its use
Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2015. "Wither monetary retentions for subcontract work? A theoretical framework for rationalising its use ." Ahmed, Syed M., Xenidis, Yiannis, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Yarris, Cat E. and Campbell, Shaunna (ed.) 8th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-8). Thessaloniki, Greece 27 - 30 May 2015 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Sowing the seeds of success: the provision of a personalised study time management plan
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Abeysekera, Ashoka. 2015. "Sowing the seeds of success: the provision of a personalised study time management plan ." Ahmed, Syed M., Xenidis, Yiannis, Azhar, Salman, Smith, Norma A., Yarris, Cat E. and Campbell, Shaunna (ed.) 8th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-8). Thessaloniki, Greece 27 - 30 May 2015 Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Managing quality in construction: construction as biological cells
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur G.. 2013. "Managing quality in construction: construction as biological cells." Kajewski, Stephen, Manley, Karen and Hampson, Keith (ed.) 19th International CIB World Building Congress. Brisbane, Australia 05 - 09 May 2013 Brisbane, Australia.
A conceptual framework for client financed construction and non-traditional approaches for financing construction work
Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2012. "A conceptual framework for client financed construction and non-traditional approaches for financing construction work." World Construction Conference 2012: Global Challenges in Construction Industry. Colombo, Sri Lanka 28 - 30 Jun 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Motivating the construction academic: a conceptual study
Abeysekera, Ashoka and Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2012. "Motivating the construction academic: a conceptual study." World Construction Conference 2012: Global Challenges in Construction Industry. Colombo, Sri Lanka 28 - 30 Jun 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Monetary retentions for subcontract work: a risk-based approach
Abeysekera, Vasantha and Soysa, Mohantha. 2012. "Monetary retentions for subcontract work: a risk-based approach." World Construction Conference 2012: Global Challenges in Construction Industry. Colombo, Sri Lanka 28 - 30 Jun 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Resolving retention polarity: the perceptions of structural steel fabricators
Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2012. "Resolving retention polarity: the perceptions of structural steel fabricators." World Construction Conference 2012: Global Challenges in Construction Industry. Colombo, Sri Lanka 28 - 30 Jun 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Mortar consumption characteristics of 'brickwork' and a framework for managing brick and mortar walls in chaotic environments
Abeysekera, Vasantha. 2012. "Mortar consumption characteristics of 'brickwork' and a framework for managing brick and mortar walls in chaotic environments." Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. 45 (2), pp. 49-64.
Security of final account payments: the case of New Zealand
Choi, Daniel, Abeysekera, Vasantha and Ramachandra, Thanuja. 2010. "Security of final account payments: the case of New Zealand." Barrett, Peter, Amaratunga, Dilanthi, Haigh, Richard, Keraminiyage, Kaushal and Pathirage, Chaminda (ed.) CIB World Congress 2010: Building a Better World. Salford Quays, United Kingdom 10 - 13 May 2010 London, United Kingdom.
Revisiting terminology in construction project management
Kumaraswamy, M. and Abeysekera V.. 2008. "Revisiting terminology in construction project management." 4th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference (ISEC 2007). Melbourne, Australia 26 - 28 Sep 2007