Structural performance of brick walls and timber roofs of Kamba rural buildings a case study of Wote location in Makueni District
Abstract
The structural performance of any wall or roof is influenced by various factors,
but most important is the choice of material, workmanship and loading systems to be
employed. The choice does affect and influence all other elements in a structure and
hence their structural performance. The wrong choice of material, workmanship and
loading conditions will affect the functional requirements of the roof and wall.
The research establishes the properties of materials, workmanship and loading
conditions as factors which govern the structural performance of walls and roofs. The
study first established the structural manifestations of those inadequacies arising; as a
result of materials, workmanship and loading conditions. It then went on to examine in
depth the properties inherent in materials and craftsmanship which influence the
structural performance of walls and roofs.
The findings indicate that most structural inadequacies are as a result of wrong
choice of material which are either defective or lack the minimum required properties for
them to perform structurally. The workmanship has been found to be lacking in terms of
level of quality which then affects the constructional techniques employed and the
handling and placing of materials in their respective elements The loading conditions
under which roof and wall bear loads is ;10t adequately met, the research has revealed
Recommendations have been made on what should be done to improve the quality
of bricks and timber and the level and quality of craftsmanship. Recommendations have
also been made on how to improve the conditions by improving the level and quality of
craftsmanship and f41e quality of bricks used .
The paper is set out in four chapters. Chapter one comprises of the introduction, a
description of the location, the evolution of housing form, the people, problem statement,
objectives, hypothesis, scope of study, its significance and research methodology used
Chapter two, covers literature review while chapter three comprise of data analysis and
presentation. Chapter four deals with conclusion, recommendation and further areas of
research.
Citation
M.APublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Building Economics and Management