AGING INFRASTRUCTURE IN CONSTRUCTION.

AKINJARE MAYOWA GIDEON

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Contents
Abstract 3
Introduction 3
Research Aims 5
Research Objectives 6
Research Questions 6
Literature Review 6
Methodology 8
Research Philosophy 8
Research Approach 8
Research Design 9
Data Collection Process 9
Findings and Discussion 10
Research Plan and Ethical Considerations 10
Conclusion 11
References 12
ABSTRACT.

The abstract presents the intricate difficulties that the building sector faces as a result of aging
infrastructure. Numerous problems, including wear and tear, environmental sustainability,
and inadequate maintenance, are involved in the essential challenges. The resultant effects
include jeopardizing public safety, impeding economic expansion, and deteriorating the
environment. The need of proactive infrastructure management over reactive measures is
highlighted in the analysis of the economy. Technology, which provides advancements in
building materials and maintenance practices, is an essential solution. A creative financing
system, a strong policy framework, and efficient governance are mentioned as possible
components in addressing aging infrastructure. Real-world case studies provide useful
insights into workable solutions and emphasize the value of an all-encompassing strategy. It
is acknowledged that raising public awareness and educating the public are essential to
encouraging support and shared accountability for infrastructure renovation. Basically, the
abstract effectively conveys the urgency and intricacy of aging infrastructure, highlighting the
necessity of an all-encompassing and proactive approach that incorporates technological,
economic, policy, and societal aspects for sustainable construction methods.

INTRODUCTION

There are important issues facing the globe today that undervalue the basis of civilization.
Roads, bridges, buildings, electricity networks, water and sewage systems, and other
elements that sustain our daily existence have aged over time as the environment around us
has changed. Such infrastructure has a host of local and long-distance effects on the natural
environment, including contributing to extensive fragmentation of terrestrial and fresh-water
ecosystems (Saunders et al. 1991, Trombulak and Frissell 2000, Doyle and Havlick 2009).
These buildings clearly suffer from aging and damage. There is a hazard to public safety,
environmental sustainability, and economic viability due to the many manifestations of
ageing infrastructure. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers 2013 Report
Card for America’s Infrastructure, USEPA estimated the nation’s 20-year investment need at
nearly $334.8 billion, a conservative figure that did not consider population growth (ASCE,
2013).

Amongst several concerns the most important is the one posing against the public safety.
Road and Bridges were once considered as engineering marvels are now showing signs of
structural deficiencies, corrosion, distress and cracks compromising their structural integrity.
Therefore, when dealing with aging infrastructure, it is crucial to establish holistic approaches
that take into account technological, economic, and environmental concerns.
AIMS OF THE RESEARCH.

To guarantee that old infrastructure continues fulfilling its intended function while ensuring
public safety, stimulating economic growth and promoting environmental sustainability.

OBJECTIVES.

 To provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of aging

infrastructure in the building industry.

 Analyze the costs associated with replacing aging infrastructure and the relative
benefits of various strategies.

 Examine the ways in which this significant issue can be resolved through
interdisciplinary collaboration, technology, financing, governance, and policy.

LITERATURE REVIEW.

Aging infrastructure presents complicated problems with far-reaching effects on the building
industry. Several factors, including natural wear and tear, poor maintenance, outdated
technology, changing usage patterns, and environmental stressors, are to blame. The life cycle
of infrastructure offers three stages of opportunities to mitigate environmental impacts by
adhering to recognized best practices: during site selection and initial planning, design, and
construction; during routine operations and maintenance; and during decommissioning, when
economic and safety concerns typically have primacy (Doyle and Havlick 2009).
This issue puts the environment at risk, inhibits economic growth, and puts public safety at
jeopardy. Economic evaluations show that proactive infrastructure management is more cost-
effective than delayed maintenance. Because it enables the use of innovative materials,
modern maintenance techniques, and digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT)
and Building Information Modeling (BIM), technology is crucial for providing creative
solutions. Effective governance, innovative finance strategies, and regulatory frameworks are
necessary for the efficient management of aging infrastructure. Case studies from a range of
industries provide insightful information about the challenges and successes faced in
addressing this problem. Future directions in research seem to be focused on examining state-
of-the-art technologies, implementing interdisciplinary approaches, and recognizing the
importance of artificial intelligence. It is believed that educating the public about the
importance of infrastructure renewal programs is essential to garnering support and
promoting a sense of shared responsibility. A large body of research highlights the need for a
comprehensive approach to address aging infrastructure, one that guarantees sustainable
building practices by taking into account societal, technological, economic, and legislative
considerations.

METHODOLOGY.
RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY.

Interestingly, interpretivism—a paradigm that recognizes the subjectivity of the researcher's

interpretation of the data—is the research philosophy used in this study. Research philosophy,
as defined by Ramsberg (2018), is an essential component of the research process that directs
the way research is carried out in accordance with the researcher's beliefs regarding the nature
of reality and knowledge. Particularly interpretivism, which acknowledges that various
researchers may interpret the same data in different ways, permits flexibility in the
interpretation of data.

RESEARCH APPROACH.

It is important to note that investigating aging infrastructure in the construction sector

requires a well-organized approach that involves multiple research methodologies to collect
and analyze crucial data. This approach includes conducting a comprehensive literature
review to understand the existing knowledge, as well as using both quantitative and
qualitative research techniques for data collection and analysis. This study reports non-
destructive testing measurements of concrete compressive strength using a laboratory pre-
calibrated Schmidt rebound hammer.
Additionally, the research will involve case studies of aging infrastructure projects, analysis
of historical records and construction data, and surveys and interviews with experts,
stakeholders, and professionals in the building and infrastructure management domains.
Statistical and conceptual analysis of the collected data will be carried out to identify trends,
patterns, and significant challenges related to ageing infrastructure.

DATA COLLECTION PROCESS.

Back home in Nigeria, I used the right tools and technology to check a frame structure that
had been there for more than 50 years to make sure the structural components had enough
structural integrity. It was recommended to reinforce the ground floor columns after the aging
structure was evaluated and a thorough analysis of the sub-structure a pile foundation strong
enough to support the structural element was conducted. A survey questionnaire with
identification requests and other necessary questions for the assessment of the study question
was distributed to a few structural consultancy businesses in Nigeria. Microsoft Excel was
used as a data analysis tool to examine the information obtained from these companies. These
tools will make it possible to visualize and analyze the data in order to identify the most
important elements for us to take into account. The complete process's worth of data will be
examined, transformed into numerical data, and used in this study.
 Activities in the course of Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
the research I II III IV V VI VII
Framing of research •
questions
Data sourcing and • •
collection
Laying out the Research •
topic
Review of relevant • •
literature on the subject
matter
Research plan formation •

The selection of the best •

research technique
Analysis and • •
interpretation of data
collected from primary
sources
Representing data results •

Conclusion of study •

Rough Draft finalization •

Final submission •

REFERENCE.

ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), 2013. 2013 Report Card for America’s
Infrastructure. www. infrastructurereportcard.org/a/#p/home (accessed May 6, 2013).
Doyle, M. W., and D. G. Havlick. 2009. Infrastructure and the environ-ment. Annual Review
of Environment and Resources 34:349–373.
Doyle, M. W., E. H. Stanley, J. M. Harbor, and G. S. Grant. 2003.Dam removal in the United
States: emerging needs for scienceand policy. Eos, Transactions of the American
GeophysicalUnion 84:29–33.
Doyle, M. W., E. H. Stanley, D. G. Havlick, M. J. Kaiser, G.Steinbach, G. L. Graf, G. E.
Galloway, and J. A. Riggsbee.2008. Aging infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.
Science319:286–287.