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Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE18TH, United Kingdom

Company/Business Name

Vemury Structural Consultancy Ltd (VSC)

Company/business location

Regent Centre, Newcastle. NE3 3PF

https://www.vemuryconsultancy.co.u

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Project Title: Energy Efficient Low-Cost Building Design in South Asia using

Compressed Earth Blocks

Name Bhargava Gullipalli

ID W20048453

Module Code KB7056

Module Title MSC Advanced Practice

Declaration

KB7056 advanced practices

I declare the following

1. That this project work entitled “Energy Efficient Low-Cost Building Design in South

Asia using Compressed Earth Blocks,”was submitted to the department of Mechanical

Construction Engineering, to complete my advanced practices as per the Northumbria

university regulations.

2. I confine that the work is under the policy statements on ethics and governance and confirm

that ethical issues have been considered.

3. I present my data as per the client requirements of Vemury Structural Consultancy Ltd

(VSC).

Signed (Student Number):Bhargava Gullipalli (W20048453)

Date: 16th May 2022

Bhargava Gullipalli

Acknowledgment

I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to my esteemed institute “Northumbria

University,” which has provided an opportunity to fulfill my cherished desire.

I thankJohn. Arthur, Anne.m. Macdonald&Andrew. Edden, for their valuable suggestions in

due to completion of the advanced practices semester.

I would like to thank my academic supervisor

Signed (Student Number):Bhargava Gullipalli (W20048453)

Date: 16th May 2022

Bhargava Gullipalli

Executive summary

The Project involved Vemury Structural Consultancy Ltd, a consultancy firm that provides

advice and professional support about the conception, design, delivery, and maintenance of low-

cost buildings. As part of the advanced practices program, I was subjected to undertake a project

based on energy-efficient low-cost building design in south Asia using compressed earth blocks

and solar panels. The energy-efficient low-cost building is a program aimed at proposing and

implementing various construction techniques to aid in developing energy-efficient and Low-

cost buildings in a specific region of South Asian countries using compressed earth blocks and

solar panels. The Project was angered on four objectives which included proper research on

incorporating earth blocks and solar panels into the building with its drawbacks, analysis of other

low-cost innovative ideas for improved energy efficiency, and a detailed report containing all the

investigation and research on energy-efficient low-cost building design and choosing an

appropriate south Asian location. The four objectives were the key pillar to ensure the project

was completed

Introduction

According to the advanced practices program, this document provides a reflective report

on the agenda. The advanced practices program encourages the development of higher-level skill

sets and the advancement of one's career. To ensure that the Advanced Practices module

activities were efficiently managed and governed, the primary goal of the advance practice report

was to provide information that would be useful in this endeavor. The program's primary purpose

is to provide students with the necessary skills to think critically, which includes teaching them

how to think critically. Compressed earth blocks and solar panels are used to design energy-

efficient low-cost buildings in South Asia. This Project aims to provide students with the

necessary skills that will enable them to pursue a career in the construction industry (Thadani,

2021). Compressed earth blocks and solar panels were used in the project, which aimed to

propose and implement various construction techniques to aid in developing energy-efficient,

low-cost buildings in a specific region of South Asian countries using compressed earth blocks.

As part of the advanced practices program, students were expected to develop plans and

schedules that could be used in the Project, taking into consideration the characteristics of the

Project in addition to the needs of the client. Specifically, it was expected that the students would

describe the methods they had used to manage the Project that was most appropriate for the

client's needs, such as the requirement for prompt delivery of the Project and the necessity for

constant client involvement throughout the Project in the report. With the experiences gained

during the advanced practices program module, this report will go into greater depth to analyze

and propose future actions to improve the ability to become a reflective practitioner.

Aim of the Project

The Project's goal was to propose and implement various construction techniques to aid

in the development of energy-efficient, low-cost buildings in some parts of Southeast Asia, with

a particular emphasis on compressed earth blocks and solar panels as building materials. Much

research has been done on low-maintenance, low-energy homes, focusing on energy-saving

technologies ranging from double-glazed windows to radiant heating systems (Presswood et al.,

2021).Sustainable low-income housing development is associated with energy efficiency and

low-carbon-emission building materials. A close relationship exists between green technology

and sustainable development. It can be defined as technology incorporated into building projects

to ensure that housing development has a long-term positive impact on the environment. Green

technology includes options that conserve and generate energy and opportunities that use energy

more efficiently.

About the Company

Vemury Structural Consultancy Ltd ware established in 2017 in Newcastle. It provides a wide

range of construction services, and structural and design services.

They are focusing on low-cost construction and durability. They are doing a lot of research on

innovative technologies for their innovations to make their structures safe.

Vemury Structural Consultancy Ltd

Team Members

The project team is made up of a total of three individuals’ incapacity.

One of the three people working on the group project is

Boini Aishwarya Yadav, the project manager.

Keshav Shipthi, Communication lead.

Bhargava Gullipalli, who is the Team member.

Responsibilities

Each team member oversaw completing a specific task assigned to them.

Boini Aishwarya Yadav, who currently holds the Degree of MSc Construction Project

Management, oversaw evaluating the Project's performance, monitoring the Project's progress,

and overseeing the Project's overall management and administration.

Keshav Shipthi, who currently has a degree - in MSc Construction Project Management,

oversaw developing the Project's design, implementing it, overseeing it, and performing

statistical analysis on data sets.

Bhargava Gullipalli, who also holds a degree - in MSc Construction Project

Management, oversaw contracting, collecting, and logging of test data.

My role in Project

A building business engaged me as a Team member. I oversaw contracting, collecting, and

logging test results, as well as reviewing the management. In addition, I oversaw obtaining

project-related data and putting together project materials. As a member of the team, I value my

team members' participation in the completion of their tasks. As I go about my day, knowing that

I am working with some of the world's most prominent organizations gives me a sense of

success.

How team members engaged in the project.

The team members were determined to do their best and this was shown through their cheerful

outlook, which all indicated how they were going to approach the job. To participate in the

project, the team members have divided themselves into groups, with each group being assigned

a specific aspect of the work. Each group was led by a group leader, whose primary

responsibility was to ensure that the work flowed smoothly. Each group was given a specific

amount of time in which to complete their tasks. The goal of establishing a time restriction for

the completion of the task was to ensure that the entire project was completed on schedule. The

project manager was responsible for ensuring that the project was presented efficiently and on

time. The team members devised four distinct steps for delivering the high-quality project. The

steps are as follows: requirements, research and development, strategies, ongoing needs, and

project considerations

Challenges I faced.

Advanced processes, such as the selection of team roles and functions, communication, project

document editing, and final presentation, presented several challenges for me. I only had a minor

problem assigning roles and responsibilities to the team because everyone is proficient in their

respective duties and obligations. To overcome this, I did a simple thing: I gathered all the ideas

and then decided on the group's duties and responsibilities. The most difficult challenge in any

project's execution is communication. COVID-19 allows us to come together while facing

communication challenges, and by working together, we can overcome those challenges. Editing

project documentation presents a significant problem during the semester of created practices

because we are all unfamiliar with this type of culture.

Project design process

The design process is used when dividing a large project into manageable components.

Architects, engineers, scientists, and other experts use design techniques to solve a wide range of

problems. During the design process, our Project considered a variety of factors, keeping in mind

that the Project should be cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting (Yu et al.,

2021). In our project, we considered a single design that used distinctive design software and

used less expensive techniques such as compressed earth blocks and solar panels to achieve the

desired result. During the implementation phase, we considered a variety of options for

implementing it to keep the overall cost of our Project as low as possible. We have considered

several strategies to keep construction costs as low as possible, including earth blocks, concrete

floors, environmentally friendly materials, the installation of solar panels, and the utilization of

recyclable materials.

Professional & Personal Reflection on Advanced Practices

According to the International Standardization Organization, construction projects are classified

as a type of language that is frequently used to streamline the working ties that exist between an

institution and its external partners. A project is sometimes referred to as the first phase in

research frameworks because it is used to develop a project concept and its outcomes, as well as

the outcomes that the researcher hopes to achieve because of his or her research program. A list

of all the tasks and activities that will be involved in all the work, as well as a description of the

project vision and a description of the project's historical context, should be included in every

type of development project as a rule.

Steps Used in the Project Development

The individual participants' commitment to a specific project defines their investment of

strength, ability, ability, effort, and ambition in the Project. This includes participation and

dedication but goes beyond that by incorporating a variety of actions such as the following:

Paying attention to the intricate details of the job. Establish and maintain strong interpersonal

and professional relationships. As part of the project collaboration process, an important

framework was established for this Project. Under the heading "customer needs," procedures

include project requirements, research and development, strategies, ongoing needs, and project

considerations, all of which are outlined. The project requirements document contains all the

information necessary to complete the Project. The client required this job to meet all his

specifications. In addition to design and cost, the Project's requirements included delivery and

maintenance. The research and development of this work were motivated by the need for depth;

this is beneficial because it provides an opportunity for consultation among those involved in the

Project.

Project Delivery process

The goal of this project was to propose and implement various construction techniques to aid in

the development of energy-efficient, low-cost buildings in a specific region of South Asian

countries using compressed earth blocks and solar panels. Several diagrams were utilized in this

part, including a curriculum delivery strategy and projects that were available for submission.

Additionally, topics about the many types of construction procedures are covered in this section.

Challenges faced when conducting the project

Our Project was about minimizing the cost of construction materials (Menegaki&Damigos,

2018).During the project, we faced many challenges, including handling materials, maintaining

the proper resources, maintaining workflow, communication, and adjusting design concepts.

Handling of Materials

In project management, asset management refers to managing items and products in

terms of their movement, protection, storage, and control. Bid purchases represent a sizable

portion of the asset management challenges. It is common for the scope of a project to change

over time, which means that the bidding process may be adversely affected. This can be

illustrated by a property owner deciding that he wants to transform low-quality building

materials into something of higher quality but cannot do so unless the project budget is adjusted

(Pamidimukkala et al., 2020). The general contractor must agree and collaborate with local

contractors, such as electrical contractors, to determine which accommodations can be made and

how they will be accomplished.

Maintaining the proper resources.

Resource management is identifying, planning, and allocating the resources necessary to

achieve project goals. It is possible to keep projects current by ensuring that project resources are

met and by increasing resource utilization from one Project to another through proper resource

management practices. Whenresources are distributed inconsistently, maintaining the appropriate

resources becomes a challenge. This can be dangerous if resources are automatically

redistributed without first analyzing incoming needs, understanding priorities, or considering

organizational goals (Ghasemi et al., 2021). Before allocating resources, it is critical to have a

comprehensive account of both the demand for and the availability of resources in terms of skills

and roles.

Communication

In any task, communication is essential, but it is especially critical when the job is shared

between two or more different organizations. Important lessons can fall through the cracks if

communication is not clear and effective, and the team may not be aware of the problem until it

is too late to fix it. Because of this, project managers must set forth specific instructions in

writing. There should be open communication at the end of each day, informing the team of any

progress or obstacles that have been encountered. Problems can be solved continuously in this

manner. If face-to-face meetings are not an option, using several types of software would be a

fantastic alternative.

Adjusting design concepts

Mistakes made during the construction of the building impose a significant burden on the

structure for the remainder of its useful life, and there is no compensation for these mistakes.

Composite materials can have various effects on the designs of architects and designers, and the

designer should understand them. The warm movement of objects can have multiple effects on

the structure. If thermal expansion is not taken into consideration, it can result in cracks in walls

or concrete and structural failure.

Solutions to the Problems

To ensure that the Project's cost is low, our Project considered the following materials:

Interlinking Blocks, Barriers, EPS Core Panels, Stone walls, and Glass in construction.

 Interlocking Blocks

Laying stone and constructing structures with stone can be tedious, time-consuming, and

expensive at times. Various construction methods are being considered and developed to

overcome the difficulties and problems that may arise during the construction process. The use

of blended bricks is a recent development in the construction industry. Composite bricks are a

more sophisticated version of the traditional clay brick. Each brick is constructed so that it

encloses the bricks around it without the use of mortar or other materials. It is possible to obtain

locks with the help of a shear key and a locking mechanism. Depending on the construction, it is

possible to have a different shear-key structure, and a comfortable lock is provided on the other

side of each brick. Shear transfer and gravity are responsible for the transfer of load. Blended

bricks are compacted and stable ground bricks that contribute to the structural durability of the

building

 EPS Core Panels

Modern, efficient, secure, and cost-effective, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core Panel

system is a stylish, efficient, and safe architectural system. Depending on their configuration,

these panels can be used both as a load and load. The main EPS panel is a three-dimensional

(3D) panel that incorporates a three-dimensional welded space frame provided in the context of

polystyrene assembly. The panel has been positioned and shotcrete on both sides to complete the

Project. Shotcrete is applied to the composite panel on the construction site, providing the

structure's bearing capacity. The EPS panel comprises reinforced concrete wires, diagonal wire,

and self-expanded extruded polystyrene concrete. It is manufactured in a factory and installed on

the construction site.

What I learned from the project stages

In my experience as a member of a project, I can say that the Project has provided me

with numerous opportunities to gain experience about communication, leadership, and

collaborative efforts. I have learned that effective communication is critical to any successful

team effort throughout my professional life. I took my time to figure out what I needed to do to

achieve my goal. Working in groups and being allowed to express ourselves made the second

step a lot less difficult than it might have been otherwise. The ability to communicate effectively

allowed us to establish a respectable workplace.

Another thing I have learned is the importance of having a keen sense of leadership. It

was necessary to maintain strong leadership throughout the stage group process for the work to

be completed. This experience has taught me that effective leadership is critical to the success of

all projects.

Conclusion

To conclude, the cost-effective low-cost construction program is a program that proposes

and implements various building strategies to assist in the development of energy-efficient and

low-cost infrastructure in some parts of Southeast Asia using compressed earth blocks and solar

panels, among other things. I can gain a great deal of knowledge and experience due to the

development of project management practices. In the Knowledge Base, I can learn how to deal

with a variety of situations and work in a stressful environment through several complex

processes. I was also able to find additional information on managing the Project, particularly

when working in groups. The experience of working in groups has helped me gain confidence

and learn to work more effectively as a team.

Future Focus

The findings of this study will be used to develop a strategic action plan. Create a clear

and complete framework for my dissertation work, drawing on all the experiences gained from

the practice section that has been developed. At the very least, I did not go down without first

apologizing for my actions. These new and improved habits will assist me in learning new things

and taking on new challenges in my future professional life.

References

Menegaki, M., &Damigos, D. (2018). A review ofthe current situation and challenges of

construction and demolition waste management. Current Opinion in Green and

Sustainable Chemistry, 13, 8-15.

Pamidimukkala, A., Kermanshachi, S., &Karthick, S. (2020, July). Impact of natural disasters on

construction projects: Strategies to prevent cost and schedule overruns in reconstruction

projects. In Creative Construction e-Conference 2020 (pp. 49-57). Budapest University

of Technology and Economics.

Ghasemi, H., JavidRuzi, M., &Nazarpur, M. T. (2021). Identifying and ranking contractor

insurance challenges in construction projects using hybrid Delphi and fuzzy best-worst

method. Journal of applied research on industrial engineering, 8(Special Issue), 1-16.

Thadani, H. L., & Go, Y. I. (2021). Integration of solar energy into low-cost housing for

sustainable development: a case study in developing countries. Heliyon, 7(12), e08513.

Yu, G., Yang, H., Yan, Z., &Ansah, M. K. (2021). A review of designs and performance of

façade-based building-integrated photovoltaic-thermal (BIPVT) systems. Applied thermal

engineering, 182, 116081.

Presswood, R., Thadani, H. L., Go, Y. I., Afshan, S., &Rweyora, A. K. (2021). Construction and

energy aspects of affordable housing developments for formal settlements. Proceedings

of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Urban Design and Planning, 174(4), 173-183.

Appendices

Appendix-1Gantt chart

Appendix-2 DesignData Deliveries

1. Project Engagement Title

2. Low-cost Housing

3. Building an Energy Efficiency House

4. Challenges

5. Selected Location

6. WhyDundigal

7. Low-cost Housing Materials for Construction

8. Materials

9. Properties of Building Materials in Construction

10. Techniques

11. Solar Panels

12. Glass fiber Reinforced Gypsum Panel

13. Thermal Insulation

14. Project Conclusion

Appendix-4 Project Risk Assignment

Project Risk Assignment Plan

ID W20048453

Module Code KB7056

Appendix-5 Feedback