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.