Developing a monitoring tool and new construction techniques to boost the sustainability of agricultural structures

Description

This project will gather and share up-to-date information on new techniques and critical points related to the construction of farm buildings and their sustainability. The project will comprise two steps:

1. Drawing on available information, we will produce an initial working paper for a meeting with consulting engineers that will detail a precise list of critical points and provide a description of parameters that lead to premature deterioration.
2. We will prepare a descriptive inventory of new techniques for improving the on-site management of risks related to the critical points identified and described in step one.

Consultants will be invited to share the quality control practices they employ for site supervision. Finally, the best techniques will be selected and explained.

1. We will draw on a domestic and international review to create an inventory of good practice guidelines and factors for improving on-site supervision, especially in relation to the previously targeted points.
2. We will assemble all the information in a guide and create a tool that facilitates on-site monitoring. Everything will be validated by three firms under actual on-site conditions. We will also create a series of video clips demonstrating these practices.
3. We will organize a training program for engineers in collaboration with Association des ingénieurs en agroalimentaire du Québec (AIAQ) on how to use the various tools and documents. Video clips for certain installation techniques will be created and made available on the AIAQ and IRDA websites. Lastly, various innovative elements will be incorporated into the course on agri-environmental engineering and farm buildings taught by Professor Sébastien Fournel at Université Laval, which will ensure up-to-date training for engineers going forward.

Objective(s)

• Establish critical points affecting the durability of agricultural structures.
• Put together an exhaustive inventory of construction practices to reduce the risk of poor workmanship and handling in relation to the critical points identified.
• Create an inventory of good practice guidelines (or technical data sheets) to inform on-site supervision.
• Develop a consensus guide of critical points, new techniques, and good practices, as well as a tool for overseeing the supervision of building sites.
• Ensure the effective transfer of information to Québec engineering firms.