IDEA Construcción y Madera

Characterization and analysis of the anatomical and physical properties of Polylepis quadrijuga wood from Guanentá Alto Río Fonce, Santander

Johan Sebastián Solorzano Leal — 2024-12-29

Polylepis forests represent a (a far-reaching importance) plant community which implies significant vulnerability states in these forests with regards to constant loss of vegetation coverage to which they are subjected. This study is designed to provide information about physical properties: density, moisture content and anatomical characterization: seven Polylepis quadrijuga subjects in the macroscopic and microscopic main branches wood from Guanentá Alto Río Fonce, Santander. Specimens of specific dimensions were used (macroscopy: 1cmx3cm; microscopy: 1cmx1cm; physical properties: 5cmx1.5cmx1.5cm), focused on the three wood study plans. Finally, the results reflect that the species has semicircular porosity, solitary pores and in short radial multiples with gums. The parenchyma a sparse vasicentric paratracheal type. It presents simple perforation plates, areolate and opposite circular intervessel pits, with spiral thickening vessels. The rays are uniseriate or with up to 4 radial cells all procumbent, similar to the intervessel-ray pits, with silica contents and oleiferous cells. The fibers are septate with thin cell wall and the presence of circular and areolate pits. The anhydrous and basic density presented values of 0,57 g/cm³ and 0.48 g/cm³ respectively and a CHPSF of 32,90%, maximum CH of 142,35% and a free CH of 109,44%, conferring a medium heavy wood classification.

Architectural Proposal for Temporary Emergency Housing for Post-Disaster Response in the Context of the San Andrés and Providencia Archipelago

Mario Fernando Bucheli Caicedo — 2024-12-29

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters have negative implications for human communities as many are situated in high-risk areas and exhibit substantial vulnerability during emergencies. Emergency housing serves as a critical intervention during the risk management phase, offering a strategic framework to enhance community resilience in post-disaster scenarios. Key design considerations for emergency housing include habitability, architectural composition, and technical feasibility, which are essential for this type of housing. This project aims to suggest a prototype for detachable, adaptable, and rapidly deployable emergency housing tailored to the specific conditions of San Andrés and Providencia. The proposed design prioritizes minimum habitability standards while providing security and stability for affected families, thereby enhancing the efficiency and contextual relevance of disaster response strategies. The methodology adopted is rooted in evidence-based architecture, emphasizing the evaluation and refinement of existing design models to align with the specific requirements of the case study. The proposed prototype features a wood structural system constructed with Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham., utilizing a lightweight frame construction methodology. The design includes a functional area of 17.86 m², optimized for single-family use, and incorporates elements inspired by the traditional architecture of the San Andrés and Providencia Archipelago. A validation process with the Raizal community is planned to assess the design's viability and integrate feedback, ensuring cultural acceptance and practical applicability as a reliable emergency response solution for future disasters.

Study and design of a rural home using sustainable materials and the application of alternative energies

Nelson Castaño Ciro — 2024-12-29

This article documents the development of a comprehensive project to design and analyze a sustainable rural house, adapted to the conditions and needs of rural communities in Colombia. The proposal seeks to offer an efficient and replicable housing solution, capable of addressing the challenges of housing deficit, environmental sustainability, and the socioeconomic conditions of Colombian farmers. The site was selected within a Peasant Reserve Zone using georeference tools and geographic information systems, evaluating key aspects such as topography, weather conditions, and access to natural resources. The architectural design optimizes functionality and includes bioclimatic strategies and the use of local materials such as compressed earth blocks and bamboo. Additionally, renewable systems such as solar panels and an ecological wood stove were integrated. The comparative analysis between the sustainable house and a conventional model showed clear advantages in terms of costs, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.

Design of mixes and development of prototypes of concrete blocks and pavers using construction and demolition waste (CDW) materials

Duber Mauricio Flórez Correa — 2024-12-29

The acceleration of population growth and urban expansion has intensified the consumption of natural resources and the generation of construction and demolition waste (CDW), posing significant environmental challenges. This study evaluates the technical and environmental feasibility of using CDW in the production of sustainable construction materials, aligning with circular economy principles and the current Colombian regulations. The studied mixtures were incorporated with concrete, ceramic, crushed glass, and inactive carbon residues derived from construction activities and other productive sectors. The experimental methodology included the collection, classification, crushing, and characterization of the materials, followed by the formulation of ten mixtures containing varying proportions of CDW and other commonly used construction materials. Cylindrical specimens were subjected to compressive strength tests. Results demonstrated that the formulations meet standards for structural and non-structural applications based on generally accepted regulations, enabling the production of blocks, pavers, and concrete with compressive strengths up to 21 MPa. An environmental impact analysis was conducted using commercial life cycle assessment software, revealing that blocks made with recycled materials reduce the environmental footprint compared to industrially processed virgin materials. However, for pavers, the environmental footprint of recycled materials was higher which is an issue to be considered in recycled material initiatives. Besides reducing landfill waste accumulation, this proposal fosters sustainability by reusing materials and minimizing virgin resource extraction. This approach not only complies with Colombian regulations but also supports a sustainable development model in the construction sector, providing innovative solutions to the environmental and social challenges associated with urban growth and CDW generation.

Sustainable rural families: a proposal for a community in southeastern Bogotá

Luis Enrique Yate Calvo — 2024-12-29

Summary Sustainability in rural households and communities is a major challenge today. The economic and social dynamics that occur in these environments today are accelerating environmental degradation, actions such as inadequate waste management from agricultural and domestic activities, the excessive and extensive use of natural resources such as water and dependence on fossil fuels, such as firewood, contribute significantly to the gradual decrease in the holistic use of rural areas. The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of sustainability of rural households in the Quiba Alta area in the capital district of Bogotá, Colombia. To this end, a qualitative research methodology was adopted, since it is a method that allows the collection and evaluation of non-standardized data, with the aim of understanding a phenomenon in its natural environment. This is how 30 rural households’ representative of the total number of inhabited homes in the locality were evaluated, with a confidence level of 95%. An evaluation framework based on the concept of Sustainable Livelihoods (SLM) was used (Chambers, R., & Conway, G., 1991). This framework is used as it is not intended to represent an accurate view of reality, but to provide a perspective on the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations. This research develop an integral evaluation model which approached sustainablity from five essential conditions, each one representing a community development critical dimension: self-management, adaptability, environmental culture, coexistence and productivity. Among the main results, it can be mentioned that the level of sustainability of the households was 22.5%, that is, they do not meet the basic sustainability criteria. The sustainability analysis in the sample of households in the selected rural community allowed a better understanding of the practices and use of natural resources in daily life in the countryside. There was a methodic analysis through which integral understanding was obtained on how community members interact with natural resources in their agricultural and domestic daily contexts It was also evident that there is a clear focus in rural communities towards the implementation of sustainable practices and methodologies in their daily lives.

Estimation of the Critical Mass from Historical Values (1999 to 2019) of the Share Value in the Market Versus the Number of Users in Cinco Ecommerce

Juan Francisco Guzmán Zabala — 2024-12-29

The aim of this work is to analyze the correlation between the critical mass of users on five e-commerce platforms listed on the Nasdaq and NYSE stock exchanges with global operations versus the monthly average share value. In order to comply with this, information on the number of monthly users and the value of the monthly action were collected and analyzed for a period of 20 years (1999 to 2019), to complete the missing data of some series of monthly active users. These were calculated from extreme data under the Makima method, which allowed the curves to be smoothed. As a result, the critical mass was calculated for the five selected e-commerces under thirteen sigmoidal functions and it was determined that the most suitable equation to estimate the critical mass is the 3-parameter sigmoid. Likewise, the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for the two variables (Number of users versus the value of the action) where a strong positive average correlation (0.86) was evident between them. Additionally, it was concluded that Walmart and The Home Depot, which were arised in the offline world, reached their critical mass in average at 11.7 years or 107,202,486 user. On the contrary, platforms that started online such as Amazon and eBay managed to reach critical mass on average at 25.2 years or 420,918,451 active users. Finally, it is concluded that critical mass is a key indicator that the digital entrepreneur can use to establish business strategies and achieve market leadership.

Business Leadership: Evolution, Models, and Future Challenges

Juan José García Sarria — 2024-12-29

Business leadership is a fundamental component for the success and proactive development of business organizations, which face a volatile, globalized and highly competitive environment. This article offers a com-prehensive exploration of the dynamic nature of business leadership, analyzing the main theoretical models available and discussing the challenges that will confront those who hold the position of leader over time, especially in the near future. Today's business leaders must go through major challenges to ensure the sustainability and growth of their organizations. Over the last decades, the concept of leadership has evolved significantly, adapting to legislative, technological, regulatory, economic and social transformations. This article presents a qualitative approach of longitudinal and exploratory type, carrying out a differentiated study over a long period of time, covering significant aspects of the evolution of leadership in the business context. The methodology presents a bibliographic review of articles, scientific articles, research product articles, academic works that seek to explore the key concepts, models, evolution and future challenges of business leadership. The results present the evolution of the main theories on business leadership; in addition to the prospects and challenges of leadership within the organizations.

Subdirector Centro de Tecnologías para la Construcción y la Madera

William Darío Riaño Barón — 2024-12-29

In a world increasingly shaped by technological development, the relationship between humans and technology takes on greater significance. Modern technology is not merely a set of tools we use to transform the world; it is also a way of understanding reality—a means of exploring the possibilities nature provides. In today's context, marked by environmental crises and sustainability challenges, this technological conception raises fundamental questions about how to improve the quality of life for rural and urban populations amid the global changes we currently face.