Construction Applications Research Articles

A capability assessment model for implementing digital technologies in Nigerian heavy construction firms

PurposeDue to the critical importance of digital transformation in enhancing industrial growth and competitiveness, especially in heavy construction, this study introduces a tailored capability assessment model and self-appraisal tool for firms in this sector. These resources enable them to gauge their readiness for adopting digital technology effectively.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing the Technology—Organization—Environment (TOE) and Natural Resource Dependence Theory (NRDT) frameworks, 22 markers were identified to structure a questionnaire distributed to construction professionals. Descriptive analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) were used to develop the capability assessment model. A validation survey assessed the validity of both the model and the self-appraisal instrument.FindingsThe study identified the top five significant markers: (1) leadership commitment to digital transformation, (2) workforce readiness for technology integration, (3) potential ROI through efficiency gains, (4) technology maturity for construction applications and (5) complexity of integrating new technologies with existing workflows. Through FSE, the most critical factors were technology-related, organizational and resource optimization markers.Originality/valueBy employing the TOE and NRDT frameworks, the study identifies the most critical factors influencing digital adoption in heavy construction. Also, the user-friendly self-appraisal instrument developed in this study can be considered a valuable contribution, as it provides heavy construction firms with a practical tool for ongoing monitoring and improvement of their digital transformation efforts.

The Interactive Study of Legal Risk Management and Litigation Dispute in the Business Environment

This study discusses the mutual influence and cross-relationship between legal risk management and litigation dispute management in the business environment. With the intensification of globalization and digitalization, the legal risks faced by enterprises are increasingly complex and diverse, and litigation disputes occur frequently. This paper, on the basis of the basic concept and framework of legal risk management and litigation dispute management, analyzes the influence of legal risk management to reduce litigation disputes, the feedback of legal risk management strategy and the interaction between the two, reveals the weak link in legal risk management, and the improvement of litigation dispute feedback. It is found that effective legal risk management can significantly reduce the occurrence probability of litigation disputes, and the management experience of litigation disputes in turn provides practical feedback for legal risk management and promotes its optimization and improvement. This paper puts forward specific suggestions for improving legal risk management and litigation dispute management in the business environment, including comprehensive risk identification and assessment, scientific strategies and tools, systematic system construction, active culture construction and advanced technology application. Through these measures, enterprises can improve the ability to prevent and control legal risks in the complex and changeable business environment, reduce the occurrence of litigation and disputes, and maintain the ability of competitive advantage and sustainable development.

Enhancing CLT floor vibration mitigation with pre-strained shape memory alloy-tuned mass dampers

Cross-laminated timber (CLT), recognised for its environmental benefits, faces challenges in its excessive human-induced vibration due to its lightweight nature. This research investigates the application of a tuned mass damper (TMD) for vibration control in CLT floor slabs, focusing on enhancing the structural performance of using this sustainable building material. The study introduces a solution by integrating Shape memory alloy (SMA) into TMD systems (SMA-TMD), utilising the properties of SMAs for effective self-centring and consistent damping, and it aims to incorporate pre-strained SMAs into TMDs to improve the damping performance of the system. Experimental testing and finite element simulations confirm that pre-straining SMA bars not only contribute to the self-centring but also considerably increase the equivalent viscous damping ratio of the SMA-TMD. Findings from the simulations demonstrate that the optimised SMA-TMD system can substantially reduce CLT floor vibration and accelerates the energy dissipation effect under human footfall loadings, overcoming one of the primary limitations of CLT in construction applications. This advancement supports the broader adoption of CLT as a sustainable building material by providing a viable solution for vibration control.

Application prospect of MSWI FA in the field of construction engineering

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of partially substituting municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) in the field of construction engineering for ordinary Portland cement, in response to the resource scarcity and environmental issues associated with conventional silicate cement. It is found that MSWI FA has high potential in replacing cement, through the analysis of macro-properties, electron microscopy, Structural, and leaching characteristics of heavy metals. The compressive strengths of 3 days and 28 days are 7.15 MPa and 21.83 MPa, respectively, meeting the requirements for various construction applications including backfilling in mining voids, highway subgrades, backfilling behind shield tunnel walls, and grouting reinforcement in soft soil layers. Furthermore, the common leaching concentrations of heavy metals are significantly lower than the landfill standards, suggesting that environmental concerns may no longer be a deterrent to the utilization of MSWI FA. In terms of its comprehensive performance, it can have broad development space in the field of construction in the future.

Decomposition and reconstruction algorithms for IoT reliability analysis utilizing 5G technology for smart cities

Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G communication technologies in smart cities deliver promising services for heterogeneous applications. The application reliability banks on uninterrupted and seamless services experienced by the users. However, the increasing smart city application demands influence the experience reliability through augmented wait times. This article therefore introduces a Coherent Reliability Service Broadcasting Technique (CRSBT) for sustaining constructive application services. This technique incorporates linear regressive and digressive learning for application service improvements and restrictions. Based on the demand, the regressive process verifies the wait time and with the reducing demands, the service broadcast ratio is verified. These two factors are verified post the demand and response through 5G resource allocations and IoT computations. Both the service-oriented features are validated for regressive service broadcast and either of the one is used for digressive response. The coherence between the computations (IoT) and resources (5G) is verified on-demand and linearly. Therefore, the proposed technique is reliable in sustaining service broadcast, less wait time, and maximum flexibility.

Influence of high field strength ions on the crystallization characteristics and properties of slag glass-ceramics

Blast furnace slag glass–ceramics were prepared by melting using rare-earth-containing blast furnace slag (REBFS) as the main raw material and Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 as composite nucleating agents. By adding different TiO2 contents, the study comprehensively revealed the effects of high field strength ions on the glass network structure, crystalline properties, elemental distribution and physicochemical properties. Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that TiO2 acted primarily as a network modifier in the glass network. The appropriate TiO2 content disrupted the glass network, decreasing the crystallization activation energy (EC) of the glass–ceramic. However, excess TiO2 repaired the network structure, thereby increasing the EC. The combined effect of the Cr and Ti substantially improved the crystallization characteristics of the glass-ceramics. Cr2O3 induced the formation of spinel, which promoted the crystallization of the main crystalline augite phase. The self-aggregation of the high field strength Ti4+ ion induced the formation of a titanium- and cerium-containing titanite phase, which also contributed to grain refinement. This titanite phase effectively increased the Vickers hardness and acid and alkali resistances of the glass-ceramics to 9.16 GPa and over 98.5 %, respectively. The excellent physicochemical properties render REBFS glass–ceramics as being promising materials for various construction applications. This research provides theoretical support for comprehensively utilizing blast furnace slag and provides theoretical guidance for preparing slag glass–ceramics possessing desirable physicochemical properties.

Research Review and Future Directions of Key Technologies for Welding Robots in the Construction Industry

The rapid development of the construction industry has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced construction efficiency and safety, propelling the development of construction robots to ensure sustainable and intelligent industry advancement. Welding robots, in particular, hold significant promise for application in steel structure construction. However, harsh construction environments, variable construction structures, and complex construction conditions present critical technical challenges for weld position, path, and quality for welding robots. This paper aims to provide a focused review of the key technical difficulties faced by welding robots in the construction industry, starting from the progress in research and applications. The review identifies the current state of welding robot technology, the technical bottlenecks encountered, and the potential solutions to these challenges, offering valuable insights for the research and development of construction robots.

Cunningham’s Law and its actualization in the space of modern social communications

This article analyzes an unusual and rather curious rule of applied socio–communicative interaction, called «Cunningham’s law». Its essence is to establish the effectiveness of deliberately «stuffing» into offline or online interactive discourse obviously incorrect or controversial information in order to provoke the interlocutor to correct this error and actively engage in dialogue. The primary goal of this publication is to identify the causality and describe the mechanism of action of this law, as well as to determine the optimal areas for its constructive practical application in the space of modern social communications. The issue of socio–psychological and moral–ethical restrictions on the actualization of Cunningham’s law is considered in a special way due to the presence of a pronounced manipulative component in it. In general, the undertaken research is intended to contribute to overcoming the relative lack of knowledge of this communicative phenomenon and to promote the facilitation of everyday, socialite, educational and professional communication between people in various social situations.

Innovative Implications of Paddy Straw in Concrete: A Review

Rice is a crop that is grown worldwide and is mostly produced in Asian countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and others. For every ton of harvested rice, around 1.5 tons of paddy straw is produced. Paddy straw is available in substantial amounts during the rice harvesting seasons, depending on the region. In place of burning, governments and communities can promote composting, use paddy straw as animal feed, or invest in technology that turn waste straw into goods that are valuable. Buildings with improved energy efficiency, reduced agricultural waste, and alternative building materials can all benefit from the use of paddy straw in construction. However, proper processing and treatment are required to assure structural integrity, fire resistance, and longevity in construction applications. A thorough analysis was carried out to see how paddy straw might be used to address different environmental issues. It addresses a number of issues, including market potential, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and technological viability. In this type of research, the durability, workability, and compressive strength of the concrete mix are typically evaluated by replacing a portion of the cement with ash derived from paddy straws. Research topics often include the optimal ash concentration, effects on hydration kinetics, and long-term performance of concrete.

Biobased polymer nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization: comparison between carbon and mineral nanofillers

Two series based on poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-block-poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PPF-b-F-PTMO) containing carbon and mineral nanofillers that differ in shape (1D and 2D) were synthesized via in situ polymerization. The influence of the addition of the 1D-type nanoparticle, i.e., carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and the so-called 2D-type, i.e., graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and organoclay (C20A), on the properties of a biobased block copolymer was analyzed. The dispersion of nanoadditives in the nanocomposites was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal properties were studied employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The introduction of nanoparticles increased the crystallinity (Xc) and the mean values of tensile modulus (E) of the bionanocomposites. In turn, one observed that the decrease in the limited viscosity number (LVN) was visible along with incorporating nanoadditives. The synthesized polymer bionanocomposites reveal the mechanical properties of elastomers during mechanical testing. Moreover, the good processability of the obtained materials by injection molding combined with the comprehensive ability to change mechanical and thermal properties of PPF-b-F-PTMO by tailoring the type and content of the nanofillers can indicate their possible applications in packaging, automotive, sports, construction, and many other industries.

Transformative potential: Utilizing Teos-modified mugwort for sustainable construction

Exploring innovative materials derived from natural sources holds significant promise in pursuing sustainable construction practices. This study investigates the modification of mugwort (Artemisia dubia Wall.) with TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) and its application as a sustainable reinforcement material in construction applications. It aims to integrate the plant's inherent strength with TEOS-enhanced mechanical properties and assess the feasibility of incorporating TEOS-modified mugwort into a lime-based matrix. The modified mugwort and its lime-based composite characterisation were conducted using FTIR, SEM-EDS, thermogravimetric analysis, compressive strength tests, and nitrogen adsorption analysis. FTIR analysis showcases significant structural enhancements post-modification, corroborated by SEM-EDS findings indicating increased silicon content. Peaks at 2915, 2845, and 1256 cm⁻¹ confirm successful modification with octadecyl amine and Si-C bond integration. Silica-related peaks at 1052, 801, and 456 cm⁻¹ indicate the presence of Si-O-Si structures. SEM analysis observes the presentation of Si as a layer confirming line scan position results, and EDS analysis findings indicate an increased silicon content of 15.16 %. Thermogravimetric analysis of modified samples displayed improved stability at low temperatures and more significant mass loss at high temperatures (72.01 % for modified and 28.91 % for unmodified samples) due to the decomposition of new chemical components. Nitrogen adsorption measurements reveal enhanced porosity in modified mugwort, suggesting diverse applications. The surface area of modified mugwort increased by 85 % compared to unmodified samples. Compressive strength analyses underscore the material's suitability for construction, with modified samples exhibiting denser structures at 8.5 % and higher strength at 13.3 % compared to unmodified samples. Macrostructure analysis further supports this, highlighting enhanced compatibility with binding materials. Overall, modified mugwort emerges as a versatile, eco-friendly reinforcement material with improved mechanical and thermal properties, poised for various applications in sustainable construction.

Stacking self-gluing cellulose II films: A facile strategy for the formation of novel all-cellulose laminates

Cellulose laminates represent a remarkable convergence of natural materials and modern engineering, offering a wide range of versatile applications in sustainable packaging, construction, and advanced materials. In this study, novel all-cellulose laminates are developed using an environmentally friendly approach, where freshly regenerated cellulose II films are stacked without the need for solvents (for impregnation and/or partial dissolution), chemical modifications, or resins. The structural and mechanical properties of these all-cellulose laminates were thoroughly investigated. This simple and scalable procedure results in transparent laminates with exceptional mechanical properties comparable to or even superior to common plastics, with E-modulus higher than 9 GPa for a single layer and 7 GPa for the laminates. These laminates are malleable and can be easily patterned. Depending on the number of layers, they can be thin and flexible (with just one layer) or thick and rigid (with three layers). Laminates were also doped with 10 wt% undissolved fibers without compromising their characteristics. These innovative all-cellulose laminates present a robust, eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic materials, thus bridging the gap between environmental responsibility and high-performance functionality.

Fracture properties of ultra-thin friction course mixture containing reclaimed asphalt pavement and glass fiber under monotonic and cyclic loading

Ultra-thin friction courses (UTFC) have demonstrated exceptional efficacy in the preventive maintenance of asphalt pavements. Despite this, research into the influence of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and glass fiber on the fracture behavior of UTFC mixtures under cyclic loading is sparse. In response, this study conducted both monotonic loading tests and tension cyclic loading tests on notched semi-circular specimens at a temperature of 25 °C to elucidate the impact of RAP and glass fiber on UTFC’s fracture resistance. The findings revealed that, during monotonic testing, the introduction of RAP appeared to bolster mechanical performance by increasing peak load and tensile stiffness index (TSI). However, RAP diminished the fracture energy, with the concurrent addition of RAP and glass fiber resulting in further compromise to fracture resistance. Conversely, in the cyclic loading tests operated under load control, the integration of RAP positively influenced fatigue life. Furthermore, the addition of 0.1 % glass fiber (identified as H-25R-0.1F) also improved fatigue life, highlighting its beneficial role in augmenting fatigue endurance. When compared to the mixture devoid of RAP, the inclusion of 25 % and 50 % RAP led to substantial increases in cumulative dissipated energy by 101 % and 398 %, respectively. These results suggest that both RAP and glass fiber have nuanced effects on the fracture and fatigue properties of UTFC mixtures, with potential implications for their application in roadway construction and rehabilitation. Minimum rate of cumulative dissipated energy change (RCDEC_min) could be used to characterize the fatigue performance. The lower the RCDEC_min, the larger the fatigue life. There existed a power law relationship between RCDEC_min and fatigue life, which was independent of the mixture type. Compared to the cumulative dissipated energy method, the maximum displacement method may be more suitable to characterize the damage evolution during the fatigue test.

Innovation ecosystems beyond construction projects – a case study of Swedish cross laminated timber building networks

ABSTRACT While innovation ecosystems have been proven effective for driving innovation in high-tech industries, their application in construction with cross laminated timber (CLT) products have received limited attention, with most studies adopting a broad perspective on ecosystems, encompassing the entire supply network around individual building projects. This study explores niche innovation ecosystems within the context of construction with CLT products. Data from 15 CLT-based building projects in mid Sweden were collected through observations and interviews and analysed using a method combining existing theory on innovation ecosystem structure with social network analysis. Innovation ecosystem structure was identified within five of the projects, encompassing two unique ecosystems. These ecosystems feature interorganisational links and actor-level expected value capture in two dimensions: value creation within the standard contractual framework of the projects and the innovation ecosystem superimposed on these projects. The novel method bridges the gap between innovation ecosystem research and CLT practices. The findings reveal that niche innovation ecosystems interact with CLT-based building projects through collaborative efforts across multiple projects and partners. These ecosystems feature alignment links that indicate both intra – and inter-project interdependencies, potentially driving innovation in construction. Role extensions within these ecosystems highlight the complexity and adaptability required in the construction industry.

A method for calculating the lateral earth pressure on rigid anti-slip piles with EPS inclusions

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) inclusions are placed between rigid anti-slip pile-free sections and slopes, causing soil displacement and transforming the lateral earth pressure from a static to an active state. This study proposes a calculation method for estimating the lateral pressure on rigid anti-slip piles with EPS inclusions based on the deformation coordination of the rigid pile–EPS geofoam–soil composite system and soil-arching effect behind the pile using the polar coordinate translation and oblique differential-unit methods. A FLAC3D numerical model, designed to verify the theoretical results and analyse the effect of load reduction due to EPS inclusions, confirmed the validity of the proposed calculation method. The load-reduction effect of EPS inclusions were positively and negatively correlated with the thickness and elastic modulus of the EPS specimen, respectively. Finally, three EPS-inclusion design methods are proposed; specimens manufactured by the first two methods facilitate both the load-reduction effect and poor economic efficiency, whereas those manufactured by the third method show excellent load reduction with economic efficiency. The results of this study contribute significantly towards research on EPS inclusions that could facilitate high-performance engineering and construction applications.

Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of superconducting and normal state Nb3Sn

The superconductor Nb3Sn has important applications for construction of very high-field superconducting magnets. In this work we investigate its microscopic electronic structure with 93Nb nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The high-quality Nb3Sn powder sample was studied in both 3.2 T and 7 T magnetic fields in the temperature range from 4 K to 300 K. From measurement of the spectrum and its theoretical analysis, we find evidence for anisotropy despite its cubic crystal structure. Magnetic alignment of the powder grains in the superconducting state was also observed. The Knight shift and spin-lattice relaxation rate, T1−1 , were measured and the latter compared with BCS theory for the energy gap Δ(0)=2.7±0.3kBTc at 3.2 T and Δ(0)=2.33±0.07kBTc at 7 T, indicating suppression of the order parameter by magnetic field.

Experimental investigation on fatigue and fracture behaviour of cold recycling materials

Cold Recycled Material (CRM) has emerged as a highly innovative road construction material, offering numerous advantages over conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), such as reduced construction costs, decreased energy consumption, and enhanced resistance to reflective cracking. CRM is primarily composed of Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) and bitumen emulsion, with the addition of cement as a co-binder. However, the presence of cement in CRM can lead to increased susceptibility to cracking under heavy traffic loads. In this study, the fracture-fatigue behaviour of CRM modified with by-product fillers was investigated in order to improve the overall performance of CRM mixtures. The Cyclic Indirect Tensile Fatigue test (CIT-CY) and Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) fracture tests were conducted on the CRM mixtures and mortars, respectively. The findings reveal that CRM materials incorporating specific fillers demonstrated a balanced combination of fatigue and fracture resistance, indicating the potential for these modified CRMs to enhance road construction applications.

Application of Multi-Rod Constructs for the Revision of Thoracolumbar Fractures.

The revision procedure for failure of internal fixation after thoracolumbar fracture is controversial. Combined anterior and posterior surgery is associated with higher risk more intraoperative bleeding and tissue damage. The success rate of simple anterior surgery needs further confirmation, and posterior surgery lacks stability of internal fixation. This study evaluates the feasibility and surgical effect of multi-rod constructs in the revision of thoracolumbar fractures. Eleven patients with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent previous construct failure and were treated with revision and internal fixation with the multi-rod technique from March 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed. The original internal fixation was removed and replaced in the medial insertion of satellite rods and bone graft. The average follow-up time was 15.97 months. The intraoperation blood loss, the time of the operation, activation and discharge and the rate of rod fracture were calculated. The sagittal Cobb angle before revision, after revision and at the last follow-up were compared. The clinical effect was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire (ODI). The average operation time was 107 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 131.81 mL, the active time was 1.59 days, and the discharge time was 10.89 days. No rod fractured again during the follow-up period. The paired t-test was used to compare the Cobb angle, VAS score, and ODI before and after surgery. There was significant difference in the sagittal Cobb angle between the pre-revision and the posterior sagittal position (p = 0.000), and no significant difference was found between post-revision and last follow-up (p = 0.551). VAS and ODI were greatly improved at the last follow-up. The literature on revision of thoracolumbar fractures is insufficient and comprises varying opinions. This paper proposes a new treatment option. The application of the multi-rod constructs in the revision of thoracolumbar fractures is safe, simple, and effective and might provide guidance for future clinical work.

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Mycelium Composite for Innovative and Sustainable Construction Materials

Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Incorporating NF like hemp, jute, or bamboo into the mycelium matrix enhances mechanical properties. This combination results in a composite that boasts enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability. Natural FRM composites offer sustainability through the utilization of agricultural waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional construction materials. Additionally, the lightweight yet strong nature of the resulting material makes it versatile for various construction applications, while its inherent insulation properties contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. Developing and adopting natural FRM composites showcases a promising step towards sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. Ongoing research and collaboration between scientists, engineers, and the construction industry will likely lead to further improvements and expanded applications. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research and applications of natural FRM composites for innovative and sustainable construction materials. Additionally, the paper reviews the mechanical properties and potential impacts of these natural FRM composites in the context of sustainable architectural construction practices. Recently, the applicability of mycelium-based materials has extended beyond their original domains of biology and mycology to architecture.

Water–salt migration and deformation characteristics in gravelly sulfate saline soil under the effect of localized fine sand accumulation

The water-salt migration law and deformation characteristics of coarse-grained saline soils have been extensively studied and illustrated. However, owing to the influence of the chemical composition and physical properties of the soils, coarse-grained soils are prone to localized soil absorption during mixing and compaction. This type of working condition of the existing localized fine sand accumulation layers is seldom discussed in the literature. In this study, water-salt migration and deformation of natural gradation specimens and specimens with localized fine sand accumulation layers in natural gradation were monitored and detected for the field fill conditions in an airport embankment project using self-designed test equipment based on nine freeze–thaw cycle physical simulation tests at environmental temperatures ranging from −30 °C to 25 °C. Under the freeze–thaw cycle, compared with the natural gradation, the specimens with localized fine sand accumulation layers had a higher influence on water and salt migration, which indicates that the depth range of drastic changes in water and salt increased by 80% and 84%, respectively. The cumulative deformation curves under the effects of natural gradation and localized fine sand accumulation exhibited similar trends. The difference between the deformation of the natural samples and samples with localized fine sand accumulation layers was 16% when the salt content of the upper part of the roadbed was 0.3%. In addition, the cumulative vertical settlement deformation of the specimens decreased with an increase in the salt content of the upper part of the roadbed and gradually transformed into vertical uplift deformation. The results of this study provide a basis for the selection of materials for airport roadbed backfill and their application in construction in seasonally frozen areas.