Brazilian Construction Industry Research Articles

Operation Car Wash: Uncovering Corruption Pathways in the Brazilian Construction Industry Through Bid Law Blind Spots

We carried out this study in the construction industry, one of the sectors that contributes significantly to the economic growth of most countries and maintains a strong relationship with the government in infrastructure projects, making it susceptible to corruption. Our objective was to identify the characteristics of the Brazilian Public Administration’s bidding processes for awarding contracts for works that may facilitate corrupt practices. Through a multiple case study, we researched investigations and audits of public works under Operation Car Wash to identify the main mechanisms used to circumvent the law. The results were obtained using an iterative explanation construction technique. With results that contribute to the development of public policies and anti-corruption and project management literature, we conclude that corruption will persist until adequate measures are implemented to combat overpricing and other underlying causes.

Economic-financial performance and value creation in the Brazilian construction industry

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the economic-financial performance (EFP) and value creation (VC) in the Brazilian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on the theories of strategy and finance, a quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and explanatory and applied study was carried out, contrasting the performance of the Direcional company and the civil construction industry – both listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange and the Over-the-Counter Market (B3)FindingsThe analysis of the EFP in the Brazilian construction industry shows that EZTEC, Helbor, Trisul and Direcional were the companies with the best EFP in the period. The analysis of the Economic Value Added (EVA®, henceforth EVA), as a VC metric and basis for assessing the relative technical efficiency score by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA®, henceforth DEA), revealed that the companies Direcional, EZTEC, MRV and CR2 were considered efficient throughout the period covered. The multicriteria methodology for empirical testing of the EFP and VC allowed not only contrasts Direcional's results with the other companies of the construction industry but also offered a complementary tool for comparative analysis of enterprises of different sizes, structures and realities.Research limitations/implicationsRegardless of any contextual limitations, from a theoretical point of view, the research not only helps fill the research gap aforementioned but also expands knowledge on the topic and demonstrates how this multi-criteria methodology (integrating DEA and EVA) can be used to assess EFP and VC in addition to traditional tools. However, this new approach evaluates, at the same time, corporate and sectorial effectiveness by contrasting the efficiency and efficacy (simultaneously) in the generation of performance and value of a company in relation to the industry.Practical implicationsSignificant implications for managerial practice could be noted by offering a tool to improve company performance and creating a competitive benchmarking process for analysts, investors, managers, financing agencies, shareholders, policymakers and business owners, as well as organizations and sectors in similar situations – who need to assess the EFP and VC holistically and improve their decision-making processes.Originality/valueThe uniqueness and innovation of this research come from the original multi-criteria methodology developed, applied and validated for analysis of EFP and VC. This methodology was operationalized through DEA applied to the companies' EVA, making it possible to compare corporate results and those of the whole industry in a balanced way – an unexplored issue in the literature, especially in emerging economies, opening several avenues for future research.

A literature review to determine the availability of materials for application in 3D printing processes within the Brazilian construction industry

In the present day, the civil construction industry grapples with various challenges, including low productivity, a shortage of skilled labour, resistance to technological innovations, and significant environmental impacts. Extensive literature underscores the urgency of modernizing the sector by embracing new technologies such as digital prototyping and advanced manufacturing processes. In light of these considerations, this article aims to assess the range of materials available for 3D printing to determine the feasibility of integrating this technology into the Brazilian civil construction industry (BCI). Through a comprehensive analysis of materials currently in use, drawn from scientific research, it becomes evident that mortar-based materials are emerging as a preferred choice for 3D printing components within civil construction. Considering that the Brazilian construction sector already heavily relies on cement as its primary material for constructing the built environment, a promising landscape unfolds for the gradual adoption and integration of three-dimensional printing technology into the industry. This alignment with existing practices and materials positions the BCI favourably for embracing the potential of 3D printing.

Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável: o impacto de grandes representantes da construção brasileira

Abstract The large corporations cause the most significant damages, but they can contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and its global priorities. The purpose of this research was the map the main impacts related to SDG, analysing the business sector of Brazilian civil construction, including some of the main Brazilian companies of the following segments: construction companies, factories and cement plants, analysing their sustainability reports according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) model. Only four out of the seventeen SDG were found not to be directly affected by the material aspects of the Brazilian construction industry. Therefore, suggestions were made for the mitigation of the impacts caused, including mostly governmental actions for regulation and enforcement, as well as entrepreneurial action concerning the management model. Based on the Attention-Based View theory, contributions have been suggested applicable to the companies’ management model seeking to achieve the SDG.

Challenges for lean construction adoption in the Brazilian industry: a study in construction companies, universities and class organizations

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the current level of knowledge about lean construction (LC) practices in construction companies, universities and class organizations in Brazil and identify the barriers to implementing LC in the Brazilian construction industry and prioritize them through comparison with global challenges.Design/methodology/approachThis multiple case study was carried out through a questionnaire answered by 56 construction companies, 15 universities and 10 professional associations. The questionnaire evaluation allowed the authors to determine the level of knowledge about the LC, its adoption and barriers to its adoption in the Brazilian industry. The results were statistically analyzed using the weighted average (MIS) of results using the Kruskal–Wallis test, which compares sample distribution among groups, and Cronbach’s alpha test to measure the questionnaire reliability.FindingsThis study points to universities as the main ones responsible for the low adoption of LC in Brazil and points to the need for an integrated action among construction companies, universities and class organizations to overcome the traditional project management culture and raise the level of knowledge about LC.Originality/valueThis study evaluated the current LC situation in an emerging country, Brazil, and compared it with the principal international challenges observed in studies of other developing countries – China, India, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Singapore – least developed countries – Bangladesh and Nigeria – and developed country – UK. These studies evaluated construction companies located in the listed countries. Based on that, 22 international challenges were established for the LC adoption. Additionally, this research also evaluated universities and working-class organizations in addition to construction companies. This addition can contribute to a better result understanding that can be explored by Brazil and other countries.

Circular economy in Brazilian construction industry: Current scenario, challenges and opportunities.

The effective implantation of the circular economy (CE) presents a great challenge to the industrial sectors, mostly in those of greater environmental impact, such as construction industry. In Brazil, this industry has been growing over the last 20 years; however, such growth was based on an extractivist economy without any consideration to the end of its products lifespan. Only in 2017, 45 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste were generated in the country. This paper presents the current context of public policies in the Brazilian construction industry and proposes initiatives to introduce principles of CE. An exploratory study was developed, and all the 45 references presented in Appendix A of the review paper of Benachio et al. were considered to draw new ideas. These ideas are related and compared to key points in Brazilian regulations. Twelve opportunities for the improvement are listed and organized by construction stages (planning and design, materials manufacturing, construction processes, use and demolition). The ones related to design and planning using Green building information modelling, and materials manufacturing with recycled waste are highlighted due to the existing actions, standards, and Federal legislation. It was found that some sectors and the government already have actions related to CE (based on the 3R principle), but still there are several initiatives needed for its effective implementation in the Brazilian construction industry.

The impact of climate change on the thermal-energy performance of the SCIP and ICF wall systems for social housing in Brazil

The social housing sector is playing an important role in Brazil, due to the necessity of its expansion. Currently, many residential projects perform poorly in terms of energy efficiency and thermal comfort. In addition, the impact of climate change on energy consumption may aggravate the energy scenario, increasing the dependence on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. In parallel to this, there is a growing adoption of the Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIP) and insulated concrete form (ICF) in the Brazilian construction industry, due to their advantages in reducing construction time, and cost. Therefore, this study provides a discussion on thermal-energy performance focusing on parametric analysis of the SCIP and ICF wall systems adoption for social housing in Brazil. Due to the fact that building performance is heavily affected by weather conditions, this study evaluated the computer simulation of the thermal-energy performance of SCIP and ICF wall systems for hot climates while addressing the impacts of climate change. The city of Rio de Janeiro, characterized by the tropical climate was selected, and the Climate Change World Weather File Generator (CCWorldWeatherGen) tool was used to produce weather data for future climate scenarios, such as 2020, 2050 and 2080.

Barriers to BIM Adoption in Brazil

Purpose: The research goal was to investigate the main barriers faced by a large Brazilian construction company in their efforts to thoroughly implement BIM. This study focused on the analysis of understanding the barriers to BIM adoption and the usage of 3/4 dimensions (3D/4D) on the development of an infrastructure project.Research methodology: The research methodology was exploratory and qualitative, carried out through a single-case study approach made upon bibliographical research, company document analysis, project document analysis, interviews, informal conversations, and observations. The research methodology was developed in six months (from June to December 2019) divided into three main phases: phase 1: definition and design; phase 2: preparation and collection; phase 3: data analysis and conclusion. Data collection was developed using a semistructured research protocol with two different semistructured questionnaires: the first questionnaire aimed at collecting data regarding BIM implementation in the company’s organizational context; the second one focused on the understanding of BIM adoption in the project and on the investigation of the main barriers related to the usage of 3D and 4D modeling in the project studied.Findings: Regarding BIM implementation in the company, although the company studied is a construction company in the infrastructure sector, BIM was considered more efficient in the design phase and flawed in the construction phase. Findings have shown that BIM has improved the information management of the design itself and its interface with the construction phase. In relation to the usage of BIM in the project, a more collaborative work environment was noticed due to the effectiveness of communication between the design and construction teams on the job site. With respect to the usage of 3D/4D modeling in the project studied, the difficulties in extracting information from the 3D model have disabled the usage of 4D modeling during the construction phase. Therefore, the difficulties reported were identified as an opportunity to map deficiencies in the BIM model in order to define parameters for the new project proposals and to automate the process of receiving the model and checking for inconsistencies or lack of information.Implications for Research and Practice: The case study is an example that BIM as a technological tool is not able to promote an integrated design and construction interface by itself. It is necessary to integrate BIM as an integrated process with structured management methods and tools. From our perspective, we understand that contracts should change, including construction stakeholders in the very beginning of the design process fostering collaboration across stakeholders such as designers, design and construction managers, suppliers, and subcontractors, thereby achieving a higher level of improvement potentially carried on by the new technologies allied to management practices. With regard to the nature of this article, it is important to make it clear that the results from this study were based on the Brazilian construction industry only.Limitations: The research is a single-case study; therefore, the findings cannot be generalized. Most of the data were dependent on the interviewees’ self-reported perceptions. We suggest new studies should be conducted with other construction companies in the Brazilian context, comparing companies with different organizational structures and sizes and other types of projects.

Critical factors for total quality management implementation in the Brazilian construction industry

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) that affect the implementation of total quality management (TQM) and to investigate, from the perspective of Brazil, the latent factors for TQM implementation in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of two methods. First, a literature review was conducted to identify CSFs for TQM implementation. Then, empirical research was conducted from a survey questionnaire applied to 130 professionals who have experience in the Brazilian construction industry. SPSS version-25 was used for data analysis, using descriptive statistics, and, finally, principal component analysis for identifying the latent factors.FindingsThe study findings portray convergences regarding the practitioners' perception in the light of the 20 critical factors identified in the literature, which can serve to make construction professionals aware of the key factors to TQM implementation. In addition, two latent factors, quality practices and human factor were identified, and they can assist the leaders and decision-makers for the implementation of TQM in the construction industry of a developing country.Originality/valueIt fills the gap of practical studies that compare the academic and practitioners' perspectives regarding the CSFs for TQM implementation in construction industry.

BIM no ensino de tecnologia da construção

A indústria da construção civil brasileira passa por uma fase de transição do modelo tradicional de projeto em Computer Aided Design (CAD) para o projeto mediado pela Modelagem da Informação da Construção (Building Information Modeling - BIM). Com isso, há um encadeamento natural de adequação dos profissionais à nova metodologia de trabalho e, consequentemente, surge a necessidade de capacitá-los. Por isso, cursos de Arquitetura e Urbanismo do Brasil estão alterando suas grades curriculares para implementar o ensino de BIM. Contudo, não tem sido discutida as alternativas de emprego do BIM na exposição dos conteúdos próprios à formação em Tecnologia da Construção. Dessa forma, o presente artigo possui o objetivo de apresentar possibilidades de uso do BIM no ensino de tecnologia da construção em curso de graduação de Arquitetura e Urbanismo a partir de um estudo de caso. Esse estudo apresenta resultados parciais de uma pesquisa de mestrado e utiliza como procedimentos metodológicos a pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e estudo de caso. Os resultados apontaram um grande potencial de utilização do BIM no ensino de tecnologia da construção, bem como em outras áreas do curso de arquitetura e urbanismo sem necessidade de alteração curricular. Por fim, esse estudo evidencia as mudanças que podem ocorrer na sala de aula se o docente se apropriar das ferramentas digitais existentes e se a instituição e a coordenação apoiarem essa proposta.

Case study: influence of performance levels of ABNT NBR 15575 without consumption of materials used in reinforced concrete structures

Abstract The Brazilian construction industry still discusses the consequence of the Performance Standard on housing developments. According to ABNT NBR 15575 [1], the systems that compose residential buildings need to meet minimum performance requirements. Among the systems, the structural must reach a minimum Service Life (SL) of 50 years, or intermediate or higher that corresponds to 63 and 75 years, respectively. The industry also debates the impact and viability of increasing the SL of reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, this article aimed to analyze a single reinforced concrete building designed for the 3 SL specified by ABNT NBR 15575 [1]. The study focused on the total consumption of steel and concrete. The structure’s designed conditions of exposure were varied for each performance level, based on the 4 environmental exposure classes (EEC) of ABNT NBR 6118 [3] and ABNT NBR 12655 [11], totalizing 12 situations. It was noted that the increased performance level increases consumption of materials, and the designs made for EEC IV consumed 12.3% and 16.2% more steel and concrete at the intermediate and superior performance levels respectively, when compared to the minimum performance level.

Predicting the GFCF of the Brazilian construction industry: a comparison between Holt Winters' and SARIMA models

The present study focuses on creating a forecasting model in order to predict the behavior of the economic indicator known as Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) of the Brazilian construction industry, which reflects the amount of investment in the construction industry sector. The data set consists of monthly observations from January 1996 to December 2016, the year of 2016 is used as validation for the forecast model. As strong seasonality was identified in the time series, Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Holt Winters' models are applied and compared. After the evaluation of the selected models, the ARIMA (2,1,2) × (0,1,1) 12 is identified as the best forecast model with reasonable deviations. However, the damped multiplicative Holt Winters' model also produces good results, despite its inability in eliminating the autocorrelation in the residuals. Therefore, both models can predict the GFCF with good accuracy, which can be useful for decision-making by investors and business managers.

Proposta de fatores críticos para implantação da gestão da qualidade total na indústria brasileira de construção civil

This research aims to present a proposal of Critical Success Factors (CSF) that affect the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the Civil Construction Industry in Brazil. An extensive literature review was carried out at the Scopus and Web Of Science bases to survey the CSF for the implementation of TQM in companies of different segments and in companies that work specifically in the construction industry. From this, a questionnaire was generated for distribution to professionals with experience in the civil costruction industry in Brazil. The proposed methodology was based on quantitative research, through a bibliographical study and Survey research using Descriptive Statistics and, finally, Principal Component Analysis, with the objective of studying the CSF initially identified by the literature on latent factors. After analyzing the data, it was concluded that the respondent professionals corroborated all the twenty CSF identified in the literature. In addition, two latent factors were summarized that summarize the CSF for the implementation of the TQM in the Brazilian civil construction industry. In this way, it can be said that there was a contribution to the existing literature, firstly by the support for evidences of theoretical propositions (the variables raised in the literature being corroborated by professionals) and also by the fact that latent factors were found, summarizing to two the number of dimensions to be followed by companies that want to succeed in the implementation of the TQM. The survey was conducted in companies operating in Brazil, the sample size was conditioned to the number of respondents and these were experts who have experience in companies in the construction industry. The study shows the existence of two latent factors for the successful implementation of TQM in companies operating in the Brazilian civil construction industry. The study identified TQM CSF in the literature, compared it with expert opinion through research, and identified latent factors.

Application of Management and Control Techniques in Brazilian Construction Industry

Application of Management and Control Techniques in Brazilian Construction Industry

Análise de riscos do uso de um sistema de proteção contra quedas com linha de vida horizontal como proteção de periferia na Construção Civil brasileira

Na construção civil brasileira, há mais de uma década, tem-se disseminado a proteção contra quedas da periferia da obra por meio de um Sistema de Proteção Ativa contra Quedas (SPAQ), ancorado em uma linha de vida horizontal flexí­vel, em detrimento de um Sistema de Proteçao Passiva contra Quedas (SPPQ). No entanto, de uma maneira geral, tal uso não tem sido precedido de uma análise de risco que reconheça os riscos existentes e demonstre a segurança e adequação desse sistema. O presente artigo se propõe a proceder a essa análise. Na análise de riscos, verificou-se que no uso de um SPAQ ancorado em linha de vida horizontal flexível para proteção de periferia, há vários riscos de consequências potencialmente graves ou fatais. Recomenda-se considerar a utilização de medidas de controle mais acima na hierarquia, como eliminação do trabalho em altura ou uso de sistemas de proteção passiva. Na impossibilidade disso, proceder a uma análise de risco detalhada, considerando as condições especí­ficas da tarefa, buscando soluções para todos os pontos analisados.

Interorganizational relationships in the Brazilian construction industry supply chain

Interorganizational relationships in the Brazilian construction industry supply chain

Innovation and construction management in Brazil: Challenges of companies in times of quality and productivity

Considering the efforts to optimize productivity and quality in the construction through the potential existing in the respective companies, this study presents an approach for identification, management and priorities of improvements actions at construction sites focusing status on productivity, added value and innovation in the socioeconomic context and scenario of construction industry in Brazil. Technological advances in recent years have made the Brazilian construction industry gradually incorporate technologies and forms of management, despite its traditionally conservative character. In current days, the innovations are pursued with the quest for greater quality, productivity, safety and customer satisfaction, which have been increasingly competitive and global. Construction in Brazil occupies an important role in the economy, directly contributing to GDP and acting on an extensive productive chain of suppliers, commercialization services and maintenance. The Brazilian construction sector has undergone major changes in recent years, facilitated by factors such as the resumption of public investments, the creation of laws that facilitate real estate, investments and funding of external resources, and the efforts of the Brazilian Quality and Productivity Program - PBQP H. However, the sector faces problems of a lack of skilled labour to meet the growth needs of the sector. There are still problems and challenges of quality and productivity that prevent full sector development. The aspects of nonconformity, low quality, high tax burden, outsourcing and informality of the workforce have not been adequately addressed and resolved. Through the use of indicators of productivity and growth, the challenges of the Brazilian construction industry are discussed and the possible paths for the sector that allow its full development and to reduce the distance between the Brazilian construction industry and that of the developed countries.

A qualitative analysis on occupational health and safety conditions at small construction projects in the Brazilian construction sector

The main objective of this study is to analyze the perception of Occupational Health and Safety in small construction projects in the Brazilian construction industry. The adopted approach is qualitative in nature and seeks to understand the character of the current practices through interviews held with ‘actors’ who are directly involved in small-scale building sites, as well as with others who are involved in large-scale work sites. In Brazil, there is a weakness in supervision at small construction projects. This is due to numerous factors, such as the low visibility of these types of works and short deadlines, as well as the lack of knowledge about Occupational Health and Safety. This study reinforces and illustrates the idea of the inherent dangers involved in the occupational health of workers in small construction projects. It also indicates that there is a need to put greater emphasis on compliance with Occupational Health and Safety principles, which are covered by the current Brazilian Legislation and Regulatory Standards. This should be undertaken in order to ensure that the work in small-scale building sites is more visible and, especially, to ensure acceptable health and safety conditions for construction workers.

Leading for Sustainability in the Brazilian Construction Industry

This article analyzes the major stakeholders in the Brazilian construction industry from the viewpoint of the companies in this sector, as well as how these organizations relate to their stakeholders with regard to the topic of sustainability in the construction. The study was based on the principle that the relationship with stakeholders is one of the foundations for the inception and continuity of activities toward sustainability. The findings of which show that the construction companies start the sustainability implementation process without the involvement of external stakeholders. This survey points out the difficulty faced by Brazilian construction companies in relating to their stakeholders. There is the perception that the customers and other actors do not value sustainability-oriented activities, but, at the same time, the relationship of the companies with these stakeholders is limited to disclosure of information. This characteristic of the industry reveals a need for sustainability projects that take into consideration, since their formulation, the stakeholders’ perceptions. The importance of this article lies in the recognition that, although the topic of sustainability is discussed at all levels, studies that examine how specific construction industries have been dealing with it are still rare.

0151 Brazilian construction industry: a contribution to improve information on fatal work accidents

ObjectivesConsidering data sources and statistical trends on recent fatal cases resulting from workplace accidents in the Brazilian construction industry, herein two aspects are emphasised: a critical appraisal of the official...