Building Construction Sites Research Articles

Effects of construction workers’ safety knowledge on hazard-identification performance via eye-movement modeling examples training

Most accidents in the construction industry are caused by a large proportion of hazards that remain unrecognized; this hazard-identification failure can be traced back to inadequate safety knowledge and ineffective education methods. Eye-movement modeling examples (EMMEs) show an expert’s gaze replays in the hazard-identification process with verbal explanations. Thus, with the fundamental objective of measuring the impacts of tacit and explicit safety knowledge on construction workers’ hazard-identification performance, this study demonstrated the moderation effect of EMMEs on this influence pathway. This study created a digital building construction site to conduct two eye-tracking experiments, and every participant completed a hazard-identification test before and after EMMEs training. The effect of tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge on hazard-identification performance was explored in Study 1 and Study 2. The results demonstrated the potential of EMMEs to indirectly teach strategic identification sequences and contribute to deeper safety education, and the influence of individual safety knowledge on the effectiveness of EMMEs.

Assessment of Air Pollution Levels from a Building Construction Site on Lagos Island

The introduction highlights the challenges of air pollution from construction activities on a site in Lagos Island, Nigeria, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies to assess air pollution levels and evaluate its implications for public health and environmental quality. The methodology outlines the monthly data collection process, using the Earth Sense Zephyr (equipped with electrochemical detectors for gases) to measure CO, NO, NO₂, O₃, and Optical light scattering for particles) to measure PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀, and the ARA n-FRM Sampler for additional data collection on PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀. The study found that CO, NO, and NO₂ levels were influenced by construction activities, vehicle emissions and industrial sources, with notable peaks in CO and NO concentrations during specific months. Ozone levels remained consistently low, likely due to the "titration effect," while particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) showed significant seasonal variation, peaking during the dry season due to construction dust and dry weather conditions. The findings underscore the need for stringent regulatory measures and effective dust control practices, particularly during periods of increased construction activity and dry weather, to mitigate air pollution and protect public health. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of air pollution from a typical construction site in Lagos Island, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable interventions to safeguard public health and environmental integrity. The study proposes enhanced monitoring and surveillance, stringent regulatory measures, promotion of sustainable construction practices, and public awareness and education, to address the challenges associated with construction-related air pollution on Lagos Island.

Performance Study of OSH Management in Building Construction Sites of Jharsuguda, Odisha (India)

Performance Study of OSH Management in Building Construction Sites of Jharsuguda, Odisha (India)

Global path planning for autonomous construction vehicles in building construction: A comparative study with a focus on vehicle kinematic characteristics

Technological advancements in robotics and automation have led to a growing emphasis on integration into construction industry from a global research context. In particular, autonomous construction vehicles (ACVs) stand out as a pivotal innovation. One key aspect of successful deployment of ACVs on construction sites is the path planning technology, especially the global path planning (GPP) methods. Thus, this study conducted a comparative study of the six GPP algorithms from various underlying principles, including graph search methods (e.g. Dijkstra and A*), sampling-based methods (e.g. rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) and rapidly exploring random tree star (RRT*)), evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms (GAs)), and artificial intelligence (e.g. deep Q learning (DQN)), to reveal how GPP algorithms perform on the travel of ACVs. These algorithms were evaluated with consideration of the kinematic characteristics of typical construction vehicles, including truck-trailers and excavators, within a typical unstructured real-world building construction site and based on two tasks and eight criteria encompassing efficiency and safety. The findings were analysed from three perspectives, i.e. the planned global paths and travel paths of ACVs, the performance of algorithms in each metric, and the overall performance of each algorithm, to identify the strengths of each GPP algorithm. GAs excel in generating smoother travel paths than others, whereas the global paths from RRT and DQN exhibit unpredictable changes, leading to a meandering travel paths for ACVs. The quality of global paths induces a greater impact on differential-wheeled excavators compared to front-wheel steering truck-trailers. Practical guidance can therefore be provided to select and improve the GPP algorithms and thereby to enhance the safety and efficiency of ACVs on construction sites.

Modeling and categorizing standardized artifacts for scheduling occupancy on building construction sites

Modeling and categorizing standardized artifacts for scheduling occupancy on building construction sites

Integrating Safety Practices into the Supply Chain for Sustainable Development in Malaysia's Building Construction Sites

The construction industry plays a vital role in driving sustainable development in Malaysia. However, the sector is also associated with various safety risks and challenges. Safety practices on building construction sites are crucial for the well-being of workers and the overall success of construction projects. This research employs a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis to the extent of the Integration of Safety Practices into the Supply Chain. Utilizing mean and standard deviation calculations, the study analyses rates, compliance levels and other key safety indicators across firms in the construction sectors. Addressing safety concerns at every stage of the supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to final project delivery, stakeholders can mitigate risks, minimize accidents and create a secure working environment. In the context of sustainable development, incorporating safety practices into the supply chain aligns with Malaysia's commitment to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, it contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By prioritizing safety, the construction industry can foster a culture of well-being and productivity, attract skilled workers, and promote responsible business practices. Key safety practices that can be integrated into the supply chain include rigorous supplier vetting, ensuring the use of certified and safe construction materials, implementing proper handling and storage procedures, and conducting regular safety training for all workers involved. Additionally, leveraging technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables, and real-time monitoring systems can enhance safety management and enable prompt response to potential hazards.

Green Building Rating of High-Rise Buildings in Sri Lanka


 
 
 As a result of urbanization, constructions of high-rise buildings become a major component of urban development. Constructing high-rise buildings contributes to social, economic and environmental development as well. There are many stages of construction including planning, designing, procurement and implementation. There is a wide range of sustainability practices which can be implemented in each stage of construction. In leading Sri Lanka to Sustainable Development, the green building rating system was introduced by National Green Building Council of Sri Lanka in 2002. This rating system has 100 total points and minimum of 40 points is required for green building certification. The rating system has different components. Among them sustainable sites category includes 25% of total points in green building rating system. This research study highlights the significance of sustainable sites category in order to award the green certification in green building rating system. For this research five major high-rise building construction sites in Colombo were selected and existing site selection practices of each site were investigated. Each site was visited and in-depth discussions were carried out with the planning engineer and other people in the construction site. The structured questionnaire was filled and scores were given accordingly where they have met the sustainable sites criteria. Two sites out of five could not earn single point as they did not fulfill the prerequisites of the site section category. The rest of the sites (three) earned 20, 19, and 18 respectively out of 25 points. In this study, lack of awareness in sustainable site selection practices has dropped the chances of being eligible for the green building certification. Since the minimum points required for green building certification is 40, buildings which are under planning or pre-construction stage have higher chances of obtaining silver, gold and platinum awards for green building certification. Therefore, sustainable sites category of the green building rating system contributes significantly to increase the score and therefore it is highly important in green certification & sustainable construction.
 Keywords: Green concept, High-rise buildings, Sustainable development, Sustainable site selection
 
 

Evaluating Demographic Profiles and Competency Levels of Local Builders in Residential Construction

Abstract This research has investigated and evaluated the demographic profile and competency levels of local builders involved in residential building construction sites at Nawalparasi East, Gandaki province, Nepal. The construction industry is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economic development. The reliability and quality of construction heavily depend on the local builder’s capability to execute the work on the basis of technical and skills proficiency. This study aims to ascertain the status of local builders regarding their competency levels and their construction work profiles on the basis of work experience. The research employs a questionnaire approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A field survey is administered to local builders to evaluate their demographic profiles, technical skills and knowledge as well as their construction site experiences. The findings of this study reveal what local builders are good at and where they need to improve in residential construction. The results of this research are meant to help construction entrepreneurs, industry players, and local-level authorities come up with plans to boost the local builders and categories them as per their ability and strength. The outcome of the alternate hypothesis indicates that, concerning local builders, there is substantial evidence suggesting that at least one characteristic significantly varies from the others.

A review on error-induced-building collapse at the construction stage in Lagos, Nigeria.

The ever-increasing occurrence of building collapse with attendant loss of lives in recent years has called for serious concern in Nigeria. Hence, it has become necessary to strategically look into the issue with a spirited effort to provide measures to stem the tide of the occurrence. Moreover, errors in building construction sites during construction activities often bring about defects in the building, which usually result in failure and eventual collapse of the building if not discovered and addressed. Evidence has shown that most building collapses in Nigeria as well as around the globe resulted from occurrences of error during the construction stage; past researchers have primarily focused their searchlight on the occurrences of error at the pre-construction stage of building projects, neglecting the occurrence of errors at the construction stage and the danger it portrayed. Hence, the primary purpose of this paper is to review relevant literature and evaluate the occurrences of building errors at the construction stage of building projects as one of the major causes of repeated building collapse in Lagos, Nigeria. The data for the review were gathered through the records of past building collapses in Nigeria from 2009 to 2019. Tables and bar graphs were used for data presentations and analysis. The paper review shows that Lagos has the highest percentage of building collapse cases in Nigeria; it also reveals that the collapse was due to common errors occurring at the construction stage of building activities onsite. And it finally identifies those common errors inducing building collapses. Stakeholders in the building industry are to focus more attention on the construction stage of the building process. The review will serve as a conceptual development guideline to minimize construction errors during construction activities, thereby reducing incessant building collapse.

Research on Near-Miss Incidents Monitoring and Early Warning System for Building Construction Sites Based on Blockchain Technology

Research on Near-Miss Incidents Monitoring and Early Warning System for Building Construction Sites Based on Blockchain Technology

Ontologies in digital twin: Methodology, lessons learned and practical approach

This article is a result of joint workshop which took place during Sustainable Places 2022 conference in Niece, France, and was co-organized by the Building Digital Twin Association (BDTA) and six EU-funded projects that have developed a construction-phase digital-twin data model, and their ontological representation, which is capable of capturing all data requirements for the digital representation of building and/or infrastructure construction sites. Four of the EU-funded projects participating in the event contribute to this Open Letter which aims to highlight the relevance of ontology in the digital twin environment, and the approach by the different EU-funded projects. All four LC-008-EEB funded projects contributing to this article (BIMprove, COGITO, ASHVIN and BIM2TWIN), agreed on joining forces for raising awareness around Digital Building Twins and its impact in the construction industry. Their primary aim is to share knowledge, experiences and research outcomes with other stakeholders and communities around the EU and beyond, via online communication like webinars, newsletters, social media channels and scientific or technical articles. This initiative aims at delivering the wide range of digital tools for the construction sector needed on the European market and to raise awareness about the benefits coming from their use.

Health Hazards and Safety Management in Construction Industry Using Linear Regression Model

Abstract: In construction industry and workplaces, accidents pose significant challenges to survival. This study was carried out with the aims to know the relationship between the safety training and workers behaviour with job performance. A total of 127 responses have been recorded in which 43 responses where from stakeholders and 84 responses from workers of construction sites. To test the validity of the hypothesis and determine its significance by linear regression model, SPSS software was used. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was 0.90 and indicates good and consistent, was first used to assess the data's reliability. It concluded that the safety trainings education and workers behaviour have a strong and positive impact on the job performance of workers. The provision of welfare facilities, the provision of personal protective equipment, and worker training on safety procedures are critical measures needed to address occupational safety and health issues confronting workers on building construction sites. The government must demonstrate its political commitment by putting into effect the current legislation and developing occupational safety and health regulations

Safety Management in Public Building Construction: A Case Study of Pokhara Valley

Background: Construction site safety is a major issue in the construction industry all around the world. In a developing country like Nepal, the number of construction industries is growing haphazardly at a high rate but they are not being able to cope with factors associated with construction site safety. Objective: The main objective of the study is to explore the status of safety management in public building construction projects and to suggest measures for improvement. Methodology: To achieve the objective of the study, data were collected from the Engineers and site management personnel through a questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed descriptively by IBM SPSS and presented in tables and diagrams. Conclusion: The identified major safety issues for public building construction sites are lack of regular safety inspection, lack of use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of conducting safety training, and a lack of proper safety policy and plan including a lack of an adequate budget for safety management. Increased worker safety awareness and introducing safe working practices through training and induction programs are vital to reducing construction site safety. The outcome of the study will be helpful while formulating a project-based construction site safety policy.

Predicting of vertical displacements of structures of engineering buildings and facilities

Purpose. The research is aimed at solving the tasks of monitoring and assessing the state of an engineering object and determining predictive characteristics in the form of construction of various models of settlement and deformation of a structure based on the results of geodetic measurements, taking into account the space-time interaction of engineering objects with the geological environment in a seismic zone with the earthquake energy class values of K = 6–7.5, in the area of possible underground fluctuations with an intensity of 3–4 points. Methodology. An analytical methodology has been developed that takes into account the geological conditions of the foundation, changes in the groundwater level, soil compaction under significant static load, as well as the accumulation of damage in the supporting structures caused by the impact of numerous and insignificant underground seismic shocks, for predicting the vertical displacements of the engineering facility supporting structures. To assess the durability and stability of design components, the least squares method is used, which makes it possible to display the patterns of deformation process development. Obtaining new results during the period of further operation in order to draw up a technical conclusion on the state of the facility and its stability is possible by monitoring and predicting deformation deviations of individual components of an engineering object in the vertical plane. Findings. With the help of mathematical modeling of strength calculations of supporting structures based on geodetic measurement data, it is possible to determine the quantitative characteristics and patterns of deformation process development during the engineering facility operation. The performed calculations on mathematical modeling make it possible to reveal the distribution of the parameters of amplitude-frequency characteristics of the linearly deformable monolithic plate upper layer along the perimeter and to predict possible deformation changes over a certain period of time during the engineering facility operation. According to the executive survey data, vertical deviations of structures along the facility perimeter AB, BC, CD, DA have been determined in the range from 1 to 27 mm, which is the basis for predicting deformation deviations in the vertical plane. In addition, as a result of engineering-geological surveys conducted on the building construction site, the geological-lithological structure of the site has been determined. Originality. A methodology for predicting the deformation processes of individual sections of vertical structures and monolithic walls of an engineering facility, which are associated with the complex lithological structure of the foundation section and the location of the object in a seismically hazardous zone, is proposed. Practical value. The obtained results of studying the deformation processes of structures and individual facilities make it possible to take into account the form of complex interaction of individual sections and, in general, to predict deformation deviations in the vertical plane.

Construction site layout planning practices in inner-city building projects: space requirement variables, classification and relationship

ABSTRACT An inner-city building construction site for vacant land development or redevelopment of existing property is a site surrounded by buildings, occupants, and busy street(s); its space is the most important but limited resource that needs wisely planned and professionally used. The study aimed to assess the construction site layout planning (CSLP) practice and the classification of space requirement variables for inner-city building sites. Thus, the study adopted a triangulated study approach and the data was collected through a sequential mixed method that includes case studies: semi-structured interviews, document evaluation, and site visits observation followed by a two-round Delphi survey. The study has identified the space requirement variables, classification, and relationship for CSLP of inner-city sites; classified under three categories: Micro-space (four), Macro-space (18), and Paths (five); and have significant to strong associations with each other. The current practice shows the CSLP is overlooked or fragmented which causes a congested site condition. So, the provided insight on the strong relationship between space requirements will be a basis for shifting from the temporary-facility-centered planning methods towards an integrated CSLP approach to overcome contractors’ problems in the continued redevelopment demand of the inner city.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCEPT OF THE CHINESE ARCHITECT WANG SHU

The eastern philosophical tradition in the professional mind of the architect is associated primarily with Japanese architecture - the theory of metabolism by Masato Otaka, Fumihiko Maki and the philosophy of symbiosis by Kisho Kurokawa. Today, Chinese architects - Ma Yansong, Zhu Pei, Li Xingang and others - are entering the arena of world architecture, bringing their own approach to the creation of a co-evolutionary space. The purpose of this study is to study the creative concept of the 2012 Pritzker Prize winner Chinese architect Wang Shu. Understanding Chinese traditional culture from the perspective of environmental conservation and respect for Nature, the place of design and the structures and materials used, becomes a hallmark of his work. Consideration of his philosophy and generalization of ecological design methods becomes the subject of this study. The interest in turning to this particular architect is due, first of all, to his attitude to the profession - in the rapidly changing technogenic world, Wang Shu refers to the values of the Craft, expressed in the ability of the master to «feel the thin»”, material, design, combining modern (Construction methods) and traditional (traditional and recycled, previously used building materials). Design based on the harmonious unity of nature and architecture, combined with the active use of recycled materials that were previously destroyed at the construction site of buildings (ceramics, wood, stone and glass) - becomes the characteristic handwriting of the master.

An Investigation of Frame-Core Tube Building Construction Sites on Safety Evacuation

FTBCS safety evacuation of frame-core tube buildings on construction sites (FTBCS) is one of the most challenging evacuation scenarios conceivable. This investigation proposes a practical calculation method and examines the parameters’ influence on safety evacuation in frame-core tube building construction sites. Firstly, the characteristics of constructors from 30 FTBCS in China are analyzed. After an investigation of 23,230 constructors, it was found that constructors have unique properties in gender ratio, age composition, and occupational age. Female constructors account for about 10%, and aged constructors account for 0.28%. Constructors within five years of occupational age account for about 26.39%. Evacuation speeds on different working faces including frames and core tubes are tested, and the decline coefficients of 0.80 and 0.70 are taken consideration into the evacuation model. Then, an exclusive evacuation time algorithm that is appropriate for FTBCS is proposed. Multiple parameters’ influence on safety evacuation is researched by numerical simulation. With a 5.0% growth of female gender ratio, aged constructors, and constructors within five years of occupational age, the average movement distance is increased by 10.32 m, 0.67 m, and 11.19 m, respectively. The age composition ratio and occupational age ratio mainly affect the evacuation process by evacuation speed and path programming, respectively, and the leading influencing factors are not distinct in their gender ratio effects. Optimization of construction layout can reduce the evacuation time from the horizontal direction plane effectively, and then relieve clustering and crowding on platforms.

Analysis of Hazards on Building Construction Sites: A Survey of Construction Artisans in Small and Medium-sized Construction Firms in Ghana

Eliminating hazards on construction sites has been a challenge for small and medium-sized contractors. This has contributed to the high rate of incidents that have resulted in injuries, emotional stress, and even fatalities among construction artisans. To avoid these incidences on construction sites, hazards need to be easily identified by these workers. This study sought to analyse hazards that artisans in small and medium-sized construction firms in Ghana are exposed to during project delivery. A cross-sectional design was adopted in this study. In total, one hundred and twenty (120) construction artisans were involved in the study. Data analysis revealed that several hazards exist on construction sites, and experienced workers are more likely to identify hazardous situations on construction sites than inexperienced workers. The study categorized the identified hazards on construction sites into task-induced, site-induced, and human-induced hazards. Most of the identified hazards were related to task-induced hazards. Even though contractors implement measures to eliminate hazards, most of these measures are geared towards making the working space safe rather than addressing hazards that occur during the performance of tasks. It was recommended that teamwork and collaboration among workers be encouraged to ensure safe and hazard-free sites during project execution. It was also recommended that contractors allocate resources to tackle hazards that occur during the performance of tasks and provide psychological training and counselling for their skilled workers.

Assessment of Technical Capacity and Performance of Local Builders in Residential Building Construction Sites

Abstract This research aims to investigate the technical capability and performance of local builders on residential building construction sites in Gaindakot Municipality, Nepal. The construction industry plays a vital role in the growth of economies worldwide. The quality of construction heavily depends on the technical capacity and performance of builders involved in residential projects. This study aims to assess local builders’ technical competence and performance operating on residential building construction sites. By examining the capabilities of local builders, this research contributes to enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of residential construction projects. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A comprehensive survey is administered to local builders to evaluate their technical knowledge, skill sets, and utilisation of modern construction techniques. Concurrently, on-site observations and interviews are conducted to gain insights into the actual performance of builders during different construction phases. The findings of this study shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of local builders in residential construction. The on-site observations and interviews offer qualitative insights into the practical application of skills, compliance with safety protocols, and adherence to project timelines. The outcomes of this research are intended to guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and training institutions in formulating strategies to enhance the technical capacity of local builders. Bridging the identified gaps can improve construction quality, reduce project delays, and increase customer satisfaction. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development programs to keep builders updated with the latest construction techniques and standards.

BIM-based indoor mobile robot initialization for construction automation using object detection

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in robotic solutions to revolutionize the conventional construction industry. Despite various advances in developing mobile robotic solutions for construction automation. One key bottleneck towards a fully automated robotic solution in construction is the initialization of the mobile robot. Currently, most of the commercialized mobile construction robots are manually initialized before autonomous navigation can be performed at the construction sites for automated tasks. Even if the robot is initialized, the location information can be lost while navigating and re-initialization is required to resume the navigation. Any wrong initialization can cause failure in robot pose tracking and thus prevent the robot from performing the planned tasks. However, in indoor construction sites, GPS is not accessible, and indoor infrastructures, such as beacon devices are not available for robot initialization. In addition, construction environments are dynamic with significant change in scenes and structures for different construction blocks and floors, making pre-scanning of the environments and map matching difficult and time-consuming. An infrastructure-free and environment-independent robot initialization method is therefore required. In this paper, we propose an integrated Building Information Model (BIM)-based indoor robot initialization system using an object detector to automatically initialize the mobile robot when it is deployed at an unknown location. Convolutional neural network (CNN)-based object detection technique is used to detect and locate the visual features, which are widely distributed building components at construction sites. A feature matching algorithm is developed to correlate the acquired online information of detected features with geometric and semantic information retrieved from BIM. The robot location in the BIM coordinate frame is then estimated based on the feature association. Moreover, the proposed system aggregates the BIM information and the sensory information to supervise the online robot decision making, making the entire system fully automatic. The proposed system is validated through experiments in various environments including a university building and ongoing construction sites.