Building Projects Research Articles

The Implementation of BIM Tekla Structure on Quantity Take Off for Structural Works of X Building Project

The Implementation of BIM Tekla Structure on Quantity Take Off for Structural Works of X Building Project

A Mathematical Model to Predict Optimal Risk Response Budget using Genetic Algorithm

Construction projects encounter a variety of risks, which require a thorough risk response phase to identify, evaluate, and determine solutions. This study presents a methodology for effectively choosing an appropriate risk response strategy and allocating suitable funds for the risk response phase of building projects. The framework employs optimization approaches and evolutionary principles, specifically utilizing the Genetic Algorithm technique. The objective of the model is to reduce costs and determine a suitable fund allocation strategy with minimum risk. The effectiveness of the framework is assessed in an actual building project involving a ventilation and air conditioning system, demonstrating its ability to optimize risk response and assist decision-makers in making well-informed choices.

Organizational factors affecting supply chain vulnerability of building project

Abstract The project construction supply chain can be particularly vulnerable to disruptive events because of the dispersed nature of temporary project teams and the unpredictability of the operating environment. Supply chain vulnerabilities are the fundamental elements that leave the business subject to disruption. It is necessary to identify the vulnerabilities in the supply chain before attempting to improve its resilience. This study proposes to identify the primary causes of organizational vulnerability in the supply chain of construction projects based on these problems. The study focuses on medium-sized and large construction companies that work on building projects in Aceh Province between 2018 and 2022. This study used a data collection technique by distributing questionnaires to contractor companies involved in construction projects. The primary data collection was analyzed using descriptive analysis and the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. The results obtained show that management vulnerability is the main vulnerable factor in the organization of the supply chain of construction projects, with the highest index being delayed in information and decision-making with an RII value of 0.9118. The findings of this study may be useful to contractor firms in managing the construction project supply chain.

The repurposing of our built environment: Circular strategies in reconversion projects of office buildings to affordable housing

The repurposing of our built environment: Circular strategies in reconversion projects of office buildings to affordable housing

Panels of Cold-Formed Steel Profiles: Possibility of Their Use to Repair War-Damaged Large-Panel Buildings

Abstract In the paper, we present the results of an analysis of data samples of 282 damaged buildings; the samples include the age of the building, the type of vertical bearing structures, the type of construction of the external walls, the method of the insulation of the walls, the number of floors, the buildings’ functions, and the extent of the damage. The primary objective of the analysis was to evaluate the possibility of using panels of cold-formed thin-walled steel profiles to repair the damaged structures. The results of a study of typical projects of large panel buildings that were constructed in Ukraine and an analysis of the practical experience of repairing these types of buildings after blast actions can also be found. The research tasks are defined for implementing this technology in the process of repairing large panel buildings.

Cost Saving Analysis through Value Engineering Implementation in Hermina Aceh Hospital Building Project

Cost Saving Analysis through Value Engineering Implementation in Hermina Aceh Hospital Building Project

Analyzing the Application of BIM Technology in Construction Project Management

Against the backdrop of the booming economic development in China, the construction industry has also witnessed rapid growth. The overall construction process of building projects is no longer a simple “drawing-construction” model, but has become more complex. This study aims to fully utilize BIM technology and apply it throughout the entire construction management process, with the goal of enhancing the quality of construction management, streamlining operational workflows, and improving efficiency. This paper analyzes the current research status both domestically and internationally, and identifies several implementable strategies to enhance the application efficiency of BIM technology in construction project management, considering its use in the planning, design, and construction stages. The research findings presented will greatly assist project management in the field of construction.

Community-engaged Research Partnerships as Healing Spaces for Health Professionals and Researchers

Abstract: Drawing from collective experiences in our capacity building project: Health Equity Activation Research Team for Inclusion Health, we argue that while community-engaged partnerships tend to focus on understanding health inequities and developing solutions, they can be healing spaces for health professionals and researchers. Data were obtained from a 15-month participatory ethnography, including focus groups and interviews. Ethnographic notes and transcripts were coded and analyzed using both deductive and inductive coding. Practices of radical welcome, vulnerability, valuing the whole person, acknowledging how partnerships can cause harm, and centering lived experience expertise in knowledge creation processes were identified as key characteristics of healing spaces. Ultimately, health professionals and researchers work within the same social, political and economic contexts of populations with the worst health outcomes. Their own healing is critical for tackling larger systemic changes aimed at improving the well-being of communities harmed by legacies of exclusion.

Performance analysis of supply chain for construction materials at high rise building project based on Supply Chain Operations Reference Method: A case study

Abstract Supply chain management is an approach to implementing lean construction efforts to minimize construction project problems, such as cost overruns, project delays, and disputes. Implementation of supply chain management is necessary, especially in the procurement of materials. However, there is a need to measure performance during the implementation. Results of measurement can show the extent to which the project operates and use it as a benchmark to determine the end impact of a project. This study’s purpose is to measure of supply chain performance with the supply chain operation reference (SCOR) method and use the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Compile data using an observation with scoring form based on standards adoption, categories, and SCOR metrics through key performance indicators (KPI) and structured interviews with the contractor to validate. Limited to the study is the supply chain of ready-mix concrete materials. The AHP method give the weight of the output value of the KPI. The results of the KPI measurements from the contractor’s perspective are that one indicator is still at a low value, which is a cycle time for fulfilling orders. An overall result of 84.83 from the measurement KPI suggests a “good” performance category.

Determinants of project time extension factors in the construction of building projects in Pakistan

Determinants of project time extension factors in the construction of building projects in Pakistan

Influence of IoT implementation on Resource management in construction

The desire to increase resource management efficacy in the construction sector is expanding because of measures to reduce costs, boost productivity, and minimize environmental impact. The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to alter resource management in the construction sector by delivering real-time data and insights that may assist decision-makers in optimizing resource allocation and usage. Incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the construction sector will be investigated in this study to discover how resource management is affected. The aim of the study is to identify the essential aspects that promote optimal IoT integration and to investigate how IoT may influence resource management. The relations between variables and their fundamental elements are investigated using structural equation modelling (SEM). In the context of building projects, the study analyses how IoT integration influences resource allocation and utilization, real-time monitoring, and proactive maintenance. The building sector in Malaysia provides concepts on IoT in resource management. Based on this research's outcomes, there is a distinct association between the utilization of IoT technology and effective resource management in the construction sector. IoT adoption is affected by a multiplicity of issues, including data analytics, data security and privacy, integration and interoperability, scalability, and flexibility. This study contributes to addressing considerable gaps in the corpus of information on IoT technology integration in the construction sector. It analyses how IoT may effect resource management, emphasizing how IoT technology may enhance the efficacy of human, mechanical, and material resources.

APPLICATION OF VALUE ENGINEERING IN ARCHITECTURAL WORK ON THE LAHAIROI LATERI CHURCH, AMBON CITY

Effective construction cost control such as saving construction costs will increase the chances of project success and user satisfaction. The biggest component in construction costs is material. High material costs necessitate a review of building functions. Construction savings are made by reviewing the largest cost components in architectural work. Review of material components is carried out using the value engineering method. Value engineering is a method for getting an alternative picture so that the costs incurred are more efficient than the initial planning costs. The application of value engineering to construction projects has a major impact on planning by generating reviews to obtain cost effectiveness. Research was conducted at the Lahairoi Lateri Church Building project located in Ambon City. The aim of this research is to find alternative material substitutes for architectural work and obtain total cost savings by using the concept of value engineering. The use of the value engineering concept is carried out by information phase, analyzing the function of using index function analysis techniques, identifying alternative materials, and evaluating the results of the alternative materials. Research using the value engineering concept on the Lahairoi Lateri Church Building Construction project, Ambon City achieved cost savings of 861,116,841.05 IDR. This amount saves 5.32% of the initial architectural work costs of 16,170,539,500 IDR. These results show that value engineering can eliminate unnecessary costs in church-type building without changing the building function.

Development of a New Method for Assessing Project Risks in Sustainable Building Construction Projects in Developing Countries: The Case of Jordan

Sustainable buildings contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development and provide many benefits. However, sustainable building construction projects are riskier than traditional construction projects. Thus, this research aimed to identify and assess the risks in sustainable construction projects in Jordan based on their probabilities of occurrence and impacts on time and cost. For this purpose, a literature review and structured interviews were performed to identify the risks. Additionally, questionnaire surveys were conducted, and the relative relevance index and analytic hierarchy process were utilized to assess the probabilities and impacts of these risks on time and cost. After that, a focus group discussion was conducted. According to the the risks’ probability and impacts on time and cost, the top-scoring risks include changes to the original design, budgeting inaccuracies owing to a lack of experience with sustainable building projects, additional costs incurred as a result of the use of sustainable building construction materials and equipment, inadequate or inaccurate sustainable design information, insufficient funds from clients, inadequate project planning for a sustainable building project, a tight project schedule for a sustainable building project, and insufficient identification of sustainable construction’s scope. This research contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by providing a novel integrated method for assessing risks in sustainable building construction projects in Jordan.

Developing success evaluation criteria of building projects for Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Success evaluation using stakeholder-responsive criteria is crucial. Evaluation is vital for achieving project goals as it improves ongoing projects and plans for the future. Effective evaluation requires appropriate criteria and subcriteria. However, choosing narrow, biased, and unrealistic evaluation criteria can lead to subjective results. Moreover, the construction sector often uses inconsistent criteria, causing ineffective project evaluation. This study aims to identify stakeholders' responsive success criteria to improve the management of project success evaluation, addressing the lack of uniformity in industry professionals and researchers' opinions. The draft evaluation criteria and subcriteria were developed after reviewing the literature. The first phase of data was collected from various expert stakeholders through a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and interviews. The second phase of data was collected from 102 respondents, including clients, consultants, contractors, and end users, through a questionnaire and interviews. The data was analyzed using Excel, SPSS, and AMOS software. The success criteria and subcriteria rank were determined using the RII method. A successful evaluation of structural equation models was developed, which passed composite reliability, convergent validity, and discriminate validity tests. The study identifies stakeholder-responsive evaluation seven criteria and twenty-nine subcriteria, ranking them based on industry use. The IRR ranking results show quality, cost, time, stakeholder satisfaction, health and safety, learning and development, and environmental impact as the most frequently used criteria. However, environmental impact and learning and development are less frequently used. The study also creates scientific criteria and subcriteria relations in the SEM model, demonstrating that project success depends on each criterion and subcriterion's success. The model diagram illustrates the hypothesized relationships among variables and establishes the empirical relationship between evaluation criteria and subcriteria. The study introduces stakeholder-responsive criteria for successful project evaluation in the construction industry, addressing the gap in success evaluation. These criteria are effective and holistic, promoting continuous improvement, project success, and future planning. The findings encourage collaboration and contribute to project management knowledge among stakeholders, professionals, academics, and policymakers.

Modeling Cost-Estimation Factors for Public Building Projects with Hybrid Approach in Addis Ababa

Assessing the most important cost-influencing factors is essential for enhancing the predictive ability of cost estimation for building construction projects. The goal of this study is to examine and design a valid cost prediction model for assessing factors that impact the cost estimation of public buildings in Addis Ababa. This research solves these issues that typically arise in predictive cost estimation models in two major processes. First, the insights of 133 professionals gathered on the 38 cost-impacting elements, and 15 top factors design, time or cost, and parties’ experience were determined. The suggested hybrid approach is based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and principal component regression (PCR) employed, coupling a stepwise linear regression model. According to the findings of the study, principal component analysis reduced important factors to 14 and efficiently solved the problem of multicollinearity with a variance inflation factor of less than 2, while stepwise cross-validation solved the overfitting problem at the lowest AIC. The cost prediction model sorted out five factors: design completion by the public body when bids are invited; completion of the project scope definition when bids are invited; level of construction complexity; importance of project completion within budget; and subcontractor experience and capability have all been identified as the main cost-determining factors. The study’s contribution is the first approach (PCR–AIC) utilized in this work to explore numerous cost-estimating components, eliminate those that were related to one another, and identify the most crucial ones that consisted of the majority of the original variables’ attributes.

Palaces of Culture in Urals in Context of Architectural Policy of USSR (1920s-1980s)

For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the entire set of club buildings from the Soviet era in the Urals region (Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Perm, Orenburg regions, Bashkir and Udmurt ASSR) has been undertaken. The author of the article compiled a database comprising over 300 units. Information on specialized buildings of palaces of culture erected in cities and industrial settlements of the region in the 1920s-1980s was analyzed. The most popular standard projects of club buildings as well as individual projects were identified. A detailed description of palaces of culture, whose architectural appearance resonated widely in the public sphere, is provided. It is shown that in the late 1940s to early 1950s, under the dominance of neoclassical architectural aesthetics, a series of projects embodying exemplary characteristics were implemented in the Urals, clarifying the degree of centralization of the cultural policy of the USSR. The placement of specific cultural complexes is characterized in detail. A conclusion is drawn that club construction in cities and industrial settlements of the Urals was uneven both spatially and chronologically. The peak of construction was in the 1950s, with a significant decrease in the pace of building palaces of culture by the 1980s; the majority of clubs were concentrated in major industrial centers. The massiveness of club construction was determined by the use of standard projects, yet this does not diminish the specific valuable qualities of Soviet palaces of culture as a crucial element of historical heritage.

Microstructural modifications of lime-based mortars induced by ceramics and nanoparticle additives

Lime-based mortars are one of the principal choices for building and restoration projects, owing to their unique qualities and material compatibility. Admixtures have long been incorporated to enhance the performance and durability of mortars, with ceramics being a traditional choice. More recently, the addition of nanoparticles has been explored as a means to further improve these properties. However, the effective optimization of the complex interplay between additives in lime-based mortars, which is crucial for enhancing their sustainability, remains an ongoing area of research. This study investigated the effects of red-clay ceramic aggregates (RCC) and nanoparticle-based solutions of Ca(OH)2 and SiO2 on the mineralogy, hydraulicity, surface properties, pore structure, and mechanical properties of lime-based mortars. The addition of nanoparticle-based solutions increased the carbonation reactivity, whereas the ceramic aggregates caused a more extensive conversion of portlandite to calcite on the external faces, indicating reduced porosity during the carbonation process. Pozzolanic reactions and the formation of new calcium silicate compounds were observed, along with improved compaction, smoother surfaces, and microcrack formation. The porosity increased with the addition of the ceramic aggregates, whereas the addition of nanoparticles significantly increased the number of pores in the mesoporous range. The specific surface area of the mortars increased with the inclusion of ceramic aggregates and nanoparticles, whereas the open porosity increased and the density and compressive strength decreased with the addition of nanoparticles and associated pozzolanic reactions that occurred with the inclusion of ceramic aggregates. These findings lay the groundwork for future improvements in the formulation of lime-based mortars to balance hydraulicity, surface characteristics, and mechanical performance while preserving porosity.

Research on Multi-Objective Optimization of Renovation Projects in Old Residential Areas Based on Evolutionary Algorithms

Old residential areas present unique challenges in terms of design, stakeholders, and renovation requirements compared to traditional building projects. However, unreasonable construction plans can lead to delays, cost overruns, poor quality, and conflicts between the construction party and local residents. This article proposes an optimization model that prioritizes progress, quality, and cost as the key control objectives, leveraging the actual conditions of renovating old residential areas. The NSGA-II genetic algorithm is employed to solve the mathematical model. To validate the effectiveness and scientific rigor of the algorithm, a renovation project in an old residential area in Wuhan is used as a case study. The findings of this study offer valuable theoretical support for decision makers in selecting appropriate construction plans.

Impact of practical challenges on the implementation of data-driven services for building operation: Insights from a real-life case study

Data-driven applications in buildings using AI and machine learning have generated a lot of interest, but scaling these applications is challenging due to the uniqueness of each building. During the process of implementing a data-driven predictive heating control in a full-scale real-life office building in Norway, 24 practical challenges were encountered. In this work, those practical challenges are presented, discussed and attributed to four main categories: i) physical limitations, ii) data acquisition and communication, iii) data and model definition and iv) building occupants. Detailed examples for the challenges are provided and more than 15 lessons-learned with regards to developing and implementing data-driven services for building operation are presented. Furthermore, this work discusses how the practical challenges impact the choice of a data-driven approach to control the operation of an office building heating system in a predictive manner and how the practical challenges influence the creation of variation in the measurement data needed to identify a model during normal building operation. Finally, it is shown that a substantial number of practical challenges that were encountered during the operational phase are rooted in the design and construction phase of a building project or from rehabilitation during the operational phase. This highlights the fact that the possible use of data-driven services for building operation should be considered during the tendering and design phase to minimize the number of challenges regarding the widespread implementation of data-driven services for building operation, especially regarding predictive control.

‘Of Polish Skies and Manners’: Baroque Rhythms with a Dutch Twist

Summary On 1 October 2004, a new Royal Netherlands Embassy building opened in Warsaw, Poland. Its striking, contemporary appearance surprises and seduces at the same time: glass, concrete and wood artfully intersect in a sophisticated design that champions transparency and openness. This four-year building project commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was entrusted to the highly acclaimed Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat (b. 1956). His carefully conceived architectural programme invites a wider discussion on the ways in which embassy architecture can support the aspirations of modern diplomacy. To this end, this article situates the Dutch Embassy building within the wider context of Dutch–Polish diplo-matic relations and examines how its design contributes to defining the practice of Dutch diplomacy. It also proposes a comparative view of trends within Dutch embassy architecture by considering other contemporary ex-amples in South America, Central Europe and Africa.