Construction Engineering Research Articles

Research on the key technologies of the whole process of digital intelligent detection system of silicate binding material

Abstract In construction engineering, silicate binding material detection is the key work to ensure the safety of building structures. Although the current detection instruments have made great progress compared with the traditional detection methods, there are still problems such as low efficiency, heavy workload, and error-prone data due to manual operation. Based on the practical problems faced by silicate binding material quality detection, this paper studies the key technologies of the whole process digital intelligent detection system of silicate binding material, including multi-machine cooperative automatic dumping and scraping technology, multi-strategy robot scheduling algorithm and full-link traceability technology, and shows the application effect through the LIMS system function platform. The research effectively improves the working efficiency of silicate binding material detection, realizes real-time monitoring of data and unique coding of the whole process, and ensures the timeliness, authenticity, accuracy, and traceability of detection data.

Assessing cutter-rock interaction during TBM tunnelling in granite: Large-scale standing rotary cutting tests and 3D DEM simulations

The widespread utilisation of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in underground construction engineering requires a detailed investigation of the cutter-rock interaction. In this paper, we conduct a series of large-scale standing rotary cutting tests on granite in conjunction with high-fidelity numerical simulations based on a particle-type discrete element method (DEM) to explore the effects of key cutting parameters on the TBM cutter performance and the distribution of cutter-rock contact stresses. The assessment results of cutter performance obtained from the cutting tests and numerical simulations reveal similar dependencies on the key cutting parameters. More specifically, the normal and rolling forces exhibit a positive correlation with penetration but are slightly influenced by the cutting radius. In contrast, the side force decreases as the cutting radius increases. Additionally, the side force shows a positive relationship with the penetration for smaller cutting radii but tends to become negative as the cutting radius increases. The cutter's relative effectiveness in rock breaking is significantly impacted by the penetration but shows little dependency on the cutting radius. Consequently, an optimal penetration is identified, leading to a low boreability index and specific energy. A combined Hertz-Weibull function is developed to fit the cutter-rock contact stress distribution obtained in DEM simulations, whereby an improved CSM (Colorado School of Mines) model is proposed by replacing the original monotonic cutting force distribution with this combined Hertz-Weibull model. The proposed model outperforms the original CSM model as demonstrated by a comparison of the estimated cutting forces with those from the tests/simulations. The findings from this work that advance our understanding of TBM cutter performance have important implications for improving the efficiency and reliability of TBM tunnelling in granite.

ARE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS READY TO FACE WORKFORCE DISRUPTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION FIELD?

The purpose of this research is to 1) Describe the digital literacy understanding of vocational high school students in the Construction and Property Engineering program. 2) Analyze students' understanding of technological disruption in the field of construction. 3) Analyze students' readiness to face technological disruptions in the construction field. The research was conducted at a vocational high school that offers the Construction and Property Engineering program in South Sulawesi province. The study took place from March to June 2023. The population of the research consisted of all students in grade X, totaling 1125 students. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula with a 0.05 level of error, resulting in a sample of 318 respondents. All items are valid and reliable based on the validity and reliability test with a value greater than 0.361. The research findings indicate that the digital literacy understanding of vocational high school students in the Construction and Property Engineering program regarding their readiness to face the labor workforce disruption in the construction field is mostly categorized as very good with a percentage of 80%. Furthermore, students' understanding of technological disruption in the construction field and their readiness to face the labor workforce disruption in the construction field is dominantly categorized as very good with a percentage of 63%. Student readiness is dominantly in the Able category, but there are still 18% who are in the Need to optimize category in facing technological disruption in the construction sector.

Soil Stabilization Using Rice Husk Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

Abstract: Soil stabilization has become a major issue in construction engineering and the researches regarding the effectiveness of using industrial wastes are rapidly increasing. The present experimental work briefly describes the suitability of the locally available Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) to be used in the local construction industry in a way to minimize the amount of waste to be disposed to the environment causing environmental pollution. The common soil stabilization techniques are becoming costly day by day due to the rise of cost of the stabilizing agents like, cement, lime, etc. The cost of stabilization may be minimized by replacing a good proportion of stabilizing agent using RHA. It will minimize the environmental hazards also. Addition of rice husk ash and cement decreases the maximum dry density and increases the optimum moisture content.

Application of “Judgment Documents” in the Course Teaching of Construction Engineering Regulations in Higher Vocational Colleges

Application of “Judgment Documents” in the Course Teaching of Construction Engineering Regulations in Higher Vocational Colleges

Application of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) process in concrete self-healing and environmental restoration to facilitate carbon neutrality: a critical review.

Soil contamination, land desertification and concrete cracking can have significant adverse impacts on sustainable human economic and societal development. Cost-effective and environmentally friendly approaches are recommended to resolve these issues. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an innovative, attractive and cost-effective in situ biotechnology with high potential for remediation of polluted or desertified soils/lands and cracked concrete and has attracted widespread attention in recent years. Accordingly, the principles of MICP technology and its applications in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated and desertified soils and self-healing of concrete were reviewed in this study. The production of carbonate mineral precipitates during the MICP process can effectively reduce the mobility of heavy metals in soils, improve the cohesion of dispersed sands and realize self-healing of cracks in concrete. Moreover, CO2 can be fixed during MICP, which can facilitate carbon neutrality and contribute to global warming mitigation. Overall, MICP technology exhibits great promise in environmental restoration and construction engineering applications, despite some challenges remaining in its large-scale implementation, such as the substantial impacts of fluctuating environmental factors on microbial activity and MICP efficacy. Several methods, such as the use of natural materials or wastes as nutrient and calcium sources and isolation of bacterial strains with strong resistance to harsh environmental conditions, are employed to improve the remediation performance of MICP. However, more studies on the efficiency enhancement, mechanism exploration and field-scale applications of MICP are needed.

Image processing and Machine learning in Concrete Cube Crack detection

Concrete cube testing plays a crucial role in various aspects of modern construction. The structural performance of concrete cubes under direct compressive stress can result in failure through concrete cube breakout. Failure modes related to concrete can be classified into two types: acceptable and non-acceptable, with further classification into various modes. However, most of the time 80% to 90% of the cubes are inaccurately selected, leading to lower strength and sustainability of concrete. Moreover, the excessive usage of cement required due to these inaccuracies contributes to global warming and increases costs. To address these issues, this research aims to develop an industry 4.0 solution for the construction and civil engineering fields. The proposed solution will be reliable, efficient, and based on image processing techniques. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) is used to detect and analyze cracks in concrete cubes. By examining the crack patterns, the damage area can be determined. By leveraging industry 4.0 technologies and advanced analysis techniques, this research aims to revolutionize the way concrete cube testing is conducted. The proposed solution will provide a reliable and efficient method for evaluating concrete cube quality, mitigating the negative impacts associated with inaccurate cube selection, and improving the performance and environmental sustainability of concrete in construction applications.

Modeling of Heat and Mass Transfer in Cement-Based Materials during Cement Hydration—A Review

Cement-based materials encompass a broad spectrum of construction materials that utilize cement as the primary binding agent. Among these materials, concrete stands out as the most commonly employed. The cement, which is the principal constituent of these materials, undergoes a hydration reaction with water, playing a crucial role in the formation of the hardened composite. However, the exothermic nature of this reaction leads to significant temperature rise within the concrete elements, particularly during the early stages of hardening and in structures of substantial thickness. This temperature rise underscores the critical importance of predictive modeling in this domain. This paper presents a review of modeling approaches designed to predict temperature and accompanying moisture fields during concrete hardening, examining different levels of modeling accuracy and essential input parameters. While modern commercial finite element method (FEM) software programs are available for simulating thermal and moisture fields in concrete, they are accompanied by inherent limitations that engineers must know. The authors further evaluate effective commercial software tools tailored for predicting these effects, intending to provide construction engineers and stakeholders with guidance on managing temperature and moisture impacts in early-age concrete.

Impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings at various climate zones

Abstract This study investigates the impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings across various climate zones. Through a simulation-based approach using the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the effectiveness of insulation in reducing energy demand and carbon emissions are evaluated. The research includes multiple climatic regions of Afghanistan, including arid, semi-arid, and mountainous zones. Methodologically, detailed building characteristics, climatic data, and insulation materials are considered, with energy modeling techniques applied to assess the performance of insulation measures. Results indicate varying degrees of energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction associated with insulation across different climate zones, in cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar. Furthermore, the study calculates CO2 emissions reduction resulting from insulation addition, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices in mitigating environmental impacts. By underscoring the scientific value of this research in addressing a pressing global challenge and providing actionable insights for building design and energy policy, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and environmental engineering.

Statement of Retraction: Preparation of a carbon-based nanomaterial and its influence on construction engineering

Statement of Retraction: Preparation of a carbon-based nanomaterial and its influence on construction engineering

Immersive engineering instruction: Using Virtual Reality to enhance students’ experience in the classroom

With the growing complexity of construction projects, the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector increasingly requires a skilled workforce. This need is magnified by the challenge of less than ideal retention rates in engineering fields, prompting a search for methods to enhance the learning experience. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as an effective tool in this context, offering immersive and interactive learning environments that improve the grasp and retention of complex concepts in engineering. This research assesses the benefits of implementing a VR solution for building inspections in an undergraduate civil engineering program. It compares the use of a VR system against traditional desktop-based inspection techniques and considers cognitive load, user experience, and usability aspects of this implementation. Additionally, it examines how students’ spatial abilities affect their performance with both methods. Results demonstrate that VR does not increase cognitive load and is often perceived as requiring less effort by student users. While both the desktop and VR options produced similar usability scores, the VR implementation provided a much more engaging user experience. These results were replicated and echoed in a second study with actual engineering instructors, who likewise held a strong positive attitude towards the VR system, consistent with student attitudes. Taken together, these results highlight the potential for VR to revolutionize educational opportunities, suggesting that its further adoption and exploration should be prioritized as a useful and viable academic tool. Specifically, these results suggest that VR can enhance the learning process in civil engineering and make collaborative virtual building inspections more efficient and engaging.

Assessing the impact of mega-city construction engineering on urban livability: an explorative study of Yan'an.

Yan'an City is a typical squeezed city in China and faces the challenge of limited living space. The adoption of the "Mountain Excavation and City Construction (MECC)" program was poised to elevate the city's livability. Despite the importance of megacity construction projects, few studies have examined their impact on urban livability. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the effects of MECC and the satisfaction characteristics of urban livability in Yan'an City, based on survey data from both old and new urban areas. Employing factor analysis and multiple linear regression, this paper assesses the influence of MECC on urban livability across different demographic groups, including age, educational background, and occupation. The empirical findings demonstrate a significant positive effect of the MECC project on urban livability. However, during categorization discussions, some respondents expressed concerns about its negative impact. The results of multiple linear regression indicate that factors such as career prospects, residential satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, and transportation level significantly influence livability (R2 = 0.607 in ND and R2 = 0.609 in OD).

A Review of the Effect of Defect Modulation on the Photocatalytic Reduction Performance of Carbon Dioxide.

Constructive defect engineering has emerged as a prominent method for enhancing the performance of photocatalysts. The mechanisms of the influence of defect types, concentrations, and distributions on the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of CO2 reduction were revealed for this paper by analyzing the effects of different types of defects (e.g., metallic defects, non-metallic defects, and composite defects) on the performance of photocatalysts. There are three fundamental steps in defect engineering techniques to promote photocatalysis, namely, light absorption, charge transfer and separation, and surface-catalyzed reactions. Defect engineering has demonstrated significant potential in recent studies, particularly in enhancing the light-harvesting, charge separation, and adsorption properties of semiconductor photocatalysts for reducing processes like carbon dioxide reduction. Furthermore, this paper discusses the optimization method used in defect modulation strategy to offer theoretical guidance and an experimental foundation for designing and preparing efficient and stable photocatalysts.

Machine learning-based study on the mechanical properties and embankment settlement prediction model of nickel–iron slag modified soil

Nickel–iron slag, a byproduct of industrial processes in China with an annual production exceeding 400,000 tons, is considered an industrial waste material. This study focuses on the rational utilization of nickel–iron slag by investigating its mechanical properties and road performance as a roadbed fill material. Initially, a detailed analysis of the grading curve of pure nickel–iron slag was conducted, leading to the proposal of various modification schemes for nickel–iron slag. Subsequently, static triaxial tests were performed on nickel–iron slag-clay mixtures to explore the impact of different factors on the stress–strain curve of nickel–iron slag-modified soil. Utilizing these discoveries, a formula for the molar Coulomb shear strength of nickel–iron slag-modified soil was derived. In addition, a numerical simulation study of a nickel–iron slag-reinforced embankment was conducted, integrating field tests. This aimed to investigate the variations in the compression layer sedimentation-thickness ratio and settlement factor of nickel–iron slag-modified soil reinforced embankment under different filling heights and slope rates. The results informed the development of a prediction model for the settlement ratio of nickel–iron slag-modified soil-reinforced embankment. Key findings indicate that pure nickel–iron slag exhibits poorly graded gravel sand characteristics, and optimal gradation is achieved when clay doping ranges from 30% to 40%. As the clay content increases, the stress–strain curve of nickel–iron slag-clay transitions from strain-hardening to strain-softening. Furthermore, the stress–strain curve of nickel–iron slag-cement-clay exhibits strain-softening, and the shear strength fitting formula demonstrates high computational accuracy with a small error range. Numerical simulations reveal that the sink-thickness ratio and settlement factor are minimally affected by the slope rate. The sink-thickness ratio increases with the elevation of filling height, while the settlement factor fluctuates within a small range. The proposed sink-thickness ratio prediction model exhibits high accuracy and strong generalization capabilities. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the efficient utilization of nickel–iron slag in construction and road engineering.

KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION TRAJECTORY OF BIM IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

In recent years, the construction industry worldwide has shown significant interest in Building Information Modeling (BIM). This study aims to analyze the dissemination of knowledge about BIM in construction engineering applications using Main Path Analysis (MPA). The research sample comprises 3,761 papers related to BIM’s application in the construction industry, sourced from the ISI Web of Science database. Initially, we investigate trends in paper publications, conduct country and journal analyses, and examine author statistics. Subsequently, we calculate traversal counts along the search path links to reveal the development trajectory of BIM. The trajectory of BIM’s evolution in the construction industry can be divided into four stages as identified through the global key-route main path analysis: 1) BIM standardization; 2) Integration of completed building projects using BIM; 3) BIM applications in precast construction projects; and 4) BIM applications in land management. These findings provide a clear understanding of how BIM has been applied and evolved within the construction industry.

DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION OF THE UKRAINIAN ECONOMY

Purpose. Construction and civil engineering, traditionally perceived as conservative industries, also feel the need to adapt to the demands of the time and introduce innovative technologies. Ukraine, entering the era of digital transformation, is actively developing and implementing new technologies in the construction industry. Therefore, systematization and coverage of key aspects of the impact of digital Transformation into the construction industry and civil engineering in Ukraine is the main task today. Methodology. The introduction of Internet of Things technologies in the construction industry expands the possibilities of building control and management. Findings. Sensors located in different parts of the structures allow you to monitor the condition of the building in real time, identify possible problems and ensure the safety of objects. Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of the digital transformation of construction. Machine learning algorithms help predict and optimize construction processes, which increases Efficiency of planning and resource management. The 3D printing system in construction is one of the promising and revolutionary innovations that is already influencing traditional approaches to construction processes. This digital technique will bring significant changes to the field of construction, accelerating and optimizing a number of stages from design to execution Originality. Analysis of current problems, especially now, in the difficult times of war, industrial construction in Ukraine, as well as around the world, is a promising direction for the development of other industries in general. Industrial construction is an important branch of the construction industry that specializes in the creation and operation of buildings and infrastructure facilities for industrial needs. Practical value. The introduction of innovative technologies in construction and civil engineering in the context of digitalization of the Ukrainian economy has a significant practical impact on various aspects of the industry: Improving Construction Productivity and Quality: Use of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), allows you to increase the efficiency of construction processes, reduce the time of work and avoid errors; Cost optimization: Using machine learning algorithms to predict resource needs, such as materials and labor, allows you to rationalize costs and reduce construction costs.

Preparation of binder-free MoP/SnO2 carbon fiber composites with Cu-mediated surface modification for high-rate sodium ion storage

Nanofiber webs stacking with circular cross-section generally suffer from insufficient inter-fiber connection and thus poor electrical contact. Beyond regular 1D nanofibers, electrospinning is able to fabricate nanobelt webs with reinforced electron transfer for energy storage and conversion. Previously, we prepared quasi-2D belt-like fiber through electrospinning of PMo12-PPy-SnCl2-PVP-based solution (phosphomolybdic acid /polypyrrole /SnCl2 /polyvinylpyrrolidone) with freestanding property. Here, to boost the electrochemical performance, we proposed Cu-mediated surface engineering for construction of accessible active sites with balanced material components of MoP/SnO2 and carbon. As a result, thinner and porous belt-like fibers were obtained with high specific surface area (above 100 m2 g−1). The interfacial charge transfer was improved by superficial phosphides, as binder-free electrode the Cu-mediated MoP/SnO2 carbon fiber composite can deliver capacity above 200 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 under low mass loading (1.5–2.5 mg cm−2) and sustain capacity above 1.0 mAh cm−2 with loading around 5 mg cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2. Combined with ex-situ characterization, the sodiation process was probed.

Real estate developments in residential architecture: a case study of Jeddah

AbstractHome should be a place for social activities that satisfy both physical and social needs. Real estate developers in Jeddah currently show little consideration for cultural and social patterns of users in residential interior layouts. Therefore, this study aims to investigate apartments released by real estate developers in Jeddah from users’ perspectives. Qualitative and quantitative approaches are applied through in-depth interviews with 21 participants. The interviews investigate participants’ satisfaction, desire to make changes, reasons for making changes, and reasons for not making changes. This study finds that the majority of participants want to make changes to the layout of their homes owing to social activities. The SPSS analysis shows that most participants are less satisfied with the home layouts of RED than homes that are self-built, with a statistical significance of P = 0.002. This study recommends that RED companies should consider open spaces when designing apartments for sale so as to allow users to divide the interior layouts of reception and living zones according to their needs. In order to achieve this by RED, the study recommends more study by electrical engineer for electricity switches location, architects for window location, and construction engineers for column arrangement.

Polyurethane combining preeminent toughness, puncture-resistance, and self-healing capabilities by multiple repair options based on dual dynamic covalent bonds

The development of self-healing materials has enabled the production of more reliable and intelligent materials. However, resolving the conflict between mechanical strength and self-healing efficiency as well as limited repair options of the self-healing materials is still the most pressing scientific challenge. In this study, a self-healing polyurethane with multiple repair methods is prepared by introducing disulfide bonds into thermo-reversible imine bonds-based polyurethane. The resultant polyurethane exhibits impressive comprehensive mechanical properties and preeminent repair capabilities. More importantly, damages can be repaired through various routes such as room temperature, moderate temperature, hair dryer blowing, and ethylenediamine assistance treatments. The superior mechanical properties, repetitive self-healing performance, and multiple options for repair is attributed to the cooperation of thermally reversible imine and disulfide exchanges, thermal motion of molecular chains, and dissociation/regeneration of hydrogen bonds. So this research provides numerous ideal options for repairing cracks and other damages in materials used in construction industry under different usage environments. Consequently, high-quality repairs, improved efficiency, and extended service life of construction engineering materials can be ensured.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION: TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF FACULTY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING

The ongoing improvement of teaching abilities among faculty is recognized as essential across various academic disciplines. Within the Construction Management and Engineering (CME) field, there's a notable need for such professional development. Our study looks into a specific program designed to bolster the teaching capacities of new faculty in foundational construction topics. The central aim was to understand the opinions of CME faculty regarding these development initiatives and their potential benefits. During the summer of 2022, we introduced the program to 15 early-career faculty members. These individuals participated in educational sessions led by experienced construction educators. To gather feedback, we collected personal reflections and insights from participants, aiming to understand their perceptions and the impact on their teaching and mentoring skills. The feedback highlighted areas for improvement in current CME teaching practices and affirmed the value of such development programs. This research provides guidance for those in CME looking to design educational tools to better prepare graduate students for academic roles.