Indian Construction Industry Research Articles

Comprehensive Analysis of Implementing Robotics in the Indian Construction Industry

Implementing robotics in the Indian construction industry presents a significant opportunity to address longstanding challenges such as labour shortages, project delays, safety concerns, and quality inconsistencies. As India's urbanization accelerates, the demand for faster, safer, and more efficient construction processes is growing. This comprehensive analysis explores the potential benefits, obstacles, and strategies associated with adopting robotics in India’s construction sector. Key drivers include increasing automation trends, government initiatives like "Make in India," and the global shift toward smart infrastructure. However, challenges such as high initial investment, a fragmented industry structure, and the need for skilled operators and technicians could hinder widespread adoption. The analysis also highlights the role of robotics in enhancing productivity, reducing construction costs, and improving worker safety through a cost-benefit analysis, ultimately paving the way for more sustainable and advanced construction methodologies in India.

Eco-Friendly Brick Produced from Bagasse Ash and Lime, Jaggery: A Study of Waste Reuse

The building construction industry in India, which is one of the fastest-growing in the world, heavily relies on limited natural resources, especially burned clay bricks, which raise greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the viability of using the laterite soil-based bagasse bricks as an affordable and environmentally friendly substitute. This brick's greater compressive strength, decreased water absorption, and improved insulating qualities are the result of combining sugarcane bagasse—a byproduct of sugar production—with the laterite soil, lime, and jaggery. These bricks' low weight limits the dead load in tall structures, which lowers the price of building with reinforced cement concrete (RCC). Employing bagasse also lessens the effects of stubble burning, an ancient custom in India that seriously pollutes the air. The goal of the study is to encourage the use of laterite soil-bagasse bricks as an environmentally friendly building material by highlighting their many uses in construction. This research aims to encourage environmentally friendly practices in the building sector by promoting the use of sustainable materials by architects, designers, and builders. Key Words: Sustainable construction, laterite soil, bagasse bricks, greenhouse gas emissions, compressive strength, insulation, stubble burning, eco-friendly materials, RCC construction.

Unequal Ground: Gender Disparities at Work Life in the Construction Industry

This research intends to explore how gender impacts different aspects of the quality of work life, emotional intelligence, and the work–family interface among professionals in the Indian construction industry. This study employs quantitative methodology using a questionnaire survey. The questionnaires were circulated to 900 construction professionals, and 724 valid responses were received, resulting in a response rate of 80.44%. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and independent sample t-Tests. The independent samples t-Test revealed significant (p < 0.05) gender disparities in various quality of work life factors, emotional intelligence, and work–family interface. Males had a more positive perception of career growth, management, and the working environment. In contrast, females experienced higher job satisfaction, work commitment, personal satisfaction towards their workplace and personal life, a higher work–family interface, and a better work–life balance. Females also experienced a higher level of physical exhaustion and had a higher level of emotional intelligence, while males experienced a higher level of mental exhaustion. There were no significant gender differences in satisfaction towards remuneration and fringe benefits, work culture, or the level of psychological exhaustion. The findings suggest that construction industry organizations could implement policies and practices that promote equal opportunities, provide support for work–family integration, and foster a culture of emotional intelligence. This research adds to the current body of knowledge by igniting novel empirical proof of gender-based differences in the Indian construction industry. It highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to improve the quality of work life, emotional intelligence, and work–family interface among professionals in the industry.

Review of Indian green building rating systems by using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) on various parameters

Sustainable development is essential for the survival of the planet. The massive increase in GHG emissions due to human activities has put the world in unrest. The Indian construction industry is emerging and evolving at a rapid rate and has understood the grave situation, and for saving the environment has come up with innovative solutions for developing green buildings or sustainable construction. In this paper, the two different (the GRIHA Rating System and the IGBC Green New Building Rating System) of India were studied. The sample size was 40 construction professionals working on green building projects. An interview schedule was used for data collection. The data was subjected to a suitable analysis and the AHP method was applied. Based on the research findings, strategies to go green has been suggested for the IGBC and GRIHA rating system which may serve as a ready reckoner for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the construction management process. Therefore, keeping in mind the above view this research paper “Review of Indian Green Building Rating Systems by Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) on Various Parameters” becomes indispensable. Hence, this research study can be considered an effort to empower construction professionals to create an extensive analysis of green building concepts and develop sustainably in India.

An exploratory study on the application of digital twins in the Indian construction industry

Digitalization, enhancing operational performance and promoting data-driven practices, is gaining prominence globally. However, its adoption in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries like India, is still in its infancy. This study explores the role and impact of digital twins, a key component of digital transformation, in the Indian construction sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods, collecting data from various roles within organizations primarily engaged in building information modeling. The aim is to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and adaptability of digital twins in the construction sector. Results indicate that identified factors positively influence these constructs. Despite a preference for human intervention, the study predicts significant traction for automated methods in the Indian construction sector. The survey factors strongly influence the feasibility, acceptability, and adaptability of digital twins in Indian construction organizations, demonstrating the potential to adapt and incorporate innovative technologies throughout the project lifecycle. Despite risks and challenges, Indian construction firms can adopt digital twins in projects.

RETRACTED: Critical safety climate dimensions for improved safety behavior: perspectives of construction workers

Although extensive research has been conducted to explain the high accident rates in the Indian construction industry, studies focusing on the contributions of the prevailing safety climate as an enabler of such incidences remain sparse. Safety climate plays a crucial role in shaping workers’ safety behaviors. Therefore, eliciting the perspectives of construction workers concerning safety climate dimensions that are critical for engendering improved safety behavior will provide valuable insights into the dimensions required to sustain the desired safety performance levels on construction sites. This study adopted a sequential mixed-methods research design. Purposively selected respondents and interviewees were surveyed and interviewed at various intervals. The study established that safety climate dimensions, such as effective leadership, effective communication, consultation, training, resources, incentives, and recognition, are critical in improving safety behavior among construction workers. The results of this study have significant implications for practice and knowledge, as they provide an approach for assessing the impact of different safety climate dimensions on the safety behavior of construction workers in India. Understanding these dimensions will lead to a framework for managing these challenges and improving construction safety performance. The study reported in this paper remains one of the few studies seeking to explore the impact of safety-climate dimensions on worker safety behavior in the construction industry.

Safety Leadership: A Catalyst for Positive Safety Climate on Construction Sites

Limited research exists on safety leadership and safety climate in developing countries, despite their established importance in the construction industry. This study addresses this gap by investigating how immediate superiors’ safety leadership behaviours influence safety climate perceptions among construction professionals in southern India. Using a quantitative approach, the study collected valid questionnaire surveys among 279 construction professionals by convenience sampling across various construction sites. The survey revealed that safety leadership significantly and positively predicts five key safety climate factors: management’s commitment to safety, safety equipment and procedures, safety training, communication and openness, and group dynamics and safety culture. These findings highlight the critical role immediate superiors play in shaping safety climate perceptions through their commitment, communication, and employee involvement. This research underscores the importance of investing in safety leadership development to improve safety outcomes, reduce accidents and injuries, and enhance regulatory compliance within the Indian construction industry.

An appraisal of barriers to digitalisation of construction industry in developing countries: perspective from India

Digitalisation in the construction sector promises numerous benefits, yet its widespread adoption in India faces impediments. This study aims to identify and analyse critical barriers hindering the adoption of digitalisation within the Indian construction sector. The study adopts a multi-phase research approach, involving a literature review to identify potential barriers. Subsequently, a questionnaire was administered to 162 professionals in the Indian construction industry. The survey reveals a willingness within the Indian construction sector to embrace digitalisation, citing benefits such as enhanced productivity and revolutionary impacts on construction processes. Larger organizations exhibit greater proactivity, while smaller businesses face challenges in resources and knowledge, leading to slower adoption rates. The study identifies five key themes of barriers, including financial/resource constraints, cultural/organisational constraints, regional disparities, data security/privacy concerns, and awareness/capacity-building constraints. The implication of the study is to unveil crucial barriers and provide insights for tailored interventions, aiding stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers in navigating the evolving digital landscape of the Indian construction industry. This study contributes to the exploration of perceptions of construction professionals specifically in India on why digitalisation is not fully embraced in the Indian construction sector.

Exploring the Determinants of Quality of Work Life in the Construction Industry: A Quantitative Approach

This research aims to identify and quantify the factors affecting quality of work life (QWL) among professionals in the Indian construction industry. The study employs a structured questionnaire, distributed to 900 construction professionals, yielding a response rate of 80.44%. The QWL construct was assessed through eight factors: career growth, management, job satisfaction, remuneration and fringe benefits, the work–family interface, emotional intelligence, work culture, and work commitment. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were carried out. The relative importance index method was used to rank these factors based on their relative importance. Work commitment (RII = 0.772) ranked as the most important factor, this was due to work commitment including significant items. The high ranking of this factor suggests that commitment to work is highly valued in the construction industry. The study also employed structural equation modelling to validate the association among these QWL factors. The findings reveal that job satisfaction (t = 0.765) and career growth (t = 0.751) play significant roles in QWL, suggesting that these factors should be prioritized to enhance QWL in the construction industry. The results of this study provide valuable insights for organizations, HR practitioners, and researchers in the construction industry, emphasizing the need to focus on job satisfaction and career growth to enhance QWL. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of QWL in the construction industry, offering valuable insights for organizations, HR practitioners, and researchers. Future research could adopt longitudinal study designs or qualitative methods to further explore the QWL among construction professionals.

Impact of Sustainable Practices in Construction

Purpose: 1. Investigate Sustainability Practices: The primary purpose is to investigate the state of sustainability practices within the Indian construction industry. 2. Enhance Understanding: The study aims to enhance the understanding of awareness, implementation levels, and challenges faced by stakeholders in adopting sustainable construction practices. 3. Contribute Insights: The research seeks to contribute valuable insights that can aid in improving sustainable construction methods in India.

Stimulation of construction industry output through enhanced efficiency of Indian residential real estate sector

PurposeIn the context of an absence of studies examining the interrelationship between Indian construction industry and residential real estate sector, the study aims to develop and test a conceptual framework to stimulate construction industry through optimisation of housing market in India. The developed conceptual framework lays down a blueprint to assess the interaction between construction industry and housing market in other countries.Design/methodology/approachMeans of stimulation of construction industry by residential real estate sector were identified. Housing market was examined to identify factors constituting consumer-centric delivery and consumer-empowered demand. Supply side of housing market was probed to identify underlying factors stifling housing delivery. The identified factors were put together to form the conceptual framework. A questionnaire was developed and administered to the delivery-side stakeholders of housing market.FindingsThe study demonstrates significant correlations between real estate investment-led construction industry output stimulation and consumer-centric residential real estate delivery. The deterrents to consumer-centric housing delivery have been ascertained to be having an impact on time, cost and scope of housing projects. Significant correlations have been ascertained between the deterrents. On the demand-side, skills, awareness and engagement of consumers are strongly correlated with each other. Affordability of housing is rightfully correlated with all the three means of stimulation of construction industry output.Originality/valueSpecific to the Indian context, the study presents and validates a novel conceptual framework aimed at stimulation of construction industry output through interventions in housing market.

Technology Adoption in Material Procurement: An Empirical Study Applying the UTAUT Model Among Construction Companies in India

The Indian construction industry faces many challenges, such as low productivity, project delays and a lack of professionalism. To remain competitive, construction companies must adopt innovative technologies to make their operations more efficient. In this context, the management of companies needs to understand employee attitudes and perceptions of technology adoption to make investment decisions for adopting new technologies. This study aims to assess the employees’ perceptions of e-procurement as part of technology adoption in the construction sector. The popular Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework was adapted to develop a study model with employee attitude added as a mediating variable. Data collected from 305 employees working in the materials departments of different private construction companies are analyzed using SPSS Amos, a covariance-based structural equation modelling (CBSEM) tool. The study results revealed the strength of the predictor variables in determining the predicted variable and the significant role of the mediating variable in shaping employee perceptions. The results can provide valuable information to the management of the construction companies about which factors promote the adoption and acceptance of digital technologies. This awareness is greatly helpful in changing or adjusting the situation to improve employee perceptions of accepting new technologies.

Bio Concrete For Sustainable Construction Industry In India

Bio Concrete For Sustainable Construction Industry In India

Analysing Factors Affecting Implementation of Automated Construction Progress Monitoring in Indian Construction Industry

Automated construction progress monitoring has evolved as a critical element in modern construction projects, increasing efficiency and decision-making processes. It has gained recognition as a revolutionary technology in the global construction industry. However, its successful implementation in India presents distinct problems driven by a variety of factors such as technological challenges, financial restrictions, a shortage of qualified labour, resistance to technology adoption, a high initial investment, and so on. This research explores the importance of automated construction progress monitoring, examines the factors that influence its adoption, and makes recommendations for its implementation in the Indian construction industry. By recognising these variables, construction stakeholders can better negotiate the hurdles and reap the benefits of automated monitoring technology.

Identification of wastes and its causes in Indian construction industry based on lean construction practices

This manuscript proposes lean construction (LC) methods in construction projects to reduce non-value-added activities or wastes, improve communication and raise team effort. The optimization hybrid approach is golden jackal optimization. The key objectives are to identify distinct non-value-added activities as well as the fundamental causes of each waste. Construction managers were interviewed, and it was determined that they were completely unaware of LC principles. A questionnaire survey is used to determine the respondents’ overall understanding of lean building practices, numerous wastes in the construction industry, underlying reasons of every waste. The obstacles were identified by an existing literature research and then defined among several professional groups. It concluded that reducing the obstacles will result in less waste, as well as increased efficiency and productivity in the building industry. The proposed approach is utilized for predicting the wastes based on LC. The performance of the proposed technique is implemented in MATLAB and compared with existing techniques.

Green Construction Supply Chain Barriers Assessment: Evidence from Indian Construction Industry

This study aims to identify the key barriers influencing green supply chain management (GSCM) practices for the construction industry. The study is based on a survey of 20 manager-level employees from the Indian construction industry. Considering the extensive literature review and expert opinion, 15 key barriers influencing GSCM practices were identified and the interrelationship among them was established using multi-criteria-based Interpretative Structure Modelling methodology. Furthermore, by using Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied for Classification analysis, the barriers were classified as autonomous, dependent, linkage, and independent barriers to understand their relative importance. The barriers were grouped into a three-group hierarchy and it was found that the lower group of barriers, that is, green design, suppliers and green materials, certifications, and financial constraints were highly influencing GSCM practices implementation. The study can help construction practitioners develop a supply chain strategy focusing on critical barriers hindering the adoption of GSCM practices.

A Holistic Evaluation of BIM Implementation Barriers in the Indian Construction Industry: Pre- and Post-Adoption Perspectives

ABSTRACT The existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) research does not provide a holistic understanding of pre- and post-adoption barriers to its implementation, especially in developing countries such as India, where BIM adoption lags. First, a total of 32 barriers to BIM implementation were identified after a comprehensive literature review. Second, after discussion with experts, the barriers were classified into 23 pre- and 21 post-adoption barriers. Next, the barriers were ranked based on 218 completed survey responses from professionals working in 125 organizations in the Indian construction industry. Finally, an independent samples t-test was conducted to understand differences in the perceptions of different groups of participants. The top five pre-adoption barriers were (1) high hardware costs, (2) high software costs, (3) low adoption across the supply chain, (4) low market support, and (5) unclear benefit evaluation. In comparison, the top five post-adoption barriers were (1) high ongoing cost (license renewal, training cost, etc.), (2) shortage of skills and expertise, (3) unclear benefit evaluation, (4) client’s lack of understanding, and (5) user resistance. Moreover, clients, contractors and consultants shared different views on very few barriers, which shows that these barriers are prevalent across different types of organizations in the Indian construction industry.

A Synergetic Effect of the Integration of Lean, Sustainable Construction Practices and Alliance Contract on Operation Performance in the Indian Construction Industry

By pioneering a comprehensive analysis of lean integration within the construction sector, this research provides novel insights into optimizing project outcomes. The construction industry is generally known for its frequent deadline slip-ups, budget overruns, and issues with upholding proper quality. It is usual practice to integrate different management techniques which are successful in the production industry in order to avoid such issues. Several researchers adopted sustainable construction management, lean management and alliance contract practices individually on construction sites to improve the profit, productivity, quality and transparency of the project. In this study, the synergetic integration of sustainable construction management, lean management and alliance contract practices have been studied. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 345 practitioners, resulting in 309 responses after screening. These respondents, comprising various roles in the AEC sector, provided insights into their experience, project involvement, and business sectors. The study identified 23 factors associated with lean practices, sustainable construction, and alliance contracts, examining their relationships and benefits through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results demonstrate significant effects of lean practice, sustainable construction, and alliance contract factors on the benefits derived from their integration. Measures of reliability and validity affirm the robustness of these relationships. The discussion underscores the benefits of integration, including enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, improved collaboration, shared risk and reward, superior project outcomes, and competitive advantage. Overall, this research elucidates the potential advantages of integrating these methodologies within construction projects.

Construction management students’ perception of BIM adoption and its implications in a non-mandated country

Building information modeling (BIM) is increasingly being recognized and gradually adopted by the construction industry in India, even though it is still not mandated by the Government. As the demand for trained BIM professionals grows, many educational institutes in India have started including BIM in their respective architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) related curriculum courses, mostly at a beginner level. This study tries to access the perceptions of these AEC students towards various aspects related to the BIM practice and its adoption in India. It aims to provide a reference point, and help bridge the gap between the industrial BIM proficiency requirements, and the institutional BIM teaching-learning approach. As students are the prospective BIM professionals, this study gives important insights for the BIM practice stakeholders to understand the learners’ individual motivation, bias and experience. The methodology consisted of conducting an online questionnaire survey to collect the students’ demography and background data; as well as their perceptions (on a five-point Likert scale) towards BIM benefits, BIM functionalities, BIM as a career option, and challenges to BIM implementation in India. The 188 responses were divided into subgroups and statistically compared based on two-sample t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings are discussed with their possible implications in the academia as well as the industry. The study emphasizes having a better engagement of the academia with the BIM industry and policy makers to develop a synergic BIM learning ecosystem.

Supply Chain Management in Construction Projects: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Indian Context - Review

Supply chain management (SCM) plays a crucial role in the success of construction projects, Influencing factors such as project timelines, costs, and overall efficiency. This literature review paper provides an in-depth analysis of SCM in construction, with a primary focus on the unique dynamics of the Indian construction industry. Drawing from a wide array of scholarly articles, research papers, and industry reports, this comprehensive review synthesizes existing knowledge in the field. It examines the evolution of SCM practices in the construction sector, emphasizing the shift from traditional methods to contemporary, technology-driven solutions. Furthermore, this literature review explores key SCM elements such as procurement, logistics, risk management, sustainability, and the integration of advanced technologies within the construction supply chain. Sustainability emerges as a significant theme in this review, as it discusses the growing emphasis on environmentally responsible SCM practices in construction projects. In conclusion, this literature review offers a comprehensive overview of supply chain management in construction projects, with a specific focus on India. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers seeking to understand the intricacies of SCM in the Indian construction sector. Additionally, the review highlights areas for further research and development, paving the way for continued advancements in construction SCM practices. Keywords: Supply Chain Management; Construction Projects; Sustainability; Technology Integration; Logistics;