Construction Industry In Order Research Articles

METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RESEARCHING GABIONIC STRUCTURES IN TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The wide and scientifically grounded use of gabion structures was restrained due to the lack of regulatory and methodological foundations and documents for the design and construction of these structures in road and bridge construction, in which technical requirements, design solutions, conditions and scope of gabion were worked out, systematized and formulated designs.It is very important to have a high-quality methodological and regulatory framework necessary to regulate the use of gabion structures, develop new, improve and expand the current standard solutions for strengthening the slopes of the subgrade, drainage devices and other structures, as well as in order to improve the quality of individual design of road and bridge structures using gabion structures, scientific, methodological and expert support of this design. So, the purpose of the work is to analyze domestic and international experience in the use of gabion structures in the construction industry in order to study calculation methods and technology for the construction of gabion structures. The object of research is gabion structures.The paper studies the theoretical and technological aspects of the use of gabion structures in road construction.The domestic and world experience of using gabion structures in the construction industry is analyzed. The advantages of using gabion structures in the development of design and construction solutions for the device and strengthening are considered.Methods for calculating gabion structures and their analysis are investigated. Due to this, the possibility of calculating gabion retaining walls with a height of more than 8 m was presented. Based on the calculation method, it was concluded that the use of gabion retaining walls of such a height requires lower costs than the devices of concrete and reinforced concrete retaining walls.

A Preliminary Implementation Framework of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Algerian AEC Industry

The construction industry is one of the most growing sectors worldwide, it plays a great role in boosting the economy. The construction sector in Algeria has recently witnessed an upward growth, due to the Algerian government’s vision to develop economic activity and boost the residential construction market. On the other hand, the Algerian construction market is suffering from the lack of efficiency; projects delay and less quality of projects delivery. It becomes very necessary to find a way to improve these inefficiencies by adopting new approaches and technologies. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is becoming a widespread and common approach in the design, construction and maintenance of building facilities as BIM reduces waste, improves construction quality and enhance collaboration among the construction stakeholders. Hence, it becomes necessary to start gradually introducing BIM to the Algerian construction industry in order to improve its productivity. This paper addresses BIM implementation in the Algerian AEC industry and proposes a preliminary framework towards its implementation. Through a questionnaire survey, we explored the BIM capabilities, BIM awareness and BIM maturity of the Algerian AEC players. Based on the questionnaire findings and literature review, this paper proposes an effective BIM implementation based on both levels of macro-adoption and micro-adoption. The framework developed is based on three main aspects comprise of technology, process and policy. This study is considered as the first implementation framework of Building information modelling in the Algerian AEC industry. The framework proposed will be used as a reference for the Algerian researchers and professionals.

Ethnographic Research in the Construction Industry: A Critical Review

AbstractA decade ago, there were multiple calls for more ethnographic research in the construction industry in order to provide deeper insights into industry practice. Since those calls, methods un...

Generative systems in the architecture, engineering and construction industry: A systematic review and analysis

Researchers have been extensively exploring the employment of generative systems to support design practices in the architecture, engineering and construction industry since the 1970s. More than half a century passed since the first architecture, engineering and construction industry’s generative systems were developed; researchers have achieved remarkable leaps backed by advances in computing power and algorithms’ capacity. In this article, we present a systematic analysis of the literature published between 2009 and 2019 on the utilization of generative systems in the design practices of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The present research studies present trends, collaborations and applications of generative systems in the architecture, engineering and construction industry in order to identify existing shortcomings and potential advancements that balance the need for theory development and practical application. It provides insightful observations that are translated into meaningful recommendations for future research necessary to progress the incorporation of generative systems into the design practices of the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

12 STUDY ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The Congolese construction industry faces many difficulties in dealing with the different factors that affect the proper performance of the construction process. Several key indicators (factors) that influence the construction performance in the Congo were selected for study and discussion. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the most significant key performance indicators that affect construction projects in the Congo, and to classify them using the relative importance index (RII). The most important factors affecting Congolese construction projects were design, client management, contractor productivity, scheduling, and the contract. The experience and skill of the design team were found to affect the design-related factors, whereas delayed payments and delivery of the construction site to the contractor were found to be the most important factors affecting client/owner-related factors. Client and management factors shared an equal average significant value of 0.68, while the productivity scheduling and contract related factors for the contractor shared an equal average value of 0.67. Finally, this work makes some recommendations to the Congolese construction industry in order to ensure proper project performance and successful projects.

Effect of insulation materials and cavity layout on heat transfer of concrete masonry hollow blocks

The aim of this research was to reduce the demand for air conditioning in buildings by minimizing the heat flow from outdoor environment to the interior of building envelopes (walls and roofs). Hence, a finite element model (FEM) was developed to find out the optimum geometry of cavities and their layout in masonry concrete blocks in order to reduce the thermal flow of heat and the results were compared with that of hollow blocks available in the market in terms of thermal insulation. Results of the simulation were promising and indicated that the new “optimum” designed geometry of hollow blocks was much better than the hollow blocks available in the market. Thereafter, some insulation materials were utilized in the concrete mixtures to produce hollow masonry concrete blocks to reduce the thermal conductivity through wall elements. Experimentally, the results of the new block with optimum geometry without the insulation materials showed improved thermal insulation by as much as 71% compared to other designs of hollow blocks including those available in the market. The thermal resistance of concrete and masonry blocks with the insulation materials (perlite, rubber and polyethylene) was enticing and significant. The newly developed optimum design of masonry concrete block with and without the insulation materials satisfied the ASTM C129 requirements for non-load bearing walls in terms of strength and absorption and was considered as medium weight (without insulation material) and as lightweight (with insulation materials) masonry hollow blocks. Results of this comprehensive investigation also indicated that the thermal conductivity could be reduced by up to 40% compared to that of the conventional blocks available in the market. Therefore, it is recommended that these optimum designed blocks be utilized by the construction industry in order to reduce the amount of energy used for the air conditioning as well as the carbon footprrint.

Digitalization’s impacts on productivity: a model-based approach and evaluation in Germany’s building construction industry

The debate about the digitalization has gained momentum in recent years. While digitalization technologies are globally hailed as drivers of increased productivity, they are not yet used on a grand scale, which begs the question why, because their benefits are clear. We address this question by deriving a model of how digitalization technologies impact on productivity and what barriers affect their use. We focus exemplarily on Germany’s building construction industry in order to estimate the benefits of digitalization, using three case studies of production robots, 3D printing and BIM software. In a second step, we build a model using qualitative interviews based on the Technology Acceptance Model. A first qualitative study defines the level of detail and identifies unknown influencing factors. In a second study, the model was revised by means of qualitative-structured interviews. Finally, we carried out a quantitative evaluation of the model using a questionnaire, evaluating its suitability.

The adequacy of IFRS 15 for revenue recognition in the construction industry

Orientation: IFRS 15 Revenue from Contract with Customers replaced the industry-specific financial reporting standard IAS 11 Construction Contracts, becoming effective on or after 1 January 2018. Construction is regarded as a complex industry with regular changes in contract scope and pricing. Research purpose: The objective of this article was to evaluate the adequacy of the guidance of IFRS 15 to deal with the complexities of the construction industry in order to recognise revenue derived from construction contracts. In evaluating the application of the principles of IFRS 15 to construction contracts, a structured approach was followed based on the five-step approach followed in IFRS 15. Motivation: The lack of industry-specific guidance for construction revenue, together with the complexities of the construction industry, makes the application of IFRS 15 challenging for construction entities. Research design: The revenue recognition principles developed in IFRS 15 were assessed through doctrinal research, a research method focusing on the core doctrines developed in practice. Reform-oriented doctrinal research was used to assess the doctrines developed in IFRS 15 by applying authoritative interpretation. Main findings: The article found that IFRS 15 provides an appropriate framework. Implications and contribution: The implications of IFRS 15 are that construction entities need to understand the rights and obligations in contracts and how these affect the revenue recognition of construction contracts. This article provided insights into the application of IFRS 15 to construction contracts.

The implementation of BIM in construction projects

Building Information Modeling Implementation (BIM) is a management task that has undergone major changes. Therefore, identifying the critical success factors in BIM implementation and identifying its implementation challenges in the construction industry is a prerequisite for this change process. The purpose of this research is to understand the construction industry in order to provide a clear understanding of the application of BIM and to provide a suitable way of the mobility of people to implement more comprehensive BIM, which in turn, implements modeling. Building information provides strategies and recommendations for the construction industry. This research, based on a review of previous study, BIM implementation methods and critical success factors in the field of implementation have been discussed, which opens the way for quantitative and qualitative method analysis. Also provides a solid foundation for organizations to make informed decisions in implementing BIM in the body of the organization structure. The main purpose of this research is to identify the factors that are important for the success of BIM implementation. Such factors include BIM potentials and the impact of these potentials on improving the performance of the companies that implement BIM. The research based on a literature review, and presents survey results and significant factors identified on the impacts of BIM implementation and organizational performance improvement.

Flexural behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete beams made with copper slag as partial fine aggregate replacement

Lately, development of concrete using industrial byproducts has garnered major significance in the construction industry in order to overcome problems associated with depleted natural resources. As, river sand is costly and also large scale exhaustion of these sources generates environmental harms, a substitute or replacement product for concrete industry is very indispensable. In such a situation, the copper slag can be proposed as an alternative to the river sand, which is an industrial by-product obtained from the manufacturing of copper. The present investigation assesses the incorporation of copper slag in concrete (CSC). In this paper, experimental investigations are carried to understand the flexural characteristics such as such as first crack, ultimate load carrying capacity, maximum crack width and deflection at service load and at centre of steel fibred copper slag mixed under-reinforced concrete beams. Results showed that the compressive strength of concrete decreases as copper slag content increases beyond 40%. The reduction in compressive strength beyond 40% replacement of river sand due to the increase in free water content in concrete mixes due to the low absorption properties of copper slag which can cause excessive bleeding at higher copper slag content. The load-deflection behaviour of under-reinforced, normal and copper slag concrete beams is witnessed to be alike apart from the increased values of ultimate failure loads and ultimate deflections at failure in steel fibred copper slag concrete beams.

Concrete chipping machine: an attachment to the grinding machine

Concrete chipping is a mechanical process practiced in the construction industry in order to increase adherence to smooth surfaces. It is carried-out before plastering of beams, columns and other concrete structures with smooth surfaces. The objective of this project was to design a low-cost concrete chipping machine suitable for the construction industry. An initial study was conducted to identify the available methods and machinery used for chipping concrete. Their suitability and drawbacks were studied analyzed and several possible designs were proposed. The best and the most suitable design, out of the proposed designs were selected and manual calculations were performed, in order to determine the dimensions and parameters of the machine. After the initial design, simulations were carried out in order to determine wear and tear and the stress concentration of the tool. It was found that the tool could withstand the forces and stress during impact and that sufficient penetration is achieved, therefore the machine was finally prototyped. It can be concluded that the attachment used for the grinding machine can be successfully used to chip concrete, although several modifications can be further done to improve the machines’ operation and safety.

The analytic hierarchy process method to design strategic decision making for the effective assessment of supplier selection in construction industry

Purpose - Endemic uncertainty of the environment within a limited time framework tend to complicate the decision-making process. This study aims to analyze the selection of the optimal supplier that meets the necessary criteria such as product features, supplier features, and delivery conditions. Methodology - Increasing market pressure in the construction industry compels companies to make quick and good decisions conducting strategic analyses. In this regard, information asymmetry is a crucial concept that requires managers to use different models during the decision-making process not only for their own benefit but also for the sake of all stakeholders. Analytic Hierarchy Process Method is used to evaluate suppliers’ characteristics that tend to consist of numerous interdependent variables and complex relationships. Findings - Supplier A has relatively better product features and supplier features. Addressing fundamental issues in supplier selection has been increasingly gaining ground in the construction industry in order to maintain a competitive advantage in regard to both cost and time efficiency as well as sustainability. Conclusion - Companies operate in an environment where decisions are ought to be handled in a rather holistic way. When managers are about to make robust decisions, they are ultimately obliged to feel responsible to both the company and various groups of stakeholders. Overall, decision-making is of vital importance for corporates both in a macro perspective due to existing ecological concerns and also in a micro perspective in terms of sustainability.

Studies of radon activity in civil engineering and environmental objects

In this article, studies of the radiation (radon) characteristics of the soil, soil-forming rocks and civil engineering buildings of the Volgograd Region are presented. The purpose of the study was to identify factors of the radiation background caused by radon in civil engineering objects. The regularities of radon distribution at the objects of the construction complex and the environment are determined depending on the influence of various factors. The studies made it possible to calculate the averaged annual effective equivalent doses to the population of the Volgograd Region caused by radon and the daughter products of the decay of radon. As a result, the patterns of changes in radon activity in the air of the premises have been established, depending on the time of the year, building materials and the purpose of the room. The result of the work performed is the normative material for use in the construction industry in order to limit the radiation exposure of the population in the region. Also, methodological material for training specialists in the field of radiation research in the building complex.

Factors influencing the selection of delay analysis methods in construction projects in UAE

ABSTRACTSeveral delay analysis methods (DAMs) have been developed and used in the construction industry in order to analyse the causes and effects of delay events. In this research, a number of commonly used DAMs, in the specific context of UAE, are investigated by exploring the factors influencing their selection decisions as well as the process of making such a decision. A total of eight expert respondents from five different projects in the UAE were selected who provided critical insight into the decision-making process adopted in practice to select a DAM. The individual project case analysis as well as the cross case analysis helped to identify a number of factors that influence the selection of DAMs in UAE projects. Some of the main identified factors were the attitude of the client, experience of the delay analyst, reputation and impartiality of the delay analyst, complexity of the project, and cost and timing of performing the analysis. The research argues that such an important decision process that can have a serious impact on the success of a commercial venture requires individual organizations to develop and adopt clear guidelines on how such decisions are made to protect its commercial interests.

Improving Role of Construction Industry for More Effective Post-Disaster Emergency Response To Road Infrastructure in Indonesia

Geo- and hydro-meteorological disasters typically caused disruptive impact to road networks due to damaged road infrastructure, which in turn disconnect access to and isolate the disaster affected areas. Road clearing work and emergency road recovery operation are considered a priority to reconnect the access during post-disaster emergency response. However, the operation is not always smooth and in many cases delayed due to various problems. An investigation is conducted to understand the current practice of post-disaster emergency road recovery operation in Indonesia and to study possible participation of construction industry in order to improve its effectiveness. In-depth interviews with Local Disaster Management Agencies (BPBDs) and local road agencies in West Java Province were conducted to understand current practices in emergency road recovery operation and to view perspectives on local contractor participation. The surveys showed supports from the local governments for contractor involvement as long as it is still under guidance of related agencies (Ministry of Public Works and Housing) despite some possible obstacles from the current regulation that may hamper contractors’ participation, which indicate that there is a potential role of construction industry for more effective post-disaster emergency response, provided that contractor associations are involved and existing procurement regulation is improved.

Research on construction quality and improvement of assembly construction

Based on the acceleration of the urbanization process and the improvement of the quality of life of our residents, the demand for building construction has been increasing. In this context, the construction industry in order to promote the construction efficiency, quality improvement, to meet the needs of the development of the times to strengthen the new technology, the use of new technologies. At present, China’s engineering construction units in the process of carrying out the project to strengthen the use of assembly-type construction technology, which thus achieved for the traditional construction work low-level, high time-consuming issues, and promote the steady improvement of production efficiency. Based on this, this paper focuses on the analysis of the connotation of the assembly structure and analyzes the quality problems in the construction process of the construction projects and puts forward the improvement measures to promote the improvement of the building quality and the construction of the building Construction speed. Based on this, this paper analyzes the structural system and design of prefabricated building.

Unlocking the potential of early contractor involvement in reducing design risks in commercial building refurbishment projects – a Western Australian perspective

ABSTRACTThe commercial refurbishment sector is widely gaining popularity, particularly in industries such as the Western Australian construction industry in order to effectively house commercial businesses and operations. Unfortunately, commercial refurbishments have long been characterised by its added complexity, risk and uncertainty facing the management and delivery of such projects. The uncertainties are largely attributed to the segregated relationship between design and construction processes. Among a multitude of options in procuring refurbishment projects, the early contractor involvement (ECI) emerged as a procurement route that bridges this typical gap between design and construction, promotes a collaborative design process and offers opportunity for risk mitigation and certainty of delivery. Whilst appearing as a worthy candidate to procure refurbishment of commercial buildings, anecdotal evidence have indicted the potential of ECI to reduce design risks through synergising the contractor’s construction expertise into the design process. In light of this, the paper aims to report the findings from a recent research project conducted in Western Australia on this topic through case study approach. The findings revealed the specific points and activities during design of commercial building refurbishment where the contributions of the contractor are optimum in reducing design risks. This is captured in the resultant process map specifically developed for this type of projects under the ECI scheme. The process map is expected to further support project teams at the early design stage of a commercial building refurbishment projects to devise a robust strategy to fully benefit from procuring their project through ECI.

The Scandinavian cooperative advantage? A mixed method approach to highlight the influence of contextual conditions for environmental CSR uptake

Multilateral actor-to-actor (A2A) networks, exhibited and commonplace in Scandinavia, are considered key to effective environmental CSR implementation and organisational success. This research investigates the proposed Scandinavian cooperative advantage within the construction industry in order to better understand: a) if the contextual conditions of a country affect environmental CSR uptake; b) if construction companies exhibit environmental CSR-practices differently in discrete contexts; c) the role of stakeholder collaborations for explicit (soft-law) environmental CSR uptake and competitive advantage. With Sweden and Scotland as representative examples of two different contexts within and beyond Scandinavia, the results indicate that the contextual conditions of a country affect the perceptions, and likelihood, of environmental CSR uptake from both organisational and customer perspectives. However, it remains unclear as to whether stakeholder collaborations and A2A networks, traditional within Scandinavian societies, actually influence environmental CSR uptake more so than in external contexts.

Methodology of improving occupational safety in the construction industry on the basis of the TWI program

The article presents the way of using the Training Within Industry (TWI) program, derived from manufacturing processes, in the construction industry in order to improve occupational safety. The origin and meaning of the TWI program and its relation to the philosophy of Lean Management is also described. The article shows how a preventative approach to ensuring safety has developed over the years. It has been proved that human errors, and not technical problems, have the greatest impact on the occurrence of accidents. After literature surveys, three main root causes of human errors were defined and include: a lack of or poorly led training, badly defined and developed work standards and also a lack of supervision of employees. The statistics of fatal accidents in construction and manufacturing industries over several recent years in the UK were analyzed. It has been noted that in the construction industry the average accident level is much higher than in the manufacturing industry. Conclusions were used to develop a methodology of improving occupational safety in the construction industry. The developed methodology is based on the selected components from the TWI program and contributes to the elimination of problems associated with the three main root causes of human errors.

Copper tailings in stucco mortars

This investigation addressed the evaluation of the use of copper tailings in the construction industry in order to reduce the impact on the environment. The evaluation was performed by a technical comparison between stucco mortars prepared with crushed conventional sand and with copper tailings sand. The best results were achieved with the stucco mortars containing tailings. The tailings presented a fine particles size distribution curve different from that suggested by the standard. The values of compressive strength, retentivity, and adherence in the stucco mortars prepared with copper tailings were much higher than those obtained with crushed sand. According to the results from this study, it can be concluded that the preparation of stucco mortars using copper tailings replacing conventional sand is a technically feasible alternative for the construction industry, presenting the benefit of mitigating the impact of disposal to the environment.