Construction Industry Nowadays Research Articles

Current 3R Practices on Construction Waste Minimization in Construction Site

The rise of the construction industry nowadays has a lot to do with the production of industrial waste. The needs of the construction industry whether for developing countries or developed countries is something that cannot be avoided. The main objectives were to find the main causes of construction waste generation, assess the level of awareness of 3R concepts and to evaluate the current approach used at the construction site in reducing construction waste. The study involves companies involved in the construction industry, namely architects, consultants and contractors. The research method used is a questionnaire to the construction industry. Results show that most respondents are aware of the benefits of 3R practices but most of them also do not practice the 3R due to lack of knowledge. The finding of this research is the construction waste can be reducing after practising the 3R.

Potential for synergetic integration of Building Information Modelling, Blockchain and Supply Chain Management in construction industry

Construction industry nowadays is facing several key issues as the likes of cost and time overruns and unstable business environment which lead to suppressed profitability, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. Studies have suggested, an improved Supply Chain Management (SCM) towards Sustainable Supply Chain (SSCM) could help in this regard, however there are barriers observed to its implementation in the construction industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM) too is considered a positive disrupter in the construction industry due to the potential in its applications, and one of such potential is improving the SCM. However, similar to SCM, adoption of BIM faces several barriers. Preliminary review suggests that some of its barriers could be resolved by integrating with Blockchain, another disruptor stemming from Industry 4.0. Hence, this paper attempts to assess how the synergy of BIM and blockchain would improve the SCM of the construction industry. For that purpose, through a systematic literature review, the paper structures the barriers of SCM, and barriers and benefits of BIM and blockchain in construction industry across the dimensions of Socio-technical, Industrial, Organizational, Financial, Legal and Institutional, and Sustainability, and conceptually maps the barriers and benefits to identify their collective impact on SCM. From this study it was found that with the help of Blockchain integration, there are a number of potential synergies that may solve critical inherent issues in both BIM and SCM, such as reluctance of information sharing and trust, sustainability concerns and safety, leading to positive cumulative impact on SCM. However, it was also recognized that there can be negative as well as neutral cumulative impacts on areas such as cost, and lack of personnel, knowledge and institutional support that can lead to an opposite impact.

An Extensive Literature Review on Risk Assessment Models (Techniques and Methodology) for Construction Industry

This study looks into the many methods that are used in the risk assessment procedure that is used in the construction industry nowadays. As a result of the slow adoption of novel assessment methods, professionals frequently resort to strategies that have previously been validated as being successful. When it comes to risk assessment, having a precise analytical tool that uses the cost of risk as a measurement and draws on the knowledge of professionals could potentially assist bridge the gap between theory and practice. This step will examine relevant literature, sort articles according to their published year, and identify domains and qualities. Consequently, the most significant findings have been presented in a manner that is consistent with logic and is predicated on the temporal evolution between 1990 and 2015.

The effects of 3D printing on frost resistance of concrete

3DCP is becoming more common in the construction industry nowadays, however, the aspects of durability of printed concrete are not well-studied yet. This paper focuses on determining how frost-thaw cycles affect printed concrete samples, compared to cast samples of the same concrete mix and whether the conventional concrete frost resistance tests can be applied for 3D printed concrete samples. Two different concrete mixes were both printed and cast – first one was a ready-made mix provided by a dry concrete mix manufacturer and was used for reference, whereas the other mix was prepared at the lab. First, 7 and 28-day compressive and flexural strength as well as density were determined to establish the difference between mechanical and material properties of both printed and cast concrete samples that were intended to be used for frost resistance testing according to standard CEN 12390-9. Next, both printed and cast samples of both mixes were subject to a total of 56 freeze-thaw cycles while submerged in NaCl solution, allowing to determine mass loss of each sample after N frost cycles. To conclude, the obtained results enable the authors to evaluate how 3D printing affects concrete resistance to frost/thaw cycles compared to conventionally cast concrete as well as the possible causes for this. Further research is needed to improve both the design mix of concrete as well as the printing and testing methodology of frost resistance of 3D printed concrete which would possibly lead to its increased use in exposed outdoor structures in northern regions.

The Effects of Air-Entraining Agent on Fresh and Hardened Properties of 3D Concrete

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is becoming more common in the construction industry nowadays; however, the aspect of durability of printed concrete is not well-studied yet. Frost resistance is a very important factor for durability of concrete structures located in northern regions. Since air-entraining agents (AEAs) are widely used in conventional concrete, this paper focuses on exploring the potential of using AEAs in 3D concrete as well—the main objective is to determine how it affects fresh and hardened properties, including frost resistance of 3D concrete. Three different mixes were printed and cast—the dry mix consisted of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), limestone filler (LF), sand, as well as viscosity modifying agent (VMA) and superplasticizer (SP). Two mixes contained different amounts of AEA, the third one was used as reference. First, fresh state properties were tested—air content, density, and mini cone flow test. Second, 28-day compressive and flexural strength tests were carried out; bulk and particle densities were also determined. Next, both cast and printed concrete samples were subject to freeze–thaw cycles according to provisions of CEN/TS 12390-9, mass loss due to surface scaling was determined for each sample. As a result, printed concrete samples containing AEA in the amount of 0.06% of binder mass showed the highest frost resistance—addition of AEA decreased both flexural and compressive strength of this printed concrete mix by 30–40%. To conclude, the obtained results give an insight of how addition of AEA to printed concrete mix affects its properties both in long and short term. Further research of certain aspects, for instance, the air void system and pore distribution is needed to gain a deeper understanding on how to increase durability of 3D concrete.

Exploring the Scientific Development of Green Building based on the Perspective of BIM Technology

Green building is in line with the characteristics of energy saving and emission reduction proposed by the international now, and is a major trend of the future development of the construction industry. However, the birth of green building is late, and there are still a lot of vacancies in the research and construction related to green building, so how to promote the healthy development of green building has become a hot spot in the construction industry nowadays. This paper composes the development dilemma that green building is facing at present, analyzes from the perspectives of legal system, evaluation standard, whole life cycle, digital development, etc., and suggests suggestions for the development of green building with the advantages of BIM technology and BIM informatization as a feature.

Water Absorption of Incorporating Sustainable Quarry Dust in Self-Compacting Concrete

In construction industry nowadays, self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a concrete technology innovation which gives more benefits over conventional concrete. SCC was invented to improve concrete durability without using any vibrator while placing it into formwork. In order to conserve natural sand, quarry dust (QD) as a waste and sustainable material has been incorporated to replace fine aggregate in SCC. In this study, conventional concrete and quarry dust in self-compacting concrete (QDSCC) mixes consist of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% QD were prepared. The workability test was conducted to determine the performance of fresh concrete and ensuring all the QDSCC properties follow the acceptance criteria for SCC. Meanwhile, the hardened concrete specimens were water cured for 7, 28 and 60 days to conduct water absorption test. This research aim is to determine water absorption of incorporating sustainable QDSCC. Thus, it resulted that 50% of QDSCC has achieved the lowest water absorption of QDSCC as compared to other dosages. Finally, sustainability in concrete technology can be promoted by incorporating QDSCC.

INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF VARIATION ORDERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN JORDAN

The construction industry nowadays faces several challenges that prevent it to be completed within the planned budget. the most effected challenge on the project cost is the variation orders, which became common on most construction projects. The variations in construction projects mean any change in quantity or quality of the project work. Based on various studies in the Jordanian construction industry it is found various sources of variation orders. Therefore, it is important to provide suitable recommendations to minimize variation orders during the project lifecycle. The aim of this study is to study the variation orders causes on the governmental construction project in Jordan. To meet that aim, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to locate and study the variation orders causes and its effect on construction projects worldwide. To achieve the study objectively the researcher adopted a structured questionnaire to gather the required data about the causes of VO. The collected data were analyzed statistically using the Relative Importance Index (RII). Based on the results of the study the critical causes of VO in construction projects in Jordan are grouped into main four groups such as causes related to owners, causes related to contractors, and causes related to consultants, causes related to unforeseen circumstances. The findings of the current study revealed that the critical causes of VO in the Jordanian construction industry are: unskilled laborers, inaccurate quantity take-off, shortage of human and equipment Resource, change of scope or plans by owners, absence of construction manuals and procedures , unavailability of the required labor skills , logistic delays , shortage of equipment and tools , technology changes , internal politics .Also, the results show that consultants are responsible for about 50% of the causes, 20% due to owners and unforeseen variations, and contractors are responsible for about 10% of the causes.

Utilisation of Seasand as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregrate to Strengthen the Concrete

Concrete is an important construction material widely used in the construction industry nowadays. It is blended material consisting of cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water. Generally the use of river sand as fine aggregate in our country is very widespread in industry. This paper mainly focuses on the study of strength properties of concrete in which river sand is replaced with sea sand as fine aggregate. In addition to it, Quarry Dust when added gains strength. Different mix proportions was replaced partially in 5%, 10%, 15% by Sea sand and Quarry dust. The strength of concrete for various mix proportions are carried out and tested for 14, 28, 56 days of curing. From the results obtained, with the replacement of river sand by sea sand along with well graded quarry dust upto to 15% increases the strength of concrete.

High performance topology optimization computing platform

One of the most challenging tasks in the construction industry nowadays, is to reduce the material demands and distribute, in the same time, the material among the structural system in the best possible way. Topology optimization is a design procedure that is increasingly used, to generate optimized forms of structures in several engineering fields. The current paper presents the Topology Optimization (TO) module of the High-Performance Optimization Computing Platform (HP-OCP) which focuses on civil engineering problems. More specifically the SIMP method [1] is implemented and the topology optimization problem is solved by using the OC algorithm. The HP-OCP is a platform which evaluates several objective functions, such as the volume of the structure, the compliance etc. and can solve constrained or unconstrained structural optimization problems. The above libraries are developed in C#. The core of the platform is created in such way that it can be integrated with any CAE program that has OAPI, XML or any other type of data exchange format. In the proposed work the structural analysis and design software SAP2000 is used. Theoretical aspects are discussed in order to implement the mathematical formulation in a commercial software. Basic and specific features are applied and representative examples are performed. One of the highlights of the proposed work is that the above module can be used for all kind of finite elements. Benchmark tests are presented with structures that are simulated by 2D plane-stress elements, 3D-solid elements and shell elements. Furthermore, it is independent of the type of the mesh, structured or unstructured, so both examples are presented. In the proposed work a powerful tool for both architects and civil engineers is introduced. The analysis and design of the structures are performed in SAP2000 software, in order to achieve a realistic result that could be a solution for a real-world structure.

The principles of fluid flow within circular ducts of seismic dissipation device used in construction systems

The intensive development of the construction industry nowadays has made the impressive building projects ideas to become real today all over the world. There has been a constant increase in the height of the building or the opening between supporting pillars if we make reference to bridges or viaducts. These achievements are possible due to the quality of the materials, but also the use of the protection systems, which are designed to provide a good stability degree for structures to which they are mounted in time against the dynamic actions represented mainly by the seismic actions. It is presented in this paper the role of a hydraulic power dissipative system which, by mounting on a building structure has the capacity to limit the structural frames relative displacements induced by the ground seismic motion at a certain moment in time. The dissipation device design is based mainly on a cylinder type with piston and the operation involves the use of a working fluid with special viscosity and compressibility properties. In the case of an earthquake occurrence, the device ends receive the tendency to perform cyclic traction-compression movements involving in motion the piston inside the cylinder. The piston can perform translational movement only based on the forced circulation of the working fluid through the small diameter circular orifices made in the piston head, thus providing a significant energy consumption of the total energy induced by earthquake in the structure. The device's overall model and flow pattern of the working fluid through the piston circular orifices are shown, based on a numerical analysis performed on dissipation device virtual model in order to highlight the flow path-lines of the working fluid that would coincide with the real device model operation.

Architecture of contemporary pedestrian bridges made of fiber-reinforced composite materials

Composite materials are often used in the construction industry nowadays. Including such industries as construction of bridges – unique structures. Today it is possible to produce from FRP not only separate bridge parts and single structural elements, but also entire span structures and one-piece composite bridges made as a monoblock element. The architecture of contemporary footbridges built with the use of fiber reinforced composite plastics in recent decades is being studied and analyzed in the article. The case-study examines the history of plastic composites as structural materials and the trends and evolution of the design of plastic products. The paper proposes a classification of modern pedestrian bridges made of fiber reinforced composites (based on a combination of innovation in the use of materials and in the design). The following three classes are distinguished: composite materials + traditional design; composite and traditional materials + hybrid design; composite materials + new design. The most recent examples of objects belonging to each of the three groups identified in the classification were reviewed and analyzed in course of the study (including contemporary Russian examples of composite pedestrian bridges). Particular attention is paid to the most advanced technologies, such as 3D-printing of composite bridges, as well as a number of other contemporary experimental production methods. The experience of scientists and manufacturers from Germany, Spain, Great Britain, China and other regions of the world has been studied. Further research and application of modern fiber-reinforced composites in combination with the latest production technologies of 3D-printing and computer parametric design can contribute to the development of modern bridge construction, which would be helpful for expanding the typology of structures and improving the design of new structures.

Digital Twin for Sustainability Evaluation of Railway Station Buildings

The railway station is a primary asset of public transport systems and plays a crucial role in urban modernization. Most existing railway stations in the UK is historic and have been operated for many years. Maintenance and reconstruction are common concerns in the public railway industry, and clusters of information pertaining to this maintenance must be managed appropriately for effective outcome. Digital twin or BIM (Building information modeling) is a term frequently employed in the construction industry nowadays, because of its ability to provide wider and faster access to comprehensible and integrated information. A digital twin or a BIM is not only a tool, but also a process that can help to make changes in construction industry, which has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. This paper discusses a specific BIM application within the context of railway station buildings using a Revit-based simulation of construction work for King’s Cross station in London. The paper highlights the adoption and transformation of 3D model of the King’s Cross station building into a 6D building information model. The 6D model contains a time and cost schedule with carbon emissions calculation, and renovation assumptions using Revit. The outcome of this study can provide construction participants with reasonable guidance of BIM adoption on railway station projects that can be used for planning, designing and operating an economic and environmental efficient construction project.

Construction industry project planning information system

The planning processes in construction industry nowadays develop the project management plan and the projects documents to carry out the project. The system being built is purposed to help project manager do project planning such as analyse risks probability and risks impact on projects using Probability Impact Matrix (PIM), and for project scheduling by showing the relationship between activities using Precedence Diagramming (PDM) method in order to project manager know the optimal project timing estimation. Based on the analysis and the results of system testing already done, it can be concluded that the system could help the project manager in identifying the risks that are likely to negatively affect project implementation and help project manager in scheduling project. The cause of delay in project are there are no risk recorded, ignoring the risks that could have negative impact on the implementation of project, and there is no risk handling, and then the scheduling done by the project manager did not show the specific relationship between the project activity. Then system is expected could help project managers to implement monitoring and controls in project execution.

Risk Assessment for Integrated Project Management System in Construction Industry

Abstract This paper presents a risk assessment model for construction projects. There are a number of problems in the construction industry in India that are attributed to various factors. The focus of the present research is to identify factors that influence the smooth completion of a project and develop a risk assessment model. The experience and success in the construction industry nowadays does not depend only on the traditional civil engineering programs. Project management, over the last 25–30 years, has developed into a methodological and systematic way of dealing with all aspects of construction projects. The wide range of topics that are now representing the field of construction management are more than important on scheduling, cost control and resource management. They include, but are not limited to, engineering project management concepts, quality management system, environmental management system and techniques for analysis the potential success factors. A questionnaire was prepared on the basis of a literature review and was filled by contractors, project management experts having more than 20 years of experience in the construction field in India. This paper presents the results of a study carried out to identify some of the core issues in construction management which are mentioned above, as a skeleton of integrated project management system for construction industry, and highlights the implication of studying some techniques to explain the asset and softness for this knowledge area. It is planned that this study will continue to model the integrated project management system and develop an expert system for the purpose of education and training to better equip middle and top level managers in the construction industry with the state-of-the-art tools, techniques and methodologies of project management. Keywords: Project, management, quality, risk, integrated system, construction industry. Cite this Article Yash Upadhyay. Risk Assessment for Integrated Project Management System in Construction Industry. Journal of Construction Engineering, Technology and Management. 2018; 8(1): 20–25p.

Stress-strain behavior of geopolymer under uniaxial compression

The various types of structural materials that are available in the construction industry nowadays make it necessary to predict their stress-strain behavior. Geopolymer are alternatives for ordinary Portland cement concrete that are made from pozzolans activation. Due to relatively new material, many mechanical specifications of geopolymer are still not yet discovered. In this study, stress-strain behavior has been provided from experiments for unconfined geopolymers. Modulus of Elasticity and stress-strain behavior are critical requirements at analysis process and knowing complete stress-strain curve facilitates structural behavior assessment at nonlinear analysis for structures that have built with geopolymers. This study intends to investigate stress–strain behavior and modulus of elasticity from experimental data that belongs for geopolymers varying in fineness and mix design and curing method. For the sake of behavior determination, 54 types of geopolymer are used. Similar mix proportions are used for samples productions that have different fineness and curing approach. The results indicated that the compressive strength ranges between 7.7 MPa and 43.9 MPa at the age of 28 days curing.

SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION IN MALAYSIA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Supply Chain Technology (SCT) utilization becomes a phenomenon in the construction industry nowadays. The uses of these technologies have shown an improvement in construction business process particularly in planning and designing processes. These improvements significantly affect the performance of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in construction industry. The construction industry is critical for national wealth creation particularly in the developing countries such Malaysia. However, about five percent of construction projects were not able to be completed due to various reasons. Therefore, there is a great interest to find out the level of utilization of SCT within the construction industry, which is believed as a main driver to improve the SCM performance and directly reflect to the construction project performance. The objective of this paper is to identify and highlight the issues and problems associated with the current SCM practices, particularly in the technology utilization among the major players in the Malaysian construction industry. To be more specifically, the type of application system that is being utilized in the Malaysian construction supply chain process will be identified.

Development of High Strength Natural Fibre based Composite Plates for Potential Application in Retrofitting of RC Structure

The potential application of green fibre based composite plate in retrofitting of structure is growing up in construction industry nowadays. The aim of this research was to develop high strength natural fibre based composite plates for the possible application in strengthening of reinforced concrete structure. The plates were fabricated using kenaf fibre, jute fibre and jute rope respectively. The fibres and rope were chemically treated using 6% NaOH solution to enhance the tensile strength of fabricated plates. In fabrication process, a special technique was applied to compact the treated and untreated fibres to obtain the highest tensile strength of composite plates. The physical and mechanical properties of the fabricated composite plates were then experimentally investigated. In general, results showed that the chemical treatments had an influence to enhance the tensile strength of the plates. The tensile strength of composite plates with treated kenaf fibre, jute fibre and jute rope were 137 MPa, 136 MPa and 113 MPa respectively. While those of untreated kenaf fibre, jute fibre and jute ropes were 131 MPa, 136 MPa and 110 MPa respectively. Kenaf and jute fibre composite plates had shown higher tensile strengths as compared to those of jute rope. The natural fibre composite plates were found to be linearly elastic in nature and had shown brittle failure. The moisture content and the water absorption of the plates with treated fibres were found to be lower as compared to those of untreated fibres. In terms of tensile strength of fabricated plates, kenaf, jute and jute rope composite plates could be used in retrofitting of structures.

Application of Green Construction in a Project in Huangshi

Green and Pollution-Free is Widely Advocated as a New Trend in the Construction Industry Nowadays. the Key Measures for this Technology are Energy Saving, Material Saving, Water Saving, Land Saving, as well as Protecting the Environment during Construction. Green Construction is a Concrete Manifestation of the Concept of Sustainable Development in the Construction Phase, the Implementation of which is of Great Significance to Promote the Sustainable Development of the Construction Industry. Technical Measures on Green Construction of the Project in Huangshi are Described in Detail. these Measures on Energy-Saving and Environmental Protection will have some Reference on the Promotion of Green Construction.