Problems In Construction Industry Research Articles

Hybrid GA-MANFIS Model for Organizational Competencies and Performance in Construction

The majority of competency and performance modeling methods available in the literature are deterministic conceptual, statistical, and/or regression models that cannot capture the subjective uncertainty, complex, and nonlinear relationships inherent in construction, which makes accurate prediction difficult. Past studies utilized neuro-fuzzy system (NFS) models, such as adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), that combine the learning power of artificial neural networks and functionality of fuzzy systems to develop accurate predictive models. ANFIS is robust, fast, and effective in solving complex problems for a range of real-world construction engineering and management (CEM) applications. NFS models such as ANFIS have some limitations in handling multiple outputs common in construction industry problems, such as being prone to early convergence due to local minima entrapment. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a hybrid NFS combining the evolutionary optimization technique of a genetic algorithm (GA) with a multi-output adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (MANFIS) that can handle multi-input multi-output (MIMO) problems for CEM applications. The proposed modeling approach is demonstrated using a case study that showed good results in predicting multiple organizational performance metrics using organizational competencies. The contributions of this paper are threefold: It (1) proposes a novel methodology of integrating different computing techniques for developing a GA-based multi-output adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (GA-MANFIS) model that can handle complex and nonlinear MIMO problems inherent in construction processes and practices; (2) relates organizational competencies to performance and predicts multiple organizational performance metrics; and (3) provides a GA-based feature selection approach that reduces data dimensionality, enabling identification of organizational competencies that significantly influence organizational performance. By uniquely integrating these techniques, this model enables construction organizations to evaluate their competencies and predict multiple organizational performance metrics simultaneously, and researchers can adapt it for a variety of construction contexts.

Performance evaluation of black cotton soil with waste, fibers and minerals

Disposal of increased waste material is always a major problem in construction industry because of heavy weight and occupies more storage space. In this research study, various combinations of C&D waste and GGBS is used as stabilized material and polypropylene fiber as reinforced material to improve the geotechnical properties of Black Cotton soil. The purpose of this research is to analyze the result of various combination of C&D waste, GGBS and PPF on the geotechnical properties of the earth soil. Soil improvement is one of the major tasks on which maximum number of experiments need to be performed in depth. So, experimental studies showcased that optimum utilization of C&D waste, GGBS and PPF can effectively help in reducing swelling, shrinkage property of BC soil. As PP fiber does not absorb moisture it has excellent chemical resistance to most acids and alkalis.

THE INFLUENCE OF DELAY FACTORS ON PAHANG MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A PLS-SEM APPROACH

Previous research has shown that delay is a common problem in construction industry. Weather condition and regulation changes, though being minor factors, are also known as external factors contributing to the delay of project construction. This study involved 118 respondents from the construction industry in Kuantan, Pahang. In order to obtain the data, copies of questionnaire were distributed widely among people in Pahang construction industry. The data were analysed by using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling version 3. A significant positive relationship between weather conditions and building projects in Pahang construction industry was identified. This study also found a negative relationship between regulation changes and building projects in Pahang construction industry. As expected, weather conditions were found to be one of the factors contributing to delay in the process of projects’ construction in Malaysia. However, weather conditions and the regulation changes did not significantly affect the construction projects in Malaysia. Out of the factors which contributed to delay in building projects, weather conditions, though a minor factor, played to an extent a part in contributing to extension of the time of the projects in Malaysia. Nevertheless, regulation changes was not considered a vital factor leading to delay in building projects in Malaysia.

Особливості інформаційно-довідкової системи щодо побудованих та запроектованих об’єктів-аналогів при оцінці вартості дорожніх робіт

Особливості інформаційно-довідкової системи щодо побудованих та запроектованих об’єктів-аналогів при оцінці вартості дорожніх робіт

METHODOLOGY OF OPTIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY UNDER DENSE DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS

Purpose . The research of theoretical and methodological foundations of development and functioning of the construction industry in the context of using the tool of logistics and systems engineering as a modern basis for solving organizational and technological problems within the dense urban development conditions and significant factors of the functional and planning infrastructure of Ukrainian cities. Methodology. An important role in the organization of construction industry plays the ability to apply modern methods and mechanisms of construction logistics and systems engineering. In the modern conditions of development and functioning of the construction industry there is a need to apply innovative methods of management and organization of building processes in the conditions of dense urban development. In these conditions, the application of the concept of logistics in construction becomes especially relevant within the functional and planning infrastructure of Ukrainian cities. Findings. The analysis of the current state of the organization of construction in a dense urban development conditions within the functional and planning infrastructure of Ukrainian cities, which is clearly make the need for the use of tools based on the basis of knowledge of «logistics» and «systems engineering», that significantly improves the organizational processes of construction industry. Applying the principles and corresponding concepts of logistics, it will allow to form a system of views on the improvement of the processes of organization of construction industry within the dense urban development conditions, significant factors of functional and planning infrastructure of Ukrainian cities and the state of road network, through optimal flow-resource management. All of this will effectively raise the development of the construction industry at EU level. Originality. Theoretical and methodological directions on the basis of the tool of logistics and systems engineering, as a modern innovation basis for solving organizational and technological problems of construction industry within the dense urban development conditions and significant factors of functional and planning infrastructure of Ukrainian cities are formed. Practical value. The use of modern scientific and methodological tools based on the knowledge in the field of «logistics», that gives the opportunity to form a mechanism for choosing rational management decisions aimed at solving of organizational and technological problems of construction industry within the dense urban development conditions and significant factors of functional and infrastructure.

Guidelines for applied machine learning in construction industry—A case of profit margins estimation

The progress in the field of Machine Learning (ML) has enabled the automation of tasks that were considered impossible to program until recently. These advancements today have incited firms to seek intelligent solutions as part of their enterprise software stack. Even governments across the globe are motivating firms through policies to tape into ML arena as it promises opportunities for growth, productivity and efficiency. In reflex, many firms embark on ML without knowing what it entails. The outcomes so far are not as expected because the ML, as hyped by tech firms, is not the silver bullet. However, whatever ML offers, firms urge to capitalise it for their competitive advantage. Applying ML to real-life construction industry problems goes beyond just prototyping predictive models. It entails intensive activities which, in addition to training robust ML models, provides a comprehensive framework for answering questions asked by construction folks when intelligent solutions are getting deployed at their premises to substitute or facilitate their decision-making tasks. Existing ML guidelines used in the IT industry are vastly restricted to training ML models. This paper presents guidelines for Applied Machine Learning (AML) in the construction industry from training to operationalising models, which are drawn from our experience of working with construction folks to deliver Construction Simulation Tool (CST). The unique aspect of these guidelines lies not only in providing a novel framework for training models but also answering critical questions related to model confidence, trust, interpretability, bias, feature importance and model extrapolation capabilities. Generally, ML models are presumed black boxes; hence argued that nobody knows what a model learns and how it generates predictions. Even very few ML folks barely know approaches to answer questions asked by the end users. Without explaining the competence of ML, the broader adoption of intelligent solutions in the construction industry cannot be attained. This paper proposed a detailed process for AML to develop intelligent solutions in the construction industry. Most discussions in the study are elaborated in the context of profit margin estimation for new projects.

APPLICATION OF SAFETY PROGRAM ELEMENT TO RISK MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS IN CONSTRUCTION

With the rapid development of economic and technology in Nigeria, structural forms are becoming more and more complicated, which requires more rigorous construction technology and construction management. However, the risk management in our country is still in its infancy, and managers are short of awareness of risks and lack of ability to manage risks. Despite recent efforts to improve site safety, construction still accounts for a disproportionate number of occupational related fatalities. Study on risk management methods mode of conventional construction process shows that only relying on the qualitative analysis by perfecting manage system and engineering experience cannot satisfy the construction requirement of the complicated structures. This study used quantitative method to assess risk and then develop strategies to manage it. It is such that risks with the greatest loss and the greatest probability of occurring are handled first, and risks with lower probability of occurrence and lower loss are handled in descending order; though in practice the process can be very difficult. This paper applied this method of risk management to Agbani, Rangers Avenue, Desala and Mkpokiti road constructed by ARAB contractors in Enugu State. This was done by using safety equilibrium model to compare results of the four projects with respect to application / ability of these safety program elements to the construction project. Twelve, fourteen, fifteen and seventeen safety program elements were applied in Agbani, Rangers Avenue, Desala and Mkpokiti and and safety risk demand obtained were 112.3 work-hours per incident per injury, 105.2 work-hours per incident per injury,101.4 work-hours per incident per injury, and 126.4 work-hours per incident per injury respectively. Results of the analysis shows that safety risk capacity obtained at the four sites were 93.23 work-hours per incident per injury, 110 work-hours per incident per injury, 123.2 work-hours per incident per injury, and 132 work-hours per incident per injury respectively. This implies that applying a higher number of safety program elements will improve site safety and consequently reduce construction risks. It is concluded that most of the risk prevalent problem in construction industry which led to casualties and fatalities are preventable if the risks in the construction are well known at the earlier stage of construction.

Ranking of Delay factors in Road Construction Project due to Improper Construction Equipment Management

Construction time overrun is considered one of the most appearing problems in construction industry. In Road construction, Equipment plays a major role, Hence there is a need for control of delay in road construction projects. This paper aims to identify the equipment delay causes in road construction projects and ranks the critical factors. The equipment delay causes were identified through pilot study and literature papers. The pilot study was done by interviewing 20 experts and the questionnaire were designed. Totally 19 causes were identified and categorized into four main groups namely 1.Maintenance related causes, 2.Equipment related causes, 3.Financial related causes and 4.Personnel related causes. The questionnaire survey received 180 responses on the opinion of Contractor, Equipment dealer, Equipment operator, Site engineer, Project manager and others. The results were analysed using Relative Important Index (RII), Ranking the equipment delay causes identifies the most risky equipment delay factors in road construction project. The most five risky factors are Lack of spare parts, Over usage of equipment leads to crashing, Inadequate equipment, Non allocation of fuel purchase staff and Inexpert or unpractised equipment operator.

Dimensions for improvement of construction management practice in Ethiopian construction industry

PurposeThe state of the different practices in construction industry determines its performance level. Hence, improving performance of construction industry needs assessing state of the practices in the industry and devising improvement intervention. The purpose of this paper is to measure improvement requirement level of different construction management practice areas and to identify the underlying improvement dimensions in Ethiopian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire survey was developed for data collection based on a thorough literature review which yielded 28 construction management practice areas. Purposive sampling method was used to select respondents for the survey. Mean score was used to identify the required improvement level, and one sample T-test was carried out to identify significance of improvement requirement. Factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying dimensions of the construction management practice areas.FindingsFindings indicate 27 areas need significant improvement. This shows the low level of adoption of good construction management practices in Ethiopian construction industry. Factor analysis resulted in the areas being grouped to four broad improvement dimensions, namely, project management, organization management, knowledge and risk management and project development and contract management.Originality/valueThe findings provide information for appropriate action by the stakeholders to raise standards of adopted construction management practices. It also show areas of construction management which require more focused research in the context of Ethiopian construction industry. Considering the similarity of nature of construction industry problems in developing countries, the findings can be extended to similar countries.

Criticality of Construction Industry Problems in Developing Countries: Analyzing Malaysian Projects

AbstractThe problems facing the construction industry have hindered the progress and the development of this vital sector, particularly in developing countries. To investigate the salient issues, 2...

OutDet: an algorithm for extracting the outer surfaces of building information models for integration with geographic information systems

ABSTRACTThe integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geographic information systems (GIS) is a promising but challenging topic to solve problems in construction industry. However, loading and rendering rich BIM geometric data and large-scale GIS spatial information in a unified system is still technologically challenging. Current efforts mainly simplify the geometry in BIM models, or convert BIM geometric data to a lower level of detail (LOD). By noticing that only exterior features of BIM models are visible from outdoor observation points, culling BIM interior facilities can dramatically reduce the computational burden when visualizing BIM models in GIS. This study explores the outline detection problem and presents the OutDet algorithm, which selects representative observation points, transforms & projects the BIM geometric data into the same coordinate system, and detects the visible facilities. Empirical study results show that OutDet can cull a large portion of unnecessary features when rendering BIM models in GIS. The use of outlines of BIM models is not an alternative but rather a supplementary approach for current solutions. Jointly using LOD and outer surface can help improve the efficiency of integrated BIM-GIS visualization.Because OutDet retains BIM geometry and semantics, it can be applied to more BIM-GIS applications..

Benefits, Barriers and Applications of Information Communication Technology in Construction Industry: a Contemporary Study

In the construction industry there is a necessity for improving the construction efficiency through adopting innovative methods. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) help in increasing the client satisfaction reduce coordination errors and provide a greater understanding among project participants in terms of better handling issues and requirements. Better efficiency can be achieved by making a building smarter. Construction projects are faced with many challenges that must not be ignored or underestimated. Some of the wicked problems and challenges such as understanding how one decision will impact decisions in other areas; problem of addressing the risk due to dynamic and uncertainty existing in the environment; resolving conflict where there are competing claims resulting both good and bad outcomes from the same value system are required to be well managed, if required using innovative methods such as using ICT and software packages. Therefore Objective of this research is to explore and describe the use and applications of information and communication technologies in construction industry. It involves examining the current trends of ICT based construction practices and also to assess the potential for its improvement by way of innovation. In this the journey started with describing what innovative methodologies are required to be considered to drive the discussion of adopting and using ICT to handle the wicked problems in construction industry. Two rationalities are considered as a basis for working on ICT applications in construction management viz.: (i) Six stages of Project Life cycle management and (ii) Nine project management knowledge areas as described by PMI.

Material Procurement in Construction Industry Problems and Solutions

Good project management in construction means efficient utilization of labor, material and equipment. Development of labor productivity have to be a first-rate and chronic challenge of those who are accountable for cost control of constructed facilities. Material handling, which includes procurement, inventory, shop fabrication and field servicing, requires special attention for cost reduction. The use of latest equipment and progressive strategies has made feasible wholesale adjustments in construction technology in current a long time. Groups which do no longer recognize the effect of diverse innovations and feature now not adapted to changing environments have justifiably been compelled out of the mainstream of construction activities. The frequent problems of construction industry, customers have an essential position to play. With the aid of its procurement methods, the purchaser impacts the manner a construction project is done, because the tactics affect the form of the project delivery system. What sort of procurement procedures are perceived rational, for one, depends at the underlying assumptions about the characteristic of procurement. A recognized guideline in Lean construction (LC) is that production must be conceived along with transformations (T), flow (F), and value generation (V). Alternatively, it is visible necessary to recognize and cope with the risk of value loss with an identical diligence as the other issues had been to date. Materials management plays an important role in project planning and control. Materials represent a major expense in construction, so minimizing procurement or purchase costs.

Variability of Cost and Time Delivery of Educational Buildings in Nigeria

Cost and time overrun in construction projects has become a reoccurring problem in construction industries around the world especially in developing countries. This situation is unhealthy for public educational buildings which are executed with limited government funds, and are in most cases time sensitive, as they need to cater for the influx of students into the institutions. This study therefore assessed the variability of cost and time delivery of educational buildings in Nigeria, using a study of selected educational buildings within the country. A pro forma was used to gather cost and time data on selected building projects, while structured questionnaire was used to harness information on the possible measures for reducing the variability from the construction participants that were involved in the delivery of these projects. Paired sample t-test, percentage, relative importance index, and Kruskal-Walis test were adopted for data analyses. The study reveals that there is a significant difference between the initial and final cost of delivering educational buildings, as an average of 4.87% deviation, with a sig. p-value of 0.000 was experienced on all assessed projects. For time delivery, there is also a significant difference between the initial estimated time and final time of construction as a whopping 130% averaged deviation with a sig. p-value of 0.000 was discovered. To remedy these problems, the study revealed that prompt payment for executed works, predicting market price fluctuation and inculcating it into the initial estimate, and owner’s involvement at the planning and design phase are some of the possible measures to be adopted.

Describing the Role of Building Information Modelling1 and Integrated Project Delivery2 in Iran Construction Projects and Their Role to Solve Conventional Problems of Construction Industry

Describing the Role of Building Information Modelling1 and Integrated Project Delivery2 in Iran Construction Projects and Their Role to Solve Conventional Problems of Construction Industry

A Review on Sustainable Building (Green Building)

Nowadays, the world faces many challenges and problems from climate change and global warming. Many scientific studies reported that different industries have huge roles to generate this condition. Specially, the construction industry has the most responsibility about these challenges on the earth. Doubtlessly, the utilization of inappropriate technologies, appliances, and materials in buildings have threatened the environment and human health today. So, there is a significant question, what is the appropriate way to solve these problems in construction industry? The engineers and technologists have realized the environmental problems are from using some technologies and materials in construction industry since over the past few decades. Scientists suggested the best way to overcome the aforementioned threats is to consider “sustainable” or “green” design for buildings. So, the main intention of sustainable building is to shift from harm to harmless technologies and materials in buildings. Thus, one of the main purposes of this study is to explore generally regarding sustainable technologies, standards, and materials, which help the buildings reduce consuming energy and resources, in order to generate the positive influences on people, nature, and society. Accordingly, “sustainable” buildings can be more friendly with environment and human, and use key resources, such as, energy, water, and materials more optimal than the conventional buildings. Furthermore, the study was to address the benefits of developing sustainability in buildings on different perspectives, based on the review and points out future directions of study.

The concept of improving communication in BIM during transfer to operation phase on the Polish market

Abstract Communication problem in construction industry is an important matter due to its direct influence on quality of works. Digital support such as BIM software could help in increasing transfer of information between parties. Authors noticed a need for solution to streamline collaboration between stakeholders at a final stage of the investment. Customer at the construction site, is not involved in the construction process until handover. However, he is the one responsible for acceptance of the construction works by signing the final acceptance protocol and verifying whether works have been done according to contract and variations. Due to defects occurring as a result of construction works and nonconformity with variation order or original design, authors suggest creating a program to simplify communication and improve the exchange of information limited not only to construction, but also during the transition phase between the final stage of construction works and the initial stage of operation of the facility. Case study was conducted to reveal the actual digitalization level of recording final works inspection protocol and defect management system at housing construction sector in Poland.

Application of Artificial Neural Network to Analyze Hexagonal Plate with Hole Considering Different Geometrical and Loading Parameters

In the competitive nature of structural engineering, industry and its heuristic problem-solving needs, among other reasons, have contributed to the development of some advanced decision making tools. A step ahead from soft computing techniques, now artificial intelligence has proved itself as an efficient tool for solving the problem in construction industry over old tedious analytical methods. In this study, Artificial Neural Network is compared with finite element techniques in order to find the stress, strain and deflection in plates with holes. For approaching the complexity of the problem, hexagonal plates with holes and different geometrical and loading parameters have been taken as specimens. Finite element analysis for 81 cases are carried out using the software based on finite element method (FEM), ANSYS Workbench 15.0 software. Using these data of FEM analysis an Artificial Neural Network has been trained. The successfully trained network is further used for analysis of four new cases which are also validated by using FEM based software. It was found that most of the results were quite close to the FEM results. Such a technique can be used to reduce the computation time and labour.

A New Hybrid Model Based on Least Squares Support Vector Machine for Project Selection Problem in Construction Industry

Effective project selection necessitates considering numerous conflicting factors for the decision making in construction industry. Multiple factors, such as resource requirements, budget control, technological implications and governmental regulations, influence the decision to select an appropriate project selection in construction industry. Among the recent methods and models, an artificial intelligence can be recommended to achieve higher performance than traditional methods in the field. This paper introduces an effective artificial intelligence (AI) model based on modern neural networks to improve the decision making for the projects owners. A hybrid AI model based on least squares support vector machine and cross validation technique is proposed to predict the overall performance of construction projects. The presented model can be successfully utilized for long-term estimation of the performance data in construction industry. Finally, the proposed model is implemented in a real case study for construction projects. To illustrate the capabilities of the proposed model, two well-known AI models, known as back propagation neural network and radial basis function neural network, are taken into consideration. The comparisons demonstrate the superiority of the presented model in terms of its performance and accuracy through the real-world prediction problem.

An exploration into cost-influencing factors on construction projects

Construction cost overrun is a common problem in construction industries. The objective of this research is to extract the key cost-influencing factors with new concept and methods to help control the expenditure. Hence, this research adopts the Modified Delphi Method (MDM) with 2 groups and 2 rounds and Kawakita Jiro method (KJ) to consolidate the experts' opinions and identify and rank the key factors that affect project costs. Ninety cost-influencing factors are collected from literary review and interviews with experts with practical cost control experiences in the construction companies (Group 1). The KJ method is used to consolidate these factors into 4 categories and down to a total of 42 factors. 2 rounds of questionnaires are then conducted to filter the key factors. In order to verify views of those in the first group, Group 2 consists of experienced experts from the public sectors, consulting firms and construction companies as a comparison. Results of the analysis indicate that there are 16 key cost-influencing factors. Severity Index computation was then adopted to rank these key cost-influencing factors. The study renders that clearly defined scope of project in the contract and cost control are the major determinants for cost overrun.