Construction Industry Research Articles

The Utilization of Stakeholder Management Frameworks for the Successful Completion of Construction Projects in Zambia

This study aimed to examine the utilization of stakeholder management frameworks in the Zambian construction industry using the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) in Siavonga as a case study. The study was pinned on the stakeholder theory using a mixed methods design that involved integrating quantitative data and desk/secondary research. The target population comprised industry practitioners and project team members working on the KDRP project. Using judgmental (or purposive) sampling, 91 respondents took part in an online survey and over 30 articles were examined in the systemic review. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS V23 by running descriptive frequency statistics and the studies were grouped using Atlas.ti software. The study demonstrated a good level of knowledge and positive attitude by construction workers on the KDRP of stakeholder management. The biggest factors that influenced the implementation and application of stakeholder management frameworks were a lack of project or organizations management interest to implement stakeholder management frameworks and lack of skill by contractors and project managers to apply stakeholder management frameworks among others. The study concluded that there is no stakeholder management framework in use in the Zambian construction industry. Therefore it is recommended that the concerned engineering bodies advocate for the development of national or industry-specific policies, regulations, or guidelines that promote stakeholder engagement in construction projects.

Quality inspection method of BIM model for power grid engineering based on knowledge graph

With the continuous updating of national specifications and industry standards, the traditional manual compliance review method is difficult to meet the needs of the development of the construction industry. This study aims to improve the quality review method of BIM models by using knowledge graph technology. The BIM model of power grid engineering is selected as the research object, and a BIM model inspection system based on knowledge graph is developed to verify whether it complies with the relevant specifications and standards of power grid engineering. By taking the BIM model of an electrical engineering project as a case, an inspection report was generated, and the results verified the feasibility and practicality of this method. This technology provides a new direction for the deep integration of architectural design and information technology.

A STATE OF ART AND PROSPECTS OF FLY ASH MANAGEMENT

The basic data on the volume of formation and composition of fly ash, which is a product of coal combustion at thermal power stations, are given. The analysis of the current state of ways of managing fly ash makes it possible to distinguish the following main directions: physical-mechanical, physical-chemical, biological and combined methods of handling it, which are used in agriculture (use as fertilizers and pesticides; chemical land reclamation: regulation of the structure and pH of the soil); during earthworks (reinforcement of weak and expansive soils, use as tamponage compositions, arrangement of embankments and dams); road construction (strengthening of the soil for the lower layers of the road surface; production of asphalt, cement-concrete mixtures for arranging the foundations of road clothing, as well as crushed stone-sand and gravel-sand mixtures reinforced with cement); building materials industry (cement, concrete, building solutions, geopolymers, bricks, building blocks, glass, glass ceramics, building ceramics, porous ceramics, rolled waterproofing materials); in protective coatings (paints, enamels, enamel glass, shotcrete, heat-protective and heat-insulating coatings); as sorbents and catalysts and their carriers; in mechanical engineering (abrasive, frictional, filtering and lubricating materials, materials for soldering, foundry sand forms or rods); as other materials (pigments, polymer composites, elements of chemical sources of electric current, accumulators of certain substances, carbon nanoparticles (fullerenes, nanotubes), cosmetics and hygiene products); in pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods of recovery of chemical elements; in alloys and metal matrix composites; for extracting rare earth elements. Currently, the most appropriate methods of disposal of fly ash are either its direct use with a minimal change in its properties, or its use with minimal processing and minimization of the formation of new waste, in particular in the building materials industry and road construction. Bibl. 164, Fig. 3.

Compliance to building thermal envelope insulation requirements based on theory of planned behavior (TPB) and procedural justice theory (PJT)

The construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development, particularly in the context of energy conservation. addressing the building's optimized energy efficiency is essential, as it accounts for a significant portion of global energy consumption. While many countries have implemented policies related to building energy conservation, the lack of compliance with relevant regulations remains a challenge. However, voluntary self-regulated compliance can be encouraged through flexible approaches that leverage normative influence and equitable governance attributes within the regulatory system. This study evaluates the building contractors' intention to comply with the Building Thermal Envelope Insulation Requirements (BTE-IR), a critical energy conservation measure for buildings. An integrative model combining the Procedural Justice Theory (PJT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was developed to quantitatively investigate individual and social factors influencing compliance with BTE-IR. The study analyzed a sample of 214 Iranian building contractors using Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM). The core findings revealed that subjective norms (β = 0.330, p < 0.01) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.337, p < 0.01) significantly influence intention to comply with BTE-IR. Additionally, the study explored the moderating effects of job satisfaction, job commitment, years of experience, project experience and marital status on the relationships between variables in the research model. These findings can inform construction industry policymakers in developing optimized strategies for self-regulated compliance with BTE-IR and legitimizing the regulatory system for enforcing sustainable practices.

Skilled Workers’ Perspectives on Utilizing a Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton in Construction

This field study explores construction workers’ perceptions of using a passive shoulder exoskeleton to better understand how to improve its adoption in construction. We provided forty-one construction workers with an exoskeleton to perform their regular work activities for two days. Workers’ feedback of the tool was collected at the end of each day. Two-thirds indicated they would likely or very likely use an exoskeleton if their employer provided it. Participants felt exoskeletons were helpful for specific overhead tasks, such as installing upper tracks, framing and drywalling bulkheads, taping and mudding ceilings, and installing light fixtures. To improve their adoption within the construction industry, exoskeletons should be designed to be compatible with harnesses and toolbelts, be close-fitting to allow working in tight spaces, be easily adjustable (for fit and level of support), be rugged and easy to clean, and should not encumber workers in performing their tasks.

Beyond the hype: quantifying the impact of VR visualization on client preferences and price perception in AEC client pitching

The architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries are using virtual reality (VR) to improve engagement and interactions. However, VR visualization’s effectiveness in client pitching is unclear. This study analyzes how VR visualization affects customer preferences and price, as well as the complex interaction between architectural scale and demographic aspects. The outcomes enable more precise and personalized VR implementation. VR is the favoured alternative, with 14% price premiums according to a statistical analysis. Its realistic field of view and immersion allow users to explore sites at their own leisure. VR represents all architectural typologies and sizes without compromise. This VR utilization can serve as an ameliorating tool to augment marketing and sales for the client pitching stage in the AEC sectors.

Frontiers in construction 3D printing: self-monitoring, multi-robot, drone-assisted processes

AbstractTo overcome productivity issues and revolutionize the stagnating construction industry, a large amount of research efforts has been devoted to robot-assisted construction technology. The advancements in robotics including mechanical system design, tool design, digital system design, and numerical control systems design enabled engineers to create complex geometries that are infeasible for conventional construction methods. In addition, innovative robotic systems that utilize mobile platforms, multiple robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles have demonstrated significant promise in fully automating the construction process. This work will provide a perspective on the state-of-the-art applications of robotics in the revolution of construction, where a comprehensive review of the current development of the relevant software and hardware, 3D concrete printing (3DCP), robot-assisted assembly of discrete prefabricated blocks, real-time quality monitoring and feedback control systems, and typical innovative robot-assisted structural designs are conducted. Finally, the limitations of existing robot-assisted construction technology are identified, which leads to several recommendations for future research toward fully automatic construction.

Response of Construction Industry to Carbon Neutrality: A Case Study on Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan

Response of Construction Industry to Carbon Neutrality: A Case Study on Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan

Novel comprehensive unified classification system toward smart standardized built environment knowledge and low-risk international collaborations: UniCCC

The Construction Industry (CI) data is acknowledged to still be unstructured and high-dimensional. Efforts were undertaken to tackle this problem using regional Unified Classification Systems (UCSs). The study emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive international UCS to manage the growing trend of international collaborations within the CI and associated data risks. Existing UCSs exhibit significant inconsistencies, such as regional omissions, terminological disparities, and diverse data structuring, underscoring the need for a unified approach. Accordingly, using a 3-stage mixed method, the novel UCS ‘Unified Classification of Construction Components_ UniCCC’ was developed, comprising 4 phyla, 9 divisions, and 54 classes, and was shown to have good adaptability/scalability, structure/breakdown, clarity, codifiability, and inclusivity of the 11 key CI aspects. By addressing inconsistencies and smartly structuring CI knowledge from North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, using a faceted classification scheme aligned with ISO 12,006, and being developed using a conventional modeling language, UniCCC represents a significant advancement in UCSs, with promising implications for global CI practices and research, paving the way for new avenues in CI performance, innovation, and sustainability. It demonstrated efficiency in various CI aspects, including risk reduction, automation, and sustainability enhancement. As evidence of its performance, using UniCCC for scheduling might decrease up to 58.17%, 66.85%, and 31.74% of the related time, request for information, and omissions, respectively. The study suggests future research perspectives to explore UniCCC's applicability in different regions, its integration with emerging technologies, its proficiency metrics for different purposes, and strategies for organizational implementation.

Digital twin technology (DTT) in a developing construction industry: evaluation of the awareness and usage among professionals in Nigeria

Technological innovations play a crucial role in project delivery across all sectors of the economy. This research seeks to assess the awareness of digital twin technology (DTT) among construction industry professionals to promote the sustainable completion of construction projects. A quantitative approach was adopted by using a survey questionnaire with convenience sampling. Questionnaires were self-administered to gather information about the industry professionals’ awareness and utilization of DTT in construction projects. Mean Item Score (MIS), Standard Deviation (SD), Spearman, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the collected data. Professionals within the construction industry have demonstrated a high level of familiarity with various technological advancements with computer systems, Wi-Fi, 2D Graphics, Vertex Digital twin platform, and GPS identified as the most commonly utilized tools in the field. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between DTT awareness and usage levels. The study provided valuable information on the present awareness and DTT utilization within the construction sector. It proposed methods through which professionals can familiarize themselves with empowering tools to enhance productivity and performance within the industry.

Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing of Accelerated Carbonation Cured-Eco-Bricks

This study aimed to investigate the behavior of accelerated carbonation-cured laboratory specimens using the ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UNDT) method and compare the results with the destructive testing (DT) method. The materials used in the study included a blend of lime kiln dust and ground granulated blast furnace slag (LKD-GBFS) wastes, natural fine aggregate (sand), and alternative fine aggregates from waste tires. The chemical analysis of the LKD and GBFS samples highlighted them as suitable alternatives to OPC, hence their utilization in the study. A 60:40 (LKD-GBFS) blending ratio and a 1:2 mix design (one part LKD-GBFS blend and two part sand) was considered. The natural fine aggregate was partially replaced with fine waste tire rubber crumbs (TRCs) in stepped increments of 0, 5, and 10% by the volume of the sand. The samples produced were cured using three curing regimens: humid curing (HC), accelerated carbonation curing (ACC) with no water curing (NWC) afterwards, and water curing after carbonation (WC). From the results, an exponential model was developed, which showed a direct correlation between the UNDT and DT results. The developed model is a useful tool that can predict the CS of carbonated samples when cast samples are unavailable. Lastly, a total CO2 uptake of 15,912 g (15.9 kg) was recorded, which underscores ACC as a promising curing technique that can be utilized in the construction industry. This technique will bring about savings in terms of the time required to produce masonry units while promoting a change in the basic assumptions of a safer and cleaner environment.

Acoustic properties of Helmholtz resonator filled with granulated polymer waste material

This study investigates the acoustic absorption performance of cavity resonators filled with different types of polymer waste material instead of traditional porous material. The absorption spectrum was determined by impedance tube measurements. The data are compared with the ones obtained for the empty resonator and the resonator filled with polyester fiber board. Granulated polymer-filled cavities hold potential applications in construction, particularly as a sound absorber for building facades or noise barriers. This research contributes to the exploration of new sustainable practices within the construction industry. The presented research was performed in the framework of the EU H2020 - MSCA - DN project ActaReBuild.

A Survey on Enterprise Resource Planning and Building Information Modeling Integration: A Construction 4.0 Perspective

Managing the fragmented nature of information generated on construction sites and firms is the need of the hour. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) are the most prevalent information systems (ISs) used in the construction industry, with varied capabilities but also with significant overlap. It is essential to analyze the current state of Common Data Environments (CDEs) that support both BIM and ERP as separate systems, as well as those that facilitate their integration. This analysis will ultimately help establish a practical framework for implementing this integration, enabling smoother information flow and enhanced utilization in construction projects. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis and provides a global perspective on research developments in the field of construction ERP and its integrations with BIM. It consolidates publication data from various databases (e.g., Scopus and Web of Science) as per geographical spread, authors, and number of publications as per the keyword search. It observes key research themes in each phase of the analysis. This paper concludes that although the existing literature has established the benefits of BIM and ERP integration, research is still in its nascent stage and identifies research gaps that can be taken up for further research.

Recycled plastics based impact noise resilient layer development

Sustainability and the carbon footprint reduction is commonly associated with recycling and secondary use of materials, for example also in the building construction industry. For decades, experts have been dealing with this topic across the entire spectrum of the development of building structures. One of the areas where soft recycled materials find suitable application is the area of building acoustics with a focus on impact noise attenuation. This contribution focuses on resilient layers dedicated for lightweight floating floors. This type of flooring is very often used in the reconstruction of apartments in apartment buildings. There is usually no possibility to realize heavy floating floors or for static reasons or reasons of the structural height of rooms or door openings. The work focuses on the development of floor underlayer mats based on recycled material in several variants. These were experimentally compared with conventional materials used in practice as the so-called impact sound insulation layers under laminate floors in terms of improving the impact noise insulation as well as the dynamic stiffness and the loss factor.

Musculoskeletal Health Problems Among the Loom Weavers of Sirajganj District, Bangladesh

Loom industry in Bangladesh is the foremost imperative &amp; antiquated house industry with a decentralized setup. The industry is giving vocation for millions of individuals within the nation. The target populace includes weavers over northern Bangladesh. The ponder secured a sizable number of population i.e, 208 subjects in Enayetpur and Madhabpur village, Sirajganj. To ensure representativeness, a non-probability convenience technique was utilized to choose a test estimate of 208 members. To be qualified for the study, members were chosen who had minimum two years of experience. Male were predominant (96.2%) among the respondents. Monthly income showed that major part (48.1%) of the respondents fell in 10-15thousand BDT category. Majority (63.5%) of waste disposal strategy taken after by the wok-places was landfilled. What's really interesting is that many respondents reported having musculoskeletal problems; lower back pain (59.6%) was the most frequently reported one. These health issues were connected to weaving activities because they involve lots of repetitive movements with hands, shoulders, legs, and other parts. Most health concerns in this field came from ergonomic risk factors. Future research should aim to include diverse populations and explore interventions that can mitigate these ergonomic risks, ultimately improving the well-being of this vital workforce in Bangladesh's loom industry. Keywords: Bangladesh, Sirajganj, musculoskeletal, health, loom, weavers

OPTIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF BUILDING DESIGN PARAMETERS

This study explores the critical role of financial incentives, energy performance certifications, government policies, and advanced technologies in driving the adoption of energy-efficient building practices. Financial incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants, are shown to significantly reduce the upfront costs associated with energy-efficient technologies, making these innovations more accessible to developers and building owners. The research highlights the effectiveness of energy performance certifications, like LEED and Energy Star, in enhancing the market value and energy performance of buildings by providing a structured framework for evaluating sustainability. Government policies and building codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE standards, are identified as key drivers of energy efficiency, compelling developers to meet stringent performance standards. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and geothermal heat pumps, alongside smart building automation systems, plays a vital role in reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency. However, regional disparities in the availability of financial incentives and enforcement of policies present challenges to widespread adoption. The study concludes that expanding financial support, strengthening policy enforcement, and increasing public and industry awareness of the long-term financial and environmental benefits of energy-efficient buildings are essential for accelerating the transition to sustainable building practices. By addressing these challenges, the construction industry can make significant strides toward reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and achieving global sustainability goals.

A Survey of Data-Driven Construction Materials Price Forecasting

The construction industry is heavily influenced by the volatility of material prices, which can significantly impact project costs and budgeting accuracy. Traditional econometric methods have been challenged by their inability to capture the frequent fluctuations in construction material prices. This paper reviews the application of data-driven techniques, particularly machine learning, in forecasting construction material prices. The models are categorized into causal modeling and time-series analysis, and characteristics, adaptability, and insights derived from large datasets are discussed. Causal models, such as multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural networks (ANN), and the least square support vector machine (LSSVM), generally utilize economic indicators to predict prices. The commonly used economic indicators include but are not limited to the consumer price index (CPI), producer price index (PPI), and gross domestic product (GDP). On the other hand, time-series models rely on historical price data to identify patterns for future forecasting, and their main advantage is demanding minimal data inputs for model calibration. Other techniques are also explored, such as Monte Carlo simulation, for both price forecasting and uncertainty quantification. The paper recommends hybrid models, which combine various forecasting techniques and deep learning-advanced time-series analysis and have the potential to offer more accurate and reliable price predictions with appropriate modeling processes, enabling better decision-making and cost management in construction projects.

Assessing and mitigating environmental impacts of construction materials: Insights from environmental product declarations

Construction activities significantly impact natural resources and the environment, accounting for 40 % of global energy consumption and 36 % of carbon emissions. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of various primary construction materials by leveraging more original and comprehensive Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and incorporates insights from prevvious research to summarize effective mitigation strategies. Analyzing the environmental impact per unit mass is a critical step toward building-level assessments, enabling the strategic replacement of high-pollution materials with lower-impact alternatives to optimize environmental outcomes. The quantitative analysis of data from 180 EPDs indicates that aluminum and steel have the highest median total environmental impacts per unit mass, followed by plastics, while wood, cement, and concrete have relatively lower impacts. Overall, Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) are identified as the primary environmental impacts of construction materials. At the building level, the environmental footprint varies based on the quantity of each material used, leading to substantial overall impacts. Furthermore, this study explores the relationships between different environmental impacts, finding positive correlations between GWP and Primary Energy Non-Renewable Energy (PENRE), Acidification Potential (AP), and Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP). A comprehensive literature review identifies the key environmental hotspots and mitigation strategies for high-impact materials such as aluminum, steel, cement, and concrete. Common strategies include innovative production methods, waste recycling, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the development of low-carbon materials. By integrating quantitative EPDs analysis with a qualitative literature review, this research provides a holistic understanding of the environmental burdens of construction materials, offering a valuable framework for developing sustainable policies and practices within the construction industry.

Engendering project management competencies in Saudi Arabian construction professionals

Purpose Persisting construction performance shortcomings in the Saudi Arabian construction industry requires engendering project management competencies in construction professionals’ roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to determine significant construction project management competencies for Saudi Arabian construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional questionnaire survey used project managers’ competencies from the literature. Construction professionals participated in the survey. Normalisation was used to determine the critical individual competencies. Statistically significant differences due to designations and organisations were analysed. Factor analysis revealed the relationships among significant competencies. Findings The most critical individual competencies included communication, team building and leadership skills. However, Project managers and all other construction professionals had statistically significant differences in insights on some of the critical competencies. The results revealed seven components: behaviour and attitude-related competencies; fundamental project management-related competencies; pro-active, knowledge and creativity-related competencies; political and organisational-related competencies; stakeholder management and experience-related competencies; management-related competencies; and confidence, commitment and negotiation-related competencies. Research limitations/implications Evidently, inculcating project management competencies is essential for construction professionals to enhance project performance. The failure to get insights from the National Project Management Office officials was a limitation; however, views from construction professionals were sufficient as they are the most affected stakeholders. Originality/value The study determined project management competencies necessary for Saudi Arabian construction professionals to improve their project delivery performance.

Automation in Construction: an Exploration of Emerging Technologies for the Nigerian Construction Industry

Automation in Construction: an Exploration of Emerging Technologies for the Nigerian Construction Industry