Construction Labor Productivity Research Articles

Investigating Factors Influencing Construction Worker Productivity: The Case of the Middle East

Construction labor productivity (CLP) is a critical factor influencing the success of projects, especially in regions like the Middle East where unique challenges, such as extreme weather and complex labor dynamics, are prevalent. Despite the growing interest in improving CLP globally, research in the Middle East remains limited. This review aims to identify the most significant factors affecting CLP in the region, including managerial practices, labor characteristics, worker motivation, technical challenges, and external factors. Additionally, the potential of wearable technology to monitor fatigue and enhance productivity is explored, as it remains an underutilized tool in Middle Eastern construction sites. Findings from this review emphasize the need for tailored, region-specific strategies to improve CLP and drive efficiency in construction projects.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Comfort on Labor Productivity in Hydropower Engineering Construction in Southwest China

Labor productivity exerts a significant influence on the construction cycle and investment in hydropower projects. Consequently, it is a crucial factor in the estimation of the cost of hydropower project construction. The mechanisms that are modulated by subjective factors have been extensively studied. However, the assessment of labor productivity in objective environments with regular changes is usually considered using a single factor, especially in special environments where the influence of environmental factors is of greater concern. As the most extensive region of China’s water-energy resources, the Southwest region has a lengthy tradition of using altitude or oxygen as an inherent criterion for the assessment of labor productivity. However, the applicability of inherent standards is limited. Therefore, we tried to assess the spatial and temporal changes in labor productivity based on the changes in meteorological conditions in Southwest China, employing climate comfort indicators in this study. The result identified five distinct regions of climate change in Southwest China (R-I to R-V). In particular, there is minimal variation in labor productivity as assessed by climate comfort indicators and the elevation between R-I and R-II. R-III and R-IV are influenced by oxygen, temperature, and humidity, while R-V is affected by a multitude of factors. Our findings indicate that temporal and spatial variations in meteorological conditions can result in up to a threefold difference in productivity at the same altitude in different regions. Importantly, our study provides valuable theoretical insights for engineering project management. In particular, it can be concluded that altitude is not a reliable indicator for evaluating labor productivity in high-altitude construction.

Additive Construction Production: Past, Present, Future

An overview of the development of additive construction production from the beginning of the formation of prerequisites to the present moment and future prospects for the development of 3D construction printing in the world is given.The publications of international citation databases, including the results of research in the field of additive construction production for the period from 1972 to 2024, are considered as the basis of the study.The study is divided into several stages, the first of which is devoted to the analysis of search queries and the definition of relevant keywords.It was revealed that the most popular phrases describing the use of additive technologies in construction are “Concrete Printing” and “3D Concrete Printing”, therefore, as part of the subsequent stage of work, abstract samples were formed on their basis to analyze and summarize the results of relevant scientific research. The final stage of the study included a more detailed study of the main results of scientific works characteristic of three time intervals describing past, present and future trends in scientific activity in the subject area under consideration. The results of the study show a significant increase in interest in the technology of construction 3D printing with concrete due to the realization of the potential to increase labor productivity in construction and reduce the negative impact on the environment in comparison with traditional construction production technologies, which can become a driver of sustainable development of the construction industry.The conducted research makes it possible to conclude that there are still unresolved problems on the way of active implementation of the technology, which are constraining factors for the widespread introduction of additive construction production, in particular the issues of printing horizontal structures of floors and coatings of buildings, reinforcement of load-bearing structures printed with a 3D printer. According to the authors, the solution of these problems should be given priority in future research, along with the development of new formulations for 3D printing with concrete.

Unraveling the Phenomenon of Construction Labor Productivity: A Cutting-Edge Bibliometric Analysis

Construction Labor Productivity (CLP) is a critical factor in the construction industry that can significantly influence the success of a project. The lack of comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in CLP and its substantial impact on project outcomes is a significant concern. CLP is a highly effective concept that can significantly improve the overall efficiency of construction projects. While it has received considerable academic attention, it is still relatively underutilized in practice. This academic analysis aims to identify trends within the CLP as revealed by a comprehensive review of existing academic research. A bibliometric analysis, complemented by a descriptive quantitative statistical methodology, was utilized to evaluate the performance metrics and delineate the thematic landscape about the subject matter of CLP. Employing distinct keywords pertinent to the CLP phenomenon and applying specific criteria for metadata exploration facilitated a comprehensive search within the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The PRISMA flowchart was employed as a systematic approach for the identification, screening, and eligibility evaluation of metadata to be incorporated into this study. The study highlights growing CLP research, led by the US and the University of Alberta. Key trends include “improvement” and “construction equipment,” with future focus on “machine learning” and “artificial intelligence.” Despite their potential, data challenges limit their use. More research is needed in developing countries to enhance construction labor productivity

Research on Environmental Kuznets Curve of Construction Waste Generation Based on China’s Provincial Data

The mounting volume of construction waste in China has been steadily rising over the years, yet has largely been overlooked. The environmental Kuznets curve offers a theoretical framework for understanding environmental management by illustrating the relationship between economic development and environmental degradation. This paper applies the environmental Kuznets curve concept to China’s construction waste generation, utilizing per capita construction waste and gross domestic product per capita as environmental and economic indicators, respectively. Panel data from 31 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions spanning from 2000 to 2022 are analyzed. This study reveals an N-shaped relationship between per capita construction waste generation and gross domestic product per capita in China. Additionally, this paper employs the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology model to assess the factors influencing construction waste generation. In descending order of impact, these factors are the size of China’s secondary industry value added (19.34%), construction labor productivity (19.33%), gross domestic product per capita (18.54%), urbanization rate (17.77%), year-end resident population (17.22%), and the technical equipment rate of construction enterprises (8.83%). All these factors contribute positively to construction waste generation. These findings are pivotal in guiding efforts towards minimizing construction waste at its source and for the sustainable development of the construction industry.

A case study on the site supervisory attributes in construction labour management, performance assessment and productivity measurement practices

Purpose The sustainability of the construction industry is associated with the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the firms, which are significantly affected by inefficient site supervision and labour management approaches. This study aims to use a case study with mixed methods to evaluate the site supervisory characteristics in labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement towards developing meaningful guidelines in polishing construction supervision attributes. Design/methodology/approach Well-developed modern apprenticeship elements were applied to 62 construction supervisors who were selected using the snowball sampling method, and their relevant competency characteristics were assessed using a comprehensively developed grading mechanism connected with useful training manuals/tools. Academic reviews, experts’ consultations and other meticulous mixed approaches were applied at different stages of the research plan’s sequential layout. Findings The mean performance scores of supervisors indicate proficient-level grades in the competency characteristics related to applying efficient labour management procedures and developing-level grades in designing productivity measurement tools, performing assessments on efficiency and productivity and proposing enhancement practices on efficiency and productivity for site operations. The findings point to a modern generalised guideline that establishes the ranges of supervisory attributes within the scope of the study. The validity, reliability, adaptability and generalisability of the findings were assured by using pertinent statistical tests and professional assessments. Research limitations/implications Though the study’s conclusions/findings are primarily applicable to the construction environment of a developing country comparable to the Sri Lankan context, they will considerably impact current/future industrial practices in various other countries and emerging industries. Originality/value The research has produced a conceptualised modern tool that guides determining the capacity levels of supervisory attributes for carrying out labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement aspects in construction. The research has opened a pump that inflows new values of highly workable supervision features for strengthening the site management structures and filling the industry’s knowledge vacuum in the methodical execution of apprenticeships.

Study on Labor Productivity Improvement Based on Situational Awareness and Improved Value Stream Mapping

This study addresses the issue of poor construction labor productivity, exploring the process and methodology for increasing construction workers’ participation in labor productivity improvement, as well as a situational awareness (SA) development approach for construction workers based on lean construction (LC). A framework for enhancing labor productivity through SA has been developed. A case study approach is utilized to describe the LC improvement process, which includes enhancing construction workers’ SA for waste minimization and process optimization and engaging them in LC with improved value stream mapping (VSM). The labor productivity measurement approach, combined with VSM, is used to evaluate the labor productivity improvement with labor productivity improvement rate, resource efficiency, and flow efficiency. The results demonstrate that the labor productivity of the case project has increased by 24.07%, with 11.54% contributing resource efficiency and 88.46% contributing flow efficiency, indicating a greater increase in flow efficiency. This study fills a research gap in terms of the combination of construction workers’ SA enhancement and the involvement of LC practices to boost labor productivity. Furthermore, this study proposes an SA development approach based on LC at three levels: waste perception, VSM implementation, and labor productivity improvement assessment. This provides new perspectives for leveraging construction workers’ SA to increase labor productivity. The improved VSM approach and labor productivity measurements provide an operationalization of workers’ participation in continuous improvement. This research is of great practical relevance for augmenting the competencies of construction laborers and inspiring them to engage in labor productivity enhancement.

Features of Engineering Methods of Research Results on Butt Welding on Metal Pipelines

This article discusses the use of flash butt welding (FBW) for increased labor productivity in pipeline construction. However, despite its promise, FBW technologies and equipment have limitations in creating defectfree welded joints. The Ishikawa diagram is used to systematize and analyze factors that cause defects, which are then ranked on a Pareto diagram. The main causes of defects are found to be associated with human factors, such as the qualifications of workers, as well as imperfections in machinery and equipment, material deviations, and technology and measurement limitations. A correlation matrix is used to analyze the causes of the decrease in quality and determine that improving methods and means of FBW processes, along with FBW technologies, is the solution. However, a complete computer model of FBW processes has not yet been created due to difficulties in describing energy release and other energy phenomena. A physical and mathematical model is necessary to take into account energy processes in the welding zone.

Analysis of Productivity Loss In Ironing, Formwork, and Casting Work at Summarecon Mall Bandung Project

In a developing country such as Indonesia, infrastructure development is one of aspects that contribute to advancement for the country. However, construction industry in Indonesia has a problem regarding to low construction productivity. Lean construction regarded as the new method to improve construction performance and labor productivity. Using two principles of lean construction, benchmarking and labor production variability reduction will be analyzed to show how impact it caused to labor performance. Benchmarking will be used to analyze for Summarecon Mall Bandung Project with parameters of Disruption Index (DI), Perfomance Ratio (PR) and Project Manajemen Index (PMI). The project has DI<0,1 score that means abnormality days that happened was low, varied PR score in all construction operation, and low PMI score that represent good construction management system. In conclusion based on all parameters, Mall Summarecon Bandung Project is relatively good project and can be used as a benchmark for similar construction project.

Probabilistic forecasting of construction labor productivity metrics

This study investigates the possibility of doing probabilistic forecasting of construction labor productivity metrics for both long-term and short-term estimates. The research aims to evaluate autoregressive forecasting models, which may help decision-makers with information currently unavailable in construction projects. Unlike point forecasts, the proposed method employs probabilistic forecasting, offering additional valuable insights for decision-makers. The distributional information is obtained by updating the moments of the distribution during training. Two datasets are used to evaluate the models: one collected from an entire construction site for long-term forecasting and one from an individual worker for short-term forecasting. The models aim to predict the state of direct work, indirect work, and waste. Several models are trained using different hyperparameters. The models are tuned on the number of trees and the regularization used. The presented method gives estimates of future levels of direct work, indirect work, and waste, which will add value to future processes.

Impact of self-efficacy on construction labor productivity: the mediating role of work motivation

PurposeThough widely recognized as essential for improving work performance across various domains, self-efficacy’s specific role in managing construction workforces remains understudied. This knowledge gap restricts our ability to uncover new factors that enhance workforce management effectiveness and ultimately boost construction labor productivity (CLP). To address this, our study proposes and tests a novel model. This model explores the impact mechanism of self-efficacy on CLP by investigating the mediating role of work motivation. By delving into this crucial yet underexplored area, we aim to provide valuable insights for construction project managers and researchers alike, paving the way for more effective workforce management strategies and consequently, improved CLP.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Data from 112 rebar workers at five construction sites in Vietnam underwent analysis using Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the novel research model.FindingsThe results indicate a positive and significant association between self-efficacy and CLP. Additionally, work motivation emerged as a full mediator in the relationship between self-efficacy and CLP. Specifically, individuals with higher self-efficacy set ambitious goals and invest more effort in their pursuit, leading to increased work motivation and, ultimately, heightened productivity levels.Practical implicationsThe significant implications of the current study extend to construction managers and policymakers alike. Construction managers can leverage the findings to devise targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the self-efficacy and work motivation of their workforce, potentially resulting in noteworthy enhancements in CLP. Policymakers, too, can benefit from these findings by formulating policies that actively support the cultivation of self-efficacy and work motivation among construction workers. Such policies have the potential to foster a more productive and efficient construction industry, aligning with the broader goals of workforce development and industry enhancement.Originality/valueThis study expands existing knowledge by identifying the important role of self-efficacy in work performance enhancement and the mediating role of work motivation in terms of these relationships.

Bi-level integration of discrete-event simulation (DES) and social force modeling (SFM) for construction labor productivity

Optimizing construction labor productivity is a challenge due to the inherent uncertainties of construction projects. While increasing the workforce size is often perceived as a strategy to enhance productivity, it can lead to increased physical interactions and workspace interference. This paper presents a framework for assessing the construction productivity, taking into account spatial constraints, labor interactions, and the dynamic nature of the workspace. The proposed model effectively captures the influence of workforce dynamics on construction activity productivity by integrating two techniques: Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) and Social Force Modeling (SFM). DES replicates the workflow, while SFM simulates worker interactions and movements. A real-world case study validates the model's ability to simulate construction scenarios realistically. The model can effectively capture how productivity varies depending on the number of workers, workspace layout, and project progress. The model can empower engineers with valuable insights into labor productivity optimization, leading to more efficient construction projects.

Towards a Framework for Enhancing Construction Project Labour Productivity in Kenya

Based on labor productivity, construction projects in Kenyan cities and beyond will either succeed or fail. Absence or insufficiency of labor productivity management makes it difficult or impossible for clients and contractors to accurately estimate project costs, which causes costs to rise, profits to decline, project execution times to lengthen, projects to stall, and industry confidence to decline. The topic of construction labor productivity is investigated in this exploratory study among Nairobi-based practitioners and on Nairobi-based projects. It defines the word and assesses the body of literature that is currently available. Next, it assesses several facets of labor productivity in building projects and among practitioners. Lastly, it clarifies significant aspects of CLP in the sector.

Towards Human–Robot Collaboration in Construction: Understanding Brickwork Production Rate Factors

This study explores the critical determinants impacting labor productivity in brickwork operations within the construction industry—a matter of academic and practical significance, particularly in the era of increasing human–robot collaboration. Through an extensive literature review on construction labor productivity, this study identifies factors affecting brickwork productivity. Data were collected from active construction sites during brick wall construction through on-site measurements and participatory observation, and the relative importance of these factors is determined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-factor analysis. The validity of the analysis is established through the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett’s test of sphericity, with a KMO value of 0.544 and significance at the 0.05 significance level. The analysis reveals four principal components explaining 75.96% of the total variance. Notably, this study identifies the Euclidean distances for the top factors: weather (0.980), number of helpers (0.965), mason competency (0.934), and number of masons (0.772). Additionally, correlation coefficients were observed: wall area had the highest correlation (0.998), followed by wall length (0.853) and height (0.776). Interestingly, high correlations did not necessarily translate to high factor importance. These identified factors can serve as a foundation for predictive modeling algorithms for estimating production rates and as a guideline for optimizing labor in construction planning and scheduling, particularly in the context of human–robot collaboration.

Evaluation of Lean Manufacturing Tools and Digital Technologies Effectiveness for Increasing Labour Productivity in Construction

Multiple studies are devoted to problems of construction labour productivity and methods of increasing it. These studies contain systematized factors and the main measures that can be applied to influence them. However, the issues of reducingdowntime in design and construction by integrating Lean manufacturing tools and innovative digital technologies to increase construction labour productivity have not yet been actively studied. This paper examines the quantitative assessment of the impact of tools for Lean construction and the digitalization of business processes on labour productivity when implementing investment projects in development and changes in the effectiveness of projects. The conducted study contains an extensive review of the literature, identifies time losses as an important labour productivity factor, proposes a practical approach to the implementation of Lean 4.0 technology in the activities of a development company, and provides practical calculations of labour productivity for the existing project. Expert and calculated evidence of the positive impact of Lean 4.0 on labour productivity and performance parameters of construction projects are presented here. The effects of the introduction of tools and principles of Lean-digital technologies for construction project participants, as well as recommendations for the implementation of the proposed approach in construction practice, are discussed.

Construction SMEs labour productivity: causal layered analysis

Purpose Small and medium-sized contractors are critical to micro and macroeconomic performance. These contractors in South Africa have long been confronted with the problem of business failure because of a plethora of factors, including poor productivity. The purpose of this study is to investigate salient issues undermining the productivity of small and medium-sized contractors in South Africa. This study proposes alternative possibilities to engender productivity improvement. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 contractors in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The research data were analysed using content and causal layered analyses. Findings Challenges to contractors’ productivity were associated with inadequately skilled workers, management competence and political factors. Skills development, construction business and political factors were dominant stakeholders’ perceptions. Metaphors for construction labour productivity are presented and reconstructed as alternative directions for productivity improvement. Practical implications Contractors lose a substantial amount of South African Rand to poor productivity. Alternative directions provided in this study can be leveraged to increase profitability in construction organizations, enhance the social well-being of South Africans and ultimately improve the contribution of contractors to the South African economy. Originality/value The causal layered analysis (CLA) applied in this study is novel to construction labour productivity research. The four connected layers of CLA, which make a greater depth of inquiry possible, were explored to investigate labour productivity in construction organizations.

Exploring internal factors affecting construction labor productivity in Mumbai: a study using RII and fuzzy logic

Exploring internal factors affecting construction labor productivity in Mumbai: a study using RII and fuzzy logic

The Soviet Economy in 1930

The fulfillment of the most difficult tasks of the plan for 1930 was complicated by four political and economic events. First of all, a forced collectivization campaign was carried out, which had a disastrous impact on cattle breeding. Then, the industrial management system was rearranged that had a disorganizing effect on the management process. Besides, a credit system was reformed to get rid of the vestiges of the NEP. Furthermore, to intimidate the old intelligentsia, a campaign against wrecking was conducted, accompanied by numerous arrests of old qualified specialists and the dismissal of many others. As a result, it worsened the quality of the economy management at all levels. The chaos in the management and the recruitment of numerous unskilled personnel led to a severe drop in labor productivity in industry and construction. Also, an alternative assessment of the dynamics of national income in 1930 was offered. It was shown that the national income of the USSR in 1930 increased by only 3% instead of the official growth of 19,9%. The slow growth of national income with a significant increase in the savings share in national income led to a severe drop in all material living conditions of the population, aggravated by the acute commodity deficit.

"INDUSTRIAL WASTE UTILIZATION IN THE PRODUCTION OF BUILDING MATERIALS ON ECOSTROINII-PV LLP EXAMPLE "

"The results of the work of EcostroyNII-PV LLP on the processing of technogenic waste of energy and metallurgy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Pavlodar region are presented. The use of waste in the manufacture of construction products is one of the most effective solutions to environmental problems in the region. The proposed technology for the production of construction products using ash and slag waste provides for innovative compositions of raw materials mixtures and provides an increase in operational characteristics and an increase in labor productivity in construction. The applied technology, in comparison with existing analogues, provides for the use of local waste (ash and slag waste from the burning of Ekibastuz coal, bauxite sludge of the Pavlodar aluminum plant, steelmaking slag). They differ in chemical and granulometric composition, as well as binding properties from other analogues and prototypes. In the production of construction products, a concrete mixture has been introduced and patented, including, %: slag-Portland cement – 14.32–17.00; sand – 18.74–25.52, crushed stone – 46.50-49.71, alumina sludge obtained during processing of Kazakhstan bauxite – 5–7; self–disintegrating slag of steelmaking production – 5–7; ash and slag waste of thermal power plants from burning Ekibastuz coals – 5–7. According to the test results, the average tensile strength of building products (paving slabs, curbstones, hollow bricks) is 3.2 – 3.8 MPa (strength class 2.5). "

The Effects of Foreign Labor on Labor Productivity in Construction Industries

The focus of this study is the demand for foreign labor in the construction industry. While labor productivity contributes significantly to the economic growth of the country but the trend has decreased over recent years. Hence, this paper aims to identify whether the increase in the labor force or other factor inputs contributes significantly to the labor capacity of construction projects in Malaysia. Results show the relationship between labor and other factors related to employment productivity in the construction industry of Malaysia from the year of 1986 to 2020. Factor inputs consist of variables such as capital, local labor, and foreign labor. The research objective is to identify the effects of labor force and other factor inputs on labor productivity. This study employs the Cobb-Douglas production function. The findings show that there is a significant relationship whereby the financial assets have a significant relationship, whilst the local and foreign workforce has a negative relationship in terms of their impact on labor productivity. These findings provide some scientific evidence for improving the project performance of the construction industry in Malaysia. It will be useful in identifying which factor inputs have a huge impact on construction labor productivity.