Construction Management Research Articles

The digital twin framework: A roadmap to the development of user- centred digital twin in the built environment

With the prompt digital revolution in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), it is crucial to set the early practical steps for advanced digital technology namely digital twin technology. Although theoretical evidence on the potential of digital twins exists in AEC scope, the practical framework to the construction and operation of user-centred digital twin is yet to be investigated. Hence, this applied research investigates systematic methods and techniques for the construction and enablement of a user-centred digital twin paving the way to advanced digital applications in AEC centred on the user of the built environment. As a result, the framework unleashes a systematic roadmap to the creation and development of a city-scale digital twin centred on the human and capable of describing, analyzing, and assessing a built context per its users and usability manner. Further, the framework pours the foundations for a spectrum of digital twin applications in the scope of architectural design, building construction, infrastructure engineering, and facility management. The production of this research is foreseen to outline a systematic and transferable framework for the construction and enablement of a user-centred digital twin.

Factors Affecting Project Owners' Commitment to Implement Green Building Principles in the South Kalimantan Province of Indonesia

The construction of green buildings faces various challenges, including high costs, extended implementation timelines, and numerous requirements that must be satisfied. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of green buildings. The research focuses on the PUPR Office in South Kalimantan Province, as well as planning consultants, construction management personnel, and contractors involved in the construction projects of the South Kalimantan Sports Hall and the Sheikh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari Mosque in South Kalimantan Province. Key factors affecting the implementation of green buildings include financial commitment, energy savings, and the utilization of environmentally friendly materials. These factors encompass several variables: additional fund allocation for green buildings, the skills and experience of designers, the integration of natural and artificial lighting, energy-saving planning, the application of prefabrication technology and flatpack design, the use of sustainable materials, the incorporation of local wisdom, and strategies for light efficiency and outsourcing that involve gain sharing. Keywords: Building Construction, Building Energy Performance, Energy, Green Building, Green Construction

An integrated management system (IMS) approach to sustainable construction development and management

Construction is significantly contributing to the severe environmental crisis it is facing. The sector consumes over 3 billion tons of raw materials annually, and its activities account for 40% of global CO2 emissions. Traditional integrated strategies toward fragmented sustainability cannot offer total optimization. In this respect, the present research presents an integrated management system (IMS) containing a composite of metrics for sustainable construction management (SCM). This research was specifically geared to test the relationship between the elements of IMS and SCM from the perspective of the construction industry. A quantitative survey tested through 119 professionals was used for data collection. It is established through structural equation modeling (SEM) that the internal consistency of Cronbach’s Alpha 0.72–0.95 and construct validity was strong. The Fornell-Larcker criterion was realized to affirm good discriminant validity. Crucial results identified the presence of significant impacts for quality management (QM) (β = 0.643, p < 0.001), risk management (RM) (β = 0.53, p < 0.001), and safety management (SM) (β = 0.439, p < 0.001). Therefore, this study further enhances the scalability of IMS so that it is practically applied to improve project quality and safety, along with risk management. Future research could also focus on studying the context of the integration of IMS with SCM and continue to work using objective performance measures to validate these findings.

Construction Project Performance Based on Occupational Safety, Occupational Health and Work Motivation

Many construction organizations still employ workers without regard to the application of accident risk, although a focus on safety is predicted to improve worker performance. This study aims to examine the effect of occupational safety and health and incentive factors on worker performance in housing construction projects. This study used a quantitative approach and was tested using the SEM-PLS method with a sample of 72 respondents. The results showed that well-implemented occupational safety and health significantly improved worker performance, by reducing the risk of injury and improving worker welfare. In addition, high work motivation plays a role in increasing project productivity and efficiency. Emphasis on safety, health, and work motivation was shown to have a positive impact on achieving better project performance. The implications of this research provide important insights for construction managers and policy makers in optimizing project success through the implementation of effective safety protocols, wellness programs, and appropriate motivation strategies. Thus, this study highlights the importance of integrating occupational safety and motivation as key factors in achieving superior project performance.

Overcoming challenges faced by female construction management graduates: an exploratory study in Australia

The construction industry is predominately male-dominated, which can be daunting for female construction management graduates. Several statistics highlight the low female participation rates and lack of females in senior/management positions. To date, abundant research has been completed to understand the challenges women working in construction face. However, it is unclear how these challenges are being addressed and what support frameworks are available to females in construction organisations. The research methodology adopted herein involved a systematic analysis of current literature, followed by a qualitative research approach with data collection through semi-structured interviews and data analysis using content analysis. The interviews provided firsthand experiences and an understanding of the challenges and strategies experienced on individual and organisational levels. The results found a strong stigma around females in construction and how current females consider these challenges as opportunities to succeed in the industry. This study takes a different stance to current research, which mainly focuses on ‘identifying the presence and negative impacts of the challenges faced by females’ and shifts the focus to ‘how these challenges can be overcome and what could be done to promote females in construction.’ Hence, the study offers several recommendations and implications for promoting females and overcoming current challenges.

Optimizing Construction Management and Workflow Integration through Autonomous Robotics for Enhanced Productivity Safety and Precision on Modern Construction Sites

The construction industry is experiencing a technological transformation with the integration of robotics, fundamentally altering traditional construction management and process design. This review explores the role of construction robots in enhancing productivity, safety, and efficiency on construction sites. It examines the various types of robots used, such as bricklaying and welding robots, and analyzes their functions and real-world applications. The paper also addresses the design of workflows and processes around robots, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in adapting construction projects to a robot-centric approach. Additionally, the impact of robotics on construction management, including shifts in roles, cost efficiency, and collaboration between humans and robots, is thoroughly explored. The review concludes by identifying future trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of construction robotics, along with relevant policy and regulatory considerations. This paper aims to provide insights into how construction management must evolve to successfully integrate robots, leading to a more efficient, cost effective, and safe construction environment.

Construction Jobsite Image Classification Using an Edge Computing Framework

Image classification is increasingly being utilized on construction sites to automate project monitoring, driven by advancements in reality-capture technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Deploying real-time applications remains a challenge due to the limited computing resources available on-site, particularly on remote construction sites that have limited telecommunication support or access due to high signal attenuation within a structure. To address this issue, this research proposes an efficient edge-computing-enabled image classification framework for support of real-time construction AI applications. A lightweight binary image classifier was developed using MobileNet transfer learning, followed by a quantization process to reduce model size while maintaining accuracy. A complete edge computing hardware module, including components like Raspberry Pi, Edge TPU, and battery, was assembled, and a multimodal software module (incorporating visual, textual, and audio data) was integrated into the edge computing environment to enable an intelligent image classification system. Two practical case studies involving material classification and safety detection were deployed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The results demonstrated the developed prototype successfully synchronized multimodal mechanisms and achieved zero latency in differentiating materials and identifying hazardous nails without any internet connectivity. Construction managers can leverage the developed prototype to facilitate centralized management efforts without compromising accuracy or extra investment in computing resources. This research paves the way for edge “intelligence” to be enabled for future construction job sites and promote real-time human-technology interactions without the need for high-speed internet.

Cloud Model-Based Intelligent Construction Management Level Assessment of Prefabricated Building Projects

Intelligent construction is vital for achieving new building industrialization by enhancing prefabricated buildings through integrated, digital, and intelligent management across production and construction processes. Despite its significance, detailed research on evaluating the intelligent construction management (ICM) level of prefabricated projects remains limited. This study aims to develop a comprehensive, multi-level, multi-dimensional ICM assessment system. By reviewing the literature, engaging in expert discussions, and conducting case studies—specifically using a project in Guangzhou as an example—this study employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and entropy weight methods to assign indicator weights. Utilizing cloud model theory, it establishes evaluation standards for intelligent construction management. This model identifies the project’s ICM level, suggests practical improvement methods, and validates its applicability. This work not only advances theoretical understanding but also provides a practical framework for assessing ICM levels in prefabricated projects, thus contributing significantly to the field by offering new research perspectives and empirical evidence.

Digital Technologies for Promoting Construction and Demolition Waste Management: A Systematic Review

The increasing concern about the environment has led to the necessity of ensuring efficient Construction and Demolition Waste Management (C&amp;DWM) in the built environment. Despite the extensive research on C&amp;DWM, the industry still faces significant challenges, including inefficiencies, high costs, and environmental impacts. Meanwhile, incorporating digital technologies (DTs) has emerged as a way to eradicate the challenges of C&amp;DW. In response to the knowledge gap, in this research, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR), incorporating bibliometric, text-mining, and content analysis to meet the research objectives. In total, 126 papers were retrieved from the Scopus database and transferred into VOSviewer to conduct the bibliometric analysis. The findings identified seven specific DTs, namely, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Computer Vision (CV), and Building Information modeling (BIM). This study demonstrates that these technologies play a significant role in promoting efficient C&amp;DWM in the construction industry. The study’s implication lies in its potential to guide industry stakeholders and policymakers in promoting the use of DTs and overcoming the barriers to their adoption, thereby facilitating more efficient and sustainable C&amp;DWM practices. Finally, the findings of our research indicate possible future research directions for promoting DTs for C&amp;DWM and eradicating the barriers to efficient implementation.

Construction and Demolition Waste Management and Artificial Intelligence – A Systematic Review

Objective: The present study aims to identify how Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques are being employed in Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) management through a systematic review. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a systematic review of 37 papers focusing on AI applications in CDW management. The search for scientific papers was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. We extracted data on the year of publication, country of the first author, main models used, performance metrics, dataset size, dataset source, and key gaps and limitations identified by the authors. Results: The incorporation of AI in CDW management is relatively recent, with a significant rise in publications noted from 2021. Most papers have a Chinese first author, and the most frequently used ML algorithms were the RF, GBM, CNN, and ANN. Three primary research topics were identified: CDW Generation Prediction, CDW Classification and Identification, and Decision Support Systems and Logistics. Despite the advancements, challenges such as insufficient data for model training and limited interpretability of AI models persist. Research Implications: The research provides insights into how AI can enhance recycling processes and supports the integration of AI models with Decision Support Systems and logistics to promote sustainability and circularity in construction practices. Originality/Value: The research underscores the potential for AI to transform CDW management practices, offering valuable perspectives for both academic research and practical applications.

EVALUATION OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MAJOR AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

This study aims to evaluate the training program for the Construction Management major at Can Tho University of Technology (CTUET). The survey subjects are stakeholders such as students, enterprises, and experts. The research data was collected through a survey of 59 students from the university, 20 enterprises, and 12 experts, using a pre-designed questionnaire, with the study conducted via the Google Forms application. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to measure the stakeholders' evaluation levels of various factors in the Construction Management training program. The analysis results indicate that the stakeholders highly evaluate the training goals and outcomes, with training goal scores ranging from 3.36 to 4.75 and training outcome average scores from 3.15 to 4.63. The assessed factors include Knowledge, Skills, and Level of Autonomy and Responsibility. Based on these findings, the authors propose solutions to enhance the quality of the Construction Management training program at Can Tho University of Technology.

Key factors affecting project delivery system selection in the Chinese construction industry

This study aims to investigate the key factors owners consider when selecting a PDS, the importance degree of these factors, and the perception differences among owners, consultants, and contractors regarding these factors. Interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to determine the importance degree of each influencing factor. And perception differences of the influencing factors on PDS among the three subjects were calculated through SPSS 15.0. The findings show that the three subjects' perceptions of the importance degree of the economic attributes of the engineering project, engineering project complexity, sub-project construction interference degree, and delivery system preference were significantly different, while the perceptions of engineering project scale, investment control requirements, schedule requirements, quality requirements, risk preference, construction management capability, land acquisition, demolition and migration, construction site conditions, local policies and regulations, and construction market development level were insignificantly different. This research can help owners understand influencing factors on PDS selection from different dimensions. Valuable information was provided for owners to select an accurate and reasonable PDS, ultimately reducing project costs and facilitating project management. Additionally, this research complements previous research on PDS selection and proposes a new influencing factors framework by exploring the key factors affecting PDS selection and the perception differences between the three subjects.

Sustainable management of construction and demolition waste in Bangladesh to promote resource recycling

ABSTRACT This study conducted during the fiscal year of 2022–2023 endeavors to offer waste generation rates (WGR) for different Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) materials and analyze the financial and environmental benefits of CDW recycling at a national level. Findings from the study reveal that CDW in Bangladesh mainly consists of concrete (56%), brick (15%), mortar (9%), metal (6%), and ceramics (6%). Additionally, the collective CDW produced in six major cities studied totals 3.71 million tons (MT). The WGR of CDW is assessed through regression analysis. The mean WGR for Construction and Demolition activities in the fiscal year 2022–2023 are notably recorded at 64.68 kg/m2 and 1626.97 kg/m2, correspondingly for the 12 city corporations. The study highlights the potential for entrepreneurial initiatives in recycling materials like concrete, brick, mortar, metal, ceramics, and timber, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The estimated economic value of recycling concrete, brick, and metals in major cities is approximately 104.5 million USD and 0.45 MT of CO2 reduction from recycling brick and metals from major cities.

Agile project management for sustainable residential construction: A study of critical success factors

Sustainability principles should be incorporated into all decision-making stages for residential construction projects to ensure maximum revenue while maintaining essential residential building services. This study identifies and analyzes the critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for implementing agile project management (APM) in residential construction projects. Data were collected from 120 professionals in the Nigerian construction industry through questionnaire surveys to understand the implementation of APM. The CSFs were obtained from previous research and analyzed within the specific context of the Nigerian construction industry through questionnaire surveys. The CSFs were grouped into two main categories using exploratory factor analysis: dynamic project optimization and agile project foundations. The model for the CSFs was developed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study found that the dynamic project optimization element had the most significant impact on the model, highlighting its importance as a key CSF in APM implementation. These results support the adoption of APM within Nigeria’s construction industry as stakeholders and professionals seek effective strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability.

A study investigating the integrated application of intelligent construction and assembly building based on BIM technology

The construction industry, is facing the inevitable trend of digital transformation in the new wave of technology. The general production and construction build cycle is long and on-site construction activities is associated with a number of environmental issues. Additionally, the construction progress points and management are not clear, which presents a challenge for the industry. Consequently, the objective of this article is to integrate and apply a range of technologies, including BIM (Building Information Modeling), cloud computing, big data, Internet of Things, 5G, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and others, to on-site operation control by integrating them. This integration will facilitate the analysis of the considerable advantages of intelligent construction and assembly building in its application. The conference center of the Qionglai Talent Service Exchange Center will be used as a case study to demonstrate the potential of these technologies. The paper will also propose new views and ideas for addressing the challenges currently faced by the construction industry. The research findings indicate that the integration of multiple intelligent construction systems and assembly components enhances construction progress, simplifies construction processes, and minimizes construction-related pollution. This evidence supports the viability of efficient, intelligent, and sustainable building design and construction methodologies, and provides a robust foundation for the transformation and advancement of the industry.

Accident Investigation Impact on Safety Climate: Moderating Roles of Management and Employees in Ghanaian Construction

This study examines the relationship between accident investigation procedures and safety climate in construction companies, focusing on the moderating roles of management commitment, enforcement, communication, and employee involvement, compliance, and awareness. Grounded in transformational leadership, social exchange, and planned behavior theories, data were collected from 208 skilled employees in Accra using questionnaires. Statistical analysis via SPSS revealed a significant positive relationship between accident investigation procedures and safety climate (B = 0.469, p &lt; 0.001). While management commitment positively influenced the safety climate, it did not moderate this relationship. However, management communication significantly moderated the relationship (B = -0.144, p = 0.013), and staff involvement (B = -0.123, p = 0.020) and employee compliance also had significant moderating effects. Employee awareness did not show a moderating effect, though its influence on safety outcomes remains important. The findings emphasize integrating effective management practices and employee involvement to optimize safety climate in construction.

Computer Design of the Regulating Working Element of the Channel Cleaning Equipment

Cleaning devices of channel systems used for irrigation of agricultural plants and mechatronic parts regulating their operations were analyzed, the issues of automation of construction design, measurement and management in this field were examined and the purpose of the work was determined. As the goal of the work, the issue of automation of the construction design, technological measurement and management process of the working body for efficient cleaning of small and medium-sized concrete-covered channels, bathtubs from sludge and weeds was set. A complex scheme of information, algorithmic and software support for the automation of the design, technological measurement and control of the mechatronic parts of the working body used for cleaning the channel and bathtub was proposed, and the issues of logical modeling and simulation of the drawing of 2- and 3-dimensional images of the working body were solved. Algorithms were developed using the production modeling method to automate the process of technological measurement, implementation and management, which accurately regulates the operations of the working body of the mechanical device of complex construction. In Solid Edge 2D, 3D software environments, the determination of the geometric shapes of the individual mechanical parts of the channel cleaning unit with a milling cutter, their sizes and types of materials is ensured, and the algorithm was developed using the logical modeling method. For the automation of the structural design process, the information security of the mechanical parts of the application object and the elements of the new design milling cutter device was created for the management of the database of drawings.

Assessment and management of construction and demolition waste in tier 2 cities of Karnataka, India: a case study of Hubli-Dharwad and Davanagere.

The present study examines the current practices for managing construction and demolition waste (CDW) in two tier-2 cities of Karnataka state: Hubli-Dharwad and Davanagere. The research highlights the quantification, characterization, and effective management strategies for CDW. CDW dumping sites were identified through field visits conducted across all wards of the cities and recorded using a mobile-based app. At each site, data were collected on the types of vehicles dumping CDW, the frequency of dumping, the volume of waste in the vehicles, and the quantity of CDW removed for reuse. The dumping sites were categorized into large, medium, and small based on the area and volume of waste. In total, 130 unauthorised dumping sites were identified in Hubli-Dharwad and 62 in Davanagere. The study estimated that Hubli-Dharwad generates approximately 607 tonnes per day (TPD) of CDW, while Davanagere produces around 287 TPD. The characterization of CDW revealed that in Hubli-Dharwad, CDW consists of 14.4% concrete, 25.5% brick and mortar, 39.1% soil and aggregates, and 20% other materials. In Davanagere, the composition includes 19% concrete, 29% brick and mortar, 38% soil, and 14% other materials. Based on these findings, the study proposes a system for the collection and transportation of CDW and recommends suitable recycling technologies. While the approach outlined in this paper is well-suited for urban local bodies to assess CDW, the data on CDW reuse and recycling is primarily based on informal practices. This makes accurate quantification challenging and subject to variation over time due to a lack of regulatory oversight. Additionally, the study provides only a snapshot of CDW generation and management at a specific point in time, potentially missing seasonal variations or long-term trends in waste handling.

Human resources management in civil construction

Num mundo em que as mudanças acontecem a um ritmo muito acelerado, com o desenvolvimento tecnológico e a globalização da economia, factores como o conhecimento, os recursos técnicos e a capacidade financeira não se limitam a uma empresa específica, daí a importância de gerir adequadamente as pessoas, tornando-se não só uma necessidade, mas uma forma de obter vantagens competitivas. A construção civil é um sector renovado, vivo e em crescimento, que tem responsabilidades cada vez maiores, face às exigências do mercado e à regulamentação legislativa, pelo que toda a aposta na gestão do trabalho na construção civil merece ser revelada. Os recursos humanos na construção civil são uma área cada vez mais importante, num sector onde o capital humano conta e é cada vez mais valorizado.

Practice and Exploration of Ground Engineering for Pilot Testing of Offshore Gas Storage Facilities

Abstract The N gas storage facility is an offshore gas storage facility for oil reservoir reconstruction. There is no successful experience to learn from in the construction and operation of surface engineering. Therefore, a pilot experiment centered on economic benefits and fully utilizing the existing facilities in the oilfield has been carried out. Unlike traditional underground gas storage facilities, the construction difficulties of offshore gas storage facilities are more prominent. By strengthening design management, procurement management, construction management, testing management, and HSE management, the construction of gas storage facilities is efficiently promoted and successfully put into operation, achieving the experimental goal. In the construction and operation practice, facing many difficulties such as the evaluation and governance of old systems, inconvenient maritime transportation, long procurement cycle of compressors, and unsuitable production and operation, we have explored management methods such as utilizing old and leasing compressors, reasonable coordination of sea transportation, and adjustment of production parameters. We have innovated technologies such as soaking cleaning+steel wire ball unblocking and cleaning, small pipe capacity short distance series injection, and rapid construction of gas lift liquid discharge warehouses, Provide reference significance for the construction of similar gas storage facilities.