Construction Market Research Articles

The Application and Development of New Green Building Technologies in Construction

With the continuous development of the social economy, China is gradually accelerating and playing a very important role in construction projects. However, the construction industry is also developing rapidly. Although China has become the world's largest construction market, it also faces many problems in the process of development, such as excessive energy consumption, serious resource waste, and serious environmental pollution. These problems seriously affect the sustainable development of China's construction industry. Green building is a construction model that conforms to the concept of sustainable development. Green buildings can not only save resources and energy, but also reduce the impact on the environment, thereby promoting sustainable development of China's socio-economic and ecological environment. Therefore, this article will analyze and study the application of new green building technologies in construction, aiming to promote the further development of green buildings in China.

Anomaly Detection in Kuwait Construction Market Data Using Autoencoder Neural Networks

In the ambitiously evolving construction industry of Kuwait, characterised by its vision 2035 and rapid technological integration, there exists a pressing need for advanced analytical frameworks. The pressing need for advanced analytical frameworks in the Kuwait Construction Market arises from the necessity to identify inefficiencies, predict market trends, and enhance decision-making processes. For instance, these frameworks can be used to detect anomalies in investment patterns, forecast the impact of economic changes on project timelines, and optimise resource allocation by analysing labour and material supply data. By leveraging deep learning techniques, such as autoencoder neural networks, stakeholders can gain deeper insights into the market’s complexities and improve strategic planning and operational efficiency. This research paper introduces a deep learning approach utilising an autoencoder neural network to analyse the complexities of the Kuwait Construction Market and identify data irregularities. The construction sector’s significant investment influx and project expansion make it an ideal candidate for deploying sophisticated analytical techniques to detect anomalous patterns indicating inefficiencies or unveiling potential opportunities. Our approach leverages the capabilities of autoencoder architectures to delve into and understand the prevalent patterns in market behaviours. This analysis involves training the autoencoder on historical market data to learn the normal patterns and subsequently using it to identify deviations from these learned patterns. This allows for the detection of anomalies that may lead to operational or financial consequences. We elucidate the mathematical foundations of autoencoders, highlighting their proficiency in managing the complex, multidimensional data typical of the construction industry. Through training on an extensive dataset—comprising variables like market sizes, investment distributions, and project completions—our model demonstrates its ability to pinpoint subtle yet significant anomalies. The outcomes of this study enhance our understanding of deep learning’s pivotal role in construction and building management. Empirically, the model detected anomalies in transaction volumes of lands and houses, highlighting unusual spikes that correlate with specific market activities. These findings demonstrate the autoencoder’s effectiveness in anomaly detection, emphasising its importance in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic planning in the construction industry.

Adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in the Construction Sector: Evidence from a Questionnaire Survey

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) can significantly benefit the construction sector, improving productivity, efficiency, collaborative efforts, and product quality while promoting safety and sustainability. However, research on applying 4IR technologies in construction is scarce in developing countries. It is crucial to understand the ability of construction companies to adopt new technologies and identify factors influencing the success of technology implementation. In this study, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted with construction professionals to evaluate the level of technological development of the construction market in an emerging economy, assess the potential for innovation implementation, and identify factors that might influence technological development. The results showed that most innovations are in the early stages of implementation in the construction sector, and their adoption tends to occur differently, depending on the size of the company and the stage of the construction lifecycle in which they operate. Furthermore, technologies tend to be progressively adopted and driven by virtualization technologies. This article presents a framework to assist in decision-making regarding the adoption of 4IR technologies at different phases of the lifecycle of construction projects and identifies the potential barriers and promoters of this adoption in the analyzed context.

A strategy for reducing construction waste generated during the design process in architectural design firms in Egypt

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and validated to reduce CW generated during DP. Findings Through literature review, the research identified the highest 40 causes of CW during the DP and classified them into 13 categories. Despite early promotion of WMS to reduce CW at its source, Egypt and other countries with similar construction market characteristics lack laws and regulations to address CW during the DP, with current codes primarily focusing on post-occurrence issues. In addition, analysis of three case studies showed that CW was reduced by adopting WMS during the DP. Findings of data analysis revealed that ADFs have an average knowledge of WMS and a low awareness of Egyptian laws and WMS during DP. “Prefabrication” was the highest-ranked strategy for CW reduction during DP. Several challenges hamper the implementation of WMS. The “preparation and briefing” was ranked the most common design stage where CW causes occur, while “waiting” was ranked the most common form of CW. These findings informed the research outcome and helped in the development of the proposed strategy. Research limitations/implications The proposed strategy was developed taking into account the results of the survey questionnaire which was conducted in ADFs in Egypt where the authors reside, and such a strategy is needed. However, it could be applied in other countries that share the same characteristics of the architectural DP as well as the causes of CW and WMS implementation challenges. Practical implications This research presents a practical strategy to reduce CW generated during the DP. It was based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The strategy was explained in a workable way to include the required activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources. The strategy was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability for implementation towards developing a sustainable built environment. The practical application of the strategy will have long-term and short-term benefits. The long-term benefits include improving the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability during the design and construction phases in Egypt. In the short term, application of the strategy will improve the cooperation between design and construction teams, reduce the negative impact of CW production and enhance the quality of construction projects in Egypt. Originality/value Despite the need to reduce CW during DP, a practical strategy is lacking in Egypt, where laws are focused on dealing with CW after its existence. This research studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature. It developed and validated a strategy to reduce CW during DP, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value in a manner that has not been previously explored.

Occupational risk management in construction supply chain

The building is historically a driver of the economy, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, moving a huge chain of suppliers of raw materials, supplies and services, besides building a country’s infrastructure and the homes of millions of people. But working conditions in this sector that is so important to the country are not the best, exposing workers to risks of work accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, this study sought to present the main occupational hazards in the construction industry, discussing alternatives for effective risk management by reducing the rates of accidents and illness among workers. In this research, case studies were done in small and medium-sized construction sector facing the residential construction market. It was also proposed solutions for the implementation of risk management and occupational health and safety for businesses to succeed and lower the rates of accidents at work, health and safety, and quality of work life in these companies.

냉전기 한국의 팔레스타인정책

Utilizing primary sources, this study analyzes the process of and main reasons for the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) de facto recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1980. In 1979, the ROK government prepared to recognize the PLO, which represented a significant departure from its previous Israel-centered Middle East policy and could have clashed with the US diplomatic posture. At a time of high uncertainty in US-Arab relations, ROK’s policy shift was understood in terms of strengthening the independence of ROK’s diplomacy. Although the ROK government confirmed the US and Japanese stance of disapproval of the PLO, it considered both explicit recognition, which would have the effect of approval, and unilateral declaration, which would lower the burden on the ROK in PLO relations. After the PLO recognition, the US government used economic support as a lever to pressure the ROK. Facing this expected friction with the US, the ROK’s pursuit of independent diplomacy was based on the following factors. First, on the economic front, the steady supply of oil and the expansion of the construction market were considered, and, indeed, South Korea’s exports to the Middle East reached a peak after the PLO recognition. Second, regarding the political aspect, the comprehensive diplomatic strategy, which sought to improve relations with the Arab states as a whole, was based on Park Chung-hee’s perception of independence, with the aim of gaining the upper hand in the diplomatic confrontation with North Korea. Third, with respect to the international aspect, in the 1970s, Europe no longer followed the US-centered policy in the Middle East, and the ties between the Communist bloc and the PLO were loosening. Overall, the ROK’s recognition of the PLO was an attempt at independent diplomacy and an important example of harnessing international currents. However, it was limited by the confusion of ROK’s diplomatic tones between Israel and the Palestinians and by the overemphasis on external economic gains.

The impact of market integration on the technological innovation of new energy vehicle enterprises

ABSTRACT How to give full play to the innovation incentive role of the unified market for new energy vehicle (NEV) enterprises is an issue that deserves high attention in the development of China's NEV industry. Selecting listed enterprises of NEV manufacturers in China from 2010 to 2020 as the research sample, this study distinguishes the technological innovation into two categories: basic innovation and commercial innovation, and constructs market integration indicators from market consolidation and regional linkage, so as to analyze how the construction of a national unified market will affect the technological innovation of the NEV industry. Besides, it also takes into account the moderating effects of two types of non-market institutional innovations. The results show that it is difficult to promote critical core technology breakthroughs by relying on market system innovation alone. While actively promoting the construction of a unified market, it is important to bring into play the interactive synergy between government support policies, enterprise R&D investment, and market integration. Furthermore, this study confirms that the impact of market integration on technological innovation of NEV enterprises exists in the form of regional boundaries, dynamic effects, and two types of transmission mechanisms, namely, efficient market and active government.

Study on the Alignment Between Talent Training Directions and Employment Market Demands in the Landscape Architecture Industry

Currently, talent training in Chinese universities for landscape architecture is mainly divided into three directions: “landscape planning and design,” “landscape construction management,” and “landscape plant planting and maintenance.” However, with the background of the slowing urbanization process and the widespread demand for composite talents in society, it remains to be verified whether the traditional three major talent training directions in landscape architecture align with the job demands in the current construction market. Based on a survey and analysis of over 300 industry practitioners, this study found a clear trend of merging the three major employment directions into “landscape design and construction” and “landscape plant planting and maintenance.” This presents new requirements and directions for the skill training of landscape architecture majors in universities and provides insights into the alignment between talent training and employment demands in other industries.

An Innovative, Lightweight, and Sustainable Solution for the Integrated Seismic Energy Retrofit of Existing Masonry Structures

A large percentage of existing building stock in Italy and throughout Europe is ageing and no longer complies with current regulations, particularly in terms of sustainability. For these reasons, an urgent consolidation plan is needed to ensure an increase in both seismic response and energy response. Indeed, these constructions were built before the actual technical codes, and currently, they are not able to withstand seismic actions. Meanwhile, they are subject to thermal dispersions that could be due to the use of materials with poor properties or construction errors. Among the numerous consolidation techniques, an innovative solution consisting of a coating system has appeared on the construction market in recent decades. It is an integrated solution that simultaneously improves the seismic and energy behaviour of the building. The paper proposes the evaluation of this lightweight and sustainable solution through some experimental tests which were performed at the National Institute for Research and Development in Constructions, located in the city of Timişoara (Romania). The tests were aimed to investigate the out-of-plane behaviour of a masonry wall (1.20 m × 2.40 m × 0.60 m) obtained by combining two smaller panels with mortar and subjecting them to constant vertical force and pushing by an increasing horizontal one. Its response was assessed before and after the application of extruded aluminium alloy base profiles belonging to the system under study.

An analysis of trends and policy studies in the overseas construction market for effective international development cooperation and the creation of job opportunities for the youth*

An analysis of trends and policy studies in the overseas construction market for effective international development cooperation and the creation of job opportunities for the youth*

Регулирование земельно-имущественных отношений в сфере комплексного развития территорий

The integrated development of territories is recognized as a type of urban planning activity aimed at creating favorable living conditions and providing a comfortable environment for the population. The article is devoted to the consideration of the implementation of decisions on the integrated development of territories in Blagoveshchensk, the regional center of the Amur region. The paper lists the problems of urban planning and land and property relations in the field of housing construction. It has been established that when implementing investment and construction projects, the interests of the state, owners, developers and many other subjects of the construction market of the region intersect. The effectiveness of investment and construction activities depends on the quality of the interrelation of interests. Stimulating measures for the transition to the integrated development of the territory are noted. Based on the results of the study, the author formulated and made proposals for the regulation of urban development to improve land and property relations in the field of integrated territorial development. An integrated approach and methods of comparison, systematization, and observation were used in the article.

PRICE RECALCULATION MODEL OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

In recent years, the world economy has experienced rapid economic change in the construction sector and record inflation. The rapidly rising prices of construction materials and machinery in the construction market are also pushing up the cost of construction services. The main problem is that construction projects have been drawn up and contracts between clients and contractors have been awarded at previous prices, and it is therefore necessary to look for opportunities to index the price of construction contracts. The aim of the study is to propose a mathematical model and a smartphone application for the price recalculation of construction projects. The success of a construction project depends on the correct decisions taken at the stage of preparation and implementation of the procurement documents for construction contracts, a complex process requiring a lot of legal and technological knowledge. The proposed mathematical model would help clients and contractors to carry out the calculation of the price according to the construction price index quickly and without the need for extensive specialist technical expertise. The mathematical model is adapted to smartphones with Android software.

A Linear Regression-based Analysis of the Value of U.S. Construction Firms

The construction industry has faced a block in its development in recent years, and the need to enhance the value of construction industry enterprises is imminent. The U.S. construction market is one of the most prosperous markets in the world, so the study of enhancing the value of firms within the U.S. construction industry holds considerable importance. Many previous studies have focused only on qualitative factors, which has some limitations. Therefore, this study investigates how to enhance the market value of U.S. firms from the perspective of financial factors. This study uses regression analysis to select the financial data of 34 U.S. companies listed in the construction industry. Then the relationship between their EV/EBITDA, net profit margin, and gross profit margin is modeled, and four sets of linear regression equation models are established, revealing that net profit margin, gross profit margin, and enterprise value have a significant positive relationship.

Pricing, assembly rate optimizations and coordination for prefabricated construction supply chain with government subsidies

Prefabricated construction, a sustainable construction method, has become the inevitable trend for the future development of the construction industry. The subsidy policies for prefabricated construction enterprises can influence their strategies to promote the development of prefabricated construction. The paper considers a two-echelon prefabricated construction supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and an assembler, aiming to investigate pricing and the assembly rate strategies and coordination under different subsidy objects. The findings demonstrate that subsidy policies can increase the assembly rate. When the government subsidizes the manufacturer, the wholesale price decreases with the subsidy rate, while subsidizing the assembler, the wholesale price does not change. The impacts of subsidy policies on the retail price depend on price sensitivity and the consumer preference for the prefabricated construction market. When the subsidy rates are equivalent, the profit of supply chain with subsidizing the assembler is greater than that with subsidizing the manufacturer. Finally, the paper proposes the revenue-cost sharing contract to coordinate prefabricated construction supply chain with government subsidies. A numerical study is carried out to verify conclusions, and illustrates that a certain range of subsidy affects positively prefabricated construction enterprises by adjusting the retail price and increasing the assembly rate.

ПРЕДПОСЫЛКИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ИНСТИТУТА САМОРЕГУЛИРОВАНИЯ В ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОМ СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВЕ

An analysis of the licensing institute and the institute of self-regulation was carried out in the period from 2001 to 2022. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the tasks laid down in the institution of self-regulation were not fulfilled, as evidenced by negative trends in the risk of injury in construction, an increase in transformation and, presumably, transaction costs in comparison with the licensing institution and other indicators. The intensification of the increase in institutional rent of organizations in the housing construction market through the consolidation of land plots has been revealed. Practical recommendations aimed at institutional transformations of self-regulation in Russian construction have been put forward.

ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ МЕХАНИЗМ ИНЖЕНЕРНОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ЗЕМЕЛЬНЫХ УЧАСТКОВ МАЛОЭТАЖНОГО СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВА

The article touches upon the urgent issue of the need to develop a segment of low-rise housing construction. The indicators of apartment prices in St. Petersburg and Moscow over the past year are analyzed. Conclusions are drawn about the low level of housing affordability in cities for citizens at the present stage. One of the key barriers to the development of the potential of the low-rise housing construction market, namely the acute shortage of engineering-prepared land plots for construction, is considered. The values of indicators characterizing the state of engineering networks in rural areas are presented. The author's organizational and economic mechanism for the development of a system for providing engineering infrastructure for land plots has been developed. The presented mechanism consists of four stages: planning, organization, control, monitoring, and is also structured according to the priority of sites and methods of financing.

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION USING GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

The size and complex nature of today's construction project resulted in a global increase of the carbon footprint. Increased carbon dioxide emissions results in a severe deterioration to the environment and negative health implications. Recent studies showed that the production of 1 metric ton of portland cement results in the evolution of 0.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide. At this rate, the construction industry represents a significant threat on mankind. This paper presents geopolymer (cement-free) concrete applications in the United States local construction market. Geopolymer concrete production depends on the activation of a pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with a high aluminosilicate content using alkaline solution as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The SCM activated material-known as precursor-forms a three-dimensional polymer that binds the aggregates instead of hydrated portland cement. The widespread of geopolymer concrete will significantly reduce the need to portland cement; hence, reduces the carbon emissions resulting from cement production. In addition to the environmental advantages, geopolymer concrete is highly durable due to the fine size of SCMs particles. Geopolymer concrete is more resistant to alkali-silica reactivity, and early age cracking. The widespread of geopolymer concrete in construction industry, especially in infrastructure projects, will result in significant improvement in projects condition, and lower the need to frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement of projects.

The impact of penalties, incentives, and monitoring costs on the stakeholders’ decision-making behaviors in non-compliance drone operations

As an automated assistive tool, drones have revolutionized industrial activities and brought numerous potential benefits to society. However, irresponsible drone users often disregard compliance with regulations, leading to new challenges in drone usage. Although governments have implemented punishment and incentive mechanisms to prevent non-compliant drone operations, the extent to which they can effectively deter such activities remains unclear. To address this gap, the study employed evolutionary game theory to assess the impacts of penalties for non-compliance, incentives for public monitoring, and monitoring costs for the government on the multiple stakeholders' decision-making behaviors (SDBs). The study also used the Chinese construction market data to simulate how penalties, incentives, and monitoring costs influence SDBs. The numerical simulations reveal that penalties and incentives could reduce drone users' non-compliant operations, but this effect is useful only if the penalties and incentives exceed a certain value. In China, drone users' non-compliant operations can be controlled when penalties for drone users exceed 12,000 yuan, and incentives for the public's monitoring exceed 170 yuan/day. The current Chinese government's penalties that were administered for non-compliant drone operations have not achieved a deterrent effect, but the incentive is feasible. These findings provide a fresh insight into the decision-making behaviors of stakeholders in non-compliant drone operations. Additionally, the tripartite evolutionary game model developed in this study can assist other countries in determining optimal values for penalties, incentives, and monitoring costs to mitigate non-compliant drone operations effectively.

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION USING GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

The size and complex nature of today's construction project resulted in a global increase of the carbon footprint. Increased carbon dioxide emissions results in a severe deterioration to the environment and negative health implications. Recent studies showed that the production of 1 metric ton of portland cement results in the evolution of 0.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide. At this rate, the construction industry represents a significant threat on mankind. This paper presents geopolymer (cement-free) concrete applications in the United States local construction market. Geopolymer concrete production depends on the activation of a pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with a high aluminosilicate content using alkaline solution as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The SCM activated material-known as precursor-forms a three-dimensional polymer that binds the aggregates instead of hydrated portland cement. The widespread of geopolymer concrete will significantly reduce the need to portland cement; hence, reduces the carbon emissions resulting from cement production. In addition to the environmental advantages, geopolymer concrete is highly durable due to the fine size of SCMs particles. Geopolymer concrete is more resistant to alkali-silica reactivity, and early age cracking. The widespread of geopolymer concrete in construction industry, especially in infrastructure projects, will result in significant improvement in projects condition, and lower the need to frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement of projects.

Анализ состояния конкуренции на рынке жилищного строительства в контексте ключевых трендов

The presented article reflects a study of the state of the housing construction market in recent years. The article offers a brief analysis of the state of bibliographic study of the issue of the state of the competitive environment in the housing construction and residential real estate market, reflects the systematization and description of five main trends, provides a more detailed analysis of the state of the competitive environment and the structure of the housing commodity market, calculates indicators reflecting the fact of structural dominance in the regions of the Russian Federation. A ranking of the 20 largest developers in terms of “housing under construction” and the regions of their presence in 2023 and a comparative analysis of structural changes in market concentration by federal districts for the period 2021–2023 were built. The level of concentration of housing construction markets according to the indicator “housing under construction” in the context of administrative-territorial districts of the Russian Federation is determined. It is noted that in most regions of Russia there is a high level of competition in the residential real estate construction market, which has a significant impact on the state of the market as a whole and the processes taking place on it. The presence of active competition in 85% of regional housing construction markets indicates that there are no signs of abuse of a dominant position in the vast majority of regions, signs of structural collective dominance are also limited, which allows us to hypothesize that price increases are formed not because of the monopolistic behavior of real estate developers, but due to the influence of other factors, which are subject to more detailed study.