Construction Operations Research Articles

On complete classes of valuated matroids

We characterize a rich class of valuated matroids, called R-minor valuated matroids that includes the indicator functions of matroids, and is closed under operations such as taking minors, duality, and induction by network. We exhibit a family of valuated matroids that are not R-minor based on sparse paving matroids. Valuated matroids are inherently related to gross substitute valuations in mathematical economics. By the same token we refute the Matroid Based Valuation Conjecture by Ostrovsky and Paes Leme (Theoretical Economics 2015) asserting that every gross substitute valuation arises from weighted matroid rank functions by repeated applications of merge and endowment operations. Our result also has implications in the context of Lorentzian polynomials: it reveals the limitations of known construction operations.

Bayesian deep learning: An enhanced AI framework for legal reasoning alignment

The integration of artificial intelligence into the field of law has penetrated the underlying logic of legal operations. Currently, legal AI systems face difficulties in representing legal knowledge, exhibit insufficient legal reasoning capabilities, have poor explainability, and are inefficient in handling causal inference and uncertainty. In legal practice, various legal reasoning methods (deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning, etc.) are often intertwined and used comprehensively. However, the reasoning modes employed by current legal AI systems are inadequate. Identifying AI models that are more suitable for legal reasoning is crucial for advancing the development of legal AI systems.Distinguished from the current high-profile large language models, we believe that Bayesian reasoning is highly compatible with legal reasoning, as it can perferm abductive reasoning, excel at causal inference, and admits the "defeasibility" of reasoning conclusions, which is consistent with the cognitive development pattern of legal professionals from apriori to posteriori. AI models based on Bayesian methods can also become the main technological support for legal AI systems. Bayesian neural networks have advantages in uncertainty modeling, avoiding overfitting, and explainability. Legal AI systems based on Bayesian deep learning frameworks can combine the advantages of deep learning and probabilistic graphical models, facilitating the exchange and supplementation of information between perception tasks and reasoning tasks. In this paper, we take perpetrator prediction systems and legal judegment prediction systems as examples to discuss the construction and basic operation modes of the Bayesian deep learning framework. Bayesian deep learning can enhance reasoning ability, improve the explainability of models, and make the reasoning process more transparent and visualizable. Furthermore, Bayesian deep learning framework is well-suited for human-machine collaborative tasks, enabling the complementary strengths of humans and machines.

Key Technology for Leak Prevention of Igneous Rocks in a Certain Oilfield in Bo Zhong

A certain oilfield in Bozhong has experienced multiple volcanic eruptions, with developed fractures in igneous rocks and frequent drilling leaks; In the early stage, 7 out of 8 exploration wells experienced 23 leaks, resulting in losses of over 24 million yuan. In response to the high risk of leaks in the igneous rock development area of this block, based on the concept of geological engineering integration, an innovative key technology for preventing leaks in igneous rocks in a certain oilfield in Bozhong was proposed, with "pre drilling prevention, monitoring while drilling, and rapid plugging" as the core. Through 30 on-site construction operations, a new operational approach was provided for the problem of leaks in igneous rock formations, effectively reducing drilling risks and costs.

Building a 4D Cell Complex Topology Through the Extrusion Process

Abstract. This paper is a step forward towards a construction of 4D cell-complex models implemented using a topological data structure, dual half-edge. This allows for explicit representation of spatial relations among objects, such as adjacency relationship, coincidence or order of construction elements, e.g. vertices and edges. A method based on extrusion is proposed. An original 2D model is extruded to 3D, where adjacent cells sharing the same face are directly linked. Then extrusion to 4D is performed. In this case individual 4D cells sharing the same 3D cell are linked together. A model is kept valid at any stage of the construction process and links among cells are automatically provided by the construction operators. Implementation is based on the 4D data structure, which is used at each stage of construction, even in intermediate models of lower dimensionality.

Sustainability and Efficiency in the Implementation of Technical Infrastructure Projects in an Urban Environment

The individual national programs through which part of the common policies of the EU are implemented contain strict requirements regarding the scope of measures financed by means of funds from the Union budget. In general, the programs are structured in such a way as to ensure both demarcation and complementarity between them, in order to achieve a certain degree of synergism accompanied by long-term investment. There are some opportunities to increase sustainability and efficiency in the implementation of technical infrastructure projects in urban environments financed by EU funds. The same are revealed when analyzing the scope of the specific measures implemented by different beneficiaries. They arise mainly from technological features, incl. consistency in the implementation of individual construction operations. The present study focuses on such possibilities, incl. specific actions contributing to increasing the efficiency of investments and saving public funds in the conditions of their limited amount. Two specific programs are covered, the implementation of which is forthcoming within the 2021-2027 programming period.

Geotechnical Justification for Designing Landslide Prevention Measures

Abstract When designing anti-landslide measures, slope stability assessment is an important factor and is determined by conducting comprehensive engineering and geological studies on a slope with potential landslide risks. The results of correct engineering and geological justification for the design of anti-landslide measures lead to the preservation of the structure and safe operation of infrastructure facilities. Our experience shows that to eliminate the negative effects of landslide processes, it is necessary to accurately determine the engineering and geological conditions of the slope, including the stability of the slope, taking into account natural dynamic phenomena (seismicity of the territory and tectonic processes) and, if possible, to see the complete elimination of the causes that lead to landslide processes when developing anti-landslide measures. To achieve these goals, the geotechnical justification of the design is the only correct solution. Geotechnical justification of protective measures intended to protect the structural elements of the Baku-Russian Federation State Border highway, which is part of the north-south transport corridor and passes through the foot of a potentially landslide-hazardous slope west of the city of Shabran, is one of the most important conditions that increase the effectiveness of these measures. On a slope located 1500 meters southwest of the current research area, the results of our scientific research were not properly utilized and many of our warnings were not heeded, resulting in a landslide during construction, leading to serious damage to the road's structural elements (Fig. 1) and additional costs. This event once again confirms that landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas (Shiraliyev et al., 2024)

Planning municipal drainage infrastructure maintenance operations with finite available crews: pragmatic optimization approach

This paper proposes a streamlined approach to addressing the problem of allocating finite crew resources to concurrent jobs in the context of municipal drainage infrastructure maintenance. The problem was defined from the perspective of a project manager involved in planning such operations on a day-by-day basis. The problem statement was then transformed into a simplified Integer Linear Programming optimization model. Performance metrics were devised to evaluate the optimization model’s effectiveness. A heuristic algorithm representing the decision-making process by a seasoned planner in the partner company was also developed. Both methods were applied to a case study and contrasted based on the same performance metrics. The findings underscored substantial optimization benefits in rendering decision support in resource-constrained drainage construction operations planning. In conclusion, this research presents an alternative strategy for navigating the complexities inherent in finite crew resource allocation on multiple concurrent drainage projects; lends a cost-effective optimization solution to improving the utilization of finite available crews while satisfying service demands from multiple clients to the largest extent possible.

Overview of the Legislation on Solid Waste from the Civil Construction with a View to Sustainability

Objective: The construction industry is a large generator of solid waste, which can be treated, reused or, if this is not possible, disposed of as waste in a sustainable manner. The lack of well-structured legislation bring difficulties to dispose of this waste correctly. This article aims to analyze Brazilian and other countries' legislation about construction waste, to understand how it is being treated, used or disposed of and what legal standards are applied. Method: It uses a bibliographical research, which describes the existing legislation in several countries and presents a comparative table, highlighting the variability in the treatment given to waste and the absence, in Brazil, of a robust and comprehensive public policy. Result: It is observed that the legislation is generalized, with no single public policy that encompasses all the requirements for treatment, reuse and correct disposal, highlighting missing policies in Brazil, such as tax for aggression to the environment. Conclusion: Valuable information is collected for public policy makers and construction operators, concerned with environmental preservation, who can collaborate to meet the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations.

Comparative Analysis of Single and Multiagent Large Language Model Architectures for Domain-Specific Tasks in Well Construction

Summary This paper explores the application of large language models (LLMs) in the oil and gas (O&G) sector, specifically within well construction and maintenance tasks. The study evaluates the performances of a single agent and a multiagent LLM-based architecture in processing different tasks, offering a comparative perspective on their accuracy and the cost implications of their implementation. The results indicate that multiagent systems offer improved performance in question and answer (Q&A) tasks, with a truthfulness measure 28% higher than single-agent systems but at a higher financial cost. Specifically, the multiagent architecture incurs costs that are, on average, 3.7 times higher than those of the single-agent setup due to the increased number of tokens processed. Conversely, single-agent systems excel in Text-to-SQL (structured query language) tasks, particularly when using the Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), achieving a 15% higher score compared to multiagent configurations, suggesting that simpler architectures can sometimes outpace complexity. The novelty of this work lies in its original examination of the specific challenges presented by the complex, technical, unstructured data inherent in well construction operations, contributing to strategic planning for adopting generative artificial intelligence (AI) (Gen-AI) applications and providing a basis for optimizing solutions against economic and technological parameters.

Research and Application of Plugging Drilling and Completion Technology for Difficult Old Well in Changchun Gas Storage

Abstract Changchun Gas Storage has been included in the 14th Five-Year Plan for the development of petroleum and natural gas in Jilin Province. Its smooth construction and safe operation are crucial to ensure the stable supply of natural gas in Changchun. Well X106F located in the construction area was abandoned in 1988 due to drilling tool falling and multiple salvage failures. In order to ensure the sealing and integrity of the gas storage, it is necessary to effectively plug the drilling cover. In view of the problems of low well history accuracy, poor well wall stability and difficulty in cementing large boreholes, open hole drilling, trajectory design and control, film-forming and wall-fixing drilling fluid and prestressed cementing technologies are applied. By optimizing drilling tools, optimizing drilling parameters, designing the three-opening well structure and “five-section” profile, the plugging well construction requirements are met. The first and second open drilling along the old well borehole, 1313m deep on the first try to find top of the fish, after cementing plug, side tracking to 50m below the top of the fish and then cementing;for third spud control trajectory to accompanied the old well, according to the results of passive magnetic guidance, real-time adjustment of the trajectory scheme and construction plan, finally successfully collided with the old well at 1893m deep, after cementing the drilling plug, perforating and extruding cement, the cement job quality is good. The whole well construction period of 100 days, creating the fastest record of the old well plugging without trajectory of the fish type, providing technical support for the construction of Changchun gas storage, and providing experience for the same type of old well plugging and complex well treatment in China.

Experimental Analysis of Weld Slag Separation in Pipelines

Abstract In order to effectively eliminate welding slag from pipelines, ensure equipment operates normally, and reduce production costs, experiments were conducted based on field construction operations, with a focus on the intensity and frequency of tapping. The study findings indicate that a tapping force of 341.8 N leads to a stabilization in the rate of welding slag removal. Following manual tapping of the pipelines, the welding slag removal rate is approximately 60 %, and it stabilizes gradually after four tapping instances. To provide guidance for on-site operations, an empirical expression capturing the pattern of welding slag removal was derived from experiments by establishing the correlation between tapping frequency, tapping force, and welding slag removal rate.

An experimental investigation of the effect of barrier trench on vibration propagation on a laboratory scale model

Vibration waves caused by construction or mining operations may cause damage to nearby structures or sensitive machinery and equipment. Some measures are implemented to eliminate or reduce this negative environmental effect of vibration. The barrier trench, one of these methods, aims to reduce the vibration by creating a suitable barrier between the structure and the vibration source on the ground. In this study, the effect of trench depth and distance from the source on vibration waves was simulated with a designed laboratory-scale test set-up to determine the effective parameters in barrier trench use. In addition, the effects of the superimposition of the source vibration wave with the reflected and refracted vibration waves from the trench, which has not been previously discussed in the literature, were also investigated. A laboratory scale gypsum-plaster block with dimensions of 200 cm × 90 cm x 70 cm was prepared and a Schmidt hammer was used as the impact energy source to generate vibration throughout the gypsum block. A trench barrier was opened at different depths on the test block and 588 vibration recordings were taken by the vibration monitor in different locations of the designed set-up. Statistical analyses were performed using vibration measurement results, trench source distance, and trench depths. As a result, vibration estimation equations depending on trench depth and the distance between the vibration source point and the trench were developed and how the presence of trench affects vibration propagation is revealed. It was found that vibrations increase due to the superposition of the source and reflected waves in front of the barrier trench. As the barrier depth increases, it is understood that the vibrations emanating from the near-surface vibration energy source are better blocked by the barrier. Thus, this study provides fundamental information on designing barrier trenches to avoid adverse effects of vibrations.

Determining the Stability of a Potentially Dangerous Landslide Slope

Abstract Due to the acceleration of construction of civil, industrial and infrastructure facilities in our republic and the expansion of their area, the construction of many facilities is carried out in mountainous, and foothill areas with complex relief and geomorphological conditions, which in most cases are potentially dangerous landslide slopes. To protect these facilities from the negative impact of dangerous geological, natural-technogenic, and anthropogenic processes, to assess the risks arising from the impact of these processes on building structures, to promptly prevent negative phenomena and dangerous situations, to assess the engineering and geological conditions of the construction area to determine the stability of the slope, conducting research in these areas is of great practical importance. Mountainous regions are characterized by the complexity and diversity of geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, and tectonic conditions. Landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas. In addition to infrastructure facilities, landslides can destroy vegetation, destroy the habitat of fauna, and also destroy fertile soils located in the area of their activity (Nikolic, 2015; Krivoguz & Bespalova, 2020). The main objective of this article is to apply the results of practically implemented and verified studies in other territories of our republic with similar geomorphological structure and engineering-geological conditions, to correctly assess the negative manifestations caused by landslides and other man-made and anthropogenic impacts, as well as to calculate the stability of the slope and scientifically and technically substantiate measures for engineering protection against landslides.

An Investigation on Construction Project Development Planning Delays in South Africa

This article aims to determine the causes of the delays in South African construction project planning, discussing the centralised hierarchical planning system factors, multiple agencies/spheres of government regarding building-permit approval factors, and systems and spheres of government/multiple agencies for improving preconstruction project planning in South Africa. It also describes a one-stop centre as a framework for improving South African preconstruction planning. The nature of planning in South Africa is influenced by many legislative measures. The delays being experienced in the educational infrastructure project have attributed to the backlogs currently existing in the delivery of basic education infrastructure. This study was conducted using a quantitative research design technique to assess the secondary data findings through primary data gathered on about 106 construction industry operatives. The primary data collected from the 106 construction operatives focused on architects, engineers, surveyors, and contractors. The researchers conducted a pilot survey with experts/professionals before an industry-wide survey as a questionnaire pretest. The finalised questionnaire was used as a data-gathering technique in the quantitative study approach. A focus group discussion was held to validate the findings. The collected information was then subjected to quantitative analysis in SPSS Version: 29.0.2.0 to verify the veracity of the research. According to the findings, a one-stop centre would enhance systems and sectors of government/multiple agencies and prevent preconstruction project-planning delays in South Africa. A centralised hierarchical planning system is essential for reducing preconstruction-planning delays and multiple agencies/sectors of the government delaying building-permit approvals. The critical research contribution is in that expanding on what is already known about preconstruction project planning in South Africa, this study shows how crucial it is to identify and understand the factors that influence preconstruction project planning in that country. The limitation, however, is that, regarding South Africa, the available literature indicates that there is a problem with systems responsible for approving construction projects. In conclusion, by proposing a structure known as the one-stop centre (OSC) to address the issues that lead to delays in preconstruction project planning in South Africa, this study offers a significant contribution.

A Hierarchical Analysis Method for Evaluating the Risk Factors of Pile Foundation Construction for Offshore Wind Power

To improve the safety level of pile foundation construction for offshore wind power, in this study, the risk indicators of pile foundation construction were evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and comprehensive evaluation methods. The pile foundation construction operation process for offshore wind power mainly includes four phases: preparation for construction, pile sinking, end of construction, and foundation scour protection construction. Pile foundation construction risk indicators are systematically identified as human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The most important indicators for pile foundation construction for offshore wind power were evaluated using AHP and comprehensive evaluation methods, which included five indicators: piling equipment, protective equipment, special skills, safety awareness, and emergency management. The four more important indicators are workplace environment, lifting equipment, fire protection systems, and operations. According to the results of our evaluation of the pile foundation construction safety indicators presented herein, corresponding recommendations are made that consider four aspects—human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The construction industry should focus on improving the safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators. Pile foundation construction for offshore wind power can be evaluated using the method discussed in this paper, allowing industry stakeholders to prioritize and focus on improving safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators.

The Polysemy in Georges Perec’s Crossword: Culioli’s Modelling Approach

This article presents a discussion on polysemy in a crossword by Perec. We apply Culioli’s modelling approach in terms of operation of location and construction of a notion and its notional domain. Polysemy is seen as part of the intangible cultural heritage within languages.

Design Optimization and Analysis of Trenching Excavator Bucket

This research centers on the design optimization and analysis of a trenching excavator bucket using ANSYS engineering simulation software. The study explores modifications, such as decreasing bucket height by 35mm and increasing side plate width to 12mm compared to the stock configuration1. The analysis primarily focuses on evaluating Equivalent Elastic Strain and Total Deformation using ANSYS to ensure improved digging performance and structural integrity. Excavator buckets are vital components in earth-moving operations, and their efficiency directly affects productivity and operational costs. By leveraging ANSY advanced capabilities, this study aims to propose an optimized bucket design that enhances trenching efficiency and durability. The findings provide valuable insights for manufacturers and engineers seeking to elevate excavator bucket technology and improve construction and mining operations through enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness.

Sources Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Street Dust from Urban Core of Zhengzhou, China

Fifty-one street dust samples were systematically collected from the urban core of Zhengzhou, China, and analyzed for potentially toxic metals. The concentrations of vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in the samples surpassed the background values of the local soil, indicating a notable potential for contamination. Spatially, the traffic area was the most polluted with a total heavy metal concentration of Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Ni, while the pollution levels were lower in the culture and education area and commercial area with total concentrations of V and Mn. Seasonal variations were discerned in the concentrations of heavy metals, with V, Cu, Zn, and As exhibiting heightened levels during the fall and winter, while Mn, Ni, and Pb reached peaks in the spring season. Zn exhibited the highest mean geo-accumulation index (Igeo) value at 2.247, followed by Cu at 2.019, Pb at 0.961, As at 0.590, Ni at 0.126, Mn at −0.178, and V at −0.359. The potential ecological risk index (RI) in the traffic-intensive area markedly exceeded other functional areas. Health risk assessments showed that children were more vulnerable to heavy metal exposure than adults, particularly through the ingestion pathway. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) were applied in conjunction with the spatial–temporal concentration patterns across various functional areas to ascertain the plausible sources of heavy metal pollutants. The results indicated that heavy metals in the urban street dust of Zhengzhou were multifaceted, stemming from natural processes and diverse anthropogenic activities such as coal burning, industrial emissions, traffic, and construction operations.

IFC CLASS ASSIGNMENT ADD-ON: BIM MODELLING FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING PROJECTS USING BLENDER

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a working methodology for the design and management of construction projects that facilitates collaboration and communication between the different parties involved. It is based on the digital three-dimensional representation of infrastructures within the field of architecture and civil engineering. The generated models are true data containers, capable of storing the geometric and semantic information necessary to support the design, construction and maintenance operations of the assets. This methodology promotes data exchange between different software tools through interoperability and the use of standards. Usually in the development of projects throughout their life cycle, commercial, closed-source BIM software is used. This generally leads to limitations in interoperability and data reuse. This paper details advances in the use of Blender, a free and open-source software (FOSS), to support BIM workflows in construction projects. The paper addresses the automation of the process to export a 3D Blender model to a BIM model in IFC (Industry Foundation Classes). The IFC Class Assignment add-on is developed, which allows the automated assignment of IFC classes to the different elements of the 3D model in Blender to convert it into a BIM model, using scripts written in Python. The proposed extension is able to generate, in an agile and simple way, digital models in IFC4, adequately storing the geometric and semantic information of its components. The results provide a tool that contributes to automate the creation of BIM models in an open-source software such as Blender, simplifying modelling processes and supporting collaboration and standardisation in architectural and engineering projects. Keywords: BIM, IFC, Automation, Free and Open-Source Software, Blender, Python.

Tools to Assess Neurocognitive Development: Reciprocal Insights from Theory and Neuroscience

Neurocognitive assessments are fundamental for modeling human development. The proposition of this article is that insights from both theory and neuroscience can mutually advance each other, and both can serve as reciprocal tools for constructing improved assessments. Children begin with an abundance of neurons at birth and evolve into sophisticated problem solvers. Grounded in historical perspectives shaped by classic figures such as Ramon y Cajal, Binet, and Piaget, this article delves into the developmental theory of constructive operators. It integrates ideas from psychological theory and neuroscience findings. Four guiding principles emerge that can help steer the course of developmental cognitive neuroscience (i.e., age groupings, child-friendly and culture-appropriate assessments, and meta-subjective task analysis). These principles underscore the benefits of employing theoretically based measures that highlight cognitive potential in complement to learning outcomes and have applications both behaviorally and in neuroimaging. This strategic approach holds considerable promise for driving progress in science, education, clinical practice, and policymaking.