Construction Process Research Articles

Influence of Construction Process on Aggregate Spalling Behavior on Ultrathin Waterborne Epoxy Resin Layer

The waterborne epoxy resin (WER) colored antiskid thin layer has been widely used in asphalt pavement to improve driving safety. The tectonic depth determines the antiskid performance of aparticle antiskid type thin layer. The spalling of aggregate from a thin layer may reduce the tectonic depth, thus damaging antiskid performance. The spreading process of aggregate on the WER binder surface plays an important role in the spalling behavior of the thin layer. Herein, the influence of spreading processes on the ceramic aggregate spalling behavior on the WER thin layer was investigated based on laboratory experiments. The abrasion and British Pendulum Number (BPN) tests were employed to evaluate the antispalling and antiskid properties of the WER thin layers with different amounts of WER mortar, coverage rates of first-spread aggregate, and spreading orders of coarse/fine aggregates. Moreover, the tectonic depths of the layers before/after the spalling test were also investigated. The results indicated that the optimal dosage of WER mortar is 2.8 kg/m2. The WER thin layer exhibited better anti-striping property when coarse ceramic aggregate was spread first. The first-spread coverage rate of the aggregate on the WER surface is 70%. The thin layer exhibited a superior antispalling performance according to the resulting scheme, with a spalling rate of 3.77%. The tectonic depth only decreased from 1.87 to 1.80 mm after the spalling test.

CIPAS Scale: Pilot Test for Evaluating Interaction Quality and Secure Attachment Potential

The adult's sensitivity to the child's communicative signals, their prompt and appropriate response to the child's needs for security, protection, and comfort, along with their ability to regulate emotions in the face of childhood stress, are parenting skills associated with attachment quality. Various instruments and observation scales code these constructs. Furthermore, developmental psychology has made significant contributions regarding the affective and communicative exchanges between parents and children during early stages of life and their implications for the formation of emotional bonds. The objective of this study is to describe the development and preliminary analysis of a new observation scale called: Quality of Interaction and Secure Attachment Potential (CIPAS), which aims to simply integrate the different parameters of the interactive relationship between attachment figures and children in early childhood. The construction process and initial psychometric analyses from a pilot sample are presented. The results showed very high inter-rater reliability, with an overall kappa value of κ=0.88. The relevance of CIPAS is discussed not only as a valuable tool for developmental psychology research but also as an effective instrument to guide educational practices in promoting secure attachment and quality interaction in young children.

SCOPE ON BIM AS A TOOL FOR DESIGNING ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS FOR ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS. CASE OF ALGERIA

Building Information Modeling, often known as BIM, is considered an indispensable component of the design and construction process in many nations throughout the world. In order to analyze the practitioners' perceptions of BIM's influence on construction in connection to the many tools and software, surveys were carried out and analyzed with the sphinx tool. The surveys were also carried out to determine the architects' and engineers' capacities to integrate BIM into their design processes. Despite having limited understanding about BIM as a new method of work, the results indicated that both architects and engineers are concerned about improving design processes in order to provide a higher level of quality to the projects they are working on in Algerian context.

Assessment of building information modeling adoption in building material scheduling in Tanzania’s construction industry

The building construction industry continues to face challenges that affect project delivery, one of which is the traditional practices used for building material scheduling (BMS). Studies indicate that these practices are often inefficient and prone to errors, leading to delays, cost overruns, and low-quality work, affecting the project objectives. Building Information Modeling (BIM) presents a promising solution for addressing these challenges, proven through existing integrations. However, its adoption in BMS practices in construction is still relatively low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess BIM use in BMS in Tanzania’s building construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, and the study population of 153 registered quantity surveying firms was purposively selected. The study data was collected using online questionnaires and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings indicate that traditional practices are still favored over BIM when scheduling building materials in Tanzania, with the most predominant practices being spreadsheets and paper-based methods. Additionally, findings suggest that BIM is not a new concept in Tanzania. However, its adoption in the current practices is relatively low, mainly due to insufficient expertise, training resources, and limited access to BIM software/tools. Moreover, findings indicate a significant belief that BIM can improve BMS practices. These insights can inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions on the necessary steps to promote BIM integration. Therefore, it is recommended that BIM adoption be prioritized by addressing these barriers to enhance project outcomes. Shifting from traditional methods to BIM will lead to more efficient and effective construction processes, making BIM's broader adoption essential for the industry's future success.

Improved Building Information Modeling Based Method for Prioritizing Clash Detection in the Building Construction Design Phase

The rising complexity of construction projects and the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices have driven the extensive adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. A core function of BIM is the early identification and resolution of clashes during the design phase, which serves to mitigate costly rework and delays in the construction process. This study presents an advanced method for classifying and prioritizing hard clashes between structural components and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Employing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), this research assigned specific weights to structural and MEP elements based on expert evaluations. Six parameters were incorporated into this prioritization framework: the weights determined by the BWM, outputs from Navisworks software (v2021), the ratio of MEP volume to floor volume, the functional purpose of each floor, and the number of adjacent elements. A custom-developed plugin for Autodesk Navisworks integrated these parameters, enabling real-time automated clash prioritization. Clashes were ranked by criticality through a calculation involving the six parameters, which enhanced the efficiency of clash detection by optimizing time and cost considerations during the design phase. Case study results indicate that beams and columns represent the most critical structural elements, while ducts are identified as the most significant MEP elements. The proposed method substantially improves clash detection and prioritization efficiency and accuracy, yielding considerable benefits in project management and resource allocation.

Phrasal frequency and literacy as predictors of individual differences in on-line processing and comprehension of english complex NP subject-verb agreement

AbstractWe present experimental evidence suggesting that frequency and literacy predict online processing and comprehension of subject-verb agreement constructions by adult native speakers of English. We measured participants’ eye fixations, reaction times, and response accuracy in a forced-choice task using audio-visual eye-tracking paradigm. Participants completed a battery of tasks, inc. the Literacy Rating Scale (Tarone et al., Literacy and Second Language Oracy-Oxford Applied Linguistics, Oxford University Press, 2013), Agreement Judgement Task (e.g., Veenstra et al., Frontiers in Psychology 5:783, 2014). The AJT involved matching an auditorily presented subject phrase to one of two images of easily distinguishable colours presented on a computer screen (e.g., stars, circles). Participants heard 42 test sentences, counterbalanced across the three types: Type 1 (e.g., ‘The stars with the circles are blue’), Type 2 (e.g., ‘The star with the circles is blue’) and Type 3 (e.g., ‘The star with the circles are blue’*. Type 1 and Type 2 constructions are considerably more frequent in writing than in speech (Miller et al., Spontaneous spoken language: Syntax and discourse, Oxford University Press on Demand, 1998) with Type 2 producing more attraction errors (Bock et al., Cognitive Psychology 43:83–128, 2001; Becker, L., & Dąbrowska, E. (2020). Does experience with written language influence grammaticality intuitions? UK Cognitive Linguistics Conference: University of Birmingham [conference presentation].). Data were analysed with linear mixed effects models and generalised additive models. Results show lower literacy participants took longer to process sentential cues and made more attraction errors. These findings support usage-based research showing frequency and experience effects on online comprehension of canonical and non-canonical constructions (Farmer, T. A., Misyak, J. B., & Christiansen, M. H. (2012). Individual differences in sentence processing. In Cambridge handbook of psycholinguistics (pp. 353-364)., Street, Language Sciences 59:192–203, 2017), detection and production of agreement attraction errors (Becker, L., & Dąbrowska, E. (2020). Does experience with written language influence grammaticality intuitions? UK Cognitive Linguistics Conference: University of Birmingham [conference presentation].) and demonstrate how linguistic and attentional processes interact (Tomlin and Myachykov, Attention and salience, Handbook of Cognitive Linguistics, 2015). They also complement corpus-based studies by providing evidence that native speakers are sensitive to observed distributions (Miller et al., Spontaneous spoken language: Syntax and discourse, Oxford University Press on Demand, 1998).

On Process Discovery Experimentation

Process mining aims to derive insights into business processes from event logs recorded from information systems. Process discovery algorithms construct process models that describe the executed process. With the increasing availability of large-scale event logs, process discovery has shifted towards a data-oriented research discipline, aiming to design algorithms that are applicable and useful in practice. This shift has revealed a fundamental problem in process discovery research: Currently, contributions can only be considered in isolation. Researchers conduct experiments to show that they move the field forward, but due to a lack of reliability and validity, the individual contributions are hard to generalise. In this paper, we argue that one reason for these problems is the lack of conventions or standards for experimental design in process discovery. Hence, we propose “process discovery engineering”: a research methodology for process discovery, consisting of a shared terminology and a checklist for conducting experiments. We demonstrate its applicability by means of an example experimental evaluation of process discovery algorithms and discuss the implications of the methodology on the field. This paper is not meant to be prescriptive, but to invite and encourage the community to contribute to this discussion to advance the field as a whole.

Teacher Identity Discourses in Place—Exploring Discursive Resources in Pre-Service Teachers’ Constructions of Teacher Identity

This methodological article focuses on how to effectively map pre-service teachers’ use of discursive resources in professional identity production. By adopting a discourse analytical approach, this study views identity construction as a situational, real-time process occurring in interaction. The aim is to contribute knowledge about how to systematically map and analyze the resources that pre-service teachers use to construct their teacher identities during their education. Drawing on the framework of Mediated Discourse Analysis, this article presents a model that integrates two key concepts: discourse domains, which refer to the types of discourse commonly used in teacher education, and layers of discourse, which address societal levels in identity construction. The results suggest that using these concepts to map students’ use of discursive resources highlights how their knowledge of the teaching profession, their education and everyday experiences can be assets when constructing their teacher identities. While the model can be further refined and developed to better show the complexity of discursive resources in identity construction processes, it shows promise as a fruitful approach. By mapping and visualizing discursive resources through this model, this study offers valuable methodological insights into how to approach professional identity development among pre-service teachers.

Design and development of bridge erecting machine with small curve radius and bottom feeding beam.

As a key equipment in highway and railway construction, bridge erecting machines directly affect the feasibility, progress, and quality of project implementation. In order to solve the problem that traditional bridge building machines are only suitable for application scenarios with large turning radii and large lifting sites, and have low lifting efficiency, which cannot meet the requirements of urban elevated bridge construction, a small radius bottom feeding beam bridge building machine suitable for urban highway and railway construction is proposed. The feasibility and reliability were verified through force analysis and finite element analysis; Design a secondary turning structure and bridge construction process for the front leg, adjusting the turning angle to around 7°, significantly reducing the turning radius of the bridge building machine; Propose a technology for feeding and lifting beams at the bottom of dual-use bridge decks for highways and railways. By vertically lifting beams and slabs, the lifting space is significantly reduced and the lifting efficiency is improved. Finally, a small radius bottom feeding beam bridge erecting machine was developed and tested and applied. The results show that the small radius bottom feeding beam bridge erecting machine designed in this article reduces the turning radius of traditional bridge erecting machines from over 300m to about 80m, making it possible to carry out projects that were originally impossible, and solving the problem of elevated bridge construction in limited urban spaces.

Developing a construction waste management performance calculator for highway construction.

The generation of a substantial amount of construction waste (CW) poses significant challenges to the green transition of highway construction projects. However, the construction industry lacks integration of construction waste management (CWM) practices into the construction process. This paper aims to develop a calculation for assessing the performance of CWM to monitor its effectiveness in highway construction. Initially, this study utilizes the Site waste management plan (SWMP) as a foundation and develops a Construction Waste Management Performed Assessment Method (CWMPAM). The extension of CWM is incorporated into earned value management (EVM) to manage costs, schedules, and the performance of CWM within a unified framework. The functionality and sensitivity of CWMPAM and CWM-embedded EVM are validated through pilot testing and scenario analysis. The research results are computerized into a calculator to facilitate the practical application of CWM, and its validity is tested using random cases. CWMPAM and CWM-embedded EVM prove satisfactory in assessing and monitoring the execution and performance of CWM. The developed calculator simplifies the practical application of the outcomes. Essentially, the developed calculator represents a groundbreaking integration of CWM and construction management, enabling project managers to monitor and compare the CWM performance across different segments of highway construction. Not only does this contribute to the green transformation of highway projects, it also promotes high quality and sustainable development in the construction industry.

Preparation of viscosity-reducing polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) and its role in low water-to-cement ratio system

Owing to the low water-cement ratio (less than 0.25) of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) materials, the system exhibits increased viscosity, diminished slurry flow, and challenges in pouring during the construction process, which compromise its workability. Consequently, the development of highly efficient viscosity-reducing polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) is of paramount importance. In this study, we synthesized a series of viscosity-reducing polycarboxylate superplasticizers(JN-PCE) utilizing allyl polyethylene glycol ether (APEG), acrylic acid (AA), and sodium methallyl sulfonate (SMAS) as raw materials through the process of free radical polymerization. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were employed to characterize the materials. Subsequent evaluations of surface tension, fluidity, adsorption performance, and Marsh time demonstrated that these superplasticizers exhibited commendable dispersion and remarkable viscosity-reducing properties within a low water-cement ratio system. At a water-cement ratio of 0.18, the Marsh time of the JN-type PCE was reduced by 40% while maintaining the same fluidity, thereby underscoring the effective viscosity-reducing capabilities of the synthesized polycarboxylate superplasticizer.

Significance, gaps, and prospects of foresight – lessons from Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to explore some significance, gaps and prospects of foresight both for and as policy in planning and decision-making, as well as an instrument for enhancing the capacity of planners and decision makers in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study deploys a case study method deriving from the authors’ experience in conducting a series of foresight workshops and trainings in Indonesia. The workshops, which involved government officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Coordinating Ministry of Investment and Maritime Affairs (KemenkoMarves), were designed with two agendas. First, to apply foresight in the actual process of policy cascading for the formulation of the national long and mid-term development plan (Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Panjang Nasional (RPJPN) and Rencana embangunan Jangka Menengah Nasional (RPJMN)). Second, from the process itself, to improve the capacity of government officials in decision-making by using a more explorative method of planning. Findings The result shows that foresight proves to be a useful method that enables a more systematic exploration of events, trends and eventually drivers with which plausible future scenarios could be explored, thus leading to more adaptive policies. With regard to the prospect, foresight is seen as a more inclusive and participatory-based approach, which embraces a robust democratised process of policy construction. However, the practice is also challenging in its nature. Government officials have been prolongedly familiar with positivistic methods, hence considering the application of foresight as an endeavour of a new academic culture of planning, which requires them more time, resources and pondering. Research limitations/implications Considering the methodological prospect and the intrinsic uncertainty of the future, this paper argues the need to nurture planners and decision makers to have the capacity to design more adaptive policies as offered by explorative methods like foresight. Consequently, this is also a call for the Indonesian Government to recognise the significance of the method and to provide relevant institutional support for wider practice, or exploration at the least. However, as a note of limitation, the workshops were conducted only with government officials, thus the result should only represent the point of view of the public sector. Originality/value This paper contributes to the progress of foresight studies by presenting an original case study of the practice in Indonesia. The foresight workshops were facilitated by the authors, thus the insights brought in this paper derive from the first-hand experience of the authors. Moreover, as foresight is considered as a new endeavour in Indonesia, this paper helps provide a key novelty unfolding the reliability and prospect of foresight as an instrument for planning and decision-making.

Mechanism and optimization of sintered ultra-lightweight aggregates with sand washing slurry and red mud

Sand washing slurry, red mud, and waste sawdust are major solid wastes produced by the construction, mining, and wood processing industries, respectively. Their accumulation poses significant environmental hazards and results in substantial wastage of resources. This study utilized a novel rapid roasting method to prepare ultra-lightweight ceramsite aggregates (ULC) using sand washing slurry, red mud, and sawdust as raw materials. A new process for preparing ultra-lightweight clay aggregates (ULCA) utilizing waste sand washing sludge is proposed, achieving a utilization rate of the wash sand sludge exceeding 60%. Ultra-lightweight clay aggregates with a loose bulk density of 264.3 kg/m3 were produced. The influence of material formulation on the performance of ultra-lightweight clay aggregates was studied. The phase changes and expansion mechanism of the clay aggregates were revealed from microscopic and chemical perspectives. The synergistic effect of red mud and sawdust significantly enhanced the foaming effect of the ceramsite (i.e., porosity), reducing its loose bulk density while slowing the rate of strength reduction. Additionally, increasing the content of red mud and sawdust promoted ceramsite expansion. When the mass ratio of sand washing slurry, red mud, and sawdust was 29: 12: 1, with Fe2O3 content at 13% and sawdust content at 3%, preheating at 500°C for 5 minutes followed by roasting at 1150°C for 5 minutes produced ultra-lightweight ceramsite with a compressive strength of 1.7 MPa. This study provides a promising method for producing ULC from industrial solid wastes.

User-Centered Design of Architectural Models Adapted to Monolithic Structure Technology

Monolithic Structure Technology (MST) is a new construction process patented in Morocco, offering significant advantages in terms of durability, resilience, and energy efficiency. This technology enables the mass production of low-rise green buildings thanks to the design of a monolithic metal formwork with a high reuse rate for the bonding of the structure working mainly in compression. Unlike conventional approaches to construction, the architectural design and load-bearing structure are studied simultaneously from the formwork design phase, as the structure mobilizes its form to guarantee stability. The design of architectural models adapted to MST is therefore of paramount importance if we are to exploit the full potential of this innovative technology. In this context, we developed the most suitable designs for MST based on a user-centered approach by directly involving the presumed future operators through a structured questionnaire to identify their preferences.115 respondents were interviewed, and the results were analyzed and used to design 10 different models. We then complemented the design process with a neuro-architectural approach to optimize design factors (facades, levels and rooms, shape and openings, roof type, interior layout, green spaces, and materials). The 10 designed models were then used for a closed card sorting study, followed by another semi-structured interview. User preferences were synthesized and the optimum design for the Moroccan countryside was selected.

Research on digital twin technology and its application in intelligent operation and maintenance of high-speed railway infrastructure

PurposeThis paper analyzes the application of digital twin technology in the field of intelligent operation and maintenance of high-speed railway infrastructure from the perspective of top-level design.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a comprehensive overview of the definition, connotations, characteristics and key technologies of digital twin technology. It also conducts a thorough analysis of the current state of digital twin applications, with a particular focus on the overall requirements for intelligent operation and maintenance of high-speed railway infrastructure. Using the Jinan Yellow River Bridge on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway as a case study, the paper details the construction process of the twin system from the perspectives of system architecture, theoretical definition, model construction and platform design.FindingsDigital twin technology can play an important role in the whole life cycle management, fault prediction and condition monitoring in the field of high-speed rail operation and maintenance. Digital twin technology is of great significance to improve the intelligent level of high-speed railway operation and management.Originality/valueThis paper systematically summarizes the main components of digital twin railway. The general framework of the digital twin bridge is given, and its application in the field of intelligent operation and maintenance is prospected.

Reframing Authorship in Abiayala: Marisol Ceh Moo’s Novelistic Production and Authorial Construction

ABSTRACT This article considers the novelistic production of Yucatec Maya writer Marisol Ceh Moo and her process of authorial construction as a decolonizing Indigenous cultural intervention. By analyzing the content and impact of her novel X-Teya, u puksi’ik’al ko’olel/Teya, un corazón de mujer (Teya, a Woman’s Heart, 2009), this article elucidates how the adoption of a modern literary genre such as the novel and Indigenous authorial formation create a specific locus of enunciation that aligns with the resistance to cultural coloniality embedded in the heterogeneous Abiayala movement. Moreover, this research reveals the need to rethink the analytical categories that are part of the author theory when it comes to the study of contemporary Indigenous literatures in Latin America.

Introduction to the Tenetehar-Tembé psychology through the rites of construction of women leaders

The article discusses psychological practices and knowledge from the Tenetehar-Tembé (an Indigenous people who live on many riverside regions in the states of Pará and Maranhão, Brazil) tradition. Their rites and narratives carry processes of construction of women as leaders. We argue that, through the community processes of construction of the person, Tenetehar-Tembé women effectively become references for decision-making inside each community and in the articulation between their communities. That is, through the rites and narratives, women become more deeply engaged in caring for the people in their communities. Women are progressively recognized for these practices among families and villages, where they actively participate in productive and political activities. Indigenous psychology, therefore, broadens the understanding of the processes of construction of the woman leader devoting attention to how participating in rites and sharing Indigenous narratives constitute the experiential basis for people’s feelings, thoughts, and actions reflexively oriented in the communities.

Traditional and modern methods of construction: Comparative study of the sustainability of single‐family homes

AbstractModern construction methods, such as additive manufacturing, are aimed to enhance the efficiency and quality of construction processes while potentially reducing waste generation and material use, thus contributing to sustainability performance (SP). However, comprehensively understanding the sustainability trade‐offs associated with these methods is crucial for guiding both research and practical applications toward sustainable development. This study aims at quantifying the SP of various construction methods for housing, including traditional, prefabricated, and additive manufacturing approaches. A sustainability index, integrating economic, environmental, social, and technological criteria, is utilized to assess different alternatives. Findings reveal promising aspects of 3D printing technologies, such as potential cost reductions through scale increase and process optimization, minimized material waste generation, creation of skilled employment opportunities, and enhanced construction flexibility and ease. Nevertheless, challenges persist, notably significant greenhouse gas emissions and limited supplier availability. Addressing these challenges is imperative for advancing the sustainable implementation of additive manufacturing in construction.

Increased accessibility of computer-based testing for residency application to a hospital in Brazil with item characteristics comparable to paper-based testing: a psychometric study.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, online high-stakes exams have become a viable alternative. This study evaluated the feasibility of computer-based testing (CBT) for medical residency applications in Brazil and its impacts on item quality and applicants' access compared to paper-based testing. In 2020, an online CBT was conducted in a Ribeirao Preto Clinical Hospital in Brazil. In total, 120 multiple-choice question items were constructed. Two years later, the exam was performed as paper-based testing. Item construction processes were similar for both exams. Difficulty and discrimination indexes, point-biserial coefficient, difficulty, discrimination, guessing parameters, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were measured based on the item response and classical test theories. Internet stability for applicants was monitored. In 2020, 4,846 individuals (57.1% female, mean age of 26.64 ± 3.37 years) applied to the residency program, versus 2,196 individuals (55.2% female, mean age of 26.47 ± 3.20 years) in 2022. For CBT, there was an increase of 2,650 (120.7%) applicants, albeit with significant differences in demographic characteristics. There was a significant increase in applicants from more distant and lower-income Brazilian regions, such as the North (5.6% vs. 2.7%) and Northeast (16.9% vs. 9.0%). No significant differences were found in difficulty and discrimination indexes, point-biserial coefficients, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients between the 2 exams. Online CBT with multiple-choice questions was a viable format for a residency application exam, improving accessibility without compromising exam integrity and quality.

Model test study on the mechanical characteristics of shallowly buried covered excavation PBA station construction

The shallowly buried covered excavation PBA method is one of the new construction methods that has attracted widespread attention in the past 20 years. Understanding the deformation of strata and supporting structures is key to ensuring the safe construction of PBA stations at present. Relying on the Beijing Line 12 Beitaipingzhuang PBA subway station and based on the 1:40 model test, the production of similar materials for the model and the station excavation construction plan are introduced. According to the actual construction process of the station, the construction process of the two stations of the pile foundation and strip foundation stations are more realistic. The variations in the strata around the station and the station structure during the whole construction process are obtained. The test results show that the ground displacement of the station is most affected by the excavation of the pilot tunnel, accounting for more than two-thirds of the total displacement, and the ground within the range of 0–12 m around the station is greatly affected by the excavation disturbance during the actual construction process. By analyzing and comparing the ground displacements and the internal forces of the vertical bearing structure of the two types of stations, it is concluded that the pile foundation method is more advantageous for controlling ground displacement and the internal force of the structure. These test results improve design theory of the PBA method and are conducive to further promotion.