Construction Products Research Articles

Dynamic environmental payback of concrete due to carbonation over centuries

This research introduces a dynamic life cycle assessment (LCA) based carbonation impact calculator designed to enhance the environmental evaluation of cement-based construction products. The research emphasizes the limitations of static LCAs which fail to capture the time-dependent nature of carbon sequestration by carbonation.We provide an easy-to-use spreadsheet-based LCA carbonation model. The model is available in the supplementary information, and includes a suite of changeable parameters for exploring the effect of alternative environmental conditions and concrete block composition on carbonation. The tool enables use of both a static and dynamic LCA method to calculate the production emissions and carbonation sequestration of a concrete block over a 1000-year time horizon.Carbonation can partially mitigate initial production emissions and adjust radiative forcing over long periods. Using a static attributional LCA approach, carbonation sequesters 6 % of the CO2 generated from its production emissions. We describe the ratio of carbonation to production emissions as the partial “carbonation payback”, and with dynamic LCA show the variation of this ratio over time. Considering time by applying the dynamic LCA approach, we find this partial “carbonation payback” is split between uptake during the 60-year service life (0.13 kg CO2) and the 940-year end of life period (0.12 kg CO2) in our baseline case. Further scenario analyses illustrate the significant variability in carbonation payback, driven by environmental factors, cement composition, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials.The results highlight the critical role of modelling choices in estimating the carbonation payback. The carbonation calculator developed in this study offers a sophisticated yet user-friendly tool, providing both researchers and practitioners with the ability to dynamically model the sequestration potential of concrete, thereby promoting more sustainable construction practices.

Analysis and evaluation of factors affecting the motivation of construction workers

The characteristics of the construction works are the participation of many fields and many jobs with different requirements. Therefore, in construction projects, even when applying science, technology and automation, the construction workers also play an important role. The construction workers are the main force and directly perform the tasks of creating construction products. For desiring to improve the labor productivity in the construction industry, research on the construction workers is focused increasingly. This paper learns about the factors which affect the motivation of the construction workers. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to analyze and evaluate the affecting factors the work motivation of the construction workers. The ranking results of the factors show that the factors which are from the employer, have a strong impact on their work motivation. These factors are such as salary, bonus and welfare, labor management method, work discipline, regular job guarantee. They are factors with high weight and making decisive to the work motivation of the construction workers. Meanwhile, factors which are from employees, have less impact on their work motivation. This result is consistent with current reality.

Biobased Construction from Agricultural Crops: Paper 1 - A State of Play of Commercial Solutions in Europe

In response to environmental concerns and the global warming issue in particular there is a growing drive to decarbonise the building sector and transition it to more circular practices. Biobased construction materials, products and systems are an important low carbon and circular strategy as they can enable low to negative carbon construction and have strong circularity advantages notably being able to enter the bio cycle, using renewable, low to zero toxic resources and provide a range of other performance benefits, including moisture and vapour regulation. This novel research presents a unique state of play on the commercial application of biobased construction from selected agricultural crops, straw, miscanthus and hemp, focused on the European context. A desk-based review of known biobased material producers and manufacturers is undertaken, supplemented with semi structured interviews and site visits, to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector and detailed account of the types of biobased materials, products and systems that are being applied in buildings across Europe and beyond. The findings show that a diversity of agricultural crops are being utilised at different process, manufacture and construction technology levels, providing a range of tested and certified materials and products for application in mainly timber frame construction, but also some masonry solutions, and a growing number of modular systems. These operate in a diversity of supply chains and are being applied in a wide range of building types, both domestic and non-domestic, including multi story and complex buildings.

Robotic tower cranes with hardware-in-the-loop: Enhancing construction safety and efficiency

This paper presents a full suite of Robotic Tower Crane (RTC) technologies that can be seamlessly implemented on traditional saddle-jib tower cranes to boost the construction safety and productivity. The robotisation of tower cranes enables the RTC capabilities of automatic path planning for point-to-point movement, and dynamic obstacle avoidance with re-planning. While the former fast generates the RTC path based on decoupling of vertical and horizontal movements, the latter takes a ‘hoist-first’ approach to prioritise safety. A motion compensation algorithm is developed for multi-step speed control to achieve the exact displacement based on dynamically optimizing the time duration at each planned velocity. The implementation of the RTC system has demonstrated a comprehensive approach that combines laboratory simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and live demos for on-site deployment. A comparative performance and operational time study reveals the RTC's superior precision and consistency over human operators.

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Structural Ceramics Made from Aggregate Washing Sludge and Manganese Mining Waste.

The construction sector is presently among the most resource-intensive industries, driving a substantial body of research dedicated to the development of more sustainable materials to address these demands. A particularly promising approach within the framework of the circular economy is the repurposing of waste as a principal raw material for the creation of new construction products. Within this context, the primary aim of this study is to engineer ceramic materials for brick production using 100% waste-derived inputs, specifically aggregate washing sludge and manganese mining by-products. To evaluate the potential of these sustainable ceramic materials, an extensive investigation was conducted, encompassing both physical and mechanical testing, as well as a thorough characterisation of the waste inputs. For this purpose, a series of ceramic specimens were fabricated with varying proportions of mining residues and aggregate washing sludge, adhering to the conventional protocols employed in the manufacture of ceramic bricks. The results demonstrate that these sustainable ceramics exhibit a linear shrinkage reduction of up to 5% compared to traditional clay-based ceramics. Furthermore, they show water absorption levels-whether via capillarity, cold water, or hot water absorption-that are up to twice those observed in conventional clay ceramics, while maintaining comparable density values. This increased absorption, however, correlates with a reduction in mechanical strength at higher concentrations of manganese waste, yet the material continues to meet the minimum strength requirements as specified by industry standards for such products. In conclusion, this research introduces a novel, sustainable ceramic material that not only reduces economic and environmental costs but also adheres to the required performance criteria for construction applications.

Factors for improving productivity in the New Zealand residential construction sector

Purpose The New Zealand (NZ) construction industry significantly impacts the country's economy and is one of the largest sectors in terms of total employment. However, a persistent and pressing need for improvement exists. Meeting the ongoing demand for housing and urban development requires enhancing residential construction productivity. The purpose of this paper is to determine what factors improve construction productivity in the NZ residential construction sector. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from construction industry bodies using a semi-structured online questionnaire survey. From 305 online questionnaires administered, 106 samples were completed by residential industry construction professionals across NZ. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to establish the importance of empirical factors for improving construction productivity in the NZ residential construction sector. Findings The Garrett ranking technique revealed this study's top five factors for enhancing construction productivity: adequate design, communication, quality management (QM), supervision and organizational training. Other factors, such as unskilled workers, skilled workers, reworks and employee motivation, ranked less important. Research limitations/implications While providing a valuable exploration of factors that can positively impact residential construction productivity in NZ, this study contains certain limitations. The study's focus on a specific geographic location and a small sample size (n = 106) may restrict the generalizability of its findings to other regions or countries. Furthermore, the reliance on self-reported data from industry professionals introduces the possibility of bias or inaccuracies in the results. In addition, this study did not investigate the potential influence of external factors, such as economic conditions or regulatory changes, on residential construction productivity. Despite these limitations, this study presents a foundation for future research on this topic. Future research could address these limitations by conducting multi-country studies and using objective productivity measures to provide a broader context. In addition, open-ended questions could be used to collect more detailed qualitative data, enhancing this study's dependability. This methodological constraint could have omitted important experiential nuances, which could be explored in future research to provide more comprehensive and rigorous findings. Practical implications Research studies indicate that several construction productivity factors have remained unchanged for over three decades (Arditi and Mochtar, 1996; Hasan et al., 2018). The implications of this study are significant for the residential sector in NZ. By identifying the key factors that can improve productivity in the sector, such as complete design and specifications, effective communication, quality management, adequate supervision, training, skilled labour and employee motivation, this study provides valuable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers. It expands the existing productivity literature around factors for improving NZ residential construction productivity. One important implication of this study is the link between QM and improved productivity, highlighting the significance of strategic organizational investments in QM and the added opportunity presented to policymakers concerning industry-wide improvements. Moreover, the findings suggest that investing in worker training is essential. Ensuring workers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks efficiently can enhance productivity and project outcomes. In conclusion, this study's findings emphasize the factors that can improve construction productivity in residential projects in NZ, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for all stakeholders. Originality/value This research offers a unique perspective on improving residential construction productivity in NZ by identifying and analysing specific factors that can enhance efficiency across the sector. It provides novel findings and valuable insight into possible organizational improvement strategies yet considered in the NZ residential sector.

Tuning viscoelasticity and stiffness in bioprinted hydrogels for enhanced 3D cell culture: A multi-scale mechanical analysis

Bioprinted hydrogels are extensively studied to provide an artificial matrix for 3D cell culture. The success of bioprinting hydrogels relies on fine-tuning their rheology and composition to achieve shear-thinning behavior. However, a challenge arises from the limited viscoelastic and stiffness range accessible from a single hydrogel formulation. Nevertheless, hydrogel mechanical properties are recognized as essential cues influencing cell phenotype, migration, and differentiation. Thus, it is crucial to develop a system to easily modulate bioprinted hydrogels' mechanical behaviors.In this work, we modulated the viscoelastic properties and stiffness of bioprinted hydrogels composed of fibrinogen, alginate, and gelatin by tuning the crosslinking bath solution. Various concentrations of calcium ionically crosslinked alginate, while transglutaminase crosslinked gelatin. Subsequently, we characterized the mechanical behavior of our bioprinted hydrogels from the nanoscale to the macroscale. This approach enabled the production of diverse bioprinted constructs, either with similar elastic behavior but different elastic moduli or with similar elastic moduli but different viscoelastic behavior from the same hydrogel formulation.Culturing fibroblasts in the hydrogels for 33 days revealed a preference for cell growth and matrix secretion in the viscoelastic hydrogels. This work demonstrates the suitability of the method to decouple the effects of material mechanical from biochemical composition cues on 3D cultured cells.

Bond line shear strength of structural wood adhesives at high temperatures up to wood carbonization – A classification approach

The European timber fire design code EN 1995-1-2 presently specifies that adhesives for timber construction products shall provide integrity throughout the intended fire exposure time, yet no test or requirement specifications are given. Contrary, in North America elevated temperature tests are mandatory and product standards for glued and cross laminated timber demand sufficient bond line shear strength up to 220 °C. This paper deals with block shear compression tests at ambient and elevated temperatures for development of a high temperature resistance classification system for structural wood adhesives. The investigations comprised 1200 specimens made from Norway spruce bonded with twelve brands from five adhesive families. Polycondensation (pcon) resins encompassed phenolic resorcinol formaldehyde, melamine urea formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde adhesives. Polyaddition (padd) adhesives comprised five one-component polyurethanes and an emulsion polymer isocyanate. The focus was on the strength-temperature (fv-T) relationship of bonded and solid wood reference specimens at 180–270 °C. The pcon adhesives showed almost throughout a fv-T relationship close to solid wood up to 270 °C. Contrary, the padd adhesives revealed massive strength degradations vs. solid wood from 180 °C onwards. An adhesive test, evaluation and classification procedure with four classes T270 to T200 was derived. It is based on a comparison of the temperature-dependent shear strength decline in bonded samples vs. solid wood reference samples beyond 180 °C. Class T270 adhesives are proposed being suited for the linear charring model of EN 1995-1-2 as PRF adhesives without additional fire resistance testing of components deemed necessary today.

Effect of box beam wall thickness on the stiffness of the camphor wood timber bridge truss

Bridges are vital for community development, and wood is a primary material due to its environmental benefits. However, wood’s moisture absorption can cause swelling and shrinkage, and low-density wood tends to have lower strength. The moment of inertia of a box beam is related to wall thickness and stiffness. Insufficient wall thickness can lead to plastic retention before peak load, reducing structural integrity. Thin walls can cause buckling under compressive loads, leading to failure. Truss bridge failures can also result from design errors. This study aims to analyze the effect of box beam wall thickness on the stiffness of camphor wood timber bridge trusses. Camphor wood with a cross-sectional area of 1,600 mm2 was used, with box beams of dimensions 45×45 mm (12 mm wall), 50×50 mm (10 mm wall), 58×58 mm (8 mm wall), and a solid beam of 40×40 mm (20 mm wall). Physical tests showed the wood’s specific gravity at 0.506 g/cm3 and moisture content at 12.47 %. The highest peak load was 19.613 kN for the BB.58.58.8 variation, which also had the greatest stiffness at 3.502 kN/mm. The BB.58.58.5 variation had the largest moment of inertia at 683,733 mm4 compared to the solid beam SB.40.40.20 at 213,333 mm4. The BB.45.45.12 sample had a t/D ratio 1.93 times larger than BB.58.58.8, indicating a more flexible structure with lower stiffness. This is confirmed by experimental results, showing that BB.45.45.12 had a stiffness 1.73 times lower than BB.58.58.8. Theoretical calculations also showed that BB.45.45.12 had a stiffness 2.03 times smaller than BB.58.58.8. Thus, the t/D ratio is inversely proportional to stiffness. This research contributes valuable insights for developing engineered wood products in construction and bridge design, particularly for village bridges in Indonesia

Exploring innovative resilient and sustainable bio-materials for structural applications: Hemp-fibre concrete

Traditional construction is no longer practical in the modern competitive sustainability market, and growing urbanisation demands are paralleled by heightening concerns over the depletion of natural resources. Abundant renewability is offered in agriculture products for construction. A successful prototype is in the use of natural fibre, e.g., the commercially available hemp fibre (HF). Hemp is a widely accessible plant with flexible and sustainable cultivation processes possessing a positive carbon sequestration effect. HF possesses superior physio-mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength and excellent insulation capacity. The barrier to broader adoption lies in the nonuniformity inherent to natural materials and deficiencies imposed in using HF for composites, such as heightened permeability and slow setting, presenting engineering challenges that limit the suitability of HF to hydraulic mortars for non-structural applications. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of existing hemp fibre-reinforced concrete (HFRC) experiments towards identifying structural potential in various cementitious binders. In experimenting different arrangements of hemp in concrete, positive outcomes include increased flexural capacity, however, a loss in compressive strength and higher permeability are reported.

Local buckling behaviour of Q690 high strength steel press-braked elliptical hollow section stub columns: Testing, numerical modelling, and design

This paper presents comprehensive investigations on the local bucking behaviour of Q690 high strength steel (HSS) press-braked elliptical hollow section (EHS) stub columns subject to concentric compression experimentally. In comparison with conventional hot-finished EHS or cold-rolled EHS, the press-braked EHS provides high precision, great construction productivity and the fabricated geometries are not limited to production assembly instrumentation. HSS press-braked EHS fabricated through press-braking process was expected to exhibit distinct behaviour compared with their counterparts constructed from the conventional fabrication routes. Well-understanding of their performance at the levels of material, and cross-section level is essential. Material properties were obtained through tensile coupon tests. Residual stresses in both membrane and bending types were measured and recorded and their impact on structural performance was also assessed. Initial local geometric imperfection measurements were conducted for all the specimens. In conjunction with experimental studies, the finite element (FE) models of Q690 HSS press-braked EHS stub columns were developed. The accuracy of the FE model for HSS press-braked EHS stub column was asserted by comparing the numerical predictions with the tested results. An extensive parametric study was conducted to generate structural performance data with a wider range of cross-section slenderness to complement the test data bank. The cross-section classification for conventional CHS codified in existing standards and the proposed slenderness limits by various researchers were evaluated. The existing slenderness limits cannot be extended to HSS press-braked EHS investigated in this study, a new slenderness limit is proposed. Moreover, the advanced design approaches of Direct Strength Method (DSM) and Continuous Strength Method (CSM) were assessed for their applicability to the cross-section resistance predictions of the examined EHS stub columns.

Tactics for Creating Tree Bank for Community Environment and Household Economy in Thailand

This article aimed to present strategies for creating a tree bank. Activities in tree bank plots for sustainable community environmental management and raising the household economy according to the new economic model were studied. The research area is a community that has successfully managed a tree bank and has been praised as a model in 3 regions, including 3 locations: Ban Tham Suea tree bank in Phetchaburi province, Khao Chakan agroforestry tree bank in Sa Kaeo province and Ban Khlong Ruea tree bank in Chumphon province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Group interviews were conducted and tree survey plots in the field were prepared. Committee members of the Tree Bank and representatives of the 3 Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), 11 people each, totaling 33 people were purposive sampling. Content analysis and the abundance of plant species were analyzed using the Menhinick (1964). The research results showed that the strategy for creating a tree bank involved group forming of household members with their own land by planting trees in agroforestry plots. The group acquire wood as an asset and use trees as collateral to guarantee loans from financial institutions that are guaranteed by the state. Environmental activities were organized by planting trees of at least 25 perennial trees per rai. 58 plant species as specified by the BAAC were chosen. Nourish the soil with compost made from scraps of leaves and branches. The richness index (R2) analysis showed that the abundance of tree species in all plots was at a high level (R2 =2.5-4.5). In terms of upgrading the household economy, knowledge of the production of firewood and burn charcoal, wood vinegar from trees, wood processing for house construction and furniture products was disseminated by the tree bank by organizing learning center and eco-tourism. Collaborative networks with organizations and educational institutions were built in order to use the tree bank for sustainable development.

The impact of heat and humidity changes on laboratory acoustic measurements through perturbation method

The paper relates to the determination of the influence of changes in temperature and relative humidity on the laboratory acoustic measurements results. A series of direct reverberation time measurements was carried out, applying different thermal and humidity conditions in the empty reverberation chamber and reverberation chamber with a sound absorber. The reverberation chamber is mainly used to tests aimed at assessment construction materials and products. The results of acoustic measurements and the related classification of construction materials and products ultimately translate into the comfort and acoustic quality of rooms with special requirements as well as living rooms. Based on the analysis of the results, the significance of the problem related to the influence of air parameters on the results of measurements was demonstrated. The effect of changes in temperature and humidity on the results of calculating the equivalent sound absorbing surface was estimated using the n-perturbation method.

A comprehensive approach for assessing the causes of low productivity in the construction sector: a systematic categorization and ranking using Pareto and Fuzzy analysis

Implementing a comprehensive and globally adaptable assessment approach for causes of low construction productivity has proven to be a contemporary challenge. This prevails since the factors influencing the construction industry vary significantly by geographic region and operational characteristics. Hence, substantial research on this topic has restricted its scope to a particular location without a comprehensive global categorization. Furthermore, much of this research has neglected the influence of subjectivity in the stakeholder response evaluations. To address these shortcomings, this study provides a unique assessment of the construction context initiated by a systematic review of 130 studies published worldwide over the previous 32 years. The 915 unique factors from this systematic review were then categorized into regional and productivity dimensions through Pareto and Frequency analysis techniques. The regional categorization encompassed nine distinct regions spanning the world, while the productivity component encompassed a set of 14 distinctive benchmarks that characterize productivity in the construction industry. These sorted factors were then adapted in the Sri Lankan context as a pilot study through a cross-sectional survey including 117 stakeholders. The following Fuzzy analysis allowed the mitigation of the ambiguity of these survey responses while ranking the factors based on a calculated importance index while also considering the interdependence of the introduced benchmarks. Ultimately, the employed assessment approach for identifying and ranking factors contributing to low construction productivity in this study is proposed as globally adaptable with its successful incorporation of subjective evaluation.

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

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

Kontribusi Nilai Islam Pada Program Instalasi Pengelolaan Air Limbah Berbasis Masyarakat Di Lingkungan 01 Kelurahan Tanah Seribu

Disposal of waste water which is a basic sterilization to oblige the kitchen to waste water and other waste. Seepage water drainage channels are very important, because waste water drainage channels can also limit the spread of disease to the local area. The aim of this research is to see the contribution of Islamic values ​​to the community-based wastewater management installation program in the 01 Tanah Seribu Village environment. This research uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. Results of research on Islamic quality commitment to regional-based water waste by implementers of climate development programs in Tanah Seribu District 01, with details: 1) Viability is considered not yet ideal because the implementation of water content quality testing is not optimal because it does not pay attention to needs and the KPP's lack of attention to support WWTP. 2) The productivity of IPAL construction is considered large because it receives financial assistance from the APBN. However, functional expenditure is not yet ideal due to low regional support. 3) The arrangement should be ideal considering that the benefits of the program are mostly felt by the local area. 4) Adequacy is ideal because the IPAL program has many benefits. 5) Responsiveness regarding public reactions is considered certain, but open attitudes are still lacking. 6) Precision is not in accordance with Islamic qualities because there is no public awareness, but it is considered ideal because it tends to be the answer to the defeat of the water waste problem. Based on Islamic values, it can be concluded that the IPAL program in Environment 01, Tanah Seribu Subdistrict is in line with Islamic values ​​as seen in terms of environmental cleanliness which is increasingly maintained. However, on the other hand, community participation is still less than optimal in being responsible for protecting and preserving the environment.

Additive Construction Production: Past, Present, Future

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

Implementasi Building Information Modeling (BIM) terhadap Mutual Check 100 pada Pekerjaan Struktur Proyek Rusun Asrama Polisi Pingit Yogyakarta

Along with the development of Industry 4.0 technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as an innovation in planning, designing, and executing construction projects. BIM is a technological concept with methods and workflows based on project work information, all integrated into a digital model, which is then translated into a three-dimensional representation to enhance building design and construction productivity. In the Police Dormitory Apartment Project in Pingit, the need for quick and accurate calculations, cost projections, and volume of structural work is crucial. This can be easily realized through the application of Tekla Structures Building Information Modeling (BIM). It is expected that there will be a clear depiction of how BIM-based construction technology can be effectively utilized in this project. The method used is the BIM method with Tekla as the supporting software. From this modeling, it was found that the total cost of foundation work had a cost difference of IDR 19.973.729,42, which is 1,63%; the total cost of pedestal column work had a cost difference of IDR 13,713,600.03, which is 6,37%; and the total cost of sloof work had a cost difference of IDR 14.423.328,99, which is 6,06%. The total cost difference for all structural work on the foundation, sloof, and pedestal column was IDR 48.110.658,44, which is 2.86%. This suggests that the cost calculations using Tekla Structures are smaller compared to the MC100 work quantity.

Prioritization of the barriers to integrated modular buildings (IMBs) in developing countries: Nigerian construction professionals’ perspectives

Integrated modular building (IMBs) enhance construction performance, quality, and productivity. However, in developing economies, adoption is impeded by challenges that hinder efficiency and sustainability. The study investigated and prioritized the barriers associated with IMBs through purposive sampling of experienced construction professionals in IMBs. Of the various statistical analyses, the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) indicated that perception-related barriers are the most significant barrier to IMBs, among other barriers, namely skill-related, cost-related, technical-related, and regulation-related. The study holds significant implications for construction stakeholders to intensify efforts in addressing the identified barriers and raising awareness to facilitate more IMBs adoption. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies aligned with these priorities to effectively address these barriers. Furthermore, enhancing awareness and implementing targeted interventions are crucial steps towards promoting IMBs and advancing sustainability in the construction sector. Additionally, the prioritization of the barriers gives a logical order of required actions for construction stakeholders.

Research on the Development of New-Quality Productivity to Promote Digital Rural Construction under the Background of Rural Revitalization Strategy

With the continuous improvement of China's economic level, the main social contradictions have shifted, and people's demand for a better life has been rising. On one hand, for rural residents, the desire to build beautiful villages, achieve modern rural development, and narrow the urban-rural gap has become increasingly strong. On the other hand, the continuous progress of the digital economy and digital technology has brought new changes to rural development. How to utilize digital technology to promote the development of new-quality productivity in rural areas and promote rural revitalization has become a new era issue. Digital rural construction is the only way for further rural development and modernization. Therefore, relevant research on digital rural development is of great significance. Against the backdrop of the digital technology revolution, new-quality productivity represents the deep integration of technology and production and is the core driving force of the modernization process. It not only changes the development model of industry and services but also deeply penetrates the agricultural and rural fields, providing strong support for digital rural construction. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pays special attention to the "three rural" issues (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers), emphasizing the importance of "three rural" work in the new era. Digital rural construction, in this context, is endowed with special strategic significance. New-quality productivity, centered on technological innovation, opens up a new path for agricultural modernization development. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of digital rural construction, from its core concepts, existing problems to the exploration of practical paths, has certain theoretical and practical significance for understanding the actual role of new-quality productivity in the agricultural and rural areas. In light of this, this paper aims to explore the application of new-quality productivity in digital rural construction, analyze its transformation logic in rural development, address key issues in digital rural construction, and play a specific role in practical paths, providing theoretical support and suggestions for relevant policy formulation and implementation.