Construction Sector Research Articles

Examining the challenges impeding the utilization of construction materials with lower embodied carbon in the construction sector

ABSTRACT This paper aimed at determining the barriers preventing the extensive utilization of innovative materials in the construction sector. As a way of providing clear understanding of the complex interrelationship between the barriers, the literature review was supplemented by an expert-based survey to determine the barriers, whereas the hierarchical structure between the barriers was analyzed using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach. Based on the outcome of the level partitioning of the ISM approach, it was found out that “reluctance to take responsibility for embodied carbon reduction (B14) was partitioned at the 8th level indicating that it is the most highly prioritized barrier considered to be the most crucial in preventing the use of low-carbon building materials in the construction industry. The paper produces vital knowledge and evidence that could be applied to encourage more sustainable construction practices by the wide adoption of alternative construction materials with lower embodied carbon in the construction sector. The implications inferred based on the findings of this paper seek to suggest remedies, strategies, and actions that could help to overcome the undesirable impact of the barriers that affect the utilization of low-carbon building materials, particularly amongst prominent stakeholders of construction projects.

Exploring the Role of quality management practices (QMS) in mitigating Construction Failures and building collapse

The construction industry in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to frequent building collapses, highlighting the necessity for robust Quality Management Systems (QMS). This study investigates the current state of QMS adoption and its effectiveness in mitigating building failures. Despite the recognised importance of QMS, the industry shows a low adoption rate, with only 34.8% of firms holding ISO certification and 60.9% lacking formal QMS frameworks. A significant barrier identified is insufficient top management support, impacting 71.4% of the companies surveyed. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review and a survey of 22 industry stakeholders across major Nigerian cities. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of QMS practices, highlighting the critical role of management commitment, communication, and training in enhancing quality outcomes. The research fills a gap by providing a holistic analysis of QMS issues across different regions, which have been previously understudied. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and standardised practices to ensure consistent quality management. The study contributes to the international discourse on construction quality by emphasising systemic improvements rather than merely technical fixes. It calls for further research into region-specific challenges and broader adoption of formal QMS practices to improve safety and reliability in Nigeria's construction sector.

Remixing our cities – current research on circularity in the construction sector

The European Green Deal is aiming for a transition from the current linear economic model to a much more sustainable and resource-efficient circular model. Since the construction industry is responsible for 37% of Europe-wide waste, it will be a key sector for the successful implementation of this goal. However, we can currently find many sector-specific challenges slowing the pace. On the one hand, the complexity of the sector and the multiplicity of actors involved. On the other hand, the dichotomy between the immanent uncertainty that lies within all reuse strategies and an ever-rising pressure for an increased technical performance respectively liability exclusion of building components. A successful transformation of the construction industry towards a circular economy would hence require changes throughout the whole life cycle of the building stock, an extensive and comprehensive exchange of information and the implementation of strategies for dealing with uncertainties. This includes also the development of new construction standards, which in turn can be expected to have an influence on the resulting architectural design. The focus of this paper is to present two current research projects on these topics, with a focus on the potential implications and future fields of action for designing architects.

Comparative analysis of Environmental Impact of Each Building Material using Life Cycle assessment(LCA)_Focusing on Types of Construction Wood and Concrete

Objectives:The construction sector is a very important sector in achieving carbon neutrality. In modern society, construction has grown rapidly, and basic materials such as cement and concrete have contributed greatly to the development of construction. These materials emit a large amount of global warming substances during the raw material extraction and production process, causing serious environmental pollution. In order to establish a carbon reduction strategy to slow down global warming, we compared the environmental impacts of each building material and showed the current situation.Methods:The LCI DB for the construction materials used in the two-story wooden house (Building area 128.67m2, total floor area 235.73m2) located in the National Institute of Forest Science was extracted. Then, the data for LCA was processed and performed through the life cycle assessment methodology for the resources consumed from raw material collection, material production, and transportation stages. Then, based on the environmental performance labeling impact assessment method, a study was conducted on the environmental impact categories of the actual construction materials used and comparisons with other construction materials.Results and Discussion:When analyzing the environmental impact of concrete [25-21-120] and construction wood used in wooden house, the environmental impact was found to be 98.79% higher on average in the pre-manufacturing stage than in the manufacturing stage, and construction wood was confirmed to have a reduction effect of 62.21 kg CO2-eq per 1 m3 compared to concrete. Through the scenario, there was a carbon reduction effect of up to 36% when the entire area was replaced with wood. In addition, the environmental impact by major construction material was quantitatively quantified.Conclusion:When building a wooden house, reducing the amount of concrete equivalent to the amount of wood is expected to have a greenhouse gas reduction effect, so it is time to activate construction wood from the production process to the post-production stage to replace concrete. In addition, follow-up research on the development of construction technology with low environmental impact during construction should be continued. This study is expected to be used as a useful indicator for R&D and policies in the construction field in the future, as it quantitatively quantified the amount of CO2 reduction per m3 when replacing concrete with construction wood and numerically compared and analyzed six major environmental impact categories by major construction materials.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative: A comparative study of the China investment in construction sector in Southeast Asia

This study investigates the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the construction sector in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Qualitative research approach is used to analyze the implications of Chinese investments in these countries, exploring both the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese investors. Key research questions address the resilience of the construction sector, the obstacles encountered by investors, and the influence of policy on the construction business. Through interviews with CEOs and senior managers of major construction companies and a review of relevant documents, the study uncovers the economic and geopolitical motivations behind China’s BRI strategy. The findings reveal significant insights into the benefits and drawbacks of BRI financing, providing recommendations for overcoming challenges and leveraging future opportunities in Southeast Asian construction sectors.

Unleashing the Power of Civil Society: Examining the Impact of the Saudi Green Building Forum in Advancing Eco-friendly Construction in Saudi Arabia

This paper delves into the role of civil society in propelling green building practices, one key to a sustainable future. It focuses on the Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) “in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, since 2017” as a case study that illuminates how civil society organizations contribute to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity in the construction sector. The concept of green building is traced from its origins through its global development, explicitly emphasizing notable examples from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Saudi Arabia. The paper reassures the audience by outlining the unique and robust alignment of SGBF’s initiatives and its support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring its commitment to global sustainability. The study presents a descriptive analysis based on desktop research, illustrating the transformative impact of civil society in promoting sustainable construction practices through the SGBF. Key aspects covered include the historical evolution of the green building movement, successful implementations of green building standards, and the activation of civil society institutions and organizations in driving sustainability. The paper showcases SGBF’s strategies and projects as exemplary models of civil society’s contribution to greening the built environment and fostering a sustainable future in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The objective is to inspire by highlighting civil society’s far-reaching impact on the construction sector’s environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

Comprehensive Analysis of Implementing Robotics in the Indian Construction Industry

Implementing robotics in the Indian construction industry presents a significant opportunity to address longstanding challenges such as labour shortages, project delays, safety concerns, and quality inconsistencies. As India's urbanization accelerates, the demand for faster, safer, and more efficient construction processes is growing. This comprehensive analysis explores the potential benefits, obstacles, and strategies associated with adopting robotics in India’s construction sector. Key drivers include increasing automation trends, government initiatives like "Make in India," and the global shift toward smart infrastructure. However, challenges such as high initial investment, a fragmented industry structure, and the need for skilled operators and technicians could hinder widespread adoption. The analysis also highlights the role of robotics in enhancing productivity, reducing construction costs, and improving worker safety through a cost-benefit analysis, ultimately paving the way for more sustainable and advanced construction methodologies in India.

State strategy of labor safety and ways of establishing a risk assessment system in the construction sector

State strategy of labor safety and ways of establishing a risk assessment system in the construction sector

The transition towards a sustainable circular economy through life cycle assessment in the building and construction sector: a review and bibliometric analysis.

Transitioning to a circular economy is indispensable for the construction industry to achieve sustainable development goals. Understanding trends, gaps, and opportunities in life cycle assessment (LCA) for adopting a circular economy is critical. This study investigates the development of publications, identifies the most effective documents, authors, and countries, and highlights critical issues, knowledge axes, active research areas, and knowledge gaps. The study screened 196 out of 280 articles from the Scopus database and conducted a bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Document clustering analysis identified the main research domains, and thematic classifications of knowledge areas and axes were provided. Additionally, development opportunities and knowledge gaps were identified through a full-text analysis of selected articles. The results show an increase in publications post-2017, with key research clusters including "Critical consideration," "Circular building component," "Building material," "Design for disassembly," "Integrated load match analysis," "Adaptive reuse project," "Data bank," "Prospective life cycle assessment," "Investment decision," and "Environmental comparison." Over 60% of the documents propose circular design solutions, end-of-life strategies, and alternative materials, while more than 80% focus solely on the environmental aspect. Only 4.6% develop integrated indicators, 2.5% automate LCA, 2.1% compile life cycle inventory databases, and 2% consider the social dimension. The findings emphasize the need to develop integrated indicators, methods, life cycle inventory databases, and automation tools based on integrated platforms and emerging technologies like building information modeling. This research identifies current knowledge gaps, suggests future research directions, and enhances understanding of how to make LCA more compatible with the circular economy.

Uranium Mill Tailings Generation and Management Challenges

Uranium mining has been ongoing for the past 200 years, yet managing uranium waste remains a significant challenge. This difficulty arises due to strict regulations imposed on uranium-related industries, driven by the assumed health risks associated with radiation. As a result, much of the waste generated by nuclear industries is currently stored. In India, uranium mining and milling waste is stored that require large tracts of land and continuous monitoring. Given the high value of land in India and the potential expansion of uranium mining to meet net-zero emission targets, an effective solution for managing uranium mill tailings is urgently needed. Meanwhile, India's construction sector is rapidly growing that require a huge quantity of materials. This paper reviewed the history of uranium mining and mill tailings generation and propose that the construction industry could effectively utilize these tailings. This approach not only addresses resource scarcity but also promotes environmental sustainability by conserving natural resources, reducing ecological imbalances, and advancing a circular economy.

Procurement contract risks management and the performance of force account construction projects in Tanzania: does the regulatory framework matter?

Purpose The construction sector plays a vital role in the economic progress of every nation, including Tanzania. Notwithstanding its significance, the industry experiences poor performance. This study aims to assess the impact of procurement contract risk management on the performance of force account (FA) construction projects, using a regulatory framework as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach The cross-sectional research design was used, and data was collected by using a structured questionnaire. The study employed a sample size of 318 respondents to analyse data by using partial least square structural modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings revealed that supply risk management, procurement internal control system and procurement contract administration influence the performance of FA construction projects. Additionally, the study confirms that the regulatory framework strengthens the relationship between the procurement internal control system and procurement contract administration with the performance of FA construction projects. Therefore, procurement contract risk management, as moderated by the regulatory framework, plays a significant role towards the performance of FA construction projects. Practical implications These findings have significant implications for practitioners and policymakers involved in FA construction projects in the public sector, as they highlight the importance of procurement contract risk management in achieving the successful performance of FA construction projects. Originality/value This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about the performance of construction projects, especially those under the FA procurement. It also contributes to the literature on public construction projects in developing countries.

IoT—A Promising Solution to Energy Management in Smart Buildings: A Systematic Review, Applications, Barriers, and Future Scope

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology is crucial for improving energy efficiency in smart buildings, which could minimize global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. IoT applications use numerous sensors to integrate diverse building systems, facilitating intelligent operations, real-time monitoring, and data-informed decision-making. This critical analysis of the features and adoption frameworks of IoT in smart buildings carefully investigates various applications that enhance energy management, operational efficiency, and occupant comfort. Research indicates that IoT technology may decrease energy consumption by as much as 30% and operating expenses by 20%. This paper provides a comprehensive review of significant obstacles to the use of IoT in smart buildings, including substantial initial expenditures (averaging 15% of project budgets), data security issues, and the complexity of system integration. Recommendations are offered to tackle these difficulties, emphasizing the need for established processes and improved coordination across stakeholders. The insights provided seek to influence future research initiatives and direct the academic community in construction engineering and management about the appropriate use of IoT technology in smart buildings. This study is a significant resource for academics and practitioners aiming to enhance the development and implementation of IoT solutions in the construction sector.

Supply chain resilience in the construction industry: a bibliometric review on operations management practices from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore supply chain resilience and operations management practices in the construction industry, with a particular focus on the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. The study addressed a significant gap in the literature regarding the impact of these advanced technologies on the construction sector’s ability to anticipate, respond to and recover from disruptions.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology employed a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database to identify key trends, influential publications and emerging research areas using keywords such as “supply chain”, “operations management”, “Industry 4.0”, “Industry 5.0” and “construction”. This approach allowed for a quantitative evaluation of existing literature, offering insights into the intellectual structure of the field.FindingsThe findings revealed that while Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT and AI, have enhanced the construction industry’s supply chain visibility and efficiency, the shift towards the Industry 5.0 paradigm introduces a human-centric approach that further strengthens resilience through collaboration and sustainability.Practical implicationsThe study’s practical implications suggest to both industry and academia that embracing Industry 5.0 principles could significantly enhance the construction industry’s resilience, enabling it to withstand disruptions better and maintain project quality, timelines, and budgets in an increasingly complex global environment.Originality/valueThis research examines the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 within construction supply chains, offering a novel perspective on integrating these technologies.

3D Printing with Self-Healing Materials and Applications

3D printing also called as the additive manufacturing. It is revolutionizing various industries by enabling the production of complex objects directly from digital models. This technology offers significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. Especially in reducing material waste and increased design flexibility. The range of 3D printing application contains healthcare to aerospace, reflecting its growing importance in modern society. Recently, 3D printing advancements have introduced in self-healing (SH) materials, it saved limitations related to the durability and repairability of printed objects. SH materials are categorized into external and internal systems. External SH materials use embedded healing agents that repair damage through chemical reactions, while internal systems rely on dynamic bonding within the material itself. This innovation not only extends the functional life of 3D printed items but also supports trends in mass customization and sustainability. This paper explores the mechanisms, types, and applications of SH materials in 3D printing, and mainly focus on their potential to enhance product longevity and functionality across medical, construction, and consumer goods sectors.

Potential for material valorization of composites (glass fiber in polyester resin) in concrete: performance evaluation on mortar

IntroductionGlass fibers with polyester resin structural composites are highly sought after in many sectors such as transportation industries, thanks to their low density and fairly good mechanical properties. However, their end-of-life management is not yet satisfactory. Composites mostly end in energy recovery in the best-case scenario or, worse, in landfills. Transformation into shreds and powders for reuse as a new source of raw material for the construction sector (concrete) is an economically and environmentally attractive recovery solution. The present study investigates the development of a concrete filled with glass/polyester composite shreds.MethodsTo this end, rheological (cone spread) and physico-mechanical (density and mechanical strength in flexion and compression) characterization tests were carried out. Several mix designs were tested in order to understand the impact of introducing composite shreds as a substitute for sand. Composite shreds were introduced in the following ratios by volume: 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 7% with water and cement ratio equal to 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7.Results and discussionThe results obtained indicate that workability decreases with the substitution of sand by shreds. For a substitution of sand by shreds of 2%, it is relatively small, and the pouring of the mortar is still feasible. The decrease can be attributed to the water absorption of the composite shreds. Concerning mechanical results, for formulations with a substitution percentage of composite shreds lower than 3%, the mechanical strength (both compression test and flexure test) is slightly higher than that of the reference sample. The increase in compressive strength that can be observed is at its maximum, equal to 10%, compared to that of the reference sample. These results are in line with density results, which are also slightly higher than that of the reference sample. This effect can be attributed to water absorption of composite shreds and the filling effect of the powders. For a percentage of substitution equal to 7%, the mechanical strength is lower than that of the reference sample (30% decrease), with a compressive strength equal to 33 MPa (47 MPa for the reference sample). For this percentage of substitution equal to 7%, a decrease in density is also observed (6% decrease) and can be explained by the porosity created by the incorporation of the composite shreds into the mortar.

Open innovation for the competitiveness of the construction sector

Open innovation for the competitiveness of the construction sector

The Role of Human Resource Management in African Construction Companies

African countries have been heavily investing in construction projects, both infrastructure and superstructure. The construction industry is one the rapidly growing sectors in the continent and it greatly contributes to employment. The population increase and the urbanization in the continent, the strong growth of the construction sector is inevitable. However, there are still many crucial challenges to overcome, financing, available electrical grids, transportation, procurement, and skilled employees. Human Resources Management plays an important role within a Construction Organizations, Institutions, Associations or Companies in terms of work distribution. It is also the principal nerve otherwise the skeleton of any business that we want to achieve an efficient and effective goal in short, medium and long run time. Our case of study, GUICOPRESS - Guinea shows the real situation of building construction in Africa in general and Guinea in particular. Guinea is a large open work place which needs to be well - structured and organized, because of the lack of modern facilities around the country. Conakry the capital city has poor architecture and infrastructures. Shanties are sharing the same zone or space with luxurious buildings here and there so that it is difficult to see the beauty of the city although it is the largest city in Guinea. According to the business local magazine “Gniouma, 2020”, GUICOPRESS employs more than 10, 000 employees in Guinea and stays the leader of small and medium size companies in Guinea. This strong capacity of that enterprise is due to the strong policy implemented by its General Management Director, who likes innovating his works, by investing some huge amount of money in manpower and machinery purchasing. Beyond its financial contribution, GUICOPRESS - Guinea contributes a lot in the charity’s field through its social unit called “KPC for Humanity” assisting beggars, building schools in remote areas for poor communities.

Relationship network of safety management elements in the construction industry under the perspective of resilience

PurposeConstruction safety resilience is gradually gaining attention in the field of engineering construction as a new management concept and way to improve safety performance. However, how to cope with the dilemma of the unclear relationship of construction safety resilience elements at the practice level and promote the harmonization of construction safety goals and resilience enhancement paths has become an urgent challenge for safe construction.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the components of construction safety resilience elements. A relationship network model of construction safety resilience elements is developed by using the social network analysis method. The location and influence of each element in the network and the interrelationships among the elements are explored in depth.FindingsThe findings reveal a robust interconnection among the elements of safety resilience in the construction industry. Key components such as safety behavior, risk prevention and control mechanisms, disaster prevention and mitigation technologies as well as information technology, are positioned at the core of the network. Notably, safety behavior exerts the most significant influence over the other elements, serving as the linchpin of safety management in the construction industry. Moreover, the interplay among safety resilience elements in the construction sector can alter the structure of the relationship network.Originality/valueThis study adopts the social network approach to solve the problem that it is difficult to quantitatively analyze the elements of construction safety resilience and their interrelationships and to clarify the interactions among the core elements, which can help to further assist the construction project manager to continuously optimize safety resilience and improve construction safety.

Optimisasi Pengelolaan Karyawan dan Proyek Melalui Sistem Berbasis Web di PT Raja Perkasa

PT Raja Perkasa, a company operating in the construction sector, faces challenges in managingoperational activities and employee performance. This research aims to develop a web-basedmanagement system as a solution to address these issues. The developed application is designed topresent the company’s portfolio, manage partner data, handle partnership proposals, overseeproject data, manage employee records, facilitate attendance tracking, manage leave requests,resignation submissions, and issue employee warnings. The application development utilizes theLaravel framework and MySQL as the database management system, with the goal of improvingthe efficiency and effectiveness of company information management. The Waterfall method isused for the application development, encompassing the stages of requirements analysis, design,coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance. The application, after successful testing in thedeveloper’s local environment, was then hosted for direct user access. In the maintenance phase,bug fixes were implemented, and user satisfaction data was gathered through questionnairescompleted by 23 respondents representing seven user roles: admin, project manager, owner, HR, employees, clients, and visitors. The Likert scale analysis resulted in an average satisfaction levelof 87.14%. The research findings indicate that the application provides a positive user experience.However, further development is needed to add features such as employee recruitment, financialmanagement, and project scheduling, with a focus on sensitive data security. Therefore, thisapplication is expected to strengthen PT Raja Perkasa’s position in the construction industry andenhance project management and employee productivity

Climate Resilience in Nigerian Construction: A Systematic Review of Strategies and Outcomes

Climate resilience in the construction sector is critical for ensuring the durability and sustainability of infrastructure amidst the increasing impacts of climate change. This study systematically reviews climate resilience strategies in the Nigerian construction sector, evaluating their effectiveness and outcomes. A comprehensive literature search yielded 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and official reports, focusing on design innovations, material selection, policy frameworks, and case studies across Nigeria's diverse climatic zones. Key findings indicate that strategies such as flood barriers, green roofs, and sustainable materials are effective in mitigating climate risks, although challenges such as financial constraints, regulatory gaps, and lack of awareness persist. The study highlights the importance of community involvement, government support, and technological innovation in successfully implementing resilience measures. Comparative analysis with global best practices underscores the need for integrated approaches tailored to Nigeria's unique context. The study concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for longitudinal studies, cross-regional comparisons, and the integration of traditional knowledge. Policy implications include the development of comprehensive regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships to enhance the sector's adaptive capacity. This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria's construction industry, contributing to broader goals of sustainable development and climate adaptation.