Traditional Construction Research Articles

Impact of Room Colors and Construction Materials on Temperature Distribution in Tropical Climate: An Experimental Study in Nonthaburi, Thailand

This experimental research investigates the thermal performance of different room colors and construction materials under Thailand's tropical climate conditions. The study was conducted over a six-month period in Nonthaburi, Thailand, examining temperature variations across multiple room configurations. Using precision monitoring equipment, we analyzed how traditional Thai building materials and various wall colors affect indoor temperature distribution. The research encompassed both modern and traditional Thai construction materials, including concrete, brick, traditional teak wood, and bamboo, combined with different wall colors (white, cream, terra cotta, and dark blue). Results demonstrated that rooms with traditional materials like teak wood maintained lower average temperatures (by 3.2°C) compared to modern concrete structures, while light-colored walls showed up to 4.1°C temperature difference compared to darker colors during peak sunshine hours.

Positive Impact of Prefabrication on the Mental Health of Construction Workers

Based on the literature-established benefits of prefabrication to promote better working conditions and its potential to enhance workers’ overall mental health, this study compares the state of mental health of traditional and prefabricated construction workers. In addition to the mostly adopted negative measures of mental health such as anxiety and depression, positive mental health indicators were also used to measure and compare overall mental health conditions of the two categories of construction workers. Data were collected with a questionnaire from 93 prefabricated factory-based and site-based construction workers in Australia. The survey contains eight items to measure poor mental health and seventeen variables of four sub-constructs of positive mental health (emotional, social, psychological, and cultural/religious well-beings). An independent samples t-test was employed to examine the significance of the differences between the means of traditional and prefabricated construction workers on the measured variables and their underlying constructs of mental health and well-being. The findings revealed significantly lower symptoms of burn-out (reduced task accomplishment), suicide ideation (feeling less interested in life), and depression among the workers in prefabricated projects. Similarly, prefabrication tends to provide a positive-mental-health-supportive environment, as the workers were found to be significantly healthier than traditional construction workers on the subjective measures of emotional, social, psychological, and cultural/religious well-beings. Assessing the predictive influence of prefabrication on the overall mental health of different groups of construction workers, especially with qualitative data from different samples in different times, is recommended for future studies.

ANALYSIS OF STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS OF PERMANENT FORMWORK BLOCKS WITH A WIDTH OF 300 TO 400 MM FOR LOW-RISE CONSTRUCTION

The article investigates the structural performance of concrete blocks used as permanent formwork in low-rise construction, with widths ranging from 300 to 400 mm. These blocks serve as both formwork and part of the structural system, providing a durable solution for wall construction. In Ukraine, the adoption of such blocks is limited due to underdeveloped reinforcement methodologies, which complicates their application in construction projects. The authors examine the strength and stiffness of a standard block with dimensions of 500×400×200 mm, using software-based modeling in TechEditor to streamline the calculations. This research produces graphical data on load-bearing capacity and bending stiffness, which designers can use to configure reinforced concrete walls with these blocks. The study also offers practical reinforcement guidance, filling gaps in current standards and assisting engineers in implementing these blocks effectively. Permanent formwork blocks, common internationally, typically contain voids and channels that facilitate rebar installation, creating a monolithic structure after the concrete sets. However, due to inconsistencies in reinforcement advice from manufacturers, Ukrainian engineers often resort to custom approaches or traditional monolithic construction. This study, therefore, aims to address these challenges by providing structured reinforcement recommendations. The research includes load-bearing and stiffness calculations for walls with variable depth (300-400 mm), accounting for different rebar diameters to simulate the range of possible configurations. Findings demonstrate that using blocks with rebar yields significant material savings (approximately 33% less concrete) compared to solid walls, without proportionate strength loss, making them a cost-effective choice for low-rise construction. In conclusion, the article offers engineers and manufacturers valuable insights into the practical use of permanent formwork blocks, presenting a foundation for further research into optimization and broader applications. Keywords: reinforced concrete, block, formwork, reinforcement, analysis.

Robot Tracking Navigation Based on Visual SLAM

Visual Simulation Localization and Mapping technology is an important research direction in the fields of computer vision and robotics. The research background of this technology mainly stems from the insufficient accuracy of traditional positioning and map construction methods in the face of environmental changes. With the development of artificial intelligence, this technology has been involved in multiple disciplinary fields. Since 2015, researchers have begun to focus on the combination with deep learning to improve algorithm robustness, dynamic scene planning and other aspects. This article which introduces the existing tracking car system and visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) system framework explores the robot tracking and navigation technology based on visual SLAM. Visual SLAM technology provides robots with an autonomous navigation solution that does not require external sensors through feature extraction, real-time positioning, mapping, and closed-loop detection. This article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of visual SLAM navigation, and offers insights into the future development of VSLAM technology in robot tracking navigation.

The innovation of engineering project management in the context of big data

ABSTRACT With the development of China’s economy and society, the society continues to move forward. Related to this, the scale of China’s engineering construction is also increasing. With the development of the times and the continuous growth of demand, the complexity and specialisation of engineering projects continue to improve. This has put forward more stringent requirements for the construction of engineering projects. As the traditional engineering project construction management in China, the innovation is mainly through the practice of construction projects and the research of the engineering problems that arise. So, in today’s environment of big data background, the innovation of construction project management is to combine with the actual situation of construction projects, from the construction characteristics of the project, using a variety of advanced scientific technology, for the project data collection, calculation and storage applications and other aspects of optimisation and innovation, so that more convenient to achieve The modern construction engineering project management innovation work of diversified needs, for the final completion of the entire construction project can be expected to provide a strong guarantee and support the comprehensive benefits of the goal. The results show that our innovative scheme outperforms other comparative methods and achieves a 23% improvement in project management efficiency.

Collaborative Construction Method of Biomedical Knowledge Graph Based on Multi-Blockchain

The collaborative construction method of knowledge graph based on blockchain is crucial for the safe and efficient construction of biomedical knowledge graph (BioKG), and has received widespread attention from the academic and medical circles. At present, the data sources of BioKG are very wide. While using multi-source data to collaboratively build a knowledge graph, data redundancy problems often occur. Once data from a large number of sources is available, it becomes difficult for the system to ensure data consistency in a reliable way. In addition, the increase in inconsistent and redundant data also reduces the efficiency of collaboration in the system. The traditional blockchain-based collaborative construction method of BioKG is difficult to effectively solve these problems. Multi-blockchain technology provides a new solution for the construction of collaborative knowledge graphs in the biomedical field, which is characterized by good scalability and diversified applications. To this end, we propose a multi-person collaboration construction method for BioKG based on multi-blockchain, named collaborative construction method chain (CCMC). CCMC uses the multi-chain structure and clock cycle control method of the blockchain to separate user operations and system verification, and uses the read-write separation function to improve the consistency of the collaborative version. In addition, we propose a semantic fusion method that effectively reduces data redundancy in the collaborative process and improves the efficiency of BioKG collaborative construction. Performance testing and comparative evaluation confirmed that compared with previous methods, CCMC significantly improves the creation of collaborative knowledge graphs and meets the requirements of multi-person collaborative construction.

Experimental Study on the Strength Characteristics of Cast-In-Situ Mortar Specimens in a Slurry Environment

As coal resource development progresses deeper underground, the increasing depth of mine shafts poses significant challenges to the safety and stability of traditional shaft construction methods, further compounding operational difficulties. In this context, cast-in-situ concrete shaft walls in a slurry environment have emerged as an effective solution. The strength of these shaft walls is a crucial parameter for assessing their safety. To explore this, experiments were conducted on slurry preparation and mortar casting (used here as a substitute for concrete) under three different conditions: slurry environment, pure water environment, and dry environment. The cast specimens underwent compressive, tensile, shear, and microscopic observation tests to analyze the strength development patterns of the mortar specimens in these varied casting environments. The study yielded several key findings: As the casting environment becomes more complex, the strength of the mortar specimens gradually decreases. Specifically, specimens cast in a slurry environment exhibit strengths approximately 15% to 20% lower than those cast in a dry environment, although both environments show similar trends in strength development over time. Across all casting environments, the initial strength loss of the specimens is significant, while the rate of strength loss decreases in the later stages; the strength loss is minimal in specimens cast in a pure water environment and reaches its maximum in those cast in a slurry environment. Additionally, in specimens cast in a slurry environment, air void diameter tends to polarize, and the distribution of air void is denser compared to the other two environments. In conclusion, cast-in-situ mortar in a slurry environment exhibits the lowest strength and the greatest strength loss compared to specimens cast in dry and pure water environments. Nonetheless, the strength development trends over time remain similar across all conditions, providing theoretical and technical support for the construction of shaft walls in slurry environments.

Contra Silentium Obsequiosum: On the Roman Catholic Approach to Dissent and Tradition

Dissent, understood as a public rejection of the authoritatively pronounced rules, verdicts, and truth claims within a given community, although disruptive, can offer multiple benefits to the life of the community. However, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) effectively leaves no other option for dissenters than to adopt a stance of obedient silence. This article emphasizes a need for a shift in the magisterial attitude toward dissent, one in which Catholic truth claims can bear the collective scrutiny and questioning expressed through dissent and thus be more fully integrated into the life of the community. To do that, the article divides the discussion into two parts. First, the article offers an analysis of the concept of dissent, its potential benefits, and its entanglement with the other concepts more broadly. Second, it scrutinizes the construction of power, tradition, and dissent in the RCC specifically.

Towards Sustainable Road Construction: Literature Review on Addressing Environmental Impacts and Promoting Green Technologies

Abstract This study investigates the environmental impacts of road construction and explores strategies to promote green technologies in Indonesia. Traditional road construction methods, particularly those using asphalt and cement, have significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study conducted a thorough literature review to investigate green technologies and best practices to reduce emissions during the construction process. The literature review included articles published from 2004 to 2024, drawn from various national and international academic sources, and adopted the PRISMA method. It was found that key strategies include recycled materials, warm mix asphalt technology, permeable pavement systems, green roofs, and energy-efficient equipment. To mitigate these impacts, the study recommends using recycled materials, adopting energy-efficient technologies, implementing sustainable design practices, and conducting life cycle assessments. Although Indonesia has made progress, challenges such as limited funding, technology, and coordination remain. Overcoming these challenges requires increased commitment and funding, capacity building, better coordination, and stricter regulations. Future studies should investigate the development and implementation of innovative green technologies, including advanced recycled materials, more efficient construction equipment, and innovative pavement design techniques.

Hygrothermal and airtightness performance assessment of prefabricated lightweight wall systems for cold climates

Wooden prefabricated wall panels (WPWP) are increasingly used in the residential sector due to their practical and environmental benefits compared to traditional on-site systems. However, there is limited information regarding their influence on the building envelope´s performance, particularly at panel junctions. Therefore, this study investigated the hygrothermal and airtightness performance of two WPWP systems, one standard and one optimized, focusing mainly on panel-to-panel junctions. Laboratory heat and vapor transfer, thermography, and airtightness assessments were conducted over two full-scale prefabricated walls and a reference on-site traditional wall. In addition, hygrothermal simulations were carried out utilizing WUFI Pro, to compare laboratory heat and vapor transfer results with theoretical values. The results showed that the prefabricated walls reduced heat loss through the air leakage sources of the junctions by up to 17.8% and a reduction of air infiltration by up to 76%, compared to the on-site reference. It was also found that using polyurethane foam in panel junctions generated thermal benefits. Still, care should be taken with the amount of polyurethane foam used to avoid increasing relative humidity. In addition, bio-based insulation (hemp fiber) used in the optimized prefabricated wall exhibited adequate hygrothermal performance as it slightly improved the thermal resistance without increasing the risk of interstitial condensation. Overall, the findings demonstrated that wooden prefabricated wall systems can significantly reduce heat loss and air infiltration, highlighting their potential as a hygrothermally efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.

A Comprehensive Review of Biomaterials Synthesized Using the MICP Process for Sustainable Construction

Building materials and infrastructure contribute to approximately 13% of global CO₂ emissions annually, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2022). This underscores the urgent need to transition to more sustainable construction materials. Emerging biomaterials, developed through innovative processes such as the Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) process, are being explored as potential alternatives to conventional materials. These biomaterials, including bio-concrete, bio- cement, and bio-bricks, are produced using waste materials and biological processes, such as bacteria and plant-based resources that act as carbon sinks, offering an eco-friendly solution to construction challenges. Many researchers and companies are actively experimenting with these materials to solve pressing environmental problems, with promising results. However, challenges remain in optimizing these materials for large-scale production and ensuring their performance under real-world conditions. Despite these obstacles, ongoing research is continually pushing the boundaries of biomaterials' potential in construction, with numerous studies focused on improving their properties and addressing current limitations. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of biomaterials in comparison to traditional construction materials. It explores how these bio- based materials—synthesized through the MICP process—can offer significant benefits, such as self-healing properties, low-cost production, and reduced environmental impact. The review also discusses the challenges that still need to be overcome and the ongoing research aimed at making biomaterials a viable alternative to conventional materials. As part of the field of engineering, this paper highlights the critical role of biotechnology in advancing sustainable construction practices and the continued evolution of biomaterials in engineering applications.

Green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in the construction industry: A review of current practices and future directions

This paper presents a comprehensive review of current practices and future directions regarding the integration of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives within the construction industry. With the growing concern over environmental degradation and the need for sustainable development, there has been an increasing emphasis on adopting eco-friendly practices in construction processes. The primary objective of this review is to explore the role of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in transforming traditional construction practices towards more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient approaches. Through a systematic literature review, this paper examines various aspects including the adoption of green building standards, implementation of renewable energy technologies, utilization of eco-friendly materials, and incorporation of nature-based solutions in construction projects. Additionally, the research methodology involves analyzing case studies, industry reports, and governmental policies to provide a comprehensive understanding of current practices and emerging trends in the field. Key findings indicate a growing awareness and adoption of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives within the construction industry, driven by regulatory requirements, economic incentives, and shifting societal values. Moreover, successful implementation of these initiatives has been shown to yield numerous benefits such as reduced environmental impact, improved energy efficiency, enhanced occupant health and wellbeing, and long-term cost savings. This review underscores the significant role of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in reshaping the construction industry towards a more sustainable future. However, it also highlights the need for further research, technological innovation, and policy support to overcome existing challenges and accelerate the transition towards truly sustainable construction practices

Sustainable сonstruction тechnologies: an innovative GREEN CODE precast reinforced concrete system

Sustainable construction technologies, which today form the trends in the development of the global construction industry and related economic, political, environmental and social aspects, are firmly based on the principles of implementing the main directions: durability, climateefficient construction, carbon neutrality, energy conservation, energy efficiency, resource conservation, recycling. The concept of tomorrow is precast concrete construction systems, unique in their content and individuality, capable of providing reliable design, high profitability, high requirements for indoor climate and energy balance of buildings. The article highlights the GREEN CODE system – one of the modern industrial technologies of precast concrete, which allows you to build buildings and structures in accordance with the trends in the development of the global construction industry. In production and construction logistics, the GREEN CODE system has a higher potential for economic efficiency than traditional construction methods, and allows additional resource savings.

Utilization of copper slag as fine sand replacement in concrete: a response surface methodology approach

The utilization of industrial by-products in concrete production has gained significant attention due to its potential environmental and economic benefits. The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has prompted researchers to explore alternative options that mitigate environmental concerns while maintaining desirable mechanical properties of concrete. This research paper investigates, the feasibility of utilizing copper slag as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete through a systematic experimental study using response surface methodology (RSM). The study encompasses the optimization of concrete mix proportions by considering the varying levels of copper slag content (20%, 30%, and 40%), water-cement ratio (0.35, 0.40, and 0.45), and curing days (7, 14 and 28 days). Through a series of comprehensive laboratory experiments (RSM designed) and statistical analyses, this paper presents developed mathematical models, response surface plots, and contour plots and optimization of dosage of input variables for maximum compressive strength of the concrete. Results revels that curing days having strong influence on performance of compressive strength. The optimization study shows the optimal dosage for maximum performance of compressive strength was copper slag 35.90%, water-cement 0.38 and curing days 27.55 (approx. 28) days, the corresponding maximum compressive strength was 59.29 MPa. The utilization of copper slag as a replacement for fine aggregate in concrete not only addresses the issue of waste disposal but also contributes to resource conservation and reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction practices.

Experimental Study of Mechanical Behavior of Dry-Stone Structure Contact

Dry-stone structures are traditional constructions that are present everywhere around the world, with their stability working mostly by gravity. Contrarily to their in-plane behavior, their out-of-plane response is very brittle and is fully controlled by the geometry, as well as the contact properties, between units (stones). Two main local failure modes of dry-joint contact are identified to lead to the global failure of the structure: (i) sliding and (ii) joint opening. Most of the existing studies investigated full structures to obtain the global response and/or couplet only, with the aim of only characterizing the contact. The present experimental work studies the effect of sliding and joint opening between stones at different scales: couplets, structures made of a few (up to five) blocks, and full walls, as well as varying the way the masonry units are assembled within a single structure. Different stones are employed to quantify potential differences. All the structures are loaded up to the collapse with a tilting table to induce out-of-plane actions. Repeatability tests are also conducted to better understand the effect of contact variability. This study unveils that the heterogeneity of the dry-joint contact, as well as the repartition of the blocks, affects the global response (both in terms of load capacity and failure mode). It also confirms that the most critical local failure mode is produced by the joint opening.

Traditional symbols and social constructs in M. Irata’s Momuhuto: A literary sociology perspective

This descriptive qualitative study aims to explore the traditional symbols and social constructions of Gorontalo society as reflected in M. Irata’s short story Momuhuto. Employing literary sociology perspective, the data were elicited through key quotations within the text, analyzed through document analysis. The study highlights on how the short story reflects philosophical meanings behind traditional symbols and how social norms are depicted. The results indicate that Momuhuto presents meaningful symbols – such as purification rituals – emphasizing Gorontalo society’s dedication to preserving its traditions. Despite the influence of modernization, the traditional leaders play a significant role in maintaining cultural identity and social harmony. The study infers that Momuhuto not only preserves cultural heritage but also cultivates social awareness through literature. The study further suggests that literature generally assists preserve cultural identity in the face of social change. Future studies can explore how literary works from different cultures reflect the balance between modernization and tradition, presenting comparative views into how various societies navigate these obstacles while maintaining their heritage.

Thermal Performance of a Straw Bale Building in Relation to Fiber Orientation: A Case Study

In the face of escalating global average temperatures, it is urgent to identify mechanisms that can significantly curtail the emission of greenhouse gases. The construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping these emissions, rendering the selection of environmentally conscious materials indispensable in the imminent future. In this context, attention is drawn to an interesting material from an ecological point of view: straw. Abundant as a natural byproduct exhibiting remarkable thermal properties, straw emerges as a good candidate for sustainable edification. In the present work, an in situ study of its thermal resistance is carried out, and it is found that it allows stable interior temperatures. The apparent thermal conductivity is analyzed in relation to the orientation of its fibers in the same building, and its low conductivity compared with traditional construction materials is confirmed. The relevance of this work lies in the fact that the building studied contains walls with different fiber orientations in the same room, with the same ambiental conditions. This ensures that the different thermal behaviors are exclusively due to the orientation of the fibers. When considering both orientations of the fibers, different values of thermal conductivity are discerned. Conductivity decreases when the direction of the heat flow is perpendicular to the fibers. However, due to the inherent geometry of the bales, their overall thermal behavior ultimately proves comparable.

Research on Construction Digital Management System Based on Digital Twin

In the context of transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, traditional project construction management is still a complex "man-machine-environment" system engineering. The emerging digital twin technology provides new methods and technical means to realize the digitalization of construction. In order to solve the problems of redundant information of traditional construction management elements and low management efficiency, a digital model of construction management for physical space and non-physical space in the whole construction process is constructed, and an intelligent management platform for data collection and transmission of all elements of construction management is established. A process-oriented digital construction management system is proposed to realize the digital control of the construction management process. The study shows that by establishing an integrated management platform and collecting various building information elements in the whole construction process, the organic integration of construction management and digital twins can be realized, and the construction process management capabilities and management efficiency can be improved.

Research on Lean Construction Management Mode of EPC Project Based on BIM

In view of the low production efficiency, backward information level and rough project management of the traditional construction industry, it is necessary to introduce a construction model that can efficiently achieve the project construction goals. Taking EPC projects as the research object, building information modeling (BIM) as the technical means, and lean construction (LC) as the management model, this paper constructs a lean construction management model for EPC projects based on BIM, the "BIM-LC" model. From the perspective of the general contractor, the lean construction implementation mechanism of EPC projects using BIM technology is proposed, and the research is combined with EPC project examples. The results show that through the practical application of this model, the characteristics of BIM technology and lean construction refined management can be brought into play, the EPC project management process can be simplified, and the efficiency of project management can be improved.

An empirical analysis of user intention to use chatbots for airline tickets consultation

Purpose This study aims to empirically analyze the factors influencing users’ intention to use chatbots for airline ticket consultation. It seeks to introduce a comprehensive framework based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) that integrates key factors alongside traditional TAM constructs to understand what drives behavioral intention to use chatbots in the context of airline ticket consultation. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to validate the proposed model empirically. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire distributed to potential users in Saudi Arabia, with 393 valid responses from a total of 409 received being included in the analysis. Findings The empirical analysis confirms the significance of perceived usefulness and user satisfaction as direct determinants of behavioral intention. Additionally, it reveals that factors such as perceived ubiquitous access, perceived completeness, perceived accuracy, perceived unbiased response and perceived convenience have both direct and indirect significant impacts on the behavioral intention to use chatbots for airline ticket consultation. Originality/value This research advances theoretical understanding and holds practical implications for designing and implementing effective chatbot services. By investigating the complex interplay of these factors, the study makes substantive contributions to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in the field, particularly in enhancing the user experience and acceptance of chatbots for airline ticket consultations.