Construction Practices Research Articles

Revolutionary Steel Structures: A Comprehensive Review of Current Trends and Future Directions

Steel construction has always been a key element of contemporary buildings with new properties of strength, stability and versatility. This work aims to review the profound developments in the steel structures area with special emphasis on new tendencies, drawbacks and prospects for the future. Innovation areas covered are developments with high-performance steel alloys, prefabrication and modular construction techniques to improve efficiency in the use of global natural resources such as carbonized waste products like slag from coal-fired power plants), and Digital Twin technologies which include AI monitoring systems. These innovations are changing the way steel structures can be designed, constructed and maintained in ways that allow for more efficient and sustainable construction practices we have yet to see. There is a strong focus on sustainable and eco-friendly steel production, such as hydrogen-based steelmaking and the increased use of recycled materials which help reduce carbon emissions helping this transition towards a global circular economy. The paper discusses some of the big challenges facing implementation in infrastructure, as well as the critical need for material performance under these extreme conditions (corrosion & fire resistance), discussing strategies to meet or re-direct them. In terms of the future, it identifies positive steps that are good news for steel structures in growth sectors such as renewable infrastructure, aerospace and smart cities. Recently, self-healing materials14–19 (and the related quantum-inspired approaches20) were developed and tested for integration into adaptive steel designs21 using active fluids... but there are many other opportunities in construction where the robotic workload can grow further. This paper presents an in-depth examination of these trends and innovations from which the current state-of-the-art regarding innovative steel structures can be extracted, offering pertinent insights on how this is set to or could continue into its role within a burgeoning concept for resilient, sustainable and intelligent built environments.

Framework for systematic adoption of ERP systems in the Sri Lankan construction industry

PurposeDespite the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, construction organisations in Sri Lanka fail to adopt ERP systems successfully due to functional issues. Functional issues arise because of the gap between ERP protocols and construction practices. The purpose of this study is to identify the functional issues in ERP implementation and to propose a framework for the systematic adoption of ERP in the construction industry in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was carried out to identify the issues when adopting ERP protocols into construction practices. These were classified into ten knowledge modules using PMBOK-Version 6 (Project Management Body of Knowledge). Then a questionnaire was developed and validated through an expert forum with five experts. The validated questionnaire was distributed among ERP users in C1-C5 grade construction enterprises in Sri Lanka. Those enterprises were simultaneously operating in multiple construction sites and already experienced ERP implementation. The estimated population was 210 from which 174 responses were received indicating an 82% response rate. Data was analysed using the Chi-Square test.FindingsThe analysis established that there is a significant gap level between ERP protocols and construction practices. The highest significant gap with a Chi-square value of 158.766 exists in the area of inventory management. Other areas such as human resource management (HRM) (142.366), asset management (130.264), finance (126.267), site operations (103.793), project management (53.88), purchasing (34.324), petty cash (28.337), estimating and tendering (22.148) and subcontract management (20.492) show a significant gap level respectively.Originality/valueThe paper establishes comprehensive strategies and a framework developed using the protocols prescribed in webERP (TM) and adopting it to onsite construction practices. webERP (TM) system was developed based on best practices defined in PMBOK (Version 6) and CIDA (Construction Industry Development Authority) specifications for efficient construction practices in Sri Lanka.

Editorial for “Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Materials and Structures: Experimental Evidence and Analytical Models (Volume II)”

Concrete represents one of the most popular materials employed in the civil engineering sector due to its flexibility and adaptability to multiple applications, ranging from non-structural elements and partition walls to structural elements and load-bearing members. However, various applications require specific characteristics of concrete and motivate the development of new mix designs, additives, advanced materials and construction practices, which widen the scope of research on concrete engineering in general [...]

Integration of Emerging Technologies with Construction Practices in Australia

Although the construction sector significantly bolsters the Australian economy, it is widely recognised for lagging behind other industries in adopting emerging technologies. This study reviews existing literature to explore the current state of technology integration in the Australian construction industry, focusing on its impact on safety, cost, quality, and project timelines. The research methodology involved conducting interviews and surveys with industry stakeholders to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding technology integration. The analysis of survey data provided insights into the current and anticipated future adoption of emerging technologies in Australia, identifying significant obstacles that impede the industry’s digital transformation. Based on the survey results, a specialised system was developed for Tier 1 and Tier 2 construction firms, enabling them to evaluate their present and predicted future use of emerging technologies. Additionally, this system helps university graduates gauge their understanding and awareness of emerging technologies to meet the expectations of leading industry professionals. The findings of this study aim to enhance the understanding and implementation of emerging technologies within the construction sector, thereby fostering a new generation of professionals who recognise the significant potential of these technologies to revolutionise construction practices.

Experimental Study on Newly Construction of Rigid Pavement and Material Estimation

The construction of internal Cement Concrete (CC) roads plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, durability, and sustainability within residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The construction involves systematic stages, including site preparation, sub grade preparation, laying sub-base, placement of formwork, and pouring concrete. The choice of materials, such as Portland cement, coarse and fine aggregates, and water, is critical to achieving strength and longevity. The estimation process considers the total length, width, and thickness of the road, along with labor, machinery, and material costs. Advanced estimation tools and techniques, including software-based analysis, are employed to ensure accurate budgeting and resource allocation. This study emphasizes adopting efficient construction practices, quality control measures, and sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic value

Predicting construction waste in Egyptian residential projects: a robust multiple regression model approach

Effective construction waste (CW) management, mainly concrete, brick, and steel, is a critical challenge due to its significant environmental and economic impacts. This study addresses this challenge by proposing multiple linear regression models to predict waste generation in residential buildings within the Egyptian construction industry, considering the influence of factors such as building design and site management features. Using data from 25 case studies, the models demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with adjusted R² values of 0.877, 0.893, and 0.889 for concrete, bricks, and steel waste, respectively. These R2 values indicate that the models explain approximately 88–89% of the variance in waste generation in residential buildings, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing resource planning and waste management strategies. The findings suggest that incorporating variables such as total area, design consistency, and site organization significantly improves the accuracy of waste predictions. Although the models show acceptable performance, future research should aim to expand the dataset, incorporate additional variables, and test the models across different types of construction projects to validate further and refine these predictive tools. The models offer valuable insights for enhancing construction practices, minimizing waste, and supporting sustainable development in Egypt’s construction industry. With accurate forecasts of waste generation, the models help project managers and stakeholders to plan CW more effectively, mitigating unnecessary material consumption and reducing environmental impacts. These findings help to adopt sustainable construction practices, such as improved recycling processes and decreased dependence on landfills, to support Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Integrating Industry 4.0 and circular economy in the UAE construction sector: a policy-aligned framework

PurposeThis study addresses the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies with circular economy (CE) principles in the UAE construction sector, aligning with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031 (UAECEP). It explores how digital tools can facilitate sustainable construction practices by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing waste and supporting circularity across the building life cycle.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify frameworks that integrate I4.0 technologies with CE principles. Based on the review, a conceptual framework was developed and refined to meet the UAE construction sector’s specific needs, focusing on applying digital tools at different stages of construction.FindingsIntegrating I4.0 tools, including building information modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainability in the UAE’s construction sector. The framework aligns digital transformation efforts with the UAECEP, indicating these technologies’ applicability in design, construction, operation and end-of-life stages. Key challenges include high initial costs, technical limitations and the need for regulatory support.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel framework tailored to the UAE construction sector, bridging the gap between policy objectives and practical implementation. It provides strategies to overcome local challenges through stakeholder collaboration and digital innovation, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Evolution of Pervious Concrete Pavement at the Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Canada

As part of the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) drive to pursue innovation and have the “greenest” roads in North America, MTO is actively pursuing the use of pervious concrete pavement. Pervious concrete provides many environmental benefits and is recognized as a stormwater management best practice. There is also strong interest from the Ontario municipal sector, conservation authorities and “green” innovators in rapidly incorporating pervious concrete into their designs. The Ministry is currently investigating and trying to address concerns with pervious pavement durability, the potential for clogging, impact of traditional winter maintenance practices and users’ acceptance of surface finish. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) has completed two pervious concrete commuter parking lots and is currently working on a third. Field performance, construction practices and test methods are being studied for their effectiveness. Based on MTO experiences to date, an Ontario Provincial Standard Specification has been developed. This paper summarizes the construction observations, lessons learned and laboratory performance data from the Ministry’s work to date.

A Road Map for Research and Implementation of Freeze-Thaw Resistant Highway Concrete

The freeze thaw (F-T) durability of portland cement concrete (PCC) is a function of the exposure condition, concrete saturation, and the quality of the paste, aggregate, and air-void system. Unfortunately, the interplay of these variables is not well characterized. Because of this, most current specifications use a “one size fits all” approach to designing and specifying F-T durability, an approach that does not address the performance of modern materials, construction methods, and local exposure conditions. In some cases this leads to overdesign of concrete that wastes money and resources. In other cases key performance criteria may be missed that shortens the service life of a highway structure, such as a pavement, bridge element, etc. This paper outlines a road map for research and implementation leading to highway concrete design and specification for F-T durability. The proposed implementation is to consider the local exposure, design life, allowable risk, available materials, construction practices, and maintenance procedures as inputs to the design of the project. This decision making process will help design engineers address the critical FT variables and provide a robust approach to obtaining F-T durability that can be tailored to the needs of the project. All details of this approach are not provided as they are still being established through ongoing or proposed research. Instead, this paper establishes the need, outlines the framework for this approach, and initiates the discussion of what critical details are needed and how they might be obtained.

Construction practices and details in CRCP

Belgium has a long tradition and a large experience with continuously reinforced concrete pavements. The regional technical specifications describe the design and construction for the regular straight sections in standard situations, as well as for the construction of roundabouts. However particular design and construction details are not provided. In general they are solved with practical empirical solutions. The paper will focus on the technical aspects and construction details such as : - the longitudinal joints in case of a pavement with variable width, - the joint and reinforcement layout at intersections or exit lanes (auxiliary lanes), - the position of anchoring abutments and the number of lugs for shorter sections and widened lanes. The different practical solutions are illustrated by case-studies of finished and planned projects.

Plain Concrete Highway Pavements in New South Wales Australia 1983 – 2015

Concrete highway pavements have been constructed in the State of New South Wales (NSW) Australia since the mid 1920s. Prior to 1983 the principal pavement type was jointed reinforced with a few sections of CRCP. In 1983 plain concrete was introduced for highway construction. Within an overall inventory of more than 850km of highway pavement completed and under construction since around 1980, approximately 650km are plain concrete, the remainder being CRCP. One feature of these plain concrete pavements is the inclusion of undoweled transverse contraction joints. This paper sets out the factors leading to the introduction of this type of pavement including undoweled joints, and the evolution of jointing, thickness, subbase, shoulders and overall carriageway cross sections since 1983. The importance of designing the pavement as a system, not just a series of components, and placing as much importance on what is under the slab, as for the slab itself, is emphasised. International source technologies from which NSW practice has drawn are referenced. Contemporary design traffic loads, thickness design procedures, model drawings and construction specifications, construction practice and an overview of maintenance experience are referenced.

Savaxay: An Assessment of a Traditional Ivatan House the Case of Teresita Nobleza House in Brgy: Raele, Itbayat, Batanes (Addressing Perspective of SDG 11)

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the structural integrity and cultural significance of the traditional Ivatan house, known as savaxay, in Itbayat, Batanes. The research aims to explore the application of modern engineering techniques to enhance the resilience of these traditional structures while preserving their cultural identity, addressing the perspective of SDG 11. Theoretical Framework: This study is framed within the concepts of vernacular architecture, resilience, and sustainable development. It draws on theories of disaster risk reduction, cultural preservation, and the integration of local building materials with modern engineering practices to promote the long-term sustainability of traditional structures in disaster-prone areas. Method: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating on-site observations, structural analysis, interviews with local artisans, and validation from community members. The study assessed the anatomy of the savaxay in terms of site conditions, foundation, stone walls, wood framing, roofing, and mechanical fasteners to understand the building technology used in the traditional construction of these houses. Results and Discussion: The study reveals that the traditional Ivatan house design, though resilient to past storm conditions, is no longer fully adequate for the increasing intensity of natural disasters. The findings suggest the need for modern engineering interventions, such as incorporating reinforced concrete to enhance stability, while maintaining the cultural identity through local materials like thatch cogon roofing and wood framing. Research Implications: This research provides insights into integrating cultural preservation with modern construction techniques to improve disaster resilience. The findings offer valuable recommendations for other disaster-prone areas that seek to preserve their traditional architecture while adapting to contemporary challenges. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the need to innovate traditional construction practices without compromising cultural identity. The research emphasizes the importance of sustainable, resilient architecture and serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges in disaster resilience and cultural preservation.

Investigation of Curling and Warping on US 34 near Greeley, Colorado

Construction of a jointed concrete pavement on US 34 near Greeley, Colorado in 2012 led to an investigation of slab curling and warping that appeared to be contributing to undesirable levels of pavement roughness. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) initiated an investigation to quantify the effects of slab curling and warping on ride quality for the US 34 project and to identify possible changes in construction practices to mitigate the effects of slab curling on future projects. This paper summarizes the various analyses that were conducted under this research project and the results from this investigation. It also provides recommendations for improvements in construction practices to help minimize jointed concrete pavement slab curling and warping and recommendations for the collection of smoothness acceptance data such that the effects of curling and warping can be captured.

Review of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Techniques for Timber Structures

The widespread adoption of wood in construction is driven by its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and esthetic appeal. The construction of wood buildings often requires minimal specialized equipment, contributing to affordability and higher demand for wood-frame structures. Wood is considered more sustainable than other building materials, such as steel or concrete, for several reasons, including its renewable nature, low embodied energy, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, and biodegradability, among others. In the United States, wood is the most common material used in building construction. While many of the structures are single-family homes, wood framing is also prevalent in larger apartment complexes, as well as commercial and industrial buildings. Timber has also been traditionally used for bridge construction, and recently, it has been considered again for the construction of new bridges. Over time, wood-frame construction has developed from a basic method for primitive shelters into a sophisticated field of structural design. As an eco-friendly resource, wood is crucial for promoting sustainable building practices. However, ensuring the long-term performance and safety of timber structures is essential. Regular inspections and testing of wooden structures are important to identify signs of wear, damage, or decay. One type of testing which is gaining popularity is nondestructive testing (NDT). NDT techniques have become invaluable for assessing the condition of timber components because such techniques are non-invasive in nature and do not cause damage, ensuring that structures remain functional with minimal disruptions. These methods provide critical insights into the structural integrity and operational efficiency of wood under sustained loads and in inclement environments. This article examines various NDT techniques used to evaluate timber structures, highlighting their capabilities, as well as advantages and limitations. It also discusses the importance of wood in advancing sustainability within the construction industry and emphasizes the need for accurate and reliable assessment methods to enhance the use of timber as an environmentally friendly building material. By incorporating NDT practices into regular inspection and maintenance protocols for buildings, bridges, and other structures, various stakeholders can ensure the durability, longevity, and safety of timber structures, thereby contributing to the progress and advancement of sustainable construction practices worldwide.

Sustainable Construction Practices in Bangkok: Reducing Carbon Emissions in Urban Infrastructure Projects

Sustainable Construction Practices in Bangkok: Reducing Carbon Emissions in Urban Infrastructure Projects

Problem-based techniques and practices of coastal ecological engineering construction in China

Problem-based techniques and practices of coastal ecological engineering construction in China

Turning Agricultural Biomass Ash into a Valuable Resource in the Construction Industry—Exploring the Potential of Industrial Symbiosis

This paper presents a circular business model (CBM) designed to promote the valorization of agricultural biomass ash for producing an alternative binder in construction, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions and landfill waste. The circular economy framework emphasizes regeneration and restoration to minimize resource and energy use, waste generation, pollution, and other environmental impacts. Aligned with these principles of sustainability, the construction industry, energy sector and food processing industry can establish a shared interest through industrial symbiosis. In the proposed CBM, waste from one industry becomes an input for another. The model leverages industrial symbiosis by using sunflower husk ash (SHA) as an alternative hydroxide activator for alkali-activated materials. A case study of companies in the Republic of Serbia that produce SHA as waste forms the basis for this model, featuring promising results of experimental testing of three alkali-activated mortars produced by activating ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) with different SHA contents (15, 25 and 35 wt% GGBFS), instead of commercially available hydroxide activators. The potential of SHA as an alternative activator was assessed by testing flow diameter and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of curing. The highest 28-day compressive strength was attained for the addition of 25% SHA (28.44 MPa). The promising results provided a valid basis for CBM development. The proposed CBM is stream-based, resulting from merging and upgrading two existing industrial symbioses. This study highlights the benefits of the CBM while addressing the challenges and barriers to its implementation, offering insights into the possible integration of agricultural biomass ash into sustainable construction practices.

Framework for Design and Construction of Long-Life Concrete Pavements

In the past, concrete pavements were routinely designed and constructed to provide low-maintenance service life of 20 to 25 years. In fact, the majority of the U.S. interstate and the primary system were designed on the basis of the 20 to 25 year initial service life. Experience has shown that pavements in high volume traffic corridors need to be designed and constructed to provide longer service life because of the difficulties in performing effective repair and rehabilitation activities along these high volume highway corridors. In addition, the public is no longer tolerant of frequent extended lane closures to perform repair activities. It is becoming an established practice in the U.S. to require that concrete pavements provide low-maintenance service life of 40 plus years. PCC pavements can meet this specific requirement if proper considerations are incorporated in the design and good construction practices, including use of sound concrete making materials, are followed. This paper provides an overview of current U.S. practices and efforts at optimizing pavement design features and construction practices to minimize early age failures and provide long-term low-maintenance service in excess of 40 plus years. The paper also provides a framework for ensuring that the critical design and construction features that impact long-term service are recognized and accounted for. The design and construction features discussed include features that improve slab cracking and deflection responses, features that minimize maintenance operations, and construction features that assure long-life pavement.

A Review and Discussion of Current Developments Involving Bonded Concrete Overlays of Airfield Pavements

Fully-bonded portland cement concrete overlays have been widely used by the U.S. military to rehabilitate rigid airfield pavements that have functional deficiencies – such as roughness, surface profile, poor friction, or foreign object damage (FOD) potential. Significant developments in the concrete industry over the last 15 years – including considerable changes in concrete material additives, construction practices, surface preparation, and computer modeling – have led to changes in traditional practices. A survey of the recent literature in relevant topics led to the synthesis of applicable developments from several areas. New research on failure mechanisms, surface preparation, bonding agent use, and interface texture has provided fresh insight regarding some conventionally-accepted wisdom. Integrating contemporary findings into recommended practice should improve the oft-times variable nature of achieving the best bonding conditions for bonded overlays and ultimately improve their reliable long-term performance.

Priority Issues for Performance and Durability

There are many factors which influence the long-term performance of concrete pavements. They can be broadly categorised into four groups, namely thickness design, layer formats, jointing design and construction quality. Traditionally, the first two have dominated the attention of the published literature. However, in the author’s experience, it is the latter two groups which dominate the performance within the first 10 to 15 years (at minimum). The key issues within these groups are joint layout (i.e. plan geometry), mix design, mixing uniformity, compaction, curing, early-age protection and joint induction. The consequence of poor construction quality is that a potentially low-maintenance asset may soon become a high-maintenance liability. Rollings (2001) has summarised all of this by stating that “a well-built but poorly-designed pavement is likely to outperform a poorly-built but well-designed pavement”. Too often (in the author’s opinion), asset managers faced with durability problems look for exotic solutions (like corrosion protection of reinforcement) when improvements in the fundamentals of concrete construction practice (i.e. mix control, compaction and curing) would be more efficient and effective. Unfortunately, skilled craftsmen are becoming a rarer commodity and so a substantially increased training effort is needed to address the problem. This paper documents thirty years of experience to quantify the consequences of variable construction quality. It also seeks to show that the established textbook wisdom of concrete technology can be adapted in practical ways that are understood and applied by field staff.