Facility Project Research Articles

Research on accuracy testing of close-range photogrammetry for geometric feature measurement in particle accelerator

To meet the needs of the Hefei Advanced Light Facility project and reasonably use the close-range photogrammetric system in future alignment work. The research on the method and accuracy of the Aicon DPA close-range photogrammetry system for geometric element measurement was carried out. Using the external consistency and the internal consistency as evaluation indexes, the systems are designed and built with the laser interferometer (XL80), laser tracker (AT 960), standard tetrahedral and marble guide to test the point coordinates, distance, flatness measurement accuracy and measurement repeatability for geometric element measurement accuracy. The experimental results show that Aicon DPA point coordinates, distance, and flatness measurements have high accuracy in close-range photogrammetry. The point coordinate and flatness measurements are 9.5 μm and 5.4 μm, respectively, equal to or even better than the laser tracker's measurement results. Furthermore, the measurement repeatability is better than 5 μm. The results of the simulated engineering site show that the Aicon DPA has an accuracy of 19.8 μm, maintaining high accuracy and good immunity to environmental interference. With the expansion of the photogrammetry control range, when the length reference is shorter than the measured object, the measurement accuracy will continue to decrease. But when using the length data of the interferometer as a reference, the accuracy within 8 meters can be better than 30 μm. The accuracy testing process and conclusion of this article have reference values for the use of close-range photogrammetry systems in particle accelerators. The close-range photogrammetry system will be fully utilized in alignment work such as geometric element measurement, deformation monitoring and data fusion with laser trackers in the Hefei Advanced Light Facility.

Health Care Facility Characteristics Associated With Providing Telehealth HIV Care Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives. To describe provision of HIV telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Medical Monitoring Project Facility Survey for the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative, which aims to achieve an at least 90% reduction in new HIV infections by 2030 and highlights telehealth as an important strategy. Methods. During 2021, we surveyed 1023 facilities providing HIV care to a nationally representative sample of US adults with diagnosed HIV, of which 45% responded. We calculated weighted percentages with 95% confidence intervals comparing the characteristics of facilities providing telehealth services. Results. Overall, 83.4% of facilities provided HIV care telehealth services by the facility's own providers (82.0%) or by outside providers through remote conferencing (27.0%). Gaps in coverage were identified in smaller facilities and in facilities in rural and primary care health professional shortage areas. Conclusions. Although most HIV care facilities provided telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaps were identified, which must be addressed to meet Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States goals and better prepare for future health emergencies. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 16, 2025:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307908).

KAHRAMANMARAŞ METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY'S APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON PLANS, PROJECTS, AND REPORTS

This study aims to analyze the approach of Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality regarding solid waste management, focusing on its plans, projects, and reports. Utilizing document analysis as a qualitative research method, the study systematically evaluates the municipality's documents related to solid waste management. The findings indicate that Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality has made significant efforts to address the solid waste issue, particularly following the February 6th earthquakes, which heightened the city's challenges in this area. The municipality's commitment to sustainable waste management is demonstrated through key initiatives, such as the implementation of the “Kürtül Solid Waste Integrated Facility”, marking a notable improvement in waste management practices. Furthermore, progress on the “Northern Districts Integrated Solid Waste Facility Project”, now nearing completion, reinforces the municipality’s ongoing dedication to enhancing solid waste management and sustainability. These initiatives are vital for tackling the environmental challenges faced by the city and promoting a more sustainable future.

Evaluation of diabetes care services, data quality, and availability of resources in Ethiopia: Difference-in-differences analysis of the NORAD-WHO NCDs’ midterm project evaluation

BackgroundThe Ethiopian government, supported by NORAD, the WHO, and other partners, is decentralizing diabetes care to primary health units via a task-shifting approach. Despite substantial investment, there is still a lack of up-to-date information on diabetes screening, diagnosis, treatment, and medication availability in the country.ObjectiveThis study assessed the effects of the NORAD-WHO intervention on diabetes care services, data quality, and the availability of infrastructure and medical supplies in Ethiopia.MethodsA quasiexperimental study was conducted across 31 NORAD-WHO project facilities and 62 control facilities in six regions of Ethiopia and Addis Ababa. We used descriptive statistics to assess diabetes screening, diagnosis, treatment services, medication availability, and data quality over 54 months from January 2019 to June 2023. Additionally, we performed a difference-in-differences (DID) regression analysis comparing data from two periods: before the intervention (January to December 2019) and after the intervention (July 2022 to June 2023).ResultsThis study revealed a notable increase in diabetes services, with over 82% of facilities offering screening, early diagnosis, and treatment. Written treatment guidelines are present in three quarters of the facilities. The proportion of trained staff increased from 58% in 2019 to 100% in 2023 across all the evaluated facilities. Intervention facilities had significantly more functional glucometers than did control facilities, averaging four (95% CI: 3.4, 4.6) per month in 2023 compared with 2.5 (95% CI: 2.1, 2.9) in 2019. However, hemoglobin A1C testing remains uncommon. Despite improvements in diabetes service data, issues with missing records, overreporting, and timeliness persist, with an average reporting rate of 99.2% and on-time reporting rate of 51.5%. The NORAD-WHO intervention notably increased the average number of fasting blood sugar tests by 17 per month (95% CI: 12.2–21.8, p = 0.014).ConclusionsThis midterm evaluation revealed a significant increase in the availability of fasting blood sugar tests in the intervention facilities. Additionally, the availability of medical equipment, laboratory services, and medications has improved over the years. Intervention facilities, with more trained healthcare professionals and better resources, outperform control facilities in screening, diagnosing, treating, and managing high blood sugar levels. Notably, intervention facilities screened more clients for diabetes and showed that patients receiving follow-up care achieved better glycemic control than did those at control facilities. While there has been progress in diabetes service data availability, addressing issues such as missing data, overreporting, and reporting timeliness is essential for further improving the quality of diabetes services.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Socialist urbanism and cultural infrastructure facilities in China: Cities of the Pearl River Delta and the Guangzhou cultural infrastructure facilities plan, 2003–07

The construction of “cultural infrastructure facilities” (wenhua jichu sheshi) in China – auditoria, exhibition halls, libraries, museums, performance centers – for state administration of culture and information originated in the 1950s with Sino-Soviet exchange and has continued throughout the reform era. However, scholarship on urban development in China, embedded in discourses of capitalism and modern planning, generally does not recognize this category of infrastructure construction by contemporary city governments. To address the lacunae, this article analyzes the history of cultural infrastructure facilities in socialist urbanism, their transfer to the People’s Republic of China from the Soviet Union, the conditions of socialist realism, and the continuity of cultural infrastructure construction since the 1980s. Evidence from the Guangzhou Cultural Infrastructure Facilities Projects Plan (2003 – 07) and cultural facilities sites in the new city center projects of Shenzhen, Shunde, and Dongguan demonstrate how the party-state prioritizes the planning and construction of cultural infrastructure facilities. Contemporary architectural designs for new cultural buildings represent the international aesthetic of reform while cultural facilities continue to house and display party-sanctioned culture and information for the people.

Critical Project Impact Factors for Federal Capital Facility Projects

Critical Project Impact Factors for Federal Capital Facility Projects

Design of a mixed material moderator in a beam-shaping assembly for proton accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is being promoted with the development of accelerator neutron sources, and many new accelerator-based BNCT facilities are being built. In Particle Accelerator Facility project of Sun Yat-sen University, we plan to build a terminal for BNCT research based on an 8MeV, CW 3mA proton accelerator. In this paper, we present a beam-shaping assembly for this proton accelerator with such low 24kW beam power, using composite moderator materials composed of five elements: Mg, Al, F, O, and Li. The calculation result of FLUKA with ENDF/B and JENDL libraries shows that the epithermal neutron beam flux is 1.57×109n/cm2/s with the CW 3mA proton beam. The fast neutron component and the gamma ray component under free-air condition are 1.49×10-13Gy∙cm2 and 8.12×10-14Gy∙cm2 respectively, in line with IAEA-TECDOC-1223 design recommendations. The thermal analysis shows that the maximum temperature of beryllium target is 706.5K, and the structure materials of BSA do not melt.

Divertor Tokamak Test facility project: status of design and implementation

Abstract An overview is presented of the progress since 2021 in the construction and scientific programme preparation of the Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT) facility. Licensing for building construction has been granted at the end of 2021. Licensing for Cat. A radiologic source has been also granted in 2022. The construction of the toroidal field magnet system is progressing. The prototype of the 170GHz gyrotron has been produced and it is now under test on the FALCON facility. The design of the vacuum vessel, the poloidal field coils and the civil infrastructures has been completed. The shape of the first DTT divertor has been agreed with EUROfusion to test different plasma and exhaust scenarios: single null, double null, XD divertor and negative triangularity plasmas. A detailed research plan is being elaborated with the involvement of the EUROfusion laboratories.

Critical Risk Factors Associated with Schedule Delays in Gas Processing Facility Projects: Case Study in Indonesia

Critical Risk Factors Associated with Schedule Delays in Gas Processing Facility Projects: Case Study in Indonesia

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FACTORS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ROAD FACILITY PROJECTS

Road facilities are part of the national transportation system according to Article 25 in Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation. Road facilities in the form of sidewalks and crossings are crossings for pedestrians. The arrangement of sidewalks by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is to improve urban infrastructure, where the percentage of sidewalk arrangements by 2022 will reach 5.58% of the length of roads in Jakarta. This research aims to determine the influence of factors Contract Change Order (CCO) on cost performance and implementation time for sidewalk arrangement activities, using structural equation modeling techniques-partial least squares (SEM-PLS). This research focuses on identifying the main CCO factors that directly influence cost performance, and indirectly influence implementation time performance through cost performance on road facility projects. There are 3 (three) types of research variables used; The independent variables consist of scope of work, planning, policy changes, specification changes, and coordination of related parties, the dependent variable is cost performance and the intervening variable is cost performance as a mediating variable of the influence of the CCO factor on time performance. The results showed that the coordination of related parties had a direct and significant positive impact on cost performance by 59%, and an indirect and significant impact on time performance through cost performance as a mediating variable by 37.7%.

Working From Within: The Rural Community Participatory Design Framework.

This article describes the development of the rural community-based participatory design framework to guide healthcare design teams in their integration of rural community and clinical voice during the planning, design, and construction of a healthcare facility. Rural communities are facing an alarming rate of healthcare facility closures, provider shortages, and dwindling resources, which are negatively impacting population health outcomes. A prioritized focus on rural care access and delivery requires design teams to have a deeper understanding of the contextual considerations necessary for a successful healthcare facility project, made possible through engagement and partnership with rural dwelling community members and healthcare teams. The rural community participatory design framework is adapted from the rural participatory research model, selected due to its capture of key concepts and characteristics of rural communities. Underpinning theories included rural nursing theory and theory of the built environment. The framework encompasses healthcare facility project phases, key translational concepts, and common traits across rural communities and cultures. As a middle-range theoretical framework, it is being tested in a current healthcare project with a Critical Access Hospital in Montana to facilitate design team and stakeholder collaboration. The rural community participatory design framework may be utilized by design teams as a means of familiarization with rural cultures, norms, values, and critical needs, which relate to meaningful design. The framework further enables design teams to critically appraise best practices of stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Investigating construction delays in cold storage projects in the Philippines

Construction delays pose significant challenges affecting project timelines, budgets, and quality standards globally. This study focuses on bridging the knowledge between differences of construction between cold storage facility projects among other types of projects and identifying influential factors causing delays in cold storage construction projects in the Philippines. Through a questionnaire survey including 30 critical delay factors derived from comprehensive literature review and expert consultations, data was gathered from 100 stakeholders across diverse cold storage projects via simple random sampling. Analysis using the Relative Importance Index (RII) highlighted inadequate manpower, delays in the concrete slab construction, permit acquisition delays, quality-related rework, problems arising during testing and commissioning of the temperature-controlled room, and late procurement as the primary causes of construction delays in these projects. These findings underscore the critical need for improvements to pre-emptively manage risks leading to project overruns. The study recommends a concentrated effort by construction stakeholders targeting the top 10 critical delay factors identified, to mitigate future delays and ensure smoother project execution. This approach is very crucial for meeting the country’s reliance on timely completion of cold storage facilities which is vital for accommodating the increasing demands across diverse sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

Research on fusion and deformation analysis of decade' HLS-II control network surveying data

To ensure the long-term stability of the beam and further construction needs, it is necessary to re-measure the particle accelerator regularly. Since 2013, we have been measuring the HLS-II control network with laser trackers and the level for 10 years. Taking HLS-II as the object of study, we introduced the data acquisition strategy for the period of 2013–2023. We analyzed the horizontal and vertical deformation trends of each control point. In the vertical direction, we fused the geometric level and elevation data of the laser tracker network by using MC-GMM (a Gauss-Markov model which considers the uncertainty of Monte Carlo simulation). The analysis results show that, after the HLS upgrade, the annual average settlement of the ground control network tends to be stable. The settlement and horizontal variation of the device are all within a reasonable and controllable range. To ensure stability, accuracy, and efficiency in the measurement, we recommend employing the laser tracker for the re-measurement of the HLS-II storage ring. The data processing flow and methods mentioned in the article can provide a reference for deformation analysis of the upcoming construction of the Hefei Advanced Light Facility (HALF) and other large-scale metrology projects.

Comparison of OSC (Off-Site Construction) Level Measurement Methods

Studies have shown that the implementation of OSC (off-site construction) is beneficial. However, most studies have relied on simulated project data to forecast the potential advantages of OSC, often using surveys or expert consultations as their primary research methods. Others have based their analyses on a specific sample size, focusing on cost savings and reduced construction time. Such approaches inherently possess limitations. In this study, we define “OSC level measurement” as the comprehensive process of quantifying the application of OSC elements throughout the project lifecycle. Numerous studies have proposed methods for OSC level measurements. However, they vary in their applicability to different facility types and project phases and employ country-specific quantification items and methods. These variations complicate the comparison or integration of OSC measurement methods on an international scale. The comprehensiveness of the representations in the existing industry foundation classes (IFCs), which is required to carry out automated OSC level measurement, is not yet investigated. This study aimed to systematically compare and analyze various methods for measuring OSC levels in construction projects. We intend to provide researchers and professionals with the necessary characteristics and requirements to develop standardized OSC level measurement methods in the future. The key takeaways emphasize the need for establishing the necessary standardization of the list of OSC elements, creating a framework for standardized quantification items using IFC elements based on BIM data to measure the extent of OSC elements’ application, and unifying the quantification methods for assessing the proportion of OSC elements. Ultimately, this standardization will pave the way for more informed decision making, innovation, and the implementation of sustainable solutions in the construction industry.

Governing hybrid organisations: Lessons from the provision of local sports facility services in 2020s Finland

AbstractThe Finnish welfare society is based on strong public and civic sectors with an emerging private sector. In the context of sports, the public sector's statutory task has been to provide opportunities and facilities for citizens, whereas the civic sector has been responsible for organising activities. However, since the 1990s, economic recessions, new public management doctrines, and other societal changes have mixed this institutionalised setting and increased hybridity in the provision of public services. This study examines how hybridity is manifested and governed in the provision of local sports facility services in contemporary Finland through a literature review and a multiple case study focusing on three sports facility construction projects. The projects had partners from all societal sectors and, organisationally, assumed different forms: privately owned, sports clubs co‐owned, and municipally owned enterprises. The case data consist of thematic interviews and project documentation and are analysed with theory‐driven content analysis. The study deepens understanding of the mixed ownership structures, various funding arrangements, control mechanisms, and management of goal incongruency found in hybrid facility‐provider organisations. Additionally, it describes changing roles and challenges that municipalities face in hybrid settings and develops recommendations for future research on hybridity and sports policy.Points for practitioners Note that the capacity to steer the operations of hybrids in municipal services provision can be obtained in various ways which do not entail formal ownership. Deepen your understanding of the goals and commitment incentives of the different stakeholders planned to be involved in the hybrid project. Consider jointly written formal contracts as tools for managing goal ambiguity and incongruence and for creating trust in the hybrid arrangement. Examine comprehensively the resourcing of the facility‐provider organisation in the operational phase of the facility when evaluating the funding arrangements and public value creation of hybrid facility projects. Prepare to become a practitioner and the object subjected to more diverse forms of control when committing to hybrid arrangements with various stakeholders.

Quantitative Soil Quality Assessment by Using Visual Soil-Field Assessment Tools (VS-FAST)

Unplanned land use reflects the changes from agricultural to urbanization and decreasing of green spaces in cities and agricultural lands surrounding cities. The Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Dry Bare - Soil Index (DBSI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) indices were derived to evaluate the rate of the land use/cover changes due to uncontrolled urban sprawl for the years 2001 and 2020. Field indicators were also used to assess soil properties’ degradation by using Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA) under the FAO Global Environment Facility (GEF) project. A set of 30 soil samples were randomly collected from two locations: unplanned built-up and vegetated sites in Babil Governorate, Iraq. The results showed that soil texture and salinity were the most varied indicators. The poorer areas (unplanned urban areas) were low and assessed as poor quality, while the vegetated site was assessed as moderate quality with high total score values. The findings from spectral indices show a significant rise in the built-up land use/cover category, expanding from 10.367 square kilometres in 2001 to 50.883 square kilometres in 2020. In contrast, the areas of bare-soils and vegetated decreased from 29.29 and 35.474 square kilometres in 2001 to 12.511 and 19.601 square kilometres in 2020, respectively. Various analytical techniques proved instrumental in distinguishing the different land use/cover categories in this research.

FACTORS CAUSING TIME DELAYS COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS(Case Study on Facilities Building Construction ProjectSports Stage 5 Construction of the East Stand)

Inaccuracy in planning project activities during project implementation greatly affects implementation delays in the field. The purpose of the study is to determine and analyze: (1) the causal factors that contribute to project completion delays, (2) the causal factors that contribute to the dominant delay in project completion, and (3) delay risk management. In the Sports facilities (Eastern Tribune Development) project. Cirebon Regency. This study is a type of quantitative descriptive study. Data collection was done through FGD, interviews and questionnaires distributed to 10 qualified respondents in the construction sector. The resources of this study are the cause of the delay in the completion of the projects. A House of Risk (HOR) approach was used to analyze the data. Research results show that (1) Cirebon Regency Sports Facilities Building (Eastern Tribune Development) project has 14 risk events and 17 identified risk causes that cause delays. (2) Control factors that cause delays in project completion include: material factors, contract document factors, project owner factors, and contractor and design consultant factors, and (3) delay risk management options, including: (a) good communication and coordination. with the owner; (b) apply a comprehensive planning approach to procurement of materials, (c) coordinate current project drawings between consultants and field workers, (d) contact consultants and supervisors.

Earthquake Rupture Forecast Model Construction for the 2023 U.S. 50-State National Seismic Hazard Model Update: Central and Eastern U.S. Fault-Based Source Model

Abstract As part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2023 50-State National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM), we make modest revisions and additions to the central and eastern U.S. (CEUS) fault-based seismic source model that result in locally substantial hazard changes. The CEUS fault-based source model was last updated as part of the 2014 NSHM and considered new information from the Seismic Source Characterization for Nuclear Facilities (CEUS-SSCn) Project. Since then, new geologic investigations have led to revised fault and fault-zone inputs, and the release of databases of fault-based sources in the CEUS. We have reviewed these databases and made minor revisions to six of the current fault-based sources in the NSHM, as well as added five new fault-based sources. Implementation of these sources follows the current NSHM methodology for CEUS fault-based sources, as well as the incorporation of a new magnitude–area relationship and updated maximum magnitude and recurrence rate estimates following the methods used by the CEUS-SSCn Project. Seismic hazard sensitivity calculations show some substantial local changes in hazard (−0.4g to 1.1g) due to some of these revisions and additions, especially from the addition of the central Virginia, Joiner ridge, and Saline River sources and revisions made to the Meers and New Madrid sources.

Green hydrogen production using proton membrane electrolysis of clean drinking water

With the EU’s green strategy and its member countries making a conscious effort to move away from fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions, there has been an uptick in technologies that produce green energy. Power-to-X has become an important topic in recent times, due to the so-called emission-free process of creating hydrogen from excess renewable energy. This research investigated this claim of being emission-free by analysing the method of obtaining extremely clean (pure) drinking water to produce hydrogen. A linear equation was produced that determines the carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity per kilowatt-hour of electricity used in producing a kilogram of water used to produce hydrogen. It was found that carbon dioxide emissions were produced by small-, medium- and large-capacity projects based in Denmark. Indicatively, for a 1 GW project facility, it was calculated that such a plant can produce 160 161 kg of carbon dioxide per year, so apparently, nothing comes without a cost.

ACCELERATION ANALYSIS USING THE CRASHING METHOD IN THE SDN KUTISARI 2 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

In the construction of the Kutisari 2 SDN Project, there were several obstacles that hampered the implementation of the project, such as heavy rainy weather. The aim of the research is to determine the cost and acceleration time for the construction of the SDN Kutisari 2 Project. The research design was carried out to identify the time and costs of implementing the building construction completion project. The research was conducted at CV.Nisya Multi Bintang as the implementing contractor with a budget of Rp. 1,614,171,924 for 165 calendar days. The research subjects were contractors completing work on the Kutisari 2 Elementary School Development Project. This research used secondary data from the Draft Expenditure Budget, Schedule, weekly reports and project cost costs. Data analysis used Microsoft Project 2016 software. The results of the research stated (1) The duration of the Crashing was 8 calendar days with work that was on the Critical Work Route for the Construction of School Facilities, Infrastructure and Utilities at SDN Kutisari 2, namely water proofing coating with fiber on the 2nd floor, cleaning location to the end, B-0 work to cover 2nd floor columns, 2nd floor column cutting work, and floor screading work. (2) From the initial cost of the Kutisari 2 SDN School Facilities, Infrastructure and Utilities Construction Work Project, namely Rp. 1,164,171,924 with additional costs due to Crashing of Rp. 24,569,780 so the total costs due to the Crashing are Rp. 1,638,741,704.