Improve Construction Performance Research Articles

Analysis of Productivity Loss In Ironing, Formwork, and Casting Work at Summarecon Mall Bandung Project

In a developing country such as Indonesia, infrastructure development is one of aspects that contribute to advancement for the country. However, construction industry in Indonesia has a problem regarding to low construction productivity. Lean construction regarded as the new method to improve construction performance and labor productivity. Using two principles of lean construction, benchmarking and labor production variability reduction will be analyzed to show how impact it caused to labor performance. Benchmarking will be used to analyze for Summarecon Mall Bandung Project with parameters of Disruption Index (DI), Perfomance Ratio (PR) and Project Manajemen Index (PMI). The project has DI<0,1 score that means abnormality days that happened was low, varied PR score in all construction operation, and low PMI score that represent good construction management system. In conclusion based on all parameters, Mall Summarecon Bandung Project is relatively good project and can be used as a benchmark for similar construction project.

‘Buildability’ in the Digital Age: A Phenomenological Discourse of Industry Practitioners’ Perceptions

Since the emergence of the concept of “buildability” in 1983, numerous studies have focused on improving project performance through buildability. Initially, the buildability discourse was based on narrow definitions and focused on aspects that could improve construction performance. Although explicit academic discourse on buildability has been limited for three decades, the ongoing calls to improve construction performance have never subsided. As buildability was seen as important by industry in the 1980s and 1990s for improving performance, its limited discourse warrants investigation to understand how buildability has evolved in practice over the last 30 years. Therefore, this study aims to review and extend the discourse of the buildability concept using a phenomenological research approach to capture the unconscious evolution of the concept through stakeholder interpretations. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) research philosophy embedded in the exploratory tradition was followed to uncover the 16 key underlying constructs of the buildability concept. The study is significant for casting potential buildability discourse trajectories for the future of the construction industry by integrating people, process, and technology. The findings extend the dimensions of buildability, accommodating stakeholders’ expectations and project conditions as part of buildability decisions. Moreover, the study suggests that emerging technologies (e.g., AI) will become integral to buildability processes in terms of managing knowledge in the future.

Application of Emerging Technologies to Improve Construction Performance

Over the preceding several decades, the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries have witnessed significant advances due to the rapid development of information technology [...]

Automated Model-Based 3D Scan Planning for Prefabricated Building Components

Modular construction can improve construction performance (i.e., cost, schedule, and safety) by prefabricating modules at an off-site facility and installing them at a construction site. However, when defects of modules are not easily repairable on the construction site, they cause additional cost overruns and delays due to long lead times of refabrication and reshipment. Thus, quality assessment of modular components at the fabrication facility before shipment is very important. The current inspection practices rely on manual measurement, which can be imprecise, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. To address this issue, some research efforts are made on the module inspection techniques (e.g., estimates of geometric properties and surface quality) using laser-scanned data. The accuracy of these techniques relies on the quality (i.e., coverage and resolution) of the scan data. However, ensuring the consistent quality of data is a major challenge as there is little to no research on optimal scan planning for modular components. Therefore, this paper proposes a model-based 3D scan planning method for modular components that ensures user-specified scan quality. Given a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) or building information modeling (BIM) model, scanner property, and user’s quality requirement, this method automatically computes the input parameters for the laser scanner (i.e., angular step and field of view) and optimal scan positions. It also predicts the scan quality and shows the areas that will not meet the user requirement due to geometric constraints (i.e., self-occluded surfaces). This study was validated through two case studies using two modular-sized structures in a fabrication facility. The results showed that the scan planner is able to accurately predict the scanning quality and ensure that the output scan will meet the user quality requirement.

Rework causes classification model with liable parties of the contract in construction projects

Rework is an interesting topic in the contract management of construction projects. An effective way of improving performance on construction projects is to manage rework. However, managing rework is challenging because of the dynamic nature of construction activities. A rational starting point is the identification of the root causes of rework then a framework for its management can be developed for improving construction performance. This paper reviews rework-related studies in the construction industry through a critical review of literature to investigate the main causes of rework in the construction contracts. A content analysis of the previously proposed classification methods for rework revealed that all rework causes could be grouped under various project stages. The causes of rework also could be ascribed to different project parties. However, previous studies have suggested various categories of rework, there is no commonly used classification model for rework causes in construction contracts. The current study proposes a model in three levels to address this gap. The developed model categorised rework causes in five constructs linked to three main stages of the project under two liable contract parties. The study findings show that the procurement stage has fewer categories of rework causes than design and construction. The result also reveals that the involvement level of contract parties in rework occurrence can be investigated in contract documents. Thus, this paper suggests further research in procurement stage to address rework causes in the contract conditions.

Discrete-event simulation-based decision making of Just-In-Time strategies for precast concrete supply chain using batch delivery and offsite inventory level

Precast concrete (PC) can potentially improve construction industry projects when used as a primary process in the precast concrete supply chain (PCSC). Successful inventory reduction and on-time delivery are essential in the PCSC because of critical scheduling and cost factors. To solve these challenges, this study applied Just-In-Time (JIT) strategies in the PCSC using the Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) model to help manufacturers identify the optimal decision. The factors considered were offsite inventory levels (based on days buffered) and batch delivery decisions that reduced supply penalties and improved construction performance. The model was validated based on a precast project experiment in Vietnam; the model provided a saving of 52% in manufacturer penalties and reduced construction idle work by 77%. An optimal combined decision was provided for the manufacturer, such as a 1day-4batch decision with maximum benefit and a 2day-2batch decision for safety using an uncertainty risk consideration in the PC wall panel study case. This research contributes a tool to help manufacturers in decision making and promotes the use of JIT applications/strategies in the PCSC process.

Review on Sensing Technology Adoption in the Construction Industry.

Sensing technologies demonstrate promising potential in providing the construction industry with a safe, productive, and high-quality process. The majority of sensing technologies in the construction research area have been focused on construction automation research in prefabrication, on-site operation, and logistics. However, most of these technologies are either not implemented in real construction projects or are at the very early stages in practice. The corresponding applications are far behind, even in extensively researched aspects such as Radio Frequency Identification, ultra-wideband technology, and Fiber Optic Sensing technology. This review systematically investigates the current status of sensing technologies in construction from 187 articles and explores the reasons responsible for their slow adoption from 69 articles. First, this paper identifies common sensing technologies and investigates their implementation extent. Second, contributions and limitations of sensing technologies are elaborated to understand the current status. Third, key factors influencing the adoption of sensing technologies are extracted from construction stakeholders’ experience. Demand towards sensing technologies, benefits and suitability of them, and barriers to their adoption are reviewed. Lastly, the governance framework is determined as the research tendency facilitating sensing technologies adoption. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the governance framework development. It will promote the sensing technologies adoption and improve construction performance including safety, productivity, and quality.

Correlation Between the Management Factors Affecting PMO Implementation in UAE Construction

PMO is a very effective strategy for improving construction performance. In the UAE construction industry, PMO is a relatively new trend. Hence it is facing several challenges during construction project implementation. These challenges affect PMO performance. Thus, this study identified the major management-related issues and assessed the correlation between the identified factors better to understand PMO implementation performance in the UAE construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative approach where the data was collected using a designed questionnaire. It used simple random technique sampling and gathered 100 valid questionnaire forms against 200 distributed questionnaires forms. The reliability test shows that the data was excellent, having an Alpha value of more than 0.8. Based on the Spearman test, a correlation matrix was developed to understand the relationship between the factors. Based on the correlation matrix, it is found that “inexperienced PMO leadership and project managers”, “unskilled and inexperienced project management personnel,” and “inability to identify the required soft skills in the implementation of PMO” are mutually correlated with each other. In the project management domain, important factors are “overworked project managers due to additional administrative”, “a poorly laid communication strategy on the implementation of PMO purposes and goals”, “minimize bureaucracy to the existing organizational structure”,“unacceptance from senior management” and “selection of the right system to be used” has a high correlation with the factor “Inaccurate information for reporting”. The findings of this study will be helpful for decision making to prioritizing for mitigating or taking corrective actions.

ANALISIS PENEMPATAN DAN PENENTUAN JUMLAH TOWER CRANE (TC)

In the construction of Cable Stayed Bridge, the use of heavy construction equipment is absolutely necessary, especially required for positioning and selecting the type of Tower Crane in order to improve construction performance. Therefore, human resources and heavy equipment used in the construction process will significantly affect the period of project implementation. Proper planning of the location for various construction equipment is believed to be the key of efficiency and productivity. Tower Crane as the target optimization is one of the equipment that has a big role in transporting the materials for the construction of a multi- storey building so that it requires proper planning to be able to serve all points of demand from its position.

A generative design approach for modular construction in congested urban areas

PurposeModular construction is widely adopted and used in the construction industry to improve construction performance with respect to both efficiency and productivity. The evaluation of design options for modular construction can be iterative, and thus automation is required to develop design alternatives. This research aims to explore the potential of utilizing the generative design approach to automate modular construction for residential building structures in urban areas such as New York City.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed research methodology is investigated for a systematic approach to parametrize design parameters for modular construction layout design as well as incorporate design rules/parameters into modularizing design layouts in a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. Based on current building codes and necessary inputs by the user, the proposed approach enables providing recommendations in a generative design method and optimizes construction processes by performing analytical calculations.FindingsThe generative design has been found to be efficient in generating layout designs for modular construction based on parametric design. The integration of BIM and generative design can allow industry practitioners to fast generate design layout with evaluations from constructability perspectives.Originality/valueThis paper has proposed a new approach of incorporating generative design with BIM technologies to solve module layout generations by considering design and constructability constraints. The method can be further extended for evaluating modular construction design from manufacturability and assembly perspectives.

Digitalization as a Strategic Means of Achieving Sustainable Efficiencies in Construction Management: A Critical Review

Construction is a complex activity, characterized by high levels of capital investment, relatively long delivery durations, multitudinous risks and uncertainties, as well as requiring the integration of multiple skills delivering a huge volume of tasks and processes. All of these must be coordinated carefully if time, cost, and quality constraints are to be met. At the same time, construction is renowned for performing poorly regarding sustainability metrics. Construction activity generates high volumes of waste, requires vast amounts of resources and materials, while consuming a significant proportion of total energy generated. Digitalization of the construction workplace and construction activities has the potential of improving construction performance both in terms of business results as well as sustainability outcomes. This is because, to put it simply, reduced energy usage, for example, impacts economic and “green” performance, simultaneously. Firms tinkering with digitalization, however, do not always achieve the hoped-for outcomes. The challenge faced is that a digital transition of construction firms must be carried out at a strategic level—requiring a comprehensive change management protocol. What then does a digital strategy entail? This study puts forward an argument for the combined economic and sustainability dividends to be had from digitizing construction firm activities. It outlines the requirements for achieving digitalization. The elements of a comprehensive digitalization strategy are cataloged, while the various approaches to developing a digitalization strategy are discussed. This study offers practitioners a useful framework by which to consider their own firm-level efforts at digitalization transition.

AN OVERVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT TOWARD PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT

The awareness of construction performance measurement which involves setting new operating targets and standards has been raised among majority of construction organizations. This is so because of the ever-increasing requirements and expectations of the clients which necessitated continuous improvement in the cost, timing and quality of construction output. Productivity as an important issue in any industry can only be improved when the effect of changes applied on method, effort and system that can be measured. This paper reviewed internal performance measurement which makes a construction organization focuses on identifying improvement areas within its structure through comparing its business operations with others who do it better, through setting new targets to meet. The paper identified key performance indicators of internal performance measurement which include; time, cost, quality, client satisfaction, effective communication, safety and health and risk management. Lastly, the paper reviewed external performance measurement which makes the construction industry as a whole attempt to improve its productivity through designing tools and techniques applicable to construction. The paper concluded that, in order to improve construction performance, it is essential to have accurate measurements reflecting current trends and practice toward effective productivity. The construction industries should effectively take up internal performance measurements and be more open to external performance measurements that have been successful in other industries and assess if adaptable to construction projects.

Construction Logistics Centres Proposing Kitting Service: Organization Analysis and Cost Mapping

The construction industry represents an important part of the global economy but is known for many issues such as harmful emissions, low productivity, waste generation, poor ergonomics, and construction incidents and accidents. A logistical view has proved to be a solid basis for improving construction performance while construction logistics centres (CLC) are gaining interest and proposing more services such as Kitting. Since the CLC-kitting-based approach is a new phenomenon, it is still a relatively unexplored topic. Hence, this paper addresses how this configuration could be applied to construction projects and what are its related costs information. The research design is based on a single case study showing the CLC-kitting use by a French general contractor in a student housing project. Data has been collected through site visits, observations, project documents, and discussions conducted with construction managers and logistics planners. Data analysis identified realized effects from deploying CLC-kitting in construction projects. Therefore, recommendations are provided, at both strategic and operational levels, which can be leveraged in similar projects. Finally, an identification of constructions logistics costs shows their distribution along the supply chain and was evaluated at 14.7% over material purchasing price.

Comparing the Chinese Construction Industry with Other Developing Countries to Identify an Applicable Solution to Low Construction Performance

The Chinese Construction Industry (CCI) has become one of the largest in the world within the last 20 years. However, due to its rapid growth it has been experiencing issues causing the industry to struggle with delivering high performing projects. Due to the differences between developed and developing countries construction industries, research from other developing countries that were similar to China (Vietnam and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) were used to help identify solutions to improve the CCI. Previous research has identified the major risks in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. It has also been identified the only solution that has documented evidence that it can improve construction performance is the Best Value Approach that was developed in the United States at Arizona State University. A literature research was performed identifying the major risks and issues that have been documented in the CCI. These risks were then compared to that of the Vietnam and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s construction industry risks. It was identified that the majority of the top risks were similar in all three countries. Identifying that developing countries have been experiencing the same issues. This also identifies that the Best Value Approach might be a solution to help improve the CCI.

Stability of glassy concrete under elevated temperatures

The effects of elevated temperatures on concrete containing glass waste are investigated. Addition of 15% waste glass powder by weight of cement is performed to obtain glassy concrete (GC). This study provides several recommendations to enhance construction work and services by using glass waste and explores ways to increase durability for improved construction performance and to meet recycling goals. This experimental work investigates the residual physicomechanical properties of GC and normal concrete (NC) after being subjected to elevated temperatures ranging from 250 to 900 °C. Concrete specimens are subjected to temperatures of 250, 500, 750 and 900 °C with an exposure duration of 1 h. Results show that GC is less sensitive to elevated temperatures compared with NC and exhibits excellent stability at about 900 °C. The GC mixtures have higher flexural strength than compressive strength (50% and 20%, respectively).

Experimental study on mixing proportion of reactive powder pavement concrete

Experimental study is carried out on mixing proportion of reactive powder pavement concrete. Writer studied influence of concrete admixtures such as silica fume, metakaolin and RPC special mineral filler. Studies have shown that: Silica fume can improve compressive strength of RPC. When metakaolin is used to replace some silica fume, compressive strength will decrease, but workability of concrete mixture will improve obviously. Thus, metakaolin should be add up according to specific situation. Special mineral filler can obviously improve construction performance of concrete mixture, reduce viscosity and increase slump without affecting compressive strength. Therefore, it should be add up firstly. At the same time, RPC100, which is suitable for road surface engineering, was successfully prepared, and its mixing proportion and related mechanical properties were obtained.

Vietnam Construction Industry Performance Issues and Potential Solutions

This paper provides a literature review assessing the performance and issues of delivering construction services in the Vietnam Construction Industry (VCI). The research also explores a potential solution that could improve the performance of the VCI. The results show multiple non-performance issues that the VCI has experienced in the past 15 years, and presents a comparison between these issues and issues from other countries. The results reveal that the top 5 non-performance issues in the VCI include poor design services, frequent design changes, lack of skilled contractors, a lack of experienced project managers, and financial difficulties of owners. The comparison identifies that 87% of VCI issues were also experienced in other countries. Since the VCI has similar issues as other countries, the author propose that the VCI can improve construction performance by implementing successful methodologies from other countries. This paper investigates the Best Value Performance Information Procurement System (BV PIPS) as a potential solution because of two key aspects: (1) sufficient documentation of on time, on budget, and high customer satisfaction from this model, and (2) sufficient testing from other regions and countries to show similar improvement in construction performance.

Direct digital construction: Technology-based operations management practice for continuous improvement of construction industry performance

Abstract Construction operations suffer from fragmented structures and loose coupling among project actors. Building on direct digital manufacturing (DDM), we describe direct digital construction (DDC) as a technology-based operations management practice aiming to improve construction performance through design reuse and diminished human interpretation. We develop the operational principles, describe the operations in practice, and identify alternative implementation paths based on case examples of partial implementations. The core principle of the practice is to direct the value-adding operations over the building's lifecycle through the digital design model, resulting in increased reusability, project-specific differentiation, and automation of designs and processes across projects. Three implementation paths are identified: (a) as-built modeling-driven path, (b) modular product architecture-driven path, and (c) algorithmic and parametric design-driven path for the incremental transformation of the construction industry.

Facilitating Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): A UK perspective

The Construction industry is a major player in the UK economy and is in need of continuous improvement. In an attempt to do so, in 2011 the UK government made Building Information Modelling (BIM) level 2 a mandate for all public projects by 2016. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a project delivery approach closely attributed to BIM. However, it does not seem to have received proportionate level of attention and uptake in the UK. The research into reciprocal impacts of BIM and IPD are few and far between and non-existent in the UK construction context. This research investigates if and how IPD can facilitate BIM implementation in the UK. Capitalizing on relativist ontology, the study uses a mixed methodology to gauge industry experts' perception of the barriers to BIM implementation and uptake and the barriers to what constitutes IPD principles based on what has been found in the literature. The research findings support the hypothesis that IPD does help overcome barriers to collaboration, improve early involvement of the key participants and enhance the level of trust among key stakeholders; thereby helping eliminate the barriers to implementation of BIM. The research has also identified the main barriers to implementing IPD, which if overcome, could improve construction performance in terms of cost, time, efficiency and productivity in the UK by defragmenting parties through its multi-party agreement structure, facilitating BIM, enhancing parties’ early involvement and collaboration through its inherent BIM contractual principles. The findings suggest that IPD can facilitate better and wider uptake of BIM in the UK construction industry.

BIM-based and AR Application Combined with Location-Based Management System for the Improvement of the Construction Performance

The information and communication technologies (ICTs) utilization ratio in the construction industry is relatively low. This industry is characterized by low productivity, time and cost overruns in projectsdue to inefficient management processes, poor communication and low process automation. To improve construction performance, a BIM-based (BIM - (Building Information Modelling) and augmented reality (AR) application (referred to as the AR4C: Augmented Reality for Construction) is proposed, which integrates a location-based management system (LBMS). The application provides context-specific information on construction projects and tasks, as well as key performance indicators on the progress and performance of construction tasks. The construction projects are superimposed onto the real world, while a site manager is walking through the construction site. This paper describes the most important methods and technologies, which are needed to develop the AR4C application. In particular, the data exchange between BIM software and the Unity environment is discussed, as well as the integration of LBMS into BIM software and the AR4C application. Finally, the implemented and planned functionalities are argued. The AR4C application prototype was tested in a laboratory environment and produced positive feedback. Since the application addresses construction sites, a validation in semi-real scenarios with end users is recommended.