Improve Construction Performance Research Articles

Influence of Replacement Rate of Fine Aggregate by Blast Furnace Slag Sand on Fresh Properties of Mortar

For enlarging and promoting usage of blast furnace slag sand and improving construction performance of concrete with it, the behavior of the mortar under both static and dynamic, using vibrator, conditions were confirmed from the viewpoint of plastic viscosity, filling property and bleeding rate. As the results, within the scope of this experiment, by investigating the mixing ratio at which the plastic viscosity changes from the vibration plasticity viscosity obtained by the feather penetration type viscosity measurement test, it was considered that the appropriate fine aggregate mixing ratio can be estimated. Furthermore, the pore water pressure was measured for a sample in which the mixing ratio of the fine aggregate was changed, and the possibility of evaluating the fresh properties from the tendency of disappearance of pore water pressure after stopping the vibration was indicated.

Accuracy Improvement of Real-Time Location Tracking for Construction Workers

Extensive research has been conducted on the real-time locating system (RTLS) for tracking construction components, including workers, equipment, and materials, in order to improve construction performance (e.g., productivity improvement or accident prevention). In order to prevent safety accidents and make more sustainable construction job sites, the higher accuracy of RTLS is required. To improve the accuracy of RTLS in construction projects, this paper presents a RTLS using radio frequency identification (RFID). For this goal, this paper develops a location tracking error mitigation algorithm and presents the concept of using assistant tags. The applicability and effectiveness of the developed RTLS are tested under eight different construction environments and the test results confirm the system’s strong potential for improving the accuracy of real-time location tracking in construction projects, thus enhancing construction performance.

A Study of the Potential of Cloud/Mobile BIM for the Management of Construction Projects

Successful management of construction projects in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) era of the 21st Century should include intelligent systems to support construction project teams in making informed decisions. Project teams are routinely faced with contractual obligations to deliver projects to meet key construction parameters such as cost, time, quality and more recently stringent sustainability requirements. These sorts of pressures are no longer new as widely acknowledged by experienced project managers, contract administrators and clients. The poor performance of one or more of the aforementioned parameters will undoubtedly compromise the entire project, thus leading to the dissatisfaction of clients. This paper explores the use of mobile/cloud BIM in facilitating the adoption of an integrated approach to project delivery through automated or semi-automated dynamic information sharing processes with the ultimate goal of improving construction performance. The adopted methodology involved the use of an online-administered questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. The study identifies the adoption and uptake of cloud/mobile BIM technologies and the benefits and barriers.

Upgrade the Saudi Arabian Procurement System Delivery Method

Saudi Arabia has had many issues in delivering mega construction projects, such as delays, high costs, and low customer satisfaction. Some studies show that around 70% of public projects in Saudi Arabia are delayed. One factor that might be causing these performance issues is the traditional low bid contracting system in Saudi Arabia, or the Saudi procurement system. In Saudi Arabia, owners select contractors based only upon the lowest price. This paper researched ways to modify the current Saudi procurement system and show quick and simple modifications that can be done to improve the low performance. This research proposes that by adding the clarification phase from the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) to the Saudi traditional procurement process could greatly improve construction performance. The clarification phase requires the selected contractor to submit a project scope, detailed and milestone schedule, potential risks that they do not control, and performance measurement before a contract is awarded. The PIPS system is one of the most successful systems around the world, which shows success rate of 98% in six different countries with risk and cost reduction up to 30%. The clarification phase has been identified as the most important step in the PIPS to ensuring a successful project. This paper conducted a survey among construction professionals in Saudi Arabia, including 157 engineers, 33 consultants 9 owners, 5 vendors, 13 academics, and 28 architects, in order to develop the public procurement system in Saudi Arabia. The participants work in government sectors with an interest in the Saudi Arabian procurement system. The survey confirmed that professionals in the Saudi construction industry believe that the procurement system should be changed and that the inclusion of the clarification phase to the procurement system is a way to improve the procurement system.

ISSUES IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT PROCESS

The ability of a completed construction to meet the value systems of its stakeholders depends on the activities and procedure throughout the entire supply chain. Before deciding on a construction development, procurement planning should be comprehensive. We argue that a major problem leading to poor performance of projects is inadequate understanding or engagement with the procurement planning process. This emphasizes the clear need to research procurement planning by assessing its purposes. Through survey questionnaires, 13 purposes for undertaking procurement planning are identified for construction players to evaluate the extent to which procurement planning is undertaken. The results indicate that the immediate reasons for the procurement process include determining the expectations of the clientele, provide a means for the stakeholders’ to interact, and selecting the appropriate procurement method to suit the client’s value system. According to the results of survey, none of the purposes displayed poor results. 95% of the respondents measured that procurement planning are used for construction development. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of systematic procurement planning for improving construction performance.

Strategic Supply Chain Framework as an Effective Approach to Procurement of Public Construction Projects in Nigeria

A lot of abandoned construction projects, and failed projects in the Nigerian construction industry due to the ignorance to adopt and implement modern procurement strategy prompt this research work. A survey was conducted on 38 procurement practitioners at the Federal Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Major contractors, and Tier suppliers. The result from the survey showed that 78% of respondents confirmed that the current Nigerian public procurement system is less effective towards achieving an improved construction performance and the successful delivering of construction projects. More so, 22% of respondents argued that the Nigerian current procurement system is effective to achieve an improved construction performance if properly practiced in accordance with the Nigerian procurement act (2007). However, 74% of respondents believed that the strategic supply chain framework, as an approach to public procurement in Nigeria, will be more effective towards successful delivering of construction projects, and achieving improved construction performance. Also, the result from the three interviews conducted during this research showed that the reasons for the poor Nigerian current procurement system is attributed to poor pre-tendering and tendering processes, poor supply chain integration and management, Political interference and inference, and the corruption amongst the procurement stakeholders.

A BIM Collaboration Lab for Improved through Life Support

To improve construction performance and sustainability there is a need for improved through life support. Customers, clients, suppliers and society have needs and requirements that have to be captu ...

CLASSIFICATION AND OCCURRENCE OF DEFECTIVE ACTS IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Defects can have a significant impact on construction performance. Numerous studies have attempted to identify their root causes, contending that the prevention of defects could be achieved by eliminating the root causes. Yet, their direct causes also need to be considered in order to identify the sequence of events leading to defects. This study aims to classify the defective acts that are directly linked to the occurrence of a defect, in order to provide insights about the nature and the impact of different types of direct causes. The study involves investigation into 272 defects from 81 disputes that occurred in the Dubai residential construction industry in 2009. Results from this study reveal that the majority of construction defects are driven by a violation of practices or workers’ lack of skill and competence. While it is difficult to prevent deliberate violations, increased effort toward growing skills and competencies would be effective in reducing defects, and therefore improving construction performance. Also, classification of defective acts is envisioned as a platform toward a more thorough causal tracking of construction defects, facilitating the identification of latent conditions resulting in defects.

Applying Lean Construction to Construction Project

Lean construction is aimed to improve construction performance by eliminating wastes that do not add value to the customer. This project studies lean construction and its application in concrete construction projects at both the operation and project levels. In conjunction with a concrete contractor, actual concrete construction projects were observed, and problem areas contributing to delay and other wastes were identified. At the project level, the lack of coordination among subcontractors was cited as one of the major factors contributing to schedule delays. This paper proposes to use the last planner concept, the linear scheduling method, and the graphic schedule method to improve communication and look-ahead scheduling. Related software was developed for implementing this scheduling tool. At the operation level, a systematic approach of was identification, operation re-design, and employee training was applied to reduce wastes found in the field operation. A case study of bulkhead installation was used to demonstrate this approach, and a 3D animation was created for employee training.

Dynamic Modeling of Building Services Projects: A Simulation Model for Real-Life Hospital Project

All infrastructure projects are said to be inter-dependent, uncertain and labour-intensive in nature. There is no exception for building services sub sector. For a real time project such as 'The construction, extension and refurbishment of Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Tirupathy, India with total area of 45,000 square feet at an estimated cost of 1100 million rupees, a generic process model is developed to simulate the effect of set of identified variables on construction project. The 'Stocks and Flows' of dynamic model affords relevant insights to project managers, who apply this knowledge when designing better performance through more appropriate project planning. It is concluded from the model-based approach that building services works can be improved through specific better focussed managerial efforts, such as an increasing coordination effectiveness at the planning stage, clarifying prerequisite conditions prior to installations. Otherwise, pending works arising from work clashes can lead to knock-on effects resulting in productivity constraints and pressures, as well as more rework and demolition. Current study reveals that the model enables deep insight into various interdependent processes, their by improving construction performance levels, by addressing the dynamics of design errors and defective works, and recovering delayed schedule.

Construction Small-Projects Rework Reduction for Capital Facilities

AbstractRework is a persistent problem in construction. Reducing field rework is widely regarded as an effective way of improving construction performance in terms of productivity, cost, and schedule. Although much literature exists concerning rework reduction, there is a need for further analysis, validation, and improvement of rework reduction methods. This paper presents a generalized model for a rework reduction program (RRP), which is intended to reduce rework by managing a continuous improvement loop with four functional processes: (1) rework tracking and cause classification, (2) evaluation of rework and its causes, (3) corrective action planning, and (4) integration of changes into the total management system. Analysis is conducted to examine and verify the functional mechanisms and effectiveness of the generalized model, by investigating a rework reduction program implemented in practice for a series of dozens of small projects executed by three contractors that represents the generalized model, ...

공공건설사업 건설성과 영향요인 가중치 개발

Public construction projects are implemented by government or public agencies using public resources to enhance the welfare of the people. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact factors for public construction performance. Then, the weights for impact factors are assigned using AHP. The impact factors are categorized into construction policies, project management efforts, and project environment. Further, 16 detail impact factors are listed in each category. The results show that weights are ordered in appropriate budget, reasonable project implementation process, and pre-project planning. These impact factors are related with pre-construction management activities. However, construction related impact like procurement, work difficulty, and construction environment show relatively low weights. The results can be useful to improve construction performance with managing impact factors showed high weights.

Dynamic modelling of building services projects: A simulation model for real-life projects in the Hong Kong construction industry

Construction projects are known to involve complex, inter-dependent, uncertain and labor-intensive processes. The building services subsector is no exception. Based on extensive literature review and industry focus group investigations, the reported research develops a useful application of system dynamics modeling to address production process inefficiencies in this subsector. A generic process model is systematically developed to simulate the effects of varying levels of a set of identified variables on construction projects in practical scenarios. The simulation model provides relevant insights to project managers, who may apply this knowledge when designing or targeting better performance through more appropriate project settings and conducive conditions when planning building services works. It is concluded from the model-based approach that building services works can be improved through specific better focused managerial efforts, such as an increasing coordination effectiveness at the planning stage, clarifying design decisions collaboratively for interdependent works and improving critical prerequisite conditions prior to installations. Otherwise, pending works arising from work clashes can lead to knock-on effects resulting in productivity constraints and pressures, as well as more rework and demolition. This model is then applied in two quite different projects in Hong Kong. The findings reveal that the model enables deep insights into estimating and potentially improving construction performance levels, by addressing the dynamics of the various identified critical input parameters.

Partnering in the construction industry—Problems and opportunities

During recent years partnering has been on the top of the management agenda in the construction industry. Despite this attention there is limited and partly contradicting evidence of the impact of these efforts. The objective of this literature-based paper is to explore why it has been difficult to realise potential partnering benefits on the strategic level, while partnering in individual projects has improved construction performance. The analysis builds on a comparison of the features of business relationships in construction with the characteristics of so called ‘high-involvement relationships’ based on close cooperation. It is concluded that prevailing supply arrangements established to handle the particular conditions in the construction industry makes it unlikely for partnering to reach outside the individual project. Taking the step to strategic partnerships would require modification of some of the basic assumptions and norms of industry efficiency. On the basis of this analysis we explore potential consequences of modifications of current behaviour with respect to decentralisation and competitive tendering. The paper is finalised with a suggestion for a differentiated approach to partnering.

Scheduling decisions and their dynamic consequences on construction performance

Construction practitioners often experience unexpected results of their scheduling-related decisions. This is mainly due to lack of understanding of the dynamic nature of construction system. However, very little attention has been given to its significant importance and few empirical studies have been undertaken on this issue. This paper, therefore, analyzes the effect of aggressive scheduling, overtime, resource adding, and schedule slippage on construction performance, focusing on workers’ reactions to those scheduling decisions. Survey data from 102 construction practitioners in 38 construction sites are used for the analysis. The results indicate that efforts to increase work rate by working overtime, resource adding, and aggressive scheduling can be offset due to losses in productivity and quality. Based on the research findings, practical guidelines are then discussed to help site managers to effectively deal with the dynamics of scheduling and improve construction performance.

Coordination mechanisms for construction supply chain management in the Internet environment

The construction industry in general is characterized with high fragmentation, low productivity, cost and time overruns, and conflicts compared with other manufacturing industries. Supply chain management as an innovative management mode provides a new solution for resolving these problems from systems perspective. Coordination is the core issue to improve construction performance in construction supply chain (CSC). In this paper, the concepts of CSC and CSC management are defined. Furthermore, the inter-organization problems that effect CSC coordination are identified. Considering the Internet fosters the integration of construction processes and provides an efficient platform for CSC coordination, this paper presents two types of Internet-enabled coordination mechanisms: market mechanism, such as auction and contracting, and coordination flow, including information hub and electronic marketplace, for improving construction performance and to accelerate the innovations in the construction industry.

ＤＲＩＭ工法の実海域における試験施工と安定性

The capability of DRIM (Distorted Ripple Mat) to control sediment transport has been confirmed through field tests. DRIM is installed in the offshore zone of Ashiya coast, Fukuoka Prefecture since June, 2004. As the result of field tests, it is confirmed that the method of connecting blocks of 6 pieces by a rope is quite effective to improve construction performance. It is also confirmed that DRIM blocks have enough stability against both waves and scours caused by many typhoons in 2004.

Competencies for Improving Construction Performance: Theories and Practice for Developing Capacity

The focus on improving construction performance has been narrow in many nations using partnering, leanness and supply chain management. This paper asks three practical construction related questions concerning reinventing the wheel across projects, blame culture and continuity of service. In addressing these practical issues, three theories are engaged: organisational learning, emotional intelligence and relationship management. The solutions are enhanced through applying the concepts and, indeed, there is synergy between the concepts. The solutions require investment for the expected return, the theoretical synergy maximising the benefits from the investment. It is argued that such an approach has as much, if not more chance, to yield improvement in construction. The starting point are issues faced in construction and theory is induced through addressing the problems, rather than starting with concepts applied in other sectors and then trying to squeeze them into the construction context.

Empowerment as a Strategy for Improving Construction Performance

This paper reviews the potential of team and individual empowerment as performance improvement strategies in construction. The important role of empowerment has been emphasized through a discussion of recent trends in the construction industry, for example, the Rethinking Construction report on respect for people, which highlighted the central roel of empowerment in improving people management practices in the construction sector. The literature also suggests a conceptual linkage between empowerment and many of the leading-edge practices that have been championed within the sector in recent years, including total quality management, construction performance measurement, benchmarking, organizational change, job enrichment, high-performance systems, teamwork, and motivation. This paper attemps to advance understanding of the fundamental concepts behind effective teamwork and motivation by exploring the role of empowerment in facilitating these current management concepts and trends. Rather than portraying empowerment as a panacea for the problems of the industry, the paper presents it as a key to the performance enablers of culture, training, and knowledge management, which require understanding and action by management if significant change is to be realized.

Construction skills training for the next millennium

Construction skills and training needs have changed with the introduction of new business processes, different forms of organizing production and technical innovation. In the UK, training provision has failed to adapt fully to the needs of a modernizing industry. Formal training programmes have been inappropriate in content and inadequate in quantity. Many of them are out of date. An assessment is provided of the types of skill and training required to implement innovative approaches for improving construction performance. It is based on analysis of work carried out during a major national review of construction operative and supervisory skills training in the UK undertaken for the Construction Industry Board. It seeks to provide a framework for analysing skill needs in the context of modern performance targets, together with policy recommendations for decision-makers in firms, government and training institutions. The conclusion that a new generic training programme is required is of general relevance to practitioners, trainers and researchers in the UK and in other countries.