Construction Industry Research Articles

Simulation-based design: minimizing energy consumption in residential buildings through optimal thermal insulation

Purpose This study aims to optimize the energy consumption of residential buildings in mild and humid climates. It investigates the use of thermal insulation to reduce thermal load through energy simulation analysis. Design/methodology/approach A residential building located in Rasht city, Iran (a mild and humid climate zone), is simulated using DesignBuilder software. Subsequently, the minimum thermal resistance for external walls and roof is analyzed along with its impact on building energy consumption and carbon emissions. Findings The simulation results indicated a 26.5% reduction in heat loss through the walls and a 14.2% reduction through the roof due to optimal thermal insulation. Furthermore, optimal insulation led to a 19.2% reduction in cooling system energy use, a 12% reduction in heating system energy use and a combined 15.3% reduction in total energy consumption for cooling and heating. Originality/value This optimization process leads to several benefits: reduced costs associated with thermal and cooling energy losses in buildings, improved building performance against atmospheric factors and, ultimately, a reduction in energy consumption across the building industry. This research can be valuable to various stakeholders, including the construction industry and building sector, municipalities and engineering systems, building owners and contractors and environmental organizations. By implementing these findings, they can improve the state of modern building insulation and achieve greater energy efficiency.

Characteristics of alkali-activated composites containing blast-furnace slag aggregate and ferronickel slag powder

The use of alkali-activated composites and alternative aggregates reduces the carbon dioxide emissions of the construction industry and mitigates the problem of aggregate depletion. However, published investigations into non-cement composites containing ferronickel slag powder (FSP) and blast-furnace slag fine aggregate (BSA) are limited. The aim of this study was thus to assess the mechanical properties and durability of non-cement composites containing FSP and BSA. The mix with 10% FSP and 25% BSA was found to have the highest 28-day compressive strength, of approximately 42.2 MPa. For the mixes with 5% FSP, the 28-day compressive strength increased with an increase in BSA content. Charge-passed tests revealed that, after 7 days, the sample with 5% FSP and 50% BSA exhibited a total charge of approximately 907 C, classifying it as ‘very low’ according to ASTM C1202. By 56 days, the total charge for this sample reached a value of approximately 120 C, close to ‘negligible’ as per ASTM C1202. It was thus concluded that an appropriate BSA content effectively enhances the mechanical properties and durability of non-cement composites.

Experimental Study on Direct Shear Behavior of New-to-Old Interface for Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Different Replacement Ratios

The large amount of construction waste produced by the construction industry brings severe natural resource consumption and environmental pollution, elevating the awareness of sustainable development. Recycled aggregate concrete, crushed from construction waste, is recognized as an eco-friendly material and the current optimal solution for the environmental problem. The interface shear failure between substrate recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RAC) and overlay natural aggregate concrete becomes vital for structural safety. In order to study the direct shear performance, a total of 19 specimens were designed to carry out the direct shear test with different replacement ratios, interface types and curing ages. The whole process and failure mode were recorded. The relationships between the shear capacity and deformation, ductility, damage evolution, and energy dissipation were evaluated and discussed. The results demonstrate that the RAC component in the interface was the weak line in the shear plane, accelerating the damage evolution. In the early curing stage, the replacement ratio had a slight influence on the shear properties. Increasing the recycled aggregate replacement ratio from 0 to 100% improved the normalized strength ratio by 8.94% and 14.62%, respectively, for curing ages of 3 days and 7 days. A regression equation was proposed to predict the shear strength, accounting for the curing ages. With the increase in the replacement ratio, the ductility and energy dissipation gradually enhanced.

Analysis of the Construction Sequence of a Reaction Wall in a Structural Laboratory Supported by the VDC Methodology

The structures laboratory is a crucial facility for supporting research development related to the construction industry. This kind of laboratory has several components, and one of its key components is the reaction wall. The reaction wall supports the execution of experimental tests on structural elements under specific configurations and loads. Constructing a reaction wall presents challenges due to the highest standards to be met. This research analyzes the construction process of a reaction wall at a private university in Peru. Initially, a schedule was proposed by a contractor. However, the client, knowing the complexity of such construction, asked to review the initial schedule to ensure that it would meet the constructability requirements under the integrated product-organization-process approach given by the virtual design and construction (VDC) methodology. The result of this study pointed out the need to revise the original proposed schedule, extending the construction time to 66% due to the lack of construction processes compatible with the requirements for the reaction wall’s execution. Finally, a survey was conducted to observe the learning curve associated with implementing the VDC methodology.

The Potential of Wood Construction Waste Circularity

Wood construction waste circularity presents enormous potential to significantly de-crease total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU). Latvia could become a frontrunner due to its historic relationship with forestry, wood construction practises and unused potential of the innovative application of wood. This research examines what the potential of “circular wood” in Latvia is, how ready the Latvian wood house construction sector is to engage in a circular economy and wood waste circularity and whether the legal framework is ready to support wood waste management in the country. This study presents a combined approach for systematic wood construction product circularity assessment that includes a review of existing EU and Latvian frameworks for construction and demolition waste (CDW) management and wood construction, a general analysis of wood waste recycling systems and technologies, a quantitative data analysis of construction waste management in Latvia and qualitative data analysis of the Latvian wood house construction sector, and interviews with a focus group of Latvian wood industry representatives. The Latvian scope has allowed us to clarify the pattern methodology and impact points to be replicated, tested and measured further on a broader scale, in other countries, or throughout the whole EU. The main findings reveal a potential life cycle assessment (LCA) verifying the circularity of wood and limitations of wood construction waste circularity in Latvia in terms of wood house construction industry readiness and a legal framework as well as overall social prejudices for circular construction. Findings indicate an overall awareness and level of willingness to participate and engage in the circular construction models among Latvians; however, proactiveness and support (legal and financial) is expected from the government and municipalities. The recommendations point towards improvements in wood waste data management, the wood construction sector and the overall impact on sustainable development goals.

Building the digital age: management of digital transformation in the construction industry

This study aims to deepen the understanding of digital transformation in the construction industry. While studies on digital transformation exist at the industry level, studies at the company level, looking at how companies can proactively manage change, are largely missing. This study addresses this gap by exploring how three companies in the construction industry are navigating and leveraging digital transformation for international growth. Employing a multiple case study methodology and a systemic framework, the research provides insights into the interplay of technological innovation, business development, and ecosystem evolution through company cases. The research synthesizes and details three key barriers to managing digital transformation in the construction sector: (1) fragmentation, (2) insufficient demand from clients, and (3) limited influence of a single actor in the ecosystem, and three key drivers: (1) shift to data-driven industry, (2) targeted technological solutions, and (3) standardization and process modification. This study pairs the barriers and drivers with relevant managerial actions, and dimensional positioning to provide new valuable insights on digital transformation in the construction industry and beyond. The research provides insights both for construction industry companies and researchers seeking to manage digital transformation.

Natural fiber reinforced cementitious composites; materials, compatibility issues and future perspectives

ABSTRACT Research on the sustainable production of building materials has been increasing from time to time. The construction industry is one of the sectors that leads to the depletion of significant amounts of nonrenewable resources, such as minerals. The ecosystem is deteriorated, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are enormous in the environment due to the use of fossil fuel-based materials. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of plant fibers (hereafter NF) for reinforcement in cementitious concrete. Concrete, plant fibers, their chemical nature, and characteristics are highlighted in an overview. The most important issues in NF-concrete compatibility were discussed, which could provide research opportunities. Modification of NFs and the cement matrix are examined as methods for improving compatibility and degradation. Moreover, the properties and longevity of cementitious materials that are reinforced with natural fibers are also examined. Finally, the review emphasizes the significant research gaps and future research prospects identified in the reviewed papers.

The experience of women in construction craftspeople apprenticeship programmes in Nigeria

The construction industry needs skilled personnel for its sustainability due to the shortage of skilled workers. Women are reputed to bridge the gap created by skills shortages in construction, which can be achieved by increasing their participation in the industry through the instrumentality of construction craftspeople apprenticeship training. This qualitative study explored the experiences of women in construction craftspeople apprenticeship programmes in Nigeria. Twelve female apprentices and two representatives of stakeholders (senior managers at the apprenticeship programmes) from two construction craftspeople apprenticeship programmes were interviewed on the factors that motivated women to join construction crafts apprenticeship training and the challenges confronting female apprentices. The data retrieved were transcribed and qualitatively analysed using code-based content analysis. Findings indicated that the main factors motivating women to participate in construction craftspeople apprenticeship programmes are: the desire to acquire skills and intrinsic factors such as employment opportunities and better remuneration. Payment issues such as non-payment of allowance, and issues related to apprenticeship training, such as inadequate tools for training, were the prominent challenges faced by female apprentices in construction craftspeople apprenticeship programmes. The study identified factors that can be enhanced by stakeholders in construction craftspeople apprenticeship training to attract women to the construction industry.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A CASE STUDY IN MADURAI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

The construction sector plays an important role in the livelihoods of rural poor populations, contributing significantly to their economic sustenance. This study focuses on the status and significance of women construction workers in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. More than 3 lakh construction workers are employed in Tamil Nadu facing various challenges on a daily basis. Women in this sector encounter numerous issues including socio-economic hardships, environmental risks and health problems at the worksite. The present study investigates the socio-economic conditions and occupational health problems faced by women in Madurai’s construction industry. The construction sector a key employer in developing countries like India predominantly hires unskilled and semi-skilled labour. Women workers in construction industry endure long working hours, wage discrimination and adverse working conditions often with limited access to social security or healthcare. Data collected from 60 respondents through purposive sampling reveals that most of the women workers are between 30 and 50 years old and have only a primary level of education. Despite their significant contributions these women face a multitude of challenges such as health issues like neck and shoulder pain, anaemia and asthma with minimal awareness of medical insurance. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at improving economic security, health awareness, and working conditions for women in the construction sector. KEYWORDS: construction women workers, marginalized, health problems, wage discrimination, livelihood.

Work Values and Related Construction Industry Perceptions of US Undergraduate Construction Management Students

ABSTRACT Human capital management is a challenge faced by built environment employers that is amplified by the labor shortage. To stay competitive, employers must retain existing employees and recruit new talent. The modern workforce has different career expectations and overall work values than previous generations. The purpose of this research is to identify work values of recent construction management students along with their perceptions of a career in the built environment. Data were collected via a survey from a sample of students enrolled in three accredited 4-year Construction Management programs in the United States (located in Utah, Oklahoma, and South Carolina). Respondents ranked the significance of 21 work values as they related to their future careers. They also rated their perceptions of the industry along those same value statements. Findings indicated that the highest ranked work values were job security, opportunities to feel accomplished, and opportunities to earn a high income. Differences between stated work values and perceptions of the industry were also identified. Most notably, differences in requires meeting and speaking with many other people, provides job security, and requires supervising others are areas that warrant attention. An improved understanding of these work values will assist the industry in successfully recruiting and retaining this new generation of employees.

Recycled PET Fibers with Dopamine Surface Modification for Enhanced Interlayer Adhesion in 3D Printed Concrete.

Three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) is increasingly recognized in the construction industry for its high design flexibility and the elimination of conventional formwork. However, weak interlayer adhesion remains a significant challenge. The potential of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers for reinforcing 3DPC is being explored, driven by their environmental sustainability and economic advantages. However, there is an inadequate interfacial adhesion between these recycled fibers and the 3DPC matrix. This study investigated the use of dopamine modification to address this issue and enhance the interlayer adhesion of fiber-reinforced 3DPC. Recycled PET fibers were surface-modified using dopamine treatment, forming a polydopamine (PDA) film that improved surface roughness and hydrophilicity. Both unmodified and modified fibers were incorporated into 3DPC at various volume fractions (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%). The effects on interlayer adhesion strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength were systematically evaluated and compared. The results showed that the inclusion of 0.3 vol% dopamine-modified fibers resulted in a 22.5% increase in interlayer adhesion strength compared to the control group, and a 14.8% improvement over unmodified fibers at the same content. Additionally, the compressive strength and flexural strength of 3DPC with 0.3 vol% MPET fibers increased by 22.5% and 27.6%, respectively, compared to the control group. Microstructural analysis using SEM and XRD revealed that the dopamine modification significantly improved the interfacial adhesion between fibers and the concrete matrix, explaining the superior performance of modified fibers. This study demonstrates that recycled PET fibers modified with dopamine can effectively enhance the interlayer adhesion of 3DPC. The findings affirm that surface modification techniques can significantly elevate the utility of recycled PET fibers in 3DPC, contributing to the sustainable advancement of construction materials.

Analysis of the underlying factors affecting BIM-LCA integration in the Ghanaian construction industry: a factor analysis approach

Analysis of the underlying factors affecting BIM-LCA integration in the Ghanaian construction industry: a factor analysis approach

Investigation of Unsafe Construction Site Conditions Using Deep Learning Algorithms Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

The rapid adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the construction industry has revolutionized safety, surveying, quality monitoring, and maintenance assessment. UAVs are increasingly used to prevent accidents caused by falls from heights or being struck by falling objects by ensuring workers comply with safety protocols. This study focuses on leveraging UAV technology to enhance labor safety by monitoring the use of personal protective equipment, particularly helmets, among construction workers. The developed UAV system utilizes the tensorflow technique and an alert system to detect and identify workers not wearing helmets. Employing the high-precision, high-speed, and widely applicable Faster R-CNN method, the UAV can accurately detect construction workers with and without helmets in real-time across various site conditions. This proactive approach ensures immediate feedback and intervention, significantly reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities. Additionally, the implementation of UAVs minimizes the workload of site supervisors by automating safety inspections and monitoring, allowing for more efficient and continuous oversight. The experimental results indicate that the UAV system's high precision, recall, and processing capabilities make it a reliable and cost-effective solution for improving construction site safety. The precision, mAP, and FPS of the developed system with the R-CNN are 93.1%, 58.45%, and 27 FPS. This study demonstrates the potential of UAV technology to enhance safety compliance, protect workers, and improve the overall quality of safety management in the construction industry.

The Effect of Fiber Type on The Shear Capacity of Beams Manufactured By Using Geopolymer Concrete Based on Fly Ash

Ordinary Portland cement is currently generally used cementitious material in the construction industry. However, it has significant drawbacks as it not only depletes natural resources but also releases a substantial amount of carbon dioxide during its production process. On the other hand, alkali-activated cement is an alternative option that is derived from raw materials like slag, fly ash, and metakaolin, which contain silicon dioxide (SiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). This study investigates the shear capacity of fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (GPC) beams under shear loads. In the study, the shear behavior of beams produced from fly ash-based geopolymer of three different fiber types was determined by applying a three-point shear test. Four beams of 100x100x400 mm dimensions were produced: reference, steel fiber, basalt fiber and glass fiber. The results showed that using steel fiber has the greatest impact on shear capacity. In addition, the shear capacity of fibrous samples is greater than the shear capacity of the reference sample. The steel fiber sample has 203% more shear capacity than the reference sample.

OS DESAFIOS DA IMPLANTAÇÃO DA METODOLOGIA BIM EM ESCRITÓRIOS DE ARQUITETURA NA CIDADE DE VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA – BA

Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be defined as a methodology that uses 3D models and their detailed data on all elements involved in a civil construction project. As society is a constantly evolving organism, the Construction Industry has faced the need to adapt in order to deliver better productivity results, thereby meeting increasingly meticulous demands more effectively. Scientific research has shown that the use of BIM can reduce project completion times in infrastructure by up to half. Given this, why is the number of architecture and urban planning firms in Vitória da Conquista – BA, that use this methodology still so minimal? This article, through bibliographic research as well as opinion surveys with architects and urban planners from the city of Vitória da Conquista, aims to demonstrate the challenges of implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology in offices in Vitória da Conquista – BA. Thus, the points discussed in this work will provide a reflection on this question, the conclusion of which will depend on the awareness and experience of each participating architect, as well as the robustness of the understandings used to support the content in the following sections.

Study on properties and CO2 emission of self-pulverizing calcium sulfoaluminate (SPCSA) after carbonization curing

The extensive use of Portland cement (OPC) has resulted in a steady rise in CO2 emissions from the construction industry, posing a significant climate threat. While adopting low-carbon cement enriched with belite minerals holds promise for substantial CO2 emission reduction in the cement industry, the limited early hydration activity of C2S constrains its engineering applications. Carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) technology, capable of rapidly developing the strength of C2S, opens up a new avenue for utilizing low-carbon cement. This study evaluated the properties of self-powdering calcium sulfoaluminate (SPCSA) cements with different C2S contents, and the carbon emissions during production and application were analyzed. The samples' carbonation area, compressive strength, and capillary water absorption properties were tested. The carbonation products and pore structures were also characterized using XRD, TGA, SEM, and Low-NMR. The results show that when the molar ratio of C4A3S̅ to C2S is 1:12 (S̅12), the compressive strength and CO2 sequestration of SPCSA are 69.78 MPa and 0.15 g/g, respectively. When CCUS technology is adopted, the CO2 emission during the production and application of SPCSA is 585.78 kg/t, much lower than that of OPC of 878.28 kg/t. This is significant as a reference for realizing carbon neutrality in the cement industry.

Geotechnical Justification for Designing Landslide Prevention Measures

Abstract When designing anti-landslide measures, slope stability assessment is an important factor and is determined by conducting comprehensive engineering and geological studies on a slope with potential landslide risks. The results of correct engineering and geological justification for the design of anti-landslide measures lead to the preservation of the structure and safe operation of infrastructure facilities. Our experience shows that to eliminate the negative effects of landslide processes, it is necessary to accurately determine the engineering and geological conditions of the slope, including the stability of the slope, taking into account natural dynamic phenomena (seismicity of the territory and tectonic processes) and, if possible, to see the complete elimination of the causes that lead to landslide processes when developing anti-landslide measures. To achieve these goals, the geotechnical justification of the design is the only correct solution. Geotechnical justification of protective measures intended to protect the structural elements of the Baku-Russian Federation State Border highway, which is part of the north-south transport corridor and passes through the foot of a potentially landslide-hazardous slope west of the city of Shabran, is one of the most important conditions that increase the effectiveness of these measures. On a slope located 1500 meters southwest of the current research area, the results of our scientific research were not properly utilized and many of our warnings were not heeded, resulting in a landslide during construction, leading to serious damage to the road's structural elements (Fig. 1) and additional costs. This event once again confirms that landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas (Shiraliyev et al., 2024)

Production and recycling of blast furnace slag: A life cycle assessment approach in India

AbstractThis article investigated the cradle‐to‐gate environmental impact of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) produced in the steel industry and replacement of blast furnace (BF) slag (50%) in place of clinker in Portland slag cement using GaBi software (Indian extension database). In case of GBFS production, maximum burden on the environment is due to BF slag production and the amount of electricity consumed (161 MJ/ton) during the granulation process. The influence of electricity sources on GBFS production was studied via scenario analysis. For investigation, solar and thermal electricity mixes were considered in 50:50 and 75:25 ratios. For the 75:25 ratios, the abiotic depletion potential (fossil), acidification, eutrophication, global warming, and human toxicity potential show a decreasing trend of approximately 45%, 49%, 48%, 46%, and 41%, respectively. The scenario analysis of BF slag transportation (from 100 to 750 km) demonstrates a negative impact due to fuel. The results quantitatively confirm that the addition of GBFS can lower the overall impact for construction and steel industries.

BIM and IFC Data Readiness for AI Integration in the Construction Industry: A Review Approach

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been increasingly integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to automate building construction processes. However, the methods for effectively transforming data from BIM formats, such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), into formats suitable for AI applications still need to be explored. This paper conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA guidelines to analyse current data preparation approaches in BIM applications. The goal is to identify the most suitable methods for AI integration by reviewing current data preparation practices in BIM applications. The review included a total of 93 articles from SCOPUS and WoS. The results include eight common data types, two data management frameworks, and four primary data conversion methods. Further analysis identified three barriers: first, the IFC format’s lack of support for time-series data; second, limitations in extracting geometric information from BIM models; and third, the absence of established toolchains to convert IFC files into usable formats. Based on the evidence, the data readiness is at an intermediate level. This research may serve as a guideline for future studies to address the limitations in data preparation within BIM for AI integration.

Evaluating the Impact of Government Policies on Circular Economy Adoption in the Construction Sector

The construction sector is both essential for global economic progress and one of the largest contributors to pollution, resource depletion, and energy consumption. Given the urgent need to adopt more sustainable practices, governments in developed countries have introduced policies aimed at fostering a circular economy in this sector. These policies emphasize the use of green materials to reduce resource consumption, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. The waste hierarchy further governs these policies, prioritizing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. This study analyzes the effectiveness of these government policies in promoting circular economy principles, particularly the adoption of green materials in the construction industry. Our findings reveal that while these policies have led to measurable reductions in energy consumption and emissions, the extent of green material adoption varies significantly across countries. Key factors influencing this variation include economic incentives, regulatory enforcement, and the level of industry acceptance of green technologies. One of the most important results of this study is the identification of significant gaps between policy intent and actual industry practices. In many cases, green materials, despite their favorable characteristics, have not been widely implemented due to economic, technical, and market barriers. These findings underscore the need for stronger government incentives and more consistent policy enforcement to drive broader adoption of sustainable practices. Future studies should focus on overcoming these barriers, exploring the long-term economic impacts of green material adoption, and evaluating how policy frameworks can be optimized to ensure more widespread.