Infrastructure Projects Research Articles

How to find the optimal time for contractor involvement in infrastructure projects?

PurposeThere is a general assumption that the early involvement of the contractor contributes to value in construction projects. While early contractor involvement (ECI) may improve the value, some studies identify challenges with ECI. This paper aims to identify the main parameters that can be used to determine the optimal time for contractor involvement and examine how these parameters can be used by clients to develop a systematic method for finding the optimal timing for involvement.Design/methodology/approachLiterature studies, interviews, workshops and focus-group meetings identified six main parameters essential for developing a method to determine the ideal timing for ECI.FindingsThe six identified parameters are activity, complexity, criticality, technical competencies, relational competencies and uncertainty. These parameters can be used to identify the gap between the available competency in the project team and the needed competency to perform an activity.Originality/valueAlthough clients have ways to identify the optimal time for contractor involvement, these ways are mainly subjective and based on in-house practice. By evaluating these six parameters, a more systematic and objective method for early involvement can be developed.

Integration of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in motorway/highway planning and construction: A case study for sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan

Pakistan has constantly prioritized the development of roads and motorways as they are they are reflective of nation’s economic and physical condition. However, poor highway planning, design, and construction can have a negative impact on the environment and can lower the quality of life for inhabitants. Therefore, eco-friendly roadway/motorway planning, and construction approaches are crucial for reducing environmental, social, and economic damages. Currently, environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the prevalent method for assessing and evaluating the environmental impact of road infrastructure projects. Still, this conventional approach focuses primarily on development projects and lacks strategic insight. Hence, the world is now focusing on integrating and implementing SEA as a realistic approach for executing a sustainability plan in every area, including the infrastructure and transportation sector. Pakistan invests a considerable portion of its annual budget on infrastructure, particularly roadways; therefore, it must incorporate the changing trends and parameters into the planning and developing phase. thus, current research aims to incorporate SEA into the strategic planning of motorway/highway development by conducting a desktop study using secondary sources, including research articles and EIA reports, to analyze the environmental and socioeconomic effects of motorway/highway by identifying the direct, indirect, and commutative impacts. The alternatives are assessed using impact criteria and indicators to choose the best sustainable option for achieving the required objectives. our study is a pioneer work to integrate SEA into the planning process for highway construction, which would act as a baseline and an advisory tool for the decision-makers to incorporate SEA in Pakistan’s strategic development planning.

Analysis of Investment Strategy and Practice in the Construction of China's Belt and Road Initiative

The current study offers a thorough study of investment strategies and practices under the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) to promote international economic cooperation and development and China announced BRI in 2013. The study delves into the financial strategies employed by China, such as governmental loans, commercial financing, and the creation of specialized funds to support infrastructure projects across participating countries. It also examines how China has tight ties with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and other global financial institutions, to leverage technical and financial support. Key focus areas include the optimization of investment layouts, innovation in financing models, and the creation of mechanisms for risk management to ensure a guaranteed sustainability of investments for long term. This research emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term strategic goals with short-term economic benefits, particularly when investing in large-scale infrastructure projects that require significant capital and extended timelines for returns. Furthermore, the study investigates the role of sustainable development and the necessity of building cooperative models that foster mutual growth, with the aim of contributing to the shared prosperity of China and its partner nations along the Belt and Road.

Sustainable Construction Practices in Building Infrastructure Projects: The Extent of Implementation and Drivers in Malawi

Sustainable practice is considered a significant practice in modern construction for infrastructure development as it promotes economic growth and improves quality of life. Despite the importance of sustainable practices in construction, few studies have explored the implementation of these practices in low-income countries like Malawi. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extent of the implementation of sustainable construction practices (SCPs) in building infrastructure projects in Malawi. Following an in-depth literature review, 22 sustainable construction practices and 13 drivers were identified. A survey of 193 construction professionals was conducted, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The findings revealed that economic practices such as efficient allocation of resources, use of quick construction tools and a coordinated supply chain in the construction process are widely implemented with emphasis on the economic aspect of sustainability for infrastructure projects in Malawi. The study further identified global trends and industry standards, social and health benefits, market demand and awareness and access to green technologies and innovation as the main drivers for adopting and implementing SCPs in Malawi. This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with valuable insights to develop policy regulations that would improve the sustainability performance of infrastructure projects.

Залучення іноземних інвестицій для повоєнної відбудови: досвід країн Західних Балкан

The article is dedicated to summarizing and comparing the experience of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for post-war reconstruction in the Western Balkans and its significance for Ukraine amid ongoing military aggression and the need for post-war rebuilding. It characterizes the experiences of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, which suffered destruction during the Yugoslav wars in the Balkans and used FDI as a key tool for economic recovery. The paper examines legislative, tax, institutional, and infrastructural measures aimed at attracting foreign capital, including the establishment of free economic zones, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, tax reductions, and subsidies. The importance of legal protection, political stability, and anti-corruption measures for creating a favorable investment environment is argued. Additionally, the article highlights the critical role of international organizations such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which provided funding for infrastructure projects and institutional reform. Their involvement contributed to the reconstruction of key economic sectors and prepared the countries for European integration. The Balkan experience is valuable for Ukraine, as the current challenges and reconstruction needs after the war share similar features. Ukraine can leverage the tools and approaches of the Western Balkan countries to develop its strategy for attracting FDI, including European integration processes, legal system improvements, anti-corruption reforms, and the stimulation of domestic investment.

Unraveling China’s Aid Strategy Towards Central Asian Countries: The Case of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

China’s burgeoning influence in Central Asia, particularly in economically disadvantaged nations like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, presents a multifaceted phenomenon deserving of deeper analysis. This article delves into the impact of Chinese involvement in these two Central Asian countries, shedding light on the instruments employed by China, such as development aid and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Despite their economic challenges, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have emerged as key recipients of Chinese aid, receiving grants, concessional loans, and infrastructure projects that have reshaped their socio-economic landscapes. At the heart of China’s engagement lies the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which has positioned Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as pivotal nodes in China’s quest for regional connectivity. As Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan navigate their relationship with China, they face the delicate task of leveraging economic opportunities while safeguarding their national interests amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia. This article aims to analyze Chinese influence through development aid and the BRI in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, illuminating both the opportunities and challenges of this relationship.

Advanced Analysis of Concrete Compressive Strength: Combining NDT Techniques with Digital Image Processing

Concrete is a fundamental material in civil engineering, widely used for its durability, versatility, and load-bearing capacity in infrastructure and building projects. The compressive strength of concrete is crucial as it directly impacts structural integrity, longevity, and safety. This study investigates the compressive strength of M50 grade concrete through a comprehensive approach that combines non-destructive and destructive testing techniques. Methods employed include the Rebound Hammer (RBH) test, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test, Digital Image Processing (DIP), and conventional destructive testing. The integration of these techniques aims to provide accurate and reliable estimates of compressive strength, critical for evaluating concrete quality in structural applications. Specifically, this research compares the non-destructive techniques (RBH, SonReb Method, and DIP) against standard destructive testing results across different curing ages. Findings reveal a strong correlation between DIP and destructive testing, suggesting that image-based processing can serve as an effective non-destructive alternative in compressive strength assessment. The comprehensive analysis of M50 grade concrete presented in this study offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners seeking enhanced, non-invasive methods for concrete strength evaluation.

The implementation of ijarah muntahiyah bittamlik in infrastructure project financing within the public-private partnership models: A collaborative governance perspective

This paper investigates the implementation of ijarah muntahiyah bittamlik (IMBT) as an infrastructure project financing scheme within the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models from a collaborative governance perspective. This paper follows a case study methodology. It focuses on two Indonesian non-toll road infrastructure projects, i.e., the preservation of the East Sumatra Highway projects, each in South Sumatra province and Riau province. The findings revealed that Indonesia’s infrastructure development priorities and its vision to become a global leader in Islamic finance characterized the system context that shaped the implementation of IMBT as an infrastructure project financing scheme within the PPP-AP model. Key drivers include leadership from the government, stakeholder interdependence, and financial incentives for the partnering business entity to adopt off-balance sheet solutions. Principled engagement, shared motivation, and the capacity for joint action characterized the collaboration dynamics, leading to detailed collaborative actions crucial for implementing IMBT as a financing scheme.

Building information modeling in construction projects: the case of the Portuguese code of public contracts

Purpose This study aims to address gaps in the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) into procurement processes for construction works under the Portuguese Code of Public Contracts (CCP). The goal is to improve procurement procedures with practical recommendations benefiting both public and private sectors, and applicable in other countries, promoting efficient BIM use in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach The study involved a literature review and expert interviews to identify opportunities within the CCP related to construction procurement that impact BIM implementation during construction works. It critically analyzed these insights and proposed specific adjustments to the CCP to enhance BIM application in public construction works. Findings The study provides practical recommendations to address two main gaps identified in the literature: the neglect of non-specific digitalization factors influencing BIM implementation, and the lack of consideration for specific constraints in public procurement, particularly those dictated by legal frameworks like the CCP. These recommendations aim to optimize traditional procurement provisions for public construction, thereby improving BIM utilization on-site. Social implications The study’s social implications include enhanced transparency and efficiency in construction processes, leading to reduced delays and costs for both stakeholders and the public. By optimizing BIM practices, public resources can be used more effectively in construction projects. The research may also accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in the industry and improve urban development through better-planned and executed infrastructure projects. Additionally, the study’s recommendations could serve as a model for other countries, fostering the adoption of higher construction standards on a global scale. Originality/value The study’s original contribution lies in its comprehensive examination of public procurement procedures, particularly within the CCP context, to enhance the utilization of BIM during construction works. It uniquely identifies literature gaps and provides practical recommendations addressing non-specific digitalization factors and legal constraints in public procurement.

Building Bridges to European Integration: Albania and Kosovo's Joint Efforts in the Balkans

This study aims to look at the joint efforts of Albania and Kosovo in enhancing European integration within the Balkans. It tries to figure out, through an analysis of the joint programs and strategic partnerships, the extent to which these initiatives help them realize their shared goal of EU membership and regional stability. Prior Work: Previous scholarship has looked mostly into individual tracks on how to integrate into Europe by analyzing the political, economic, and social reforms undertaken by Albania and Kosovo separately. Other studies have tried to identify challenges and opportunities for the Western Balkans in this regard of EU integration. Yet little is known about cooperative work between Albania and Kosovo, and what it means for the wider regional context represents a gap in this literature. Key Findings: The two countries have managed, as shown by these findings, to build such a framework of cooperation together with dimensions being diplomatic, economic, and even cultural. Cross-border infrastructure projects, policy reforms, and joint diplomacy as well as collaboration in regional and international initiatives have played a bigger part in lifting up their prospects for integration. The paper shows how important it is for these two countries to ally strategically in tackling common challenges, like issues of political instability within their territories, fostering economic development programs, and social cohesion that make up the key tenets upon which EU membership is anchored.Value: This paper is therefore important in providing an insightful analysis into how synergistic cooperation between Albania and Kosovo can be used to enhance European integration prospects. It underscores the role bilateral cooperation can play in ensuring regional stability on the path to EU membership. The paper provides insight into how other aspiring member states from the Balkans can use cooperative strategies to inform the broader European integration agenda from a disadvantaged region. Future Longitudinal studies should be done to assess the impact that such joint initiatives by Albania and Kosovo could have on their EU integration trajectories over time. Comparative analyses with other regional Balkan partnerships could give a more nuanced knowledge of best practices and lessons learned. Moreover, investigating how international organizations and external stakeholders support these bilateral agreements will further make a lot of sense in the academic discussion on European integration in the region. Received: 2 August 2024 / Accepted: 12 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

Elasto-plastic solution for undrained cylindrical cavity expansion in refuse soil

To address geotechnical engineering issues such as pile driving, lateral pressure tests, and static cone penetration tests on increasing number of infrastructure projects being constructed on landfills, an elasto-plastic theoretical solution for the undrained cylindrical cavity expansion in refuse soil is proposed in this paper based on an elasto-plastic constitutive model for refuse soil considering the reinforcement effect of fibers, along with a large deformation theory. The correctness of the results is validated through comparison with existing solutions based on the modified Cam-clay model. The results indicate that the response of columnar pore expansion in refuse soil is significantly different from that in ordinary soil. Near the pore, refuse soil does not enter a critical state, only the slurry-like components do. Subsequently, the reinforcement effect of the fiber material begins to manifest. Refuse soils with different fiber contents undergo both elastic and plastic stages before reaching the critical state line of the slurry-like components in the soil. They then move a certain distance along this line to reach a maximum. Given the rarity of engineering construction on similar sites in the past, the unique response of refuse soil during cylindrical cavity expansion should be given special attention.

Cover Picture: Geomechanics and Tunnelling 6/2024

AbstractIn Slovenia one infrastructure project is very well on its way. The Skofija Tunnel runs below a river, which poses a challenge mastered superbly using polyurethane resin. For the full story turn to page 709. (photo: DSI Underground)

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Construction Projects: Leveraging Lean Techniques

To increase productivity and avoid waste, the construction industry has started implementing Lean ideas and methodologies in construction projects. Due to a lack of awareness of lean practices in the preparation, design, and execution of building and infrastructure projects, lean practices are not very familiar among construction projects, which are most commonly used in the manufacturing industry. Hence, an effort has been made in this paper to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and case studies to analyze the suitability of lean practice in sustainable waste management, increased productivity, and on-time project delivery. It aims to explore the effect of improving communication and fostering collaboration among stakeholders on time, costs, and resource management. The review identified the most commonly applied lean practices, Just in Time (JIT) and Last Planner System (LPS), and linked the adoption of lean techniques within the construction sector to a total of sixteen distinct benefits for the economy, society, and the environment. According to this study, lean techniques have a strong chance of boosting productivity in the construction industry and developing a sustainable built environment, but they also need to be used widely and continuously to achieve these goals.

РОЛЬ И ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ФИНАНСОВОЙ И НЕФИНАНСОВОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИИ ДЛЯ УСПЕШНОЙ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРНЫХ ПРОЕКТОВ

The article shows the importance of finan-cial and non-financial information in various areas, examines the historical aspects of the formation of requirements for integrated reporting as a brief form of communication about the strategy, management, perfor-mance results and prospects of the organi-zation, taking into account its external envi-ronment. The authors substantiate that the importance of relevant and reliable infor-mation increases within the framework of project activities, and especially in the de-velopment and implementation of infra-structure projects. The availability of inte-grated financial and non-financial infor-mation ensures transparency in interaction between project participants, facilitates the task of monitoring the situation with the implementation of the project, allows for effective management of the impact of the project on the environment and ensures the minimization of negative consequences.

Great Excavations: Methodological considerations arising after a major archaeological infrastructure project for the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Road Improvement Scheme

This short paper draws together and evaluates some of the main methodologies utilized within the different stages of the A14 project and provides some 'lessons learned' that may be useful for future archaeological projects, particularly those associated with large infrastructure. To deliver a more balanced methodological evaluation, perspectives from different project stakeholders are captured here: those of the client (National Highways and A14 IDT), principal archaeological contractor (MHI) and curator (Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Team; CHET).

Challenging Power and Redefining Progress: Arundhati Roy’s Critique of Neoliberalism, Militarization, and Environmental Injustice

Abstract: This study examines how Arundhati Roy critically articulates power dynamics in her groundbreaking writings The Greater Common Good and Power Politics: The Reincarnation of Rumpelstiltskin, offering a thorough analysis of neoliberalism, militarization, and environmental injustice. By dissecting modern development theories, Roy reveals structural oppressive mechanisms that disproportionately affect ecological systems and vulnerable groups. The study shows the complex relationships between economic exploitation, environmental degradation, and social marginalization by critically examining the ways in which corporate interests and state-sponsored policies work together to sustain structural violence. The research examines the rhetorical construction of development via a postcolonial feminist perspective, exposing the systematic commodification of natural resources and the dispossession of indigenous population by neoliberal ideology. Roy’s philosophical intervention highlights grassroots resistance as a transformative political approach and centers the realities of marginalized people, challenging prevailing narratives. Large- scale infrastructure projects, like the Sardar Sarovar Dam, are symbolic representations of modern power structures that put economic expansion ahead of the wellbeing of people and the environment, as the analysis shows. The ethical implications of development theories are critically examined in this study, which adds to larger academic conversations about social resistance, political economy, and environmental justice. Roy’s writing are regarded as an important intellectual critique that reveals the normalized violence present in international capitalism systems and provides substitute ideas of progress, sovereignty, and ecological interdependence.

The Impact of Stakeholder Communication and Coordination on Project Outcome

Stakeholder communication and coordination are crucial for project success. Effective communication keeps stakeholders informed about project progress, promoting openness and trust. Coordination allocates tasks and resources, preventing misunderstandings and enhancing decision- making. Poor engagement can lead to misunderstandings, rework, and missed deadlines. The impact of communication on project quality, highlighting that it goes beyond time, money, and quality standards, requiring stakeholder satisfaction. Effective stakeholder communication significantly influences project success in complex construction projects, reducing failure rates due to inadequate communication. Stakeholder conflicts in construction often arise from conflicting interests, leading to reworks, disputes, and cost overruns. Effective involvement of stakeholders during pre-construction stages is crucial, as demonstrated in Malaysia and New Zealand case studies. the importance of clear project scope and effective internal communication in enhancing project success, cost, and schedule performance among stakeholders. A survey of Turkish overseas stakeholders revealed that communication barriers negatively impact stakeholder management (SMP), while communication behaviours and strategies positively correlate with SMP. Effective communication is crucial for successful international project management. The construction failure factors (CFFs) and stakeholder coordination performance in high-rise building projects are linked, with consultants' lack of capability, overlapping construction sequences, and contractors' lack of experience being the most significant CFFs. Stakeholder involvement is crucial for infrastructure project success. Interviews with professionals reveal organizational characteristics, activities, and success factors. A framework model identifies three management levels and project success degrees. Effective communication and stakeholder coordination are crucial for successful construction projects, ensuring efficiency, clarity, and teamwork across all stages, reducing misunderstandings and promoting trust. Key Words: stakeholder, communication, project, time, qualitative.

The Roundabout at the Edge of the World: Subsea Tunnels, the Sea and the Islands

This paper is based on the thesis that there is a ‘sea change’ in the Faroe Islands (Faroes) of the twenty-first century, and that this multi-layered transformation in more than a symbolic understanding is brought about by the sea. Submarine space is being appropriated in futuristic infrastructure projects continentalising the Nordic Atlantic society. The relationship between the world above and the world below the sea is reconfigured, and the new vertical landscape gives us the opportunity to reassess images of island communities and ask the question: what is an island? The resurgence of the aquatic space in the lives of the islanders, soaking their cultural identities, is explored through the landscape of roads and tunnels in the Faroe Islands, with special focus on the subsea roundabout between the islands of Eysturoy and Streymoy. The paper argues that the tunnels not only connect previously separated islands, and centre with periphery, but also represent an avenue to a new water-land symbiosis in society. Life might be dryer than it was in the old days, but water continues to be the main source of cultural imagination, wealth, health, and futurity among island dwellers. Drawing on anthropological island studies, this paper represents an island perspective on what it means to conquer the sea-land frontier and to build a future through underground passageways.

Precast Girder Management During the Erection Process: A Review

With a focus on their use in bridge building, the study examines the procedures, methods, and factors that go into erecting precast girders. Large- scale infrastructure projects require precast girders because of their effectiveness and quality, which guarantee less time spent on building sites and less labor. The paper covers several precast girder types, including segmental, box, U, and I girders, and how project needs determine which type is best for a given project. It compares the applicability, benefits, and drawbacks of several erection techniques, such as span-by-span, full-span, and gradual launching. Frameworks such as HIRARC are used to examine the risks related to the erection process, including site logistics, equipment management, and safety precautions. Case studies shed light on difficulties encountered during girder building and give guidance for improving quality and safety. Recommendations for improving construction methods and guaranteeing structural integrity in precast girder constructions are included in the paper's conclusion. Keywords—Precast, Precast girder, Erection, Launching Techniques, Span by Span

Tactical Activities to Improve the Effectiveness of Concrete Batching Plant Based on Overall Equipment Effectiveness Analysis

The growth of infrastructure projects has led to an increased demand for ready-mix concrete. A company that produces ready-mix concrete using a batching plant encountered difficulties in fulfilling customer orders due to the high rate of machine downtime. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) was employed to examine these issues at the tactical activities, where the root causes of losses that occur in the OEE components of availability, performance, and quality were addressed. The OEE analysis was extended to encompass maintenance effectiveness measures, as the anticipated solution to the problem was not the replacement of the machine, but rather an enhancement of its operational efficacy. The effectiveness of maintenance activities was measured using MTTF (mean time to failure), MTTR (mean time to repair), and MTBF (mean time between failure). A review of the OEE components revealed a necessity to reduce losses, as evidenced by the availability and performance rates. Although the performance rate has the lowest value, based on the frequent occurrence of failures to the availability component, the improvement process was carried out to overcome problems in the availability variable. The implementation of scheduled maintenance at the beginning of each month and the implementation of daily checks before and after the machine was used resulted in an increase in the OEE value from 56.62% to 71.15%. The incorporation of maintenance analysis into OEE has been shown to result in increased OEE values, as evidenced by a longer mean time between failures, a reduced time for process adjustments, and a decreased asset repair time.