Infrastructure Construction Projects Research Articles

Project management and partner banking as tools for the recovery concept in Ukraine

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of project management and partnership banking. Due to the shortage of investment, Ukraine always needs to plan for financial resources. All over the world, partnership banking is becoming an increasingly common and attractive type of investment in projects. In the conditions of modern Ukraine, with the need to restore industrial and infrastructure construction projects, one can predict significant growth in the construction services market and the need for investment. In this study, the ways of possible increasing investment in the construction industry have been discussed based on the use of a logical-structural approach in project management and partnership banking as a source of investment.

Trustworthy digital twinning data platform for power infrastructure construction projects using blockchain and semantic web

Trustworthy digital twinning data platform for power infrastructure construction projects using blockchain and semantic web

RESEARCH PROGRESS ON STRENGTHENING PROCESS OF H13 STEEL FOR SHIELD CUTTER RING

As China continues to advance the modernization process, a large number of infrastructure construction projects need to use shield machines to build tunnels. As a key component of the shield machine/TBM direct contact working environment, the hob is extremely complex and extremely harsh due to the extremely complex and extremely harsh working environment, resulting in hobs. It is very easy to damage when in service. The damage of the hob directly leads to many problems such as project delay and capital consumption. Therefore, improving the mechanical properties of the hob and prolonging the service life is an important engineering problem to be solved urgently. Based on the service performance of disc cutter, this paper analyzes its failure form and wear mechanism, and summarizes the strengthening process and improvement method of the H13 steel disc cutter ring. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of previous researchers and optimization methods are reviewed for H13 steel material composition, heat treatment process, surface coating strengthening process, and other processes. Finally, the performance strengthening of hob cutter ring is discussed and prospected, in order to provide a reference for hob strengthening technology path and industrialization realization.

An integrated multi-criteria decision making approach for selecting the starting location of railroad projects

PurposeThe successful completion of linear infrastructure construction projects such as railroads, roads, tunnels, and pipelines relies heavily on decision-making processes during planning phase. Professionals in the construction industry emphasize that determining the starting point of a linear infrastructure construction project is one of the most important decisions to be made in the planning phase. However, the existing literature does not specifically focus on selection of the starting point of the segments to be constructed. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to support selection of the starting point of the segments to be constructed in linear infrastructure construction projects.Design/methodology/approachBased on the characteristics of the railroad projects and insights gathered from expert interviews, the appropriate criteria for the model were determined. Once the criteria were determined, a decision hierarchy was developed and the weights of the criteria (w_i) were calculated using DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Then, Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), COmplex PRoportional Assessment (COPRAS), and evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) methods were used. The alternatives were ranked in terms of their priority with TOPSIS method based on relative closeness (Ci) of each alternative to the ideal solution, COPRAS method based on quantitative utility (Ui) for each alternative and EDAS method based on evaluation score (ASi) for all alternatives. The results were compared with each other.FindingsThe study reveals the effects of all criteria on the proposed model. The results of DEMATEL method indicated that quantity of aggregate (w_i = 0.075), ballast (w_i = 0.071), and sub-ballast (w_i = 0.069) are the most important criteria in starting location selection for railroads, where earthquake (w_i = 0.046), excavation cost (w_i = 0.054), and longest distance from borrow pit (w_i = 0.055) were found to be less important criteria. The starting location alternatives were ranked based on TOPSIS, COPRAS and EDAS methods. The A-1 alternative was selected as the most appropriate alternative (Ci = 0.64; Ui = 100%; ASi = 0.81), followed by A-6 alternative (Ci = 0.61; Ui = 97%; ASi = 0.73) and A-7 alternative (Ci = 0.59; Ui = 94%; ASi = 0.60). Even tough different methods were used, they provided compatible results where the same ranking was achieved except three alternatives.Originality/valueThis study identifies novel criteria for the starting location selection of railroad construction based on the data of a railroad project. This study uses different methods for selecting the starting location. Considering the project type and its scope, the model can be used by decision-makers in linear infrastructure projects for which efficient planning and effective location selection are critical for successful operations.

Modeling Workplace Well-Being Factors in Infrastructure Construction Projects: PLS-SEM Approach

Working at construction sites can harm individuals’ health and well-being. However, stakeholders often focus on improving health while discounting well-being. Establishing a better workplace environment can improve workplace well-being. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing workplace well-being in infrastructure construction projects. To achieve this aim, the study objectives are to (1) identify the critical factors influencing workplace well-being in infrastructure construction projects; (2) develop an interrelationship model between underlying constructs of the factors; and (3) assess the influence of the underlying constructs on workplace well-being in infrastructure construction projects. First, a list of factors influencing workplace well-being was established using data from a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews. Then, a survey was developed using the list of factors and distributed to infrastructure construction practitioners. In total, 124 responses were retrieved and analyzed using normalized mean analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The analyses reveal that the critical factors include workload, salary package, the timeline of salary payment, working hours, planning of the project, insurance for construction workers, workers’ welfare and project progress. Furthermore, the underlying constructs are physical factors and psychosocial factors. Finally, both physical and psychosocial factors are found to significantly influence workplace well-being in infrastructure construction projects. Focusing solely on physical factors may not sufficiently enhance workplace well-being in construction projects, as there are also non-visible factors, such as psychosocial factors. Thus, exploring the interplay between visible and non-visible factors and their influence on workplace well-being in construction projects is crucial. Nevertheless, the findings have several limitations, including using data from a single country and non-hands-on construction practitioners, as well as the underlying constructs being derived solely using statistical methods. Still, the study is original in its focus on modeling the relationship between the factors influencing workplace well-being within the context of infrastructure construction projects. In other words, this study differs from prior research by specifically modeling the factors that influence well-being in infrastructure construction projects.

Vietnamese Citizen Participation in Local Governance

Local governance is characterized by the interaction between government agencies and people in the local social management process, in which people are encouraged to actively play a part in government management activities as regulated by laws. This study addresses the people's rights to directly and indirectly participate in local governance activities in Vietnam. A survey of 360 people from 4 localities representing three regions of Vietnam, including Thai Binh province, Hung Yen province (Northern region), Quang Binh province (Central region), Ca Mau province (Northern region) was conducted to evaluate citizen participation in governance activities of commune-level authorities. The results show that the citizen participation in local governance activities do exist, but are limited to the direct participation. To some extent, the people also have rights to self-determine local issues on infrastructure construction and public welfare projects with their own contributions; however, their self-development of programs and projects and proposals to local authorities for implementation has not been clearly demonstrated. These findings suggest expanding the people's rights to participate in local governance activities as innovations for the improvement local governance effectiveness.

Application of industrial by-product waste as soil stabilising backfill material using a multi-layering method

Peat soil presents significant challenges for construction due to its inherent weak properties, including high water content, limited permeability, low shear Strength, low specific gravity, and acidity. Despite the potential of Mg-rich synthetic gypsum (MRSG) to improve soil properties, research on its use for stabilising severely poor peat soils is limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating the efficacy of MRSG in peat soil stabilisation using a novel multi-layering backfill approach. The methodology includes soil classification of peat soil. And, to understand the mechanical and chemical changes of stabilized peat soil, the unconfined compressive Strength (UCS) testing and microstructural analysis using SEM, EDX, and XRD before and after stabilisation are studied. Peat samples were treated with MRSG through backfilling method in 5, 7, and 9 layers and evaluated the strength increment after curing periods of 7, 28, and 60 days. Results demonstrate that MRSG significantly enhanced the compressive strength, increasing it to 210.33 kPa as early as 7 days for 9 layers of backfill incomparable with the untreated soil strength of 51.87 kPa. The new cementitious product in the soil known as ettringite was observed from SEM analysis and confirmed by the EDX and XRD analysis. By recycling industrial byproducts, this environmentally friendly method encourages sustainability and lessens dependency on raw resources, which is important for infrastructure construction and other projects in areas rich in peat.

Challenges with collaboration: the interaction of formal and informal ties in infrastructure construction

Collaborative project delivery models (CPDM) have been introduced in infrastructure construction delivery to improve project outcomes and reduce adversity characteristic for the field. Recent research discusses the interaction of formal and informal governance but highlights the need for further research into the interaction as well as its functions and dysfunctions. With help of a social network lens, we study how collaboration in a CPDM can be understood by the interaction of formal and formal ties and their (dys)functions. Based on 45 in-depth interviews, observations and document analysis, we studied two major infrastructure construction projects utilising a CPDM and the challenges caused by the interaction of formal and informal ties. Our results indicate that these two types of ties interact in a cyclic fashion, where formal ties form the foundation to develop informal ties, and informal ties shape how formal ties are understood. Strong formal and informal ties have both positive as well as negative consequences for collaboration in a CPDM. Furthermore, although these challenges can be beneficial to certain parties in the project, they can also be dysfunctional to other parties. The research contributes to the academic debate on the interplay between formal and formal ties.

User experiences of situational awareness systems in infrastructure construction

Infrastructure construction (IC) projects are dynamic, complex, and difficult to control and manage. Situational awareness (SA) systems have attracted growing interest in construction literature as an aid for human decision-making in order to forecast changes in project and operations situations. While technological advancements have been achieved in SA systems, very little empirical evidence exists on the actual experiences of IC professionals in relation to SA system usage. We interviewed 23 IC professionals to obtain data, which data we then analyzed by utilizing open coding. Based on our analysis, IC professionals adopt and integrate SA systems individually. On the other hand, often their SA exhibits a bias in favor of the subjective viewpoint of whoever is the dominant or responsible individual in their unit or team, and concealing facts by one or more people appears common. We thus conclude that SA systems can raise IC professionals’ awareness of a situation in ways that are objectively and easily visible and accessible to every individual. SA systems can also be used to conceal SA. This study contributes to earlier technology-focused research by revealing how the behavior of dominant individuals affects the user experience of SA systems.

The risk of additional branch works in the construction of railway projects

Every decision or action taken as part of a construction project involves risk. Unforeseen branch works that may occur during the construction investment are the so-called additional work. They cause risk, both for the contractor and the investor. Skilful management of this risk may lead to minimizing the change in the investment duration or minimizing the change in the cost of the contractual amount. The work proposes a method of analysing the risk of industrial works that may occur during additional works in railway construction investments. A constructed Bayesian network based on the risk component of industrial works was used for the analysis. Bayesian networks are listed as one of the 31 techniques suggested for risk analysis in accordance with the ISO 31010 standard, which enables the correct analysis of the examined problem with satisfactory accuracy. During the construction of the network, historical data was obtained from completed and settled railway infrastructure construction projects, and 125 unique records corresponding to additional works were identified. The created Bayesian network combines technological aspects resulting from the specificity of the implementation of branch works in railway construction projects with a practical assessment of their risk. The proposed network model allows for risk analysis by defining various event scenarios, and has high application capacity resulting from the ease of applying its results in practice in the implementation of railway investments.

Analysis of the Consolidation Properties of Soil in the Mucherbari Regulator in Sunamganj

Analysis of the Consolidation Properties of Soil in the Mucherbari Regulator in Sunamganj

The Development of an Automated System for a Quality Evaluation of Engineering BIM Models: A Case Study

The growing adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector raises questions about the quality of BIM data deliverables for project owners. Therefore, assessment and evaluation of such BIM data against relevant documents such as the BIM Execution Plan (BEP), the Level of Definition (LOD)/Level of Information (LOI) matrix, and quality control customized checklists become critical, especially in large construction projects. This study primarily aims to create an automated system for assessing the quality of 3D BIM model data, utilizing a proposed project quality control checklist. The automated system consists of four key elements: a BIM-based model, a Data Extraction and Analysis Module, a Data Storage Module, and a Data Visualization Module. The Data Extraction and Analysis Module extracts relevant information and parameters from BIM models to evaluate their quality against predefined checklists. Then, it transfers the information and stores the results in a database. The database is connected to an engineering project collaboration tool, ProjectWise, to automatically update and store the data in the cloud. The database is then connected to an interactive data visualization platform, Power BI, to enable automatic visualization of the generated quality assessment results of the BIM models’ data. This system was applied to a Canadian infrastructure construction project by its BIM department during the preliminary and detailed design phases. It demonstrated an average quality score (AQS) of 87.6% for the BIM models and significantly reduced failing items by around 30%. This study concludes that the system offers a robust, practical solution for enhancing the quality control process in BIM model data management, thereby aiding engineers in timely model adjustments to meet project requirements.

Optimal Mix Design and Mechanical Properties of Rapid-Hardening Foam Concrete

This paper conducts compressive strength tests on foam concrete prepared under four factors and three levels through the design of orthogonal experiments. It delves into the phase change rules of the load–displacement curves obtained under various mix proportions. Furthermore, based on the 1-day and 3-day compressive strength values, the study explores different mix proportion results using range analysis and variance analysis methods, thereby determining the optimal mix proportion that can satisfy the maximum 1-day and 3-day compressive strength values. The results indicate that the compression process of rapid-hardening foam concrete includes four stages: initial compaction stage, elastic stage, yielding stage, and plateau stage, with each stage having different causes. Additionally, the sensitivity sequence of factors affecting the 1-day and 3-day compressive strength of rapid-hardening foam concrete is respectively rapid sulfoaluminate cement (α) > water-reducing agent content (δ) > foam content (β) > water-cement ratio (γ) and rapid sulfoaluminate cement (α) > water-cement ratio (γ) > foam content (β) > water-reducing agent content (δ). With 100% sulfoaluminate cement content, the 1-day and 3-day compressive strength values can reach 1.7054 and 2.5471 MPa, respectively, which are 13 times and 7 times the minimum values of 1-day and 3-day compressive strength under other admixtures. The analysis shows that the content of rapid sulfoaluminate cement has the most significant effect on the 1-day and 3-day compressive strength of rapid-hardening foam concrete, with foam content having the least impact on 1-day compressive strength and water-reducing agent content having the least impact on 3-day compressive strength. By integrating range analysis and variance analysis, the optimal mix proportion that simultaneously satisfies the maximum 1-day and 3-day compressive strength is determined to be 100% content of rapid-hardening sulfoaluminate cement, 4% foam content, 0.55% cement ratio, and 0.12% admixture content. Overall, this study provides theoretical support for the research and development of new rapid-hardening foam concrete materials and has significant practical implications for the emergency repair and construction of infrastructure projects.

Sustainability evaluation of urban large-scale infrastructure construction based on dynamic fuzzy cognitive map

Enhancing the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure construction is the foundation and trend of urban sustainable development and environmental protection. This paper proposes a perception and evaluation method based on Dynamic Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (D-FCM) to address the dynamics, uncertainties, and implementation difficulties of sustainability evaluation in large-scale infrastructure construction. Using Hebbian rules to learn the experience and knowledge of experts, a dynamic evolution correlation matrix about evaluation indicators is obtained, and a D-FCM dynamic system model is established to obtain the sustainability evaluation results of large-scale infrastructure construction. The comprehensive sustainable evaluation value (K) of the selected subway project case is 0.934, which belongs to the V level in the sustainable level classification standard and has a good trend in sustainable development. Social public participation (S1), light pollution prevention (H1), wastewater discharge compliance rate (H2), soil pollution prevention (H3), and soil and water conservation and utilization (Z2) are the most significant and sensitive indicators for the sustainable development of large-scale infrastructure construction. Based on the interaction of influencing factors in the D-FCM model, an economically efficient control measures and decision-making plan can be proposed to improve the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure construction projects.

IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, AND PROPOSAL OF MECHANICAL RISK CONTROLS IN URBAN ROAD REPAVING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

This study aims to establish a comprehensive management of mechanical risks that may arise during the construction of infrastructure projects, specifically focusing on the process involved in urban road repaving. The case study selected is the "Repaving of General Rumiñahui Avenue between San Luis Avenue and Santa Clara Street, Quito, Ecuador". The objective is to mitigate various types of work-related accidents resulting from civil construction interventions. Mechanical risks are a significant concern in the construction industry, particularly in activities involving heavy machinery and specialized equipment. Like many other countries, Ecuador has construction-related labor regulations in place. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to identify, assess, and propose a system for controlling mechanical risks in the construction of repaving infrastructure projects to improve working conditions. The assessments of mechanical risks in urban repaving infrastructure projects will be analyzed using the "Colombian Technical Guide GTC 45" methodology. This quantitative and analytical approach applies current regulatory methods to define risk levels. The study will conclude by determining appropriate measures for labor control and the respective management of machinery and tools. These measures encompass preventive actions such as the use of personal protective equipment, appropriate signage, engineering controls, and worker training. Keywords: risk level, hazards, work accidents, sewerage, drinking water

Assessment criteria for inter-organizational collaboration in interconnected infrastructure projects

PurposeSocieties depend on interconnected infrastructures that are becoming more complex over the years. Multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills are essential to develop modern infrastructures, requiring close collaboration of various infrastructure owners. To effectively manage and improve inter-organizational collaboration (IOC) in infrastructure construction projects, collaboration status should be assessed continually. This study identifies the assessment criteria, forming the foundation of a tool for assessing the status of IOC in interconnected infrastructure projects.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature study and in-depth semi-structured interviews with practitioners in interconnected infrastructure construction projects in the Netherlands are performed to identify the criteria for assessing the status of IOC in infrastructure construction projects, based on which an assessment tool is developed.FindingsThe identified assessment criteria through the literature and the practitioner’s perspectives results in the designing and development of a collaboration assessment tool. The assessment tool consists of 12 criteria and 36 sub-criteria from three different categories of collaborative capacity: individual, relational, and organizational.Originality/valueThe assessment tool enables practitioners to monitor the status of IOC between infrastructure owners and assists them in making informed decisions to enhance collaboration. The assessment tool provides the opportunity to assess and analyze the status of collaboration based on three categories (i.e., individual, relational, and organizational).

Development of workplace well-being indexes at construction sites

PurposeThis study aims to develop workplace well-being indexes for construction sites of different project types (infrastructure, high-rise and low-rise). Accordingly, the study objectives are to identify the critical factors that affect workplace well-being at construction sites, compare the critical factors between different project types, categorize the critical factors into subgroups and compute indexes for the critical factors and subgroups.Design/methodology/approachData from a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with construction industry professionals were used to extract 19 potential factors that affect workplace well-being. Then, a structured questionnaire survey was distributed, and 169 valid responses were collected. Finally, the data were analyzed using normalized mean analysis, agreement analysis, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation.FindingsThe study findings revealed that there are 11, 11, 8 and 12 critical factors across overall infrastructure, high-rise and low-rise construction projects. Out of those, six critical factors are overlapping across project types, including “general safety and health monitoring,” “salary package,” “timeline of salary payment,” “working hours,” “communication between workers” and “planning of the project.” Accordingly, the critical factors can be categorized into two subgroups within each project type. Finally, the development of indexes shows that infrastructure construction projects have the greatest index compared to other project types.Originality/valueThis study contributes to filling the current knowledge gap by developing workplace well-being indexes at construction sites across different project types. The indexes would assist decision-makers in understanding the current state of workplace well-being. This increases the commitment and recognition of well-being across different construction project types.

Research on Over-the-Horizon Perception Distance Division of Optical Fiber Communication Based on Intelligent Roadways.

With the construction and application of more and more intelligent networking demonstration projects, a large number of advanced roadside digital infrastructures are deployed on both sides of the intelligent road. These devices sense the road situation in real time through algorithms and transmit it to edge computing units and cloud control platforms through high-speed optical fiber transmission networks. This article proposes a cloud edge terminal architecture system based on cloud edge cooperation, as well as a data exchange protocol for cloud control basic platforms. The over-the-horizon scene division and optical fiber network communication model are verified by deploying intelligent roadside devices on the intelligent highway. At the same time, this article uses the optical fiber network communication algorithm and ModelScope large model to model inference on real-time video data. The actual data results show that the StreamYOLO (Stream You Only Look Once) model can use the Streaming Perception method to detect and continuously track target vehicles in real-time videos. Finally, the method proposed in this article was experimentally validated in an actual smart highway digital infrastructure construction project. The experimental results demonstrate the high application value and promotion prospects of the fiber optic network in the division of over the horizon perception distance in intelligent roadways construction.

멕시코 국토 발전과 공간적 조정에 관한 시론적 연구

Mexico has been noted as a somewhat exceptional case in the 2000s, when the Pink Tide wave was exerting a powerful influence in South America. Thus after losing to Mexico’s two conservative parties, PAN and PRI, in 2006 and 2012, expectations for AMLO and his regime, which was elected as the candidate of the MORENA party in 2018, were higher than ever. In particular, it can be said that the regime succeeded in coming to power by emphasising the disconnection from the neoliberal policies implemented by the previous regimes, but in the economic growth policy, it still showed a basis for adjusting and maintaining the existing policy stance rather than an exclusive break with neoliberalism. Against this backdrop, this study aims to examine the reasons why the infrastructure construction project promoted by the AMLO regime has caused social criticism and backlash in the actual process, despite the fact that it specifies the goal of overcoming spatial and social imbalances. This study argues that the emphasis on procedural legitimacy to blunt the backlash against the infrastructure projects actively promoted by the AMLO regime can be understood in the context of the re-establishment or readjustment of the state-market-society relationship, rather than an exclusive break with the previous neoliberal regime. In other words, it is understood as part of a 'spatial fix' to deepen capitalist accumulation as advocated by critical spatial geographers. This study is a preliminary study that aims to overcome the limitations of domestic research on Mexico that has been mainly dealt with in the political, economic, and cultural contexts, and to contribute to the spatial and social discussions. Therefore, it is of academic significance in that it introduces the theoretical discussions of critical geographers who can understand capitalist accumulation and unbalanced land development and applies them to the case of Mexico.

Incentive modeling analysis in engineering applications and projects with stochastic duration time

Incentives are quite common to be utilized in engineering applications such as some infrastructure development projects or construction projects. Due to the increasing complexity of construction management and the continuing trend towards outsourcing of component or engineering outsourcing activities, we focus on the issue of incentive design. Time collaboration is one of the main focuses of random project duration time in parallel projects. In this article, we consider a setting where a manufacturer outsources two parallel subtasks to two different suppliers, and the manufacturer is time sensitive. On the premise that the project completion time follows the exponential distribution, some models are established to compare the proposed incentives and we get the comparative analysis of the proposed incentives. This paper puts forward three kinds of time-based incentive mechanisms, namely, deadline incentive mechanism, competition mechanism and mixed incentive mechanism. We do modeling analysis for all incentive mechanisms. We get the optimal work rates determined by suppliers and compare various incentive mechanisms to maximize manufacturers' profits.