Post-construction Stages Research Articles

The Effects of Surrounding Factors on Building Health in Urban Neighbourhood

Abstract: Urbanization has become an increasingly important factor in the lifespan of buildings. As the population in urban areas continues to grow, many buildings fail to reach their expected life expectancy of 50-60 years due to multiple factors. In addition to poor construction, climate, architecture plan and design, material quality, human errors, health monitoring, geological conditions, and natural disasters can all adversely affect the building health. This paper examines the connection of urbanization and the deterioration of buildings and explores the various components contributing in the construction and postconstruction stages. It also discusses the various factors that impact building health and whether it measures the impact on buildings. Lastly, it examines the climate impact on buildings and the measures that can be taken while designing and postconstruction. The paper concludes that city development directly impacts the speed of building deterioration. To keep buildings healthy and sustainable, it is important to contemplate all the factors that can influence the building health and to measure the impact of these factors, incorporate project management and quality control practices into architectural design and implementation, and to take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. By doing so, urban infrastructure-building life spans can be extended, and buildings can be kept in good condition for longer periods of time.

Evaluation of the Implementation of Contract Change Order as A Solution to the Problem of Contract Scope Changes

Construction industry activities are increasing. Construction industry players need to be prepared to face the possibility of changes of design planed that are not in accordance with field conditions. The purpose of this research is to identify, analyze the causes and impacts of Contract Change Orders (CCO) at the pre-construction, construction implementation, and post-construction stages with case study is Proyek Simpang Susun Balaraja Timur at Tol Jakarta – Merak, Kabupaten Tangerang. The research method used is descriptive and qualitative methods by conducting Earned Value Analysis and Fishbone Analysis to identify the causal factors and impacts of CCO so that efforts can be made to mitigate the performance of the construction contract from the aspect of quality, cost, and time. The results of the analysis show 3 factors causing CCO namely consultant factors, such as lack of planning preparation and non-compliance with field conditions, project owner factors, and contractor factors. The results of Earned Value Analysis with Estimate at Completion (EAC) calculations can be used to identify the need for additional contract value and additional execution time. On initial contract identification: Cost Performance Index (CPI) is 0.77 (insufficient costs with cost overrun – Rp. 52.502,111,631.83) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) 1.21, means that Addendum 1 needs to be done with the results: CPI is 1.17 (the costs used are sufficient from the available fees), EAC is Rp. 189,848,751,106.02 with changes in the contract value is Rp. 222,017,999,900.65, SPI is 1.21 from the initial contract value Rp. 174,437,684,167.96

Effectiveness of Clients’ Involvement in Projects Management Life Cycle and Tertiary Institutions Project Delivery in Southwest, Nigeria

Determining the effectiveness of the relationship between clients’ involvement and tertiary institutions building projects particularly in the Southwest region, is a crucial challenge as there have not been tangible attempts to empirically demonstrate how such involvement affects successful projects implementation. This study assessed effectiveness of clients’ involvement in projects life cycle of tertiary institutions projects delivery in South-West Nigeria. the study is aimed at improving the level of clients’ involvement in pre- construction, construction and post construction stages of tertiary institutions projects delivery. 405 copies of questionnaires were self-administered to construction projects stakeholders involved in the administration of tertiary institution projects in the South-West Nigeria while 290 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved representing 71.6%. The collected data were analysed using both descriptive (Mean Ranking and Relative importance Index (RII)) and inferential statistics (Partial Least Square in Structural Equation Modelling- PLS-SEM) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and SMART-PLS. The study classified client involvement into time, cost and quality involvement. From the result of the study, timely provision of comprehensive control information at each stage of implementations process by the client leads to successful project delivery. Company's reputation (dCIPLC8) was ranked highest from quality involvement group while accuracy of project cost estimates (DCIPLC 13) was ranked first in the cost involvement group. Timely provision of comprehensive control information at each stage of implementations process by the client leading to successful project (dCIPLC 10) was adjudged first by all the respondents. Ability to handle unexpected crises and deviations from the plan which affects the duration of the project (dCIPLC 12) was ranked second. The result of the multivariate analysis revealed that the exogenous construct of timely involvement group had a positive significant relationship with all of the endogenous variables of pre-construction, post- construction and construction phases of the project at 95% level (β= 0.435, t = 3.197; β = 0.524, t = 4.857; β = 0.482, t = 4.526). The study also records a negative significant relationship between quality involvement groups and the endogenous variables of construction phase: (β = - 0.222, t= 1.875); post construction phase (β = -0.202, t = 1.977) and Pre construction phrase (β = -0.273, t = 3.015). The study concluded that involvement of client at each stage of tertiary institutions project will leads to successful project delivery.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quantity surveying practices in Malaysia

PurposeMalaysia has experienced a significant surge in COVID-19. The “new normal” has plunged construction players into one of the most challenging times in their history, including the quantity surveyors (QS). Playing a primary role from pre-construction to post-construction stages, QS is essential to ensure project success. This study aims to clarify the impact of COVID-19 on quantity surveying practices to provide a better understanding of the construction sector's downturn during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachPreliminary exploratory interviews were conducted with ten QS, architects, project managers and engineers to identify quantity surveying practices affected by the pandemic, followed by a survey involving 222 respondents to determine the significance of these impacts.FindingsIt was found that quantity surveying practices involving site visits, such as variation work valuation and interim payment valuation, were the most affected by the pandemic. On the other hand, consultative services such as value management and advisory services were the least affected.Research limitations/implicationsThe study faced data sampling limitations. Further research requires more insights on different groups of QS, such as consultants, contractors and developers, and reasons behind the difference in consensus between QS and non-QS respondents.Practical implicationsThe insights from this research may help authorities and construction companies make necessary adjustments to ensure the quantity surveying profession remains resilient, hence a better chance of project success during a pandemic. This discovery can also be considered a significant opportunity to present the need for further development.Originality/valueThe findings are expected to explain how COVID-19 had affected the duties of QS and identify which impact is the most significant. This research will complement the existing publications on the impacts of COVID-19 on the construction industry.

Current Trends and Future Directions in Knowledge Management in Construction Research Using Social Network Analysis

The growing interest in Knowledge Management (KM) has led to increased attention to Social Network Analysis (SNA) as a tool to map the relationships in networks. SNA can be used to evaluate knowledge flows between project teams, contributing to collaborative working and improved performance. Similarly, it has the potential to be used for construction projects and organisations. This paper aims at identifying current trends and future research directions related to using SNA for KM in construction. A systematic review and thematic analysis were used to critically review the existing studies and identify potential research areas in construction specifically related to research approaches and explore the possibilities for extension of SNA in KM. The findings revealed that there are knowledge gaps in research approaches with case study-based research involving external stakeholders, collaborations, development of communication protocols, which are priority areas identified for future research. SNA in KM related to construction could be extended to develop models that capture both formal and informal relationships as well as the KM process in pre-construction, construction, and post-construction stages to improve the performance of projects. Similarly, SNA can be integrated with methodological concepts, such as Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), knowledge broker, and so forth, to improve KM processes in construction. This study identifies potential research areas that provide the basis for stakeholders and academia to resolve current issues in the use of SNA for KM in construction.

Surface settlement in saturated loess stratum during shield construction: Numerical modeling and sensitivity analysis

During shield construction of Xi'an metro, saturated loess stratum with loose soil structure and poor engineering properties is often encountered, which is prone to cause excessive surface settlement (SS) and risk to the safety of upper infrastructures. Six factors that affect SS during shield construction and post-construction stages in Xi’an metro were focused, including shield tail grouting pressure ratio δ, eccentric over-excavation ratio α, groundwater decline, shield earth chamber pressure λ, shield tail grout filling ratio ξ, and leakage position of lining. According to Peck's formula, two characteristic parameters of SS were defined, i.e., maximum surface settlement (MSS) and settlement trough width (STW). Based on the Biot's theory, the computation of fluid–solid coupling during shield construction in saturated loess stratum was realized. Local sensitivity analysis indicates that SS of saturated loess stratum is more sensitive to shield tail grout filling ratio, eccentric over-excavation ratio, groundwater decline and grouting pressure ratio. In order to reduce the SS and its influence range, the following standards should be satisfied, i.e., ξ > 60%, α ≤ 0.5%, 1.0 ≤ δ ≤ 1.1 and 0.9 ≤ λ < 1.6. Moreover, in the post-construction stage, the closer the leakage position to the bottom of the tunnel, the greater the induced MSS and the wider the STW, and waterproofing measures for the lining near the bottom plate should be taken to ensure that the relative permeability coefficient of the lining β ≤ 0.001. The groundwater level should also be maintained in the overlying stratum.

BIM-Based Tools for Managing Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW): A Scoping Review

This article provides a picture of the latest developments in providing BIM-based tools for construction and demolition waste (CDW) management. The coverage and breadth of the literature on offering BIM-based tools and technologies for dealing with CDW throughout the whole life cycle of construction are investigated, and gaps are identified. Findings reveal that, although various BIM-based technologies are closely associated with CDW, much of the existing research on this area has focused on the design and construction phase; indeed, the problem of CDW in post-construction stages has received scant attention. Besides, the now available tools and technologies are lacking in cross-phase insights into project waste aspects and are weak in theoretical rigor. This article contributes to the field by identifying the intellectual deficiencies in offering BIM-based tools and technologies when dealing with CDW. So, too, it points to major priorities for future research on the topic. For practitioners, the study provides a point of reference and raises awareness in the field about the most advanced available BIM-based technologies for dealing with CDW problems.

Finite element analysis for identifying locations of cracking and hydraulic fracturing in homogeneous earthen dams

This paper reports a finite element study to identify the locations of crack initiation in a homogeneous earthen dam at its post-construction and reservoir operation stages. The steady state and transient analyses, including reservoir rise-up and drawdown conditions, are simulated to identify the favorable conditions and locations of crack generation. The behavioral response of the dam is represented in terms of the developed total stress, horizontal deformations of the faces, strain accumulation in the dam, and the differential settlement of the dam base. The locations of post-construction cracks are identified based on the negative minor principal stresses developed on the dam faces. For both single-lift and multiple-lift modeling techniques, the upstream face of the dam is found to be the most favorable location for the crack generation. For transient reservoir operations (rise-up and drawdown scenarios), it is identified that hydraulic fracturing may occur on either faces of the dam at specific heights, governed by the minor principal stresses becoming lesser than the developed pore-water pressure. Depending on whether the reservoir drawdown occurs before or after the attainment of steady-state phreatic level within the body of the dam, the pore-water pressure distribution within the dam are found notably different. This results in hydraulic fracturing occurring at different faces of the dam and at different heights. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the tentative location of the cracks developed in homogeneous earthen dams so that proper mitigation measure can be adopted as per requirement.

Energy Efficiency Design Strategies in Office Buildings: A Literature Review

The growing concerns over the adverse effects of buildings on the environment and the need to achieve users’ thermal, visual, acoustic, spatial and indoor environmental air quality comfort have given rise to the demand for energy efficient buildings. This paper relied on a review of 36 articles published between 2007 and 2019 to identify and categorise energy efficiency design, planning and construction applicable to office buildings. The data were randomly selected using Science Direct and Google Scholar search engines on the internet and analysed by thematic textual analysis. The results revealed 29 energy efficiency design strategies applicable for office buildings which were categorised into the three distinct phases of building projects: pre-construction (design and planning), construction and post construction stages. The strategies were further categorised into energy efficient landscape designs, site selection, building orientation, building plan and appropriate space organisation. The study also established that building envelope systems, building orientation, integration of renewable energy sources and day lighting design strategies were the most implemented in office buildings. The review concluded by highlighting the key areas of focus in energy efficiency design strategies in office buildings, the extent research has progressed on the subject and future possible directions on the topic.

Analysing outdoor airflow and pollution as a parameter to assess the compatibility of mass-scale low-cost residential development

Land use compatibility has always remained an integrally crucial factor for city development. Traditional contentious theories integrating land use planning principles, demand-oriented market development and industry-induced air pollution regulations have debated the adjacency of residential and industrial land uses. However, in the event of inevitable and unprecedented urbanization, where land shortage has compelled cities to expand towards the industrial peripheries, low-income resettlement planning turns evident. However, this process turns detrimental when land use incompatibility affects newly settled population. Adjacent industrial pollution degrades health and liveability, ultimately forcing the population to vacate the housing and recur poverty recycling phenomenon. This study aims to assess micro-level land-use compatibility from health and liveability viewpoint using environment-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis as a surrogate measurement technique. It is assumed that if site-based ventilation potential and airflow assessment can be performed at early design for site-selection and post-construction stages for rational retrofitting, it would deliver a liveable environment to the low-income inhabitants. While industrial development is irresistible, this study focused on environment-sensitive built-environment planning, utilising aerodynamically potential morpho-metrics of urban form density, inter-building gaps and integrated open spaces. Simulated results demonstrated that while existing built-environment planning failed to deliver improved ventilation, the simulation-based approach of iterated built-environment designs created air channelling and pollutant transport paths, thus reducing the air pollution stagnancy quotient. This study, by applying a system-driven methodological approach aided in bridging the knowledge gaps of micro-level land use compatibility assessment from environmental perspective and health viewpoint.

Management of Carbon Footprint and Determination of GHG Emission Sources in Construction Sector

Carbon footprint involves the calculation of direct and/or indirect emissions of fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases (GHG) that lead to greenhouse effect responsible of global warming. The resulting carbon dioxide (CO2) due to the activities of the individuals/institutions emerges into the atmosphere with the consumption of energy. The amount of emissions throughout the world in general and in Turkey, and the main reasons of these emissions is explained in this study. Carbon footprint management and tracking since 1990’s in Turkey are underlined, and carbon tax and carbon trade terminologies are introduced. Scope classification for determining emissions according to three classification of ISO 14064 Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Validation Management System is described. Scope-1 covers the activities that create direct carbon footprint. In this context, the fossil fuels used by the projects for heating or energy needs and the emissions from the fuels of the vehicles are taken into consideration. Within Scope-2, the carbon footprints of the emissions caused by the electrical energy consumed by the projects are considered. Scope-3 is an indirect carbon footprint and includes emissions from projects that are not directly emission-driven projects. With this study, it is aimed to address the carbon footprint caused by the entire construction sector that extends from the production of construction materials to the construction and post-construction (operation) stages. This sector is focused on due to its significance regarding GHG emissions globally. Emissions from non-owned or uncontrolled sources such as production, transportation, leased assets, outsourced services and disposal of the wastes generated during the construction or operation of the stages of different building typologies are included in the carbon footprint calculations.

Construction project productivity evaluation framework with expanded system boundaries

PurposeWhile the investment in construction projects has increased over the past few decades, low construction project productivity (CPP) appeared to be persistent, thereby reflecting an “investment-in-failure” paradox between the investment and CPP. Hence, this paper aims to develop a systematic and holistic CPP evaluation framework to explain the apparent paradox in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first reviews the literature about the theories of system, production, principal–agent and project success evaluation to re-conceptualise the CPP and proposes a two-stage CPP evaluation framework. The framework is subsequently explored through a sequential qualitative mixed-methods design within the context of the Hong Kong construction industry by combining 32 semi-structured interviews with senior industry experts and exploratory case studies, with three real-life construction projects.FindingsThe paper identifies three system boundaries for CPP evaluation, that is, parameter, timeframe and stakeholder, and develops a two-stage CPP evaluation framework to indicate site efficiency and utilisation effectiveness, thereby accessing the productivity of both the construction and post-construction stages. The “investment-in-failure” paradox associated with current CPP evaluation approaches is primarily attributed to the narrowly defined CPP boundaries.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative exploration of the evaluation framework only focusses on the Hong Kong construction industry. Further case studies within other urban contexts could be used to improve the generalisability of the findings. Quantitative research is also necessary to advance theoretical development of the two-stage CPP evaluation.Practical implicationsThe systemic CPP conceptualisation and the two-stage CPP evaluation framework support the systems thinking of industry stakeholders and enable them to formulate holistic strategies for long-term CPP enhancement.Originality/valueThe research demonstrates the needs to expand the system boundaries of CPP to reflect its systemic value and to shift the paradigm of CPP evaluation from being output-orientated and quantity-focussed to being outcome-orientated and value-focussed.

Numerical study on deformation characteristics of fibre-reinforced load-transfer platform and columns-supported embankments

In this investigation, a ground-modification technique utilising a fibre-reinforced load-transfer platform (FRLTP) and columns-supported (CS) embankment constructed on multi-layered soft soils is proposed and investigated. After validating the proposed model with published data in the literature, numerical analysis was firstly conducted on the two-dimensional finite element model of a CS embankment without or with FRLTP to examine the influence of the FRLTP inclusion into the CS embankment system. Secondly, an extensive parametric study was performed to further investigate the effects of the FRLTP essential parameters — including platform thickness, shear strength, and tensile strength properties — and deformation modulus on the embankment performance during the construction and post-construction stages. Additionally, the influence of the embankment design parameters, such as column spacing, column length, and diameter, was examined. The numerical results reveal that the FRLTP inclusion can be effective in enhancing the CS embankment behaviour. It is also found that when increasing the platform thickness, the shear strength properties of FRLTP play a significant role in improving the overall performance of a column embankment with FRLTP.

Evaluating the Impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Mass House Building Projects

This paper aims to identify and investigate the factors affecting the goals of mass-housing building projects due to the use of building information modeling (BIM). A descriptive-survey method was used to collect necessary data. Fifty respondents from the target sectors and experts in the field of modeling building information participated in self-selection survey. The tools of collecting data included three questionnaires regarding three phases of construction work: pre-construction, during construction and post-construction, which were developed based on the three indices of cost, time and quality. The face, content and construct validity of the questionnaires were confirmed after several rounds of testing. The reliability coefficient of the pre-construction, during the construction and post-construction questionnaires were 0.923, 0.917 and 0.876, respectively. The results show that the F-statistic is significant for the difference between the three groups (pre-construction, during construction and post-construction) at the 0.01 level. The results confirmed that BIM has a great influence on a project in terms of meeting time, cost and quality objectives through the whole life cycle of a construction project: during pre-construction, construction, and post-construction stages.

Community Satisfaction of the Urban Flood Control System Improvement Project (UFCSI)

The purpose of this study is to encourage ownership, responsibility and to develop stakeholders and policy makers for the river normalization program in the pre-construction, construction and post-construction stages. The use of the IPA method to measure community satisfaction in the quadrants on the Importance Performance Matrix map. The results of the study showed that the socialization from the Department of Water and Public Works, when the project was finished, was not in line with community expectations. Flood control projects that have been built, coordination with the contractor at the time of project implementation, socialization from the city government prior to project implementation, socialization from the city government when the project is finished, socialization from the river hall at the time before project implementation, socialization from the river hall at the time the project was completed, dissemination of information from the irrigation service prior to project implementation, and community involvement in project implementation. The process of land clearing, and the price agreement that has been reached. Improved land clearing, and price agreements that have been reached can be reconsidered because their impact on the benefits felt by the community is very small.

BIM for the Underground – An enabler of trenchless construction

The subsurface space in urban areas is an important asset. However, the information available on this environment is relatively poor compared to above ground information. This paper proposes a Building Information Model (BIM) for underground applications as means to address this information gap. The creation and progressive update of BIM for a constructed artefact ensures that data on the structures is available and can be used throughout its lifetime. A BIM for underground applications integrates data on surface structures, such as buildings, and subsurface infrastructures, such as pipes, along with details of the surrounding ground, the associated soil and rock properties and groundwater regime into a single framework. This approach is demonstrated by applying it to trenchless construction operations, including a microtunnelling project for a new sewer. The data from this extended BIM concept can be interactively used with analysis packages to conduct risk assessments for new construction activities. It also shows how BIM for the Underground can be used throughout the planning, construction and post-construction stages of a project, and, importantly, how this information can be available for future projects.

Post-construction stages cost management: Sustainable design approach

This paper addresses solving sustainable construction economic benefits enigma as ‘high capital costs’ and ‘low market value’, comparing with conventional building, creates a dilemma for developers and stakeholders. Many developers and stakeholders do not give much attention to Post Construction stages. The lack of accurate information related to ‘Sustainable construction industry cost’ and ‘value’ means that clients and developers are unable to take the right decisions concerning sustainability. It should be taken in consideration that meeting ‘Sustainability goals’ does not end after the building design is completed.The paper aim is proving that profitable residential buildings are approached by applying project management concepts on sustainable construction projects using ‘Life Cycle Method Approach’ in the ‘Post Construction’ stages, The paper aim would be accomplished through some objectives as: Motivating decision makers to use ‘Sustainable Approach’ in residential buildings industry and Convincing developers and stakeholders to start using a ‘Sustainable Construction’ method. The research concluded that applying project management concepts on sustainable construction projects, specially housing sector, and capital could be the same as, or lower than, that of a traditional building, in addition to that it could be profitable on the long run by considering ‘Life Cycle Method’.

Termites as Structural Pest: Status in Indian Scenario

In this status paper, impact of termites as serious structural insect-pests is highlighted with relevant information in Indian context. Worldwide, more than $40 billion was estimated towards the termite damage. Study revealed at least thirteen species of termites belonging to three families are closely associated with structural damage in India. Heterotermes indicola (Rhinotermitidae: Isoptera) was discussed as the key termite species causing structural damage with substantial impact (even with astounding cases of abandoning houses by victimized villagers). Swarming, the most important sign of termite infestation in and around buildings/structures is discussed. A nation-wide scenario of termite damage in various buildings, public places, dams and dykes, agri-horticultural constructions and timber-in-service are presented. Sustainable termite control in the light of present and upcoming eco-technologies is identified as the major focal point. Use of termiticides as recognized and recommended by Indian Standards, Insecticide Act (1968) and United Nation Environment Program for management of termites in pre- and post-construction stages of various buildings and other structures are recorded with relevance of application and dose. Termite management technologies like use of borate, bait and barrier (3B) are briefed; with pest-control industry-invented devices such as termatrac are brought into focus along with indigenous traditional knowledge of termite control. Status of termite R&D in India is discussed in various institutional and web-based levels along with recognizing research gaps. The present study is a pioneer approach in its kind which can be a platform to formulate compact eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable and economic module of termite control interventions indoor.

BIM and IoT: A Synopsis from GIS Perspective

Abstract. Internet-of-Things (IoT) focuses on enabling communication between all devices, things that are existent in real life or that are virtual. Building Information Models (BIMs) and Building Information Modelling is a hype that has been the buzzword of the construction industry for last 15 years. BIMs emerged as a result of a push by the software companies, to tackle the problems of inefficient information exchange between different software and to enable true interoperability. In BIM approach most up-to-date an accurate models of a building are stored in shared central databases during the design and the construction of a project and at post-construction stages. GIS based city monitoring / city management applications require the fusion of information acquired from multiple resources, BIMs, City Models and Sensors. This paper focuses on providing a method for facilitating the GIS based fusion of information residing in digital building “Models” and information acquired from the city objects i.e. “Things”. Once this information fusion is accomplished, many fields ranging from Emergency Response, Urban Surveillance, Urban Monitoring to Smart Buildings will have potential benefits.

Building Information Modeling Steered by Evolutionary Computing

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a surge in the use of building information modeling (BIM) within construction. Much of the previous published research focuses on the impact of BIM during the detailed design, construction, and postconstruction stages. This paper combines the search and exploration powers of evolutionary computing with BIM during the conceptual stage of design. The main contribution of this paper is a methodology to integrate solutions generated by the interactive and visual clustering genetic algorithm (IVCGA) into a BIM environment to enhance the design information and allow the solutions to be viewed in greater detail as building information models. These models can then be utilized or modified by individual members of the design team to aid in the selection of concept designs that appropriately meet client/design requirements. An Autodesk Revit plug-in application has been developed that enables the IVCGA solution to be transformed into a building information model in a common r...