Construction Management Process Research Articles

Carbon, water, land and material footprints of China’s high-speed railway construction

The rapid development of China’s high-speed rail (HSR) has caused great concern worldwide, and its various environmental impacts is also a main topic. As such, a comprehensive assessment of these environmental impacts is significant for future HSR construction. In this study, a hybrid input-output life cycle method is applied to evaluate multi-footprints of Beijing-Tianjin intercity HSR, namely, carbon, water, land, and material footprints. Results show that the total carbon, water, land, and material footprints of the entire Beijing-Tianjin HSR construction are 3669.0 kt CO2, 54954.7 kt fresh water, 45830.6 ha land, and 8474.2 kt original materials. In the construction stage, bridge and rail systems have the largest environmental impacts, totally contributing above 74% of the four footprints. The indirect footprints from upstream material production have the dominant effects, accounting over 89% in the four footprints. Metal smelting and rolling, transportation equipment manufacturing, and non-metallic mineral products are high-water-consuming and high-emission sectors in raw material production. Improving industrial production efficiency, optimizing line layout, optimizing production distribution and construction process management are key mitigation ways for multi-footprints.

Statistical methods applied to construction process management

The goal of production management in construction processes is to increase competitive ability by reducing construction costs. By monitoring labor productivity using statistical methods, we can reduce real labor costs and administrative and production overheads by meeting or minimizing the construction schedule. The CONTEC automated system for preparing and managing construction processes combined with statistical methods assists in predicting the amount of time required to complete construction works according to the specified number of deployed work crews, technological processes and labor required for certain production in person-hours. These are expressed with the aid of statistical terminology, mean values and standard deviations. From these statistical analyses, the measures for complying with the construction schedule can then be determined, both in terms of establishing the required number of personnel and in determining and applying the changes to the technological design of the building structures. This can then assist in accelerating the progress of construction. This study statistically analyses the categories of work where labor comprises the largest proportion of costs, the greatest demand being on the total number of personnel required to complete the work critical to the progress of construction and according to its schedule.

Concrete rubble recycling in life cycle contract implementation

It is known that during the whole life cycle of a building it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the organization and management of construction processes at the present stage of construction. The reasons for the low use of construction waste were analyzed. It is shown that screenings of concrete scrap are the least demanded. The results of researches connected with utilizing concrete scrap to obtain building composites with high functional, economic and environmental efficiency were reflected.

An automated nD model creation on BIM models

Abstract The construction technology (CONTEC) method was originally developed for automated CONTEC planning and project management based on the data in the form of a budget or bill of quantities. This article outlines a new approach in an automated creation of the discrete nD building information modeling (BIM) models by using data from the BIM model and their processing by existing CONTEC method through the CONTEC software. This article outlines the discrete modeling approach on BIM models as one of the applicable approaches for nD modeling. It also defines the methodology of interlinking BIM model data and CONTEC software through the classification of items. The interlink enables automation in the production of discrete nD BIM model data, such as schedule (4D) including work distribution end resource planning, budget (5D)—based on integrated pricing system, but also nD data such as health and safety risks (6D) plans (H&S Risk register), quality plans, and quality assurance checklists (7D) including their monitoring and environmental plans (8D). The methodology of the direct application of the selected classification system, as well as means of data transfer and conditions of data transferability, is described. The method was tested on the case study of an office building project, and acquired data were compared to actual construction time and costs. The case study proves the application of the CONTEC method as a usable method in the BIM model environment, enabling the creation of not only 4D, 5D models but also nD discrete models up to 8D models in the perception of the construction management process. In comparison with the existing BIM classification systems, further development of the method will enable full automated discrete nD model creation in the BIM model environment.

Internet of Things Health Detection System in Steel Structure Construction Management

In recent years, the development of computer network technology, especially the hot Internet of things, has brought great convenience and comfort to people's life. Steel structure is also more and more widely used in the field of construction in China. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of Internet of things health monitoring system in steel structure construction management. In this study, through the use of example analysis, comprehensive data analysis and other methods, combined with steel structure health monitoring system and construction process management analysis. The results show that the relative deviation of the data within 1-33 is mostly less than 10%, but the relative deviation of 34-40 suddenly increases to 60%, and the actual data suddenly decreases, resulting in the deviation of about 50%. It is concluded that the time series model established in this study can objectively reflect the change trend and law of strain data, has certain prediction accuracy, and has certain value significance for monitoring data analysis and construction management of steel building structures.

A semiotic model as a conceptual link between conception and detailed design

The detailed design is the tool that guarantees protection and logic to the transition between conception and realisation. In order for it to play this role, it is necessary to define and understand the concepts underlying the creative process and to understand how these are translated into the forms, technologies and materials described by the detailed design. Based on these assumptions and a case study of the development of the campus of the University Ca’ Foscari of Venice in San Giobbe, a semiotic model is presented that was elaborated and tested in European research projects that made it possible to refine cognitive tools to support the management of the construction and design processes, especially detailed design.

Application research of BIM5D technology in engineering projects

Based on BIM technology, BIM3D model is built through Autodesk Revit software, structural conflicts and collisions are checked through Autodesk Navisworks Manage software, and construction simulation is conducted, so that BIM5D information base is integrated with new point cloud 5D calculation software and new point list cost software which realizes 5D management. By means of construction simulation for further optimization model, the fine management of construction process is realized.

The Benefits of and Challenges to Implement 5D BIM in Construction Industry

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is known as one of the prominent sectors contributing to economic in Iraq. On the other hand, this sector suffers from poor quality, poor communication, and cost overruns and delay project completion. Time and cost estimation are two major critical processes in construction management, to conduct estimation must plans and specification are completed. Manually estimate is time consuming and error prone because human activities. Building information modelling (BIM) can be used to automate these processes in short time and accurate estimate, BIM is a relative new technology in architect, engineering, and construction industry (AEC), which has a major effect in construction industry practices. The 3D model is the geometry model and when attached time will be 4D and 5D when attached cost. The aim of this study is to provide clear understanding about 5D BIM in Iraqi construction industry by investigating benefits, challenges, and motivation factors that helps in applying it. The results show that the awareness rate of Iraqi engineers about BIM is actually weak with 67.5% of respondents, main advantages of BIM technology are collaboration, digital representation, visualization, effective QTO tool, and reduce change order, respectively, the main challenges that facing BIM are culture resistance, thoughts recent software and traditional approach are enough of 5D BIM tools, respectively; the main motivation factors that help in BIM adoption are adapted in universities and government support. The Iraqi construction industry is remained behind in adopting the BIM capabilities related to time (4D BIM) and cost management (5D BIM). This research helps as a stepping-stone to study further to promoting BIM application in the Iraqi construction industry.

Research on the Construction Process of a Steel Truss Arch Bridge Based on BrIM

This paper combined BrIM (Bridge Information Modeling) technology with the bridge engineering to parameterize the information of a through type truss arch bridge, and BIM technology is used for information management and construction process management. Firstly, the information such as the size and material of each member of the truss arch bridge was input to the family library to construct the three-dimensional model corresponding to the plane and elevation information, which could be used for the drawing review. Then the Navisworks roaming model was used for collision check, the design development phase of the construction drawings were achieved to component geometry and the detailed tables in Revit was used to manage the materials. At last, TimeLiner in Navisworks was utilized to design the construction process so Navisworks could simulate the construction process. It is found that BrIM technology of Revit combined with Navisworks can effectively improve the communication efficiency of all side such as construction, supervision, design and construction, facilitate the industrial prefabrication of components, reduce the component collision before the construction phase, control the schedule of construction and optimize the construction process.

Development of construction waste management

Improvement of building materials, optimization and development of technological processes of construction production require the development of promising areas of research to improve the efficiency of management of construction waste, which will provide economic and environmental benefits. The article provides statistical data on the volumes of formation and processing of construction and demolition waste, confirming the relevance and need for attention to the area of construction waste disposal. To improve the efficiency of construction and demolition waste management processes, it is proposed to create specialized centers that perform specific functions of coordinating material and information resources, which will track and coordinate the entire life cycle of waste from the source of education to the place of disposal or recycling. To improve the efficiency of processes for optimizing the management of construction waste, it is proposed to attract to them the organizational, economic and technological capabilities of private business.

Létesítmények közműrendszereinek robbantásos cselekmények általi veszélyeztetettsége és védelme

The public utilities of different institutions and buildings are extremely volatile. They might be a primary target of terrorists who committing a blasting event to damage or eliminate these utilities, causing the loss of institution’s functionality. Therefore, development the defence of public utilities is very important task during the planning, construction and facility management process.

BIM-based approach for the cost-optimization of seismic retrofit strategies on existing buildings

Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility and is used to manage an entire construction process (design, construction and management across the entire lifecycle). BIM can be regarded as both a digital representation of a building and a store of data with which to facilitate interoperability and the exchange of information throughout the lifecycle of a structure. Buildings sustain economic losses during their lifecycle due to ordinary maintenance operations and unpredictable events. These events reduce the structural performance of a building and highlight the need for financial investment. The costs of maintenance operations are usually accurately defined, but other expenditure is not as easy to evaluate when events are uncertain. A lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis of buildings exposed to seismic risk is a critical issue in structural engineering. Expected losses, including initial and post-earthquake repair costs, are an important parameter in structural design. Herein, a simplified method based on a semi-probabilistic approach is implemented in a BIM model to evaluate the economic performance, and economic losses, of a building exposed to seismic risk. A BIM procedure is implemented in a case study to improve the feasibility of this process and to deal with the large amount of data concerning the damage to and cost analysis of the components that constitute the facility. Furthermore, this specific BIM tool for the economic loss assessment has been embraced in a wider methodology aimed at optimizing the seismic retrofit strategy, taking into account both safety and economic features.

Necessity of big data analysis in construction management

PurposeThis paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsBig data analysis in the world of construction management has become a necessity after the discovery of how much time, energy, and money can be preserved. By the investigation of big data in construction, the deduction was made that data analysis, data mining, and Building Information Modeling are the future for construction management. If properly applied to future construction management processes, big data analysis methodologies could eliminate mistakes, setbacks, and wasted resources for projectsPractical implicationsThe paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Study of Construction Optimization and Dynamic Management of Building Engineering Based on BIM5D

Traditional building engineering has a large amount of information and lacks communication among professions, so the construction management mode based on BIM becomes the key to engineering construction. According to the characteristics and shortages of the traditional building engineering, and based on the development of BIM technology and the basic idea of BIM 5D technology, As an example in teaching experiment complex building, it is feasible that construction optimization and dynamic management of construction process based on BIM 5D by the analysis of the model integration, construction segment division, schedule optimization, cost monitoring and quality racking. Finally, it summarized and analyzed the existing obstacles of BIM 5D in the process of technology application, and provided reference for the construction enterprises to promote the application of BIM technology.

A Reality Check of Status Level of Worker against Skilled Worker Parameters for Bangladeshi Construction Industry

Skilled worker is the main fuel to run the construction industry. To enhance construction management processes, worker is a vital factor. Lacking of skilled worker, have a huge negative impact on the construction cost, schedule and quality of construction work. Nine skilled worker parameter is setting out as Bangladesh perspective. The main objective of this study is to reality check of skilled worker parameter by evaluating the status level of worker against each parameter. The study was conducted by questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was designed by a comprehensive literature review and expert opinion. The data were collected through questionnaire survey among the construction workers in Bangladesh. The percentages of workers who satisfy the parameters of construction safety, materials, equipment and tools, labour law and BNBC are 19.35%, 6.45%, 9.68%, 4.87% and 2.30% respectively. The workers having the professional training, minimum education and minimum working experience are 6.45%, 46.06% and 62.50% respectively. And the physically fit worker is found 62.25% in this study. Increased numbers of skilled workers boost the construction process and productivity that creates a very positive impact in the construction industry and enriches the national economy of Bangladesh.

Looking out to look in: inspiration from social sciences for construction management research

In reaction to the recent call for critical debate in the field of construction management research, I argue that we should embrace the richness of adjacent fields of study in order to dynamically develop our own and face the plethora of contemporary societal challenges that exist in our industry. I introduce the concepts of other-than-rational thinking in decision-making and multiplicity in management responses as examples of inspirational sources from social sciences that would contribute to truly understanding the driving forces of construction management processes. I connect these concepts to contemporary studies in construction management and share my experiences with several positive collaborative approaches in conducting construction management research.

Intelligent tensioning control and management integrated system for high-speed railway pre-stressed concrete beam

The tension force pre-stressing of most pre-stressed concrete beams (BPS) for high-speed railways in China is currently performed using a traditional manual operation method, leading to low efficiency, poor precision, a complicated operation, and uncontrollable calibration authenticity, among other factors. This paper presents an intelligent tension control and management system for a BPS, including the hardware equipment and corresponding matching software system. In accordance with the current scenario in pre-stressed tension construction, intelligent tensioning control station, tensioning jacks, and other hardware equipment, matching BPS software has been developed. This system is based on radio frequency identification technology, cloud technology, big data technology, the building of a set platform regarding the pre-stressed tension construction control, process management, supervision, and implementation of a railway precast beam. The system achieves automation, information, visualization and remote of the entire process of pre-stressed tension construction, and lays the foundation for the popularization of the Internet of Things technology within railways in China.

Global warming potential and energy consumption of temporary works in building construction: A case study in Hong Kong

The importance of the building industry on environmental impacts, especially global warming potential (GWP) impact due to greenhouse gases emissions is undisputed. Thus, significant efforts have been devoted to minimize environmental impacts and waste management problems from building construction globally. Numerous studies have particularly focused on assessing the environmental impacts of buildings based on materials, construction processes and whole building systems. However, less attention has been given on some critical features, especially on temporary works (e.g., hoarding system). But the temporary works also consume considerable amounts of materials and generate significant amounts of waste due to its short service life time. Therefore, this study evaluated the environmental impacts of hoarding systems as a case study in Hong Kong with the aim to identify the areas of impacts reduction and improvements in its waste management system. A case-specific structured questionnaire survey was conducted to the relevant stakeholders to identify the essential materials, and construction, deconstruction and waste management processes of hoarding systems, whereas life cycle assessment was employed to assess the associated environmental impacts. The findings demonstrated that more than 3 tonnes of CO2 eq GWP and 39 GJ of non-renewable energy consumption impacts were associated with 1 m of hoarding construction. This is mainly due to the use of large amounts of steel products and concrete in the construction of the hoarding system. This results and analysis can help the building industry to identify the opportunity for reducing environmental impacts, and facilitate resource-efficient and effective design of hoarding systems.

Introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technologies in Construction

The issues of introduction of building information modeling (BIM) in construction industry are considered in this work. The advantages of this approach and perspectives of the transition to new design technologies, construction process management, and operation in the near future are stated. The importance of development of pilot projects that should identify the ways and means of verification of the regulatory and technical base, as well as economic indicators in the transition to Building Information Technologies in the construction, is noted.

CRITICAL FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY IN PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN BORNO STATE

Quality in construction projects both in the past and in present has assumed critical importance due to frequent cases of failure. Quality in public construction projects in Nigeria is on the decline greatly due to underachievement in the construction management process. The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting quality in public construction projects in Borno state. In achieving the objective of the study, a questionnaire survey was conducted involving a sample size of 70 respondents, which include architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors. The importance index of each factor was calculated for all the professionals. Percentage rank agreement factor (PRAF) was used to measure agreement of the importance ranking among the professionals. The results show the most critical factors affecting quality in public construction projects in Borno state are; ‘lack of management commitment’, ‘poor teamwork among project participants’, ‘poor supervision by contractor’, ‘design changes and ‘poor training system’. Respond of the professionals’ perspective on factors affecting construction quality in public projects in Borno state is the very first important step in initiating methods and processes for improvement of quality in public construction projects in Borno state.