Engineering Projects Research Articles

Research on Collaborative Management of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in Engineering Projects

Abstract: The research on collaborative management of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in engineering projects aims to explore the application of BIM technology in construction engineering and its impact on collaborative management. BIM technology creates digital 3D models, centrally manages project information, promotes information sharing and collaboration, and improves project management efficiency. In construction projects, BIM technology can effectively solve the problems of difficult information sharing and poor information transmission, thereby making collaborative management more efficient. In addition, the application of BIM technology in the design, bidding, and construction stages can ensure the smooth transmission of information and improve the efficiency of collaborative management. Research has shown that the application of BIM technology in structural design significantly improves design quality and demonstrates its wide applicability. However, despite the significant advantages of BIM technology in collaborative management, there are still some challenges, such as trust issues and technical operational difficulties. Through in-depth research and application of BIM technology, more efficient collaborative management models can be provided for future engineering projects, promoting the development of the construction industry.

Аналіз застосування технологій ПЛІС в складі IoT

The subject of study in this article and work is the modern technologies of programmable logic devices (PLD) classified as FPGA, and the peculiarities of its application in Internet-of-Things domain at different architectural layers of the implementation, as well as the elements of decision making during choosing of appropriate solutions based on FPGA in the context of implementation of IoT tasks with the requirements of intensive computations. The goal is to analyze the possibilities and peculiarities of the application of technology of programmable logic devices as part of the modern architecture of the Internet of Things with the improvement of decision making process during the choosing of appropriate technical solutions for the use of FPGA with taking into account the types of tasks. Tasks: to analyze the current state of demands regarding the use of FPGA technology in IoT projects; to analyze the challenges and limitations for the application of FPGA technology at different layers during the prototyping of IoT infrastructure; to propose ways of the use of FPGA technology in the IoT infrastructure with the use of high-speed computations; to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed approaches of integration of FPGA technology; to provide recommendations and determine the further direction of the research of the use of FPGA technology as a part of the IoT infrastructure considering of AI/ML tasks; to provide a practical example of the use of FPGA technology during the creation of a high-performance IoT system. According to the tasks, the following results were obtained. The analysis of the current state of the use of FPGA technology in IoT projects is performed, that showed the significant potential of these technologies for the implementation of high-speed computations in Internet of Things systems. A classification of the ways of applying FPGA in the tasks of real-time data processing and implementation of neural networks is proposed. The set of limitations of the possibility of FPGA technology applying at different layers of IoT infrastructure is defined. It includes high equipment costs, the need for specific design skills, limitations in energy consumption, and the complexity of the integration with existing systems. The practical example of the use of the IoT system with the implementation of high-intensive computations is provided. Conclusions. The main contribution and scientific novelty of the obtained results is that the conducted analysis allows to make a decision about the possibility of applying programmable logic in the construction of IoT projects and home automation systems. Based on the proposed classification of types of IoT tasks, there is a possibility of making a decision on the application of FPGA technology as a separate integrated circuit in the system or using a complete instance of FPGA as a Service in the cloud environment.

Research on the Risk Management of International Engineering Project Financing

Abstract: Against the backdrop of the "Going Global" strategy's continuous advancement and the rapid integration of the international economy, China's development prospects in the realm of international engineering contracting and investment appear highly promising. Currently, in the implementation of international engineering projects, construction contracting enterprises regularly participate in project financing to alleviate funding challenges faced by project owners. Within the context of international engineering project financing, an array of risks is inevitably encountered. Among these, the most prominent risks include political, legal, market, performance, economic, construction, and operational risks, among others. Through the analysis of various risk factors presented in this paper, the aim is to enhance the understanding of international engineering contractors regarding the intricacies of these multifaceted risk elements. Subsequently, corresponding mitigation strategies are proposed to empower project operators in effectively managing and guarding against these multifaceted risks.

Seismic Response Analysis of Hydraulic Tunnels Under the Combined Effects of Fault Dislocation and Non-Uniform Seismic Excitation

Hydraulic tunnels are prone to pass through faults and high-intensity earthquake areas, which will cause serious damage under fault dislocation and earthquake action. Fault dislocation and seismic excitation are often considered separately in previous studies. For tectonic earthquakes with higher frequency in seismic phenomena, fault dislocation and ground motion are often associated, and fault dislocation is usually the cause of earthquake occurrence, so it is limiting to consider the two separately. Moreover, strong earthquake records show that there will be significant differences in the mainland vibration within 50 m. The uniform ground motion inputs in previous studies are not suitable for long hydraulic tunnels. This paper begins with the simulation of non-uniform stochastic seismic excitations that consider spatial correlation. Based on stochastic vibration theory, multiple multi-point acceleration time-history curves that can reflect traveling wave effects, coherence effects, attenuation effects, and non-stationary characteristics are synthesized. Furthermore, a fault velocity function is introduced to account for the velocity effect of fault dislocation. Finally, numerical analyses of the response patterns of the tunnel lining under four different conditions are conducted based on an actual engineering project. The results indicate the following: (a) the maximum lining response values occur under the combined effects of fault dislocation and non-uniform seismic excitation, indicating its importance in the seismic resistance of the tunnel. (b) Compared to uniform seismic excitation, the peak displacement of the tunnel under non-uniform seismic excitation increases by up to 6.42%, and the peak maximum principal stress increases by up to 28%. Additionally, longer tunnels exhibit a noticeable delay effect in axial deformation during an earthquake. (c) Under non-uniform seismic excitation, the larger the fault dislocation magnitude, the greater the peak displacement and peak maximum principal stress at the monitoring points of the lining. The simulation results show that the extreme response values primarily occur at the crown and haunches of the tunnel, which require special attention. The research can provide valuable references for the seismic design of cross-fault tunnels.

Exploring the Role of Business Incubators to Sustainable Startups: A Systematic Literature Review

Business incubators play a crucial role in fostering the sustainability and growth of early-stage startups. They provide access, financial support, training, infrastructure, connections with investors, and more. However, many business incubators do not effectively maximize startup potential. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the key characteristics contributing to the role of business incubators in promoting sustainable startups. The study will follow the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and employ document analysis integrating multiple research designs, based on established standards. It will compile and analyze 68 articles from global sources, utilizing open-access articles and accessing primary databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus for article retrieval. Through content analysis, this study identified fifteen main categories that significantly impact startup businesses: (1) financial support, (2) business support and services, (3) networking support, (4) mentoring activities, (5) infrastructure, (6) human capital, (7) access to knowledge and information, (8) social values and environment, (9) marketing capabilities and support, (10) technology support, (11) entrepreneurship education (courses and curriculum), (12) programs, projects, and events, (13) research and development support, (14) government policy support, and (15) legitimacy involvement. The findings highlight five main aspects—financial, business, networking, mentoring, and infrastructure—as crucial for effective startup support and implementation. From an economic sociology perspective, these articles discuss the dynamic roles of business incubators, emphasizing urgent factors and essential designs for success in the face of future challenges.

Investigating the impediments to carbon emission mitigation in prefabricated construction: a stakeholder perspective

ABSTRACT Prefabricated construction is a promising global technology for reducing carbon emissions (CEs) in the construction sector. This study aims to identify critical factors affecting the life cycle of prefabricated buildings, understand their interrelationships, and develop targeted carbon reduction measures. A mixed-methods approach is employed, incorporating bibliometric analysis to identify key factors and the Delphi method to refine these factors through iterative surveys with diverse stakeholders. A 24-member scoring panel and a 3-member review panel consisting of experienced corporate practitioners were selected for the study. The DEMATEL-ISM approach was utilized to analyze causal and hierarchical relationships, revealing both direct and indirect impacts on CEs. The findings indicate that factors such as energy efficiency and behavior change significantly affect CEs in prefabricated buildings. The study categorizes 15 key factors, including energy efficiency, environmental properties, behavioral change, and water and solid waste management. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of building design, energy-saving awareness and habits, and policies and regulations in reducing carbon emissions in prefabricated construction. These insights are valuable for advancing sustainable building research, analyzing stakeholder attitudes, and informing engineering project studies.

A coupled scaled boundary finite element and phase-field algorithm for seismic loading

Seismic-induced damage, integral to the safety evaluations of major engineering projects, persists as a key focus of research worldwide. Based on the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM) and the Phase-Field Method (PFM), a coupled algorithm tailored for reciprocal loading was introduced in this paper, integrating strategies including "closure constraints," "numerical threshold strategy," and "subdomain block integration." Adopting object-oriented principles, a universal coupling solution framework has been built and seamlessly embedded within GEODYNA, a self-developed finite element software system. The accuracy was validated through rigorous benchmark tests. The entire process of crack initiation, propagation, and dynamic opening-closing cycles in the Koyna concrete gravity dam was reproduced. Furthermore, the effect of mesh size and computational timestep on the structural seismic response, crack localization, and the extent of damage in the dam were explored. The outcomes demonstrated that the SBFEM-PFM coupling algorithm performs effectively and meets the engineering precision criteria for seismic evaluations and reinforcement analyses of crucial structures.

Vertical Response of Stress Transmission Through Sand–Tire Mixture Under Impact

This study evaluates the vertical stress transmission through a sand–tire mixture layer under impact, focusing on this innovative blended material that can impact underground structures such as tunnels or pipelines. By conducting consolidated undrained triaxial tests, the friction angle (φ) of the sand–tire mixture was determined, ranging from 29° for pure tire to 41° for pure sand. The vertical stress factor (α), representing the ratio of response load to applied load, was found to decrease significantly with increased tire content, with a reduction of up to 50% for mixtures containing 20% tire. Additionally, the vertical stress response decreased from 35 kPa for pure sand to as low as 15 kPa for mixtures with a high tire content under a consistent applied load of 65 kPa. This study not only presents a methodological advancement in analyzing sand–tire mixtures under dynamic loads but also suggests a sustainable approach to utilizing waste tire material in civil engineering projects, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and improved material performance in geotechnical applications.

A Review on Mechanism and Influencing Factors of Shear Performance of UHPC Beams

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is increasingly used in various engineering projects due to its exceptional mechanical properties. This work conducts a literature review of research on the shear performance of UHPC beams in recent decades, with a focus on summarizing the formulas for calculating shear capacity and the main factors influencing shear performance. Firstly, this work reviews the calculation methods for the shear capacity of UHPC beams in different countries, along with their respective advantages and limitations. Subsequently, it provides a detailed analysis of various factors influencing the shear performance of UHPC beams, including longitudinal and stirrup reinforcement, steel fiber content, aggregates, admixtures, the shear-span ratio, shear keys, bolts, shear-reinforcement techniques, and environmental impacts. Through horizontal comparisons, the performance of UHPC beams and ordinary concrete beams under similar experimental conditions is examined to reveal the optimal shear working conditions for UHPC beams. Additionally, it is found that UHPC performs exceptionally well in composite beams, being compatible with numerous materials and significantly enhancing the shear strength of these beams. Lastly, the paper proposes suggestions for maximizing the shear performance of UHPC beams within a safe and reliable operating range and outlines future research directions.

Study on the creep constitutive model of layered rockconsidering anisotropic and damage factors after hightemperature exposure

The failure of layered rock after high temperature exposure is a major concern in deep underground engineering projects. This paper proposes an improved Nishihara creep constitutive model that considers damage factors and the bedding angle, which overcomes the shortcomings of the deviation in the description of the conventional Nishihara model in the acceleration stage. The constitutive model is verified by the conventional triaxial creepiest. The theoretical curve has a high degree of fitting with the experimental curve. The experimental results show that a temperature of [Formula: see text] has an obvious influence on the steady creep rate and the creep strain of layered sandstone, and [Formula: see text] can be regarded as the temperature threshold for the long-term strength and change from anisotropic to isotropic of layered sandstone. The irreversible melting mixing phenomenon at the boundary of mineral particles with increasing temperature is the mechanism by which different treatment temperatures affect the anisotropy degree of layered rock.

Ground settlement prediction for highway subgrades with sparse data using regression Kriging

Ground settlement prediction for highway subgrades is crucial in related engineering projects. When predicting the ground settlement, sparse sample data are often encountered in practice, which greatly affects the prediction accuracy. However, this has been seldom explored in previous studies. To resolve it, this paper proposes a regression Kriging (RK)—based method for ground settlement prediction with sparse data. Under the framework of RK, the stationarity of sample residual and trend structure are key factors for prediction accuracy. It is found that the use of Box–Cox transformation, which can help to achieve stationarity of sample residual, leads to significant increase of the prediction accuracy with sparse data. Specifically, the various evaluation metrics (i.e., root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean arctangent absolute percent error (MAAPE) and scatter index (SCI)) are significantly decreased when the Box–Cox transformation is incorporated. In addition, the first-order polynomial trend structure is found to be more appropriate than those with higher orders for predicting settlements resulting from primary consolidation. Moreover, comparative study is conducted among the proposed RK method, classical prediction methods and back propagation neural network (BPNN). It is found that the evaluation metrics obtained by the RK method are significantly smaller than those obtained by the other methods, indicating its highest accuracy. By contrast, BPNN has the worst performance among the various methods, because the sparse data are inadequate to establish a satisfactory BPNN model.

Mobile-enhanced virtual exchanges through asynchronous video interaction: Learners as ethnographers in the L2 classroom to promote intercultural communicative competence

This practice report focuses on the integration of virtual exchange (VE) with mobileassisted language learning (MALL), where learners act as ethnographers within the context of language education. This VE model harnesses mobile technology capabilities to exchange personal and immersive cultural insights through asynchronous video content using Flip.com. The model consists of three integrated sections: Preparation, Intercultural Exchange, and Reflection. This report covers a pilot implementation of the mobile-enhanced VE model to evaluate the outcomes on Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC). The project lasted eight weeks, covering various topics, such as greetings, food, and education. Participants were L2 learners of Spanish in the United States and L1 Spanish speakers in Spain. Outcomes were evaluated through a survey where students in the United States self-assessed their perceived ICC gains. This survey, grounded in Byram’s (2009) ICC model, measured changes in students’ attitudes, knowledge, skills of interpreting and relating, skills of interaction, and critical cultural awareness. Students reported substantial improvements in all areas of ICC, highlighting enhanced engagement and understanding of the target culture facilitated by the mobileenhanced VE model. This report provides insights for the incorporation of mobile technology for VE projects in L2 settings, emphasizing its role in expanding global interconnectedness and deepening intercultural learning among learners by offering a more dynamic, authentic, and immersive learning experience.

Effect of physics education technology project simulation on improvement of retention ability of grade six learners in state of matter

Effect of physics education technology project simulation on improvement of retention ability of grade six learners in state of matter

Project Time Management and Performance of Kenya Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Programme at Central Rift Water Works Development Agency.

The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of Project time management on the performance of Kenya Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Projects at Central Rift Water Works Development Agency specifically the study. The study was anchored by pickle jar theory, theory of constraints, theory of effective project implementation and communication theory. A descriptive survey design was used in this research. The study targeted project managers, consultants, coordinators, engineers, contractors, community representatives, and representatives from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in three projects under the Kenya Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, carried out by the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency. The counties involved are Narok and Nyandarua. A sample size of 83 respondents was used. The participants in the study were chosen using a simple random selection method. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview schedule. The analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. The study analysed both descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data collected from the interview schedule. The analysis revealed a Pearson correlation of (r=0.512, p<0.05). This indicated a moderate positive and significant relationship between project time planning and the performance of Kenya Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Projects. The also showed a Pearson correlation of (r= 0.553 p<0.005) which indicates a positive and significant relationship, suggesting that effective prioritization of time-related tasks plays a crucial role in enhancing project performance. Additionally, the correlation analysis for time tracking yielded a Pearson correlation of (r=0.390 p<0.005). This suggests a moderate positive and statistically significant relationship between time tracking and project performance. Lastly, the study revealed the impact of project team communication on performance, finding a Pearson correlation of (r= 0.672 p<0.005). This indicated a strong positive and significant relationship, suggesting that effective communication among project teams significantly enhances performance outcomes. The findings indicated that 45.1% of the variation in the performance of the project could be explained by the independent variables studied, while 54.9% of the variation is attributed to other factors not covered in this study. The study concluded that project time planning, time prioritization, time tracking, and project team communication had an effect performance of Kenya Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Projects at Central Rift Water Works. The study recommends implementing structured time planning methods, enhancing time tracking, and fostering effective communication within teams to improve project performance. Future research should explore stakeholder engagement and the role of emerging technologies in water project management

Impacts of a marine engineering project on hydrodynamics and diffusion characteristics of fluvial pollutants in Laizhou Bay, China

IntroductionThe rapid advances in marine engineering projects are exacerbating environmental pressures on bay ecosystems. This study utilized the MIKE 21 model to evaluate the impacts of such projects in Laizhou Bay (LZB) on hydrodynamic conditions and the spread of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from riverine inputs.ResultsThe results indicated an expansion of 80.77 km2 in areas with DIN concentrations surpassing 0.5 mg/L 2 months after input from the Yellow River, with increased levels in the southern Yellow River Delta. Decreased flow velocities adjacent to the wave barriers at the Xiaoqing River estuary impeded lateral DIN dispersion, resulting in a 0.93 mg/L increase in DIN concentrations at the river mouth. After the construction of marine engineering projects (2020), significant alterations in the coastline of LZB have markedly modified hydrodynamic characteristics near marine structures, altering DIN dispersion patterns.ConclusionThis study provides crucial information for the management of pollutants at estuaries, understanding dispersion mechanisms, and evaluating the feasibility and environmental compatibility of marine engineering projects.

The influence of remote work on scrum-based information technology projects management: insights for success

PurposeThis research examines how recent changes in working practices as a result of COVID-19 – most often making knowledge-based work for technologists remote to the main office – are influencing the success of software projects managed by the Scrum process model. It explores the relationship between remote working and aspects that past empirical research has identified as important to project success within Scrum.Design/methodology/approachThe research used SPSS for descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses relationships using SmartPLS 4, using a quantitative research design, a questionnaire was used and distributed electronically to the intended sample, which includes IT project managers, developers and designers in Jordan who work in projects that use Scrum methodology for their IT projects.FindingsThe study found that working from home on Scrum projects had a significant influence on project success and highlighted the need to meet the three basic psychological requirements of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Furthermore, this research revealed that both the ability to work from home and the use of Scrum contribute to project success, with Scrum acting as a mediator.Originality/valueThis study provides an understanding of the impact of adapting to remote working on project success using the Scrum framework. By filling this gap in the literature, the study generates insights that can also be extrapolated to situations in which people do not need to work remotely after a pandemic but might still anticipate and plan for new types of disruptions in the workplace.

Railway security checks at the border: between intrusive security technologies and fundamental traveller rights.

European railway borders are facing a particular exposure to security threats and need a delicate balance between securitization and free movement, especially amid globalisation, the current geopolitical landscape and increased migrant flows. For example, the war in Ukraine illustrated the challenges experienced at the Eastern EU borders by the refugee migration surge in early 2022. This exploratory focuses on the European border security control process from the rail border perspective. It encompasses a descriptive synthesis of the lessons learned from the UIC Refugee Task Force as well as insights from the ongoing EU-funded Horizon Europe project ODYSSEUS (Unobtrusive Technologies for Secure and Seamless Border Crossing for Travel Facilitation). Project ODYSSEUS aims to support the security and integrity of the European space, reduce illegal movements of people and goods across EU borders, facilitate travelling for citizens all while protecting fundamental rights of travellers. The project will test a combination of multi-behavioural and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant biometric user identity verification tools, allowing, when possible, citizens to cross EU border without any interruption or queue. Further, novel luggage and baggage checks will allow citizens' vehicles and cargos to be remotely checked at land borders to speed up the border check processes in a secure and reliable manner. The project will run three pilot tests at road, rail and water borders. In this paper, we analyse the implementation of project's technologies in the rail border crossing pilot test and discuss the implications for the actors involved in the process of railway border crossing (e.g., border authorities, railway operators and railway travellers).

Project Technologies in the Practical Course of the Russian Language in the Formation of Research Qualities of University Students

Nowadays, the role of science in the learning process of students is becoming more and more important. This is due to the fact that in recent years there has been an increase in the volume of research work, and there has been a change in the educational paradigm, in which the basic academic knowledge is no longer the only necessary capital, which leads to an increase in self-development in professional activities. Research work of students is one of the most important means of improvement of quality of education and training of specialists with higher education, capable of creative application in practice of the latest achievements of scientific, technical and cultural progress in modern conditions. Project technologies develop cognitive skills of students, their ability to independently construct their knowledge, ability to navigate in the information space, critical and creative thinking. In the article the authors define the importance of the use of the project method for the development of research activity of students. The stages and steps of implementation of this method are also given.

Modelling inter-relationships of barriers to smart construction implementation

Smart construction technology offers fresh avenues for advancing the field of civil engineering. It seamlessly integrates across the entire life cycle of civil engineering projects, encompassing planning, design, construction, and maintenance, thereby fundamentally reshaping the landscape of civil engineering development. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that, presently, smart construction’s developmental stage remains relatively nascent. Its progression is subject to a myriad of adoption barriers, and the complex dynamics of their interactions remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aims to (1) explore the barriers to the adoption of smart construction; (2) analyze the impact level of each barrier; and the interaction mechanism between the barriers (3) propose effective strategies to promote the development of smart construction. This study commences by identifying 16 major impediments to the adoption of smart construction through a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature and expert interviews. Subsequently, Euclidean similarity analysis is employed to harmonize varying expert assessments. Following this, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory model is utilized to ascertain the degree of influence associated with each barrier. Further, the Interpretive Structural Model is employed to establish a hierarchical framework that illuminates the interdependencies among these barriers. Additionally, the Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement method is invoked to elucidate the roles and statuses of each barrier. Finally, strategies are proposed based on the results of the analysis. This study offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers and driving the adoption of smart construction, filling a critical gap in understanding by identifying key barriers and providing actionable insights, thus significantly advancing the field and empowering stakeholders for successful implementation and dissemination.

Navigating Technological Risks: An Uncertainty Analysis of Powertrain Technology in Hybrid-Electric Commuter Aircraft

Abstract This study addresses the uncertainties in hybrid-electric powertrain technology for a 19-passenger commuter aircraft, focusing on two future Entry-Into-Service timeframes: 2030 and 2040. The methodology is split into a preliminary optimization of aircraft design based on nominal technology scenarios followed by Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the impact of diverse technology projections and distribution types. Advanced surrogate modeling techniques, leveraging deep neural networks (DNN) trained on a dataset from an aircraft design framework, are employed. Key outcomes from this work reveal a marked increase in computational efficiency, with a speed-up factor of approximately 500 times when utilizing surrogate models. The results indicate that the 2040 entry-into-service (EIS) scenario could achieve larger reductions in fuel and total energy consumption—20.4% and 15.8% respectively—relative to the 2030 scenario, but with higher uncertainty. Across all scenarios examined, the hybrid-electric model showcased superior performance compared to its conventional counterpart. The battery-specific energy density is proved to be a critical parameter of the aircraft’s performance across both timeframes. The findings emphasize the importance of continuous innovation in battery and motor technologies to target toward greater system-level efficiency and reduced environmental impact.