Building Projects Research Articles

Application and prospect of machine learning techniques in cost estimation of building projects

PurposeMachine learning (ML) technologies are increasingly being applied in building cost estimation as an advanced method to overcome the challenge of insufficient data and subjective effects of experts. To address the gap of lacking a review of ML applications in building cost estimation, this research aimed to conduct a systematic literature review to provide a robust reference and suggest development pathways for creating novel ML-based building cost prediction models, ultimately enhancing construction project management capabilities.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) was adopted using quantitative bibliographic analysis and qualitative narrative synthesis based on the 70 screened publications from Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases. The VOSviewer software was used to prepare the thematic focus from the bibliographic data garnered.FindingsBased on the results of a bibliographic analysis, current research hotspots and future trends in the application of ML to building cost estimation have been identified. Additionally, the mechanisms behind existing ML models and other key points were analyzed using narrative synthesis. Importantly, the weaknesses of current applications were highlighted and recommendations for future development were made. These recommendations included defining the availability of building attributes, increasing the application of emerging ML algorithms and models to various aspects of building cost estimation and addressing the lack of public databases.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are instrumental in aiding project management professionals in grasping current trends in ML for cost estimation and in promoting its adoption in real-world industries. The insights and recommendations can be utilized by researchers to refine ML-based cost estimation models, thereby enhancing construction project management. Additionally, policymakers can leverage the findings to advocate for industry standards, which will elevate technical proficiency and ensure consistency.Originality/valueCompared to previous research, the findings revealed research hotspots and future trends in the application of ML cost estimation models in only building projects. Additionally, the analysis of the establishment mechanisms of existing ML models and other key points, along with the developed recommendations, were more beneficial for developing improved ML-based cost estimation models, thereby enhancing project management capabilities.

THE SYNERGY OF OPTIMIZING PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

This paper provides a bibliometric study based on data from Scopus and the VOS Viewer program to investigate the relationship between optimization strategies, project management, and quality management in the context of residential constructions. With an emphasis on a number of factors, including publishing nations, years, fields, authors, citations, and keywords, the analysis encompasses 85 articles from 1995 to 2023. The main conclusions show that the top four nations in terms of the number of publications on this subject are China, the US, Australia, and Canada. The research reveals noteworthy patterns in the disciplines that have made contributions to this topic, suggesting that optimization in construction and management techniques is studied from a multidisciplinary perspective. In order to improve the performance of residential building projects, the paper highlights the growing significance of combining optimization techniques with efficient project management and quality assurance. Additionally, it lists key works and prominent writers who have influenced the conversation in this field. All things considered, this bibliometric study offers insightful information to scholars and professionals who are interested in the nexus of these important fields, indicating that interdisciplinary cooperation might result in better residential building project outcomes.

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

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

The application obstacles of BIM technology in green building project and its key role path analysis

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the application barriers and internal mechanisms of BIM technology in green building projects. It is found that BIM technology can effectively integrate information and optimize management, but its application still faces economic externalities and requires government intervention to promote its development. Through the analysis of five aspects of technology, economy, management, policy and environment, we identified 16 influencing factors and focused on nine key factors, such as insufficient technology maturity and high-cost issues. Research shows that policy and management factors play a fundamental role in BIM adoption and influence economic effectiveness through complex interactions. Based on the ISM-ANP coupling model, we propose that the government should encourage technological innovation and personnel training to promote the effective application of BIM technology in green buildings. This study provides a theoretical reference for the application of BIM and green building on a global scale.

Quadripartite Evolutionary Game of Incentives for Green Retrofitting of Historical Buildings

Green retrofitting is a potent strategy to improve energy efficiency and support the cultural conservation of historical buildings. China has many historical buildings with significant potential for green retrofitting. Nevertheless, the Chinese green retrofit industry remains in its early stages due to the lack of a comprehensive promotion mechanism. Drawing upon evolutionary game theory, an evolutionary game model was formulated to analyze the interplay among governmental regulators, Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), the owners of historical buildings, and tourists. At an extreme disturbance intensity of 100%, a striking decline is observed in the likelihood of ESCOs maintaining the “green retrofit” strategy, with the probability dropping to a minimum of 24.68%. Under specific conditions however this interplay attains an optimal equilibrium state, denoted as (1,1,1,1). It is concluded that governmental regulators exhibit a greater degree of stability compared to other stakeholders, as they maintain their strategies despite external disturbances. Therefore, it is recommended that effective incentives and regulatory frameworks should consider the sensitivities of non-regulatory stakeholders to enhance the success of green retrofitting projects for historical buildings.

COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE LAJE DE CONCRETO ARMADO E LAJE PRÉ-FABRICADA TRELIÇADA

This research had the general objective of comparing solid reinforced concrete slabs and prefabricated lattice slabs through a case study with the verification of a building project located in the municipality of Itaperuna/RJ. This is research with a quantitative approach, of an applied, exploratory nature, through a case study. Given the significant savings and operational advantages, such as cost reduction and agility in execution, the prefabricated slab system appears to be a very attractive alternative. However, the final decision must be based on a complete analysis of the project, considering the specific conditions of the work, the active loads and technical and economic feasibility.

The Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the City of Durrës as a Challenge for Local and Central Institutions, with a Focus on the Recognition and Practical Implementation of Legal Procedures and Normative Acts in Order to Preserve and Develop Cultural He

The damage done to the archaeological property of the city of Durrës is one of the major damages caused to our cultural heritage after the 90s. The reconstruction projects of buildings destroyed by the earthquake in Durrës, financed by the Albanian Development Fund, are being carried out without archaeological monitoring, destroying traces of ancient monuments. According to the law on cultural heritage, constructions that are carried out in areas with high archaeological intensity, such as the "Dyrrah" boulevard in Durrës, must be monitored by archaeologists, but in the case of the 6-story building, this control was missing. The creation of genuine scientific studies about all the archaeological materials and the very rich cultural heritage of the city of Durres, organizing publications, monographs, articles, inside and outside the country, of the cultural values that the city of Durres carries, the organization of joint workshops with universities different in the Balkans and wider, where the University of Durrës in cooperation with the relevant Departments to promote these studies, through the cooperation of pedagogues - specialists in the field of archeology and Cultural Heritage, in cooperation with the Institute of Albanian Albanology, to enrich the library of the city with studies Durrës and the National Library. According to the law on cultural heritage, constructions that are carried out in areas with high archaeological intensity, such as the "Dyrrah" boulevard in Durrës, must be monitored by archaeologists, but in the case of the 6-story building, this control was missing. Received: 12 August 2024 / Accepted: 30 October 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

An Efficient Novel Model for Multi-Story Building Construction Quantity Estimation using Coupled MATLAB-Revit Software

The nature of the construction business and building projects necessitates the capacity to manage extensive and intricate data and documentation. The processes for documenting, exchanging, and updating data constitute one of the principal administrative challenges being currently confronted by the construction project management. As a consequence of the continued reliance on paper-based processes evidenced in the Iraqi businesses and construction projects, a considerable volume of documentation is likely to accumulate, thereby increasing the complexity and time required for specific data to be retrieved. In this study, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) models were used to document projects by employing the MATLAB-Revit software. The findings demonstrate that the project timeline is also recorded because it is related to the suggested model, which is designed to produce an effective model that mimics reality. A comparative analysis of the data pertaining to the foundations, columns, walls (24 cm and 12 cm), floors, and slabs of four multi-story buildings, was conducted. This analysis was divided into three categories: estimated, SVM-BIM, and actual documentation. The findings indicated that the proposed model demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting the material quantities required in building construction. These values were found to be in close proximity to, and aligned with, the actual documentation.

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

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

Exploring the antecedents of knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects: From the configuration perspective

With the rapid development of green buildings around the world, knowledge transfer among stakeholders is of great significance in promoting the innovation and application of green building technologies. However, due to the complexity and specificity of green building projects, current studies have not fully established a comprehensive understanding of how elements from various dimensions (i.e., subject, relationship, context, and activity) collectively impact knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects. Therefore, this study aims to explore the key factors that affect knowledge transfer among stakeholders in green building projects and how these factors work together to enhance the effectiveness of knowledge transfer (EKT). Firstly, the key factors influencing knowledge transfer were pinpointed: cognitive differences, connection strength, organizational climate, information technology capability, transmit willingness, receive willingness, perceived policy support, and richness of transfer channels. Then, an examination of the collected valid samples was conducted through configuration analysis utilizing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The findings reveal five configurations, categorized as strong connection-driven, policy support-driven, and both-driven. Lastly, some combination strategies were outlined for different categories to assist green building companies in enhancing EKT. This study not only enhances the existing green building literature by developing a framework of factors that influence knowledge transfer among stakeholders, but also provides a reference for corporate executives to choose the best strategies to enhance EKT in green building projects.

The Impact of Stakeholder Communication and Coordination on Project Outcome

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

Safety Analysis of Using Scaffolding in Multi-Storey Building Projects

Construction work is a process that involves various disciplines, resources and has its own unique characteristics, including occupational safety and health. However, in reality, in the world of construction, falling accidents still often occur. One important element in a construction project is the use of scaffolding, which is susceptible to the risk of accidents if it is not installed and used according to standards. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) which was passed on April 28 1971 provides regulations that serve as guidelines for workers and project supervisors to ensure the K3 system in the workplace. The aim is to analyze the safety of using scaffolding in the Public Lecture Building - C Construction project at Malikulsaleh Lhokseumawe University by comparing two assessment methods, namely based on the Checklist Table, where the results of the research show that this analysis provides more certain results and makes the evaluation process easier because it provides scores or assessments in the form of numbers. , compared to using the original OSHA regulations which still do not have definite values within the limits that conclude whether its use is safe or not in the field. Thus, the use of checklists can increase certainty in identifying potential hazards that may not be covered in detail in the original regulations. Suggesting further development of scaffolding safety analysis methods that are still based on OSHA regulations or other laws passed and enforced by the government in a country but are more structured and measurable are expected to improve K3 standards in construction projects as a whole, especially in the use of scaffolding.

ANALISIS PERMASALAHAN YANG MEMPENGARUHI PELAKSANAAN PROYEK GEDUNG BPKB POLRES PATI

Project Management is planning, organizing, leading and controlling company resources to achieve predetermined short-term goals. Project Management can also be interpreted as activities to achieve goals that have been clearly defined and determined as efficiently and effectively as possible (Soeharto, 2010). Construction project management has characteristics, is unique, involves a lot of resources, and requires organization. The data processing results of this research were taken as a whole from all incoming data, as many as 40 respondents. But before taking the overall data analysis, it can be seen from the completeness of the data based on work items that influence the construction implementation method of a BPKB building project, namely planning factors, material factors, labor factors, equipment factors, financial factors, relationship factors with the government, contract factors. , supervisory consultant factors, contractor factors, environmental factors, so the results of this questionnaire are divided into 3 categories of problems that influence the implementation of the BPKP Pati grunge construction project, namely the high category, the medium category and the low category.

Design preferences for learning spaces among rural primary school students in China: a case study

ABSTRACT This study investigated the design preferences of rural primary school students with regard to learning spaces in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China, focusing on spatial layout, physical attributes, technology and furniture arrangements. The research aimed to identify the critical needs of rural schools and students, especially in the context of China's education reform strategy. A combination of a tailored card-sorting activity and semi-structured interviews, specifically suited to the cognitive levels of primary school students, were used to gather data from 36 students across six grades in three case study schools. Findings revealed that students prefer flexible spaces equipped with modern technology and ergonomic furniture. Lower-grade primary school students favoured colourful, interactive spaces, while upper-grade primary students preferred more personalized learning and social spaces with advanced technology. The study emphasizes the need for future rural schools designs to incorporate updated technology and flexible furniture configurations to support the evolving teaching and learning methods. These findings also provide practical guidance for architects, educators and policymakers involved in the renewal and retrofitting projects of rural school buildings in China in the development of learning spaces aligned with Chinese education reforms and UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4).

Better Late Than Never - Universal Design in Disability Policies.

In Denmark, the local disability councils are encouraged to develop municipal disability policies in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These councils are often involved in public building and infrastructure projects. Inspired by Carol Bacchi's strategy for policy analysis, 'What's the problem represented to be? this paper studies and compares municipal disability policies and Disabled People's Organisations Denmark (DPOD)'s first policy on Universal design (UD) and accessibility. The findings reveal that the municipal disability policies predominantly focus on accessibility, with only a few addressing UD. Among those that do, there are varying interpretations of UD, such as a concept for housing. In contrast, the policy of DPOD embraces UD more comprehensively. The problem represented - 'the environment is not accessible for everyone, and everyone cannot participate' - and the use of UD as the solution indicate a paradigm shift towards inclusivity, focusing on everyone rather than just people with physical disabilities. The paper suggests that UD, as presented in the DOPD policy can be seen as an approach to spatial justice for all. This approach appears essential for the disability movement, though it is though-provoking that is has taken so long to be adopted. Better late than never.

Assessing the Level of Construction Mechanization in Kenya: A Survey of Highrise Building Projects in Nairobi

This paper examines the construction mechanization level in high-rise building projects in Kenya. It focuses on Site Preparation and Earthworks (SPE), Scaffolding and Formwork (SF), Concreting (C), Walling (W), Plastering and Flooring (PF), Tiling and Painting (TP), and Building Services (BS). Mechanization, defined as the replacement of manual labour with machines, is analyzed through a quantitative survey involving 125 accredited construction site supervisors with the unit of analysis being the construction project. The findings reveal that SPE tasks predominantly utilize Hand Tools (43%) and Automated Hand Tools (41%), with Machines accounting for only 16%. Comparatively, SF tasks show slightly lower mechanization levels, primarily relying on Hand Tools (50%) and Automated Hand Tools (41%). Concreting is the most mechanized work category with most of the tasks primarily executed using Automated Hand Tools (67%) and Machine/Workstation (26%). Walling tasks mainly rely on Hand Tools (54%) and Automated Hand Tools (33%). PF, TP, and BS tasks predominantly rely on Hand Tools (70%, 77%, and 68% respectively). Consequently, more than half (53%) of the activities in the building construction sector in Kenya are carried out using Hand Tools. This is then followed by Automated Hand Tools with an approximate usage of 31%. Completely Manual methods and Machines (workstations) are used almost similarly at 9% and 7% respectively. None of the activities in construction are Completely Automated (robotized). The mechanization levels for the various work categories are as follows; SPE=52%, SF=47%, C=64%, W=48%, PF=41%, TP=38%, and BS=39%. The overall mechanization level for the construction industry of Kenya was found to be 47%, indicating a substantial reliance on manual methods. Despite the advantages of mechanization, such as improved efficiency and safety, its application in Kenyan construction remains limited. The study highlights the need for increased mechanization to enhance productivity and safety in construction practices

Framework and case study for the assembly accuracy prediction of prefabricated buildings using BIM and TLS

ABSTRACT Tolerance management in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector faces challenges due to a lack of systematic scientific methods and tools. Quality issues in construction, coupled with inefficiencies, rework, and waste arising from deviation problems, hinder the sustainable development of the AEC sector. Current deviation control methods in the AEC field rely on compliance inspections and on-site rework, which are reactive and costly. In contrast, the manufacturing industry, closely linked to AEC, has developed highly automated methods for tolerance management. Although prefabricated buildings are manufactured off-site with high precision, the on-site assembly precision remains low, failing to fully leverage manufacturing industry capabilities. This research proposes a framework for predicting assembly accuracy of prefabricated buildings during the design and early construction stages. The framework, based on tolerance analysis methods from the manufacturing industry, integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanning (TLS) technologies. This innovative approach offers a computer-aided method for conducting tolerance analysis in prefabricated buildings. A completed prefabricated building project serves as a case study, utilizing the framework to predict variations in critical dimensions, and the predictions align with measured results, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed framework.

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Kayu Dalam Konstruksi Atas Rumah Dengan Aspek Kualitas Dan Keberlanjutan Menggunakan Metode Weighted Sum Model Studi Kasus Pada CV Persada Sejahtera Kabupaten Ponorogo

House constuction is one of the main aspects of infrastructure development in various parts of the world. A house is not only a residence for individuals and families, but also reflects environmental sustainability and the cultural values of the local community. Therefore, selecting the right construction materials is crucial in ensuring the success of an efficient and sustainable home building project. The aim of this research is to design and build a decision support system for wood selection in the construction of house structures with quality and sustainability aspects using the Weighted Sum Model method. The decision support system using the Weighted Sum Model method was chosen because in its solution the ranking results of the WSM method are objective, so that it can provide fairness in decision making and can provide better results than conventional methods. The results of testing the DSS application using Black Box Testing, based on this test, the results obtained were as expected and valid. In this research, the user role is only for admin, for future researchers it can be developed by adding roles for users such as roles for company owners.

Application of Earned Value Analysis Method and Earned Schedule Method to Time and Cost Control In Bank X Building Project

In the execution of construction projects, time and cost control is an important aspect to achieve profitability and efficiency. Delays and cost increases are common, which can be detrimental to the project. Therefore, an appropriate analysis method is needed to predict and control project performance. This study aims to analyze project performance and estimate the final time and cost of the project using the Earned Value Analysis (EVA) and Earned Schedule (ES) methods. This research uses a quantitative descriptive approach by analyzing existing data. Data were collected through surveys and observations at the research site, as well as interviews with relevant parties. The EVA method was used to evaluate project progress, while ES was used to improve the accuracy of time prediction. The results of the analysis showed that in week 28, the Cost Variance (CV) value was Rp. 1,126,276,650.65 with a Cost Performance Index (CPI) of more than 1, indicating that the work was completed at a lower cost than budget. The time performance index (SPI) of 1.003 indicates that the work was completed faster than planned. Overall, the estimated cost and time of project completion showed savings of 12.63%, which amounted to Rp. 4,380,694,868. This study concludes that the application of EVA and ES methods can effectively improve time and cost control in construction projects.

Adoption of Innovative Energy Facilities in the Tertiary Sector Buildings: Exploring Interdependencies and Key Drivers

Innovative energy facilities, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and smart control ventilation, offer substantial opportunities to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance in the tertiary sector, aligning with green building objectives. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of these facilities by small and medium-sized enterprise owners in the tertiary sector and to explore the interdependencies among them. To achieve this, we employed a stated choice experiment to assess preferences and decision-making by presenting respondents with multiple hypothetical scenarios, each containing alternatives described by varying attributes. A simultaneous equation model was used to analyze the key drivers of adoption and the interrelationships among these facilities. The results reveal that cost-related attributes and government incentives significantly impact the acceptance of energy facilities. Notably, while environmental responsibility is slightly associated with solar panel adoption, it shows no significant link with heat pumps or ventilation systems. Furthermore, we identified a bi-directional relationship between the adoption of solar panels and heat pumps, suggesting that acceptance of one positively influences the other. Conversely, a unidirectional relationship exists between ventilation and solar panels, where the adoption of ventilation positively influences solar panel adoption, but not the other way around. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of decision-making processes in green building projects and provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable energy solutions in the tertiary sector.