Project Requirements Research Articles

Challenges with Construction of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement at Calgary International Airport

In preparation for construction of a parallel runway at the Calgary International Airport in the spring of 2011, concrete pavement had to be constructed to realign Gates A1–A10. Concrete mixes were developed for central batch production for both paver and hand placement methods. In addition, winter conditions required concrete delivery from a local concrete ready-mix supplier. The construction schedule required the paved sections to be open to aircraft traffic three weeks after pavement construction. A maturity method was developed to estimate early age compressive/flexural strength of the concrete pavement. This paper presents the process utilized in developing the concrete mix design to meet the project requirements for Cement Stabilized Base (CSB) and the Portland cement concrete mix, the development of the plant mix, and the construction methodology. Additional challenges with pavement construction in winter conditions are highlighted, including CSB and concrete placement, curing conditions, control joint construction, and instrumentation for maturity of concrete determination. The verification process for final acceptance of the product is described, including durability testing and pavement design review. This project demonstrated that concrete pavement can be constructed under accelerated schedule and during adverse weather conditions with the quality of the pavement not compromised and the construction schedule successfully managed.

Will More Cement in Your Mixture Hurt You?

An old rule of thumb states that if you need more strength in a concrete mixture, just throw more cement at it. Sometimes that helped, sometimes not. Today many engineers realize that there are many other variables in a mixture that effect strength as much as, or more than, cement content. They also realize that increased cement content in a concrete mixture can lead to a number of effects that may reduce the life of the pavement. Many properties of concrete are adversely affected by over-cementing the mixture. These are discussed to help the reader understand why optimizing the cement content will help produce an efficient mixture that will meet the project requirements. By first determining the voids in the aggregate portion of the concrete mixture and then increasing that volume by an amount necessary for workability, a volume of paste can be determined that will approximate the optimum cementitious content to both maximize strength and also provide a workable mixture. Also discussed are the effects of increasing the cement content in a concrete mixture, including durability, strength, heat generation, shrinkage, set time, workability, CO2 footprint, as well as cost.

PROPOSED SPECIFICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AIRFIELD CONCRETE PAVEMENT

The Standards for Specifying Construction of Airports, FAA Advisory Circular: AC 150/5370- 10B incorporates Item P-501 – Portland Cement Concrete Pavement. Airfield concrete pavement project funded under the Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) are typically developed in accordance with the requirements contained in Item P-501 and sometimes in conjunction with specific project requirements and local practices related to material availability and regional concerns, and as approved by the FAA. Item P-501 provides guidance on the following: 1. Concrete materials (including composition and materials requirements) 2. Construction methods (including equipment, concrete placement, finishing, jointing, curing, and sealing) 3. Method of acceptance (including sampling and testing) 4. Contractor quality control 5. Basis for payment As part of a recent study, a proposed specification for construction of concrete airfield pavements has been developed for possible adoption by the FAA. The proposed specification places emphasis on the need to produce a durable end product, vis-à-vis, a durable concrete pavement. The product requirements that are specified are a combination of prescriptive requirements for certain materials as well as end product requirements for the as-delivered concrete and for the as-placed concrete. There is less emphasis on the means and methods to produce the end product. This should allow the contractor reasonable flexibility to use innovative construction methods and equipment that will result in cost savings to owner agencies without sacrificing the quality of the product. Specifically, the proposed specification will allow constructors to identify sources of variability in the airfield concrete pavement construction process and to minimize the variability; thus delivering an end product that is consistent and durable. The proposed specification intent is to: 1. Inspire creativity and maintain a standard for the evaluation of the construction 2. Incorporate a system of measurement consistent with acceptance criteria that will validate the design parameters 3. Encourage innovation and be "results-oriented" 4. Result in a product of the highest quality and consistent with the available local materials. This paper presents highlights of the proposed specification.

Control of deformations in metal structures in construction: methods and technologies

The paper presents an algorithm to control deformations of metal structure supports caused by force and temperature effects. The study involved investigating the influence of these factors on the overall stress-strain state of the structure. A proposed methodology is based on numerical experiments, which include the creation of an information model of the structure, integration of data on temperature and force effects into it, and finite element analysis. Based on this data, corrective measures are introduced to control displacements using damping devices. The study reveals the effect of temperature loads on deformations of structures and proposes methods for their control. The suggested method using building information modeling and active displacement control systems enhances the reliability and durability of structures. The integration of modern technologies, including active dampers and adaptive structures, shows high potential for real-time deformation control. The successful application of such technologies requires thorough testing in order to further adapt them to specific conditions and project requirements.

Project-based group work for enhancing students learning in project management education: an action research

PurposeUsing an action research framework, the study engages in iterative cycles of implementing, assessing and refining the project-based learning (PBL) model to align closely with the skill demands of the project management field. The specific objectives are to (1) apply and evaluate the design of PBL to identify areas for improvement, (2) assess PBL’s effectiveness in fostering key competencies such as teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability and real-time decision-making, (3) identify challenges encountered in PBL implementation to guide continuous refinement and (4) develop actionable recommendations that inform future course iterations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used action research approach to understand the design and implementation of PBL to improve student learning outcomes. Data was collected from 137 students enrolled in a postgraduate course of a project management program at a university in Australia during semester two of 2022 through an online questionnaire.FindingsData from 137 students confirm established benefits of PBL—improved teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills—essential to project management. Additionally, our findings highlight new benefits specific to project management education. Engaging with real-world scenarios, students developed enhanced adaptability, learning to navigate uncertainties and shifting project requirements, a key competency for project management professionals. Moreover, students showed improved real-time decision-making abilities, allowing them to make quick, informed decisions in response to dynamic project constraints. These findings suggest that PBL not only supports foundational skills but also cultivates advanced competencies aligned with the demands of professional project environments.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides an actionable framework for future research, detailing an iterative, data-informed approach that adapts PBL to meet specific educational needs in project management.Practical implicationsEducators can use these findings to design experiential PBL models that integrate real-world constraints, enhancing the development of industry-relevant skills and preparing students for the challenges of professional project management environments.Originality/valueWe declare that the manuscript titled “Project-based Group Work for Enhancing Students Learning in Project Management Education: An Action Research” is our original work and has not been submitted or published elsewhere. This study explores the benefits and implementation of PBL in project management education, offering new insights from empirical data collected at an Australian university. All sources are appropriately cited. We affirm compliance with ethical guidelines and institutional policies. This manuscript represents our genuine and original research.

Penerapan Simple Additive Weighting dalam Merekomendasikan Karyawan untuk Pekerjaan Pengembangan Perangkat Lunak

The rapid growth of the software industry has directly increased the demand for reliable and skilled programming employees (programmers). The success of this industry heavily relies on the technical expertise of the development team, particularly in mastering programming languages and the latest technologies. Therefore, an efficient and effective system is essential for selecting the right programmer based on project requirements. This selection process can optimize resource allocation and enhance the chances of project success. This research proposes the development of an employee recommendation system based on the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. The case study is applied at CV Garuda Infinity Kreasindo, a software development company located in Bandung. This system is designed to assist project managers in identifying the programmer who best fits the project's technical needs. By utilizing four criteria—specifically, the employee's programming role, the programming languages they have mastered, and their experience with databases and frameworks—decisions can be made objectively regarding the employees needed for a specific project at CV Garuda Infinity Kreasindo.

Unlocking Organizational Success: A Systematic Literature Review of Superintendent Selection Strategies, Core Competencies, and Emerging Technologies in the Construction Industry

An organization’s success depends on its ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. Superintendents play a critical role in overseeing project sites in the construction industry and can adapt to the increasingly complicated requirements of modern construction projects. This study examines traditional and modern personnel selection methods to determine effective tactics, essential competencies, and emerging trends regarding supervisory personnel. The research methodology follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. First, this study examines traditional and modern selection methods used by organizations and engineering firms to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic and assist in selecting appropriate staff recruitment procedures. Second, the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed to identify superintendent selection approaches and competencies, over the period January 2000 to September 2024. A total of 22 relevant papers were analyzed. Superintendent selection processes included questionnaires (57%), interviews (26%), literature reviews (14%), and data-driven AI tools (3%). Forty competency criteria were identified, with the top five being knowledge, communication skills, leadership, health and safety expertise, and commitment. As a result, novel approaches employing Industry 4.0 technologies, including virtual reality (VR), wearable sensing devices (WSDs), natural language processing (NLP), blockchain, and computer vision, are recommended. These findings support a better understanding of how best to identify the most qualified supervisory personnel and provides enhanced methods for evaluating job applicants.

How to unlock BIM capabilities in the design phase to project success for long-term organization development?

PurposeExplore how the AECO organizations can establish BIM capabilities in the design phase to ensure project success for long-term development.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative approach through the application of structural equation modeling with the partial least squares method (PLS-SEM). This study performs a path analysis and hypothesis testing through the PLS method using the SmartPLS 4.0 software.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that simply adopting BIM is not enough for project success. The lack of preparation for adopting BIM can even have a negative effect on project success, since the structure, technology and designers may not be prepared to integrate all project requirements into BIM models. For effective project success, the article demonstrates that the indirect effect of building BIM capabilities must be considered.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model can serve as a guide for organizational strategy by showing managers the main variables to be considered for long-term survival. The article also warns that the isolated adoption of BIM can be detrimental to the success of projects. However, the lack of BIM capabilities can exclude the organization from the market, as it may not be prepared to recognize project opportunities and not incorporate technologies.Practical implicationsThe limitation is that the data are not longitudinal; therefore, they are conditioned by the current perceptions of AECO industry professionals about BIM adoption. The results of this research reflect the perception of professionals in the Brazilian construction industry only.Social implicationsAlthough social implications are not directly addressed in the model, the potential for improving project success in the AECO industry suggests broader positive impacts on project management in the AECO industry. Furthermore, these advances can contribute to better urban planning, improved infrastructure and overall social well-being, impacting quality of life by influencing public policy and shaping public attitudes toward construction and development.Originality/valueUsing strategic innovation theories as a theoretical framework for building BIM capabilities, the paper expands this theory by establishing that BIM capabilities are fundamental to sustaining the survival of AECO industry organizations. The paper demonstrates that BIM capabilities are what prepare organizations to adapt to new technologies and strategic resources oriented toward innovation. In this sense, the adoption of BIM itself is an initial step towards building these capabilities, since once the adaptation phase is over, the organization is prepared to optimize its processes with other technologies.

Analysis and Decision: “Educação On” Project

In recent years, educational platforms have advanced significantly, integrating cutting-edge technologies and interactive resources that have revolutionized online teaching and learning. The proper selection of an educational platform is crucial for the successful dissemination of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), as it supports efficient course implementation and ensures accessibility, flexibility, and personalized learning experiences. Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and synchronous tools enhance the student experience, offering automated feedback, content adaptation, and continuous support, allowing interaction with materials at their own pace.<br /> In this article, we address an initial phase of the "Educação ON" project, which aims to define the IT solution, platform, and technologies for the creation of MOOCs. This process involved a literature review, analysis of MOOC characteristics, evaluation of educational platforms, identification of new trends in distance learning, and synthesis of the project requirements. The research focuses on validating a MOOC course model tailored to higher education students, tested during the academic years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 by a multidisciplinary team of professors from a Portuguese higher education institution, with the participation of students from both Portuguese and Brazilian higher education institutions. The results lay the groundwork for the next stages of the project, fostering more interactive and collaborative learning environments.

A Comparative Review of Dynamic Analysis Techniques for Elevated Water Tanks: Time History Method Versus Response Spectrum Method

This paper presents a comprehensive review of dynamic analysis techniques for elevated water tanks, with a specific focus on comparing the Time History Method (THM) and Response Spectrum Method (RSM). Drawing upon a wide range of literature sources, the review synthesizes existing research efforts dedicated to understanding structural behavior, seismic performance, bracing configurations, material considerations, and soil-structure interaction in the context of elevated water tanks. Despite the extensive body of literature in this field, a notable research gap exists in the systematic comparison of dynamic analysis techniques, particularly between THM and RSM. This paper highlights the need for a comparative review to evaluate the advantages, limitations, and applicability of THM and RSM for dynamic analysis of elevated water tanks, providing valuable guidance for engineers and researchers in selecting the most suitable method based on project requirements and constraints.

Quantitative risk assessment: methodology and application in an automaker body-in-white production line project

Purpose: this research aims to introduce a novel methodology, termed Quantitative Risk Assessment for body-in-white projects, to forecast the expected project completion time and total project cost. This methodology is demonstrated through application to a real project within an automotive manufacturer in Brazil. Theoretical framework: the study employs established risk analysis methods (e.g., program evaluation and review technique, preliminary hazard analysis, Gaussian curve, Monte Carlo simulation) alongside project management tools for problem characterization (e.g., project requirements, assumptions, work breakdown structure). Methodology/Approach: the methodology presented in this paper follows a sequence of methods that: (i) identify the hazards; (ii) evaluate the probability of risks associated with each project task; (iii) assess their consequences and impact on project costs; and, finally, (iv) quantify the risks to predict a probability spectrum for the project’s total cost. This allows estimating an emergency reserve and categorizing the risk level to inform stakeholders. Findings: The paper reveals that, among the 66 identified hazards, there is a 37% probability of the project duration exceeding 200 days, and the project has been categorized as high risk (i.e., more than a 20% probability that additional costs will exceed 20% of the estimated project budget). Research, practical & social implications: this study enables organizations to forecast the potential impacts of risks on project schedules and costs through comprehensive risk assessments, providing valuable input for project risk management. Originality/ Value: the study’s value lies in the originality of its risk assessment methodology applied to automakers’ body-in-white projects. Keywords: Automaker. Body-in-White. Monte Carlo Simulation. Probabilistic modeling. Quantitative risk assessment.

Management of Tidal Wetland Restoration and Fish in the Upper San Francisco Estuary: Where are We Now and How Do We Move Forward? A Summary of the 2023 Wetland Science Symposium

Tidal wetland restoration to benefit at-risk fish species in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh has gained momentum over the past decade, much of it in response to mitigation requirements for the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. In fall 2023, the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Contractors convened a symposium, entitled Delta–Suisun Tidal Wetland Restoration Symposium: State of the Science and Future Directions, to discuss the latest wetland restoration research and future directions. The symposium was held 10 years after the 2013 symposium Tidal Marshes and Native Fishes in the Delta: Will Restoration Make a Difference?, and so served as an opportunity to follow up on the progress that has been made over the past decade. This paper synthesizes the key findings from the 2023 workshop. The paper begins with the historical context of wetland restoration in the Delta and Suisun Marsh, and outlines the restoration process as it is currently implemented. It then describes the monitoring of tidal wetlands in terms of their capacity to support fish (capacity), the opportunity fish have to use the habitat (opportunity), and the realized functions provided when fish actually use the site. Finally, the paper identifies priority science actions to advance our understanding and management of tidal wetland restoration sites. These actions include further research into fish habitat utilization, improved monitoring techniques, and enhanced adaptive-management strategies. This list of information needs is intended to inform future monitoring of restoration sites, scientific studies, funding, and prioritization of wetland research.

Web Development Framework

Web development frameworks are essential to contemporary web development because they provide an organized method for creating dynamic, feature-rich, and responsive websites. This Research paper delves into the intricacies of web development framework, exploring their significance, functionality, and the diverse landscape they inhabit. The paper further investigates various types of frameworks, including front-end, back-end, and full-stack frameworks, shedding light on their distinct features and suitability for different project requirements. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion on the feature trends and challenges in web development framework, including the rise of serverless architectures and the increasing demand for real-time applications. By synthesizing current research and industry insights, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of web development and their impact on modern web development practices

Framework for gathering requirements for innovation and IoT projects

Desenvolvimento de projetos inovadores que envolvem IoT possuem características muito peculiares, dentre elas a necessidade de flexibilidade de requisitos para permitir ajustes ao longo do projeto. Porém ao alterarmos requisitos de projeto durante sua execução naturalmente se faz necessário readequações e isso traz uma exposição aos riscos inerentes as mudanças de requisitos. O objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um framework que permita a coleta dos requisitos de projetos afim de que os envolvidos em sua gestão, desenvolvimento e manutenção saibam de forma atualizada quais são os requisitos do projeto. Para o desenvolvimento desse Framework foi utilizado o método Design Science Research (DSR) o qual permite de forma simplificada readequar esta ferramenta para outras classes de problemas e contextos. O framework após seu desenvolvimento foi avaliado e ajustado, até produzir a versão final que permitiu trazer diversos benefícios dentre eles diminuição de retrabalho, melhor documentação de projeto e maior qualidade de solução final. Estimativas iniciais apontam para uma diminuição de ao menos 30% de retrabalho e 10% de redução de tempo de entrega do produto testado, o qual caso confirmado representará ganhos de tempo e dinheiro expressivos para a companhia.

Hybrid Agile-Kanban frameworks for workflow adaptability: A proposed solution for innovation in project management

Agile and Kanban methodologies have become indispensable in modern project management, emphasizing workflow adaptability, iterative processes, and streamlined task prioritization to meet dynamic project requirements. However, traditional applications of these methodologies often face challenges such as workflow inefficiencies, misaligned task priorities, and bottlenecks caused by static configurations and manual adjustments. A hybrid approach that combines Agile methodologies with Kanban principles, including visualization tools and flow control, offers a promising solution to these challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of a Hybrid Agile-Kanban Framework (HAKF), designed to enhance project workflow optimization, team collaboration, and task execution. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time feedback loops and dynamic task prioritization, the proposed framework addresses common bottlenecks and resource imbalances, enabling more efficient and scalable project management practices. Despite its transformative potential, challenges such as tool integration, scalability, and initial adoption barriers must be addressed for widespread implementation. To mitigate these issues, this paper introduces a conceptual HAKF model that seamlessly integrates with existing project management tools, providing actionable insights for optimizing workflows. This study lays a foundation for future research into hybrid methodologies, advancing the potential of Agile-Kanban integration to create more efficient and adaptive project management systems.

Development of Customized Project Management Methodology for the Implementation of Online Archives Exhibitions: Insights and Evaluation from a Research and Development Organization

Abstract This study explores the development of a customized project management methodology tailored for the implementation of online archives exhibitions, offering insights and evaluation derived from a research and development organization. Recognizing the distinctive requirements of such projects, the research investigates the design and application of a specialized project management approach. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study presents key insights into the methodology’s efficacy and evaluates its impact within the unique context of a research and development setting. The findings contribute valuable perspectives to the evolving field of project management, particularly in the realm of digital exhibition development within innovative organizational environments.

Ring: A Lightweight and Versatile Cross-Platform Dynamic Programming Language Developed Using Visual Programming

New programming languages are often designed to keep up with technological advancements and project requirements while also learning from previous attempts and introducing more powerful expression mechanisms. However, most existing dynamic programming languages rely on English keywords and lack features that facilitate easy translation of language syntax. Additionally, maintaining multiple implementations of the same language for different platforms, such as desktops and microcontrollers, can lead to inconsistencies and fragmented features. Furthermore, they usually do not use visual programming to fully implement the compiler and virtual machine. In this research paper, we introduce Ring—a dynamically-typed language with a lightweight implementation. However, it boasts several advantages, including a rich and versatile standard library and direct support for classes and object-oriented programming. The Ring language offers customization features. For instance, it allows easy modification of the language syntax multiple times, enabling programming by writing code using Arabic, English, or other keywords. Additionally, the language permits the creation of domain-specific languages through new features that extend object-oriented programming, allowing for specialized languages resembling CSS or Supernova. In the era of the Internet of Things, instead of creating another language implementation to support microcontrollers, the same Ring implementation allows us to create projects and applications for desktops, the web, WebAssembly, Android, or Raspberry Pi Pico. The Ring Compiler and Virtual Machine are designed using the PWCT Visual Programming language based on ANSI C. The visual implementation is composed of 18,945 components that generate 24,743 lines of code, which increases the abstraction level by approximately 23.5% and hides unnecessary details.

Design and fabrication of the fundamental power coupler prototype of 499.8 MHz superconducting cavity for the HALF project

Hefei Advanced Light Facility (HALF) will use a 499.8[Formula: see text]MHz superconducting cavity to provide energy for the beam in the storage ring. The fundamental power coupler (FPC) needs to feed 140[Formula: see text]kW RF power into the superconducting cavity. In order to meet the requirements of the HALF project, a 499.8[Formula: see text]MHz FPC prototype was developed at the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). This paper presents the design of the FPC prototype. The fabrication process of the FPC prototype will also be described. The cold test of the FPC prototype room-temperature test stand was carried out. The results show that the cold test performance of the FPC prototype meets the requirements and it can be tested with high power. The high power test of the FPC prototype will be carried out in the future.

Research on the Rheological Properties and Diffusion Law of Coal-Based Solid Waste Geopolymer Grouting Material.

The rheological properties and diffusion law of coal-based solid waste geopolymer grouting material (CGGM) slurry were investigated by rheological property test and diffusion theory model derivation. Based on the power-law fluid constitutive equation, a theoretical model of slurry diffusion in an inclined fissure aquifer was established, and the effect of slurry grouting time on the slurry diffusion distance under different fissure widths, fissure inclination angles, and grouting pressures were analyzed. The results show that when coal gangue:cement:fly ash = 5:4:1, sodium silicate modulus 2.0, sodium silicate content is 10%, CGGM slurry's bleeding rate of 1%, the liquidity of 227 mm, the initial and final setting time is 412 min and 825 min, respectively, to meet the requirements of the grouting project. CGGM slurry is a typical viscosity time-varying power-law type fluid, and the slurry diffusion distance is positively correlated with the grouting pressure, fissure width, fissure inclination angle, and negatively correlated with the rheological index. The established theoretical model can provide a reference for the parameter design of CGGM slurry in grouting construction.

Agile Project Management in the Pre-Construction Stage: Facing the Challenges of Projectification in the Construction Industry

Given the complex and dispersed nature of construction projects, which demand collaboration among varied experts, it is crucial to reevaluate project management and execution approaches to enhance their performance. Agile principles offer a path towards heightened responsiveness within tasks and processes, addressing the construction industry’s fast-paced nature and growing client demands for timely project completion. However, adopting new management methodologies, such as Agile, needs a significant cultural shift, enabling the cultivation of multi-skilled and self-managing teams. Projectification, a growing trend in contemporary society where more activities are managed as projects, has gained significant relevance in recent years. This study examines the application of Agile project management (specifically Agile Scrum methodology) during the pre-construction phase of a construction project through the lens of Projectification. As evidenced by the research results, applying the Agile methodology in the pre-construction phase may help enhance flexibility and collaboration, enabling teams to adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and unforeseen challenges. The findings demonstrate that Agile methodologies offer numerous benefits, including enhanced adaptability, flexibility, accountability, transparency, and teamwork. Additionally, there were significant reductions in time and costs, emphasizing the value of Agile practices in construction project management.