Site Office Research Articles

Phytoremediation of indoor air pollutants from construction and transport by a moveable active green wall system

No sustainable, economical and scalable systems are currently available for the direct removal of construction and transport related air pollutants from working environments in these locations. Active green walls have previously demonstrated the capacity to effectively filter NO2, O3, and PM2.5 from indoor and roadside air. This project assessed the air quality provided by a portable active green wall in a construction site office involved in a construction upgrade of train depot, and compared it to a matched reference office to ascertain the active green wall's potential to enhance air quality. Through comparisons between time-matched samples, we established differences in air quality between the ambient and filtered air streams, and thus calculated the single pass removal efficiency provided by the active green wall for each pollutant. A comparison between the two site offices demonstrated that the active green wall produced significant improvements on the air quality of this unique indoor environment, with reductions in PM2.5 and O3 detected, with the active green wall achieving single pass removal efficiencies of 56.42 ± 21.02% and 20.73 ± 0.87% PM2.5 and O3, respectively. The active green wall also caused a small increase in dew point, but had no effect on humidity and temperature, possibly due to the small scale of the system relative to the volume of the test structure. The findings suggest phytoremediation may be an effective method for removing construction and transport associated PM2.5 and O3. Conversely, future research is needed to investigate NO2 removal, with substrate developments potentially required to address this.

Cost-benefits of relocatable modular buildings (RMB) for  construction site offices: the case of Sri Lanka

Relocatable Modular Building (RMB) technology is widely utilised worldwide as a versatile solution for temporary shelter needs, including site offices. The substantial cost benefits associated with RMBs have been acknowledged globally. Nevertheless, the lack of empirical data hampers the ability to substantiate the cost advantages of utilising RMB technology. Therefore, the study aimed to find the cost benefits of RMB technology for temporary offices on construction sites in Sri Lanka through Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA). From a methodological perspective, the research adopted a case study strategy. Data was mainly collected through semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and market surveys while following LCCA as the analysis method to derive findings. The findings disclosed that the initial cost of an RMB site office is 32% higher than a conventional site office, but the annual cost saving is 23%. Hence, it is worth investing in RMB because of its yearly cost saving due to its long life span and higher salvage value. Sensitivity analysis further established that employing an RMB is more cost-effective for contractors even at different discount rates, functional lifetimes, and project durations. This study enlightens construction industry practitioners about the cost-effective utilisation of RMBsin their projects.

The Effect of Employee Silence on Turnover Intention, with Burnout As a Mediation Variable and Coworker Support As a Moderating Variable

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of Employee Silence to Turnover Intention by exploring the role of mediation Burnout which is moderated by Coworker Support which is designed using a survey design with a survey tool that uses a questionnaire and is distributed online. Respondents in this study were selected using the method convenience sampling with the criteria of generation Z employees who work in the mining industry in Indonesia, which are then analyzed using a structural equation technique, namely SEM PLS. The research results reveal that employee silence cause burnout resulting in increased withdrawal behavior and intention turnover intention of generation Z who work in the site office and head office; burnout mediate this direct relationship. In addition, as well as with coworker support can support the relationship between employee silence and turnover intention. This study can help managers to realize that employee silence have an influence on turnover intention from generation Z, and also helps managers identify the psychological consequences of employee silence.

Time-dependent solar aperture estimation of a building: Comparing grey-box and white-box approaches

This paper proposes a B-splines integrated method combining in-situ data with grey-box modeling to estimate buildings' dynamic solar gain more efficiently than the conventional white-box model and much more precisely than the classic grey-box model. Solar gain, referring to the overall indoor energy gain supplied by solar radiation, plays a vital role in the indoor energy balance. Estimating dynamic solar gain precisely is essential to building energy optimization, e.g., in model predictive control. However, in almost all existing grey-box modeling works, a constant solar gain factor (solar aperture; gA) is assumed to estimate dynamic solar gain, which almost certainly will result in solar gain prediction errors, especially in buildings with unevenly distributed windows. To fill this gap, this study presents an advanced B-splines integrated grey-box model, using customized B-splines to advance the constant gA assumption toward its nature of time-dependence and precisely characterize the dynamic solar gain conclusively. On-site measured datasets of a portable site office (PSO) representing a ‘simplified’ building, under two scenarios with windows fully or partially uncovered, serve as test cases. To verify the physical interpretation of outcomes estimated by the proposed method, based on the said test cases, the proposed B-splines integrated grey-box model is compared with a classic white-box simulation. It is concluded that the proposed method can reveal the main trends and key dynamic features of solar gain very well, but still has some limitations of quantifying ‘local’ details with acceptable variations. Nevertheless, given that the proposed method merely asks for a very limited amount of low-frequency data, the proposed method is considered as a much more effective alternative to the classic white-box simulation approach, which requires massive and often hard-to-collect input data.

Sited-Memory

This article narrates the encounter of the author with Angelo Rudella, the head of the construction site at the Castelvecchio Museum, Verona, during the period of Carlo Scarpa’s renovation (1957–1964, 1965–1975). Rudella visited the site on July 11, 2019, to identify the original place of Scarpa’s site office — an office that Rudella shared with Scarpa for the duration of the 1960s – 70s renovation work, and until Scarpa’s death. As one of the last storytellers, to be able to offer a first source account of Scarpa’s design process at Castelvecchio, he operated a sited re‑reading of architectural details, which he analysed in their present context. The visit began by identifying Scarpa’s site office and then walking throughout the Castelvecchio Museum so that recollections emerged on site through an instance of peripatetic storytelling. Relying on a historical mnemonic technique — the art of memory and storytelling — sited memories resurfaced along the museum path, triggering key recollections associated with the construction site and archival photographs. A few selected stories and details are presented, evidencing the role of Rudella as an essential collaborator.

THE INFLUENCE OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT, CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT ON EMPLOYEES’ JOB SATISFACTION (CASE STUDY AT PT. MAP SURVEILLANCES)

This research aims to learn further regarding the impact caused by Organizational Commitment, Career Development and Work Environment on Employee Job Satisfaction either partially or simultaneously. The research population amounted to 140 respondents with a sample filtered of 95 respondents who were employees at Head Office and Site Office of PT. Map Surveillances. The quantitative descriptive research method used multiple linear regression analysis through the version 22 SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social) application program. The results showed that Organizational Commitment, Career Development and Work Environment had a positive and significant impact on Job Satisfaction both partially and simultaneously.

Thermal comfort study in prefab construction site office in subtropical China

In urbanization, prefab buildings for office use are extensively applied on construction sites due to its convenience and flexibility. In order to study the adaptive thermal comfort in prefab construction site offices (PCSO),combined thermal parameter measurement and questionnaire survey were conducted on selected construction sites in Guangzhou during summer and winter seasons. 1179 valid questionnaires were collected. The relationship between Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and the thermal sensation was studied; thermal comfort zones and preferred temperatures in summer and winter seasons were identified. The results show that the indoor thermal environment of the PCSOs was always unacceptable for occupants in summer. However, the percentage of acceptability is much higher in winter. The comfort temperatures in summer and winter are 26.2 °C and 21.1 °C, respectively. In summer, the upper limit of the acceptable temperature is 29.3 °C, and the comfortable temperature range is from 25.0 °C to 28.2 °C, which is different from the thermal comfort zone of ASHRAE–55. An adaptive thermal comfort model for PCSO is established, which is beneficial for reliably evaluating the indoor thermal comfort of PCSO in Guangzhou and other locations with similar environmental conditions.

Development of Unmanned Excavator Vehicle System for Performing Dangerous Construction Work.

Of all the machinery and equipment used on construction sites, excavators are responsible for the greatest number of fatal accidents. Excavation is an inherently risky process due to imprecise work processes and the unstable external environment on most work sites. The resulting accidents cause serious injuries that threaten the lives of not only the excavator pilots but also those working around them. In this study, we propose a mechanical device that is capable of operating the excavator remotely from a nearby safe location such as a site office. To ensure worker safety and at the same time boost the productivity of excavation operations, data from 3D scanners, cameras, and sensors were combined to create a detailed 3D picture of the area surrounding the excavation site to guide a remotely operated excavating system. Rather than modifying the excavator itself, a removable manipulator was mounted on the joystick in the excavator’s cockpit. Our proposed system was tested on a standard commercial excavator to verify its performance for a real-world excavation task.

Nearly zero energy - construction site temporary office buildings

In the UAE temporary offices and buildings utilised during the construction phase of a project are not connected to the grid electricity. Thus, leaving on site generation as the only option to power these buildings. On-site generation for these temporary buildings in the UAE is, more often than not, through diesel generators. Diesel generators are not the most efficient nor environmentally friendly source of power generation and produce large amounts of carbon dioxide. These temporary buildings have a continuous power consumption throughout the construction period of a project and this can lead to significant amounts of carbon emissions to the atmosphere and detrimental environmental impacts. To alleviate the issue, we have identified a typical site office building in Dubai and analysed its consumption and how to offset or reduce the reliance on diesel generation thus increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the site office by trying to target a near zero energy building. Through dynamic energy modelling simulations of the existing site office we were able to meet the nearly zero energy requirements by implementing envelope improvements, mechanical system efficiencies and on-site renewable energy generation. A financial feasibility assessment was conducted on the improvements determined to achieve the nearly zero energy target. This ensured that a holistic approach was taken upon selection of the improvements.

Manpower Allocation Model for Construction Site Office Engineers based on Inherent Technical Risks

Accurately predicting the costs of construction site overheads and preventing increases in unanticipated costs has a large effect on the cost competitiveness of a construction company. While site engineer costs account for the majority of construction site management costs, established manpower allocation standards will only account for the project size, and so poorly reflect inherent technological risks. Consequently, with risks mounting on-site as a project progresses, actual engineering manpower needs can exceed the planned ones. This study presents a method for improving the accuracy of construction site engineer allocation by reflecting such technological risks. Data from 31 case projects were analyzed to confirm problems regarding site engineer allocation and to quantify project risks. The regression models and correction rates to manpower allocation by engineering work type were derived from 28 of the case projects, while data from the three remaining projects were utilized to test the model’s validity. The results show strong correlation between the number of site engineers by work type and the project’s technical risks, affirming that these modes can be used to improve the accuracy of manpower estimation even in the early stages of construction planning.

Experimental study of signal behavior for wireless communication in construction

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand the effects of building components of a growing concrete structure and different building materials such as glass and steel on Wi-Fi signals propagation in a construction site. Wireless local area networks are considered effective tools to link the islands-of-communication in construction. Still, designing a Wi-Fi network that can grow with a new construction requires that one understands the performance of propagation of electromagnetic signals transmitted at 2.4 GHz.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the theoretical behavior of electromagnetic signals when signal attenuation is caused by various construction materials changing their strengths, directions and possibly leading to total absorption. The authors used a typical building layout to conduct experimental work to measure the effect of common building features and communication technologies on signal strengths.FindingsThe measured data not only confirmed the theory-based predictions but also demonstrated the complexity of predicting signal propagation when obstructions inhibit the line-of-sight “travel” of electromagnetic signals.Originality/valueDifferent to other papers, the experiments were conducted outside a concrete building mimicking the situation where the transmitter is set up at the site office.

Are biophilic-designed site office buildings linked to health benefits and high performing occupants?

This paper discusses the first phase of a longitudinal study underway in Australia to ascertain the broad health benefits of specific types of biophilic design for workers in a building site office. A bespoke site design was formulated to include open plan workspace, natural lighting, ventilation, significant plants, prospect and views, recycled materials and use of non-synthetic materials. Initial data in the first three months was gathered from a series of demographic questions and from interviews and observations of site workers. Preliminary data indicates a strong positive effect from incorporating aspects of biophilic design to boost productivity, ameliorate stress, enhance well-being, foster a collaborative work environment and promote workplace satisfaction, thus contributing towards a high performance workspace. The longitudinal study spanning over two years will track human-plant interactions in a biophilic influenced space, whilst also assessing the concomitant cognitive, social, psychological and physical health benefits for workers.

Designing and delivering ‘The Cube' mixed-use building in Birmingham, UK

‘The Cube' is an iconic new mixed-used building in the Mailbox development in central Birmingham, UK. Its competition-winning design provided a pragmatic approach to maximising the use of the site but also required a number of complex engineering details to be resolved. This required collaboration between all parties at all stages of the project, making full use of an integrated site office. This paper provides an overview of the project, then describes in greater detail the challenges associated with two of the more complex areas – the large basement construction, containing one of the biggest automated car parking systems in the UK, and the open, irregularly patterned facade structure.

Traditional antidotes “Kallunk oxide” in the treatment of HIV/AIDS

Immune deficiency is an important problem on HIV/AIDS patients. Traditional antidotes Kallunk oxide, a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), could be better restored the immunity in initial stage of HIV type-1 patients. The performed modest phase-1 study was observational, prospective and designs as open label, case- only, randomized, treatment, and efficacy research enrolled with CD3+ and CD4+ T cell counts >450, >250 and 3 of 20 HIV/AIDS patients between the ages 8 and 55 years from both genders at the Project Site Office, HIRS, Palakkad- Dt, Kerala, India. The participants were received traditional antidotes Kallunk oxide treatment and the study includes Lymphocyte cell counts as assessed by Flow fluorescence cytometry analysis. The absolute CD3+ and CD4+ T cell numbers increased in four (4) HIV type-1 patients, as confirmed by the baseline CD4+ T cell counts above 450 cu/mm3, showing above 50% increase after the CAM therapy. This traditional antidotes Kallunk oxide treatment boosts initial stage of HIV type-1 patients' immunity.

Traditional Antidotes Kallunk Oxide in the Treatment of HIV/AIDS

Immune deficiency is an important problem on HIV/AIDS patients. Traditional antidotes "Kallunk oxide", a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), could be better restored the immunity in initial stage of HIV type-1 patients. The performed modest phase-1 study was observational, prospective and designs as open label, case- only, randomized, treatment, and efficacy research enrolled with CD3+ and CD4+ T cell counts >450, >250 and 3 of 20 HIV/AIDS patients between the ages 8 and 55 years from both genders at the Project Site Office, HIRS, Palakkad- Dt, Kerala, India. The participants were received traditional antidotes "Kallunk oxide" treatment and the study includes Lymphocyte cell counts as assessed by Flow fluorescence cytometry analysis. The absolute CD3+ and CD4+ T cell numbers increased in four (4) HIV type-1 patients, as confirmed by the baseline CD4+ T cell counts above 450 cu/mm3, showing above 50% increase after the CAM therapy. This traditional antidotes "Kallunk oxide" treatment boosts initial stage of HIV type-1 patients' immunity.

Work Stress among Professionals in Building Construction Industry in Nigeria

This study was undertaken to identify key stress factors among professionals in building construction industry in Nigeria. This is in view of the fact that to date, very little is known about work stress among professionals in building construction industry in this country. The study involved the administration of questionnaire to 107 professionals including architects, builders, civil/structural engineers and quantity surveyors randomly selected from 60 ongoing building projects in Anambra, Ogun and Kaduna States, Nigeria. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and findings show that the principal sources of stress were high volume of work, uncomfortable site office environment, lack of feedback on previous and ongoing building projects, and variations in the scope of work in ongoing building projects. The paper suggests that taking responsibility for work which one has adequate capacity to handle, establishing realistic budgets and time frame for project delivery, provision of spatially adequate, visually and thermally comfortable site offices, adoption of appropriate job design practice and education of professionals on stress management strategies will reduce the incidence of stress among professionals in building industry in Nigeria.

Acceptable noise levels for construction site offices

This study examined acceptable noise level of a construction site office in Hong Kong by analysing responses obtained from interviews of 77 occupants. The equivalent continuous noise level Leq measured in the office was chosen as an indicator and correlated with the occupant acceptance recorded on a visual analogue assessment scale and a dichotomous assessment scale. With the use of a logistic regression model, this acceptance was found to be significantly influenced by the working experience and age of occupants, which were in turn highly correlated. Satisfactory noise levels within the office have been evaluated by comparing acceptance responses given by the occupants at different Leq. The proposed criterion of aural comfort was further identified by the survey samples and a conclusion was drawn: an indoor environment with an equivalent continuous noise level Leq of 65 dBA would be deemed acceptable for a construction site office. Practical applications: This study reported the occupant acceptable noise level in construction site offices was more adaptable to a noisy environment than a general office because the occupant acceptance would be significantly influenced by the outdoor noise level, working experience and occupant age. The construction site office with an equivalent continuous noise level of 65 dBA would be recommended as a design criterion for construction site offices as it can balance the cost of acoustical treatment and the satisfaction of occupants.

Total management of crane operations

This paper is a summary of a management system of crane operation applied to high-rise reinforced concrete building construction. The management system, using microcomputers, consists of three subsystems as follows: (1) Collecting and analysing system of operation data: a system to collect and analyse actual operation data in detail. The progress position of a lifting job at any moment is instantly displayed on screen in a site office. (2) Crash prevention system: a safety system to prevent a crane crashing against other cranes or any obstruction. (3) Automatic concrete distribution system: a system for automatic crane operation to convey concrete buckets between the ground and the concrete placing point. We are able to manage lifting works at a construction site with this system safely and efficiently.

Great yarmouth by-pass - earthworks and pavement design : Boyce, J C Highways TranspV33, N1, Jan 1986, P3–8

The paper outlines the geological conditions, the design concept which evolved from the combination of geological conditions and the stated requirements of the client; construction of a trial embankment to confirm design parameters; and the special measures which were incorporated in the contract to allow construction to be controlled. The design which evolved and which was partially tested in the trial embankment brought together a number of techniques: the use of wick drains, geomesh reinforcing layers and a geomesh enclosed drainage blanket, surcharging of embankments, and, as a final measure to minimise the appearance of differential settlement at the road surface, continuously reinforced concrete road base. The embankments are heavily instrumented with settlement gauges, inclinometers and piezometers. Monitoring of the instruments was considered to be such a vital element in the control of construction that they were directly read onto magnetic tape which was then analysed on computer in the site office. This permitted the recording and analysis of results to be brought within an acceptable time scale and ensured adequate control of the operations on site. The paper includes comments on the performance of the construction to date, although the final assessment must of necessity wait until the road has been open to traffic for several years. (Author/TRRL)