Specific Construction Project Research Articles

A DEA Game Cross-Efficiency Model with Loss Aversion for Contractor Selection

Evaluating and selecting appropriate contractors is critical to the success of specific construction projects in the building industry. Existing approaches for addressing this problem are unsatisfactory due to the ignorance of the multi-dimensional nature of the evaluation process and inappropriate consideration of existent risks. This study presents a DEA game cross-efficiency model with loss aversion for evaluating and selecting specific contractors. The competitiveness of the evaluation process is modeled using game theory with respect to the adoption of the cross-efficiency model. The attitude of the decision maker toward risks is tackled with the use of loss aversion, which is a phenomenon formalized in prospect theory. As a result, the proposed approach can adequately screen available contractors through prequalification and adequately consider the attitude of the decision maker toward risks, leading to effective decisions being made. An example is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model in evaluating and selecting appropriate contractors for specific construction projects. The results show that the proposed model is effective and efficient in producing a unique solution for contractor selection through appropriate modeling of the multi-dimensional contractor selection process and adequate consideration of the competition between the contractors and the attitude of the decision maker toward risks in practical situations.

Comprehensive analysis of machine learning models for predicting concrete compressive strength

Predicting the compressive strength of concrete provides several benefits including insights into its durability, potential lifespan, and its suitability for specific construction projects. Recent advances in machine learning algorithms have prompted their application to compressive strength modeling and prediction. In this paper, we carry out a comprehensive comparative analysis of the existing machine learning algorithms. Unlike, other current studies in this domain, we consider the entire spectrum of algorithms ranging from basic linear models to advanced meta-learning methods. The results show that there exists a trade-off between speed and accuracy of the models. We find that while ensemble models such as stacking and gradient boost provide superior accuracy, they are significantly slower than linear models.

Evaluating large-language-model chatbots to engage communities in large-scale design projects

Abstract Recent advances in machine learning have enabled computers to converse with humans meaningfully. In this study, we propose using this technology to facilitate design conversations in large-scale urban development projects by creating chatbot systems that can automate and streamline information exchange between stakeholders and designers. To this end, we developed and evaluated a proof-of-concept chatbot system that can perform design conversations on a specific construction project and convert those conversations into a list of requirements. Next, in an experiment with 56 participants, we compared the chatbot system to a regular online survey, focusing on user satisfaction and the quality and quantity of collected information. The results revealed that, with regard to user satisfaction, the participants preferred the chatbot experience to a regular survey. However, we found that chatbot conversations produced more data than the survey, with a similar rate of novel ideas but fewer themes. Our findings provide robust evidence that chatbots can be effectively used for design discussions in large-scale design projects and offer a user-friendly experience that can help to engage people in the design process. Based on this evidence, by providing a space for meaningful conversations between stakeholders and expanding the reach of design projects, the use of chatbot systems in interactive design systems can potentially improve design processes and their outcomes.

Assessing the Degradation of Safety Management Performance in Large Construction Projects: An Investigation and Decision Model Based on Complex Network Modeling

Modern safety control theory suggests that the accumulation of safety management defects at the organizational level can lead to a degradation in the overall safety management performance. This problem is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of safety management in large construction projects. The theoretical frameworks proposed by existing studies can provide generalized guidance for identifying safety management defects, but they are not flexible enough to address the complexity of a safety management system (SMS) in specific large construction projects. This study proposed an investigation and decision model based on a complex network model of SMSs. The main purpose was to accurately assess the degradation of safety management performance through the comprehensive identification of safety management defects for large construction projects. The functional components and their interactions in SMSs were graphically represented in a complex network using the fuzzy DEMATEL technique. Based on this, deep-seated safety management defects were identified by tracing the path of influence between the functional components and their roots. Furthermore, the results of this identification were used to support the assessment of the degradation of the safety performance of the overall SMS. The proposed model was verified with a large-scale wastewater treatment plant construction project in Lanzhou City, China. The degradation of the functional components could be presented in a complex visual network map to facilitate an understanding of the weak points or risk-sensitive areas throughout the SMS. Especially in the case of false safety perceptions, deep-seated safety management defects can be identified in time to prevent a sudden collapse of the SMS through early warnings. In addition, it also facilitates timely short-term improvement strategies and systematic long-term improvement strategies for long-term sustainability and increased resilience.

Multicriteria Health and Safety Risk Assessments in Highway Construction Projects

Road building sites are no exception to the fact that construction is one of the most dangerous businesses in the world. There are a number of concerns about the health and safety of the workers at these sites since they combine personnel, machinery, and construction equipment. The purpose of this paper is to determine, analyze, and compare the risks present at road building sites, and how they affect the health and safety of the workers. The study also examines workplace stress and psychosocial risk factors, which may have long-term effects on workers’ physical and mental health. To meet the goals of the research, risk evaluations for a specific construction project were carried out using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Using the risk categories and risk factor hierarchy, the AHP compares data pairings. The skills, experience, judgments, and value system of the decision-makers were taken into account while deciding the amount of importance to give each criterion. The final risk rankings were established after calculating the overall priority numerically and running the necessary judgment consistency tests. The most significant risks to the health and safety of workers at road construction sites were identified by the study’s findings. The study additionally showed that psychosocial risk factors were important contributors to workplace stress and may have a negative impact on employees’ health and wellbeing. The results of the present study have important implications for risk management practices in the construction industry. Project managers can implement effective mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents and injuries by identifying and evaluating the most critical risks associated with road construction sites. The findings also highlight the importance of addressing psychosocial risk factors and workplace stress in improving workers’ health and safety outcomes. Overall, this study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to risk management that considers the diverse and complex factors contributing to construction site hazards.

Exploring the construction of an all-round cost management system for investment control in university engineering construction

Abstract In recent years, the investment amount of university engineering construction has been increasing significantly, and the establishment of scientific and reasonable cost management system has become particularly important in the investment control of engineering construction. This paper explores the investment control of university engineering construction and designs the basic framework based on three parts: whole process cost control, full caliber cost audit and full gradient grading management. With the help of BIM, we build a cost management system, which is divided into the planning stage, bidding stage, mid-construction, until the completion of the collation of cost data, extraction and preservation of cost indicators. After establishing a full range of cost management systems, the adjacency matrix X algorithm and functions are used to calculate. The experiment proves that: the investment estimate before the project construction affects more than 75% of the overall investment, and the all-round cost management system built based on BIM can make the investment estimate accurate and stable at 75%, and the negotiation change rule based on this is to save nearly 25% of the investment funds. The comprehensive cost management system has a comprehensive and detailed grasp of the cost process of specific construction projects and specific issues during construction, fully protecting the university’s investment interests.

Using cased based reasoning for automated safety risk management in construction industry

The purpose of this study is to develop a CBR-based platform that integrates all steps of safety risk management (SRM) for the realization of automation in construction safety risk management. To realize this purpose, accident data from 2015 to 2020 in China has been collected and analyzed. Based on the collected data, this study adopts system thinking and stakeholder theory to establish an accident attribute system for accurate and comprehensive case representation, which was usually ignored in the previous study. Following case representation, the development process of case-based reasoning (CBR) is introduced in detail. The core of CBR—case retrieval is designed with the k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) algorithm and rough set theory to improve retrieval accuracy. In terms of case reuse and revise, a hybrid risk response model based on historical experience and risk factor control is proposed. Finally, the practical application of this study is illustrated with a specific construction project. The findings of this study confirm the feasibility of machine learning in improving safety performance at construction sites. Construction accidents can be effectively prevented by identifying the potential safety risks, and employing on-site management.

Status of value management studies in construction projects: A systematic review

The focus of this paper is to examine the status of Value Management (VM) studies in specific construction projects by reviewing 104 relevant articles published from 2001 to 2021. The analysis indicates that the project type, project size, and research theme of VM studies conducted on various construction projects are all significantly correlated. Building projects and large-scale projects are identified as the most favoured subjects of VM studies to date. Meanwhile, researchers are keener on investigating the performance, impacts, and strategy of VM in different construction projects. Based on the status observed, some possible directions for future research are addressed. This paper not only provides evidence to demonstrate VM’s broad applicability, but also serves as a favourable reference for researchers to select research issues and topics with greater freedom to develop necessary VM studies in the construction industry.

Engineering and consulting services for project management in construction

Engineering is described as an engineering and consulting activity related to the solution of various engineering tasks during the development and creation, as well as the improvement of products, systems or processes. Within the specific investment and construction project, practical engineering is professional services of a research, design, production and technological nature. The objective of this research is to study the issues of engineering and consulting in construction, the application of model laws on engineering and engineering activities in construction, questions about the need for engineering and consulting services for project management in construction. The following tasks were solved in the research itself: the need for the introduction of engineering and consulting services for project management in construction was identified and justified; checkpoints were identified of processes at the stage of completion of the construction digitalization project (by project participants) required for the provision of engineering and consulting services; indicators were identified to assess the effectiveness of the construction digitalization project; criteria have been developed for assessing the effectiveness of the implementation of the construction digitalization project and an algorithm for the integrated functioning of the work of Russian consulting engineers in construction. Consulting engineers in construction may use the results and recommendations of this research in the practice of engineering and consulting.

The Economy of the Sino-Soviet Alliance.

Abstract This article examines the research literature on the economic aspects of the “Sino-Soviet Alliance”, which lasted from the end of the Chinese Civil war until the Sino-Soviet split (1949-1960/63). The Soviet and Eastern European contribution to China’s industrialization, called the “largest technology transfer in human history” by some, still awaits detailed examination. This article aims to structure the field as well as inspire future research. The included studies range from on-the-ground microstudies of engineers at specific industrial construction projects to macro-perspectives on economic exchange, trade and governmental negotiations. In contrast to classical Cold War perspectives, which assume a primacy of (geo-)politics, the paper builds on more recent studies, arguing that economic rationales mattered in both the split and the forging of the alliance. The literature review suggests that the room for manoeuvre of actors beyond the Kremlin and party leaderships has to be measured anew, and that the impact of the alliance on Eastern Europe awaits further research. Finally, the influence of the West with its technologies and world markets becomes visible when these apparently exclusive East-East relations are examined more closely.

The missing builders: craftwork and crafty resistance in the “eco-metropolis” of Copenhagen

PurposeThe paper ethnographically explores modes of urban resistance emerging in tandem with climate change mitigation programs in Copenhagen.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on 11 months of fieldwork with a Danish construction enterprise, the paper examines the politics of urban climate change mitigation programs through the lens of a group of builders' struggles to rethink and resolve dilemmas related to environmental concerns in construction and urban development.FindingsBased on an analysis of a specific construction project connected to a larger urban climate change mitigation program in Copenhagen, the paper shows how the builders deliberately move between different perspectives and positions as they navigate the shifting power relations of urban planning. The paper argues that this form of crafty resistance enables the builders to maneuver the political landscape of urban planning as they seek to appropriate the role of “urban planners” themselves.Originality/valueTaking up recent discussions of “resistance” in anthropology and cognate disciplines (e.g. Theodossopoulos, 2014; Bhungalia, 2020; Prasse-Freeman, 2020), the paper contributes an ethnographic analysis of struggles between diverging and, at times, competing modes of engagement in urban climate change mitigation programs and thus sheds light on how professional actors negotiate the ambiguity of “sustainability” in urban planning.

Economic Feasibility of Greening Foundation Engineering

This article examines the main economic effects associated with the greening of the construction sector in general, and foundation construction, in particular. The paper identifies the key advantages and economic benefits from the introduction of environmental innovations for the state, developers and the population. The central barriers hindering the development of "green building" in Russia are outlined. The economic efficiency of the complex application of resource and energy saving technologies in the construction sector on the example of specific domestic construction projects has been revealed. On the basis of existing theoretical and empirical studies, it was concluded that the economic feasibility of introducing resource-saving technologies in foundation engineering is to minimize labor intensity (without the involvement of special equipment), material costs, metal consumption and construction time, achieve high quality and operational characteristics of construction projects, their economical operation, including reducing heat loss and repair costs.

DEVELOPMENT OF ALGORITHM FOR CHOOSING A RATIONAL FACADE SYSTEM OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS

Purpose. The authors aimed to form an algorithm for choosing a rational facade system for a specific construction site, taking into account climatic, organizational-technological and operational properties, applicable to use by any participant in the construction process. Methodology. The criteria for choosing a rational facade system were determined. The state of choosing and applicability of modern facade systems for new construction and overhaul in Ukraine was analyzed. Based on certain factors influencing the choice of the most rational facade system of a multi-storey residential or public building the authors formed a convenient and objective algorithm for choosing a facade system, taking into account the main features of the construction object, as well as operating parameters. The algorithm was adapted to practical application. Findings. The influence of the parameters of choosing facade system on the process of arrangement, operation and repair of the modern facade system is established. The obtained algorithm for choosing a rational facade system by an estimation of values of influence factors in activity of the leading design organizations of Dnipro was successfully tested. By passing the appropriate algorithms at the joint meetings of the designer, customer and contractor, the most rational facade systems were found for specific construction projects with significant objectivity of choice. The adaptability of the algorithm by discarding minor factors leads to increased visibility of the process of choosing a facade system. Originality. The regularity of the influence of a number of organizational-technological and operational factors on the process of choosing a rational facade system is established. The efficiency of determining the appropriate system for specific construction conditions has been increased, taking into account the peculiarities of operation and purpose of the building. Practical value. The participant of construction by passing a simple algorithm has the opportunity to clearly assess the influence of organizational, technological and operational factors on the choice of a rational facade system. By evaluating the parameters of the corresponding factors, the most rational facade system for a particular object was determined. As a result, the cost of operation of the facade system is significantly reduced while optimizing the duration of repair periods and improving the working conditions of the components of the facade system.

The investment process features in housing construction of municipalities

Investment activity has many aspects and is determined by the goals, objectives, investors’ interests, its potential opportunities for investing funds, as well as the type and expected return of the invested object. Investments are the financial basis for housing construction. The essence of the investment process in housing is to find the financial resources and carry out the practical actions with them in order to make a profit and achieve another useful effect through the housing construction and its implementation on the market. Based on the economic feasibility principles, the investment process has a certain volume and terms of financial investments, which in the case of housing construction come in the form of capital investments. Ensuring the specific construction projects’ implementation, investments are of particular importance for municipalities, contributing to the expansion of their housing stock and improving the living conditions of the population through the new built housing acquisition. The investment process in housing has a number of specific features associated with the buildings’ construction long duration. At the same time, investments in housing construction are more reliable and less risky in comparison with other types of financial investments, since they can provide the investor with a greater profit in the implementation of constructed residential real estate. Due to the dynamism of the housing market, its conjuncture significantly affects the structure transformation, the investment level and the construction activities of municipalities. This study is dedicated to the investment process features’ consideration in the housing construction of municipalities.

Critical safety factors influencing on the safety performance of construction projects in Mongolia

ABSTRACT Systematic management of safety factors can improve project performance in terms of schedule and cost effectiveness as well as lead to a significant reduction of safety hazards. The purpose of this study is to determine critical safety factors focusing on the construction environments of a developing country, the Mongolia. Through extensive literature review, the authors selected prospective safety factors considering specific construction project environments of Mongolia. Rankings and significance of each safety factor are determined by the Relative Importance Index (RII) and t-test is applied to examine statistical differences among factor category groups. RII analysis indicates the failure of wearing personal protective equipment is the most critical factor among 58 factors. Meanwhile, adopting factor analysis methodology, 13 critical safety factor groups are identified and the most influential one is the regulatory group. In addition, comparative analysis between results of this study and those of previous studies is conducted. Findings of this study may contribute to the improvement of construction safety performance especially for those countries with similar construction environments as Mongolia. Analysis results and implications obtained suggest project managers or safety officials should devote more careful attention to critical safety factors and factor groups in safety planning and during project implementation stages.

Exploration and Research on the Construction Method of Ubiquitous Power Internet of Things for Prefecture-level Power Supply Companies

Abstract In order to promote the construction of the Ubiquitous Power Internet of Things scientifically and effectively, this paper considers the characteristics of each region comprehensively according to the needs of local and municipal companies, and forms three types of construction tasks with basic, improved and leading characteristics differentially. Key constructions in eight directions are defined, including production operations, customer service, construction management, energy ecology, enterprise intermediate platform, smart internet of things, basic support and technology research, etc. The objectives and effectiveness of twelve specific construction projects are cited as examples, which provide references for promoting the construction for prefecture-level power supply companies comprehensively.

Using Computer Simulations to Plan Construction Projects Accurately

The three main objectives in construction projects are completing the project on time, within budget, and with good quality. Each construction project is unique and unpredictable making it beneficial to model the project before executing it. There are many ways to model a construction project; however, computer models are ideal. It is very costly and time consuming to experiment with the actual system. Therefore, by using a computer simulation, accurate data can be collected from the project without the time and cost drawbacks. The specific construction project researched is based on a real project from Fort Mcmurray Alberta, Canada. The construction project involved the delivery and erection of three different types of steel in a construction site. Once the steel has been delivered, it needs to be stored and then carried by forklift to one of two cranes to be erected. A schedule was provided for which days each type of material was expected to be delivered and erected, however this schedule did not account for the 20% chance that any delivery could be delayed by one day or the 10% chance that deliveries could be delayed by two days. A model project was created on Simphony.NET with the assumptions that work could commence the entire day (24 hours), the site has unlimited storage, and a delay in one delivery does not delay all the deliveries after it. The schedule for the project was then modified to reflect the results of the simulation. The modified schedule showed that several deliveries of materials were delayed. However, due to the model’s assumptions and the time for erection being relatively short, the planned schedule for the erection of the materials was not delayed. By using the data collected from the computer simulation it was possible to more accurately plan the schedule for this construction project.

INNOVATIVE TOOLS OF ORGANIZATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL BUILDING PROJECTS

Purpose. Development of tools that provides organizational and technological, and organizational and structural substantiation of the cycle of municipal building projects (MBP) as specific construction and investment projects that are being prepared and implemented by the municipal authorities to solve urgent infrastructure, municipal, environmental and social problems of vital activity of the cities of Ukraine. Methodology. Applied tools of organizational and technological development of municipal building projects as an organizational, structural, administrative, and operational and technological means of their preparation and implementation, adapted to the content of life cycle characteristics and administrative features of these projects in the format of a special developer organizational structure, which is based and will act as a temporary functional administrative group. Findings. Based on the research, it was found out that when implementing municipal large-scale social construction projects, the problem of development is deepened by the need on the part of the municipal authorities to search for a development company. The specificity of MBP as construction projects (considerable duration, technical and technological complexity, mixed functional purpose, significant investment capacity, etc.) gave grounds to substantiate the organizational, managerial and functional-technological basis of the system of construction development for these projects. Originality. For the first time, the building development system has been updated for mixed-use projects based on a combination of multi-criteria resource scheduling approaches with methodological platforms that are used in building organization, development and modern practice of enterprise management. Practical value. The executive bodies of the city government for the implementation of composite and investment-intensive projects of mixed use are provided with powerful tools of formalized modeling and selection of options for organizing the cycle of MBP, along with practical recommendations on organizational and management implementation in the form of temporary administrative groups (directors).

Research on Risk Management of Ginza Project

This paper reviews the basic situation of risk management at home and abroad, starting from the view of project investors, and carries out risk management analysis for specific construction projects in Ginza. Firstly, the concept and classification of project risk management are put forward. Then, the risk management of a city’s Ginza is thoroughly analyzed from four risk management processes: risk identification, risk assessment, risk decision-making and risk monitoring. The whole process of risk management is completed by four procedures, so as to reduce risk losses.

Assessment and Selection of Contractors in Specific Contracting Projects with Supply Chain Approach, Using GRAY and AHP Methods as Decision Support

In our current conditions, it is not possible for all contractors to participate in specific construction project tenders due to the social, political and many other circumstances. Therefore, employers select appropriate contractors in two qualitative and quantitative stages; the second stage criteria are more important than the first stage. In this research, different stages for the evaluation and ranking of contractors in tenders of projects with specific conditions have been investigated. Researchers have tried to provide a comprehensive and complete approach to select a more appropriate contractor as an optimization method. In the first stage of the tender, the researchers used the GRAY method to rank contractors. In the second stage, they used AHP method to assess and rank the criteria of the contractors brought to this stage. Finally, the appropriate contractor selected and announced to the employer.