Sustainable Construction Projects Research Articles

Determining the stationary digital twins implementation barriers for sustainable construction projects

PurposePrevious research has demonstrated that Digital Twins (DT) are extensively employed to improve sustainable construction methods. Nonetheless, their uptake in numerous nations is still constrained. This study seeks to identify and examine the digital twin’s implementation barriers in construction building projects to augment operational performance and sustainability.Design/methodology/approachAn iterative two-stage approach was adopted to explore the phenomena under investigation. General DT Implementation Barriers were first identified from extant literature and subsequently explored using primary questionnaire survey data from Hong Kong building industry professionals.FindingsSurvey results illustrated that Lack of methodologies and tools, Difficulty in ensuring a high level of performance in real-time communication, Impossibility of directly measuring all data relevant to the DT, need to share the DT among multiple application systems involving multiple stakeholders and Uncertainties in the quality and reliability of data are the main barriers for adopting digital twins' technology. Moreover, Ginni’s mean difference measure of dispersion showed that the stationary digital twin’s barriers adoption is needed to share the DT among multiple application systems involving multiple stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings offer valuable guidance to the construction industry. They help stakeholders adopt digital twins' technology, which, in turn, improves cost efficiency and sustainability. This adoption reduces project expenses and enhances environmental responsibility, providing companies a competitive edge in the industry.Originality/valueThis research rigorously explores barriers to Digital Twin (DT) implementation in the Hong Kong construction industry, employing a systematic approach that includes a comprehensive literature review, Ranking Analysis (RII) and Ginni’s coefficient of mean difference (GM). With a tailored focus on Hong Kong, the study aims to identify, analyze and provide novel insights into DT implementation challenges. Emphasizing practical relevance, the research bridges the gap between academic understanding and real-world application, offering actionable solutions for industry professionals, policymakers and researchers. This multifaceted contribution enhances the feasibility and success of DT implementation in construction projects within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector.

Bibliometric Analysis of Key Issues and Objectives in Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainable Project Management

The environmental, economic, and social sustainability of construction project management was researched through a literature review in this study. This paper aimed to analyze the trends in studies about issues in sustainable project management and to research the importance and components of environmental, economic, and social sustainability and their interrelationships. In the scope of the bibliometric analysis, the articles were analyzed by their publication years, authors, authors' countries, authors' organizations, and keyword occurrences. Then, the problems in ensuring the sustainability of construction project management and suggestions for overcoming these problems were reviewed. In previous studies, high energy and raw material consumption and waste became the main factors that prevented environmental sustainability. A strong relationship was found between economic sustainability and life cycle cost assessment, and effective stakeholder engagement is considered the major contributor to the social sustainability of construction management. Sustainability regulations and policies, managerial capabilities, and organizational learning also have critical significance for achieving sustainable construction. The dimensions of sustainability in construction management are closely related to one another, and each one is crucial to achieving the other aspects of sustainability in construction projects. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy that takes into account social, economic, and environmental sustainability criteria should be adopted in construction project management.

Assessing the implications of BIM on sustainability of construction projects through design risk management

PurposeDesign cost overrun is one of the prominent factor that can impact the sustainable delivery of the project. It can be encountered due to a lack of information flow, design variation, etc. thereby impacting the project budget, waste generation and schedule. An overarching impact of this is witnessed in the sustainability dimensions of the project, mainly in terms of economic and environmental aspects. This work, therefore, aims to assess the implications of a technological process, in the form of building information modelling (BIM), that can smoothen the design process and mitigate the risks, thus impacting the sustainability of the project holistically.Design/methodology/approachThe identified design risks in construction projects from the literature were initially analysed using a fuzzy inference system (FIS). This was followed by the focus group discussion with the project experts to understand the role of BIM in mitigating the project risks and, in turn, fulfilling the sustainability dimensions.FindingsThe FIS-based risk assessment found seven risks under the intolerable category for which the BIM functionalities associated with the common data environment (CDE), data storage and exchange and improved project visualization were studied as mitigation approaches. The obtained benefits were then subsequently corroborated with the achievement of three sustainability dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsThe conducted study strengthens the argument for the adoption of technological tools in the construction industry as they can serve multifaceted advantages. This has been shown through the use of BIM in risk mitigation, which inherently impacts project sustainability holistically.Originality/valueThe impact of BIM on all three dimensions of sustainability, i.e. social, economic and environmental, through its use in the mitigation of critical risks was one of the important findings. It presented a different picture as opposed to other studies that have mainly been dominated by the use of BIM to achieve environmental sustainability.

Review: Detect and Overcomes the Problem in Project Finance

Abstract: Despite the increasing investment in constructional development over the past decade, a systematic review of construction project financing is lacking. The objectives of this paper are to conduct a systematic review to examine the policies, practices, and research efforts in the area of project finance in construction projects and to explore the potential opportunities for future research. To achieve these goals, this paper first reviewed the reasons for financial crises in the construction industry and sustainable construction project financing practices implemented by the critical analysis method for Kolhapur district. Project finance refers to the funding of long-term projects, such as public infrastructure or services, industrial projects, and others, through a specific financial structure. Finances can consist of a mix of debt and equity. The cash flows from the project enable servicing of the debt and repayment of debt and equity. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by reviewing existing policies, practices, and research efforts in the area of construction project financing. Meanwhile, the findings from this paper benefit the industry as well, because they are able to provide practitioners with a holistic view of risk and uncertainty, thereby enhancing their knowledge and skills in this regard

Enhancing sustainability considerations in construction industry projects

AbstractIn today’s society, the construction sector significantly influences all three aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Industry and academia have recognized sustainability in construction projects as a key concern. The New Zealand government also focuses on providing a sustainable construction sector centred on high performance, high productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving community well-being through a better-built environment. Project management and sustainability are two distinct areas of research. Previous empirical research on the effectiveness of construction project implementation lacked sustainability success components. This research aims to provide criteria for project sustainability success for future performance on construction projects. Based on the existing literature, many economic, environmental, and social sustainability indicators were compiled for consideration at various pipeline project life cycle phases. The information gathered from the Scopus database was analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9 software to create project sustainability success criteria. Pipeline construction projects and sustainability must focus on environmental challenges while managing economic and social advantages. The research investigated sustainable construction adoption, revealing weak awareness among organizations due to limited understanding among key actors like clients, regulatory bodies, and construction organizations. Lack of effective application of sustainability guidelines, inadequate legislation, and building codes were significant hurdles in implementing sustainable practices in the construction sector. The study highlights essential issues to promote sustainable practices in the industry. The study findings suggest that organizations and individual factors are strong predictors for achieving sustainable construction and are vital antecedents leading to greater sustainability adoption. Finally, the study points to construction project managers’ knowledge of how to set up criteria connected to sustainability and how it could affect the outcome of their projects.

Optimizing sustainable construction projects through LNSGA III: a time-cost-environmental impact trade-off approach

Optimizing sustainable construction projects through LNSGA III: a time-cost-environmental impact trade-off approach

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Editorial: Innovation and lean practices for sustainable construction project management; emerging technologies, strategies and challenges

Developing a multidimensional risk assessment model for sustainable construction projects

PurposeSustainable construction re-engineers the conventional project lifecycle to integrate sustainability solutions. The additional sustainability requirements introduce new layers of complexity, challenges and risks that if unaddressed, can derail the gains in sustainable construction projects. This study developed a multidimensional risk assessment model for sustainable construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachThe research activities a comprised comprehensive literature review to shortlist relevant risks, an analysis of the probability – impact rating of the shortlisted risks – and the development of a risk assessment model for SC projects in the UAE. The model is developed based on the multicriteria framework and mathematical formulation of the fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach.FindingsThe developed model quantified the overall risk level in sustainable construction projects to be 3.71 on a 5-point Likert scale, indicating that investment in SC projects in the UAE is risky and should be carefully managed. The developed model further revealed that each of the risk groups, comprising management (3.82), technical (3.78), stakeholder (3.68), regulatory (3.66), material (3.53) and economic risks (3.502), presents a significant threat to realizing outcomes typical of SC projects.Originality/valueThis study developed a multidimensional risk assessment model capable of objectively quantifying the overall risk level and provides decision support to project teams to improve risk management in sustainable construction projects.

Environmental Certifications in Architecture in Southeast Asia

The present textual work focuses on the significant role of certifications such as LEED and BREEAM in the context of architecture in Southeast Asia. LEED and BREEAM are widely recognized sustainability certification systems that assess and promote environmentally friendly and energy-efficient building practices. These certificates serve as valuable guides for sustainable construction projects and have a positive impact on the promotion of sustainability principles. The findings indicate that the demand for environmentally friendly buildings in this region is continuously growing. This has led to an increased application of certifications as instruments to achieve sustainability goals. Despite this positive development, some challenges persist. In particular, the disparity between claimed sustainability and the actual sustainability achieved in certain construction projects requires critical examination. This underscores the urgent need for more effective monitoring and regulation regarding certification procedures. Another crucial insight is that the adaptation of certificates to the cultural and climatic peculiarities of the region is of great importance. The present work emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between government authorities, architects, and the construction industry to effectively promote sustainable architecture in Southeast Asia. It concludes with an outlook on future developments and the potential role of regional materials and construction methods in the architecture of this region. In summary, it becomes evident that certifications play an indispensable role in promoting sustainability, but their effectiveness depends on a variety of factors. The aspects of monitoring and adaptation to regional conditions prove to be crucial for achieving the goals of sustainable architecture in Southeast Asia in the long term.

Hybrid approach for cost estimation of sustainable building projects using artificial neural networks

Abstract Inaccurate estimation in sustainable construction projects is a significant challenge for appraisers, particularly when data and knowledge about the projects are lacking. As a result, there is a need to use cutting-edge technology to solve the issue of estimation inaccuracy. Iraq’s productivity estimates are now made using outdated, ineffective methodologies and procedures. In addition, it is essential to implement cutting-edge, quick, precise, and adaptable technology for productivity estimation. This study’s major goal is to calculate the overall costs of sustainable buildings using the cutting-edge technique known as artificial neural networks (ANNs). For Iraq’s construction industry to handle projects successfully, ANNs must be used as a new technology, a methodology developed to estimate the overall costs of sustainable construction projects. In this study, the process of cost estimation was modeled using ANNs. Investigations of a number of examples involving the creation of ANNs have also been made, including network design and internal elements and how much they impact the effectiveness of models built using ANNs. Equations were developed to determine structural productivity. These networks were shown to have extremely strong predictive power for both accounting coefficients (R) (93.33%) and the overall costs of sustainable construction projects, with a prediction accuracy of 87.00 and 93.33%, respectively.

Decoding Social Sustainability in Construction Projects: Analysis of Project Dynamics and Impact

Sustainable development (SD) is of prime importance in the present world, where resources are depleting fast and causing conflicts among nations to control essential resources. Since the construction industry (CI) consumes most of these resources, Construction Sustainability (CS) is a key focus of SD. Among the three pillars of sustainability, i.e., economic, environmental, and social, the first two have been amply addressed by researchers. However, the social aspects have been neglected or under-researched so far. The current research humbly attempts to fill this gap. Accordingly, a System Dynamics Model (SDM) has been developed to address this issue. After a comprehensive literature review, questionnaire survey, content analysis, and gathering the opinions of ten experts from CI, 11 key factors of social CS were identified. Using the system thinking approach, a causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to assess the intensity and polarity of these factors. The CLD encompassed eight reinforcing loops and one balancing loop. Based on the CLD, an SDM was developed and simulated over 3 years. Primarily, the SDM had two stocks: “Government support for sustainable construction” and “Stakeholder awareness and knowledge”. An additional stock named “Construction Sustainability” was added to observe the combined effect of the system. The results showed that CS increased over time. The CLD and resulting SDM help in understanding the complex interaction of the social CS factors and thereby addressing the associated complexity of the effects of these varied factors on a project. Such knowledge can be valuable for anyone dealing with projects where social factors play a significant role. The proposed SDM provides a structured approach to understanding and visualizing the intricate relationships and feedback loops within a social system, aiding in more effective decision making and problem solving.

Empowering urban sustainability: unveiling the crucial role of project managers in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 11

PurposeThis paper explores project managers' (PMs') role in contributing to and achieving sustainability within construction projects, particularly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PMs working with construction firms in the UK. Thematic analysis was also performed on the qualitative data retrieved using the NVivo software.FindingsThe study’s findings revealed that PMs working on construction projects considered various sustainable construction processes in attempts to solve problems with traditional construction technology. Furthermore, it was revealed that the PM’s role was key in achieving the SDGs in general and SDG 11 in particular through the process of perfecting the client brief, ensuring the client’s financial stability and creating an environment of teamwork. In terms of specific competencies, sustainability leadership and sustainable innovative capability were revealed to suggest that a PM is the leader of change.Originality/valueThe study highlights the essential role of the PM in delivering sustainable construction projects as part of the drive to achieve SDG 11. The study impacts the construction industry in developing strategies and training programs that build PMs' competencies and skills for contributing to the world we want.

Exploring Leadership Styles to Foster Sustainability in Construction Projects: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The construction sector has faced significant challenges in addressing the world’s pressing crises, such as climate change, poverty, and human well-being. Ensuring sustainability in construction projects is pivotal, and leadership plays a crucial role in embedding sustainable practices. Objectives: This research aims to identify an effective leadership style for implementing sustainable practices in construction projects through a systematic literature review (SLR). Methods: A comprehensive SLR was conducted, focusing on leadership in sustainable construction. The review process included identifying, screening, and analysing relevant literature. Thirty-one articles were meticulously selected and evaluated to understand the relationship between leadership styles and sustainable practices in construction. Results: The findings suggest that no single leadership style is universally applicable in all contexts within sustainable construction. However, transformational leadership stands out for its benefits in facilitating sustainable practices. The review provides insights into various leadership approaches and their effectiveness in different scenarios. Conclusions: The study concludes that while a universal leadership style for sustainable construction does not exist, transformational leadership is generally more effective. This finding is significant for construction project managers aiming to implement sustainable practices, providing them guidance on the leadership styles that are most likely to yield successful outcomes in their projects.

Operational Risk Management (ORM) as an Approach to Optimize Sustainability in the Construction Industry

In the contemporary domain, sustainable construction projects are growing in the market with advanced standards. With the application of new materials and technology in construction, there has been an exponential surge in risks. The significance of risk administration in optimizing sustainability in construction ventures is, therefore, augmenting. This thesis assignment was aimed at expanding insights into project-related operational risks in the construction sector and their management. It was requisite to get familiar with good practices in the sector to suggest effective recommendations relating to the topic. The thesis examined operational risk management (ORM) as an approach to optimize sustainability in the construction industry. The thesis assumed an archival study and secondary analysis to construe the study hypothesis. Data gathering utilized both primary and secondary approaches. The questionnaire was used to reinforce the research outcomes. Data analysis involved categorization using a network of relationships. The results from 10 articles sampled in the study indicated that while most actors in the construction sector understand the importance of risk management, the role played by ORM in improving sustainability is not widespread.

Utilization of discarded face masks in combination with recycled concrete aggregate and silica fume for sustainable civil construction projects

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has not only had a severe impact on global health but also poses a threat to the environment. This research aims to explore an innovative approach to address the issue of increased waste generated by the pandemic. Specifically, the study investigates the utilization of discarded face masks in combination with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and Silica Fume (SFM) in civil construction projects. The disposable face masks were processed by removing the ear loops and nose strips, and then cutting them into small fibers measuring 20 mm in length, 5 mm in width, and 0.46 mm in thickness, resulting in an aspect ratio of 24. Various proportions of SFM and RCA were incorporated into the concrete mix, with a focus on evaluating the compressive strength, split tensile strength, and durability of the resulting material. The findings indicate that the addition of SFM led to improvements in both compressive and split tensile strength, while no significant impact on durability was observed.

Construction Project Management Issues and Development in Current for Future Construction Project: Challenges and Prospects in Sustainable Project Management

The global construction industry faces escalating pressure to embrace sustainable practices in response to increasing awareness of environmental and social issues. The construction sector, with its profound impact on the built environment, plays a pivotal role with far-reaching environmental, social, and economic implications. Stakeholders in the construction industry, driven by concerns related to climate change, resource depletion, and social equity, actively seek strategies to mitigate their environmental and societal impact. This has culminated in a heightened emphasis on sustainability in construction project management. The aim of this research is to investigate the challenges and propose proactive strategies among construction project stakeholders to effectively integrate sustainable practices into project management. This research systematically reviews existing literature to illuminate the challenges and prospects associated with integrating sustainability into construction project management, focusing on the future of construction projects. Challenges encountered by construction project managers include cost constraints, limited awareness and training, resistance to change, and the complexity of sustainability metrics. Understanding and addressing these challenges are imperative for the successful implementation of sustainable construction practices tailored to the unique context of construction firms. On the positive side, integrating sustainability into construction project management holds promising prospects. It is anticipated to result in reduced resource consumption, enhanced energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and an improved public image. Furthermore, aligning construction projects with sustainable development goals opens avenues for innovation and market differentiation. This research underscores the necessity of proactive strategies and collaborative efforts among project stakeholders to overcome challenges associated with sustainable construction. It highlights the potential for future construction projects to contribute significantly to a more sustainable built environment, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainability in construction projects. By addressing these challenges, the construction industry can progress towards a more sustainable future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote responsible resource management.

Bim Safety Efficiency and Sustainability in Construction Projects

Bim Safety Efficiency and Sustainability in Construction Projects

Governing Public–Private Partnerships of Sustainable Construction Projects in An Opportunistic Setting

Government-sponsored public–private partnership (PPP) projects in the United Kingdom face particular complexity and uncertainty challenges because of the country’s specific socioeconomic context. This research investigates the role of governance and stakeholder management in PPP-based sustainable projects by conducting a mixed methods approach, which includes a quantitative survey and a qualitative case study inference. The results show that project governance and stakeholder management have a significant positive impact toward sustainable development and PPP project success. Whereas the negative impact of opportunism over contractual governance and stakeholder management is insignificant. Similarly, the negative effect of project uncertainty over contractual governance is insignificant toward sustainable development.

Innovative use of wet carbon conversion in alkali-activated slag: Improved microstructures and mechanical characteristics

Nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) has garnered significant attention due to its remarkable efficacy in enhancing the properties and microstructure of concrete. In this study, the wet carbon conversion method was used to synthesize solid nano-CaCO3 from CO2, which was then added to AAS. Subsequently, the compressive strength and resistivity of the AAS mortar were assessed, and the AAS paste underwent microscopic characterization using experimental methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) et.al. The effects of the nano-CaCO3 on the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and durability of the AAS were determined. The microscopic analysis results clearly demonstrate that the nano-CaCO3 prepared using this method exerts significant physical and chemical effects, leading to a notable improvement in the compactness of the AAS microstructure. Moreover, the experimental findings provide further confirmation that the addition of nano-CaCO3 results in a substantial enhancement of both the compressive strength and resistivity of AAS mortar, particularly in the early stages. Specifically, the inclusion of 6% nano-calcium carbonate led to a remarkable 29.8% increase in compressive strength at 1 curing day. Furthermore, the analysis of carbon dioxide emissions from AAS reveals that incorporating nano-CaCO3 effectively reduces the carbon footprint associated with AAS. This implies that adopting this approach not only enhances the performance of AAS but also contributes to a reduction in the environmental impact, thus actively promoting sustainable construction and engineering projects.

Integration of passive RFID for small-scale construction project management

Passive radio frequency identification (P-RFID) is discussed previously for its sustainable usefulness in the construction industry. The subject of this research is the barriers to the implementation of passive radio frequency identification (P-RFID) technology for the digital transformation of small construction projects, and the interrelationships among these barriers. This study emphasizes notably smaller building projects. Considering technological, cultural, privacy, interest, volatility, and resource constraints that must be overcome to encourage the implementation of P-RFID in the construction business. A PLS-SEM analysis is also provided, showing how much technological, cultural, and privacy hurdles affect the P-RFID rollout. Most severely inhibiting adoption are technical obstacles, cultural ones, and privacy concerns. Findings stress the need of construction firms to adopt new technology to speed up project completion and keep up with rising demand. The use of P-RFID technology may improve the efficiency of project delivery processes and reduce the number of failed projects. Additionally, the research highlights the value of privacy as well as the need of making its protection a key priority in the development of P-RFID technology. According to the findings of the research, one of the most important things that has to be done in order to increase the usage of P-RFID in low-volume sustainable construction projects in Malaysia is to remove the barriers that prevent people from being interested in it.