Construction Technology Research Articles

Biobased Construction from Agricultural Crops: Paper 1 - A State of Play of Commercial Solutions in Europe

In response to environmental concerns and the global warming issue in particular there is a growing drive to decarbonise the building sector and transition it to more circular practices. Biobased construction materials, products and systems are an important low carbon and circular strategy as they can enable low to negative carbon construction and have strong circularity advantages notably being able to enter the bio cycle, using renewable, low to zero toxic resources and provide a range of other performance benefits, including moisture and vapour regulation. This novel research presents a unique state of play on the commercial application of biobased construction from selected agricultural crops, straw, miscanthus and hemp, focused on the European context. A desk-based review of known biobased material producers and manufacturers is undertaken, supplemented with semi structured interviews and site visits, to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector and detailed account of the types of biobased materials, products and systems that are being applied in buildings across Europe and beyond. The findings show that a diversity of agricultural crops are being utilised at different process, manufacture and construction technology levels, providing a range of tested and certified materials and products for application in mainly timber frame construction, but also some masonry solutions, and a growing number of modular systems. These operate in a diversity of supply chains and are being applied in a wide range of building types, both domestic and non-domestic, including multi story and complex buildings.

STUDY OF LABOR COSTS FOR INSTALLATION OF THE HDPE GEOMEMBRANE OF THE RECHARGEMENT COVERING OF THE LANDFILL №5 OF THE KYIV REGION

The article presents the results of studies of labor costs for the complex process of installation of the HDPE geomembrane of the multifunctional reclamation cover of Site No. 1 of the landfill site No. 5 in the village of Pidhirtsi Obukhiv district, Kyiv region. These studies also correspond to the direction of the scientific work of the Department of Construction Technologies of the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture on the topic "Creation of an algorithm and an electronic database for determining time standards for construction processes" (DR No. 0121U108931), scientific supervisor prof. Tonkacheev G.M.HDPE membrane of the AGRU company, 1.5 mm thick, 5.0 m wide, 100 m long, was used for the research. The research was carried out in the area of sector №2 during the laying of a 5x100 m roll geomembrane with an area of 500 m2. 60% of the site was a horizontal surface, and 40% was a 180 degree slope.The timing was used to determine the duration of the following technological operations: unloading geomembrane rolls from a truck with an excavator; moving one roll of geomembrane to the installation site with an excavator; unpacking, rolling, stacking with trimming and leveling of the geomembrane with an excavator; placement of ballast bags with sand to hold the geomembrane (loading); dust removal of geomembrane seams before welding; welding of geomembrane panels with a double seam; inspection of geomembrane seams with a pressure of up to 2 atm, elimination of detected weld defects, applying patches to inspection sites.The experimental laying of the membrane was carried out on a 500 m2 (10 x 50 m) area of the landfill, marked with outriggers for gas drainage - 30 cm (crushed gravel fraction 20-40 mm), without the use of a geotextile layer. According to the research results, labor costs for laying 100 square meters of structured HDPE geomembrane with a thickness of 1.5 mm amounted to 4.982 man-hours, in addition, the working time of the excavator was 1.50 machine-hours.

Damage Factors and Protection of Low Permeability Reservoir

With the development of science and technology and the progress of society, people's production level has been significantly improved. In this context, people have also put forward higher requirements for the application and development of technology and processes in various production fields. The relevant construction technology of oilfield enterprises is no exception. Low permeability reservoir occupies a large proportion in China's reservoir resources. However, due to the small pore space and large fluid flow resistance of low permeability reservoir, it is more prone to reservoir damage in the development process, and even causes the reservoir to fail to produce in serious cases. Therefore, research on the potential damage factors and damage mechanism of low permeability reservoir and propose corresponding protection strategies are conducive to improving the development effect of low permeability reservoir. The potential damage factors of low permeability reservoir are systematically analyzed, which is of great significance to guide the efficient exploitation of low permeability reservoir.

Research on the application of public art design based on digital technology in urban landscape construction

Research on the application of public art design based on digital technology in urban landscape construction

Dynamic analysis of multi-module floating photovoltaic platforms with composite mooring system by considering tidal variation and platform configuration

Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) are emerging as an innovative technology to utilizing solar energy which advances the exploration of renewable energy technologies in the deep sea. This investigation proposes a novel methodology to verify the feasibility of the designed models in time-domain analysis via the motion responses, the mooring analysis based on the finite element method (FEM) and the airgap analysis, considering a comparison of dynamic responses between the regular hexagon shape and rectangle shape semi-submersible floating photovoltaic platform (FPVP) both combinate the cables and the tensioners mooring system to adapt the tidal variation. Initially, the response amplitude operators (RAOs) of the two configurations of the FPVP numerical models established in AQWA are derived from the frequency-domain analysis. Then, the method of rectifying the RAOs by incorporating additional damping essential to compensating the fluid viscosity due to the limitation of the potential flow theory is verified through comparison with the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. Subsequently, the motion responses of the two conceptualized FPVPs with the composite mooring system under different depths of water are assessed in time-domain analysis through OrcaFlex which regards the cables and tensioners as Morison type based on the FEM theory. Simultaneously, the variations in the air gap of platforms with dissimilar stiffness tensioners are compared to assess the safety of FPV systems under different water depths. The long-term extreme forecast of effective tension force for various return periods derived from the Weibull distribution model is verified. Finally, considering the factors that influence the design and safety of multi-module floating photovoltaics in variable-depth water, this study provides essential guidance for the safe construction technology of semi-submersible FPVPs, serves as a valuable reference for promoting reliable and cost-effective FPV technologies for offshore environments.

Research on the structure and materials of 3D printing technology

Technologies for materials and construction using 3D printing have been rapidly developed in recent years due to its characteristics and properties. It is potentially the answer to future construction and the industrial design industry. 3D printing is a recent technology that consists of additive manufacturing, and using it can help increase efficiency, decrease human injury, decrease industrial waste, and decrease the time of construction. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the construction and material of 3D printing technology. This paper then concludes with some applications of the technology to show some of its uses. The paper also analyzes some directions for future progress. 3D-printing technology still has a long path to go through, and its development needs further discussion and arguments. The advantage of 3D printing technology is its high applicability and cost efficiency. However, this technology is new, and it lacks sufficient research. In the future, more improvement on the yield rate of this technology needs to be done.

Calculation method of temporary cable force in incremental launching construction of large span steel box girder without auxiliary pier

The Fenshui River Bridge is a steel–concrete composite girder bridge with a main span of 90 m. Due to the topographical constraints, the steel box girder was constructed without the use of auxiliary piers, employing incremental launching techniques. This article focuses on the construction technology used for the steel box girder of the Fenshui River Bridge. Firstly, using the influence matrix method, the cable force is determined based on the maximum cantilever state of the structure, with the vertical deformation of the front end of the guide beam and the horizontal deformation of the top of the tower as the control objectives. The unstressed cable length is then calculated based on the mechanical relationship between cable deformation and cable force. A calculation method for adaptive cable force is proposed, which is based on the variation of the stress-free cable length within the adaptive structural system. Next, the finite element analysis method was employed to determine the optimal layout position for the tower. The results indicate that during the incremental launching construction of the steel box girder, the calculated cable forces using the method proposed in this paper are in close agreement with the measured cable forces. At the maximum cantilever state of the structure, the calculated and measured values of the cable force resulted in a percentage difference of 3.96%. The calculated values of deformation and stress in key sections showed a percentage difference of 6.4% for deformation and 6.6% for stress. To maximize the effectiveness of the tower and cable, the tower should be positioned above the bridge pier when the guide beam crosses the maximum span. The findings of this paper can serve as a reference for the construction of similar types of bridges.

Analysis of the influencing factors of the cost of village prefabricated housing in rural revitalization: a southern Shaanxi case study

PurposeUnder the rural revitalization, the effect of China's implementation of rural prefabricated housing is not obvious. Cost has become the biggest obstacle to its development. Therefore, it is necessary to study the factors influencing the cost of prefabricated buildings in villages and clarify the focus of cost control.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on the whole process of prefabricated housing construction in villages in China and uses grounded theory to identify and screen out 27 related factors that affect the construction cost of prefabricated buildings. A system dynamics model is used to dynamically analyze the influencing factors. The engineering examples in rural areas of southern Shaanxi are simulated. Finally, five key factors that influence cost are obtained. Based on this, cost control countermeasures are proposed for rural prefabricated housing in southern Shaanxi.FindingsThe results show that: the key factors affecting the cost of prefabricated buildings in villages include the selection of production methods, the degree of design standardization, the quality of construction personnel, the level of construction technology and the circulation cycle of molds. The cost of prefabricated housing in villages can be controlled through five aspects: mass production of components, design exchange and feasibility analysis, improvement of employee professionalism, strict selection of construction schemes and technologies and improvement of mold turnover rate.Research limitations/implicationsThe system dynamics model applied in this paper is based on the idealized state. The system boundary is narrow and has a certain subjectivity. It needs further detailed research to make it closer to the engineering practice. In addition, this paper applies the rural engineering example in southern Shaanxi to carry out a single case study, and the universality of the research results needs to be further tested. There are many village construction projects and building types, so the research results can be further enriched through large sample research.Practical implicationsRural construction is an important step in the implementation of rural revitalization. Exploring the factors that affect the key costs of prefabricated buildings in villages and towns in view of the particularity of rural areas will help provide a reference for their cost control and help the rural development of prefabricated houses.Social implicationsThe research results of this paper can provide a reference for the development of prefabricated buildings in other rural revitalization areas.Originality/valueDifferent from the traditional research on urban prefabricated buildings, this paper focuses on rural areas and explores the core factors affecting the cost of prefabricated buildings from the micro level. This study establishes a system dynamics model suitable for the cost control of prefabricated housing at the village level and provides methods for its cost control. Based on the identified key factors affecting costs, cost control measures were proposed for prefabricated housing tailored to the unique characteristics of villages.

A method for accurate extraction of three-dimensional point cloud feature data in loading test of container ships

The accuracy of container slot dimensions directly affects the efficiency and safety of container loading and unloading. However, traditional methods of container loading tests need to be improved for their long cycles, high costs, and low production efficiency. With the application of three-dimensional laser scanning devices in ship manufacturing, the use of simulated container loading test methods based on point cloud becomes a breakthrough in key technology for container ship construction. This paper presents a multi-objective segmentation method of cargo hold feature point cloud for container ship simulated loading tests. Data preprocessing algorithms are applied to remove noise and pseudo-image, and then a Random Sample Consensus algorithm is used to remove bulkhead and cargo bottom point clouds. Based on the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm and the region growing algorithm, an algorithm for multiple segmentation of guide rail and bottom cone point clouds is devised, and a four-plane segmentation of guide rail point clouds is realized. Finally, a method for three-dimensional point cloud data flatness assessment and a Hausdorff distance based method for calculating the guide rail lateral and longitudinal spacing are proposed. These methods are validated through the loading test of a 16,000 TEU container ship.

Exploring Traditional Nepalese Building Techniques and Timber’s Role Structural Integrity

This paper aims to explore traditional Nepalese building construction techniques and the significant role of timber in enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of these buildings. With a long history of utilizing materials that are readily available locally, particularly wood, clay, stone, Nepal a country renowned for its rich architectural legacy has built buildings employing these resources. The study delves into the various traditional building techniques employed in Nepal, including the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance associated with them. Additionally, it investigates the unique properties of timber that make it an ideal choice for construction in the Nepalese context. The finding talks about the construction of buildings various techniques which are employed to assemble structures. This includes information, on building materials, functional space allocation and the terminologies used in building construction. These terminologies hold value as they are derived from our tradition, in building construction technology. The findings of this research can serve as a valuable resource for architects, engineers, conservationists, and policymakers involved in the restoration and sustainable development of traditional Nepalese buildings.

Learning Web for Brickwork Course at the Vocational College / Web Pembelajaran bagi Kursus Kerja Bata di Kolej Vokasional

The increasing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry underscores the importance of effective and modern education. Traditional approaches employed in teaching brickwork courses often face several challenges that impact the learning process. However, the use of academic modules resembling textbooks in the teaching and learning process (T&L) is seen as less suitable in meeting the challenges of the 21st-century curriculum changes. Moreover, the use of static and non-interactive modules leads to reduced student interest and attention because the T&L experienced is less engaging and makes it difficult for students to understand topics due to minimal sensory use. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the elements required in the development of a web-based learning platform for brickwork and the level of student understanding before and after learning using the web-based platform. The study design utilized was a quasi-experimental quantitative approach using pre and post-tests involving control and treatment groups. The instruments used were checklist forms and pre and post-tests. Respondents involved in this study consisted of experts in Educational Technology and first-year (semester 2) Malaysian Vocational Certificate (SVM) students from the Construction Technology course at a Vocational College. Data analysis in this study was descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean scores, frequency, Mann-Whitney U Test, and Wilcoxon T Test. The results showed a significant improvement in student performance after using the web-based learning platform for brickwork. Findings indicate that the development of the web-based learning platform in terms of interface display and interaction, content and instructional structure, and facilitation received high marks from experts. Essentially, the use of web-based learning for brickwork courses not only modernizes the educational approach but also optimizes accessibility, interactivity, and better prepares students for success in the construction industry.

The Informational-Educational Environment of Additional Professional Education for Learning the Basics of Green Construction

The relevance of the topic of the article is determined by the need to introduce promising green building technology into domestic construction practice. The purpose of the article is based on the analysis of the current situation with green construction in Russia to substantiate the need for students of the system of additional professional education to master the basics of green construction technology and to develop an educational retraining program and appropriate educational and methodological support related to the study of the basics of green construction. The following research methods are used: theoretical analysis of scientific results devoted to the identification of the essence of development and the establishment of trends in various systems of civil engineering education, analysis of curricula and manuals for architectural and construction training of students; expert analytical methods for evaluating the content of methodological and software tools designed to master special disciplines in architectural and construction training of students in the context of digital transformation of education. As a result of the analysis of scientific publications in the field of educational management, the need to improve the system in the field of architectural and construction training and the development of green building technology has been identified. The analysis of the existing shortcomings of traditional construction project management is carried out, the need to study the basics of green construction and develop appropriate educational and methodological materials implemented in the context of digital transformation of the construction industry is justified. The content structure for the development of an electronic educational resource for the study of the discipline is considered, the content of each block of content is described, and the connections between the blocks are shown. The reasons hindering the development of engineering management of green construction in Russia are systematized. Advanced training of students in the field of green construction will help to overcome the factors hindering the introduction of green technology in domestic construction. The results of the article may be of interest to specialists of architectural and construction universities engaged in the preparation of bachelors and masters for the construction industry in the context of digital transformation of education. Keywords: “green” construction, advanced training, construction education, system of additional professional education, electronic educational resource

Intelligent Technology for Construction of Dynamic Integrated Expert Systems: Specificities of Construction of Simulation Models of the External Environment

Intelligent Technology for Construction of Dynamic Integrated Expert Systems: Specificities of Construction of Simulation Models of the External Environment

Impact of CEO Duality and Overconfidence on Construction Technology Innovation: Evidence from China

Impact of CEO Duality and Overconfidence on Construction Technology Innovation: Evidence from China

Melting properties of lunar regolith simulant for in-situ construction

Additive manufacturing using lunar regolith can significantly reduce reliance on Earth’s resources for future lunar surface construction. To enhance the quality of parts formed through additive manufacturing, a comprehensive understanding of the melting characteristics of lunar regolith is crucial. In this study, the melting temperature range, melt viscosity, workability range, and contact angels between melt and substrates of the CUG-1A lunar regolith simulant were determined. The complete melting temperature of CUG-1A is about 1320 °C, and the corresponding melt viscosity is 8.39 Pa⋅s. The five characteristic temperatures of CUG-1A under argon flow, including sintering point, softening point, half-sphere point, floating point, and fluid point, are 1081 °C, 1115 °C, 1149 °C, 1158 °C, and 1311 °C, respectively. These characteristic temperatures are about 35 °C–50 °C higher in vacuum. The melt demonstrates good wetting ability at the flow point temperature with contact angels of 29° and 21° on corundum and platinum. The bubble generation, growth and release processes were observed for the melts under vacuum conditions. These results would provide essential data for the development of in-situ construction technologies, such as energy beam focused melting lunar regolith.

Managing The Barriers to Sustainable Construction Technologies in Ghana: A Conceptual Stakeholder Approach

Managing The Barriers to Sustainable Construction Technologies in Ghana: A Conceptual Stakeholder Approach

Brief analysis of the innovation work in civil engineering technology

Under the new situation, the development process of urbanization is accelerating, the construction industry is developing well, the number and scale of civil engineering projects are gradually expanding, and the construction technology, as the core of the project construction, has always been the focus of people's attention. Because the construction quality will directly affect the safety of personnel, it is necessary to clarify the characteristics of construction technology and improve the existing civil engineering construction technology. Realize the technical innovation of foundation pit construction, prestressed construction, reinforced concrete construction and other links, improve the technical content of engineering construction under the premise of ensuring the construction quality, and extend the service life of the building as far as possible.

A Bibliometric Review of the Trends of Construction Digitalization Research in the Past Ten Years

The adoption of digital technologies into construction practices has become a critical area of interest, particularly in addressing challenges related to efficiency, quality, and sustainability. This study focuses on the impacts of digital technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), automation, and blockchain on the construction industry. An in-depth bibliometric analysis of the literature from 2013 to 2023 was conducted using data from the Elsevier Scopus database. Employing the key terms “Construction” and “Digitalization” in the Scopus database ensured that this research systematically identified and examined relevant articles related to digital technologies in construction. Advanced tools like the VOS viewer were used to analyze bibliometric networks, providing insights into current research trends within the built environment sector. The findings strongly focused on digital modeling, automation, and blockchain technologies. The findings also revealed new paradigms such as smart contracts and modular construction. This investigation enhances the academic discourse by elucidating the various nuances, ongoing developments, and future directions in the evolving field of construction digitalization research.

Advanced informatic technologies for intelligent construction: A review

Since there is a growing interest in driving the digital transformation of the construction industry, the goal of this paper is to provide a full picture and understanding of the emerging research front on intelligent construction. Through the quantitative and qualitative analysis, relevant pieces of literature are thoroughly reviewed to extract useful knowledge to raise awareness of intelligent construction, resulting in the summary of research status and the determination of future needs. In light of the research findings, the rapid development of intelligent construction follows the strategies of standardization, digitization, intellectualization, collaboration, greenization, and customization, which mainly support “4S” technologies. The popular research topics covering intelligent engineering services for the project's full lifecycle (i.e., design, construction, operation, and maintenance) and even the city level have been deeply explored, which are proven to dramatically improve project efficiency, safety, and automation. Moreover, challenges exist in three potential paths for future research, including the digital twin-enabled engineering cloud platform, man-machine-environment interaction, great sustainability under carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. As for the practical value, a synthesized point of up-to-date reference is created to guide managers to promote intelligent construction in real-world engineering.

Effect of middle stud on ultimate strength and behavior factor of brick masonry shear wall in cold formed steel frame

AbstractLightweight steel framing is one of the modern construction technology systems. This system is mostly used for low to mid-rise buildings. The lightweight steel framing system has many advantages, including lightness, ease of installation, high execution speed, and being more cost-efficient. Since the manufacturers of cold formed steel frames use bricks in an unprincipled way to cover these structures and because of less laboratory research in this regard, in the present research to principled use of this structure, the effect of the middle stud was evaluated on seismic behavior of brick shear wall in cold formed steel frame with brick face. For this purpose, four cold formed steel frames were made in two different configurations (without middle stud and with middle stud) using cement sand mortar, wire mesh, and brick shear walls. Based on the results, the middle stud would cause weakness in the permissible deformation of the brick walls, and in shear walls without middle stud, deformations occur along with the acquisition of resistance to larger deformations. Accordingly, the presence of the middle stud increases the average shear strength by 30%, and this increase in resistance causes a decrease in the behavior factor and ductility of the walls, which practically indicates the seismic behavior of the frames with the middle stud.