Today's Construction Research Articles

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION USING GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

The size and complex nature of today's construction project resulted in a global increase of the carbon footprint. Increased carbon dioxide emissions results in a severe deterioration to the environment and negative health implications. Recent studies showed that the production of 1 metric ton of portland cement results in the evolution of 0.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide. At this rate, the construction industry represents a significant threat on mankind. This paper presents geopolymer (cement-free) concrete applications in the United States local construction market. Geopolymer concrete production depends on the activation of a pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with a high aluminosilicate content using alkaline solution as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The SCM activated material-known as precursor-forms a three-dimensional polymer that binds the aggregates instead of hydrated portland cement. The widespread of geopolymer concrete will significantly reduce the need to portland cement; hence, reduces the carbon emissions resulting from cement production. In addition to the environmental advantages, geopolymer concrete is highly durable due to the fine size of SCMs particles. Geopolymer concrete is more resistant to alkali-silica reactivity, and early age cracking. The widespread of geopolymer concrete in construction industry, especially in infrastructure projects, will result in significant improvement in projects condition, and lower the need to frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement of projects.

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION USING GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

The size and complex nature of today's construction project resulted in a global increase of the carbon footprint. Increased carbon dioxide emissions results in a severe deterioration to the environment and negative health implications. Recent studies showed that the production of 1 metric ton of portland cement results in the evolution of 0.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide. At this rate, the construction industry represents a significant threat on mankind. This paper presents geopolymer (cement-free) concrete applications in the United States local construction market. Geopolymer concrete production depends on the activation of a pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with a high aluminosilicate content using alkaline solution as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The SCM activated material-known as precursor-forms a three-dimensional polymer that binds the aggregates instead of hydrated portland cement. The widespread of geopolymer concrete will significantly reduce the need to portland cement; hence, reduces the carbon emissions resulting from cement production. In addition to the environmental advantages, geopolymer concrete is highly durable due to the fine size of SCMs particles. Geopolymer concrete is more resistant to alkali-silica reactivity, and early age cracking. The widespread of geopolymer concrete in construction industry, especially in infrastructure projects, will result in significant improvement in projects condition, and lower the need to frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement of projects.

The behavior of Shear Connectors in Steel-Normal Concrete Composite Structure under Repeated Loads

In today's construction industry, the use of composite beams is becoming more and more important, particularly for long-span bridges that must withstand repeated loads from moving automobiles. This work investigates the behavior of composite beams through experimentation. Six push-out steel-concrete specimens are made and tested with various levels of static and repetitive loading applied. The specimens are made of rolled steel sections that are joined to concrete decks on both sides by stud shear connectors. Two approaches—one static and the other repeating—applied a push-out load to two sets of samples. One has a stud shear connector measuring 16 mm, and the other measures 25 mm. Three specimens were made for each group. To determine the final load, one specimen from each group underwent a static push-out test in the first stage. In the subsequent phase, repeated loads of 0-80% and 25-80% of the maximum static load were applied to the remaining ones. The analysis process measured the variation in slip between the concrete decks and the steel section over several load cycles. It was found that the recorded slip values at the ultimate load increased about four times just before the failure. The recorded values of the residual slip at the end of each load cycle decreased with the increase in load cycle numbers. Also, it was found that the values of the residual slip depend on the values of the lower and upper limits of the load level. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-013 Full Text: PDF

A Study of Digital Architecture Talent Development Based on the Workcamp Model

Digital architecture is a trend that can not be ignored in today's construction industry, and the development of digital technology has had a far-reaching impact on the traditional construction industry. The cultivation of digital architecture talents has become an important issue in the field of architecture education. In this paper, we take the demand for talent in the construction industry and the development trend of digital architecture as the background, explore the teaching mode and characteristics of the work camp, and put forward a set of digital architecture talent cultivation strategies based on the work camp mode. Through the combination of theoretical analysis and practical operation, it provides certain reference significance for the cultivation of digital architecture talents.

A study on crane accidents: investigating the role of hand signals in construction site communication

Construction industry is one of the largest industries in the global economy. In today's construction industry, where time and profit margins are crucial, modern construction equipments plays a crucial role. Hand signals are frequently used by construction workers on the job site to communicate, as they are easy and effective. However, there can be a risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation with hand signals, resulting in mistakes and potential hazards on the construction site. This paper presents a comprehensive study on crane accidents in construction sites, with a particular focus on the communication between crane operators and signal men through hand signals. The study begins with a literature review on the causes and effects of crane accidents, statistics and incidents on construction sites. The study then investigates the current practices of hand signals on construction sites and highlights the associated safety concerns. The study concludes that the misinterpretation of hand signals between the signal man and the crane operator is a significant contributor to crane accidents. To address this issue, the paper recommends the development of a real-time hand signal detection system for material handling using machine learning and computer vision. The proposed solution will reduce the strain on signal men and improve communication between the signal man and the crane operator, thereby enhancing safety in construction sites. Keywords: Safety Study, Crane Accidents, Construction Sites, Human Error, Hand Signals, Material Handling, Construction Safety, Signal Man

Building Production Processes Planning and Management in Classical Greek Era; Comparison with Contemporary Practices

Through the example of the Classical Greek Era, the study focuses on seeking an answer to the question of whether managerial techniques and strategies were developed in building production processes in ancient times. The study aims to identify and examine the stages planned in the building production processes and the construction management and organization techniques developed during the Classical Greek period (VI.-IV. century BCE), which played an important role in the development of building art and to compare the practices of the Era with today's construction and management practices. The research methodology is based on the interpretation of historical data from the Classical Greek Era, consisting of construction texts written on stone slabs and their epigraphic explanations, and the comparison of the practices of the Era with contemporary practices. The stone slab samples with the construction texts used in the study were taken from the Sara B. Aleshire Center for Greek Epigraphic Studies catalogs at the University of Berkeley. The epigraphically analyzed descriptions of these inscriptions by different authors were obtained by searching the literature sources through the catalog numbers given to the samples. In the classical Greek Era, three main administrative public bodies made decisions on construction, planning, and managing the construction processes. These include the Senate, Ecclesia (people's assembly), and building commissions. By the decision of the people's assembly, building commissions were established to manage and supervise the construction process from a financial, administrative, and technical perspective. This research has contributed to the understanding that today's building production strategies and management theories have their roots in ancient times, thereby contributing to the universality of construction and management theory. Due to the dynamic nature of the research, the period analyzed was also compared with the current production management theories. The study's uniqueness lies in interpreting historical documents and observing and comparing current conditions. Hence, while the construction and management systems in the Classical Greek period are understood, two different processes are analyzed in their own contexts, and their differences and similarities are highlighted.

Use of Geosynthetic Encasement in Stone Column for Ground Improvement

Abstract: Ground improvement is an important requirement in today's construction industry as landreclamation is becoming increasingly popular. The stone column technique is a very efficient method of improving the strength parameters of soil like bearing capacity and reducing consolidation settlement. Soil reinforcement can be an ideal solution for the improvement of clay. Out of other conventional methods, stone columns are effectively being used for ground improvement, particularly for the construction of flexible structures such as road embankments, oil storage tanks, etc on soft soils. It offers a much more economical and sustainable alternative to piling and deep foundation solutions. This report investigates thequalitative and quantitative improvement of individual load capacity of stone columns by varying the diameterof stone columns through laboratory model tests conducted on stone columns installed in clay beds prepared in controlled conditions in a large-scale testing tank. The results from the load tests indicated the performance of a smaller diameter stone column is superior to that of a bigger diameter stone column and the stone grit used to Promote the vertical drainage function of the column by acting as a good filter.

A state of art review on time, cost and sustainable benefits of modern construction techniques for affordable housing

Purpose This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also providing long-term sustainable benefits that are desperately needed in today's construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The need for housing is growing worldwide, but traditional construction cannot cater to the demand due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. This paper presented a state-of-the-art review of modern construction techniques practiced worldwide and their advantages in affordable housing construction by conducting a systematic literature review and applying the backward snowball technique. The paper reviews modern prefabrication techniques and interlocking systems such as modular construction, formwork systems, light gauge steel/cold form steel construction and sandwich panel construction, which have been globally well practiced. It was understood from the overview that modular construction, including modular steel construction and precast concrete construction, could reduce time and costs efficiently. Further enhancement in the quality was also noticed. Besides, it was observed that light gauge steel construction is a modern phase of steel that eases construction execution efficiently. Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time, which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. However, the cost is subjected to the repetitions of the formwork. An interlocking system is an innovative approach to construction that uses bricks made of sustainable materials such as earth that conserve time and cost. Findings The study finds that the prefabrication techniques and interlocking system have a lot of unique attributes that can enable the modern construction sector to flourish. The study summarizes modern construction techniques that can save time and cost, enhancing the sustainability of construction practices, which is the need of the Indian construction industry in particular. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide. Practical implications Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. Social implications The need for housing is growing rapidly all over the world, but traditional construction cannot cater to the need due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. Originality/value This study is unique in identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Prediction of Thermal Comfort from Operating Temperature and the Predicted Mean Vote / Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PMV/PPD) Indices in a Nubian Vault

The building and construction sector has a significant impact on the environment due to its high consumption of energy resources and increasing levels of emissions, and pollution. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT), the energy used by buildings and construction accounts for more than a third of the final energy consumed in the world and a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. African countries such as Burkina Faso are concerned in this reality in the field of building. This is why the major issue in the tropic today is the construction of new buildings with high environmental quality and high energy performance. Today's construction choices will have an impact on future generations. The technique and materials of a building contribute to the health, safety and comfort of people. In the present work, the operating temperature and the PMV/PPD indices in a Nubian vault were determined. The operating temperature and the PMV/PPD indices are indicators of thermal comfort. Thus, the knowledge of these indicators allows to appreciate the state of comfort in the Nubian vault. It is in this perspective that the operating temperature will be determined by the adaptive method. The Fanger model is used for the determination of the PMV/PPD indexes. From the state of sensation obtained, acceptable ambient conditions can be defined for an individual in a tropical zone. As an alternative, the most suitable construction type and building materials could be recommended for each type of climate.

Strength characteristics of concrete using waste materials

In today's construction world, sustainability is a widely acknowledged idea. The construction industry is innovating in terms of technology and materials utilized as construction costs have risen and harmed the environment. In the present study, a balanced approach was used to have sustainable construction materials. The study involves using ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and coconut fibre (CF) to improve the concrete’s strength characteristics. The partial substitution of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with GGBS and CF was investigated. The strength characteristics of concrete i.e., compressive, and tensile strength were measured by having a proportion (1.75%) of CF and the impact of GGBS with varied proportions (25%, 50%, 75%, and 90%). The study reveals that cement when partially replaced with GGBS at 75% and CF at 1.75% improved the strength characteristics of concrete to 11.38% and 15.26%, respectively. The current study presents the various experimentation details and analyzed observations to have an effective conclusion about the utilization of natural fibre in concrete.

SPSS ve ANFİS ile Farklı Hafif Agregaların Kompozit Harç Üretiminde Teknik Değerlendirilmesi

In today's construction industry, the production and use of the next generationof materials is becoming increasingly common. These materials; It isused in the formofpaper block handmen,plate products and composite mortars. Especially in recent years, the development of lightweight, flexible, outdoor resistant lightweight aggregate mortar products within the scope of energy efficient products in buildings has also become a necessity. Therefore, in this article, a series of plaster pilgrim samples are prepared in composite form with polymer component by classifying light aggregates of different origin in the size range of 0.5-1 mm and 1-2 mm and using them as the main raw material. In addition, in order to make technical comparison in experimental studies, control mortar samples, which are called traditional mortar used in exterior applications of existing buildings in the construction sector, are also designed. Within the scope of the study, all mortar samples were analyzed within the scope of TS EN 998-1 standard and other related standards in force today and technical findings were examined in detail in the article. In addition, the parameters affecting the result were determined with SPSS (V26) to determine the effectiveness of the experiment input values. Data were trained with ANFIS using parameters affecting the result and results were checked with test data.

The Influence of Eggshell Powder as Additive on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stone Mastic Asphalt

Stone mastic asphalt (SMA) has been widely used in Europe since the early 1960s, followed by numberous trials in countries such as the USA and Australia, where it has been positioned as a premium pavement surfacing course purposely for heavy duty pavements, highways and other roads with heavy truck traffic. In addition, Malaysia's demand for 900 million eggs per month produces a significant amount of solid waste. If all these eggshells were recycled and used for fertiliser or other purposes, this would help to reduce the overall amount of solid waste to a certain level. The eggshell in the solid food waste has been studied in detail and found to be suitable for processing into eggshell powder (EP) additives and applied to today's construction industry. Thus, this research learnt the influence of EP as bitumen modification in stone mastic asphalt (SMA) in term of physical and mechanical properties. Moreover, this research also determines the optimum percentage of EP as the bitumen modifier by the combination of 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%. The physical properties of SMA can determine through cantabro loss, permeability and marshall stability test, while the mechanical properties of SMA can determine through indirect tensile strength. In short, 12% of ESP was the optimum percentage as bitumen modifier in SMA, it increased the strength in the mechanical properties from 201 kPa to 230 kPa.

Influence of retempering on properties of concrete made with manufactured sand and industrial waste

The construction industry is currently dealing with a number of major issues. These include of shortage of river sand and large amount of energy required for manufacturing of cement produces free CO2 in air, accordingly use of manufactured sand and industrial waste in concrete increases. In construction of hilly topography long carrying of concrete is required, In outside location providing of concrete from inner mixing place, in construction of road, in lengthy tunneling work, manual transportation of concrete by labor, directly affect the flow property and concrete get stiff at the time of casting on real site work and in several conditions concrete get rejected by engineers. The paper discusses effects of replacing cement with 20% of industrial waste silica fumes and partially replacing natural sand with manufactured sand in the context of properties of retempered concrete like flow, water absorption, sorptivity, tensile, compressive, flexural, shear, impact strengths and chloride permeability. The work demonstrates that the flow property inversely proposition with retempering time. Water absorption, sorptivity and chloride permeability for retempered concrete made by 20% substitute of cement by silica fume with additional 5% cement and water are lesser up to 60 min of retempering time. Compression, tension and flexural, shear, impact strengths for retempered concrete made by 20% substitute of cement by industrial waste silica fume with additional 5% cement and water are increased up to 60 min of retempering time, having strong microstructure than in the reference concrete. The prospect of substituting manufactured sand for natural sand and industrial by-products silica fume for cement has significant technical, economic, and environmental benefits, all of which are critical in today's construction climate also Instead of squandering bulk concrete, retempering using industrial waste and manufactured sand is advised.

Expected Competencies of Construction Management Graduates Working in China

Construction manager competencies in today's construction industry are the key factors of project success. Compared to traditional roles, they are faced with a situation showing a gradual shift in their roles and functions especially projects nowadays are encountering more and more complicated issues during construction phase and the increasing complexity of projects poses huge demand for construction managers possessing competencies capable to adapt to this changing industry environment by their knowledge and skills gained through training especially during their early years of construction management education received in polytechnics or universities. Such kind of training builds the foundations for construction managers enabling to develop further a way to adapt to the escalating expectations of the clients and more important related to the development of leadership, management and problem-solving skills construction organisations are looking for. This paper aim to evaluate the expected competencies of construction management graduates in China focusing on the development of construction manager during their early training and how the education institutes can make sure their curriculums capable to prepare learners for the changing needs of construction industry in China. The result of this study is to provide a theoretical basis for the excellent construction management curriculum design, thus encouraging education institutes to adopt industry-oriented approach to deal with ever-changing construction industry.

Adhesives for the Installation of Cast Basalt Elements on Metal and Comparison of Properties when Using Different Types of Fillers

The polymeric adhesives for the installation of basalt elements on a metal base are designed primarily for environments with increased chemical and mechanical stress. They are composed of polymer resins (epoxy, polyurethane) as binders, as well as organic additives and mineral admixtures that mainly fulfill the function of filler. In all sectors of today's construction industry, maximum efficiency in the production of materials is required for sustainability purposes, which, however, must never be at the expense of the quality or the required performance. Due to these requirements, great emphasis is placed on the maximum use of secondary raw materials. Talc is used as the primary filler for polymer adhesives. Sawdust, tire rubber, and fly ash are used as secondary raw materials. The use of these in building supplies can positively affect some physical and mechanical properties of polymeric adhesives. Also, the use of secondary raw materials has the above-mentioned ecological benefit. Basic properties, such as bulk density and adhesion to both metallic and basalt elements, were monitored. The details of the cohesion of the adhesive with the bonded material, as well as the distribution of secondary raw materials in the polymer matrix, were assessed microscopically.

Analysis of BIM (Building Information Modelling) by Using 7D

Today's construction stakeholders don't care about the elegance of the building information model (BIM). They ensure that the building is completed on time and minimize overruns or errors. Traditionally, BIM has been used as a design tool in architecture, engineering, and construction. (AEC). Expertise in building and infrastructure planning and construction. But beyond BIM, there is more to consider. The construction process integrates the entire life cycle of the building to manage construction work, teamwork and overall productivity. Project management model and engineering model are on a collaborative platform. Data from different sources can be combined and used to make more informed decisions before and after construction. This integrated process helps all relevant personnel to fully understand the project so that they can coordinate before this data-driven process also provides relevant personnel with analysis and business intelligence. You can not only build trust, but also optimize the entire business process and procedures and operation.

Tracing back to the origin--Research on the application Value of Visual Media Design of National Traditional Patterns

Today's society's urban construction, industrial products, environmental protection greening, visual color and other aspects are closely related to Visual Media Design, although the national equipment, machinery and equipment, as small as daily wear, life and entertainment, China's Visual Media Design has made great development, but also presents a homogeneous, empty form of expression, lack of national characteristics. Only by implanting the traditional artistic and cultural connotation of our nation into modern design can we create artistic value and burst out new artistic spirit.

Vernaküler ve Çağdaş Mimarlık Örneklerinin Sürdürülebilirlik Bağlamında Karşılaştırmalı Analizi: Antalya Kaleiçi ve Deniz Mahallesi Örneği

Vernaküler mimarlık, iklimsel verileri ve arazi yapısını dikkate alan, insan konforuna önem veren, yöreye özgü malzemelerin ve yapım yöntemlerinin kullanıldığı, çevreye uyumlu, sürdürülebilir bir tasarım bütünü olarak bugün önemini korumaya devam etmektedir. Süreç içinde sanayileşme, hızlı nüfus artışı gibi nedenler ile birlikte artan konut alanları ise bugün çevre verilerden bağımsız şekilde gelişim göstermektedir. Yapılacak olan çalışmada, vernaküler mimari özelliklerinin görüldüğü Antalya Kaleiçi yerleşimi ile bu yerleşime yakın konumdaki, 1950 yılı sonrası imar planlı konutların yer aldığı Deniz Mahallesi, sürdürülebilir özelliklerin tespit edilmesi amacıyla karşılaştırılmıştır. Yapılan karşılaştırma literatürdeki yaklaşımlar üzerinden yerleşim ve yapı ölçeğinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgularda Kaleiçi yerleşiminin çevre faktörlerinin göz önüne alınarak düzenlendiği, Deniz mahallesinde ise günümüz yapım tekniklerinin kullanıldığı ancak pek çok çevresel faktörünün dikkate alınmadan konut dokularının oluşturulduğu gözlenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda; geleneksel mimarinin çağdaş konutlara göre daha konforlu ve daha sürdürülebilir özelliklere sahip olduğu ve gelecek planlamalarda bu durumun dikkate alınarak tasarım yapılması gerekliliği ortaya konulmuştur.

Theoretical Considerations on Possibilities to Develop Adaptable Centrifugal Pumps as Total Artificial Heart for Individual Body Sizes

Thanks to the modern imaging techniques used in medical technology, it is now possible to scan a patient's chest without any problems. This should definitely be taken into account when designing a modern total artificial heart. With today's 3D construction programs, it is possible to easily, and to the most part automatically, vary the construction of blood pumps. It is thus optimally adapted to the geometric circumstances of a patient.

Mechanized of Interlocking Brick and Its Structural Behaviour as Load Bearing and Non-Load Bearing Element-Review

Conventional bricks are the most elementary building materials for houses construction. However, the rapid growth in today's construction industry has obliged the civil engineers in searching for a new building technique that may result in even greater economy, more efficient and durable as an alternative for the conventional brick. Moreover, the high demands for having a speedy and less labour and cost building systems is one of the factor that cause the changes of the masonry conventional systems. These changes have led to improved constructability, performance, and cost as well. Several interlocking bricks has been developed and implemented in building constructions and a number of researches had studied the manufacturing of interlocking brick and its structural behaviour as load bearing and non-load bearing element. This technical paper aims to review the development of interlocking brick and its structural behaviour. In conclusion, the concept of interlocking system has been widely used as a replacement of the conventional system where it has been utilized either as load bearing or non-load bearing masonry system.