2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

17 pages, 1818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Adopting Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) in Construction

by Slim Rebai, Italo Sepúlveda, Wassim AlBalkhy, Olfa Hamdi, Zoubeir Lafhaj, Luis F. Alarcón and Pascal Yim

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041032 - 08 Apr 2024

Viewed by 491

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) methodology, focusing on identifying barriers to its adoption. The review encompasses an analysis of 287 documents from 2013 to 2023, including conference articles, doctoral theses, journal articles, master theses, [...] Read more.

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) methodology, focusing on identifying barriers to its adoption. The review encompasses an analysis of 287 documents from 2013 to 2023, including conference articles, doctoral theses, journal articles, master theses, reports, and organizational documents. Following a rigorous selection process, 59 of these documents were identified as pertinent to the investigation. This research employs a dual approach. First, a scientometric analysis to map the collaborative networks of authors and the co-occurrence of keywords, providing a comprehensive picture of the research landscape in AWP. Second, the study delves into the main barriers hindering the adoption of AWP, as revealed through the SLR of the selected documents. The findings offer an overlay network visualization of coauthorship and a network visualization of keyword co-occurrence. The study culminates in a detailed identification of primary AWP barriers, suggestions for future research directions, and potential lines of inquiry within the field. This work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a novel perspective on the challenges associated with AWP implementation and provides a foundation for future scholarly endeavors in this domain. Full article

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26 pages, 7227 KiB

Open AccessReview

Digital Technologies for Quality Assurance in the Construction Industry: Current Trend and Future Research Directions towards Industry 4.0

by Frank Ato Ghansah and David John Edwards

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030844 - 21 Mar 2024

Viewed by 692

Abstract

Despite the growing rich and fragmented literature focusing on quality assurance (QA) and Industry 4.0, the implementation of associated individual digital technologies has not been fully evaluated and synthesised to achieve adequate QA in the construction industry; hence, it has received limited focus. [...] Read more.

Despite the growing rich and fragmented literature focusing on quality assurance (QA) and Industry 4.0, the implementation of associated individual digital technologies has not been fully evaluated and synthesised to achieve adequate QA in the construction industry; hence, it has received limited focus. This study, thus, aimed to organise, evaluate, and synthesise the current literature on individual digital technology applications in QA in the construction industry and propose future research directions. A literature review approach was adopted for this study along with Deming’s cycle framework to address four research questions: (1) What is the status of the state-of-the-art in the literature? (2) What digital technologies have been applied for QA in the construction industry? (3) Which areas in QA processes have experienced digital technology applications, and what are the applications? (4) What are the limitations of the existing studies and future research directions of digital technologies for QA in the construction industry? The findings showed an increasing trend of research on digital technology for QA in construction since 2017. This cuts across 23 countries with six different research methods published across 18 different publication sources. Four categories of digital technologies were revealed to have been adopted for QA in construction based on the functionality of the technologies: data collection technologies, decision-oriented technologies, collaborative technologies, and transparency and security-related technologies. Evaluation with Deming’s cycle framework revealed that digital technologies have a high level of application at the “do” phase, improving the quality management process during construction towards achieving pre-stated quality requirements. This includes mostly collaborative technologies, consisting of BIM technologies. Limitations of the existing studies were further identified, and this led to five research directions: interoperability of technology development, integrated digital technologies for QA of prefabricated and modular construction, integrated digital technologies for QA of cross-border construction logistics and supply chain, digital innovation for sustainable QA, and moving beyond the technical solution. The study showed a significant contribution to both academia and the industry in the built environment. Full article

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19 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complexity in Construction Projects: A Literature Review

by Zoubeir Lafhaj, Slim Rebai, Wassim AlBalkhy, Olfa Hamdi, Alan Mossman and Angela Alves Da Costa

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030680 - 04 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 858

Abstract

Improper understanding of complexity can be a leading factor in the failure of construction projects. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the complexity of construction projects. For this purpose, this study uses the systematic literature review (SLR) approach to review [...] Read more.

Improper understanding of complexity can be a leading factor in the failure of construction projects. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the complexity of construction projects. For this purpose, this study uses the systematic literature review (SLR) approach to review the related literature and propose a definition for complexity and the criteria that affect the degree of complexity in construction. The results of analyzing 49 studies from the literature showed that, generally, complexity is understood in three ways: the meaning of the word “complexity”, system and organizational complexity, and project complexity. Within these three types of definitions, it was found that “interdependency” and “multiple parts/parties” are the most frequently used keywords. The results also showed that another look at the current lingual definition of complexity is needed. Regarding the criteria, the results showed that the “number of stakeholders”, “scope and project objectives”, and “management structure” are the most important criteria to assess construction project complexity. Accordingly, this study provides a set of recommendations and strategies to help manage complexity in construction projects. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

14 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Leader–Follower Psychological Capital Congruence on Safety Behavior

by Dan Wang, Yunyun Qin and Yang He

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010001 - 19 Dec 2023

Viewed by 634

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between leader and follower psychological capital (PC) congruence, intrinsic safety motivation (ISM), and safety behavior (SB). The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries, and most safety accidents are determined by human behavior. Exploring [...] Read more.

This study aims to explore the relationship between leader and follower psychological capital (PC) congruence, intrinsic safety motivation (ISM), and safety behavior (SB). The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries, and most safety accidents are determined by human behavior. Exploring the factors influencing construction workers’ SB is important for improving construction safety. This study collected 242 paired questionnaires from frontline construction workers and crew leaders in China. The SPSS 22.0 software and PROCESS program were used for analysis, the empirical study was conducted using polynomial regression and response surface analysis, and the block variable method was used to test for mediating effects. The findings show that (a) the level of follower SB is determined by the degree of leader–follower PC congruence; (b) when leader–follower PC was congruent, the impact of both high PCs on follower SB was enhanced compared to each low PC; (c) when leader–follower PC was incongruent, the impact of follower PC (FPC) above leader PC (LPC) was better on follower SB compared to FPC below LPC; (d) the relationship between leader–follower PC congruence and follower SB was mediated by ISM. The promotion of SB should focus on the fit between leaders and followers in addition to the PC of the followers themselves. This study contributes to workgroup safety in the construction industry by improving the fit between workgroup leaders and members, promoting ISM, and thus improving their safety performance. Full article

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22 pages, 2304 KiB

Open AccessReview

AgiBuild: A Scaled Agile Framework for Building Adaptation Projects

by Pearl Li Ng, Tayyab Maqsood, Malik Khalfan and Farshid Rahmani

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3019; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123019 - 03 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1814

Abstract

Agile ways of working have garnered recognition for their capacity to drive innovation, placing a strong emphasis on adaptability to change and a user-centric approach. Inspired by these proven principles, the authors envision that applying scaled agile—an extension of agile methodologies—can serve as [...] Read more.

Agile ways of working have garnered recognition for their capacity to drive innovation, placing a strong emphasis on adaptability to change and a user-centric approach. Inspired by these proven principles, the authors envision that applying scaled agile—an extension of agile methodologies—can serve as a catalyst for revolutionary transformations in how buildings are redesigned, refurbished, and operated, ushering in a new era of practices within the industry. This paper conducts an in-depth literature review to explore the application of agile ways of working in building adaptation projects. Drawing on insights from the literature review and expert validations, the authors propose the development of the Agile Building Adaptation (AgiBuild) framework, delineating its core components and outlining the probable implementation process. Notably, the framework’s successful integration hinges on crucial factors, including effective leadership influence and comprehensive training. By embracing the AgiBuild framework, the building adaptation industry holds the potential to position itself as a highly innovative and user-centered sector, bolstering productivity and performance within the broader construction domain. By aligning with the framework’s principles, the industry can cultivate a culture of adaptability and collaboration, facilitating the delivery of sustainable and customer-focused building adaptation projects that cater to the evolving needs of the built environment. Full article

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29 pages, 7381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exchanging Progress Information Using IFC-Based BIM for Automated Progress Monitoring

by Noaman Akbar Sheik, Peter Veelaert and Greet Deruyter

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092390 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1263

Abstract

BIM has become an intrinsic tool in managing building projects due to its ability to comprehensively represent information in digital form. However, using BIM as an information exchange tool is still in its infancy, particularly with regard to construction progress monitoring beyond time [...] Read more.

BIM has become an intrinsic tool in managing building projects due to its ability to comprehensively represent information in digital form. However, using BIM as an information exchange tool is still in its infancy, particularly with regard to construction progress monitoring beyond time schedule information. The current study focuses on the development of an automated progress monitoring framework based on an IFC-based BIM and provides an extensive methodology based on a structured task-based approach in accordance with the latest IFC4.x schema in four stages. The first stage creates the appropriate IFC entities, which are then enriched with their values in the second stage. The third stage integrates the actual progress information, which requires regular updating from the construction site. Finally, the fourth stage enables the retrieval of progress information, which is then reported in a user-friendly format along with the estimation of additional progress indicators. The proposed method successfully integrated the progress information into their IFC-based BIM models, demonstrating its practical use for monitoring construction progress. In the end, a web-based application was also developed that made use of progress information stored within the standardized hierarchy of the updated IFC-based BIM to facilitate efficient reporting. Full article

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17 pages, 2803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Early Safety Warning for Personnel Intrusion Behavior on Construction Sites Using a CNN Model

by Jinyu Zhao, Yinghui Xu, Weina Zhu, Mei Liu and Jing Zhao

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2206; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092206 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 867

Abstract

The high number of annual safety accidents and casualties reflects the problems of slow detection of safety accidents and untimely early warnings in current construction safety management, and China urgently needs new methods and technologies to improve the safety management efficiency of the [...] Read more.

The high number of annual safety accidents and casualties reflects the problems of slow detection of safety accidents and untimely early warnings in current construction safety management, and China urgently needs new methods and technologies to improve the safety management efficiency of the construction industry. However, there are fewer achievements in the use of new technologies for intelligent construction safety management, and most of the research focuses on intrusion detection and specific event alarms, which cannot be well implemented for systematic early warning functions. Based on the existing research and the characteristics of early warning scenarios, this study introduces the convolutional neural network (CNN) to build a video image recognition and classification model to give early safety warnings for intrusion behavior in hazard areas of construction and demonstrates the warning effect and accuracy with practical cases. First, it clarifies the early warning demand information, such as the attributes of construction personnel and hazard areas. Then, the construction model is realized by multi-scale hierarchical feature extraction mapping, the Softmax classification function, and the argmax function. Finally, from the empirical analysis, it can be seen that an early safety warning based on the CNN model has an accurate ability to identify the intrusion behavior of construction site personnel, which can reduce the probability of construction safety accidents to a certain extent, and provide enlightenment for further realization of intelligent construction sites. Full article

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15 pages, 4420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Validation of a Mobile Application for Construction and Demolition Waste Traceability

by Paola Villoria Sáez, Miguel Antonio Barbero-Álvarez, César Porras-Amores, Marina Álvarez Alonso and Álvaro García Torres

Buildings 2023, 13(8), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13081908 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Many studies have developed technologies intended to automate the process toward improving sustainability and achieving a circular economy in the construction industry. Despite some research works that have been recently conducted to help construction agents in the management of construction and demolition waste [...] Read more.

Many studies have developed technologies intended to automate the process toward improving sustainability and achieving a circular economy in the construction industry. Despite some research works that have been recently conducted to help construction agents in the management of construction and demolition waste (CDW), developing new CDW monitoring and traceability tools—through a collaborative and integrative approach—is still an urgent challenge. This paper developed a hybrid mobile app for the real-time traceability of construction waste generation and management, where agents involved in CDW management can work together and trace the generation and management of waste. For this, a research method was developed following three stages: (1) planning and design, including identification of the information to be incorporated in the app and the output data; (2) development of the app; and (3) app testing by several construction agents, stressing the benefits and limitations. The developed app allows not only estimating but also tracing the amount of CDW generated in a construction project, ensuring the correct management and control of the waste. In addition, it promotes collaborative work, as the agents involved in CDW management, i.e., construction companies, site managers, truck drivers, waste managers, and management plants, can work together and see in real-time the management of the waste. Full article

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18 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Project Leadership Functions and the Associated Behaviour for Projects and Project Organisations

by Oluseye Olugboyega, Obuks Ejohwomu, Emmanuel Dele Omopariola and Alohan Omoregie

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071739 - 10 Jul 2023

Viewed by 911

Abstract

Individuals and their leadership competencies have been the sole focus of project leadership research, rather than the project leadership’s behaviour and functions in project and organisational settings. As a result, this study investigates the project leadership functions and behaviours required for various project [...] Read more.

Individuals and their leadership competencies have been the sole focus of project leadership research, rather than the project leadership’s behaviour and functions in project and organisational settings. As a result, this study investigates the project leadership functions and behaviours required for various project and organisational situations in order to propose a project leadership model that will be effective in all project and organisational situations. The model that was developed and tested in this study theorised about the project leadership function that project leaders are expected to perform as a result of their positions. It also described how project leaders could tailor their leadership functions and behaviours to address issues related to positions, organisational situations, and project situations. Three hypotheses were developed and tested using structural equation modelling to validate the model. The model’s perceptive power demonstrates adequate validity. The model’s validity implies that there are appropriate project leadership functions for different leadership levels and circumstances. The model’s validity also implies that each project leadership behaviour has its own value, as conditions and necessities dictate. The study assumes that a project leader can embrace project leadership by combining a few different project leadership functions and behaviours. Full article

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18 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Performance Index Model for Evaluation of BIM-Based Stakeholder Management Using Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation

by Sulakshya Gaur and Abhay Tawalare

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061441 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1185

Abstract

A continuous evaluation of the stakeholder management process can be achieved using definitive key performance indicators (KPIs). An exhaustive literature survey in this direction provided a set of 26 indicators assessed through a questionnaire survey for their possible implications on the stakeholder management [...] Read more.

A continuous evaluation of the stakeholder management process can be achieved using definitive key performance indicators (KPIs). An exhaustive literature survey in this direction provided a set of 26 indicators assessed through a questionnaire survey for their possible implications on the stakeholder management process. The survey was conducted among 55 respondents with experience in using building information modeling (BIM) in mega-construction projects. The data were initially analyzed through factor analysis to establish six KPIs. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) was used to evaluate the index values of the established KPIs to assess their importance levels. The results presented the KPIs in decreasing order of their index values: asset performance (4.27), open innovation (4.04), project O&M expenses (3.97), design process efficiency (3.95), project execution efficiency (3.90), and stakeholder concerns (3.59). The results generated a stakeholder management process assessment framework and model that provides a clear insight into using an indicator in measuring the specific stakeholder management dimension. The findings of this work can provide definite insight amongst planning managers about the stakeholder management process through the posited indicators. Further, they can adopt measures to improve the stakeholder management process in their respective projects. Full article

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18 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholder Opinions of Implementing Environmental Management Systems in the Construction Sector of the U.S.

by Jesse C. Beck Schildt, Colin A. Booth, Rosemary E. Horry and Grazyna Wiejak-Roy

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051241 - 09 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1510

Abstract

Environmental concerns over the effects of construction sector activities necessitate meaningful measures to be taken. Despite worldwide increases in the uptake of environmental management systems (EMS), implementation of EMS across the construction sector of the U.S. remains slow. To date, stakeholder opinions about [...] Read more.

Environmental concerns over the effects of construction sector activities necessitate meaningful measures to be taken. Despite worldwide increases in the uptake of environmental management systems (EMS), implementation of EMS across the construction sector of the U.S. remains slow. To date, stakeholder opinions about the uptake of EMS in the construction sector of the U.S. remain unexplored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the views of U.S. stakeholders towards the benefits and barriers of implementing EMS, and how these compare internationally. Underpinned by a positivism philosophy, an online questionnaire survey was used to collect the views of construction professionals (n = 50). Weighted average analysis scores reveal that the benefits of EMS are seen to improve the public perception and credibility of an organization/company and reduce waste levels and are a tool to improve the environmental standards of the U.S.’s construction sector; in contrast, the barriers of EMS are an absence of sub-contractor cooperation and resistance to change in existing company structure and policy, plus the requirement for additional employee training. The potential impact of this work demonstrates not only the role that the U.S. construction sector can play in advancing environmental and sustainability matters using EMS but also the obstacles that need to be addressed to enable their success. Understanding these benefits and barriers at an organizational level could enable them to devise more effective business strategies/policies, where evidence-based practices could be used to support EMS implementation. Full article

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19 pages, 725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Competencies Driving Waste Minimization during the Construction Phase of Buildings

by Edward Ayebeng Botchway, Samuel Senyah Asare, Kofi Agyekum, Burcu Salgin, Hayford Pittri, Victoria Maame Afriyie Kumah and Annabel Morkporkpor Ami Dompey

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040971 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

It is thought that there is a low level of awareness of key competencies that drive material waste reduction at the construction stage of a project which has led to the low impact of waste minimization in the construction industry. This study, therefore, [...] Read more.

It is thought that there is a low level of awareness of key competencies that drive material waste reduction at the construction stage of a project which has led to the low impact of waste minimization in the construction industry. This study, therefore, explores the key competencies for driving waste minimization at the construction stage of projects. Twenty-four (24) key factors that drive CW minimization at the construction stage of projects were derived from a thorough review of existing literature. The research adopted the quantitative approach whereby a questionnaire survey involving 53 construction professionals was conducted. Factor analysis was the statistical tool employed for the analysis of the data gathered. The findings of the study revealed four major competencies that drive CW minimization: Awareness Competency (AC), Managerial Competency (MC), Personnel Ability Competency (PAC), and Communication Competency (CC). The implementation of the key competencies from the findings of the study is highly recommended for the achievement of low waste in building projects. In view of this, it is recommended that government should enact legislative and fiscal measures to instill waste management habits in the construction industry. Several studies have investigated strategies or measures for CW minimization. However, this study focused on the knowledge and skills of construction stakeholders as the main component of waste minimization competencies. Full article

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21 pages, 4915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Opinion Mining on Construction Health and Safety: Latent Dirichlet Allocation Approach

by Liyun Zeng, Rita Yi Man Li, Tan Yigitcanlar and Huiling Zeng

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040927 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2469

Abstract

The construction industry has been experiencing many occupational accidents as working on construction sites is dangerous. To reduce the likelihood of accidents, construction companies share the latest construction health and safety news and information on social media. While research studies in recent years [...] Read more.

The construction industry has been experiencing many occupational accidents as working on construction sites is dangerous. To reduce the likelihood of accidents, construction companies share the latest construction health and safety news and information on social media. While research studies in recent years have explored the perceptions towards these companies’ social media pages, there are no big data analytic studies conducted on Instagram about construction health and safety. This study aims to consolidate public perceptions of construction health and safety by analyzing Instagram posts. The study adopted a big data analytics approach involving visual, content, user, and sentiment analyses of Instagram posts (n = 17,835). The study adopted the Latent Dirichlet Allocation, a kind of machine learning approach for generative probabilistic topic extraction, and the five most mentioned topics were: (a) training service, (b) team management, (c) training organization, (d) workers’ work and family, and (e) users’ action. Besides, the Jaccard coefficient co-occurrence cluster analysis revealed: (a) the most mentioned collocations were ‘construction safety week’, ‘safety first’, and ‘construction team’, (b) the largest clusters were ‘safety training’, ‘occupational health and safety administration’, and ‘health and safety environment’, (c) the most active users were ‘Parallel Consultancy Ltd.’, ‘Pike Consulting Group’, and ‘Global Training Canada’, and (d) positive sentiment accounted for an overwhelming figure of 85%. The findings inform the industry on public perceptions that help create awareness and develop preventative measures for increased health and safety and decreased incidents. Full article

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15 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Factors Affecting Construction Equipment Productivity Using Structural Equation Modeling

by Sathvik Sharath Chandra, Samad M. E. Sepasgozar, Varadhiyagounder Ranganathan Prasath Kumar, Atul Kumar Singh, Loganathan Krishnaraj and Bankole Osita Awuzie

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020502 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4108

Abstract

The performance of the construction industry can be improved by understanding the factors that affect the productivity of its equipment. A hypothetical framework was used to analyze six vital construction equipment parameters to understand how they affect productivity in construction projects. Data collected [...] Read more.

The performance of the construction industry can be improved by understanding the factors that affect the productivity of its equipment. A hypothetical framework was used to analyze six vital construction equipment parameters to understand how they affect productivity in construction projects. Data collected through a survey of 110 respondents in the construction industry were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The final model obtained using SEM consisted of 31 attributes from six construction equipment productivity factors, namely management (MG), materials (MT), human (HM), technical (TN), environmental (EM), and other factors (OT). Construction equipment productivity was found to be significantly influenced by MT and OT in construction projects. This was mainly because of their corresponding subfactors, such as operating life and equipment age, and the occurrence of accidents during construction. Consequently, based on survey feedback from various construction professionals, present gaps in construction equipment productivity were analyzed, and recommendations were made to overcome the main limiting factors under MT and OT. This study identified and quantified the interrelationships between various construction equipment productivity constraints. Therefore, the results can help experts and specialists better comprehend how to overcome delays due to idle time and improve construction equipment productivity. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019

21 pages, 3887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of Offsite Construction Recoveries after the Pandemic: The Case of the Southeast Asian Region

by Quang Chinh Nguyen, Srinath Perera, Buddhini Ginigaddara, Duyen Thanh My Nguyen, Roselina Rahmawati, Jennifer Herosa Operio and Duyen Hong Thuc Nguyen

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010050 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2831

Abstract

Offsite construction (OSC) in Southeast Asia is facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its importance, there is scant research on this topic in the region. This study aims to review OSC and identify determinants of success and their correlation with [...] Read more.

Offsite construction (OSC) in Southeast Asia is facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its importance, there is scant research on this topic in the region. This study aims to review OSC and identify determinants of success and their correlation with success after the pandemic in the Southeast Asian region. This paper follows a sequential exploratory mixed methodology: (1) reviewing statistical data relevant to construction in four countries, (2) carrying out a configurative literature review and documentary research, (3) eliciting responses from in-depth interviews consisting of two phases, (4) collecting written consultancies, and (5) capturing experts’ opinions in four countries through a questionnaire survey. The study uses three statistical techniques to determine the correlations between factors: ordinal logistic regression with factors input, a generalized linear model with ordinal logistic response and covariates, and Spearman’s correlations. Based on 55 variables and 459 responses from 4 countries, the statistical calculations identify the 42 most significant pairs of relationships between determinants and success, from which the follow-up priorities involve economic differentiation, productivity in the factory setting, reducing uncertainty over the program, and minimizing disturbances in the vicinity of the site under post-COVID-19 controls. This empirical research generates three outcomes: (1) filling the gap of OSC review in the region, (2) offering topical solutions for the construction industry after COVID-19, and (3) helping four countries derive economic benefits from OSC. Full article

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23 pages, 2356 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards a Data-Rich Era: A Bibliometric Analysis of Construction Management from 2000 to 2020

by Shiyao Zhu, Dezhi Li, Jin Zhu and Haibo Feng

Buildings 2022, 12(12), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122242 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

The rapid development of new technologies has made the acquisition and processing of big data much easier and more accessible to various domains including construction management. This trend has resulted in numerous new technical or management issues in the field, as well as [...] Read more.

The rapid development of new technologies has made the acquisition and processing of big data much easier and more accessible to various domains including construction management. This trend has resulted in numerous new technical or management issues in the field, as well as increased research needs. Thus, it is very necessary to invest and assess the past, present, and possible future developments of construction management-related studies. This paper provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the articles published in this field over the previous two decades. The seven most popular research themes were identified and discussed with the data adopted in the related studies, including modern technology, waste management, performance management, risk management, project management, knowledge management, and organization management. Typical research data, research approaches, and future research directions were discussed. Emerging topics such as smart technology, sustainability, resilience, and human factors are suggested to be further explored in the domain. The review conducted in this study can provide some insights into what has been done and what can be achieved in future research in the construction management domain towards a data-rich era. Full article

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24 pages, 3274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting the Cost Outcome of Construction Quality Problems Using Case-Based Reasoning (CBR)

by Neşet Berkay Doğan, Bilal Umut Ayhan, Gokhan Kazar, Murathan Saygili, Yunus Emre Ayözen and Onur Behzat Tokdemir

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111946 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Quality problems are crucial in construction projects since poor quality might lead to delays, low productivity, and cost overruns. In case preventive actions are absent, a lack of quality results in a chain of problems. As a solution, this study deals with non-conformities [...] Read more.

Quality problems are crucial in construction projects since poor quality might lead to delays, low productivity, and cost overruns. In case preventive actions are absent, a lack of quality results in a chain of problems. As a solution, this study deals with non-conformities proactively by adopting an AI-based predictive model approach. The main objective of this study is to provide an automated solution structured on the data recording system for the adverse impacts of construction quality failures. For this purpose, we collected 2527 non-conformance reports from 59 diverse construction projects to develop a predictive model regarding the cost impact of the quality problems. The first of three stages forming the backbone of the study determines crucial attributes linked to quality problems through a literature survey and the Delphi method. Secondly, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) were used to determine the attribute weights. In the final stage, we developed models to predict the cost impacts of non-conformities, using Case-based Reasoning (CBR). We made a comparison between the developed models to select the most precise one. The results show that the performance of CBR-GA using an automated weighting model is slightly better than CBR-AHP based on a subjective weighting system, whereas the case is the opposite in standard deviation in forecasting the cost outcome of the quality failures. Using both automated and expert systems, the study forecasts the cost impact of failures and reveals the factors linked to poor record-keeping. Ultimately, we concluded that the outcome of non-conformities can be predicted and prevented using past events via the developed AI-based predictive model. Full article

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15 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Machine Learning Approaches for Medium-to-Long-Term Financial Distress Predictions in the Construction Industry

by Jiseok Jeong and Changwan Kim

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101759 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

A method for predicting the financial status of construction companies after a medium-to-long-term period can help stakeholders in large construction projects make decisions to select an appropriate company for the project. This study compares the performances of various prediction models. It proposes an [...] Read more.

A method for predicting the financial status of construction companies after a medium-to-long-term period can help stakeholders in large construction projects make decisions to select an appropriate company for the project. This study compares the performances of various prediction models. It proposes an appropriate model for predicting the financial distress of construction companies considering three, five, and seven years ahead of the prediction point. To establish the prediction model, a financial ratio was selected, which was adopted in existing studies on medium-to-long-term predictions in other industries, as an additional input variable. To compare the performances of the prediction models, single-machine learning and ensemble models’ performances were compared. The comprehensive performance comparison of these models was based on the average value of the prediction performance and the results of the Friedman test. The comparison result determined that the random subspace (RS) model exhibited the best performance in predicting the financial status of construction companies after a medium-to-long-term period. The proposed model can be effectively employed to help large-scale project stakeholders avoid damage caused by the financial distress of construction companies during the project implementation process. Full article

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15 pages, 2201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Decision Support System for Hospital Configurations in Construction Projects

by Pia Schönbeck, Malin Löfsjögård and Anders Ansell

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101569 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

Hospitals are complex buildings and their functionality is essential for patient healthcare. Definition, verification and implementation of accurate configuration information during construction projects are therefore essential. The purpose of this study was to develop a decision support system by establishing a value chain [...] Read more.

Hospitals are complex buildings and their functionality is essential for patient healthcare. Definition, verification and implementation of accurate configuration information during construction projects are therefore essential. The purpose of this study was to develop a decision support system by establishing a value chain of configuration information with an end-to-end perspective. The approach of this study was explorative, investigating how building data can support construction projects in making hospital configuration decisions. A literature review provided a knowledge base about the configuration decision process flow, which determined the prerequisites for the proposed data and model management. Exchange and relationships of required building data were ensured by using Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and a database model, respectively. The results show that using building model data for configuration decision support is feasible. A case study compared data exchanged in three construction projects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging rooms to those identified in the decision support system. Operational gaps regarding data exchange in the studied cases indicate what changes are required in current data collection and management. The contribution of this study is filling a research gap regarding end-to-end information management to support hospital configuration decisions in construction projects. Full article

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22 pages, 10064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental-Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Bar Diameter on Bond in Pull-Out Test

by Marcin Burdziński and Maciej Niedostatkiewicz

Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091392 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1859

Abstract

Bar diameter is one of the basic factors affecting bond behavior, which is still of interest due to opposing opinions regarding its effect on bond behavior in the pull-out test. This paper presents an experimental and numerical bond analysis of ribbed reinforcing bar [...] Read more.

Bar diameter is one of the basic factors affecting bond behavior, which is still of interest due to opposing opinions regarding its effect on bond behavior in the pull-out test. This paper presents an experimental and numerical bond analysis of ribbed reinforcing bar in concrete. The aim was to experimentally evaluate the effect of bar diameter on the bond behavior in the pull-out test and to perform numerical simulations of the conducted experiments in ABAQUS to verify their convergence to the obtained experimental results. The experiments used concrete of C35/45 grade and B500SP reinforcing steel bars of three diameters: 10, 12, and 16 mm. FEA simulations employed the Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) material model and the Contact Cohesive Behavior (CCB) method to model the concrete–bar interface. The study shows that bar diameter significantly affects the bond, both on the bond stress–slip relationship and the type of bond failure, as well as on the bond strength. FEA simulations correctly reflected the bond behavior observed in the specimens. The analytical models presented estimates that were too conservative regarding the maximum bond stress relative to the experimental results. Full article

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21 pages, 946 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reality Capture in Construction Project Management: A Review of Opportunities and Challenges

by Godfred Fobiri, Innocent Musonda and Franco Muleya

Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091381 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5774

Abstract

Reality Capture (RC) is a state-of-the-art technology for digital data gathering and visualization of the actual environment through virtual means. In recent years, RC has contributed significantly to the digitalization of the construction industry globally. However, there are no systematic critical analyses of [...] Read more.

Reality Capture (RC) is a state-of-the-art technology for digital data gathering and visualization of the actual environment through virtual means. In recent years, RC has contributed significantly to the digitalization of the construction industry globally. However, there are no systematic critical analyses of the benefits and challenges of RC technologies in construction project management (CPM) to drive its adoption. This research provides a detailed overview of the potential benefits and constraints of RC to tackle CPM concerns successfully and efficiently. This study uses the PRISMA procedure to conduct a systematic literature review. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria set for the study, 96 articles were considered relevant for review. The articles were analyzed using content analysis techniques to synthesize identify emerging themes. A four-step procedure was used to classify the articles into pre-construction planning, designing and construction. The review show that (a) RC is useful during the planning and designing stage, as the success of a construction project depends on accurate data to reduce the risk of cost and time overruns; (b) the benefits of RC adoption are accurate data, reduced time spent on project monitoring, progress tracking, and quality assessment; (c) RC on a construction site aids in the resolution of the industry’s fragmented nature through collaboration; quick and prompt decision making through remote monitoring and control of projects. RC is used as a visualization tool and for digital documentation of as-built models, construction verification, and flaw discovery, thereby improving work processes to achieve project success; (d) the most challenging aspect of incorporating RC on a construction site is the high investment cost. In the digital revolution era, this study could aid in the knowledge and optimal use of Reality Capture in numerous areas of CPM. Full article

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15 pages, 914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenging Tendering-Phase Factors in Public Construction Projects—A Delphi Study in Saudi Arabia

by Nawaf Alahmadi and Mohammed Alghaseb

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070924 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2711

Abstract

Public construction projects in Saudi Arabia are fraught with several challenges threatening open and fair competition, which consequently negatively influence the decision of contractors to participate in bidding. Nevertheless, the construction sector has witnessed rapid reforms since 2016, which have resulted in the [...] Read more.

Public construction projects in Saudi Arabia are fraught with several challenges threatening open and fair competition, which consequently negatively influence the decision of contractors to participate in bidding. Nevertheless, the construction sector has witnessed rapid reforms since 2016, which have resulted in the issuing of new legislation and regulations as well as the creation of governing bodies. Hence, the concept of open and fair competition plays a significant role in the governance of these challenges in the upstream process of construction tendering. Therefore, this paper explores challenges that are hindering contractors’ participation in the tendering phase of public construction projects in light of these new legislations and authorities. Twelve challenging factors were identified from a structured literature review of previous relevant empirical studies available in online search engines since the 1980s. Those factors were measured through Delphi survey questionnaires, which provided respondents with the option of adding new challenging factors. Thus, twenty factors were identified. A descriptive method was used to determine and prioritize these challenging factors. The survey findings indicate that the most influential hindering factors are (1) awarding contracts based on the lowest bidder, (2) inadequate or incomplete specifications, (3) poor contract documents, and (4) poor cost-estimating practices. These findings are vital in exposing the lack of relationships between the construction industry, regulators, and stakeholders for robust partnerships, thereby helping to ensure the fair participation of contractors, which boosts open and fair competition concepts for public construction projects. Full article

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24 pages, 5958 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Collaboration and Risk in Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Systematic Literature Review

by Kherun Nita Ali, Hamed H. Alhajlah and Mukhtar A. Kassem

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050571 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8030

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) has become increasingly popular in construction projects in recent years. Simultaneously, project management has received more attention from academics and practitioners worldwide. Many studies have suggested that perceiving collaboration and risk are critical for successful construction project management. This [...] Read more.

Building information modelling (BIM) has become increasingly popular in construction projects in recent years. Simultaneously, project management has received more attention from academics and practitioners worldwide. Many studies have suggested that perceiving collaboration and risk are critical for successful construction project management. This study investigates the current status and future trends in building information modeling (BIM) literature from the Web of Science database. This review systematically uses bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) methods through co-occurrence and co-citation analysis. First, 650 academic documents were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Then, co-occurrence and co-citation analyses were performed along with network visualization to examine research interconnections’ patterns. As a result, relevant keywords, productive authors, and important journals have been highlighted. The prominent research topics within the literature on building information modelling focus on the following topics: collaborative in BIM, integration of BIM, GIS and Internet of Things (IoT), barriers to the integration of BIM, sustainability and BIM, and risk assessment and uncertainty. Finally, the potential research directions are developing towards digital twin technology, integration of BIM and AI, and Augmented Reality (AR) and BIM. The presented findings of only 88 articles discuss the collaboration and risk issue in BIM for the construction industry and thus confirms the need for more studies on this topic to enhance the chances of successfully building information modelling projects. The review focuses only on the academic documents retrieved from the Web of Science database, thus restricting the coverage of the reviewed literature relating to building information modelling collaboration and risk. Full article

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27 pages, 2228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Management Framework for Housing Construction in a Design-Build Project Delivery System: A BIM-UAV Approach

by Amir Faraji, Maria Rashidi, Tahereh Meydani Haji Agha, Payam Rahnamayiezekavat and Bijan Samali

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050554 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6379

Abstract

Quality management in project administration can affect the costs and schedule of a project considerably. The immediate notable result of unacceptable quality in a construction project is the “dissatisfied client.” which can be interpreted as “customer loss”. Additionally, defective work is a synonym [...] Read more.

Quality management in project administration can affect the costs and schedule of a project considerably. The immediate notable result of unacceptable quality in a construction project is the “dissatisfied client.” which can be interpreted as “customer loss”. Additionally, defective work is a synonym for problems such as dispute, because items of non-compliance with early agreements can be considered the main factor in triggering claims by the client. The integrated use of two modern technologies, namely Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is proposed in this study to support project quality management (PQM). This study aims to develop the theoretical underpinnings to provide a quality management framework, formed by BIM-UAV, for housing projects in design-build (D&B) contracts. For this purpose, in the first step the causes of client dissatisfaction rooted in quality concerns were identified in two phases of design and construction. The next step was dedicated to the mapping of BIM-UAV capacities to address the identified causes of dissatisfaction of the client. In the final step, expert opinion was obtained to integrate the BIM-UAV capacities to the quality management framework. The findings and main contribution of this study to the body of knowledge is a guide for design-builders to implement BIM-UAV as an innovative quality management solution to improve their services and to gain the maximum level of client satisfaction, focusing on house building. Full article

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21 pages, 1989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Best Fit for Common Purpose: A Multi-Stakeholder Design Optimization Methodology for Construction Management

by Dmitry Zhilyaev, Ruud Binnekamp and A. M. Rogier Wolfert

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050527 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2047

Abstract

Within traditional design processes, decisions are often made based on individualistic values and late-stage assessments conducted on a predefined set of design alternatives potentially leading to suboptimal design decisions and conflicts. The issues are further amplified by the growing complexity of construction project [...] Read more.

Within traditional design processes, decisions are often made based on individualistic values and late-stage assessments conducted on a predefined set of design alternatives potentially leading to suboptimal design decisions and conflicts. The issues are further amplified by the growing complexity of construction project management where an increasing number of stakeholders are involved. To address those issues, a shift is needed towards a collaborative early stage optimization-based design process. The current optimization-based design approaches are not appropriately integrating stakeholders and their preferences in the optimization process and thereby not reflecting the real-life design and construction process. In this study, we present a pioneering multi-stakeholder design methodology combining preference function modeling theory and a priori optimization enabling stakeholders to find the group-optimal design fairly representing their preferences. The application of the developed methodology is demonstrated on a real-life multi-storey building design case. The study provides a novel approach for managing design and construction projects for academic and industry stakeholders. It also sets the foundation for the further development of stakeholder-oriented optimization-based design. Full article

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20 pages, 6629 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Scientometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review for Construction Project Complexity

by Hassan Ghaleb, Hamed Hamdan Alhajlah, Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah, Mukhtar A. Kassem and Mohammed A. Al-Sharafi

Buildings 2022, 12(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040482 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 9196

Abstract

The construction industry has been experiencing a rapid increase in complex projects for the last two decades. Simultaneously, project complexity has received more attention from academics and practitioners worldwide. Many studies suggest that perceiving complexity is critical for successful construction project management. This [...] Read more.

The construction industry has been experiencing a rapid increase in complex projects for the last two decades. Simultaneously, project complexity has received more attention from academics and practitioners worldwide. Many studies suggest that perceiving complexity is critical for successful construction project management. This study investigates the current status and future trends in construction project complexity (CPC) literature from the Scopus database. This review systematically uses bibliometric and scientometric methods through co-occurrence and co-citation analysis. First, 644 academic documents were retrieved from the Scopus database. Then, co-occurrence and co-citation analysis were performed along with network visualization to examine research interconnections’ patterns. As a result, relevant keywords, productive authors, and important journals have been highlighted. The prominent research topics within the literature on construction project complexity focus on the following topics: identifying and measuring project complexity, schedule performance and cost estimation, system integration and dynamic capabilities, and risk assessment and uncertainty. Finally, the potential research directions are developing towards safety performance, organizational resilience, and integrated project delivery (IPD). The study still has a limitation. The review focuses only on the academic documents retrieved from the Scopus database, thus restricting the coverage of the reviewed literature relating to construction project complexity. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first study that provides a systematic review of the literature from the Scopus database on construction project complexity. Full article

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28 pages, 3119 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

BIM and Digital Tools for State-of-the-Art Construction Cost Management

by Samad M. E. Sepasgozar, Aaron M. Costin, Reyhaneh Karimi, Sara Shirowzhan, Ezatollah Abbasian and Jinyun Li

Buildings 2022, 12(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040396 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 10766

Abstract

Cost overrun has remained a key risk of construction projects that can be prevented by utilizing new technologies. This paper aims to identify the gap in the literature, which can potentially be addressed by using digital tools and technologies, by reviewing the current [...] Read more.

Cost overrun has remained a key risk of construction projects that can be prevented by utilizing new technologies. This paper aims to identify the gap in the literature, which can potentially be addressed by using digital tools and technologies, by reviewing the current and state of the art practices. The paper presents the results of a systematic and critical content reviews on cost overruns, to address the question of what factors are affecting the cost overrun. This paper also reviews how building information modeling (BIM) in conjunction with other tools, such as the common tools in the Asia and Asia Pacific regions, are used for cost estimation and monitoring. The paper presents the results of the content review, including their contributions and limitations, which are also used to set key directions for future investigations. A total of 176 papers was identified to develop the construction cost management (CCM) dataset. The method was a mix of systematic reviews, including co-authorship network analyses, co-occurrence analytical map development covering 5671 keywords, and content analysis including theme identification and a critical review of selected papers. The paper critically reviewed 63 selected papers from CCM, which are divided into four clusters based on their scopes: BIM adoption for cost estimation and quantity surveying; BIM implementation for a bill of quantity, risk paths, and cost overruns; cost control and management; and, finally, BIM, virtual design, and value management. A trend analysis using a set of 16 themes (e.g., 3D model, BIM, Decision, Energy, and Life Cycle) for all the papers over the past ten years was developed. The content of each cluster of papers was reviewed based on the frequency of the selected themes in each cluster. The content of each cluster of papers was also reviewed critically and gaps were identified, so a set of directions for future investigations are presented. Full article

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18 pages, 33998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Augmented Reality in AEC Education: A Case Study

by Harald Urban, Gabriel Pelikan and Christian Schranz

Buildings 2022, 12(4), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040391 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5314

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a Construction 4.0 technology that is seen as a site-extension of Building Information Modelling (BIM). In addition to the practical aspect within the design and construction processes AR can be used to support teaching through visualizations and interaction. This [...] Read more.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a Construction 4.0 technology that is seen as a site-extension of Building Information Modelling (BIM). In addition to the practical aspect within the design and construction processes AR can be used to support teaching through visualizations and interaction. This article presents a new AR platform called “AR-supported Teaching”, applicable for both Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) education and as a Construction 4.0 technology. The aim of this project is to increase the amount of AEC AR content available for education and to introduce students to the productive use of AR. During its development, special attention was paid to the needs of the AEC industry. Users can employ BIM models to create AR scenes before adding animations and annotations without requiring programming skills. The AR platform enables interaction with remote experts and is therefore also suitable for distance learning. In a pilot study, use cases were defined and students tested the usability of the applications. The results were positive and additional suggestions for improvement were made. The feedback and motivation of the students indicate that AR has a future in education, especially if enough AEC AR content and practical use cases are available. The latter also concerns the application of AR in AEC practice. Full article

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20 pages, 1065 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Domains of Psychosocial Risk Factors Affecting Young Construction Workers: A Systematic Review

by Samuel Frimpong, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Cynthia Changxin Wang and Elijah Frimpong Boadu

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030335 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4485

Abstract

Despite being a key provider of employment, construction work significantly contributes to poor mental health among young construction workers worldwide. Although there are studies on the psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) that make young construction workers susceptible to poor mental health, the literature is [...] Read more.

Despite being a key provider of employment, construction work significantly contributes to poor mental health among young construction workers worldwide. Although there are studies on the psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) that make young construction workers susceptible to poor mental health, the literature is fragmented. This has obscured a deeper understanding of PRFs and the direction for future research, thus making it challenging to develop appropriate interventions. To address this challenge, we systematically reviewed the literature on young construction workers’ PRFs using meta-aggregation, guided by the PICo, PEO, and PRISMA frameworks. We sought to synthesize the domains of PRFs that affect young construction workers’ mental health, and to determine the relationships between the PRF domains, psychological distress, and poor mental health. A total of 235 studies were retrieved and 31 studies published between 1993 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. We identified 30 PRFs and categorized them into ten domains, which were further classified into personal, socio-economic, and organizational/industrial factors. The findings of this review contribute to achieving an in-depth understanding of young construction workers’ PRF domains and their patterns of interaction. The findings are also useful to researchers and policymakers for identifying PRFs that are in critical need of attention. Full article

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17 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unintended Consequences of Productivity Improvement Strategies on Safety Behaviour of Construction Labourers; A Step toward the Integration of Safety and Productivity

by Nariman Ghodrati, Tak Wing Yiu, Suzanne Wilkinson, Mani Poshdar, Saeed Talebi, Faris Elghaish and Samad M. E. Sepasgozar

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030317 - 07 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

The construction industry is facing constant pressure to improve its poor safety record and low productivity rate. A significant amount of research has been undertaken to identify the best practices to enhance productivity and safety. Nevertheless, the mainstream research in the field of [...] Read more.

The construction industry is facing constant pressure to improve its poor safety record and low productivity rate. A significant amount of research has been undertaken to identify the best practices to enhance productivity and safety. Nevertheless, the mainstream research in the field of construction focuses on one of these issues rather than implementing a holistic approach to resolve them. Consequently, the interactions between productivity and safety cannot be fully understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that management strategies and practices for improving labour productivity can trigger a series of unintended consequences that affect safety performance in construction projects. However, the behavioural aspects of these unintended consequences have yet to be investigated. This research addresses the gap by measuring the impacts of seven management strategies for improving labour productivity on the safety behaviour of construction labourers. A total of 191 construction labourers participated in a survey designed based on the Management Strategy Assessment Index (MSAI). The results show that the implemented management strategies for improving labour productivity have a greater impact on shaping safety compliance (SC) behaviours than safety participation (SP) behaviours of labourers. This study took a further step by breaking down the management strategies to their constitutive practices and measuring their impacts on SC and SP, and labour productivity. This paper provides further insight into the complex relationship between the productivity and safety behaviour of construction labourers. The findings can help project managers to improve labour productivity without harming their safety unintentionally. Full article

20 pages, 7995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Game Theory-Based Framework for Analyzing the Collaborative Dynamic of Tacit Knowledge Sharing and the Choice of Procurement and Contract Types in Mega Construction Projects

by Jong Han Yoon and Pardis Pishdad-Bozorgi

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030305 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2928

Abstract

In construction projects, owners’ and contractors’ decisions as to whether or not share their tacit knowledge transparently with each other determines the choice of project delivery and contracting methods and their collaborative behaviors in the projects. The dynamic of collaboration is a complex [...] Read more.

In construction projects, owners’ and contractors’ decisions as to whether or not share their tacit knowledge transparently with each other determines the choice of project delivery and contracting methods and their collaborative behaviors in the projects. The dynamic of collaboration is a complex one and is often influenced by the other player’s intent to collaborate. This paper proposes a quantitative framework using game theory to analyze the collaborative dynamic interplay in construction projects. The framework demonstrates that when an owner’s and a contractor’s knowledge leveragability (L) is very high and synergy (S) is enhanced as a result of knowledge sharing in complex construction projects, the Nash equilibrium state lies beneath the Pareto frontier. This means that sharing tacit knowledge transparently about budgets by choosing the best value procurement with GMP or IPD contracts can promote collaboration and provide better payoffs to both stakeholders than not sharing the knowledge by choosing the Design–Bid–Build method using a low-bid procurement in conjunction with a fixed-price contract. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a theoretical framework that enables both owners and contractors to understand the economics of collaboration in the context of complex projects. Full article

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17 pages, 3405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Earned Value Method (EVM) for Construction Projects: Current Application and Future Projections

by Mayra Proaño-Narváez, Carlos Flores-Vázquez, Pablo Vásquez Quiroz and Marco Avila-Calle

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030301 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 12130

Abstract

The earned value method (EVM) is an internationally known technique for project management that emphasizes the control of project cost performance and duration, thus allowing trends to be identified during execution and warning the project manager of variances that may affect the project [...] Read more.

The earned value method (EVM) is an internationally known technique for project management that emphasizes the control of project cost performance and duration, thus allowing trends to be identified during execution and warning the project manager of variances that may affect the project so that they can take the necessary corrective measures. In this research, the finished projects of a construction company in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, were assessed. EVM was applied to projects from a database developed with information from each one to rebuild past events, existing problems, and critical points and evaluate the performance over time. The results of this analysis are meant to determine the project’s success, calculating the cost variance at the end. EVM motivates project stakeholders to pay attention to costs and progress so that timely actions can be taken to optimize resources, resulting in the completion of a project within budget and on time. In conclusion, EVM plays an essential role in the integral management of the project in terms of scope, time, and cost. Moreover, there are now guidelines for applying this method as a control tool in future construction projects. Full article

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17 pages, 5282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid AHP-Fuzzy TOPSIS Approach for Selecting Deep Excavation Support System

by Usama Issa, Fam Saeed, Yehia Miky, Muwaffaq Alqurashi and Emad Osman

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030295 - 03 Mar 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3306

Abstract

This paper introduces and further applies an approach to support the decision makers in construction projects differentiating among a variety of deep excavation supporting systems (DESSs). These kinds of problems include dealing with uncertainty in data, multi-criteria affecting the decision, and multi-alternatives to [...] Read more.

This paper introduces and further applies an approach to support the decision makers in construction projects differentiating among a variety of deep excavation supporting systems (DESSs). These kinds of problems include dealing with uncertainty in data, multi-criteria affecting the decision, and multi-alternatives to select one from them. The proposed approach combines the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) in a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model. The MCDM model emphasize the ability to combine expert knowledge, cost calculations, and laboratory test results for soil properties to achieve the scope. The model proved it had a superior ability to deal with the complexity and vague data that are related to construction projects. Furthermore, it was applied to a real case study for a governmental housing project in Egypt. Secant pile walls, sheet pile walls, and soldier piles and lagging are selected and studied as being the most common DESSs and as they satisfy the project requirements. The model utilized four criteria and fourteen comparing factors, including site characteristics, safety, cost, and environmental impacts. Based on the results of the model application on the investigated case study, a decision was reached that using secant piles as a supporting system in this project is mostly preferred. Furthermore, sheet pile wall, and soldier piles and lagging, come next in the ranking order. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate how sensitive the results are to the criteria weights. In addition, the paper discusses in detail the reasons and factors which affect and control the decision-making process. Full article

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27 pages, 6390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applicability-Compatibility Analysis of PMBOK Seventh Edition from the Perspective of the Construction Industry Distinctive Peculiarities

by Amir Faraji, Maria Rashidi, Srinath Perera and Bijan Samali

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020210 - 13 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 9856

Abstract

Project management standards, like PMBOK, have had a considerable role in developing this field of knowledge and promoting it as a professional expertise in project-oriented industries, such as the construction industry. The latest version of PMBOK, seventh edition—2021, has been released with substantial [...] Read more.

Project management standards, like PMBOK, have had a considerable role in developing this field of knowledge and promoting it as a professional expertise in project-oriented industries, such as the construction industry. The latest version of PMBOK, seventh edition—2021, has been released with substantial changes, and the conventional process-based system has been converted to a performance-based approach. This study aimed to investigate the recent edition of PMBOK, to explore its application and adaptation regarding the specific characteristics of the construction industry. For this purpose, utilizing a hybrid methodology of text mining and survey method, at first, the content of the text was analyzed by software in combination with experts’ opinions. In a parallel survey, the distinctive attributes of the construction industry were investigated, and in the next step, the way that this sector can benefit from the emerging framework was examined. The results show the construction industry has special peculiarities in the form of four different project types with specific phases in typical lifecycle and reveal the potential applicability of performance domains in the construction projects and the compatibility of project management principles. This study is one of the first attempts to review the novel presented standard of PMBOK seventh edition and contributes to the present knowledge by analyzing the construction industry in relation to this issue. Full article

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25 pages, 6130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Application of BIM in RFI in Building Projects

by Francisca Morales, Rodrigo F. Herrera, Felipe Muñoz-La Rivera, Edison Atencio and Manuel Nuñez

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020145 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5504

Abstract

Requests for information (RFIs) are frequently used by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry to resolve doubts and inaccuracies and to request complimentary information. However, they can be inefficient due to the lag between issuance and response, generating delays and cost [...] Read more.

Requests for information (RFIs) are frequently used by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry to resolve doubts and inaccuracies and to request complimentary information. However, they can be inefficient due to the lag between issuance and response, generating delays and cost overruns. The building information modeling (BIM) methodology allows for the integration of information by using virtual models and facilitating the control and management of RFIs; however, the full potential of BIM is not being exploited. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the RFIs of 17 high-rise building projects in conjunction with the application of BIM for their mitigation. To achieve this, categories of RFI categories were identified, the issuance and response process was analyzed, the building projects’ RFIs were classified, the most frequent problems were identified, the BIM uses that would allow for a reactive or preventive action were identified, and, finally, the potential benefits of BIM use for the reduction of RFIs were analyzed. The research showed that the correct use of BIM applications focusing on RFIs allows for an effective information review, generating preventive or reactive management of problems. Thus, it is possible to identify the recurrent causes of RFIs and those specialties issuing the most RFIs, with the objective of mitigating RFI submission in construction projects. Full article

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19 pages, 2183 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Selecting Appropriate Risk Response Strategies Considering Utility Function and Budget Constraints: A Case Study of a Construction Company in Iran

by Mojgan Safaeian, Amir M. Fathollahi-Fard, Kamyar Kabirifar, Maziar Yazdani and Mohammad Shapouri

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020098 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6976

Abstract

Successful implementation of construction projects worldwide calls for a set of effective risk management plans in which uncertainties associated with risks and effective response strategies are addressed meticulously. Thus, this study aims to provide an optimization approach with which risk response strategies that [...] Read more.

Successful implementation of construction projects worldwide calls for a set of effective risk management plans in which uncertainties associated with risks and effective response strategies are addressed meticulously. Thus, this study aims to provide an optimization approach with which risk response strategies that maximize the utility function are selected. This selection is by opting for the most appropriate strategies with the highest impact on the project regarding the weight of each risk and budget constraints. Moreover, the risk assessment and response strategy of a construction project in Iran as a case study, based on the global standard of the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) and related literature, is evaluated. To handle the complexity of the proposed model, different state of the art metaheuristic algorithms including the ant lion optimizer (ALO), dragonfly algorithm (DA), grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), Harris hawks optimization (HHO), moth-flame optimization algorithm (MFO), multi-verse optimizer (MVO), sine cosine algorithm (SCA), salp swarm algorithm (SSA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and grey wolf optimizer (GWO). These algorithms are validated by the exact solver from CPLEX software and compare with each other. One finding from this comparison is the high performance of MFO and HHO algorithms. Based on some sensitivity analyses, an extensive discussion is provided to suggest managerial insights for real-world construction projects. Full article

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20 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microscopical Resource Allocation for Large-Scale Apartment Foundation Work Using Queuing Systems

by Kyungsoo Wee, Namhyuk Ham and Jae-Jun Kim

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020089 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1480

Abstract

Resource management can determine the success or failure of construction projects and is indispensable in frame construction owing to the numerous resources allocated. Various research methodologies have been proposed for successful resource management, but they have not been conducted from a microscopic point [...] Read more.

Resource management can determine the success or failure of construction projects and is indispensable in frame construction owing to the numerous resources allocated. Various research methodologies have been proposed for successful resource management, but they have not been conducted from a microscopic point of view such as activity. This paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of a concrete pouring team allocation on the project from a microscopic point of view, and proposes a framework for allocating the optimal team. Firstly, a time-dependent queueing model-based method is proposed for evaluating the influence of the pouring team for foundation concrete pouring. Data from large-scale apartment project cases in South Korea were used to verify this framework. Using time and cost metrics, the impact of the pouring team on the project was quantitatively analyzed. Finally, comparative analysis was performed to compare the concrete pouring team costs, including the average server cost and waiting cost before and after optimization. The proposed method reduced the total pouring team cost by 26.27% (KRW 35,547,600); it can help determine the optimal number of concrete pouring teams required for frame construction and improve the performance of construction projects from the process planning stage itself, by ensuring appropriate resource planning. However, since a single case was used, it is necessary to apply the proposed framework to actual construction after analyzing various cases in future studies. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019

15 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Hiring Issues of the Craft Workers in the UAE’s Construction Labor Market: Project Managers Perspective

by Mohammed Albattah, Amna Shibeika and Muhammad Sami Ur Rehman

Buildings 2022, 12(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010026 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

The construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is faced with negative project performance, including low productivity, higher costs, delays in project completion, and defects during construction. One of the main reasons for these issues is the engagement of unskilled craft workers. [...] Read more.

The construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is faced with negative project performance, including low productivity, higher costs, delays in project completion, and defects during construction. One of the main reasons for these issues is the engagement of unskilled craft workers. Despite these labor issues, demand for construction projects in the UAE has been explosively increasing, in part due to Dubai winning the hosting of Expo 2020, which has given rise to an unprecedented demand for skilled construction craft workers. This study aimed to investigate the views and experiences of construction project managers regarding the reasons and challenges associated with the hiring of skilled craft workers in the construction labor market of the UAE. To fulfill the study purpose, the authors conducted structured open-ended interviews with UAE construction project managers. The results revealed several reasons for hiring craft workers despite a clear lack of qualifications and suggest some potential solutions. Full article

19 pages, 5039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Factors Affecting Risk Appetite of Organizations in Selection of Mega Construction Projects

by Sanna Ullah, Nadeem Ahmad Mufti, Muhammad Qaiser Saleem, Amjad Hussain, Rab Nawaz Lodhi and Rehan Asad

Buildings 2022, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010002 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5804

Abstract

Risk appetite is a crucial component that plays a key role in the decision-making process of project risk management. Despite rising scholarly interest in project risk management, risk appetite has received little attention thus far. A well-defined risk appetite ensures that all decisions [...] Read more.

Risk appetite is a crucial component that plays a key role in the decision-making process of project risk management. Despite rising scholarly interest in project risk management, risk appetite has received little attention thus far. A well-defined risk appetite ensures that all decisions taken throughout the course of a project are consistent with an organization’s ultimate strategic aim. This research aims to identify the factors affecting the risk appetite of megaproject selection in the construction sector. The study adds to the knowledge of risk appetite in mega construction project selection and qualitatively examines the factors affecting risk appetite. Exploratory research design is used to identify these factors. The factors are identified using semi-structured interviews of 30 practitioners from the top and middle management working on mega construction projects. Thematic analysis was performed using NVIVO academic software. The most highlighted factors are financial attributes, board of directors’ agility, political factors, project location and demographics. The proposed conceptual framework identifies the factors affecting the risk appetite of mega construction project selection. These factors may be utilized as a starting point by construction project organizations to evaluate the risk appetite of a mega construction project. Risk appetite-based project selection will decrease chances of failures, delays, and cost overruns in mega-projects. These factors can be used by researchers as a rationale for developing predictive or descriptive models of project selection based on risk appetite. Full article

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17 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Fast-Track Construction Project in Qatar: Challenges and Opportunities

by Temitope Egbelakin, Olabode Emmanuel Ogunmakinde, Billie Teshich and Temitope Omotayo

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120640 - 11 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5176

Abstract

Fast-track construction projects are becoming increasingly prevalent in the construction industry, particularly where completion time is essential. A high adoption rate in some of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries countries and the lack of a conceptual understanding of the challenges inherent in [...] Read more.

Fast-track construction projects are becoming increasingly prevalent in the construction industry, particularly where completion time is essential. A high adoption rate in some of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries countries and the lack of a conceptual understanding of the challenges inherent in such may jeopardize the future sustainability of the construction sector. To make an informed decision about adopting a fast-track construction method, it is necessary to first identify the opportunities and challenges associated with it. Therefore, this study examines the critical challenges impeding the performance of Qatar’s fast-track construction projects. The research findings were analysed and triangulated using a real-life project as a case study and several data sources. The results of the research identified four critical categories of barriers: design and coordination-related, scope or change orders-related, material and equipment-related, and contractual-related barriers. In addition, strategies such as accurate information, constructability assessment, early involvement of operations and maintenance personnel, and the use of an effective change control system were identified for addressing the identified challenges. The findings are beneficial to professionals who are currently operating or planning to undertake construction projects in Qatar or other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries countries. This study recommends that project managers be more attentive to key barriers in order to improve the performance of fast-track projects and to meet clients’ objectives. Full article

51 pages, 14716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Project Data Categorization, Adoption Factors, and Non-Functional Requirements for Blockchain Based Digital Twins in the Construction Industry 4.0

by Benjamin Teisserenc and Samad Sepasgozar

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120626 - 08 Dec 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6098

Abstract

As key technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, blockchain and digital twins have great potential to enhance collaboration, data sharing, efficiency, and sustainability in the construction industry. Blockchain can improve data integrity and enhance trust in the data value chain throughout the entire [...] Read more.

As key technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, blockchain and digital twins have great potential to enhance collaboration, data sharing, efficiency, and sustainability in the construction industry. Blockchain can improve data integrity and enhance trust in the data value chain throughout the entire lifecycle of projects. This paper aims to develop a novel theoretical framework for the adoption of environmentally sustainable blockchain-based digital twins (BCDT) for Construction Industry (CI) 4.0. The paper identifies which key data from construction projects lifecycle should be anchored in BCDTs to benefit CI 4.0 and the environment. The paper also identifies key factors and non-functional requirements necessary for the adoption of BCDTs in a decentralized and sustainable CI 4.0. At first, a content analysis of the literature allowed the identification of which data from projects lifecycle would benefit from blockchain technology (BCT) adoption and what the key factors and non-functional requirements necessary for the adoption of BCDT in the CI4.0 are. Furthermore, the analysis of structured interviews and online survey permitted to firstly validate the hypotheses raised from the literature and to offer a novel framework for BCDT of CI 4.0 in the context of the circular economy (CE). The findings are that (1) the key project lifecycle data relevant for BCDTs relate to the BIM dimensions (3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D, and 8D) and a new dimension called the contractual dimension (cD) is also proposed. (2) Ecosystems of BCDTs should embrace a novel form of collaboration that is decentralized and presented as Level 4 maturity for BCDTs. This new level of maturity leverages distributed blockchain networks to enhance collaboration, processes automation with smart contracts, and data sharing within a decentralized data value chain. Finally (3), the main non-functional requirements for BCDTs are security, privacy, interoperability, data ownership, data integrity, and the decentralization and scalability of data storage. With the proposed framework including the BCDT dimensions, the Maturity Level 4, and the key non-functional requirements, this paper provides the building blocks for industry practitioners to adopt BCDTs. This is promising for CI 4.0 to embrace a paradigm shift towards decentralized ecosystems of united BCDTs where trust, collaboration, data sharing, information security, efficiency, and sustainability are improved throughout the lifecycle of projects and within a decentralized CE (DCE). Full article

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20 pages, 3801 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Designing Construction 4.0 Activities for AEC Classrooms

by Rolando Chacón

Buildings 2021, 11(11), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11110511 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3292

Abstract

This article describes the outcomes of the development of the project MATES to STEAM. The project is aimed at integrating Construction 4.0 content to a recently started new degree on Technologies on Civil Engineering. This integration is underpinned by the creation of STEAM-rich [...] Read more.

This article describes the outcomes of the development of the project MATES to STEAM. The project is aimed at integrating Construction 4.0 content to a recently started new degree on Technologies on Civil Engineering. This integration is underpinned by the creation of STEAM-rich activities that can complement such degree. The philosophical design of these activities followed three requirements: (i) the activities should infuse Construction 4.0-related technologies, (ii) the activities should foster motivation among students with a STEAM vision by-design and (iii) the activities should be designed with a hardware-software independent perspective (open-source, accessible, affordable). Cornerstone and capstone projects as well as a set of workshops represent the demonstrators of these activities. All these demonstrators are knitted together in a single path in which an educational attempt to fill the identified Construction 4.0 gaps is proposed. The STEAM perspective provides completeness to the whole development. During the last two years, the project was developed and the design, the development and implementation of several demonstrators were completed. In the years to come, a systematic deployment and analysis of such demonstrators is expected when a full implementation of the new degree of Technologies in Civil Engineering will be addressed. Full article

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16 pages, 2022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Social Network-Based Examination on Bid Riggers’ Relationships in the Construction Industry: A Case Study of China

by Liang Xiao, Kunhui Ye, Junhong Zhou, Xiaoting Ye and Ramadhani Said Tekka

Buildings 2021, 11(8), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080363 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2953

Abstract

Collusive bidding has been an insidious issue in the construction industry. Bidders initiate collusive networks of various sizes to win market shares. The popularity of collusive bidding networks affects market fairness and erodes the interests of market players. Although considerable research efforts were [...] Read more.

Collusive bidding has been an insidious issue in the construction industry. Bidders initiate collusive networks of various sizes to win market shares. The popularity of collusive bidding networks affects market fairness and erodes the interests of market players. Although considerable research efforts were made to diagnose collusive bidding networks, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the relationships bid riggers use to engage in the networks. Therefore, this study used the social network method, where two hundred sixteen collusion cases were collected from China to test these relationships. The results show that collusive bidding networks were characterized by sparseness, a small scale, a high concentration, and strong randomness. Three types of collusive bidding networks were also detected: contractual, spontaneous, and shadow. Furthermore, these collusive bidding networks had discrepancies regarding participants’ identities, forms of collusive bids, and the determination of bid winners. It was found that the proposed social network model of deliberating bid riggers’ relationships lays a solid foundation for the detection of collusive bidding in the construction sector. Full article

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13 pages, 1891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method to Qualify the Impacts of Certifications for Prefabricated Constructions

by Clement Blanquet du Chayla, Pierre Blanchet and Nadia Lehoux

Buildings 2021, 11(8), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11080331 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

In the province of Quebec, Canada, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in manufactured timber construction seeking to expand their market must necessarily go beyond the local trade. By exporting their products and manufactured building sections to another country, Quebec manufacturers must deal with [...] Read more.

In the province of Quebec, Canada, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in manufactured timber construction seeking to expand their market must necessarily go beyond the local trade. By exporting their products and manufactured building sections to another country, Quebec manufacturers must deal with significant regulations and certification constraints. The aim of this study is therefore to propose a method to qualify the impacts of these constraints on the export of manufactured buildings to New England in order to create a decision support tool. Since construction regulations vary depending on the location of the project, those relating to Massachusetts were analyzed, as this is currently the main destination for manufactured building sections. Considering the federal and local regulations in effect, a content analysis of the Quality Assurance Manual (QAM) set up by an industry partner and a third-party certifier enabling exports to Massachusetts was performed. In particular, the six-step method proposed by L’Écuyer was exploited for extracting and examining relevant information from regulatory texts. Through this analysis, the importance of quality control was confirmed as a keystone for certification. It also led to a better understanding of the relationships between quality control, the construction process and installation, the design and engineering choices, and the strategy to choose the project. Full article

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28 pages, 5127 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case Study of a Negotiated Tender within a Small-to-Medium Construction Contractor: Modelling Project Cost Variance

by James Ellis, David John Edwards, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Obuks Ejohwomu, Ernest Effah Ameyaw and Mark Shelbourn

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060260 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 13106

Abstract

This research explores the failure of competitively tendered projects in the UK construction industry to procure the most suited contractor(s) to conduct the works. Such work may have equal relevance for other developed nations globally. This research seeks to teach clients and their [...] Read more.

This research explores the failure of competitively tendered projects in the UK construction industry to procure the most suited contractor(s) to conduct the works. Such work may have equal relevance for other developed nations globally. This research seeks to teach clients and their representatives that “lowest price” does not mean “best value”, by presenting a case study of a successfully negotiated tender undertaken by a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) contractor; SME studies are relatively scant in academic literature. By applying the “lessons learnt” principle, this study seeks to improve future practice through the development of a novel alternative procurement option (i.e., negotiation). A mixed philosophical stance combining interpretivism and pragmatism was used—interpretivism to critically review literature in order to form the basis of inductive research to discuss negotiation as a viable procurement route, and pragmatism to analyse perceptions of tendering and procurement. The methods used follow a three-stage waterfall process including: (1) literature review and pilot study; (2) quantitative analysis of case study data; and (3) qualitative data collection via a focus group. Our research underscores the need to advise clients and their representatives of the importance of understanding the scope of works allowed within a tender submission before discounting it based solely on price. In addition, we highlight the failings of competitive tendering, which results in increased costs and project duration once the works commence on site. These findings provide new contemporary insight into procurement and tendering in the construction industry, with emphasis on SME contractors, existing relationships, and open-book negotiation. This research illustrates the adverse effects of early cost estimates produced without first securing a true understanding of project buildability and programming. Our work concludes with a novel insight into an alternative procurement option that involves early SME contractor involvement in an open-book environment, without the need for a third-party cost control. Full article

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40 pages, 2775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Building Agents in the Context of Integrated Project Management: A Prospective Analysis

by Alberto Cerezo-Narváez, Andrés Pastor-Fernández, Manuel Otero-Mateo and Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez

Buildings 2021, 11(5), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11050184 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2721

Abstract

The increasing complexity of building projects, with high quality standards, integrated technologies and strong management restrictions, demands the intervention of numerous and diverse specialists. This requires an intense leadership, organization and coordination effort. However, building regulations, such as the Spanish Law on Building [...] Read more.

The increasing complexity of building projects, with high quality standards, integrated technologies and strong management restrictions, demands the intervention of numerous and diverse specialists. This requires an intense leadership, organization and coordination effort. However, building regulations, such as the Spanish Law on Building Management (LOE) 38/1999, only formally consider developers, project designers, project and work supervisors, quality control entities, construction companies, owners and final users as building agents. However, these categories are insufficient to represent the interests of all the stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to carry out an analysis of the agents that are currently part of the entire building process. If their relationship of influence and dependence, as well as their alignment with the overall objectives of the project are studied, potential convergences, divergences, agreements and disagreements can be established. To do this, the authors conducted a prospective analysis through the MACTOR (Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives and Recommendations) strategic planning simulation tool, for which the rules of the Delphi technique were applied and a consultation with technical experts, both professionals and academics, was held. The research provides insight to assess the power relationships between the building agents, as well as to measure the alignment of objectives with their interests. Results show that, in the context of integrated project management (IPM), the influence of technical agents is reduced by limiting their functions to those marked by their regulatory framework, allowing them to focus on their legal powers, and the room for manoeuvre of the professional agents, who are subject to systematized monitoring and control, is also reduced. The prospective analysis also highlights the importance of defining the scope from its early stages, as well as the need to reach multilateral agreements based on the other two main constraints: time and cost. Full article

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12 pages, 7147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Side Mold Control Equipment for Producing Free-Form Concrete Panels

by Jiyeong Yun, Kyeongtae Jeong, Jongyoung Youn and Donghoon Lee

Buildings 2021, 11(4), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11040175 - 18 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

Free-form concrete panel production requires an increasing amount of manpower because the molds cannot be reused. There are many limitations when it comes to reproducing accurate forms due to the many manual processes. Therefore, the current study developed side mold control equipment that [...] Read more.

Free-form concrete panel production requires an increasing amount of manpower because the molds cannot be reused. There are many limitations when it comes to reproducing accurate forms due to the many manual processes. Therefore, the current study developed side mold control equipment that can automatically fabricate molds for free-form concrete panels. The equipment is capable of molding various shapes and sustainable operation. However, there may be errors as it automatically produces various shapes. Therefore, it is necessary to check the errors between manufactured shapes and designed shapes. The shape created using the side mold control equipment showed less than 0.1° error in side angle and ±3 mm error in side length. Therefore, the equipment manufactured a precise shape. Based on the findings of the study, the side mold control equipment will be used to produce accurate shape of free-form concrete panels automatically. Full article

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28 pages, 2295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Risk Analysis‐Best Worst Method Based Model for Selection of the Most Appropriate Contract Strategy for Onshore Drilling Projects in the Iranian Petroleum Industry

by Amir Faraji, Maria Rashidi, Pegah Khadir and Srinath Perera

Buildings 2021, 11(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11030097 - 05 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3273

Abstract

The pre-project planning phase has a significant impact on the achievement of project objectives because during this stage, major decisions including involving contract strategies are made with a high degree of uncertainty. Studies show that the contract type can play a unique role [...] Read more.

The pre-project planning phase has a significant impact on the achievement of project objectives because during this stage, major decisions including involving contract strategies are made with a high degree of uncertainty. Studies show that the contract type can play a unique role in the achievement of project success. On the other hand, drilling projects can be considered as one of the most critical types of projects in the petroleum industry. In this research, a novel risk based best-worst method (risk-BWM) is proposed for solving the issue of selecting the best contract strategy. A three level methodology was designed; firstly, the risk breakdown structure (RBS) of drilling projects was created in four levels including one heading in level 0, eight main areas of risk in level 1, 34 sub-areas of risk in level 2, and finally, 217 risk items in level 3. Secondly and on the basis of BWM, the weights of risk factors were determined as the selection criteria and consequently the best and the worst criteria were specified. Finally, using pair-wise comparisons between six types of drilling prevalent in contracts, the most appropriate contract type was proposed. The contribution of this study is the development of a generic RBS for drilling projects and application of the risk factors for the first time for the selection of contract type using the BWM method, which has the potential of being adapted for other types of underground projects. Full article

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16 pages, 3589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction Waste Audit in the Framework of Sustainable Waste Management in Construction Projects—Case Study

by Marcela Spišáková, Peter Mésároš and Tomáš Mandičák

Buildings 2021, 11(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11020061 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7888

Abstract

The issue of sustainability has long been the subject of interest in architecture engineering and the construction sector. All three aspects of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—can be affected through appropriate construction waste management. Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is one of the largest [...] Read more.

The issue of sustainability has long been the subject of interest in architecture engineering and the construction sector. All three aspects of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—can be affected through appropriate construction waste management. Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is one of the largest worldwide waste streams, therefore, it is given great attention by all stakeholders (investors, contractors, authorities, etc.). Research studies show that one of the main barriers to insufficient CDW recovery is inadequate policies and legal frameworks to manage CDW. It is also one of European Union’s (EU) environmental priorities. The aim of the article was to confirm the economic potential of construction and demolition waste audit processing through a case study. A pre-demolition waste audit was processed for an unused shopping center building in the town Snina in Slovakia. Subsequently, a comparison of economic parameters (waste disposal costs and transport costs) of the recommended CDW management was performed. This comparison confirmed the economic benefits of environmentally friendly construction waste management methods according to the waste audit results, which would also increase the sustainability of construction projects. Additionally, the cost parameters of selected waste disposal methods could be another dimension of building information modeling. Full article

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14 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bidding Strategy in Construction Public Procurement: A Contractor’s Perspective

by Tomáš Hanák, Adriana Drozdová and Ivan Marović

Buildings 2021, 11(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11020047 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8986

Abstract

A contractor’s ability to prepare a competitive bid for a construction tender is crucial for its survival on the market. The bid price estimation strategy should promote the probability of winning a sufficient amount of tenders but, at the same time, ensure the [...] Read more.

A contractor’s ability to prepare a competitive bid for a construction tender is crucial for its survival on the market. The bid price estimation strategy should promote the probability of winning a sufficient amount of tenders but, at the same time, ensure the economic stability and development of the company. This paper aims to address this issue in the area of Czech public construction procurement. The opinions, experiences and practices of contractors were collected through a questionnaire survey, and the data were evaluated with the support of statistical methods. This revealed that Czech contractors mostly base their multicriteria bidding strategy on cost-oriented pricing while considering various aspects such as the risks and attractiveness of the tender. The Czech construction market is generally perceived as oriented toward low costs, and with a relatively common occurrence of abnormally low bids. The findings presented in this paper may help contractors improve their current bidding strategies in public construction procurement. Full article

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2020

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019

22 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Organizational System for Project Source Selection in the Major Iranian Construction Companies

by Amir Faraji, Maria Rashidi and Ehsan Sorooshnia

Buildings 2020, 10(12), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120251 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3327

Abstract

Studies show that procurement management and its processes strongly affect project success in the construction industry, because the project-oriented organizations in the construction industry prefer to buy goods and services from outside the project team and benefit from outsourcing. Hence, these organizations are [...] Read more.

Studies show that procurement management and its processes strongly affect project success in the construction industry, because the project-oriented organizations in the construction industry prefer to buy goods and services from outside the project team and benefit from outsourcing. Hence, these organizations are continually facing different levels of procurement processes, and the establishment of a robust outsourcing system is crucial for success of their projects and development of their businesses. On the other hand, the housing projects are considered a significant sector of the construction industry in terms of the number of projects and the impact on the national economy. Traditionally, the key sources in conventional housing projects are the general contractors, the consultants and the suppliers. In this study, essential elements of an organizational system have been investigated by expert opinions and through the Delphi method, and all effective aspects of the source selection problem have been identified and integrated. Based on the research findings, procurement of housing construction projects should be organized in three organizational levels: development of the long list, preparation of the short list and selection of the most appropriate source by focusing on four main elements of the source identification method, criteria definition, evaluation arrangement and assessment model. Full article

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15 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Simulation Model for Proper Sales Price of Apartment House in Seoul

by Kihyuk Kim, Jiyeong Yun, Sungjin Kim, Dae Young Kim and Donghoon Lee

Buildings 2020, 10(12), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120244 - 16 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

The number of new homes built in China in 2014 doubled compared to 2004, while Korea has built more than 3000 units every year since 2004 and Japan has built more than 6000 new units. Apartments account for 60% of homes in Korea, [...] Read more.

The number of new homes built in China in 2014 doubled compared to 2004, while Korea has built more than 3000 units every year since 2004 and Japan has built more than 6000 new units. Apartments account for 60% of homes in Korea, so it is anticipated that apartment construction projects will not cease in Korea. The current company assumes that the sale rate (pre-sale rate) of apartments may be completely controlled by the pre-sale prices. The study calculated appropriate pre-sale prices to maximize the revenue of companies based on that assumption. For that purpose, the study identified the factors affecting the pre-sale prices and analyzed its correlation with the pre-sale prices based on the apartments located in Seoul, Korea. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the pre-sale prices of apartments are correlated with the number of apartment complexes, local rates, and local development level. The final result of the study suggested a way to calculate the sale prices using the factors that are thought to be correlated with the pre-sale prices. A simulation model was created using the method. When tested, it yielded an average deviation rate of 10.32%. The current study will contribute to preventing the economic losses that may be caused by apartment construction projects. Full article

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17 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Construct Validation Approach for Exploring Sustainability Adoption in Pakistani Construction Projects

by Mehfooz Ullah, Muhammad Waris Ali Khan, Ammar Hussain, Faisal Rana and Asadullah Khan

Buildings 2020, 10(11), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10110207 - 18 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2457

Abstract

Sustainable Project Management (SPM) is a novel theme in construction industries of developing countries and very little is known (so far) about the sustainability performance of construction projects in those settings. Accordingly, the quantitative measurement of SPM as a higher-order construct is not [...] Read more.

Sustainable Project Management (SPM) is a novel theme in construction industries of developing countries and very little is known (so far) about the sustainability performance of construction projects in those settings. Accordingly, the quantitative measurement of SPM as a higher-order construct is not well established and lacks a holistic approach and homogenous taxonomy of indicators. This study explores the SPM practices of construction firms by validating SPM as a second-order construct in the Pakistani construction industry. Data were obtained from 146 construction firms, which were then analyzed using partial least square structure equation modeling. Results of the first and second level measurement model assessments showed that construction firms practice SPM, with varying degrees of attention paid to three sustainability aspects. Environmental dimension surfaced as the most important, in-terms of practice and social sustainability as least. The analysis of the second-order measurement model yielded significant results, thus, validating the higher-order structure of SPM. This study contributes to the field by presenting one of the first studies of its kind by focusing on the sustainability practices of construction firms by using a higher-order design of SPM construct within the context of developing countries. Full article

16 pages, 10825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technical and Economic Analysis of the Implementation of Selected Variants of Road Investment

by Marcin Szczepański and Beata Grzyl

Buildings 2020, 10(6), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10060097 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2886

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyze three variants of modernization and reconstruction of a road intersection, which in practice is the cause of numerous collisions and accidents. Detailed design solutions are presented for them. The aim of the analyses is to [...] Read more.

The aim of the article is to analyze three variants of modernization and reconstruction of a road intersection, which in practice is the cause of numerous collisions and accidents. Detailed design solutions are presented for them. The aim of the analyses is to indicate an effective solution that, taking into account technical modifications of the road system elements, will ensure the functionality of the road system to the highest degree and significantly reduce the number of road incidents. To indicate the optimal solution, quantitative data (cost and duration of activities for three options) and qualitative data (determined based on the own experience and knowledge of road industry experts) is analyzed. The authors refer to many criteria of various natures (e.g., economic, technical, functional, environmental, social), which allow for comprehensive consideration of the current requirements of road users and changing circumstances, among others a steady increase in the number of vehicles and growing social expectations in terms of road parameters. Considering the presented analyses and arguments, the authors recommend option 1 as optimal. This is the most expensive solution among those analyzed and with the longest implementation time, however, taking into account the long-term prognosis of the direction and scope of changes to the existing standards and requirements for road infrastructure, it can be stated that option 1 meets them to the highest degree, and also has the greatest potential. The envisaged solution ensures high standards of the quality of road infrastructure use in terms of functionality, capacity, technical parameters, as well as the safety of traffic participants related to the smoothness of the journey, reduction of the number of collisions and accidents. Full article

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16 pages, 4493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation-Based Management of Construction Companies under the Circular Economy Concept—Case Study

by Pedro Núñez-Cacho Utrilla, Jarosław Górecki and Juan Manuel Maqueira

Buildings 2020, 10(5), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10050094 - 16 May 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6182

Abstract

Society and the business world are paying more and more attention to the Circular Economy (CE) principles. The construction industry is no stranger to this issue, and the companies are transitioning towards sustainable production models. However, it is not easy to predict when [...] Read more.

Society and the business world are paying more and more attention to the Circular Economy (CE) principles. The construction industry is no stranger to this issue, and the companies are transitioning towards sustainable production models. However, it is not easy to predict when and to what extent a company implements the CE. To measure this process, a scorecard, that includes the main Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the construction industry, related to the CE, was designed. Thus, the objective of this article is to design and test the CE-dashboard applicable to the construction industry. To do it, firstly, a literature review is performed. The next step is the selection of the KPIs collected in the literature, more suitable for reporting information about CE. Afterwards, a simulation based on the Monte Carlo technique performs. After multiple iterations, this method establishes the most probable KPI values as a result, which will be confronted with the limits used in the scorecard. With all this information, the dashboard emerges in Qlik software. Finally, a test of this dashboard takes place according to the information about KPIs from one of the leading Spanish companies (General Contractor (GC) building company). This step brings the validity of the created measurement instrument. Full article

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13 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methods for the Calculation of the Lost Profit in Construction Contracts

by Radovan Majer, Helena Ellingerová and Jozef Gašparík

Buildings 2020, 10(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10040074 - 13 Apr 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 14441

Abstract

The aim of each investor is to procure the construction work in an efficient and economical way. This goal can be achieved by managing costs from the beginning of the investment process. It is necessary to determine the estimated price of the construction [...] Read more.

The aim of each investor is to procure the construction work in an efficient and economical way. This goal can be achieved by managing costs from the beginning of the investment process. It is necessary to determine the estimated price of the construction work in all phases of the investment process and not to underestimate the importance of this activity. It is almost a rule that the contractor or investor does not allow sufficient time for the contractor to prepare the construction for good quality, which may lead to insufficient preparation. The consequences of poor construction preparation vary from poorly built construction to litigation over the lost profits of the contractor—and this is the topic we discuss in this paper. The issue of asserting lost profits on the contract by the contractor is the subject of legal disputes between the contractor and the customer of construction work. In such cases, the question becomes the design of a methodology suitable for its calculation. The article deals with the presentation of the existing methods of loss of profit calculation, two of which are applied to the example of litigation from construction practice, with the definition of their results and differences. Full article

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2019

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21 pages, 8294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

STATUS App: A Mobile Data Collection Tool for Buildings Adjacent to Tunneling Works

by Gianfranco Di Pietro, Fabio Rinnone, Claudia M. Parisi, Salvatore Caprì and Giovanni Bianco

Buildings 2020, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10010007 - 31 Dec 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5255

Abstract

In urban areas, tunneling works inevitably interfere with the adjacent buildings. In the preliminary design stage, designers usually do not inspect buildings adjacent to the construction sites, because these activities are often too expensive. This paper presents the STATUS app, an Android application [...] Read more.

In urban areas, tunneling works inevitably interfere with the adjacent buildings. In the preliminary design stage, designers usually do not inspect buildings adjacent to the construction sites, because these activities are often too expensive. This paper presents the STATUS app, an Android application for mobile data collection. It was developed and tested by Geofunction Srls before the beginning of the tunneling works for the railway doubling in Cefalù (Italy). The system assists technicians during visual inspections and records the pre-existing architectural and/or structural damages in buildings adjacent to construction sites in real time. The output of the data collection is an official report printed and countersigned in situ by the technicians and the owners of the inspected property. The application was used for 1189 inspections inside 96 buildings. The aim of the paper is to show the benefits achieved through the use of STATUS app. It is also useful for several purposes: external risk assessment, damage prevention, damage reporting, preventing future legal disputes, and the free-rider problems. The application is released under closed-source license. Full article

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14 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formula for Determining the Construction Workers Productivity Including Environmental Factors

by Jarosław Malara, Edyta Plebankiewicz and Michał Juszczyk

Buildings 2019, 9(12), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings9120240 - 26 Nov 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6250

Abstract

The aim of this study is to build a mathematical model of the productivity of construction workers. It does so by selecting 17 factors that influence the productivity of construction workers and categorising them into five groups. For the mathematical description of the [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to build a mathematical model of the productivity of construction workers. It does so by selecting 17 factors that influence the productivity of construction workers and categorising them into five groups. For the mathematical description of the factors, fuzzy logic was used. A formula for calculating the work productivity of construction workers is proposed. The novelty of the approach proposed by the authors is rooted in the consideration of various factors that have the potential to influence the productivity of construction workers. To present the way the formula operates, a single assessment of ceiling formwork was undertaken. The verification of a model confirmed its capability of analyzing, evaluating, and predicting the productivity of construction workers with satisfying accuracy. Full article

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