2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

27 pages, 3074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Simulation of the Influencing Factors of Private Capital Participation in Urban and Rural Infrastructure Transformation Based on System Dynamics

by Hui Chen, Yuxuan Zhu, Xiaoqing Du, Hong Yan and Guanghui Fu

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092327 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 688

Abstract

An important force for participation in urban and rural infrastructure transformation (URIT) is private capital (PC), which helps to emphasize the importance of government departments in effectively implementing quality urban development strategies when driving PC in order to participate in URIT in a [...] Read more.

An important force for participation in urban and rural infrastructure transformation (URIT) is private capital (PC), which helps to emphasize the importance of government departments in effectively implementing quality urban development strategies when driving PC in order to participate in URIT in a compliant and efficient manner. This article constructs a system of factors that influence the participation of PC in URIT, which uses the analytical hierarchy process–criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (AHP-CRITIC) combination method to quantify the comprehensive assignment of influencing factors, in order to analyze the poor effectiveness of PC participation in URIT. On this basis, combined with a logical mechanism analysis of PC participation in URIT, the evolutionary system dynamics model was constructed, and it concerned the correlation between PC’s willingness to participate in URIT and PC’s willingness to participate in each of the influencing factors. The results of the study show that (1) factors such as “return on project investment”, “tax breaks”, “level of government finance”, “project construction cost”, “mechanism for public selection of PC”, and “establishment of a special coordinating department” are the most influential factors concerning the willingness of PC to participate in URIT; (2) the “open selection of PC” and the “establishment of a coordinating department” at the level of government behavior, and “tax relief” at the level of the policy system, directly affect the willingness of PC to participate in URIT; and (3) the analysis is based on the model simulation results, combined with stakeholder theory and incentive theory. After analyzing the simulation results, it was observed that increasing the degree of implementation, regarding the “public selection of PC” and “establishment of coordination departments” among the influencing factors related to the government’s behavior, significantly enhanced the willingness of PC to participate during the final stage of the simulation. The willingness increased from 2.81 to 3.24 and 3.22, respectively. Furthermore, after doubling the “tax relief” within the policy system, the willingness of PC to participate increased from 2.81 to 3.05 during the final simulation. Finally, this article gives strategic recommendations as to how governments can incentivize PC participation in URIT, which mainly include strengthening the profitability of URIT projects, innovating the PC participation model, improving the completeness of the supporting policies, and strengthening the co-ordination of local policies. The theoretical models and research results presented in this article can provide a reference for government policy makers to encourage PC participation in URIT and provide new ideas for transformation methods concerning PC participation in URIT. Full article

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25 pages, 1248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ÖNORM B 2203-1 as a Supplement to FIDIC Emerald Book in Conventional Tunnel Construction

by Oleksandr Melnyk, Jacqueline Raab and Frank Lulei

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071837 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

This paper explores how the ÖNORM B 2203-1 model can complement the FIDIC Emerald Book contracts in conventional tunnel construction projects, specifically focusing on cooperation, project management, reimbursement, and dispute resolution. The complex technical nature of such projects requires collaborative stakeholder engagement, efficient [...] Read more.

This paper explores how the ÖNORM B 2203-1 model can complement the FIDIC Emerald Book contracts in conventional tunnel construction projects, specifically focusing on cooperation, project management, reimbursement, and dispute resolution. The complex technical nature of such projects requires collaborative stakeholder engagement, efficient project management, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. This article enhances the current body of literature by undertaking a qualitative comparative analysis of the FIDIC Emerald Book and the ÖNORM B 2203-1 model within the specific context of conventional tunnel construction projects. The findings demonstrate that specific areas in the FIDIC Emerald Book exist where supplementary guidance is required. Compared to the FIDIC Emerald Book, the ÖNORM model offers a more extensive range of project management aspects, reimbursement guidelines, dispute resolution provisions, and comprehensive technical specifications, all supported by contractual provisions. The major limitation of this study is its focus on a literature review. Thus, including the qualitative analysis in an actual project and applying the study results would be advantageous for verifying the findings. Full article

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17 pages, 6276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Floor Plan Design Method of Exhibition Halls in CGAN-Assisted Museum Architecture

by Xiao Min, Liang Zheng and Yile Chen

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030756 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6187

Abstract

The floor plan designs of traditional museum exhibition halls are generally developed according to the position and streamlined accessibility of the exhibits. However, there are often many floors in the same building, and multi-story exhibition halls are similar, so architects often spend a [...] Read more.

The floor plan designs of traditional museum exhibition halls are generally developed according to the position and streamlined accessibility of the exhibits. However, there are often many floors in the same building, and multi-story exhibition halls are similar, so architects often spend a large amount of time and energy designing floors individually. Thus, this paper proposes a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN)-based method for designing the floor plans of museum exhibition halls, which can help architects to work more efficiently. In this study, the basic concepts and structures of CGAN are first introduced; then, the design and training process of the CGAN model used are described in detail, and the datasets and evaluation metrics adopted are briefly described. In the Results and Discussion sections, this paper presents an example of the generated floor plan design of a museum exhibition hall and evaluates and analyzes the floor plan design of a museum exhibition hall generated using the proposed method. Finally, this paper summarizes the advantages of the proposed method, but also notes its shortcomings. If the number of data sets is not sufficient, the scope of the application will be relatively small. For example, museums converted from certain historical buildings are not applicable. The research results show the following: (1) the method proposed in this paper takes advantage of the CGAN model and can generate a museum exhibition hall floor plan design with certain regularity according to the given conditions, rather than pure random generation. (2) This method can automatically generate a variety of plan designs for museum exhibition halls in different schemes, providing designers with more choices and flexibility. (3) This method can carry out design optimization through human–computer interaction, and iterative improvement can be carried out according to user needs and feedback, which improves the practicability of the design. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

17 pages, 3414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Lei Yu and Dezhi Li

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010104 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1116

Abstract

Social media data have been gradually regarded as a prospective social sensor in the transportation domain for capturing road conditions. Most existing social media data-based sensors (SMDbSs) of road conditions, however, rely heavily on lexicon-based methods for information extraction and provide coarse-grained location [...] Read more.

Social media data have been gradually regarded as a prospective social sensor in the transportation domain for capturing road conditions. Most existing social media data-based sensors (SMDbSs) of road conditions, however, rely heavily on lexicon-based methods for information extraction and provide coarse-grained location information. Hence, this work newly devises an SMDbS based on joint relation extraction and entity recognition for sensing road conditions from social media data, which eliminates the reliance on lexicon-based methods and offers finer-grained location information in comparison with existing SMDbSs. This SMDbS development consists of four major steps, including data collection and annotation, data cleansing, two-stage information extraction, and model verification. A tweet dataset in Lexington city is exploited to demonstrate this SMDbS, which shows satisfactory information extraction performance. This study would help facilitate social media data to be an extra information source in the transportation domain. Full article

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19 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Success Factors of Underground Logistics Systems from the Project Life Cycle Perspective

by Dan Xue, Xiaojing Zhao, Jianjun Dong, Rui Ren, Yuanxian Xu and Zhilong Chen

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1979; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111979 - 14 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1520

Abstract

The surging demand for logistics systems brought about by the vigorous development of e-commerce makes urban traffic more and more congested. The need for a sustainable transition in terms of urban transportation infrastructure also encourages the further innovation of logistics systems. The urban [...] Read more.

The surging demand for logistics systems brought about by the vigorous development of e-commerce makes urban traffic more and more congested. The need for a sustainable transition in terms of urban transportation infrastructure also encourages the further innovation of logistics systems. The urban underground logistics system (ULS) emerges as a promising alternative for realizing efficient large-scale freight distribution in megacities. However, there are relatively few studies that have explored the factors that determine the uptake of ULSs in practice. This paper thus aims to identify the critical success factors of ULSs throughout project life cycle stages. Firstly, a desktop study and a study using the Delphi method were conducted to extract the critical success factors (CSFs) of ULS projects. Secondly, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the perceived significance of the selected success factors from ULS professionals. Thirdly, the intergroup comparison of the significance of CSFs and exploratory factory analysis were used to ascertain the critical factors and latent determinants influencing the development of ULS projects. In total, 36 CSFs in the four life cycle stages of ULS projects were finalized. The identified factors represent the seven latent determinants in developing a ULS project, namely, overall feasibility and acceptance of the ULS, prototype system, and business model, competence and resources for ULS construction and operation, station layout and intermodal transportation, government policies and incentives, long-term planning of the underground space and logistics network, and market investigation and forecasting. The research findings of the paper help guide practitioners and policy makers on decisions made during ULS planning and construction and provide a reference performance evaluation framework for ULS projects. Full article

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18 pages, 2263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Safety Resilience Evaluation Model of Data Center Physical Infrastructure: An ANP-Based Approach

by Xiaer Xiahou, Jialong Chen, Bangyi Zhao, Zixuan Yan, Peng Cui, Qiming Li and Zhou Yu

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111911 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2266

Abstract

With the development of the digital economy, the number and scale of data centers are expanding rapidly. Data centers are playing an increasingly important role in social and economic development. However, a short downtime of a data center may result in huge losses. [...] Read more.

With the development of the digital economy, the number and scale of data centers are expanding rapidly. Data centers are playing an increasingly important role in social and economic development. However, a short downtime of a data center may result in huge losses. The safety management of data centers’ physical infrastructure is of great significance to address this concern. We applied resilience theory to the safety management of data center physical infrastructures. We analyzed the resilience connotation and evaluated the system resilience using the resilience indexes. The data center infrastructure was regarded as a system of systems. Through theoretical analysis, the resilience framework of data center infrastructures was established, which formed the main dimensions of resilience assessment. The Delphi method determined the resilience indices, and the ANP method was adopted to set up the evaluation model. The results revealed the important indexes affecting data center infrastructure system safety resilience. Based on the findings, this paper argues for improving redundancy and adaptability, paying attention to the resilience management of energy flow and thermal flow, and establishing an automatic systematic data management system. These suggested measures would not only effectively make contributions to the data center infrastructure safety management theory but also provide an important reference for construction industry practices. Full article

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17 pages, 2258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Retrofitting Assessment of Public Building Envelopes in China’s Hot Summer and Cold Winter Climate Region

by Changchun Liu, Wenting Ma, Jianli Hao, Daiwei Luo, Jian Zuo and Cheng Zhang

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1866; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111866 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1645

Abstract

The retrofitting of existing public buildings to save energy and reduce carbon emissions is a priority for China’s building sector. Accordingly, the Chinese government requires all public buildings to be energy retrofitted based on the Design Standard for Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings [...] Read more.

The retrofitting of existing public buildings to save energy and reduce carbon emissions is a priority for China’s building sector. Accordingly, the Chinese government requires all public buildings to be energy retrofitted based on the Design Standard for Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings GB50189-2015. However, few studies have been conducted to assess the energy efficiency of this design standard in the hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) climate region of China. The aim of this study was therefore to provide sensitivity analysis for the thermal properties of the envelope of a typical public building energy retrofit in China’s HSCW climate region. The results show that the thermal performance of the existing envelope of the sample building was very poor, with heating and cooling energy consumption 18.94% higher than the GB90189-2015 baseline model. It was found that better optimized parameters could reduce the heating and cooling energy load by 28.26% compared with the parameters of the sample building. The findings from this study provide valuable references for local governments and practitioners eager to improve the energy efficiency of existing public buildings in China’s HSCW region. Full article

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15 pages, 1024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Effect of Urban Rail Transit on Property Prices from the Perspective of Sustainable Development: Evidence from Xuzhou, China

by Zheng Zhu, Yating Zhu, Rui Liu, Lei Zhang and Jingfeng Yuan

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101760 - 21 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1474

Abstract

Urban rail transit (URT) promotes sustainable urban development by alleviating traffic congestion and environmental degradation. However, many cities have developed URT projects recently, often encumbering local governments with debt. Land value capture (LVC) is an important theory that explores the new financing modes [...] Read more.

Urban rail transit (URT) promotes sustainable urban development by alleviating traffic congestion and environmental degradation. However, many cities have developed URT projects recently, often encumbering local governments with debt. Land value capture (LVC) is an important theory that explores the new financing modes for urban rail transit. Despite prior studies that have found a positive relationship between URT and property prices based on LVC, limited empirical studies explore sustainable paths to better examine the effect of URT on property prices. This study collects 1036 properties in Xuzhou, China. Meanwhile, multiple regression models are established to analyze the impact mechanism of URT on property prices, and to further examine the combination effects of multidimensional neighborhood infrastructure and URT on property prices from the perspective of sustainable development. The results show that the coefficients of URT in all models are negative, indicating that the property prices decrease as the distance from the URT to the property increases, and the positive coefficient of TRANS implies that the transfer station would raise house prices. Combining Park, School (and Hospital) variables with URT, respectively, the negative coefficients of URT increase from 0.0435 to 0.0846 and 0.0525, and these URT variables are significant, indicating that parks, schools, and hospitals can enhance the effect of URT on property prices. However, adding the Shopping variable, the negative value of URT drops from 0.0435 to 0.0192, and is not significant, which means shopping centers have a restraining impact. Moreover, the combination of parks and schools (and hospitals) can better enhance the effect of URT on property prices (the highest URT negative coefficient is 0.0870). This study can provide a reference for the government to facilitate URT planning and better decision-making. Full article

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27 pages, 6477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Optimal Scale of Coastal Reclamation Activities Based on an Environmental Capacity Assessment System: A Case Study in Haizhou Bay, China

by Lan Feng, Xianyu Zeng, Pan Hu and Xiaoxiao Xu

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101673 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1194

Abstract

With the acceleration of urbanization, the demand for land due to urban large-scale construction and development is increasing. Coastal reclamation (CR) is a prevailing approach to tackle the contradiction between coastal land shortage and the growing demand for living space for human beings. [...] Read more.

With the acceleration of urbanization, the demand for land due to urban large-scale construction and development is increasing. Coastal reclamation (CR) is a prevailing approach to tackle the contradiction between coastal land shortage and the growing demand for living space for human beings. Enormous social and economic benefits are derived from CR, while at the same time bringing a series of environmental problems. Since the beginning of the 21st century, this oceanic-oriented development has become more frequent. Therefore, the considerable economic and ecological trade-offs of reclamation activities must be analyzed to enable targeted land use decisions. By comprehensively evaluating the natural conditions of the sea area, including geology, topography, hydrology, ecology, and social and economic conditions, this study established an environmental capacity assessment system (ECAS) based on water environmental capacity for assessment of the potential environmental impact resulting from CR. According to the water quality status and positions of CR in Haizhou Bay, the environmental capacities of four major pollutants were calculated to forecast the suitable area of CR. The results indicated that these reclamation projects had notable negative effects on the environmental capacity of the four major pollutants. The order of pollutants according to their harm on seawater quality is: PO₄-P > NH₄-N > NO_X-N > COD. In three reclamation alternative scenarios, scenario 3 led to the minimum negative impacts on the environmental capacity, scenario 2 followed, and scenario 1 had the worst result. Hence, scenario 3 was the optimal reclamation scenario, under which the suitable area of CR in Haizhou Bay was found to be 83 km². This study provides a scientific reference for the effective management of coastal reclamation and future environmental impact research when new CR is proposed, as well as sustainable urban development. Full article

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23 pages, 22424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Carbon Quota Benchmark Allocation on Cement Company Competitiveness: A System Dynamics Approach

by Jing Du, Min Zhao and Jin Zhu

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101599 - 03 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

The cement industry, as a high energy-consuming industry, has been included in the carbon emissions trading system (ETS) in the context of the carbon neutrality goals. Benchmark allocation of carbon quotas may have a significant impact on cement companies. To study this impact, [...] Read more.

The cement industry, as a high energy-consuming industry, has been included in the carbon emissions trading system (ETS) in the context of the carbon neutrality goals. Benchmark allocation of carbon quotas may have a significant impact on cement companies. To study this impact, we constructed a system dynamics (SD) model for a cement company with the three subsystems of “demand and production”, “economic efficiency”, and “carbon emission and carbon trading” based on company competitiveness theory. A company competitiveness index was established from the SD model. Through computer simulation, the influence of the annual decline coefficient of the benchmark value and the innovation investment rate on a cement company’s competitiveness under different circumstances were compared and analyzed. This study puts forward suggestions for low-carbon development, such as setting a reasonable range of annual decline coefficient of the benchmark value (0.97–0.99) and promoting investment in emission-reduction technologies in multiple phases. Full article

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17 pages, 1293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Antecedents of Residents’ Willingness to Cooperate in Urban Regeneration Projects: Based on an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) Model

by Dan Wang, Shouwen Jiang, Bingsheng Liu, Xinjian Li and Xiaohao Yuan

Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081251 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1771

Abstract

Residents’ willingness to cooperate can contribute to the success of urban regeneration projects worldwide. However, limited research has explored factors determining residents’ willingness to cooperate with neighborhood regeneration projects. This study aims to investigate the influence of psychological factors on urban residents’ willingness [...] Read more.

Residents’ willingness to cooperate can contribute to the success of urban regeneration projects worldwide. However, limited research has explored factors determining residents’ willingness to cooperate with neighborhood regeneration projects. This study aims to investigate the influence of psychological factors on urban residents’ willingness to comply with neighborhood regeneration projects. To achieve this goal, the study extends the theory of planned behavior by specifying the effects of perceived benefit, perceived risk, and perceived fairness on residents’ compliance intention toward neighborhood regeneration projects. Data from 362 local residents (i.e., homeowners) in China were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results show that perceived benefit, perceived risk, and perceived fairness have significant effects on the attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, which in turn enhance residents’ compliance intention toward neighborhood regeneration projects. In addition, perceived benefit and perceived fairness also exhibit direct positive effects on residents’ compliance intention. This study develops an enriched model to examine the forming mechanisms of residents’ compliance intention under the context of neighborhood regeneration. It also provides more insights to enhance the decision-making regarding strategies of urban regeneration toward better social sustainability. Specifically, measures should be implemented to increase residents’ subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and benefit perception. It is also recommended to foster a favorable attitude and to facilitate fairness perceptions of residents. Full article

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12 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Efficiency Evaluation of Construction Waste Generation Based on Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Index

by Xia Liu, Zezhou Wu, Peiying Xie, Qing Hong, Xi Hu and Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari

Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081189 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1421

Abstract

The rapid development of urbanization in China in recent years has resulted in the production of large amounts of construction waste, which has placed certain constraints on the sustainable development of the construction industry. This study measures the environmental efficiency of construction waste [...] Read more.

The rapid development of urbanization in China in recent years has resulted in the production of large amounts of construction waste, which has placed certain constraints on the sustainable development of the construction industry. This study measures the environmental efficiency of construction waste generated in China from static and dynamic perspectives using the data envelopment analysis and the Malmquist index with data from 30 Chinese provinces during the period from 2011 to 2020. The results showed that, from a static perspective, the environmental efficiency of China’s construction waste generation has been on a generally declining trend year by year, and the overall level is still not too high. At the regional level, there is a stepwise decline in the eastern, central, northeastern, and western regions. From a dynamic point of view, the overall Malmquist index in China has an average value of 1.016, indicating that the level of environmental efficiency of construction waste generation in China is in a state of improvement. From a regional perspective, the Malmquist index is highest in the east, indicating that the level of environmental efficiency of construction waste generation in the eastern region is developing well. Full article

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18 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decision-Making Based on Network Analyses of New Infrastructure Layouts

by Shan Luo, Tao Wang, Limao Zhang and Bingsheng Liu

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070937 - 01 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1499

Abstract

New Infrastructure (NI) has gradually become a new driving force for regional economic growth and an important part of the construction of new urban infrastructure in many countries, including China. Compared with traditional infrastructures, these NIs have mutually supportive functions and complex interrelationships [...] Read more.

New Infrastructure (NI) has gradually become a new driving force for regional economic growth and an important part of the construction of new urban infrastructure in many countries, including China. Compared with traditional infrastructures, these NIs have mutually supportive functions and complex interrelationships that create interconnected networks of resources, information, and other interactions during the construction of the NIs. Therefore, it is important to analyze such correlation networks and explore their formation mechanisms in order to develop more scientific and reasonable strategies for NI investment and construction. In this study, the interdependence between NIs in Chongqing was analyzed as an example. Social network analysis (SNA) was used for the overall characteristics of the interdependency network of the NIs and an exponential random graph model (ERGM) was used to reveal the formation mechanism of this network. The results showed that information infrastructure is the key node for enhancing the effectiveness of Chongqing’s NI needs and its government should play a coordinating role. The network of related relationships is characterized by “reciprocity” and “small group”. The aggregation of NIs with such characteristics can produce an agglomeration effect. So, in the planning of NIs, the coordination among management departments should be strengthened and project locations should be reasonably arranged according to the functional interactive characteristics of the projects. Full article

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21 pages, 2692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting and Improving the Waterlogging Resilience of Urban Communities in China—A Case Study of Nanjing

by Peng Cui, Xuan Ju, Yi Liu and Dezhi Li

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070901 - 25 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2263

Abstract

In recent years, urban communities in China have been continuously affected by extreme weather and emergencies, among which the rainstorm and waterlogging disasters pose a great threat to infrastructure and personnel safety. Chinese governments issue a series of waterlogging prevention and control policies, [...] Read more.

In recent years, urban communities in China have been continuously affected by extreme weather and emergencies, among which the rainstorm and waterlogging disasters pose a great threat to infrastructure and personnel safety. Chinese governments issue a series of waterlogging prevention and control policies, but the waterlogging prevention and mitigation of urban communities still needs to be optimized. The concept of “resilience” has unique advantages in the field of community disaster management, and building resilient communities can effectively make up for the limitations of the traditional top-down disaster management. Therefore, this paper focuses on the pre-disaster prevention and control of waterlogging in urban communities of China, following the idea of “concept analysis–influencing factor identification–evaluation indicators selection–impact mechanism analysis–resilience simulation prediction–empirical research–disaster adaptation strategy formulation”. The structural equation model and BP neural network are used by investigating the existing anti-waterlogging capitals of the target community to predict the future waterlogging resilience. Based on this simulation prediction model, and combined with the incentive and restraint mechanisms, suggestions on corrective measures can be put forward before the occurrence of waterlogging. Full article

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14 pages, 636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Factors Influencing the Performance of Highway Projects: An Empirical Evaluation

by Shumank Deep, Shankar Banerjee, Saurav Dixit and Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060849 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3475

Abstract

Highway construction projects have always suffered from cost overruns due to extended project delivery, causing a loss of public funds. Since highways are the backbone of a nation, the purpose of this study is to measure the criticality of the factors that influence [...] Read more.

Highway construction projects have always suffered from cost overruns due to extended project delivery, causing a loss of public funds. Since highways are the backbone of a nation, the purpose of this study is to measure the criticality of the factors that influence the performance of highway projects. A survey instrument was prepared and distributed to 185 project managers. To achieve the aim of the study, exploratory factor analysis was used and the standard factor loading was the criteria to measure the criticality. From the analysis, it was identified that the factors were grouped under four categories: (a) Execution constraints (b) Operational factors, (c) Stakeholder and political constraints, (d) Design Constraints. Further, it was concluded that the complexity of the sub-contractor’s performance, frequent modification in alignment, project design, loopholes in safety, and ambiguities in specifications are the main factors that impact the performance of highway projects. Therefore, it was recommended to develop an efficient project planning methodology which is a continuum of project management skills and tacit knowledge of managing a site which operates efficiently. Full article

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18 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Building Energy Consumption Information on Energy-Saving Intention of College Students

by Menglin Xing, Xi Luo, Xiaojun Liu, Zhenchuan Ma and Na Li

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060769 - 05 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

As college students bear little energy cost of public buildings on campus, information intervention is more feasible than economic intervention to augment the energy-saving intention of college students. College students are sensitive to environmental information; thus, building energy consumption information, which reflects the [...] Read more.

As college students bear little energy cost of public buildings on campus, information intervention is more feasible than economic intervention to augment the energy-saving intention of college students. College students are sensitive to environmental information; thus, building energy consumption information, which reflects the energy consumption levels of the environment where students live, may be effective to promote the energy-saving intention of college students. However, the changeable cognitive structure of college students makes it difficult to predict the cognitive results of building energy consumption information. Based on social cognitive theory and theory of planned behavior, this paper reveals the impacts of building energy consumption information on energy-saving intentions of college students from the perspective of perceived value and personal norms. The conclusions are: (1) The impacts are positive and indirect; (2) the impacts are realized through the path “perceived benefit—perceived value—intention” and “perceived benefit & risk—personal norm—intention”; (3) the perceived value and personal norm independently affect energy-saving intention; and (4) the effect of perceived benefits is the most obvious. Based on the above results, we put forward a series of policy suggestions, with the aim to enhance the positive effect of building energy consumption information on college students. Full article

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19 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Characteristics and Driving Factors of Public–Private Partnership Projects Implemented in China

by Fan Yang, Jintao Li, Yi Wang, Shengyu Guo and Heqian Lei

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060768 - 05 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1570

Abstract

In recent years, public–private partnership (PPP), as an alternative strategy in the delivery of infrastructure services, has developed rapidly in China. However, the implementation of PPP projects differs significantly between provinces and municipalities. Using the implementation data of national PPP demonstration projects, this [...] Read more.

In recent years, public–private partnership (PPP), as an alternative strategy in the delivery of infrastructure services, has developed rapidly in China. However, the implementation of PPP projects differs significantly between provinces and municipalities. Using the implementation data of national PPP demonstration projects, this study employs spatial autoregression and a spatial Durbin model (SDM) to explore the spatial characteristics and driving factors of PPP projects across China. The results indicate that the PPP project implementation rate in China shows significant spatial clustering, which indicates a spatial spillover effect in the eastern, central, and western regions of the country. The fixed asset investment and infrastructure status exert a significant positive effect on the PPP project implementation rate in a certain region and aid in the implementation of PPP projects in the neighboring regions. Urbanization potentiality, the financial self-sufficiency rate, and regional openness do not have an impact on the local PPP project implementation rate, but they do inhibit the increase in this rate in the adjacent regions. Fiscal capacity, government credibility, and the level of social development do not affect the local PPP project implementation rate, but they do promote the implementation of the PPP projects of these neighboring regions. Local authorities should make additional efforts to build an inter-regional development environment for PPP and promote the implementation of PPP projects. Full article

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15 pages, 1677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infrastructural Requirements and Regulatory Challenges of a Sustainable Urban Air Mobility Ecosystem

by Arpad Takacs and Tamas Haidegger

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060747 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3007

Abstract

The United Nations has long put on the discussion agenda the sustainability challenges of urbanization, which have both direct and indirect effects on future regulation strategies. Undoubtedly, most initiatives target better quality of life, improved access to services & goods and environment protection. [...] Read more.

The United Nations has long put on the discussion agenda the sustainability challenges of urbanization, which have both direct and indirect effects on future regulation strategies. Undoubtedly, most initiatives target better quality of life, improved access to services & goods and environment protection. As commercial aerial urban transportation may become a feasible research goal in the near future, the connection possibilities between cities and regions scale up. It is expected that the growing number of vertical takeoff & landing vehicles used for passenger and goods transportation will change the infrastructure of the cities, and will have a significant effect on the cityscapes as well. In addition to the widely discussed regulatory and safety issues, the introduction of elevated traffic also raises environmental concerns, which influences the existing and required service and control infrastructure, and thus significantly affects sustainability. This paper provides narrated overview of the most common aspects of safety, licensing and regulations for passenger vertical takeoff & landing vehicles, and highlights the most important aspects of infrastructure planning, design and operation, which should be taken into account to maintain and efficiently operate this new way of transportation, leading to a sustainable urban air mobility ecosystem. Full article

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19 pages, 5064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interplay of Message Frame and Reference Point on Recycled Water Acceptance in Green Community: Evidence from an Eye-Tracking Experiment

by Hanliang Fu, Pengdong Xue, Zhifang Wu, Hong Zhu, Jiachen Niu, Yu Lai and Caixia Hou

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060741 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

Public rejection of recycled water hinders the application of recycled water use projects in green communities. An effective information outreach strategy could help to overcome this obstacle. This study used message frames and reference points as control variables to design experimental materials and [...] Read more.

Public rejection of recycled water hinders the application of recycled water use projects in green communities. An effective information outreach strategy could help to overcome this obstacle. This study used message frames and reference points as control variables to design experimental materials and conduct eye-movement experiments to determine the effect of different information promotion strategies. The results of the study show that: (1) compared with the loss frame, the gain-framed messages are more effective; (2) self-referencing messages are more suitable for recycled water use promotion than other-referencing messages; (3) message frame (gain vs. loss) and reference point (self vs. others) have an interactive effect on the public’s information cognitive behavior; (4) the average duration of fixations for advertising message plays an intermediary role in the path of message frame and reference point jointly influencing the public acceptance. This study provides managerial implications for determining information dissemination strategies for applying recycled water-use projects in green communities. Full article

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13 pages, 1942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Satisfaction and Demands of Indoor Space in the High-Density Residential Areas in the COVID-19 Era

by Jing Yang, Jiahang Xu, Tingting Hu and Jianing Cao

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050660 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1716

Abstract

The last few years have witnessed a change in residents’ demand for indoor space due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of residential satisfaction in the urban areas in various levels of COVID-19 severity, the household survey was conducted to explore the [...] Read more.

The last few years have witnessed a change in residents’ demand for indoor space due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of residential satisfaction in the urban areas in various levels of COVID-19 severity, the household survey was conducted to explore the changing residential demands. The IBM SPSS Statistics was employed to analyze the survey data with a focus on the relationship between pandemic severity and residents’ satisfaction, as well as the future influence of COVID-19 on indoor space and the varying demands. Correlation analysis was performed. The variables included in the correlation analysis were the following: urban epidemic severity, number of confirmed cases, density of confirmed cases, regional pandemic severity and satisfaction of different indoor spaces. This study revealed that the hallway, bathroom, living room and master bedroom are key areas in which the residential demands are concentrated. These should be paid attention to in the future residential design. Full article

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21 pages, 5218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis Chinese Green Buildings’ of Input–Output Effect Based on Data Envelope Analysis

by Wei Liu, Zhuan He, Huapeng Chen and Cheng Lin

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050659 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1754

Abstract

In order to measure implementation management efficiency of Chinese green buildings, the input–output index system of Chinese green buildings was constructed base on provincial-level panel data during 2017–2021.The basic model Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and DEA-Malmquist index method were adopted to measure and [...] Read more.

In order to measure implementation management efficiency of Chinese green buildings, the input–output index system of Chinese green buildings was constructed base on provincial-level panel data during 2017–2021.The basic model Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and DEA-Malmquist index method were adopted to measure and analyze the development law and time–region evolution tendency of implementation efficiency of Chinese green buildings from the static and dynamic perspectives, contributing to clarifying critical factors of restricting green building development, respectively. It was found that the comprehensive implementation management efficiency of Chinese green buildings was lower, but the development tendency was good. There was a remarkable regional and provincial difference, showing the development pattern of “east > middle > west” as a whole. Pure technical efficiency did not have a big gap, but most areas kept an invalid scale state, resulting in fluctuations of regional efficiency in varying degrees. The average annual increase of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) was 14.80%, indicating that TFP was developed well. Technical progress was considered as a decisive factor to restrain increase or decrease of TFP. As a result, to improve implementation efficiency of Chinese green buildings, it is necessary to focus on destroying the regional limitations, optimizing the input scale moderately, and paying attention to technical progress and innovation management. Full article

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20 pages, 4487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Building Efficiency and Influencing Factors of Transportation Infrastructure in China: Based on Three-Stage Super-Efficiency SBM–DEA and Tobit Models

by Guijun Li, Xiaoteng Ma and Yanqiu Song

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050623 - 08 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2074

Abstract

As an important part of low-carbon ecological city construction, green building is also an objective requirement of sustainable development. Based on the green building panel data of 30 provincial administrative regions in China from 2010 to 2020, the super-efficiency SBM model combined with [...] Read more.

As an important part of low-carbon ecological city construction, green building is also an objective requirement of sustainable development. Based on the green building panel data of 30 provincial administrative regions in China from 2010 to 2020, the super-efficiency SBM model combined with the three-stage DEA model was adopted to obtain the green building efficiency value that was closer to the real situation by excluding the influence of environmental factors and statistical noise. Green buildings in China have only been developing for just over ten years and are still in the initial stage of spatial aggregation in which transportation infrastructure plays an important role in scale effect. This manuscript focuses on analyzing the influence factors, intensity and direction of transportation infrastructure on green building efficiency. The results show that: (1) The agglomeration effect is obvious in the area of green buildings with high efficiency, but the radiation effect is not strong in low-efficiency area. (2) Municipal transportation infrastructure investment, road surface area, per capita number of stations and interregional traffic network density have a positive impact on green building efficiency, while freight volume has a negative impact. Full article

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18 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Has Information Infrastructure Reduced Carbon Emissions?—Evidence from Panel Data Analysis of Chinese Cities

by Yang Lyu, Zheng Ji, Han Liang, Tao Wang and Yanqiao Zheng

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050619 - 07 May 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1904

Abstract

Human activities have increased greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution, and “emission peaking” and “carbon neutrality” have become serious concerns at this point. The role of information infrastructure in reducing carbon emissions is a critical issue that has received little attention and [...] Read more.

Human activities have increased greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution, and “emission peaking” and “carbon neutrality” have become serious concerns at this point. The role of information infrastructure in reducing carbon emissions is a critical issue that has received little attention and needs to be addressed. Using panel data from 289 cities in China between 2011 and 2017, this research empirically explores the impact of information infrastructure on urban carbon emission intensity and the mechanism behind this effect. We discover that the construction of information infrastructure significantly reduces urban carbon emissions, and this finding holds true after a series of robustness tests. The mechanism is optimization of industrial structure, agglomeration of producer service industries, and innovation of green technologies. According to the heterogeneity test, the carbon emission reduction is greater in mega cities with higher technological levels and larger urban scales, as well as large cities with better traditional infrastructure. The present work’s findings give empirical support for promoting green and low-carbon development and mitigating global warming. Full article

20 pages, 3612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Sustainable Performance of Construction Industry in China from the Perspective of Input and Output: Considering Occupational Safety

by Liyang Tong, Yun Chen, Lianghai Jin and Xiazhong Zheng

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050618 - 07 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1762

Abstract

Improving the poor sustainability of the construction industry requires long-term actions, especially in developing countries such as China. Regional sustainability assessment plays an indispensable role, contributing to a better understanding of the state of development in various regions. However, few studies have focused [...] Read more.

Improving the poor sustainability of the construction industry requires long-term actions, especially in developing countries such as China. Regional sustainability assessment plays an indispensable role, contributing to a better understanding of the state of development in various regions. However, few studies have focused on the overall sustainability of regional construction industries, and occupational safety is generally ignored. To fill these gaps, an input-output system is established to evaluate regional sustainable performance of the construction industry (SPCI), which is made to include occupational safety by introducing the number of fatalities as an undesirable output. An evaluation model is constructed by combining window analysis with a super-slack-based measure data envelopment analysis (windows-super-SBM DEA). The SPCI in China’s 30 provinces from 2010 to 2017 is dynamically evaluated, and regional differences are further analyzed, with eight regions being defined. The results indicate that (1) the overall SPCI in China has fluctuated smoothly around a slight downward trend. By comparison, the integration of occupational safety refreshes the relative performance of most provinces; (2) dividing China into eight regions presents more detailed information because of those regions’ smaller coverage areas, and more attention should be given to the northeast, northwest, Middle Yellow River region and east coast because of the decrease in the SPCI; and (3) vigorously developing of the construction industry does not necessarily result in a large number of byproducts if the relevant policy is sufficiently strong. The findings of this study are conducive to rationally allocating resources and formulating targeted policies. Full article

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21 pages, 6465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promotion Strategy of Smart Construction Site Based on Stakeholder: An Evolutionary Game Analysis

by Feng Guo, Xiaojing Peng and Jianglin Gu

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050585 - 01 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Smart Construction Sites (SCS) are important drivers for the construction of high-quality development. In order to determine the evolution of SCS advancement systems, an evolutionary game model consisting of government, enterprises and projects was constructed. The experimental simulations were performed by using a [...] Read more.

Smart Construction Sites (SCS) are important drivers for the construction of high-quality development. In order to determine the evolution of SCS advancement systems, an evolutionary game model consisting of government, enterprises and projects was constructed. The experimental simulations were performed by using a system dynamics approach. The findings were as follows: (1) There are three stable equilibrium strategies in the evolution of the game system: government, enterprises and projects all adopt positive strategies; government intervention, enterprises’ advancement, and projects’ non-participation; and government intervention, enterprises and projects adopting negative strategies. (2) Government penalties and balance of interests between enterprises and projects are the main factors affecting the evolution. (3) In the state (1,1,1), the influence of a government regulatory system is more significant in encouraging enterprises to promote SCS and projects to participate in building an SCS platform. (4) Government rewards and penalties, costs and benefits of corporate support for SCS, benefits when projects do not participate in SCS, are the main factors influencing the adoption of proactive strategies by companies and projects, and there are significant differences in the strategic directions and marginal impacts of each factor on stakeholders’ choices. These findings provide a reference for further refining stakeholder theory and for promoting the sustainable development of SCS. Full article

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19 pages, 1716 KiB

Open AccessReview

Big Data Technology in Construction Safety Management: Application Status, Trend and Challenge

by Qingfeng Meng, Qiyuan Peng, Zhen Li and Xin Hu

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050533 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3915

Abstract

The construction industry is a high-risk industry with many safety accidents. The popularity of Internet information technology has led to an explosion in the amount of data obtained in various engineering fields, and it is of necessary significance to explore the current situation [...] Read more.

The construction industry is a high-risk industry with many safety accidents. The popularity of Internet information technology has led to an explosion in the amount of data obtained in various engineering fields, and it is of necessary significance to explore the current situation of the application of big data technology in construction safety management. This paper systematically reviews 66 articles closely related to the research topic and objectives, describes the current status of big data application to various construction safety issues from the perspectives of both big data collection and big data analysis for engineering and construction projects, and categorically lists the breakthrough results of big data analysis technology in improving construction safety. Finally, the trends and challenges of big data in the field of construction safety are discussed in three directions: the application of big data to worker behavior, the prospect of integrating big data technologies, and the integration of big data technologies with construction management. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the current state of research on big data technology fueling construction safety management, providing valuable insight into improving safety at engineering construction sites and providing guidance for future research in this field. Full article

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23 pages, 6216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilient City: Characterization, Challenges and Outlooks

by Chengwei Wu, Jeremy Cenci, Wei Wang and Jiazhen Zhang

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050516 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4112

Abstract

The increasingly severe environmental pollution and the Earth’s ecological crisis make the concept of resilient cities (RCs) a hot topic in urban research. We ran a bibliometric analysis to analyze the research progress, areas, hotspots, and strategies pertaining to RCs. The core collection [...] Read more.

The increasingly severe environmental pollution and the Earth’s ecological crisis make the concept of resilient cities (RCs) a hot topic in urban research. We ran a bibliometric analysis to analyze the research progress, areas, hotspots, and strategies pertaining to RCs. The core collection came from the Web of Science (WoS) database as the data source to explore 4462 literature works on RCs. The results revealed that development time series analysis is divided into three stages. Changes in the number of publications are linked to natural disasters, the ecological environment, and science policy. The top five issuing journals accounted for 24.15% of the total sample. Country cooperation mainly is concentrated in countries with good economic development trends, such as the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. There were 63 core authors. The most published research institution was the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The RC research hotspots included the definition of resilience and evolution, the study of resilience as an analytical framework for urban issues, and resilience assessment indicators. This paper shows that RCs should strengthen multi-country cooperation and interdisciplinary integration and should focus on comprehensive research on basic theories, evaluation systems, and action mechanisms to reference future research on RCs further. Full article

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17 pages, 3141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A BIM-GIS-IoT-Based System for Excavated Soil Recycling

by Tong Huang, Shicong Kou, Deyou Liu, Dawang Li and Feng Xing

Buildings 2022, 12(4), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040457 - 07 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

The increasing excavated soil from construction projects has become a big problem in the sustainable development of megacities worldwide. Even though excavated soil management concerns are receiving increased attention, low rates of excavated soil recycling remain a barrier to the continuous improvement of [...] Read more.

The increasing excavated soil from construction projects has become a big problem in the sustainable development of megacities worldwide. Even though excavated soil management concerns are receiving increased attention, low rates of excavated soil recycling remain a barrier to the continuous improvement of the construction industry. Nowadays, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has gained popularity for construction and demolition (C&D) waste management purposes. However, few studies and cases of recycling excavated soil using BIM technology have been found. This paper gives a BIM-GIS-IoT-based excavated soil recycling system to effectively integrate BIM and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into a geographic information system (GIS) to achieve scientific and reasonable recycling for excavated soil. The system mentioned above could collaboratively manage information from the government, developers, construction enterprises, transportation companies, and recycling facilities to meet the requirement for the specific communication, analysis, decision-making, and recycling plan preparation of the excavation project. In addition, it provides a systematic method and applies relevant information technology required to recycle the excavated soil effectively in the excavation project. The system is intended to provide a fundamental digital construction model for excavated soil recycling, regardless of whether it is invoked by the existing application software or a program tailored to the demands of a specific organization or stakeholders. It makes excellent use of the rich information stored in digital information models, may create a mapping to the input data required by the application, or automatically convert the basic model to facilitate the specific analysis. This system can not only serve as an excavation project simulation tool before construction, but also serve as a tool to recycle the excavated soil and cost evaluation. The developed model is applied via case studies within an excavation project. Different plans are described and compared in detail in several aspects of the schedule, revenue, and contract, finding that actual benefits will differ depending on the project’s limiting conditions. The result indicates ample opportunity for the advantages of the BIM-GIS-IoT-based excavated soil recycling system in the excavation project. Full article

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19 pages, 1298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development Path of Construction Industry Internet Platform: An AHP–TOPSIS Integrated Approach

by Kang Li, Tianle Duan, Zirui Li, Xiaer Xiahou, Ningshuang Zeng and Qiming Li

Buildings 2022, 12(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040441 - 05 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3243

Abstract

The Internet-based platform in the construction industry is a carrier for integrated construction information, which positively contributes to the development of smart construction sites (SCS). However, the lack of relevant research results in the ambiguous definition of the construction industry Internet platform. Meanwhile, [...] Read more.

The Internet-based platform in the construction industry is a carrier for integrated construction information, which positively contributes to the development of smart construction sites (SCS). However, the lack of relevant research results in the ambiguous definition of the construction industry Internet platform. Meanwhile, the current development path of these platforms is also confusing. For this reason, this research first concludes on the main features of Internet-based platforms in the construction industry and puts forward a clear definition. Secondly, a large quantity of literature is overviewed to identify branches of Internet-based platforms as comprehensively as possible. Then, 26 platforms are sorted and classified according to different construction phases. Based on the analytic hierarchy process, an AHP–TOPSIS model, a decision-making method frequently used in the engineering industry, is established with dimensions of technology, demand, policy, and standards. Eventually, the priority of the development of the Internet platform of each segment is sorted, thereby forming the three-stage development path of the construction industry Internet platform, namely Foundation Construction Stage (Platform 1.0), Function Developing Stage (Platform 2.0), Platform Integration Stage (Platform 3.0), and analyzing the characteristics of each development stage. This research opened a clear path for developing Internet-based platforms and providing a basis for formulating development policies for these platforms in the construction industry. With the limitation of an incomprehensive summary of evaluation criteria and platform branches, a better-designed evaluation with more experts in various positions should be conducted in future further research. Full article

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23 pages, 1537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passengers’ Sensitivity and Adaptive Behaviors to Health Risks in the Subway Microenvironment: A Case Study in Nanjing, China

by Peng Mao, Xiang Wang, Rubing Wang, Endong Wang and Hongyang Li

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030386 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

Passenger behavior in subways has recently become a matter of great concern, with more attention being paid to the health risks of the subway microenvironment (sub-ME). This paper aimed to provide guidance for subway passengers on better adapting to the health risks presented [...] Read more.

Passenger behavior in subways has recently become a matter of great concern, with more attention being paid to the health risks of the subway microenvironment (sub-ME). This paper aimed to provide guidance for subway passengers on better adapting to the health risks presented by the sub-ME. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Nanjing, China, and descriptive analysis and a one-way analysis of variance were performed to understand the sensitivity levels of subway passengers and analyze their adaptive behaviors, based on their sensitivity to sub-ME health risks. The results showed that passengers over 66 years old and those who are frequently sick are more sensitive to the presented health risks. Additionally, passengers traveling for longer and those traveling in rush hours are more sensitive to sub-ME health risks. We also found that individual characteristics, knowledge structure, and information communication all influence passengers’ adaptive behaviors. It was ascertained that those with a positive attitude and those who had previously suffered from environmentally influenced diseases, as well as those who studied an environment-related subject, tended to demonstrate more adaptive behaviors. Moreover, passengers who are very familiar with the subway information communication channels and the related information adapted better to the health risks of the sub-ME. Our findings are beneficial for improving passengers’ adaptability to the health risks presented by the sub-ME and for promoting the sustainable operation of subway systems. Full article

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25 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Social Responsibility of Major Municipal Road Infrastructure—Case Study of Zhengzhou 107 Auxiliary Road Project

by Delei Yang, Jiawen Li, Jiudong Peng, Jun Zhu and Lan Luo

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030369 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2681

Abstract

Social responsibility plays an important role in the sustainable development of major municipal road infrastructure. In this study, a major municipal road infrastructure social responsibility (MMRISR) evaluation indicator system is developed for the comprehensive evaluation of social responsibility. Questionnaires and expert interviews were [...] Read more.

Social responsibility plays an important role in the sustainable development of major municipal road infrastructure. In this study, a major municipal road infrastructure social responsibility (MMRISR) evaluation indicator system is developed for the comprehensive evaluation of social responsibility. Questionnaires and expert interviews were used to screen the initial indicators of the proposed system. Then, 24 indicators were selected from four dimensions to establish an MMRISR evaluation indicator system. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was employed to calculate the weights of each indicator. Finally, the Zhengzhou 107 Auxiliary Road Project was adopted as a case study to test the reliability of the proposed evaluation system. The contribution of this study lies in the provision of a novel indicator system for the social responsibility evaluation of major municipal road infrastructures, thus improving the science of project establishment and decision-making. The proposed social responsibility system can provide an efficient decision-making tool for social responsibility governance, fundamentally promoting the sustainable development of major municipal road infrastructures and the achievement of certain sustainable development goals. Full article

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17 pages, 4005 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Building and Health: Mapping the Knowledge Development of Sick Building Syndrome

by Mengmeng Wang, Lili Li, Caixia Hou, Xiaotong Guo and Hanliang Fu

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030287 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6839

Abstract

At present, with more and more attention paid to the impact of buildings on the health and well-being of occupants, sick building syndrome (SBS) has become a global concern. Since the introduction of SBS by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983, thousands [...] Read more.

At present, with more and more attention paid to the impact of buildings on the health and well-being of occupants, sick building syndrome (SBS) has become a global concern. Since the introduction of SBS by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983, thousands of research literatures have been published in this field. This paper systematically arranges knowledge development of SBS through bibliometric analysis, exploring the most influential countries, institutions, journals and scholars, as well as the main subject categories and keywords. Main path analysis (MPA) was used to list development trajectory under inheritance relationship of SBS knowledge, including symptom analysis, risk factors of SBS and the improved impact of ventilation on SBS and productivity. Furthermore, it is an emerging research trend to propose SBS solution in the building design stage. Full article

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19 pages, 1850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Major Barriers and Best Solutions to the Adoption of Ethics and Compliance Program in Chinese International Construction Companies: A Sustainable Development Perspective

by Min Luo, Bon-Gang Hwang, Xiaopeng Deng, Na Zhang and Tengyuan Chang

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030285 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3370

Abstract

Unethical behavior is one of the grand challenges facing international construction companies (ICCs) to move toward sustainable development when operating on an international basis. The ethics and compliance program (ECP) has played a significant role in addressing illegal and unethical behavior and avoiding [...] Read more.

Unethical behavior is one of the grand challenges facing international construction companies (ICCs) to move toward sustainable development when operating on an international basis. The ethics and compliance program (ECP) has played a significant role in addressing illegal and unethical behavior and avoiding liability in multinational companies. However, there have been few studies on the current status, major barriers, and best solutions to ECP adoption in ICCs. To fill this gap, an international questionnaire was conducted; 87 valid samples of Chinese ICCs located in 44 countries were filtered out for in-depth analysis. The survey results showed that only 36.8% of responding ICCs exercised compliance functions through the compliance department. The top five recognized barriers hampering ECP adoption were “lack of related laws and regulations”, “insufficient support from the government”, “lack of authorization to the compliance department”, “shortage of compliance professionals”, and “lack of case studies”. There was no disagreement about the barriers’ rankings among organizations of different firm ownerships, sizes, and locations, except the variable “great institutional distance”. Results also revealed the top five best solutions to help ICCs overcome the identified barriers. The findings would enhance the understanding of industry practitioners and policymakers, hence helping them address corresponding solutions to boost ECP adoption and promote the sustainable development of ICCs. Full article

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15 pages, 1606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

E-Mobility in Positive Energy Districts

by Tony Castillo-Calzadilla, Ainhoa Alonso-Vicario, Cruz E. Borges and Cristina Martin

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030264 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2593

Abstract

A rise in the number of EVs (electric vehicles) in Europe is putting pressure on power grids. At an urban scale, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are devised as archetypes of (small) urban districts managing a set of interconnected buildings and district elements (lighting [...] Read more.

A rise in the number of EVs (electric vehicles) in Europe is putting pressure on power grids. At an urban scale, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are devised as archetypes of (small) urban districts managing a set of interconnected buildings and district elements (lighting system, vehicles, smart grid, etc.). This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of e-mobility in a PED, simulated using MATLAB-Simulink software. The PED, a small district in northern Spain, is assessed in five scenarios representing varying requirements in terms of energy efficiency of buildings, type of street lighting and number of EVs. The results suggest that the energy rating of the buildings (ranging from A for the most efficient to E) conditions the annual energy balance. A PED with six interconnected buildings (3 residential and 3 of public use) and 405 EVs (as a baseline) only achieves positivity when the buildings have a high energy rating (certificate A or B). In the most efficient case (A-rated buildings), simulation results show that the PED can support 695 EVs; in other words, it can provide nearly 9 million green kilometres. This result represents a potential 71% saving in carbon emissions from e-mobility alone (as compared to the use of fossil-fuel vehicles), thus contributing a reduction in the carbon footprint of the district and the city as a whole. Full article

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12 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Towards Sustainable and Smart Cities: Replicable and KPI-Driven Evaluation Framework

by Ana Quijano, Jose L. Hernández, Pierre Nouaille, Mikko Virtanen, Beatriz Sánchez-Sarachu, Francesc Pardo-Bosch and Jörg Knieilng

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020233 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3543

Abstract

Sustainability is pivotal in the urban transformation strategy in order to reach more resource-efficient, resilient and smarter cities. The goal of being a sustainable city should drive the decisions for city interventions, and measuring city progress is a key step for this process. [...] Read more.

Sustainability is pivotal in the urban transformation strategy in order to reach more resource-efficient, resilient and smarter cities. The goal of being a sustainable city should drive the decisions for city interventions, and measuring city progress is a key step for this process. There are many initiatives aiming at defining indicators and assessment procedures, but there is no convergence in the definition of terms and application methodologies, making their real implementation complex. Within mySMARTLife project (GA#731297), a KPI-driven evaluation framework has been defined with the aim of covering the multiple pillars of a smart and sustainable city (i.e., environment, energy, mobility, ICT, citizens, economy, governance) in a holistic way. This methodology also defines the concepts and terms to guide urban planners and/or experts at the time of implementing the framework for any specific city. The evaluation framework has been deployed in the cities of Nantes, Hamburg and Helsinki, and some lessons have been learned, such as the necessity of providing a definition of measurement boundary to avoid biased interpretations. Due to a co-creation strategy, the main issues from the cities have been taken into consideration in order to increase the replicability of the results. Full article

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21 pages, 2043 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Spatial Correlation Network and Driving Effect of Carbon Emission Intensity in China’s Construction Industry

by Zhenshuang Wang, Yanxin Zhou, Ning Zhao, Tao Wang and Zhongsheng Zhang

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020201 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

To explore the spatial network structure characteristics and driving effects of carbon emission intensity in China’s construction industry, this paper measures the carbon emission data of China’s construction industry in various provinces from 2006 to 2017 and then combines the modified gravity model [...] Read more.

To explore the spatial network structure characteristics and driving effects of carbon emission intensity in China’s construction industry, this paper measures the carbon emission data of China’s construction industry in various provinces from 2006 to 2017 and then combines the modified gravity model and social network analysis method to deeply analyze the spatially associated network structure characteristics and driving effects of the carbon emission intensity in China’s construction industry. The results show that the regional differences of the carbon emissions of the construction industry are significant, and the carbon emission intensity of the construction industry shows a fluctuating trend. The overall network of carbon emission intensity shows an obvious “core-edge” state, and the hierarchical network structure is gradually broken. Economically developed provinces generally play a leading role in the network and play an intermediary role to guide other provinces to develop together with them. Among the network blocks, most of the blocks play the role of “brokers”. The block with the leading economic development has a strong influence on the other blocks. The increase in network density and the decrease in network hierarchy and network efficiency will reduce the construction carbon emission intensity. Full article

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22 pages, 1595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Citizenship in Positive Energy Districts—Towards a Transdisciplinary Approach to Impact Assessment

by Mark van Wees, Beatriz Pineda Revilla, Helena Fitzgerald, Dirk Ahlers, Natalia Romero, Beril Alpagut, Joke Kort, Cyril Tjahja, Gabi Kaiser, Viktoria Blessing, Lia Patricio and Sander Smit

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020186 - 06 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3669

Abstract

It is commonly assumed by the projects demonstrating concepts for positive energy districts in cities across Europe that citizens want and need to be involved in the development of these concepts as an essential condition for positive energy districts to be deployed successfully [...] Read more.

It is commonly assumed by the projects demonstrating concepts for positive energy districts in cities across Europe that citizens want and need to be involved in the development of these concepts as an essential condition for positive energy districts to be deployed successfully and to achieve the expected societal goals. Six different research and innovation projects are investigating the different forms of energy citizenship in positive energy districts and their impacts. They aim to apply a transdisciplinary approach to collaborative research and to impact assessment. The interim results are described, and preliminary conclusions on impact are drawn. The projects each used different approaches to engaging citizens, while differentiating between different groups. Progress is monitored but only fragmentary evidence on the impact has been gathered. Transdisciplinary approaches are being developed but are still immature. Full article

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21 pages, 1359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Infrastructure to the Township’s Sustainable Development in Southwest China

by Yujuan She, Changling Hu, Dejun Ma, Yahui Zhu, Vivian W. Y. Tam and Xiangjie Chen

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020164 - 02 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1962

Abstract

Townships in Southwest China are usually located in mountainous regions, which are abundant in natural and cultural landscape resources. There are additional requirements for the township’s sustainable development in these areas. However, insufficient infrastructures, due to limited resources, constrain the sustainable development of [...] Read more.

Townships in Southwest China are usually located in mountainous regions, which are abundant in natural and cultural landscape resources. There are additional requirements for the township’s sustainable development in these areas. However, insufficient infrastructures, due to limited resources, constrain the sustainable development of these townships. Sustainable contribution of infrastructure (SCOI) in this study is defined as the performance of infrastructure as a contribution to the coordinated development among economic, social, and environmental dimensions of township’s sustainable development. It is necessary to assess these infrastructures according to SCOI and provide choices for investment to maximize resource utilization. Therefore, an assessing model of SCOI with 26 general indicators was developed, which covers five most urgently needed infrastructures of these townships in Southwest China, including road transport, sewage treatment, waste disposal, water supply, and gas. In this model, quantitative and qualitative methods are combined to acquire different SCOI of each infrastructure. The result of the SCOI would be an important reference for infrastructure investment. A case study of Jiansheng Town, that is located in the Dadukou district of Chongqing, demonstrates the applicability of the model. It shows the assessing model of SCOI is efficient to identify the most valuable infrastructure that is appropriate for investment with the goal of township’s sustainable development. This study can provide insights for infrastructure investment and management in townships or areas. Full article

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15 pages, 6042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Critical Factors for the Smart Construction Site Development: A DEMATEL-ISM Based Approach

by Xiaer Xiahou, Yifan Wu, Tianle Duan, Peng Lin, Funing Li, Xiaojun Qu, Long Liu, Qiming Li and Jiaxin Liu

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020116 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3958

Abstract

The wide and in-depth adoption of advanced information technologies within the construction industry has led to its revolution of all aspects; the construction site is not an exception. Recently, the notion of a smart construction site (SCS) has drawn the attention of all [...] Read more.

The wide and in-depth adoption of advanced information technologies within the construction industry has led to its revolution of all aspects; the construction site is not an exception. Recently, the notion of a smart construction site (SCS) has drawn the attention of all stakeholders within the industry. While the practice of SCS could be witnessed in various regions and the notion is mentioned frequently, the concept of SCS is still emerging, a sound framework for SCS development is still absent. As a bottom-up phenomenon, a systematic analysis of critical factors would provide all stakeholders with a comprehensive view of SCS development. In this research, previous research and existing practices of SCS are referred to, which helps to identify 17 critical factors for SCS development from the perspective of management, technology, and organization. The DEMATEL-ISM approach is introduced to conduct the factor analysis, and a questionnaire survey is conducted among 10 experts to investigate their attitudes on these factors. Following the proposed method, the 17 factors are classified into seven hierarchies and further categorized into three layers, i.e., effect layer, operational layer, and input layer, which helps to demonstrate the interrelationship among the critical factors for SCS development. The effect layer consists of the first to the third hierarchy, which contains the factors of cost (F2), safety (F4), schedule (F5), environment (F9), and quality (F3) management; these factors belong to the management perspective and reflect the expectations during SCS development. The operational layer consists of the fourth to the sixth hierarchy, which contains seven factors, namely, processing (F8), information (F10), communication and coordination (F15), personnel (F5), material (F6), equipment (F7), and management regulation (F17); these factors are critical in processing the input resources into the final effect of SCS development. The input layer only consists of the seventh hierarchy, which contains hardware and software facility (F11), integrated platform (F12), data sharing center (F13), smart decision system (F14), and technical team (F16); these factors represent the investment of SCS development. The systematic analysis of critical factors provides new insights on SCS development, which could be adopted as references for future SCS development by all stakeholders like government and construction enterprises. Full article

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20 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Drives Construction Practitioners’ Acceptance of Intelligent Surveillance Systems? An Extended Technology Acceptance Model

by Ying Lu and Yunxuan Deng

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020104 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3155

Abstract

With the advent of intelligent construction, the intelligent surveillance system using computer vision technology has emerged as a prominent tool to identify unsafe behaviors on construction sites. At the same time, it is still viewed with suspicion by the construction industry, and its [...] Read more.

With the advent of intelligent construction, the intelligent surveillance system using computer vision technology has emerged as a prominent tool to identify unsafe behaviors on construction sites. At the same time, it is still viewed with suspicion by the construction industry, and its penetration rate remains low. To promote the successful implementation of the intelligent surveillance system, this study applied the technology acceptance model approach and developed an intelligent surveillance system acceptance model (ISSTAM) containing 12 variables from individual, organizational, environmental, and technical perspectives. Questionnaires were distributed to construction industry practitioners, 220 of whom provided valid data. Moreover, a structural equation model (SEM) was established for hypothesis testing. The research results suggest that job relevance, government action, training, and technical support positively and indirectly influence the use intention. Meanwhile, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and cost savings directly and positively affect use intention, while privacy risk is verified to have a negative impact upon use intention. This study can help the government, organizations, and technology developers better apply the intelligent surveillance system to improve safety management levels. Full article

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14 pages, 6153 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Study on the Mechanical Properties and Microcosmic Mechanism of Basalt Fiber Modified Rubber Ceramsite Concrete

by Changming Bu, Dongxu Zhu, Lei Liu, Xinyu Lu, Yi Sun, Zhitao Yan, Linwen Yu and Qike Wei

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020103 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of black pollution in the 21st century, a new type of rubber ceramsite concrete was prepared by pulverizing waste rubber tires into granules and adding aggregate to the ceramsite concrete. In order to reduce the weakening of [...] Read more.

In order to solve the problem of black pollution in the 21st century, a new type of rubber ceramsite concrete was prepared by pulverizing waste rubber tires into granules and adding aggregate to the ceramsite concrete. In order to reduce the weakening of mechanical properties of rubber, basalt fiber was used to modify the rubber. In this study, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of concrete specimens at days 3 and 28 were measured, the variation rule of compressive strength was explained based on the appearance of the microstructure, and the internal porosity of cubic specimens was characterized by the water absorption size. At the same time, an ultrasonic wave velocity test was used to test the uniformity and pore distribution of the block. The results showed that, with the increase in the rubber content, the compressive strength of rubber ceramsite concrete increases first and then decreases. The addition of basalt fiber can improve the compressive strength of the concrete. Water absorption is negatively correlated with compressive strength. Porosity is also negatively correlated with ultrasonic wave velocity. The basalt fiber length has no significant effect on the splitting tensile strength. Full article

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20 pages, 1086 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enabling Nature-Based Solutions to Build Back Better—An Environmental Regulatory Impact Analysis of Green Infrastructure in Ontario, Canada

by Vidya Anderson and William A. Gough

Buildings 2022, 12(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010061 - 08 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4975

Abstract

The application of green infrastructure in the built environment delivers a nature-based solution to address the impacts of climate change. This study presents a qualitative evidence synthesis that evaluates policy instruments which enable the use and implementation of green infrastructure, using Ontario, Canada [...] Read more.

The application of green infrastructure in the built environment delivers a nature-based solution to address the impacts of climate change. This study presents a qualitative evidence synthesis that evaluates policy instruments which enable the use and implementation of green infrastructure, using Ontario, Canada as a case study. Unpacking the elements of the policy landscape that govern green infrastructure through environmental regulatory impact analysis can inform effective implementation of this nature-based solution and support decision-making in public policy. This environmental regulatory impact analysis is based on a systematic review of existing policy instruments, contextual framing in a continuum of coercion, and identification of alignment with relevant UN SDGs. Enabling widespread usage of green infrastructure in the built environment could be a viable strategy to build back better, localize the UN SDGs, and address multiple climate change impacts. Full article

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17 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring the Construction Project Resilience from the Perspective of Employee Behaviors

by Zheng He, Genda Wang, Huihua Chen, Zhuojun Zou, Hongyan Yan and Linlin Liu

Buildings 2022, 12(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010056 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3517

Abstract

The increasing developmental potentiality for the construction industry brings the huge challenge to make up the limitation of traditional construction project management mode when adapting to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Due to the high energy and resource consumption for the construction projects, [...] Read more.

The increasing developmental potentiality for the construction industry brings the huge challenge to make up the limitation of traditional construction project management mode when adapting to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Due to the high energy and resource consumption for the construction projects, there are a large number of uncertainties and disturbances in achieving resilient urban infrastructure. Studying construction project resilience (CPR) is imperative. However, prior studies preferred to measure resilience by systemic indicators, which are complex and unfriendly. Studying CPR from the perspective of employee behavior (EB) remains rare. Hence, this study proposed a social network analysis (SNA) methodology to overcome the research gap. Firstly, six EBs are identified by the systematic literature review (SLR). Then, the critical employees (CEs) and their interrelationships are investigated to form the social network. Six SNA parameters including density, degree centrality, betweenness centrality, efficiency, constraint, and cliques are selected to model the EBs, namely PMT cohesion, the identity of the project culture, formal behavior between employees, collaboration efficacy, informal social constraints, and reciprocity and mutual trust. Finally, the value of CPR is obtained and the strategies for improving the CPR are proposed from four characteristics: robustness, redundancy, rapidity, and resourcefulness. The findings provided a simple and effective techniques to measure the CPR and could benefit the project manager to improve the CPR by exerting accurate strategies to the EBs in poor performance. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

16 pages, 3647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Cooperative Behavior of Green Technology Innovation in Construction Enterprises Based on Evolutionary Game

by Qing’e Wang, Wei Lai, Mengmeng Ding and Qi Qiu

Buildings 2022, 12(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010019 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

The dynamic evolution game model is built by using evolutionary game theory, and the evolutionarily stable strategy is analyzed by matlab2018b software in this paper. The cooperation willingness, sharing level, income distribution, and punishment mechanism are comprehensively considered in this model, and numerical [...] Read more.

The dynamic evolution game model is built by using evolutionary game theory, and the evolutionarily stable strategy is analyzed by matlab2018b software in this paper. The cooperation willingness, sharing level, income distribution, and punishment mechanism are comprehensively considered in this model, and numerical simulations of the influence of various influencing factors on the cooperation strategy selection of green technology innovation for construction enterprises are carried out. Then, countermeasures and suggestions are put forward. The results of evolutionary game analysis show that the cooperation willingness, sharing level, income distribution, and punishment mechanism have a significant impact on the cooperative evolution direction of green technology innovation for construction enterprises, separately. Stronger cooperation willingness or higher relative value of positive spillover, or reasonable income distribution can promote partners to adopt active cooperative strategies, while appropriately increasing punishment intensity can prevent opportunistic behaviors and improve the probability of success of cooperative innovation. Full article

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20 pages, 4077 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A Scientometric Analysis and Overview of Research on Infrastructure Externalities

by Lei Zhu, Qianwen Ye, Jingfeng Yuan, Bon-Gang Hwang and Yusi Cheng

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120630 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3081

Abstract

There is a growing level of concern regarding infrastructure externalities globally. However, most of the previous relevant reviews were undertaken manually and few of them covered all infrastructure systems. This study conducted a scientometric analysis and overview of the research on externalities of [...] Read more.

There is a growing level of concern regarding infrastructure externalities globally. However, most of the previous relevant reviews were undertaken manually and few of them covered all infrastructure systems. This study conducted a scientometric analysis and overview of the research on externalities of all infrastructure systems. The analysis results of 743 articles that were rigorously selected first showed the increasing trend of research interest in infrastructure externalities. Moreover, the results demonstrated productive and influential journals, scholars, and institutions, and their collaboration networks. Furthermore, research on the spillover effects of the infrastructure on economic growth, airport-related externalities, road transport-related externalities, and externalities of ecosystem services and energy systems were identified as the four main research domains. The evolution of the research is reflected in the focus change from economic aspects to environment aspects, from government governance to assessing and pricing by the market, and from airport to other infrastructure systems. Additionally, this study identified the scientific knowledge base supporting each research domain. Finally, this study pointed out research gaps and future research directions in the aspects of knowledge base, multi-dimensional evaluation, and multiple governance strategies. The results could cultivate deeper and more carefully focused research into this field in the academic community, and assist policymakers and practitioners in research planning and funding efforts. Full article

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25 pages, 7380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research Progress of Urban Floods under Climate Change and Urbanization: A Scientometric Analysis

by Qiu Yang, Xiazhong Zheng, Lianghai Jin, Xiaohui Lei, Bo Shao and Yun Chen

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120628 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4328

Abstract

Urban floods research has been attracting extensive attention with the increasing threat of flood risk and environmental hazards due to global climate change and urbanization. However, there is rarely a comprehensive review of this field and it remains unclear how the research topics [...] Read more.

Urban floods research has been attracting extensive attention with the increasing threat of flood risk and environmental hazards due to global climate change and urbanization. However, there is rarely a comprehensive review of this field and it remains unclear how the research topics on urban floods have evolved. In this study, we analyzed the development of urban floods research and explored the hotspots and frontiers of this field by scientific knowledge mapping. In total, 3314 published articles from 2006 to 2021 were analyzed. The results suggest that the number of published articles in the field of urban floods generally has an upward trend year by year, and the research focus has shifted from exploring hydrological processes to adopting advanced management measures to solve urban flood problems. Moreover, urban stormwater management and low impact development in the context of climate change and urbanization have gradually become research hotspots. Future research directions based on the status and trends of the urban floods field were also discussed. This research can not only inspire other researchers and policymakers, but also demonstrates the effectiveness of scientific knowledge mapping analysis by the use of the software CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Full article

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14 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Driving BIM Learning Performance: Research on China’s Sixth National BIM Graduation Design Innovation Competition of Colleges and Universities

by Yibin Ao, Yunhong Liu, Liyao Tan, Ling Tan, Maoqiu Zhang, Qiqi Feng, Jinglin Zhong, Yan Wang, Liang Zhao and Igor Martek

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120616 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2582

Abstract

With the popularization and rise in BIM technology usage, BIM education for undergraduate students in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) related disciplines has emerged as a priority. This study assesses the BIM learning outcomes of students participating in the National BIM Graduation Design [...] Read more.

With the popularization and rise in BIM technology usage, BIM education for undergraduate students in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) related disciplines has emerged as a priority. This study assesses the BIM learning outcomes of students participating in the National BIM Graduation Design Innovation Competition of Colleges and Universities. In total, 2777 valid questionnaire responses were obtained for this study. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient method and principal component factor analysis method were used to verify the reliability of the data set (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.962, KMO = 0.965). The t-test (ANOVA) was used to verify that gender, school type, major, grade, study duration and use BIM related software, as well as other demographic attributes, displayed significant inter-group differences. Seven common factors affecting BIM learning performance were obtained by exploratory factor analysis: (1) ability of the instructor, (2) school (college) atmosphere, (3) teamwork, (4) individual ability, (5) understanding of BIM industry applications, (6) social environment incentives, and (7) achievement demand. Finally, the results of an ordered logistic regression revealed that the demographic attributes of participants, the comprehensive ability of the instructor, teamwork, individual ability, and achievement demand significantly affects BIM learning performance. Based on these findings, this paper puts forward suggestions for improving BIM learning performance and provides theoretical support for BIM education and learning in AEC related undergraduate majors. Full article

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22 pages, 6488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Surface Heat Transfer Coefficients on Predicted Heating and Cooling Loads towards Sustainable Building Design

by Yanwen Wu, Wenna Jian, Liu Yang, Tengyue Zhang and Yan Liu

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120609 - 03 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2401

Abstract

The transfer of surface heat between a building and the outdoor environment is the energy transfer channel and it is important for the energy efficiency of buildings. Early stage building design is a critical stage and it can directly determine the energy consumption [...] Read more.

The transfer of surface heat between a building and the outdoor environment is the energy transfer channel and it is important for the energy efficiency of buildings. Early stage building design is a critical stage and it can directly determine the energy consumption by a building. Therefore, selecting appropriate surface heat transfer coefficients (SHTCs) is a key issue in building energy consumption prediction. In this study, EnergyPlus was employed to investigate the building load in Chinese cities with different SHTCs: (1) constant SHTCs based on national standards; and (2) dynamically changing SHTCs based on the Thermal Analysis Research Program (TARP). Based on investigations of the hourly load, daily cumulative load in a typical day, and annual cumulative load with different SHTCs, corrections for the annual cumulative load were obtained according to the relative deviations between the results produced with the TARP model and traditional SHTCs. The greatest relative deviations were 67.5% and 25.3% for the building shape factor φ = 0.49 and 0.29 in Lhasa. The relative deviations were 13.3% and 12.0% for φ = 0.49 in Xi’an and Beijing, respectively. Corrections were not essential for other conditions because the relative deviations were lower than 5.0%. Considering the current characteristics of engineering calculations and the need to obtain more accurate design results, dynamically changing SHTCs should be applied. These correction factors can obtain more accurate results for the current building energy efficiency system with traditional SHTCs. Full article

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18 pages, 4185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Quality Monitoring System to Assess the Quality of Asphalt Concrete Pavement

by Ziyuan Ma, Jingxiao Zhang, Simon P. Philbin, Hui Li, Jie Yang, Yunlong Feng, Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez and Martin Skitmore

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120577 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3162

Abstract

With the rapid development of new technologies, such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and intelligent sensing, the traditional asphalt pavement construction quality evaluation method has been unable to meet the needs of road digital construction. At the same time, the [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of new technologies, such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and intelligent sensing, the traditional asphalt pavement construction quality evaluation method has been unable to meet the needs of road digital construction. At the same time, the development of such technologies enables a new management system for asphalt pavement construction. In this study, firstly, the dynamic quality monitoring system of asphalt concrete pavement is established by adopting the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, intelligent sensing, the IoT and 5G technology. This allows key technical indicators to be collected and transmitted for the whole process of asphalt mixture, which includes the mixing plant, transport vehicle, paving and compaction. Secondly, combined with AHP and the entropy weight (EW) method, the index combination weight is calculated. The comprehensive index for the pavement digital construction quality index (PCQ) is proposed to reflect the impact of monitoring indicators on pavement quality. An expert decision-making model is formed by using the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm coupled with radial basis function neural network (RBF). Finally, the digital monitoring index and pavement performance index are connected to establish a full-time and multi-dimensional digital construction quality evaluation model. This study is verified by a database created from the digital monitoring data of pavement construction collected from a highway construction project. The system proposed in this study can accurately reflect the quality of pavement digital construction and solve the lag problem existing in the feedback of construction site. Full article

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24 pages, 3662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scenario-Based Comprehensive Assessment for Community Resilience Adapted to Fire Following an Earthquake, Implementing the Analytic Network Process and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enriched Evaluation II Techniques

by Zheng He, Huihua Chen, Hongyan Yan, Yang Yin, Qi Qiu and Tingpeng Wang

Buildings 2021, 11(11), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11110523 - 07 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3001

Abstract

Natural hazards bring significant influences on and socioeconomic loss to cities and communities. Historic events show that fire following earthquake (FFE) is the most influential uncertain disturbance on the urban infrastructure system. Under the FFE scenario, the concept of resilience is widely implemented [...] Read more.

Natural hazards bring significant influences on and socioeconomic loss to cities and communities. Historic events show that fire following earthquake (FFE) is the most influential uncertain disturbance on the urban infrastructure system. Under the FFE scenario, the concept of resilience is widely implemented to make up the shortcomings derived from the traditional disaster management methodology. Resilient cities and communities are required to improve the systemic performance in responding to the FFE. To fulfill these goals, measuring community resilience is an essential work for municipal policy makers. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive assessment on community resilience adapted to the FFE scenario. The systematic literature review (SLR) was employed to identify the indicators, and the analytic network process (ANP) technique was implemented to determine their weights. 20 indicators were extracted, and 4 communities that encountered FFE in China were selected for the empirical analysis. Thereafter, the preference ranking organization method for enriched evaluation (PROMETHEE) II technique was selected through using the multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods selection framework to fulfill the comprehensive assessment. The results were discussed and demonstrated with graphical analysis for interactive aid (GAIA) technique. The findings revealed that the G Community won the highest score and had the strongest performance. However, H Community had the lowest score and the weakest performance. The proposed comprehensive methods could benefit the decision-makers and the policy executors achieving the community resilience adapted to the FFE scenario by improving the effective indicators. Full article

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23 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Factors Affecting Team Work Efficiency in BIM-Based Collaborative Design: An Empirical Study in China

by Jiayuan Wang, Zikui Yuan, Zhilin He, Fuping Zhou and Zezhou Wu

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100486 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3923

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) can theoretically facilitate collaboration among diverse design participants in construction projects, but in practice, its implementation tends to prolong the design period. Existing literature has examined some technical and managerial causes of this problem but still lacks an overall [...] Read more.

Building information modeling (BIM) can theoretically facilitate collaboration among diverse design participants in construction projects, but in practice, its implementation tends to prolong the design period. Existing literature has examined some technical and managerial causes of this problem but still lacks an overall coverage of related factors. This study aims to identify the comprehensive factors affecting the teamwork efficiency in China’s BIM-based collaborative design, and to investigate the critical factors and their interactions. Based on the input-process-output theory, this study initially established a hypothetical model. Potential factors were further identified through the literature review and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire survey was conducted, and structural equation modeling was used for analysis. The results indicated that the team cooperation atmosphere is the most significant factor, followed by the collaborators’ learning ability, comfort of the working environment, BIM software function, and the characteristics and arrangement of the design task (CADT). Besides, the CADT negatively affects the teamwork efficiency through the human interaction process, while other factors exert positive impacts by affecting both the personal work process and the human interaction process. The findings can help design units to determine the management focus of BIM-based collaborative design and prioritize the allocation of limited resources accordingly to maximize teamwork efficiency. Full article

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