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A Novel Approach to Delivering Superabsorbent Polymers for Internal Curing of Concrete
Get PDFThis study investigates feasibility of incorporating dry superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles as internal curing agents in concrete utilizing two delivery methods: direct addition of the particles and addition of the particles encapsulated in dissolvable bags. The use of dissolvable bags provides a practical method of storing, handling, and dosing pre-measured amounts of dry SAP particles into cementitious mixtures. Concrete specimens containing SAPs were prepared using both methods, and their properties were evaluated through compressive strength tests at 3, 7, and 28 days, flexural strength tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements, and dynamic elastic and shear modulus determinations. Results indicate that the use of dissolvable bag method led to improved mechanical properties and reduced variability compared to direct pouring, likely due to more uniform dispersion of SAP particles. Compressive and flexural strengths showed aignificant improvements, especially at early ages. UPV results confirmed higher uniformity of microstructure, while dynamic elastic and shear moduli indicated improved stiffness. The findings highlight the effectiveness of dissolvable bags delivery method as a practical and efficient approach that can be easily adopted for commercial applications
Implementing green construction to increase competitiveness: a case of the Indonesian local construction industry
No full textA large amount of solid concrete waste construction results in enormous waste for construction projects and is a severe source of landfill pollution. Indonesian contractors have made several efforts to overcome this problem; however, they have yet to represent local contractors. Research in construction waste management has been conducted, which provides a breakthrough for local construction companies to implement green construction and increase their business performance and social responsibility. First, this paper reviews the weaknesses, needs, and possible improvements for the local construction companies to manage construction waste by implementing green construction. Second, it introduces a digital concrete crusher (DCC). This machine can destroy solid concrete waste, separate pieces of iron reinforcement, and separate the size of the crushed material according to the grain size of the reusable material; all these processes are controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth connection and monitored via a smartphone. Third, using a case study method, the performance of DCC is compared and discussed with that of traditional construction waste management. Finally, the prospects and challenges of implementing the best waste management practices for local construction companies to implement green construction are presented. This research proposes applying the technological approach to overcome the environmental damages caused by solid concrete waste construction in developing countries, which enables local construction companies to implement sustainable construction projects and improve their business performance by implementing a waste management strategy
Automatic Quantity Takeoff for Irregular Areas of Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Objects from 2D Drawings
No full textAccurate cost estimation of construction projects relies on precise quantity takeoffs (QTOs), which conventionally has been conducted on 2D drawings, and despite the fast development of Building Information Modeling (BIM), remains a predominant practice. This study focuses on the development of a boundary detection algorithm utilizing computer vision techniques for extracting the shapes of infrastructure elements such as buildings and bridges from 2D PDF drawings. The aim is to enhance information extraction capabilities, particularly for QTOs of complex shapes such as the areas of irregular bridge decks. Utilizing computer vision technologies, the algorithm aims to accurately delineate the boundaries of various infrastructure components by eliminating redundant lines, such as measurement lines and dash lines. The proposed boundary detection algorithm achieved 94.1% accuracy in automatic area calculation, and about 99% time reduction compared to manual approach. The proposed approach holds promise for improving efficiency and accuracy in QTO processes, and offering potential solutions in more accurate QTOs
Construction Industry\u27s Dysfunctionality - A Case of Stakeholder Behaviour in South Africa
Get PDFAbstract
The construction industry in South Africa is a critical driver of economic growth and infrastructure development. However, it faces significant challenges due to stakeholder behaviours including conflicting interests, poor communication, lack of trust and thus hindering its efficiency & effectiveness resulting in project delays, budget overruns, elements of criminality as well as compromised quality, characterizing the industry’s dysfunctionality. This study examines the key stakeholders’ behavior, viz. clients, regulators, consultants & contractors and its contribution to inefficiencies, project delays, and cost overruns impacting the industry.
Through a mixed-methods approach comprising surveys, interviews and case studies, the research identifies the root causes of stakeholder conflicts, including misaligned objectives, inadequate contractual clarity and limited stakeholder engagement during project lifecycles. It highlights the detrimental impact of misaligned stakeholder behaviors and interactions.
Findings reveal that effective collaboration is hindered by a lack of transparency, insufficient conflict resolution mechanisms, and a tendency to prioritize short-term gains over long-term value. To address these issues, the study recommends adopting a structured collaborative stakeholder management framework establishing shared goals through integrated project delivery and fostering trust through early stages of stakeholder involvement and equitable risk-sharing. These strategies aim to improve project outcomes by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and mutual respect and recognition among stakeholders.
The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration as a behavior reform, fostering trust and accountability as foundational elements for improving collaboration and a catalyst for effective & ongoing stakeholder behaviour management enhancing the functionality and sustainability of South Africa\u27s construction industry
Artificial Intelligence for Early Decision-Making Optimization in the Use of Modern Methods of Construction in Housing Projects in Chile
Get PDFModern Methods of Construction (MMC) represent a significant opportunity to address the stagnation of productivity in the construction sector, offering advantages such as reduced uncertainty in schedules and costs, minimized waste, and improved sustainability. However, in Chile, the adoption of MMC remains low due to limited information and the lack of early integration in project planning, leading to subjective decision-making. The OptimizIA project, developed by CDT, proposes an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict and recommend the most suitable MMC solutions based on specific project conditions. This tool supports objective early decision-making in housing projects.
The research involved piloting the model across nine projects, achieving a 77.7% match rate (exact or partial) between the MMC solutions historically used by companies and those recommended by the model. Positive user feedback suggests that OptimizIA has significant potential to enhance MMC adoption and optimize project performance. The findings indicate that AI can bridge gaps in early decision-making, offering actionable insights for integrating MMC solutions into construction projects. This study highlights the transformative role of AI in fostering productivity and sustainability in the construction industry, providing a foundation for future research and broader application
Is Construction Material Science Lagging Other Industries?
Get PDFFor over a decade, construction material researchers have largely ignored the world’s largest publicly accessible molecular database, The Materials Project. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with material databases is the new starting point for innovating products in the construction industry. More well-documented advancements in material performance have occurred in this century thus far than the last one. Coupled with Machine Learning, the possibility of rapid construction product improvement is realistic, given several verified breakthroughs in other fields. This is an efficacious way to approach advancement. Highly accurate data provides AI with the needed information to connect molecular dynamics with decision-making rules set by researchers. Given that the construction industry is approximately USD 12 trillion in revenue, this is a significant “blind spot” However, construction material science has slowly embraced this evolution of approach. Much like the construction industry itself, cautious improvement has occurred. Some say researchers are lagging, just as contractors have been accused of. If so, what other tools and processes have material scientists missed? This paper adds to the body of knowledge by identifying a valuable input to transform material performance and exploring a relatively new methodology that will be critical in meeting future construction industry challenges
A Review of Determining Suitable Maintenance Strategy
No full textMaintenance is a critical activity used in several sectors to sustain asset performance over its suggested duration; hence, neglecting maintenance may result in catastrophic accidents, substantial loss of life, or damage to assets. Maintenance is activity of restoring any physical or intangible asset to its original condition to fulfill its essential function throughout the asset\u27s life cycle. A physical or intangible asset is a resource owned by a nation, organization, commercial entity, or person that has economic worth and yields advantageous results in future use, such as equipment, machinery, buildings, or software. Maintenance may differ according to the specific features, such as technical, managerial, or administrative; nonetheless, all these activities are crucial for optimizing and maintaining an asset\u27s performance to ensure its efficiency, reliability, and safely. Most industries try adopting maintenance strategies based on business needs, available resources, and asset types although competition amongst businesses is challenge with cost being crucial for effective and profitable. Consequently, the management of certain firms primarily focuses on minimizing the maintenance budget and related expenses henceforth, identifying best suitable maintenance approach or strategy is indeed crucial to prevent from unexpected downtime or serious safety or quality concerns. The following research aims to examine several maintenance strategies including advantages and disadvantages as well as guiding technical team to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to explain the maintenance plans and approaches for preserving high-performing assets, ensuring optimal productivity, efficient use, and enough durability
Research on the Protection of the Castle-type Villages of Ming-Dynasty Great Wall in Yanqing District of Beijing
No full textYanqing is connected to the Shuo Desert in the north, the south is in the middle, and the north gate of the Beijing Division is controlled in the west, which has been a battleground for soldiers since ancient times, and it is also a fusion zone of grassland culture and Central Plains culture. Today, peaceful development is the main theme of the times. The strategic value of castle-type villages has declined, and the historical relics and features have been damaged to a certain extent, and the current situation of protection is not optimistic. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the cultural characteristics of castle-like villages, reproduce their historical value, and arouse people\u27s sense of belonging, identity and protection. By studying the formation environment and evolution process of castle villages in Yanqing area, it is concluded that castle villages are a group with the same cultural background and a common witness to the history of the military defense of the Great Wall, and they are also individuals with their own duties and characteristics. Secondly, the value of castle villages and the necessity of protection are analyzed from the perspectives of groups and individuals, which provides a basis for constructing a group-individual dual protection system for castle villages. Finally, the group protection strategy and individual protection strategy of castle villages are proposed, in order to promote the protection and sustainable development of castle villages in Yanqing in a multi-faceted way, and provide some reference for the protection of similar villages
A Systematic Review of Drivers and Barriers to the Assimilation of Net-Zero Carbon Emission Requirements into Construction Megaprojects Procurement
Get PDFThere is no gainsaying that climate change is globally recognised as the greatest environmental threat of the 21st century. Therefore, under the Parish Agreement to restraint greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission to net-zero by 2050, climate change mitigation is at the core of environmental schemes of governments worldwide. Bearing in mind that mega construction projects contribute to the rising level of GHGs in the atmosphere, and the seldom consideration of net-zero carbon requirements in the procurement of construction megaprojects, this paper examines the drivers and barriers to assimilating net-zero requirements into construction megaprojects procurement. When net-zero emission requirements are well-thought-out beforehand during the bid evaluation stage of construction procurement to regulate CO2 emissions, it will serve as catalysts in pursuing net-zero emissions target in construction megaprojects. The traditional method of conducting a systematic literature review was used in this paper, based on explicit and structured procedure to identify and analyse the drivers and barriers to the assimilation of net-zero requirements in construction megaprojects procurement. The identified drivers and barriers were ranked according to their respective relative importance index (RII). The significance of this paper is that the outcome of the research will serve as reference for regulatory and standard-setting bodies to create mandatory rules or other policy interventions that drive the construction industry toward the attainment of net-zero emissions
Advancing Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Irish Construction Industry: A Scientometric and Practical Analysis of Adoption Trends and Challenges
No full textBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) has become a transformative tool in Ireland\u27s construction industry, offering efficiencies in planning, design, and management of infrastructure projects. This study employs a novel scientometric approach, using VOSviewer and bibliographic data from the Scopus database, alongside a structured survey targeting Irish construction professionals. The analysis identifies trends, gaps, and applications of BIM within Ireland\u27s construction landscape. While BIM adoption is advancing, the scientometric findings reveal limited focus on areas such as energy efficiency, cost management, and small-scale projects. Conversely, survey data highlights high adoption rates for project design, planning, and simulation tasks, with Autodesk Revit as the preferred tool among professionals. Challenges impeding BIM implementation include limited expertise, inadequate training, and financial constraints, particularly affecting small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Despite these barriers, Ireland’s government mandates, such as the BIM public works adoption timeline, underscore a commitment to standardized practices across project scales. The study recommends expanding training initiatives, subsidizing BIM implementation for SMEs, and developing national standards to enhance consistency. Strengthening academic-industry collaborations can address research gaps, particularly in energy modeling and lifecycle cost analysis. Promoting BIM benefits through case studies and industry-wide workshops, alongside investments in advanced technologies, can further bolster adoption. Establishing a centralized monitoring framework will enable effective policy refinement and sustain BIM\u27s integration into Ireland\u27s construction sector. These measures aim to ensure the sector’s competitiveness in the global digital construction landscap