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Benefits and Challenges of Using Satellite Imagery for Property Valuation Data Collection
No full textIn the contemporary landscape of data collection in the property valuation industry, the objective is to enhance valuation sources that maximize both eligibility and accuracy, ultimately leading to superior results in property valuations. This study employs a qualitative approach to explore the benefits and challenges of using satellite imagery as a source of data collection. The analysis draws on secondary data gathered from scholarly articles accessible on Google Scholar and Scopus, supplemented by ancillary data from property market portals, including industry reports and legislative Acts to create a structured understanding of new technologies in a traditional field. The research scrutinizes various traditional and advanced approaches and their respective contributions to the field of property valuation and practice. The findings reveal that the use of satellite imagery can bring benefits including ease of integration, accessibility, real-time data processing, data ownership and control and high predictive possibilities. The challenges are high costs, high level of complexity, human expertise and regulatory compliance needs. The study proposes hybrid adoption, user education and stakeholder collaboration to overcome the challenges. The integration of satellite imagery into existing valuation methodologies will herald a paradigm shift toward more comprehensive, real-time, and nuanced property assessments
Virtual Reality (VR)-Based Training in Human-Robot Collaboration: Mediating Role of VR Learning Experience
Get PDFThe use of virtual reality for training has been shown to be effective in fostering behaviour change among learners. The widespread evolution in adoption and interest in construction robots has raised the need to train humans to team with robots for safe collaboration on-site. The high cost of construction robots and the need for self-paced, accessible and repetitive learning methods to foster a positive disposition towards human-robot teaming poses a challenge. This study developed a virtual reality-based human-robot collaboration learning framework to promote human-robot teaming in construction applications. The impact of VR learning experience in mediating learners\u27 state of mind, VR features, VR Usability and behavioural intention to collaborate is examined in the study based on an experimental design involving 42 participants. The study utilised partial least squares structural equation modelling to confirm the direct and mediated impact. The results showed that the VR learning experience plays a crucial role in influencing this relationship. The learning experience in the virtual reality environment directly influences how VR usability affects users\u27 intention to collaborate
The evolving landscape of procurement methods in the construction industry: A literature review
No full textThe construction industry has acknowledged that novel procurement methods could improve project deliverables quality, reduce costs, and speed up construction. It is vital to examine the available procurement methods for decision-making regarding the correct procurement method to deliver projects effectively. This study explores the evolving landscape of procurement methods and how these new methods address current challenges and meet industry requirements. For this, a critical review was conducted on the Scopus database. Based on the analysis of 48 pieces of literature out of 1795 articles, trends in procurement and influential factors were identified. The four main procurement methods are traditional, integrated, management, and collaborative. It has been found that the construction industry is moving towards collaborative procurement methods such as progressive design-build (PDP), early contractor involvement (ECI), and procure 21 to make the project successful. Further, sustainability, collaboration, green construction and innovation are the modern factors that impact the evolution of procurement methods. The findings benefit construction professionals and scholars by shedding light on the behaviour of procurement methods over time and their application based on the requirements
REVIEWING THE INFLUENCE AND IMPLICATIONS OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKERS IN NIGERIA
No full textExisting studies demonstrate the extensive adoption of digital technologies within the global construction industry. The level of awareness and need to mitigate occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in the construction industry through technological adoption is imperative. However, there is a gap in literature regarding the review of the impact of existing use of wearable technology for mental health support and physical wellbeing among construction site workers in the Nigerian context. This study undertook a critical evaluation of extant studies regarding the impact and effectiveness of existing wearable technology for providing mental health support and if it enhances physical wellbeing amongst Nigerian construction site operatives. A robust synthesis and systematic review of the adoption of this technology in relation to mental health support and physical wellbeing from 2014 to 2024 resulted in 31 publications considered for this paper. Work-related stress, high workload, depression, anxiety, long working hours, and physical hazards were identified as the most prevalent mental health and physical wellbeing challenges faced by Nigerian construction workers. The study also found several wearable devices and sensors for mental health support, including wristbands, smart safety vests, smart helmets, smart glasses, EEG, EDA, ECG, and HRV; however, these were not specific to the Nigerian context. Challenges associated with wearable technology interventions included privacy concerns, financial costs, and concerns regarding the accuracy of the data collected. Overall, Nigerian construction workers face mental health challenges, and wearable technology has the potential to improve it
What makes New Zealand houses expensive: A detailed construction cost analysis of an energy-efficient house.
Get PDFThe escalating global primary energy demand highlights the need for sustainable practices, particularly in the New Zealand residential sector. Despite the proven benefits of well-designed, energy-efficient houses in reducing energy consumption and ecological footprints, misconceptions about high construction and operating costs hinder their wide adoption. Therefore, this study presents a detailed cost breakdown of an energy-efficient house in New Zealand, providing insights into cost distribution and offering a systematic approach to cost planning for future projects. A case study approach was employed, analysing an energy-efficient house with an estimated Homestar rating of 7-8 and a Gross Floor Area of 121 m². Data were obtained through document analysis, including drawings, specifications, quotations, manuals, and other building documents. A cost comparison was conducted based on the elemental breakdown provided by the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors and cost data from QV Costbuilder. Findings indicate that the total construction cost of the energy-efficient house, approximately NZD 3,700 per m², exceeds the average cost of similar single-storey houses in different New Zealand cities. According to the cost distribution analysis, the main contractor accounted for 68% of the total costs, with materials comprising 44%, labour at 16%, and management costs at 8%. Based on elemental analysis, internal finishing, external fabric, and building structure contributed 29%, 24%, and 19%, respectively. The study is limited by procurement type, building shape, and site-specific conditions. However, its findings provide valuable insights to inform decision-making and enhance the feasibility of energy-efficient houses in New Zealand
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE MITIGATING FACTORS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN FACILITIES
No full textThis research aims to identify effective practices and strategies that improve preparedness and response capabilities by examining the factors contributing to mitigating challenges in emergency response. A comprehensive literature review was adopted to analyse current trends, case studies, and expert opinions regarding global emergency response infrastructure. The review synthesised existing research and case studies and provided insights into practical experiences and perspectives from diverse operational contexts. The research highlights 11 factors categorised into 7 key factors that contribute significantly to mitigating challenges in emergency response. These factors include community engagement and capacity building, policy and governance, technological integration, collaboration and coordination, cultural and social integration, science and knowledge integration, outsourcing, and local initiative. The study highlights the importance of addressing potential biases in interview responses and the challenge of extrapolating results across different contexts to improve global emergency response results. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, emergency management agencies, and practitioners to implement targeted interventions to strengthen mitigating factors, such as communication infrastructure and community-centered approaches. This study provides empirical evidence and practical insights on effective emergency response strategies, emphasising the importance of proactive measures and integrated approaches for enhanced preparedness and response capacities
Exploring Social Equity and Cultural Indicators in Sustainable Road and Highway Infrastructure Development in Ghana
Get PDFThis study explores the integration of social equity and cultural indicators in sustainable road and highway infrastructure development in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 professionals in the construction industry, including engineers, project managers, and consultants. The research aimed to uncover challenges and effective strategies in addressing social and cultural dimensions of infrastructure projects. Thematic analysis of interview data, facilitated by ATLAS.ti software, revealed three key areas of concern: community engagement and public participation, worker health and safety, and traffic congestion management. Findings indicate that while stakeholders recognize the importance of these factors, significant challenges persist in their practical implementation. These include mistrust between project implementers and communities, inadequate safety training and enforcement, and limited integration of cultural considerations in project planning. The study proposes a multifaceted approach to address these issues, emphasizing comprehensive impact assessments, culturally sensitive designs, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable infrastructure development in developing countries and provides actionable insights for policymakers and project managers to enhance the inclusivity and cultural sensitivity of future infrastructure projects in Ghana
Efficient Accessibility Analysis in Floor Plans Using Semantic Segmentation
Get PDFAccessibility features are critical for creating inclusive spaces and supporting diverse mobility needs in architectural design. Extracting these features from raster floor plans supports compliance checking, emergency evacuation planning, and renovation, which makes it a vital process in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. However, existing research on analysis of raster floor plans remains limited because raster plans pose challenges due to their lack of semantics and high variability. Furthermore, existing machine learning-based approaches rely heavily on large-scale datasets, which are scarce in the AEC industry.This paper proposes a novel approach to extract accessibility features from raster floor plans by segmenting and classifying room and door objects using as few as five reference samples. The approach employs similarity maps and a clustering algorithm to generate visual prompts for the Segment Anything Model to segment rooms and doors. The resulting masks are then classified by GPT-4 to facilitate accessiblity featrue extraction. Validated on the CubiCasa5K dataset and demonstrated through a case study, the method effectively addresses raster floor plan analysis challengeswith minimal data requirements
Rainwater Harvesting In Residential Building located in Brazilian Unesco World Heritage City
No full textEnsure access to water and sanitation is one of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to promote human health and well-being. Improving water-use efficiency is one key to reducing water stress due to rapid population growth, urbanization and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors. This phenomenon is observed in less affluent regions and also in major urban centers, such as Olinda, a coastal city located in the northeast region of Brazil, where water supply issues are frequent, even in a city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This paper present an alternative for better water utilization by promoting the rainwater harvesting for activities that do not require potable water, thus favoring the reduction of potable water resources consumption. The study object is a residencial building located in the Olinda city historic site, where water supply is provided on alternate days according to the local sanitation company. The steps methodology included the collecting monthly readings from the hidrometer, analyzing local rainfall conditions, determining the influential coverage area, assessing the effective consumption of potable water, and evaluating the feasibility of implementing a rainwater harvesting system. As a result, a significant percentage of potable water savings could be identified, and the feasibility of implementing a rainwater harvesting system in the residence was also a paper contribution
Partnership Formation in PPP Networks: The Impact of Social Network Factors Across Sectors and Jurisdictions
Get PDFPartnership formation among equity investors in Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects presents a key challenge, especially in multi-sector, multi-jurisdiction contexts. This research investigates the factors influencing these partnerships across six European countries, focusing on road and social infrastructure sectors. Using Social Network Analysis (SNA) and the Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure (MRQAP), data from 988 PPP projects were analyzed. The findings show that strong previous collaborations and the closeness of equity partners within the network are critical in forming partnerships. Sponsors that have a history of working together or are connected through shared partners are more likely to collaborate again. The importance of how well-connected and influential equity partner are within the broader network—measured by their connections and role as intermediaries—varies depending on the sector and country. Factors such as sponsor nationality, industry type, and experience also affect partnership formation, though their significance is context-dependent. These results suggest that successful partnerships in PPP networks require tailored strategies that account for both the relational history and network position of sponsors. Future research should investigate how these partnerships evolve over time and how they impact long-term project outcomes