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Systematic Conjunction of BIM and Lean for the Enrichment of Quality and Enhancement of Sustainability in Construction Projects
Get PDFGlobally, several different kinds of construction techniques are in use. To guarantee the building plan is completed on schedule and with the least amount of environmental impact possible, each permitted business is putting innovative, cutting-edge techniques into practise. The joint use of BIM and lean concepts is among the most cutting-edge methods for monitoring and managing construction projects. The present study will show the benefits of BIM in the construction sector, which might give different construction organisations sustainability. Purposive sampling and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies have been applied in this situation. Professionals from the UK and Indian construction industries provided 410 replies for the quantitative portion of the study. For the qualitative portion of the study, a case study of the Manchester Townhall Complex was utilised since it was the most pertinent to the study\u27s objectives. The responses were examined for both the mediating and moderating variables using IBM SPSS and AMOS software. All four BIM technique phases will be covered in the study. On the other hand, several applications and their beneficial outcomes will also be demonstrated and virtually portrayed using various figures and tables. By considering all the numerous angles of BIM and its sustainability-achieving capabilities, the study\u27s issue statement is established. The outcomes of applying BIM to various construction projects are examined, as is the prospect that the outcomes may encourage new construction firms to implement the integration of lean and BIM into their business practises. The current study may be very beneficial for all construction industry professionals in understanding the quality and utility of the technology already in use and upgrading it for the best outcomes
The Impact of Physically Demanding Human-Drone Communication on Worker Mental Stress
Get PDFWhile drones have exhibited considerable potential to revolutionize the construction industry, previous studies across domains have proposed that human-drone interaction could cause adverse impacts on humans (e.g., collision and discomfort). Given that construction has been recognized as a hazardous and high-stress workplace, it deserves deep exploration regarding how newly introduced drones will influence worker well-being during the interaction. However, there is a paucity of research on worker stress when communicating with drones in construction. Successful human-drone interaction must necessitate seamless and comfortable communication between workers and drones. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of physically demanding response levels on construction workers’ mental and physical well-being throughout the communication cycle. Three levels of physical responses (low, medium, and high) required for drone communication were simulated in an extended reality roofing experiment. During the communication process, real-time stress levels were assessed through participants’ electrodermal activity. The results indicated that a higher physical level of communication significantly increased workers’ higher stress levels in both the response and decoding phases. Additionally, providing drones’ feedback in verbal human-drone communication is especially important to reduce workers’ confusion and mental stress. This study highlights the critical need for worker-centric design and communication strategies in drone integration within construction
Addressing Urban Blight for Cities Under Uncertain Conditions, Analysis within UN SDG 11
Get PDFBackground: Urban blight, the deterioration of previously developed urban areas, manifests through physical decay and social neglect, posing challenges to sustainability. This study examines urban blight within the framework of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, with a focus on Nablus, Palestine, under uncertain socio-political conditions.
Objective: We seek to analyze blight’s impact on the built environment and propose solutions aligned with SDG 11, emphasizing resilience and inclusivity in cities facing prolonged uncertainty.
Methodology: Through a case study of Nablus, we analyze blight characteristics using spatial mapping, statistical data, and socio-economic indicators, complemented by a review of global best practices.
Results: Findings reveal blight in Nablus concentrated in refugee camps, unpreserved historical zones, and demolished areas, with 67% of city land vacant in 2017. Interventions like sustainable deconstruction and community-led redevelopment align with SDG 11 targets.
Conclusion: Integrating domicology and SDG 11 offers a holistic approach to transform blighted zones into sustainable urban spaces, providing actionable insights for policymakers and planners in conflict-affected regions
Case Study: Comparison Study Between Dispute Adjudication Boards and Arbitrations for Construction Contract Resolution
No full textThe construction Industry is a sector vulnerable to disputes in terms of parties not being able to reach agreements. Collaboration between parties (client, contractor, subcontractors) is altered when a conflict arises and threatens to disturb relations, schedules and even the project itself. Typical methods to solve unresolved disputes involve arbitrations and court litigation, however, both options present conditions that take time and cost from both parties. Managing dispute resolution methods in construction contracts is crucial to avoid delays and ensure the work completion within the scheduled timeframe. This paper investigates the implementation and effectiveness of Dispute Arbitration Boards (DABs) in construction projects for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. In the Peruvian case study presented in this paper, the role of arbitration stands out as a conventional mechanism for resolving disputes, although its use may result in work being halted until the dispute is resolved. Statistical analysis of the present case study compares the use of DB and arbitration in two fronts: numer of claims presented in each dispute and the time it took for resolution. The study provides practical insights into the benefits and limitations of DABs in resolving disputes effectively, with implications for global construction practices
Nature-Based Solutions for Arctic Housing through Intermediate Spaces
No full textThis research explores the potential of intermediate spaces as architectural solutions for incorporating nature-based approaches into public housing models designed for extreme cold climates. Intermediate spaces, situated between indoor and outdoor environments, foster positive connections to nature. Prior studies emphasize their potential to enhance occupant well-being through increased outdoor connectivity, while also serving as productive and affordable spaces. These spaces can feature transparent surfaces to maximize natural light, making them suitable for plant cultivation and greenery integration. The objective of this study is to optimize architectural parameters for intermediate spaces to support greenery production effectively. Specifically, the research aims to maintain indoor temperatures within an optimal range of 13–27°C – optimum temperature for plant growth - and maximize solar gain for plant growth. A numerical simulation model was developed to evaluate the performance of intermediate spaces by varying architectural parameters, including (1) transparency ratio and (2) space depth. Findings reveal that intermediate spaces with a transparency ratio of 40–60% and a depth of 5-7 meters achieve the highest duration of optimal temperature conditions and maximum solar gain, supporting plant growth and enhanced daylight exposure. These results demonstrate that integrating intermediate spaces into public housing models in extreme cold climates can contribute to Canada’s food security initiatives, particularly in Northern regions, by promoting sustainable indoor plant cultivation. This research underscores the value of nature-based solutions in addressing food security and enhancing the livability of public housing in harsh environments
Integration Gaps and Dilemmas in Mobility Platforms: An Empirical Study in Norway
No full textDigital Platforms, including web-based and smartphone applications, are essential drivers of digital transition and sustainability for smart city development. The mobility sector is a critical sector where sustainability can be achieved through digital transformation. This study explores the role of digital mobility platforms in driving sustainable transport in smart cities. The study utilized a qualitative approach through an empirical investigation of 27 mobility platforms in Norway. A thematic analysis was done where information from the platform usage and ownerships were extracted from the identified platforms\u27 smartphone applications and web counterparts. Many platforms featured CO2 emission savings, ride-sharing information, integration of electric vehicles, personalized user incentives, and dynamic pricing that can contribute to sustainable travel outcomes. The analysis highlights three primary empirical directions for the platforms: 1. Integration of multimodal transport, 2. Integration of Innovative services and 3. Integration of sustainability dimensions. The results are discussed and contrasted with the theoretical paradigm, and gaps between theoretical and empirical findings are shown. Three axes of dilemmas are drawn: user retention, user-friendliness, and abrupt change. This research has implications for practitioners, planners, and policymakers in making better decisions regarding integrating urban mobility platforms for smart cities. The research findings can be used to design and develop mobility platforms and associated policies
Multiobjective Optimization of Building Performance: Integrated Analysis of Primary Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, and Embodied Water
No full textThe construction sector contributes significantly to global energy consumption, carbon emissions, and freshwater depletion. Addressing these pressing challenges requires the development of sustainable and energy-efficient building designs. However, this task is complex due to the interdependencies within the energy-carbon-water nexus of buildings. This study introduces an innovative genetic framework employing a multi-objective optimization approach that integrates EnergyPlus with extensive databases on embodied energy, carbon emissions, and embodied water. The proposed methodology enables a holistic assessment and optimization of total primary energy use, total carbon emissions, and embodied water simultaneously. By varying design parameters related to building geometry and envelope characteristics, the framework identifies the optimal building configuration. The methodology is applied to a commercial building prototype located in Dallas, Texas. The optimized design achieves substantial improvements compared to the baseline, with reductions of 57% in total primary energy, 56% in total carbon emissions, and 46.8% in total embodied water
Stakeholder Orientation Dimensions for Enhancing Safety Performance
No full textIn the high-risk construction industry, it is essential to optimize safety performance to improve project outcomes, establish a strong organizational reputation, and ensure the safety of workers. Despite ongoing safety efforts, accidents persist, highlighting the need for improved safety strategies. Thus, this study examines how stakeholder orientation (a principle of stakeholder theory that emphasizes the importance of addressing diverse stakeholder interests) impacts safety performance in construction projects. Using the PRISMA framework, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 744 articles from Scopus database. A total of 20 relevant papers were discovered and thoroughly analysed. Six dimensions of stakeholder orientation were identified through content analysis: norms, values, artifacts, information generation, information dissemination, and responsiveness to information. These dimensions were grouped into two categories: organizational culture and organizational behavior to develop a conceptual framework that explains how stakeholder orientation affects safety performance. The findings indicate a dearth of empirical research on the relationship between stakeholder orientation and safety performance in the construction sector, underlining the need for future studies to empirically validate these dimensions and analyze their impact on safety performance. The identified dimensions and framework provide a foundation for understanding and investigating how prioritizing stakeholder interests improves safety performance, as well as a practical guidance for organizations aiming to implement safety policies that reflects a wide range of stakeholder needs
Water Quality Sensing System based on SDGs: A Case Study of Penghu Taiwan
No full textTo support SDG 14, this study presents a buoy-based water quality monitoring system designed for cage aquaculture in Penghu, Taiwan. The system floats on the sea, enabling continuous water quality monitoring with real-time location tagging. It consists of three main components: an offshore buoy, an on-site client, and a remote server. The offshore client, controlled by an NI myRIO, integrates various water quality sensors and a GPS module to accurately measure pH, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and conductivity. GPS data is transmitted to the remote server for real-time location display.The server, programmed with LabVIEW, handles data processing and provides a user interface, facilitating real-time data transfer to server via TCP/IP. A solar power system and relay module on the buoy conserve energy by disabling power when measurements or data transmission are unnecessary. Tested in a sea area near Magong, Penghu, this system demonstrated reliable performance, issuing alerts when water quality exceeded preset thresholds. This approach reduces labor costs and supports the effective realization of SDG 14
Analyzing Employment Disparities in Construction Science & Management (CSM) Graduates for Specialty Trade Contractors (STC)
No full textThe United States construction industry has grappled with labor shortages for years. Numerous studies have focused on attracting younger generations to the general contracting sector; however, more research needs to be conducted on why young graduates from construction science management (CSM) programs tend to favor general contracting over subcontracting careers. This research aims to bridge this gap by exploring the reasons behind the disinterest in subcontracting careers among recent graduates. The literature review identified several studies that examine the motivational factors and incentives driving individuals to work for Specialty Trade Contractors (STCs) in the construction industry. These studies also discuss the CSM graduates’ expectations regarding the educational resources needed for success in the field. The review’s findings guided a survey developed to investigate the potential causes of the reluctance among younger construction management graduates to pursue careers with STCs. The survey findings uncovered a significant correlation between the students’ understanding of the role of STCs in the industry and their level of preparedness for the construction industry. The top reason for graduates not considering a career with STCs was a lack of knowledge about the available opportunities and better job opportunities in other construction or related sectors, followed by apprehensions about job stability and work-life balance. This comprehensive study aims to contribute valuable insights into addressing workforce shortages, promoting subcontracting careers, and strengthening the construction industry