VGTU Journals (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University - Vilnius Tech)
Not a member yet
12536 research outputs found
Sort by
A regression-based model for parametric cost estimation of industrial steel structures
No full textConstruction industry is considered one of the most versatile industries characterized by uncertainties and risk. Estimating the steel structure cost of industrial buildings is a challenging task compared with traditional buildings due to the uniqueness of this class of projects. This paper aims to introduce an effective and accurate parametric model for construction cost estimation of industrial steel structures. The paper proposes a regression-based model for estimating the cost of a critical construction component: the industrial steel structure where the is not enough historical data is available. The factors that affect the construction cost of industrial steel structures are initially identified based on the literature and interviews with local experts. The correlation between input factors and model’s output is then investigated. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the relative importance of the regression model’s inputs. The model is validated using actual data on industrial steel structure costs in Saudi Arabia. The model adequately predicted the construction costs of actual projects with an accuracy of more than 88%. This indicates that the model is capable of accurately predicting the cost of such structures. The proposed model can be of great assistance to investors and decision-makers looking to invest in the industrial sector.
First published online 10 December 202
A framework for effective construction workers safety training using flipped learning
No full textEffective safety training plays an important part in safety management on construction sites. Construction workers safety and safety training education remain to be the main issues in the construction industry, as current practices rely on traditional methods. These methods often lack classroom interaction, hindering active worker engagement and fail to accommodate diverse learning paces and styles. To enhance safety awareness among workers, there is a need for a more effective system for safety training programs within the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively analyse an experimental intervention using flipped learning to reduce costs and enhance learning outcomes in construction safety training. Flipped learning transforms traditional classroom learning by introducing students to web-based videos, presentations, and readings before class, freeing up in-class time for discussions and problem-solving. An intervention study was carried out to confirm the effectiveness of flipped learning approach within the construction industry. In this study, 40 personnel from a leading construction firm in Pakistan underwent safety training, with 20 following the traditional method and the remaining 20 following the proposed flipped model. The final quiz revealed a score increase from 27.9 to 31.5 in flipped learning, indicating a 12.90% increase. Based on these findings, it is suggested that adopting the flipped learning approach leads to better learning outcomes within the construction industry, as workers can pause, rewind, and replay the lectures at their leisure. This not only makes safety training more accessible but also enhances on-site safety in a cost-effective manner
Exploring the impact of digital twin technology in infrastructure management: a comprehensive review
No full textThis paper examines the role of Digital Twin Technology (DTT) in transforming infrastructure management, with a focus on sustainability. It highlights how advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the effectiveness of Digital Twins in real-world applications. Through detailed case studies, the paper showcases the practical benefits of DTT across various infrastructure sectors. It also evaluates current trends and strategies for enhancing DTT integration into infrastructure systems. The research reveals a striking 80% increase in DTT-related publications from 2019 to 2024, with Asia, particularly China, leading in contributions. The paper concludes by addressing the future potential, challenges, and risks of DTT, offering valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to optimize infrastructure management in the digital era
Integrating LINE BOT and Building Information Model to develop construction information management system
No full textIn the lifecycle of construction projects, the participation of various specialized members often leads to challenges in recording or retrieving information in real time. This can result in missing data or inaccurate project control decisions, due to the inability to access essential information swiftly and accurately. Recognizing the ubiquitous use of instant messaging platforms on mobile phones and the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for information storage and management, this research proposes an innovative integration of chatbots with BIM to establish a robust construction information management system. Utilizing “LINE”, a popular communication software, as the foundation, this study develops four specialized chatbots (LINE BOTs) tailored for different phases of construction projects, namely design, construction, and maintenance. These chatbots employ a rule-based and conversational approach to aid construction personnel in real-time recording and retrieval of project information. During the maintenance phase, users can also access relevant equipment objects through the BIM model using mobile smart devices, further improving maintenance efficiency. Moreover, the chatbots are equipped with a string-matching mechanism to enhance the precision of data recording and retrieval processes. The effectiveness of this system is demonstrated through a case study on a public construction project
Measurement and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics analysis for the provincial development level of intelligent construction in China
No full textIntelligent Construction (IC) is emerging as a transformative approach within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, garnering significant global attention. There exist considerable disparities in the development levels of IC across various provinces in China, leading to uneven advancement that complicates precise policy formulation and differential implementation. Previous studies have primarily evaluated IC at the project and enterprise levels, thus lacking a comprehensive measure of the provincial IC development level. To bridge this gap, this study introduces a quantitative method to assess provincial IC development levels in empirical data, analyzing their driving factors and spatiotemporal evolution. Initially, based on the Politics-Economy-Society-Technology (PEST) analysis model, 16 measurement indexes were identified through a combination of literature review and expert interviews. Original data for these indexes were acquired via policy and media news mining, along with literature and patent indexing, etc. Subsequently, a quantification method for each index was established. The “analytic network process (ANP), entropy weight, and game theory” integration method was used to calculate combination weights. Finally, the development level of IC was quantitatively measured based on the cloud matter-element model, and the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the provincial development level in China from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed. The results indicate that (1) the development level of IC in China is divided into four levels, and the overall development level is relatively low, with only Beijing, Shanghai, and Shandong ranking at level I. (2) The development level shows a trend of increasing from northwest to southeast, with policy and technological factors being the main driving forces. (3) There is a significant spatial positive correlation between the development levels of provinces, and their spatial agglomeration effects are gradually developing from coastal areas to inland areas. The research results provide a theoretical basis for stakeholders such as governments and enterprises to formulate differentiated development strategies for IC and also provide a reference for measuring the development level of IC and other fields in other countries
Determination of suitable recreational areas in Adana Province Cukurova district by AHP technique
No full textRecreation is people’s whole activity to regain their lost energy. In urban recreation areas, today’s people can escape city life and reach themselves and nature at some point. In this context, the distribution, size, and accessibility of recreation areas in cities gain importance. The research aims to determine potential recreation areas by considering the natural and physical characteristics of the Adana Province Cukurova district.
The criteria and importance weights of the criteria related to the natural and physical characteristics of Cukurova district, which is the research area, were determined by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. The data layers of the criteria were overlapped using the “Weighted Linear Combination Technique” in ArcMap program using the importance weights and a map of potential recreation areas was created.
The results show that 2.6% of the region has low, 72.2% has medium, and 25.2% has high recreational potential. The western part of Seyhan Dam Lake has been identified as the most suitable area for recreation. Providing a holistic green space system will enable the development of the city’s natural potential. In addition, the areas proposed to be planned as recreational areas will contribute to urban ecosystem services and improve the quality of urban life. To define recreational suitable areas provides effective and quick solutions to manage urban sprawl on ecological. (Referee 1)
Disadvantageous effects of vibrations on the micro-hydraulic relief valve: experimental approach
No full textThe paper discusses the negative impact of external mechanical vibrations, which lead to the malfunction of drive systems, particularly affecting hydrostatic drives. The hydraulic system components feature a spring-supported control element that vibrates due to external mechanical vibrations, leading to pressure pulsation. The resulting pressure pulsation causes many unfavorable characteristics of hydraulic system operation. The positive displacement pump is shown as the main source of pressure pulsation in a hydraulic system. For selected frequencies of external mechanical vibration close to the natural frequency of the valve control element, the resulting pressure pulsation far exceeds the pressure pulsation resulting from the displacement pump. This paper presents selected results showing pressure pulsations as a consequence of the displacement pump and external mechanical vibrations acting on the pressure-relief valve
Influence from highways on regional economic growth – based on the trade potential in China
No full textThe question of whether the construction of the highway network is economical and can produce positive economic benefits has been a hot topic of discussion in recent years. Previous scholars have explored the impact from multiple perspectives. Our paper draws the “trade potential” model proposed by Armstrong, based on the universal gravity model and the principle of space interaction, which is different from the traffic accessibility, market potential, and market access used in most of the literature. We argue that it is more appropriate to consider both the size impact and the time distance or trade cost impact of the two cities. The paper constructs a conceptual framework and theoretical model for the impact of highways on regional economic growth, measures the “minimum transit time” of highways between prefecture-level cities in China, and calculates the trade potential of prefecture-level cities. Through corresponding empirical model testing, we have obtained some meaningful conclusions.
First published online 17 September 202
Factors hindering and boosting SDG7 implementation in EU countries
No full textOne of the sustainable development goals (SDG7) is to ensure access to clean and affordable energy, which is related to most other SDGs and plays a crucial role in economic development and human well-being. The aim of the article is to identify factors that enhance and delay one of the most crucial goals of sustainable development, SDG7. The study’s originality lies in the spatiotemporal approach to analysing the impact of selected factors on the development of green energy and increasing its availability. Three groups of potential SDG7 determining factors have been identified: ecological, social and economic. The proposed approach and the use of sensitivity analysis to variables weighting and ranking constructions of EU countries is an innovative aspect of the work and fills the gap in research on SDG7. The study showed that Denmark and Sweden occupy leading positions in the rankings based on the extent of SDG7 implementation. In contrast, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Lithuania occupied one of the last positions. The results of panel-data model estimations showed that in each estimated model, the same “indispensable variables” significantly affect the implementation of SDG7. Among these variables, only the unemployment rate significantly negatively impacted the SDG7 execution.
First published online 15 November 202
Is the household sector over-indebted in China? – the perspective of economic growth and financial risks
No full textIn this paper, we introduce household debt into a general equilibrium model and investigate the sources of changes in household debt through the lens of leverage constraints of the household sector, firms, and banks. Based on this, we analyze the impacts of household debt on economic growth and the financial risks embedded in debt-stimulated economic growth. After fitting our model to the data from China, we find that the increase in household debt in China is conducive to economic growth as it promotes demand growth and reduces financial frictions. In addition, the marginal financial risk induced by the growth of household debt is relatively small, implying that the increase in household debt can some- what promote economic growth without accumulating much endogenous vulnerability in the economy. This contrasts with the reduction of firms’ debt, which leads to drastic negative economic fluctuations in the short term, although it is beneficial to economic growth in the long run given that firms have already been caught in a vicious debt-deflation cycle. Therefore, to ensure the stability of the economy in China, it is plausible to squeeze out firms’ debt through increasing debt in the household sector.
First published online 12 February 202