Papers by Keyword: Construction

Abstract: The role of forestry in providing renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in engineering is increasingly being emphasized. This paper explores the recent advancements and diverse applications of sustainable forestry materials in several engineering sectors. A systematic and structured review was conducted, using literature from Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases in the past decade. The results revealed that integration of sustainable forestry materials, such as timber, bamboo, cork, and engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), offers significant environmental benefits, including renewable sourcing, reduced carbon footprints, and versatile applications across various engineering sectors. Forestry sustainable materials provide viable replacements for traditional building materials in construction, automotive and aerospace. In addition, forestry materials are also being used in consumer goods, appreciating their aesthetics and performance properties. Furthermore, the results revealed that advanced processing techniques, such as thermal modification and chemical treatments, enhance the durability and performance of these materials for demanding applications. However, challenges like material degradation, high initial costs, unsustainable harvesting practices, and slow updates to building codes hinder their widespread adoption. Overcoming these barriers will require the development of standardized testing methods, improved processing technologies, greater market acceptance, and supportive policies, alongside advances in biotechnology. Therefore, sustainable forestry materials offer environmentally friendly and renewable alternatives in construction, automotive, and aerospace engineering. Advanced processing techniques enhance their durability, enabling their use in demanding applications while reducing carbon footprints.

Abstract: Bridge design developed for centuries. Bridges were originally designed on the basis of experience, during the time a lot of additional criteria influencing the design have been involved. The primary role of the design is played by the design engineer, who is responsible for the evaluation of conditions in the location, design of the bridge structural system, of structural details and of the construction process. The opinions on the structural system changed with development of the design methods. On the other hand, the advanced numerical tools are not able to replace the creativity of the designer.

Abstract: The selection of a procurement system through Design-Build is one of the alternatives for reducing the project implementation schedule, but time delays still occur. This study aims to determine the priority of risk sources and risk control strategies using the house of risk method through a questionnaire given to experts as respondents. Forty risk events and 17 risk agents will be assigned to contractors experienced in design-build construction on building projects. Based on the analysis results, the highest risk priority was that the contract between the project owner and the design-build contractor was unclear or contained ambiguities. The highest risk management strategy priority is on Strong and continuous communication and collaboration among all parties involved, including project owners, designers, contractors, and subcontractors, while the lowest risk control strategy is negotiation and agreement when facing unclear or inaccurate information, involving the owner in an open and constructive negotiation process. The findings will provide deeper insight into the effectiveness of risk control strategies for contractors and owners. not only that, the results of this study can be used as material in making improvements to the Design-Build method in minimising the potential for construction project delays.

Abstract: The problem of protecting people and increasing the safety of technical equipment in situations of combat, emergency and other unforeseen extreme situations caused by a mechanical blow has always been, is and will be relevant. In the material-related aspect, the problem of developing shock-resistant materials is now transformed into the requirements of the present to create multifunctional composite panels and protective structures on their basis. Due to the fact that the experimental achievement of the required durability and reliability of products is a complex technical task (the solution of which requires large energy and financial resources), an important role is obtained by simulating the processes occurring during their operation, which gives recommendations on the correct choice of materials developed composites. In this work, the behavior of composite materials that are in a closed space under the influence of high-speed dynamic load is studied. The purpose of the work is to develop composite materials for light shockproof protective structures and to determine the nature of the packaging, the features of the structure and the level of their physical and mechanical properties. Conducted calculations of economic effect on the results of research.

Abstract: The construction industry is crucial for social and economic development, but it faces sustainability challenges. About 40% of global industrial waste comes from construction, and cement contributes approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. This study aims to develop more sustainable materials by reusing waste and creating a new environmentally friendly binder, geopolymer, from ignimbrite (IG) from Arequipa, Peru, and metakaolin. Metakaolin from China (MKCh) and locally calcined metakaolin (MK650 and MK750) were used. The materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS. Cylindrical geopolymers were produced with MK and IG ratios of 100/0 and 60/40, using a 9 mol/L NaOH activator solution. Curing was performed at 25 °C for 24 h, followed by 72 h at 50 °C. The results showed that the addition of IG increased the compressive strength, with the best performance observed in the MK-IG-60-40 material, with 52.72 ± 1.02 MPa. Thus, the addition of ignimbrite demonstrated to improve the strength of the geopolymers.

Abstract: The article provides an analytical review of the main problems and prospects for the use and introduction of polymer concrete in modern construction industries. It was found that due to high plasticity, low porosity and the ability to quickly gain strength, polymer concretes are used for the manufacture of decorative products of small architecture, structural load-bearing and decorative overhead parts, decorative paving tiles and paving stones, products for hydrotechnical purposes, etc. by methods of vibration molding and casting. The classification of polymer concretes used in modern construction industries is provided, as well as an idea of the properties of the most popular polymer concretes based on thermosetting polymers – furan, epoxy and polyester. The advantages and disadvantages of known polymer concretes and the main promising directions of implementation for the manufacture of building products and structures are given. Attention is focused on the influence of the qualitative and quantitative composition of polymer concrete, the nature of the thermosetting polymer binder, the type of fillers and aggregates, the terms of hardening, the degree of polymerization on the most important physical, mechanical and technological properties of the finished materials.

Abstract: The development of drag and lift balance aimed to modify and creating a measuring instrument that may be used in the field of aerodynamics or in testing aerodynamic properties. This measurement is in the form of wind speed on an object model such as airfoils, building models and automotive technology. This design uses an open circuit wind tunnel with a low turbulence subsonic type, with a maximum air speed of 30 m/s. The exsisting wind tunnel still uses an analogue measuring instrument which is then modify in a digital arduino-based for drag and lift balance measuring instrument with a drag and lift sensor maximum load of 1kg (v=30m/s) and maximum air speed of 50m/s. The Measuring instrument is calibrated using a 1kg weight test equipment for testing with the test object model (spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, cube) and three types of airfoil models. The test results are in the form of drag coefficient (C_d) and lift coefficient (C_L). The coefficient of drag is greatest in the cube shape and lowest in the sphere, but will decrease in value at a speed of 20 m/s. In the airfoil, the values ​​of C_d and C_L have the same trend with the literature with an uncertainty value of less than 10%. The value of C_L / C_d will increase as the angle of attack increases, but can very significantly depending on the fluid, airfoil, and aircraft type.

Abstract: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) accounted for almost 36% of total waste produced in the European Union in 2018. Growing recovery rates are achieved but mainly for low-value applications. Variable composition and characteristics undermine customers’ confidence who prefers primary materials with certified properties and at more competitive value/cost. Zero energy and waste targets are driving to rethink the waste value chain, necessitating a search for new technologies to reduce carbon emissions and waste volumes towards a more efficient and circular system. This paper presents an outline of the approaches to enhance CDW management that will be developed in the newly funded Horizon Europe project RECONMATIC. This project will develop digital and automated solutions to support advanced CDW management towards zero targets and will explore applications of technologies at different phases of the asset whole life cycle. Technical issues will be considered in aspects such as material segregation, pre-demolition audits, selective deconstruction, waste traceability procedures, as well as broader economical-societal issues such as business model, health & safety, sustainability, and technology readiness level. RECONMATIC aims to usher a paradigm change in CDW management by helping the construction industry taking a step change in circular economy development.

Abstract: Soil as a building material is gaining renewed interest from academia, and the construction sector, mainly for fabricating low-environmental impact homes. The fabrication of houses with soil using traditional methods such as adobe, cob, and rammed earth dates back to ancient times. However, emerging construction technologies, such as 3D printing, can be compatible with this material for building purposes. The article presents the validation of a 3D printing system for construction applications and the evaluation of soil-cement matrices' printability. First, the paper defines the printing parameters through experimental testing on soil matrices. Then, the article evaluates the printability of soil-cement matrices through filament printing and stacking tests. The results show that the 3D printing system prototype can fabricate small and medium-sized elements with soil matrices after correctly defining the pumping speed, printing speed, and layer height. Furthermore, experimental printing test results demonstrate that soil-cement matrices can be easily extruded and stacked; however, their printability capacity is strongly affected by the total water content and printing speed. This research highlights the suitability of soil-cement mixtures for additive manufacturing, a promising outcome that can facilitate the construction of homes in remote areas using 3D printing systems.

Abstract: The construction industry is a service sector that is often faced uncertain circumstances with a high rate of changes in its project operations. These changes not only often occur in the implementation (build) phase of a construction project, but it also happens in the planning (design) phase. In general, dealing with such uncertain circumstances means to have the possibility for failure in achieving the goals of a project. Even though changes and adjustments are common in this sector, it nevertheless will bring risks to the construction works. For example, the time, costs, and quality. Hence, a preventive system is needed with which can minimise the risks that may arise during the project activities. The objective of this research is to identify the caused factors of the risks on the construction business, and that to further suggest the applicable model as the preventive action of the risks. This study began with a detail review to seven risk indicators; Labour Risk (X₁), Contractual Risk (X₂), Human Resources Risk (X₃), Design and Technology Risk (X₄), Material and Tool Risk (X₅), Implementation Risk (X₆), and Force Majeure Risk (X₇). This research was developed further using questionnaires and expert validation as the primary data, which furthermore analysed using analysis factors, descriptive analysis, and probability impact matric in order to determine the level of the risks. The risk level analysis resulted three variables as the top event (dominant risk), which are X₁, X₃ and X₄. These findings were then advanced following Bowtie diagram and scenario analysis, hence suggested a modelling that described possible preventive and corrective strategies. Both the Bowtie diagram and scenario analysis are not only helpful as the guidance and warning, but also practical for the construction practitioners in managing the risk management and decision making for the construction project.