Papers by Keyword: Construction Industry

Abstract: This research investigates the integration of VR technology within the construction industry, a sector notably lagging in digital adoption despite VR's transformative impact in others. The study aims to investigate the potentials of VR across different stages of construction projects, specifically aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work. The study initially confirmed low VR adoption rates and a significant gap between awareness and practical implementation among professionals. It then identified a comprehensive array of barriers, including prevalent technical skill shortages, high implementation costs, integration difficulties, and resistance to change. Building on these findings, the research proposes actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges, promoting for phased VR implementation, targeted workforce training, and the strategic selection of compatible technologies. While offering crucial insights, the study acknowledges limitations such as a regionally focused sample and perception-based data. Future research should pursue in-depth, longitudinal case studies and explore the impact of specific VR tools on project outcomes to further accelerate the construction industry's digital transformation.

Abstract: Risk management is essential for the successful execution of public sector construction projects (PSCPs), especially in developing cities like Quetta, Pakistan. This research aimed to identify and rank the major risks affecting public sector construction projects in Quetta City using a quantitative survey approach. A total of 49 risk factors were identified through literature review and expert input, classified into ten major risk categories. Data were collected from 62 construction professionals and stakeholders through a structured questionnaire. It was analyzed using MS Excel and risks were ranked through Relative Importance Index (RII) method. The results show that political risks, market risks, financial risks, safety risks, and construction risks are the top five risk categories based on both their average RII values and the presence of their factors in the top 10 rankings. Considering risks with same RII as similar rank, the top five ranked individual risks that affect public sector construction projects success the most are political instability, fluctuation in material prices, security issues, lack of safety equipment, market competition, financial/payment delays, and corruption and bribery. These findings highlight the most critical threats to public sector construction projects in Quetta. Based on the results, the study provides actionable recommendations to strengthen risk mitigation and improve the successful delivery of public sector construction projects.

Abstract: Prior studies have emphasised the drawbacks of the linear economy (LE), which uses resources inefficiently and functions on the "take-consume-throw away" tenet. However, there is a noticeable gap in studies examining the transition from a LE to circular economy (CE) adoption, as a practice necessary to limit the weaknesses of LE. This study examined CE practices adoption by identifying key enablers and challenges, emphasising the benefits, and developing a statistical model to predict it adoption in Ondo State's building construction sector. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 175 construction professionals in Ondo State. Data obtained were analysed using frequencies, percentages, relative importance index, linear regression and ANOVA. Results revealed that “research and development”, “awareness of circular economy”, and “policy support” were the primary driver of CE. The study also identified “lack of proper technology”, “unfavourable policies”, and “limited knowledge” as top barriers impeding CE adoption while “cost savings”, “job creation” and “improved corporate image” were salient benefits of CE adoption. Further analysis produced a predictive model that combine the most prominent factors that drive CE adoption, such as organizational infrastructure (X₁), client’s interest and awareness (X₂), training and education (X₃), research and development (X₄), organisational alignment (X₅), and cost savings (X₆). The model finding revealed that only 57% of the respondents aligned with CE practices, meaning an increase in the dependent variables will lead to higher levels of adoption in the building construction industry. This study serves as a theoretical base for policymakers, stakeholders, and construction professionals towards promoting a more sustainable and circular construction sector.

Abstract: The construction industry is crucial in driving Pakistan's economy and GDP development, heavily relying on its workforce. However, various challenges, such as cost, time, quality, and safety, can significantly impact construction projects. Understanding and enhancing construction productivity is essential for the industry's economic success. This study investigates the factors influencing construction worker [CW] productivity in the Quetta City construction industry through a comprehensive survey of 109 respondents, including CW, contractors, site engineers, and construction foremen. The factors are categorized into management-related, site-related, health, safety, and environment (HSE) and welfare-related and external factors. Water and power supply shortages emerged as significant management-related factors, while poor site layout and rework were prominent site-related influencers. Heat and cold stresses were identified as critical HSE-related factors impacting productivity, and economic conditions of the state and stakeholder's poor financial conditions were prominent external factors. The study provides recommendations to improve CW productivity by emphasizing job satisfaction, stable economic conditions, investing in training and development, and ensuring CW health and safety. In addition, further research could be carried out on productivity issues and rates, which can be compared with the case studies of developed countries to identify best practices for increased construction industry efficiency.

Abstract: The current study presents a comprehensive investigation of occupational hazards at a building construction site in Palembang, Indonesia. The primary aim of this research was to identify and understand the range of occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards present at the construction site, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychological hazards, in a bid to enhance the mitigation of these hazards. The primary data collection methods involved direct observations, photographic documentation, and short interviews with on-site personnel where a substantial array of insights was collected, including the presence of a workplace safety program, the recognition of main, potential workplace hazards, and other unsafe activities which workers performed within their job. Considering the scale of the project, with only 40 workers involved and the minimum utilization of heavy equipment, the focus of the physical and biological hazards findings was fixed around the presence of a diesel engine that was used as a part of an improvised crane to lift and lower objects, as well as the accumulated waste (mostly discarded food packaging) that was built-up at one corner of the construction site. Other hazards were also identified, including chemical hazards related to specific on-site activities, ergonomic hazards arising from workers’ movements, and the psychological hazard of extended overtime hours. A series of recommendations were then tailored to address these recognized hazards as the conclusion of the study. While the research is site-specific, the insights and recommendations were expected to provide value for the broader construction sector, particularly for those facing the unique challenges posed by evolving OSH practices and emerging safety culture.

Abstract: The pioneers of the industrial revolution, and their successors, left the world’s ecosystem in a devastating state. Global warming became the consequence of activities in the industry that led to climate change, the depletion of the ozone layer, and pollution of the ecosystem. For decades now, concerned researchers have been frantically investigating methods and procedures that can help conserve the ecosystem's left to attain sustainability. The construction industry also poses its challenge as novel solutions to construct sustainable, less hazardous products to the environment and improve human health are diligently investigated and identified yearly. This paper discusses specific steps of this nature and explains how environmentally-friendly construction methods and materials produce ceiling boards.

Abstract: There are challenges surrounding circularity and the application of bio-based material in construction, but also potentials. This paper aims to identify success and fail factors for the initiation phase of construction projects and shows what is essential to realize affordable circular and bio-based. This was specifically investigated for initiators of construction projects, like real estate professionals, property owners and developers. Based on case studies, we describe what these actors should focus on and pursue before the actual construction starts. For the purpose of this paper, research was done and interviews were held with people involved in exemplary projects (case studies). The interviews focused on choices that were made during the initiation phase that were decisive for the degree of circularity and the extent to which bio-based materials were applied. Motivations and consequences were covered. We found that are five essentials for successful circular bio-based construction. These five essentials form the outline of this paper: 1. AFFORDABLE cost-effective & inclusive reuse; 2. FLEXIBLE prepare for future functions; 3. PASSIVE stay cool & healthy with bio-based materials; 4. INTEGRAL continuously reflect on circular bio-based benefits; 5. TRADITIONAL OWNERSHIP keep it, simple. In one case, all five essentials were put into practice, while in the other cases it was a combination of three or four essentials. The five essentials and cases in this paper can be used as inspiration for product and process and could help realize affordable and feasible circular bio-based constructions. By focusing on the essentials, initiators have guidance to prevent valuable resources (including energy) going to waste, today and in the future.

Abstract: The paper discusses a negative effect of metallurgical waste on the ecosystem, costs and benefits of a potential use of solid metallurgical waste products in production of building materials with the purpose to reduce their harmful effect on the environment and preserve nonrenewable natural resources. The most usable products a component of which is metallurgical waste, such as slag concrete and blocks, as well as break stone are compared with products made of natural raw materials. The most appropriate application fields with the minimal harm to human health and nature are recommended.

Abstract: This article analyzes spatial differences and tendencies of development of housing construction in largest cities of Russia. The authors estimate the pace of housing and housing provision in the largest cities of Russia. Based on a comparative analysis cities with different levels of housing development are identified. The authors define the interaction and interdependence of housing construction and economic development of Russia's largest cities.

Abstract: For the purpose of productive research and management of the new quality economical growth potential building process in the construction industry, it is necessary to distinguish between quantitative and qualitative indicators of the growth of its economy, which entailed the necessity to search for a solution to the problem of justifying the measurement method and assessing the quality of its economy growth in correlation with the justification of a measurement method and assessing the potential for quality growth and economic development of the industry. To solve this problem, the principles and recommended attributes of identifying the processes of growth and development of the construction industry have been substantiated, which allowed substantiating methods for assessing the potential for economical growth in the construction industry and its economic development through the use of resources and structural methodological approaches. For the quantitative assessment of the economical quality growth potential in the economy of the construction industry and its economic entities, a resource approach has been recommended that allows to determine the magnitude of the change in the planned (actual) economic effect for the estimated period analyzed as a result of the effectiveness of employing labor, material and financial resources in the valuation for real cost and a structural approach was recommended to justify the assessment of the economic development potential of the industry. The developed methods for measuring and assessing the potential for growth in the economy of new quality and economic development of the construction industry are recommended to be applied in the process of measuring, planning, analyzing, assessing and monitoring the level of use of resource and innovation potential in the activities of construction organizations and their economic agents with similar parameters in terms of sector and region.