Papers by Keyword: Construction Management

Abstract: This study presents a methodology for selecting the most preferred data mining algorithm for a construction project, leveraging the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) .AHP, known for its application to complex decision-making problems, is adapted in this research to fit the context of data mining.The methodology involves significant modifications, including creating a collective decision-making environment that accommodates participants from diverse backgrounds and establishing a suitable data collection method tailored for AHP.The study contributes in two key areas. First, it designs and develops the methodology, enabling AHP to be effectively used for selecting data mining algorithms in construction projects. This adaptation considers the specific needs of the domain, allowing experts from different fields to contribute without requiring a comprehensive understanding of the entire model. Second, the methodology is applied to the problem, addressing existing limitations in the literature.By incorporating all relevant performance measures and leveraging expert knowledge, it facilitates informed decision-making even in the absence of extensive model testing data.The study's data was collected from two distinct participant groups: construction practitioners and machine learning experts, focusing on their personal preferences. This approach enhances the methodology's robustness and relevance to real-world applications. The proposed methodology demonstrated its effectiveness through various applications. A preference for Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was observed in predicting concrete compressive strength, with a 59.4% weighting due to their capability to handle large datasets and non-linear relationships. In cost estimation tasks, Support Vector Machines (SVM) outperformed other models, receiving a 64.9% preference and achieving a lower mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.06%. The AHP-based approach maintained consistency across evaluations, with consistency ratios below 0.10, confirming the reliability of group judgments in the algorithm selection process.

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: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered a game changer for the continent of Asia, Pakistan especially. China has invested around US$ 62 Billion in the fully operational corridor. Contractual conflicts are a significant source of delay in CPEC projects. Contractual conflicts are mostly because of poor financial and management control over it. In this paper, we have discussed the types of contractual conflicts that occur in projects that cause delays and the approaches that will help minimize the conflicts for the smooth occurrence of projects. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed to the major stakeholders of the projects. Secondly, the contractual conflicts are discussed based on the Pakistan literature review and compared with those of other countries. Two case studies were conducted to examine its causes: (1) political involvement and legal issues, (2) procurement and contract management, and (3) land acquisition problems

Abstract: Construction projects have a number of features which clearly differentiate industrial production problems that may occur as are many, very diverse and no t lea st very difficult to solve. This difficulty in solving the weight comes from modeling phenomena regarding specific construction activity. So it requires a good knowledge of the content and implementation stages of a construction project and to ensure compliance with the rules and specific requirements.

Abstract: The Delphi technique is a methodology seeks to achieve a consensus among panel of experts. The consensus is gained through a sequence of rounds. The feedback information passed to panelists by questionnaires. The technique applications being progressively involved in construction management (CM) researches and it has been applied widely in many disciplines. This popularity meant that reasonable and accurate results have been gained using Delphi technique. The aim of this study is to analysis monetary Delphi technique as a robust and systematic data collection tool in CM. Discussion and review focused on the procedures of application, cons and pros and the technique key aspects. These key aspects included experts’ selection, anonymity, rounds and feedback; have been investigated through ten published articles in CM. Delphi technique has significant opportunity to be used widely in gaining consensus within CM research. This article provides rigorous guidelines for the technique application in CM to ensure bias elimination and the outcomes validity and reliability.

Abstract: Primarily due to contractors’ faults, construction industries in Malaysia have been facing problems such as delays, wastages, cost overruns and others. Inability of construction manager (CM) to efficiently manage construction projects is the major contribution to projects’ failure, and the lack of terms of reference on the technical competency for CM are believed to be the major setback. This paper reports the results of a preliminary study which was carried out to identify the technical competencies of CM. Exploratory mixed research methods were selected by employing qualitative and quantitative approaches. Multi-layered thematic analysis was embedded into literature analysis to maintain reliability and then validate through structured interviews. It was found that CM requires several technical competencies including managing staff, materials, labours, plants, sub-contractors, safety, money, quality, time, environment, administration, pre-construction, closeout and handover, responsibility to other parties, computer literacy, and administration of construction contract. Hence, the technical competencies for CM are believed to be exhaustive and holistic in singling out the appropriate technical knowledge and skills, and bring about numerous advantageous towards technically competent CM.

Abstract: Taking safety and quality management of power transmission and transformation projects as the main line, this paper studies the practice of construction management of 220kV and above power transmission and transformation projects in Jiangsu province after the system reformation of State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Company, then refines the experiences and highlights in pre-planning, process management, implementation of management measures and other aspects. The new management mode of power projects with Jiangsu characteristics is established.

Abstract: Augmented reality, which has been designed to improve the services in many application domains such as school education, military warfare, military trainings, industrial maintenance, retail and medical, can be defined in the simplest form as augmenting the real world with information from the virtual world. The main aim of this study, which presents an overview of an ongoing project, is to develop an innovative method by making a construction worker, foreman, equipment operator or a site engineer watch a very comprehensive and informative animation which will enable the said staff to perform or supervise all the phases of the activity he or she is in charge for in a more efficient, productive, safer and qualified manner by means of smart glasses using augmented reality systems. Basic trainings about the system will be given to target group, i.e. construction workers, foremen, operators, site engineers and managers working in the construction sites to apply the system on sites after all the system was tested. After the testing, to determine the effectiveness of this system, semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaires will be conducted among the mentioned target group. Therefore, the potential benefits of this system to the construction industry can be determined. There are relatively few studies about the implementations of augmented reality technology in construction. The outputs to be attained in the end of the study have the potential of improvement of time, cost, quality and safety parameters.

Abstract: The topography, hydrogeological condition and engineering geological condition of various regions are complicated in China. The demolition and site preparation of mountains construction site generally need to do a large number of excavation and embankment fill, need to consider the problem such as landslide and slope, temporary earthwork stack. The available soil temporary stack involving the question such as safety, environmental protection, etc, with two instances to illustrate should according to quality, safety and environmental protection objectives for construction management of temporary pile soil.

Abstract: constructing first-class network laboratory is an important form of the union of industry-study-research. Perfect laboratory has vital significance in improving students’ creative and practical ability, teachers’ scientific research ability, and the level of teaching quality.