Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 802

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: Based on previous studies, prefabricated building usage motivations in the construction sector differ over time and vary from country to country. To adopt this technology, awareness on current trends and the latest innovations should be increased by reviewing previous studies. The objective of this study is to conduct a revision of common motivations and limitations of prefabricated building in the construction industry taking into consideration the experience gained and reported by several countries. Results show that the adaptation of prefabricated building mainly depends on factors such as labor shortage, labor cost, housing demand, building process efficiency, weather, as well as reduction of waste material and energy consumption. Prefabricated building has a relatively low uptake in construction industries worldwide despite its inherent economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Abstract: Waste generated in construction sites has recently increased and has become an uncontrollable cause of environmental problems and profit loss to contractors. The lack of real data or research on such wastes is due to the lack of suitable policies regarding this issue. The actions of contractors are not controlled by rules on this issue. This situation leads to the lack of action or awareness on the side of the contractor. Concrete waste is also part of the waste generated in construction sites. We determine the concrete waste generated in construction stages and conduct multiple linear regression analysis of the amount of column waste generated. The methodology employed in this study involves site observations, interviews with site personnel, and sampling at housing construction sites. The estimation method is utilized for the sampling of concrete waste. Results show that the average percentage of column waste is 13.93% and that of slab waste is 0.34%. These percentage values are derived from the total order of the concrete. The difference is due to the sizes of structures and method of handling. The regression model obtained from the sample data on column waste resulted in an adjusted R² value of 0.895. Therefore, the model predicts approximately 89.5% of the factors involved in concrete waste generation.

Abstract: The concerns for climate change, population explosion, environmental degradation, pollution, and resource depletion have led to the quest for sustainable buildings. Building maintenance is able to contribute to sustainability by curtailing noxious gases to the lowest minimum, reduction of emission, optimize energy, avoid leakage, and waste, as well as enhancing the reliability, durability and availability of buildings. However, consideration of sustainable practice in residential buildings is low due to a poor understanding of the meaning of maintenance and lack of motivation by building users. This study aims to create awareness on the roles of housing maintenance towards sustainability by evaluating the sustainability credentials of current maintenance practices and to contextualise the Maslow’s Hierarchy of need to motivate homeowners’ towards sustainable maintenance practice. This is important because to investigate sustainable maintenance behaviours and to implement sustainable maintenance practice, the motivations of the users need to be identified. Primary data is collected through survey questionnaires. Data obtained were analysed through descriptive statistics. The results of the findings led to the conclusion that in order for the housing sector to be a solution of sustainable development, the maintenance of the building required rethinking. A salient finding within the study is that sustainable building maintenance is driven by the market, ethics and legislation.

Abstract: Bridge Management System (BMS) is an important tool which can help to manage huge number of bridges while efficiently utilizes limited fund for maintenance. Although major bridge failure is uncommon in Sabah, the concern for future adversity must be considered. The current status of the implantation of BMS in Sabah were studied and subsequently identifying the difficulties to implement the system locally. Interviews were done in Jabatan Kerja Raya, Headquarter and districts. Five locations were selected for observation. It was discovered that the implementation status of JKR BMS is still far from a successful implementation.