Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 94-96

Abstract: Rent-seeking behavior in the public project is a problem which the construction administrative departments at all levels always attach great importance to. This paper analyzed the causes and harms of rent-seeking behavior in the public project. At the same time, according to the hypothesis that supervision department can drive its right impartially, this paper established a tripartite incomplete information static game model in the public project, and then analyzed the own rent-seeking behavior of supervision department, and got the specific measures that could reduce rent-seeking behavior.

Abstract: Basing on the analysis of problems existing in the comprehensive decision-making and balanced optimizing of project programs, the writer has introduced the method of physical planning to solve the problems of comprehensive decision-making and optimizing in the quality of the project management – time limit for a project - cost, and established the quality - time limit for a project- cost comprehensive evaluation and decision model as well as the quality - time limit for a project - cost optimization model. The proposed method has been proved effective through the cases of highway engineering project management.

Abstract: In the process of adopting agent-construction system to build the non-operational construction projects invested by government, one of the key links in force is how to motive Agent Company to work positively for saving investment, and how to make them obtain reasonable returns. Applying design method of incentive mechanism related with principal-agent theory in asymmetric information case, the paper not only deeply made research on the allocation problems of cost reduction allocation, but also put forward the reference of determining the distribution coefficient.

Abstract: Building stock plays a critical role in the sustainability agenda worldwide. It consumes a large proportion of energy and is one of the biggest carbon emitters. Hospital buildings are no exception. Therefore, the performance of hospital buildings is critical to achieve the overall carbon emission goal. Post occupancy evaluation has been a popular tool and technique to evaluate the building performance which provides feedback to the building design and construction. This paper investigates the post occupancy evaluation of hospital buildings. A typical hospital campus in China is selected for this research purpose. The results showed that, even though not being implemented widely in China, the POE is an effective and useful tool for building performance evaluation. In addition, the relative importance of POE study criteria is highlighted.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore how to establish the enterprise-level PMO of the enterprise-level project management system for project general contractor enterprise. For this, this article analyzed the basic functions of management of the traditional enterprise management, and compared the two different management system between the traditional enterprise management system and enterprise-level project management system, divided the different levels type of PMO of in the enterprise, and proposed the construction of the enterprise-level PMO.

Abstract: Change orders are one of the main problems in construction projects. The objectives of this study are identification and evaluation of causes and effects of change orders as well as procedures of change orders control on building construction projects in Islamic Azad University (IAU) Shoushtar Branch in Iran. It is found that contractor's financial difficulties, previous construction delays by other contractors working on different contracts were important factors responsible for change orders in construction projects. However, there are five important factors that have been identified as having the greatest effects on change order. Finally, important methods in procedures of change orders control are recommended. Although, the research is restricted to IAU-Shoushtar Branch, the findings of construction management problems are common to other universities in their building construction projects.

Abstract: Today’s construction quality signifies a lot to the tomorrow’s rate of return on investment for the project. The supplier selection has a pivotal role in engineering management; it occupies an important place for ensuring the construction quality in the project construction activities. So choosing suitable suppliers has become to be an important development strategy of the modern construction enterprise. The principal component analysis, one of the multivariate statistical analyses, particularly applicable to this kind of problem. This article systematically discusses this method of choice and evaluation to the supplier, and puts forward views that use principal component analysis to evaluation supplier is practical and scientific, and gives a practical case.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the executive indexes based on the opinions of project’s practitioners in the structures of Construction Office in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) as a case study. Accordingly, 34 practitioners of the projects were surveyed on the indexes using a questionnaire. The practitioners were categorized into two groups: Consultants and Contractors (C&C) and Managers and Experts (M&E). The completed questionnaires were assessed and analyzed and the values of indexes were calculated based on the ideas of the both groups separately. It is found that the ideas of both groups are similar or close to each other in the evaluation of 28 indexes out of 30; which may show the accuracy in completing the questionnaire and the accuracy of the methodology used. In this paper, the results of this case study are presented and discussed.

Abstract: Bridge is the hub of a road, playing an important role in transportation. With the age of bridges increasing in recent years, the condition of bridges is deteriorating. Bridge deterioration usually results from multiple factors. Studies in exploring the factors leading to bridge deterioration and its state estimation are booming. However, studies in the relationship between bridge deterioration and external environment by using database are still limited. Since 1992, National Bridge Inventory (NBI) has collected basic and historical information of bridges in every state, a very rich database which should include some valuable knowledge. Hence, through clustering and classifying in data mining, this study explores association rules for bridge deterioration, which is displayed in decision tree with clear routes for reference. Using association rules developed by thus study, bridge maintenance personnel can understand the future state of the bridge under their jurisdiction, respond to risks and costs of bridge deterioration, extend the service life of bridges, and protect the safety of road users.

Abstract: It has been found that it is often difficult for expatriates to work on international projects as their companies expand into foreign construction markets. The study aims at exploring impact and change in employees’ work intension for international projects. The selected companies are all engineering consulting firms because an increase of performing international projects either inland or overseas has been spotted in Taiwan. A total of 21 impact factors are found based on literature review, expert interviews, nationwide survey, and statistical analysis. The results show two conclusions: (1.) Three levels of impact are determined; (2.) The core impact factors suggest practitioners paying more attention on the following conditions of international projects — protest, weak environmental health, strong personal loneliness, extreme religion, shortage of child care, and insufficient repatriation plan. The contributions are expected to benefit employers to save recourse so as to select the most suitable employees for expatriation.