Search Results (181)

The construction industry is facing issues worldwide, particularly worker fatalities and injury rates. Construction safety requires careful attention and preparation across the project’s entire lifecycle, from design to demolition activities. In the digital era, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative technology in the construction industry, offering new opportunities to enhance safety standards and reduce accidents. This study examines the influence of BIM on construction safety, particularly its capacity to transform safety protocols, enhance danger identification, and minimize accidents during the construction project’s duration. The review approach used is based on PRISMA. Scopus and Web of Science were the databases used to search for qualifying publications. From an initial cohort of 502 papers, 125 were chosen as relevant to the scope of this research. A thorough analysis of the existing literature was conducted to examine the processes by which BIM helps to improve safety, such as early hazards identification, conflict detection, virtual safety simulations, and improved communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. This study examined the following knowledge gaps: integration with safety regulations and standards, a comprehensive safety dimension in BIM, BIM for real-time safety monitoring, and a BIM-driven safety culture. The following potential future research directions were highlighted: enhanced BIM applications for safety, longitudinal studies on BIM and safety outcomes, BIM for post-construction safety and maintenance, and BIM for safety training and simulation. In conclusion, the integration of BIM into construction safety protocols presents significant potential for mitigating risks and improving safety management over the asset lifecycle. As the industry increasingly adopts digital technology, BIM will be crucial in establishing safer and more efficient construction environments. Full article

Prefabricated buildings, characterized by factory production, on-site assembly, and efficient and refined management, enhance construction efficiency, reduce building time, and promote material reuse and recycling. The energy consumption (and carbon emissions) during the building operational stage are significantly influenced by the performance of the building envelope component system. To minimize carbon emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle, it is essential to focus on a comprehensive optimization design for carbon reduction in prefabricated envelope systems. This paper draws on grounded theory to construct a system of factors influencing carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle of prefabricated building envelopes. Using a questionnaire survey and leveraging Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study identifies key pathways and factors, influencing carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle of building envelope components. It provides insights into carbon emission mechanisms in these components and establishes a comprehensive design pathway for carbon control throughout the lifecycle of building envelope systems. Subsequently, the survey results were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to identify key factors influencing carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle and their interrelationships. These findings were integrated into the various stages of the whole-process design, yielding actionable recommendations for carbon control in the design process. Additionally, the case study method was employed to illustrate how carbon control design and optimization techniques can be applied at each stage of a specific project, providing a practical demonstration of the research outcomes. The study offers optimized methods for carbon control across the entire process, utilizing optimization strategies to reduce carbon emissions at each stage of the building’s lifecycle. Full article

The increase in population and urban migration has incentivized the construction of mid-rise and tall buildings. Despite the incremental rise in vertical construction, there are still investigation gaps related to high-rise buildings, such as carbon emissions and the use of low-carbon materials in tall structures. Timber presents a potential sustainable solution for mid-rise and tall buildings. The history of topics in timber building investigations began with the material characterization of innovation in construction technologies such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and practical topics like construction collaboration, sustainability, engineering, and construction science. To identify potential topics and understand the research history of mid- and high-rise timber buildings, a bibliometric analysis is proposed. Therefore, this article aims to perform a bibliometric analysis with a science mapping technique to categorize and analyze the evolution of mid- and high-rise timber building research topics and identify the most relevant trends and current challenges. A co-occurrence keyword analysis was performed with the software SciMAT to analyze the evolution and actual trends of mid-rise and tall timber buildings. The results show an evolution in the investigation topics from timber frame elements to mass timber and CLT for high-rise buildings, which was expected due to the higher structural capacity of the mass timber product. Surprisingly, sustainability topics such as carbon emission and life-cycle analysis (LCA) were transversal in all periods with concrete as a recurrent keyword in the analysis. More specialized topics such as robustness, disproportioned collapse, perceptions, and attitude were observed in the final periods. Research projections indicate that for mid-rise and tall timber buildings, the environmental potential has to be aligned with the structural feasibility and perception of the construction’s actors and society to improve the carbon emissions reduction and support the increment of the population in an urban context. Full article

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become an indispensable tool for risk management and construction oversight, especially in the case of complex and irregularly shaped buildings. BIM’s ability to reduce construction errors has been proven through advanced features like clash detection, schedule forecasting, and cost estimation. As the adoption of BIM grows, software providers such as Autodesk, Bentley, Trimble, and Nemetschek have developed advanced tools that incorporate Project Lifecycle Management (PLM). However, these tools are not easily transferable to Asian countries, where construction management often uses unit pricing rather than the more intricate systems common in Europe and the US. Legacy data also play a crucial role in Asian construction management, impacting risk profiling and cost predictions for similar projects. This study explores the integration of 4D BIM data within a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) framework in a real-world setting. The first step was the creation of an in-house BIM platform, CEV (Civil Easy View), built on the Autodesk Forge viewer. CEV is designed as a BIM viewer tailored for field staff and supervisors. This 4D BIM application showed strong connectivity through standardized WBS codes, allowing for automatic synchronization between object and schedule data. Full article

Three-dimensional printing technology for building construction is rapidly emerging as a transformative force, offering innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector. Unlike traditional methods, this technology significantly lowers CO₂ emissions by enabling the use of sustainable materials such as geopolymers and recycled aggregates. Moreover, it minimizes waste, labor requirements, and the need for extensive on-site equipment, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint of building projects. Studies indicate that adopting 3D printing in construction can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 70%, depending on the materials used. By enhancing precision and integrating automation, 3D printing optimizes material consumption, reduces transportation needs, and minimizes energy-intensive activities. This research highlights the pivotal role of 3D printing in reshaping the construction process, quantifying its potential to drive sustainability and innovation, both directly and indirectly, at multiple stages of the building lifecycle. Full article

The wastewater conveyance systems in the United States are facing severe structural challenges, with the nation’s overall wastewater infrastructure receiving a critically low grade of D- from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Innovative trenchless technologies, such as Cured-in-Place Pipe Renewal Technology (CIPPRT), offer a cost-efficient substitute for traditional open-cut construction methods (OCCM). However, the possibility of a comprehensive life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) comparing these methods remains unexplored. LCCA examines the comprehensive financial impact, encompassing installation, operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement expenses, using net present value (NPV) over a set duration. The objective of this study is to systematically review the existing literature to explore advancements in calculating the LCCA for CIPPRT and compare the latter approach to OCCM. A rigorous PRISMA-guided methodology applied to academic databases identified 845 publications (1995–2024), with 83 documents being selected after stringent screening. The findings reveal limited use of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) in predicting CIPPRT costs. A bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer visualizes the results. The study underscores the potential of intelligent, data-driven approaches, such as spreadsheet models and AI, to enhance decision-making in selecting rehabilitation methods tailored to project conditions. These advancements promise more sustainable and cost-effective management of sanitary sewer systems, offering vital insights for decision-makers in addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Full article

The rapid expansion of global infrastructure has amplified the environmental impact of construction, particularly through the carbon footprint of structures. Addressing this challenge, this study examined the potential of vibration control systems to reduce the carbon footprint of steel-frame buildings subject to dynamic wind loads. Utilizing the Force Analogy Method (FAM), which effectively addresses nonlinearity in structural analysis, the research modeled a 10-story steel frame subjected to synthetic downburst wind time history velocities generated through spectral simulation techniques. Both passive and active control systems were implemented, with a focus on tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and active mass dampers (AMDs) to reduce structural displacements and accelerations. The results revealed that these systems not only significantly reduce the peak structural responses but also, when combined with optimized manufacturing methods, lead to a decrease in steel usage. This optimization contributes to a reduction of up to 20% in CO₂ emissions during the pre-use stage of a building’s lifecycle. By enhancing the material efficiency and minimizing the environmental impacts, this research highlights the critical role of advanced control systems, supported by new nonlinear analytical methods, in promoting environmentally conscious engineering. This approach aims to guide future generations in developing structural engineering projects that prioritize sustainable practices. Full article

The integration of digital twins (DTs) in construction is still in its infancy compared to other sectors. However, the potential for optimising project lifecycle management is significant, promising transformative impacts on safety and operational performance. In this study, the evolution of technologies preceding DTs is explored. A detailed description of the various platforms where DTs can be implemented is discussed and parallels are established with other sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare, highlighting the successful application of DTs in these fields. The key benefits of integrating DTs in the construction industry and complex infrastructure management are assessed, emphasising that the accuracy of asset representation is crucial for their effective utilisation. Moreover, the challenges associated with recording, storing, and accessing both static and dynamic data are discussed, providing insights into the pros and cons of managing data through back-end versus front-end processes. Case studies of a transport railway station and an educational centre illustrate the practical applications and advantages of DTs, such as enhanced visual representation, improved understanding of construction and management dynamics, real-time information integration, and collaborative management processes. This paper advocates for the first steps toward establishing a European definition of DTs and standardising the relevant processes. Full article

The construction industry in Kuwait is experiencing a transformative shift with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, particularly BIM 6D for sustainability analysis and 7D for facility management. This study investigates the integration of these dimensions to address sustainability challenges in Kuwait’s construction sector, aligning practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through qualitative interviews with 15 stakeholders—including architects, engineers, and contractors—and analysis of industry reports, policies, and case studies, the research identifies both opportunities for and barriers to BIM adoption. While BIM offers significant potential for lifecycle analysis, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, its adoption remains limited, with only 27% of construction waste recycled. Challenges include high initial costs, a shortage of skilled personnel, and resistance to change. The study highlights actionable strategies, including enhanced regulatory frameworks, university curriculum integration, and professional training programs led by the Kuwait Society of Engineers, to address these barriers. It also emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among government bodies, industry leaders, and institutions like the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Drawing from successful international BIM projects, the findings offer a practical framework for improving sustainability in arid regions, positioning Kuwait’s experience as a model for other Middle Eastern and North African countries. This research underscores the transformative role of BIM technologies in advancing global sustainable construction practices and achieving a more efficient and eco-friendly future. Full article

This scoping literature review examines critical success factors (CSFs) in the design and planning phases of BIM-enabled construction projects, focusing on integrating sustainability practices across the quadruple bottom line: profit, people, planet, and process. By introducing the novel ‘Process’ pillar, this study aims to bridge critical gaps in sustainability research, emphasising technology-driven practices and mapping 62 CSFs from 31 studies to specific stakeholder roles, and focuses on early project phases in which decisions have the most significant impact on long-term outcomes. The findings highlight how early-phase decisions, guided by the QBL framework, can optimise project outcomes and drive long-term sustainability through effective stakeholder engagement. Despite advancements, the design and planning phases of BIM-enabled construction projects consistently exhibit an underrepresentation of end users and environmental considerations. These omissions highlight inadequacies in stakeholder engagement, which are critical for achieving comprehensive sustainability and aligning project outcomes with user needs and environmental goals. This research maps CSFs to corresponding stakeholders, revealing a complex network with the BIM coordinator/manager playing a pivotal role. This mapping underscores the importance of integrating stakeholder inputs, particularly from end users, early in the project lifecycle to enhance functionality and ensure the long-term viability of construction projects. However, current practices often overlook this, leading to a potential misalignment between project deliverables and user expectations. The construction industry can move towards more sustainable, efficient, and user-focused outcomes by addressing these gaps. This study calls for a paradigm shift in BIM methodologies to adopt a construction environment that is not only efficient but also adaptable to the needs of its users and the environmental imperatives of today’s world. Full article

The concept of circular economy (CE) has emerged as an effective strategy for addressing resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental challenges, offering a promising path towards a more sustainable future. In the building sector, adopting CE principles can significantly mitigate environmental impacts, minimize lifecycle costs, and promote sustainability throughout a building’s lifecycle. Using a mixed-method approach via a pre-interview questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 10 sustainability experts, this study analyses the significance of 15 CE strategies in building construction projects, assessing their importance and ranking their potential for adoption. Furthermore, this study evaluates the feasibility of applying CE principles to different building types, including storage, industrial, commercial, residential, business, and healthcare facilities. The role of lifecycle stages including initiation and planning, design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance, and end of life is examined to identify phases with the highest potential for successfully embracing CE principles. The role of stakeholders in driving change is also analyzed. The outcomes of this study reveal that the most feasible strategies include the use of renewable energy, design for durability and longevity, prefabrication, and offsite construction. The study findings indicate that storage, industrial, and business (office) buildings are the most feasible for CE application, while the initiation and planning and design stages are identified as critical phases for embracing CE adoption. Owners and designers emerge as the stakeholders with the greatest influence on CE implementation. The results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of the feasibility of CE adoption in the building sector. These findings offer valuable insights that can inform the development of targeted strategies to support the effective adoption of CE principles. Full article

The rising demand for housing continues to outpace traditional construction processes, highlighting the need for innovative, efficient, and sustainable delivery models. Off-site construction (OSC) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering faster project timelines and enhanced cost management. However, current research on cost models for OSC, particularly in automating material take-offs and optimising cost performance, remains limited. This study addresses this gap by proposing a new cost model integrating Digital Twin (DT) technology and AI-driven decision models for modular housing in the UK. The research explores the role of DTs in enhancing cost estimation and decision-making processes. By leveraging DTs and AI, the proposed model evaluates the impact of emergent technologies on cost performance, material efficiency, and sustainability across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. As proposed, this integrated approach enables a cost model tailored for OSC systems, providing a data-driven foundation for cost optimisation and material take-offs. The study’s findings highlight the potential of combining DTs and AI decision models to enhance cost modelling in modular construction, offering new capabilities to support sustainable and performance-driven housing delivery. The paper introduces a dynamic, data-driven cost model integrating real-time data acquisition through DTs and AI-powered predictive analytics. This dynamic approach enhances cost accuracy, reduces lifecycle cost variability, and supports adaptive decision-making throughout the OSC project lifecycle. Full article

Building bridges sustainably is essential for advancing infrastructure development and ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic viability. This study presents a framework that integrates risk management strategies and Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) standards to enhance bridge project sustainability. Through a targeted survey, the study evaluates risks across bridge lifecycle phases, identifying the main processes that significantly impact sustainability. Using the Pareto Principle, the framework prioritizes these processes and associated risks, guiding the creation of targeted improvement guidelines aligned with ISO 9001:2015, BIM, and LCSA standards, which support high quality and efficiency. The results reveal that 38 of 55 identified risks account for 80% of the lifecycle impact, and they include the majority of those derived from international standards, underscoring their significance in sustainability efforts. Additionally, 36 of 47 main processes are subject to 80% of the impact from these vital risks, highlighting phases like Construction and Supervision as priority areas for intervention. By linking specific risks to each process within these phases, the study outlines essential guidelines and strategic measures, ensuring a focused approach to sustainable bridge development that aligns with international standards and maximizes lifecycle sustainability outcomes. Full article

The applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the airport industry are significantly transforming operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experiences. This study investigates the integration of AI within aviation construction projects, with a focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While AI technologies such as facial recognition, IoT, and biometric systems have advanced airport security and operations, their use in construction project management remains limited. A survey was conducted among 101 engineering professionals and experts with experience or involvement in managing aviation-related construction projects. Participants, many of whom had familiarity with AI tools, provided insights into the applicability of AI in areas such as planning, scheduling, and safety monitoring. The majority agreed that AI has the potential to revolutionize project management processes, improving decision-making, and efficiency. AI tools can predict delays, optimize workflows, and enhance safety through real-time data analytics and machine learning algorithms, reducing risks and human error. Despite the UAE’s leadership in AI-driven security advancements, its use in aviation construction is still underdeveloped. This research highlights the potential for broader AI integration across the entire lifecycle of aviation projects. By adopting AI in these areas, UAE airports could set new benchmarks for cost effectiveness, sustainability, and project delivery, reinforcing the region’s status as a leader in technological innovation within the aviation industry. Full article

With the extensive integration of renewable energy into the power grid, pumped storage power plants have become an essential component in the development of modern power systems due to their rapid response capabilities, advanced technology, and other beneficial features. However, high construction costs and irrational capital expenditure and construction schedules have constrained the robust and sustainable growth of pumped storage plants. Therefore, this paper proposes a pumped storage plant construction timing optimization method considering capital expenditure capacity feedback. Initially, an analysis is conducted on the factors that influence the capital expenditure costs of pumped storage power plants throughout their lifecycle. Next, the value of investing in pumped storage plants is assessed across three different aspects: economics, environment, and reliability. Finally, according to the principle of dynamic planning combined with the actual needs and capital expenditure potential of pumped storage plants, the sum of the capital expenditure effectiveness values in each stage is used as the indicator function of each stage to construct the pumped storage plants project capital expenditure timing optimization model, and a simulation analysis is carried out with Province Z as an example to verify the validity and applicability of the proposed model. The findings indicate that the suggested model is effective in balancing the implementation time of individual projects to achieve the maximum cumulative capital expenditure performance over the entire planning period. Full article