bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Various Job Functions to Map a Typical Career Path in the Roofing Industry
Authors: Lucas Jason , Gajjar Dhaval , Davis David , Loadholt Georgia
Published: May 2022

The general contractors contract the majority of the work on construction projects to sub- contractors. Hence, attracting the next generation of workforce, Generation Z (Gen Z), at the sub- contractor level is critical when addressing workforce issues. Roofing is one of the critical scopes within a construction project provided by a sub-contractor. Gen Z has various characteristics and preferences to consider when attracting them to the roofing industry. One of the significant attraction factors for Gen Z is a visual career path within a specific industry. This paper aims to document a general career path to attract a new generation of professionals and retain current professionals in the roofing industry. A focus group with nine (9) roofing contractor companies from different regions of the U.S. helped map a typical career path and collect information on job responsibilities, compensation for each position, experience requirements, and standard benefits within roofing contracting organizations. Educators, trade schools, and roofing contractors can use the information and the proposed flowchart in response to the need for a visual career path to attract Gen Z workers.
Sustainability and Resilience Education Framework for Interdisciplinary Course Development
Authors: Hashem M. Mehany Mohammed , Kumar Shantanu
Published: May 2022

Climate change has redirected the global focus towards creating a more sustainable and resilient built environment. As natural disasters have been occurring at a higher frequency, buildings and infrastructure systems need to be prepared to withstand the more disastrous events. Furthermore, with an increase in the world’s population and the shortage of resources in various parts of the world, it is necessary to think about sustainability and resilience in conjunction with every aspect of the built environment, including the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) education. Therefore, this research study proposes a unique sustainability and resilience educational course structure that improves the understanding of these concepts in the built environment. This research study introduces a framework that can act as a guideline for sustainability and resilience education integration within various courses across any college campus to further the awareness about sustainability and resilience. The study introduces the course structure and development methods in creating new, flexible, and innovative modules that can be customized to the different educational needs and cover several student learning outcomes which can help prepare the new generations to become conceptually, spatially, and temporally aware while they interact and develop the built environment of the future.
Eco-efficient Construction: The Utilization of Nanotechnology and 3D Printing in the Sustainable Building Practices of the AEC Industry
Authors: O'leary Janay , Awolusi Ibukun , Alzarrad Ammar , Nnaji Chukwuma
Published: May 2022

Eco-efficient construction is a broad topic that incorporates many facets of high-performance building practices, sustainability principles, life-cycle analysis considerations, and cost valuation of implementing methods, materials, and processes. New technologies play a significant role in the development of sustainable materials and methods in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Nanotechnology and 3D printing are on the cutting edge of current research and development and exemplify sustainably focused eco-technologies. The study and implementation of nanotechnology and 3D printing are essentially emphasized by the focus on sustainability. This study investigates the advancement of nanomaterials and 3D printing and seeks to determine their current state of development and implementation in the AEC industry. In addition, concepts of sustainability are reviewed to reveal how they are aligned with eco-construction. Methods of evaluation are explored to better understand how sustainable building practices are supported in the AEC industry.
Hands-On Approach to Teaching Construction Materials and Methods: A Case Study
Authors: Burge II Herman , Bloom Bryan , Perrenoud Anthony
Published: May 2022

At the University of Oklahoma, the Construction Science Division provides a Hands-on Class in which Construction Management students get the opportunity to learn construction methods and materials while building with their hands. In 2018, the graduate and undergraduate level course constructed two multi-family (2,936 Square Feet) dwellings in Norman, Oklahoma during the Spring semester. The units were purchased from the Norman Housing Authority and now provide housing for low-income citizens within the University community. The goal of this paper is to record and present the Kinesthetic and Collaborative pedagogies used in this unique class. A brief literature review explores the previous research on Kinesthetic and Collaborative pedagogies. The case study includes discussion on how the project was planned, designed, funded, and executed. The case study also presents how the class was coordinated, how student and subcontractor labor was utilized, the challenges faced during this process and future recommendations for similar classes. This case study adds to the body of knowledge by providing a detailed description of a Construction Education course that adds value to the local community by designing and building low-income housing.
Assessing the effectiveness of Constructivism and Transformational Leadership on STEM/TEKS through a Construction Summer Experience
Authors: Sulbaran Tulio , Langar Sandeep
Published: May 2022

Construction summer experiences in the form of summer camps targeting high school students are becoming more common. These construction summer experiences are critical as they provide high school students the opportunity to learn about construction, career pathways in construction and perhaps motivate them to enroll in one of the nation’s university construction programs. Unfortunately, a theoretical framework to develop and implement construction summer experiences did not exist until recently. This study presents the research results of a pilot implementation of a Summer Experience based on Transformational Leadership and Constructivism theories (SumEx- TLC). More specifically, this paper provides the results in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) of a construction transportation infrastructure via summer experience. This one-week hands-on summer experience engaged a small group of minority and economically disadvantaged high school students. During the pilot implementation, data was collected following an exploratory case study with a quasi-experimental design methodology. The pilot study results are encouraging and support the notion of continuing research using similar frameworks with a large-scale implementation.
Distinguishing Human Factors of Top-Performing Project Managers in the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Trades
Authors: Maali Omar , Lines Brian , Shalwani Amirali , Smithwick Jake , Sullivan Kenneth
Published: May 2022

The construction trades seek strategies to overcome the labor shortages currently affecting the marketplace. One innovative tool that has gained increased attention is the application of human dimension assessments from the social sciences to the construction trades. For example, this study utilized three human dimension measures – assessments of personality, emotional intelligence, and behavioral tendencies – in the context of project managers (PMs) in the sheet metal and air conditioning trades. This preliminary study assessed 42 PMs from across the United States. The direct supervisors of each PM completed a detailed performance review which was then used to identify the absolute top performers “cream of the crop” from this nationwide pilot study. Analysis revealed several statistically significant differences between the Top-Performing PMs and the remaining participants. Such information is beneficial to the specialty trades in several ways: First, moving toward a nationwide benchmark of human dimensions for PMs from across the country (albeit on a pilot-scale), which can be used for recruitment and talent development purposes. Second, the results contributed to the distinguishing characteristics of Top-Performing PMs, which may be beneficial for internal talent development purposes.
A Model for Delay Analysis Impact at Planning Phase of Oil & Gas Pipeline Projects: A case of Iraq
Authors: Shah Raj , Kraidi Layth , Matipa Wilfred , Borthwick Fiona
Published: May 2022

Project delay and cost overrun are major issues caused by the associated Risk Factors (RFs) in any projects including Oil and Gas Pipeline Projects (OGPPs). This problem is exacerbated by the subjective nature of the identification and quantification of delay factors t at the planning stage. To overcome above issues, this research designs a Delay Analysis Model (DAM) at planning stage of the project by introducing fuzzy logic in delay analysis; hence, systematize and objectify the quantification of the process. The paper presents a step-by-step process of identifying the RFs and quantifying the probability of project delivery. The main inputs of the model are the RFs, level of impact, and the estimated maximum & minimum duration of each task of the project. The model is integrated within @Risk simulator integrated with Monte Carlo Simulation to quantify the delay impact in projects. The key output of the study is a useful delay analysis tool that help to identify and quantify the potential delay impacts and the confidence level of project deliver in time at the planning stage so that proactive measures could be taken in advance. The model was evaluated using a case study of an OGPP in Iraq. The findings suggested that a potential overall delay at all stages of the project was found around 45 days that might occur due to the associated risk factors in the project.
Empirical Analysis for Modeling Spatial Variation in Right of Way Acquisition Durations
Authors: Chung Frederick , Ashuri Baabak
Published: May 2022

The objectives of this research are to analyze empirical Right of Way (ROW) acquisition process records to quantitatively determine key project features influencing ROW acquisition durations and examine the spatial variation of the features’ effects. This research used database of 495 projects that finished ROW acquisition process between the year 2010 and 2019 by Georgia Department of Transportation. The multiple linear regression is performed to identify significant variables that impact acquisition duration. Then, the geographically weighted regression analysis is conducted to examine spatial variations of variables’ effects across the geographical locations. Acquisition durations tend to increase as the number of parcels and the average cost estimate per parcel increases, the design is completed by consultant or regional office, and the type of work is roadway and widening projects. The analysis results indicate that variables’ effects vary throughout areas of the state. Therefore, ROW practitioners should consider giving different weights to project features depending on the project’s location when setting the ROW acquisition schedule to reduce risks of schedule delays and cost overruns. It is anticipated that findings of this research will provide insights to ROW practitioners on how to improve ROW acquisition timeline estimations and better manage the risks.
Integrated Project Delivery for Mechanical Contractors
Authors: Barrows Matthew , Grosskopf Kevin
Published: May 2022

Funded by the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), this paper discusses Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) from the perspective of mechanical trade contractors that have been part of IPD projects and serves as a guide for those mechanical contractors interested in expanding their market share into IPD market sectors. Based on in-depth interviews and ‘lessons learned’ from six SMACNA-member contractors who have been trade partners on IPD projects, this paper guides mechanical contractors joining an IPD team and the mechanical trade contractor’s role during design and preconstruction phases and factors for successful construction and project close-out. This paper intends not to provide an overview of the IPD process, as this has been covered in detail with previous research. This paper provides feedback and shares the opinion of mechanical contractors that have previously participated in the IPD process to benefit mechanical contractors not yet familiar with the IPD delivery method.
Barrier to the use of Sandbag Material Technologies as a Sustainable Affordable Housing Solution: Perspectives from South Africa
Authors: Adetooto Johnson , Windapo Abimbola , Pomponi Francesco
Published: May 2022

Over 12.5 million families in South Africa live in slums without access to adequate housing. Previous studies projected that meeting housing demand in South Africa will take hundreds of years with the available resources and technologies. Therefore, achieving sustainable and affordable housing solutions remain a pressing goal. This study assessed the perception of experts and end-users on the barriers to the use of sandbag material technology as a Sustainable Affordable Housing Solution in South Africa. The study draws on focus group discussions held with 12 leading experts on alternative technologies and local South African end-users to obtain data to address the research objective. It emerged that lack of social acceptance, lack of support from the government, limited Professional Expertise, and Access to finance are barriers to the use of sandbag material technology in South Africa. The study concludes with some recommendations and adds significantly to the limited knowledge on alternative building material technologies such as Sandbag technology.
Assessing Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) for Construction Management Education
Authors: Benhart Bradley , Austin Stephen , Bogdanovic Amela , Campbell Janet , Reid Andy
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes to the current discussions and research on the use of 3D digital technologies in teaching and learning. It specifically focuses on the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in construction management higher education. There were three objectives: (1) to check the impact of this approach on student learning (2) to determine which factors increased the perception of immersion (3) to assess whether this type of learning could affect cognitive change. A VLE of a construction site and related scenarios were used to develop a set of learning outcomes focused on soft-skills. Utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) to create an immersive environment, the VLE enables a student to work on a construction site, undertaking real life scenarios and interacting with people to enhance leadership, behavioural health, safety, quality, and productivity skills. A series of individual scenarios were developed to help contextualize the learning outcomes. These scenarios were based around a day managing a construction site. The immersive simulations were underpinned with pedagogical tools and structures, namely the Kolb Experiential learning Model and Gibbs Model of Reflection (Kolb, 1984; Gibbs, 1988). The experiential learning allows the student to make decisions and understand the consequences. The learning takes place in a safe environment which negates impact on a real job site and is reinforced through feedback, knowledge sharing, and mentoring. The assessment involved questionnaires designed to evaluate the impact of experiential learning, assess which aspects of the simulation had the greatest impact in relation to the feeling of immersion, and to assess whether this type of teaching could affect cognitive change. The results indicate that the students perceived the method to be effective and highlighted 3 key factors relating to immersion - the actors, the site office, and the site paperwork. The outcome of the third objective was not conclusive and further research on long term cognitive change is recommended.
Relationship between Undergraduate GPA and Associate Constructor (AC) Exam Scores of Construction Management Students
Authors: Wao Joel , Ries Robert , Flood Ian , Schattner Sallie
Published: May 2022

Construction industry needs skilled workers, and professional certification is a way to get them. Senior level construction management (CM) students can take Associate Constructor (AC) exam as one of the first certifications as they transition into the industry. However, fewer graduating students are AC certified. The value of certifications and increasing popularity of the AC exam can motivate students to take the exam to gain professional credential and recognition. Also, the exam being reflective of the CM curriculum can motivate students to get certified. Therefore, this research assessed the correlation between undergraduate GPA (UGPA) and AC exam scores of CM seniors. The hypothesis was that there would be a positive relationship between UGPA and AC exam scores. The independent variable was UGPA while the dependent variable was the AC exam score. SAS studio facilitated the statistical analysis of the data obtained from an accredited CM undergraduate program in the south eastern part of the USA. The result showed a strong positive correlation between the scores thereby supporting the hypothesis. It was concluded that CM students needed to consider AC exam as one of the certifications as they go into the construction industry especially when their academic performances are good.
Enhancing Student Learning Experience by Incorporating Virtual Reality into Construction Safety and Risk Management Class
Authors: Bakhshi Payam , Pourmokhtarian Afshin , Everett Benjamin , Bannon Zach
Published: May 2022

For years, the construction industry was notorious for being slow in adopting new technologies. However, in the past decade, this trend started to change. Technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), drone, autonomous equipment, 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) were developed and used by the industry at a breakneck speed. While VR/AR technologies have been around for quite a long time, they have been gaining more attention by the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry recently. These technologies have proven to benefit construction projects in many ways. From preconstruction to construction, they can add value and save time and money. One of the great advantages of these technologies is training for jobsite safety and hazard recognition. To create more interactive learning experience and prepare students for a rapidly changing industry, VR technology was utilized in Construction Safety and Risk Management class in the Construction Management program at Wentworth Institute of Technology. This paper describes how VR technology was incorporated as a pilot study into the class curriculum and provided students with a different and more engaging learning experience, as well as how it helped them learn the subject matter better.
Assessing Industry Estimating Software Utilization Practices to Improve Construction Education
Authors: Collins Wesley , Redden Lauren
Published: May 2022

Estimating is an essential part of any construction firm and a core subject in construction management education. Construction faculty should make every effort to align their courses with the needs of industry. A survey was completed by members of the American Society of Professional Estimators and the McWhorter School of Building Science Industry Advisory Council to determine what software was most prevalently utilized in industry for material quantification and cost estimating. A total of 186 practitioners responded to the survey. On-Screen Takeoff and Bluebeam were found to be the most commonly used software for material quantification and Microsoft Excel for cost estimating. Most respondents did not utilize BIM for material quantification but did consider that functionality as valuable when assessing new software. The results of the survey built on similar previous research both of industry and academic practices. Specific differences in the research findings are highlighted, and recommendations for construction faculty are provided. Future research should seek to understand software utilization by construction estimating faculty to compare with industry practices.
CO2eq Comparison Between a Light Gauge Steel Framing Structure and a CMU Structure for Single Family Residential Projects in Costa Rica
Authors: Altmann Rodrigo , Atadero Rebecca , Senior Bolivar , Valdes-Vasquez Rodolfo
Published: May 2022

The challenges posed by the degradation of the planet’s environment are of increasing importance. The United Nations have called for a substantial reduction of climate change pollutants such as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) within the next decade. The construction industry and building operations contribute an estimated 39% of the worldwide CO2eq, with 28% attributed to operational emissions and the remaining 11% to embodied emissions. This case study analyzes the embodied CO2eq by the structural portion of three residential construction projects in Costa Rica using two building systems. One building system is widely used locally, consisting of load-bearing concrete masonry unit walls and concrete elements. The other building system is a recently introduced alternative based on light gauge steel framing and paneling. The analysis shows that the light gauge steel frame alternative is more efficient in terms of embodied CO2eq by 33% averaging the three models which translates to 52.4 kgCO2eq saving per square meter of living space built. The research is limited to the three models examined, which were representative of low income, middle complexity, and higher-end types of local housing units. Construction time, cost, and other factors were not considered in this study.
Construction Productivity Comparison Between Cast-in-Place Concrete and Mass-Timber Framing: A Case Study of the Nation’s Largest Mass-Timber Building
Authors: Mirando Anthony , Onsarigo Lameck
Published: May 2022

One main barrier to the proliferation of sustainable mass-timber structures across the United States, is construction and development teams' unfamiliarity with scheduling and efficiently managing the construction of mass-timber structural system. A comprehensive understanding of the schedule associated with the construction of mass-timber versus typical concrete structures provides important data metrics for teams deciding on utilizing this material and method. This study compares simulated manpower loaded schedules of traditional concrete construction applications with that of a real-time, mass-timber construction project. The study produces practical outputs that highlight schedule efficiencies in mass-timber applications, when compared to cast-in-place concrete method. The study found that the mass-timber crew erected 2,323 square feet of structure per day, while a concrete crew would erect 1,825 square feet per day. Additionally, the study found that the concrete crew had more than twice as many workers as the mass timber crew with less production.
Impacts of Covid-19 on Construction Industry 4.0 adoption and implementation within Southeastern US - An exploratory study
Authors: Adhikari Sanjeev , Joyner Gregory , Mosier Rachel , Langar Sandeep
Published: May 2022

The exploratory research assessed the Covid-19 impacts on Construction Industry 4.0 implementation during the first year of pandemic restrictions. The research used a case study approach with industry professionals as the unit of analysis geographically located in the southeast United States. Data was collected through a survey of industry professionals, capturing their views of individual and company competencies before and during the pandemic. The survey indicates the perceptions about the application of Industry 4.0 in construction have changed during Covid-19, from March of 2020 to March of 2021, and views on expected future utilization. The industry professionals were asked to describe their opinions of Industry 4.0 abilities and how they changed during the pandemic. That data was then assessed through qualitative and quantitative analysis and supported the research aim. BIM, Big Data, and Analytics were shown to be where most professionals felt company reliance increased during the pandemic. The analysis also indicates that most participants expect a future increase in their company’s support on Industry 4.0. The response to Covid-19 has changed the perceptions and implementation of these methods within construction.
Delivery Method for Rapid Bridge Construction
Authors: Mengistu Misikir , Siddiqi Khalid
Published: May 2022

A growing body of previous studies suggested that Alternative Contracting Methods (ACM) could foster constructability, increase innovation, reduce schedules, decrease risks, have a higher project intensity, and eventually save on project costs. The objective of this study was to compare Design- Build procurement and delivery of Bridges in Georgia with Design-Bid-Build in terms of cost, schedule, and intensity. The study used factual data from all Bridges completed using Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build delivery methods between 2008 and 2018. Data points were collected through personal interviews and survey questionnaires with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) personnel. The intended audiences for the study were State DOT officials engaged in the bridge procurement process. The findings from this study would benefit State DOTs by improving their understanding of the advantages of the Design-Build delivery method, most importantly expediting bridge construction projects in metropolitan areas where each day delay could impact millions of users adversely. The study also provided quantitative evidence in support of advantages achieved from the Design-Build delivery method in terms of cost growth, schedule reduction, and project intensity as compared to the Design-Bid-Build delivery method.
Student Perceptions of Construction Scheduling Teaching Methods
Authors: Kline Andrew , Ayer Steven
Published: May 2022

To effectively prepare construction and engineering students for their careers as building professionals, it is imperative for educators to understand what teaching methods are effective to enhance student learning in project scheduling. Technical skills, like project scheduling, rely heavily on practical experience and instructors face the difficult task of how to replicate this experience to enhance student learning. This paper provides a summary of the current instructional delivery methods utilized in a scheduling course at a major university and evaluates the delivery methods and what students perceive as most, and least effective in regard to learning how to create, manage and update a project schedule. The major finding, based on student feedback was the demand for additional visual learning experiences to further develop students’ understanding of construction scheduling. These visual experiences include the implementation of visuals exploring jobsite examples as well as time-lapse videos showing the processes and sequence of activities. In addition, the overall results of the student surveys are presented, discussed, and evaluated. This information may assist educational and industry programs interested in developing scheduling course material, based on the needs reported by students.
A Taxonomy-based Approach to Analyze the impacts of Automation on Human Workers' Qualifications
Authors: Chen Xi , Ilbeigi Mohammad
Published: May 2022

The 4th industrial revolution is changing every aspect of the construction industry. However, recent studies indicated that, at least for the foreseeable future, most of the new automated technologies will have a complementary role that requires interaction and collaboration with human workers. Therefore, it is critical to prepare and train human workers to work with and alongside robots. Middle-skill workers must gain new skills, knowledge, and abilities to contribute to the industry effectively and stay employed during this technological revolution. To prepare, educate, and train middle-skill workers to embrace the unprecedented changes and get ready for their parts in the automation era, it is critical to, first, analyze and understand how new automated technologies change the work and required qualifications for human workers. This study aims to address this need by proposing a systematic approach based on three types of taxonomies: (1) taxonomy of the work and its tasks, (2) taxonomy of the robot and its functionalities, and (3) taxonomy of the human worker's qualifications. Using these taxonomies, the interactions between the functionalities of a robot, the work, and human workers' requirements are mapped to systematically identify the potential impacts of new technologies on middle-skill workers. The proposed approach is implemented for Hilti’s Jaibot, a semi-automated robot for overhead drilling. The outcomes of this study will help experts systematically design strategic plans to prepare and train middle-skill construction workers to efficiently and successfully work in the digital era.
Roof Design Efficiency for Energy Consumption in Residential Units
Authors: Maghiar Marcel , Akshar Keertan , Maldonado Gustavo , Martin Clinton
Published: May 2022

This project investigates roof efficiency designs in the southeastern United States homes by creating a workflow for efficient roofing design. For this purpose, multiple 3D models are generated with different floorplan sizes and lower roof heights from the original pitch. This is done to find the most effective pitch in cost and performance, while still satisfying codes and local regulations. A Building Information Modeling (BIM) software package from Autodesk (Revit) is employed in this process along with an add-on, Metal-Wood-Framer (MWF), to create detailed models of the involved structures. Then, due to its compatibility with Revit and its parametric energy analysis, the Autodesk Insight platform was selected to further analyze the models. Results from Autodesk Insight provided information on Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and cost mean while comparing against Architecture 2030 and ASHRAE 90.1 standards. The RS Means catalog was employed to estimate the cost of roof construction. In the modified models, the cost of roof construction is lower than in the original models because less material is needed. However, findings indicate that, in the modified models, the EUI and cost mean is higher than in the original models, which may be due to heat gain/losses and lack of ventilation.
The Effects of Partial Replacement of Sand by Recycled Plastic on Concrete Properties
Authors: Al Shenawa Amaal , Oguzmert Metin , Akinkunmi Isaiah
Published: May 2022

Plastic has become an essential part of our life. Unfortunately, it has a negative environmental impact due to its limited recycling rate. This study investigates the effect of replacing 10% of sand with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in concrete and the effect of particle size of PET used in the concrete mix. The impact of these two factors on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete was examined. Two types of PET particle sizes, 2.36 mm (sieve #8) and 4.75 mm (sieve #4), were investigated. Concrete was cast to determine the behavior of fresh and hardened concrete in terms of workability, unit weight, and compressive strength. The experimental results showed improvement in all three of these critical characteristics of concrete. Replacing 10% of the sand with 4.75 mm PET resulted in better properties than other mixes used in the trials. We think that using a specific size of PET particles rather than a randomly selected PET size combination is the reason behind this improvement. This study proved that utilizing plastic waste in specific ratios and specific particle sizes within concrete mixes can be effectively used in industrial applications. This is a pilot study to explore this specific topic.
Post-COVID Analysis on Workplace Design and Trend
Authors: Middleton Erin , Zhang Chengyi , Dyer Bryan , Demirkesen Sevilay
Published: May 2022

Prior to the COVID pandemic, workspace design lowers workstation panels, densifies work seating, and increases spontaneous interaction to provide amenity spaces and engage community collaboration. As a recent response to COVID-19, workplaces were forced to shut down and allow employees to work in the comfort of their homes, allowing the opportunity to re-prioritize their use of time. There are mixed reviews on how employees respond to the work-from-home conversation. However, none of these responses address any of the design trends. This year-long social experiment of working from home informed the future. It provided a new outlook on what employees truly want in workplace design. This study aims to determine which environment allows workers the most productivity and which lifestyle they prefer. Survey and focus group methods were used in this research. The survey questionnaire was sent to the AED community to determine overall productivity, the value of office space amenities and resources, comfort for the personal and professional blend of life. Respondents were narrowed down to the AED (architectural, engineering, design) community to those knowledgeable and experienced in the design trends. Based on the research findings, the workplace would thrive from a normalized hybrid work culture where remotely perform routine tasks. The total elimination of a workplace site may be unrealistic. However, days would be best set at home for routine tasks accounting for most designers. Productivity is studied to be higher while accommodating for a better work-life balance.
Efficacies of Different Modes of Disseminating Construction Safety Training
Authors: Reyes Matthew , Ghosh Somik , Mohammed Seidu
Published: May 2022

The construction industry continues to be plagued by a high rate of injuries and fatalities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide training for their employees on a regular basis to improve safety. Researchers for this study used a pretest-posttest evaluation method to investigate the effectiveness of different forms of construction safety training. The topics include warning lines, preferred fall protection systems, and harness inspection using videos, texts, and slides as training modes. The findings suggest that the training topic affects the training outcome. A more complex training topic like the preferred fall training topic will result in greater change in participants’ posttest after the intervention while a simple topic like harness inspection will register minimal change in scores. The preliminary conclusion is that training was effective for all topics and all modes of instruction, but some are more effective.
Integration of a UAS-Photogrammetry Module in a Technology-based Construction Management Course
Authors: Albeaino Gilles , Gheisari Masoud , Issa Raja R. A.
Published: May 2022

The significantly increased usage of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) and photogrammetry technologies in the construction industry underlines the need to integrate such technologies within the educational curricula. This paper presents the lessons learned from a recent effort to integrate a UAS-Photogrammetry module in a technology-based construction management course. Specifically, the goal was to enable students to better understand the generated point clouds through interpreting and comparing their visual quality differences while studying how common flight parameters [i.e., ground sampling distance (GSD), image angle, image combination] might affect them. This course module consisted of a theoretical knowledge part followed by a hands-on training part. As a part of this module, students generated point clouds, performed photogrammetric measurements, and conducted detailed comparisons based on different flight parameters. The module could provide construction students an opportunity to better understand and assess the effects of different UAS flight parameters on the quality of the generated photogrammetric point clouds.
A Review and Comparison of Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Capstone Course Content
Authors: Debs Luciana , Benhart Brad , Moraes Fernando Romero
Published: May 2022

A capstone course is the apex of a bachelor’s degree. It is an integrative course that embeds professional and business skills and it is based on the application of knowledge to real-world situations. Despite its importance, there is a lack of information about how construction programs organize their capstone offerings and what is included in these offerings. To this point, the present exploratory study surveys construction programs to determine basic course characteristics. To obtain this information, we reviewed 127 ASC-affiliated undergraduate programs in the United States to find that 112 programs had a capstone or capstone-related course. Most programs require only one capstone course, offered for a median of 3 credit hours. Through content analysis of course descriptions, the authors provide the main topics addressed by construction capstones. Main findings suggest oral communication and collaboration as main soft skills covered in capstones; project management, estimating, and scheduling as the top three technical content; and, simulation as the most frequent course format. Findings provide a comprehensive view of how capstones are being offered in construction undergraduate programs in the United States and can be helpful to construction programs’ instructors and administrators looking to improve their students’ capstone experiences.
Case Study: Development and Implementation of a Programmable Assessment Matrix
Authors: Jacobs Francois , Lu Renxiang , Zadorozhnyi Andrei
Published: May 2022

This research details the design and implementation of a programmable assessment matrix that helps educational institutions coordinate their programs for assessment missions. The assessment matrix was developed and applied to support the accreditation of the Construction Management program recently developed at the University of Wyoming. It is organized in a x-y axis format where users can archive and review required assessment documentation over time including grades, instructor’s evaluation, course evaluation feedback (indirect assessment), and student work (direct assessment). Observations such as simplicity of reviewing information for each course and holistic display of the curriculum are recurrent advantages identified by instructors and administrators in the program, which led to course and curriculum reviews on a semester-by-semester basis. Drawbacks pertaining to the sophistication of the matrix can be solved by working alongside with computer programming personnel and developing a tutorial video. A utility function of the matrix demonstrated that students not always have an accurate perception of understanding of a specific Student Learning Outcome, which prompted modifications to the course curriculum and assessment surveys. The assessment matrix can be used to enhance any academic program in its accreditation mission.
Assessing the Structural properties of the Sandbag wall for alternative housing construction
Authors: Windapo Abimbola , Jarrat Nicholas , Adetooto Johnson , Pomponi Francesco , Emuze Fidelis
Published: May 2022

It is estimated that 1.6 billion people live in substandard housing, and more than 100 million people have no housing. In South Africa, about 12.7% of households lived in informal dwellings in 2019. This suggests that the existing conventional methods of construction and materials are incapable of solving the housing problems. The sandbag building material has been proposed as an affordable, sustainable, and recyclable alternative building material capable of accelerating housing provision in South Africa. However, previous studies show significant variations in filling materials used. There is also a lack of understanding of the sandbag wall based on the infill material. Therefore, this study examined the structural properties of the sandbag when filled with dune sand and crusher dust. Laboratory tests included compressive load on a three-bag stack, frictional shear strength between the interface of sandbags, and the structural stability of sandbag walls when subjected to vertical loading. A key finding was that although the displacement limits were reached before the bags failed, the bags of both fill materials could sustain compressive loads far beyond the ultimate design loads with large deflections in the bags. This suggests that the filled sandbags are not the determining factor in the design of sandbag structures.
Project Delivery Method for Facility Condition Assessments – A Study of Industry Practices by AEC Service Providers
Authors: Hillestad Derek , Hurtado Kristen , Ayer Steven , Sullivan Kenneth , Smithwick Jake
Published: May 2022

The practice of Facility Condition Assessments (FCA’s) in the built environment can be the first step in development of new business opportunities for architecture, engineering, construction and asset management firms. In the United States, more than $279 billion in building retrofit investment opportunities exist across all market segments, which could yield more than $1 trillion in owner savings over the next 10 years. (Rockefeller Foundation 2012). AEC providers have risen to the need by providing FCA services, however, little is understood of which AEC providers are providing FCA services and project delivery approaches of FCA services. This study identified key inputs and outputs of FCA project delivery, resulting in an FCA project delivery method. Additionally, this study took the first step towards evaluating how FCA results are integrated with technology. This is the first global study of its kind and sets in motion a call for AEC stakeholders to provide FCA interoperability with asset management, facility management and capital planning.
Initial Perceptions of Remote Virtual Inspections in the Residential Construction Industry Sector
Authors: Morse Kyle , Kolegraff Stacy , Kline Andrew
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic created a new set of restrictions and safety protocols for the residential construction industry. Many jurisdictions began placing social distancing practices on building inspectors, limiting their ability to visit the jobsite. This adjustment required residential contractors and inspectors to adapt to virtual inspections using videotelephony, photographs, or recorded videos. As this inspection method gains traction in the residential industry, questions arise regarding its benefits, drawbacks, and industry acceptance. This case study analyzes the perceptions and experiences of five separate homebuilders in Yolo County, California. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with five residential general contractors, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to discover reoccurring patterns and ideas. Throughout the interviews, six significant themes emerged including familiarity with the technology, time and cost impacts, applicability, accuracy, homebuilders’ preference, and future considerations. Based on the interviews, homebuilders believe the new technology has potential time and cost savings. There are some concerns with the technology's accuracy as virtual inspections can inhibit the inspector's visibility, in certain scenarios. However, all general contractors interviewed agreed they would like to see a hybrid system in the future that allows for virtual and in-person inspections, and also agreed that not all items are appropriate for remote inspections.
Risk Analysis of Occupational Heat-Related Illness
Authors: Lyu Peiyi , Song Siyuan , Watts Precious
Published: May 2022

Heat-related illness (HRI) has become a particular concern in recent years. Many industry workers are affected by HRI due to prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. HRI is a well-known health threat that can lead to serious morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to recognize HRIs characteristics and risk factors by reviewing the HRI incident report between 1984 and 2020. Data cleaning and text mining methods were used to derive incident features and relevant risk factors. The results showed that trucks and roofs are the highest incidence locations and the main

symptoms of HRI are collapse, dehydration, dizziness, and vomit. In the 1,406 incident cases, 43.8% of HRIs were fatal. The findings revealed that 89.7% of HRI patients were male with an average age of 41.4. Besides, HRIs were highly influenced by season and time of day, with 77% of incidents in the summer months and 64.1% between 11 am and 5 pm. Furthermore, between 1984 and 2020, HRI demonstrated a considerable upward tendency. The findings will assist employers and safety professionals to take appropriate actions to eliminate or reduce the identified risk factors.
ما اختصره البخاري لعلة في متنه: دراسة تطبيقية في الجامع الصحيح
Authors: أبو حماد زياد عواد , سليمان منى زهدي مصطفى
Published: May 2022

أهداف البحث: يهدف هذا البحث إلى دراسة مختصرات البخاري في صحيحه، وبيان نوع العلة في الحديث المختصر إن وجدت، فالاختصار من مناهجه الظاهرة، وهو ما يعرف بتقطيع المتن الواحد في الأبواب، وقد ذكر العلماء أن من مقاصده بذلك فقهية وحديثية، لكن هل يمكن ان يكون الاختصار لعلة في الحديث؟ منهج الدراسة: قد استعملنا المنهج الاستقرائي، بتتبع الروايات المختصرة في الصحيح، والمنهج النقدي، لدراسة هذه المختصرات دراسة حديثية نقدية. النتائج: قد أظهرت الدراسة جانبا من منهجه في التعامل مع الأحاديث الصحيحة التي يشوبها شيء من العلة في المتن؛ وأن من علل المتن التي اختصر البخاري الحديث لأجلها: أنه قد يختصر اسما في المتن لاختلاف الرواة فيه وحذفه لا يضر في المتن، وقد يختصر جزءا من المتن لاعتقاده بأن الراوي قد أخطأ في ذكره، وقد يختصر لوجود تصحيف في المتن ولعدم الجزم بصوابه، وقد يختصر جملة في المتن يرجح بأنها مدرجة من الراوي. أصالة البحث: تظهر القيمة العلمية للبحث من خلال الكشف عن سبب اختصار البخاري للحديث في كتابه الصحيح، وهو جانب مهم في علم الحديث قد برع فيه الإمام البخاري، وكان أستاذا وعلما من أعلامه.
بيع المضارب وشراؤه بالغُبن: حُكْمه وأثرُه على عقد البيع
Authors: الصلاحين عبد المجيد
Published: May 2022

أهداف البحث: تهدف الدراسة إلى بيان مفهوم الغُبن، وحكم بيع المضارب وشرائه مال المضاربة بالغُبن، فاحشًا كان ذلك الغبن أو يسيرًا، وإبراز أثر ذلك كله على عقد البيع وعلى الضمان والتعويض المرتبطين بذلك العقد. منهج الدراسة: سلك الباحث المنهج الاستقرائي، من خلال تتبُّع المادة العلمية في مظانها، والمنهج التحليلي، من خلال عرض المذاهب وأدلتها وتحليل تلك الأدلة وتوجيهها، مقارنًا بين الآراء الفقهية المختلفة وموردًا المناقشات المتوجهة لتلك الأقوال واستدلالاتها. النتائج: توصلت الدراسة إلى أنّ تصرُّف المضارِب المنطوي على غبن يسير، جائز وماضٍ على الصحة، غير أنه لا يمتلك البيع أو الشراء بالغبن الفاحش من خلال التفويض الممنوح له بموجب عقد المضاربة، وأنّ عقد البيع المنطوي على غبن فاحش ماضٍ على الصحة؛ مراعاةً لاستقرار العقود، غير أنه موجب للتعويض؛ مراعاةً للتوازن العقدي بين المتعاقدين. أصالة البحث: تكمُن أهميةُ هذا البحث في تأصليه لأحكام تصرفات المضارِب بمال المضاربة، باعتبار أنَّ عقد المضاربة هو من العقود المهمة في الفقه الإسلامي؛ لمزاوجته بين رأس المال والمهارات التجارية والاستثمارية، وإبراز أثر تلك التصرفات على عقد البيع من حيثُ الصحة أو البطلان، ومن حيث ضمان المضارب للضرر اللاحق برب المال جرَّاء تصرف المضارب.