bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing an AI-powered smart insole system to reduce the possibility of back pain among older workers: lessons from the Norwegian construction industry
Authors: Ishtiaque Tausif Ahmed , Cepuran Ana , Salaj Alenka Temeljotov , Torp Olav , Diaconu Mara Gabriela
Published: December 2022

Blue-collar workers are generally more susceptible to specific health conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, among which back pain is a significant problem for older workers. This study presents the design of a smart insole system developed as a part of the research and the practicality of its use in the construction industry, including an evaluation of its benefits and limitations. Pressure sensors in the soles generate heatmaps that allow us to identify incorrect posture using an adaptable Artificial Intelligence lifting engine. The data is used to evaluate the lifting actions in real-time and preemptively warn the individuals. Using the principles of participatory design as a starting point, the pilot phase, and testing of the solution, the pre-use survey was conducted among construction workers to understand their experience while interacting with the solution. The user testing period was followed by the feedback and evaluation period, which included getting informal feedback on the system. While it has shown the promise of a new solution, it still needs improved robustness and simpler instructions. Some minor technical challenges must be addressed before moving to the commercial stage. The results are used to evaluate further, improve the system, and make decisions in the product design.
Improving the built environment for manual wheelchair users: A review
Authors: Flemmer C L
Published: December 2022

The aim of Universal Design is to make the built environment accessible to all people regardless of disability. This is a laudable aim, but most people are unaware of the many barriers manual wheelchair users actually face when accessing the built environment. The main challenges for manual wheelchair users arise from three areas. Firstly, there are intrinsic limitations arising from the manual wheelchair user’s condition and capability. Secondly, there are features such as ramps and cross slopes in the built environment that fail to comply with building codes relating to wheelchair access. Thirdly, there are cosmetic features such as cracked paths, obstructions and poorly placed signage that place an additional burden on manual wheelchair navigation. Each of these three areas is discussed in this article.

The intrinsic limitations of user condition and capability include a wide range of physical impairments and an inherently inefficient manual wheelchair propulsion mechanism. The typical code compliance requirements for wheelchair access in the built environment range from limitations on minimum path widths to maximum permissible ramp slopes. However, even when these features comply with code requirements they may be compromised by temporary obstructions or by poor maintenance so that they become insurmountable challenges to manual wheelchair users. An understanding of these challenges is necessary to improve the built environment so that it is more accessible to manual wheelchair users in the future.
Social distance monitoring of site workers for COVID-19 using context-guided data augmentation, deep learning, and homography transformation
Authors: Chen H , Hou L , Zhang G
Published: December 2022

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries have developed efforts to minimize COVID-19’s spread. For example, the construction industry in Melbourne practices social distancing and downsizes the number of workers on the job site. The surveillance system integrated with deep learning models has been extensively utilized to enhance construction safety. However, such 2D-based approaches suffer from occlusions, and the workers may not be accurately detected under this circumstance. To this end, this paper proposes a novel context-guided data augmentation method to enhance deep learning models’ performance under occlusions. The context-guided method can automatically augment images by adding occlusions to the objects. Using this way, deep learning models can learn the object’s features in various occlusion scenarios. Later, this method is validated by a real-time social distancing violation detection system. Specifically, this system utilizes a modified YOLOv4 model to detect workers by bounding boxes. Then, the DeepSORT algorithm is used to track the worker trajectories. Finally, homography transformation is used to calculate the distance between workers in each frame. The system has revealed robust results using the data augmentation method, and promising results indicate that the system can well support worker health during COVID-19.
New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of its governance on the construction industry
Authors: Mirhosseini S F , Wilkinson S , Babaeian Jelodar M
Published: December 2022

The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry. The pandemic caused wide international disruption to employment, supply chain, costs, skills, and other aspects, and it caused huge uncertainty. Around the world, governments dealt with the crisis in different manners. This study investigates the ways New Zealand responded to this pandemic and examined the effects of its governance on the construction industry. This is done through examining and analysing government records and guidelines in response to COVID-19 at different stages and alert levels. Relevant government information portals and websites such as “Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment”, “Construction Sector Accord”, and “Covid.govt.nz” are investigated to find guidelines and information to help the construction industry respond to the impacts of COVID-19. These guidelines and information were compared to understand how similar these recommended responses were. The findings show the mitigating implications and solutions to the construction industry’s current disruption and demonstrate the similarity of the recommended solutions.
Industrialization of housing construction in Brazil: current situation and trends
Authors: Cardoso L R A , Freschi G D R
Published: December 2022

Brazilian housing needs are high. Even with important technological advancements taking place in recent decades, the degree of industrialization of housing construction remains relatively low in Brazil. The perception of the sector is that housing needs can only be equated by a significant increase in the industrialization of construction, and that the technologies available can support such increase. Currently, the existence of barriers and difficulties for industrialization are out of the production area, concentrated in the production chain, and in the macroeconomic, and political-institutional environments. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the subject. For that, the following items were developed: technological base of housing construction, the main industrialization technologies available, and the barriers and difficulties to be faced in order to support the increase in industrialization. Finally, scenarios of the future trends of evolution in the sector are discussed. This research is exploratory, based on literature review, and the results may support actions in the sector aimed at overcoming the barriers and difficulties for industrialization. It may also contribute to increasing knowledge, and furthering studies on the subject.
Analysis of sustainable procurement in supplying recycled content: A case study in Western Australia
Authors: Shooshtarian S , Le T (TJ) , Feng Y , Bettini L
Published: December 2022

Extensive construction activities across Australia have resulted in an unpreceded rate of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation. A fraction of this waste is currently being recycled and supplied to the market. However, the reports indicate that the Australian market is not prepared to uptake such a quantity of recycled content (RC). A successful policy approach in increasing RC uptake in the construction industry is sustainable government procurement. However, the benefits of this policy instrument have not been fully realised in Australia. Therefore, this study aims to understand the dynamics of sustainable procurement using the Roads to Reuse (RtR) Program managed by Western Australia Main Roads as a case study. This public organisation is responsible for managing road networks across Western Australia. The study employs an interview with a senior sustainability advisor of this organisation. The interview is guided by a framework for enabling sustainable procurement seeking transformation in behaviour, culture, context and processes in the government and industry sectors. The results of the study shed light on sustainable procurement opportunities and challenges in the Australian context. Furthermore, a series of recommendations proposed to improve the status quo towards a more sustainable future. The findings can be used by policymakers, government procurement experts, and industry practitioners to drive sustainable procurement planning and practices changes.
Success Factors in Mega Infrastructure Projects (MIPs): Developing Nations Perspectives
Authors: Seidu R D , Ayinla K , Shady A , Young B E , Ofori G , Ebohon O J
Published: December 2022

There is a common understanding that megaprojects are important drivers of societal change. Their impact is an important phenomenon because of the influence on both society and economy. Despite the best practices all around the globe, numerous challenges can move a megaproject from a programmed success to a failure scenario. It can create an uncertainty over the result, impact as well as over the justification of the enormous amount of resources spent. Despite much research done so far, it is still not clear what are the causes of megaproject success. However, there seems to be no clear understanding as to what are the major success factors on which a project is judged in developing nation. Hence, this study aims to analyse the most vital success factors that would label a megaproject as being a complete accomplishment. The research was conducted using quantitative survey. The questionnaires were distributed to different stakeholders who have participated in previous megaproject. The questions were based on a Likert’s scale rating and analysed using relative important index (RII). The result from the analysis was then used in establishing the main success factors in mega project whilst focusing on what is regarded as the most important success factors as projects are unique with certain needs. The key finding from the study is the Project Managers experience and co existence with other stakeholders which was found as vital factor for the successful delivery of MIPs. Therefore, the research demonstrates the implication of the role of the project managers in terms of coordination of other parties in achieving stakeholders goal..
A dialectical system framework for adopting modular integrated construction
Authors: Kolugala L M B N , Pan Wei , Kumaraswamy Mohan M
Published: December 2022

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has emerged as an innovative technological approach in the high-rise, high-density city of Hong Kong to address the shortages of housing, skilled labour and to boost productivity and quality in the built environment. The current context of MiC in Hong Kong is mainly driven by the significant government instigation accompanied by policies, regulations, financial incentives, and government-initiated MiC projects. Despite such governmental support and its known benefits, the adoption of MiC is still at an ‘infancy’ stage of development in terms of industry-wide uptake, due to its complex nature. Therefore, it is vital to boost the collaboration of construction industry participants to accelerate MiC adoption in Hong Kong at the industry level. This requires a joint focus on a consolidated new direction of MiC uptake and adoption. To underpin and justify this new direction, a dialectical system framework is developed in this paper to review and synthesize the apposite systematic literature, to conceptualize the industry uptake of MiC in Hong Kong. Thereby, the focus was widened towards the technical, social, and co-evolved economic and political aspects and geographical boundaries. Subsequently, the system framework was developed to indicate significant components of policy and regulations (regulatory context), technology uptake, stakeholder collaboration and economic and financial inducement, research and development and their inter-relations.
Study on Effective Long-Term Space Optimization Design Regarding Existing Campus Buildings in China
Authors: Wu J , Fan L , Zhang M , Wu Z , Chen H , Zou Y
Published: December 2022

The past century has seen a pronounced development of higher education in China. Notably, the gross enrollment rate has risen from 0.1% in 1970 to 48.4% in 2016. Existing campus buildings in colleges and universities that hold great value because of their historical, cultural and environmental resources, have attracted an increasing amount of attention. Unfortunately, in many cases, campus buildings have to face issues concerning uniformity of spaces and poor adaptability to accommodate changing academic needs. These issues greatly impact not only the comfort of faculty and students but also the effectiveness of teaching & research. This paper focuses on the effective long-term space optimization regarding existing campus buildings in China, inspired by the concepts of Open Building and applying the detailed research of Southwest Building in Nanjing University, Gulou Campus as an example. The process consisting of investigation and space optimization design is introduced. By the design principles of “fixed space” and “variable space”, this paper demonstrates that the application of effective long-term space optimization design can greatly enhance the long-term utility of existing buildings. Numerical simulations of natural daylighting and ventilation by Ecotect and CFD also show an enhancement in building performance after the space optimization design. This research is beneficial to realizing the effective long-term utilization of campus buildings in universities and colleges. It can also be referred to for the renovation design of other kinds of existing buildings in China.
Business sustenance strategies in the competitive construction industry: Emerging contractor’s perspective
Authors: Amoah Christopher , Bikitsha Linda
Published: December 2022

Emerging construction companies often liquidate due to the stiff competition among their rank in the construction market. This study investigated the skills and strategies adopted by emerging contractors to make their businesses sustainable within the highly competitive construction markets. A qualitative research approach was used to solicit information from Grade one to four emerging contractors in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify the main themes. The study’s findings indicate that emerging contractors face stiff competition among their ranks due to lack of work, significantly impacting their ability to remain in the construction business. Thus for an emerging contractor to stay competitive and sustainable in the construction industry, various skills and strategies need to be applied, including; improving the quality of work, delivering projects on time, willingness to adapt, keeping updated on the happenings in the construction industry, building good relationships with more prominent companies, reducing waste in the value chain to minimise cost, improving business cash flow, exploring joint ventures strategies, better investment decisions, among others. This study gives insight to emerging contractors on the strategies to adopt for business sustenance in the highly competitive construction market.
Generation of Phenomenal Interior Quality from Refurbishment of Commercial Spaces in Residential Areas
Authors: Jia B
Published: December 2022

Commercial buildings in the residential districts are under rapid redevelopment because retail shopping activities are being replaced by community service, education, eating and dinning and experiential activities in China. This paper revealed three interior refurbishment projects aiming to recreating interior public spaces. Interior fitting has rapidly grown in the building industry. Product suppliers provide strong support for construction quality and intervene in architectural design decisions. Interior design, as independent work, promotes effective dialogue with clients, users and suppliers in the design process. It is a platform for quality by understanding the texture, lighting and atmosphere as the key area of control in design. The interior design of three projects of Baumschlager Eberle Architekten (BEA) Hong Kong Ltd, transforms the common areas of shopping centres in residential areas into interior public spaces. The paper introduces and evaluates the design methods of BEA architects to present and control design quality, especially for interior public spaces. The territory, material, visibility, rhythms and use and overall interior atmosphere are analysed with case studies based on the literature review on outdoor public spaces. The paper concludes that interior refurbishment is an independent level of design in the recreating ―publicness‖ in existing building structure. Only when conceptually free from the constraints of structure and façade can unique atmospheres be achieved through design, opening up further intervention in future.
Study of the Hierarchical Relationships and Renovation of Support Systems in Existing Residential Areas in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Chen Shan , Zhang Qiong , Fan Yue
Published: December 2022

The existing residential area in Shenzhen, China mainly refers to a specific multi-story brick and concrete residential area built in the 1980s-1990s. After 30-40 years of use, the structures in these settlements have experienced different degrees of deterioration. As a megacity in southern China, Shenzhen has engaged in a diversified transformation to maintain and renew existing residential area, including comprehensive environmental improvements, facade and roof transformations, elevator installations, and pipeline replacements. However, there has been a lack of systematic reviews of different renovation practices and their effects on existing residential areas. Based on concept of “ level ” from open buildings, this study reviews the hierarchical relationships in existing residential areas in Shenzhen, dividing the residential building support systems into four parts: the enclosed structures, components attached to facades, the public space in a building, and public pipelines. The study reviewed nine typical case settlements using field investigations and analysis, and summarized the mode and degree of the renovation or transformation, the rights and responsibilities of the subjects involved, and the purpose of the current support system elements. This facilitates a systematic review of the problems emerging during a renovation. This study provides a new perspective and theoretical basis for reviewing the renovation of existing residential areas in China.
Transaction Cost of Offsite Construction (OSC): A New Zealand Study
Authors: Ramesh S , Shahzad W , Sutrisna M
Published: December 2022

Offsite construction (OSC) has been put forward as a solution to many prevailing challenges facing the construction industry, including but not limited to low productivity, housing shortage, lack of innovation, and poor-quality outputs. The uptake of OSC is relatively slow in the New Zealand construction industry. With only 10% of all the new builds using the OSC approach, it is evident that the potential of this construction approach is under-utilised. Many barriers have been identified as responsible for low uptake, including cost-related barriers. This study investigates the transaction cost of OSC, which is an extra cost to the project development cost and is generally overlooked in the project planning and development stage. This study aims to identify the factors that contribute to the transaction cost of OSC in New Zealand, alongside investigating the impact of transaction cost on overall project delivery and factors that can minimise the transaction cost. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving OSC practitioners in New Zealand. It was noted that consultation with building consent authority, the complexity of interface design, limited capacity of offsite manufacturers, and highly skilled workforce requirements contribute to transition cost during concept design, technical design and procurement, manufacturing, and on-site assembly stages. Consequently, disputes between stakeholders, uncertainty, an overall increase in project cost, and reluctance to use OSC may occur. It is noted that the use of innovation like automation, building information modeling, design for manufacturing and assembly, and consenting process to suit OSC holds the potential to reduce the transaction cost.
The perception of commercial construction companies on using technology to review contracts in New Zealand
Authors: Sweet C , Paes D
Published: December 2022

A lack of understanding of project risks and the use of unnecessarily complex contracts have been identified as weaknesses in construction procurement. Contract reviews are often rushed, and risks are not assessed and allowed for appropriately. This process can be improved using digital technology solutions. This research investigated the NZ commercial construction practitioners’ views about adopting computational tools to review construction contracts. A mixed-methods study using a survey questionnaire was undertaken and accompanied by descriptive statistical analysis. The sample consisted of 66 participants from different groups within NZ’s commercial construction industry. The study found a strong positive response towards digital technology adoption, and the overall perception is that there are benefits to using computational tools for contract review. Findings confirmed that these have not been widely adopted for contract review, mainly due to the lack of familiarity with existing solutions. Further research is recommended to investigate how a small portion of the population is currently using computational solutions. The benefits of manual contract reviews may also be explored to enhance software systems for easier adoption.
Forensic Delay Analysis as Evidence of Transaction Costs in Construction Projects
Authors: Atanasov V A , Greenwood D J , Ross H , Sanchez D E
Published: December 2022

Construction projects are characterised by supply chains with multiple contracts and significant transaction costs. An example of these costs is to be found in the management of project delays. The operationalisation and measurement of transaction costs, especially in the construction context, has hitherto proved difficult. The work reported here is concerned with defining and measuring the resources required for the management of contractual disputes relating to project delays. Its main argument is that concepts from transaction cost economics (TCE) theory (bounded rationality, uncertainty, information asymmetry, and opportunistic behaviour) present serious problems for transaction efficiency. This is exemplified in forensic analysis of construction project delays. Data from twelve case studies are analysed, to reveal that up to 90% of time spent on delay analysis was concerned with searching for and validating information which could, ostensibly, be automatically and reliably captured using digital technologies. This research forms part of a wider study that considers the implications of the identified inefficiencies and makes a case for the exploitation of advances in information technology on the more efficient resolution (or even avoidance) of contractual disputes. It concludes that there is a prima facie case for this, and therefore for the reduction in the transaction costs that relate to the management of construction project delays.
To be or not to be: why do transaction partners in construction industry avoid formulating agreements into contract documents?
Authors: Chen Y , Wu Y , Hajikazemi S , Yao H , Ebohon O J
Published: December 2022

Designing the construction contracts efficiently and effectively is vital for project success since contracts can not only motivate and regulate behaviours in projects, but also plays a crucial part in managing interfirm relationship. In practice, however, transaction partners in construction industry sometimes avoid formulating all the agreements into contract documents, which is contradictory to common logic. The aim of this research is to prove the existence of such phenomenon and to investigate the reasons for why it happens. Both questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were conducted in construction industry in China for data collection since China provides fertile context to explore the research questions. The questionnaire was used to prove the existence of such phenomenon and the interviews were used to explore the logic behind. The results show that in nearly 50% of the construction projects in China, the phenomenon of the transaction partners deliberately avoid formulating some agreements into contract documents exist. Given explanations as for why this happens include: 1) showing trust towards the other partner, 2) reducing risks in transaction, 3) increasing the possibility of further collaboration in the future, 4) bypassing the contract check in their own legal departments, and 5) preventing other competitor companies in the market from stealing technology through the contract documents. A comprehensive understanding for designing contract documents is generated in this research, which will not only help project managers for project success but also provides insights into drafting contract terms.
Preferences for medium density housing in New Zealand
Authors: Gjerde M , Kiddle R
Published: December 2022

Medium density housing (MDH) typologies are not widely used in New Zealand in comparison with other places. With current pressures to build housing in the places people want to live, interest in these forms of housing has surged. Government regulators and housing agencies, as well as many private developers, understand that MDH can help use land and infrastructures more efficiently and create liveable neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, there are still strong preferences amongst housing consumers for standalone dwellings. In an increasingly diverse society, little seems to have changed in the forms of MDH that housing providers create. The study reported in this paper interrogates the needs and preferences of people who have previous experience of living in MDH as well as those who may be considering it. Interview respondents were selected around four demographic dimensions; gender, ethnicity, whether they are property owners or renters and their prior experience of living in MDH. The interviewees were invited to provide their preferences around eight different MDH characteristics, first unconstrained by financial costs and then a second time, where costs were limited. As a pilot study, the number of respondents is small. Nevertheless, the results can be seen to illuminate the most important MDH characteristics across the diverse respondent group as well as areas where they differ. The findings will be of interest to other housing researchers and housing providers.
Transportation Infrastructure as Catalyst: Evolving Urban Structure in the In-Between Space of Railway Stations
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Yuan
Published: December 2022

Struggling to cope with the pandemic, people are seeking for a more convenient and short-distance community lifestyle. The fourth industrial revolution has also given rise to more convenient transportation and information-based lifestyles. Around railway stations, the traditional circular planning method based on 5-10-15 min walking distance forms the centralized urban structure. When focus on the in-between space of multiple stations, sometimes there is still a vacuum of space that difficult to access by walking. Taking material transportation infrastructure (railway and connecting traffic modes such as buses and bicycles) as catalyst, this study explores the networked coordination of immaterial infrastructure (space, function, place, urban structure, etc.). The station area is redefined by different speeds of various connecting traffic modes, which improves the radiation and integration capacity of stations. Meanwhile, the multiplying of multiple isochrones is applied as another criteria for accessibility and land value, guiding the evolution of multi-centralized urban structure. It contributes to a more convenient community lifestyle as an urban design pandemic response. Furthermore, a definition method and quantitative analysis of 3D Station Realm is proposed relying on Urban Network Analysis (UNA), with practical exploration of Feixi Road Station urban design taken as an example based on the idea.
The Disparity in Greenspace Quality Between Low and High SES Settings: A Case Study in Victoria
Authors: Ghanem Ali , Edirisinghe Ruwini
Published: December 2022

The presence of greenspace, its profound impact and association with physical and mental health, biodiversity, and aesthetical pleasure has been delineated abundantly. Contrarily, there is a concerning disparity in the accessibility and proximity between affluent and deprived areas in urbanised localities. Existing literature prioritised distribution and proximity domains when assessing inequitable greenspace and consequently has catalysed a research gap in greenspace quality domains. This paper endeavours to fill this gap through a case study in Melbourne, Australia using a quantitative method to extract findings and policy analysis to generate recommendations. Socioeconomic data from deprivation indexes systematically defined low and high SES (socioeconomic status). A GIS (Geographical Information System) observation of greenspaces scored spaces according to a scoring criterion contingent on safety/security, environmental elements, accessibility, maintenance/cleanliness, facilities/amenities, and aesthetic facets. Statistics were then synthesised to produce a Cohen effect score highlighting disparities in each facet between the two contrasting SES groups. Findings affirmed an existent disparity between the high and low SES spaces and contributed to existing strands of literature surrounding unjust quality distribution. Ultimately, findings will serve as invaluable evidence regarding policy implications, current opportunities under the ‘Plan Melbourne’ policy, and the need to facilitate intervention in those underprivileged settings.
Effects of air change rate and moisture load related to moisture index and the expected moisture performance of a wall assembly
Authors: Xiao Zhe , Defo Maurice , Lacasse Michael A. , Dragomirescu Elena
Published: December 2022

Mould may grow in wood frame wall assemblies when subjected to excessive moisture load over prolonged periods of time. To permit estimating the moisture risk in wood-frame wall assemblies, one approach is to use hygrothermal simulations. This process requires access to relevant climate data and as well, knowledge and experience regarding the use of hygrothermal simulation tools. As well, it may not be practical to undertake such an analysis for each different type of wall being considered for a given location and use. In this regard, the moisture index is usually considered when designing measures for protection from precipitation as it is a useful indicator that reflects the intensity and duration of moisture loads to which a building envelope may be subjected over time. Hence, in the study described in this paper, consideration was given to determining the correlation between mould growth index and moisture index as this would be beneficial to building practitioners in determining the level of protection to mould growth as may be achieved in different climate regions having a particular value for moisture index. The mould growth indices were generated for Oriented Strand Board (OSB) incorporated within a wood-frame vinyl-clad wall assembly located in selected Canadian cities from which moisture indices were derived. Effects of moisture load and air change rate were also taken into account when assessing the correlation between the two indices. The results indicate that when the air change rate and moisture load are favourable to maintain a humid environment, strong correlations were observed between the two indices, vice versa.
Retro-commissioning for buildings: problems and the way forward for a policy research study
Authors: Lai J H K , Ng R T H , Chiu B W Y , Hou C H Y , Edwards D , Wong P Y L
Published: December 2022

Buildings represent a major source of energy use and significantly contribute to carbon emissions and hence, the global warming problem. Towards the goal of sustainable and smart buildings, worldwide a variety of voluntary and mandatory tools have been introduced to enhance buildings’ operational performance. Among these tools is retro-commissioning (RCx) - a knowledge-based systematic process to periodically check and improve existing buildings’ performance. However, the uptake of RCx in the building sector remains limited. Grounded on a literature review, this paper reports on the emergence and development of RCx, a comparison between RCx programmes in cities that pioneered to impose regulations on RCx, the characteristics of RCx, and the concerns over the implementation of RCx in existing buildings. In addition, barriers and policy measures revealed from the building energy literature, which are potentially applicable to RCx, were identified. The way forward for a proposed study, by which appropriate policies can be identified to enable RCx implementation, is described. Findings from this study would serve as reference that imposes implications to future RCx research.
User-centric Student Housing Performance Evaluation Approach: A Case Study in the Netherlands
Authors: Hou C H Y , Lai J H K
Published: December 2022

In the Netherlands, the development of student housing has been increasing with the significant growth of the student recruitment in recent years. As such, there is a pressing need for a retrospective reflection of the performance of student housing built in previous years. However, a user-centric building performance evaluation framework (BPEF) for student housing is not available. From the user perspective, this study aims to develop a BPEF to support student housing management. Based on a thorough literature review, 14 building performance attributes (BPAs) applicable to student housing were identified, structured and incorporated into a preliminary three-level hierarchy of BPEF. A focus group discussion, which was conducted to verify the preliminary BPEF, established an improved BPEF that comprises 15 BPAs. A Dutch student housing case was selected to test the established BPEF using the data collected through a survey. The qualitative and quantitative data complement each other to provide in-depth examination of the student housing’s performance, and the survey results prove the validity of the BPEF. This study serves as a pilot case in establishing the BPEF from the user perspective, and the validated BPEF can be used in future research or practical evaluation on other student housing developments.
Get smart: the importance of urban facilities management to smart neighbourhoods and their citizens in a project’s early stages
Authors: Collins D , Johansen A , Temeljotov-Salaj A , Senior C
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how citizen participation as part of Urban Facility Management both as a consideration and practical application can contribute to the positive development of human-centred Smart Neighbourhoods. Through a combination of desk research and data from an ongoing research project in Norway, this paper will use literature to provide a theoretical link between these concepts whilst also showing how this link can be demonstrated in real work projects in the Norwegian Municipality of Lier. The findings illustrate that Facilities Management-focused urban planning processes allow for citizen-optimized communities, well planned and easy-to-implement maintenance strategies that ensure the long-term viability of Smart and Sustainable Cities. The results of this paper can be important for the development of Urban FM as a field, the reorientation of FM as not just a building level concept, but community level and has applicability to the fields of FM, architecture, urban planning, and Smart Cities.
A case study of construction and demolition waste management process flow in mega infrastructure projects in Australia
Authors: Ratnasabapathy S , Perera S , Alashwal A
Published: December 2022

The rapid growth of population and associated urbanization and economic development calls for increased demand for infrastructure development to meet ongoing and future demands. A better understanding of the waste management (WM) processes would help to manage large volumes of waste effectively at construction sites, maximise the value of resources and improve environmental and economic performances. This research aims to investigate the WM processes associated with different types of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated by a mega infrastructure project through a case study approach, combining expert interviews and project-specific document reviews. The case studied project demonstrated high environmental and economic sustainability outcomes and exceeded the C&D WM targets, signifying more than 90% landfill diversion rates for both spoil and construction waste generated during the construction stage. As such, the infrastructure projects have a great potential to maximise the reuse of high-value waste through waste exchange across projects and gain economic and environmental benefits, while leading to paving a path to greener Australia in near future. The outcome of this case study is a WM process flow diagram (PFD) that maps out the WM processes, waste fates and associated waste flows involved with the diverse range of C&D waste throughout its life cycle. The PFD developed in this study serves as an operational tool to develop effective WM plans for construction projects of similar nature and thus helps to achieve higher landfill diversion rates. The outcome of this study can also contribute to the development of a generic WM PFD for the C&D waste stream.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of construction waste prevention among construction professionals
Authors: Mbadugha Lynda C. , Ozumba Aghaegbuna O. U. , Shakantu Winston
Published: December 2022

As a best practice for sustainable construction, Construction Waste Prevention (CWP) is poorly practiced, and may be largely associated with the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of construction practitioners. With a focus on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of CWP, this study was purposed to provide an in-depth analysis of the implementation of CWP within the construction industry, using a meta-synthesis of purposively sampled literature. An analysis of responses from construction industry professionals, derived from extant literature, was used to gain deeper understanding of the linkages of KAP to current CWP practice, if any. Findings show limited knowledge of waste prevention measures, and a negative attitude, which translates to practice for many. The study contributes to the unique area of construction waste prevention by shedding light on gaps between existing norms and what should be CWP practice among construction professionals.
Influence of the urban heat island effect on interstitial condensation in residential buildings with a temperate oceanic climate in winter: Case of Puerto Montt, Chile
Authors: Moncada-Morales G A , Verichev K , Prieto A J , Carpio M
Published: December 2022

Interstitial condensation is a phenomenon that occurs when, somewhere inside a construction element, a pressure equal to or greater than the saturation pressure is reached. At this time, condensation will occur inside the element, producing interstitial condensation. This phenomenon occurs mainly in the winter. This type of condensation produces various problems, such as the deterioration of materials, humidity, reduced comfort conditions inside the home and health problems. Further, the urban heat island effect means that due to different factors — building materials, green areas, volumes— temperatures are not homogeneous in all areas of the city. This effect makes the same building in different areas behave differently. This research aimed to analyse the influence of the urban heat island effect on interstitial conditions in a temperate oceanic climate. This study was carried out through a case study consisting of a typical house, with three different constructive solutions, located in four representative city points. The city where the experiment was carried out corresponds to Puerto Montt, in the south of Chile. Puerto Montt has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and long winters. The research results will be helpful when selecting different constructive solutions for the thermal envelope in cities with temperate oceanic climates.
Precursor considerations for new circular economy business models
Authors: Clapham Paul , Iyer-Raniga Usha , Aranda-Mena Guillermo
Published: December 2022

Circular economy thinking encourages society to adopt sustainable patterns of consumption and production. This basic principle aligns with the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include improving human welfare through equal access to drinking water and sanitation; together with reliable, sustainable, and modern energy supplies for all. Traditional approaches to delivering public utility services have been rooted within the Baconian view that the environment is a pool of resources that exist for the betterment of humankind. Whilst this tradition has delivered water supply, sanitation, electricity generation, and waste management services, that have improved the lives of countless humans, the provision of these services largely relies on business models and technologies that have had significant adverse impact upon the natural environment. To inform the development of new sustainable business models, this paper explores circularity concepts from the perspective of decision makers and actors responsible for the delivery of public utility infrastructure. Through a review of the secondary literature, this paper examines core circular economy principles and maps these against fundamental business model elements to synthesise a framework of precursor considerations for future business models. This framework has potential application in testing the extent to which existing business models in the utility sector support the transition to a circular economy and how current business models can be adapted to assist the achievement of sustainable development.
The Significance of Occupants Satisfaction on the Maintenance Planning Process
Authors: Ayo-Adejuyigbe M , Gyanwali M
Published: December 2022

In general standardization and maintenance of a building, numerous plans, procedures, and guidelines are essential for the appropriate management of such structure to meet expectations and withstand any form of problems that may erupt from its usage. In situations of employing inadequate and improper maintenance architecture in the management of the building services, the outcome leads to the compromise of the purpose of design of such building, thereby causing dissatisfaction to the users(occupants). The dissatisfaction of occupants often leads to complaints that increase the maintenance cost. The main focus of this paper suggests the appropriate use of the maintenance planning process to avoid accruing extra costs on maintenance both from the housing provider and user. This paper further highlights the effectiveness of the maintenance planning process and the significance of occupants’ satisfaction with maintenance provided in their homes. In achieving the objective, a survey was conducted and data gathered were analyzed using analytical tools such as frequencies and ANOVA. The study reveals the level of satisfaction of occupants with maintenance issues in the property and satisfaction with the safety measures put in place within the building. Finally, the result generated from the survey recommends the proper use of the maintenance planning process to avoid accruing extra costs on maintenance while prioritizing maximum customer satisfaction.
Experimental study of condensation characteristics and operation strategies of induction radiant air-conditioning system
Authors: Si Qiang , Wei Jianjun , Li Yuan
Published: December 2022

To study the operation and condensation characteristics of an induction radiant air-conditioning system as a novel system that combines induction ventilation and radiant air conditioning, the characteristics of convection and condensation of an indoor terminal device radiant induction unit were studied. The mass transfer coefficient, condensation temperature, and condensation rate were analyzed experimentally. The time required to achieve a steady state indoor thermal environment was collected. The results indicated that the primary airflow rate and temperature mainly affected the mass transfer coefficient, condensation temperature, and condensation rate. When the indoor thermal environment reached a steady state, the heat transfer performance of the radiant induction unit was mainly affected by the primary air temperature. When condensation occurred, the primary airflow rate had a greater influence on the condensation rate. The start-up and response performances of the system were better than those of a traditional radiant air-conditioning system. In the condensation condition, reasonable control strategies maintain the primary air temperature and adjust the primary air flow rate, which can ensure sufficient heat transfer and stabilize the indoor thermal environment faster.
Method on pose estimation of excavators based on onboard depth camera
Authors: Tang Jingyuan , Zhang Xiao , Wong Peter Kok-Yiu , Cheng Jack C P
Published: December 2022

Pose estimation of construction machines describes their motions and orientations in 3D space, which provides basic information for remote control, safety monitoring, and productivity analysis. Among the commonly used construction machines, the excavator is an important one whose pose information has significant value in the development of automatic driving systems and operation safety monitoring. Regarding vision-based pose estimation of excavators, previous studies mainly rely on image data from digital cameras installed on sites. However, their robustness may drop due to occlusions by surrounding clutters. To address these problems fundamentally, this study proposes a method on partial pose estimation of excavators, with an onboard depth camera installed on the cabin of the targeted excavator. This solution is inspired by the visual effect produced by the operator’s eyes, according to the Bionics principles. First, by processing the depth camera data, the spatial coordinates of several pre-defined keypoints of an excavator are obtained. Afterward, by combining the keypoint coordinates with prior knowledge of the geometric relationship of excavators, a pose triangle is computed which describes the pose of the excavator. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed algorithm is preliminarily verified by experimental data from real construction sites. This study contributes not only to solve the problem of occlusion when using visual sensors on sites, but also to provide a theoretical basis for the design of onboard control systems for excavators.