bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELING COMPLEX FLOW INDUCED BY WATER WAVES PROPAGATION OVER SUBMERGED SQUARE OBSTACLES
Authors: Tawab Mona A. , Heshmat Tamer , Schlenkhoff Andreas
Published: August 2021

Submerged breakwaters are efficient structures used for shore protection. Many design features of these structures are captured upon modeling wave propagation over submerged square obstacles. The presence of separation vortices and large free surface deformations complicates the problem. A multiphase turbulent numerical model is developed using ANSYS commercial package. Careful domain discretization is done employing suitable mesh clustering to capture high gradients. Various numerical model parameters are provided, including grid size and time step. Special attention is directed towards clarifying turbulence initial conditions. Stable simulation results are obtained within acceptable computational time. Numerical results are validated quantitatively using subsurface measurements. Comparison along continuous horizontal and vertical velocity profiles is provided. Temporal and spatial model resolutions are illustrated for three test cases. The effect of wave period and height is well focused. The unsteady vortical structure is visualized. The incident wave energy is calculated and validated against theoretical values. The wave energy dissipation characteristics are briefly explained.
STUDY ON SAFETY OF PULLING DOWN COLUMNS IN BUILDING DEMOLITION
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki , Takanashi Seiji , Hori Tomohito
Published: August 2021

When walls and columns are demolished during the demolition of buildings in Japan, the lower parts of the walls and columns are cut, after which they are pulled down. This method is called the fall-down method. However, the amount of cutting required is unknown. If a worker cuts the columns too deeply, the walls and columns will collapse and may crush the worker. In this study, the fall-down test of columns was carried out to assess the safety of cutting the lower part of columns. The parameters of the test included the pattern of cutting the lower part of columns and the material properties of the model. In addition, the position of the neutral axis was examined by numerical analysis. The results showed that the cutting pattern involving leaving the main reinforcement at the front of the fall-down and cutting the concrete near the neutral axis is safe at demolition sites. In contrast, the cutting pattern with one row of main reinforcement at the front was unsafe and could potentially lead to premature collapse. Columns at demolition sites should not be cut by this latter cutting pattern. The test and the analysis in this study reproduce the demolition site, and the results of these be widely applied in the actual demolition site.
EXPLORING BIM AND NLP APPLICATIONS: A SCIENTOMETRIC APPROACH
Authors: Locatelli Mirko , Seghezzi Elena , Di Giuda Giuseppe Martino
Published: August 2021

In AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner-operated) industry information are mainly defined and exchanged in natural language through textual files and documents. On the contrary, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach requires machine processable data and information. Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows to process textual information into structured format. About BIM in AECO industry, and NLP in different sectors, several literature reviews have been conducted. However, none of them highlighted the possible connections between the two topics. This study provides a scientometric analysis aiming to investigate possible combined applications of BIM and NLP. A quantitative literature review approach is employed, using data visualization and science mapping applied on bibliometric meta-data. The performed analysis uncovered possible directions for further research on NLP and BIM combined applications in AECO sector. Most active authors, key research patterns, and institutional affiliations are identified. The main applications areas of a combined NLP and BIM approach in AECO are: Information Retrieval and Information Enrichment of BIM models, Automatic Compliance Checking, and Safety and Risk Management. The keywords pattern analysis highlighted the main tools which allows to link Semantic BIM and NLP methods and technologies, i.e. Ontology and Machine Learning algorithms. The scientometric analysis also reveals a gap related to the Preliminary design and Requirement definition phases, highlighting a possible research area not covered by the Academia as of now.
DEVELOPMENT OF A WORKMANSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Sookoo Rakesh , Mwasha Abraham , Iwaro Joseph
Published: August 2021

One of the most important aspect of quality in a project is workmanship. Most contractors have failed in meeting stakeholders’ needs in the area of workmanship as it relates to the objectives of cost, quality and time. The lack of a workmanship management system in the construction process is one of the major problems facing the construction industry. In this regard, this study is aimed at developing an integrated benchmarking framework to measure workmanship performance of construction projects at any stage with focus on ensuring quality. To do so, the study undertakes a critical survey of literature and building professionals using mixed survey methods. It then uses the information gathered to develop an integrated workmanship benchmarking framework by integrating three major existing quality management techniques that include TQM, Six Sigma and SMS. This study successfully developed an integrated benchmarking framework with capability to measure the workmanship performance at both organization and project levels in any stage of construction projects. Also, the study identified a set of critical success factors for workmanship assessment and is expected to assist with and guide in the development of a workmanship performance assessment tool for the construction industry in developing counties including Trinidad and Tobago.
INDICATORS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS SUPPLY CHAIN ADAPTABILITY USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY: A REVIEW
Authors: Okangba Stanley , Khatleli Nthatisi , Root David
Published: August 2021

Projects supply chain is overwhelmed with unethical practices. Managing construction projects supply chain, which is traditionally void of transparency, has led to issues of corruption, vested interest, clientelism, ghosting, bid rigging and poor professional ethical standards. The centralized nature of data management in the construction industry is characterized by the lack of visibility and transparency of details and this lack of visibility is a major cause of inefficiency in construction project delivery. The objective of the paper is to assess the indicators for adaptability of projects supply chain using blockchain technology. The article adopts a bibliometrix strategy to extract qualitative data from existing peer-reviewed articles. The research design is a combination of different approaches, including bibliometric and visualization, bibliometric and content analysis, as well as bibliometric, visualization and content analysis. Data was obtained from articles indexed on SCOPUS and Web of Science. R-studio was used for data analysis, while VosViewer was used for visualization. The paper is a part of an on-going research. The research is exploratory and adopts a pragmatist approach. The research is expected to develop a framework that will introduce transparency and provenance in projects supply chain using blockchain technology. Findings from this review show that there are indicators for adaptability of construction projects supply chain using blockchain.
DESIGN OF A CAPABILITY MATURITY FRAMEWORK (CMF) FOR RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT (RIM) IN RURAL MUNICIPALITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Ngomane Luyanda , Khatleli Nthatisi
Published: August 2021

Cities worldwide are often faced with manpower capacity deficits to develop and manage infrastructure. There remain discrepancies between global SDG aspirations and national realities in most Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries in achieving universal access to services by 2030. Service provision in South African municipalities has been beset by deficient engineering skills (ES) and infrastructure management (IM) capabilities as a result. IM capabilities are crucial enablers for continuous service provision. Yet, on the contrary, in South Africa, nearly 58% of all engineering professionals are found in metropolitan municipalities, with some 9% placed in urban municipalities. Furthermore, 67% of all the professionals, technicians, and engineers in the municipal system countrywide are employed in only 27 of the 257 municipalities. There is a notable lack of resilient IM in South African rural (category B4) municipalities. Likewise, current Capability Maturity Models (CMM) are rendered inappropriate for rural municipalities. Thus, this on-going research contends for prominent structural shifts in improving IM capabilities in rural municipalities, arguing that previous engineering capacity building programmes omitted the resilience component in their design parameters. The on-going study aims to design a capability maturity framework for resilient IM in rural municipalities following sequential multi-data collection procedures, pilot interviews with experts, then a survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the survey data and thematic analysis for analyzing the qualitative data. In terms of contribution to academia, it is hoped that the on-going study would assist category B4 municipalities to close the resilience gap in infrastructure management.
CLAIMS MANAGEMENT: UNDERLYING CAUSES IN MEGA-CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Matseke Dikeledi Anna , Khatleli Nthatisi
Published: August 2021

Construction claims remain unavoidable in any megaproject contractual relationship and can quickly escalate to misunderstandings, disputes and litigations if not appropriately managed. Disputes pose a significant risk in hindering project progress; they are characterised by lengthy legal battles that consume substantial time and financial resources. This study identifies the causes of claims encountered by clients, contractors and consultants in transport and energy sector mega construction projects in South Africa. A semi-systematic literature review was used to identify, select and appraise existing literature on this issue. Content analysis using NVivo 12 was used to identify factors causing claims in the construction sector, particularly in MCPs. Findings of the study revealed that construction projects occurring outside of South Africa experienced a delay in payments, time and cost overruns, change orders, inadequate project and drawing specifications, natural risks or force majeure. In South Africa, delays and cost overruns (due to insufficient experience and expertise of project managers and engineers) frequent to be the causes attributable to claims.
A THEORETICAL EVALUATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LEARNING CURVE FOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Gift Phaladi Mokgaetji , Nokulunga Mashwama Xolile , Didibhuku Thwala Wellington , Ohio Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: August 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has the power to unlock the challenges faced in construction projects such as poor efficiency issues, design errors, low productivity, and accidents on site. Therefore, the study is a literature review on the evaluation of the implementation of AI technology on South African construction projects. The method adopted in this study is based on the cross analyses of inferences from structured interviews with reference to existing theoretical literature, published and unpublished research. The primary findings emanating from this study reveals that past other underground empirical studies have identified several important impacts of AI technology and how it can revolutionize the construction industry. This includes timely delivery of the projects, improved profitability, and reduced construction errors. Moreover, the study revealed that if AI technology is fully exposed and exploited on construction projects especially to both developed and developing countries it would certainly eliminate design errors, increase productivity, improve efficiency, and performance issues. However, the adoption of AI technology in South Africa is still at an early development stage. The study would contribute to the body of existing knowledge of AI technology. Again, it will help construction industry professionals to advance their workplaces and organizations.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE DECISION-MAKING MODEL
Authors: Nimmahnpatchrin Wisalee , Gad Ghada M
Published: August 2021

As bridge infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate, maintenance is essential for keeping the bridges in good condition. However, owners have limited funds, thus, they need to select the most suitable maintenance option at the right time to minimize the cost. With all the advancements in processes and tools used to manage the bridge infrastructure, many US States continue to report high numbers of structurally deficient bridges, one of which is California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The objective of this study is (1) identifying effective practices used by owners in bridge maintenance management and (2) developing a decision-making model to maintain the bridges, using Caltrans as a case study. To achieve this objective, the methodology of the study is divided into three steps: (1) a review of the current state of practice of bridge maintenance decision-making processes and bridge asset management strategies currently used by US Department of Transportations (DOTs) that had shown improvement in their bridge management strategies, (2) a conducted in-depth case study of the Caltrans maintenance decision-making practices, (3) based on both the review of literature and the data collected from the case study, a revised bridge maintenance decision-making process is developed and presented using a swim lane diagram. The proposed model builds on exiting DOTs’ effective practices and optimizes the selection of bridge maintenance decisions, including repair, rehabilitation, and replacement. The developed maintenance decision-making framework could potentially improve the effectiveness of bridge maintenance operations and help decision-makers effectively select and prioritize the bridge maintenance options.
QUANTIFYING CONTRACTORS’ QUALIFICATIONS USING PAIRWISE COMPARISON IN THE BEST VALUE PROCUREMENT METHOD
Authors: Eltahan Amira , Pourrahimian Elyar , Alsakka Fatima , Nomir Maram , Hammad Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Among the critical factors of project success is the proper selection of qualified contractors. More owners are adopting Best Value (BV) procurement which combines the technical qualifications with fee proposals to rank bidders. However, the successful application of BV depends on two integral factors: ranking of contractorâs qualifications using multiple criteria and the weights assigned to each selection criterion. Many criteria are qualitative, leading to difficulties in objectively quantifying a contractor’s rank. Thus, this paper provides owners with a simplified decision-support methodology that quantifies criteria that owners might consider in their decisions, reduces the number of comparisons that owners must perform, and reduces bias in defining criteria weights. This was achieved by first collecting the criteria commonly used to assess contractors’ competence. Then, criteria were analyzed and clustered into separate, quantifiable groups. Third, pairwise comparison was employed to devise a criteria-weighting method based on the clustered groups and determine the scores of bidding contractors. The proposed methodology could help identify the areas of strengths and weaknesses of each contractor in comparison with other bidders. The method presents a scientific and practical approach and, thus, can be considered for future applications.
OPTIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY RATE TO MINIMIZE OVERDRAFT INTEREST PAYMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Okasha Ahmed A. , Ziaei Parastoo Eivazi , Hammad Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Winning a bid is a good opportunity for contractors that includes risks. After winning a project, contractors typically receive payments after two-three months of work completion that leads to negative cash flow (overdraft) throughout the duration of a project. Hence, contractors borrow from banks and pay monthly interests on the amount of overdraft they owe. To solve this problem, a hybrid model utilizing Discrete Event Simulation using SIMPHONY software, a special purpose simulation tool developed by the University of Alberta, accompanied by Markov Chain prediction technique. The developed hybrid model allows contractors to test different scenarios in search of the optimum productivity rate and payment arrangement to minimize negative cash flow. A case study utilizing a typical road construction project is used to test and validate the developed model and its ability to determine the optimum scenario. Results revealed that markup percentage and initial investment are two crucial factors to deliver the project successfully. In the harsh market, increasing the amount of cash to invest without a reasonable markup (at least 10%) will no longer make a profit. But, if the markup percentage could be increased by more than 15%, it will offer a chance to the contractor to make a profit and successfully deliver the project with initial investment reasonably low; and save a flexible productivity rate to finish the project within the schedule.
ACTANTS INFLUENCING THE SUCCESSFUL COMPILATION OF ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDIES: THE DEVELOPERS’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Terblanche Rolien , Root David , Vosloo Ria
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify and model actants that influence the successful compilation and usage of economic feasibility studies. This study investigates the elements in the feasibility process and the expectations thereof, from the perspectives of property developers. These feasibilities were found to be inconsistent in content, neglected, lack standards, and creates confusion in practice, leading to unsustainable investment decisions. A systematic literature review was conducted in addition to 23 interviews with property developers in South Africa. The literature review maps an understanding of the components in the feasibility process and the nature and occurrence of feasibilities. Using the Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as an analytical framework along with the data from the review and interviews, this study found ten main categories of actants that influence the successful compilation and usage of these feasibilities: knowledge and level of expertise; external uncertainties; the developers’ perception of a successful feasibility; dependencies; various usages; the underlying meaning of feasibility studies to developers; the developers’ relationship with the QS and professional consulting team; the developer’s expectation of feasibility indicators; the impact the feasibility has on investment-decisions; and the process. Some of these categories are further unboxed. Feasibilities involves various actants that influence the success of the document, investment decision and construction project. With a deepening understanding of the actants in the feasibility process, the compilation and usage of economic feasibility studies, for private commercial developments where profitability is key, could be enhanced globally by: improved understanding, careful compilation and successful investment decision-making.
FACTORS AFFECTING COST OVERRUN IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Algahtany Mohammed
Published: August 2021

Public construction projects in Saudi Arabia have been suffering from low performance for the past decade. Cost overrun is one of the most important issues in project’s performance and is nearly associated with most of public projects. The aim of this study is to identify and assess the major factors leading to cost overruns in education construction projects in the Northern Province of Saudi Arabia to minimize the risks’ effects in future projects. The research methodology started by identifying cost overrun factors through literature review, project’s documentations, and experts’ interviews. Professionals who worked at the construction projects undertook a questionnaire survey to investigate the importance of the cost overrun factors. The top factors of cost overrun were identified through the analysis of the factors’ occurrence and severity. The study main results included the top causes of cost overrun which are delay in contractors’ progress payment by client, difficulties in financing project by contractor, delays in sub-contractor’s work, additions of quantities such as excavation, backfill, and concrete works, and bid award for lowest price. The investigated risks in the study should be evaluated and mitigated in future projects to minimize their effects and enhance the industry performance.
MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF A SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PREFABRICATED ELEMENT BASED ON A STABILIZED RESIDUAL QUARRY SLUDGE
Authors: Zapata Nicolas , Restrepo Andres , Arias Yhan , Ochoa Juan , Torrenegra Juan , Marin Santiago
Published: August 2021

A masonry prefabricated element will be produced from the process of reusing a sludge generated by the Colombian mining industry, especially the sandstone quarries, that become pollution agents ending up in the hydric sources, impacting negatively the environment. This waste was previously stabilized with the addition of Ca(OH) and Na(OH), the optimal mixing specifications were obtained using a response surface model accomplishing low quantities of stabilizers and the use of the waste as the main component, achieving improvements in load-bearing capacity (8 MPa) and the durability according to its dimensional stability, upgrading the traditional techniques. In this work, computational simulations are performed to understand some mechanical responses in stabilized-sludge masonry elements with different geometries and to compare the simulation results with common materials in the literature. Simulation outcomes showed that hollow-block geometry saves up a considerable amount of material and improves stress distribution compared with a solid block. Also, the mechanical simulation of the stabilized-sludge elastic zone achieved a better performance than a compressed earth block, which is a similar material used in construction. This way, the design of more sustainable elements through an innovative methodology based on statistics, mathematical and computational models, saving materials, time, and energy is sought, generating an economic and environmental impact.
EVALUATION OF SCAFFOLD ACCIDENTS DURING BUILDING MAINTENANCE WORKS
Authors: Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Law Xi Xuan , Nigel Preece Christoper
Published: August 2021

The impact of construction related accidents to the individual, the construction sector and the economy is huge. In Malaysia about 6000 workers’ related accidents are reported annually. Scaffold accidents are one of the major causes of injury and death on Malaysian construction sites. This research investigated the scaffolding accidents during maintenance work in the Malaysian construction industry. This study provides answers to two questions: 1) what are the causes of scaffolding accidents during maintenance work? and 2) what are the possible measures to reduce scaffolding accidents during maintenance work? Primary data were collected through survey interview techniques involving 10 maintenance construction stakeholders. The research revealed that the scaffold accidents that occurred during maintenance works are due to lack of a fall protection system, lack of proper baseplate, user behavior, lack of proper guardrail and weather conditions. To reduce scaffolding accidents during maintenance works adequate poor cross bracing, safety netting, jack base, pin lock and adequate inspection of the scaffolding during operations are required. Implicit in the findings of this research is that scaffold accidents are due to behavioral issues of the sites operative and contractors’ organizations as whole. The findings provide feedback and feed for-ward information and knowledge to construction site operatives.
MACHINE LEARNING APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY LITERATURE
Authors: Koc Kerim , Gurgun Asli Pelin
Published: August 2021

Despite significant improvements in safety management practices, the construction industry remains among the most unsafe industries. Thus, it is an essential need to reduce the number of construction accidents through prediction models. In this context, machine learning (ML) methods are extensively used in construction safety literature to predict several outcomes of construction accidents. This study provides a literature review in ML applications in construction safety literature to illustrate research directions for future research. Based on the literature review, 43 journal articles were deeply investigated, and distribution of the articles were classified based on six features: journal, year, adopted machine learning methods, model development approach, utilized dataset, and sub-topics. The findings show that the prediction models in construction safety have taken considerable attention recently. Besides, linear regression and logistic regression were used as a benchmark model, while support vector machine and decision tree were the most frequently implemented ML methods. The number of publications that considered classification problem is two times higher than those adopted regression models. Utilized data were mainly captured from national databases or construction companies. Severity evaluation of construction accidents was the most widely investigated sub-topic, while there is a gap in the literature related to effects of culture on accident outcome and conflict, claim and nonconformance. The findings of this study can provide valuable information for researchers with trends in construction safety literature.
LEGAL TOPICS IN BUILDING-RELATED EDUCATION
Authors: Quapp Ulrike , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: August 2021

Higher education in the field of civil engineering and architecture is demanding and time-consuming. Besides subject related topics, most modern study programs also contain courses in other disciplines such as languages, ethics or law. Nevertheless, while elaborating a curriculum sometimes it is discussed controversially if the valuable study time should be spent with teaching law contents rather than use it for subject specific courses. The question is whether legal knowledge is required for civil engineers and architects to work professionally. The authors analyzed the professional competences and skills civil engineers and architects should have. They examined existing alumni reviews and carried out new surveys among participants of two conferences. The objective was to obtain more information about the worth of teaching law topics in civil engineering and architecture education as well as the need of legal knowledge in the professional life. The authors concluded that teaching legal topics is necessary and helpful for civil engineering and architecture graduates to work professionally. Most of the asked professionals agreed with that statement and desired additional law education in their professional life. However, the paper also shows differences between the two professional groups. Thus, more architects than civil engineers recommended teaching legal topics and were interested in continuing legal education.
FIELD TRIPS: CONSTRUCTION CLASSROOMS WITHOUT ROOF
Authors: Rokooei Saeed , Rokooei Samira
Published: August 2021

Higher education embraces outside-classroom activities such as internships, community services, and site visits. These activities bring real-world experiences into classrooms and blend them with educational content and provide a rich learning environment. Construction job site visits provide students with exposure to different types of construction projects and provide the opportunity of observing construction methods, materials, components, and crews. The Building Construction Science (BCS) program at Mississippi State University program provides students with an interactive project-based learning environment in which students utilize the additional amount of class time to experiment, collaborate, and learn. Eight studios are the core courses of the BCS program and cover the main construction subject areas. Due to the nature of studio work, students are more involved in a “learning by doing” paradigm. One of the main curriculum components of studios is out-of-state field trips, which take place at every level of the program for about one week per academic year. To evaluate the effectiveness, strengths, and challenges of field trips, a quantitative research method was used to explore students’ impressions and feedback. The results indicate field trips play a significant role in students’ learning and connect their theoretical knowledge with real-world practices. Potential benefits, optimal conditions, and challenges pertaining to the construction field trips are explored and discussed to help future job site visit planning.
FACTORS INFLUENCING USER SATISFACTION: CASE STUDIES OF TEN COWORKING SPACES
Authors: Riratanaphong Chaiwat
Published: August 2021

Technological changes have an impact on the way we work and how we use space. The flexibility use of space is important to a specific group of individuals such as startups and freelance developers who operate their businesses in quite a new way. Coworking space was introduced to cope with this new demand in spaces for work with higher flexibility. This study aims to assess user satisfaction of ten coworking spaces in Bangkok Thailand to see similarities and dissimilarities of users’ feedback with regard to different arrangement of physical work environment and support services of the coworking spaces. Research methods include field survey and user satisfaction survey on work environment aspects. The findings showed several factors of work environment influencing user satisfaction of coworking spaces including 1) design attributes, 2) indoor environmental quality, 3) supporting facilities, and 4) support services. This study provides a better understanding of factors influencing user satisfaction of coworking spaces that can be used to improve and develop coworking spaces in similar contextual factors. The limitation of this paper is the generalizability, as this paper was conducted in Thailand. The impact of national culture may influence the outcome. More case studies in Thailand and also other countries, based on surveys with large samples of respondents are required to increase the validity and to establish whether it is possible to generalise the study’s findings.
FRAMEWORK FOR PLANNING CAPACITIES TO MAXIMIZE THE FEASIBLE RESILIENCE OF NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arkaprabha , Hastak Makarand
Published: August 2021

Infrastructures are connected between themselves and their connections form a complex network. Disaster impacted infrastructures have a reduced level of serviceability. The impact of the reduction of serviceability of disaster-affected infrastructures cascades through the entire infrastructure network. The recovery capacity of the network governs the recovery curve of a disaster-impacted infrastructure network system. Moreover, the speed of recovery of the infrastructure network from a post-disaster condition to the pre-disaster condition dictates the resilience of the system. Building these capacities requires spending money. The extent of resilience that can be afforded under a given budget situation is termed as the feasible resilience. This paper presents a framework for planning the capacities so that the feasible resilience of the network can be maximized under a budget situation. To achieve the said objective, the recovery time of a disaster-affected infrastructure network has been minimized. The outcome is the optimal restorative capacities the network needs to have so that the feasible resilience is maximized under a specified budget condition. The outcomes can be used by the decision-makers in natural disaster risk mitigation planning.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ABANDONMENT
Authors: OGUNNUSI MERCY , SALMAN HUDA , LAING RICHARD
Published: August 2021

The Nigerian Government is developing infrastructure guided by the United Nations (UN) call for sustainable development. However, uncompleted government infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings, dams and others) projects litter the entire landscape of the country. This research investigates the causes of infrastructure abandonment in Nigeria through literature review and distribution of questionnaire. It also posits possible solutions to the menace of abandoned infrastructure. Findings from the literature review revealed inefficient procurement processes, defective design, cost overrun, and changes in government (election). From 129 questionnaire distributed to Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Surveyors, Builders and Construction Procurement Personnel in the built environment both in the public and private sectors in Nigeria, 80 responses were received and analysed with SPSS Pearson Correlation Analysis. The findings from the survey showed that inadequate planning, change in government, faulty procurement, corruption and politics are some of the causes of abandonment. “Changing procurement method” ranked highest in the recommendation for addressing the abandoned infrastructure projects followed by designing with deconstructability in mind. Amongst other recommendations are using innovative management tools and refurbishment of abandoned projects. This research is imperative for the revitalisation of abandoned infrastructure environmentally, economically, and socially and the integration of innovative management tools for the future sustainable procurement of infrastructure.
FINANCING COSTS IN THE EVENT OF DEVIATIONS IN WORK PERFORMANCE UNDER CONTRACT STANDARDS
Authors: Gmoser Markus , Steinschaden Lukas , Heck Detlef
Published: August 2021

When carrying out construction contracts both, the employer and the contractor, regularly have to deal with “financing costs”. The financing costs cannot be set as a flat rate, since these can vary from one building contract to another. The pre-financing period can be determined from the conditions of the construction contract. These conditions together with the entrepreneur’s financing interest rate forms the basis for calculating the financing costs of the offer. Deviations to the construction contract can result in construction claims and often lead to extended pre-financing periods, which lead to additional financing costs. With the help of a survey the authors investigate how often the calculated pre-financing period deviates from pre-financing periods with claims. This study has the objective of drawing attention to the issue of additional financing costs due to claims. With the help of a survey the authors investigate, how often the calculated pre-financing period of the offer deviates from the pre-financing period of a service deviation performance variation / a claim. The aim of the questionnaire is to point out the topic of additional financing costs in the event case of performance deviations in the performance of services. The study investigates solely projects under national norms respectively Austrian construction contract standards which favour unit price contract. This paper explains and illustrates the impact of additional financing costs resulting from deviations from the scope of works.
DESIGNING A FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT DESIGN TOOL USING THE MEPDG APPROACH
Authors: Ibrahim Rahma , Ali Mostafa , Soussa Noura , Abdel Aziz Yomna , Gad Hebatalla , Saudy Maram , Khedr Safwan
Published: August 2021

The Mechanistic-Empirical principles were used to develop a software, known as AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design. It is a design and analysis software, designed according to the latest AASHTO standards, the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide MEPDG approach, which identifies the causes of stresses in pavement structures and forecasts the pavementâs performance throughout its lifespan. Due to its sophisticated complex design, the AASHTOware is of constrained availability in the market. However, due to its significance and its ability to revolutionize the industry, this paper discusses a proposed flexible pavement design tables based on the MEPDG that is founded on Egyptian traffic loadings and material characteristics. This study is divided into two phases; the first is concerned with evaluating the performance of an actual Egyptian roadway pavement design while the second aims to develop a new design tool integrating traffic, climate, and material. The research results showed the poor expected performance of the studied roadway pavement in terms of rutting and fatigue cracking. This research also provided a basic flexible pavement design tables using the MEPDG approach and based on the Egyptian materials, climatic and loading conditions.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED COARSE AGGREGATE CONCRETE REINFORCED WITH STEEL FIBERS
Authors: Kachouh Nancy , El-Hassan Hilal , El-Maaddawy Tamer
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the combined influence of natural aggregates (NA) replacement with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and incorporating steel fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of normal-strength (30 MPa) concrete mixes. Hooked-end steel fibers were added in a 2% volumetric fraction to promote 100% RCA replacement. Fine aggregates were in the form of locally-abundant desert dune sand. Mechanical properties of 28-day concrete samples were assessed, including compression strength, tensile splitting strength, elastic modulus, flexural stress, and flexural toughness. For plain concrete mixes, the replacement of NA by RCA resulted in 18, 27, and 5% reductions in the respective design compression strength, elastic modulus, and tensile splitting strength. Nevertheless, the addition of steel fibers could restore the aforementioned properties by up to 90, 77, and 164%. Compared to the control mix made with NA, the flexural strength of the plain RCA-based concrete mix decreased by 33%, while the flexural toughness increased by 100%. In turn, the corresponding flexural properties of RCA concrete mix reinforced with steel fibers were 2 and 56 times those of the control made with NA. Findings provide evidence of the ability to produce concrete made with 100% RCA and reinforced with steel fibers with comparable compression properties and improved tensile and flexural performance compared to those of NA-based concrete.
EFFECTS OF REPLACING CEMENT BY DATE PALM TREES WASTES ON CONCRETE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Nassef Ahmad S. E. , Al-Maqbali Kalifa H. , Al Naqabi Sheikha M.
Published: August 2021

This paper was studying the effects of palm tree wastes on the behavior of the concrete to reduce cement content in the concrete to ensure a sustainable environment. Both fibers of palm tree and the ash of palm tree leaves are used in this study considering different percentages of palm tree wastes, which are replaced the cement, to investigate both of workability and strength of the concrete. Also, the combination of palm tree leaves ash and fibers of palm trees is investigated. The slump and compression tests are carried out to evaluate both workability and concrete strength. The palm fibers were reducing the workability of concrete at both of different percentage of replacement and different fiber lengths. The slump is reduced by 26.667% at 2 cm fibers length and it is completely lost at 5 cm length fibers at the same percentage of replacement of 5% of the cement content. The palm fibers were weakening concrete compressive strength at different percentages and different fiber lengths. Palm leaves ash was enhancing concrete workability and concrete compressive strength.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE SULFURIC ACID RESISTANCE OF LOW CARBON CONCRETE
Authors: Ishizuka Hiyori , Fujiwara Hiromi , Maruoka Masanori , Wang Tao , Tanaka Shintaro
Published: August 2021

In recent years, deterioration of concrete structures of sewerage facilities due to sulfuric acid attacks has been progressing. Therefore, it can be concluded that the demand for sulfur-acid resistant concrete is extremely high. In addition, concerning recent global warming countermeasures, research and development is underway on low-carbon concrete that reduced cement, which emits a large amount of carbon dioxide during the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to develop low carbon concrete with high sulfur-acid resistance by replacing cement with large amounts of blast furnace slag and various admixtures. As a result, it was found that the sulfur-acid resistance was improved when using blast furnace slag fine powder and fly-ash. In particular, when cement content was 20% of binder by mass, it was confirmed that the sulfur-acid resistance was excellent. What is more, there was no loss in compressive strength. It was considered that almost Ca(OH) produced by hydration reaction of cement reacted with blast furnace slag and fly-ash, so the reaction of sulfur-acid and calcium hydroxide was suppressed.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON DURABILITY OF ROOM TEMPERATURE CURING UFC MORTAR
Authors: Murakami Haruka , Fujiwara Hiromi , Maruoka Masanori , Watanabe Takafumi , Satori Koji
Published: August 2021

In recent years, as structures become higher, larger, and more durable concrete whose compressive strength of the concrete is 150 N/mm 2 or more have been put to practical use. It is for this reason that it is necessary to develop strengthening materials with equal or better performance. Furthermore, the development of high-performance concrete repair materials is carried out because demand to seismic strengthening and repair increases. In this study, considering these circumstances, it was conducted an experimental study with the aim of developing a repair material using room temperature curing UFC (R-UFC). A binder composition preparation of the R-UFC has excellent fluidity under pressure. It was achieved that high-grade thixotropy, high compressive strength, and high bending strength. It can also be sprayed continuously because of its high thixtoropy. It was confirmed that the sprayed thickness was reached to 20mm by one work. Durability of this R-UFC was investigated and it was confirmed the high sulfate resistance, small drying shrinkage and low salt permeability.
YIELD STRESS UNDER REPEATED LOADING AFTER APPLYING DIFFERENT DEFORMATION PATH FOR LARGE TENSION AND SHEAR
Authors: Kato Yasuyuki
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the yield phenomenon when a repeated loading is applied to the structure after giving a large pre-strain on it. In the series of our previous research, focusing on the fundamental deformations such as tension or shear, changes of yield stress as the number of repetition increases have been investigated experimentally by using test specimens of annealed pure copper. In the determination of yield stress value, the method by using slope of stress-strain curve at yield has been used instead of proof stress. As a consequence, it has been found that if the type of pre-deformation and the type of deformation in repeated load are the same, yield stress at the pre-deformation side has a declining tendency as compared with opposite side. Therefore, it is predicted that the yield stress under repeated loading after applying a large deformation is closely related to the loading history in large deformation previously applied. Thus, in this study, in order to clarify the influence of pre-deformation on the yield behavior under repeated loading, the experiments are performed by changing the order of tension and shear in pre-deformation. Consequentially, it is clarified that the declining tendency of yield stress under repeated loading is closely related to the yield surface anisotropy, which is formed during the second half of the pre-deformation.
CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEW PROCESS OF A LARGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY
Authors: Minchin R. Edward , Tian Yifeng
Published: August 2021

Constructability is the optimum use of construction knowledge and experience to plan, design, procure, and manage field operations to achieve project objectives. Although there are many benefits to conducting constructability reviews (CRs) such as reduced cost and schedules, and fewer claims and change orders, current CRs still lack effectiveness in meeting industry demands for delivering construction contract documents promoting buildable projects. In the highway sector, transportation agencies have applied CRs at various levels, starting from the involvement of their own project team to soliciting external input from contractors before the project is even bid out. The objective of this paper is to investigate effective practices used by an agency in soliciting constructability input from contractors, given administrative and legal constraints. This was achieved through a comprehensive literature review of existing CR practices, followed by a case study of a transportation agency that has been implementing CRs involving contractor’s input, as well as content analysis of documents, forms, and tools used during their CR process. The interviews entailed personnel working in various departments, such as preconstruction, program management, construction, and environmental. It also included consultants and contractors working for the agency. The major conclusions drawn are that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) lives up to its reputation of a de-centralized agency in the area of Constructability; FDOT does not routinely customize its CR Process to the details of each project; and FDOT is not one of the more progressive DOTs in the US in the area of Constructability.
AWARENESS OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES AMONG CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Genc Mehmet Ilker , Gurgun Asli Pelin
Published: August 2021

Recent technological developments are gradually causing changes and transformations in the existing global money and payment systems. The worldwide interest in electronically created cryptocurrencies as an alternative payment system is growing day by day. As a natural result of this interest, the payment system has been receiving attention with the potential to integrate into project processes as an alternative to traditional payment methods. The construction industry is one of the sectors, where cryptocurrencies could be integrated into several processes including money transactions. In this study, the awareness of cryptocurrencies among construction professionals and the possibility of their use in the future projects are investigated. For this purpose, a survey was prepared and administered to 284 professionals working in construction companies in Turkey. The collected results showed that the awareness of cryptocurrency among construction professionals changed based on firm size by revenue and having international or national operations. In general, it could be stated that cryptocurrencies would be considered as an alternative payment tool in the construction projects as the awareness increases.