bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a framework for quality assurance of off-site manufactured building components: A case study of the New Zealand housing sector
Authors: Lin Rene , Sajeevan Samarasinghe Don Amila , Rotimi Funmilayo Ebun 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A shortage of housing is a prominent issue across the globe. Traditional on-site construction methods seem too inefficient to meet the increasing housing demand. As a solution, many countries, including the United States, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia, have introduced off-site manufacturing methods to increase the housing supply. Different from the traditional way of on-site construction, off-site manufacturing is a technique that involves manufacturing building components in a controlled environment. Despite strong government support and industry attempts to increase off-site manufacturing, the current building consenting and inspection processes in New Zealand have significant quality-related issues. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the gaps in current quality assurance processes used in off-site manufacturing and recommend a framework in order to gain credibility and the acceptance of the construction market. The study collected qualitative data from industry experts (e.g., developers, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, head contractors and council officers) who had significant experience in current quality assurance regimes in New Zealand prefabrication construction. The key themes for designing the proposed framework were generated using content analysis of the primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with industry experts. The study has found that standardisation in off-shore products regarding the New Zealand Building Code remains the biggest challenge in the consenting process. Quality assurance and inspection test plans are the developer’s responsibility and are typically provided by third-party inspectors. In this post-Covid-19 world-building, consent authorities rely heavily on third-party inspection companies that apply more rigorous auditing. Essentially, the most important parts of quality assurance are to have an experienced team and to adopt a holistic approach by engaging stakeholders early in the design stage. The stakeholders should consider recommendations for mandatory after-service insurance to ensure end-customer interests are protected. The findings of this study can contribute to the early engagement of different stakeholders to ensure overseas manufacturing of building components meets New Zealand quality standards. It is expected that the new quality assurance framework would help to promote off-site manufacturing for the New Zealand housing sector.
A Comparison Study on the Long-life Housing Development Histories and Plans of Collective Housing Based on the Open Building Theory in China and Japan
Authors: Ma Lingxiang , Zhao Yu , Seike Tsuyoshi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
These days have seen the rise of open building theory through the development of SI housing system in China and Japan, as one of the strategies of long-life housing. In SI housing system, although the concept of levels has been well applied, and the resident decision are being considered before and after occupancy, some of the plans and designs don’t really meet resident requirements and likes, especially in China. As a result, some of the designs are not that effective as expected. There is no doubt that the open building theory is one of the good strategies towards long-life housing though, the realizing methods should be reconsidered, in order to meet the residents’ needs better.
As the local regulation, culture, society, etc. are greatly distinguished in China and Japan, the development histories of long-life housing and open building theory in China and Japan and the differences between them should be firstly investigated. In this article, the development histories of long-life housing and open building theory in China and Japan are introduced and compared, and that different social background influenced their development process and industrial models is confirmed. Besides, the supply method and plan differences of open building housing of two countries are compared and analysed. As a result, it is shown that different social backgrounds have an impact on the development of SI housing, that in Japan the SI structure system has been formed, while China has developed the SI supply system.
Exploring Off-site Construction and Building Information Modelling Integration Challenges; Enhancing Capabilities within New Zealand Construction Sector
Authors: Ghalenoei Nazanin Kordestani , Jelodar Mostafa Babaeian , Paes Daniel , Sutrisna Monty 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Over the last few years off-site construction (OSC); which is essentially manufacturing different components in a controlled environment, has become popular in the construction industry. This method has the advantages of simplicity, speed, reducing project duration, and minimising construction waste. Therefore, a growing body of literature recognises the importance of OSC to gain better project performance. While OSC has received considerable critical attention, to enhance OSC applications, integrating advanced technologies such as building information modelling (BIM) is essential. There is a lack of research addressing the integration of BIM and OSC, particularly in New Zealand, and few studies investigated the current subject. Therefore, this study focuses on finding the existing OSC and BIM integration challenges within the New Zealand construction sector. The objective of this study has been investigated through literature review and interviews with experts. The common challenges of OSC and BIM integration were identified and classified. Human resources, documentation, managerial, and organisational are the main challenges. This paper is dedicated to exploring OSC and BIM integration in New Zealand, an essential step for the OSC application strategies within the construction sector. This study findings will lend to the construction sector expanding capabilities to improve the status quo and optimise OSC applications through advanced technologies.
Stressors in the multicultural construction working environment
Authors: Liu Q J , Feng Y B , London K , Zhang P 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Due to the dynamic and complex nature of the construction industry, construction workers are often exposed to a range of stressors which are causative factors for mental health problems. Simultaneously, intercultural contact between workers in a multicultural working environment may aggravate mental health issues. A better understanding of stressors can contribute to the development of targeted measures for mental health prevention and promotion. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the correlation between stressors and mental health for construction workers in a culturally diverse working environment. Data were collected using questionnaires from 252 construction workers in Australia. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The results revealed the significant correlations between stressors and mental health outcomes and indicated the most significant stressors from work, personal and cultural domains. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers on the development of mental health interventions for construction workforce in a multicultural context. Researchers could also benefit from an in-depth comprehension on the causative factors of psychological issues in the construction industry.
Construction industry classification systems: Defining the construction sector in New Zealand
Authors: Hoai Le An Thi , Domingo Niluka , Sutrisna Monty 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
CanConstrucNZ is a partnership programme between New Zealand universities, government agencies, and professional bodies to develop a smart system that enables mapping future pipeline projects with the industry capacity and capability to advise the stakeholders whether the sector will be capable of delivering the proposed construction projects. Defining the scope of the construction sector itself is the first step of the programme that helps measure the construction sector capacity. This paper compares different definitions and approaches of the construction sector boundaries and discusses similarities and differences in the selected classification systems, usually used to define, collect, and generate data for measuring the construction sector. The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive classification to help generate the correct level of data for measuring the construction sector’s true scope and size, resulting in better policy initiatives, and informing changes in the industry. The findings of this study recommend future research to develop a customised classification system to represent the value of the New Zealand construction sector in a holistic manner.
Network design. Using a platform approach and network cooperation in housing design, formation & revitalization of a living environment – participation, complexity approach
Authors: Rybakov S 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNetworked methods of cooperation, informatization practices, decentralized systems, «Uberization», emerging today in “common” sectors of the economy, can have an effect in housing/renovation. The 20th century, to solve the problems of large-scale housing creation, formed its own systems (including mass-production, standardization, functionalist vision, typization, etc.)- they all complemented each other and gave a complex effect in synthesis. Today, for new problems of renovation & creating sophisticated environment, we can mark possibility of forming our own complex systems – including “new” economy, network production, collaboration of participants - creating its own tools, more adapted to solve new problems. Changes of the 21st-century: “new economy”, network cooperation & participation for creating environment (sophisticated distribution design tasks in networks), new management - can form new systems and design techniques that contribute to the individualization & new understanding of housing for 21-stage-society. An experimental platform was created on the basis of these ideas, allowing to synthesize them. 3 cases will be considered: 1-”contrasted”(with the traditional methodology) dwelling design with communities in IT-environment. 2-Experimental residential complex including a “game” with different forms of individualization. 3-A historical building, renovated into a mixed-use-development with a public park. All of them demonstrate complicity, usage of AI, IT & based on the open-building philosophy. The methodology of work includes theoretical models & real community testing, systematized information, methods classification, various digital modeling data.
Life cycle sustainability assessment for modular construction – A proposed conceptual framework
Authors: Jayawardana J , Zhang G , Kulatunga A K , Sandanayake M , Jayasinghe J A S C 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Offsite construction (OSC) is increasingly recognised as a viable alternative for conventional in-situ construction. Modular construction (MC) is one of the most advanced and efficient OSC methods in the construction industry. Even with the distinctive benefits offered by MC, it is imperative to investigate the sustainability performance of MC to understand the trade-offs with traditional construction. Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is a tool that integrates the three pillars of sustainability from a life cycle perspective. At present, the most common method is to consider the LCSA as a sum of life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and social LCA (S-LCA). However, studies that have employed the LCSA methodology in assessing MC are still lacking in the literature. Relevant literature still lacks comprehensive framework guidance to conduct LCSA of MC. Thus, this paper aims to propose a conceptual framework that integrates the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability to assess the sustainability performance of MC using LCSA. The publications acquired from the keyword search analysis were reviewed to develop the conceptual framework by identifying the key factors and challenges to the LCSA. The framework integrates the methodological steps, findings, and gaps related to LCSA discovered from the literature survey. The results show that the LCSA goal and scope should be defined properly to address the complications from the methodological differences of the TBL of sustainability. The proposed framework offers insight to academia and construction industry practitioners about the holistic investigation of the sustainability performance of MC.
Examining the Agile Project Management Practices in the Malaysian Construction Industry
Authors: Chia F C , Tung Y H , Yong F Y Y 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Agile Project Management (APM) is traceable as a concept for software development and IT projects. It represents one of the basic competitive advantages of contemporary organizations that can be applied to almost any large-scale project in any industry. Construction projects being a high uncertainties, high changes, high complexity, and high risk industry is yet to be seen if the adaptive approach of APM is applicable. A questionnaire consisting of four core agile values and 70 agile practices was used to study the inclination of project management practices in the Malaysian construction industry. The survey, which garnered 210 responses from construction personnel, revealed the inclination of four core agile values between 6.38 and 7.34 on the scale of 0-10, while agile practices scored between 3.4 to 4.0 on 0-5. The agile oriented group is found had applied 25 out of the 70 project agile practices more frequent than the non-agile oriented group. Smaller organizations have adopted more agile project practices, especially those related to the continuous improvement domain. The study concluded that the Malaysian construction participants are leaning towards the core value of project management, and indeed practiced agility in most of the project management tasks currently.
An Exploratory Study on Communication Complexity in Mega Construction Projects
Authors: Cakir I , Kaya H D , Dikmen I , Atasoy G , Birgonul M T 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Complexity is the property of a project that makes it difficult to understand, foresee and control its behaviour due to interrelatedness between various project attributes such as tasks, parties, disciplines, and interfaces. Project complexity is an inherent part of mega construction projects due to their large scale, long period, the multiplicity of disciplines, the high number of stakeholders, multi-nationality, and high level of public attention, as well as political interest. This paper depicts findings of a research project that aims to identify characteristics of and factors that contribute to project complexity by referring to the experiences of professionals involved in mega construction projects. For this purpose, data has been collected by interviewing 18 participants from 11 mega construction projects. Communication complexity, which reflects the amount of distributed communication channels between various stakeholders, has been identified as one of the major drivers of project complexity in megaprojects. Based on literature and semi-structured interview findings, a causal structure to represent communication complexity comprising of three components, which are; project, stakeholders, and communication management, was developed. The causal map, which represents the opinions of a limited number of experts, cannot be generalised; however, it can provide useful insights about drivers of communication complexity that can be used to develop strategies to manage complexity.
Factual Disagreements in Construction Delay Disputes: Identification, Evaluation and Testing of the Justifications for Differences in Opinion
Authors: Atanasov V A , Greenwood D J , Sanchez D E , Hatcher C J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Construction delay claims are a leading cause for disputes in the sector. There are two primary aspects to such disagreements: legal and factual. The focus of this paper is the latter. It identifies, evaluates and ranks the factors that impact the analysis of evidence concerning construction delays. The research method is two-fold, involving content analysis of twenty case studies, that identifies the reasons for difference in expert opinion (or factors), and testing of these findings in a survey questionnaire designed to examine the impact and comprehensiveness of those factors. This method provides a more rigorous assessment than previous studies and therefore a more precise list of variables. It is concluded that the factors can be grouped into two categories: (i) materials and documents and (ii) matters of interpretation. Although both categories are important, the deficiencies in the former are often exploited by the parties and/or legal professionals to generate conflicting results in terms of extension of time entitlements. Incorrect, incomplete, undisclosed and/or unagreed records and procedures are used to generate ambiguity and create opportunities to perpetuate claims and disagreements. The work presented here provides additional support to the proposition that opportunistic behaviour is at the core of factual delay disputes and further evidence that tailored contractual delay protocols such as delay analysis clauses can be an effective aspect of a broader solution.
Inefficiencies in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa: is governance the missing link? A review of literature
Authors: Mhlongo NZD , Gumbo T , Musonda I 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSouth Africa is one of the most urbanised and highly industrialised countries in Africa, with over 61% of the population in the urban areas. Moreover, poor access to housing manifests through informal settlements, slums and backyard dwellings mainly in the cities. While several housing policy interventions have been developed, the housing backlog is estimated at more than 2 million. The Covid-19 pandemic has massified problems resultant to shortage of housing, and the quality of housing across income levels, with low-income groups being the most affected. This paper locates governance discourse in housing development, acknowledging that the concept is used both in the academic discourse and general discussions on how institutions manage their business, including broader societal structures. The paper argues that governance is the missing ingredient in the current policy interventions towards delivery of low-income housing in South Africa. Using selected case studies from literature, this paper analyses and discusses low-income housing delivery processes and systems. Key findings are that housing delivery processes largely exclude governance principles primarily stakeholder participation, accountability and transparency. Notable is that government remains the sole actor in the identification and addressing housing needs, and this results in community resistance during implementation of projects.
A scientometric review of public-private partnership in critical infrastructure resilience
Authors: Ampratwum G , Osei-Kyei R , Tam V W Y 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Critical infrastructure resilience requires disintegrating traditional silos of stakeholders to form collaborative network such as a public-private partnership. Critical infrastructure resilience is mostly influenced by the relationship between public (government institutions/agencies) and private sector (private institutions/agencies). Public-private partnership is recognized as a medium to build the resilience of critical infrastructure. In this study, a scientometric review was conducted using VOSviewer and Gephi to identify the publication trend and gaps in the public-private partnership in critical infrastructure resilience research domain. A total of 87 publications were retrieved from a literature search on Scopus. It was identified that more studies have acknowledged the use of public-private partnership to build critical infrastructure resilience. However, majority of the public-private partnership in critical infrastructure resilience research papers were on cyber security. Some of the gaps identified included, limited studies on the responsibilities of the public sectors and private sectors in CIR, risks in using public-private partnership to build critical infrastructure resilience, the structure of PPP in CIR in different infrastructure sectors, and critical resilience strategies applicable to a public-private partnership in building critical infrastructure resilience. The outcome of this research will be beneficial to researchers where the gaps identified can be explored for further studies.
Exploring the synergies between Life Cycle cost / Whole Life Cost and Building Information Modeling: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Yousfi A , Poirier E A , Forgues D 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is a cost estimating approach for project and asset planning and delivery that considers the direct and indirect costs incurred over the entire life cycle of an asset. This approach can be expanded to the concept of Whole Life Cost (WLC), which additionally considers externalities and benefits. WLC can demonstrate the financial impacts, both positive and negative, of a project on its environment, in other words it can show its complete value. Despite its potential, the approach is still perceived as complex because, among other things, access to data can be difficult and the approach is still not supported by a standardized methodology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) could be used to address these issues as both WLC and BIM are deemed complementary. BIM provides WLC with better data management, improved calculation accuracy and visualization of project impacts. In return, WLC improves project understanding, decision making and reinforces life cycle thinking. This paper aims to study the potential synergies between BIM and WLC through a systematic literature review. The identification of these synergies helped form a frame of reference to better understand the opportunities that this combination can offer. Future studies would be needed to explore the application of BIM and WLC at different project scales and identify the context in which the combination of BIM and WLC is the most beneficial.