bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Commitment of Local Authority Offices toward Sustainable Energy Practices
Authors: Sharkawi Nasrudin , Hasim Mohamad Sufian , Adnan Hamimah , Kamarudin Hikmah , Yaman Rostam 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Globally, there is a strong trend among local authority offices towards focusing on energy sustainability. This movement is vital as they faced challenges in managing their assets due to financial constraints and declining resources. This study aims to investigate the commitments of the local authority offices in Malaysia towards sustainable energy practices. The objective of this study was to identify the sustainable energy initiatives implemented within the selected local authorities in Malaysia as a case study. For this research context, ‘the commitment’ refers to the extent of information found concerning sustainable energy initiatives undertaken to manage their assets. Eight (8) semi-structured interviews with FM practitioners representing the eight local authorities from the City Hall and Municipal Council categories were conducted. Generally, the commitment of the local authority offices in Malaysia towards sustainable energy implementation was still at an initial stage, with seven (7) related initiatives identified. However, the introduction of energy-saving techniques, energy-saving technology, energy-saving equipment, and encouraging the involvement of officers and staff in energy-saving was the most significant initiatives identified. Therefore, given this perspective, the proactive role of local authorities is needed towards sustainable energy implementation. Indeed, this organisation have to take the lead in achieving sustainability goal.
Challenges of Adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) Technology amongst SME’s Contractors in Malaysia
Authors: Adillah Ismail Noor Akmal , Aswad Zulkifli Mohd Zul , Azrin Baharuddin Har Einur , Wan Ismail Wan Norizan , Mustapha Arniatul Aiza 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
BIM is a modelling technology consisting digital tools that can be used in project planning, design, monitoring and control, to ensure efficiency in construction project delivery. In Malaysia, the Government has made several initiatives to promote BIM so that it could be used widely by the construction professionals to enhance the construction industry practices. However, the implementation of BIM in Malaysia has faced some challenges especially amongst smaller size construction companies. Although several initiatives were extensively fostered, the reluctance of implementing BIM amongst SME’s contractors still exists. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the challenges of BIM adoption amongst SME’s contractors in the Malaysian construction industry. A survey using questionnaire was conducted to identify the challenges and the results were analysed by adopting descriptive analysis and Average Index using IBM SPSS Statistic 23. The findings from the survey revealed the cost issue as one of the major challenges in adopting BIM amongst the SME’s contractors in Malaysia. To invest for BIM technology, high cost is needed for BIM software and hardware installation, proper training of staff to use BIM platform, and specific certification and license requirement. This study is significant in terms of getting input on the current BIM adoption amongst the construction players focusing on the SME’s contractors which could be used as a reference point and benchmark towards BIM development in the Malaysian Construction Industry.
COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impacts and Prospects in the Malaysian Construction Projects
Authors: Bin Mohamed@Arifin Mohd Amizan , Hizami Bin Azmi Muhamad Fahim , Binti Mohd Sheffie Syahirah Intan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world globally. To prevent and reduce the virus from spreading, many countries have implemented lockdown, including Malaysia. Restrictions on people movements include social distancing and virtual working. These have impacted the construction industry because it needs real-time inspections at the site and on-site work. The negative impacts on construction projects during lockdowns such as project delay, lack of raw material, shortage of labour, and loss of income would increase the probability of implementations on remote working, Artificial Intelligence, increase in Force Majeure Claims, and requirement of the local worker to face against COVID-19 situation in the new norm. Therefore, this research is essential to be explored to obtain more details about the current construction industry: the impacts of pandemic COVID-19 on construction projects in Malaysia and the prospects of construction projects post COVID-19 as mitigation strategies to survive this pandemic. This pilot study was conducted in Klang Valley (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur). The respondents were directly involved in the projects, i.e., project managers, engineers, and site supervisors. The sample population was registered for construction projects in 2020, obtained from Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Collected data from the questionnaire were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). Consequentially, the results of this research will benefit Malaysia’s construction industry in justifying the impacts of COVID-19 on construction projects. Hence, offering alternatives to sustain and prepare the construction industry with unexpected circumstances that could happen during this unprecedented pandemic.
Exploring the Hurdles and Solutions in Procuring IBS Components for Malaysian Housing Projects
Authors: Abd Jalil Ahmad Bin , Shaari Shazwan Mohamed 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The adoption of industrialized building system (IBS) needs different method to cope with its dissimilar with traditional construction as it requires different process on design, installation and precision, but yet IBS always been treated the same as conventional projects. This cause problems and thus, this study provides a questionnaire survey comprising 24 questions delivered to experienced professionals who involved in Malaysian IBS housing projects. The aim is to ascertain the challenges and suggest solutions on procuring the IBS components focusing for Malaysian IBS housing. The collected result was then verified through several semi- structured interviews with experienced professionals from various field involve in IBS. This study finds that the main challenges in procuring IBS components are surround by factors on price, logistical barriers, and inadequacy on terms of agreement, The result also revealed in most IBS housing projects, the contract agreement between IBS manufacturers and main contractors were often breached especially on payment mechanism, amount and delivery time. Due to payment problems, some IBS manufacturers take unilateral action by stop delivery the IBS components, causing delay to the project, while others pursue the case to court, which also prolong into litigation. Contribution of this research is on the highlighting several urgent issues in the context of procuring IBS components for Malaysian housing. The findings reveal due to the unsolved issues, IBS targets to reduce cost and faster completion is hard to achieve, while exposing the project to end with delay or litigation.
Sustainable Rural Housing Development in Sarawak: A Preliminary Conceptual Framework
Authors: Wong S Y , Low W W , Wong K S , Kan F K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Sustainability practices within rural area housing development is relatively scarce. This may be due to insufficient financial support and focus by the local authorities. Some of the rural areas in the largest state of Malaysia, namely, Sarawak, are facing serious housing issues with limited supply of electricity and water, which in turn, creates low standard of living. This seems to imply on the unsustainable housing development. This paper reviewed the international sustainable development approach and the sustainable practices in Malaysia, in housing development. The initial review identified 40 sustainability-related housing indicators, which revealed a potential research area to ascertain different housing indicators for improving the living standards of the rural residents in Sarawak. This research could help to provide a more sustainable housing environment to improve residents’ living standard, and possibly, to suggest a better efficient use of resources, that could help to improve the current government guidelines, for developing sustainable rural housing in Sarawak.
Determinants of Maintenance Cost of Hospital Buildings: An Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Ooi Yu Lin 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Hospital maintenance organizations are under constant pressure to plan maintenance work due to insufficient budgets. The ability to predict maintenance costs is a significant function of the maintenance organization. This paper reports a study that investigated the critical determinants associated with the maintenance costs of hospital buildings. The research developed a questionnaire instrument that included 18 determinants of the maintenance cost of hospital buildings. The average maintenance cost is about RM550,000, and the average age of the buildings is about 20 years. The size of most of the hospitals is more than 21,000 square meters. Using maintenance cost as the dependent variable, an artificial neural network model to predict maintenance cost was presented. The model revealed that the critical determinants of maintenance costs are the size of the hospitals, improper use of the hospital buildings, poor budgeting, absence of forecasting techniques, and high-performance expectations of the buildings. This research provides new information on the cost profile of the maintenance cost of hospital buildings.
Aerial work with helicopters in the construction of cableways and their impact on the concrete mixture design
Authors: Bisták A , Hulínová Z , Vavrík I , Šťastný P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Slovakia is a rugged country, a significant part of which consists of mountain areas. Construction activities in these localities should consider specific natural conditions, while taking into account economic issues. In these cases, the efficient way of construction is the use of aerial work, so the execution of constructions using helicopters. However, compared to conventional technologies, helicopters are limited in their work by several factors, which are mainly related to their movement in a three-dimensional environment (atmosphere). The aim of this article is to show how the choice of fresh concrete mixture is related to the work of helicopters, to design a suitable mixture for the currently valid Slovak requirements and to test it in laboratory conditions. The selection of the mixture is narrowly specialized for the construction of reinforced concrete footings of cableways, which are typically realized in mountain areas. The results showed that by using a suitable superplasticizer based on polycarboxylates, it is possible to ensure the required workability of fresh concrete within 180 minutes. However, the condition must always be met that the onset of setting of the used cement does not occur earlier than 180 minutes. Longer workability time can be achieved by adding a retarding additive.
Resistance of a sealed joint subjected to tensile stress at different temperatures
Authors: Boháček A , Šlanhof J , Průcha A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In this paper, research on the topic of Resistance of a sealed joint subjected to tensile stress at different temperatures is presented. Tensile stress is one of the physical effects acting on conventional structures. This research specifically deals with the sealing of problematic material. Aquapanel cement board is chosen as the problematic material. This board has a large amount of fine dust particles on its surface, which prevent the sealant from adhering properly to the base material. Next, two sealants and the appropriate primers are selected. The sealants used were selected based on the manufacturer's recommendations on suitability for use in sealing cementitious materials. From these three components, the Aquapanel cement board, the sealant and the primer, test specimens are made, which are tested according to the valid European standard. The results of this test are carefully recorded and further analysed. Based on the results of this test, it is possible to recommend both tested sealants for sealing cement materials that are exposed to tensile stress at different temperatures.
Assessment and adaptation to climate change and sea level rise impacts on Egypt’s northern coasts
Authors: Zelenakova M , Abd-Elhamid H , Barańczuk K , Barańczuk J 
Published: October 2022

AbstractClimate change and sea level rise (SLR) represent many challenges for coastal areas such as coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion (SWI). This study aims to highlight the effect of climate change and SLR on Egypt’s northern coasts and present appropriate adaptations. A number of techniques for adapting with climate change and SLR have been presented. Two numerical models have been used for simulation PLAXIS and 2D-FEST. The results showed that SLR will affect a number of cities on Egypt’s northern coasts and the Nile Delta aquifer will be affected by SWI. A number of scenarios have been applied to adapt with climate change and SLR. Precast Diaphragm Wall (PDW) is used to protect Egypt’s northern coasts from SLR. The results showed that PDW is applicable and cost efficient. The cost of building PDW along the north coasts is about 1.0% of the likely losses due to SLR in 2100. However, to control SWI into the Nile Delta aquifer a number of measures have been presented and discussed. The results revealed that using treated wastewater to increase the recharge to the Nile Delta aquifer combined with decreasing the abstraction from the aquifer could help in protecting the aquifer from probable SLR.
Investigation of the thermal properties of candle wax material
Authors: Eštoková A , Kapalo P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Indoor air quality is a key aspect of people staying inside buildings. Combustion processes have been identified as one of the most important sources of pollutants in the indoor environment. Proper HVAC design must account for all sources and variations in their intensity, such as also the burning of candles, which produce not only increased amounts of carbon dioxide as a result of the combustion of the organic matrix, but also often dangerous organic substances. On the other hand, the candle burning represents an energy source as well. This article deals with the study of thermal decomposition of selected candle material using methods of thermal analysis - thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The wax material analyzed was identified as a mixture of palm stearin and paraffin. During the candle wax material heating, the energy up to 772.6 J per 1 g of material can be released in dependence on the heating rate.
The seismic response of cylindrical steel tank at Al Hoceïma city in Morocco
Authors: Kotrasova K , Kormanikova E , Loukili M , Mansour S , Foti D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The aim of this article is determination of seismic response of cylindrical steel tank situated at Al Hoceïma city in Morocco. When a storage facility containing liquid starts moving due to earthquake loading, the fluid filling exerts additional hydrodynamic pressure on storage facility solid domain. The seismic effect of a liquid–filled storage facility converts the contained liquid into and equivalent spring-mass system representing impulsive mode together with convective mode of vibration of the storage facility - liquid system. The seismic response of cylindrical steel tank subjected to seismic loading was calculated by using the elastic response spectrum for locality Al Hoceïma city in Morocco. The rules of Eurocode 8-4 were respected for documented seismic analysis of storage facility containing liquid.
Dosimetric measurement of lighting conditions in office environment
Authors: Hanuliak P , Hartman P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The aim of the paper is to present partial outputs from continual measurement of light conditions in office environment during common work activity. The volunteers worn head mounted dosimetric devices – the Lightwatchers, to collect individual and realistic data in contrary to fixed photometric measurement devices. The outputs confirm that the natural activity of office workers has a great influence on recorded illuminance levels. It shows an overall decrease of light levels recorded on vertical plane in facial area when compared to standalone fixed sensors. Since the total amount of the light received through the eyes is important for a proper entrainment of our biological system, an adjustments for office´s lighting design needs to be taken into consideration.
Survey of consumer preferences in the field of wooden buildings
Authors: Švajlenka J , Kozlovská M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The future of future generations of humanity is conditioned by the decisions, actions and behavior of contemporary society towards the surrounding nature. The current critical state of the environment caused by the human factor forces one to think about a change in thinking in relation to ecology. Progress in this direction and the pursuit of a sustainable way of life is also felt in the construction sector. Modern wooden buildings are an environmental alternative to buildings made of energy-intensive materials. This type of construction is currently experiencing great success worldwide and is already part of the standard of living in many countries. Progress in this ecological way of construction has been recorded in recent years by the construction industry in Slovakia, but in its development it is progressing much more slowly than other countries of the European Union. The potential behind the development of wood-based structures is currently not fully exploited and it is therefore necessary to pay increased attention to research and innovation in the timber construction sector. The work deals with a survey of consumer preferences in the field of wooden buildings.
Stationary dissipative systems of classical mechanics in the basis of unscientific principles of the theory of creep of reinforced concrete
Authors: Beglov A , Sanjarovsky R , Ter-Emmanuilyan T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The basis of creation and development of the theory of creep of reinforced concrete is based on unscientific principles taken from systems of classical mechanics that do not correspond to this theory. Linear systems with stationary properties (inertial, dissipative and positional components) are used to describe the properties of aging concrete. The replacement of constant coefficients in classical models is carried out: instead of these constant coefficients ai variable coefficients are inserted, which are functions of time - a
i
(τ), a
i
(τ), i=1, 2, 3, 4. From such the replacement, the integrand function of the theory has lost its physical meaning. Errors in structural calculations are 300-500%.
Numerical analysis of shear resistance on composite beams.
Authors: Weissova M , Kvocak V , Dubecky D , Vaňová P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The part of the preparation of experimental verification of shear connectors is also numerical analysis of the examined problem. The main subject of this research is the FEM analysis of a chosen experiment, the push-out test. For FEM analysis, we have opted for Abaqus/CAE software. This piece of work will focus on the modeling of the push-out test via the software stated above.
Influence of Takt Time Planning on Construction Efficiency
Authors: Kozlovská M , Klosova D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Creating continuous workflow and reducing variability of construction processes is one of the essential principles of Takt Time system. The Takt Time Planning is a powerful lean tool that creates a continuous flow of people, materials, and resources, therefore it is recognized as a technology with great potential for process innovation in construction. A takt is a demand-driven pace or rhythm of work, which ensures that professionals work at the same speed to free up workspace within standard time frames, leading to a more optimized production process. The main purpose of this article is to explore the practical application and influence of Takt Time Planning on the productivity and efficiency of construction projects by providing an overview of selected case studies. Results show that Tact Time helps to establish a continuous flow and, as a result, reduce waste, reduce the duration and number of inventory buffers, and therefore reduce costs of construction projects.
Methods of strengthening the grains of recycled aggregates
Authors: Sicakova A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Poorer quality indicators than natural aggregates generally characterize recycled aggregates. This is due to the composition of the primary raw material (mostly demolition waste), the method of processing (crushing, sorting) and the typical character of the grains, which, in addition to the original grain of natural aggregate, also contains the original adhered mortar. The resulting grains are heterogeneous, characterized by lower strength, higher porosity, higher absorbency, or the presence of cracks. Improving the quality of these grains is one of the approaches to increase their potential for use in concrete. Several methods of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) grain strengthening are being studied worldwide, the effect of which on the final quality of recycled aggregates and new concrete is different. The article describes and compares the methods in terms of their impact on selected properties of both. The comparative analysis is based on the collection of results presented in research publications. Based on the evaluation of the results, polymer emulsion treatment can be identified as the most effective way to improve RCA water absorption. Sodium silicate treatment came out the best to improve the compressive strength of concrete mixed with treated RCA.
Modelling of Stormwater runoff and Wastewater Flow in the Sewer Network
Authors: Wittmanová R , Makro I , Hrudka J , Šutús M , Stanko Š 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The purpose of mathematical modelling of sewer networks is mainly to assess the hydraulic capacity and monitor its behaviour under different conditions to predict the future state. Sewerage network models are also part of the design process. Their advantage is the possibility of simulating the future state of the network and the precipitation and runoff process in the context of climate change. With the help of simulations, it is possible to anticipate future conditions in urban catchments and thus effectively design new networks. The aim of this paper is to summarize mathematical simulation models that are used to model sewer networks.