bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Code Checking using BIM for Digital Building Permit: a case study in a Brazilian municipality
Authors: Brito D M , Costa D B , Ferreira E A M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is a growing interest from municipalities around the world in digitizing the building permit process using building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) for automated code checking. However, technical, political, and commercial barriers still prevent digitization from becoming a reality and being widely implemented and locally adapted. The main objective of this research is to analyse best practices and lessons learned by a Brazilian municipality for BIM-based electronic system implementation. The adopted methodology included a comprehensive literature review of existing international initiatives in America, Europe, and Asia. Data collection occurred in a case study in a Brazilian municipality implementing BIM to digitize the different types of existing permits. The results indicate the leading practices and lessons learned by the municipality in their internal stage for developing the automated code checking system and promoting changes in processes, policies, and organizational culture. The findings also highlight best practices and promising international experiences, a comparative analysis with the Brazilian municipal context. The main contribution of this study is to provide a greater understanding of the required practices and the BIM/GIS role in the digital building permit process. As a practical contribution, the experiences in the Brazilian context provide valuable inputs for the journey of smart cities.
Durability of high reflective materials designed for building envelopes
Authors: De Lima L N , Shirakawa M A , John V M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
As an alternative to mitigate the urban heat island effect, materials known as “cool surfaces” are a suitable passive technology for reducing heat transmittance into buildings and diminishing the electricity demand for cooling. However, due to ageing, the performance of cool surfaces becomes less effective, with decreasing solar reflectance generated by dust accumulation and microbial growth. However, there is little literature on the subject and the data usually present a local perspective in durability which makes harder to compare with other cases. This research conducted a systematic review on works approaching natural ageing of highly reflective materials to identify the main factors that influence the albedo durability of cool surfaces. The main factors found were macroclimate, microclimate, the tilt of exposure, materials characteristics, and substrate. The data analyses conducted in this research highlight the importance of having a general perspective when studying reflectance durability, since agents that don’t seem relevant when evaluating a local case can be important when comparing the general figure. The inspection promoted by this study might help future research to better analyse their results and connect the diffuse knowledge in the current state of the art.
Health and Safety practices relative to nanomaterial usage in the South African construction industry
Authors: Neubert J , Smallwood JJ 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Nanotechnology is a recent development within construction, however, exposure to nanomaterials entails exposure to emerging hazards and risk, which is exacerbated by the limited knowledge pertaining thereto. A quantitative survey was conducted among medium to large sized general contractors, and architects in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The salient findings include: architects and contractors specify and use nanomaterials during the construction process; architects follow ‘designing for safety’ practice to a limited extent; contractors conduct the necessary training, inform their employees of the potential hazards related to the use of nanomaterials, implement safe application techniques when working with nanomaterials, issue employees with the necessary PPE to carry out the work safely, and generally do not analyse the characteristics of materials to a major extent, but do analyse material safety data sheets (MSDSs). Conclusions include: there is a low level of awareness and knowledge with respect to nanomaterials; the responding architects are barely committed to construction H&S; responding contractors are committed to H&S, and there is a need for research to determine the healthiest and safest methods of using nanomaterials. It is recommended that designers and contractors should enhance their awareness of and knowledge pertaining to nanomaterials, including the hazards and risks.
Use of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Knowledge Management in Construction
Authors: Anumba C , Khallaf R 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in the development and deployment of knowledge management (KM) systems in the construction industry. These have included a variety of technology and non-technology-based solutions that have had varying levels of impact on organizational knowledge management. Very few of the technology-based solutions adopted any artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The current resurgence of AI and data analytics presents a tremendous opportunity to re-engineer knowledge management systems such that they are a much more powerful and critical component of an organization’s business infrastructure. This paper starts with a review of the evolution of knowledge management in construction sector organizations, and highlights the potential for AI-based KM. It also discusses the resurgence of AI and data analytics, and highlights the key technologies that could play a role in enhancing construction KM. Drawing on specific KM sub-processes, it describes the applicability of some AI techniques to organizational KM processes and systems. The benefits of the proposed AI-based KM are also presented.
How the construction industry can improve the health and well-being of their workers in a post COVID-19 era
Authors: Kaluarachchi Y , Nartallo P , Emuze F 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
UK Construction industry employs 2.7m employees and can lead the economic recovery by adapting to the current crisis. It accounts for a 6.02% share of the GDP and was hit strongly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has revealed that construction workers are at an increased risk of suffering from mental health conditions and data shows that male construction workers are three times more likely to commit suicide than the average male in the UK. Job insecurity, long hours, time away from families, lack of support from organisations and late payments are all known to contribute to this crisis. This paper explores how the construction industry can improve the mental health of its work force in the post pandemic era and what measures organisations can take to tackle the mental health crisis that the industry is facing, and which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. The research methodology used is a qualitative systematic literature review of published material including research journal papers, government and industry reports and articles that explore mental health challenges faced by the construction industry before and after the pandemic. The paper identifies the indicators of mental health and the existing initiatives currently operational within the construction sector and examines how mental health issues can be mainstreamed and be incorporated into construction industry policies and programmes to result in a healthy and balanced workforce.
Beyond compliance in the construction sector: Mapping the modern slavery statements through content analysis
Authors: Suprun E , AlMeshari R , Liu T , Stewart R A , Duran S 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Modern slavery is considered a widely recognized issue within labour-intensive markets of the construction industry. The recent introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) in Australia, has pragmatically pressured construction companies into publishing modern slavery statements that explore the methods in how they have managed to tackle and address the presence of modern slavery within their business and supply chains. This paper, as a part of an ongoing research project, conducts a content analysis to examine Australian modern slavery statements to identify common practices among Australian construction firms. For this purpose, we collected 62 modern slavery statements from construction companies that had issued such statements after the introduction of the regulatory requirement in Australia. The analysis uncovers diverse reporting practices in relation to the corporate commitment and governance, traceability and risk assessment, recruitment, purchasing practices, worker voice, remediation, and monitoring. The paper provides a baseline of understanding about the content and substance of modern slavery statements as a foundation for future research into developing an integrated framework for evaluating the performance on addressing modern slavery.
A conceptual framework for integrated Designers Risk Assessments - a case study of an Insulated Concrete Formwork framed project
Authors: Oloke David 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Designers’ Risk Assessments (DRA)s are essential to the successful implementation of projects and contractor’s work methods. The Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015 in the UK demands that all parties who specify or recommend a component or elements on a building project are responsible for their designs and specifications. As more buildings are moving from traditional forms of construction to various forms of hybrid construction, designers contributing to the project will need to provide DRAs that are associated with their designs and specifications. Traditionally, the input of the architect, structural and services engineers would suffice for this process. However, as projects are incorporating more off-site production and on-site assembly, design responsibilities are getting more fragmented and designers will need to will need to propose risk assessments that manage the safe implementation of their designs at the points of production (off or on-site). Furthermore, Principal Designers who have the duty to coordinate all DRAs will need incorporate these into a wholistic document that will ensure that all risks (off site, in transit and on-site) are properly assessed for elimination, reduction, information and control at the final point of project implementation on site. An illustrative case study approach based on a project being delivered as a hybrid of insulated concrete formwork, beam and block suspended ground flooring, precast concrete first and second floors/ staircases and timber truss roofing was used to study and propose a conceptual framework that seeks to inform research/practice and engender wider debate relevant to integrated DRA formulation.
Visualization of blockchain-based smart contracts for delivery, acceptance, and payment process using BIM
Authors: Ye X , Zeng N , König M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides an excellent opportunity to digitally document and visually display construction projects’ information throughout their whole lifecycle. Another recent technology that fosters the digital transformation of the construction sector is blockchain-based smart contract. In combination with BIM models, such smart contract can be used for delivery, acceptance, and payment (DAP) process automation in the construction industry. The DAP process can be modelled by using smart contracts and securely stored via a blockchain. Since smart contracts are programming codes, for stakeholders it is difficult to understand what is exactly written in them. Therefore, it is necessary to visualize the state and executed transactions of the deployed smart contracts. In this paper, a framework is highlighted to record and visualize the status of the DAP processes by combining BIM with smart contracts using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to develop a smart contract system. With the help of suitable visualization concepts, the individual transactions of the blockchain can be displayed in a comprehensible way. The feasibility of the framework is presented through an illustrative implementation of the smart contract system. The proposed framework can help project participants better understand the current state of a smart contract.
The Influence of Organisational Safety Climate Factors on Offsite Manufacturing Safety Performance
Authors: Vithanage S C , Sing M C P , Davis P , Newaz T 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The construction industry consistently reports higher fatality and injury rates due to its inherent dynamic nature. As an alternative to traditional construction, offsite manufacturing (OSM) has become a construction method that presents many benefits including optimised schedule, quality control, waste reduction and improved site safety. Contrastingly, recent statistics on OSM indicated that in the USA for instance, the number of safety incidents were higher compared to traditional construction. There is a suggestion that organisations simply shift site-based construction activities to a factory. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of organisational safety climate on OSM safety performance. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify organisational safety climate factors. Following this, 131 questionnaires were collected from Australian OSM practitioners. Finally, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the influence of organisational safety climate on OSM safety performance. Findings asserted that safety communication has the greatest impact on safety performance. Contrary to traditional construction practice, greater influence from managers was identified over supervisors towards safety performance. The novelty of this research lies in its attempt to comprehend the association between organisational safety climate and safety performance, which may make contribution to OSM safety knowledge and practice.
A BIM-enabled Decision Support System to support large-scale energy retrofitting processes and off-site solutions for envelope insulation
Authors: Cucuzza M , Di Stefano A G , Iannaccone G , Masera G 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The urgency of renewing the Architecture, Engineering and Construction related processes to increase quality standards and performances while reducing costs and operations time is widely discussed in literature. In this scenario, increasing the energy renovation rate of the existing European building stock is a key priority to support the EU’s 2050 decarbonisation targets through innovative solutions. The introduction of prefabricated panels for building renovation – incorporating insulation, mechanical systems, and finishing – can provide the existing buildings with improved structural, thermal, acoustic, and architectural features. The higher quality and safety for the off-site activities, the faster on-site application and the reduction of waste are some advantages of this typology of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Several digital and informative tools have been introduced over the last years to customize and integrate the design of prefabricated panels on existing building envelopes (i.e. panelisation tools). However, the comparison of technological alternatives is left to the intuition of designers and managed through the use of several tools that are not interconnected and often downstream the design process. This paper presents a Panelisation Design Tool, which is a Decision Support System (DSS) to help decision-makers in the choice of technological solutions for retrofitting operations during the Early Design Stage. Thanks to BIM integration, some indicators related to different aspects (n Dimensions) are extracted from the model of the panelised building to compare different technologies in a systematic way. The Panelisation Design Tool is tested on a case study building located in the city of Monza, in Northern Italy, used as a pilot in the BIM4EEB European Project. The test aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the chosen parameters to evaluate multiple technological solutions in an integrated BIM approach.
Classification of rework root causes in the design stage of projects for contract assessment
Authors: Asadi R , Rotimi J O B , Wilkinson S 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Rework is one of the leading causes of cost and time overruns that primarily affect project performance. The performance of construction projects can be elevated with the implementation of rework moderation strategies. Identifying rework root causes is the first step of rework management followed by a mitigation approach, reducing or preventing strategy. As the contract is the core connection between clients and contractors, using a rework management approach in the contracting process allows participants to be aware of rework impacts before the project’s commencement. Selecting the best approach for rework mitigation depends on rework causes and their classified roots. Thus, the paper classifies rework root causes in the design stage of projects to provide a platform for contract documents assessment. The method used to classify the identified rework causes into five categories was designed on the literature. Results from collecting secondary data indicated all categories in the design stage, consisting of technical, human resources, process, material/equipment, and other general factors. The next step of the study is to assess contract documents through a questionnaire based on these classified factors in search of a connection between rework, contractual claims, and clauses of the contract. The paper recommends that assessing contract documents can be used as a new approach for rework management.
An Architectural Design Process for Housing in South Africa
Authors: Van Tonder F 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The government has provided low-cost housing since 1994 in South Africa. The housing has been efficient in the number of units but has proven ineffective in addressing the housing problem. This paper’s premise is that this is partly due to the limited architectural design process employed for the unit design, resulting in low-cost housing that cannot address the housing problem. This paper presents an architectural design process for a low-cost housing unit. The proposed redesign criterion is listed under two categories, namely ‘existing design generators’ and ‘emerging design generators’. The research findings indicate possible alternatives to the ‘matchbox’ house and that these alternatives can be achieved while remaining within the cost and size of the units currently provided. Furthermore, the research findings indicate that a neighbourhood of these redesigned units could potentially host a higher population density and a greater diversity in use and social inclusion.
Building Information Modelling (BIM): insights from collaboration and legal perspectives
Authors: Wong P , Lai J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
With the advent of the BIM technology, related guidelines have been formulated by project owners, governments and professional bodies. As an information sharing platform, BIM is applied to various kinds of construction projects for better management and collaboration. Yet, the existing off-the-shelf BIM application software does not fully consider the potential legal liabilities among the collaborating parties. In view of the above, we conducted a review of the relevant literature and legal cases to examine issues including ownership, liability and information reliance, and duty to warn from the perspectives of collaboration and laws. Common procurement initiatives were discussed in relation to BIM application. Drawn from the review and comparison, key legal issues of concern in BIM applications and the way forward for tackling the issues were identified. In conclusion, a collaborative approach under the BIM environment will work better under a project federated committee. Further research on the operation of this committee is recommended in order to make its authorities and liabilities clear.
A Review of Research on Strategies and Methods for the Revitalization of Urban Historic Districts
Authors: Wu Chenhui , Li Guopeng , Li Yutong , Pu Yuan , Zhang Yuzheng 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
China has many historic districts. However, with the advancement of large-scale urbanization, these historic districts have suffered of destruction. The government has attached great importance to protecting and revitalizing historic districts in recent years. However, the current protection and revitalization of urban historic districts mainly focus on districts’ morphological integrity and the buildings’ originality. Therefore, we need to examine the whole problem from a macroscopic and micro perspective for this proposition. From a macro point of view, there is a lack of planning and analysis of urban development planning on the revitalization direction and positioning of historic districts; From a micro perspective, there is a lack of analysis of the impact of human behavior activities on the vitality of historic districts. Therefore, this research proposes that the vitality revitalization of historic districts should start from three aspects: urban development planning, human behavior activities, and the primary conditions of the districts. Furthermore, it also puts forward the strategies and methods of vitality revitalization of historic districts by reviewing and sorting out representative research at home and abroad. The research provides strategies and methodological summaries for the vitality revitalization of historic districts and theoretical support for the revitalization design of historic districts.
Stakeholders’ Perception in Early Stages of a Social Housing Retrofit Living Lab
Authors: Soliman-Junior J , Awwal S , Ayo-Adejuyigbe M , Tzortzopoulos P , Kagioglou M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Living Labs (LLs) are social and dynamic environments that allow the development of innovative solutions through intense collaboration and co-creation. In social housing (SH), retrofit initiatives usually consist of top-down approaches, with residents often playing a secondary role in such projects. The use of LLs in SH projects can improve retrofit outcomes through the development of adequate and fit for purpose solutions, co-created with stakeholders. Whereas existing research on LLs reports successful developments in several areas, research findings are often fragmented. They lack an in-depth discussion on the benefits and limitations, as well as how different stakeholders engage in the LLs. This paper aims to discuss stakeholders’ perceptions in the early stages of a SH retrofit LL in the UK, focused on improving the energy efficiency of 8 dwellings. We conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the LL (e.g. residents, retrofit coordinator, architects, among others). Findings highlight difficulties associated with the LL initiation, partially due to communication problems and lack of alignment, but also because of intrinsic behavioural, institutional, and technical issues related to construction projects. Results suggest that collaboration is needed in LLs not only to co-create solutions but also to develop the LL itself.