36 research outputs found
Developing project evaluation models for smart sustainable practices implementation in construction projects: a comparative study between Nigeria and Hong Kong
Get PDFPurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key facilitating factors for smart sustainable practices (SSP) and develop a project evaluation model (PEM) for SSP implementation in Nigeria and Hong Kong. SSP is coined from the integration of digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to facilitate sustainability practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative research design approach using empirical questionnaire surveys to solicit the opinions of 69 and 97 construction practitioners in Nigeria and Hong Kong. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the potential survey respondents. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique was used to develop the PEMs.FindingsThe findings revealed that adequate technical expertise of the SSP processes is critical in enhancing its implementation in Hong Kong and Nigeria; as well as the provision of training programs for specialists in smart and sustainable initiatives. Meanwhile, the study's findings advocated that for an SSP-enabled construction project, its project performance is mainly influenced by the client's satisfaction level and the early involvement of the project teams.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's results are limited to the Nigeria and Hong Kong construction industries.Practical implicationsConstruction stakeholders such as the clients, developers, contractors can utilize the PEMs to determine and track SSP initiatives implementation in building projects in a reliable and practical way.Originality/valueNo tool has been developed for evaluating SSP initiatives at the project level in the construction industry. Using case studies of Hong Kong and Nigeria, PEM indices were developed to measure and track SSP implementation in construction projects
A Scientometric Review of Global Research on Sustainability and Sustainable Development
Get PDFThe concept of sustainable development has gained worldwide attention in recent years which had enhanced its implementation. However, few studies have attempted to map the global research of sustainability. This study utilizes scientometric review of global trend and structure of sustainability research in 1991-2016 using techniques such as co-author, co-word, co-citation, clusters, and geospatial analyses. A total of 2094 bibliographic records from the Web of Science database were analyzed to generate the study's research power networks and geospatial map. The findings reveal an evolution of the research field from the definition of its concepts in the Brundtland Commission report to the recent development of models and sustainability indicators. The most significant contributions in sustainability research have originated primarily from the United States, China, United Kingdom and Canada. Also, existing studies in sustainability research focus mainly on subject categories of environmental sciences, green & sustainable science technology, civil engineering, and construction & building technology. Emerging trends in sustainability research were sustainable urban development, sustainability indicators, water management, environmental assessment, public policy, etc.; while the study generated 21 co-citation clusters. This study provides its readers with an extensive understanding of the salient research themes, trends and pattern of sustainability research worldwid
Green-building information modelling (Green-BIM) assessment framework for evaluating sustainability performance of building projects: a case of Nigeria
Get PDFThere is a research gap in the use of digital systems to aid the sustainability performance assessment of buildings, which informs the development of the green-BIM assessment (GBA) framework in this paper. The study employed a conceptual framework design, expert surveys, and case studies to identify and establish the different components of the GBA framework. The developed GBA framework incorporates the BSAM scheme as its primary green building rating system and provides a cost-effective solution for sustainability appraisal. The findings revealed that the 4Ws of the information exchange workflows would facilitate the GBA system's implementation and the expert validation confirmed its suitability for the Nigerian context. The C-SDSS served as the digital component of the GBA system towards automating the sustainability performance assessment of buildings. The GBA system provides the construction industry with a useful tool that could ease comparing two or more building projects or its designs for several uses – such as contract bidding, evaluating alternative designs, and the like. The application of the GBA system can be extended to facilitate its adoption in other regions or countries. The study’s deliverables are expected to enhance smart and eco-initiatives in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa
Identifying and prioritizing the benefits of integrating BIM and sustainability practices in construction projects: A Delphi survey of international experts
Get PDFThe recent initiatives of the construction industry to embed sustainable strategies in its processes can be en- hanced when clear and practical benefits of such integration are available to project stakeholders to support their decision-making. Hence, this study purports to evaluate the perceived benefits of integrating BIM initiatives and sustainability practices in construction projects. Delphi survey technique was used to solicit the perceptions of expert panel on the 36 identified benefits. Statistical tools were employed to analyze the derived data, and the consensus reached by the expert panel was validated using the interrater agreement statistics. The three most important benefits included the ability to enhance overall project quality and efficiency and improve the ability to simulate building performances and energy usage and facilitate better design products and multi-design al- ternatives. Comparative analyses among the expert groups lend credence to the strong consensus reached by the expert panel. Meanwhile, the study recommended strategies to enable the construction industry to key-in to these benefits as well as identifying prevalent research gaps in practice. The studyös findings will enhance the drive for the realization of the sustainable smart city as well as equip various stakeholders of the possibilities in its full adoption and implementation
Roles of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Enhancing Construction Processes and Sustainable Communities
Get PDFMachine Learning (ML), a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is gaining popularity in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. This systematic study aims to investigate the roles of AI and ML in improving construction processes and developing more sustainable communities. This study intends to determine the various roles played by AI and ML in the development of sustainable communities and construction practices via an in-depth assessment of the current literature. Furthermore, it intends to predict future research trends and practical applications of AI and ML in the built environment. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines, this study highlights the roles that AI and ML technologies play in building sustainable communities, both indoors and out. In the interior environment, they contribute to energy management by optimizing energy usage, finding inefficiencies, and recommending modifications to minimize consumption. This contributes to reducing the environmental effect of energy generation. Similarly, AI and ML technologies aid in addressing environmental challenges. They can monitor air quality, noise levels, and waste management systems to quickly discover and minimize pollution sources. Likewise, AI and ML applications in construction processes enhance planning, scheduling, and facility management
Key drivers for smart and sustainable practices in the built environment
Get PDFPurposeThe construction industry has been evolving in recent years through the adoption of smart tools such as building information modeling to reduce the complexity in the construction process and optimize the project's goals. This paper aims to identify and assess the key drivers for the implementation of smart sustainable practices in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachInferential and descriptive statistical techniques were employed in analyzing the data collected via an international empirical questionnaire survey deployed in soliciting the perceptions of 220 construction professionals across 21 countries. Factor analysis was used to categorize the identified key drivers into their underlying clusters for further discussion. Also, the data were analyzed based on the various groups and regions of the study's respondents.FindingsThe key drivers (KDs) are related to the technical competence of staff as well as knowledge and awareness level within the industry, issues related to organizational and project's strategy and policies, availability of financial resources and development of relevant standards and policies to aid its execution among others. A comparative analysis of the perceptions of the different respondents' groups was undertaken and discussed.Practical implicationsThe analysis of the key drivers for the implementation of smart and sustainable practices in the construction industry is expected to aid the decision-making of the relevant stakeholders as well as serve as a consultation instrument for government agencies in their design of localized policies and guidelines to aid smart and sustainable urbanization. The findings revealed the gaps in the implementation of smart and sustainable practices in various climes and organization setups and provided useful and practical strategies for addressing the current hindrances during implementation.Originality/valueThe study has generated valuable insights into the significant drivers that can enhance the implementation of smart and sustainable practices across regions. It is evident that synergy among the relevant stakeholders in the built environment will help accelerate the implementation of smart sustainable practices in the construction industry. The study findings have provided profound contributions to theory and research as well as to industry practice
Critical success factors for building information modelling (BIM) implementation in Hong Kong
Get PDFPurpose – Some initiatives have been proposed and implemented to facilitate successful project delivery and improve coordination and collaboration in the design, construction and management phases of project development. Building information modeling (BIM) is one of those initiatives that, though recent, however, have made a significant impact on the construction industry in some countries. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – This paper aims to explore the critical success factors for BIM implementation in the architecture, engineering and construction industry of Hong Kong through a mixed research method (structured empirical questionnaire survey and expert interviews). Findings – The most influential success factor relates to the client’s acceptance with BIM projects, proper organizational structure to support a BIM system within the company and financial aid from the government to set up the BIM system. The expert interviewees also stressed the need for willingness from project staff members to learn and utilize BIM. Practical implications – This study has contributed to the establishment of more practical and effective strategies for ensuring full adoption of BIM in Hong Kong. Practical recommendations for enhancing BIM adoption in the construction industry were highlighted. Originality/value – This study has established the key drivers leading to the success of BIM implementation in Hong Kong, as well as in the perspective of construction experts on how to enhance its uptake in construction projects
Factors affecting delays in rail transportation projects using Analytic Network Process: the case of Iran
Get PDFDelays in the implementation and commissioning of rail transportation projects can cause economic dam-ages to project stakeholders and the cities linked by such rail networks. Hence, the current study aims toinvestigate the key delay factors and provides salient recommendations. In this study, multi-criteria deci-sion-making–the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and the DEMATEL (Decision Making trial and evalu-ation laboratory) method was employed to help decision-makers in prioritizing these delay factors andevaluating their interactions, respectively. A Delphi approach was used to validate the study’s findings viaexpert questionnaire surveys–based on a rail transportation development project for the MobarakehSteel Complex (MSC). The study’s findings revealed the management factors as the most important delayfactors, followed closely by the financial, design, and implementation factors. Other potent issues includethe existence of numerous decision-making stations, lack of central role, and sufficient authority for theproject managers are responsible for project delays. Overall, the results show that resolving problemswith the‘management’domain can significantly avoid or alleviate the extent of delays in rail transporta-tion development projects. The study’s findings and recommendations can serve as a policy and consulta-tive instrument for the relevant stakeholders in the railway industry
Integration of Building Services in Modular Construction: A PRISMA Approach
Get PDFModular construction is gaining worldwide attention. Building services are the systems that make buildings comfortable and efficient. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems provide heating, cooling, lighting, energy distribution, and water services. Modular construction integrates building services into prefabricated modules at the manufacturing site, which are then transported to the construction site. A systematic review (SR) of building services integration within modular construction is thus necessary. Prior to the SR, a quantitative analysis of the retrieved 115 publications from the Scopus database was explored. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guide, 13 relevant publications from the Scopus database and via the Research Rabbit application were profiled. MEP systems integration approaches and research needs were examined. Recent literature emphasizes technology integration and sustainability, while early studies laid the framework for modular approaches. The findings highlight the potential of digital technologies like building information modeling (BIM) and recommend a holistic framework for the entire building’s lifetime, from design to operation. Future research directions include performance studies, modular building service adaptation, and industry-wide standards building. Researchers and practitioners seeking to improve modular construction methods and integrate complex building services will gain insights from this study
