Digital Commons Network^™

Skills For Success As A Frontline Supervisor: Focus Group Results, Sulaiman Al Sultan, Timothy Becker, Kristen Parrish

CIB Conferences

Frontline supervisors (FLS), commonly referred to as foreman/person, play a critical role in the construction industry; they direct craft laborers and oversee production at the workface. They are generally responsible for ensuring that specific construction scopes are completed on time, safely, and with appropriate quality. For the purposes of this paper, a FLS is defined as, “a person that is competent in their trade and leads a team of craft personnel and directs them in their day-to-day activities.” This paper elucidates the key skills and experience required for success in this position based on a thematic analysis of 15 job …

Exploring Insurance Options And Innovations For Contractor Risk Management In Ghana's Construction Industry, Samuel Oppong Sarpong, Modupe Cecilia M.C Mewomo Dr, Francis Kwesi Bondinuba, Anthony Nansie, Anthony Bangdome Dery

CIB Conferences

Abstract: Purpose: This study examines various insurance options and innovations for managing contractor risk in Ghana's construction industry.

Design: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the existing insurance options and innovations used in other countries for contractor risk management. Additionally, interviews were conducted with construction industry experts and insurance professionals to gather insights and perspectives on the applicability of these options in the Ghanaian context.

Value of the Study: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an in-depth analysis of insurance options and innovations for contractor risk management, particularly within Ghana's construction industry. It highlights significant …

Challenges In Developing Digital Twin Systems: Insights From A Case Study, Orgil Borjigin, Timothy Bernard, Carrie Sturts Dossick, Amos Darko, Bart Treece, Travis Thonstad, Michael Motley

CIB Conferences

The United States faces significant challenges with its aging infrastructure, which is both deteriorating and expensive to maintain and rehabilitate. Bridges, being core components of connecting communities and facilitating trade, receive considerable attention from the public and government agencies. However, the traditional ways of monitoring bridge health conditions, often reliant on visual inspections, are inadequate for ensuring their sustained performance. In recent years, the concept of digital twins offers innovative solutions that have the potential to transform the ways the industry can monitor the structural performance of bridges. This approach pairs physical assets with their digital counterparts, leveraging real-time data …

Ai Tools In Project Practice (Design Process, Platforms, Open Building), Sergey Rybakov, Aleksandra Shibaeva

CIB Conferences

The article provides an overview the application of AI-practices in the architectural and design practice (narrow AI/ANI’s). Various directions of introducing these tools into the process (from generative design to reinforced collaborative systems & AI-actors) are considered. The main emphasis is on two aspects: application of AI to ensure the Open Building Implementation concept (within the framework of open construction). How to open buildings ideas react on these practices. How open systems can be complemented with these tools. How the OB-principles (modularity, “openness” itself, users-inhabitants design decisions making & designing process with multiple participants ets.) may change when applying AI-ideas. …

Assessing The Sustainability Skills Gap Between Industry Needs And Academic Training In Construction Management, Minsoo Baek, Hayoung Kim, Ryan Manuel, Soowon Chang

CIB Conferences

According to the Building Science Education Guidelines, construction managers must evaluate the integration of whole building systems and analyze building science principles, particularly regarding energy efficiency and building enclosure, to promote sustainable construction. However, current construction management (CM) programs often lack comprehensive training in these areas through design and construction integration. While curricula include some building science and systems training, available resources remain scattered or limited to specific topics, potentially misaligning with industry needs. In this respect, this research examines the sustainability skills gap between industry practice and academic curricula. Using a task inventory analysis approach, this research identifies key …

A Review Of Research On Enhancing The Post-Disaster Recovery Of Interdependent Critical Infrastructure Systems, Jiaxu Huang, Nan Li

CIB Conferences

Due to the increasing frequency of disasters, the ability to quickly recover from disaster-induced damage is crucial for critical infrastructure systems (CISs). The interdependencies among CISs pose a challenge that must be effectively addressed to ensure more efficient recovery measures. To enhance the resilience of interdependent CISs, an increasing number of studies have utilized simulations or real-world data to understand the mechanisms of these interdependencies and proposed possible solutions in the post-disaster phase. This paper examines this area of research and categorizes existing studies into simulation-based and data-driven approaches, summarizing existing strategies for improving interdependent CIS resilience through expedited recovery …

Sdg 12 Sustainable Consumption Through Reduction Of Cost Overrun By Identification Of Major Construction Waste Components Using The Pareto Rule, Gabriel Nani, Priscilla Dufie Darko, Blessing Mawunyo, Emmanuel Owusu

CIB Conferences

The United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDGs 11 and 12, emphasizes sustainable cities and responsible consumption. The construction industry, with its high material consumption and waste generation, is a key player in achieving these goals. Waste not only escalates environmental concerns but also contributes significantly to cost overruns- a critical issue in construction projects worldwide. This study aims to identify the major construction waste components driving cost overruns and propose effective management strategies. The quantitative research method was employed, involving a questionnaire survey of 101 construction professionals. Purposive sampling and Cochran’s formula were used to determine a …

Critical Review Of Biodiversity Criteria In Sustainable Real Estate Finance, Maria Holopainen, Inari Virkkala, Antti Kinnunen, Seppo Junnila Professor

CIB Conferences

The speed of global biodiversity loss has highlighted the urgency of directing more capital into nature-positive investments. Subsequently, green real estate finance has an important role to play in filling this finance gap. Against this backdrop, the paper employs a case study methodology to critically review the harmonies and disparities between two alternative approaches to incorporate biodiversity in the building sector: the EU Taxonomy, representing a regulatory “top-down” push for minimum standards, and the “Biodiversity Building” concept which portrays an industry-driven “bottom-up” approach aimed at ecological regenerativity. The analysis reveals some fundamental differences between the scope, content, and applicability of …

Examining The Prevalence Of Job Stressors Among The South African Construction Workforce, Mohlomi T. Raliile

CIB Conferences

This study examined the prevalence of job stressors among the construction workforce in South Africa. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of organisational, extra-organisational, and personal stressors among the workforce. This exploratory study was conducted on a conveniently sampled population of construction personnel under three categories: construction professionals, construction artisans/tradesmen and construction labourers. A questionnaire survey was distributed to collect quantitative data via Google Forms and email, and some were distributed manually on construction sites to capture the labourers. In this cross-sectional study, and the respondents were individuals employed by civil and building construction companies. Face validity was used, …

Exploring Potential Bim Application Across The Project Life Cycle Of Public Sector Construction Projects: The Case Of Tanzania, Abdullatif Said Abdallah, Hemanta Doloi, Dominik Holzer

CIB Conferences

Despite its proven benefits, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has witnessed limited adoption in developing countries. In response, recently, there has been a significant increase in research works investigating BIM in developing countries. These studies have investigated various aspects of BIM adoption and implementation, including barriers/challenges, drivers/enablers, benefits, implementation strategies, BIM awareness, and adoption rates, among others. However, there has been an absence of studies that have attempted to explore the potential application of various BIM functions across the construction lifecycle of public sector construction projects in the context of a developing country, such as Tanzania. Accordingly, the present study seeks …

Reimagining Community Engagement: A Social Network Driven Approach To Flood Resilience, Olutayo Ekundayo, David Proverbs, Subashini Suresh Dr, Chaminda Pathirage, Ezekiel Olatunji

CIB Conferences

Community Engagement (CE) is crucial for building flood resilience and empowering communities to participate actively in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. However, many existing CE approaches neglect key social dimensions, such as inclusivity, social vulnerabilities, and community-driven strategies. This oversight often limits community ownership and reduces effectiveness. This research critically examines the social drivers of community engagement in flood resilience, emphasising the need for a Social Network approach to strengthen social connections, enhance participation, and foster sustained resilience. A review and synthesis of existing literature, spanning disaster risk management, flood resilience, social networks, behavioural science, and community engagement, identifies key …

Partnership Formation In Ppp Networks: The Impact Of Social Network Factors Across Sectors And Jurisdictions, Jose Guevara, Luis Herrera, Gabriel Castelblanco

CIB Conferences

Partnership formation among equity investors in Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects presents a key challenge, especially in multi-sector, multi-jurisdiction contexts. This research investigates the factors influencing these partnerships across six European countries, focusing on road and social infrastructure sectors. Using Social Network Analysis (SNA) and the Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure (MRQAP), data from 988 PPP projects were analyzed. The findings show that strong previous collaborations and the closeness of equity partners within the network are critical in forming partnerships. Sponsors that have a history of working together or are connected through shared partners are …

Management’S Perspective Of Safety Culture In The Construction Industry: Cross-Cultural Insights From Australia And China, Yiqin Yu, Shang Gao, Yao Wang, Wenqi Li, Yuecheng Huang, Dongping Fang

CIB Conferences

The construction industry’s high accident rates underscore the importance of a strong safety culture as a critical strategy for improving safety performance. Developed countries like Australia have successfully embedded safety culture into their practices, achieving significant safety advancements. In contrast, developing economies such as China face persistent challenges in fostering mature safety culture, despite notable efforts by academia and industry practitioners. Recognizing the pivotal role of management in driving a positive safety culture, this study explores how construction management teams in Australia and China perceive, adapt, and implement safety culture within their respective socio-cultural and regulatory contexts. Using a qualitative …

Stakeholder Orientation Dimensions For Enhancing Safety Performance, Eunice Achina Agyemang, Musonda Innocent, Sam Zulu

CIB Conferences

In the high-risk construction industry, it is essential to optimize safety performance to improve project outcomes, establish a strong organizational reputation, and ensure the safety of workers. Despite ongoing safety efforts, accidents persist, highlighting the need for improved safety strategies. Thus, this study examines how stakeholder orientation (a principle of stakeholder theory that emphasizes the importance of addressing diverse stakeholder interests) impacts safety performance in construction projects. Using the PRISMA framework, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 744 articles from Scopus database. A total of 20 relevant papers were discovered and thoroughly analysed. Six dimensions of stakeholder orientation …

A Comparative Study On The Performance Of Traditional And Collaborative Construction Projects, Sina Moradi, Piia Sormunen

CIB Conferences

Since the emergence of collaborative project delivery models, there has been some anecdotal evidence on the superiority of their performance results compared to the construction projects delivered through traditional delivery models. In this regard, this study aims to investigate and compare the performance of traditional and collaborative building construction projects in terms of time, cost, quality, safety, and the constructed building’s energy consumption in the use phase. To do so, the required data were collected through a web-based survey from project practitioners in Finland, Norway, Bahrain, Iran, USA, UK, and Australia. According to the findings, the addressed collaborative construction projects …

Qmqa: An Intelligent Question Answering Method For Quality Management Of Prefabricated Buildings Based On Knowledge Graph, Gaotong Chen, Xiaer Xiahou

CIB Conferences

Quality compliance inspection is an essential procedure to enhancing the quality of prefabricated buildings. However, the current method for extracting specific legal compliance from regulatory texts is a both time-consuming and knowledge-intensive process. Aiming at the problem of insufficient knowledge service in this field, this paper proposes an intelligent question answering method for quality management of prefabricated buildings based on knowledge graph (QMQA). This method introduces a novel neural network model that integrates BERT with an attention based-bidirectional long short term memory network (AB-BiLSTM). First, a fine-tuned BERT model is used to analyze unstructured text and assign specific semantic tags …

Implementing Lean Construction For Sustainable Project Delivery: Enhancing Efficiency To Meet The Un Sdgs, Esra Tepeli Ph.D.

CIB Conferences

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to deliver cost-effective, environmentally sustainable projects. Lean Construction (LC) provides a framework for improving efficiency by minimizing waste and optimizing resource use, making it well-aligned with global sustainability goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This paper explores the strategic application of LC principles to promote sustainable practices throughout the construction lifecycle. By reviewing LC's alignment with the SDGs, we propose a framework for integrating Lean practices to enhance environmental, social, and economic outcomes. The paper highlights how LC contributes to goals such as climate action, resource efficiency, and …

Ai-Based Safety Training Systems For Hispanic Workers In Construction, Gulzhanat Akhanova, Chien-Ho Ko

CIB Conferences

Hispanic workers represent about one third of the total workforce of the construction industry in the United States. Nevertheless, this demographic has disproportionately higher rates of fatalities and injuries. Each year, over 300 Hispanic workers lose their lives due to construction related incidents. Various efforts have been made to prevent casualties among this population, of which safety training has been found to be the most effective. However, traditional safety training methods have not been found to be adequate, particularly failing to address barriers such as language differences, cultural factors, immigration concerns, and issues related to construction operation skills. A potential …

Exploring Social Equity And Cultural Indicators In Sustainable Road And Highway Infrastructure Development In Ghana, George Okyere Dokyi, Osei Kwame Kwakwa, Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, John Tookey

CIB Conferences

This study explores the integration of social equity and cultural indicators in sustainable road and highway infrastructure development in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 professionals in the construction industry, including engineers, project managers, and consultants. The research aimed to uncover challenges and effective strategies in addressing social and cultural dimensions of infrastructure projects. Thematic analysis of interview data, facilitated by ATLAS.ti software, revealed three key areas of concern: community engagement and public participation, worker health and safety, and traffic congestion management. Findings indicate that while stakeholders recognize the importance of these factors, significant challenges …

Machine Learning Techniques To Forecast Fatal Accidents On Construction Sites In Brazil, Filipe Dos Santos Freitas, Mirian Caroline Farias Santos, Roseneia Rodrigues Santos Melo, Paulo Henrique Ferreira, Dayana Bastos Costa

CIB Conferences

Global estimates indicate that the construction industry has one of the highest rates of occupational accidents. Given this scenario, the sector has adopted emergent technologies to improve safety conditions and decision-making. Thus, machine learning (ML) emerges as a promising tool to streamline data analysis besides being used to predict events based on datasets. In construction, the use of the ML model to predict site accidents remains emerging without studies using historical data from emerging South and Latin American countries. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a prediction model using machine learning for fatal accidents using historical data from construction. The …

Exploring The Nexus Between Sustainability And User Satisfaction In Leed-Certified Hotels, Mohsen Goodarzi, Sajjad Naseri, Mojtaba Parsaee, Tarlan Abazari

CIB Conferences

As sustainability is becoming crucial in the hospitality industry, understanding its influence on guest satisfaction is crucial for fostering competitive advantage. This study investigates the relationship between LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification criteria and guest satisfaction in LEED-certified hotels. Using data from 259 LEED NC-v3 projects and aggregated guest reviews from multiple travel platforms, regression analyses were conducted to identify the most influential sustainability factors. The findings reveal that Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA) are the strongest predictors of guest satisfaction, demonstrating that targeted sustainability measures significantly enhance the guest experience. Mediation analysis …

Collaborative Design Technologies And Methods For Sustainable Built Environment, Kalle Kahkonen, Jaakko Huusko, Taija Puolitaival

CIB Conferences

In the present design process, designers still operate relatively alone, each in their own "swimming lane". Coordination between different design trades typically takes place in BIM coordination meetings organized by consultants. The process is reactive, and the feedback loops are long and error prone. Reaching successfully multi-criteria design solutions can be very difficult. This is eminently a burning issue with sustainability which is imposing new criteria and requirements for design solutions. Collaboration is widely understood as a necessity to successfully manage the ever-increasing complexity and demands of construction. Advanced collaboration consists of frequent reliable information sharing and constant working together. …

A Systematic Review Of The Mitigating Factors For Emergency Response In Facilities, Haruna Domanamwin Abudu, Modupe Cecilia M.C Mewomo Prof., Kofi Owusu Adjei Dr., Francis Kwesi Bondinuba Prof.

CIB Conferences

This research aims to identify effective practices and strategies that improve preparedness and response capabilities by examining the factors contributing to mitigating challenges in emergency response. A comprehensive literature review was adopted to analyse current trends, case studies, and expert opinions regarding global emergency response infrastructure. The review synthesised existing research and case studies and provided insights into practical experiences and perspectives from diverse operational contexts. The research highlights 11 factors categorised into 7 key factors that contribute significantly to mitigating challenges in emergency response. These factors include community engagement and capacity building, policy and governance, technological integration, collaboration and …

Exploring And Comparing Gendered Experiences In Construction Management Education In Ireland, Joanne White

CIB Conferences

Despite efforts by Irish governments and construction industries, women are still distinctly underrepresented in 3rd level construction management courses in Ireland. This study investigates the age-old barriers and challenges faced by women in pursuing careers in construction management, focusing on gender stereotypes, the industry's image, access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) education, and the role of career guidance. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a literature review with semi-structured interviews conducted with eight students from Technological University Dublin. The findings reveal that gender stereotypes remain pervasive, with female students facing challenges such as lack of female role …

Assessing The Current State And Exploring Opportunities And Challenges Of Digital Transformation In Fiber Project Management, Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Nkeleme, Muhammad Mubashar Ehsan, Afolabi Dania, Komali Kantamaneni

CIB Conferences

The telecommunications industry is a pivotal driver of technological innovation, with the global market forecasted to exceed $2 trillion by 2026. This growth is fuelled by the rising demand for broadband services, digital transformation initiatives, and the proliferation of mobile devices. This study assesses the current state, opportunities, and challenges of digital transformation in telecom project management, particularly within fibre projects. It aims to evaluate the impact of process automation on enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative online surveys to ensure comprehensive data collection. The survey, utilizing a 5-point …

What Makes New Zealand Houses Expensive: A Detailed Construction Cost Analysis Of An Energy-Efficient House., Kajavathani Panchalingam, Eziaku Rasheed, James O B Rotimi Prof

CIB Conferences

The escalating global primary energy demand highlights the need for sustainable practices, particularly in the New Zealand residential sector. Despite the proven benefits of well-designed, energy-efficient houses in reducing energy consumption and ecological footprints, misconceptions about high construction and operating costs hinder their wide adoption. Therefore, this study presents a detailed cost breakdown of an energy-efficient house in New Zealand, providing insights into cost distribution and offering a systematic approach to cost planning for future projects. A case study approach was employed, analysing an energy-efficient house with an estimated Homestar rating of 7-8 and a Gross Floor Area of 121 …

Evolving Expectations: A Five-Year Study On Bridging Academia And Industry In Virtual Design And Construction Education, Ralph Tayeh, Fopefoluwa Bademosi

CIB Conferences

The construction industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasing project complexities, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between academic curricula and industry expectations, particularly in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). This study employs a five-year Delphi method to evaluate the skills and knowledge required of fresh graduates, focusing on competencies in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), model management, VDC skills, and collaboration. A panel of 24 experts, evenly split between academia and industry, assessed these competencies, revealing disparities in priorities: academia emphasizes foundational knowledge, while industry demands advanced technical proficiency and practical applications. …

Value Engineering And Decision-Making Process In Façade Project Development: A Real Estate Case Study, Alexandre De Almeida Vasconcelos Mr., Silvio Burrattino Melhado

CIB Conferences

This study explores the application of Value Engineering (VE) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) in the development of a LEED Gold-certified office building in São Paulo, Brazil. The project, characterized by high-end real estate design and sustainability objectives, involved a thorough examination of façade material options, particularly precast concrete panels. The methodology integrates SWARA and WASPAS frameworks for evaluating façade materials, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies for 4D and 5D modeling to enhance decision-making. Key findings highlight significant cost savings through VE, achieving a 27% reduction in initial costs by optimizing façade panel design and crane operations. LCC analysis …

Analysis Of Social Value Creation In Infrastructure Delivery To Achieve The Sustainable Development Goal 3, Omoleye Ojuri, D'Maris Coffman, Priti Parikh

CIB Conferences

Good health and well-being are key indicators and a precondition for sustainable development, allowing people to enjoy fulfilling lives, receive education and be productive members of society. Social value is the positive impact of infrastructure projects on long-term well-being. Infrastructure social value (SV) delivery is a practical national/organisation-level vehicle for realising the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal Three - ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. However, infrastructure SV delivery is often commissioned when the project is well underway or completed, so mechanisms to collect the required data to quantify SV impact were not set up. By that …

Use Of Modular And Offsite Technologies In Construction: Barriers And Pathways To Adoption, Abimbola Windapo, Mochelo Lefoka, Jason Hall, Taahir Narker

CIB Conferences

The construction industry struggles with low productivity, leading to time and budget overruns, ultimately escalating project costs. This research examines the barriers to adopting alternative construction technologies within the South African construction industry, including offsite and modular construction. The rationale for this study is that, despite numerous innovative technologies aimed at improving productivity and performance, these technologies have yet to be fully adopted, resulting in persistent low productivity levels. Through an in-depth literature review, the construction industry's current state was investigated to understand the selected technologies' background better. The research adopted a quantitative approach, collecting data from industry professionals through …