Digital Commons Network^™

Innovative Approaches To Qa/Qc In Construction: Current State, James O. Toyin, Anoop Sattineni

CIB Conferences

The construction industry has long faced inefficiencies in Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), often relying on manual inspections. As construction demands increase and projects become more technologically advanced, there is an urgent need for innovative QA/QC methods that enhance precision and efficiency. While attempts have been made to integrate technology into QA/QC practices, gaps remain in comprehending precision and efficiency, documenting and synthesizing these advancements. This paper addresses this gap by conducting a critical review of emerging digital technologies in QA/QC and identifying future research directions with construction 6.0 speculations for 2050. A structured critical review methodology was …

Understanding Potential Challenges In Demolition Robot Teleoperation To Inform Interface Design: Insights From Industry Professionals, Zihao Wang, Patrick Borges Rodrigues, Yiyang Fang, Lucio Soibelman, Burcin Becerik-Gerber, Shawn C. Roll, Gale M. Lucas

CIB Conferences

Teleoperation is receiving intense attention due to its potential to address health and safety concerns for construction workers caused by on-site hazards. It allows operators to control robots from a distance outside their field of view using wireless communication technologies. Currently one of the most frequently deployed robotic technologies in construction is the remotely operated demolition robot within the field of view. While distance teleoperation offers great potential for enhancing worker safety and addressing labor shortages, the complex and dynamic demolition sites present unique challenges. This paper introduces the preliminary results of a study that explored potential challenges in demolition …

Improving Supply Chain Efficiency Through Traceability Technology Adoption In Residential Construction: A Waste Process Approach, Tim Rose, Tendai Makasi, Stephen Kajewski, Sara Rashidian

CIB Conferences

The construction industry has been increasingly adopting traceability technology to capitalize on various delivery benefits and improve production efficiency. Such benefits include enhanced supply chain management, improved project efficiency, improved sustainability and blockchain integration. Further, construction companies are investing in building product traceability to address growing consumer interest in transparency relating to material provenance and quality and to ensure materials are sourced sustainably and comply with regulations. Despite these benefits, analysis of how traceability technology can improve supply chain efficiency has been limited, particularly in the residential construction sector. Utilizing a case study, this research pilots a new approach in …

Is Construction Material Science Lagging Other Industries?, Matt Stevens, Alan Todhunter, Laura Almeida, Anthony Butera

CIB Conferences

For over a decade, construction material researchers have largely ignored the world’s largest publicly accessible molecular database, The Materials Project. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with material databases is the new starting point for innovating products in the construction industry. More well-documented advancements in material performance have occurred in this century thus far than the last one. Coupled with Machine Learning, the possibility of rapid construction product improvement is realistic, given several verified breakthroughs in other fields. This is an efficacious way to approach advancement. Highly accurate data provides AI with the needed information to connect molecular dynamics with decision-making …

Proposed Framework For Llm-Based Feedback In Leed Assignments, Zhenlin Yang, Gabriel Castelblanco, Laura Cruz-Castro, Maryam K. Multani

CIB Conferences

This study investigates the potential of large language models (LLMs) to enhance feedback generation for written assignments, with a focus on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects. Through a systematized review of 70 studies, we identify key trends, including a predominance of structured (52.63%) and argumentative inputs (21.05%) and iterative feedback mechanisms (64.91%), which align with LEED’s criteria-driven workflows. However, gaps remain in addressing technical inputs (3.51%) and scalable automated feedback systems tailored to LEED-specific needs. To address these challenges, a conceptual framework is proposed, emphasizing advanced natural language understanding, real-time iterative feedback, and automated validation systems to …

Socio-Political Risk Analysis Of Public Private Partnership (P3) Affordable Housing Projects In Ghana: A Case Study Of Three Projects, Ivan Asamoah, Shirley N. Tandoh

CIB Conferences

The implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has driven numerous governmental initiatives aimed at achieving these targets. Considerable progress has been observed globally, particularly among developing nations, in the pursuit of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by the year 2030. However, despite these advancements, many countries, especially in the developing world, continue to face significant challenges in fully realizing this objective. In Ghana, the public-private partnership (PPP or P3) model has been adopted as an approach to facilitate successful housing projects.

This study critically examines various affordable housing projects in Ghana to identify potential risk …

The Evolving Landscape Of Procurement Methods In The Construction Industry: A Literature Review, Iresha D. Jayasinghe, Niluka Domingo Dr, An Le

CIB Conferences

The construction industry has acknowledged that novel procurement methods could improve project deliverables quality, reduce costs, and speed up construction. It is vital to examine the available procurement methods for decision-making regarding the correct procurement method to deliver projects effectively. This study explores the evolving landscape of procurement methods and how these new methods address current challenges and meet industry requirements. For this, a critical review was conducted on the Scopus database. Based on the analysis of 48 pieces of literature out of 1795 articles, trends in procurement and influential factors were identified. The four main procurement methods are traditional, …

Enhancing Indoor Thermal Comfort In Educational Settings Through Adaptive Hvac Control And Seating Recommendations, Qinghao Zeng, Marwan Shagar, Kamyar Fatemifar, Pardis Pishdad, Eunhwa Yang

CIB Conferences

Traditional HVAC systems in educational buildings often fail to meet the diverse thermal comfort needs of students due to their reliance on generalized standards such as ASHRAE guidelines. This lack of adaptability could lead to reduced comfort and productivity of students , as well as limited options for them to adjust to their environments. Changing clothing insulation levels seems to be the most practical solution for them. Consequently, the goal of this research is to enhance thermal comfort in the educational indoor environment, specifically focusing on classrooms, by developing a method to create individual thermal profiles for students and apply …

Bim And Safety Integration For Steel Erection Using Intermeshed Steel Connections, Tolulope Oyeyipo, Jose Avila, Ibukun Awolusi, Arturo Schultz, Debra Laefer, Salam Al-Sabah

CIB Conferences

The construction industry faces persistent challenges in the aspect of worker safety and health, particularly with the frequently occurring injuries, illnesses, and fatalities caused by falls, struck-by, and ergonomic hazards, among others. The use of steel as a construction material has increased the scale and complexity of projects by introducing more intricate design, production, fabrication, and especially the erection processes which impact the safety and health performance of steelworkers. Studies have shown that steel connection systems, specifically innovative systems such as the intermeshed steel connection (ISC) can play critical roles in moderating the types of hazards steelworkers are exposed to. …

Factors Affecting The Capacity And Capability Of The Commercial Building Sector In New Zealand, Chinthaka Atapattu, Niluka Domingo Dr

CIB Conferences

The construction sector also appears to have suffered a significant impact from the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years. Therefore, properly identifying the capacity and capability of the NZ construction industry and improving construction resilience is crucial. Hence, this study focuses on the commercial building sector by conducting an in-depth case study on recently completed commercial buildings in NZ. The study was carried out through 13 semi-structured interviews with the stakeholders of the selected case who had sound knowledge and experience on the case. According to the study, 90% of the participants pointed out that proper communication and team …

Indigenous Engagement Role In Sustainable Pipeline Construction: Canadian Insights, Haroun Elyasir, Iyad Al Hasan, Ahmed Hammad

CIB Conferences

This paper examines the pivotal role of Indigenous engagement (IE) in fostering sustainable pipeline construction in Canada. It delves into how meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities contributes to social acceptance and project success. it examines how IE impacts the ESG score for pipeline projects, which in turn, affects the cost of capital for proceeding with projects. Using a case study, the paper finds that Indigenous engagement plays a crucial role in determining the weight and score of the social component in ESG evaluations. It concludes that improvements in Indigenous engagement can lead to a lower cost of capital, ultimately enhancing …

Artificial Intelligence For Early Decision-Making Optimization In The Use Of Modern Methods Of Construction In Housing Projects In Chile, Leonardo Javier Caamaño, Andrés J. Prieto

CIB Conferences

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) represent a significant opportunity to address the stagnation of productivity in the construction sector, offering advantages such as reduced uncertainty in schedules and costs, minimized waste, and improved sustainability. However, in Chile, the adoption of MMC remains low due to limited information and the lack of early integration in project planning, leading to subjective decision-making. The OptimizIA project, developed by CDT, proposes an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict and recommend the most suitable MMC solutions based on specific project conditions. This tool supports objective early decision-making in housing projects.

The research involved piloting the …

Predicting And Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality In Educational Environments: Latest Trends In Ai And Machine Learning Applications, Abdurrahman Baru, Marwan Shagar, Anshi Vajpayee, Jin Lee, Graham J. Moore, Eunhwa Yang

CIB Conferences

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) affects students' health and academic performance who spend substantial time in school environments. This systematic literature review article explores how Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) can predict and enhance IEQ within educational environments. A systematic review of 20 articles published between 2021 and 2024 was conducted using the PRISMA method, with all articles retrieved from the Scopus database. This article addresses three key research questions: 1) What IEQ factors are measured in university buildings, and why are they studied? 2) Which IoT sensors are employed in university buildings, and how are their data collected …

Framework For Building Energy Management: Seasonal Benchmarks For Optimizing Thermal Comfort, Jeongyoon Oh, Abdurrahman Baru, Eunhwa Yang, Baabak Ashuri

CIB Conferences

Given the critical role of indoor thermal comfort in occupants’ well-being and productivity, this study conducted preliminary research to develop a framework for energy management strategies that emphasize thermal comfort and seasonal variations in energy consumption from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Using a kindergarten facility in South Korea as a case study, the research collected real-time data on indoor thermal conditions and energy usage over one year through an IoT-based sensor network. K-Means clustering was employed to identify distinct energy consumption patterns. The main findings are as follows: First, the cluster analysis identified three significant patterns corresponding …

Into The Workers' Domain: Witnessing A Construction Site Accident, Richard Brett

CIB Conferences

Construction site safety campaigns, for example ‘zero accidents’, pursue a goal, either genuinely or fantastically, for the way construction sites should perform. Critics accuse the advocates of these lofty goals as being unrealistic to the everyday working nature of construction which will always have inherent and irremovable hazards. When construction site accidents do occur the moment of harm is invariably instantaneous. Witnessing these events first hand, especially as a researcher, is a rare occurrence. While undertaking a short-term ethnography on a building site the author observed a minor accident unfold and captured it with a video camera. The data collected …

Circular Economy In Disaster Recovery: Life Cycle Approaches To Debris, Mojtaba Parsaee, Tarlan Abazari, Wes Bedwell, Mohsen Goodarzi, Emma Harvey

CIB Conferences

This study explores how circular economy principles and life cycle thinking can enhance environmental sustainability in disaster recovery and debris management. Conventional linear disaster management practices primarily rely on landfilling debris, which imposes significant environmental burdens. To address this challenge, this research investigates the environmental impacts of two circular strategies, involving recycling and reuse, as sustainable alternatives to linear practices. A bottom-up, archetype-based, cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment model is developed to quantify the environmental impacts of debris management strategies, particularly in terms of landfill dependency, material conservation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The model is tested using the case study …

A Conceptual Framework For Implementing Digital Twins In Infrastructure Upgrades And Retrofits, Kofi A.B. Asare, Rui Liu, Chimay J. Anumba, Dolly Na-Yemeh

CIB Conferences

The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 emphasizes the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. An important pathway to achieving this goal is to upgrade and retrofit existing infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions, which is a top priority of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the United States. Existing research has recognized that Digital Twins (DTs) are valuable for retrofits. Yet, current efforts are fragmented, focusing on specific types of infrastructure, and do not provide an approach that can be applied to the aggregated infrastructure stock. The variety of infrastructure systems makes focusing on DT-based methods for infrastructure upgrades …

Connection Of 2022 World Build Congress Proceedings To The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Michael Behm, Nicholas Tymvios

CIB Conferences

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The built environment plays a significant role in achieving these goals. Recognizing this and embracing the role the UN played in establishing CIB, the theme of this World Building Congress is “sustainable built environment – the role of the construction community in meeting the UN SDGs”. This research evaluated the 2022 World Building Congress proceedings for their connection to the UN SDGs. A literature review, the UN SDG definations, …

How Innovation Is Impacting Productivity In The Construction Industry: A Review And Case Study Of The Canadian Research Landscape, Brandon Searle, Jeff H. Rankin

CIB Conferences

The construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift focused on innovation leading to increases in producitivity and sector sustainability. This paper explores opportunities for innovation and collaboration to influence productivity within the construction sector, encompassing project delivery and organizational structures, project management practices, and the development of construction materials and products. Recent innovations include the adoption of modern construction methods like prefabrication and modular construction, which have been proven to increase producitvity, minimize waste and reduce emissions while enhancing worker safety and product quality. Digital technologies play a crucial role in improving management and planning accuracy, coordination, and the optimization …

Building Sustainable Cities And Communities: Contribution Of Digital Twins To A Sustainable Built Environment, Ahmad Al Ayoubi, Ashtarout Ammar, Hisham Abou Ibrahim

CIB Conferences

The widespread adoption of Digital Twins in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry is transforming project dynamics across multiple phases. Digital Twins promises to optimize workflows, enhance process control, and elevate overall project quality throughout the project lifecycle. Despite the immediate benefits observed, the enduring correlation between Digital Twins and fostering a sustainable built environment requires more in-depth exploration. This paper investigates the pivotal role of Digital Twins in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 11, which centers on sustainable cities and communities. Drawing on insights extracted from the existing research, a systematic literature review …

Construction Industry's Dysfunctionality - A Case Of Stakeholder Behaviour In South Africa, Patricia N. Mazibuko Chalwa, Musonda Innocent Professor, Trynos Gumbo Professor

CIB Conferences

Abstract

The construction industry in South Africa is a critical driver of economic growth and infrastructure development. However, it faces significant challenges due to stakeholder behaviours including conflicting interests, poor communication, lack of trust and thus hindering its efficiency & effectiveness resulting in project delays, budget overruns, elements of criminality as well as compromised quality, characterizing the industry’s dysfunctionality. This study examines the key stakeholders’ behavior, viz. clients, regulators, consultants & contractors and its contribution to inefficiencies, project delays, and cost overruns impacting the industry.

Through a mixed-methods approach comprising surveys, interviews and case studies, the research identifies the root …

Enabling Rapid And Reusable Visualization Of Construction Operations Using Simulation And Game Engines, Samira Mirhasani, Joseph Louis

CIB Conferences

Meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals will require the fast, efficient, and economic development of physical infrastructure systems using innovative construction means and methods. However, the fragmented nature of the construction industry prevents the ready testing and analysis of the impact of such untried methods on the construction site, especially regarding their potential impact on the rest of the construction site system. This can discourage the adoption of innovative methods in the construction industry. This paper presents a solution that enables the rapid testing of novel construction methods in virtual environments by integrating discrete event simulation (DES) and visualization using …

Project, Material, And Investment As Perspectives On Value And Waste In The Life Cycle Of Building, Kathrine Godsvig Laursen, Therese Neel Dirchsen, Haseebullah Wahedi, Kim Haugbølle

CIB Conferences

The aim of this paper is to explore and synthesise different perspectives on value and waste in the built environment to gain a holistic understanding of how value and waste emerge throughout the life cycle of building. The research design employs an integrative literature review of various models used by different stakeholders in different activities in the built environment. The findings suggest that the models represent different perceptions of value and waste in the life cycle of building and conceptualise three different perspectives: Building as Project, Building as Material, and Building as Investment. Each of the perspectives focuses on different …

Towards The Achievement Of Sustainable Built Environment: The Role Of Community-Based Facilities Management Of Urban Public Spaces In Cape Town, Uche Ordor Mr, Kathy Michell Professor

CIB Conferences

Rapid and often unsustainable urban growth is a challenge that cities of the world face. Challenges faced include rapid population growth, urbanisation, which leaves municipalities playing catchup with the provision of infrastructure and services, as well as accessible public spaces. These challenges tend to foster the development of slums, selective access to economic opportunities, social exclusion, and urban poverty. Arguably, the development of informal socio-economic systems occurs at various levels in response to the lack of access to formal socio-economic activities and jobs and ultimately threaten the sustainability of the built environment (BE). The City of Cape Town, South Africa, …

Integration Gaps And Dilemmas In Mobility Platforms: An Empirical Study In Norway, Aashish Adhikari, Alenka Temeljotov-Salaj, Mahgol Afshari, Agnar Johansen

CIB Conferences

Digital Platforms, including web-based and smartphone applications, are essential drivers of digital transition and sustainability for smart city development. The mobility sector is a critical sector where sustainability can be achieved through digital transformation. This study explores the role of digital mobility platforms in driving sustainable transport in smart cities. The study utilized a qualitative approach through an empirical investigation of 27 mobility platforms in Norway. A thematic analysis was done where information from the platform usage and ownerships were extracted from the identified platforms' smartphone applications and web counterparts. Many platforms featured CO2 emission savings, ride-sharing information, integration of …

The Roles Of Architects And Urban Designers In Facility Management, Bintang Noor Prabowo

CIB Conferences

This study explores the distinct roles of architects in building-level Facility Management (FM) and urban designers in Urban-Scale Facility Management (Urban FM) to bridge the gap between design and facility operations. By clarifying these roles, the research aims to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that FM principles are integrated from the early design stages to improve long-term sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in both buildings and urban environments. A scoping literature review was conducted to examine existing research on FM, Urban FM, and the contributions of architects and urban designers. The study reviewed academic literature to identify best practices, challenges, and knowledge …

The Envisage Methodology Applied To Building Renovation: Its Adoption From A Facility Management Perspective, Beatrice Bartolucci, Francesca Frasca, Chiara Bertolin, Anna Maria Siani

CIB Conferences

In construction sector there is a growing interest in using Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate both embodied and operational carbon emissions during retrofitting interventions. Opting for durable interventions, even in restoration projects, with extended lifespans can result in reduced embodied carbon emissions throughout the building's lifecycle in the near and mid-term future. Preserving historic buildings during restoration poses a significant challenge, necessitating a meticulous selection of materials used for renovation. To this purpose, this paper introduces a novel methodology, named ENVISAGE, that combines Life Cycle Assessment with the concept of nearly Zero Emission Refurbishment. This dual approach aims to align …

Integrating Circularity In The Design Of Future-Proof Retail Spaces, Juan Pablo Garrido, Claudio Martani, Nazly Atta, Cinzia Talamo, Giancarlo Paganin

CIB Conferences

Urban areas are major contributors to CO₂ emissions and waste, with redevelopment activities further intensifying their environmental impact. The current gradual shift from physical retail to e-commerce is expected to exacerbate this trend, potentially leading to significant conversions of vacant retail spaces and increased urban waste and energy use. Adopting a circular economy approach - emphasizing efficiency, waste reduction, and decarbonization - can support sustainable urban development, particularly in the event of such transformations. This requires designing retail spaces with flexibility and modularity, though such approaches may involve higher costs. This study proposes a method to evaluate the economic …

A Conceptual Framework For Intelligent Scaffolding Monitoring System, Xiaowei Wang, Chien-Ho Ko, John A Haug

CIB Conferences

Scaffolding safety is a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, researchers have proposed various safety monitoring approaches. However, current intelligent monitoring systems fall short of fully integrating real-time data, and predictive capabilities, reducing their overall effectiveness in ensuring scaffolding safety. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework to advance the intelligent scaffolding monitoring system based on cyber-physical systems (CPS) and digital twins (DT) integration. The framework focuses on developing a DT-enabled scaffolding risk assessment model (SRAM), a sensor-based real-time data collection system, and an intelligent cyber-physical scaffolding risk alert. This research provides essential insights for …

Automatic Quantity Takeoff For Irregular Areas Of Architectural, Engineering, And Construction Objects From 2d Drawings, Hang Li, Jiansong Zhang

CIB Conferences

Accurate cost estimation of construction projects relies on precise quantity takeoffs (QTOs), which conventionally has been conducted on 2D drawings, and despite the fast development of Building Information Modeling (BIM), remains a predominant practice. This study focuses on the development of a boundary detection algorithm utilizing computer vision techniques for extracting the shapes of infrastructure elements such as buildings and bridges from 2D PDF drawings. The aim is to enhance information extraction capabilities, particularly for QTOs of complex shapes such as the areas of irregular bridge decks. Utilizing computer vision technologies, the algorithm aims to accurately delineate the boundaries of …