Digital Commons Network^™

Integrating Flood-Resistant Design And Construction Strategies In Sustainable Homes In The Central Valley: Effective Approaches For New And Existing Structures, Matthew Gomes, Vivien Luo, Manideep Tummalapudi

CIB Conferences

As climate change intensifies, California’s Central Valley faces unprecedented weather events, including increased flood risks, leaving homeowners vulnerable, especially those in disadvantaged communities. This paper, based on a master’s thesis, examines effective strategies for integrating flood-resistant design and construction practices into new homes and retrofit solutions for existing homes by assessing local flood vulnerabilities. Employing a mixed-methods approach grounded in an extensive literature review, this study combines a homeowner survey with qualitative interviews with local design, construction, and development professionals in the residential sector. Insights from the survey informed the interview design, enabling a deeper exploration of challenges specific to …

Strategic Solutions To Align Contractor Capacities With Water Infrastructure Demands: A Case Study, Hamidreza Peivastehgar, Monty Sutrisna, Mostafa Jelodar, An Le

CIB Conferences

This research investigates solutions for bridging the gap between future water infrastructure demands and the contractor capacities in Watercare’s service zone. Using forecast models to evaluate urban infrastructure requirements and contractor capabilities, this study identifies significant discrepancies and explores three strategic approaches: capacity enhancement, project rescheduling, and external contractor attraction. The methodology includes data-driven forecasting, scenario analysis, and stakeholder consultation. Findings highlight the importance of proactive planning to ensure alignment, with implications for policy development and infrastructure management.

A Holistic Approach To Managing Built Assets' Life Cycle Carbon Footprint, Jaehyun Park

CIB Conferences

As part of sustainable development, the architecture, engineering, and construction industry is under increasing pressure to minimize its environmental impact, specifically carbon emissions across the life cycle of built assets. Achieving carbon neutrality requires a robust and accurate approach to quantifying and managing emissions from both existing and new assets throughout their life cycle. This paper introduces a holistic approach to life cycle carbon footprint management. In alignment with EN 15978 and EN 15804+A2, the life cycle is divided into distinct stages: production, construction, use, end-of-life, and activities beyond the life cycle. The study explores the application of various tools …

Exploring Policy Influences On The Adoption Of 3d Concrete Printing Technology: A Hypothetical Model, Jimmy Zhou, Don A.S. Samarasinghe, James O B Rotimi Prof, Zhenan Feng

CIB Conferences

The global construction industry faces mounting pressure to innovate for sustainability and efficiency, with 3D concrete printing emerging as a transformative technology. Despite its potential, significant challenges such as technological immaturity and insufficient policy support hider widespread 3DCP adoption. Drawing on lessons from the adoption of Building Information Modeling in the United States and Hong Kong, this paper addresses these policy gaps by developing a conceptual framework that facilitates 3D concrete printing adoption.

Through a systematic review of 30 publications and a qualitative content analysis, this study identifies and synthesizes 17 key policy factors across six policy dimensions into a …

A Bim-Enhanced Approach To Evacuation Planning In University Environments For Optimizing Safety, Mohamed Elrifaee, Tarek Zayed, Ali Hassan Ali, Eslam Saleh Dr., Sulemana Fatoama Abdulai, Lee Max Jwo Lem

CIB Conferences

In an era of dynamic challenges, ensuring safety in large public spaces is crucial. The spatial layout and arrangement of obstacles in the built environment significantly impact evacuation performance. This research explores crafting evacuation plans and egress strategies, focusing on how spatial layouts and obstacles impact performance, with an emphasis on the complex environment of university campuses. This goal can be achieved by utilizing BIM, which serves as a persuasive resolution to the aforementioned challenges, thereby improving the evacuation planning procedure and significantly enhancing pedestrian safety. The BIM model focuses on providing comprehensive information about all possible evacuation routes accessible …

Examining Key Factors Influencing Safety Behaviors Of Young Workers In The Construction Sector, Qinjun Liu, Hayden Ward

CIB Conferences

Young workers form a significant portion of Australia’s construction workforce but face heightened risks due to inexperience and insufficient safety measures. The construction industry accounts for 20% of fatalities in this age group, exacerbated by factors such as inadequate training, peer influence, and poor workplace safety culture. Despite these risks, there is limited research on the safety behaviors of young construction workers. This study addresses this gap by investigating key factors influencing the safety practices of workers aged 18-24 in the Australian construction sector. Through a comprehensive literature review and correlation analysis, this research examines how individual characteristics and safety …

Evaluating Key Performance Resilience Indicators For A Public-Private Partnership In Critical Infrastructure, Godslove Ampratwum, Robert Osei-Kyei, Vivian Wy Tam

CIB Conferences

Many studies have advocated for public-private partnership (PPP) as a medium to build critical infrastructure resilience. Considering how PPP is greatly advocated for in critical infrastructure resilience, the performance measurement of public-private partnership has yet to be explored. As such this study aims to evaluate key performance resilience indicators (KPRIs) that can be used to assess the performance of PPPs formed to build critical infrastructure resilience. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted with experts in PPP and critical infrastructure resilience in Ghana. Mann-Whitney U test and Mean score ranking was used for data analysis. The results indicate respondents from public …

A Review Of Bim And Rfid Integration For Circular Economy In Construction, Igor T. Lopes, Yelda Turkan

CIB Conferences

The construction industry (CI) is at a pivotal point as sustainability becomes increasingly critical across all sectors. Digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) are emerging as powerful tools to drive efficiency and sustainability in construction processes. However, integrating these technologies within a circular economy (CE) framework presents significant challenges and opportunities. This systematic literature review (SLR) delves into the current state of using BIM and RFID tags to support circularity in the CI while investigating the potential of using digital technologies to develop strategies for resource management, waste reduction, and materials reuse. This SLR …

Foundations Of Resilience: Integrating Māori Cultural Values Into New Zealand's Sustainable Construction Paradigm, Regan Potangaroa, Marama Tepania, Elrasheid Elkhidir Dr

CIB Conferences

The integration of Māori cultural values into the construction sector, as pursued by CanConstructNZ, relates to managing shocks and stresses by promoting resilience and sustainability. Shocks and stresses in the construction industry, such as economic downturns, natural disasters, or labour shortages, challenge the sector's ability to deliver projects effectively. This paper looks at the fusion of cultural values with sustainable development highlighting the role of construction in bridging ‘’traditional’’ values with modern sustainability goals.

Factors Affecting Residential Property Values: The Case Study Of Kimberly, South Africa, Nomzamo Mdunyelwa Miss, Christopher Amoah Dr

CIB Conferences

Kimberley is a mining town in South Africa that has witnessed increased property values over the years. This study aimed to establish the factors contributing to the increase in residential property value in Kimberley. A quantitative research approach was used to attain the research objectives. Data were collected from 200 participants: landlords, tenants, estate agents, and property investors. Data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study found that people in the case study area generally perceive property values as high. The main factors affecting the hike in residential property …

Sustainable Workforce Health: Exoskeleton Effects On Posture And Performance In Repetitive Lifting For Labor-Intensive Industries And Construction, Mohamad Iyad Al-Khiami, Søren Munch Lindhard Dr, Søren Wandahl Prof.

CIB Conferences

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most frequently reported injuries among industrial workers, primarily due to prolonged exposure to awkward postures. While ergonomists emphasize process and equipment redesign, exoskeletons offer a promising supplementary solution for improving workplace ergonomics. However, the effectiveness of different exoskeleton designs remains understudied. This study employs an experimental approach to evaluate the impact of two passive exoskeletons—(A) HAPO SD and (B) BISKO—on posture and task performance during repetitive lifting activities. Postural assessment was conducted using an AI-driven software that analyzes posture based on the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. The findings indicate that both …

The Influence Of 4ir On Human Factors In Construction Health And Safety In South Africa, Isabella Chandi Miss, Musonda Innocent Prof, Rebecca Alowo Dr

CIB Conferences

This article seeks to evaluate the influence of 4IR and human factors on the construction health and safety in South Africa to provide an effective framework for improving construction health and safety in South Africa. The construction industry has been identified as one of the most hazardous industries in many parts of the world, as measured by work-related mortality, workers’ compensation, injury, and fatality rates. The researchers adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively address the research questions and employed SPSS analysis to examine safety factors related to work pressure and their effects on compliance with …

What Mental Health Topics Do Female Practitioners Discuss In The Construction Industry? A Qualitive Literature Review, Shuang Zhang, Maggie Tang, Sherphard Chidarikire, Shaleeza Sohail, Ali Alashwal

CIB Conferences

The construction industry in Australia is characterized by a notably low representation of women among professional groups, the lowest across all major industries and sectors. Women who enter the industry frequently face harassment and discrimination and encounter fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to their male counterparts. There is still a clear lack of awareness and understanding among female practitioners in the construction industry regarding mental health issues. Therefore, this research addresses this significant gap through a qualitative literature review, analysing over 129 published research papers. The findings were assessed using content analysis to pinpoint the primary barriers that female …

Smart City Digital Twin: A System-Of-Systems Approach, Rana Khallaf, Chimay Anumba, Gabriel Castelblanco, Makarand Hastak

CIB Conferences

The concept of smart cities has emerged to battle the problems facing cities from rapid urbanization and mismanagement of resources. In order to monitor and control these large-scale environments such as cities, digital twins were proposed. These digital twins represent a large-scale environment virtually and connect it to the physical world. However, complexity arises when studying these cities. A city is a complex system of interconnected systems, or a system-of-systems (SoS), according to definitions by systems engineering. To understand how SoS can be applied to a smart city digital twin, a literature review is first conducted on SoS applications in …

The Reluctance Of A Self-Selected Cohort Of Construction Managers In Ireland To Report Work-Related Stress., Patrick J. Bruce Dr., Victor Hrymak Dr, Carol M. Bruce Dr

CIB Conferences

Workplace stress in the construction sector is reported to have negative implications for employees and work practices. Although much literature exists on workplace stress, one relatively unexplored area within the field, is the reporting of stress-related concerns. This study investigated the hesitancy to report workplace stress from a sample of construction managers in Ireland. Using semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis, 25 construction managers were interviewed about their reluctance to report workplace stress to their employers. Participants noted an inability to report workplace stress due to fear, stigma, and possible repercussions. The main causes of this workplace stress reported by …

Stakeholder Partnership Barriers Towards Achieving Net Zero Carbon Building, Justina Falana, Robert Osei-Kyei, Vivian Wy Tam

CIB Conferences

As the world is shifting towards achieving NZC (net zero carbon) by 2050, the building sector is acknowledged as a promising way towards achieving this objective. Besides, the transition towards NZCB (net zero carbon building) has been slow. This calls for the immediate attention and partnership of the stakeholders to assist in achieving carbon emissions reduction in the building sector. However, even though realizing NZCB relies on effective stakeholder partnerships, it is still a struggle for these stakeholders to syndicate. Nevertheless, only limited studies have adequately explored the barriers impeding the effective partnership of the stakeholders in delivering NZCB. Meanwhile, …

Four-Fold Framework For Process Information Management And The Suitability Of In-House Developed Tools In Lean Construction Operations, Jeferson S. Shigaki, Ko Matsuda, Kota Yoshifuji, Takuma Sugiyama, Shunsuke Someya, Norihiko Goto

CIB Conferences

This study has proposed expanding the orthodox two-fold Production Planning & Control (PP&C) model into a four-fold framework aiming to rationalize intermediate construction management activities by incorporating Lean Construction concepts while adapting them to the socio-technical characteristics of the local industry. Then, it verified the suitability of in-house-developed and joint-developed tools devised to assist existing work processes and routines, which used to operate regardless of formalized lean tenets. However, because they embed similar principles, the hypothesis that certain functions could be helpful in the realization of the Last Planner System (LPS) methodology was examined. This research has employed the Design …

Assessing Ai Techniques For Precision In Property Valuation: A Systematic Review Of The Four Valuation Methods, Wajhat Ali, Don A.S. Samarasinghe, Zhenan Feng, James O B Rotimi Prof

CIB Conferences

Property valuation is a critical component of real estate management, influencing decisions on investments, sales, and financing. Traditional methods, such as Linear Regression and Multiple Regression Analysis, often struggle to address the complexities of modern property markets. In response, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers innovative solutions by utilising advanced models for more accurate predictions of property value. This paper presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using Scopus database, focusing on 37 selected papers. It evaluates the effectiveness of key AI models in property valuation, assessing their predictive power, interpretability, robustness, and flexibility, and examines how well these models generate reliable valuations …

Ai In Construction Project Management Education: Insights From The 'Ai For Construction Project Management' Summer School, Ania Khodabakhshian, Fulvio Re Cecconi

CIB Conferences

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the outcomes of 'AI for Construction Project Management' summer school, a pioneering program that received the 2024 CIB Vistas Funding for its role in advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in construction project management. The summer school comprised six sessions that introduced a range of AI techniques—including Machine Learning (ML), Probabilistic Graphical Models, Computer Vision, And Digital Twins—each designed to automate and optimize key construction tasks. The program engaged 162 participants from industry and academia, representing diverse educational and professional backgrounds. During the introductory sessions and hand-on exercises, the participants explored real-world challenges such …

Human-Centered Construction Organizations: Analyzing The Integration Of Lean Construction Principles With Human-Centric Approaches, Ali Bidhendi, Mani Poshdar, Mostafa Jelodar

CIB Conferences

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the advancements of digital transformation and the emerging paradigm of Industry 5.0. While these developments bring opportunities for increased efficiency and productivity, they also present challenges in integrating human-centric approaches within the digital transformation initiatives. While both lean construction principles and human-centric approaches aim to improve organizational performance, their integration and mutual relationships remain understudied. This paper examines the intersection of human-centric approaches with lean construction principles in construction organizations, focusing on the concept of Human-Centered Construction Organizations (HCCOs) advancing sustainability objectives aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals …

Assessment Of Interdependency For Building Components In Facility Management, Ashish Kumar Pampana, Soojin Yoon, Theodore J. Weidner

CIB Conferences

This research presents a systematic approach for assessing component interdependencies within building subsystems in relation to unplanned maintenance (UPM). Utilizing a three-step methodology—quantitative content analysis, component causal relationships, and interdependency analysis—the study leverages work order description data to identify key components and their interactions. By applying social network analysis to top keyword and term frequency data, the study examines component centrality, revealing critical interdependencies that impact maintenance needs. Findings show that specific components, such as the steel damper and supply fan, play prominent roles within the subsystem network, with significant ripple effects in case of failure. This methodology not only …

Metaverse And Gamification In Civil Engineering Teaching: Case Studies, Synergies And Practical Applications, Niels Bartels, Carla Pütz

CIB Conferences

The integration of gamification and metaverse-based teaching presents a transformative approach to civil engineering education, addressing the demand for digital, innovative and collaborative skills. By leveraging gamification’s ability to enhance motivation, engagement and comprehension, alongside the immersive, accessible, and practical nature of metaverse environments, these methods can significantly improve learning outcomes. Two case studies from German universities highlight the distinct and complementary benefits of these approaches. Gamification fosters intrinsic motivation, deepens understanding of technical concepts, and enhances collaboration through game-based elements. Meanwhile, the metaverse facilitates realistic simulations, time- and location-independent learning, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Combined, these …

Open Building And Its Implementation In Architectural Education: From Reality And Practice To Pedagogy, Beisi Jia

CIB Conferences

The open buildings movement was one of the important architectural movements in the late 20th century. Open buildings have significantly contributed to the criticism of modernism and promoted sustainable architecture. However, the teaching concepts and methodology of open buildings still need to be integrated into traditional architectural design methods. In this work, a design course is introduced and analyzed on the basis of a joint teaching program with three universities in China. This study aims to demonstrate a set of teaching methodologies for students to experience the concepts of stability and mobility in design. The study first introduces the objectives, …

Strategic Facilities Management Contingencies Implemented By Office Real Estate Owners In Response To Drought Risks In Cape Town, Saul Nurick Dr, Kathy Michell Professor, David Porter Mr

CIB Conferences

Climate change has impacted the natural water supply in South Africa. This has resulted in a more intentional adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, specifically within the context of real estate. Water management is one of the key ESG factors, which became apparent to office real estate owners during the 2018 drought in Cape Town. Strategic facilities management (FM) is recognised as the crucial link to ensure that strategic real estate goals are achieved. A form of strategic FM pertaining to water is defined as water management features and initiatives (WMFIs). The research comprised a multiple case study …

Advancing Circularity: A Review Of Technologies For Material Data Traceability In The Built Environment, Navoda Ranasinghe Mr., Niluka Domingo Dr, Ravindu Kahandawa

CIB Conferences

The construction industry is at a critical intersection, confronting the two challenges of rapid growth and the increasing demand for circularity. Implementing integrated information systems for tracking, managing, and evaluating material data is crucial for accelerating circular economy adoption in the built environment. Traceability is a vital element in the circular economy, enabling the tracking of material data throughout its entire lifecycle. However, there is no structured method to trace data from the extraction to the end-of-life stage, leading to the direct disposal of waste in landfills following the lack of comprehensive data. Thus, this study aims to identify digital …

Energy Consumption Intensity Indicators And Sustainability Benchmarking In The Hotel Industry: Perceptions Of Stakeholders In The Dach Region, Alexander Schick, Alexander Redlein

CIB Conferences

Current legislation mandates that some parts of the European hotel industry implement intensity metrics and benchmarking systems to monitor its environmental impact for non-financial reporting purposes. Comprehending and optimizing resource consumption is crucial for enhancing sustainability and boosting operational efficiency. This research aims to develop intensity indicators to measure energy consumption relevant to the hotel industry and create a framework for efficient benchmarking clusters. Using a qualitative research approach, 16 semi-structured interviews with four stakeholder groups from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) are conducted to gain in-depth insights from different perspectives. Grounded Theory and content analysis serve as a methodology …

Interpretable Modelling Of Greenhouse Environment Through Sindy Approach, Hanyu Zhou, Yifan Ding, Chang’An Liu, Hongyi Wang

CIB Conferences

Modelling of greenhouse environment is crucial for maintaining the optimal environment for crop growth. Digital twins are widely used in greenhouse modeling due to their real-time reflection of reality. However, most existing Digital twins for greenhouse are based on data-driven models. This method is highly dependent on the dataset and lacks interpretability and generalizability. In this study, a knowledge-infused data-driven model was built by using sparse identification of nonlinear dynamical systems (SINDy). We collected 1927 sets of environmental data from a solar greenhouse in the cold region of China during the period from 22 February to 28 February 2024, and …

A Whole Life Cycle Approach To Circular Economy Interventions In The Residential Sector: Systematic Literature Review, Dona Iresha Chandanie Gurusinghe, Usha Iyer-Raniga, Trivess Moore

CIB Conferences

The residential sector is responsible for substantial resource consumption, waste generation, and pollutant emissions. This is largely due to the conventional linear economy model, which relies on resource extraction and generates significant waste and emissions through a "take-make-dispose" approach. This linear market approach is incompatible with a low-carbon future. In contrast, the Circular Economy (CE) promotes a sustainable closed-loop system that prolongs and optimises resource utilisation, benefiting economic, environmental, and social domains as required for a low-carbon future. The concept of CE remains under-explored in the residential sector. This paper presents a systematic literature review of existing CE interventions in …

Effects Of Dormitory Design Factors On Migrant Workers’ Mental Health In Singapore, Tianxiang Lan, Yang Miang Goh, Hanxiao Wang, Xinping Hu

CIB Conferences

Migrant workers face vulnerability and unique mental health challenges in their host countries. Housing designs may affect the residents’ mental health, yet few studies have investigated this relationship in the migrant worker dormitory context. In this study, we investigated this question by surveying the design factors of migrant workers’ dormitories and their mental health states measured by the short version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). We found that those migrant workers’ mental health is correlated with whether one has a pleasant window view, defined as green, blue (water feature) or long-distance view. The findings suggest that the elements …

Research On Sustainable Regeneration Design Of Slums Under Urbanization Process--The Case Of "Male" Slum In Rio De Janeiro, Di Gao, Wen Ouyang, Yu Jia Zhou

CIB Conferences

As global urbanisation accelerates, slums, as an important component of urban development, face challenges of resource scarcity, environmental degradation and social exclusion. This paper examines the causes of Brazilian slums and the historical evolution of Rio de Janeiro's slums, discusses their unique historical context and social dynamics, and analyses examples of slum governance and practices from around the world to summarise design principles for sustainable slum regeneration. Taking Male, the third largest slum in Rio de Janeiro, as an example, we analyse the current environment, identify the key issues and challenges it faces, and propose design strategies such as the …