Digital Commons Network^™

Nerf-Enhanced Digital Twin For Building Anomaly Inspection Using Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uass), Ahmad Gholizadeh Lonbar, Kaiwen Chen

CIB Conferences

Building facade inspections are crucial for ensuring structural integrity and occupant safety, traditionally requiring physical access that can be costly and risky. Recent advancements have seen the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) equipped with imaging technologies to facilitate these inspections. However, the primary challenge remains in the effective detection and precise localization of facade anomalies, such as cracks, stains, and specifically, thermal anomalies. This paper investigates the fusing of diverse data sources, specifically thermal infrared (IR) imaging and high-resolution RGB data, to enhance 3D registration of thermal anomalies. Utilizing a Computational Neural Radiance Field (NeRF) approach, it aims to …

Adaptive Segmentation Of Thermal Anomalies In Buildings Using Human-In-The-Loop Active Learning Capsule Networks, Yining Wen, Kaiwen Chen

CIB Conferences

Buildings account for 40% of energy consumption in the U.S., with significant energy losses stemming from poor insulation and leaks. To meet decarbonization goals by 2050, efficient methods for diagnosing and retrofitting thermal anomalies are essential. Infrared thermography (IRT), combined with emerging technologies like computer vision and deep learning, offers the potential for automating thermal anomaly detection and segmentation. However, challenges such as building diversity, scenario variations, and labor-intensive image annotation hinder model reliability and robustness. This study proposes a human-in-the-loop active learning approach to fine-tune the pretrained Capsule-based network (CapsLab) to enhance adaptability to new building scenarios efficiently. Using …

Sam-Based Segmentation Of Multi-Class Bridge Components From Diverse Real-Scene Inspection Images, Shengyi Wang, Yuxiang Huang, Nora El-Gohary

CIB Conferences

Traditional bridge inspection methods rely on manual visual inspection, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially dangerous. Automated inspection approaches, which use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and computer vision, aim to address this issue. However, three knowledge gaps remain. First, although considerable research has been conducted on defect detection and segmentation in bridge inspection, there has been limited focus on segmenting and characterizing specific bridge components that contain defects. Such segmentation provides essential contextual information for understanding the importance of defects for maintenance decision making. Second, existing bridge component recognition approaches face challenges in generalizing across various scenarios, especially in close-range …

A Case-Study-Based Investigation On The Planning And Development Of Tiny Home Communities In North Carolina, Lin Whipkey, Jianxin Hu

CIB Conferences

Tiny homes have gained popularity over the past two decades. However, tiny homes have encountered obstacles to being considered as primary dwellings because most local zoning ordinances do not fully adopt them as a permanent dwelling type. Only a few counties (5%) and municipalities (6%) in North Carolina adopted tiny homes in their ordinance. A multiple-case study is employed to investigate eight communities in North Carolina. The developers, property owners, municipality officials, and county planners are interviewed. Other methods include studying the communities' general layout and amenities and reviewing zoning ordinances, property records, and site plans. The data are analyzed …

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 The Performance Trends In Leed-Certified Schools In Massachusetts: Analyzing Scorecards For Sustainability Insights, Jung Hyun Lee, Bilge Gokhan Celik, Shaghayegh Kurzinski, Amine Ghanem

CIB Conferences

Schools are essential environments for student development, with the quality of these buildings playing a significant role in shaping students’ learning experiences. Several factors, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, and daylight access, can impact both student well-being and academic performance. Therefore, evolving government regulations and updates to sustainable building standards, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications, have prioritized enhancing the quality of school buildings. This study aims to identify the trends within LEED for school certifications between 2019 and 2024 by examining each rating system category to determine whether these trends vary across categories …

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. …

Nondestructive Assessment For Detection Of Low-E Coatings On Insulating Glass Units, Hamed Khaleghi, Parisa Salehi, Didem Ozevin, Aslihan Karatas

CIB Conferences

Insulating glass units (IGUs) are widely used in buildings due to their enhanced insulation properties and energy efficiency capabilities compared to single-pane windows. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are designed as an application on IGUs to reduce the penetration of infrared and UV radiation into the buildings without compromising the daylight exposure. However, these coatings can degrade over time due to environmental exposure, reducing their insulating effectiveness, which leads to increased energy loss and diminished occupant comfort. Therefore, detecting the presence of low-E coatings in IGUs becomes important for evaluating and maintaining their efficiency. To this aim, this study conducts a nondestructive …

A Review Of The State-Of-The-Art Of Rainscreen Cladding Performance In Residential Building Walls, Hevar Palani, Thanh Vo, Mahabir Bhandari, Aslihan Karatas

CIB Conferences

This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of rainscreen cladding performance in residential building walls, with a focus on their moisture management capabilities, integration with windows, and use of exterior insulation to enhance building durability and energy efficiency. Rainscreens effectively control moisture and protect buildings from the weather, but challenges exist, particularly in integrating windows without disrupting the wall system's thermal and moisture performance, cost of rainscreen walls, and maintenance need. To address these challenges, this study involved two main approaches: (1) conducting an in-depth review of existing research, industry resources, and key documents from the Rainscreen Association in North America …

Sustainability In Valuation: Emerging Ai-Driven Real Estate Approaches, Mihaela Meslec, Isabelle Wrase, Matthias Haase

CIB Conferences

In response to evolving sustainability regulations, this study addresses the need to quantify sustainability within real estate valuations. Traditional Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models face limitations in capturing the full impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, resulting in undervaluation of sustainable assets. The proposed solution shows the evolution of the DCF model into a meta-instrument for the real estate life cycle integrating sustainability and digitalization. The future proof DCF framework introduces seven key new tech approaches driven by emerging AI and established Building Information Modeling: dynamic cash flow and discount rate adjustments, predictive sustainability analytics, scenario modeling, advanced …

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 …

From Energy To Health: Role Of The Ventilation Systems In Energy-Retrofitted Buildings, Elham Maghsoudi Nia, Atze Boerstra Prof

CIB Conferences

The transition towards zero-energy buildings by 2050 has driven retrofitting initiatives across Europe, focusing on renovating existing buildings through improving insulation, solar panel installations, window replacements, and implementation of heat pump systems. While these retrofitting strategies contribute to energy efficiency, they also introduce new challenges related to indoor air quality and occupant health, particularly in highly insulated, and airtight buildings. This paper aims to investigate the intersection of energy retrofitting of buildings and occupants' health, with a specific focus on mechanical ventilation systems. By reviewing relevant literature on health issues and energy retrofitting in buildings, building-related illness is explored. The …

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 …

The Impact Of Hygrothermal Aging On Stability And Water Pressure Resistance Of Building Envelope Membranes, Mohammad Hossein Yari, Elnaz Esmizadeh, Marzieh Riahinezhad, Itzel Lopez-Carreon, Esrat Jahan, Peter Collins, Maurice Defo, Lin Wang, Elena Dragomirescu

CIB Conferences

Building membranes, specifically those designed as water-resistive barriers (WRBs), play a pivotal role in construction, serving as protective barriers against moisture infiltration from environmental stresses like wind-driven rain, thereby influencing the durability of buildings. As these materials age, changes in their structure can significantly affect their performance in resisting water ingress, with potential implications for the durability of building structures. Therefore, this research investigates the transformative effects of hygrothermal aging on the water-resistance performance, hydrophobicity, chemical integrity, and thermal resistance of the WRBs with a specific focus on non-woven polyethylene, self-adhesive polyethylene, and asphalt-saturated kraft paper, which represent a diverse …

Dwelling Overheating In Cool Climates: Evidence From Monitoring, Mark Mulville, Seamus Harrington, Ciara Ahern, Omprakash Ramalingam Rethnam

CIB Conferences

To date, much of the research on overheating risk in dwellings has been focused on warmer climates, there is however increasing ­concern regarding overheating risk in dwellings including in cool climates, exacerbated by both large scales retrofit and the potential impacts of climate change. Dwelling overheating has been linked to impacts on sleep, health and wellbeing, including increased rates of mortality and morbidity. This paper explores overheating risk in dwellings in cool climates using Ireland as use case. Ten representative vernacular Irish dwellings were identified and monitored over the summer months of 2024 (June-August inclusive). To understand the role and …

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 …

Digital Twin Insights From A Green Star-Rated Learning Environment, Ashvin Manga Mr., Theo C. Haupt, Chris James Allen Mr.

CIB Conferences

This study investigates the application of digital twin technology to enhance energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in a Green Star-rated learning environment. Focusing on Nelson Mandela University’s Business School, the research employed a mono-method quantitative approach, gathering real-time data through IoT sensors. The sensors were integrated into a digital twin platform using AWS IoT TwinMaker, enabling multi-sensor collaborative visualisation of building performance data. Findings reveal that CO₂ levels frequently exceeded recommended limits, even at moderate occupancy, indicating ventilation inadequacies. Additionally, the performance gap between design expectations and operational outcomes was highlighted, especially regarding energy efficiency and IEQ, suggesting …

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 …

A Theoretical Exploration Of Digital Technologies For Transitioning Towards A Circular Built Environment., Idris Soliu, Giovanni C. Migliaccio

CIB Conferences

Circular Economy and Digital Technologies are emerging models recently identified as potential fields for achieving sustainable practice in various industries, including the built environment. Circular Economy has emerged as an alternative to the conventional linear "take-make-use-dispose" system of production and consumption to design out waste, reduce CO₂ emission, and regenerate nature through principles of circularity. While digital technologies have been identified as critical enablers of the circular economy across sectors, their implementation in the built environment remains fragmented. This paper presents a theoretical exploration of how digital technologies, such as Building Information Modeling, Digital Twins, the Internet of Things, …

Unveiling The Untapped: Extracting Tacit Knowledge From Experienced Construction Workers Through Visual Attention Interfaces, Patrick S.W. Fong

CIB Conferences

This research explores novel methods for extracting tacit knowledge, which is the expertise often unarticulated and difficult to explain. Due to its implicit nature, effectively transferring this knowledge traditionally requires close interaction with experienced construction workers. This paper proposes utilizing visual attention-based human-computer interfaces (HCIs) to understand and potentially capture this valuable knowledge. Building on the link between eye gaze and unconscious thought, the research focuses on developing interfaces that track the visual attention of experts during tasks where their expertise shines. This paper presents two novel HCIs that enhance the capabilities of traditional gaze tracking:

Hybrid Eye Tracking with …

Review On Strength Properties Of Graphene Incorporated Sustainable Concrete By Reducing Cement Quantity, Balkis A, Shashank B. S, Rajesh Goyal, Anil Kashyap

CIB Conferences

Abstract

Graphene, an allotrope of carbon with outstanding mechanical, physical, and thermal properties, is increasingly gaining recognition in scientific research. Its unique nanostructure has revolutionized cement composites by enhancing their mechanical strength, durability, and overall performance. The construction industry is actively exploring new, sustainable materials that improve the mechanical properties of concrete. Graphene-based nanomaterials like Graphene oxide (GO), Graphene Nanoplates, and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have gained significant attention due to their superior reinforcement capabilities. This study examines the impact of GO in cement composites incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, silica fume, rice husk ash, and geopolymer …

Air Quality In Smart Cities: Beyond Technology, Katerina Prevelianaki, Fred Sherratt, Christian Henjewele, Nezhapi-Delle Odeleye

CIB Conferences

Being ‘smart’ remains a prominent goal that many cities wish to achieve, not only for the excitement the awarding of ‘smart city status’ can generate, but also because smart cities are seen as the way to overcome current and future urban challenges. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is globally recognised for their standards, and in 2019 they released their Smart City Indicators standard (ISO 37122) which has since become a leading standardised methodology adopted by city leaders to guide their city smartness efforts. The ISO 37122 also links its smart city indicators to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development …

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 …

International Comparison Of Environmental Policies For Housing And Buildings -Comparison Of Environmental Assessment Indicators In Japan And Germany-, Satoka Takahashi, Shin Murakami

CIB Conferences

Environmentally oriented efforts are expanding on a global scale to realize sustainable, diverse, and inclusive societies. In research on the rehabilitation of housing complexes, there is a need to establish evaluation criteria and consensus-building methods that include consideration for the earth, health, and welfare. The purpose of this study is to show how to establish rehabilitation and evaluation criteria for housing complexes in an era when sustainability and the global environment should be considered. Currently, global environmental and sustainability considerations are discussed only at the Society level. However, we believe it is important to give a global environmental and sustainability …

International Comparison Of Training Goals In Wooden Construction Education - Focusing On Contents Of Wooden Building Systems -, Rio Shibata, Shin Murakami, Miho Akita, Norie Kawano, Satoka Takahashi

CIB Conferences

To contribute to realizing a decarbonized society, the use of wood in buildings is being promoted worldwide. In recent years, new structures, construction methods, and materials for large wooden buildings have been developed. Support for the acquisition of design techniques, construction techniques, and techniques for understanding the performance of wooden buildings has become indispensable for introducing wooden construction. Japan and Finland have abundant forest resources and a long history of wooden construction. In recent years, the relaxation of regulations and the development of new materials have accelerated the movement toward the realization of large wooden buildings. The purpose of this …

Circular Renovation Of Urban Infrastructures: A Multi-Project Perspective, Shahab Ashrafi, Hans Wamelink, Ruben Vrijhoef

CIB Conferences

The construction sector is a significant contributor to global waste. With growing concerns about sustainability, adopting circularity in construction projects has become increasingly important. The urban infrastructure sector has characteristics that present valuable opportunities for circularity. This research explores these opportunities by focusing on the renovation of urban infrastructure components through a multi-project perspective. This innovative approach in the field of circular economy reveals new possibilities for material reuse by integrating material flows across multiple projects. By identifying the supply and demand of secondary materials, designers can incorporate them during the redesign phase. Additionally, the synchronization of project phases can …