Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

Off-Site Construction Smes Transition To Net-Zero, Nwakaego Onyenokporo, Patricia Tzortzopoulos Prof., Sara Biscaya, Tamiris Capellaro Ferreira, Nic Clear Prof., Rakesh Mishra Prof.

CIB Conferences

With the imperative to combat climate change and achieve net-zero targets by 2050, the construction industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the majority of the industry, often lack the resources and expertise to make this transition effectively. This paper investigates how off-site construction SMEs can implement actions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, focusing on the integration of sustainable practices through Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean principles within a small off-site construction company. Using an action research approach, the study employed iterative cycles of planning, action, 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 …

Analyzine Trends In Capital Construction Expenditures, Ankita Pradeep Joshi, Theodore J. Weidner

CIB Conferences

This research examines expenditures for renewal/renovation construction and research grant income in higher education science and engineering research facilities to identify correlations. A positive correlation suggests income benefits accrue to institutions that preserve facilities while a negative correlation suggests facilities have limited long-term value and replacement is a more cost-effective means to sustain the physical infrastructure. The research has implications for other non-profit agencies and how they determine whether to maintain facilities or allow development of a significant capital renewal backlog.

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 …

Multiobjective Optimization Of Building Performance: Integrated Analysis Of Primary Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, And Embodied Water, Maryam Abbasi Kamazani, Manish Kumar Dixit

CIB Conferences

The construction sector contributes significantly to global energy consumption, carbon emissions, and freshwater depletion. Addressing these pressing challenges requires the development of sustainable and energy-efficient building designs. However, this task is complex due to the interdependencies within the energy-carbon-water nexus of buildings. This study introduces an innovative genetic framework employing a multi-objective optimization approach that integrates EnergyPlus with extensive databases on embodied energy, carbon emissions, and embodied water. The proposed methodology enables a holistic assessment and optimization of total primary energy use, total carbon emissions, and embodied water simultaneously. By varying design parameters related to building geometry and envelope characteristics, …

Framework For Assessing The Sustainability Of Innovative Building Technology, Darmarajan Chinasamy, Abimbola Windapo, Fidelis A. Emuze, Francesco Pomponi

CIB Conferences

The construction industry faces the dual challenge of providing affordable housing while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. In South Africa, many residents are forced to live in informal settlements due to a lack of affordable housing. This study aims to develop a sustainability assessment framework that evaluates the interconnectedness of affordability, social sustainability and environmental impact. The framework emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It incorporates energy consumption and socio-economic impact criteria aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that while sustainable building practices may incur higher initial costs, they offer …

Usability Of Passive Back Exoskeletons And Ergonomic Handles For Transportation Maintenance Workers: A Field-Based Study In Shoveling, Xinran Hu, Xingzhou Guo, Yunfeng Chen, Jiansong Zhang

CIB Conferences

Shoveling activities are associated with back and shoulder injuries due to its high frequency and physical demands. Ergonomic handles and back exoskeletons (EXOs) are two commonly used tools to reduce ergonomic risks and prevent physical injuries during shoveling. Previous research has evaluated the usability of back EXOs in various activities, but most are limited to laboratory environments and there is a lack of research on usability of back EXOs in field shoveling activities. Previous research has focused on modifying the design of ergonomic handles to improve shovel ergonomics, but there has been limited evaluation of ergonomic handles’ usability in practical …

Accra Airport City: Construction Practices And Forms, Arturo Pavani Dr

CIB Conferences

This paper analyzes the scientific theory about African and Global cities and their practices through the analysis of a specific case study, the Airport City business district in Accra, Ghana. The goal of this research is to investigate what are the characteristics that influence this neighborhood’s architectural and urban development, starting from the analysis of its practices and forms. The purpose of the broader research is to investigate the forms and dynamics that shape this urban environment using a problem-driven and phronetic approach that starts from local practice and context and later reframes them within scientific theory.

Identifying Financial Incentives For Green Housing Loans In Low Interest Margin Environments, Lassi Tornberg, Anniina Saari, Seppo Junnila Professor

CIB Conferences

The purpose of this study was to identify financial incentives for consumers in low interest margin housing loan markets, such as Finland, for green housing loans, including both green mortgages and renovation loans. Although green financing is well-researched, the financial viability of green housing loans under the EU Taxonomy as a sustainable financing framework remains underexplored. EU’s revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets Minimum Energy Performance Standards for expediting the decarbonisation of European building stock, with households playing a key role through energy-efficient renovations. The research design comprises two parts: developing a literature-based framework of financial incentives for green …

Generative Ai In Construction: Emerging Trends And Use Cases, Zaid Alwashah, Hexu Liu, Bo Xiao, Shane Mueller, Xiaoyun Shao

CIB Conferences

The construction industry is beginning to explore generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to address complex data management challenges and inefficiencies within traditional workflows, particularly in design, planning, and project management. Although there is growing interest in generative AI in construction, the understanding of its trends and opportunities remains scattered. This paper investigates the current trends, applications, and research needs for generative AI in construction through a bibliometric analysis of 148 publications from Scopus and Google Scholar. The keyword co-occurrence map highlights several search clusters, with a strong focus on "Building Information Modeling (BIM)," "digital twins," "sustainability," "construction safety," "structural and …

Technologies Innovations For The Brazilian Construction Companies Digital Transformation, Alberto C. Lordsleem Jr., Grilândia M. Sampaio

CIB Conferences

The sustainable industrialization and innovation became a recent target in the construction industry, recognized as one of the least digitized sectors in the world. The digital technologies that constitute construction 4.0 can be introduced in all areas or processes of the construction companies with the overall objective of increasing productivity, simplifying work and reducing errors. This paper investigated the main motivations and challenges for digital technologies implementation by construction companies. The research design involved a descriptive and exploratory approach, whose procedure included a literature review to prepare the checklist used in data collection for the case study of six construction …

Bridging Academia And Construction Industry: Insights From Sequential Multi-Internship Experiences, Brandon Fulk, Sogand Hasanzadeh

CIB Conferences

The industry-sponsored internship is a learner-centered pedagogy rooted in the experiential learning model. While existing literature extensively highlights the importance of experiential learning and internships, a significant gap remains regarding the effectiveness of sequential multi-internship programs. This study investigates students' overall experiences within a sequential multi-internship program, leveraging survey data that captures their reflections across three internships. The analysis postulated that generally, students demonstrated increased positive experience from their first internship to their third. Additionally, the study examined how the diversity and number of companies—whether students interned with one, two, or three—impacts their overall experience. These findings inform the development …

Impacts Of Natural Disasters On The Construction Industry: Contractors’ Perspectives, Elrasheid Elkhidir Dr, Suzanne Wilkinson, Regan Potangaroa

CIB Conferences

Contractors are at the core of the construction industry and the forefront of disaster response and reconstruction programs. The resilience capacity and the wellbeing of the contracting industry are crucial. This study investigates the impacts of natural hazard disasters on construction contractors. Semi-structured interviews with twelve senior executives from leading construction firms were conducted, and the data was thematically analysed. The research revealed four prominent themes: opportunities arising from disaster events, workforce and materials challenges, incurred damages and losses, and weather-related disruptions. The increased project demands resulting from damages by disasters constitute growth opportunities for the contractors, and the urgent …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

Unraveling Urban-Rural Sustainable Contradictions, Carmel M. Lindkvist, Morten T. Gjerde, Amy A. Mccormack Ms, Ida Nilstad Pettersen, Brita Fladvad Nielsen

CIB Conferences

While Norway has a vast amount of land in relation to its population, the ongoing development of land in rural mountainous and coastal areas is having an impact on nature. Strategies for implementing densification in cities must also consider the impact on rural areas. Within this research we address the contradictory imbalance of the consumption of nature for leisure/urban escapism with that of the conservation of nature in rural areas. Rural areas are often viewed as an escape from the urban chaos and within Norway fall under a right to have access to nature. This right to nature is primarily …

In Search For Resonance In Architecture: Observations In Kreuzkölln, Björn A. Lundell Architect

CIB Conferences

This study explores the concept of resonance in architecture by examining public life on Admiralbrücke, a vibrant and multifaceted location in Kreuzkölln, Berlin. The primary objective is to understand how people use, relate to, experience, and interact with their urban environment. It seeks to uncover why certain locations within a city become places that attract, inspire, and encourage activity and vibrancy, creating an atmosphere full of life. This research asserts that the qualities of both place and architecture extend beyond mere functionality and must be carefully analyzed. Through systematic observation of the physical environment and human interactions, the study is …

A Novel Approach To Delivering Superabsorbent Polymers For Internal Curing Of Concrete, Chibueze Sylvester Ajuonuma, Raikhan Tokpatayeva, Jan Olek, Kendra A. Erk

CIB Conferences

This study investigates feasibility of incorporating dry superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles as internal curing agents in concrete utilizing two delivery methods: direct addition of the particles and addition of the particles encapsulated in dissolvable bags. The use of dissolvable bags provides a practical method of storing, handling, and dosing pre-measured amounts of dry SAP particles into cementitious mixtures. Concrete specimens containing SAPs were prepared using both methods, and their properties were evaluated through compressive strength tests at 3, 7, and 28 days, flexural strength tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements, and dynamic elastic and shear modulus determinations. Results indicate that …

Geospatial Analysis Of China’S Overseas Development Finance (Codf) Projects With Protected Areas In Africa, Suyash Padhye, Jenan Almullaali, Makarand Hastak

CIB Conferences

Global infrastructure development is booming given the rise in various bilateral and multilateral infrastructure investment initiatives, like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII). These investments have covered various sectors such as transportation (road, rail, airports, ports) and energy (fossil fuels, renewables) that are expected to facilitate trade and connectivity between countries. The sub-Saharan Africa constitutes the majority of these development finance-based infrastructure projects (44 out of 149 participating BRI countries are in the sub-Saharan Africa). However, no previous study has explicitly focused on investigating the extent of the overlap between these …

Computer Vision-Based Yolo11 For Automated Damage Assessment Of Public Building Roofs Supporting Maintenance Management, Alisson Souza Silva, Walisson Santos Oliveira, Pedro Afonso Vieira Fernandes Braga, Luara Lopes De Araujo Fernandes, Dayana Bastos Costa

CIB Conferences

Maintenance Management (MM) of aging buildings is a critical challenge due to complex maintenance operations and limited resources. Digital technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), have improved inspection efficiency and accuracy, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances the reliability of automated analysis of UAS data. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding operational methods and systems that effectively integrate these technologies to provide timely, actionable information for decision-making. Moreover, there is a lack of studies integrating multiple damage classes and roof typologies for automated roof inspections across diverse scenarios. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the application of …