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Rainwater Harvesting In Residential Building Located In Brazilian Unesco World Heritage City, Alberto C. Lordsleem Jr., Everton G M Silva, Micaella R F Moura Jun 2025

Rainwater Harvesting In Residential Building Located In Brazilian Unesco World Heritage City, Alberto C. Lordsleem Jr., Everton G M Silva, Micaella R F Moura

CIB Conferences

Ensure access to water and sanitation is one of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to promote human health and well-being. Improving water-use efficiency is one key to reducing water stress due to rapid population growth, urbanization and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors. This phenomenon is observed in less affluent regions and also in major urban centers, such as Olinda, a coastal city located in the northeast region of Brazil, where water supply issues are frequent, even in a city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This paper present an alternative for better …

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Efficient Accessibility Analysis In Floor Plans Using Semantic Segmentation, Haolan Zhang, Ruichuan Zhang Jun 2025

Efficient Accessibility Analysis In Floor Plans Using Semantic Segmentation, Haolan Zhang, Ruichuan Zhang

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Accessibility features are critical for creating inclusive spaces and supporting diverse mobility needs in architectural design. Extracting these features from raster floor plans supports compliance checking, emergency evacuation planning, and renovation, which makes it a vital process in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. However, existing research on analysis of raster floor plans remains limited because raster plans pose challenges due to their lack of semantics and high variability. Furthermore, existing machine learning-based approaches rely heavily on large-scale datasets, which are scarce in the AEC industry.This paper proposes a novel approach to extract accessibility features from raster floor plans …

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Opportunities And Challenges For Early Involvement Of Trade Partners During The Design Phase Of Construction Projects, Lorine A. Ouma, Robert M. Leicht Phd Jun 2025

Opportunities And Challenges For Early Involvement Of Trade Partners During The Design Phase Of Construction Projects, Lorine A. Ouma, Robert M. Leicht Phd

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Outcomes during the execution of construction processes and methods are dependent on the details generated during the design process. A holistic analysis and selection of design alternatives by all key participants early in the design can enhance construction efficiency and outcomes. However, trade partners responsible for implementing more than 80% of building construction scopes are underutilized in developing the detials associated with the system designs. This limitation lowers the ability to optimize the design while the potential to influence cost and other client value items is still high. It also remains unclear how trade partners can be effectively engaged early …

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A Comparative Study On The Performance Of Traditional And Collaborative Construction Projects, Sina Moradi, Piia Sormunen Jun 2025

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

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

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Investigating The Causes Of Escalation Of Disagreements Over Delay Assessments, Vasil A. Atanasov Jun 2025

Investigating The Causes Of Escalation Of Disagreements Over Delay Assessments, Vasil A. Atanasov

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Project delays are a common occurrence in the construction sector. Such delays generate disputes over questions of law, fact and/or delay assessments. The last are costly, persistent and prevalent worldwide which has produced a role for professionals specialising in construction delay analysis. Although construction delays are inevitable, the escalation of delay disagreements from claims into disputes is often avoidable as construction contracts typically offer claims (or extension of time) procedures to resolve such disagreements before they become full-fledged disputes. Although this is an underresearched area, the published literature suggests that the main cause of the escalation of delay claims into …

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Evaluating And Prioritising Causal Factors That Led To The Liquidation Of Major Construction Companies In South Africa, Derick Shabalala, Tsholofelo Skhosana Jun 2025

Evaluating And Prioritising Causal Factors That Led To The Liquidation Of Major Construction Companies In South Africa, Derick Shabalala, Tsholofelo Skhosana

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The construction industry is labour intensive by nature and, therefore the highest contributor to employment, (Fakunle and Fashina, 2020), it also brings dignity to society by providing housing infrastructure, (Ejohwomu et al, 2021), and it is an industry recognised for its contribution to the gross domestic product. However, major construction companies within the South African context have been liquidated which could be as a result of numerous factors. The aim of the study is to determine the primary causal factors of major construction company liquidation in South Africa.The study employs a qualitative methodology wherein semi-structured interviews were used as a …

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Off-Site Construction Smes Transition To Net-Zero, Nwakaego Onyenokporo, Patricia Tzortzopoulos Prof., Sara Biscaya, Tamiris Capellaro Ferreira, Nic Clear Prof., Rakesh Mishra Prof. Jun 2025

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

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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 …

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Qmqa: An Intelligent Question Answering Method For Quality Management Of Prefabricated Buildings Based On Knowledge Graph, Gaotong Chen, Xiaer Xiahou Jun 2025

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

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

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Implementing Lean Construction For Sustainable Project Delivery: Enhancing Efficiency To Meet The Un Sdgs, Esra Tepeli Ph.D. Jun 2025

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

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

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Ai-Based Safety Training Systems For Hispanic Workers In Construction, Gulzhanat Akhanova, Chien-Ho Ko Jun 2025

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

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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 …

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Exploring Social Equity And Cultural Indicators In Sustainable Road And Highway Infrastructure Development In Ghana, George Okyere Dokyi, Osei Kwame Kwakwa, Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, John Tookey Jun 2025

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

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

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Machine Learning Techniques To Forecast Fatal Accidents On Construction Sites In Brazil, Filipe Dos Santos Freitas, Mirian Caroline Farias Santos, Roseneia Rodrigues Santos Melo, Paulo Henrique Ferreira, Dayana Bastos Costa Jun 2025

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

CIB Conferences

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

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Exploring The Nexus Between Sustainability And User Satisfaction In Leed-Certified Hotels, Mohsen Goodarzi, Sajjad Naseri, Mojtaba Parsaee, Tarlan Abazari Jun 2025

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

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

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Collaborative Design Technologies And Methods For Sustainable Built Environment, Kalle Kahkonen, Jaakko Huusko, Taija Puolitaival Jun 2025

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

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

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Integrating Nature Into Norms: Evaluating Biophilic Design Attributes In Building Rating Systems, Hoda Alemrajabi, Ruichuan Zhang, Tanyel Bulbul, Annie Pearce Jun 2025

Integrating Nature Into Norms: Evaluating Biophilic Design Attributes In Building Rating Systems, Hoda Alemrajabi, Ruichuan Zhang, Tanyel Bulbul, Annie Pearce

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This paper examines the integration of biophilic design attributes within building rating systems. Biophilic design, which emphasizes human connections to the natural environment through the use of natural elements in architectural and landscape design, has been increasingly recognized for its positive effects on human well-being and environmental sustainability. Despite its growing popularity, the extent to which biophilic design principles are incorporated into existing building rating systems remains unclear. To address this gap, our study systematically reviews 29 prominent building rating systems worldwide, identifying and categorizing credits that align with biophilic design attributes, such as sunlight, natural shapes, and water. Through …

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Analyzine Trends In Capital Construction Expenditures, Ankita Pradeep Joshi, Theodore J. Weidner Jun 2025

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

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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.

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A Systematic Review Of The Mitigating Factors For Emergency Response In Facilities, Haruna Domanamwin Abudu, Modupe Cecilia M.C Mewomo Prof., Kofi Owusu Adjei Dr., Francis Kwesi Bondinuba Prof. Jun 2025

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

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

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Exploring And Comparing Gendered Experiences In Construction Management Education In Ireland, Joanne White Jun 2025

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

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

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Assessing The Current State And Exploring Opportunities And Challenges Of Digital Transformation In Fiber Project Management, Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Nkeleme, Muhammad Mubashar Ehsan, Afolabi Dania, Komali Kantamaneni Jun 2025

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

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

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The Role Of Risk Tolerance In Peer-Influenced Risk-Taking Behaviors On Construction Sites, Shiva Pooladvand, Sogand Hasanzadeh Jun 2025

The Role Of Risk Tolerance In Peer-Influenced Risk-Taking Behaviors On Construction Sites, Shiva Pooladvand, Sogand Hasanzadeh

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The inherently social environment of construction job sites can exacerbate high incident rates due to social influence and peer pressure. Workers’ risk perception (RP) and risk tolerance (RT) have been identified as key factors contributing to their involvement in high-risk behaviors. However, there is a paucity of research on how workers’ RT, as a personality trait, impacts and moderates the relationship between RP and risk-taking behaviors in the presence of a risky peer. To fill this gap, this study empirically examined the changes in workers’ stress levels, due to the perceived risk, and risk-taking behaviours given their RT in the …

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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 Jun 2025

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

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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 …

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Evolving Expectations: A Five-Year Study On Bridging Academia And Industry In Virtual Design And Construction Education, Ralph Tayeh, Fopefoluwa Bademosi Jun 2025

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

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

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Fire Safety On Green Roofs: Analysis Of Plant Species And Sustainable Solutions For The Brazilian Context., Larissa Carolina Diniz Alves Ms., João Paulo C. Rodrigues Jun 2025

Fire Safety On Green Roofs: Analysis Of Plant Species And Sustainable Solutions For The Brazilian Context., Larissa Carolina Diniz Alves Ms., João Paulo C. Rodrigues

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such as thermal comfort, reduction of urban heat islands, energy efficiency and promotion of sustainable development. However, their implementation brings challenges, especially with regard to fire safety, since plants can increase the fire risk and spread due to their flammability and interaction with other building materials. This article investigates fire safety in buildings with green roofs, focusing on the conditions of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research analyzes plant characteristics, such as density, moisture content and leaf structure, which directly affect their combustibility. Dry plants with volatile compounds have a higher flammable potential, while those with thick leaves …

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Value Engineering And Decision-Making Process In Façade Project Development: A Real Estate Case Study, Alexandre De Almeida Vasconcelos Mr., Silvio Burrattino Melhado Jun 2025

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

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

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Analysis Of Social Value Creation In Infrastructure Delivery To Achieve The Sustainable Development Goal 3, Omoleye Ojuri, D'Maris Coffman, Priti Parikh Jun 2025

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

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

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Multiobjective Optimization Of Building Performance: Integrated Analysis Of Primary Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, And Embodied Water, Maryam Abbasi Kamazani, Manish Kumar Dixit Jun 2025

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

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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, …

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Use Of Modular And Offsite Technologies In Construction: Barriers And Pathways To Adoption, Abimbola Windapo, Mochelo Lefoka, Jason Hall, Taahir Narker Jun 2025

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

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

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Framework For Assessing The Sustainability Of Innovative Building Technology, Darmarajan Chinasamy, Abimbola Windapo, Fidelis A. Emuze, Francesco Pomponi Jun 2025

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

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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 …

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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 Jun 2025

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

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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 …

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Occupant Satisfaction With Building Systems And Thermostat Usage In Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing In Southern California: Preliminary Findings, Mirmahdi Seyedrezaei, Burcin Becerik-Gerber Jun 2025

Occupant Satisfaction With Building Systems And Thermostat Usage In Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing In Southern California: Preliminary Findings, Mirmahdi Seyedrezaei, Burcin Becerik-Gerber

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This preliminary study examines resident satisfaction with building systems in energy-efficient affordable housing, addressing a gap in understanding how these systems impact low-income households. As California pushes toward net-zero energy goals, insights into resident experiences are essential for achieving energy efficiency while ensuring occupant well-being and equitable access to sustainable living environments. Seven residents of a newly constructed energy-efficient affordable housing property were interviewed in a semi-structured format. Thematic analysis revealed varied satisfaction levels with systems such as heating, cooling, lighting, and water heating. While residents appreciated the building’s energy systems, they shared concerns regarding hot water delivery and usage …

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