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34 pages, 14393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Integration of Building Energy Modeling into the Building Design Process: Insights from Two Collaborative Construction Projects

by Najme Hashempour, Puyan A. Zadeh and Sheryl Staub-French

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3379; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113379 - 24 Oct 2024

Viewed by 513

Abstract

This research investigates the integration of building energy modeling (BEM) within collaborative construction projects to inform design decisions for achieving high-energy performance goals. The study aims to understand current practices, benefits, and challenges associated with this integration. Using an ethnographic case study approach [...] Read more.

This research investigates the integration of building energy modeling (BEM) within collaborative construction projects to inform design decisions for achieving high-energy performance goals. The study aims to understand current practices, benefits, and challenges associated with this integration. Using an ethnographic case study approach focused on two high-energy performance social housing projects with integrated project delivery and integrated design processes, data were collected through direct observations, document analysis, and interviews with project team members. Design process modeling was utilized to dissect current practices, followed by a hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis to find challenges related to energy performance design in collaborative projects. Findings from this research revealed that BEM experts often operate in isolation, with late integration of energy models into design decisions. Compliance-centric BEM usage and challenges related to interoperability of design and BEM tools further compound the issue of seamless collaboration. However, the study highlights that early collaboration among project stakeholders emerges as a pivotal factor in informed design decisions, bridging the gap between energy modeling and design. This research provides valuable insights for practitioners seeking to optimize BEM in their design process, and offers support to policymakers aiming to enhance the role of BEM in projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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14 pages, 7501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Impact of Digital Technologies on Team Collaborative Design

by Rongrong Yu, Ning Gu and Soroush Masoumzadeh

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3263; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103263 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 624

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a protocol study exploring the impact of various digital technologies on team collaborative design processes. Previous studies have suggested that compared to traditional methods such as sketching, digital technologies can provide further benefits for collaborative processes. However, [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of a protocol study exploring the impact of various digital technologies on team collaborative design processes. Previous studies have suggested that compared to traditional methods such as sketching, digital technologies can provide further benefits for collaborative processes. However, there persists a lack of understanding about the impacts of digital technologies on such processes, particularly in relation to emerging significant digital technologies such as immersive Virtual Reality (VR). Therefore, this study aims to fill that gap by exploring team collaboration behaviours of two groups of professionals working in two digital design environments—desktop 3D modelling with Revit and immersive VR using Hyve-3D—as well as their behaviours during traditional sketching sessions for benchmarking purposes. Utilising protocol analysis method, the think-aloud data of participants was recorded, transcribed and coded using an adapted collaborative practice model. Team collaboration activities are broadly categorised as ‘Content’ or ‘Process’: content referring to design task-based activities, while process refers to activities related to the organising of group processes. The results suggest that during the design collaboration process, designers allocated the majority of their efforts towards process-oriented design activities. Differences between design environments only had a minor impact on the amount of effort expended on process-oriented activities and content-oriented activities. Moreover, traditional sketching design environments were shown to be potentially beneficial for problem-solution and associated negotiation activities. Additionally, immersive environments were associated with a reduction in the designers’ cognitive effort that was expended on exploring the design environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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18 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment: An Index System for Building Energy Retrofit Projects

by Pei Song, Lingyu Wu, Wenbo Zhao, Wenting Ma and Jianli Hao

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092817 - 7 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1025

Abstract

As a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector is crucial in shaping energy and climate change policies. Understanding building energy consumption is essential for developing effective policies, and comprehensive datasets and analyses are increasingly important. This [...] Read more.

As a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector is crucial in shaping energy and climate change policies. Understanding building energy consumption is essential for developing effective policies, and comprehensive datasets and analyses are increasingly important. This paper outlines a structured methodology for developing a sustainability assessment index for building energy efficiency retrofits throughout a building’s life cycle, covering the design, construction, use, and out-of-use phases. It highlights the interdependencies among these phases, with the design plan influencing energy efficiency and material selection, the construction plan ensuring these goals are met, and the plans for energy management, demolition, and resource recovery focusing on sustainable practices. The keys to energy-efficient retrofits are sustainable materials, energy-efficient equipment, and green technologies, which help reduce energy consumption, emissions, and operating costs. Oversight and regulation are necessary to maintain standards. This research combines a literature review, surveys, interviews, the Delphi method, and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to develop a comprehensive evaluation system, categorizing 20 factors across a building’s life cycle and assigning weights based on environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The system provides a scientific basis for assessing the sustainability of energy efficiency programs, validated through consistency testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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15 pages, 5469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Streamlining Construction Operations: A Holistic Approach with A3 Methodology and Lean Principles

by Jovan Mandic, Nemanja Sremcev, Julien Piaux, Vijoleta Vrhovac, Denis Kucevic and Stevan Stankovski

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2260; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082260 - 23 Jul 2024

Viewed by 899

Abstract

With the growing trend of urbanisation and the growing number of people migrating to cities, the demand for the development and construction of new buildings and infrastructure has risen, meaning that the construction industry must adapt to these trends. Growing demands with shorter [...] Read more.

With the growing trend of urbanisation and the growing number of people migrating to cities, the demand for the development and construction of new buildings and infrastructure has risen, meaning that the construction industry must adapt to these trends. Growing demands with shorter deadlines for an industry already known for its high costs and late delivery means that productivity must be increased without increasing costs. The solution for this might lie in the application of the Lean philosophy to the construction industry. This paper analyses the application of the Lean philosophy in order to increase the productivity of construction work for an airport project. This paper highlights the potential for enhancing productivity in construction workplaces by concurrently fostering continuous improvement and sustainability through the implementation of the A3 methodology and Lean principles, resulting in waste reduction and increased value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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33 pages, 2118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Environmental Influencing Factors of the Realization of Engineering Construction Harmony from the Perspective of Ren–Shi–Wu: Evidence from China

by Weiwei Zuo, Ning Yan and Qiankun Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1620; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061620 - 1 Jun 2024

Viewed by 584

Abstract

Engineering construction involves many internal factors and external environmental factors, resulting in conflict or uncoordinated problems in engineering management. The harmonious management of engineering construction is the process of coordinating and solving the contradiction between construction elements and the problems between them and [...] Read more.

Engineering construction involves many internal factors and external environmental factors, resulting in conflict or uncoordinated problems in engineering management. The harmonious management of engineering construction is the process of coordinating and solving the contradiction between construction elements and the problems between them and the external environment. The connotations of three subsystems of engineering harmony, namely, Ren harmony (RH), Wu harmony (WH), and Shi harmony (SH), are defined, and the system architecture of engineering harmony is constructed. Then, a hypothetical model is proposed to deeply explore the impacts of subsystems such as Ren harmony, Wu harmony, and Shi harmony on engineering harmony, as well as the moderating effects of the natural ecology, social humanities, and political economy on engineering harmony. The results show that (1) natural ecology has a significant promotion effect on RH, SH, and engineering harmony; (2) social humanities have a significant enhancement effect on SH and engineering harmony; and (3) political economy does not play a significant role in any process. “Engineering harmony” is used to measure the effectiveness of engineering management, and a scientific scale is used to reflect this index. It provides a new idea for theoretical exploration and practical guidance in engineering construction management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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25 pages, 947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Change Orders Caused by Legislative Changes on Program Management in the UAE Construction Industry

by Yara Mattar, Mhd Amer Alzaim, Mariam AlAli, Inas Alkhatib and Salwa Beheiry

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051294 - 3 May 2024

Viewed by 1714

Abstract

Program management is an important strategy for organizing and managing multiple interdependent construction projects to achieve strategic goals. However, when change orders occur, they can have a serious impact on the quality, time, cost of projects and, ultimately, affect the construction program. Furthermore, [...] Read more.

Program management is an important strategy for organizing and managing multiple interdependent construction projects to achieve strategic goals. However, when change orders occur, they can have a serious impact on the quality, time, cost of projects and, ultimately, affect the construction program. Furthermore, when change orders are caused particularly by legislative changes, such as environmental laws, taxes, tolls, safety codes, transportation, design or building codes, their impacts are unavoidable, yet can be managed through mitigation strategies. The existing literature only reports the implications of change orders on the project level and reports legislative changes as one of the contributing factors to change orders, but does not consider the implications on a program level. This study aims to close this knowledge gap by assessing the implications of change orders caused by legislative changes on program management in the construction industry during the construction phase, and explore what the possible mitigation strategies to manage change orders caused by legislative changes are. The objectives of the study include identifying the implications of change orders on construction projects in the UAE through a literature review using peer-reviewed journals and reliable industry sources. Additionally, we investigate the implications of change orders caused by legislative changes on construction programs through interviewing subject matter experts, evaluating the importance of the reported impacts, with possible mitigation strategies, through a structured questionnaire and Relative Importance Index (RII) and, finally, proposing a set of recommendations for key industry stakeholders. A mixed methods approach is adopted in this qualitative study, and the participants include clients, contractors and consultants from the construction industry, with a defined scope covering the construction stage only. The outcomes of the study can guide program managers, decision-makers and practitioners in the construction industry to successfully deliver all projects by directing proper resources to accommodate legislative changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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24 pages, 3148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Evaluation of Residential Buildings Based on the Footprint Family: Application to Case Studies in Andalusia

by Jaime Solís-Guzmán, Paula Garzón-González, Patricia González-Vallejo and Madelyn Marrero

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041131 - 17 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1820

Abstract

The criteria on green public procurement of the European Union establish that the economic budgets of building projects must be complemented by their derived environmental and social costs. These criteria are currently being adapted to the requirements related to the circular economy, such [...] Read more.

The criteria on green public procurement of the European Union establish that the economic budgets of building projects must be complemented by their derived environmental and social costs. These criteria are currently being adapted to the requirements related to the circular economy, such as the use of methods to evaluate buildings environmentally. However, most methods available in the European and Spanish markets require prior training, which makes their use difficult. This paper presents an evaluation method, CEACE, for housing construction based on the determination of their footprints (ecological, carbon, and water footprints), also called the footprint family, to which the economic and social evaluation is added, as is the quantification of the construction and demolition waste generated. This method is validated with the assessment of fifteen residential buildings in Andalusia and creates an indicator that will allow technicians, companies, and administrations to evaluate projects in accordance with the criteria of green public procurement. The method is sensitive to changes in the type of building, foundation solution, and underground construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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19 pages, 1695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industry 4.0 Maturity of General Contractors: An In-Depth Case Study Analysis

by Priyadarshini Das, Srinath Perera, Sepani Senaratne and Robert Osei-Kyei

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010044 - 22 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Industry 4.0 technologies have business process re-engineering capabilities that can radically improve process performance and increase the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between actors. Despite the significant emphasis on technology adoption, the slow uptake rate can be attributed to ignoring nontechnical aspects, such [...] Read more.

Industry 4.0 technologies have business process re-engineering capabilities that can radically improve process performance and increase the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between actors. Despite the significant emphasis on technology adoption, the slow uptake rate can be attributed to ignoring nontechnical aspects, such as systemic change concerning people and processes. There are ample Industry 4.0 maturity models in the literature; however, a common criticism of maturity models lies in their applicability. This paper attempts to address this criticism by presenting two case studies where maturity assessments for general contractors were conducted to understand how ready they were to adopt to Industry 4.0 and what they could do to improve their current readiness. This paper aims to answer the following research questions: (1) Can the Industry 4.0 maturity modelling literature be applied in an organisational context for a construction general contractor? (2) Do construction general contractors relate to such an assessment? To answer the research questions, a comprehensive assessment of the Industry 4.0 maturity of two general contractors was conducted, thereby intending to support their strategic planning and systematise their transformation in Industry 4.0. The richness of the findings lies in the detailed understanding of the organisation’s current Industry 4.0 capabilities and future plans, thereby establishing the applicability of the maturity attributes identified from the literature and confirming whether the managers of a construction organisation can relate to them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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24 pages, 1021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms of Learning and Innovation in Project Performance: Evidence from Chinese Hydropower Industry

by Senchang Hu, Heng Zhao and Wenzhe Tang

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2665; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102665 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1260

Abstract

Hydropower, a renewable energy resource, underpins China’s economic and social advancement, gaining prominence amidst the country’s energy structure metamorphosis. Enhancing the performance of hydropower development projects is imperative, with the mechanisms of learning and innovation wielding a substantial impact. The extant literature on [...] Read more.

Hydropower, a renewable energy resource, underpins China’s economic and social advancement, gaining prominence amidst the country’s energy structure metamorphosis. Enhancing the performance of hydropower development projects is imperative, with the mechanisms of learning and innovation wielding a substantial impact. The extant literature on how learning and innovation affect hydropower project performance remains nebulous, lacking a systematic model to elucidate these impact mechanisms. This investigation melds theoretical analysis with the idiosyncrasies of hydropower project development, forging a theoretical model to decipher the interplay of learning, innovation, and project performance. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we probe the influence of organizational learning orientation and individual learning on participant capabilities, engineering innovation magnitude, and overall project performance. Path analysis divulges that organizational learning orientation catalyzes individual learning, jointly enhancing engineering innovation and project performance directly, although the effect on each participant’s capability necessitates mediation through the engineering innovation level. This pioneering study establishes the links and influence trajectories between learning, innovation, and project performance, systematically delineating them. It fills a scholarly void in exploring learning and innovation mechanisms within hydropower project development, propounding strategies to augment project efficiency and furnishing pragmatic, constructive insights for better engineering practice outputs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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19 pages, 3112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Project Governance Mechanisms on the Sustainable Development of Public-Private Partnership Projects: An Empirical Study from China

by Yingqi Song and Shengyue Hao

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2424; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102424 - 23 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1535

Abstract

In China, achieving sustainable development goals for PPP projects is an urgent issue. Project governance mechanisms are important to PPP project sustainability, but there are many risk factors in traditional project governance mechanisms. This research focuses on embedding risk governance mechanisms into the [...] Read more.

In China, achieving sustainable development goals for PPP projects is an urgent issue. Project governance mechanisms are important to PPP project sustainability, but there are many risk factors in traditional project governance mechanisms. This research focuses on embedding risk governance mechanisms into the traditional project governance system with contract governance mechanisms and relationship governance mechanisms. The main purpose is to reveal the integration of PPP project governance mechanisms and its impact on governance performance and project sustainability, and to propose governance optimization strategies. First, by enriching the understanding of the governance mechanism, governance performance and project sustainability, and improving the measurement scale. Then, by constructing a structural equation model, collecting data through questionnaires, and exploring the effect of the project governance mechanism on project sustainability. (1) The results of direct effect testing show that contractual governance mechanisms, relational governance mechanisms and risk governance mechanisms are positively associated with governance performance, and governance performance is positively associated with project sustainability; (2) the results of mediating effect testing show that interaction of the three governance mechanisms has a positive effect on governance performance. The research results provide a new approach and perspectives for improving project governance mechanisms and achieving sustainable development in the practice of PPP projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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17 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

To Achieve Goal Alignment by Inter-Organizational Incentives: A Case Study of a Hydropower Project

by Yunhong Wang, Senchang Hu, Hyun Woo Lee, Wenzhe Tang, Wenxin Shen and Maoshan Qiang

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092258 - 5 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1438

Abstract

Although the use of incentives has been widely recognized as an effective project management tool, its application still needs specific exploration. Existing research on incentives mainly focuses on intra-organizational incentives, lacking systematic research with empirical evidence from the perspective of the inter-organizational level. [...] Read more.

Although the use of incentives has been widely recognized as an effective project management tool, its application still needs specific exploration. Existing research on incentives mainly focuses on intra-organizational incentives, lacking systematic research with empirical evidence from the perspective of the inter-organizational level. To fill this research gap, this study conducted an in-depth investigation into the application and impacts of inter-organizational incentives by studying a typical case of a hydropower project. In this case, a series of innovative inter-organizational incentives, involving a multiple contractual incentive scheme concerning schedule, quality, safety, as well as environmental performance, is applied. Using a mixed methodology that included a document review, a questionnaire survey, and interviews, this case study revealed that inter-organizational incentives could effectively help promote goal alignment, stimulate cooperative inter-organizational relationships, and improve project performance. This research developed a novel classification of inter-organizational incentives and emphasized the importance of non-contractual and informal incentives, which were ignored in previous research. The results further highlight that while incentivized organizations generally value incentives according to their monetary intensity, their prioritization of goals is determined by various factors. Therefore, to achieve project goal alignment, the optimization of incentive schemes should comprehensively consider a variety of influencing factors rather than merely focusing on monetary intensity. These findings will help both academic researchers and industrial practitioners design and execute effective inter-organizational incentives for superior project performance, especially for those projects that pursue high sustainable performance with safety and environmental performance included. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 3220 KiB

Open AccessReview

Identification of Impeding Factors in Utilising Prefabrication during Lifecycle of Construction Projects: An Extensive Literature Review

by Zhenquan Zhou, Deprizon Syamsunur, Lanxin Wang and Fitri Nugraheni

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061764 - 12 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1887

Abstract

In recent years, the topic of climate change has been increasingly noticed by the public, and carbon emission reduction is one of the primary targets for various industries worldwide. The construction industry has a profound influence in this field, so it is significant [...] Read more.

In recent years, the topic of climate change has been increasingly noticed by the public, and carbon emission reduction is one of the primary targets for various industries worldwide. The construction industry has a profound influence in this field, so it is significant to consider what kind of efforts can be made in building projects. Many scholars agree to promote prefabrication technology for construction, but its application still faces several challenges. By undertaking desk research, this paper explores the motivation and barriers to adopting modular techniques in construction projects under the lifecycle analysis. The preliminary information of the literature review is collated from dozens of peer-reviewed academic papers. Under the whole lifecycle thought, the PEST analysis tools also present the analytical results. This research finds that the top five barriers are the attitudinal resistance to using modular constructions, lack of sufficient modular expertise and practice, increasing costs and risks on supply chain management, insufficient government support and policy making, and high design and planning requirements. Moreover, the lifecycle analysis can divide the collated barriers into each stage, and adequate government support can assist in promoting the prefabrication in building projects in financial, legal, and technical aspects. The current findings can facilitate the broader use of prefabrication in building projects, improving the environmental sustainability of stakeholders. The process of proposed desk research can also be considered a referenced pattern for other related studies. More first-hand data should be collected and evaluated in further research to improve accuracy and adapt to the newest research field and industrial situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Project Development and Construction Management)

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