Application of Innovative Technologies in Construction Project Management

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 January 2025 | Viewed by 15075

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
Interests: whole-life management; sustainable housing refurbishments; offsite construction; design and construction process improvement; building information modelling applications

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Guest Editor
UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Interests: BIM; DfMA; smart city transition; project schedule management; construction and project management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
Interests: circular economy; offsite construction; construction health and safety; construction management

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Aston St, Birmingham, UK
Interests: construction management and engineering; construction health and safety; construction ergonomics; digital technologies and innovations (e.g., building information modelling (BIM), wearable sensors, internet-of-things, blockchain, digital twin, robotics); smart construction informatics (e.g., machine learning, deep learning)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction industry is increasingly adopting innovative digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), AR/VR, and AI to improve productivity in managing construction projects and minimising risks. Recently, ensuring an industry-wide digital transformation through utilising innovative Industry 4.0 technologies has become one of the most important objectives in the construction industry to achieve time- and cost-effectiveness, improved health and safety management, as well as sustainability in the built environment. 

Managing a construction project requires both a holistic understanding of project management processes and the technical skills needed to utilise digital technologies. However, the current research on construction project management primarily focuses on stand-alone topics—either management skills or digital technology applications. 

To understand the current challenges and opportunities in utilising digital technologies for construction project management, it is instrumental to critically review the current applications of innovative digital technologies for various types of construction projects in terms of management and technological aspects.

Thus, this Special Issue focuses on identifying the status quo of the current developments in integrating construction project management and technologies and how the aforementioned digital transformation is currently reshaping the construction industry and construction project management practices.

Dr. Kenneth Park
Dr. Ki Pyung Kim
Dr. Nii Ankrah
Dr. Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • BIM
  • AR/VR
  • AI, machine learning, and deep learning
  • smart construction technologies (e.g., Internet of Things, wearable sensors, Blockchain technology, digital twin technology, etc.)
  • industry 4.0 and construction project management
  • time and cost benefits of digital technology adoption
  • opportunities and challenges in utilising digital technologies for construction project management
  • digital transformation in construction project management practices
  • digital transformation and sustainability in the built environment

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3561 KiB  
Article
Tower Crane Layout Planning: Multi-Optimal Solutions Algorithm
by Xiaokang Huang, Huazhou Chen, Rui Wang, Heng Wang, Shuai Li, Pengfei Zhang and Zhen Yang
Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3760; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123760 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 116
Abstract
Effective tower crane layout planning is essential for the success of construction projects. Traditional optimization algorithms, which often provide a single optimal solution, may not always reveal the global optimum, leaving room for doubt. This paper introduces the competitor algorithm, a novel multi-optimal [...] Read more.
Effective tower crane layout planning is essential for the success of construction projects. Traditional optimization algorithms, which often provide a single optimal solution, may not always reveal the global optimum, leaving room for doubt. This paper introduces the competitor algorithm, a novel multi-optimal solution approach inspired by the competitive learning paradigm within classroom settings. This algorithm is designed to provide users with a diverse set of competitive solutions, while avoiding falling into local optima. This strategic diversification ensures that users are equipped with a comprehensive range of options, empowering them to make confident, informed decisions. Furthermore, we have streamlined the positioning range for tower cranes, transitioning from a two-dimensional plane to a one-dimensional segmented line, thus eliminating the need to explore extensive, non-competitive regions. The competitor algorithm’s performance was validated through practical application, showcasing both its stability and optimization prowess, thereby confirming its reliable utility in real-world scenarios. Full article
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19 pages, 3672 KiB  
Article
Research on the Loss Rule of the Leakage Problem in Residential Construction Based on Water Spray and Storage Tests
by Xikang Yan, Zeyu Chen, Peng Cheng and Yunhan Yan
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3386; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113386 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Leakage issues have received increasing attention as the most common and significant source of complaints in residential construction quality problems. In this study, based on the classification of residential construction leakage problems, 1947 water spray tests and 2333 water storage tests were conducted [...] Read more.
Leakage issues have received increasing attention as the most common and significant source of complaints in residential construction quality problems. In this study, based on the classification of residential construction leakage problems, 1947 water spray tests and 2333 water storage tests were conducted on 18 construction projects. An empirical analysis of 432 leakage cases was conducted to determine the loss law for a single leakage point as well as the loss laws for different grades of leakage problems. Through empirical analysis, it can be concluded that more than 90% of the leakage problems are third-level. To better understand the quantitative law of the residential construction leakage problem, a total loss law model was developed. Finally, the law of leakage loss in residential construction is summarized, and measures to reduce leakage loss in residential construction are proposed. This research can provide a theoretical basis and model tools for inherent defect insurance and help insurance companies control insurance risks and drive the promotion of inherent defect insurance. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 1821 KiB  
Review
Systematic Literature Review on Knowledge-Driven Approaches for Construction Safety Analysis and Accident Prevention
by Sonali Pandithawatta, Seungjun Ahn, Raufdeen Rameezdeen, Christopher W. K. Chow and Nima Gorjian
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3403; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113403 - 26 Oct 2024
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Due to its inherent complexities in the process and the dynamic interactions with external environmental factors, the construction industry is widely considered one of the most hazardous industries worldwide. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), construction safety management practices have increasingly used knowledge-driven [...] Read more.
Due to its inherent complexities in the process and the dynamic interactions with external environmental factors, the construction industry is widely considered one of the most hazardous industries worldwide. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), construction safety management practices have increasingly used knowledge-driven approaches. Such incorporation of knowledge-based methods has led to significant improvements in various elements of construction safety management systems, including hazard identification and risk assessment, selection of risk mitigation strategies, analysis of accident information, sharing of health and safety knowledge, access to regulations, and identification of applicable safety requirements. Against this background, this paper presents a systematic literature review to provide an overview of the current state of the art in the use of knowledge-driven approaches in construction safety management. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedure, this study reviews how the knowledge-driven approach is utilized in the construction safety management field to automate different activities that come under it. Journal papers published from 2000 were considered for this review, and the analysis focused on the contributions of research, the evolution of knowledge-driven approaches, sources of incorporated knowledge, methods of system development, yearly publications, and publication by journals. The results provide a comparison of related studies over two decades and offer insights into trends and gaps in this research field. Notably, the trend analysis shows a dramatic increase in the number, as well as the depth, of research efforts utilizing AI techniques for analyzing unstructured data, such as construction images and texts from construction documents, and drawing data-based decisions for accident prevention. Full article
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Other

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24 pages, 3353 KiB  
Systematic Review
Exploring the Impact of Social Media Use on Team Feedback and Team Performance in Construction Projects: A Systematic Literature Review
by Razieh Karimi, Milad Baghalzadeh Shishehgarkhaneh, Robert C. Moehler and Yihai Fang
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020528 - 16 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3743
Abstract
This systematic literature review examines the effects of social media use (SMU) and practices (SMPs) on team feedback (TF) and performance (TP) within the context of construction project management. It explores the complex interactions between SMU and SMPs and their impact on communication, [...] Read more.
This systematic literature review examines the effects of social media use (SMU) and practices (SMPs) on team feedback (TF) and performance (TP) within the context of construction project management. It explores the complex interactions between SMU and SMPs and their impact on communication, collaboration, and stakeholder involvement in construction projects. The study investigates how these digital practices transform traditional methods of team interaction, feedback processes, and overall team performance amidst the challenging and diverse backdrop of construction sites. The goal of the review is to offer a detailed insight into the contribution of social media to contemporary construction project management, underscoring its value in boosting team communication, coordination, and effectiveness. This research is pivotal for decoding the changing dynamics of construction management, where digital tools and platforms play a crucial role in achieving project success. The anticipated outcomes are poised to provide significant implications for construction industry professionals, guiding them in harnessing social media for enhanced project management and team cooperation. Full article
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28 pages, 2813 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Organizational Justice and Project Performance: A Systematic Literature and Science Mapping Review
by Xinran Zhang, Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari, Yongcheng Zhang and Xuejiao Xing
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010259 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 8807
Abstract
By adopting a systematic literature and science mapping review, this paper aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on organizational justice and project performance. A total of 47 bibliographic records from the Scopus database were analyzed. The results revealed the annual [...] Read more.
By adopting a systematic literature and science mapping review, this paper aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on organizational justice and project performance. A total of 47 bibliographic records from the Scopus database were analyzed. The results revealed the annual publication trends of research articles and relevant peer-reviewed journals in the studied domain. It was found that while AI technology has made significant progress in several fields, its application areas in project management and organizational justice are still relatively low. Moreover, it objectively discussed the co-occurrence analysis of keywords, co-authors, countries/regions, and documents in the fields, revealing the current research topics. The main research topics include the (1) AI’s influence on organizational justice, decision analysis, and digital transformation, (2) fostering organizational justice and AI’s role in enhancing project performance, and (3) improving organizational performance approaches. Furthermore, this paper proposed research gaps and future research directions, including (1) advancing business intelligence strategies, (2) unlocking AI technology potential on organizational justice and project performance, (3) the adaption of cultural, diversity, environmental, and social factors, (4) the impact of AI on complex and challenging leadership styles, and (5) developing a comprehensive understanding of the agile framework. The findings of this paper could contribute to a better understanding of how AI shapes project/construction management and organizational justice, providing practical solutions for innovative development for researchers and policymakers. Full article
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