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Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry
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Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 6822

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Qiming Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Interests: construction management; intelligent construction; risk management; digital twins in construction; design for resilience; metro operation safety; international project management
Dr. Yantao Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: construction engineering; construction informatics and automation; occupational safety and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bo Xiao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Interests: construction informatics; computer vision-based site monitoring; construction robotics
Dr. Xiaer Xiahou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Interests: construction safety management; construction informatics
Dr. Jianbo Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Interests: construction risk management; supply chain in construction; technological innovation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The building construction industry is facing various challenges, including the emergence of new technologies, limited resources, labor shortages, and carbon emission control. Therefore, the proactive adoption of new technologies and concepts is needed in construction and project management. The widespread implementation of new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, BIM, smart monitoring devices, and data integration platforms is driving the transformation and upgradation of the construction industry, with considerable potential to help address these challenges. However, the successful implementation of these new technologies in the building construction industry requires addressing a series of issues such as human-machine collaboration, efficiency, costs, and engineering ethics, particularly the need to establish new concepts and management systems adapted to the industry. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to share the latest knowledge and cases, focusing on how new technologies and concepts can better promote the transformation and upgradation of the building construction industry. We welcome research topics including but not limited to the following:

  • Artificial intelligence;
  • Digital twins;
  • BIM/CIM;
  • Safety resilience
  • Building carbon reduction;
  • Human-machine collaboration;
  • Building construction robotics;
  • Building environment;
  • Quality management of buildings.

Prof. Dr. Qiming Li
Dr. Yantao Yu
Dr. Bo Xiao
Dr. Xiaer Xiahou
Dr. Jianbo Zhu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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 semimonthly 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

  • intelligent construction
  • building information modeling (BIM)
  • carbon emissions
  • building lifecycle
  • construction automation

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3688 KiB  
Article
Transforming Urban Façade Condition Assessments with Semantic Data Visualizations and 3D Spatial Layouts from BIMs
by Zhuoya Shi and Semiha Ergan
Buildings 2025, 15(3), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030458 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Safety inspection of building façades in urban settings is critical for public safety, as many incidents/accidents frequently occur due to falls from façades. This inspection is required for condition assessment of current states and their comparison to assessments conducted in a previous inspection [...] Read more.
Safety inspection of building façades in urban settings is critical for public safety, as many incidents/accidents frequently occur due to falls from façades. This inspection is required for condition assessment of current states and their comparison to assessments conducted in a previous inspection cycle. The current practice of façade condition assessment relies on static, scattered, and textual depictions, which prevents inspectors from having a comprehensive view of façade condition and comparing it to the previous inspection cycle’s findings. Integrated visualization of spatial and semantic data and providing this data based on the preferences of the decision makers are proven to be effective in various decision domains. This study builds on previous research efforts on integrated visualization techniques to identify façade inspectors’ preferences in comprehending inspection findings. Through the design of low-fidelity visualization prototypes, this study first identifies highly frequently preferred visualization techniques by inspectors. Based on these, this study then quantifies the impact of these identified visualization preferences on accuracy and efficiency of decisions in relation to condition assessment of building façades though a set of high-fidelity prototypes and user studies. The results show that integrated visualization of façade conditions has the potential to bring the efficiency of capturing a holistic view of the façade conditions up to 65% and increase the accuracy of decisions up to 41%. The findings of this study directly benefit inspection companies and city agencies who can deploy visualization techniques that are impactful for façade condition assessment in order to holistically assess building façades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry)
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24 pages, 4479 KiB  
Article
Ontology-Guided Generation of Mechanized Construction Plan for Power Grid Construction Project
by Xiaohui Gao, Yinling Li, Ruiwu Wang, Xueqing Ding, Xin Wang and Xin Xu
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3271; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103271 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 869
Abstract
Mechanized construction is being fully implemented in the electric power infrastructure domain to ensure construction safety, enhance project quality, and improve efficiency. Traditional methods of designing mechanized construction plans are often inefficient due to their labor-intensive processes and heavy reliance on human expertise. [...] Read more.
Mechanized construction is being fully implemented in the electric power infrastructure domain to ensure construction safety, enhance project quality, and improve efficiency. Traditional methods of designing mechanized construction plans are often inefficient due to their labor-intensive processes and heavy reliance on human expertise. This study introduces and evaluates an ontology-guided system designed to automate mechanized construction planning for power grid projects. The developed ontology effectively models domain-specific knowledge, enabling the semantic integration of data from various sources. By leveraging SPARQL queries, the ontology-guided system incorporates knowledge reasoning capabilities that facilitate the automated selection of construction equipment and the generation of comprehensive construction plans. A prototype system incorporating an ontology-guided mechanism has been developed, showcasing marked enhancements in efficiency and accuracy over traditional manual methods, as evidenced by case studies and expert evaluations. The research results emphasize the potential of ontology-guided systems in innovating architectural planning, providing an extensible and standardized approach. Expert evaluation indicates that the system achieves 71.38% effectiveness in generating mechanized construction plans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry)
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21 pages, 2044 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Sustainability-Oriented Strategies of Small- and Medium-Sized Construction Enterprises in China’s Construction Industry under Financing Guarantee Constraints: A Multi-Agent Computational Model Approach
by Zhu Mei, Wenbo Han, Jingjing Zhang and Qiaomei Zhou
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 3002; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14093002 - 21 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1050
Abstract
In the context of China’s swift urbanization and heightened sustainability challenges, SMCEs in the construction industry play a critical role in driving both economic growth and sustainable development. This pioneering study introduces an integrative approach blending sustainability-oriented strategies (SSs) with financing guarantees, addressing [...] Read more.
In the context of China’s swift urbanization and heightened sustainability challenges, SMCEs in the construction industry play a critical role in driving both economic growth and sustainable development. This pioneering study introduces an integrative approach blending sustainability-oriented strategies (SSs) with financing guarantees, addressing key obstacles faced by these firms. Leveraging a multi-agent computational model, we dissect the dynamic interplay among construction SMCEs, governmental bodies, financial institutions, and guarantors, underscoring the transformative impact of financing guarantees on sustainable advancement. Our investigation reveals that optimally structured financing guarantees not only resolve funding challenges but also actively foster adherence to sustainability practices. This dual functionality positions such financial instruments as key enablers of SMCEs’ quest for sustainability, aligning economic objectives with ecological imperatives. Furthermore, we spotlight the transformative effect of strategic management on elevating SMCEs’ commitment to sustainable operations. Collectively, these insights offer actionable pathways for SMCEs embarking on sustainability endeavors, showcasing innovative financial solutions that do not detract from their economic prosperity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry)
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20 pages, 1211 KiB  
Article
Research on the Factors Influencing the Epidemic Resilience of Urban Communities in China in the Post-Epidemic Era
by Peng Cui, Zhengmin You, Qinhan Shi and Lan Feng
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092838 - 9 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1026
Abstract
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are gradually realizing that urban community resilience is pivotal for effectively managing public health emergencies. This study employed grounded theory to establish a theoretical framework for epidemic resilience of urban communities (ERUC) in the post-pandemic [...] Read more.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are gradually realizing that urban community resilience is pivotal for effectively managing public health emergencies. This study employed grounded theory to establish a theoretical framework for epidemic resilience of urban communities (ERUC) in the post-pandemic era. Subsequently, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method is utilized to discern the significance and hierarchical interrelations among influencing factors. The findings delineate that 14 determinants shaping ERUC are organized into five distinct tiers. Notably, nine determinants emerge as principal: vulnerable group; educational attainment; risk perception; medical insurance coverage; communal norms; community emergency response; community services; resident participation; and government efficacy. Among these, the vulnerable group and government efficiency are identified as foundational factors, while medical insurance coverage, resident participation, and community infrastructure are identified as direct influences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry)
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23 pages, 2264 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Critical Factors Influencing the Quality Management in Smart Construction Site: A DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC Based Approach
by Shuolin Zhang, Jianzhao Liu, Zirui Li, Xiaer Xiahou and Qiming Li
Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082400 - 3 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1944
Abstract
The swift integration of advanced technologies in the construction sector has significantly propelled the adoption of smart construction sites (SCSs). Quality management (QM), a critical endeavor within the construction domain, is central to the operational success of construction projects. The establishment of quality [...] Read more.
The swift integration of advanced technologies in the construction sector has significantly propelled the adoption of smart construction sites (SCSs). Quality management (QM), a critical endeavor within the construction domain, is central to the operational success of construction projects. The establishment of quality management in smart construction sites (SCS-QM) specifically seeks to delineate the principal factors influencing quality management in the context of SCS, with the objective of enhancing overall project quality. This study has identified 19 pivotal factors impacting SCS-QM by drawing upon the 4M1E quality management framework and an extensive review of the literature. Utilizing the hybrid DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC analytical framework, the research evaluates these factors in terms of significance, hierarchical structure, and interdependencies, thereby formulating targeted strategies for the advancement of SCS-QM. Through a systematic evaluation by nine experts, this study categorizes the influencing factors into nine levels, three layers, and four areas, further classifying them into four distinct impact typologies. The results underscore that those technologies, such as automation and intelligence, along with regulatory frameworks, comprehensive quality management standards, transparency of critical technologies, training of construction personnel, and effective process management, constitute the foundational elements crucial for enhancing SCS-QM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry)
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20 pages, 2865 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Critical Influencing Factors of the Maturity of Smart Construction Site Applications
by Jianzhao Liu, Shuolin Zhang, Yonghui Hou, Xiaer Xiahou and Qiming Li
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071910 - 22 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
The burgeoning application of advanced information technology in the construction industry has led to the widespread adoption of smart construction sites (SCSs) in recent years. As a novel concept, smart construction site application maturity (SCS-AM) aims to identify the pivotal factors impeding the [...] Read more.
The burgeoning application of advanced information technology in the construction industry has led to the widespread adoption of smart construction sites (SCSs) in recent years. As a novel concept, smart construction site application maturity (SCS-AM) aims to identify the pivotal factors impeding the current progression of SCSs and foster the metamorphosis of the construction sector. Through a meticulous review of the existing literature, this study delineates 14 fundamental factors influencing SCS-AM. Employing both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), alongside the acquisition of 217 valid questionnaires, practitioners’ perceptions regarding these factors within the smart construction domain were examined. This study initially categorized the 14 factors into four dimensions by utilizing the EFA method: technological innovation and integration (TII), project management and implementation (PMI), collaboration mechanism and information sharing (CMIS), and standardization and compliance (SC). Subsequently, a first-order CFA was employed to elucidate the correlations between the observed variables and latent factors, while a second-order CFA was employed to delve into the interplay among the first-order factors and their collective influence on SCS-AM. The results underscore the paramount impact of standardization and compliance (SC) and technological innovation and integration (TII) on SCS-AM. By meticulously analyzing the key influencing factors, this study offers theoretical underpinnings for bolstering SCS-AM, thereby providing stakeholders such as governments and construction enterprises with strategic insights for future development endeavors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Implementing Emerging Technologies in the Building Construction Industry)
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