Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2019

Ruoyu Jin, Yang Zou, Kassim Gidado, Phillip Ashton and Noel Painting

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the latest research of BIM adoption in construction engineering and management (CEM) and propose research directions for future scholarly…

2933

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the latest research of BIM adoption in construction engineering and management (CEM) and propose research directions for future scholarly work. During the recent decade, building information modeling (BIM) has gained increasing applications and research interest in the construction industry. Although there have been review-based studies that summarized BIM-based research in the overall architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) area, there is limited review that evaluates the current stage of BIM-based research specifically in the CEM sub-area.

Design/methodology/approach

CEM falls into the scope of AEC. It involves construction-related tasks, activities and processes (e.g. scheduling and cost estimates), issues (e.g. constructability), as well as human factors (e.g. collaboration). This study adopted a holistic literature review approach that incorporates bibliometric search and scientometric analysis. A total of 276 articles related to BIM applied in CEM were selected from Scopus as the literature sample for the scientometric analysis.

Findings

Some key CEM research areas (e.g. CEM pedagogy, integrated project delivery, lean and off-site construction) were identified and evaluated. Research trends in these areas were identified, and analyses were carried out with regard to how they could be integrated with BIM. For example, BIM, as a data repository for ACE facilities, has substantial potential to be integrated with a variety of other digital technologies, project delivery methods and innovative construction techniques throughout the whole process of CEM.

Practical implications

As BIM is one of the key technologies and digital platforms to improve the construction productivity and collaboration, it is important for industry practitioners to be updated of the latest movement and progress of the academic research. The industry, academics and governmental authorities should work with joint effort to fill the gap by first recognizing the current needs, limitations and trends of applying BIM in the construction industry. For example, it needs more understanding about how to address technical interoperability issues and how to introduce the integrated design and construction delivery approach for BIM implementation under the UK BIM Level 2/3 framework.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the body of knowledge in BIM by proposing a framework leading to research directions including the differences of BIM effects between design-bid-build and other fast-track project delivery methods; the integration of BIM with off-site construction; and BIM pedagogy in CEM. It also addressed the need to investigate the similarities and differences between academia and industry toward perceiving the movement of BIM in construction field work.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2016

Yang Zou, Arto Kiviniemi and Stephen W. Jones

The purpose of this paper is to address the current theoretical gap in integrating knowledge and experience into Building Information Model (BIM) for risk management of bridge…

2673

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the current theoretical gap in integrating knowledge and experience into Building Information Model (BIM) for risk management of bridge projects by developing a tailored Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and formalising an active link between the resulting RBS and BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step approach is used in this study to develop a tailored RBS for bridge projects and a conceptual model for the linkage between the RBS and BIM. First, the integrated bridge information model is in concept separated into four levels of contents (LOCs) and six technical systems based on analysis of the Industry Foundation Classes specification, a critical review of previous studies and authors’ project experience. The second step develops a knowledge-based risk database through an extensive collection of risk data, a process of data mining, and further assessment and translation of data. A critical analysis is conducted in the last step to determine on which level the different risks should be allocated to bridge projects and to propose a conceptual model for linking the tailored RBS to the four LOCs and six technical systems of BIM.

Findings

The findings suggest that the traditional method and BIM can be merged as an integrated solution for risk management by establishing the linkage between RBS and BIM. This solution can take advantage of both the traditional method and BIM for managing risks. On the one hand, RBS enables risk information to be stored in a formal structure, used and communicated effectively. On the other hand, some features of BIM such as 3D visualisation and 4D construction scheduling can facilitate the risk identification, analysis, and communication at an early project stage.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is that RBS is a qualitative technique and only plays a limited role in quantitative risk analysis. As a result, when implementing this proposed method, further techniques may be needed for assisting quantitative risk analysis, evaluation, and treatment. Another limitation is that the proposed method has not yet been implemented for validation in practice. Hence, recommendations for future research are to: improve the quantitative risk analysis and treatment capabilities of this proposed solution; develop computer tools to support the solution; integrate the linkage into a traditional workflow; and test this solution in some small and large projects for validation.

Practical implications

Through linking risk information to BIM, project participants could check and review the linked information for identifying potential risks and seeking possible mitigation measures, when project information is being transferred between different people or forwarded to the next phase.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theoretical development for aligning traditional methods and BIM for risk management, by introducing a new conceptual model for linking RBS to BIM.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 23 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 July 2021

Tirth Patel, Brian H.W. Guo and Yang Zou

This article aims to explore valuable insights into the construction progress monitoring (CPM) research domain, which include main research topics, knowledge gaps and future…

1569

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to explore valuable insights into the construction progress monitoring (CPM) research domain, which include main research topics, knowledge gaps and future research themes. For a long time, CPM has been significantly researched with increasing enthusiasm. Although a few review studies have been carried out, there is non-existence of a quantitative review study that can deliver a holistic picture of CPM.

Design/methodology/approach

The science mapping-based scientometric analysis was systematically processed with 1,835 CPM-related journal articles retrieved from Scopus. The co-authorship analysis and direct citation analysis were carried out to identify the most influential researchers, countries and publishers of the knowledge domain. The co-occurrence analysis of keyword was assessed to reveal the most dominating research topics and research trend with the visual representation of the considered research domain.

Findings

This study reveals seven clusters of main research topics from the keyword co-occurrence analysis. The evolution of research confirms that CPM-related research studies were mainly focused on fundamental and traditional CPM research topics before 2007. The period between 2007 and 2020 has seen a shift of research efforts towards digitalization and automation. The result suggests Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the most common, growing and influential research topic in the CPM research domain. It has been used in combination with different data acquisition technologies (e.g. photogrammetry, videogrammetry, laser scanning, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors) and data analytics approaches (e.g. machine learning and computer vision).

Practical implications

This study provides the horizon of potential research in the research domain of CPM to researchers, policymakers and practitioners by availing of main research themes, current knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first scientometric study depicting the state-of-the-art of the research by assessing the current knowledge domain of CPM.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2021

Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar, Suzanne Wilkinson, Roohollah Kalatehjari and Yang Zou

Many applications of Building Information modelling (BIM) are already integrated into project management processes. However, the construction industry is suffering from poor…

Abstract

Purpose

Many applications of Building Information modelling (BIM) are already integrated into project management processes. However, the construction industry is suffering from poor decision-making, especially during procurement where fundamental decisions are made. To make the best decisions at earlier project stages, such as design, large amount of information needs to be processed and classified. Therefore, this study seeks to create a Decision Support System (DSS) for construction procurement through the application of existing informatics infrastructure and BIM applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review expert interviews and case studies with complex procurement considerations were used to identify and validate attributes and criterions for procurement decision-making. Accordingly, Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) methodology was used and mathematical models were driven as the foundation for a DSS.

Findings

Five major criterions of time, cost, relationship quality, sustainability and quality of work performed was identified for complex construction procurement decision-making. Accordingly, a DSS structure and mathematical model was proposed. Based on this a model architecture was developed for the integration of the DSS into Autodesk Revit as a BIM platform, and assist in pre-contract decision-making.

Practical implications

The results can be used in pre-contract selection processes via currently used BIM applications. The model architecture can integrate DSS outputs to nD models, cloud systems and potentially virtual reality facilities to facilitate better construction operations and smarter more automated processes.

Originality/value

This study formulates and captures complex and unstructured information on construction procurement into a practical DSS model. The study provides a link to integrate solutions with already available platforms and technologies. The study also introduces the concept of designing for procurement; which can be expanded to other challenging decisions during construction.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2014

Patrick X.W. Zou and Rebecca J. Yang

This paper aims to investigate residential occupants’ motivations and behaviour on energy savings. Energy consumption in residential buildings is a major contributor to greenhouse…

1232

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate residential occupants’ motivations and behaviour on energy savings. Energy consumption in residential buildings is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

By using an online survey questionnaire instrument, this research collected 504 sets of responses from households in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

Findings

Through statistical analysis of the data collected, this research found that construction cost and government incentive were considered as the major influencing factors on achieving energy-efficient residential building development, and the lower bills resulted from the reduced energy and water consumption were considered as the most important benefits. The research also found that many households exhibited a high level of awareness and had implemented some sustainability improvement measures. It is suggested, based on these research findings, that governments should articulate, by means of education, the rationale and benefits of sustainable home development that are identified in this research and reduce material costs and increase government incentives.

Originality/value

A framework on improving residential sustainability was proposed in this paper. Stakeholders in the sustainable home supply chain could use this framework as a reference to pave the way for energy efficient home development from their perspective

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Xianbo Zhao

This study collected the bibliographic data of 2034 journal articles published in 2000–2021 from Web of Science (WoS) core collection database and adopted two bibliometric…

757

Abstract

Purpose

This study collected the bibliographic data of 2034 journal articles published in 2000–2021 from Web of Science (WoS) core collection database and adopted two bibliometric analysis methods, namely historiography and keyword co-occurrence, to identify the evolution trend of construction risk management (CRM) research topics.

Design/methodology/approach

CRM has been a key issue in construction management research, producing a big number of publications. This study aims to undertake a review of the global CRM research published from 2000 to 2021 and identify the evolution of the research topics relating to CRM.

Findings

This study found that risk analysis methods have shifted from simply ranking risks in terms of their relative importance or significance toward examining the interrelationships among risks, and that the objects of CRM research have shifted from generic construction projects toward specified types of construction projects (e.g. small projects, underground construction projects, green buildings and prefabricated projects). In addition, researchers tend to pay more attention to an individual risk category (e.g. political risk, safety risk and social risk) and integrate CRM into cost, time, quality, safety and environment management functions with the increasing adoption of various information and communication technologies.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on the journal articles in English in WoS core collection database only, thus excluding the publications in other languages, not indexed by WoS and conference proceedings. In addition, the historiography focused on the top documents in terms of document strength and thus ignored the role of the documents whose strengths were a little lower than the threshold.

Originality/value

This review study is more inclusive than any prior reviews on CRM and overcomes the drawbacks of mere reliance on either bibliometric analysis results or subjective opinions. Revealing the evolution process of the CRM knowledge domain, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the CRM research and benefits industry practitioners and researchers.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2019

Santosh B. Rane, Prathamesh Ramkrishana Potdar and Suraj Rane

The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks involved in the construction project based on a literature survey (LS), to develop a project risk management (PRM) framework…

3674

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks involved in the construction project based on a literature survey (LS), to develop a project risk management (PRM) framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies and to demonstrate the developed framework using Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive LS was carried out to know the different risks involved in the construction project and developed a PRM framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of PRM. Heavy equipment and parameters were identified to demonstrate the developed framework based on IoT technology of Industry 4.0.

Findings

This paper demonstrates Industry 4.0 in the various stages of PRM. LS has identified 21 risks for a construction project. The demonstration of the PRM framework has identified the sudden breakdown of equipment and uncertainty of equipment as one of the critical risks associated with heavy equipment of construction project.

Research limitations/implications

The project complexity and features may add a few more risks in PRM.

Practical implications

The PRM framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies will increase the success rate of the project. It will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of PRM.

Originality/value

The developed framework is helpful for the effective PRM of construction projects. The demonstration of PRM framework using IoT technology provides a logical way to manage risk involved in heavy equipment used in a construction project.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2019

Nida Javed, Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem, Beenish Bakhtawar, Abdur Rehman Nasir, Khurram Iqbal Ahmad Khan and Hamza Farooq Gabriel

The formal application of project risk management (PRM) in green building projects is still an emergent part of project management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a…

Abstract

Purpose

The formal application of project risk management (PRM) in green building projects is still an emergent part of project management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual PRM framework that increases the probability of success in green building projects by minimizing unexpected events.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper interprets the related literature and uses the opinion of green building experts. It exposes some pertinent elements needed for structuring the PRM framework and suggests some mitigation actions for high-ranked risks. It also performs ex-post analysis on a case study to practically validate the proposed framework.

Findings

It is found that high initial cost, lack of experienced contractors and subcontractors, consideration of lifecycle inflation and experience in green building project management are the most significant risks. To address them, the framework proposes a rigorous selection of contractors, provision of financial incentives from the government, setting of a time buffer to accommodate legal process and development of a deliberate proactive financial model.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by providing a reasonable strategy for employing the PRM framework capable of effectively managing risk in green building projects to keep organizations competitive within the business environment. The overall aim of this study is to contribute to the further development of the area of risk assessment and risk management from a knowledge-based perspective.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2023

Ruyue Han, Xingmei Li, Zhong Shen and Dongqing Jia

The consideration of the substitution phenomenon in the project portfolio selection problem can improve the robustness of project portfolio selection and help enterprises better…

Abstract

Purpose

The consideration of the substitution phenomenon in the project portfolio selection problem can improve the robustness of project portfolio selection and help enterprises better achieve their strategic objectives. However, the existence of inter-project risk propagation will have a negative impact on project substitution. This paper proposes a new framework for project portfolio selection and constructs a risk propagation model based on strategic objectives to study the impact of risk propagation on substitution in the project portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first construct a risk propagation model based on strategic objectives to describe the risk propagation between projects. Then the project substitution phenomenon based on risk propagation is put forward, and the calculation method of substitution loss is given. Finally, a robust project portfolio selection framework based on strategic objectives considering risk propagation is constructed.

Findings

The analysis of a case study demonstrates that (1) With the increase of risk intensity, the strategic loss of the same project portfolio increases linearly, and under the same risk intensity, the more projects in the portfolio, the stronger the robustness. (2) Considering risk propagation, the effect of project substitution is significantly weakened, and the strategic loss rate of the project portfolio is significantly increased compared with that of a direct attack.

Originality/value

This study is the first to take the project substitution into account in the project portfolio selection process. Moreover, the authors describe inter-project risk propagation and analyze the impact of risk propagation on the project substitution phenomenon. Finally, the authors extend the evaluation index of robustness. This paper puts forward a new way to solve the problem of project portfolio selection.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2022

Smitkumar Savsani, Shamsher Singh and Harlal Singh Mali

Medical devices are undergoing rapid changes because of the increasing affordability of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) and three-dimensional scanning. New…

Abstract

Purpose

Medical devices are undergoing rapid changes because of the increasing affordability of advanced technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) and three-dimensional scanning. New avenues are available for providing solutions and comfort that were not previously conceivable. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the research on developing prostheses using AM to understand the opportunities and challenges in the domain. Various studies on prosthesis development using AM are investigated to explore the scope of integration of AM in prostheses development.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of key publications from the past two decades was conducted. Integration of AM and prostheses development is reviewed from the technologies, materials and functionality point of view to identify challenges, opportunities and future scope.

Findings

AM in prostheses provides superior physical and cognitive ergonomics and reduced cost and delivery time. Patient-specific, lightweight solutions for complex designs improve comfort, functionality and clinical outcomes. Compared to existing procedures and methodologies, using AM technologies in prosthetics could benefit a large population.

Originality/value

This paper helps investigate the impact of AM and related technology in the field of prosthetics and can also be viewed as a collection of relevant medical research and findings.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000