Search results

Construction industry is a vital sector for economic and national development. However, the industry suffers buildability problems. Improving construction projects buildability is the duty of every key stakeholder. Thus, this study aims to identify and evaluate the project designers’ roles in improving construction projects buildability in Nigeria.

This study adopted quantitative research method. A purposive sampling approach was used in identifying the representative sample for the administration of the questionnaire survey. A total of 122 questionnaires were distributed to the targeted construction professionals, out of which 93 questionnaires were sufficiently filled and returned, representing a response rate of 76%. This study used descriptive and inferential statistics for data analyses.

The results from factors analysis show that the roles of project designers in improving construction projects buildability in Nigeria can be categorised into two constructs: “discuss fully the design objectives with builders” and “prepare cost effective and buildable designs”.

This study contributed to more effective buildability studies by highlighting the roles of project designers in improving construction projects buildability in the construction industry. An understanding of these roles is vital for reducing buildability problems as well as for improving and embedding buildability as a practice in construction management.

Buildability assessment is an important tool used in improving buildability of building designs. Its practice has positive impact on construction project such as cost-saving, material waste reduction, labour-saving technologies, increase in efficiency, saving wasteful efforts and quality improvement as well as cost-effective methods of site construction and future maintenance. However, there are several factors hindering building construction industry to implement buildability assessment. In addition, there are few studies that described the factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. This study aims to determine the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian building construction industry

Quantitative research method was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were administered to purposively selected group of architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors. A total of 368 questionnaires were distributed among the sampled participants, out of which a total of 219 representing 60% were sufficiently filled and returned. Data elicited were analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics.

The results revealed that “poor co-ordination amongst different design disciplines”, “lack of buildability assessment awareness”, “design review pattern where construction personnel (builders) are invited to assess the building production information”, “unwillingness to invest extra money and effort during the early stage of project” and “designers value aesthetics and functionalities more than buildability in their designs” are the topmost five factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry.

This study highlights factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. An understanding of these factors can help stakeholders in the construction industry facilitate the development of strategies required to mitigate the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the sector.

The construction projects tends to perform poorly. Non-integration of buildability into the project procurement process is one of the reasons for the observed poor performance. To address this issue and close the gap in the existing knowledge, this paper proposes buildability-led procurement (BLP), a new procurement method for future construction projects in view to enhance buildability of complex private and public projects delivery as well as improving both organisation and project performance.

This paper adopts qualitative research approach and uses an integrated literature review method to synthesise literature from diverse domain so as to propose a five-stage BLP plan for implementation in construction industry.

Based on the information gleaned from the literature review, a BLP model was conceptualised. Adoption of the BLP model would lead to significant improvement in project outcomes. The model’s main innovation lies in the possibility of providing an optimised design solution for the project at the design stage.

This study proposed an innovative procurement method with practical plan for implementation and the possibility for improved project performance in the construction industry. BLP model implementation may lead to reduced waste, rework and removal of obstacles experienced during the construction phase. The proposed model marks a new strategy in procurement which enables the delivery of best quality project within a reasonable and justifiable cost and time in complex private and public projects. Hence, it makes a valuable contribution towards the buildability enhancement of complex projects as well as organisation and project performance improvement.

Despite many studies on buildability from different perspectives and methods, the problems associated with buildability have not ceased from confronting the construction industry. This paper aims to determine the critical measures for improving the buildability of building designs in the construction industry.

A questionnaire was developed to address the aim of the study. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to purposively selected group of quantity surveyors, builders, engineers and architects. A total of 368 questionnaires were administered and a response rate of 60% (219 questionnaires were returned) was achieved. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The results revealed that “the benefits of improved buildability should be made known to designers”, “more technical literature for improving buildability should be provided to designers” and “more education and training on buildability should be given to designers” are the top most important three measures for improving the buildability of building designs in the construction industry.

This study highlights the measures for improving buildability of building designs which are considered significant by construction professionals. An understanding of these measures is essential for reducing buildability problems as well as for improving and embedding buildability as a practice in the construction industry.

This study aimed at determining the decisive factors for achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects.

Questionnaire survey of principal stakeholders involved in construction project delivery within client, consulting and contracting organisations in Nigeria were conducted to assess stakeholders' perspectives on the decisive factors for achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects using importance weights. A total of 243 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 51% (123 questionnaires were adequately filled and returned) was achieved. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised in analysing elicited data.

The results from data analysis showed that “satisfaction – including workforce satisfaction and user satisfaction”, “value for money” and “creating a healthy, nontoxic environment – including high indoor air quality” were the top most three decisive factors for achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects in Nigeria.

An understanding of these decisive factors can help principal stakeholders in the construction industry of developing countries to facilitate the development of methods required in supporting the adoption of sustainable procurement practice.

In the face of rising concerns over air pollution in buildings, this study undertakes a systematic review of emerging technologies for mitigating air pollution, with the goal of devising a comprehensive framework to address air pollution in buildings. It begins by highlighting the critical backdrop of deteriorating air quality across global cities, setting the stage for an urgent inquiry into viable solutions.

This study systematically reviews the literature on emerging technologies for mitigating air pollution in buildings. In total, 2,630 related articles were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method.

The findings illuminate a promising landscape of technological advancements, demonstrating significant reductions in key pollutants, including particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Innovations in filtration systems, renewable energy adoption and smart buildings emerge as pivotal in driving down pollution levels. Furthermore, the study elucidates the synergistic potential of integrating these technologies with strategic policy initiatives and community engagement efforts, highlighting the multifaceted approach required to combat air pollution effectively.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically review prior literature on technologies for mitigating air pollution in buildings. The significance of this study extends beyond its theoretical contributions, offering practical insights and actionable strategies for industry professionals, policymakers and researchers. It underscores the critical intersection of technology and policy in paving the way for healthier built environments, providing a blueprint for future initiatives to achieve sustainable air quality improvements.