Karen Banahene Blay, Christopher Gorse, Chris Goodier, Jack Starkey, Seongha Hwang and Sergio Henrique Pialarissi Cavalaro
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels have been extensively used in the UK since the 1960s as structural roofs, floors and walls. The lack of a longitudinal…
Abstract
Purpose
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels have been extensively used in the UK since the 1960s as structural roofs, floors and walls. The lack of a longitudinal, objective, consistent defect data capture process has led to inaccurate, invalid and incomplete RAAC data, which limits the ability to survey RAAC within buildings and monitor performance. Therefore, an accurate, complete and valid digital data capture process is needed to facilitate better RAAC performance and defect monitoring. This paper presents the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven RAAC crack defect capture tool for improving the quality of RAAC survey data.
Design/methodology/approach
RAAC crack defect image data were collected, curated and trained. A deep learning approach was employed to train RAAC surveyed defects (cracks) images from two hospitals. This approach mitigated unavoidable occlusions/obstructions and unintended “foreign” objects and textures.
Findings
An automatic RAAC crack identification tool has been developed to be integrated into RAAC survey processes via an executable code. The executable code categorises RAAC survey images into “crack” or “non-crack” and can provide longitudinal graphical evidence of changes in the RAAC over time.
Originality/value
This paper identifies the role of AI in addressing the intrinsic defects data capture issues for RAAC and extends current debates on data-driven solutions for defect capture and monitoring.
Details
Keywords
Christopher A. Gorse and Stephen Emmitt
Progress meetings provide a central forum for requesting and exchanging the information necessary for the successful completion of construction projects. Although common to the…
Abstract
Progress meetings provide a central forum for requesting and exchanging the information necessary for the successful completion of construction projects. Although common to the majority of projects, little is known about the interaction between participants during these meetings. Reviews appropriateness of methodologies for the study of group interaction and discusses the problems encountered when piloting them. The review led to a focus on Bales’ interaction process analysis (IPA) as an appropriate methodology for observing, analysing and interpreting social interaction in small groups. Pilot testing and subsequent use found the method to be reliable and robust. Bales’ IPA was used to categorise and quantify communication acts of 30 site‐based progress meetings. Results indicate that the management and design team interaction is subject to interaction norms: this is predominantly task‐based, but subject to outbursts of emotional interaction, which was found to be very influential on the groups’ behaviour.
Details
Keywords
David Glew, Melanie B. Smith, Dominic Miles-Shenton and Christopher Gorse
The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed appraisal of the quality of domestic retrofits.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed appraisal of the quality of domestic retrofits.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the results of technical surveys on 51 retrofits undertaken before, during and after the retrofits.
Findings
Failures are observed to be endemic and characterised into five themes: 72 per cent showed moisture issues pre-retrofit, 68 per cent had moisture risks post-retrofit, 62 per cent did not adopt a whole house approach, 16 per cent showed inadequate quality assurance protocols and 64 per cent showed evidence of insufficient design detailing. Each theme is further subcategorised with a view to identifying implications for future policy.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest the 10 per cent Ofgem retrofit failure rates predictions are an underestimate and so there may be a need for additional investigations to understand the trend across the UK.
Practical implications
Recommendations to reduce the failure rates may include making changes to the current inspection regime, widening understanding among installers; providing standard repeatable designs for repeated features; and empowering occupants to trigger inspections.
Social implications
The sample is representative of a substantial proportion of the homes in the UK suggesting that retrofit quality may in many instances be below the required standards.
Originality/value
Risks of moisture issues and underperformance in domestic retrofit are a concern for government industry and households. This research shows that many installation failures are the result of not implementing existing guidelines and a change to the enforcement of standards may be needed to enact a fundamental change in installer practice and process control.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to propose a model for building performance, based on control of fabric and services, and the influence of occupant behaviour. This work also demonstrates where…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a model for building performance, based on control of fabric and services, and the influence of occupant behaviour. This work also demonstrates where significant change has been achieved through the processes of testing, measurement and monitoring. Modern Man’s impact on the Ecosystem, sustainability and the built environment’s contribution to global emissions are highlighted. The review provides a specific focus on the thermal performance of buildings and work undertaken to recognise and reduce wasted heat energy. Drawing on current research, data on buildings achieving enhanced levels of energy efficiency are presented and underperformance are discussed. While it is clear that domestic properties can perform, the pressure from legislation has been limited and significant gaps in thermal building performance continue.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on a number of current research projects, this paper identifies the emergent methods for testing buildings and assessing fabric energy efficiency.
Findings
The research identifies methods suitable for understanding and assessing building fabric performance. Using established methods, the performance metrics identify a significant difference between those achieving the energy efficiency standards and those failing to meet their designed performance.
Originality/value
Highlighting the issue of sustainability is commonplace, but few have identified practical process measures that differentiate innovation that can lead to significant improvements in the building stock and identify those failing to achieve target performance.
Details
Keywords
This study used qualitative discourse analysis to explore how researchers use the concept of ingenuity to understand the everyday work of social entrepreneurs. Data were drawn…
Abstract
This study used qualitative discourse analysis to explore how researchers use the concept of ingenuity to understand the everyday work of social entrepreneurs. Data were drawn from a sample of 69 research articles published across 41 academic journals between 1998 and 2018. The findings showed ingenuity to be an underdeveloped concept in the social entrepreneurship literature and revealed a paucity of research on the everyday work performed by social entrepreneurs. A framework for studying the work of social entrepreneurs at the “scale of the everyday” through the lens of ingenuity is proposed, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Details
Keywords
Mohamed Elkbuli, Nurhidayah Azmy and Chia Kuang Lee
Although there has been an increase in the application of a variety of robust technologies and systems, the oil and gas sector relies on project managers’ soft skills for success…
Abstract
Purpose
Although there has been an increase in the application of a variety of robust technologies and systems, the oil and gas sector relies on project managers’ soft skills for success because of their vital role. Therefore, this study aims to explore the profound influence of project managers’ soft communication skills on successful risk management within Libya’s oil and gas projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of relevant literature and a quantitative approach through the administration of a questionnaire were used to determine factors impacting risk management implementation related to managerial communication skills. A total of 246 valid responses were received from the oil and gas companies in Tripoli, Libya. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and moderating relationship drawn by the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings suggest that managerial soft skills may be used to improve continuous risk management processes and intra-project communication. It was found that the experience is strengthening the positive relationship between written communication soft skills and project risk management implementation among Libyan oil and gas construction projects.
Originality/value
This study defines project managers’ soft communication skills and analyzes project managers’ soft communication skills with the role of experience as a moderator. This paper presents a valuable contribution by offering original insights tailored explicitly to the Libyan context. The information presented in this paper is relevant to project managers operating within the oil and gas industry. It also offers a novel approach to risk management in the Libyan oil and gas industry that can improve project efficiency and effectiveness.
Details
Keywords
Micael Thunberg, Martin Rudberg and Tina Karrbom Gustavsson
This study aims to identify and categorise common on-site problems from a supply chain management (SCM) perspective and to trace the origin of these problems in the construction…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and categorise common on-site problems from a supply chain management (SCM) perspective and to trace the origin of these problems in the construction project process, the supply chain or in the intersection between these processes. This allows for identification of how on-site problems affect SCM in construction projects and how they can be mitigated.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review in combination with semi-structured interviews was used to identify on-site problems. This enabled triangulation and strengthened both construct validity and internal validity.
Findings
On-site problems can be categorised in one of the four following categories: material flows, internal communication, external communication or complexity. The first category has its origin in the supply chain, the second in the construction project process, the third in the supply chain-construction process intersection on site and the fourth in the construction project as a whole. The findings conclude that on-site problems often originate from construction companies’ lack of supply chain orientation.
Research limitations/implications
It is suggested that supply chain planning (SCP) can facilitate on-site problem mitigation in construction project management. This extends the body of knowledge of SCP in construction project management and supports the development of effective on-site construction project management.
Practical implications
The results show that SCP can aid construction project management in handling on-site problems earlier in the project process.
Originality/value
The main value lies in extending the body of knowledge in construction project management research by applying an SCM perspective and by introducing SCP to support more effective construction project management.