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Integrated project delivery (IPD) has gained traction as a collaborative approach to managing complexity and uncertainty in large industrial capital projects. While IPD emphasizes team integration and process alignment to drive better outcomes, the lack of standardized benchmarks to evaluate its performance relative to traditional methods persists as a barrier. To bridge this gap, this study developed a practical, and unbiased Project Success Framework (PSF) for IPD on industrial projects. A mixed methods research approach including subject matter experts’ survey, research charrette, and validation survey was conducted to build and validate the PSF. In addition, this study proposed a machine learning (ML)-based application tool embedding PSF to enhance the practicality and applicability of PSF. The machine learning-based application tool was validated by comparing the results with the PSF suggested in this research. The PSF developed in this study allows researchers and practitioners to empirically evaluate the integrated project delivery’s efficacy on key industrial project outcomes. In addition, it offers a method to compare project delivery methods across diverse projects, aiding organizations in precise selection using empirical evidence for optimal results. Moreover, this framework aids clients in crafting shared risk/reward models that foster successful outcomes by encouraging desirable behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Configurators have recently emerged as essential tools in the construction industry to enable builders to offer a wide range of customizable designs. Due to significant challenges in information integration between construction suppliers and clients, existing configurator systems often lack crucial usability and supply chain information, presenting barriers to wider adoption among residential communities, especially in single-family residence development that requires a high degree of customization. To address this challenge in the design and construction supply chain, this study presents a lightweight cloud-based modular home configuration methodology as a robust unified platform solution to integrate parametric design options with a certified kit-of-parts library to meet local design codes. The configurator prototype developed under this framework seamlessly integrates essential design and supply chain information by leveraging (1) a generative layout design with pre-approved blueprints, (2) a knowledge-based recommender system to link the design process with certified material catalogs, and (3) a user-friendly web interface to present possible designs. The implementation of a single-family housing design adhering to the building codes in the British Columbia Province of Canada illustrates the benefits of the proposed configurator functionalities and efficient supplier data integration. Lightweight and automated, the proposed configurator has substantial potential to be scaled and adopted across different communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pylon is one of the key force-bearing structures of a cable-bearing bridge. Combining the advantages of factory manufacturing and modular installation of steel pylons, and the higher rigidity and lower cost of reinforced concrete pylons, a steel shell–concrete composite pylon is proposed. In this article, the structural construction of a steel shell–concrete composite pylon is introduced in detail. The structural mechanical properties, action mechanism of the stiffened slab rib and both transverse and vertical tenon are probed. Also, design theories, principles and methods are established. The industrialized construction technology of steel shell–concrete composite pylons is studied. The test results show that the interface strain of the steel shell–concrete composite pylon satisfies the assumption of plane section. During the whole loading process, the steel shell and the concrete can work together to give full play to the role of steel and concrete. In practice, the construction of the Nanjing Jiangxinzhou Yangtze River Bridge has demonstrated that 80% of the construction workload of steel shell–concrete composite pylons can be factory completed, the construction speed can be increased significantly and the labor input for on-site construction operations can be reduced by 75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Integrated project delivery (IPD) has gained traction as a collaborative approach to managing complexity and uncertainty in large industrial capital projects. While IPD emphasizes team integration and process alignment to drive better outcomes, the lack of standardized benchmarks to evaluate its performance relative to traditional methods persists as a barrier. To bridge this gap, this study developed a practical, and unbiased Project Success Framework (PSF) for IPD on industrial projects. A mixed methods research approach including subject matter experts’ survey, research charrette, and validation survey was conducted to build and validate the PSF. In addition, this study proposed a machine learning (ML)-based application tool embedding PSF to enhance the practicality and applicability of PSF. The machine learning-based application tool was validated by comparing the results with the PSF suggested in this research. The PSF developed in this study allows researchers and practitioners to empirically evaluate the integrated project delivery's efficacy on key industrial project outcomes. In addition, it offers a method to compare project delivery methods across diverse projects, aiding organizations in precise selection using empirical evidence for optimal results. Moreover, this framework aids clients in crafting shared risk/reward models that foster successful outcomes by encouraging desirable behaviors.

Configurators have recently emerged as essential tools in the construction industry to enable builders to offer a wide range of customizable designs. Due to significant challenges in information integration between construction suppliers and clients, existing configurator systems often lack crucial usability and supply chain information, presenting barriers to wider adoption among residential communities, especially in single-family residence development that requires a high degree of customization. To address this challenge in the design and construction supply chain, this study presents a lightweight cloud-based modular home configuration methodology as a robust unified platform solution to integrate parametric design options with a certified kit-of-parts library to meet local design codes. The configurator prototype developed under this framework seamlessly integrates essential design and supply chain information by leveraging (1) a generative layout design with pre-approved blueprints, (2) a knowledge-based recommender system to link the design process with certified material catalogs, and (3) a user-friendly web interface to present possible designs. The implementation of a single-family housing design adhering to the building codes in the British Columbia Province of Canada illustrates the benefits of the proposed configurator functionalities and efficient supplier data integration. Lightweight and automated, the proposed configurator has substantial potential to be scaled and adopted across different communities.

Industrial dwelling construction (IDC) combines offsite and onsite construction methods. The current work proposes a multiple-criteria decision-making assistant system (DMAS) approach for evaluating home buildings, selecting decision agents, and determining acceptable IDC types and characteristics for large-scale housing enhancement. Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a multicriteria DMAS was planned. Literature reviews and expert interviews were used to assess thirty decision agents. To validate the procedure, five IDCs were analyzed as case studies. Thirty professionals analyzed decision agents' and housing systems' priority vectors using questionnaires. Three decision agents were identified: (1) user needs, (2) the building industry, and (3) the supply chain. Consequently, Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Slab, Beam, and Column Blocks (PRCSBCB) and Light Steel Frame Wall Panels (LSFWP) can be used to construct suitable dwellings. These construction options are low-cost, lightweight, and easy to install. They also use inexperienced local workers. Results showed the method's potential and usefulness with so many choices and decision agents. This research examines knowledge and skill gaps in Iran's IDC and encounters a shortage of IDC specialists and mass-construction variants. The study identifies key decision-agents and housing options for quick, appropriate, and cost-efficient mass housing and helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers make better decisions.

The presented research article gives an overview of modern aspects of the concept of reliability and risk management of technically complex construction objects using the example of a nuclear power plant (NPP). Through the analysis of domestic and foreign approaches to the study of NPP reliability management systems, the paper defines the vector of development of applied science in the field of project reliability assessment. The author outlines the problems of development of an integrated system of organizational and economic reliability management of the main stages of construction of nuclear power facilities. The article presents the main theses and description of the author’s development of the methodology of reliability assessment of the technically complex NPP system on the basis of multi-criteria approach. It is proposed to use stochastic and deterministic methods of reliability assessment for the technically complex NPP system. The relevance of applying the theory of fuzzy sets is substantiated in the context of the analyzed problem when assessing the degree of reliability of the nuclear power plant as a technically complex real estate property. The method of network graphs construction, forming the basis of the applied software of the organizations performing the functions of customer and contractor of NPP construction, is considered as a sub-base of the system of project reliability assessment by its stages and phases. The article formulates the problems of reliability and risk management, draws conclusions and recommendations on the prospects of NPP reliability management systems development, and identifies directions of further research in this field. It is proposed to create a global map-scheme of the international market of nuclear industry facilities based on their reliability data. The paper substantiates the fact that the creation of such a map will make it possible to inform humankind publicly about the state of energy facilities using peaceful nuclear technology.

A high degree of automation, especially through the use of robots, is state of the art in the automotive and electronics industries. Even though the construction sector is currently lagging behind, an increase in automation and the use of robots can be observed. To assess the potential in industrial timber construction with a focus set on subtractive machining, this paper presents the state of the art in terms of the use of industrial robots and joinery machines, compact joinery machines, and gantry-type joinery machines in regard to milling processes. The capabilities of different types of joinery machines are evaluated and compared with vertical articulated industrial robots equipped with machining spindles. An overview of the history and an assessment of various parameters in the categories: Quality, System, Machining and Economy, is given. Publications, manufacturer information, and industry findings are reviewed to answer pressing questions on automation in timber construction. Limitations such as robotic stability or the limited working space of joinery machines and the affordability of robotic systems are elaborated and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) processes are scrutinized. After the evaluation and comparison of four different systems, an approach for future research is proposed. The main findings are a very low degree of robotization and data availability within the timber industry, lower acquisition costs for industrial robots while increasing the flexibility of the workspace, and task-specific advantages of the respective systems, including machining power, potential for improvement in automation (especially CAD/CAM), and machining quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest trends in natural resource management in Russia and its territorial organization are presented. The role of economic sectors based on mineral resources is growing. Imbalances in the system of mining–processing–domestic consumption–export of mineral raw materials are increasing. In the export-oriented mineral resource complex, expansion of the resource space is observed: focal involvement in the exploitation of new resources of Eastern Siberia, the Far East, the North, and shelf areas. In contrast, the use of renewable resources (biological, forest, soil, agro-climatic, water), as well as nonmetallic building materials consumed within the country, is increasingly converging in compact areas near central places and main transport routes, oriented towards the use of the "best lands." In the structure of regional natural resource management in post-Soviet Russia, the center of gravity is shifting from the production to the consumer sector. The phenomenon of ecological and resource dissonance in the agricultural sector has been revealed, which leads to the degradation of agricultural landscapes. It has been established that the more successfully regional agriculture develops, the higher the resource–environmental dissonance. Actual changes in the natural resource complex do not meet the criteria of "sustainable development." Based on the inventory of implemented investment projects, a small-scale map has been compiled that reflects the main features of the industrial and transport development of post-Soviet Russia. Exceptionally high territorial differentiation of industrial construction has been revealed, which is expressed primarily in its superconcentration in the Moscow region, as well as in the Northwest. When analyzing the structure of new industrial construction, no signs of its greening were revealed. Two-thirds of the new facilities are attributed to the basic, environmentally aggressive industries. The paper considers Russia's entry into the global market of water-intensive products as alternative to the country's natural resource-intensive trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In industrial modular construction, components fabricated in the shop are assembled into modules before being transported to construction sites. This approach offers improved construction efficiency, higher quality products, and the opportunity to work in a controlled environment that offers more predictable schedules. A distinct category of modularized construction is that of piping structures where prefabricated segments of pipes, called pipe spools, are arranged and attached to a steel structure to speed up on-site assembly. Determining when a particular pipe spool is ready for delivery to the site is affected by many factors, including material availability, workforce performance and availability, shop loading conditions, and shop capacity. These factors combine to produce a high degree of uncertainty when estimating the fabrication duration. This paper investigates the improvement of delivery time prediction of pipe spools that are fabricated in a manufacturing facility. The study's main contribution is to propose a data-driven machine-learning model that accurately predicts the total fabrication duration in a pipe spool fabrication facility. The developed model is expected to assist production managers to plan for the appropriate workforce and material delivery requirements. The proposed approach utilizes a combination of product composition and real-time loading status of the shop to develop and examine several tree-based machine-learning models. The approach was evaluated using records of 6,989 pipe spools. The overall prediction performance was improved by a reduction of 35% in the mean absolute percentage error compared to original heuristic estimates. The results also show a strong positive correlation of 0.8 between the actual and predicted values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain, 90% of companies are small- or medium-sized and are usually located in industrial areas, in warehouses with particular characteristics. This paper presents a methodology for the environmental assessment of this type of construction with water and carbon footprint indicators. A database was developed for the identification of typologies and common construction elements based on a sample of 87 projects in the province of Seville. Based on this, the paper proposes a methodology for comparative analysis that merges the data obtained from the research survey with environmental and economic data. The work proposes a systematic classification of the construction units of industrial buildings in order to improve the sustainability of the decision-making process by introducing environmental information on construction materials and machinery. First, the most impactful elements were identified, and then the technical solutions were adjusted using solutions already in the sample of 87 industrial projects. Reductions of up to 74% in the carbon footprint and 54% of the water footprint were found, as well as 14% reduction in construction costs in the most favorable case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main volume of generation in the Russian electric power industry is provided by thermal power plants, causing the most extensive damage to the environment. The growing problems in ensuring environmental safety and the urgent need to reduce the harm to nature and public health must be addressed within the framework of the construction of new and reconstruction of existing facilities in the implementation of state programs to ensure sustainable development of territories. Organizational and managerial aspects of the application and improvement of mechanisms for the implementation of eco-innovations in the framework of industrial construction should be considered in the context of organizational and contractual modeling of the interaction of milestones of participants in investment and construction activities. The use of costly evaluation methods to confirm the results of the development and implementation of eco-innovations is a promising direction in using of complex contracts and their evaluation in the industrial construction of electric power facilities, taking into account their innovative nature.

Acad. prof. Cristea Mateescu is one of the greatest Romanian engineers and scientists, a personality of perfect honour and sincerity, loving the truth above all. His simplicity and modesty became proverbial. But the greatest merit of acad. Prof. Cristea Mateescu is the one to have created a Romanian school of hydromechanics. He conducted studies and executed dams, hydroelectric plants, foundations for thermal turbogenerator groups (Floresti, Campina, Comanesti). Following the earthquake of 1940 and the bombings of the Second World War, he carried out the consolidation of several large, heavily damaged buildings in Bucharest.

In the modern structure of the world market of construction services the increasing role is played by services of an industrial construction. Complication of relations between customers and contractors in this market is observed. In this article the main tendencies of attraction of foreign investments in the international market of services of an industrial construction are analysed.

Efficient scheduling and resource allocation for large-scale industrial projects is challenging due to their size and complexity, especially with fast-track contracts, which often lack detailed information during the early planning phase. This paper introduces a data-driven workface planning framework to enhance scheduling and resource allocation while accommodating uncertainties and constraints (e.g., minimum and maximum resource allocation curves, dynamic predecessor relationships, congestion limits). This framework employs an integrated approach, combining time-stepped simulation with graph-based optimization. By leveraging historical data and expert knowledge, the data-driven framework mitigates certain subjective assumptions, including durations and resource allocations. In practical application, the framework generates near-optimal schedules, even with limited information. Applying the framework to a fast-track industrial construction project case study demonstrated enhanced resource allocation. These findings offer practical benefits to industrial projects regarding time and cost savings and serve as a foundation for future research in data-driven project planning approaches. • Proposing a data-driven scheduling framework for fast-track industrial projects. • Enabling variable/flexible resource allocation, considering space management. • Using historical data to release assumptions when detailed information is lacking. • Extension of the proposed framework to enhance workface planning. • Automatic output of an optimized high-level schedule by the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern structure of the world market of construction services the increasing role is played by services of an industrial construction. Complication of relations between customers and contractors in this market is observed. In this article the main tendencies of attraction of foreign investments in the international market of services of an industrial construction are analysed.

Abstract Decreasing prices of photovoltaics (PV) and Lithium-ion batteries are creating a significant momentum for off-grid Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs). In literature, most researchers have focused on grid-connected ZEBs built on site. This literature review is written with factory-made off-grid ZEBs in mind. High investment costs, poor construction quality and problems to achieve ZEB in real operation are three challenges that ZEB buildings currently face. This article discusses how automated mass production of continually improved standardized modules can overcome those problems. A shipping container is chosen as the modular unit to take advantage of the existing transport infrastructure. Due to the narrow width, the potential for utilizing daylight is better than that of traditional buildings. Off-grid ZEBs mean that the user must achieve ZEB in real operation, including plug loads. The local energy generation is likely to motivate the users to learn more about renewable energy. Plug loads is the largest energy consumer in buildings but are still often overlooked in ZEB definitions. With the Belt and Road initiative and political incentives to increase industrialized construction in China, the premises for exporting container buildings to the main markets in Asia and Africa are improving. Highlights • There is a rapid growth in the PV and battery markets that lowers the prices. • PV-powered buildings, off-grid or in micro-grid, are needed to meet emission goals. • Shipping container units takes advantage of the existing transport infrastructure. • Continually improved standardized container modules provide affordable housing. • Off-grid Zero Energy container homes improve life quality in remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution is rapid. Construction 4.0 represents the architecture, engineering, construction and operations industries exploration of new technologies, equivalent to Industry 4.0 for the manufacturing industry. These concepts address multiple perspectives besides the technological, such as management and processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent research regarding construction projects addresses information and communication, automatisation or industrialisation technologies. A scoping review was the method used to perform a quantitative analysis of over two thousand journal papers published from 2015 onwards. The results show that new technologies are addressed separately, while synergy studies are uncommon. Longitudinal analyses show that there was no significant increase in journal papers concerning new technologies from 2015 to 2019. Information and communication was the search criterion with the least number of papers found. The environmental perspective of new technologies was present but the least common from 2019 to 2020. Hence, this review shows that there is an extensive research gap regarding Construction 4.0 technologies in the context of construction projects. Studies regarding synergy and environmental effects of new technologies should increase to start the progress towards a successful entry into the fourth industrial revolution.

Construction costs comprise not only production but also transaction costs, which can be categorized as ex-ante (pre-contractual) and ex-post (post-contractual) costs. No evidence has been found in the literature of research about transaction costs in industrial construction engineering projects. The objective of this paper is to identify ex-ante and ex-post transaction costs in industrial engineering construction projects. To accomplish this, empirical research with 4 case studies was conducted with a large engineering firm in Brazil. This research not only identified transaction costs already found by others, dividing them into ex-ante and ex-post, but also identified that travel, RFP clarification, support to strategic decisions of the owner and knowledge transfer are transaction costs not previously identified in the researched literature but that are very relevant to the respective subject. Therefore, this research confirms that transaction costs should be considered ex-ante and ex-post by owners and contractors in industrial construction engineering projects and enlightens academics and practitioners on ways to achieve the reduction of such costs.

The relevance of the study stems from the need to improve the effectiveness of public investment policies pursing strategic goals of sustainable development of construction organizations in conditions of insufficient own funds. The study develops conceptual provisions and methods to increase the potential of public investment policy mechanisms. The research is based on the theory of project management, methods of logical analysis, expert and rating assessments, grouping and comparison; the authors applied the methods of classification, structural description, as well as system and optimization methods extending the application of the subject-functional approach aiming at the development of a set of measures used to select the key areas for resources investment. The authors developed a structural model for the implementation of public investment policy in industrial construction. The article proposes methodology and criteria for selecting indicators used to assess the investment attractiveness of industrial construction facilities. The materials of the article are of scientific and practical value and can be used to develop the methodological basis for the implementation of investment policy at all levels of construction industry management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, little research has been performed regarding the planning and management of “small” projects – those projects typically differentiated from “large” projects due to having lower costs. In 2013, The Construction Industry Institute (CII) set out to develop a front end planning tool that will provide practitioners with a standardized process for planning small projects in the industrial sector. The research team determined that data should be sought from industry regarding small industrial projects to ensure applicability, effectiveness and validity of the new tool. The team developed and administered a survey to determine (1) the prevalence of small projects, (2) the planning processes currently in use for small projects, and (3) current metrics used by industry to differentiate between small and large projects. The survey data showed that small projects make up a majority of projects completed in the industrial sector, planning of these projects varies greatly across the industry, and the metrics posed in the survey were mostly not appropriate for use in differentiating between small and large projects. This study contributes to knowledge through adding to the limited research surrounding small projects, and suggesting future research regarding using measures of project complexity to differentiate between small and large projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front-end planning is arguably the most impactful activity in the management of construction projects. Small projects oftentimes have minimal planning completed prior to the start of the design and construction, much to the detriment of the project success. This paper summarizes the research efforts to develop a front-end planning tool specifically for small projects, namely the project definition rating index for small industrial projects (PDRI-SIP). A set of 41 specific elements relevant to the planning of SIPs was developed. Five separate workshops were held in which 65 industry professionals evaluated and prioritized the proposed elements. The tool was validated by more than 50 completed and ongoing SIPs. Statistical analysis showed that projects with better scope definition had significantly improved cost and schedule performance than projects with lesser scope definition. Comparison of front-end planning practices for small and large industrial projects showed planning for project execution over project feasibility being significantly more important on small projects. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by detailing the development of a novel front-end planning tool designed for use on the most prevalent project type in the industrial construction sector and in-depth analysis of front-end planning practices for small and large industrial construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring and improving productivity in construction is a complex issue. This paper introduces the development of an internal benchmarking and metrics (BM&M) model for industrial construction enterprises to help them understand and implement mechanisms for continuously improving construction productivity. Processes are developed in the model for: (1) measuring and reporting craft labor productivity performance; (2) examining productivity influencing factors with respect to construction environment factors and construction practices implementation; (3) establishing a productivity performance evaluation model to understand mechanisms by which the environment factors and construction practices impact productivity; and (4) conducting strategic gap analysis of construction practices implementation. The model is validated on data collected by the designed BM&M process from an industrial construction company, which implemented the model. In conclusion, the model can be effectively used to understand the impact of practices implementation levels on productivity. This contributes knowledge towards implementation of productivity improvement methods in a company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the efforts for sustainability studies in building and infrastructure construction, the sustainability issues in industrial construction remain understudied. Further, few studies evaluate sustainability and benchmark sustainability issues in industrial construction from a management perspective. This study presents a phase-based benchmarking framework for evaluating sustainability practices use focusing on industrial facilities project. Based on the framework, this study quantifies and assesses sustainability practices use, and further sorts the results by project phase and major project characteristics, including project type, project nature, and project delivery method. The results show that sustainability practices were implemented higher in the construction and startup phases relative to other phases, with a very broad range. An assessment by project type and project nature showed significant differences in sustainability practices use, but no significant difference in practices use by project delivery method. This study contributes to providing a benchmarking method for sustainability practices in industrial facilities projects at the project phase level. This study also discusses and provides an application of phase-based benchmarking for sustainability in industrial construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial buildings demand higher amount of energy than other building typologies, thus powerful modelling and simulation tools for energy-optimisation and identification of synergies-potentials between the building envelope, building services and production systems are needed. Building Information Modelling (BIM), as emerging technology, bears promise to support processes integration thus enabling life-cycle management of buildings. BIM model serves as a joint knowledge database where data transfer between various models is possible; thereby enabling follow up studies, such as cost, thermal and structural analysis. Adoption of BIM to BEM (building energy modelling) approach is particularly interesting for optimisation of industrial facilities. Multiple layers of interacting complex systems (building, services and machine floor layout) require careful modelling and control of geometry in terms of collisions, various adaptions due to the short product-life-cycles, as well as integrated energy performance analysis along interacting systems. This paper explores the potentials and deficits of the modelling, analysis and optimisation of energy-efficient industrial buildings using BIM to BEM methodology, by means of case study research of two industrial facilities. Varying needs concerning the Level of Development and semantic differences in the modelling procedures of part-taking disciplines (architecture, structural engineering or analysis) were identified as problems; as well as time pressure as one of the main reasons for defects of building models. The identified deficits represent various types of uncertainties related to the integrated energy modelling, as BIM to BEM can be referred to. We conclude that as a first step of integrated modelling, an uncertainty-analysis should be carried out, and strategies how to deal with these developed. In order to minimise BIM to BEM uncertainties, not only interoperability issues of the software has to be improved (modelling uncertainty), but moreover, the redefinition of the design process and enhancement of individual capabilities is necessary (process uncertainty). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realization of the wood-framed buildings in Europe and in the Nord America are discussed in the introduction to presented paper. Current directions in realizations of single family, multifamily and the other purpose the wood-framed buildings are outlined in paper. Paper describes formation of structural building elements industrially constructed and then dispatched to site. Next part of the paper presents analytical models applied in analysis of internal forces in structure. Numerical model is based on the assumptions of the finite element method. Paper contains exampled application of numerical model in 3D analysis of modular element built-in as the lower segment of multistorey and multifamily building. Summary and conclusions are ending the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While scholarly consensus is that construction absenteeism is a serious and widespread problem, aggregate US and Canadian data show construction absenteeism rates substantially below cross-industry averages. While construction absenteeism research focuses on workplace culture and norms, contractors continue to manage absenteeism primarily as an individual problem. While remuneration and labour market conditions are generally acknowledged to influence construction absenteeism, little research has focused on these factors. High labour turnover in construction resolves the first two conundrums. Adapting to higher labour turnover by limiting investment in firm-specific human capital, contractors are quicker to fire absent workers reducing construction’s measured absentee rates. Higher labour turnover also constrains contractors’ ability to shape workplace culture while facilitating the individual treatment of absentee workers. The construction absentee literature’s methodological focus on workplace surveys explains the absence of research on labour market conditioning of construction absenteeism. This case study using payroll data from a large, unionized US industrial construction site shows not only that absenteeism leads to discharge, but also, that absenteeism is a precursor of both quits and discharges for reasons other than absenteeism. Furthermore, a 1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate reduced the probability that a worker would be fired for absenteeism by 48%; a $100 increase in weekly overtime pay reduced a worker’s probability of being fired for absenteeism by 27% and a $100 increase in per diem or travel pay reduced a worker’s probability of being fired for absenteeism by 75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increasing complexity of petro-chemical projects, fast-tracked engineering, and tighter schedules pose a challenge for pipe spool fabrication shops. To maintain competitiveness, it is necessary to improve the shop performance, i.e. fabrication cycle time. Pipe spool fabrication sequence is found to have significant impact on cycle time and presents an area with potential for improvement. Traditionally, fabrication sequences are determined by shop foremen in a heuristic manner and optimality is not guaranteed. This paper presents a dynamic programming (DP) algorithm to automatically identify the optimal fabrication sequences for pipe spools. Simulation experiments are conducted to test the effectiveness of the algorithm by comparing the cycle times resulting from the algorithm-generated sequences and human-planner-designed sequences, respectively. The results show that the DP algorithm reduces unnecessary position-welding (9 out of 20 position-welds) and results in a reduction in the total fabrication cycle time by a range of 4.8% to 12%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The benchmarking of engineering productivity can assist in the identification of inefficiencies and thus can be critical to cost control. Recognizing the importance of engineering productivity measurement, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) developed the Engineering Productivity Metric System (EPMS) composed of a series of hierarchical metrics with standard definitions suitable for measuring engineering productivity at various levels. While the EPMS can be used to assess engineering productivity at multiple levels within a discipline, it cannot produce an overall project level productivity measurement due to the underlying method of defining productivity. Previous studies have attempted to develop other metrics to assess engineering productivity at the project level; however, these methods did not create metrics suitable for benchmarking. To overcome these limitations, this study developed a standardization approach using “z-scores” to aggregate engineering productivity measurement from actual data collected from 112 projects provided by CII member companies. This method produces a metric with a project level view of engineering productivity. It allows owners and engineering firms to summarize engineering productivity at both the discipline level and at the project level. The method illustrates a comprehensive and innovative procedure to develop a metric for summary of productivity metrics with different underlying outputs, thus laying the foundation for future analyses and studies. Santrauka Lyginant inžinerinės veiklos našumą, galima nustatyti efektyvumo trūkumus, taigi toks lyginimas gali būti itin svarbus sąnaudų kontrolei. Suprasdamas inžinerinės veiklos našumo matavimo svarbą, Statybų pramonės institutas (CII) sukūrė inžinerinės veiklos našumo matų sistemą (angl. Engineering Productivity Metric System, EPMS), kurią sudaro hierarchinė matavimo vienetų su standartinėmis apibrėžtimis serija, leidžianti inžinerinės veiklos našumą matuoti įvairiais lygmenimis. Naudojant EPMS, inžinerinės veiklos našumą galima įvertinti keliais vienos srities lygmenimis, tačiau dėl sistemoje taikomo našumo apibrėžimo metodo bendro projekto našumo įvertinti neįmanoma. Ankstesniuose tyrimuose bandyta kurti kitas matų sistemas bendram projekto inžinerinės veiklos našumui vertinti, tačiau pasirinkti metodai neleido sukurti lyginimui tinkamos matų sistemos. Siekiant įveikti suvaržymus, šiame tyrime buvo sukurtas standartizacijos būdas; jame naudojami zbalai ir jis leidžia išmatuoti bendrą inžinerinės veiklos našumą pagal faktinius duomenis iš 112 projektų, kuriuos pateikė Statybų pramonės institutui priklausančios imonės. Taikant šį metodą gaunama matų sistema, kurioje inžinerinio darbo našumas vertinamas projekto lygmeniu. Savininkams ir inžinerijos bendrovėms tai leidžia susumuoti inžinerinės veiklos našumą ir tam tikros srities, ir projekto lygmeniu. Metodas pristato visapusišką ir novatorišką procedūrą, kaip sudaryti matų sistemą, leidžiančią susumuoti našumo matus, kai pagrindiniai veiklos produktai skiriasi, ir tai pagrindas, kuriuo remiantis ateityje bus galima analizuoti bei atlikti tyrimus. Reikšminiai žodžiai: inžinerija, našumas, statybų vadyba, statybų pramonė, lyginimas, pramoninė statyba

WorkFace Planning (WFP) is a construction industry best practice aimed at improving productivity on industrial construction projects. It is now a common requirement in the construction contracts of industrial projects in Alberta. Since its debut, the implementation of WFP in different project contexts has not been formally studied. Construction project contexts differ greatly and have an impact on the effectiveness of implementation of any industry standard procedure. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for identifying the context variables that warrant changes to the industry standard WFP procedures and to illustrate how these variables require the adaptation of WFP within an organization and on a project. The framework is illustrated with a case study of an organization and a project, which found that modifications to the standard WFP procedures were made at both the organization and project levels during implementation, based on certain organization and project characteristics. These modifications to the standard WFP procedures, coupled with the organization and project characteristics identified, are of value to the future implementation of WFP in specific contexts. Furthermore, the methodology used in this study to investigate the adaptation of WFP is useful in studying the adaptation of other industry best practices for different construction contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an ontology-driven framework for developing distributed simulation modeling of construction processes. The research described in the paper is motivated by the necessity of knowledge sharing between distributed simulation modeling collaborators, and reuse and portability challenges in construction simulation models. Our approach addresses these challenges through ontological modeling and linking of construction simulation modeling components including ( i) ontology of construction process, ( ii) ontology of simulation world view, and ( iii) ontology of distributed simulation modeling application tool. Within the paper, ontology driven approach and mapping of ontologies for information transference between simulation components has been described. Another discussed application of ontologies is structuring of simulation modeling development through use of reusable elements. A large-scale distributed simulation model of industrial construction processes has been outlined to illustrate the application of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benchmarking of engineering productivity can assist in the identification of inefficiencies and thus can be critical to cost control. Recognizing the importance of engineering productivity measurement, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) developed the Engineering Productivity Metric System (EPMS) composed of a series of hierarchical metrics with standard definitions suitable for measuring engineering productivity at various levels. While the EPMS can be used to assess engineering productivity at multiple levels within a discipline, it cannot produce an overall project level productivity measurement due to the underlying method of defining productivity. Previous studies have attempted to develop other metrics to assess engineering productivity at the project level; however, these methods did not create metrics suitable for benchmarking. To overcome these limitations, this study developed a standardization approach using “z-scores” to aggregate engineering productivity measurement from actual data collected from 112 projects provided by CII member companies. This method produces a metric with a project level view of engineering productivity. It allows owners and engineering firms to summarize engineering productivity at both the discipline level and at the project level. The method illustrates a comprehensive and innovative procedure to develop a metric for summary of productivity metrics with different underlying outputs, thus laying the foundation for future analyses and studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Industrial construction is a complex production system involving multiple supply chains. Engineers need a tool that enables them to plan and improve the system by testing different theories. This research developed a special modeling system tailored for building large-scale simulation models for industrial construction. The modeling system can be used to model an industrial construction project as a whole supply chain system, covering spool drafting, material supply, spool fabrication, module assembly, and site installation, complete with details of the production level. The entire production system can be conceived in terms of not only activities, but also product flows and information flows by the developed modeling system. The developed model was utilized to execute several simulation experimentations to test the various theories. This testing ultimately facilitates the improvement of the performance of the whole industrial construction project system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International contractors must consider the substantial risks related to unexpected foreign exchange fluctuation when conducting their business and using foreign currencies in foreign countries. Most international contractors attempt to minimize foreign exchange exposure within a manageable range because it may influence the company's fundamental financial structure, reduce market value or profit margins, or disrupt ongoing and future projects. This research provides a qualitative study of existing foreign exchange exposure (transaction, operation, and translation exposure) and current and effective foreign exchange risk management in American and Korean international contractors, as they represent both new and long-time members of the global construction market. Finally, recommendations of strategies for new and existing international contractors to minimize and better manage foreign exchange risk will be offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Research studies in the application of Augmented Reality (AR) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry have suggested its feasibility. However, realization of the use of AR in AEC requires not only demonstration of feasibility but also validation of its suitability. This paper comprehensively identifies AR application areas in industrial construction based on suitability of AR technologies. In order to successfully explore suitability of AR, this paper assesses work tasks from the viewpoint of human factors regarding visual information requirements to find rationale for the benefits of AR in work tasks. Based on the assessment of work tasks, this paper presents a comprehensive map that identifies AR application areas in industrial construction. The comprehensive map reveals that eight work tasks (layout, excavation, positioning, inspection, coordination, supervision, commenting, and strategizing) out of 17 classified work tasks may potentially benefit from AR support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]