Driven by environmental sustainability concerns, the integration of biobased components in curtain wall systems is gaining traction in both research and the construction market. This paper explores the development and validation of a bio-based façade system within the Basajaun H2020 project. The project aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing environmentally friendly bio-based components into the mature curtain wall façade industry. The paper focuses on identifying technological solutions for replacing key components such as profiles, insulation, and the tightness system with bio-based and less environmental impact alternatives presenting the results achieved in the façade system design of the Basajaun project funded by European Union. These solutions aimed at creating a bio-composite-based curtain wall façade that adheres to current building envelope standards and normative; to implement diverse façade typologies for vision panels, opaque sections, and integrated windows; to engineer the prefabrication process for industrialization, enabling wider market replication and simplified transport and installation. The results demonstrate that the Basajaun façade successfully integrates selected components and meets the performance requirements set by regulations. However, questions remain regarding the workability of bio-based profiles as a commercially viable, ready-to-market solution that can replace traditional aluminum profiles in the curtain wall façade industry.

As matrix representations of magic labelings of related hypergraphs, magic squares and their various variants have been applied to many domains. Among various subclasses, trimagic squares have been investigated for over a hundred years. The existence problem for trimagic squares with singly even orders and orders 16n has been solved completely. However, very little is known for the existence of trimagic squares with other even orders except for the only three examples and three families. We construct normal trimagic squares by using product constructions, row-square magic rectangles, and trimagic pairs of orthogonal diagonal Latin squares. We give a new product construction: For positive integers p, q, and r having the same parity other than 1, 2, 3, 6, if normal p × q and r × q row-square magic rectangles exist, then a normal trimagic square with order pqr exists. As its application, we construct normal trimagic squares of orders 8q^3 and 8pqr for all odd integers q not less than 7 and p,r ∈ {7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37}. Our construction can easily be extended to construct multimagic squares.

This research describes a detailed analysis in the enactment of a Lean Tool, the Last Planner System during pandemic period which helps in optimizing the resources for better coordination among all stakeholders in pandemic period. LPS as it is known, focusses on minimizing the factors such as uncertainties, barriers and variability to make construction projects more flexible for better project management. These include variations and deviations, supervision, delays in approvals, change resistance, subcontractor dedication which are all related to various stakeholders in the project. Following that, a Design Science Research technique is used to evaluate the effect of applying LPS in buildings. An action strategy is being used to attain this goal, and four case studies were being documented which were concerned in the implementation of LPS in the building of the Boy's Hostel, Research Scholar Quarters, Faculty Housing, and Girls' Hostel at Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. Data was gathered by observation of site activities, interviews, documentation analysis, and a questionnaire survey and grouped into various factors. While adopting the LPS tool in the research the factors affecting the implementation were found in the covid-19 pandemic period. Further these factors were anlayzed, measured, ranked and validated for adopting in projects.

This study addresses the critical issue of dowel-bearing strength in Bambusa blumeana, a key sus-tainable construction material crucial for climate change mitigation. Given the lack of bamboo connection standards, the research focuses on determining the dowel-bearing strength of Bambusa blumeana, emphasizing factors such as dowel diameter, node placements, and the physical prop-erties of bamboo. A predictive equation is derived, enhancing the practicality of bamboo in struc-tural design. The results underscore a notable correlation between dowel diameter and character-istic strength, with implications for engineering practices. Node placements significantly affect dowel-bearing capacity, while bamboo's physical attributes, including thickness, culm diameter, and moisture content, exhibit modest correlations with strength. The derived equation aims to assist in structural design, mitigating splitting and bearing failures in bamboo structures. This research establishes a foundation for optimizing the use of Bambusa blumeana in sustainable construction, advancing the understanding of its dowel-bearing strength for improved sustainability and resili-ence in the construction industry. Future research suggestions include exploring bamboo-mortar composites, additional node placements, and employing more comprehensive empirical equations and curve-fitting techniques. The study advocates for further investigations with more diverse and larger bamboo samples to bolster robustness. Additionally, delving into bamboo ductility may offer valuable insights.

In this paper, based on the symmetrical reliability theory, a research method for the safety factor of overall overturning stability of continuous beam bridge under carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) during cantilever and horizontal rotation construction is proposed. Under the premise that the given target reliability index is known, the method solves the overall overturning stability safety factor of continuous beam bridge under carbon fiber reinforced polymers during cantilever and horizontal rotation construction by using the symmetrical reliability analysis theory and considering the randomness of structural parameters. This method is used to calculate the safety factor and the design reinforcement aera of CRFP of overturning stability and the design reinforcement aera of CRFP of a continuous beam bridge, and the parameters are analyzed. The calculation results show that the randomness of parameters will have a great impact on the overall safety factor and the CRFP aera of overturning stability of cantilever and horizontal rotation construction of continuous beam bridge, and ignoring the influence of randomness of parameters will lead to overestimation of the overall safety factor and underestimation of the CRFP aera of overturning stability of cantilever and horizontal rotation construction of continuous beam bridge.

During the 2008 financial crisis, central banks (such as the Fed) adopted quantitative easing (QE) policy to stimulate their economies and overcome severe economic and financial recessions. However, apart from stimulating the economy by issuing a substantial amount of currency to purchase long-term bonds and suppress interest rates, QE policy also contributed to a boom in the real estate and construction sectors. Therefore, this study employs Data Envelopment Analysis to measure the business performance (BP) of construction companies and explores the impact of QE policy on the BP of construction companies between 2004 and 2015 using ordinary least squares regression. Also, we examine the moderating role of debt ratio on the relationship. Focused on publicly listed construction companies in Taiwan, this research reveals three encouraging find-ings. Firstly, QE policy indeed enhanced the BP of Taiwanese construction companies. Secondly, the performance improvement of construction companies due to QE policy shows a time-diminishing trend, suggesting the importance of seizing the initial policy benefits of QE implementation. Lastly, construction companies with appropriate financial leverage may exhibit better BP. These findings can provide valuable insights for relevant government entities and de-cision-makers in the industry for policy and investment decisions.

Keywords: Demographics, Diversity, Gender, Race, Age, Professionals, Built Environment, Construction Industry, South Africa

African scientific research faces formidable challenges, particularly with limited access to state-of-the-art measurement instruments. The high cost associated with these devices presents a significant barrier for regional research laboratories, impeding their ability to conduct sophisticated experiments and gather precise data. This predicament not only hampers the individual laboratories but also has broader implications for the African scientific community and the advancement of knowledge in developing nations—the financial cost barrier considerably impacts the research quality of these laboratories. Reflection on technical and economical solutions needs to be quickly found to help these countries advance their research. In civil Engineering, the thermal conductivity property is the most important measurement for characterising heat transfer in construction materials. Existing devices (i.e., conductometers) in a laboratory are expensive (approximately 30,000 euros) and unavailable for some African laboratories. The study proposes a new and affordable device to evaluate thermal conductivity in construction materials. The method involves establishing a thermal flux between a heat source ( from the Joule effect provided by steel wool where a current is circulating) and a cold source (generated by ice cube) under steady-state conditions. The development of the cylindrical prototype is based on the comparative flux-meter method outlined in the measuring protocol of the ASTM E1225 standard document. Experiments were conducted on four distinct materials (polystyrene, wood, agglomerated wood, and rigid foam). The results indicate a correct correlation between the experimental values obtained from the newly developed prototype and the reference values found in the literature. For example, concerning the experimental polystyrene study, the detailed case analysis reveals a good correlation, with a deviation of only 4%. The percent error found falls within the acceptable range indicated by the standards recommendations of the ASTM E1225 standard, i.e., within 5% acceptable error.

In view of the complexity of the pile foundation underpinning structure system and the stringent requirements of the construction process, this paper briefly describes the necessity of introducing epoxy resin reinforcing adhesive of planting rebar in the design of pile foundation underpinning beam structure to im-prove the mechanical properties of the underpinning beam new and old concrete joint surfaces and proposes a new type of pile foundation underpinning beam system construction method by “chiseling + prestressed reinforcement + epoxy resin reinforcing adhesive”. This paper uses an actual pile foundation underpinning project of an urban overpass as a prototype, designs and creates a model structure with a similarity ratio of 1/6, and performs repeated pro-gressive static loading tests to study the load carrying capacity, displacement change, and other properties of the underpinning structure, as well as analyses and distorts the overall working performance and failure mode of them. On this basis, the prototype structure's finite element analysis model was built, and the finite element analysis results were compared with the test results to get the mechanical properties and deformation characters of the actual pile foundation under-pinning structure system corresponding to the actual underpinning beam load. This paper's study can lay the theoretical and experimental foundation for the smooth development of similar projects.

The size of the population and the need for residential spaces are increasing. One possible solution is to add new floors to existing buildings. The positive aspects of such a solution with respect to its socio-economic impact and impact on the environment is that large amounts of carbon dioxide release will be avoided, waste and its treatment will be reduced, and agricultural land and green spaces will be preserved. However, adding floors to existing structures might be structurally challenging, especially in terms of the behavior under seismic actions. This paper presents a numerical study of a reinforced concrete frame in an old building to which new floors are subsequently added. The analysis shows that the frame does not behave as a whole with the old part of the structure, nor does it behave the same as if it were made with rigid joints compared to additional ones connected using hinge joints. The change from the corner (knee) joint to the external joint has its own effect on the distribution of internal forces in the structure as a whole and in the joint in particular.

To solve the problem of complex sensor installation and easy damage in contact displacement measurement, a non-contact measurement method of brace displacement in bridge swivel construction based on binocular vision is proposed in this study. Combined with monitoring data in a swivel construction interchange project, binocular vision system was compared and analyzed with the traditional displacement meter and total station. Results showed that force versus displacement variation plots were obtained by binocular visual measurement in the weighing test, the inflection point can be clearly distinguished, and the position of the inflection point was the same as that of the displacement meter; monitoring data of binocular vision measurement and total station were compared and analyzed in the bridge swivel process, the average error was no more than 0.18 mm, the maximum error was no more than 0.42 mm, and the standard deviation was no more than 0.12. The method proposed in this study can be used as an alternative to displacement meter and total station measurement methods in bridge swivel construction, the problem of complex sensor installation and easy damage is solved in brace displacement measurement, equipment and labor costs can be effectively saved.

Revolutionizing Lng Plant Construction and its Comprehensive Comparative Analysis And Evaluation Of Modular Design Development Versus Stick-Built Approach For Enhanced Efficiency And Cost-Effectiveness,.Although the utilization of modularization concepts in the LNG industry remains limited, this study focuses on exploring their potential. It is worth noting that modular units typically incur higher costs compared to field erected units due to the additional requirements of structural steel and robustness for transportation purposes.Nevertheless, the increased cost of modularization can often be balanced by conducting the work at the fabrication site instead of on-field construction. This approach reduces the overall project cost by minimizing field construction expenses and shortening the construction schedule. The objective of this paper is to assess and compare LNG modularization options for a newly established LNG facility in comparison to a conventional stick-built plant used as the base case.:The paper delves into various topics related to LNG plant construction, such as the development of modular units, a comprehensive comparison of different options, evaluation of construction schedules and manpower requirements, logistics considerations, and a recommended approach for design and construction. The cost estimates and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) schedules are meticulously compared for each option. Additionally, an inshore/near shore gravity base structure (GBS) option is included for further comparison. It is crucial to emphasize that establishing general costs is not possible as each project is distinct and requires individual study and analysis.:Each project has unique characteristics, resulting in varying shapes of cost curves and break-even points. The outcomes of the feasibility evaluation play a crucial role in determining the extent to which the modular approach to construction is advantageous for the specific project at hand. The evaluation takes into consideration multiple factors to determine the potential benefits of adopting a modular construction approach, allowing decision-makers to make informed choices regarding the project's construction methodology

Agricultural activities are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon emissions from agricultural land use (CEALU) have become a hot issue across the world. However, few scholars explored the impact of agricultural land policies on carbon emissions, such as the High-standard farmland construction(HSFC) in China.Thus，by relying on provincial panel data for China for the period 2005-2017, the effect of the high-standard basic farmland construction policy on carbon emissions from agricultural land use per unit area and its regional differences were quantitatively analyzed using the difference-in-difference (DID) model. The results showed that: 1) China's CEALU per unit area presented a fluctuating upward trend during the period 2005-2017, from 392.58 kg/ha to 457.72 kg/ha, with an average annual growth rate of 1.31%. 2) The high-standard farmland construction(HSFC) policy produced a significant carbon emission reduction effect in agricultural land use, and reduced the CEALU per unit area by 10.80% on average. With the promotion of this policy, its carbon emission reduction effect in agricultural land use presented an overall increasing trend. 3) The carbon emission reduction effect of the high-standard farmland construction policy in agricultural land use was significant in central China, but non-significant in eastern China and western China.

Centimeter-level localization and rotation angle estimation of flatbed trucks are major problems in unmanned forklift automated loading scenes. To solve it, this study proposes a method for high-precision positioning and rotation angle estimation of flatbed trucks based on BeiDou and vision. First, an unmanned forklift equipped with a ToF camera and double antenna mobile receiver for BeiDou positioning collects depth images and localization data near the front and rear endpoints of the flatbed. Then DDRNet-23-slim was used to segment the flatbed from the depth image and extract the straight lines at the edges of the flatbed using the Hough transform and compute the set of intersection points of the lines. A neighborhood feature vector was designed to locate the endpoint of a flatbed from a set of intersection points by feature screening. Finally, the relative coordinates of the endpoints were converted to a customized forklift navigation coordinate system by BeiDou positioning, and rotation angle estimation was performed by the front and rear endpoints. Experiments showed that the endpoint positioning error was less than 3 cm and the rotation angle estimation error was less than 0.1°. The precision of the method meets the demand for automated flatbed truck loading by unmanned forklifts.

In the construction sector, the integration of biobased materials has emerged as a pivotal aspect of EU policies, aimed at promoting sustainable practices throughout the value chain to mitigate resource consumption and carbon emissions. This paper explores the development and validation activities of a bio-based façade system within the Basajaun H2020 project, focusing on enhancing the utilization of biobased components within building envelopes to replace conventional solutions with eco-friendly alternatives. This paper reports the methodologies employed to detect requirements and outline the testing protocols undertaken to validate the façade system design devised within the project focusing on the original façade components as the bio composite profile. Vision and opaque façade modules are prototyped and tested following curtain wall standards standard for performance and acoustic assessments, to showcase the efficacy of the developed solution. The conducted tests demonstrate the feasibility of integrating bio-based components into building envelopes, aligning with project expectations, and prevailing standards for curtain wall façade solutions. Notably, the designed façade system meets technical conditions and project objectives. Nevertheless, the research underscores the need for further refinements to facilitate solution industrialization and explore broader market applicability. Future efforts will focus on addressing these improvements and assessing the scalability of the solution.

VE is a powerful technique for analyzing a design with a focus on functionality, reducing costs, and increasing value. However, in order to proceed with the design of VE, the theoretical basis for the VE target selection process, which must be preceded in the preparation stage, is lacking, and as a result, it is difficult to verify the most effective target selection. Thus, a theoretical basis is needed. In this study, we intend to quantify the WORTH value of the COST TO WORTH technique and present an objective model of the target selection method using the derived Value Index (VI). For this purpose, cost worth (WORTHC) was calculated based on the performance data of 1,008 cases of 15 building types provided by the Domestic Public Procurement Service and the share of 83 detailed processes in 7 fields. Then, a survey was conducted targeting the ordering companies, and the final worth (WORTHF) was calculated by multiplying the derived customer value (WORTHV ) weight for each detailed work type. We calculated the Value Index (VI) by comparing COST and WORTHF for each detailed construction type of the VE project and developed a model to select construction types that exceed the VI standard value derived using the standard error of the population. Both cost experts and non-cost experts can use the developed model to specify the VE target selection criteria in order to easily select the key target, objectively sort the values that serve as the basis for calculating the value index and make it possible to more easily select the VE target selection criteria based on theoretical evidence. Also, the model can be used to obtain effective detailed design VE results.

Raw earth bricks made from the soil of the Chalky Champagne region (France) have been used for at least two millennia in construction, a promising heritage in the context of reducing the carbon emissions of buildings. The present experimental study aims at measuring the physical, mechanical, thermal, and hydric properties of adobes collected from a local village barn. Results show a high chalk content estimated at 71%, and a clay content, acting as binder, at 14%. Despite limited load-bearing capacity, these lightweight adobes are suitable for current single-story constructions, while their hydrothermal properties classify them as excellent moisture regulators for occupants. In association with other bio-sourced materials such as starch-beet pulp bricks, Chalky Champagne adobes yield promising insulating properties, and meet the criteria defined by current energy standards.

The integration of digital technologies into construction practices has emerged as a pivotal area of interest, reflecting its substantial influence on the future trajectory of the construction industry. This study undertakes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of literature on construction digitalization spanning from 2013 to 2023, sourced from the Elsevier Scopus database. Employing key terms such as "construction digitalization," "BIM," "construction 4.0," and "digital construction methodologies," the research methodically extracts and scrutinizes relevant articles. Advanced tools like the VOS viewer were utilized to delve into the bibliometric networks, offering insights into prevailing research trends within the built environment sector. The findings reveal a pronounced emphasis on digital modeling, automation, blockchain technologies, and emerging paradigms such as smart contracts and modular construction. This investigation enriches the academic discourse by elucidating the varied subtleties, ongoing shifts, and prospective directions in the ever-evolving landscape of construction digitalization research.

Studies have demonstrated the critical role that safety plays in preserving favourable working conditions in the construction industry, which is necessary to accomplish goals. The aim of this research was to inform stakeholders in the construction industry in developing nations about the value of safety and possible strategies for influencing their opinions regarding safety protocols. The importance of safety to the construction sector, which is crucial to the advancement of the country, has also been emphasized. However, due to a lack of adequate safety understanding among stakeholders in the construction sector, the construction industry is characterized by a great deal of instability and hazard. To determine what factors, affect productive working conditions in the construction production, this study examined safety. A conceptual framework for safe working conditions in the construction sector was developed by considering several aspects, including the person dimension, environment factor, safety behaviour, organization features, technology, and incentives. It is now imperative to bring in these dimensions to improve the safe working conditions in the construction industry, particularly in the developing countries. By putting these safety factors into practice, the construction industry can reduce safety risks, lower the number of accidents and fatalities, cut expenses related to subpar safety performance, safeguard the reputation of construction companies, boost employee morale and satisfaction with their work, enhanced employee retention, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced sustainability goals. Additionally, the proposed conceptual framework is assured to be new and to be widely accepted in the developing nations. Based on this assumption the conceptual framework is designed.

The decarbonization of the built environment, both in new construction and renovation, is crucial to mitigate its relevant impact on climate change and achieve the Paris agreement goals. This study presents a systematic LCA-based methodology to assess the whole life carbon emissions of buildings, applied to a proposal for the regeneration of one of Milan’s disused railway yards. As an entry for the 2020 Reinventing Cities competition, Scalo Lambrate is a project for a mainly residential neighborhood with a public park. Strategies to reduce carbon emissions deriving both from the operational energy and construction and maintenance were evaluated and their effects compared to a reference scenario over a time horizon of 100 years. The results show that, while the opportunities to reduce carbon emissions during the use phase are somehow limited due to the already stringent performance requirements for new builds, the use of fast-growing biogenic materials for construction materials, even if mixed with more traditional ones, can provide a significant reduction of the global warming potential over the whole life cycle, with a reduction of 70% over the baseline. The remaining emissions can be offset with afforestation initiatives that, however, must be assessed against land use issues.

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) can offer significant benefits to the construction sector, improving productivity, efficiency, collaborative efforts, and product quality while promoting safety and sustainability. However, research on the application of 4IR technologies in construction is scarce in developing countries. It is crucial to understand the ability of construction companies to adopt new technologies and identify factors influencing the success of technology implementation. In this study, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted with construction professionals to evaluate the level of technological development of the construction market in an emerging economy, assess the potential for innovation implementation, and identify factors that might influence technological development. Although respondents recognized the importance of digital transformation, the results showed that most innovations are in the early stages of implementation in the construction sector, particularly technologies that are essential for the consolidation of the 4IR. Understanding the factors underlying this reality can support the development of strategies to foster innovation and harness the advantages of the 4IR in the construction industry in developing countries.

This study delves into the dynamics of 'Variations' and 'Claims' within construction projects, specifically under the FIDIC-Red Book 1999 (FIDIC 1999) framework. It aims to identify, categorize, and devise mitigation strategies for key types of Variations and Claims, aligning with the FIDIC Conditions of Contract. The research, drawing on inputs from construction industry professionals including Contract Administrators and Project Managers, focuses on the MENA re-gion. This choice is driven by the region's extensive adoption of FIDIC standards and its rapidly growing construction sector. Data collection encompassed a questionnaire distributed to 80 industry experts, predominantly through interviews, focusing on countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt. These locations were chosen to reflect diverse construction practices and the involvement of international firms. Utilizing SPSS-V.25 for statistical analysis, the study uncovers the most prevalent and impactful causes of Variations and Claims, highlighting the critical need for managerial intervention. A key feature of this study is the integration of Scientometric Analysis for a quantitative review of current literature, providing a comprehensive academic context. A significant addition to the methodology is the implementation of a k-means clustering analysis. This advanced statistical technique further classifies the data into distinct clusters, each representing unique combinations of 'Frequency' and 'Impact' of Variations and Claims. The k-means analysis elucidates intricate patterns and potential solutions, offering profound insights into effectively managing these issues. These analytical advancements are crucial in identifying significant and manageable responses to reduce the frequency and impact of Variations and Claims in construction projects.

Increasingly, information technology facilitates the storage and management of data useful for risk analysis and event prediction. Studies on data extraction related to occupational health and safety are increasingly available; however, due to its variability, the construction sector warrants special attention. This review is conducted under the research programmes of the National Institute for Occupational Accident Insurance (Inail). Objectives: The research question focuses on identifying which data mining (DM) methods, among supervised, unsupervised, and others, are most appropriate to be applied to certain investigation objectives, types, and sources of data, as defined by the authors. Methods: Scopus and ProQuest were the main sources from which we extracted studies in the field of construction, published between 2014 and 2023. The eligibility criteria applied in the selection of studies, were based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). For exploratory purposes, we applied hierarchical clustering, while for in-depth analysis, we use principal component analysis (PCA) and meta-analysis. Results: The search strategy based on the PRISMA eligibility criteria, provided us with 61 out of 2,234 potential articles, 202 observation, 91 methodologies, 4 survey purposes, 3 data sources, 7 data types, and 3 resource type. Cluster analysis and PCA organized the information included in the paper dataset into two dimensions and labels: "supervised methods, institutional dataset, and predictive and classificatory purposes" (correlation 0.97÷8.18E-01; p-value 7.67E-55÷1.28E-22) and the second, Dim2 "not-supervised methods; project, simulation, literature, text data; monitoring, decision-making processes; machinery and environment" (corr. 0.84÷0.47; p-value 5.79E-25÷3.59E-06). We answered the research question regarding which method, among supervised, unsupervised, or other, is most suitable for application to data in the construction industry. Conclusions: The meta-analysis provided an overall estimate of the better effectiveness of supervised methods (Odds Ratio = 0.71, Confidence Interval 0.53÷0.96) compared to not-supervised methods.

The production of concrete and the manufacturing process of cement results in a significant carbon footprint, contributing to a large portion of global emissions in structures such as buildings, bridges, roads, and tunnels. Although concrete is an ideal building material that is durable and long-lasting, it can be susceptible to micro-cracks. These micro-cracks in concrete can allow water and chlorine ions to penetrate the structure, leading to the degradation of concrete and corrosion of the reinforcement, posing an unacceptable level of structural risk. Self-healing concrete is not a new material in the construction industry but can be characterized by the capability of concrete to repair its cracks autogenously or autonomously. Recent advancements in concrete research and technology have given us a better understanding of concrete's healing properties. Self-healing concrete combines durability with sustainability while offsetting the high carbon output of concrete manufacturing and production and associated life-cycle costs. Technologies such as microbially-induced calcite (calcium carbonate) precipitation (MICP), shape memory polymers, encapsulation methods, hydration, and swelling agents can potentially reduce carbon emissions while enhancing resilience and longevity. This paper examines these technologies and their applications in the construction industry by comprehensively reviewing the literature and available case studies. The study concluded that there are promising advancements and innovations in concrete, particularly when improving upon the autogenous healing properties. The recommendations for future research include exploring more ways to bring the concrete industry and cement manufacturing toward net zero carbon emissions.

To facilitate the promotion and application of the whole process engineering consulting (WPEC) model, the transmission mechanism of influencing factors in WPEC's promotion and application is investigated. It identifies and categorizes the influencing factors within the framework of "external environment-project factors-stakeholders", systematically organizing and summarizing ten primary categories and thirty-eight secondary influencing factors of WPEC's promotion and ap-plication. Utilizing the complex network analysis method, a network of influencing factors in the promotion and application of WPEC is constructed. The network is then converted into three binary networks based on weight, which are subjected to structural analysis and motif analysis. On this basis, the transmission mechanism of influencing factors in WPEC's promotion and applica-tion and its causations are explored.

Timber-concrete composite (TCC) systems join the positive aspects of engineered wood products (good seismic behaviour, low thermal conductivity, environmental sustainability, good behaviour under fire if appropriately designed) with those of concrete (high thermal inertia, durability, excellent fire resistance). TCC facades are typically composed by an internal insulated timber-frame wall and an external concrete slab, separated by a ventilated air cavity. However, there is very limited knowledge concerning the performance of TCC facades, especially for what concerns their thermal behaviour. The present paper deals with the development and optimisation of a 2D CFD model for the analysis of TCC ventilated façades thermal behaviour. The model is calibrated and validated against the experimental data collected during the annual monitoring of a real TCC ventilated envelope in the north of Italy. Also, a new solver algorithm is developed to significantly speed up the simulation. The final model can be used for the time-efficient analysis and optimisation of the thermal performance of TCC ventilated facades, as well as other ventilated facades with external massive cladding, avoiding the expensive and time-consuming construction of mock-ups, or the use of comparably slow (conventional) CFD solvers that are less suitable for optimization studies.

This study explores the current landscape of social value (SV) research in the construction industry, analyzing global trends and identifying future research directions. Using bibliometric analysis, research published in Elsevier Scopus database from 2013 to 2023 was extracted using the keywords "social value" AND "construction industry." Results indicate a focus on social value indicators, socioeconomic impacts, project management, innovative practices, and cross-sector collaborations. The study also reveals a lack of attention to SV in African countries' construction sectors. By highlighting research areas and identifying gaps, this study contributes to academic literature, suggesting the need for guidelines, particularly in developing countries, and advocating for further research on SV in the built environment and strategies for global social value creation.

Fires in houses are inevitable and they cause loss of life and major repair costs for the damage structure and contents. There is a clear need to prevent its ignition and spread to adjacent areas. This article presents the steps taken, namely: contacts, data collection, tests, analysis and conclusions regarding the accident resulting from the outbreak and spread of a fire, on December 25, 2020, in a traditional Portuguese house in Arganil, Portugal. The owners and the court requested to carry out an expert opinion by a person with specialized technical-scientific knowledge, which led to this work as an expert. the work consists of carrying out observations and data analysis. Then, the observed and analysed data were laboratory tested in order to consistently identify characteristics that lead to the ignition and propagation of the fire. This work identified construction problems, materials used and heat sources that are responsible for the accident. The conclusions may be used to avoid future incidents or accidents with houses of same construction type.

In the realm of construction industry, the management of claims constitutes a pervasive and multifaceted issue, with potential repercussions extending to project delays, cost overruns, work suspensions, and, in extreme cases, project termination. This challenge is a significant and unavoidable hurdle due to the unique features of construction projects, which are complex, involve many stakeholders and come with inherent risks. To address this complex issue, it becomes imperative to undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the claims management procedures employed within the industry, culminating in the presentation of findings within a risk-based framework. The overarching objective of this endeavour is threefold: firstly, to discern the pivotal attributes that affect each category of construction claims; secondly, to establish a coherent decision-making paradigm for the effective administration of such claims; and finally, to provide data that can be harnessed to either address concerns related to claims or enhance the effectiveness of the claims administration process. Keeping this in mind, this study serves to evaluate the factors associated with claim management gathered from a wide overview of literature, encompassing a range of construction projects, varying in terms of types, sizes/capacities and contractual arrangements. Hence, it advanced a refined method within the domain of fuzzy group decision-making, denoted as the Modified Fuzzy Group Decision-Making Approach (FGDMA) in addition to extensive statistical analysis using SPSS.V.25 software. They were applied to assess, analyze and prioritize claim about 108 claim management factors based on the responses obtained from the comprehensive questionnaire survey involving 104 industry professionals. This multi-faceted approach, which combines the insights from previous publications, along with the collective experience of the surveyed professionals with the analytical capabilities of the FGDMA- Statically Factor Analysis, reinforces the robustness and practical applicability of proposed methodology within the context of construction claims management.

At present, farmland abandonment（FA）is a severe phenomenon in China, imposing a serious restriction on agricultural production. In this context, it is of great significance to explore the logical relationship between high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) and FA to optimize land resource allocation and guarantee national food security. Based on 838 samples of farmers in the main rice production area of the Yangtze River Basin in China, this paper employs the Tobit model, the mediating effect model, and the moderated mediating effect model to analyze the impact of HSFC on FA at the micro level. The results show that (1) HSFC inhibits FA, and FA proportion decreases by 1.14% for every 1% increase in HSFC proportion, and the robustness test and endogeneity treatment also yield consistent conclusions. (2) Agricultural socialization services (ASS) play a positive mediating role in the influence path. HSFC promotes farmers' purchase of ASS, which in turn inhibits FA. (3) The agricultural labor transfer distance (ALTD) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between HSFC and FA. The farther the distance, the more likely HSFC can promote farmers' purchase of ASS and inhibit FA. The results provide enlightenment on how to precisely implement HSFC policy, that is, to inhibit FA by improving the construction of high-standard farmland and the post-construction management as well as protection system. Moreover, this study helps guiding the development of ASS and optimizing the institutional environment for agricultural labor transfer, creating conditions for agricultural scale management.

The construction industry plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment and contributes to the global economy. However, the construction process is associated with negative impacts on the environment and communities. This paper examines the environmental impacts of construction and presents strategies for mitigating them, focusing on sustainable construction practices. The research draws on a comprehensive literature review, case studies, and expert interviews to fully understand the construction industry and its environmental effects. The findings indicate that the implementation of greater supervision of every construction project phase, using alternative design practices, and the use of sustainable construction practices can reduce the negative impacts of construction on the environment and society. The study concludes that sustainable construction practices can contribute to a better environment for a better quality of life and should be embraced by the construction industry. The recommendations for future work include the adoption of green building standards, the use of renewable energy sources, the reduction of waste, and the promotion of stakeholder engagement. Future research should focus on the evaluation of the effectiveness of these strategies and their scalability.

Concrete, the most-used construction material by weight, presents a significant environmental challenge due to its high production environmental footprint and huge quantities of demolition waste.Iran, with a thriving construction sector, faces escalating waste management issues.This paper provides a comprehensive review of strategies to increase concrete recycling in Iran. It explores the current state of concrete recycling practices, the environmental and economic benefits, and the existing barriers hindering wider adoption.The paper then analyzes various strategies across the concrete life cycle, including: demolition practices, collection and transportation systems, processing technologies, and market development for recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs).Several case studies are examined in order to identify best practices and strategies used by countries with successful concrete recycling programs that provide valuable insights about the factors contributing to their success which will be useful for implementation in Iran.Furthermore, the review concludes with recommendations tailored to the Iranian context, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration between different stakeholders in Iran.

In high-risk railway construction, personal protective equipment monitoring is critical but challenging due to small and frequently obstructed targets. We propose YOLO-EA, an innovative model that enhances safety measure detection by integrating ECA into its backbone's convolutional layers, improving discernment of minuscule objects like hardhats. YOLO-EA further refines target recognition under occlusion by replacing GIoU with EIoU loss. YOLO-EA's effectiveness was empirically substantiated using a dataset derived from real-world railway construction site surveillance footage. It outperforms YOLOv5, achieving 98.9% precision and 94.7% recall, up 2.5% and 0.5% respectively, while maintaining real-time performance at 70.774 fps. This highly efficient and precise YOLO-EA holds great promise for practical application in intricate construction scenarios, enforcing stringent safety compliance during complex railway construction projects.