An association rule mining model for the application of construction technologies during COVID-19

Abstract

COVID -19 impedes construction productivity, increases costs and delays the project schedule, disrupts health and safety regulations, and reduces profit margins. To flatten the COVID -19 curve and continue operations amid the pandemic, construction companies are digitising construction activities, processes and procedures using technology. This article reports on a study examining the use of construction technologies by Nigerian surveyors through a questionnaire. The questionnaires were sent to more than 300 surveying firms based on snowballing technique. Association rule mining (ARM) was used to model the correlations between the different construction technologies. A total of 91 association rules were identified using 6 measurement matrices. The first 30 rules are presented in this study. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the sustainability and post-pandemic redesign of surveying practise in terms of repositioning service delivery. The findings are of interest to solution and technology providers to meet market demand. From an ontological perspective, the key findings of this study can be applied to surveying practise in and outside Nigeria and to other professionals in the construction sector. The implication is that construction technologies in the Nigerian construction sector are still in their infancy.