Mahdi Mohammed Abdullah Abkar, Riduan Yunus, Ahmed Saleh Ahmed Saif Al-Shameri, Ahmed Harouache, Yaser Gamil
{"title":"An empirical investigation of automation technology as material waste mitigation measure at Johor construction sites","authors":"Mahdi Mohammed Abdullah Abkar, Riduan Yunus, Ahmed Saleh Ahmed Saif Al-Shameri, Ahmed Harouache, Yaser Gamil","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1232195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1232195","url":null,"abstract":"Automation technology in the construction industry is the use of advanced tools, devices, and processes that reduce manual labor and enhance efficiency in various construction activities. Automation technology can minimize waste, optimize resource utilization, and reduce the environmental impact of construction processes. This study aims to examine the relationship between automation technology adoptions (ATAs) utilizing reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R), building information modeling (BIM), industrialized building systems (IBSs), green building index (GBI), and Internet of Things (IoT) practices toward construction site performance (CSP) to measure their influences on material waste mitigation measures at Johor construction sites. To achieve these goals, five hypotheses were developed to explore the association between ATA and CSP. Data were gathered utilizing an online survey. The participants were contractors and expert practitioners in the Johor construction industry, including architects, project managers, and academicians/researchers. A total of 257 valid responses were used to investigate the assumptions. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) procedure was used. The findings revealed that ATA utilizing 3R, BIM, IBS, GBI, and IoT as material mitigation measures positively enhances CSP.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135718969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A least squares regression-based approach in the investigation of the influence of density metrics of 14 distinct Toronto neighbourhoods on the roof and facade solar potential","authors":"Javeriya Hasan, Emily Zheng, Miljana Horvat","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1248259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1248259","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This Toronto-based study explores how density metrics relate to the solar potential of rooftops and facades of buildings in neighbourhoods differentiated by their use classifications. In the context of Toronto’s 2040 Net Zero Strategy, this research contributes insight on identifying neighbourhood types in Toronto that are suitable for undergoing retrofits of active solar technologies. Methods: The methodological approach adopted in this investigation mainly entails the selection of representative neighbourhood archetypes in the city; compilation of density metrics representing the neighbourhood morphological form and conducting solar analysis and regression assessments using relevant computational tools. By identifying 14 distinct neighbourhood archetypes and examining 20 relevant density metrics, the variation of roof and façade solar potential has been evaluated through a least squares regression-based approach. Results: The findings indicate a negative correlation between certain density metrics, such as the standard deviation of height, plot density, nearest neighbour ratio, and complexity with the roof solar potential, thereby demonstrating that certain neighbourhoods such as those categorized as Employment or Institutional may be more suitable for active solar technologies retrofits. Additionally, there is no significant relationship between most density metrics and façade solar irradiance, apart from the open space ratio, which only affects it moderately. Façade solar potential is unique to building position and orientation and can vary non-uniformly across neighbourhood-use classifications based on the extent of overshadowing inherent to that configuration. Discussion: The study provides valuable insights for urban planning and neighbourhood design, specifically in terms of density metrics that need to be considered when opting for active solar technology retrofits of existing Toronto neighbourhoods. Additionally, the study’s methodological approach can be emulated as a framework for future research exploring neighbourhood archetypes in other cities and climatic conditions. The findings of this research also contribute to promoting sustainable energy transition in Toronto’s neighbourhoods.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"72 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136130513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Actor-landscapes as visual canvas for identifying, representing, and aligning stakeholders","authors":"Maj-Britt Quitzau, Birgitte Hoffmann","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1105544","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1105544","url":null,"abstract":"Tools applied by water professionals in climate adaptation projects tend to have a technical focus and a superficial stakeholder approach. Development of integrative and synergetic solutions require more delicate and transformative forms of stakeholder engagement. Through an action research process, this article explores how a visual canvas for stakeholder engagement can support water professionals in identifying, representing, and aligning stakeholders in development of integrative and synergetic climate adaptation solutions. The visual canvas is developed in the form of ‘Actor-Landscapes’, and presents a practical tool for engaging stakeholders inspired by Actor-Network Theory. Actor-Landscapes proved to especially support water professionals in four key challenges in their transformative approach to stakeholder engagement: 1) to recognize stakeholders more broadly and deeply, 2) to organize and present data about key stakeholders and the landscape in which these are anchored, 3) to prioritize which stakeholders to enhance based on alignment considerations, and 4) to legitimize mapped stakeholder perspectives through direct dialogue and engagement. The article concludes that Actor-Landscapes have interesting boundary object abilities supporting water professionals in inviting for and empowering integrative and synergetic transformations of knowledge between stakeholders in climate adaptation projects.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"74 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135207031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oluwarotimi Gbenga Abina, Babatunde Fatai Ogunbayo, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
{"title":"Enabling technologies of health and safety practices in the fourth industrial revolution: Nigerian construction industry perspective","authors":"Oluwarotimi Gbenga Abina, Babatunde Fatai Ogunbayo, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1233028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1233028","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, different approaches have been applied to improve workplace safety practices due to the complexities of construction activities that pose different dangers to workers’ safety and wellbeing. This study uses Lagos, Nigeria, as a case study and investigates awareness of 4IR technologies in H&S practices among construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. A quantitative research approach was developed to retrieve a structured survey questionnaire from construction stakeholders in the study area. Retrieved data was analysed in three stages: data reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The descriptive analysis findings and the Kruskal–Wallis H test revealed no significant difference in professionals’ awareness of 4IR technologies in H&S practices in the construction project delivery in Lagos, Nigeria. The findings of the EFA returned four-factor components of H&S practices enabling technologies in the Era of 4IR as data and robotic technologies, process-based automation, output communication technologies, and wearable hazard detectives’ technologies. This study recommends innovative strategies from the professional bodies through academic and professional development (workshops, training, conferences, and seminars) to improve knowledge of 4IR technologies in H&S practices among professionals.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135438076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weronika Sredniawa, Bartlomiej Skawina, Jorge Recio Garcia, Joel Rapp
{"title":"Analyzing degradation of ore pass walls in Kiirunavaara mine using scanning data","authors":"Weronika Sredniawa, Bartlomiej Skawina, Jorge Recio Garcia, Joel Rapp","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1250671","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1250671","url":null,"abstract":"Ore passes play a vital role in underground mining operations by facilitating the gravity-driven movement of ore from production levels to lower levels. Failure of the ore pass has serious consequences, including possible production disruptions and substantial financial investments in reconstruction or rehabilitation. Failure mechanisms are often associated with rock mass quality, stress conditions, and wear of the ore pass walls. This study investigated the degradation of ore pass walls using scanning data at LKAB’s Kiirunavaara mine in Sweden. Geotechnical information obtained from various sources aided in further understanding the ore passes’ conditions. The study revealed variations in the ore pass growth rates, highlighting potential stability concerns and the correlation between throughput and pass growth. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and regular inspection to manage wall degradation. The paper proposes potential rehabilitation measures to ensure the stability and safety of ore passes in mining operations.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"37 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134912501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial: Seismic vulnerability assessment of structural and non-structural components in industrial plants","authors":"Roberto Nascimbene","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1289404","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1289404","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139340363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A graph-based explanatory model for room-based energy efficiency analysis based on BIM data","authors":"Hamid Kiavarz, Mojgan Jadidi, Payam Esmaili","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1256921","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1256921","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: In recent years, the growing interest in building energy consumption and estimation has led to a wealth of energy data and Building Information Modelling (BIM), providing ample opportunities for data-driven algorithms to be widely applied in the building industry. However, despite promising accuracy in data-driven models for building energy estimation, they only consider building elements and their attributes independently and neglect the interconnected relationship of building elements. Also, Current data-driven models lack interpretability and are often treated as black boxes. As a result, the models cannot be fully trusted for engineering without reasoning the underlying mechanisms behind the estimation. Method: This paper emphasizes the potential of graph-based learning algorithms, specifically GraphSAGE, in utilizing the enriched semantic, geometry, and room topology information derived from BIM data. The aim is to identify critical zones within the building based on their energy consumption characteristics. Besides that, the paper proposed a GraphSAGE explainable model by adopting the SHAP with the proposed NE-GraphSAGE prediction model to make more transparency behind the data-driven models. Results and Discussion: Preliminary results demonstrate the potential to improve pre-construction and post-construction steps by identifying critical zones in buildings and identifying the parameters which affected the efficiency of the zones with low energy consumption.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135690430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano, Gastón Sanglier Contreras, Carlos Miguel Iglesias Sanz, Rocío Sancho Alambillaga, Eduardo José López Fernández
{"title":"Construction parameters that affect the air leaks of the envelope in dwellings in Madrid","authors":"Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano, Gastón Sanglier Contreras, Carlos Miguel Iglesias Sanz, Rocío Sancho Alambillaga, Eduardo José López Fernández","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1220559","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1220559","url":null,"abstract":"In buildings, ventilation, or rather, a lack of airtightness facilitates air leaks, from the outside to the inside and vice versa , and is not controlled. Cold air enters through the enclosure, and warm air is lost to the outdoors, due to the poor hermeticity of the facades, roofs, carpentry, ducts, etc. In order to quantify the airtightness in multi-family dwellings in Madrid, 151 blower door tests have been carried out in multi-family dwellings built in different periods whose execution has been regulated by the UNE-EN 13829 standard. Through its quantification by an n 50 value, the average values of 5.8 renovations per hour have been obtained in addition to detecting the main points where air infiltration occurs. The constant improvement in the transmittance of construction elements has indicated that the entry of outside air has a progressively greater relevance to the total energy consumed by the residential sector while facilitating the uncontrolled movement of air through the building envelope. This not only implies higher energy consumption but also generates a series of problems that affect the health of the occupants, such as a lack of thermal comfort, entry of pollutants and odours, noise, inadequate operation of ventilation systems, and less protection against fire.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135690944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saed M. Yussuf, Gallad Dahir, A. Salad, Mohamud Hayir T. M, Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan, A. Gele
{"title":"Sick building syndrome and its associated factors among adult people living in Hodan district Moqadishu Somalia","authors":"Saed M. Yussuf, Gallad Dahir, A. Salad, Mohamud Hayir T. M, Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan, A. Gele","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1218659","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1218659","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Sick building syndrome (SBS) consists of a group of mucosal, skin, and general symptoms temporally that is related to residential buildings of unclear causes. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the prevalence and contributing factors of SBS in adult people living in Hodan district, Mogadishu Somalia.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 using a convenient sampling to include 261 individuals. The data was collected through structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. SBS was assessed using 15 building-related symptoms and four socio-demographic characteristics. Five SBS conformation criteria were used. Descriptive statistics were presented, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables.Results: The prevalence of SBS was 41% from the total of 261 participants. Based on the findings, SBS had a significant association with being female [AOR = 3.044, 95% CI = (1.813, 5.110)], lack of functional windows [AOR = 3.543, 95% CI = (1.293, 9.710)], fungal growth in the buildings [AOR = 3.433, 95% CI = (1.223, 9.638)], recent use of pesticides, paints, and solvents [AOR = 2.541, 95% CI = (1.018, 6.343)], cooking inside building [AOR = 4.709, 95% CI = (1.469, 15.095)], outdoor air pollutant [AOR = 6.364, 95% CI = (2.387, 16.966)], use of charcoal for cooking [AOR = 1.846, 95% CI = (1.013, 3.365)], incensing habits of occupants [AOR = 4.375, 95% CI = (2.303, 8.308)] fan use [AOR = 2.067, 95% CI = (1.099, 3.886)] and dust in the living rooms [AOR = 5.151, 95% CI = (2.380, 11.152).Conclusion: SBS had a significant association with occupants’ sex, lack of functional windows, fungal growth in the buildings, recent use of pesticides, paints, and solvents, cooking inside the building, outdoor air pollutants, use of charcoal for cooking, incensing habits of occupants, and dust in the living rooms. High prevalence and poor understanding of sick building syndrome could threaten the health status of the occupants. Measures such as mass health education on identifiable risk factors should be taken to cope with these problems.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48032894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina L. Kolbmann, Carrie Leslie, Chris Anderson, Jeff F. Kelly, Jeremy D. Ross, Lori Jervis, Justin Reedy, E. S. Bridge
{"title":"Perceptions of the crowded sky as assessed through response to aerial infrastructure","authors":"Christina L. Kolbmann, Carrie Leslie, Chris Anderson, Jeff F. Kelly, Jeremy D. Ross, Lori Jervis, Justin Reedy, E. S. Bridge","doi":"10.3389/fbuil.2023.1035592","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1035592","url":null,"abstract":"Ever increasing numbers of wind turbines, communication towers, power lines, and aerial vehicles are clear evidence of our growing reliance on infrastructure in the lower aerosphere. As this infrastructure expands, it is important to understand public perceptions of an increasingly crowded sky. To gauge tolerance for aerial crowding, 251 participants from across the US completed a survey where they rated tolerance for a series of aerial infrastructure images (i.e., towers, turbines, and airborne vehicles) in four landscapes with varying degrees of pre-existing ground-level infrastructure that approximated rural, suburban, and urban settings. We predicted lower tolerance for aerial infrastructure 1) in more natural scenes and 2) among rural residents. In general, participants preferred an open aesthetic with relatively little aerial infrastructure across all landscape types. No clear association was found between infrastructure tolerance and natural scenes nor rural residency, with participants slightly less tolerant of infrastructure in the suburban scene. Tolerance scores were generally similar across age, income levels, and political affiliations. Women indicated less crowding tolerance than men, with this effect driven by a disproportionate number of women with zero tolerance for aerial infrastructure. African Americans and Asians had higher tolerance scores than other racial/ethnic groups, but these trends may have been affected by low sample sizes of non-white participants. Our survey revealed fewer differences in crowding tolerance across demographic groups than might be expected given widely reported political and geographic polarization in the U.S. Attitudes toward aerial infrastructure were varied with few associations with demographic parameters suggesting that public opinion has not yet solidified with regard to this issue, making possible opportunities for consensus building with regard to responsible development of aerial infrastructure.","PeriodicalId":37112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Built Environment","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42832266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}