{"title":"Markov chain pavement deterioration prediction models for local street networks","authors":"Baris Salman, B. Gursoy","doi":"10.1108/bepam-09-2021-0117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-09-2021-0117","url":null,"abstract":"PurposePavement deterioration prediction models play a crucial role in determining maintenance strategies and future funding needs. While deterioration prediction models have been studied extensively in the past, applications of these models to local street networks have been limited. This study aims to address this gap by sharing the results of network level deterioration prediction models developed at a local level.Design/methodology/approachNetwork level pavement deterioration prediction models are developed using Markov chains for the local street network in Syracuse, New York, based on pavement condition rating data collected over a 15-year time period. Transition probability matrices are generated by calculating the percentage of street sections that transition from one state to another within one duty cycle. Bootstrap sampling with replacement is used to numerically generate 95% confidence intervals around the transition probability values.FindingsThe overall local street network is divided into three cohorts based on street type (i.e. avenues, streets and roads) and two cohorts based on pavement type. All cohorts demonstrated very similar deterioration trends, indicating the existence of a fast-paced deterioration mechanism for the local street network of Syracuse.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge in deterioration modeling of local street networks, especially in the absence of key predictor variables. Furthermore, this study introduces the use of bootstrap sampling with replacement method in generating confidence intervals for transition probability values.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42811112","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":"Key components of successful post–hurricane reconstruction of transportation infrastructures","authors":"Elnaz Safapour, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Behzad Rouhanizadeh","doi":"10.1108/bepam-05-2021-0071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-05-2021-0071","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn the aftermath of hurricanes, the damage levied on transportation infrastructures increases the timeliness of emergency responses and recovery procedures, making it essential that they are reconstructed as quickly as possible – on time and within budget. The aim of this study was to determine significant performance indicators (PIs) that considerably affect cost and schedule performance as well as reworks in post–hurricane reconstruction of transportation infrastructure including highways, bridges, roadways, etc. Additionally, the determined PIs were clustered to investigate key components.Design/methodology/approachThe root causes of reconstruction projects' poor performance were identified through the existing literature, and 30 transportation infrastructure case studies were analyzed to determine the significant PIs that corresponded to cost, schedule performance and reworks. The factor analysis method was used to cluster the significant PIs and determine the key components affecting them.FindingsEight key components were found for cost, eight for schedule performance and six for reworks. The key components of cost performance are shortage of resources, information management, coordination, safety, location, quality of materials, quality of resources and project complexity. The key components of reconstruction schedule performance are human resources, risk management, work suspension, material resources, productivity, on-site inspections, geometrical characteristics and level of reconstruction complexity. The six key components of reconstruction reworks are logistic management, pace of decision-making, accommodation for staff, environmental issues, available temporary paths and volume of debris.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this research will assist authorities and decision makers in identifying and evaluating the critical root causes of poor cost performance, poor schedule performance and reworks and will enable them to facilitate the timely and effective allocation of resources.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47891888","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":"Integrating sustainability practices into the Irish construction supply chain: main contractors' perspective","authors":"Duga Ewuga, M. Adesi","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2022-0005","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe low level of sustainable practices in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector continues to increase. In driving sustainability practice adoption and implementation, construction-contracting firms have introduced sustainability practices to their supply chain network. This study examines the strategies adopted by large construction-contracting firms in Ireland to integrate sustainability practices into their supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the mixed-method approach using questionnaires and interviews to collect data. The relative importance index (RII) was used to analyse the data collected through the questionnaire survey. In terms of theoretical underpinning, the study was positioned in the resourced-based view (RBV) theory, which focusses on the link between a firm's internal characteristics and performance.FindingsThe results revealed that, in building a long-term relationship, trust, knowledge of the construction process, commitment, a common goal and mutual support were the key factors considered. While in developing their supply chain, suppliers' assessment and promoting competition in the supply chain were ranked high amongst the mechanisms utilised. Additional findings revealed that long-term relationships with a supply chain organisation have little impact on the project sustainability performance; instead, close collaboration and trust amongst the project team influenced the project sustainability performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focusses only on the main contractor's organisation. Further study will require exploring the supply chain organisations to provide a deeper understanding.Practical implicationsThe research demonstrates that for construction-contracting firms to contribute positively to sustainability objectives, they will have to collaborate closely with their supply chain.Originality/valueThe study provided practical and empirical evidence to guide construction-contracting firms to develop strategies to drive and implement sustainable construction practices.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43255195","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":"The value of data from construction project site meeting minutes in predicting project duration","authors":"Jaques van Niekerk, J. Wium, N. de Koker","doi":"10.1108/bepam-03-2021-0047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-03-2021-0047","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeConstruction projects generate large volumes of data which can be used for better management of projects. In this paper, key project data is manually extracted from project site meeting minutes. Knowledge discovery technologies are then used to predict the final project duration of active projects.Design/methodology/approachProject planning and effective leadership/governance were identified from literature as the most significant factors that impact the duration of projects. These factors were hence considered as the main features for a data mining process. Items supporting these factors were extracted from site meeting minutes to create a database of 27 civil engineering projects executed over the last ten years. Data mining algorithms were used to predict from this data whether or not an active project will be completed on time.FindingsThe research showed that information from project site meetings can be used to predict final project duration of active projects with accuracy of above 80% when using random forest algorithms from Orange and RapidMiner data mining applications. The value of data to predict project duration from project site meeting minutes is demonstrated but it only becomes practically useable if the format of minutes is suitably standardised.Practical implicationsSome of the data mining algorithms provided accuracies of above 80% in predicting final project duration and proved the value of project data from site meeting minutes. The random forest algorithms are particularly suited to this type of data. The factors with the highest impact on the prediction of the project duration are those related to the progress of the project.Originality/valueThis study for the first time shows that data from site meeting minutes of past and current projects can be used to make accurate predictions of final project duration of active projects and serve as a project management tool to activate remedial measures.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49335000","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":"Systems based approach to a small scale dairy farm (Goshala): a case study","authors":"Vivek Darwai, S. Mandavgane, Prakash Lohia","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2021-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2021-0022","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeOne of the objectives of smart village is the efficient use of regional resources by local people to improve economic, social and environment conditions. Small-scale dairy farm (SDFs) exist in every village of India, contributing significantly to local economy and welfare of few families. The purpose of this work is to develop a mechanism to make SDF not only efficient but effective in operations.Design/methodology/approachA systems thinking approach is used to identify the variables influencing a SDF and develop a general framework – RAMHI (resources, alternate revenue, manpower, herd and infrastructure) comprising endogenous and exogenous variables. A representative SDF as a case study was chosen to implement RAMHI and assess its implementation feasibility and economic benefits.FindingsImplementation of RAMHI gradually improves the economic benefits of a SDF. The key performing indicators like average milk produced/day; milk revenue/fodder cost; number of successful artificial insemination (AI) of herd/number of AI of herd; milking cow/dry cow; and milking cow/total cow, increased substantially in two successive years.Originality/valueThe literature reported and discussed individual variables influencing functioning of SDF while there are few conceptual frameworks proposed, comprising not more than three variables. This paper not only presents a comprehensive generalized framework – RAMHI, which comprises five variables like resources, alternate revenue, manpower, herd and infrastructure but also explains the implementation strategy and its benefits using a case study.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45781616","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}
V. Kanwar, Hitakshi Dutta, I. Dutt, Anil Kumar, C. Prakasam, M. Kanwar
{"title":"Impact and awareness of COVID-19 on rural communities – an empirical study of India","authors":"V. Kanwar, Hitakshi Dutta, I. Dutt, Anil Kumar, C. Prakasam, M. Kanwar","doi":"10.1108/bepam-01-2021-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2021-0007","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeTo study the impact, awareness and preparedness of COVID-19, a “pandemic” that has aroused the attention of the entire world because of rapid infection rates; among the targeted rural communities as basis to analyze their self-sustainability level.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methodology/approach combining critical literature review and questionnaire-based survey has been followed in two villages, covering a sample of 150 households located in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The parameters were selected to check awareness/preparedness regarding basic guidelines, immunity, requirements of essential facilities to deal with COVID-19 patients, the effect of lockdown on social and financial status, difficulties in education.FindingsThe villages have the potential to transform into Smart Villages or Smart Communities with the adaption of self-sustainable processes. The self-reliance on agriculture and traditional lifestyle in targeted rural areas make them relatively safer as compared to the urban areas. The community's overall awareness about COVID-19 and its preparedness was found satisfactory, with some variations that require more innovative strategies with academic interventions.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the scope of the study was limited to two remote villages of Himachal Pradesh (India), the results could be generalized for in-depth understanding about other villages in the state to convert them into smart villages.Originality/valueIt summarizes a systemic perspective based on selected parameters on how COVID-19 lockdown has affected different aspects of life in rural communities. Further, collaborative efforts and adoption of self-sustainability model can lead to the remarkable transformation of villages into smart villages.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42250020","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 framework for assessing quality of tender documents","authors":"N. Govender, S. Laryea, R. Watermeyer","doi":"10.1108/bepam-07-2021-0094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-07-2021-0094","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeSeveral researchers in the construction industry have mentioned that quality of tender documents is declining without tangibly assessing quality. Similarly, in practice, no standardised instrument exists to assess tender document quality. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to develop a framework to assess the quality of tender documents produced by built environment professionals in the construction industry. A framework was chosen to address the gaps in theory and practice as it provides a flexible but structured mechanism to assess tender document quality.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology contained three stages, namely: multi-investigator triangulation, a workshop with infrastructure experts and framework development and validation. A consolidated list of key quality indicators was developed following the literature review and multi-investigator triangulation. The indicators were discussed with ten experts in the South African construction industry, who were responsible for validating and providing insight on whether additional indicators were required. This informed development of the framework.FindingsThis paper proposes a framework to assess tender document quality by evaluating six key quality indicators namely: accuracy, clarity, completeness, standardisation, relevance and certainty.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework is limited to the assessment of tender document quality in the construction industry and is suited to the “Design by Employer” contracting strategy. From an academic perspective, this paper provides researchers with a framework to measure and benchmark quality of tender documents in future studies.Practical implicationsThis framework can be used by clients to continuously assess and benchmark quality of tender documents produced by professionals.Originality/valueA comprehensive and standardised approach to assess tender document quality was not available in the construction literature or the construction industry. Therefore, this paper addressed this gap in knowledge, by providing consumers (clients and contractors) of tender documents and researchers a mechanism to assess quality.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46229421","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":"Application of decision support tool in design-build projects: a quasi-experiment with novice decision makers","authors":"Z. P. Lee, Abdul Rahimi Bin Abdul Rahman, S. Doh","doi":"10.1108/bepam-06-2021-0085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-06-2021-0085","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDesign-Build (DB) is known as the alternative for Design-Bid-Build in the Malaysian construction industry. For DB projects, it is critical to adopt effective decision support tool to ensure the execution of a systematic decision-making technique. This study aimed to examine the impact of a decision support tool for novice decision makers to reject or adopt DB for their construction projects.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and qualitative input from experts identified several key-selection factors pertaining to critical success factors and design-build drivers. This resulted in the development of Decision Support Tool for Design-Build (DST-DB). A quasi-experiment, which involved 382 novice decision makers in the construction industry, was conducted to test the DST-DB quantitatively. The participants were required to compare two construction projects using DST-DB and traditional decision-making methods. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyse all collected data.FindingsThe quasi-experiment data suggests that DST-DB enables significantly higher usability, likelihood, precision, confidence and satisfaction rate when compared to the traditional decision-making process. The pre- and post-surveys indicated that the DST-DB is effective in improving decision-making performance through selection factors of client-briefing, maximised resources and sharing expertise. The participants also agreed that DST-DB is easy to use and helps them to gain better understanding of the decision-making process for construction projects.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing body of knowledge through the impact of DST on the decisions of novices. The novice decision makers found that DST-DB is practically adaptable and comparatively effective for decision-making process than traditional decision-making methods. This contributes to the practical application of construction companies to provide DST-DB training to the fresh graduate employees to enhance their competencies in the decision-making process.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44147392","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}
Chamila D. D. Ramanayaka, O. Olatunji, A. U. Weerasuriya
{"title":"Motivating immersive BIM uptake through user attitude: analysis of initial solution using design science approach","authors":"Chamila D. D. Ramanayaka, O. Olatunji, A. U. Weerasuriya","doi":"10.1108/bepam-10-2021-0126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-10-2021-0126","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeBeyond a mandated use, rationales behind executive choice to accept or reject building information modelling (BIM) are ambiguous. BIM acceptance is complex for organisations, and existing decision-making models are impractical to make realistic choices. A practical solution must assist a holistic reflection of internal and external BIM success factors. Nevertheless, extant literature is largely focused on software use and awareness. Thus, this paper aims to suggest a novel framework for assessing firm readiness, aimed at facilitating BIM uptake.Design/methodology/approachExtant explanatory studies are inadequate in assessing the soft nature of BIM uptake. Thus, a design science research was employed as an alternative methodology. A means-end analysis was utilised for solution incubation, and cross-disciplinary reasoning, the strategy to establish valid solutions on firm readiness. Previous studies were reviewed on BIM, technology acceptance (generally) and complexity.Findings“Technology attitude” is presented as involving more holistic variables than a simplistic reliance on software use to mirror BIM acceptance. Technology acceptance model (TAM) is appropriate to explain BIM attitude attributes, but its current use is sub-optimal. Selective information processing and unconscious thought theory were integrated into TAM to explain attitude formation from multiple perspectives, resulting in a novel BIM attitude scale (BIMAS). Upon verification, the proposed framework will facilitate an objective authentication of biases that associate with BIM acceptance.Originality/valueWhilst BIM readiness is assessed largely with a primary focus on theory building, practical relevance must be at the forefront of BIM development. This study articulates that design science research can enhance the practical relevance of BIM adoption models. BIM acceptance attitude must be assessed through a verified scale contrary to the assessment of self-biases of executives in literature. BIMAS suggests a testable solution for this. Theory building research must be the future focus to enhance the relevance of this initial solution.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45036288","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":"Possibilities of a gender-responsive infrastructure for livelihood-vulnerable women's resilience in rural-coastal Bangladesh","authors":"M. Islam, Muntaha Marzan Shetu, S. S. Hakim","doi":"10.1108/bepam-12-2020-0190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-12-2020-0190","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeWith the simultaneous increase of natural hazards and land- and resource-vulnerable women in the rural coasts of Bangladesh, large- and medium-scale infrastructure and livelihood programmes by government and non-government-organisations have been plenty. Yet, gender-responsive and livelihood-integrated infrastructure for these women's adaptation against increasing coastal vulnerabilities has been scarce. This paper outlines an infrastructure framework for improving their livelihood resilience in the scarcity of similar research.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was assumed for this research. Based on a conceptual framework, in-depth interviews and focus-group-discussions with vulnerable women and key-informant-interview of NGO/government respondents were primarily used for data collection at Latachapli – a disaster-vulnerable coastal village in Southwest Bangladesh. Findings were derived primarily through inductive thematic coding.FindingsRural coastal women's livelihood vulnerabilities result from the lack of adequate, spatial/infrastructural and integrated (socio-economic) facilities and institutions. There is a clear need for a community-level and gender-responsive spatio-physical platform to create income generation/livelihood diversification opportunities irrespective of seasonalities, skill/capacity development and sharing/networking possibilities.Research limitations/implicationsDue to case-specificity, research findings are representative but not generalisable. Further research is needed, especially at the intersection of gender, inequality and infrastructure design/planning regarding vulnerable women's resilience.Practical implicationsThis proposed infrastructure framework can be considered for similar disaster-vulnerable rural coastal settings as a development policy and a physical infrastructure.Originality/valueThis case study's in-depth probing into vulnerable coastal women's livelihoods contributes to a growing body of knowledge, highlights their complex needs, and re-conceptualises gender-responsive infrastructure in similar communities' sustainable development. Piecemeal funding for social services will be more effective if coordinated with and allocated to appropriate engineering infrastructure. With access to proper community facilities and diverse livelihood opportunities all around the year (in this case, a multipurpose gender-sensitive infrastructure), communities would be more empowered to self-organise and support each other in delivering necessary soft services.","PeriodicalId":46426,"journal":{"name":"Built Environment Project and Asset Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47564546","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}