Criteria development for sustainable construction manufacturing in Construction Industry 4.0

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faham Tahmasebinia ◽  
Samad M.E. Sepasgozar ◽  
Sara Shirowzhan ◽  
Marjo Niemela ◽  
Arthur Tripp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Tensile Stress ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Maximum Tensile Stress ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
House Construction ◽  
Recycled Waste

Purpose This paper aims to present the sustainable performance criteria for 3D printing practices, while reporting the primarily computations and lab experimentations. The potential advantages for integrating three-dimensional (3D) printing into house construction are significant in Construction Industry 4.0; these include the capacity for mass customisation of designs and parameters for functional and aesthetic purposes, reduction in construction waste from highly precise material placement and the use of recycled waste products in layer deposition materials. With the ultimate goal of improving construction efficiency and decreasing building costs, applying Strand7 Finite Element Analysis software, a numerical model was designed specifically for 3D printing in a cement mix incorporated with recycled waste product high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and found that construction of an arched truss-like roof was structurally feasible without the need for steel reinforcements. Design/methodology/approach The research method consists of three key steps: design a prototype of possible structural layouts for the 3DSBP, create 24 laboratory samples using a brittle material to identify operation challenges and analyse the correlation between time and scale size and synthesising the numerical analysis and laboratory observations to develop the evaluation criteria for 3DSBP products. The selected house consists of layouts that resemble existing house such as living room, bed rooms and garages. Findings Some criteria for sustainable construction using 3DP were developed. The Strand7 model results suggested that under the different load combinations as stated in AS1700, the maximum tensile stress experienced is 1.70 MPa and maximum compressive stress experienced is 3.06 MPa. The cement mix of the house is incorporated with rHDPE, which result in a tensile strength of 3 MPa and compressive strength of 26 MPa. That means the house is structurally feasible without the help of any reinforcements. Investigations had also been performed on comparing a flat and arch and found the maximum tensile stress within a flat roof would cause the concrete to fail. Whereas an arch roof had reduced the maximum tensile stress to an acceptable range for concrete to withstand loadings. Currently, there are a few 3D printing techniques that can be adopted for this purpose, and more advanced technology in the future could eliminate the current limitation on 3D printing and bring forth this idea as a common practice in house construction. Originality/value This study provides some novel criteria for evaluating a 3D printing performance and discusses challenges of 3D utilisation from design and managerial perspectives. The criteria are relied on maximum utility and minimum impact pillars which can be used by scholars and practitioners to measure their performance. The criteria and the results of the computation and experimentation can be considered as critical benchmarks for future practices.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Printing Using Recycled High-Density Polyethylene: Technological Challenges and Future Directions for Construction

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faham Tahmasebinia ◽  
Marjo Niemelä ◽  
Sanee M. Ebrahimzadeh Sepasgozar ◽  
Tin Yiu Lai ◽  
Winson Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
High Density Polyethylene ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
High Density ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
House Construction ◽  
Recycled Waste

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are transforming the design and manufacture of components and products across a variety of disciplines, however their application in the construction industry is still limited. Material deposition processes can achieve infinite geometries and have advanced from rapid prototyping and model-scale markets to their application in fabricating functional products, large objects and the construction of full-scale buildings. Many international projects have recently been realized and the construction industry is beginning to utilise these dynamic technologies. The potential advantages for integrating 3D printing into house construction are significant, these include the capacity for mass customization of designs and parameters for functional and aesthetic purposes, reduction in construction waste from highly precise material placement, and the use of recycled waste products in layer deposition materials. With the ultimate goal of improving construction efficiency and decreasing building costs, applying Strand7 Finite Element Analysis software, a numerical model was designed specifically for 3D printing in a cement mix incorporated with recycled waste product High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and found that construction of an arched truss-like roof was structurally feasible without the need for steel reinforcements. The lab sizes prototypes were manufactured based on the destined numerical model by using a 3D printing technology. Currently available 3D printing technologies can be adopted for building construction and this paper discusses the applications, advantages, limitations and future directions of 3D printing as an innovative and viable solution for affordable house construction.

Future-ready project and facility management graduates in Singapore for industry 4.0

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sui Pheng Low ◽  
Shang Gao ◽  
Eileen Wan Leng Ng
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Local Construction

Purpose The disparity between employers’ expectations and the ability of graduates to meet them is an issue for employment. Industry 4.0, represented by technologies like big data and automation, permeate the construction industry, exacerbating the rift of changing expectations that future graduates must bridge. As sophisticated forms of technology emerge, the ways individuals work are also expected to change. Soft skills are needed to support, materialise, and enhance the workforce’s existing technical skills. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of Industry 4.0 on employability in the local construction industry from the viewpoint of employers and future graduates. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, quantitative followed by qualitative. The questionnaire survey crosschecked the needs and expectations of employers in the local construction industry, regarding these nine soft skills and the extent to which students currently possess them, to determine whether students from the construction industry are Industry 4.0-ready. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with employers in the construction industry and PFM students to further understand the disparity between the survey results of the two parties. Findings Gap analyses and t-test results found six significant divides in nine soft skills – resilience, curiosity, adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, pursuing convictions and vision – showing a significant difference between the mean expectations of employers and the soft skills capabilities of graduate students. Future graduate students thus lack the soft skills needed by Industry 4.0. The reasons for this significant difference and the barriers to improving soft skills are explored through interviews with employers and future graduates. Three parties – government, educational institutions and industry – were identified as crucial partners in change. Originality/value Little has been researched about the future strategies and mindsets required by the workforce to prepare for the changes brought by Industry 4.0. Likewise, the government’s and companies’ one-sided focus on promoting skill-upgrading leaves many to wonder about the soft skills needed to stay competitive. Hence, it is timely to examine the readiness of Singapore’s future graduates in the construction industry in adapting to Industry 4.0’s requirements in terms of soft skills.

Organizational leadership role in the delivery of sustainable construction projects in UK

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Heather Cruickshank ◽  
Vian Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Organizational Leadership ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Sustainability Practices

Purpose – Sustainable construction project delivery should be supported by committed and inspirational leadership, with a clear understanding of the sustainability challenge. Construction organizations need intra-organizational leadership that provides the collective vision, strategy and direction towards the shared common goal of a sustainable future. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of intra-organizational leadership within UK construction organizations charged with the promotion of sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a mixed method approach with qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The analysis of the data revealed that, the most important role of intra-organizational leadership in promoting sustainable construction practices is to formulate policies, implement procedures and disseminate best practices throughout the organization . Originality/value – Nothing has been written on intra-organizational leadership role in promoting sustainability practices in the construction industry. Although leadership and sustainability has been widely covered as separate issues this study provides the empirical evidence of the link between leadership and sustainability in construction.

Embracing sustainability practices in UK construction organizations

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Vian Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Organizational Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Adopting sustainable construction practices minimizes the overall environmental impact of the built asset throughout its whole life. Currently, there is demand from key stakeholders in the construction industry for organization to deliver sustainable built environment, however, leaders/champions within construction organizations charged with the adoption of sustainable construction practices face many challenges. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an investigation into the challenges facing intra-organizational leaders charged with the promotion of sustainable construction practices. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The results revealed that increased capital cost is the most significant challenge facing construction organizations in attempt to adopt sustainability practices in the delivery of construction projects. Originality/value – This study provides the empirical evidence linking leadership within construction organizations and sustainability; filling the gap in literature and serving as a source of reference material for higher education programmes in the built environment.

A framework for the adoption of green business models in the Ghanaian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theophilus Lamptey ◽  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Alex Acheampong ◽  
Michael Adesi ◽  
Frank Ato Ghansah
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Green Business

PurposeDespite the amount of considerable investigations on business models, much studies have not been undertaken in the construction industry emphasising the adoption of green business models to drive sustainable construction. Construction activities continue to increase the carbon footprint and eject contaminated materials into the ecological environment with dire consequences for economic and social sustainability. As a result of the adverse impacts of construction activities, it is necessary for construction firms to rethink their approach to the use of conventional business models. The purpose of this study is to explore a framework for the adoption of green business models to drive sustainability in the construction industry of Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis research is exploratory due to its focus on emerging economies in which there is a perceptible gap in the adoption of green business models. As a result of this, this paper is entrenched in the interpretivist philosophical stance, which led to the adoption of the qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken involving 13 senior managers of construction firms. A thematic analysis was used with the aid of qualitative data analysis computer software package to code the interview transcripts.FindingsThe results demonstrate the six definitions of green business models among the managers of construction firms. The study also shows the need for developing green business models to address the issues of circularity and sustainability goals to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry. Similarly, the paper found various sources of information to drive the awareness, understanding and adoption of the components for green business models. These sources include international conferences and training workshops on green business models. Finally, the study presents a framework that integrates the building information modelling (BIM) and the Internet of things (IoT) into the components for green business models adoption in construction firms.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to use the quantitative approach to undertake further empirical studies, as this paper focuses mostly on the qualitative approach to ascertain the nature of the relationship between green business model and the various components of the circular economy in the construction industry.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing knowledge on green business models by demonstrating six key pillars of green business models by the inclusion of digital technologies such as BIM and IoT, which hitherto this investigation have not been considered in the adoption of green business models in the construction industry. This study extends the existing knowledge on green business models, which has the potential to increase the awareness and understanding of practitioners and managers of construction firms.

3D printing towards implementing Industry 4.0: sustainability aspects, barriers and challenges

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abrar Malik ◽  
Mir Irfan Ul Haq ◽  
Ankush Raina ◽  
Kapil Gupta
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Printing Industry ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Environmental degradation has emerged as one of the major limitations of industrial revolution and has led to an increased focus towards developing sustainable strategies and techniques. This paper aims to highlight the sustainability aspects of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology that helps towards a better implementation of Industry 4.0. It also aims to provide a brief picture of relationships between 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and sustainability. The major goal is to facilitate the researchers, scholars, engineers and recommend further research, development and innovations in the field. Design/methodology/approach The various enabling factors for implementation of Industry 4.0 are discussed in detail. Some barriers to incorporation of 3D Printing, its applications areas and global market scenario are also discussed. A through literature review has been done to study the detailed relationships between 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and sustainability. Findings The technological benefits of 3D printing are many such as weight savings, waste minimization and energy savings. Further, the production of new 3D printable materials with improved features helps in reducing the wastage of material during the process. 3D printing if used at a large scale would help industries to implement the concept of Industry 4.0. Originality/value This paper focuses on discussing technological revolution under Industry 4.0 and incorporates 3D printing-type technologies that largely change the product manufacturing scenario. The interrelationships between 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and sustainability have been discussed.

Exploring the benefits of cloud computing for sustainable construction in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Ahmed Farouk Kineber ◽  
Ibraheem Al-Bukhari ◽  
Ibukun Famakin ◽  
Chukwuma Kingsley
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Data

Purpose Cloud computing is one of the digitalization principles used in some sectors like banking, health and construction industry. This paper aims to examine the benefits of applying cloud computing for construction sustainability in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The cloud computing benefits-related data were retrieved from previous studies and complemented with a questionnaire survey to obtain data from stakeholders involved in the execution of construction projects in Lagos State, Nigeria, through a convenient sampling technique. In addition, the relative importance index (RII) technique was used to investigate the acquired data. At the same time, analysis was accomplished using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings indicated that numerous benefits could be derived by adopting cloud computing in the Nigerian construction industry. Findings The findings from RII analysis showed the significant benefits of data storage ubiquity (i.e. location independence), high situational awareness, team collaboration, compatibility with advanced production facilities and improved project planning. Furthermore, the analysis of these benefits was conducted using EFA for the four construction maxims: construction productivity, back-office activities, design management and billing. Originality/value This research illustrated the benefits of cloud computing in achieving a successful construction project. Besides, these findings are not only useful for achieving sustainable construction in Nigeria but also applicable to many developing countries.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Printing Using Recycled High-Density Polyethylene: Technological Challenges and Future Directions for Construction

Buildings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faham Tahmasebinia ◽  
Marjo Niemelä ◽  
Sanee Ebrahimzadeh Sepasgozar ◽  
Tin Lai ◽  
Winson Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
High Density Polyethylene ◽  
Waste Product ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
High Density ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Recycled Waste

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are transforming the design and manufacture of components and products across many disciplines, but their application in the construction industry is still limited. Material deposition processes can achieve infinite geometries. They have advanced from rapid prototyping and model-scale markets to applications in the fabrication of functional products, large objects, and the construction of full-scale buildings. Many international projects have been realised in recent years, and the construction industry is beginning to make use of such dynamic technologies. Advantages of integrating 3D printing with house construction are significant. They include the capacity for mass customisation of designs and parameters to meet functional and aesthetic purposes, the reduction in construction waste from highly precise placement of materials, and the use of recycled waste products in layer deposition materials. With the ultimate goal of improving construction efficiency and decreasing building costs, the researchers applied Strand 7 Finite Element Analysis software to a numerical model designed for 3D printing a cement mix that incorporates the recycled waste product high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The result: construction of an arched, truss-like roof was found to be structurally feasible in the absence of steel reinforcements, and lab-sized prototypes were manufactured according to the numerical model with 3D printing technology. 3D printing technologies can now be customised to building construction. This paper discusses the applications, advantages, limitations, and future directions of this innovative and viable solution to affordable housing construction.

Digital technology utilisation decisions for facilitating the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samad M.E. Sepasgozar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption Decision ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Multi Stage

Purpose Emerging Construction Industry 4.0 technologies raise serious questions for construction companies when deciding whether to adopt or reject emerging technologies. Vendors seek to understand what factors are involved in how construction companies make these decisions and how they might vary across different companies. This paper aims to present a systematic, technology adoption decision-making framework for the construction industry which includes the key steps required for the final decision being made by companies up to the commencement of the operation of the technology. Design/methodology/approach A total of 123 experienced practitioners were interviewed to identify a broad range of tasks relevant to decision-making. Participants known as customers or vendors were chosen to validate the findings of each group by using data triangulation methods. A systematic thematic analysis method was applied in the NVivo environment to analyse the data. Findings This study identifies the active role of vendors who need to understand how their customers arrive at decisions to increase the rate of technology adoption. This paper also provides insights to new companies and late adopters (reported greater than 50%) about how others arrived at their decisions. Originality/value Unlike other technology adoption models, this paper investigates vendors’ corresponding interactions during the decision-making process. This paper also goes beyond previous studies, which focussed on the individual customer’s intention to use a specific technology at a single-stage by developing a multi-stage framework to enable understanding the details of the decision process at the organisational level.

Leadership style of sustainability professionals in the UK construction industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Opoku ◽  
Vian Ahmed ◽  
Heather Cruickshank
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Organizational Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Leadership is a significant success factor in promoting sustainability practices in the construction industry. Sustainability is an integral part of the construction industry and affects all aspects of construction business operations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if there is any particular leadership style associated with intra-organizational leaders within UK construction organizations charged with the promotion of sustainability practices. The paper therefore examines the effective leadership style of sustainability professionals responsible for developing sustainable construction strategies. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview with 15 leaders, followed by an industry-wide survey of 200 intra-organizational leaders in contractor and consultant organizations in the UK construction industry. Findings – The results showed that while there is no one best leadership style for all situation, most leaders charged with the role of promoting sustainable construction are strategic in their style or behaviour. Originality/value – Although leadership and sustainability has been widely covered as separate issues, little rigorous research has been done on the link between leadership and sustainability in construction management research. The findings could guide organizational leaders with the responsibility of promoting sustainability practices.

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