scholarly journals USE OF CYBER–PHYSICAL SYSTEMS FOR THE KEY ROLES OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.D. Weerasooriya ◽  
◽  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
S.D. Gallage ◽  
P.A.P.V.D.S. Disaratna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Cyber Physical Systems ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Costs ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Virtual Models

Cyber–physical systems (CPS) enable the synergistic integration of virtual models with the physical environment. CPS are being increasingly recognized because of their ability to improve information management in construction projects, make project delivery efficient, and enhance facilities management. The use of virtual models in the construction industry is growing. A quantity surveyor (QS) is responsible for estimating and monitoring construction costs from project inception to completion. The use of CPS could integrate the physical environment with the digital information available to QSs. Hence CPS has the potential to streamline the workflow related to key roles of QSs. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of CPS to facilitate the key roles expected of a QS. The study used a qualitative approach, consisting of 18 semi-structured interviews. The interview findings were analysed using manual content analysis. The literature review revealed the need for CPS in the construction industry and identified the key roles of QSs. The interviewees identified the existing CPS and their supportive applications, technologies and proposed new systems. The study findings provide insights on the reforms required in the key roles of QSs when using CPS.

Cyber-physical systems integration of building information models and the physical construction

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 516-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abiola Akanmu ◽  
Chimay J. Anumba
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Cyber Physical Systems ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
System Architectures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Virtual Models ◽  
Physical Construction

Purpose – In spite of the benefits of virtual models in the building and construction industry, the full potential of these models, especially in the construction and operation phases, remains largely unrealized. With the increasing developments in information and communication technology, a number of attempts have been made to extend the use of these models, through the development of integration approaches and technologies. However, the issue of integrating the virtual model and the physical construction such as to enable bi-directional coordination, has not been adequately addressed. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of a cyber-physical systems (CPS) approach in enhancing bi-directional coordination between virtual models and the physical construction. Design/methodology/approach – This research employs scenario development rapid prototyping to illustrate CPS integration in the construction industry, with a particular focus on facilitating bi-directional coordination. The proof-of-concept prototype systems developed were validated using a focus group consisting of industry practitioners. Findings – Bi-directional coordination between virtual models and the physical construction has the potential to improve real-time progress monitoring and control of the construction process, tracking of changes and model updates, information exchange between the design office and the job site, real-time documentation of the as-built status of high-value components and improved sustainability practices. Originality/value – This paper adds value to the construction industry by demonstrating the application of the CPS approach in enhancing bi-directional coordination between virtual models and the physical construction through the development of system architectures, scenarios and prototype systems.

Examining the awareness and usage of cyber physical systems for construction projects in Nigeria

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Femi Emmanuel Adeosun ◽  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Cyber Physical Systems ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Engineered Systems ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose In recent times, the construction industry is being influenced by technological innovations when delivering a better, more effective and efficient desired project, cyber-physical systems (CPSs) offer a coupling of the physical and engineered systems by monitoring, coordinating, controlling and integrating their operations. This study aims to examine the level of awareness of professionals and usage of CPSs for construction projects in Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The target population for this study was the professionals in the construction industry consisting Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and Builders. Data collection was through the use of a structured questionnaire administered to the target population. The data was analyzed by using statistical tools. Findings This study concluded that the construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry are mostly aware about the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, global positioning system, microphone, speakers and camera as the most widely used CPSs in construction industry. HVAC systems was also found to be the mostly adopted technologies in the construction industry. Originality/value This study recommended that platforms that increase the awareness and encourage the usage of CPSs in construction industry should be encouraged by stakeholders concerned with management of construction projects. Such include electronic construction and adoption of blockchain technology.

scholarly journals Quantity Surveyors’ Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Mixed Method Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Seng Hansen ◽  
Susy F Rostiyanti ◽  
Rizaldi Rizaldi ◽  
Clara Andjarwati
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Work Culture ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Project Sustainability ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
Method Approach

The COVID-19 outbreak began at the end of 2019, and has evolved to a pandemic threatening various industries’ sustainability. Decisive actions have been taken to tackle the pandemic’s spread, however, various impacts continue to be felt by many industries, including the construction industry. This paper therefore focuses on the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on Quantity Surveyors’ (QS) construction projects and activities, as a key profession in the industry. A mixed method approach, questionnaire survey followed by expert interviews, was adopted. Subsequently, 199 valid responses for analysis were obtained from the questionnaire distribution, using descriptive statistics and Significance Index. Furthermore, qualitative data were acquired through semi-structured interviews with five experts, and analyzed using a structured thematic analysis. According to the results, 56.78% of respondents experienced project slowdowns, 13.57% experienced project suspensions or terminations, and 12.56% experienced cost overruns. Most respondents acknowledged the pandemic had present changes to projects (84.92%), in the form of changes in organization structure, work culture, technological application, and project objectives. Meanwhile, the Significance Index has successfully established an 11-factors ranking, regarding the pandemic’s impact on QS activities, with impact on the overall project completion as the most profound impact followed by impacts on project scheduling, supply chain, tendering, cost controlling, and claim management. This study’s qualitative and quantitative findings tend to be in accordance, thus, providing some fundamental insights regarding the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on the construction industry, including direct impacts on project sustainability, technology adoption, and project resiliency issues. In addition, this study also contributes to scientific knowledge by discussing the issues and trends of work culture changes in QS professional activities.

scholarly journals Identification of Causes and Minimization of Delays in Highway Projects of Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-112
Author(s):  
Samiullah Sohu ◽  
Abdul Fattah Chandio ◽  
Kaleem ullah
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Highway Projects ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Causes Of Delays

The problem of delay in construction industry is a regular phenomenon worldwide, and construction industry of Pakistan has no exception, particularly in highways projects. Delay can be described as the extension of time to complete the construction project. The aim of this paper is to identify main causes of delays in highway projects of Pakistan, and to determine mitigating measures for the identified causes. The research method of this study is based on literature review, questionnaire survey and semi structured interview. From in-depth literature review, twenty-six common causes of delay were found. A questionnaire survey was carried out among construction professionals of highway projects. The causes of delay in highways projects were ranked referring to their Mean values. A semi structured interview was carried out to determine mitigation measures for the top ten causes of delays. The data gathered from questionnaire survey was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) while, data collected through semi structured interviews was analyzed using Nvivo software. The findings of this study are expected to be useful for construction parties, to mitigate the delays in highway construction projects of Pakistan.

A Model-Based Toolchain to Verify Spatial Behavior of Cyber-Physical Systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Herrmann ◽  
Jan Olaf Blech ◽  
Fenglin Han ◽  
Heinz Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Spatial Model ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Cyber Physical Systems ◽  
Spatial Behavior ◽  
Model Checker ◽  
Control Software ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Model Based

A method preserving cyber-physical systems to operate safely in a joint physical space is presented. It comprises the model-based development of the control software and simulators for the continuous physical environment as well as proving the models for spatial and real-time properties. The corresponding toolchain is based on the model-based engineering tool Reactive Blocks and the spatial model checker BeSpaceD. The real-time constraints to be kept by the controller are proven using the model checker UPPAAL.

scholarly journals Deriving Specifications of Control Programs for Cyber Physical Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 774-790
Author(s):  
Alan Burns ◽  
Ian J Hayes ◽  
Cliff B Jones
Keyword(s):  
Physical Environment ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Cyber Physical Systems ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Temporal Properties ◽  
Physical Components

Abstract Cyber physical systems (CPS) exist in a physical environment and comprise both physical components and a control program. Physical components are inherently liable to failure and yet an overall CPS is required to operate safely, reliably and cost effectively. This paper proposes a framework for deriving the specification of the software control component of a CPS from an understanding of the behaviour required of the overall system in its physical environment. The two key elements of this framework are (i) an extension to the use of rely/guarantee conditions to allow specifications to be obtained systematically from requirements (as expressed in terms of the required behaviour in the environment) and nested assumptions (about the physical components of the CPS); and (ii) the use of time bands to record the temporal properties required of the CPS at a number of different granularities. The key contribution is in combining these ideas; using time bands overcomes a significant drawback in earlier work. The paper also addresses the means by which the reliability of a CPS can be addressed by challenging each rely condition in the derived specification and, where appropriate, improve robustness and/or define weaker guarantees that can be delivered with respect to the corresponding weaker rely conditions.

Sustainable procurement in the Canadian construction industry: challenges and benefits

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 417-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Ruparathna ◽  
Kasun Hewage
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Sustainable Procurement ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Harmful Emissions

Disregard of triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability is one of the major drawbacks of current construction procurement practices. Sustainable procurement is an emergent concept that can improve procurement practices and enhance the sustainability performance of the construction industry as a whole. Presently, sustainable procurement is still not fully utilized in the Canadian construction industry. A comprehensive literature review showed that the construction industry is still not fully aware about the benefits of using sustainable procurement or ways of implementing the same. This study evaluates challenges encountered in implementing sustainable procurement in the Canadian construction industry. In addition, this study investigates perceptions of construction professionals on the benefits of using sustainable procurement for construction projects. A country wide questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect required data. A statistical analysis was performed to rank the challenges and benefits of sustainable procurement. Findings from semi-structured interviews were used to validate the results observed in the statistical analysis. This study revealed that lack of funding is the main challenge for implementing sustainable procurement, while reducing harmful emissions and waste generation was identified as the main benefit. It was concluded that the leadership and commitment of the project owners is the key to fully establish sustainable procurement in the Canadian construction industry.

scholarly journals Contractor's Attitude towards Risk and Risk Management in Construction in Two Western Provinces of Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 6418-6421
Author(s):  
V. T. Phan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Risk Identification ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Important Task ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Negative Impacts

Risk management is an important task in construction management that helps the contractor to actively identify, evaluate, control, and minimize negative impacts of risks on the project, thereby ensuring its effectiveness. People involved in the construction industry need to be well - equipped with information and knowledge to manage risks adequately and systematically. The purpose of this research is to explore the attitude towards risk and risk management in construction projects of the Vietnamese construction industry, with emphasis on the perspective of contractors. The research data are collected through a questionnaire associated with in-depth semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that the perception of risk within the Vietnamese construction industry includes both threats and opportunities. The majority of professionals in the industry have a risk-neutral approach, contrary to previous research. The importance of implementing effective risk management is shared, in the planning and production phase while risk identification was perceived to be the most important out of the four core processes.

scholarly journals Factors for Time and Cost Overrun in Public Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-254
Author(s):  
Shehryar Idrees ◽  
Muhammad Tariq Shafiq
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Projects ◽  
Public Facilities ◽  
Technical Errors ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Project Delays

Abstract The construction industry in Pakistan is experiencing a surge in public sector projects due to major investments in infrastructure projects. Project delays and cost overrun are common features in public sector construction projects in Pakistan. Therefore, an understanding of the causes of time and cost overrun in public projects is essential. This paper investigates delay and cost overrun factors within the context of public sector projects in Pakistan. This study identifies 48 potential factors from existing literature and semi-structured interviews were used to refine the identified factors into ten categories. A questionnaire survey was used to establish a hierarchy of factors using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the major causes of time overruns in public projects were (1) legal issues, such as court stay orders, land acquisition, relocation of public facilities; (2) technical errors leading to low-quality drawings, rework, and errors at bidding stage; and (3) Poor project management. The findings of this research contribute to understanding the causes of project delays in public sector projects in Pakistan.

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