Policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the Nigerian construction industry: an exploratory factor analysis

Purpose Sustainable construction practice is structured on regulatory and non-regulatory policies in developed and most developing countries. With the gradual uptake of sustainability concerns in the construction industry, this paper aims to identify the strategic need for clear-cut policies to improve sustainable construction practice. Previous studies have harped on the need for regulatory and industrial/organisational policies on improving sustainable construction practice within the Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the perspectives of construction professionals on the policy barriers for sustainable construction practice in Nigeria, and 46 policy barriers were identified. A total of 249 questionnaires were returned and useable for analysis. Findings Factor analysis revealed four clusters in the policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the following order of significance: implementation strategies for sustainable construction practice, owners/client inputs for sustainable construction practice, stakeholder’s policy barriers and governmental and regulatory policy barriers. Practical implications Mitigating the identified barriers through effective policies will require adequate inputs from all relevant policymaking stakeholders and ensure improved sustainable construction practice among stakeholders and policymakers in the industry. This will in turn set a high standard and promote the practice of sustainable construction. Originality/value This study goes a step further in identifying the policy issues needed to ensure a smooth implementation of sustainable construction practice. The research findings will serve as a guide for policymakers in developing countries that through mitigation of the identified barriers, sustainable construction practice will be promoted.

Design of a tensegrity servo-actuated structure for civil applications

The use of glass elements in civil engineering is spreading in the last years beyond merely aesthetic functions for their ease of installation and production. Nonetheless, the structural performance of such materials in any condition of use is object of investigation. In this scenario, the paper analyses the performance of an innovative concept of tensegrity floor (Patent no 0001426973) characterized by a particular steel-glass adhesive junction that permits a profitable structural cooperation between such basically different materials. As known, at the base of the effectiveness of tensegrity structures lies the correct tensioning of metal strands which are devoted at keeping the rigid elements compressed. The tensioning level is then responsible of the actual deformation of the structure, which is of course of uttermost importance while speaking of civil applications. To address this issue with the adequate level of confidence required by construction practice, a mechatronic servo-system is proposed, aimed at maintaining, and modifying when needed, the stress state of the metal cables to adjust the deformation of the upper plane in response to varying loads. Three different actuation schemes, with different levels of realization complexity, are analysed and compared in simulated environment by means of a hybrid multibody-finite elements model.

Comparison of Calculation Methods of Elastic Bonding: Limits of the Gamma Method Using an Example of a Wood–Concrete Composite Floor with Single Loads

Various methods are available for the calculation of timber–concrete composite floors. The gamma method, which is important in construction practice, as well as the differential equation method, are based on the simplified assumption of a continuous bond between wood and concrete. This makes it possible to analytically calculate the internally statically indeterminate partial section sizes and deformation sizes, analogous to the force size method. In this paper, two typical load situations of concentrated loads (central and off-centre) were analytically and numerically evaluated and compared using the above-mentioned methods (gamma and differential equation), with a discrete method for the case of a timber beam reinforced with a concrete slab using screws as fasteners. The calculation results show significant deviations, which speak for the application of discrete methods in certain load situations and thus limit the usability of the gamma method under certain conditions. For the problem of deflection determination, which is not dealt with in the literature for the discrete method, a numerical method is described in the present work, which was first developed and presented by the first author.

Characteristics and Problems of Smart City Development in China

The rapid expansion of urbanization both in scale and population leads to a series of serious urban diseases, which become a huge obstacle to the healthy and sustainable development of cities. To alleviate these problems and challenges, China launched a smart city construction program in the past decade and has taken the lead in smart city construction in the world. However, there is still a lack of reflection and summary on the practice of smart cities in China. Based on the definition and concept of smart city, this paper points out the internal and external driving factors of China’s smart city development, then summarizes the four major characteristics of China’s smart city construction practice, and explores the main problems existing in the process of China’s smart city construction. Through the reflection and summary, we can facilitate development of smart cities in China, provide useful reference to urban planners and smart city practitioners in other countries and regions, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of cities.

Construction Of Economical Pavement Structures With Wood Ash

Stabilized mixes that are used in pavement structures are composed of aggregate bound with hydraulic binders (cement, lime) or bitumen. The most commonly used for the construction of base layers are mixes stabilized with cement. A long-standing construction practice for pavement structures was based on the use of quality granular materials for the construction of base layers. However, when designing the pavement structure and selecting materials, economy, sustainability, and environmental impact, in addition to their mechanical properties, should also be considered. Clear requirements and guidelines for sustainable development have imposed the need to explore the possibility of using non-standard materials in construction. Wood ash, which is formed as a residue from the combustion of biomass in the production of electricity and heat, is one of the newer and, in Croatia, less researched alternative materials that can be applied in construction. The paper describes compressive strength tests of mixtures of sand from the Drava River and cyclone wood ash stabilized with various contents of cement. The obtained results showed that with wood fly ash (in a content of 30 % mass.) in the stabilization mixture of sand, values of compressive strengths can be achieved within the required limits necessary for the construction of base layers of the pavement structure stabilized by a hydraulic binder.

Constructions of buildings based on solid wooden elements

Wood has excellent physical, technological, aesthetic and utility properties. Thanks to them, wooden buildings are very popular and allow to build economically advantageous and modern wooden buildings with long life and durability and thus a positive impact on the ecological and so-called. clean future. Knowledge of its basic properties is the first prerequisite for its proper use in various industries and in human life. In the world, but also in our country, the trend of wooden buildings is becoming more and more widespread, not only in the understanding of cottages, wooden houses and family houses using wooden elements. Massive prefabricated log buildings are a typical representative of wood-based buildings. Massive log buildings have undergone some development and currently in construction practice, this system for the construction of wooden buildings in various more modern modifications. The aim of this paper is to present selected aspects of traditional but also blue log constructions and their application at present.

Analytic Representation of Illuminance on the Earth Surface with Different Types and Conditions of Cloud Cover over the 11-Year Solar Activity Cycle

The article describes the analytical expression approximating experimental data on daily natural illuminance on the Earth surface with different types and conditions of cloud cover over the 11-year solar activity cycle within the solar altitude angle range of 0 ° to 90 °. The values of the direct, diffused, and total illuminance on the Earth surface with different types and conditions of the cloud cover and, to some extent, of the substrate were defined and summarised in tables. The data presented may be used as part of the visual perception studies, light and engineering calculations, architecture and construction practice, etc.

Multibody Analysis of a Tensegral Servo-Actuated Structure for Civil Applications

The use of glass elements in civil engineering is spreading in the last years beyond merely aesthetic functions for their ease of installation and production. Nonetheless, the structural performance of such materials in any condition of use is object of investigation. In this scenario, the paper analyses the performance of an innovative concept of tensegrity floor (Patent no 0001426973) characterized by a particular steel-glass adhesive junction that permits a profitable structural cooperation between such basically different materials. As known, at the base of the effectiveness of tensegral structures lies the correct tensioning of metal strands which are devoted at keeping the rigid elements compressed. The tensioning level is then responsible of the actual deformation of the structure, which is of course of uttermost importance while speaking of civil applications. To address this issue with the adequate level of confidence required by construction practice, a mechatronic servo-system is proposed, aimed at maintaining, and modifying when needed, the stress state of the metal cables to adjust the deformation of the upper plane in response to varying loads. Three different actuation schemes, with different levels of realization complexity, are analysed and compared in simulated environment by means of a hybrid multibody-finished elements mode.

An Emerging Model for Virtual International Academic Conference in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Academic conferences are very important to industrial development and academic scholars. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to the cancellation of many international conferences; thus, virtual conferences have received a great deal of attention. Their expanding role has created an urgent need to explore the best approaches for successful execution. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the organization of these conferences. This study aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the key success factors through a case study of the International Group for Lean Construction’s first virtual conference. The results revealed the influence of multiple factors. In addition, a successful model for an international virtual academic conference is proposed. The model contributes to the knowledge of sustainable development in engineering management and architecture, engineering, and construction practice.

Comparison of Methods for Crack Development State for Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Fibre reinforced concrete is a composite material that is increasingly used in construction practice. An often-discussed problem regarding the fibre reinforced concrete is the crack development state and post-cracking behaviour. The paper compares the calculations done according to the Eurocode design and calculations done according to the older procedure given by ČSN standard. The calculations are also compared with the calculations done using the SCIA Engineer software. From the obtained results, the complexity of the calculation, the amount of coefficients, and the variance of value given the current standards is evident.