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Showing papers in "Journal of Civil Engineering and Management in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to rank different critical success factors (CSFs) for construction projects in Lithuania, and the study highlighted the key areas for successful implementation of construction projects.
Abstract: This paper proposes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a tool to rank different critical success factors (CSFs) for construction projects in Lithuania. Considering the current lack of understanding of CSFs within the local context, this study is one of the first attempts to gain an understanding of the CSFs in the local industry. Our study revealed that, for construction projects in Lithuania, clear and realistic project goals, project planning, the project manager's competence, relevant past experience of the project management/team, the competence of the project management/team, clear and precise goals/objectives of the client, the project's value, the project's complexity and uniqueness, the project manager's experience, and the client's ability to make timely decisions are the top-ranking CSFs. In view of these findings, the study highlighted the key areas for successful implementation of construction projects in Lithuania.

135 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the efficiency of apartment building modernization under current requirements applicable in Lithuania and the requirements for 2020 was analyzed, focusing on thermal insulation of external walls, and the weights of the criteria were calculated after an expert survey and using integrated SWARA-TODIM multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM).
Abstract: A great part of energy produced in Europe is consumed by old residential buildings. Consequently, it is necessary to retrofit energetically non-efficient buildings. However, there is a mass financial gap between cost effective retrofitting and upgrading to nearly zero energy building levels. The efficiency of apartment building modernization under current requirements applicable in Lithuania and the requirements for 2020 was analysed, focusing on thermal insulation of external walls. Six cases of residential building modernization in Lithuania were studied estimating criteria that are among the most important for implementation of apartment building modernization, such as the total cost of the external wall modernization, simple payback period, work duration, and other parameters related to the characteristics of thermal insulation systems. The weights of the criteria were calculated after an expert survey and using integrated SWARA-TODIM multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method the best alter...

108 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented a study on the selection and ranking of the feasible location areas of wind farms and assessing the types of wind turbines in the Baltic Sea offshore area.
Abstract: Energy generation and savings is a vital problem for the social and economic development of a modern world. The construction of wind farms is a challenge of crucial importance to Lithuania. Offshore wind farms are one of the possibilities of the multiple use of marine space. Wind energy industry has become the fastest growing renewable energy in the world. An offshore wind farm is considered one of the most promising sources of green energy towards meeting the EU targets for 2020 and 2050. They provide long-term green energy production. The major purpose of this study is the selection and ranking of the feasible location areas of wind farms and assessing the types of wind turbines in the Baltic Sea offshore area. Multi-criteria decision making methods represent a robust and flexible tool investigating and assessing possible discrete alternatives evaluated applying the aggregated WSM and WPM method namely WASPAS. The following criteria such as the nominal power of the wind turbine, max power genera...

95 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, sustainable building design is reviewed from the viewpoint of structural engineering, and the authors argue that the next big leap in sustainability building design should come from the integration of the smart structure technology including the use of hybrid and semi-active vibration controllers that can result in substantially lighter and more efficient structures.
Abstract: Sustainable building design has become a wide and multidisciplinary research endeavor including mechanical, electrical, electronic, communication, acoustic, architectural, and structural engineering. It involves the participation of owners, contractors, suppliers and building users. There has been a lot of talk about sustainable buildings in the past few years. Most of the published research is concerned with saving energy and water and making the buildings more environmentally friendly by, say, reducing the carbon emissions. In this article, sustainable building design is reviewed from the viewpoint of structural engineering. Different strategies presented in the literature are summarized. Finally, the authors argue that the next big leap in sustainable building design should come from the integration of the smart structure technology including the use of hybrid and semi-active vibration controllers that can result in substantially lighter and more efficient structures.

72 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A Construction BIM-based Knowledge Management (CBIMKM) system for general contractors is proposed and applied in selected case studies of a construction building project in Taiwan to verify the proposed methodology and demonstrate the effectiveness of sharing knowledge in the 3D environment.
Abstract: Knowledge management (KM) is the organization, creation, sharing and flow of knowledge within organizations. Knowledge can be shared and reused among involved engineers and experts to improve a construction process and reduce the time and cost of solving problems. This paper proposes a new and practical methodology to capture and represent construction project knowledge by using a Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach. Using BIM approach, users can make visual knowledge management in the 3D Computer-aided Design (CAD) environment. This study addresses the application of knowledge management in the construction phase of construction projects and proposes a Construction BIM-based Knowledge Management (CBIMKM) system for general contractors. The CBIMKM is then applied in selected case studies of a construction building project in Taiwan to verify our proposed methodology and demonstrate the effectiveness of sharing knowledge in the 3D environment. By applying the BIM approach, all participants...

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Through analysis of articles published from 2006 to July 2014 this paper summarizes the topics of research and the institutions where research was conducted in the field of computer-based construction safety engineering management.
Abstract: Through analysis of articles published from 2006 to July 2014 this paper summarizes the topics of research and the institutions where research was conducted in the field of computer-based construction safety engineering management. One hundred and thirty-six articles published during this time focused on Information Technology (IT) applications in this field were selected for analysis. The underlying research topics and their related IT implementations are discussed, and research trends in allied specialties are identified.

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two most known MCDM methodologies, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), are used for intelligent building assessment under fuzzy environment for dealing with the evaluations’ uncertainty and imprecision.
Abstract: The methodology, Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM), refers to finding the best alternative from all of the feasible alternatives in the presence of multiple, usually conflicting, decision criteria. Nowadays, intelligent buildings’ performance that is increasingly evidenced in building design and construction has been analyzed by using MCDM techniques. Intelligent buildings (IBs) are also under assessment according to their IB related characteristics and actual circumstances as a MCDM problem. In this paper, two most known MCDM methodologies, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), are used for intelligent building assessment under fuzzy environment for dealing with the evaluations’ uncertainty and imprecision in which the expert's comparisons that are represented as fuzzy numbers. For this aim, three intelligent building alternatives for a business centre in Istanbul are evaluated by using these two fuzzy MCDM methods and the...

60 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest using multiple criteria approach that enables to evaluate possible alternative solutions in several controversial aspects and to find rational building's modernisation type, also, suitability of combination of usual MCDM (Multiple Criteria Decision Making) methods with grey systems theory due to possibility o...
Abstract: Sustainable development is emphasized in the process of construction or modernization of buildings at present. Old vernacular architecture does not satisfy contemporary building norms such as daylighting and/or thermal performance parameters. These parameters are important for sustainability due to their relation with energy savings. It is obvious that seeking to improve these parameters, old buildings should be upgraded. The main problem is how to reach contemporary building norms without a negative impact to architectural heritage in a process of modernisation. The aim of the research is to find the best compromise solution for effective vernacular architecture's change. The Authors suggest using multiple criteria approach that enables to evaluate possible alternative solutions in several controversial aspects and to find rational building's modernisation type. Also, suitability of combination of usual MCDM (Multiple Criteria Decision Making) methods with grey systems theory due to possibility o...

59 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A statistical survey on the pathology, diagnosis and rehabilitation of ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system) in walls revealed the main sensitive issues of the cladding system during its service life, highl...
Abstract: This paper presents a statistical survey on the pathology, diagnosis and rehabilitation of ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system) in walls. The development of an expert-knowledge inspection and diagnosis system for this type of cladding implied the creation of classification lists of anomalies, most probable causes, diagnosis methods and repair/maintenance techniques. The collection of data through field work where the tools developed within the proposed system were applied was the basis for this statistical survey. The field work consisted of the visual inspection of 146 facades with ETICS cladding located in various areas in Portugal and aged from 3 to 22 years. The data obtained enable anomalies to be related to their causes and so conclusions can be drawn on the best way to minimize the development of the former and eliminate the latter, at the design and application stages. The study further revealed the main sensitive issues of the cladding system during its service life, highl...

59 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a risk assessment model based on the concepts of fuzzy set theory is proposed to evaluate risk events during tunnel construction operations, which can take into account the uncertainties associated with the underground projects and prioritize them for further protective measures and decisions.
Abstract: Tunnels are artificial underground spaces that provide a capacity for particular goals such as storage, under-ground transportation, mine development, power and water treatment plants, civil defence. This shows that the tunnel construction is a key activity in developing infrastructure projects. In many situations, tunnelling projects find themselves involved in the situations where unexpected conditions threaten the continuity of the project. Such situations can arise from the prior knowledge limited by the underground unknown conditions. Therefore, a risk analysis that can take into account the uncertainties associated with the underground projects is needed to assess the existing risks and prioritize them for further protective measures and decisions in order to reduce, mitigate and/or even eliminate the risks involved in the project. For this reason, this paper proposes a risk assessment model based on the concepts of fuzzy set theory to evaluate risk events during the tunnel construction oper...

56 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the rubberized hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (RHFRC) is used for the construction of a high speed railway line connecting central Croatia and its capital with coastal regions of the country.
Abstract: In line with current ”green” transport initiatives, Croatia plans to build over the next investment period a high speed railway line which will connect central Croatia and its capital with coastal regions of the country. According to design documents, the track system will be built using ballastless concrete solutions. In the scope of the project “Concrete track system – ECOTRACK”, researchers from the University of Zagreb - Faculty of Civil Engineering analysed a new material, i.e. the rubberized hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (RHFRC), in order to find out whether its properties are adequate for the proposed concrete track system. The RHFRC contains by-products from mechanical recycling of waste tyres (rubber and steel fibres). The study of fibre and rubber interaction and their contribution to mechanical properties of the fibre reinforced concrete is presented, as extensive research on positive interaction between industrial and recycled steel fibres has not as yet been made. The results show ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a follow-up to the qualitative studies, where semi-structured interviews have been used, in a qualitative approach to study factors that affect the decisions to implement these techniques as well as the actual adoption process.
Abstract: Three strategically important uses of IT in the construction industry are management of project documents on webservers (EDM), electronic handling of orders and invoices between companies (EDI) and use of 3D models including non-geometrical attributes for integrated design and construction (BIM). The purpose of this work is to study factors that affect the decisions to implement these techniques as well as the actual adoption process. In a longitudinal survey study in the Swedish Construction Industry, the extent of use of these techniques was measured in 1998, 2000 and 2007. This paper presents a follow-up to the quantitative studies, where semi-structured interviews have been used, in a qualitative approach. The theoretical basis for the studies was informed by frameworks from IT-adoption theory. The results showed that decisions to implement these technologies are made on three different levels: individual level, company organizational level, and project organizational level. Different patterns...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of vertical shaft geometry on natural ventilation in urban road tunnel fires was investigated, and it was shown that using vertical shafts to discharge smoke leads to a boundary layer separation near the right-angle connection of the shaft and the tunnel ceiling.
Abstract: A set of burning experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of vertical shaft geometry on natural ventilation in urban road tunnel fires. Results show that using vertical shafts to discharge smoke leads to a boundary layer separation near the right-angle connection of the shaft and the tunnel ceiling. In a low shaft, the turbulent-boundary-layer separation phenomenon causes relatively large-scale vortexes and restricts smoke from being exhausted, resulting in a negative effect on natural ventilation. Replacing the right-angle connection with the bevel-angle connection was proposed to split one separation point into two separation points, to attenuate the negative effect. The detailed characteristics of the separation phenomenon were analysed and the proposition was verified by Large Eddy Simulation. Results show that there are no relatively large-scale vortexes in shafts with bevel-angle connections, resulting in improved natural ventilation effectiveness. For lower shafts, the advantage...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a hybrid QFD and CANP model for project manager selection is presented. But the authors focus on the selection criteria and do not consider the overall decision-making process.
Abstract: Identifying appropriate decision criteria and making optimal decisions in a structured way is a complex process. This paper presents an approach for doing this in the form of a hybrid Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Cybernetic Analytic Network Process (CANP) model for project manager selection. This involves the use of QFD to translate the owner's project management expectations into selection criteria and the CANP to weight the expectations and selection criteria. The supermatrix approach then prioritises the candidates with respect to the overall decision-making goal. A case study is used to demonstrate the use of the model in selecting a renovation project manager. This involves the development of 18 selection criteria in response to the owner's three main expectations of time, cost and quality.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an integrated model based on two fuzzy multi-criteria decision making techniques for handling equipment selection is proposed, which is derived from group decision making, fuzzy set theory, analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and Technique to Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods.
Abstract: The problem of handling equipment selection plays a significant role in the total cost of a mining project; so that it can affect the activity and continuity of the project and is a strategic problem. In this study, an integrated model based on two fuzzy multi-criteria decision making techniques for handling equipment selection is proposed. The proposed evaluation model is derived from group decision making, fuzzy set theory, analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and Technique to Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. The fuzzy AHP (FAHP) method is utilized to calculate the relative importance of the evaluation criteria, then, fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) is applied for evaluating the feasible handling equipment in order to select the best handling system among a pool of the possible alternatives. The model is applied for a real world case study to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed model. To investigate the result sensitiveness to the changes of the c...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a stochastic mathematical model designed to optimize and predict tamping operations in ballasted tracks as preventive condition-based maintenance is presented, which is formulated as a mixed 0-1 nonlinear program that considers real technical aspects as constraints: the reduction of the geometrical track quality over time is characterized by the deterioration rate of the standard deviation of the longitudinal level; the track layout, the dependency of the track recovery on its quality at the moment of the maintenance operation; the limits for preventive maintenance that depend on the maximum permissible train speed.
Abstract: The application of mathematical programming for scheduling preventive maintenance in railways is relatively new. This paper presents a stochastic mathematical model designed to optimize and to predict tamping operations in ballasted tracks as preventive condition-based maintenance. The model is formulated as a mixed 0–1 nonlinear program that considers real technical aspects as constraints: the reduction of the geometrical track quality over time is characterized by the deterioration rate of the standard deviation of the longitudinal level; the track layout; the dependency of the track recovery on its quality at the moment of the maintenance operation; the limits for preventive maintenance that depend on the maximum permissible train speed. In the model application, a railway stretch with 51.2 km of length is analysed for a time period of five years. The deterioration model is stochastic and represents the reduction of the standard deviation of the longitudinal level over time. The deterioration r...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a new nondestructive way of identifying the values of pull-off adhesion between the concrete layers in concrete floors based on the roughness parameters of the base layer surface.
Abstract: This paper presents a new nondestructive way of identifying the values of pull-off adhesion between the concrete layers in concrete floors. It based on the roughness parameters of the base layer surface, using the nondestructive optical technique, and on the floor surface, using the nondestructive acoustic techniques and employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) for this purpose. The new way has a potential for being widely used in practice, whereby it may become possible to employ previously trained ANNs to identify the pull-off adhesion, without impairing the surface of the tested concrete floor.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the development of novel smart structures by embedding sensing capabilities directly into the construction material during the manufacturing and deployment process has attracted significant attention in autonomous structural health monitoring (SHM).
Abstract: The development of novel “smart” structures by embedding sensing capabilities directly into the construction material during the manufacturing and deployment process has attracted significant attention in autonomous structural health monitoring (SHM). Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) provide vast improvements over existing sensing methods in the context of SHM of highway infrastructure systems, including improved system reliability, improved longevity and enhanced system performance, improved safety against natural hazards and vibrations, and a reduction in life cycle cost in both operating and maintaining the infrastructure. Advancements in MEMS technology and wireless sensor networks provide opportunities for long-term, continuous, real-time structural health monitoring of pavements and bridges at low cost within the context of sustainable infrastructure systems. Based on a comprehensive review of literature and vendor survey, the latest information available on off-the-shelf MEMS devices,...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a set of experiments were conducted by varying the pool size, top vent state and bottom vent size in a 1/3 scaled 12-layer stairwell configuration.
Abstract: In this paper, to study the influence of stack effect on fire in the compartment adjacent to a stairwell, a set of experiments were conducted by varying the pool size, top vent state and bottom vent size in a 1/3 scaled 12-layer-stairwell configuration. The phenomenon of methanol flame tilting in the fire room was observed and studied. Results showed that the flame tilt angle increases with an increase of Ri-1. The temperatures of hot gases in the fire room decrease due to the cooling effect of fresh air induced by stack effect. The mass loss rate of methanol fuel is influenced by fresh air flow sucked into fire room due to stack effect. On the basis of the experimental results, we conclude that the velocity of air flow into fire room is proportional to 1/3 power of the heat release rate in the stairwell.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a web ConBIM-SM system for the general contractor to enhance visual as-built schedule information sharing and efficiency in tracking co-construction phases.
Abstract: Construction project control attempts to obtain real-time as-built schedule information and to eliminate project delays by effectively enhancing dynamic schedule control and management. Suitable platforms for enhancing an as-built schedule visually during the construction phase are necessary and important for general contractors. As the application of building information modeling (BIM) becomes more common, schedule management integrated with the BIM approach becomes essential to enhance visual construction management implementation for the general contractor during the construction phase. To enhance visualization of the updated as-built schedule for the general contractor, this study presents a novel system called the Construction BIM-assisted Schedule Management (ConBIM-SM) system for general contractors in Taiwan. The primary purpose of this study is to develop a web ConBIM-SM system for the general contractor to enhance visual as-built schedule information sharing and efficiency in tracking co...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of the local micro-properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on macro-properties on the behaviour concretes is studied for recycled concrete made with 20% and 25% recycled ceramic aggregate from sanitary ware waste.
Abstract: The influence of the local micro-properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on macro-properties on the behaviour concretes is studied for recycled concretes made with 20% and 25% recycled ceramic aggregate from sanitary ware waste. This study carried out using nanoindentation and SEM technique aims to explore interface thickness and variations in its elastic modulus. The results show that the minimum and mean values of the elastic modulus and the ITZ thickness impact concrete mechanical and elastic properties to different degrees. Finally, that nanoindentation provides an indispensable tool for studying and assessing the effect of new materials (e.g. recycled aggregates) on the micromechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and its effect on engineering properties (compressive and splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity) of these new concretes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A novel model for predicting construction project cost, named as EAC-LSPIM, yields results consisting of a point estimate coupled with lower and upper prediction limits, at a certain level of confi...
Abstract: Completing a project within the planned budget is the bottom-line of construction companies. To achieve this goal, periodic cost estimation is vitally important not only in the planning phase, but also in the execution phase. Due to high uncertainty in operational environment, point estimation of project cost is oftentimes not sufficient to assist the decision-making process. This study utilizes Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM), machine learning based interval estimation (MLIE), and Differential Evolution (DE) to establish a novel model for predicting construction project cost. LS-SVM is a supervised learning technique used for regression analysis. MLIE is employed for inference of prediction intervals. Moreover, our model deploys DE in the cross validation process to search for the optimal values of tuning parameters. The newly developed model, named as EAC-LSPIM, yields results consisting of a point estimate coupled with lower and upper prediction limits, at a certain level of confi...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The new: mathematical model, specific properties as an acceleration tools, as well as two new optimization algorithms for the problem considered: construction and tabu search are introduced.
Abstract: The paper concerns the problem of roadworks scheduling executed in the flow-shop system. Works may be performed parallelly with the acceleration (overlaps) of construction project, i.e. the following work on the assembly line can begin before the completion of the predecessor work. Taking into account the acceleration enables accurate modeling of complex real construction processes. The above fact can greatly shorten the time of realization of construction process which has a direct impact on reducing costs. The considered issue belongs to the class of NP-hard problems. We introduce the new: mathematical model, specific properties as an acceleration tools, as well as two new optimization algorithms for the problem considered: construction and tabu search. The execution of algorithms was illustrated on the example of a case study concerning the construction of roads. They were also verified on the examples taken from the literature and on already completed construction processes. The obtained resul...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a panel of highly-experienced project managers working for both project owners and contractors was asked several rounds of questions in an attempt to arrive to a consensus concerning the most important relationships between project parties in terms of risk minimization after the contract is signed.
Abstract: All significant construction projects involve the project owner and the contractor, as well as their project managers. Following upon recent research into the multiple principal-agent problem, which was applied to the minimization of communication risk in construction projects, the focus here is on communication issues between the four project parties. Recent research has shown that the relationship between the project owner and the contractor is paramount for risk minimization before the contract between them is signed. However, the relationship between project managers is dominant for risk minimization after the contract is signed. To further explore risk minimization at this stage of the project, the Delphi method was employed. A panel of highly-experienced project managers working for both project owners and contractors was asked several rounds of questions in an attempt to arrive to a consensus concerning the most important relationships between project parties in terms of risk minimization after the contract is signed. The relationship between the two project managers tops the ranking, thus focusing further research. As they are both agents, and as there is no contract between them, this offers a fresh challenge for the principal-agent theory.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse and compare viscoelastic properties of unmodified and polymer modified bitumens produced in Poland, Europe, in order to assess their quality, and conclude that although bituminous binders complies with European specification requirements, they are significantly different in terms of their rheological properties.
Abstract: Construction of modern and durable bituminous pavements requires high quality bituminous binder, aggregates and additives. The main objective of this paper was to analyse and compare viscoelastic properties of unmodified and polymer modified bitumens produced in Poland, Europe, in order to assess their quality. In this paper there are presented results of bituminous binder European classification tests (penetration, softening point and Fraass breaking point) as well as rheological test results conducted over a wide range of temperatures. In addition, image analysis of the microstructure of selected polymer modified bitumens is also presented. Based on the analysis it was concluded that although bituminous binders complies with European specification requirements, they are significantly different in terms of their rheological properties. It was found that regardless of binder producer, bituminous binder within the same hardness group exhibit different low and high temperature properties.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the results of a laboratory study evaluating the fatigue properties of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures using indirect tensile fatigue test (ITFT) were investigated.
Abstract: Fatigue cracking is the main form of structural damage in flexible pavements. Under the action of repeated vehicular loading, deterioration of the asphalt concrete materials in pavements caused by the accumulation and growth of the micro and macro cracks gradually takes place. The results of a laboratory study evaluating the fatigue properties of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures using indirect tensile fatigue test (ITFT) were investigated in this paper. The HMA mixtures containing 0%, 35%, 70%, and 100% of recycling concrete aggregate (RCA) were plant prepared with one source of aggregate, limestone, and one type of binder, 60/70-penetration grade. In this paper, it is shown that the use of recycled concrete produced by crushing demolished concrete elements can increase the efficiency of asphalt mixes, reduce primary production costs and prevent much fullness of the recycled materials in the environment. It was found that replacing up to 100% of the virgin aggregate by RCA improved the fatigue prope...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a framework for assessing the probability of construction contractor default based on financial ratios by using the Logit model was proposed, and the empirical results indicate that using multivariate analysis by adding market factor to the liquidity, leverage, activity and profitability factors can increase the accuracy of default prediction more than usin...
Abstract: Recently, the high incidence of construction firm bankruptcies has underlined the importance of forecasting defaults in the construction industry. Early warning systems need to be developed to prevent or avert contractor default; additionally, this evaluation result could facilitate the selection of firms as collaboration or investment partners. Financial statements are considered one of the key basic evaluation tools for demonstrating firm strength. This investigation provides a framework for assessing the probability of construction contractor default based on financial ratios by using the Logit model. A total of 21 ratios, gathered into five financial groups, are utilized to perform univariate logit analysis and multivariate logit analysis for assessing contractor default probability. The empirical results indicate that using multivariate analysis by adding market factor to the liquidity, leverage, activity and profitability factors can increase the accuracy of default prediction more than usin...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the impacts of using different objective functions on resource utilization histograms in Critical Path Method networks and found that each of these objective functions generates different resource utilization HOGs.
Abstract: A review of the recent literature on the models that focus on resource leveling in Critical Path Method networks shows that different objective functions have been used to optimize resource utilization. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of using different objective functions on resource utilization histograms in Critical Path Method networks. For this purpose, nine different resource leveling objective functions were optimized via a genetic algorithm-based model. The model was developed using actual data obtained from a steel framed industrial building construction project. It was found that each of these objective functions generates different resource utilization histograms. In order to determine the improvement levels achieved by resource leveling using nine different objective functions, the improvement percentage in each parameter and the average improvement percentage for each objective function were calculated. Even though the objective function that involves th...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate vibration control of irregular high-rise building structures using a recently developed tuned mass dampers (TMD), the bidirectional TMD (BTMD).
Abstract: Tall buildings have become increasingly one-of-a-kind signature structures that are often irregular in plan and elevation with complicated dynamic behavior. Vibration control of irregular highrise building structures using a recently developed tuned mass dampers (TMD), the bidirectional TMD (BTMD), is investigated. A key issue for effective implementation of a TMD is the determination of their tuning parameters. Eight different sets of equations for tuning the parameters of TMDs are investigated using a 5-story building with plan and elevation irregularity, and a 15-story and a 20-story building with plan irregularity subjected to seismic loading. Appropriate equations are recommended for building structures with a fundamental period of vibrations of greater than one second.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a new model to identify key factors that drive design delays in high-tech facility construction projects, which integrates importance-satisfaction analysis (ISA) and an influence-relations map (IRM).
Abstract: Design delays can negatively influence the total completion time of a facility construction project. Knowing the factors to which design delays are most sensitive supports the time management of designs. However, factors that cause design delays are several and interrelated. This study proposes a new model to identify key factors that drive design delays. The core of the model integrates importance-satisfaction analysis (ISA) and an influence-relations map (IRM). The ISA evaluates the performance of each delay factor, while the IRM captures the causal relationships among factors. Additionally, the IRM is generated using a decision making trial and evaluation laboratory technique (DEMATEL). The model is applied to a real-world high-tech facility construction project to indicate the strengths of the model. In this investigation, four first-level delay factors and 17 second-level delay sub-factors are derived. The factor of “organization's decision making and budget constraints” is identified as the ...