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Department: Construction Management

Evaluating carbonation resistance and microstructural behaviors of calcium sulfoaluminate cement concrete incorporating fly ash and limestone powder

Mohammed, T., Torres, A., Aguayo, F., & Okechi, I. K. (2024). Evaluating carbonation resistance and microstructural behaviors of calcium sulfoaluminate cement concrete incorporating fly ash and limestone powder. Construction & Building Materials, 442, 137551-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137551

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Abstract

This study investigates the effects of accelerated carbonation on calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement concrete, focusing on mixtures enhanced with 20 % fly ash (FA), 20 % remediated fly ash (RF), 15 % limestone powder (LP), and a combination of 20 % FA with 15 % LP (35 %). The study further evaluates the mechanical properties including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, along with drying shrinkage and bulk resistivity. To delve into the microstructural characteristics of moist curing versus carbonation exposure on the CSA cement system, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed, particularly analyzing phase assemblage changes. The results show that the addition of FA reduced the carbonation depth in concrete mixtures over time (105 days). However, LP and the combination of FA and LP presented mixed effects. The microstructural analysis highlighted ettringite as the predominant phase in samples moist cured for 3 days. In contrast, carbonation-cured samples were characterized by different calcium carbonate (CaCO3) polymorphs alongside aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and residual ye'elimite, with the formation of low-pH carbonic acid facilitating the conversion of ettringite into CaCO3. This study highlights the impact of different SCMs on the durability and microstructural characteristics of CSA cement concrete, underscoring the interplay between curing methods, effects of SCM, and carbonation processes.

Keywords

Calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA); Carbonation; Limestone powder; Fly Ash; Microstructural analysis

Applications of blockchain for construction project procurement

Kim, M., & Kim, Y.-W. (2024). Applications of blockchain for construction project procurement. Automation in Construction, 165, 105550-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2024.105550

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Abstract

Blockchain technology has shown potential in enhancing project performance by instilling trust in data sharing among stakeholders, thereby encouraging the stakeholders to ensure a strategic acquisition and resource management through procurement activities. However, despite the recent research efforts on blockchain in the construction sector, there is a lack of knowledge of the status quo in that barely any research investigated the synergy of blockchain and procurement by recognizing the inextricable linkage between procurement management and project delivery system. This paper conducts a systematic review of 54 articles to assess blockchain's potential in addressing issues inherent in the current organizational structures and collaborative efforts. Findings offer profound insight into the current landscape of procurement-specific blockchain research, highlighting areas needing attention. This paper identified opportunities in construction procurement by investigating the extent to which the technology is integrated into the current project management context emphasizing integration and collaboration.

Keywords

Blockchain; Procurement; Construction industry; Procurement process; Project delivery system; Literature review

Measures, benefits, and challenges to retrofitting existing buildings to net zero carbon: A comprehensive review

Weerasinghe, L. N. K., Darko, A., Chan, A. P. C., Blay, K. B., & Edwards, D. J. (2024). Measures, benefits, and challenges to retrofitting existing buildings to net zero carbon: A comprehensive review. Journal of Building Engineering, 94, 109998-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109998

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Abstract

Net zero carbon (NZC) retrofitting of existing buildings contributes to improving occupants' well-being, addressing carbon footprint directly and is key to solving the global climate crisis. However, a fragmented NZC retrofit knowledge base exists and this challenges the ability to effectively implement NZC practices. This study, therefore, integratively and comprehensively reviews existing literature on NZC retrofitting of existing buildings and identifies research gaps to provide future research directions. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using 1544 relevant articles identified from Scopus. Moreover, based on 125 carefully selected articles, a further qualitative analysis was also conducted. Results indicated a gradual increase in interest in NZC retrofitting research since 2007. Emergent findings reveal that the UK, Italy, US, China and Spain are the top five countries in this research field and that in NZC retrofitting, energy is mostly prioritised. Key research themes include NZC retrofitting benefits, challenges and measures. Based on identified knowledge gaps, future research directions are proposed to include: (1) analysis of NZC retrofitting measures based on building types and climate conditions; (2) integration of NZC retrofitting measures; (3) effects of occupants' health, well-being and satisfaction on retrofitting; (4) integration of modern technology; (5) quantitative study on benefits; and (6) dealing with objections to NZC retrofitting. Emergent findings generate an in-depth understanding of the NZC retrofitting field and provide a useful milestone reference for future NZC retrofitting practice and improvement in the industry.

2024 Innovation in the Construction Industry

Prof. Dossick’s CM515 Spring 2024 Class. (2024). 2024 Innovation in the Construction Industry (Sturts Dossick, C., & Ray, L., Eds.). UW Libraries Pressbooks.

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Abstract

This book contains a series of case studies authored by graduate students in CM515 Virtual Construction Management Spring 2024. We explored how people, teams, and companies change practices with a variety of new technologies in the workplace. You will find cases of people who are innovators, teams who took on innovation, and specific design and construction projects that realized these innovation practice changes.

Keywords

Technology; Engineering; Agriculture; Industrial processes

Products from 2023 Inspire Fund Cohort

A cohort of 4 projects were awarded Inspire Funds in April 2023. The report-outs from these projects are described below with a summary of project work and progress. The 2023 cohort of Inspire Fund awardees met with the 2024 cohort of awardees in May 2024 to share their accomplishments, successes, and challenges, and to foster a connection between these research teams as resources to one another. The 2024 cohort has begun their projects and will share their products in 2025….

Assistant Professor Amos Darko wins 2023 Sustainability Young Investigator Award

Dr. Amos Darko, assistant professor in Construction Management has won the competitive international sustainability award, the 2o23 Sustainability Young Investigator Award. The award is in recognition of excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Congratulations to Dr. Darko on this achievement!

Awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of railway 4.0 technologies in a developing economy

Awodele, I. A., Mewomo, M. C., Municio, A. M. G., Chan, A. P. C., Darko, A., Taiwo, R., Olatunde, N. A., Eze, E. C., & Awodele, O. A. (2024). Awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of railway 4.0 technologies in a developing economy. Heliyon, 10(4), e25934–e25934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25934

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Abstract

The railway industry has witnessed increasing adoption of digital technologies, known as Railway 4.0, that is revolutionizing operations, infrastructure, and transportation systems. However, developing countries face challenges in keeping pace with these technological advancements. With limited research on Railway 4.0 adoption in developing countries, this study was motivated to investigate the awareness, readiness, and challenges faced by railway professionals towards implementing Railway 4.0 technologies. The aim was to assess the level of awareness and preparedness and identify the key challenges influencing Railway 4.0 adoption in Nigeria's railway construction industry. A questionnaire survey (was distributed to professionals in the railway construction sector to gather their perspectives on awareness of, preparation for, and challenges associated with the use of Railway 4.0 technologies. The results revealed that awareness of Railway 4.0 technologies was moderate, while readiness was low among the professionals. Using exploratory factor analysis, 10 underlying challenge constructs were identified including lack of technical know-how, resistance to change, infrastructure limitations, and uncertainty about benefits, amongst others. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) confirmed these constructs, with reliability and availability, lack of technical know-how, lack of training and resources, and uncertainties in benefit and gains having significant influence on awareness and readiness. The study concludes that focused efforts in training, infrastructure improvement, supportive policies, and communicating the advantages of Railway 4.0 are critical to drive adoption in Nigeria and other developing economies. The findings provide insights into tailoring Railway 4.0 implementation strategies for developing contexts.

Keywords

Railway 4.0; Awareness; Readiness; Challenges; Technologies

Key performance indicators for hospital planning and construction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liu, W., Chan, A.P.C., Chan, M.W., Darko, A. and Oppong, G.D. (2024), “Key performance indicators for hospital planning and construction: a systematic review and meta-analysis”, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2023-1060

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Abstract

Purpose
The successful implementation of hospital projects (HPs) tends to confront sundry challenges in the planning and construction (P&C) phases due to their complexity and particularity. Employing key performance indicators (KPIs) facilitates the monitoring of HPs to advance their successful delivery. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the KPIs for hospital planning and construction (HPC).

Design/methodology/approach
The KPIs for HPC were identified through a systematic review. Then a comprehensive assessment of these KPIs was performed utilizing a meta-analysis method. In this process, basic statistical analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitive analysis and publication bias analysis were performed.

Findings
Results indicate that all 27 KPIs identified from the literature are significant for executing HPs in P&C phases. Also, some unconventional performance indicators are crucial for implementing HPs, such as “Project monitoring effectiveness” and “Industry innovation and synergy,” as their high significance is reflected in this study. Despite the fact that the findings of meta-analysis are more trustworthy than those of individual studies, a high heterogeneity still exists in the findings. It highlights the inherent uncertainty in the construction industry. Hence, this study applied subgroup analysis to explore the underlying factors causing the high level of heterogeneity and used sensitive analysis to assess the robustness of the findings.

Originality/value
There is no consensus among the prior studies on KPIs for HPC specifically and their degree of significance. Additionally, few reviews in this field have focused on the reliability of the results. This study comprehensively assesses the KPIs for HPC and explores the variability and robustness of the results, which provides a multi-dimensional perspective for practitioners and the research community to investigate the performance of HPs during the P&C stages.

Keywords

Key performance indicators; hospital projects; planning and construction; systematic review; meta-analysis; project monitoring effectiveness; industry innovation and synergy

Driving factors for the adoption of green finance in green building for sustainable development in developing countries: The case of Ghana

Debrah, C., Chan, A. P. C., Darko, A., Ries, R. J., Ohene, E., & Tetteh, M. O. (2024). Driving factors for the adoption of green finance in green building for sustainable development in developing countries: The case of Ghana. Sustainable Development, https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3022

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Abstract

While there are many motivating factors for green finance (GF) implementation, a comprehensive taxonomy of these variables is lacking in the literature, especially for green buildings (GBs). This study aims to analyze the criticality and interdependence of GF-in-GB's driving factors. This study develops a valid set of factors to justify the interrelationships among the drivers. The drivers of GF-in-GB are qualitative in nature, and uncertainties exist among them due to linguistic preferences. This study applies the fuzzy Delphi method to validate eight drivers under uncertainties. Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL) with qualitative information is used to determine the interrelationships among the drivers. The drivers were grouped under two categories: prominent drivers and cause-effect drivers. The findings revealed that “increased awareness of GF models in GB” and “preferential capital requirements for low-carbon assets” are the top two most prominent/important drivers of GF-in-GB. In Ghana, the top three cause group drivers are “climate commitment,” “improved access to and lower cost of capital,” and “favorable macroeconomic conditions and investment returns.” Drivers with the highest prominence values have the potential to affect and/or be affected by other drivers; therefore, managers and policymakers should prioritize promoting or pursuing these drivers in the short term. On the other hand, it is important to pay more than equal attention to the drivers with the highest net cause values because they have the largest long-term impact on the entire system. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed, enhancing understanding and decision-making in GF-in-GB.