Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 18352

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor

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Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China
Interests: bionic structure design; biomaterials; numerical simulation; multidisciplinary optimization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is an active research topic to find a balance between all economic, environmental, and social factors where one important application of SSCM is construction industry, including many expensive projects, products, and supply chains for developed and developing countries around the world. The SSCM in these projects and supply chains can be determined by different decision-making problems including but not limited to facility location, production scheduling, network design, inventory and capacities, supply and delivery channels, transportation modes, and routing activities.

The goal of this Special Issue is to propose efficient and practical optimization models or decision-making theories for evaluating economic criteria (such as total cost or total profit, makespan, and revenue management), environmental criteria (such as the carbon emissions of transportation, the establishment of facilities, and the utilization of machines with regards to their energy consumption), and social criteria (such as job opportunities, lost workdays, safety levels of workers, the satisfaction of customers, and other local social development for workers and customers). To further analyze and shape the implementation of all these criteria, extensive and practical researches using optimization models and decision-making theories are needed for any constructive projects and supply chains. Hence, the scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Sustainable supply chain management in construction industry;
  • Multi-objective optimization models and algorithms in construction industry;
  • Large-scale combinatorial optimization in construction industry;
  • Analyzing flexibility, resiliency, and reliability in construction industry;
  • Production scheduling in construction industry;
  • Supply and delivery channels in construction industry;
  • Risk management in construction supply chains;
  • Sustainable consumption and energy-savings in construction industry;
  • Sustainable construction and resilient built infrastructure.

Note that prospective authors are requested to follow the instruction given in the website of Buildings to submit their latest, original, and innovative works to this Special Issue before the submission deadline. Please select the article type as “Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry” in the website. Otherwise, your submission will be considered in a regular issue.

Dr. Amir M. Fathollahi-Fard
Dr. Maxim A. Dulebenets
Dr. Honghao Zhang
Dr. Guangdong Tian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable supply chain management in construction industry
  • multi-objective optimization models and algorithms in construction industry
  • large-scale combinatorial optimization in construction industry
  • analyzing flexibility, resiliency, and reliability in construction industry
  • production scheduling in construction industry
  • supply and delivery channels in construction industry
  • risk management in construction supply chains
  • sustainable consumption and energy-savings in construction industry
  • sustainable construction and resilient built infrastructure

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 987 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Job Satisfaction and Productivity through Knowledge Management Infrastructure: A Case of Construction Industry
by Sajad Tabejamaat, Hassan Ahmadi, Behnod Barmayehvar and Saeed Banihashemi
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030790 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1269
Abstract
This study rigorously investigates the influence of knowledge management infrastructures (KMI) on employees’ job satisfaction (JS) within the Iranian construction sector. It specifically investigates how structural, cultural, and technological facets of KMIs affect this satisfaction. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, utilizing established [...] Read more.
This study rigorously investigates the influence of knowledge management infrastructures (KMI) on employees’ job satisfaction (JS) within the Iranian construction sector. It specifically investigates how structural, cultural, and technological facets of KMIs affect this satisfaction. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, utilizing established measurement tools from Gold et al. for KMIs and Hackman and Oldham for JS. The empirical Information was gathered via a survey distributed to stratified random sample of 150 employees and managers from five diverse construction firms in Iran. Examining the collected data with the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, the study presents nuanced insights. It identifies that while cultural and technological infrastructures of KMIs significantly contribute to JS, the structural infrastructure does not exhibit a similar impact. Additionally, demographic factors such as age and professional experience were found to be non-contributory in the dynamics between KMIs and JS. However, gender and educational background emerged as significant moderating variables. Remarkably, employees with advanced academic qualifications reported higher satisfaction, likely due to the alignment of specialized knowledge with their professional roles. This research contributes to the current knowledge base by outlining the distinct components of KMIs that bolster JS in the construction industry, thereby offering a targeted framework for industry practitioners and policymakers to enhance employee well-being and organizational efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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19 pages, 2418 KiB  
Article
Convergence between Green Technology and Building Construction in the Republic of Korea
by Sungsu Jo, Sangho Lee and Hoon Han
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030658 - 1 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1380
Abstract
This study examines the convergence between green technology and building construction in Korea using both input-output and network analysis from 1990 to 2015. The industry type of the input-output tables used in the Bank of Korea is reclassified into 20 categories. The analytical [...] Read more.
This study examines the convergence between green technology and building construction in Korea using both input-output and network analysis from 1990 to 2015. The industry type of the input-output tables used in the Bank of Korea is reclassified into 20 categories. The analytical results are summarized as follows: First, the construction industry is expanding its production area by adopting green technologies (KRW 2245 billion → KRW 7842 billion). Second, the impact of green technologies on the growth rate of the construction industry is greater than that of traditional construction technologies (technical coefficient 0.5410 → 0.5831). Third, the results of the analysis show that smart green technology enhances efficiency in the construction industry (multiplier coefficient 2.3673 → 2.4972). Our input-output model reveals that the smart green technology coefficient input to construction is relatively small, but the output is bigger in effects. Also, the results of the input-output analysis show that both hardware and software smart technologies continuously increase energy demand. Finally, the network analysis demonstrates the rapid convergence of smart technologies in the construction industry (pathway 13 → 22). These results demonstrate that smart green technology leads to a high value-added output in the construction industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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19 pages, 10025 KiB  
Article
Seismic Stability and Sustainable Performance of Diaphragm Walls Adjacent to Tunnels: Insights from 2D Numerical Modeling and Key Factors
by Nafiseh Bigonah, Reza Yeganeh Khaksar, Amir M. Fathollahi-Fard, Mohammad Gheibi, Stanisław Wacławek and Reza Moezzi
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010060 - 24 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1566
Abstract
The seismic performance of diaphragm walls adjacent to tunnels plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability of underground infrastructure. This article presents an extensive investigation into the seismic behavior of such diaphragm walls through advanced two-dimensional (2D) numerical modeling. The primary objective [...] Read more.
The seismic performance of diaphragm walls adjacent to tunnels plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability of underground infrastructure. This article presents an extensive investigation into the seismic behavior of such diaphragm walls through advanced two-dimensional (2D) numerical modeling. The primary objective is to establish the accuracy and reliability of the numerical model by comparing its results with a reference case history from Tianjin, China. Following successful validation, the study employs rigorous two-dimensional (2D) numerical analyses to examine the response of the diaphragm wall to seismic events while considering crucial factors. These factors encompass the dynamics of pore water pressure, the diverse acceleration histories of earthquakes, varying tunnel positions, and their combined influence on the horizontal displacement of the wall. From our findings, we can conclude that earthquake duration has a more substantial impact on displacement and wall deformation compared to peak ground acceleration (PGA). Longer earthquake durations are associated with greater displacement. In dynamic analyses, the presence of water diminishes soil displacement and concentrates plastic deformation points. The distance between the tunnel and the diaphragm wall significantly affects wall displacement and deformation. The effective distance is approximately 10 m. Our findings can inform better design and construction practices to enhance the stability of underground infrastructure in seismically active regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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23 pages, 868 KiB  
Article
Vulnerability Assessment of Prefabricated Component Suppliers in Prefabricated Buildings Based on the Controlled Interval and Memory Method Extended under the Probability Language Terminology Set
by Xinyu Wang, Hao Peng, Han Wu and Zhi He
Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3070; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123070 - 9 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
Accurately evaluating the vulnerability of prefabricated components in prefabricated buildings is the basis of scientific management of its supply chain. Thus, a novel vulnerability evaluation method for the suppliers of prefabricated components in the context of prefabricated buildings was proposed in this study. [...] Read more.
Accurately evaluating the vulnerability of prefabricated components in prefabricated buildings is the basis of scientific management of its supply chain. Thus, a novel vulnerability evaluation method for the suppliers of prefabricated components in the context of prefabricated buildings was proposed in this study. First, a vulnerability evaluation index system was identified and constructed by the pressure–state–response (PSR) model. With the clear logic and strong applicability of PSR, this system, including 18 indexes, was easy to understand and exhibited strong practicability. The weights were then determined via the multiplicative analytic hierarchy process with the expansion of a probabilistic language terminology set (PLTS). PLTS could describe decision information more comprehensively, so the evaluation result is more scientific. Subsequently, the probability of the vulnerability level was superimposed in a parallel bottom-to-top method via the controlled interval and memory (CIM) models, and these were extended by the PLTS. This set handled the uncertain information in the decision-making process more efficiently and accurately, and finally determined the vulnerability distribution. Ultimately, the probability of each vulnerability level was determined by combining the weight information. The reconstruction and resettlement housing construction project of urban shanty towns in the Taohua South Road Community in Xihu District, Nanchang City, was selected as a case study. The case study proves the effectiveness of this method, which has higher resolution and is more convenient for managers to make decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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24 pages, 4624 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Global Research Trends of Supply Chain Management of Construction Projects Based on a Bibliometric Analysis: Current Status and Future Prospects
by Shiping Wen, Handong Tang, Fei Ying and Guangdong Wu
Buildings 2023, 13(2), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020373 - 29 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4782
Abstract
With the increasing scale and complexity of construction projects, a considerably growing number of studies have focused on managing supply chain scientifically to improve performance. To explore this field in depth, this paper uses the Bibliometrix R encapsulation tool to conduct a bibliometric [...] Read more.
With the increasing scale and complexity of construction projects, a considerably growing number of studies have focused on managing supply chain scientifically to improve performance. To explore this field in depth, this paper uses the Bibliometrix R encapsulation tool to conduct a bibliometric analysis and visually display key findings on construction project supply chain management from 1998 to 2021. By using a series of indexes in econometric analysis, this paper introduces an overview of construction project supply chain research. Further, the current situation, historical evolution, and development of this field are explored using the content analysis of keywords. The results suggest that: (1) the number of publications in the field of the supply chain management of construction projects has increased over time and entered a period of rapid growth after 2015. During this period, articles related to ‘sustainability’, ‘prefabricated housing’, ‘reverse logistics’, and ‘lean management’ were widely cited by scholars, but the most frequently cited was ‘partnership’. (2) The keywords in the field of construction project supply chain management can be divided into ‘simulation research’, ‘sustainable research’, ‘method research’, ‘cooperation and integration’, ‘whole life cycle,’ ‘trust and communication’, and so on. The keywords ‘Radio Frequency Identification’ (RFID), ‘waste management’, ‘case study’, and ‘social responsibility’ are the current research hotspots. (3) The theme development of construction project supply chain management can be divided into supply chain integration and management, supply chain process design and optimization, the application of advanced technology, and sustainable supply chain management. This paper summarizes the main discoveries and developments in construction project supply chain management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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19 pages, 6420 KiB  
Article
Building an Augmented Reality Experience on Top of a Smart Pavement Management System
by Maryam Moradi and Gabriel J. Assaf
Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1915; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111915 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2688
Abstract
Pavement Management Systems (PMS) offers a systematic collection, storage, analysis, and modeling of road condition data to optimize resources across a road network. Adding artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to PMS could improve their technical or visual aspects. This paper tries [...] Read more.
Pavement Management Systems (PMS) offers a systematic collection, storage, analysis, and modeling of road condition data to optimize resources across a road network. Adding artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to PMS could improve their technical or visual aspects. This paper tries to identify a method to improve the understanding of the consequences of the city council’s decisions in the urban pavement management system field. This paper establishes the potential of AR. It provides future maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) actions needed based on the recommendation of the future distress in the study area. The road cracks are discovered through technical analysis, and a CityEngine model is established based on the PMS results. Additionally, in terms of visualization, this paper’s unique feature delivers the result as an AR experience. Applying the Unity game engine and importing the built CityEngine model and the embedded textures as input empowered us to provide a dynamic product in terms of data and analysis and a real-time Decision Support System (DSS) for the final users. This paper concludes that researchers need many different modules to design and implement an efficient PMS to move toward a smart PMS. The smart city concept is meaningless without a tight collaboration between all distinctive parts of each urban infrastructure management system. Additionally, this paper attempts to provide answers for researchers and an outlook for future research, the development of the proposed method, and its application in other fields Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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28 pages, 2345 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Green Construction Development Barriers by a Hybrid Decision-Making Method Based on DEMATEL and the ANP
by Saeed Kamranfar, Yousef Azimi, Mohammad Gheibi, Amir M. Fathollahi-Fard and Mostafa Hajiaghaei-Keshteli
Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101641 - 10 Oct 2022
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3604
Abstract
There is a great deal of interest in analyzing construction development barriers to identify and rank them based on sustainability criteria and have less environmental pollution. Due to the importance of construction projects in developing countries such as Iran, this study implements a [...] Read more.
There is a great deal of interest in analyzing construction development barriers to identify and rank them based on sustainability criteria and have less environmental pollution. Due to the importance of construction projects in developing countries such as Iran, this study implements a green construction development paradigm to identify and rank barriers for a case study in Tehran, Iran. The main novelty of this paper is the development of a new decision-making method using the DEMATEL and Delphi techniques and the ANP. In this regard, first of all, data collection is performed through a literature review and survey studies using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The applied method for experts’ agreement was integrated through brainstorming and the classical Delphi method. By analyzing different economic, environmental, cultural, and social criteria using a hybrid decision-making framework, the results show that the main economic barrier with a weight of 0.2607 is ranked first, while the main feature of economic assessment is connected to the risk of investment. The cultural and social barriers, with a weight of 0.2258, ranked second, and the managerial barrier, with a weight of 0.2052, ranked third. In the social and managerial aspects, the main barriers were related to looking at green construction as luxurious and the uncertainty of green construction performance due to the climate and texture of the local area, respectively. According to the findings and results, the proposed barriers and sub-barriers in this study can be used to develop and create planning at the strategic level for the development of green construction for our case study in Tehran, Iran. With a concentration on the outcomes of the present research, the sustainable green building framework can be implemented by the application of a prioritized knowledge management concept. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction Industry)
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