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Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of...
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Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate

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 (10 August 2022) | Viewed by 60143

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Fahim Ullah

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Surveying and Built Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, QLD 4300, Australia
Interests: construction management; digital construction; project management; digital built environment; smart cities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The traditional built environment needs a technological transformation in line with the Industry 4.0 requirements to transform into a smart built environment. For this to materialize, disruptive digital technologies must be adopted. Accordingly, the goals of integrated smart cities, construction, and t real estate can be achieved to promote Sustainability in the built environment in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals. Such technologies in line with industry 4.0 requirements (hereby referred to as the Smart Tech 4.0) have been proposed in various fields and include the big9 technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Clouds, Big Data, 3D Scanning, Wearable Technologies, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Robotics, Blockchains, Software as a Service (SaaS), 3D Printing, Digital Twins, Ubiquitous Computing, Renewable Energy, Autonomous Vehicles, and 5G Communications. However, currently, the research around the adoption and implementation of these smart technologies is limited. This special issue invites and aims to attract contributions from construction managers, civil engineers, project managers, city and urban planners, real estate and property managers, architects, IT managers, data scientists, software developers, computer systems analysts, web developers, governance management specialists, and others.

Dr. Fahim Ullah
Guest Editor

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 semimonthly 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

  • Smart Technologies in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Disruptive Technologies in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Sustainable smart cities, construction, and real estate
  • Building Information Modeling in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Disruptive Technologies for Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0
  • Digital Project Management in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Disruptive Technologies for developing decision support systems
  • Big9 Disruptive Technologies in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Internet of Things (IoT) in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Big Data in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • 3D Scanning and Wearable Technologies in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Blockchains and 3D Printing in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Digital Twins in smart cities, construction, and smart real estate
  • Autonomous Vehicles and 5G Communications

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 190 KiB  
Editorial
Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate
by Fahim Ullah
Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101516 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2726
Abstract
Since the beginning of industrialization, there have been several paradigm shifts initiated through technological revolutions, inventions, and leaps [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

21 pages, 48209 KiB  
Article
Towards an Inclusive Walking Community—A Multi-Criteria Digital Evaluation Approach to Facilitate Accessible Journeys
by Xiaoran Huang, Marcus White and Nano Langenheim
Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081191 - 9 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3795
Abstract
Half the world’s population now lives in cities, and this figure is expected to reach 70% by 2050. To ensure future cities offer equity for multiple age groups, it is important to plan for spatially inclusive features such as pedestrian accessibility. This feature [...] Read more.
Half the world’s population now lives in cities, and this figure is expected to reach 70% by 2050. To ensure future cities offer equity for multiple age groups, it is important to plan for spatially inclusive features such as pedestrian accessibility. This feature is strongly related to many emerging global challenges regarding health, an ageing population, and an inclusive society, and should be carefully considered when designing future cities to meet the mobility requirements of different groups of people, reduce reliance on cars, and encourage greater participation by all residents. Independent travel to public open spaces, particularly green spaces, is widely considered a key factor that affects human health and well-being and is considered a primary motivation for walking. At the same time, unfavourable steepness and restrictive access points to open spaces can limit accessibility and restrict the activities of older adults or people with mobility impairments. This paper introduces a novel open access proximity modelling web application, PedestrianCatch, that simulates pedestrian catchments for user-specified destinations utilising a crowd-source road network and open topographic data. Based on this tool, we offer a multi-criteria evaluation approach that considers travel speed, time, urban topography, and visualisation modes to accommodate various simulation needs for different urban scenarios. Two case studies are conducted to demonstrate the technical feasibility and flexibility using the proposed evaluation approach, and explain how new renewal strategies can be tested when designing a more inclusive neighbourhood. This evaluation tool is immediately relevant to urban designers, health planners, and disability communities, and will be increasingly relevant to the wider community as populations age, while the corresponding analysis approach has a huge potential to contribute to the pre-design and design process for developing more walkable and accessible communities for all. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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26 pages, 5477 KiB  
Article
Construction Tasks Electronic Process Monitoring: Laboratory Circuit-Based Simulation Deployment
by Diego Calvetti, Luís Sanhudo, Pedro Mêda, João Poças Martins, Miguel Chichorro Gonçalves and Hipólito Sousa
Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081174 - 6 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1672
Abstract
The domain of data processing is essential to accelerate the delivery of information based on electronic performance monitoring (EPM). The classification of the activities conducted by craft workers can enhance the mechanisation and productivity of activities. However, research in this field is mainly [...] Read more.
The domain of data processing is essential to accelerate the delivery of information based on electronic performance monitoring (EPM). The classification of the activities conducted by craft workers can enhance the mechanisation and productivity of activities. However, research in this field is mainly based on simulations of binary activities (i.e., performing or not performing an action). To enhance EPM research in this field, a dynamic laboratory circuit-based simulation of ten common constructions activities was performed. A circuit feasibility case study of EPM using wearable devices was conducted, where two different data processing approaches were tested: machine learning and multivariate statistical analysis (MSA). Using the acceleration data of both wrists and the dominant leg, the machine-learning approach achieved an accuracy between 92 and 96%, while MSA achieved 47–76%. Additionally, the MSA approach achieved 32–76% accuracy by monitoring only the dominant wrist. Results highlighted that the processes conducted with manual tools (e.g., hammering and sawing) have prominent dominant-hand motion characteristics that are accurately detected with one wearable. However, free-hand performing (masonry), walking and not operating value (e.g., sitting) require more motion analysis data points, such as wrists and legs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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18 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
An Empirical Analysis of Barriers to Building Information Modelling (BIM) Implementation in Wood Construction Projects: Evidence from the Swedish Context
by Lina Gharaibeh, Sandra T. Matarneh, Kristina Eriksson and Björn Lantz
Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081067 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4044
Abstract
Building information modelling is gradually being recognised by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industry as a valuable opportunity to increase the efficiency of the built environment. Focusing on the wood construction industry, BIM is becoming a necessity; this is due to its [...] Read more.
Building information modelling is gradually being recognised by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industry as a valuable opportunity to increase the efficiency of the built environment. Focusing on the wood construction industry, BIM is becoming a necessity; this is due to its high level of prefabrication and complex digital procedures using wood sawing machines and sophisticated cuttings. However, the full implementation of BIM is still far from reality. The main objective of this paper is to explore the barriers affecting BIM implementation in the Swedish construction industry. An extensive literature review was conducted to extract barriers hindering the implementation of BIM in the construction industry. Secondly, barriers to the implementation of BIM in the wood construction industry in Sweden were extracted using the grounded theory methodology to analyse expert input on the phenomenon of low BIM implementation in the wood construction industry in Sweden. Thirty-four barriers were identified. The analysis of this study also led to the development of a conceptual model that recommended solutions to overcome the barriers identified to help maximise BIM implementation within the wood construction industry. Identifying the main barriers affecting BIM implementation is essential to guide organisational decisions and drive policy, particularly for governments that are considering articulating regulations to expand BIM implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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26 pages, 5098 KiB  
Article
Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: A Step towards Sustainable Development
by Maria Ghufran, Khurram Iqbal Ahmad Khan, Fahim Ullah, Abdur Rehman Nasir, Ahmad Aziz Al Alahmadi, Ali Nasser Alzaed and Mamdooh Alwetaishi
Buildings 2022, 12(7), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12071004 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 15604
Abstract
Construction is a resource-intensive industry where a circular economy (CE) is essential to minimize global impacts and conserve natural resources. A CE achieves long-term sustainability by enabling materials to circulate along the critical supply chains. Accordingly, recent research has proposed a paradigm shift [...] Read more.
Construction is a resource-intensive industry where a circular economy (CE) is essential to minimize global impacts and conserve natural resources. A CE achieves long-term sustainability by enabling materials to circulate along the critical supply chains. Accordingly, recent research has proposed a paradigm shift towards CE-based sustainability. However, uncertainties caused by fluctuating raw material prices, scarce materials, increasing demand, consumers’ expectations, lack of proper waste infrastructure, and the use of wrong recycling technologies all lead to complexities in the construction industry (CI). This research paper aims to determine the enablers of a CE for sustainable development in the CI. The system dynamics (SD) approach is utilized for modeling and simulation purposes to address the associated process complexity. First, using content analysis of pertinent literature, ten enablers of a CE for sustainable development in CI were identified. Then, causality among these enablers was identified via interviews and questionnaire surveys, leading to the development of the causal loop diagram (CLD) using systems thinking. The CLD for the 10 shortlisted enablers shows five reinforcing loops and one balancing loop. Furthermore, the CLD was used to develop an SD model with two stocks: “Organizational Incentive Schemes” and “Policy Support.” An additional stock (“Sustainable Development”) was created to determine the combined effect of all stocks. The model was simulated for five years. The findings show that policy support and organizational incentive schemes, among other enablers, are critical in implementing a CE for sustainable development in CI. The outcomes of this study can help CI practitioners to implement a CE in a way that drives innovation, boosts economic growth, and improves competitiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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34 pages, 12048 KiB  
Article
Plastic Deformation Analysis of a New Mega-Subcontrolled Structural System (MSCSS) Subjected to Seismic Excitation
by Muhammad Moman Shahzad, Xun’an Zhang, Xinwei Wang, Mustapha Abdulhadi, Yanjie Xiao and Buqiao Fan
Buildings 2022, 12(7), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070987 - 11 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1651
Abstract
This paper seeks to examine the plastic deformation and seismic structural response of a mega-subcontrolled structural system (MSCSS) subjected to strong seismic excitations. Different MSCSS configurations were modeled with nonlinear finite elements, and nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed to examine their behaviors. This [...] Read more.
This paper seeks to examine the plastic deformation and seismic structural response of a mega-subcontrolled structural system (MSCSS) subjected to strong seismic excitations. Different MSCSS configurations were modeled with nonlinear finite elements, and nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed to examine their behaviors. This paper introduces a novel and optimized MSCSS configuration, configuration 30, which demonstrates remarkable results for the reduction of plastic strain. Utilizing a steel plate shear wall enhances the seismic structural integrity of this system (SPSW). This configuration improved the mean equivalent plastic strain of columns and beams by 51% and 80%, respectively. In addition, a comparison between unstiffened and ring-shaped infill panels of SPSWs demonstrates that ring-shaped infill panels offer greater lateral stiffness and energy dissipation with a 44% reduction in maximum equivalent plastic strain. Compared to configuration 1, configuration 30 exhibited the most controlled structural response, as the minimum residual story drift improvement was 70% in the first, second, and third substructures, respectively, and the maximum coefficient of variation (COV) was 16% and 32% in the acceleration and displacement responses, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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23 pages, 2210 KiB  
Article
Development and Application of Smart SPIN Model: Measuring the Spectrum, Penetration, Impact and Network of Smart City Industries in South Korea
by Sungsu Jo and Sangho Lee
Buildings 2022, 12(7), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070973 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2430
Abstract
The research agenda on smart cities has increasingly extended not only on perspectives of social–economic relations between technologies and cities but also on the industrial economic ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to focus on an analytical method for the characteristics of [...] Read more.
The research agenda on smart cities has increasingly extended not only on perspectives of social–economic relations between technologies and cities but also on the industrial economic ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to focus on an analytical method for the characteristics of a smart city’s ecology and industry. With that thought, we have developed a smart SPIN (Spectrum, Penetration, Impact and Network) model and applied it to analyze the ecology of the Korean smart city industry in general. This model consists of smart spectrum model, smart penetration model, smart impact path model and smart network clustering model. The smart SPIN model shows great potential as an analytical method for the smart city industry ecosystem. As a source of data for analyses from 1960, 1985 and 2015 via input–output table, we revised these data into 25 and 8 industries related to the smart city ecosystem. Additionally, we applied the 2015 GDP deflator. The results of analysis are as follows: First, spectrum, the number of smart industries is increasing. This means that the smart city industry scope and area are expanding. Second, analysis of the smart penetration model and smart ecological industry can be applied into other industries. In other words, traditional industries can crossover and utilize smart technology. Third, with the results of our analysis of the smart impact path model, production paths are increasing while parameter paths did not show a triple parameter path. This means the value chain of the smart city industry is highly divested, but the structure of the industry is weakening. Fourth, smart network analysis shows important clusters to be centered on traditional industries: the clusters do not appear in smart industry centers. This means the impact of the smart city is not strong. Our analysis shows that, today, the Korean industrial ecosystem of smart cities is interacting with existing industries and raising it to a more intelligent and smarter level. Thus, there is a need for this kind of analysis study in order to find optimized smart city industry ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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23 pages, 2770 KiB  
Article
Key Adoption Factors for Collaborative Technologies and Barriers to Information Management in Construction Supply Chains: A System Dynamics Approach
by Fawad Amin, Khurram Iqbal Ahmad Khan, Fahim Ullah, Muwaffaq Alqurashi and Badr T. Alsulami
Buildings 2022, 12(6), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060766 - 5 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3496
Abstract
Construction processes are complex and dynamic. Like its other components, the construction supply chain (CSC) involves multiple stakeholders requiring varying levels of information sharing. In addition, the intensity and diversity of information in CSCs require dexterous management. Studies reveal that information complexity can [...] Read more.
Construction processes are complex and dynamic. Like its other components, the construction supply chain (CSC) involves multiple stakeholders requiring varying levels of information sharing. In addition, the intensity and diversity of information in CSCs require dexterous management. Studies reveal that information complexity can be reduced using collaborative technologies (CTs). However, the barriers to information management (IM) hinder the CTs’ adoption process and cause complexity in CSCs. This research identifies barriers to IM and factors affecting the adoption of CTs in developing countries. In order to understand and address complexity, the system dynamics (SD) approach is adopted in this study. The aim is to investigate if SD can reduce information complexity using CTs. Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) were developed to understand the relationship between the IM barriers and CT adoption factors. The SD model, when simulated, highlighted three main components, i.e., complexity, top management support, and trust and cooperation, among others, as factors affecting the adoption of CTs. Addressing these factors will reduce information complexity and result in better IM in construction projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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36 pages, 10487 KiB  
Article
Proposal for the Deployment of an Augmented Reality Tool for Construction Safety Inspection
by Jorge Ramos-Hurtado, Felipe Muñoz-La Rivera, Javier Mora-Serrano, Arnaud Deraemaeker and Ignacio Valero
Buildings 2022, 12(4), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040500 - 17 Apr 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5176
Abstract
The construction site is a hazardous place. The dynamic, complex interaction between workers, machinery, and the environment leads to dangerous risks. In response to such risks, the goal is to fulfill the zero accidents philosophy, which requires the development of safety skills among [...] Read more.
The construction site is a hazardous place. The dynamic, complex interaction between workers, machinery, and the environment leads to dangerous risks. In response to such risks, the goal is to fulfill the zero accidents philosophy, which requires the development of safety skills among workers and the provision of tools for risk prevention. In pursuit of that vision, this work studies collective protective equipment (CPE). Traditional methodologies propose visual inspections using checklists, the effectiveness of which depends on the quality of the inspection by the safety advisor (SA). This paper analyses the traditional process of safety inspections in building projects: the traditional methods, main pain points, and bottlenecks are identified, along with the key performance indicators (KPIs) needed to complete these processes correctly. Because of this, a methodology that digitises the CPE inspection process is proposed. Augmented reality (AR) is used as a 3D viewer with an intuitive interface for the SA, and, accordingly, functional requirements are detailed and different information layers and user interfaces for AR applications are proposed. In addition, the workflow and KPIs are shown. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal, a proof of concept is developed and evaluated. The relevance of this work lies in providing background for the use of AR in safety inspection processes on construction sites and in offering methodological recommendations for the development and evaluation of these applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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32 pages, 18416 KiB  
Article
Field Work’s Optimization for the Digital Capture of Large University Campuses, Combining Various Techniques of Massive Point Capture
by José Javier Pérez, María Senderos, Amaia Casado and Iñigo Leon
Buildings 2022, 12(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030380 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2998
Abstract
The aim of the study is to obtain fast digitalization of large urban settings. The data of two university campuses in two cities in northern Spain was captured. Challenges were imposed by the lockdown situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited mobility [...] Read more.
The aim of the study is to obtain fast digitalization of large urban settings. The data of two university campuses in two cities in northern Spain was captured. Challenges were imposed by the lockdown situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited mobility and affected the field work for data readings. The idea was to significantly reduce time spent in the field, using a number of resources, and increasing efficiency as economically as possible. The research design is based on the Design Science Research (DSR) concept as a methodological approach to design the solutions generated by means of 3D models. The digitalization of the campuses is based on the analysis, evolution and optimization of LiDAR ALS points clouds captured by government bodies, which are open access and free. Additional TLS capture techniques were used to complement the clouds, with the study of support of UAV-assisted automated photogrammetric techniques. The results show that with points clouds overlapped with 360 images, produced with a combination of resources and techniques, it was possible to reduce the on-site working time by more than two thirds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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13 pages, 7730 KiB  
Article
Challenges for the Implementation of BIM Methodology in the Execution of Underground Works
by José-Manuel Baraibar, Jesús de-Paz and Jokin Rico
Buildings 2022, 12(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030309 - 5 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4091
Abstract
After a few years of the coexistence of the building information modelling (BIM) methodology with the architecture, engineering, and construction professions, its main uses are often limited to 3D modelling and collision checking between different disciplines. However, while this way of working demonstrates [...] Read more.
After a few years of the coexistence of the building information modelling (BIM) methodology with the architecture, engineering, and construction professions, its main uses are often limited to 3D modelling and collision checking between different disciplines. However, while this way of working demonstrates opportunities for optimization and clear benefits, there is still much potential for the BIM methodology to be explored. In the scope of a particular underground work, the Arnotegi tunnels of the Bilbao Metropolitan Southern Bypass, a specific contractual framework favouring the collaboration among stakeholders has been defined to implement the use of this methodology by the main participants in the project, encouraging more advanced uses, such as the use of the model as an integrator of the information contained in the common data environment. Due to the very essence of tunnel construction and the relative geotechnical uncertainty of the terrain, the tunnel model evolves day by day during the course of the work, with information being shared in real time between all those involved. This approach has made it possible to improve the quality of decisions and the perception of important information by presenting it in a transparent and easily interpretable way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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19 pages, 1427 KiB  
Article
Defining a BIM-Enabled Learning Environment—An Adaptive Structuration Theory Perspective
by Theophilus Olowa, Emlyn Witt, Caterina Morganti, Toni Teittinen and Irene Lill
Buildings 2022, 12(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030292 - 2 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4094
Abstract
Digitalization of the AEC-FM industry has resulted in the reassessment of knowledge, knowledge management, teaching and learning, workflows and networks, roles, and relevance. Consequently, new approaches to teaching and learning to meet the demands of new jobs and abilities, new channels of communication, [...] Read more.
Digitalization of the AEC-FM industry has resulted in the reassessment of knowledge, knowledge management, teaching and learning, workflows and networks, roles, and relevance. Consequently, new approaches to teaching and learning to meet the demands of new jobs and abilities, new channels of communication, and a new awareness are required. Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers opportunities to address some of the current challenges through BIM-enabled education and training. This research defines the requisite characteristics of a BIM-enabled Learning Environment (BLE)—a web-based platform that facilitates BIM-enabled education and training—in order to develop a prototype version of the BLE. Using a mixed-methods research design and an Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) perspective for interpreting the findings, 33 features and 5 distinct intentions behind those features were identified. These findings are valuable in taking forward the development of the BLE as they suggest a BLE requires the integration of functions from three existing types of information technology application (virtual learning environments, virtual collaboration platforms, and BIM applications). This study will inform the design of a web-based BLE for enhanced AEC-FM education and training, and it also provides a starting point for researchers to apply AST to evaluate the use of a BLE in different educational and training contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

17 pages, 3675 KiB  
Review
Review of the Application of Wearable Devices in Construction Safety: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2005 to 2021
by Ran Gao, Bowen Mu, Sainan Lyu, Hao Wang and Chengdong Yi
Buildings 2022, 12(3), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030344 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5784
Abstract
Wearable devices as an emerging technology to collect safety data on construction site is gaining increasing attention from researchers and practitioners. Given the rapid development of wearable devices research and the high application prospects of wearable devices in construction safety, a state-of-the-art review [...] Read more.
Wearable devices as an emerging technology to collect safety data on construction site is gaining increasing attention from researchers and practitioners. Given the rapid development of wearable devices research and the high application prospects of wearable devices in construction safety, a state-of-the-art review of research and implementations in this field is needed. The aim of this study is to provide an objective and extensive bibliometric analysis of the published articles on wearable applications in construction safety for the period of 2005–2021. CiteSpace software was used to conduct co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and cluster identification on 169 identified articles. The results show that 10 research clusters (e.g., attentional failure, brain-computer interface) were extremely important in the development of wearable devices for construction safety. The results highlight the evolution of wearable devices in construction-safety-related research, revealing the underlying structure of this cross-cutting research area. The analysis also summarizes the status quo of wearable devices in the construction safety field and provides a dynamic platform for integrating future applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Smart Tech 4.0 in the Built Environment: Applications of Disruptive Digital Technologies in Smart Cities, Construction, and Real Estate)
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