Search Results (397)

The construction industry continues to face significant challenges related to waste on construction sites, significantly impacting cost, timelines, and the quality of project outcomes. This study aims to identify contemporary sources of construction waste, assess their variability over time using data from 2016, 2021, and 2024, and evaluate strategies for their reduction. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a literature review with a survey among Polish construction contractors. A total of 34 waste factors were assessed in terms of frequency and significance. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is recommended—based on both survey results and studies in the literature—as an effective strategy to optimise construction efficiency by reducing waste and supporting sustainability objectives. The analysis also shows increasing awareness and application of Lean Principles and BIM among contractors. By 2024, BIM use increased from 8% in 2016 to 63%, indicating broader recognition, although this recognition was still insufficient given the severity of reported waste. The findings revealed design errors as the most critical source of waste, alongside execution delays, quality defects, damages to completed works, and excessive workloads. Respondents also identified additional factors, including erroneous bid assumptions, unclear investor expectations, unrealistic deadlines, equipment failures, and overdesign. These underscore the need for strategic, technology-driven waste mitigation. Full article

With rapid urbanization exacerbating the challenges in resource allocation, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure management, City Information Modeling (CIM) has emerged as an indispensable digital solution for smart city development. CIM represents an advanced urban management paradigm that integrates Geographic Information Systems (GISs), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to establish a multidimensional digital framework for comprehensive urban data management and intelligent decision making. While the existing research has primarily focused on technical architectures, governance models, and application scenarios, a systematic exploration of CIM’s data-driven characteristics remains limited. This paper reviews the evolution of CIM from a data-centric view introducing a research framework that systematically examines the data lifecycle, including acquisition, processing, analysis, and decision support. Furthermore, it explores the application of CIM in key areas such as smart transportation and digital twin cities, emphasizing its deep integration with big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing to enhance urban governance and intelligent services. Despite its advancements, CIM faces critical challenges, including data security, privacy protection, and cross-sectoral data sharing. This survey highlights these limitations and points out the future research directions, including adaptive data infrastructure, ethical frameworks for urban data governance, intelligent decision-making systems leveraging multi-source heterogeneous data, and the integration of CIM with emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain. These innovations will enhance CIM’s capacity to support intelligent, resilient, and sustainable urban development. By establishing a theoretical foundation for CIM as a data-intensive framework, this survey provides valuable insights and forward-looking guidance for its continued research and practical implementation. Full article

Sports facilities encompass diverse spaces tailored to various sports disciplines, each characterized by unique shapes and sizes. Skateparks, renowned for their avant-garde designs, are meticulously crafted to exude distinctiveness, featuring an array of constructions, surfaces, and intricate shapes. Traditional measurement methods often struggle to capture the spatial, structural, and architectural diversity of these facilities. Constructing 3D models, particularly with Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, faces inherent challenges due to the complex and individualistic nature of skateparks. The crux lies in acquiring credible and comprehensive spatial and construction-related information. Geospatial data emerges as a viable solution, effectively addressing the skatepark’s myriad forms while upholding information accuracy and reliability. By gathering, processing, and integrating Terrestrial Laser Scanning and drone-based photogrammetry point cloud data, a precise spatial foundation is established for BIM model generation. Leveraging the integrated point cloud and photographic data aids in identifying elements and construction materials, facilitating the creation of detailed technical documentation and life-like visualizations. This not only supports condition assessment and maintenance planning, but also assists in strategically planning facility expansions, renovations, or component replacements. Moreover, BIM technology streamlines facility information management by preserving vital object-related data in a structured database, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness. Full article

The construction industry faces persistent challenges from disputes and claims, leading to delays, cost overruns, and strained stakeholder relationships. This study proposes a strategic framework that integrates building information modeling (BIM) as a proactive tool for dispute avoidance. Using a causal loop diagram (CLD), the research maps the relationships among systemic factors contributing to disputes, such as poor communication, ambiguous specifications, and ineffective stakeholder engagement. The study highlights BIM’s transformative potential in enhancing visualization, improving collaboration, and fostering proactive conflict resolution. Validated through expert insights, the framework provides actionable recommendations for integrating BIM (with ISO19650 specs) into construction workflows, addressing the root causes of disputes, and driving project efficiency. This research contributes a structured roadmap for advancing construction management practices, emphasizing early BIM adoption considered with ISO19650, stakeholder alignment, and balancing systemic dynamics. The findings underscore BIM’s pivotal role in reshaping conflict prevention strategies, paving the way for sustainable and dispute-free project delivery. Full article

This study presents a mixed-method systematic literature review (SLR) investigating the applications of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies for enhancing sustainability in transportation infrastructure projects from a construction perspective. A corpus of 199 scholarly articles published between 2009 and November 2023 was meticulously selected from the Scopus database. The thematic analysis categorised the publications into four main clusters: infrastructure type, technology types, project lifecycle stages, and geographic context. The scientometric analysis revealed a burgeoning interest in the integrating of I4.0 technologies to enhance sustainability—particularly environmental sustainability. Among these, Building Information Modelling (BIM)-related tools emerged as the most extensively studied domain (33.50%), followed by the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors (14%), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) (13.22%). The findings demonstrate that roads, highways, and bridges are the most studied infrastructure types, with BIM being predominantly utilised for energy assessment, sustainable design, and asset management. The main contributions of this review are threefold: (1) providing a comprehensive framework that categorises I4.0 applications and their sustainability impacts across transportation infrastructure types and project lifecycle stages, (2) identifying key technical challenges in integrating I4.0 technologies with sustainability assessment tools, and (3) revealing underexplored areas and providing clear directions for future research. The findings provide actionable insights for researchers and industry practitioners aiming to adopt integrated, sustainability-driven digital approaches in transport infrastructure delivery. Full article

With the rise of urban digital twins and smart cities, the integration of building information modeling (BIM) and geospatial information systems (GISs) have captured the interest of researchers. Although significant advancements have been achieved in this field, challenges persist in the georeferencing of BIM models, which is one of the fundamental challenges in integrating BIM and GIS models. These challenges stem from dissimilarities between the BIM and GIS domains, including different georeferencing definitions, different coordinate systems utilization, and a lack of correspondence between the engineering system of BIM and the project’s geographical location. This review critically examines the significance of georeferencing within this integration, outlines and compares various methods for georeferencing BIM data in detail, and surveys existing software tools that facilitate this process. The findings underscore the need for increased attention to georeferencing issues from both domains, aiming to enhance the seamless integration of BIM and GIS. Full article

The global construction industry faces serious safety challenges, characterised by high rates of accidents and fatalities. A systematic review that analysed 95 academic articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases investigated the current use of digital technologies (DTs) in construction safety management across developed and developing countries. The research discovered that digital technology applications in construction safety primarily focus on developing models and simulations. These technologies are making significant contributions by enhancing worker training, improving risk prediction capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring, facilitating better communication, and supporting more proactive safety interventions. The most frequently utilised digital technologies in this domain include virtual reality (VR), building information modelling (BIM), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the promising potential of these technologies, their actual implementation remains somewhat limited, especially in developing countries. This study identified critical knowledge gaps, specifically the limited understanding of digital technology trends in construction safety management across different economic contexts, the insufficient research on strategies to increase digital technology adoption in the construction sector, and the need for more comprehensive investigations into how the technology adoption divide can be bridged. This research aimed to facilitate future empirical studies that can advance the understanding of digital technologies and the development of strategies to integrate them more comprehensively into construction safety practices. By providing a detailed overview of current digital technology applications, highlighting research limitations, and suggesting future research directions, this review seeks to contribute to both academic understanding and practical improvements in global construction industry safety. Full article

Building information modeling (BIM) and blockchain are reshaping construction business processes. This is particularly important for efficient information management and collaboration, especially in the current environment of complexity and fragmentation in construction business processes. However, due to the limits of practical experience and exploration, construction organizations continue to face significant challenges in adopting integrated BIM and blockchain. This study concentrates on exploring the integration of BIM and blockchain by identifying and analyzing key barriers. Through a systematic literature review and expert consultation, 13 major barriers have been identified. Relationships among barriers have been established using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approaches. The analysis shows that high initial costs and legal and regulatory limits are the root causes that affect the adoption of BIM and blockchain integration. Additionally, investment and return risk, stakeholder attitudes and unclear value proposition have a great impact on the overall system. These findings can help construction practitioners in developing and planning strategies for the effective implementation of BIM and blockchain integration. Full article

Building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPVs) is a strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency in buildings. However, photovoltaic (PV) energy production presents challenges due to its intermittent nature, characterized by variations and uncertainties associated with solar radiation and interference from the building’s surroundings. Therefore, building information modeling (BIM) enables energy simulations and solar performance analyses during the design phase of buildings. In this context, this paper aims to identify the key strategies for integrating BIM and photovoltaic energy production systems and how these approaches support the development of sustainable projects. A systematic literature review was conducted, combined with bibliometric analysis, content analysis, and coding of 63 articles. Results indicate an annual research growth rate of 19.62%, with contributions from 268 authors and an international co-authorship rate of 22.22%. Core research trends in the BIM-PV context were identified through thematic maps, highlighting four dimensions—BIPV applications, parametric tools for energy simulation, challenges, and potential benefits—divided into 32 codes. The findings are synthesized into four theoretical propositions structured in an integrative framework. Additionally, five key applications of BIM-PV integration are mapped, along with their addressed problems and the limitations in establishing theoretical and managerial contributions. Full article

With rapid urbanization, the utilization of underground space has become an important part of infrastructure. However, the stability of underground spaces such as large caverns remains a key challenge in civil engineering throughout the lifecycle of a project. Traditional methods of stability assessment rely on static models and periodic monitoring and often fail to capture real-time changes in rock behavior, leading to potential safety risks and, in severe cases, even the collapse of underground infrastructure. To address this challenge, this study introduces a digital twin (DT) framework to improve stability assessments and monitor deformations in underground structures. The framework enables the continuous monitoring and adaptive optimization of rock support systems by combining real-time sensor data with virtual simulations. A five-dimensional DT framework comprises physical objects, virtual objects, service systems, DT data, and their interconnections. It incorporates six key modules, which are structure, geology, material, behavior, performance, and environment, to enhance the understanding of cavern stability. The framework is based on Industry Foundation Classes standards to ensure seamless data exchange, interoperability, and the standardized representation of geotechnical and structural data. A seven-step methodology is developed for this framework, encompassing geological assessment, virtual modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based design, construction processes, real-time monitoring, and optimization strategies. To evaluate its effectiveness, the framework is applied to a case study, demonstrating improvements in deformation monitoring and rock support efficiency. The findings highlight the potential of integrating DT with BIM to enhance safety, reliability, and long-term stability in underground construction projects. Full article

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined as a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics that serves as a shared knowledge resource for stakeholders. BIM is transforming the global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by enhancing project delivery, constructability, and stakeholders’ collaboration. However, the adoption of BIM in Oman remains limited due to various challenges. This study assesses the current state of BIM adoption, its barriers, and potential opportunities within Oman’s construction industry. A survey of 214 professionals from the public (27.41%) and private (69.04%) sectors was conducted, covering diverse engineering disciplines and experience levels. Data were collected through an online questionnaire on BIM awareness, implementation challenges, and industry readiness. Results indicate that 60% of respondents implied that their organisations operate at BIM levels 0 and 1 as defined by UK-NBS, reflecting an existing reliance on traditional methods. Key barriers include technological limitations (42%), resistance to change (39%), lack of awareness (36%), and inadequate training (41%), with 70% citing high implementation costs as a significant barrier. Despite these challenges, 80% of respondents acknowledged BIM’s potential to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance project delivery. Respondents further indicated that their organisations aim to integrate sustainability and energy efficiency into the design and operate phases over the next five years. This study, among the first of its kind in Oman, highlights the urgent need for targeted training, supportive policies, and government-led incentives to promote BIM adoption and align the local construction sector with international best practices. BIM should be promoted as it significantly enhances project efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders, and reduces costs. Its ability to improve sustainability and energy efficiency aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, making it a critical tool for the development of the construction sector. Full article

Architectural design education aims to balance creativity and analytical thinking. However, design studios have traditionally emphasized intuitive approaches over systematic processes. This study developed and evaluated a pedagogical model termed Computational Precedent-Based Instruction (CPBI), which integrates precedent-based instruction with BIM-based parametric modeling in the architectural design studio. The research explored CPBI’s impact on students’ design skills, identified perceived benefits and challenges, and assessed its effectiveness in promoting systematic design thinking. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining model-based inquiry and quasi-experimental research. It involved 19 third-year undergraduate architecture students in a 14-week design studio course. Data collection utilized pre–post surveys, external experts review of student work, and observational data. The pedagogical intervention focused on developing architectural forms, defining aesthetics, and refining building programs using the works of the New York Five architects as precedents. The results showed statistically significant improvements in students’ self-reported design competencies, particularly in precedent analysis, principle application, and design articulation. A shift towards more structured design reasoning was evident. The CPBI model provides a systematic framework for extracting and applying design knowledge from precedents, bridging the gap between conceptual design thinking and digital tools. It contributes to repositioning BIM as an integral design environment in the early design stages, offering implications for both architectural education and professional practice. Full article

Today, the construction sector is largely responsible for climate change and global warming. The industry generates the largest carbon footprint and is also one of the least digitized industries in national economies. Faced with the challenge of reducing this carbon footprint, BIM is becoming an essential tool for building digital twins, which in turn makes it possible to calculate and track the carbon footprint over time for designed, constructed, and existing buildings. Semantically rich databases such as BIM make it possible to record the past, present, and future states of buildings and infrastructure facilities. To date, primary research using the free and popular UrbanBIM tool has been conducted on ready-made models, e.g., a previously prepared piece of space. In this secondary study, a specific pre-designed shell building in the BIM environment was examined, and the embedded carbon footprint was calculated for it. The calculated result of 76.35 tons of CO₂ provides an overview of the solutions used and an analysis of the various elements in terms of their environmental impact. The results of the study indicate a growing need to automate the modeling of building information for analysis and simulation, and then to further manage the information. The paper also identifies limitations and presents future research directions for carbon footprint calculation and tracking. Full article

This paper proposes a dual-mode thermal analysis framework for the composite cage rotor bearingless induction motor (CCR-BIM), which combines lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) and finite element thermal model (FETM) methods with experimental verification. The CCR-BIM, an advanced motor design combining torque and suspension windings within a single stator core, offers significant advantages in high-speed and high-precision applications. However, accurate thermal management remains a critical challenge due to its complex structure and increased losses. An LPTN model tailored to the unique thermal characteristics of the CCR-BIM is proposed, and detailed FETM simulations and experimental tests are validated. The LPTN model employs a meshing method to discretize the motor into orthogonal thermal nodes, enabling the rapid and accurate calculation of steady-state temperatures. The FETM further verifies the LPTN results by simulating the transient and steady-state temperature fields. Experimental validation using a 2 kW CCR-BIM test platform confirms the effectiveness of both models, with temperature predictions closely matching measured values. This study provides a reliable thermal analysis method for CCR-BIM. Full article

Manual geometric and semantic alignment of inspection data with existing digital models (field-to-model data registration) and on-site access to relevant information (model-to-field data registration) represent cumbersome procedures that cause significant loss of information and fragmentation, hindering the efficiency of civil infrastructure inspections. To address the bidirectional registration challenge, this study introduces a high-accuracy automatic registration method and system based on Augmented Reality (AR) that streamlines data exchange between the field and a knowledge graph-based Digital Twin (DT) platform for infrastructure management, and vice versa. A centimeter-level 6-DoF pose estimation of the AR device in large-scale, open unprepared environments is achieved by implementing a hybrid approach based on Real-Time Kinematic and Visual Inertial Odometry to cope with urban-canyon scenarios. For this purpose, a low-cost and non-invasive RTK receiver was prototyped and firmly attached to an AR device (i.e., Microsoft HoloLens 2). Multiple filters and latency compensation techniques were implemented to enhance registration accuracy. The system was tested in a real-world scenario involving the inspection of a highway viaduct. Throughout the use case inspection, the system seamlessly and automatically provided field operators with on-field access to existing DT information (i.e., open BIM models) such as georeferenced holograms and facilitated the enrichment of the asset’s DT through the automatic registration of inspection data (i.e., images) with the open BIM models included in the DT. This study contributes to DT-based civil infrastructure management by establishing a bidirectional and seamless integration between virtual and physical entities. Full article