2022
Design and Development Considerations for Construction Virtual Reality Training Modules – A Case Study
SaeedRokooei ,    Alireza Shojaei,    Amin Alvanchi ,    RezaAzad
Abstract:
The emergence of Virtual Reality (VR) in recent years has incepted a new paradigm in education. In the past decade, VR has become a reliable tool in the design, development, and simulation of various scenarios in different industries. The use trend of VR along with other technological advances indicates an ascending growth, which entices more researchers and educators to explore its capabilities, strengths, and challenges and take advantage of opportunities created. VR encompasses a unique set of characteristics and features that are effectively aligned with educational purposes. VR applications provide rich content in a customizable pace and delivery method. VR graphical features intrigue users, especially the new generation of students. VR training applications also minimize the physical risks of real situation-based training tools and provide students with easy access to anytime-anywhere educational sources. Like many other advancements in the construction area, VR has been explored and utilized with a delay. However, the broad scope of construction in industry and education furnishes an appealing path for VR development. Despite this opportunity, the lack of a VR design standard or framework has led construction developers to move forward with trial and error in their design or development processes. This paper provides a background of VR in construction education followed by a framework for VR construction education applications. Also, a retrospective analysis of a design and development of a VR training application for construction safety, derived from a case study, provides lessons learned for further similar applications.
The emergence of Virtual Reality (VR) in recent years has incepted a new paradigm in education. In the past decade, VR has become a reliable tool in the design, development, and simulation of various scenarios in different industries. The use trend of VR along with other technological advances indicates an ascending growth, which entices more researchers and educators to explore its capabilities, strengths, and challenges and take advantage of opportunities created. VR encompasses a unique set of characteristics and features that are effectively aligned with educational purposes. VR applications provide rich content in a customizable pace and delivery method. VR graphical features intrigue users, especially the new generation of students. VR training applications also minimize the physical risks of real situation-based training tools and provide students with easy access to anytime-anywhere educational sources. Like many other advancements in the construction area, VR has been explored and utilized with a delay. However, the broad scope of construction in industry and education furnishes an appealing path for VR development. Despite this opportunity, the lack of a VR design standard or framework has led construction developers to move forward with trial and error in their design or development processes. This paper provides a background of VR in construction education followed by a framework for VR construction education applications. Also, a retrospective analysis of a design and development of a VR training application for construction safety, derived from a case study, provides lessons learned for further similar applications.
2022
Use of Virtual Site Visits in Construction Management Distance Education
Alireza Shojaei,    A.Mahdavian,    Saeed Rokooei
October 2021
A critical study of the exiting issues in manufacturing maintenance systems: Can BIM fill the gap?
Amin Alvanchi ,    AliTohidi Far ,    MiladMousavi ,    RezaAzad ,    SaeedRokooei
Abstract:
The use of smart and complicated technologies in manufacturing industries has brought new issues to the maintenance systems in recent years. In this research, an intensive literature review is performed to identify and classify these issues. Inspired by the recent advances that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has brought to the construction industry, the research proposes adopting BIM in manufacturing maintenance systems to address the existing issues. A list of BIM capabilities utilized for addressing maintenance issues of buildings is extracted from the literature.
The use of smart and complicated technologies in manufacturing industries has brought new issues to the maintenance systems in recent years. In this research, an intensive literature review is performed to identify and classify these issues. Inspired by the recent advances that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has brought to the construction industry, the research proposes adopting BIM in manufacturing maintenance systems to address the existing issues. A list of BIM capabilities utilized for addressing maintenance issues of buildings is extracted from the literature.
October 2021
Semi-augmented Reality, a Novel Approach to Improve Customer Safety in Pre-sale Process of Under Construction Buildings
Amin Alvanchi ,    Nasim Didehvar ,    Mostafa Jalilehvand ,    Pooya Adami,    Sajjad Shahmir
Abstract:
Effective marketing is quite vital in many building construction projects that depend on the pre-sale cash in-flow. However, the unsafe condition of the under-construction projects postpones in-person customer visits to the completion date and complicates the marketing process. This safety concern is especially critical for the upper floor units. Although virtual tours of the buildings are used to show the project specifications, they do not convey the impression that customers receive in the real ambiance of in-person visits. This research proposes a novel method called semi-augmented reality to address the safety issue of the under-construction projects during the marketing process. In this method, lower floor apartment units are safeguarded for the customer’s visits to give an accurate impression of the building’s condition. Virtual models of the upper floor apartments are linked to a similar safeguarded unit on the lower floor to augment the existing deviations between lower and upper floor units. The capability of the method was successfully tested in an experimental case. The participating real estate agents in the test found the method beneficial for the customers’ safety, attracting their attention, facilitating the decision-making process, and increasing their convenience. This method introduces a new approach to the building pre-sale marketing process. Similar techniques are expected to emerge shortly.
Effective marketing is quite vital in many building construction projects that depend on the pre-sale cash in-flow. However, the unsafe condition of the under-construction projects postpones in-person customer visits to the completion date and complicates the marketing process. This safety concern is especially critical for the upper floor units. Although virtual tours of the buildings are used to show the project specifications, they do not convey the impression that customers receive in the real ambiance of in-person visits. This research proposes a novel method called semi-augmented reality to address the safety issue of the under-construction projects during the marketing process. In this method, lower floor apartment units are safeguarded for the customer’s visits to give an accurate impression of the building’s condition. Virtual models of the upper floor apartments are linked to a similar safeguarded unit on the lower floor to augment the existing deviations between lower and upper floor units. The capability of the method was successfully tested in an experimental case. The participating real estate agents in the test found the method beneficial for the customers’ safety, attracting their attention, facilitating the decision-making process, and increasing their convenience. This method introduces a new approach to the building pre-sale marketing process. Similar techniques are expected to emerge shortly.
May 2021
Revisiting social aspect of Green Buildings: Barriers, Drivers, and Benefits
Ali Karji,    Zahra Ghorbani ,    SaeedRokooei ,    Mohammadsoroush Tafazzoli
Abstract:
The construction industry is recognized as one of the primary contributors to substantial environmental concerns and influences sustainable development’s economic and social aspects. Green buildings have been shown a remedy to decelerate the detrimental impacts of construction on the triple bottom lines of sustainability and have therefore gained growing attention and significance in recent decades. Numerous efforts have been made to study green buildings’ economic and environmental aspects. Nonetheless, not equal attention has been devoted to the social aspects of green buildings. This could be attributed to a lack of knowledge or limited understanding of social barriers, drivers, and benefits of green buildings. Failing to address and implement social aspects effectively can defeat the purpose of sustainable development in the construction industry. This study presents the preliminary outcomes of a bigger comprehensive literature review on green buildings’ social barriers, drivers, and benefits. The paper intends to contribute to a more profound and thorough understanding of social sustainability in construction and can assist architects, engineers, and other construction professionals in their green buildings’ decision-making processes.
The construction industry is recognized as one of the primary contributors to substantial environmental concerns and influences sustainable development’s economic and social aspects. Green buildings have been shown a remedy to decelerate the detrimental impacts of construction on the triple bottom lines of sustainability and have therefore gained growing attention and significance in recent decades. Numerous efforts have been made to study green buildings’ economic and environmental aspects. Nonetheless, not equal attention has been devoted to the social aspects of green buildings. This could be attributed to a lack of knowledge or limited understanding of social barriers, drivers, and benefits of green buildings. Failing to address and implement social aspects effectively can defeat the purpose of sustainable development in the construction industry. This study presents the preliminary outcomes of a bigger comprehensive literature review on green buildings’ social barriers, drivers, and benefits. The paper intends to contribute to a more profound and thorough understanding of social sustainability in construction and can assist architects, engineers, and other construction professionals in their green buildings’ decision-making processes.
May 2021
Integration of LiDAR and Augmented Reality for Construction Quality Control, A Conceptual Framework
Ali Karji,    SaeedRokooei ,    Eric Mainzer
Abstract:
In recent years, new technology-based advancements have impacted project management processes. These new tools and methods are becoming particularly productive in the construction industry. However, compared to other industries, construction is behind when it comes to taking advantage of emerging technology fully. Quality control (QC) is an example of a construction process that can be improved using such technologies. As an important aspect of every construction project, QC is necessary to reduce cost and schedule overrun in construction projects. The accuracy of 3D models is critical for the maintenance and facility management team. There have been many studies on the usage of technological tools such as vision-, laser scanning-, and video-based QC in the construction industry. Current QC methods are often manual, time-consuming, cost-intensive, and prone to errors. Particularly, the accuracy of the developed 3D models generated by current QC methods has limitations. In this paper, a new conceptual framework is introduced for the QC of developed 3D models. The framework is based on the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. The result of this research serves as the preliminary study for the creation of an AR+ LiDAR-based QC method of developed 3D CAD models in the construction industry. This will eventually help the construction industry improve its QC process.
In recent years, new technology-based advancements have impacted project management processes. These new tools and methods are becoming particularly productive in the construction industry. However, compared to other industries, construction is behind when it comes to taking advantage of emerging technology fully. Quality control (QC) is an example of a construction process that can be improved using such technologies. As an important aspect of every construction project, QC is necessary to reduce cost and schedule overrun in construction projects. The accuracy of 3D models is critical for the maintenance and facility management team. There have been many studies on the usage of technological tools such as vision-, laser scanning-, and video-based QC in the construction industry. Current QC methods are often manual, time-consuming, cost-intensive, and prone to errors. Particularly, the accuracy of the developed 3D models generated by current QC methods has limitations. In this paper, a new conceptual framework is introduced for the QC of developed 3D models. The framework is based on the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. The result of this research serves as the preliminary study for the creation of an AR+ LiDAR-based QC method of developed 3D CAD models in the construction industry. This will eventually help the construction industry improve its QC process.
April 2021
A hybrid BIM and BN-based model to improve the resiliency of hospitals' utility systems in disasters
AliTohidi Far ,    MiladMousavi ,    Amin Alvanchi
Abstract:
The growing number of disasters in recent years has become a significant threat to hospital buildings’ resilience and preparedness. Besides, the stochastic nature of these disasters and the complexity of the hospital building systems exacerbate the difficulty of making appropriate decisions during and after disasters. To address the issue, this research proposes a novel model that utilizes the capabilities of Bayesian Networks (BNs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). This model helps decision-makers in hospitals and medical centers measure various effects of disasters on utility systems and analyze the consequences of their decisions. The capabilities of the proposed model are tested in the case of a medical gas distribution system in a hospital building. The findings indicate that using this model brings new insights for decision-makers into the effects of an earthquake on the medical gas system of the hospital case. Applying the hybrid BIM and BN model improves the spatial understanding of the utility systems and expedites the hospital team members’ response to critical situations.
The growing number of disasters in recent years has become a significant threat to hospital buildings’ resilience and preparedness. Besides, the stochastic nature of these disasters and the complexity of the hospital building systems exacerbate the difficulty of making appropriate decisions during and after disasters. To address the issue, this research proposes a novel model that utilizes the capabilities of Bayesian Networks (BNs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). This model helps decision-makers in hospitals and medical centers measure various effects of disasters on utility systems and analyze the consequences of their decisions. The capabilities of the proposed model are tested in the case of a medical gas distribution system in a hospital building. The findings indicate that using this model brings new insights for decision-makers into the effects of an earthquake on the medical gas system of the hospital case. Applying the hybrid BIM and BN model improves the spatial understanding of the utility systems and expedites the hospital team members’ response to critical situations.
April 2021
Comparison of BIM Adoption Models between Public and Private Sectors through Empirical Investigation
James Goedert,    Asregedew Woldesenbet ,    SaeedRokooei
Abstract:
In recent years, the integration of new technology-aided processes and methods, such as BIM in complex infrastructure projects, is becoming popular in the construction sector. Despite the growing popularity of BIM in the built environment, there is still a dearth of studies that focus on the intersectorial comparison of BIM adoption drivers in construction projects. Thus, the study aims to examine the project-specific BIM adoption drivers across the public and private construction sectors. Initially, a hypothetical BIM adoption model was developed based on a systematic literature review and desk study. Then, a structured questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from experts working across the Ethiopian construction industry. The empirical data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The result reveals that Relative Advantage, Financial Competency, Top Management Support, and Customer Pressure are common BIM adoption drivers amongst the public and private construction sectors. Similarly, a few distinct drivers were identified within both sectors. These include Government Pressure and Social/Cultural Factors in public, whereas Competitor Pressure and Communication Behavior in the private construction sector. The paper provides key intersectorial BIM adoption drivers within different adoption stages to reinforce the effort across the public and private construction projects. In addition, practical implications and key recommendations were forwarded to enhance the current BIM uptake in the Ethiopian construction sector.
In recent years, the integration of new technology-aided processes and methods, such as BIM in complex infrastructure projects, is becoming popular in the construction sector. Despite the growing popularity of BIM in the built environment, there is still a dearth of studies that focus on the intersectorial comparison of BIM adoption drivers in construction projects. Thus, the study aims to examine the project-specific BIM adoption drivers across the public and private construction sectors. Initially, a hypothetical BIM adoption model was developed based on a systematic literature review and desk study. Then, a structured questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from experts working across the Ethiopian construction industry. The empirical data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The result reveals that Relative Advantage, Financial Competency, Top Management Support, and Customer Pressure are common BIM adoption drivers amongst the public and private construction sectors. Similarly, a few distinct drivers were identified within both sectors. These include Government Pressure and Social/Cultural Factors in public, whereas Competitor Pressure and Communication Behavior in the private construction sector. The paper provides key intersectorial BIM adoption drivers within different adoption stages to reinforce the effort across the public and private construction projects. In addition, practical implications and key recommendations were forwarded to enhance the current BIM uptake in the Ethiopian construction sector.
March 2021
A Hybrid Delphi-AHP Based Analysis of Construction Project - Specific Success Factors in Emerging Markets: The Case of Ethiopia
James Goedert,    Asregedew Woldesenbet ,    SaeedRokooei ,   Solomon Belay
Abstract:
Literature highlights that the success of construction projects differs in various attributes. However, only a few empirical studies have been conducted to examine the inter-sectorial aspects of critical success factors in developing countries. Hence, this study aims to investigate the comparative analysis of success factors in public and private sectors across the Ethiopian construction industry. A structured questionnaire matrix was prepared based on the hierarchical model developed through a systematic literature review. Then, the present study introduced a Delphi–Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to analyze successful attributes in the Ethiopian construction sector. The two rounds of Delphi–AHP survey were conducted through a panel of experts working in different construction firms including owner, consultant, contractor, and academia. The result indicates that the top three ranked critical success factors (CSFs) in the private sector are clear project goals, financial capacity of contractor, and competency of consulting firm. However, CSFs such as adequacy of funds, political environment, and clear project goals are the major CSFs in public construction sector. More so, the findings reveal that there was a consensus among respondents on the rankings of success factors. The study provides practical implications and key recommendations regarding CSFs to enhance project management performance in the Ethiopian construction sector.
Literature highlights that the success of construction projects differs in various attributes. However, only a few empirical studies have been conducted to examine the inter-sectorial aspects of critical success factors in developing countries. Hence, this study aims to investigate the comparative analysis of success factors in public and private sectors across the Ethiopian construction industry. A structured questionnaire matrix was prepared based on the hierarchical model developed through a systematic literature review. Then, the present study introduced a Delphi–Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to analyze successful attributes in the Ethiopian construction sector. The two rounds of Delphi–AHP survey were conducted through a panel of experts working in different construction firms including owner, consultant, contractor, and academia. The result indicates that the top three ranked critical success factors (CSFs) in the private sector are clear project goals, financial capacity of contractor, and competency of consulting firm. However, CSFs such as adequacy of funds, political environment, and clear project goals are the major CSFs in public construction sector. More so, the findings reveal that there was a consensus among respondents on the rankings of success factors. The study provides practical implications and key recommendations regarding CSFs to enhance project management performance in the Ethiopian construction sector.
January 2021
Improving materials logistics plan in road construction projects using discrete event simulation
Amin Alvanchi ,    Farshid Baniassadi ,    Mahdi Shahsavari ,   Hamed Kashani
Abstract:
Purpose Motivated by the high cost of material movements in road construction projects, past studies have used analytical methods to optimize materials logistics plans. A key shortcoming of these methods is their inability to capture the uncertain, dynamic and complex characteristics of the road construction material logistics. Failure to incorporate these characteristics can lead to sub-optimal results. The purpose of this study is to propose the use of discrete event simulation (DES) to address the existing shortfall. Design/methodology/approach Despite the powerful capabilities of DES models in capturing the operational complexities of construction projects, they have not been previously utilized to optimize the material logistics of road construction projects. The proposed DES-based method in this research captures the operational details of material logistics and uses a heuristic approach to overcome the combinatorial problem of numerous choices. The method was applied to a 63.5 km real-world road construction project case to demonstrate its capabilities. Findings Six different material types from 28 material sources were used in the case. Approximately 1.5% of the material logistics costs were saved by following the proposed method and choosing appropriate material sources. Originality/value This research contributes to the body of knowledge by leveraging the capabilities of DES and presenting a novel method for improving the materials logistics plan of road construction projects. The proposed method provides practitioners with the basis for capturing the key operational details that were overlooked in the past. The proposed method can be adopted in road construction projects to reduce the overall material procurement cost.
Purpose Motivated by the high cost of material movements in road construction projects, past studies have used analytical methods to optimize materials logistics plans. A key shortcoming of these methods is their inability to capture the uncertain, dynamic and complex characteristics of the road construction material logistics. Failure to incorporate these characteristics can lead to sub-optimal results. The purpose of this study is to propose the use of discrete event simulation (DES) to address the existing shortfall. Design/methodology/approach Despite the powerful capabilities of DES models in capturing the operational complexities of construction projects, they have not been previously utilized to optimize the material logistics of road construction projects. The proposed DES-based method in this research captures the operational details of material logistics and uses a heuristic approach to overcome the combinatorial problem of numerous choices. The method was applied to a 63.5 km real-world road construction project case to demonstrate its capabilities. Findings Six different material types from 28 material sources were used in the case. Approximately 1.5% of the material logistics costs were saved by following the proposed method and choosing appropriate material sources. Originality/value This research contributes to the body of knowledge by leveraging the capabilities of DES and presenting a novel method for improving the materials logistics plan of road construction projects. The proposed method provides practitioners with the basis for capturing the key operational details that were overlooked in the past. The proposed method can be adopted in road construction projects to reduce the overall material procurement cost.
Desember 2020
Improving facility management of public hospitals in Iran using building information modeling
Amin Alvanchi ,    Abolfazl Seyrfar
Abstract:
Improving management of complex and congested facilities in hospital buildings is a potential point for both reducing money spent and enhancing quality level of the medical services provided in public hospitals of Iran. Although building information modeling (BIM) is identified as an effective tool for improving facility management (FM), use of advantages it offers to the FM processes of hospitals has been neglected thus far in the country. To address this issue, this research aims to investigate the BIM capabilities and the supporting organizational structure public hospitals in Iran can adopt to improve their FM processes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on applicable capabilities of BIM to the FM processes. Hierarchical FM structure of public hospitals in the country was recognized through review of the related regulations. A public hospital case was chosen for an in-depth recognition of FM processes operations and validation of the proposed BIM-based improvements. It was argued the use of BIM capabilities can cause substantial improvements in the FM processes of the public hospitals. Reduced duration of FM activities, improved facility layouts, enhanced communication and coordination, facilitated training, and improved emergency management are some expected outcomes.
Improving management of complex and congested facilities in hospital buildings is a potential point for both reducing money spent and enhancing quality level of the medical services provided in public hospitals of Iran. Although building information modeling (BIM) is identified as an effective tool for improving facility management (FM), use of advantages it offers to the FM processes of hospitals has been neglected thus far in the country. To address this issue, this research aims to investigate the BIM capabilities and the supporting organizational structure public hospitals in Iran can adopt to improve their FM processes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on applicable capabilities of BIM to the FM processes. Hierarchical FM structure of public hospitals in the country was recognized through review of the related regulations. A public hospital case was chosen for an in-depth recognition of FM processes operations and validation of the proposed BIM-based improvements. It was argued the use of BIM capabilities can cause substantial improvements in the FM processes of the public hospitals. Reduced duration of FM activities, improved facility layouts, enhanced communication and coordination, facilitated training, and improved emergency management are some expected outcomes.
September 2020
Immersive Video Capture Technology For Construction Management Education
Alireza Shojaei,    SaeedRokooei ,    Lee Carson ,    George Ford
Abstract:
Immersive video technologies provide a unique opportunity for transferring and experiencing the real environment at a later time and location. The immersive experience and the real image that this emerging technology presents are well suited for education and training. Previously static 360° panoramas and virtual reality environments were being used for safety training. However, the use of immersive videos as an educational tool in construction management remains mainly unexplored. This study investigated the incorporation of 360° and 180° 3D immersive videos within a construction education class. Multiple configurations of 360°, 180° 3D (with depth perception), and flat video recording were used to capture construction processes by mounting cameras on students at different body positions during their hands-on construction training. One static camera was also used to record the construction process, mounted on a tripod. Then, different delivery systems were utilized to use the videos to reinforce students’ educational experiences by reviewing their own, and their peers’ work processes to learn from their mistakes and to get familiar with the work they did not execute themselves. A group of construction management freshman students reviewed the footages using different delivery systems. Students’ perceptions toward this educational tool were collected and analyzed through a survey. The users’ feedback analysis showed that they preferred the immersive video experience over the conventional videos and valued this educational method as a complementary tool in their education. Also, the head mount display was the favorite delivery device. Overall, the results showed that the outlook of using this technology for enhancing construction management education is positive.
September 2020
A Novel Building Information Modeling-based Method for Improving Cost and Energy Performance of the Building Envelope
Bahareh Alizadeh ,    Amin Alvanchi ,    Hosein Taghados
Abstract:
Building envelopes and regional conditions can significantly contribute to the cost and energy performance of the buildings. Structured methods that take into account the impacts of both the envelope materials and the regional conditions to find the most feasible envelope materials within a region, however, are still missing. This study responds to this need by proposing a novel method using the capabilities of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The proposed method is used for identifying cost- and energy-efficient building envelope materials within a region over the life cycle. First, commonly used envelope materials in a region are identified. Then, BIM is employed for simulating the energy performance and evaluating the life cycle cost of the materials. The method was implemented in Tehran, Iran. It was successfully utilized for improving the cost and energy performance of a nine-story residential building case. The achieved results indicated a potential energy performance enhancement of 31%, and the life cycle cost improvement of 28% by replacing conventionally used envelope materials with the available high-performance building materials. The proposed method can benefit various stakeholders in the building construction industry, including municipalities, owners, contractors, and consumers, by enhancing the cost and energy performance of the buildings.
Building envelopes and regional conditions can significantly contribute to the cost and energy performance of the buildings. Structured methods that take into account the impacts of both the envelope materials and the regional conditions to find the most feasible envelope materials within a region, however, are still missing. This study responds to this need by proposing a novel method using the capabilities of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The proposed method is used for identifying cost- and energy-efficient building envelope materials within a region over the life cycle. First, commonly used envelope materials in a region are identified. Then, BIM is employed for simulating the energy performance and evaluating the life cycle cost of the materials. The method was implemented in Tehran, Iran. It was successfully utilized for improving the cost and energy performance of a nine-story residential building case. The achieved results indicated a potential energy performance enhancement of 31%, and the life cycle cost improvement of 28% by replacing conventionally used envelope materials with the available high-performance building materials. The proposed method can benefit various stakeholders in the building construction industry, including municipalities, owners, contractors, and consumers, by enhancing the cost and energy performance of the buildings.
August 2020
In-depth Investigation of Project Planning and Control Software Package Application in the Construction Industry of Iran
Amin Alvanchi ,    N. Shiri ,    Hamed Alikhani
Abstract:
Inefficient project planning and control have been identified as the main contributor to the reduced performance of the construction industry in Iran. Meanwhile, improper use of planning and control software packages (PPCSPs) in these projects can be a key factor in this reduced performance. This study investigates different aspects of the PPCSP applications to draw the role of PPCSPs in the planning and control processes of construction projects in the country using a survey-based method. It is found that only 32.5% of the construction companies in Iran highly or very highly use PPCSPs. The low level of skill and the lack of management support are two main contributing factors to this reduced PPCSP application. The quality of the academic and vocational project management training programs and the lack of dependable PPCSP technical support are argued as possible sources of the issue. The identified PPCSP pattern in Iran is compared with the results reported for several developed and in-transition countries. This comparison reveals that Iran and in-transition countries fall deeply behind in employing PPCSPs in their construction projects compared to the developed countries.
Inefficient project planning and control have been identified as the main contributor to the reduced performance of the construction industry in Iran. Meanwhile, improper use of planning and control software packages (PPCSPs) in these projects can be a key factor in this reduced performance. This study investigates different aspects of the PPCSP applications to draw the role of PPCSPs in the planning and control processes of construction projects in the country using a survey-based method. It is found that only 32.5% of the construction companies in Iran highly or very highly use PPCSPs. The low level of skill and the lack of management support are two main contributing factors to this reduced PPCSP application. The quality of the academic and vocational project management training programs and the lack of dependable PPCSP technical support are argued as possible sources of the issue. The identified PPCSP pattern in Iran is compared with the results reported for several developed and in-transition countries. This comparison reveals that Iran and in-transition countries fall deeply behind in employing PPCSPs in their construction projects compared to the developed countries.
May 2020
Construction schedule, an influential factor on air pollution in urban infrastructure projects
Amin Alvanchi ,   Mostafa Rahimi Far ,    Milad Mousavi ,    Hamed Alikhani
Abstract:
Urbanization growth and aging infrastructures necessitate new infrastructure construction projects in congested urban areas. Urban construction projects interrupt the regular on-road vehicle traffic flow that affects air pollution concentration in the adjacent areas. The project schedule, however, is a possible contributor to the air pollution which has been neglected to date. This research proposes a new framework to account for the impact of different urban project schedule alternatives on air pollution emission near the construction zones. The proposed framework uses the capabilities of vehicle traffic simulation to evaluate air pollution emission of different construction schedule alternatives and reduce the resulting emission in urban construction projects. The capability of the proposed framework is verified in a real grade separation case. Pollution concentration shows a potential reduction of up to 41% in sensitive locations. The achieved resulting values represent potential emission reduction of 7.8% for CO2, 8.2% for NOx, and 3.8% for PM10. The achieved results in the case study confirm the impact of the construction schedule on the air pollution emission throughout the project’s construction. It justifies the application of the framework in the congested urban areas. The proposed framework in the research contributes to the sustainable improvement of urban infrastructure projects.
Urbanization growth and aging infrastructures necessitate new infrastructure construction projects in congested urban areas. Urban construction projects interrupt the regular on-road vehicle traffic flow that affects air pollution concentration in the adjacent areas. The project schedule, however, is a possible contributor to the air pollution which has been neglected to date. This research proposes a new framework to account for the impact of different urban project schedule alternatives on air pollution emission near the construction zones. The proposed framework uses the capabilities of vehicle traffic simulation to evaluate air pollution emission of different construction schedule alternatives and reduce the resulting emission in urban construction projects. The capability of the proposed framework is verified in a real grade separation case. Pollution concentration shows a potential reduction of up to 41% in sensitive locations. The achieved resulting values represent potential emission reduction of 7.8% for CO2, 8.2% for NOx, and 3.8% for PM10. The achieved results in the case study confirm the impact of the construction schedule on the air pollution emission throughout the project’s construction. It justifies the application of the framework in the congested urban areas. The proposed framework in the research contributes to the sustainable improvement of urban infrastructure projects.
October 2019
Using genetic algorithms for long-term planning of network of bridges
Hamed Alikhani ,    Amin Alvanchi
Abstract:
Bridge maintenance activities are often budgeted, scheduled and conducted for networks of bridges with different ages, types and conditions, which can make bridge network maintenance management challenging. In this study, we propose an improved maintenance planning model based on genetic algorithm for a network of bridges to bring a long-term perspective to the lifespan of bridges. To test the applicability and efficiency of the model, it is applied to a network of 100 bridges in one of the south-western provinces of Iran. The results of the model implementation show considerable potential for improvement over the currently adopted model for bridge maintenance planning.
Bridge maintenance activities are often budgeted, scheduled and conducted for networks of bridges with different ages, types and conditions, which can make bridge network maintenance management challenging. In this study, we propose an improved maintenance planning model based on genetic algorithm for a network of bridges to bring a long-term perspective to the lifespan of bridges. To test the applicability and efficiency of the model, it is applied to a network of 100 bridges in one of the south-western provinces of Iran. The results of the model implementation show considerable potential for improvement over the currently adopted model for bridge maintenance planning.
August 2019
Air pollution concentration near sensitive urban locations: A missing factor to consider in the grade separation projects
Amin Alvanchi ,   Mostafa Rahimi Far ,    Hamed Alikhani
Abstract:
The high vehicle congestion is the main contributing factor to air pollution originated from the engine’s combustion in many urban areas. Grade separation projects have been used to solve this problem and have resulted in overall air pollution reduction in many cases. Many grade separation projects are constructed near sensitive urban locations accommodating susceptible individuals. This research argues that in such cases in addition to the overall air pollution reduction, air pollution concentration near sensitive locations is an influential factor for deciding the appropriate scenario. This research proposes a complementary simulation-based method for assessing the resulting pollution concentration of the new grade separation projects near sensitive locations. In this method, traffic congestion and air pollution of the different available project scenarios were simulated and compared. The recommended scenario was selected as a trade-off between the resulting traffic congestion, the amount of air pollution, and air pollution concentration near sensitive locations. The proposed method was applied to an actual grade separation project in Dezful, Iran using VISSIM and EnViVer traffic and air pollution simulation software packages. It was shown that air pollution concentration near sensitive locations could be reduced by up to 40% with no significant change to the overall air pollution and the average vehicle speed. The achieved results in the case study uphold the pollution concentration near sensitive locations as a possible influential factor in the grade separation projects. The proposed method targets a new aspect of the grade separation projects assessment. As a result of the proposed method implementation, unintentional adverse impacts of air pollution can be avoided on the susceptible groups of citizens. The similar method proposed for the grade separation projects in this project can be adapted for other types of urban transportation projects.
The high vehicle congestion is the main contributing factor to air pollution originated from the engine’s combustion in many urban areas. Grade separation projects have been used to solve this problem and have resulted in overall air pollution reduction in many cases. Many grade separation projects are constructed near sensitive urban locations accommodating susceptible individuals. This research argues that in such cases in addition to the overall air pollution reduction, air pollution concentration near sensitive locations is an influential factor for deciding the appropriate scenario. This research proposes a complementary simulation-based method for assessing the resulting pollution concentration of the new grade separation projects near sensitive locations. In this method, traffic congestion and air pollution of the different available project scenarios were simulated and compared. The recommended scenario was selected as a trade-off between the resulting traffic congestion, the amount of air pollution, and air pollution concentration near sensitive locations. The proposed method was applied to an actual grade separation project in Dezful, Iran using VISSIM and EnViVer traffic and air pollution simulation software packages. It was shown that air pollution concentration near sensitive locations could be reduced by up to 40% with no significant change to the overall air pollution and the average vehicle speed. The achieved results in the case study uphold the pollution concentration near sensitive locations as a possible influential factor in the grade separation projects. The proposed method targets a new aspect of the grade separation projects assessment. As a result of the proposed method implementation, unintentional adverse impacts of air pollution can be avoided on the susceptible groups of citizens. The similar method proposed for the grade separation projects in this project can be adapted for other types of urban transportation projects.
October 2018
A Simulation-Based Framework for Concurrent Safety and Productivity Improvement in Construction Projects
Farshid Baniassadi,    Amin Alvanchi ,    Ali Mostafavi
Abstract:
Purpose – Safety and productivity are key concerns in the construction projects. While safety looks to the construction workers need to work in a safe environment, productivity affects the project’s profitability and is of a paramount importance from the project owner’s view. The different perspective to the safety and productivity from these two major players in construction projects poses a potential for the conflict between the two. This problem can be fundamentally addressed by methods concurrently improving project safety and productivity. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – To this aim, a discrete event simulation (DES) based framework applicable was proposed for complex and hazardous operations. The utility of the framework was tested using a case study of an eight-story residential building in the north-east part of Tehran, Iran. The excavation and stabilization operation was identified as the most hazardous and critical operation in this case. The framework could improve safety and productivity of this operation by 38 and 4 percent, respectively. Findings – This framework is a complement to the conventional construction project safety and productivity planning methods. Its main application is in complex and hazardous construction operations. Originality/value – For the first time, a comprehensive framework for concurrently improving safety and productivity of an entire project was proposed in this research. DES was used as the main modeling tool in the framework to provide an ex-ante evaluation foundation applicable to a wide range of construction projects.
Purpose – Safety and productivity are key concerns in the construction projects. While safety looks to the construction workers need to work in a safe environment, productivity affects the project’s profitability and is of a paramount importance from the project owner’s view. The different perspective to the safety and productivity from these two major players in construction projects poses a potential for the conflict between the two. This problem can be fundamentally addressed by methods concurrently improving project safety and productivity. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – To this aim, a discrete event simulation (DES) based framework applicable was proposed for complex and hazardous operations. The utility of the framework was tested using a case study of an eight-story residential building in the north-east part of Tehran, Iran. The excavation and stabilization operation was identified as the most hazardous and critical operation in this case. The framework could improve safety and productivity of this operation by 38 and 4 percent, respectively. Findings – This framework is a complement to the conventional construction project safety and productivity planning methods. Its main application is in complex and hazardous construction operations. Originality/value – For the first time, a comprehensive framework for concurrently improving safety and productivity of an entire project was proposed in this research. DES was used as the main modeling tool in the framework to provide an ex-ante evaluation foundation applicable to a wide range of construction projects.