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Article
Publication date: 23 August 2018

Albert P.C. Chan, Yang Yang and Ran Gao

The steel construction market has undergone gradual development in the past decades given its profound impacts on environment, economy and society. The purpose of this paper is to…

Abstract

Purpose

The steel construction market has undergone gradual development in the past decades given its profound impacts on environment, economy and society. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate a better understanding of the major drivers and issues behind the market development of the steel construction industries around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step desktop research was conducted to select relevant research outputs published in the past 20 years. The research methodology in conducting these studies and their research trends were analyzed. Then the potential influencing factors for the market development of steel construction were identified through a content analysis of the selected studies.

Findings

A total of 59 articles were identified accordingly. These influencing factors were divided into five main themes: contextual, institutional, industrial, project-related and individual factors. In terms of the frequencies of these factors appeared in previous studies, “continuous development of standards, codes, and specifications” and “advance in product and process technology” were the top two driving forces in the market development of steel construction, while “cost issues” was the most frequently reported obstacle.

Originality/value

The study takes an initiative to establish a practical classification framework that can be dedicated to illuminating the critical issues or success factors affecting the development of the steel construction market. This framework can help policymakers, industry practitioners and researchers achieve sustaining success in steel construction in the developed, emerging and inactive markets.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 25 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Tianyao Ping, Wei Pan and Zhiqian Zhang

Modular construction is an innovative method that enhances the performance of building construction projects. However, the performance of steel modular construction has not been…

Abstract

Purpose

Modular construction is an innovative method that enhances the performance of building construction projects. However, the performance of steel modular construction has not been systematically understood, and the existing measurement methods exhibit limitations in effectively addressing the features of steel modular building construction. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new performance measurement framework for systematically examining the performance of steel modular construction in building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a mixed-method research design that combines a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art practices of construction performance measurement and a case study with a 17-story steel modular apartment building project in Hong Kong. The case project was measured with data collected from the project teams and other reliable channels, and the measurement practices and findings were referenced to establish a systematic performance measurement framework for steel modular construction.

Findings

Considering steel modular construction as a complex socio-technical system, a systematic performance measurement framework was developed, which considers the features of steel modular construction, focuses on the construction stage, incorporates the views of various stakeholders, integrates generic and specific key performance indicators and provides a benchmarking process. Multifaceted benefits of adopting steel modular construction were demonstrated with case study, including improved economic efficiency (e.g. nearly 10% cost savings), improved environmental friendliness (e.g. approximately 90% waste reduction) and enhanced social welfare (e.g. over 60% delivery trips reduction).

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing performance measurement methods with a new framework proposed and offers experience for future steel modular construction. The measured performance of the case project also contributes in-depth understanding on steel modular construction with benefits demonstrated. The study is expected to accelerate an effective uptake of steel modular construction in building projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Egnalda Pereira da Silva, Evandro de Azevedo Alvarenga, Maria das Mercês Reis de Castro and Vanessa de Freitas Cunha Lins

The purpose of this study was to select an atmospheric corrosion evaluation methodology and to establish a range of relative corrosion penetration and/or progress values, which…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to select an atmospheric corrosion evaluation methodology and to establish a range of relative corrosion penetration and/or progress values, which could be used as reference in the selection of materials for the civil construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Salt spray, field tests, accelerated cyclic tests and accelerated field tests were used to evaluate atmospheric corrosion resistance of civil construction materials. The cyclic accelerated test and the field test with saline solution spray were found to be appropriate for atmospheric corrosion resistance evaluation.

Findings

The corrosion resistance of aluminium killed mild steel, aluminium killed copper added steel, and electrogalvanized steels, all phosphatized and painted, were evaluated by field and accelerated corrosion tests. Of the materials studied, aluminium killed mild steel showed the least resistance to atmospheric corrosion. The use of aluminium killed copper added steel is recommended for material specification in the civil construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

Salt sprays are not adequate to evaluate atmospheric corrosion resistance. There are other cyclic tests that could be tested in future work.

Practical implications

Brazilian technical standards, which specify the metallic materials used in the civil construction industry, will be changed in order to include the construction steel corrosion resistance evaluation methodology, which is proposed in this paper. As a result, the tendency of the construction materials lifetime is set to increase.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the improvement of the Brazilian Technical Standard by the inclusion of an atmospheric corrosion resistance requirement.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 53 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2020

G.P.P.S. Perera, T.M.M.P. Tennakoon, Udayangani Kulatunga, Himal Suranga Jayasena and M.K.C.S. Wijewickrama

The purpose of this paper is to select a suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka following a systematic method which weigh, both procurement…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to select a suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka following a systematic method which weigh, both procurement selection factors and existing procurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

An abductive research stance is followed in this empirical study. Procurement selection factors were selected through a critical literature review which was followed by a quantitative questionnaire survey. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and relative important index.

Findings

The critical literature review outlined 46 procurement selection factors, out of which 26 factors were very important in steel building procurement selection. Short construction period and higher constructability of design are ranked at the top with the highest priority rating factors. Management-oriented procurement system was selected as the most appropriate procurement system for steel building constructions within the Sri Lankan context.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to widely use three procurement systems in Sri Lankan construction industry. Yet, the process followed in selecting the most appropriate procurement system could be applied for other contexts. The implications of the study are mainly identifying management-oriented procurement as the most suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka.

Practical implications

The systematic procedure of procurement method selection for steel building construction may use in the Sri Lankan construction industry to limit the resource loss due to wrong selection of procurement.

Originality/value

A study which critically and comprehensively presenting a procurement selection process for steel building construction is not recorded in Sri Lanka prior to this study.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2016

Benjamin Liebman

Government procurement policies containing domestic content requirements have faced increasing attention, as more traditional forms of trade discrimination have declined in recent…

Abstract

Purpose

Government procurement policies containing domestic content requirements have faced increasing attention, as more traditional forms of trade discrimination have declined in recent decades. The most important effort to reduce discriminatory government procurement policies is the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), in which a subset of WTO countries has agreed to provide increased access to imports from fellow signatory countries. This paper focuses on the Buy American policy, which mandates domestic content for all US Federal government purchase above the micro-purchase level. The author tests whether steel imports from GPA and US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners, both of which receive preferential access to US federal procurements, increase as the value of federal construction contracts rise.

Design/methodology/approach

The author tracks federal construction contracts and seeks to determine whether there is a link between these contracts and construction grade steel imports from GPA and US FTA members. The author uses two-stage least squares to regress the import quantity of steel from GPA and US FTA countries on the value of US federal construction contracts. Imported and domestic steel prices as well as macroeconomic variables such as industrial production and non-residential construction are controlled for. A panel data set is used that includes three different construction-grade steel products and covers years 2004-2013.

Findings

The results indicate that increased federal construction contracts increase imports of construction-grade steel from GPA and FTA partners. This effect is relatively small, however, which may be due to the fact that federal construction is a small share of overall US construction. In general, the results suggest that the primary determinant of US import sourcing behavior is the business cycle as well as the price of steel. Nevertheless, the findings indicate that the preferences provided by the GPA and FTAs do have some impact on where US construction firms source their steel.

Originality/value

Previous research has studied the effect of the WTO’s GPA on foreign access to federal construction and other service contracts. This is the first study, however, to investigate whether these contracts impact the import sourcing behavior of the steel that is used in construction. Furthermore, while previous research measures the impact of GPA membership on the overall trade of goods and services, this paper is the first to link a particular industry with the inputs that are restricted by local content requirements such as the Buy American policy but freed up under the GPA. In general, previous research on the GPA has tried to capture the broad effect of GPA membership on trade, while this study focuses on the relationship between the GPA, federal procurement in a particular industry (construction) and import behavior of a key input, construction grade steel.

Details

Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, vol. 15 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-0024

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2023

Sou-Sen Leu, Kuang-Jen Huang, Cathy Chang-Wei Hung and Pei-Lin Wu

In recent years, cost overrun becomes a common problem in steel building construction projects. The average percentage can vary widely depending on the project type, size…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, cost overrun becomes a common problem in steel building construction projects. The average percentage can vary widely depending on the project type, size, complexity and location. The steel structure change ratio in Taiwan is from 1 to 18% in statistics. The contractors always put every possible effort into preventing or mitigating project cost overruns, and one of the approaches is an accurate cost overrun risk estimate. Traditional project cost overrun risk assessment models mainly focus on macro-level evaluation and may not function well for the project-specific level (micro-level). This study creates a network-like connection model between the outcome (i.e. cost overrun risk) and the associated root causes in which the project status evaluation checklists of design, manufacturing, construction and interfaces are used to evaluate the checklists' influences through the Bayesian network (BN) composed by intermediate causes.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the constraint of data availability, BN nodes, relationships and conditional probabilities are defined to establish a BN-based steel building project cost overrun assessment model following the knowledge of experts. Because of the complexity of the BN, the construction of the BN structure is first to build BN's fault tree (FT) hierarchy. And then, basic BN framework is constructed by the transformation of the FT hierarchy. Furthermore, some worthwhile additional arcs among BN nodes are inserted if necessary. Furthermore, conditional probability tables (CPTs) among BN nodes are explored by experts following the concept of the ranked node. Finally, the BN-based model was validated against the final cost analysis reports of 15 steel building projects done in Taiwan and both were highly consistent. The overall BN-based model construction process consists of three steps: (1) FT construction and BN framework transformation, (2) CPT computation and (3) model validation.

Findings

This study established a network-like bridge model between the outcome (i.e. cost overrun risk) and the root causes in a network of which cost influences are evaluated through the project-specific status evaluation checklists of design, manufacturing, construction and interfaces. This study overcame several limitations of the previous cost overrun risk assessment models: (1) few past research support assessment of cost overrun based on real-time project-owned data and (2) the traditional causal models inadequately depict interdependencies among influence factors of cost overrun at the network. The main influence factors of the cost overrun risk at the steel building projects in Taiwan were also examined using sensitivity analysis. The main root causes of cost overrun in steel building projects are design management and interface integration.

Originality/value

The proposed model belongs to the project-specific causal assessment model using real-time project-owned status checklist data as input. Such a model was seldom surveyed in the past due to the complicated interdependence among causes in the network. For practical use, a convenient and simple regression equation was also developed to forecast the cost overrun risk of the steel building project based on the root causes as input. Based on the analysis of cost overrun risk and significant influence factors, proper tailor-made preventive strategies are established to reduce the occurrence of cost overrun at the project.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 May 2023

Hongliang Yu, Zhen Peng, Zirui He and Chun Huang

The purpose of this paper is to establish a maturity evaluation model for the application of construction steel structure welding robotics suitable for the actual situation and…

93

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a maturity evaluation model for the application of construction steel structure welding robotics suitable for the actual situation and specific characteristics of engineering projects in China and then to assess the maturity level of the technology in the application of domestic engineering projects more scientifically.

Design/methodology/approach

The research follows a qualitative and quantitative analysis method. In the first stage, the structure of the maturity model is constructed and the evaluation index system is designed by using the ideas of the capability maturity model and WSR methodology for reference. In the second stage, the design of the evaluation process and the selection of evaluation methods (analytic hierarchy process method, multi-level gray comprehensive evaluation method). In the third stage, the data are collected and organized (preparation of questionnaires, distribution of questionnaires, questionnaire collection). In the fourth stage, the established maturity evaluation model is used to analyze the data.

Findings

The evaluation model established by using multi-level gray theory can effectively transform various complex indicators into an intuitive maturity level or score status. The conclusion shows that the application maturity of building steel structure welding robot technology in this project is at the development level as a whole. The maturity levels of “WuLi – ShiLi – RenLi” are respectively: development level, development level, between starting level and development level. Comparison of maturity evaluation values of five important factors (from high to low): environmental factors, technical factors, management factors, benefit factors, personnel and group factors.

Originality/value

In this paper, based on the existing research related to construction steel structure welding robot technology, a quantitative and holistic evaluation of the application of construction steel structure welding robot technology in domestic engineering projects is conducted for the first time from a project perspective by designing a maturity evaluation index system and establishing a maturity evaluation model. This research will help the project team to evaluate the application level (maturity) of the welding robot in the actual project, identify the shortcomings and defects of the application of this technology, then improve the weak links pertinently, and finally realize the gradual improvement of the overall application level of welding robot technology for building steel structure.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2023

Rakesh Sai Kumar Mandala and R. Ramesh Nayaka

This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also providing long-term sustainable benefits that are desperately needed in today's construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The need for housing is growing worldwide, but traditional construction cannot cater to the demand due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. This paper presented a state-of-the-art review of modern construction techniques practiced worldwide and their advantages in affordable housing construction by conducting a systematic literature review and applying the backward snowball technique. The paper reviews modern prefabrication techniques and interlocking systems such as modular construction, formwork systems, light gauge steel/cold form steel construction and sandwich panel construction, which have been globally well practiced. It was understood from the overview that modular construction, including modular steel construction and precast concrete construction, could reduce time and costs efficiently. Further enhancement in the quality was also noticed. Besides, it was observed that light gauge steel construction is a modern phase of steel that eases construction execution efficiently. Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time, which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. However, the cost is subjected to the repetitions of the formwork. An interlocking system is an innovative approach to construction that uses bricks made of sustainable materials such as earth that conserve time and cost.

Findings

The study finds that the prefabrication techniques and interlocking system have a lot of unique attributes that can enable the modern construction sector to flourish. The study summarizes modern construction techniques that can save time and cost, enhancing the sustainability of construction practices, which is the need of the Indian construction industry in particular.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Practical implications

Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork.

Social implications

The need for housing is growing rapidly all over the world, but traditional construction cannot cater to the need due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society.

Originality/value

This study is unique in identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2023

Niveen Badra, Hosam Hegazy, Mohamed Mousa, Jiansong Zhang, Sharifah Akmam Syed Zakaria, Said Aboul Haggag and Ibrahim Abdul-Rashied

This research aims to create a methodology that integrates optimization techniques into preliminary cost estimates and predicts the impacts of design alternatives of steel…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to create a methodology that integrates optimization techniques into preliminary cost estimates and predicts the impacts of design alternatives of steel pedestrian bridges (SPBs). The cost estimation process uses two main parameters, but the main goal is to create a cost estimation model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores a flexible model design that uses computing capabilities for decision-making. Using cost optimization techniques, the model can select an optimal pedestrian bridge system based on multiple criteria that may change independently. This research focuses on four types of SPB systems prevalent in Egypt and worldwide. The study also suggests developing a computerized cost and weight optimization model that enables decision-makers to select the optimal system for SPBs in keeping up with the criteria established for that system.

Findings

In this paper, the authors developed an optimization model for cost estimates of SPBs. The model considers two main parameters: weight and cost. The main contribution of this study based on a parametric study is to propose an approach that enables structural engineers and designers to select the optimum system for SPBs.

Practical implications

The implications of this research from a practical perspective are that the study outlines a feasible approach to develop a computerized model that utilizes the capabilities of computing for quick cost optimization that enables decision-makers to select the optimal system for four common SPBs based on multiple criteria that may change independently and in concert with cost optimization during the preliminary design stage.

Social implications

The model can choose an optimal system for SPBs based on multiple criteria that may change independently and in concert with cost optimization. The resulting optimization model can forecast the optimum cost of the SPBs for different structural spans and road spans based on local unit costs of materials cost of steel structures, fabrication, erection and painting works.

Originality/value

The authors developed a computerized model that uses spreadsheet software's capabilities for cost optimization, enabling decision-makers to select the optimal system for SPBs meeting the criteria established for such a system. Based on structural characteristics and material unit costs, this study shows that using the optimization model for estimating the total direct cost of SPB systems, the project cost can be accurately predicted based on the conceptual design status, and positive prediction outcomes are achieved.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2018

Oluwaseun Dosumu and Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa

This paper aims to investigate the level of awareness about, adoption of and willingness to adopt light steel (LS) for building projects. It also assessed the benefits, challenges…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the level of awareness about, adoption of and willingness to adopt light steel (LS) for building projects. It also assessed the benefits, challenges and solutions to the challenges of adopting LS for building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative (questionnaire) research method was used for the study. The research design was survey in nature. The whole-population cluster sampling technique was adopted. The clusters were the LS buildings from two (Western Cape and Gauteng) out of the eight provinces in South Africa. The respondents were the construction organizations that have executed LS building projects in the selected provinces. Hence, 56 firms filled and returned the questionnaire. Data analysis was done with frequency, mean scores, t-test and analysis of variance (normality of data distribution assumed).

Findings

Results indicated that, out of the 29 areas of application of LS identified in literature, respondents were aware of 11 areas, adopted LS for seven areas and were willing to adopt LS for six areas. Respondents also noted that 18 of the 25 identified benefits of LS were relevant to South Africa. Despite the benefits, few developers embrace it, it is a threat to suppliers’ and contractors’ businesses and it delays building approval due to low awareness.

Practical implication

The implication of the results is that there is low awareness about, adoption of and willingness to adopt LS for building projects in South Africa, and this may be due to the identified challenges. To boost the awareness about, adoption of and willingness to adopt LS, LS technologies need to be imported, LS warehouses should be provided in all cities and it must be ensured that LS building projects are cheaper than conventional buildings.

Originality/value

The value of the study is that the adoption of LS for building projects will improve the capacity of sustainable development.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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