Search results

This paper aims to analyze and provide insight on the algorithms for the optimization of construction site layout planning (CSLP). It resolves problems, such as the selection of suitable algorithms, considering the optimality, optimization objectives and representation of layout solutions. The approaches for the better utilization of optimization algorithms are also presented.

To achieve the above, existing records (results = 200) were selected from three databases: Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus. By implementing a systematic protocol, the articles related to the optimization algorithms for the CLSP (results = 75) were identified. Moreover, various related themes were collated and analyzed according to a coding structure.

The results indicate the consistent and increasing interest on the optimization algorithms for the CLSP, revealing that the trend in shifting to smart approaches in the construction industry is significant. Moreover, the interest in metaheuristic algorithms is dominant because 65.3% of the selected articles focus on these algorithms. The optimality, optimization objectives and solution representations are also important in algorithm selection. With the employment of other algorithms, self-developed applications and commercial software, optimization algorithms can be better utilized for solving CSLP problems. The findings also identify the gaps and directions for future research.

The selection of articles in this review does not consider the industrial perspective and practical applications of commercial software. Further comparative analyses of major algorithms are necessary because this review only focuses on algorithm types.

This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review of articles published in the recent decade. It significantly contributes to the demonstration of the status and selection of CLSP algorithms and the benefit of using these algorithms. It also identifies the research gaps in knowledge and reveals potential improvements for future research.

Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and relies on the analysis of uncertain, imprecise and incomplete information, including subjective and linguistically expressed information. Various modelling and computing techniques have been used by construction researchers and applied to practical construction problems in order to overcome these challenges, including fuzzy hybrid techniques. Fuzzy hybrid techniques combine the human-like reasoning capabilities of fuzzy logic with the capabilities of other techniques, such as optimization, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and simulation, to capitalise on their strengths and overcome their limitations. Based on a review of construction literature, this chapter identifies the most common types of fuzzy hybrid techniques applied to construction problems and reviews selected papers in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique to illustrate their capabilities for addressing construction challenges. Finally, this chapter discusses areas for future development of fuzzy hybrid techniques that will increase their capabilities for solving construction-related problems. The contributions of this chapter are threefold: (1) the limitations of some standard techniques for solving construction problems are discussed, as are the ways that fuzzy methods have been hybridized with these techniques in order to address their limitations; (2) a review of existing applications of fuzzy hybrid techniques in construction is provided in order to illustrate the capabilities of these techniques for solving a variety of construction problems and (3) potential improvements in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique in construction are provided, as areas for future research.

Live chat e-service provides a communication platform for online customers to make information inquiries and receive instantaneous assistance from a service representative. It is important for organizations to explore ways to improve their live chat e-service. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new organization–customer communication model (Schema Resonance Model), explicate how schema resonance can be achieved in live chat e-service, and investigate the impact of schema resonance on live chat e-service effectiveness, efficiency, customer satisfaction and intention of continued use.

A post-test only, between-subjects experiment was conducted. A total of 409 participants completed the experiment sessions, and 389 of these participants were used in the analysis.

Research results suggest schema resonance could improve the time efficiency of the live chat e-service while maintaining e-service effectiveness. Schema resonance could increase customer satisfaction with the overall e-service, the communication approach used by the representative and the information provided.

Because a convenience sample was used in the experiment, results cannot be generalized to all live chat e-service users. Future research should include observation of real-world organization–customer live chat e-service sessions.

Organizations can consider applying the Schema Resonance Model in live chat e-service practices to enhance customer satisfaction and increase representatives’ service productivity.

This research proposes and tests a new organization–customer communication model to explore how organizations can improve live chat e-service in response to customers’ information inquiries.

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in the bentonite-based resistance-reducing agent (RRA) with different infiltration rates of underground water.

The corrosion behavior of the steel in underground water was assessed by weight loss experiment, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve.

The results showed that the corrosion rate of the steel in the RRA pastes was much lower than that in the original acidic soil. The underground water infiltration slightly accelerated the corrosion rate of the steel in the RRA pastes, but the acceleration role is weak. The bentonite-based RRA can be compatibly applied in the acidic soil.

The bentonite-based RRA can significantly reduce the corrosion rate of the steel and is suitable to compatibly apply in the acidic soil.

The purpose of this paper is to study the aerodynamic characteristics of Ahmed body in longitudinal and lateral platoons under crosswind by computational fluid dynamics simulation. It helps to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of vehicles by providing theoretical basis and engineering direction for the development and progress of intelligent transportation.

A two-car platoon model is used to compare with the experiment to prove the accuracy of the simulation method. The simplified Ahmed body model and the Reynolds Averaged N-S equation method are used to study the aerodynamic characteristics of vehicles at different distances under cross-winds.

When the longitudinal distance x/L = 0.25, the drag coefficients of the middle and trailing cars at β = 30° are improved by about 272% and 160% compared with β = 10°. The side force coefficients of the middle and trailing cars are increased by 50% and 62%. When the lateral distance y/W = 0.25, the side force coefficients of left and middle cars at β = 30° are reduced by 38% and 37.5% compared with β = 10°. However, the side force coefficient of the right car are increased by about 84.3%.

Most of the researches focus on the overtaking process, and there are few researches on the neat lateral platoon. The innovation of this paper is that in addition to studying the aerodynamic characteristics of longitudinal driving, the aerodynamic characteristics of neat lateral driving are also studied, and crosswind conditions are added. The authors hope to contribute to the development of intelligent transportation.

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils.

The corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated red and yellow soils was compared by weight-loss, SEM/EDS, 3D ultra-depth microscopy and electrochemical measurements.

R_p of the steel gradually increases and i_corr gradually decreases in both the red and yellow soils with time. The R_p of the steel in the red soil is lower, but its i_corr is higher than that in the yellow soil. The uniform corrosion rate, diameter and density of the corrosion pit on the steel surface in the red soil are greater than those in the yellow soil. Lower pH, higher contents of corrosive anions and high-valence Fe oxides in the red soil are responsible for its higher corrosion rates and local corrosion susceptibility.

This paper investigates the difference in corrosion behavior of carbon steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils, which can help to understand the mechanism of soil corrosion.

High-silicon chromium iron (HSCI) has been used in ground grids in southern China, while there was a lack of study on its corrosion behavior in this soil environment. The purpose of this paper is to discover the corrosion of HSCI in acidic and alkaline soil solutions.

The original defects on the HSCI surface were observed using optical microscopy, and the corrosion behavior of the HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions were jointly detected using electrochemical measurements and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer.

The results showed the corrosion rates of the HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions were limited, and the high contents of Cr and Si in matrix was responsible for its high corrosion resistance. The HSCI showed a similar corrosion tendency in the two solutions, while its corrosion rate in the acid soil solution was higher than that in the alkaline soil solution. The corrosion pits on the specimen surface were originated from the original defects in matrix, and the edges of the corrosion pits were more rounded than the original defects after 720 h immersion in the two solutions. The original defects in the HSCI matrix played a significant role in the corrosion process.

The paper discovered the corrosion evolution of HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions. What is more, the acceleration role of the original defects on the corrosion of the HSCI in the acidic and alkaline soil solutions was discovered in the paper. The results are beneficial for the material selection of ground grid equipment in engineering.

The study aims to understand how cultural route heritage is conceptualized and managed in China by systematically reviewing the research literature on Chinese cultural route heritage (CRH). The study intends to inspire further discussion on the theoretical and practical development of cultural routes since the development is still at a liminal stage in China.

A total of 253 research articles related to Chinese cultural rote heritage from major Chinese and English research databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus have been comprehensively identified and reviewed for the purpose of the study.

Four major themes of research on Chinese CRH have been identified: conceptual evaluation, list of the routes and characteristics of the routes, conservation and utilization. The results revealed that China has very rich resources in CRH, many of which were formed a long time ago, which exist across vast geographic regions and have assumed multiple functions and undergone dynamic reciprocal exchanges among diverse cultures and ethnicities.

The paper summarizes some major obstacles faced by CRH in China and proposes a strategic model to address the need for a more sustainable development of CRH in the Chinese context.

The paper offers a comprehensive overview of CRH in China and discusses practical issues in management and development of heritage great in size, number and complexity.

External assistance is often urgently required when an area is struck by a catastrophe. Central government-oriented aid (CGA), national non-governmental organizations aid (NNA), and international humanitarian aid (IHA) are three typical aid models, and national counterpart aid (NCA) is an innovative model for post-Wenchuan earthquake recovery and reconstruction (PWERR). The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative study of the aid models in order to develop recommendations on external assistance for better post-disaster recovery and reconstruction (PDRR).

This study was performed in three steps: a case study on the NCA model during the PWERR; a documentary research on the CGA, NNA and IHA models; and a comparative analysis of the four models.

The results of the comparative study show that the NCA model is more efficient and effective than the other three typical aid models. However it must be based on the premise of a centralized government.

The NCA model contributes to disaster management in a developing country context. It develops a viable model for developing countries in coping with the catastrophe, can enhance their ability for domestic self-assistance, and has reference to the construction of national integrated disaster management systems.

This paper empirically researches the innovative NCA model, and compares it with commonly used aid models for the PDRR. Although it is a Chinese experience, the systematic inter-governmental collaboration of the NCA model has reference to other countries in disaster management.