• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.747-753
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• 2009

Planning the construction for a system of bored piles in building foundation engineering is (1) to predict the time duration required to complete all the bored piles with due consideration of relevant engineering factors and site constraints; then (2) to predict the total project time generally by aggregating the predicted working duration for construction of each bored pile. The duration for construction of an individual bored pile results from analyzing various working sequences and different activity duration (such as predrilling, excavation, steelfixing, air-lifting, and concreting, etc.), which is informed by experiences and site records of previous projects. However, determining the project duration for constructing many bored piles on one site is much more complicated than adding up the time duration for individual piles. In practice, project schedules are often found to be unrealistic and incorrect during the construction stage. This is because construction planning is not based on a exhaustive and comprehensive evaluation of site factors, such as site layout plan, site constraints, quality control, environmental control, safety control and logical relationships between different trades. In this paper, we identify those factors based on a foundation engineering site in Hong Kong with ninety-seven bored piles and address their effects on uncertainties in activity time and project time.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2020.12a
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• pp.399-408
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• 2020

The construction industry is suffering from aging workers, frequent accidents, as well as low productivity. With the rapid development of information technologies in recent years, automatic construction, especially automatic cranes, is regarded as a promising solution for the above problems and attracting more and more attention. However, in practice, limited by the complexity and dynamics of construction environment, manual inspection which is time-consuming and error-prone is still the only way to recognize the search object for the operation of crane. To solve this problem, an image-processing-based automated object recognition approach is proposed in this paper, which is a fusion of Convolutional-Neutral-Network (CNN)-based and traditional object detections. The search object is firstly extracted from the background by the trained Faster R-CNN. And then through a series of image processing including Canny, Hough and Endpoints clustering analysis, the vertices of the search object can be determined to locate it in 3D space uniquely. Finally, the features (e.g., centroid coordinate, size, and color) of the search object are extracted for further recognition. The approach presented in this paper was implemented in OpenCV, and the prototype was written in Microsoft Visual C++. This proposed approach shows great potential for the automatic operation of crane. Further researches and more extensive field experiments will follow in the future.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.241-256
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• 2017

This paper introduces the process for Multi-objective Optimization Framework (MOF) which mediates multiple conflicting design targets. Even though the extensive researches have shown the benefits of optimization in engineering and design disciplines, most optimizations have been limited to the performance-related targets or the single-objective optimization which seek optimum solution within one design parameter. In design practice, however, designers should consider the multiple parameters whose resultant purposes are conflicting. The MOF is a BIM-integrated and simulation-based parametric workflow capable of optimizing the configuration of building components by using performance and non-performance driven measure to satisfy requirements including build programs, climate-based daylighting, occupant's experience, construction cost and etc. The MOF will generate, evaluate all different possible configurations within the predefined each parameter, present the most optimized set of solution, and then feed BIM environment to minimize data loss across software platform. This paper illustrates how Multi-objective optimization methodology can be utilized in design practice by integrating advanced simulation, optimization algorithm and BIM.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2016.05a
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• pp.191-191
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• 2016

Hai River Basin is one of China's major agricultural areas, with a huge rural population. Water conservancy is of great importance in this region. There are three integral elements in managing rural water resources: the consideration of current situation, the adoption of effective management measures, and the projection of future needs. In this study, we provide an in-depth investigation of current water resources situation of Hai River Basin. Five issues are analyzed: (1) the construction of conservancy projects; (2) the irrigation of farmland; (3)the safety of drinking water; (4)the protection of water environment; and (5)the model of management practice. Existing problems are diagnosed and possible solutions are discussed. Finally, a summary is made for managing water resources and meeting future needs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute Of Construction Engineering and Management
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• autumn
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• pp.296-299
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• 2002

Construction Management tends to create a formal procurement resulted from recent legislative procedures system in domestic construction industry. However, the fact that construction Manager(CMr) has been chosen, in practice, under a poor circumstance in selecting and discriminating specialty requires the more optimal procedures. Therefore, in this research, we analyze the existing shortcomings. the various procedures, influence factors, and the criteria to be considered in selecting and evaluating CMr. Also. this study suggests the improved method based on the facts above. To accomplish the construction project successfully, it is one of the advanced schemes to choose an adequate CMr needed to the project through the precision in the formation and application of the procedure as well as the suggested criterion in selecting CM.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2010.05a
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• pp.153-157
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• 2010

As the recent economic downturn continues to undermine the profits of construction industry in Korea, it has become ever more pressing to improve productivity of the industry. Since construction site management manpower staffing plan has close bearing on the productivity of construction projects, it is essential to estimate and mobilize adequate number of resources as per conditions and characteristics of each construction site. However, there are no reference approaches in practice to provide baseline for site management manpower staffing plan or estimation of manpower requirement. Therefore, this study aims to examine factors affecting productivity that warrants first and foremost consideration in development of site management manpower staffing plan during the initial phase of building construction project by conducting survey on industry stakehoders with hands-on responsibilities in construction sites and analyzing their responses. Conclusions herein will provide basic inputs for subsequent studies on development of site management manpower staffing plan as per project characteristics.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.7 no.8
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• pp.635-644
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• 2020

The construction industry in developing countries like Vietnam, which incorporates small and medium construction enterprises, is typically more prone to disputes and contract dispute-related lawsuits. A dispute may occur at any time in the life cycle of the project. It is sometimes solved with the intermediation of a lawyer or directly by stakeholders. Understanding the causes of disputes in a construction project not only improves the efficiency of a company but also increases the success of projects. This study was carried out using a questionnaire survey at construction projects in Ho Chi Minh City. Sample data with 117 observations were analyzed to find the disputing factors in construction projects: diversity of working style among the parties; reluctance to work; and poor teamwork. Correlation coefficient on a rank of factors between design consultant and contractor; Design consultant and project owners are positively correlated. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) analysis identified six groups of factors in construction disputes: cooperation, technology, economics, productivity, information, and behavior. The findings are useful for enterprise practice and provide participants with an overview of sources of dispute. Thus, a more complete risk management plan can be formulated, which will accelerate project progress and improve the likelihood of success.

• Journal of Construction Engineering and Project Management
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.7-14
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• 2016

While the idea of the existence of a set of key factors for success in planning, designing and construction of projects is not new, it remains one of the most important issues in the field of construction management. This is due to project success factors are inputs to project management practice which can lead directly or indirectly to project success. This study identifies the success factors which can be used for improving the highway projects performance in Egypt during the project pre-construction and construction phases. Through a detailed literature review 35 success factors are identified. Furthermore, the AHP is adopted to prioritize the studied factors through the application of questionnaire survey. The study establishes that implementing an effective quality control and assurance systems, allow sufficient time for feasibility studies, design, drawing and tender preparation, effective cost control system and frequency of project budget updates, preparing adequate designs and drawings and determining sufficient time to implement the desired scope of work are the most important success factors for enhancing the highway projects performance in Egypt.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2007.03a
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• pp.800-809
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• 2007

Current payment methods have many faults which are detrimental to the formation and completion of a project. This includes the use of unfair payment terms, pricing strategies and payment mechanisms between the contracting parties. This resulted in being criticised and remain in doubt, the use of current payment methods to reward good contractors and to distinguish poorly performed construction firms. In order to have an insight into this issue, a structured survey was conducted amongst UK construction practitioners. It was found that traditional pricing methods (i.e. lump sum and unit price), payment methods (i.e. interim valuation) and retention still dominate current practice. The empirical findings show that there are significant differences in the use of pricing and payment methods (when making and receiving payments) in construction. Significant differences also found in the factors affecting the choice of pricing methods when making (and receiving) construction payments. The paper concludes with analysis of the findings and future direction of research in payment systems is also provided.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2022.06a
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• pp.465-472
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• 2022

Manual material handling is the one of the leading causes for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and lower back discomfort. According to a study, construction formworkers suffer greater rates of muscular injuries and related illness due to manual activities. However, there is still a paucity of information on MSD, preventive posture issues, and corresponding solutions for construction aluminum formworkers. As a result, MSD and disregard of worker health and safety continue to exist at construction sites. Although preventive measures and strategies have been studied in previous research, we believe it is imperative to shed light on this problem through this study. This study aims to 1) implement a simple and cost-effective elevated bench to reduce MSDs, and 2) determine the rapid upper limbs assessment (RULA) and Ovako working posture analyzing system (OWAS) action catagory of workers in different postures to assess their MSD conditions and obtain an optimal position and posture using the Jack human modeling software and simulation tool. The study findings reveal a considerable reduction in MSD discomfort and which posture is acceptable in post-intervention instances.Thus results provide inexpensive and simple ergonomic interventions with favorable RULA and OWAS ratings that can be applied at construction sites. This study demonstrates workstation ergonomic intervention cases that can aid in understanding the urgency of applying existing research strategies into practice.