Abstract 3D printing, more formally known as additive manufacturing (AM), has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, with foreseeable benefits including greater structural efficiency, reduction in material consumption and wastage, streamlining and expedition of the design-build process, enhanced customisation, greater architectural freedom and improved accuracy and safety on-site. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods for construction products, metal 3D printing offers ready opportunities to create non-prismatic sections, internal stiffening, openings, functionally graded elements, variable microstructures and mechanical properties through controlled heating and cooling and thermally-induced prestressing. Additive manufacturing offers many opportunities for the construction sector, but there will also be fresh challenges and demands, such as the need for more digitally savvy engineers, greater use of advanced computational analysis and a new way of thinking for the design and verification of structures, with greater emphasis on inspection and load testing. It is envisaged that AM will complement, rather than replace, conventional production processes, with clear potential for hybrid solutions and structural strengthening and repairs. These opportunities and challenges are explored in this paper as part of a wider review of different methods of metal 3D printing, research and early applications of additive manufacturing in the construction industry. Lessons learnt for metal 3D printing in construction from additive manufacturing using other materials and in other industries are also presented.
Abstract The challenges of sustainable construction, industrial growth and importance of resource efficiency are clearly recognised by the UK government and are now at the forefront of strategy and policy. A critical component of the government’s sustainability strategies concerns way in which construction and demolition waste (C&DW) is managed. In this study a mixed method approach was adopted to investigate current practices of C&DW management and circular construction (re-use, recycle and recovery of materials) concept awareness in the UK. Relevant stakeholders from the construction industry (contracting, demolition and C&DW organisations) were selected and their views solicited on arguments about circular construction to help establish common visions and further encourage sustainable behaviour across the sector. The study revealed that legislation by the government on the re-use and recycling threshold for every new project can substantially improve circularity within the built environment. More specifically, focus should be on smart dismantling of buildings and ways of optimising cost effective processes. This will enable fair competition between stakeholders and eventually lead to investments in innovative approaches for resource recovery from C&DW. Further incentives and appreciations from government should also be given to stakeholders who are innovating and setting benchmarks in circular construction. This can lead to harmonised technological and non-technological solutions, closed-loop material processes and a circular economy.
Abstract Blockchain as an emergent decentralized digital technology has been widely explored in many sectors to remedy the deficiencies of centralized solutions It has been recognized that blockchain technology has great potential to facilitate business activities spanning the whole life cycle of a building project in the construction industry, such as better communication or understanding, documents sharing, stage transition and quality endorsement. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the application of blockchain in the construction domain found that there are few studies and applications of blockchain in construction practices, and most of the current research involves qualitative studies only. In this paper, we aim to explore the feasibility of applying both public blockchain and private blockchain technologies in the construction industry using two industry cases. Two business process cases (i.e., Case 1 and Case 2) were selected and used to drive the blockchain-based software system architecture design. The proposed architectures were demonstrated using Hyperledger Fabric (a private, permissioned and open source blockchain platform) and Ethereum (a public blockchain platform) respectively, to reflect the different requirements of the two use cases. This pilot study also illustrates the process, benefits, and challenges of adopting private and public blockchain technologies in construction domain. This research provides insights to researchers and practitioners regarding the adoption of blockchain technology, especially in construction industry.
Juan Manuel Davila Delgado, Lukumon O. Oyedele, P. Demian
et al.
Abstract This paper presents a study on the usage landscape of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, and proposes a research agenda to address the existing gaps in required capabilities. A series of exploratory workshops and questionnaires were conducted with the participation of 54 experts from 36 organisations from industry and academia. Based on the data collected from the workshops, six AR and VR use-cases were defined: stakeholder engagement, design support, design review, construction support, operations and management support, and training. Three main research categories for a future research agenda have been proposed, i.e.: (i) engineering-grade devices, which encompasses research that enables robust devices that can be used in practice, e.g. the rough and complex conditions of construction sites; (ii) workflow and data management; to effectively manage data and processes required by AR and VR technologies; and (iii) new capabilities; which includes new research required that will add new features that are necessary for the specific construction industry demands. This study provides essential information for practitioners to inform adoption decisions. To researchers, it provides a research road map to inform their future research efforts. This is a foundational study that formalises and categorises the existing usage of AR and VR in the construction industry and provides a roadmap to guide future research efforts.
The construction sector is traditionally known for a harsh working culture characterized by uncertainty, frequent crises, and long working hours, which increase stress among employees at all organizational levels. The primary objective of the present research is to examine the extent to which workplace stress factors grouped under organisational/interpersonal, task and physical stressor categories influence professionals within the construction industry. A cross-sectional online survey of 185 construction professionals in Turkey was conducted between October 2024 and February 2025. Findings reveal that the task stressors category associated with increased workload exerts the most significant adverse effect on employees, while organisational/interpersonal stressors are the least impactful. The analysis also shows significant variations in perceptions across different demographic and workplace contexts. An overwhelming majority of significant differences between male and female employees occur within the “Organizational/Interpersonal Stressors”, with six out of the eight significant factors falling under this category. In particular, the most pronounced gender-based differences are observed in specific areas such as gender and age discrimination in promotion and development opportunities at work, fear of failure at the job/job insecurity and insufficient encouragement/support from managers. In addition, young professionals and employees of medium sized firms are found to be more severely influenced by task stressors. By highlighting the differing perceptions of stress factors among employees based on their demographic profiles, these findings provide insights for managers in formulating effective organizational policies. Establishing goals about streamlining tasks, reviewing hiring policies to reduce workloads, providing guidance and training for employees’ task prioritization skills, and implementing workload redistribution strategies are some of the strategies that may be considered by organisations in the construction industry.
The construction industry faces increasing conflicts over additional construction costs due to economic uncertainties, such as global pandemics and wars. These disputes often lead to project delays, legal actions, and even construction halts, causing significant financial and operational losses for stakeholders. To address these challenges, this study develops a simulation model based on evolutionary game theory (EGT) to identify the key influencing factors and applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to analyze and manage the conflicts between contractors and owners in private construction projects. The model quantifies decision-making dynamics by calculating the relative importance of various factors under different scenarios. A proof-of-concept simulation of the model reveals that cooperative evolution dynamics significantly decrease when the cost-sharing ratio reaches 0.5 for contractors and 0.9 for owners. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis indicates that exceeding cost-sharing thresholds undermines cooperation, increasing the risk of disputes. Through this simulation, this study concludes that fostering mutual trust and informed decision-making on cost-sharing ratio significantly reduces project disputes and enhances the stakeholders’ profitability. The developed model and its framework serve as valuable tools for providing project stakeholders with actionable insights aimed at fostering strategic behaviors that minimize dispute-driven financial risks in construction projects.
The number of accidents in the Korean construction industry has been increasing rapidly, reaching about 25,000 every year. Although strong and binding laws and systems have been implemented to reduce accidents in the construction industry, the frequency of accidents is still higher than that of other industries. While existing studies have provided models for predicting occupational accidents, there are limitations in predicting individual workers’ occupational accidents specific to site conditions and worker tasks. This study proposed a deep neural network model that can classify and predict core accident types for workers in construction sites, considering the characteristics of the site and workers based on 70,204 case data from the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. The result of this study would contribute to improve safety in construction sites by being used for safety accident prevention training customized for workers at construction sites. Additionally, the model can be expanded to develop a real-time construction site occupational accident monitoring and early warning system by integrating ICT-based safety management technologies such as wearable devices and CCTV.
Demographic decline and economic challenges have become pressing issues in the European Union (EU), where balanced development and social cohesion remain central objectives. Romania, similar to other Central and Eastern European states, faces the combined pressures of negative natural population growth and sustained emigration of skilled workers. This study investigates how these demographic shifts shape labor market dynamics in Bihor County, Romania, focusing on employers’ perspectives.
The research is based on a sociological survey conducted with 254 companies across various economic sectors. The analysis explores employer perceptions of labor shortages, identifies the main occupational areas affected, and examines preferred long-term policy responses. Results indicate that 67.7% of employers experience persistent difficulties in filling certain or most positions, with acute shortages reported in vocational professions related to heavy industry (metal processing, chemical industry) and construction. Salary levels are perceived as having only a moderate impact on recruitment difficulties, while structural factors—such as the misalignment between the educational system and labor market needs, as well as outward migration to higher-wage EU regions—emerge as key concerns.
Correlation analyses between company size, workforce deficits, and other survey variables revealed weak and inconsistent relationships, suggesting that these factors are poor predictors of employer evaluations. Importantly, while employers reject importing labor from outside the EU, they express strong support for policies aimed at reinforcing the domestic workforce, including improved working conditions and pro-natalist measures.
The findings underscore the importance of EU-level frameworks, particularly Cohesion Policy and the European Social Model, in supporting regions disproportionately affected by demographic decline and labor shortages, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the Union.
Jake Zappin, Trevor Stalnaker, Oscar Chaparro
et al.
This position paper examines the substantial divide between academia and industry within quantum software engineering. For example, while academic research related to debugging and testing predominantly focuses on a limited subset of primarily quantum-specific issues, industry practitioners face a broader range of practical concerns, including software integration, compatibility, and real-world implementation hurdles. This disconnect mainly arises due to academia's limited access to industry practices and the often confidential, competitive nature of quantum development in commercial settings. As a result, academic advancements often fail to translate into actionable tools and methodologies that meet industry needs. By analyzing discussions within quantum developer forums, we identify key gaps in focus and resource availability that hinder progress on both sides. We propose collaborative efforts aimed at developing practical tools, methodologies, and best practices to bridge this divide, enabling academia to address the application-driven needs of industry and fostering a more aligned, sustainable ecosystem for quantum software development.
The rise of Generative AI (GAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has transformed industrial landscapes, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation while raising critical ethical, regulatory, and operational challenges. This study conducts a text-based analysis of 160 guidelines and policy statements across fourteen industrial sectors, utilizing systematic methods and text-mining techniques to evaluate the governance of these technologies. By examining global directives, industry practices, and sector-specific policies, the paper highlights the complexities of balancing innovation with ethical accountability and equitable access. The findings provide actionable insights and recommendations for fostering responsible, transparent, and safe integration of GAI and LLMs in diverse industry contexts.
The fashion industry is an extremely profitable market that generates trillions of dollars in revenue by producing and distributing apparel, footwear, and accessories. This systematic literature review (SLR) seeks to systematically review and analyze the research landscape about the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and metaverse in the fashion industry. Thus, investigating the impact of integrating both technologies to enhance the fashion industry. This systematic review uses the Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, including three essential phases: identification, evaluation, and reporting. In the identification phase, the target search problems are determined by selecting appropriate keywords and alternative synonyms. After that 578 documents from 2014 to the end of 2023 are retrieved. The evaluation phase applies three screening steps to assess papers and choose 118 eligible papers for full-text reading. Finally, the reporting phase thoroughly examines and synthesizes the 118 eligible papers to identify key themes associated with GAI and Metaverse in the fashion industry. Based on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analyses performed for both GAI and metaverse for the fashion industry, it is concluded that the integration of GAI and the metaverse holds the capacity to profoundly revolutionize the fashion sector, presenting chances for improved manufacturing, design, sales, and client experiences. Accordingly, the research proposes a new framework to integrate GAI and metaverse to enhance the fashion industry. The framework presents different use cases to promote the fashion industry using the integration. Future research points for achieving a successful integration are demonstrated.
Abstract The ceramic industry produces a significant volume of ceramic waste (CW), representing around 20–30% of its the entire output. The waste mostly comes from challenges noticed in the manufacturing process, overproduction, and damage to products. Considering the substantial worldwide production of ceramics, it is crucial to efficiently handle and recycle this waste to promote sustainability efforts. This study explores the conversion of ceramic waste into fine aggregates suitable for the production of paver blocks. Currently, a variety of assessments are being conducted to determine the effectiveness of these enhanced paver blocks. The evaluations involve aspects like compressive strength, water absorption (WA), dry density, flow table measurements, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and rebound hammer tests. The results indicate that replacing natural aggregates with up to 30% CW significantly improves compressive strength (CS) and Rebound results from tests. This study provides useful information into optimising the content of CW in paver blocks, contributing to the development of sustainable and economical construction materials. Furthermore, it focusses on minimising landfill waste and preserving natural resources.
The complexity of tunnel construction places it in a position of great importance in the overall construction of highways, and the carbon emissions generated during its construction also account for a large portion. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pointed out the need to "actively and steadily promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality." As one of the main contributors of carbon emissions, the transportation industry needs to actively increase its efforts to reduce emissions, innovate ways to reduce emissions, and not overlook any sources of carbon emissions. This article relies on the Linshuang Expressway project, which combines theoretical calculation logic with information and Internet of Things technology to complete the construction of a real-time monitoring system for carbon emissions during tunnel construction in mountainous areas. Through this system, construction carbon emissions can be visualized and monitored in real-time, providing reliable data support for emission reduction in tunnel construction, and providing technical references for promoting low-carbon, clean, and green highway tunnel construction, in order to further support the development of a strong transportation country.
The goals and benefits of implementing building information modeling (BIM) in different facilities are comparable, although there are variations in the employed technologies. Nevertheless, when considering the practical aspects of BIM, the specific variations in implementing BIM across different facilities lack clarity. This study investigated the variations in viewpoints among participants in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry regarding the adoption of BIM. The objective was to assess the necessity of developing diverse BIM application strategies based on the specific needs of AEC facilities. The following outlines the investigative process: (1) The survey questions were structured as items that necessitate prior investigation and consultation of BIM execution plans from prominent countries. (2) Appropriate statistical tests were chosen to analyze the correlation between respondents’ information and the questions. (3) The findings of the analysis conducted on the group of respondents were deliberated. The survey revealed that strategic variations are essential for the implementation of space for meetings in a technical setting, the formulation of data standards and BIM team for a cooperative environment, and the assessment of subjects based on the type of facility. Specifically, client-specified common data environments exhibited variations in the responsibilities of participants, while the assignment of BIM coordinators also displayed differences in participant roles, depending on the type of facilities involved. Nevertheless, all participants were in complete agreement regarding the collaborative environment, technical environment, organizational structure, implementation guide, and the necessity for evaluation. Surveys of the perceptions of these AEC participants help identify factors that may hinder collaboration in advance and assist in adjusting communication and collaboration strategies. The BIM implementation strategy, which considers variations depending on the type of facility and the role of participants, facilitates seamless collaboration throughout the project and helps establish forward-thinking guidelines for BIM operations from the standpoint of the client and governance.
Secure and efficient communication to establish a seamless nexus between the five levels of a typical automation pyramid is paramount to Industry 4.0. Specifically, vertical and horizontal integration of these levels is an overarching requirement to accelerate productivity and improve operational activities. Vertical integration can improve visibility, flexibility, and productivity by connecting systems and applications. Horizontal integration can provide better collaboration and adaptability by connecting internal production facilities, multi-site operations, and third-party partners in a supply chain. In this paper, we propose an Edge-computing-based Industrial Gateway for interfacing information technology and operational technology that can enable Industry 4.0 vertical and horizontal integration. Subsequently, we design and develop a working prototype to demonstrate a remote production-line maintenance use case with a strong focus on security aspects and the edge paradigm to bring computational resources and data storage closer to data sources.
This paper presents a comprehensive survey of network analysis research on the film industry, aiming to evaluate its emergence as a field of study and identify potential areas for further research. Many foundational network studies made use of the abundant data from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) to test network methodologies. This survey focuses more specifically on examining research that employs network analysis to evaluate the film industry itself, revealing the social and business relationships involved in film production, distribution, and consumption. The paper adopts a classification approach based on node type and summarizes the key contributions in relation to each. The review provides insights into the structure and interconnectedness of the field, highlighting clusters of debates and shedding light on the areas in need of further theoretical and methodological development. In addition, this survey contributes to understanding film industry network analysis and informs researchers interested in network methods within the film industry and related cultural sectors.
In the last century the automotive industry has arguably transformed society, being one of the most complex, sophisticated and technologically advanced industries, with innovations ranging from hybrid, electric and self-driving smart cars to the development of IoT-connected cars. Due to its complexity, it requires the involvement of many Industry 4.0 technologies, like robotics, advanced manufacturing systems, cyber-physical systems or augmented reality. One of the latest technologies that can benefit the automotive industry is blockchain, which can enhance its data security, privacy, anonymity, traceability, accountability, integrity, robustness, transparency, trustworthiness and authentication, as well as provide long-term sustainability and a higher operational efficiency to the whole industry. This review analyzes the great potential of applying blockchain technologies to the automotive industry emphasizing its cybersecurity features. Thus, the applicability of blockchain is evaluated after examining the state-of-the-art and devising the main stakeholders' current challenges. Furthermore, the article describes the most relevant use cases, since the broad adoption of blockchain unlocks a wide area of short- and medium-term promising automotive applications that can create new business models and even disrupt the car-sharing economy as we know it. Finally, after a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, some recommendations are enumerated with the aim of guiding researchers and companies in future cyber-resilient automotive industry developments.
China’s construction industry is the pillar industry of the national economy, but the market competition faced by construction enterprises is becoming increasingly fierce. The general contractor must carry out close business cooperation with other subcontractors and integrate the valuable resources of all parties to cope with the competition jointly. Based on this, this paper constructs the evolutionary game model between the general contractor and the subcontractor. The equilibrium point is calculated by copying the dynamic equation, and the influence of parameters on the evolution probability of both sides is explored. Finally, combined with the numerical simulation, some suggestions on the matching of construction subcontractor suppliers are put forward: improve the cognitive level of the supply chain and reduce the contract cost of the enterprise; adopt an efficient and transparent supervision mechanism to reduce the risk of cooperation; improve the information transmission network of the supply chain and reduce the cost of failure; clear project claims and reward and punishment measures to enhance the enthusiasm of enterprises.