Junnile L. Romero, Volker Recksiek, Rafaela Debastiani
et al.
Abstract Waelz, Linz-Donawitz, and Fayalite slags are one of the largest industrial byproducts. They are presently under-utilized, and ending up in landfill. This work demonstrates that mixtures of these slags can be directly valorized, given that the combined composition has basicity (CaO/SiO₂ = 0.9–1.0) without the addition of fresh fluxes. Furthermore, the current work contributes to a deeper understanding of slag behavior by linking basicity and viscosity to interfacial tension and by constructing an isoviscosity-ternary phase diagram of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3. The current methodology gives a more comprehensive approach for designing self-fluxing slag mixtures that is feasible for smelting. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) measurements of the smelted products show the internal micro-structure, which provided insights into the correlations between viscosity, interfacial-tension, and the performance of each mixture. The metal product qualifies as vanadium-bearing pig iron based on the elemental analysis while the slag met the criteria for non-hazardous, construction-grade material according to the specifications of the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. Additionally, the roasted slag contains phases suitable for ceramic and porcelain applications, broadening its commercial application. The study illustrates a practical implementation of circular-economy principles for the metal industry and for metallurgical waste management by demonstrating electrified pyrometallurgy based on the induction furnace.
Abstract This study investigates the macroscopic properties of ecological building materials prepared from recycled industrial waste through comprehensive analysis of chemical microscopic phase composition and interface interaction mechanisms. Three primary industrial wastes (fly ash, blast furnace slag, and steel slag) were systematically incorporated as cement replacements at various proportions. Advanced characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were employed to establish quantitative relationships between microstructural parameters and macroscopic performance. Results demonstrate that optimized waste incorporation achieves superior mechanical properties, with the optimal combination containing 15% fly ash, 7.5% steel slag, and 22.5% blast furnace slag exhibiting 52.3 MPa compressive strength, representing 16.2% improvement over reference cement. Quantitative phase analysis revealed enhanced C–S–H gel formation (58.2% vs. 54.3%) through pozzolanic reactions, while interfacial transition zone characteristics significantly influenced overall performance. The developed structure–property relationship models achieved correlation coefficients exceeding 0.92 for strength prediction, enabling rational material design optimization. This research provides scientific foundations for waste-derived building material development while contributing to circular economy implementation and environmental sustainability in construction industry.
Background. This study develops a comprehensive approach to traffic congestion forecasting using synthetic data that simulates the dynamics of urban traffic. A hybrid methodology is proposed that combines time series analysis and deep learning, which is highly relevant for modeling nonlinear dependencies and patterns in traffic data.
Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a predictive model capable of accurately forecasting traffic congestion levels while accounting for seasonal and weather-related factors.
Materials and methods. To identify patterns in the data, additive time series decomposition, spectral analysis based on the fast Fourier transform, and autocorrelation analysis were applied. The predictive model was implemented using a two-stage approach: the classical ARIMA algorithm was used for baseline forecasting, while an LSTM architecture with two recurrent layers and regularization was trained on 24-hour sequences. Additionally, to compare and validate the results, the ensemble method Random Forest was used, configured with the following hyperparameters: 200 trees, maximum depth of 12, minimum samples per leaf of 2.
Results. The results demonstrate the superiority of the LSTM model over ARIMA and Random Forest in terms of predictive accuracy, as confirmed by visual comparison of forecasts with test data and by the mean squared error metric. Key factors influencing congestion were identified, including daily traffic intensity cycles, increased load during precipitation events (up to 30% during snow and 20% during rain), as well as temperature-dependent modulation of traffic flow.
EDN: HHJBXM
Data monetization is leveraging data to obtain economic benefits. In the context of Big Data Analytics (BDA), data serves as a fundamental asset, enabling the transformation into valuable insights throughout various construction phases. Unfortunately, there is lack of studies focusing on data monetization within the construction industry, given the unique supply and demand characteristics among construction stakeholders. This study aims to address the objective of identifying data monetization strategies applicable to the construction industry, particularly for data sellers and data buyers. Data was gathered through a quantitative survey among 100 construction practitioners in Malaysia, encompassing developers, contractors, consultants, government agencies, technology providers, and academia. Respondents were further categorized into data sellers and data buyers. The data were analyzed using mean analysis, t-test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The study identified six data monetization strategies, comprising 19 determinants. The analysis revealed high preference on all data monetization strategies and moderate differences in the preferred strategies between data sellers and buyers. Significant differences were found in 3 determinants which are (1) trading data to facilitate decision-making, (2) trading data for construction reports, benchmarks, and indices, and (3) selling visualized data on real-time platforms. The t-test indicated that data sellers are more inclined towards the three strategies for effective monetization. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation coefficient revealed the 3 determinants also positively influence another 3 determinants of (1) data wrapping to reflect better service from data provider, (2) buying raw data with its inherit information and (3) monetizing internal data to optimize organization’s work process. The insights enable stakeholders to implement mechanisms that foster data monetization within project cultures accelerating BDA undertakings. Future recommendations include using larger sample sizes to enhance generalizability and to explore more areas such as construction contracts, cost, health, and safety.
Mixed reality (MR) technology has the potential to enhance building construction inspection and monitoring processes, improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety. This systematic review intends to investigate the present research status on MR in building construction inspection and monitoring. The review covers existing literature and practical case studies that scrutinize current technologies, their applications, challenges, and future trends in this rapidly evolving field. This article follows a methodology known as Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to enhance the credibility and reliability of research. The study includes articles published between 2018 and 2023, identified through a comprehensive search of Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Findings indicate that MR technology has the potential to enhance visualization, communication, and collaboration between stakeholders, as well as increase efficiency and accuracy in inspection and monitoring tasks by providing real-time interactable data and quick decision-making among the project team members. The adoption of MR technology in the construction industry will not only boost its effectiveness but also improve its productivity. However, limitations such as high costs, technical issues, and user acceptance pose challenges to the widespread adoption of MR in building construction. Future research should address these limitations and investigate MR’s long-term impact on building construction inspection and monitoring.
The geographical location of the Russian Federation determines its huge transit potential. Currently, there is a process of redistribution of existing cargo flows from the west to the east, in this regard, new logistics chains are being formed and new challenges arise for Russia as an active participant in international transport corridors. In this regard, the relevance of the Trans–Siberian Railway as part of the international East-West transport corridor is increasing. The article examines the transport potential of the Trans-Siberian Railway and describes measures to increase the carrying capacity, and as a result, the attractiveness of the Trans-Siberian Railway for cargo transportation. The problem associated with the reorientation of existing cargo flows in the eastern direction and, as a result, the growing demand for the transportation of universal containers in gondola cars due to a shortage of fitting platforms and an increase in the empty mileage of gondola cars is outlined. The solution may be the construction of a transport and logistics center on the territory of the Kemerovo Oblast- Kuzbass, in the closest proximity to the main places of loading of metallurgical and coal products, the production and production of which are concentrated in Kuzbass.
Purpose. The study of the logistics organization of cargo transportation and ways to improve it on the example of the East–West transport corridor due to the formation of a transport and logistics center in the Kemerovo Oblast- Kuzbass.
Methodology. The article used methods of systems theory, system analysis and synthesis, logistics, analytical and statistical methods.
Results. The current state, problems and prospects of the Trans-Siberian railway development are described. The expediency of building a transport and logistics center on the territory of the Kemerovo Oblast – Kuzbass is substantiated.
Practical implications. The obtained research results may be in demand in logistics practice to optimize the organization of cargo transportation.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unpredictable event that has had unexpected effects on many countries, including Malaysia. The Government of Malaysia implemented the Movement Control Order (MCO) to restrain the outbreak of the pandemic. As a result, MCO has had a huge impact on various industries in Malaysia, especially the construction industry. Therefore, time and cost become critical components in order to successfully deliver the project and are the factors most affecting by the COVID-19. This paper explores the impact of the main contractor’s awareness, perceptions, and readiness for the Covid-19 pandemic. Quota and snowball sampling methods were used. Total of 167 samples were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. This research presents the main contractor’s perception and readiness has significant correlation to the pandemic disruption in Malaysia while the main contractor’s awareness showing no correlation. The position level of main contractor’s traits shows no significant to the pandemic disruption. These results provide evidence that main contractor is significantly affecting by the pandemic disruptions, thus cultivating the main contractor’s traits in the construction industry is needed.
In a laboratory study, a new arrangement for permeable groin has been presented in which the form and number of groin bars are different compared to the conventional direct form, and the effect of this new arrangement on the maximum depth of the scour hole was investigated at the groin nose. The permeability values of the groin group are considered equal to 40, 60 and 80% and the tests were performed in clear water conditions. The flow rate and bed conditions are considered the same in all tests and the behavior of groin to deal with local scouring of the nose under the change in permeability and the number of bars in the groin group in both radial absorbing and direct forms has been investigated and compared. The results show that among the tests conducted, the maximum depth of the erosion hole decreased with the increase in permeability, and also the performance of the provided radial absorbent arrangement is better and more effective than the direct arrangement in controlling the maximum depth of the erosion hole.
Construction industry, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Daniel Heigermoser, Borja García de Soto, E. Abbott
et al.
Abstract The Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry strongly affects the economy, the environment, and society as a whole. However, when compared to other industries, its productivity, over recent decades, has been very low. Currently, the AEC industry is undergoing major changes, mostly driven by the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the integration of new technologies. When coupling these with Lean principles, there is the potential to improve the productivity and efficiency of construction projects. Although Lean Construction and BIM are approaches with quite different initiatives, both have a profound impact on the industry. Many studies have shown the advantages of the Last Planner System (LPS), yet its integration with BIM technology has not been fully exploited. The Last Planner System of Production Control – a production planning system designed to produce a more reliable project plan – and the principle of promoting continuous improvement are introduced. By capitalizing on the synergies between Lean Construction and BIM, this study proposes a construction management tool that combines the LPS with the 3D visualization of construction projects to improve productivity and reduce construction waste. The prototype tool is mainly aimed to be used as a construction management tool during the construction phase. The tool allows dividing construction projects into work zones, obtaining a fully automated quantity take-off, and offers a color-coded 4D construction simulation for the short-term planning process of the LPS. It allows for a systematic evaluation and analysis of the construction planning in terms of productivity, manpower allocation, and quantification of waste considering the short-term planning process, which promotes continuous improvement of future construction planning.
Magdalena Kowacka, Dariusz Skorupka, Agnieszka Bekisz
et al.
The implementation of processes comprising the overall project management consists in the use of various tools, methods and techniques depending on the type of the project. The knowledge of the industry and the characteristics of construction projects make it possible to select those which, on the one hand, will not cause difficulties for the contractors and on the other, will, in fact, constitute a necessary complement to the technical skills of the project manager. Construction companies face situations that have a profound impact on the failure of projects. Such occurrences include a large number of simultaneously implemented projects, the appointment of a person who knows the project mainly from the implementation side as the project manager, a failure to perform risk analysis and procedures that become irrelevant when deadlines are approaching. After reviewing the available construction projects, analysing the literature, consulting experts and making observations, the authors determined that the majority of difficulties and failures result from omissions or errors that take place during the project planning and implementation stages. The following paper outlines the selected elements of project management, whose application in construction projects may significantly affect their final success and the results obtained. It also includes an example of the use of modern management methods, which certainly include risk management methods. A utilitarian tool addressing the effects of risk analysis is a contingency plan. Contingency may be translated as eventuality, possibility and sometimes also as coincidence.
Yuveelai Bunjaridh, Rahimi A. Rahman, Liyana Mohamed Yusof
Digital twin technology has grown over the years. However, a digital twin cannot be produced effectively without adequate organizational attributes. Inaccurate digital twins cannot be used for the operation and maintenance phase. Thus, an effective digital twin reduces waste resources in the operation and maintenance phase. The primary objective of this study is to identify the attributes to produce a digital twin in their building projects. In achieving the objective, interview data with 20 industry professionals involved with the digital twin was collected and analyzed. With the readiness assessment tool developed, relevant strategies can be implemented to correspond to the tool and allow for an improved future state in managing the construction industry. A total of three main categories and six subcategories were identified. The study findings can be used to develop organizational attributes and strategies required to produce a digital twin.
Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei, Didibhuku Wellington Thwala, Clinton Aigbavboa
This paper develops techniques to improve labour productivity in the construction industry and determine the level of labour productivity in the Ghanaian construction industry. The goal of this study was to develop a framework for determining the optimal productivity of construction workers for labour-intensive projects. There were three main objectives of this study: to identify factors that influence construction labour productivity in Ghana, to determine techniques used to improve construction labour productivity, and to develop a comprehensive framework for improving construction labour productivity in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative research design that used a questionnaire. Since the country has been divided into zones, a stratified sampling technique was used based on the diverse nature of the population. Meanwhile, since the district offices were not all handling road construction projects, a purposive sampling technique was used to select 40 districts that were involved in road construction projects. A total of 560 respondents were sampled for the study. The data obtained from the study were analysed and are presented in tables and diagrams. The following factors played a significant role: the age of beneficiaries, the knowledge of beneficiaries, compliance with safety regulations, and the motivation of beneficiaries. Growing a project’s beneficiary base has been observed by many sites to be associated with a decrease in overall labour productivity (due to the overcrowding of workers). Recruiting new members should be conducted cautiously, as the government plans to use this medium to benefit the impoverished in the region. Construction workers can use this information to aid in firm decision-making. For planning purposes, this research can also be used as a useful tool for utilizing labour-intensive methods to increase productivity and meet contract deadlines by finishing a task as anticipated.
South Korea’s economy has been heavily depend on major power countries such as US, China, Japan, and Russia. However, with the changing dynamics in international world such as growing protectionism in US during Trump leadership, China’s expansion of influence in Asia, as well as trade war between US and China causing President Moon Jae In to switch South Korea’s economy horizon. New Southern Policy is a diplomatic initiative established to reduce those dependence. South Korea invites India and ASEAN as its brand new partners. South Korea stated that Indonesia is a major partner in New Southern Policy. This research aims to analyze the impact of New Southern Policy in Indonesia, especially in economy and defense sectors. The impact on economy sectors are both countries agreed to signed IK-CEPA agreement, South Korea which eager to make Indonesia as new production base in ASEAN through Hyundai company factory construction, and LG Consortium investment in the electric vehicle battery cell industry. Moreover, the impact on defense sectors is joint venture project for the production of KFX/IFX fighter jets.
Economics as a science, Management of special enterprises
In the early 2010s, the German industry started their reform and revival under the keyword "Industrie Vier Punkt Null". The European Union’s strategies adopted most of the ideas and member states followed. The European construction industry too stared to explore how to benefit from it. In this review paper, we explain the ideas behind Industry 4.0. We present aspects of Industry 4.0: what it means for the customer, business and industry as a whole. Based on that framework we analysed the potentials of Industry 4.0 in the construction industry and where – due to some specifics of the industry – construction is actually ahead in adopting the Industry 4.0 concepts. DOI: 10.15458/ebr.92
Production safety standards are the foundation of industry safety supervision, the basic requirements and measurement scales for production enterprises to achieve management standardization, onsite standardization, and operation standardization. They are the foundation for the construction and sanitary ceramics industry to consolidate safety management, improve the intrinsic safety of equipment, and strengthen personnel safety awareness, The implementation of the main responsibility of enterprise safety production and the necessary requirements for building a long-term safety production mechanism are also the basic work of safety development. This article mainly studies and analyzes the current situation of production safety in the construction and sanitary ceramics industry and the overall situation of the existing safety production standards in this industry. Summarized the necessity and urgency of implementing the production safety regulations of building and sanitary ceramics enterprises.
Research on the construction of the financial financing model for batik MSMEs in Central Java which is oriented towards the value of the cost and benefit of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) aims to see the extent to which the implementation of the cost and benefit value of CSR on batik MSMEs in Central Java, especially on three research objects. Among others: Laweyan batik, Lasem batik and Pekalongan batik. This is based on, maybe if we look at industry or large-scale companies, of course the cost and benefits they usually appear in every financial report at the end of each year. Meanwhile, for MSMEs to determine the implementation of the cost and benefit value, it has a tremendous impact on the survival of MSMEs. This research was conducted to determine that this research was conducted on a financial financing model for batik MSMEs which is oriented to the value of the cost and benefit of CSR. Data were collected using purposive sampling according to the criteria for determining the sample in 3 research objects. Whether it's in the batik area of Laweyan, Lasem, and Pekalongan MSMEs. The analysis technique used is Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis to test the hypothesis with a quantitative approach. The results of the study show that efforts to increase the construction of financial funding at the UMKM Kampung Batik Laweyan Solo, Kampoeng Batik LasemRembang and Kampoeng Batik KaumanPekalongan by implementing cost and benefits CSR are carried out by implementing social activities such as processing waste products , reducing harmful chemicals in the process. batik production, participate in environmental protection activities