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Volume 15, August-1
 
 

Buildings, Volume 15, Issue 16 (August-2 2025) – 12 articles

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28 pages, 3584 KiB  
Article
Potential of CNT-Enhanced Steel-Reinforced Concrete to Reduce the Impact of Water Management Facilities
by Marco Antonio Sánchez-Burgos, Aikaterini-Flora Trompeta and Pilar Mercader-Moyano
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2818; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162818 (registering DOI) - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growth of urban areas and climate change affect the performance of water management, increasing the rate of flooding and decreasing the quality of available water. To address this issue, the sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs) and conventional urban drainage systems (UDIs) must [...] Read more.
The growth of urban areas and climate change affect the performance of water management, increasing the rate of flooding and decreasing the quality of available water. To address this issue, the sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs) and conventional urban drainage systems (UDIs) must be promoted. In both systems, grey infrastructure plays an important role, in the form of reinforced concrete tanks, filters, and water treatment plants. Nowadays, the use of reinforced concrete is a major contributor of the environmental impact of human activities environmental impacts. This study aims to assess the potential of nanoparticle-based concrete to mitigate the environmental impacts of water management facilities. To achieve this target, a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was performed on a multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based concrete, and a conventional one. To evaluate the corresponding benefits, a Functional Unit has been defined representing a frequently used element in water management facilities. The conducted review found no similar research. It is noted that the functional units used in published studies on nanoproducts are usually defined for the production of mass units. This study, found that using MWCNT-based concrete reduced the weight of the steel reinforcement by 47%. This reduction in steel outweighs the environmental impacts corresponding to used MWCNTs. The impact scores obtained are significantly lower for the MWCNT-based concrete. Therefore, the use of this material is recommended in Water management facilities, only on an environmental basis. Further investigation is recommended into the economic viability of this use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Health, Wellbeing and Urban Design)
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22 pages, 967 KiB  
Article
Developing a Sentiment Lexicon-Based Quality Performance Evaluation Model on Construction Projects in Korea
by Kiseok Lee, Taegeun Song, Yoonseok Shin and Wi Sung Yoo
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162817 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
The increasing frequency of structural failures on construction sites emphasizes the critical role of rigorous supervision in ensuring the quality of both construction processes and materials. Current regulatory frameworks mandate the production of detailed supervision reports to provide comprehensive evaluations of construction quality, [...] Read more.
The increasing frequency of structural failures on construction sites emphasizes the critical role of rigorous supervision in ensuring the quality of both construction processes and materials. Current regulatory frameworks mandate the production of detailed supervision reports to provide comprehensive evaluations of construction quality, material compliance, and site records. This study proposes a novel approach to harnessing unstructured reports for automated quality assessment. Employing text mining techniques, a sentiment lexicon specifically tailored for quality performance evaluation was developed. A corpus-based manual classification was conducted on 291 relevant words and 432 sentences extracted from the supervision reports, assigning sentiment labels of negative, neutral, and positive. This sentiment lexicon was then utilized as fundamental information for the Quality Performance Evaluation Model (QPEM). To validate the efficacy of the QPEM, it was applied to supervision reports from 30 construction sites adhering to legal standards. Furthermore, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed with the actual outcomes based on the legal requirements, including quality test failure rate, material inspection failure rate, and inspection management performance. By leveraging the wealth of unstructured data continuously generated throughout a project’s lifecycle, this model can enhance the timeliness of inspection and management processes, ultimately contributing to improved construction performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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17 pages, 14467 KiB  
Article
Geometric Optimization and Structural Analysis of Cable-Braced Gridshells on Freeform Surfaces
by Xinye Li and Qilin Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2816; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162816 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
In freeform surface grid structures, quadrilateral meshes offer high visual transparency and simple joint connections, but their structural stability is relatively limited. To enhance stability, designers often introduce additional structural elements along the diagonals of the quadrilateral mesh, forming double-layer quadrilateral grid systems [...] Read more.
In freeform surface grid structures, quadrilateral meshes offer high visual transparency and simple joint connections, but their structural stability is relatively limited. To enhance stability, designers often introduce additional structural elements along the diagonals of the quadrilateral mesh, forming double-layer quadrilateral grid systems such as cable-braced gridshells. However, current design methodologies do not support the simultaneous optimization of both layers. As a result, the two layers are often designed independently in practical applications, leading to complex joint detailing that compromises construction efficiency, architectural aesthetics, and overall structural performance. To address these challenges, this study presents a weighted multi-objective geometry optimization framework based on a Guided-Projection algorithm. The proposed method integrates half-edge data structure and multiple geometric and structural constraints, enabling the simultaneous optimization of quadrilateral mesh planarity (i.e., panels lying on flat planes) and the orthogonality (i.e., angles approaching 90°) of diagonal cable layouts. Through multiple case studies, the method demonstrates significant improvements in panel planarity and cable orthogonality. The results also highlight the algorithm’s rapid convergence and high computational efficiency. Finite element analysis further validates the structural benefits of the optimized configurations, including reduced peak axial forces in cables, more uniform cable force distribution, and enhanced overall stiffness and buckling resistance. In conclusion, the method improves structural stability, constructability, and design efficiency, offering a practical tool for optimizing freeform cable-braced gridshells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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26 pages, 10835 KiB  
Article
Detonation Dynamics and Damage Behavior of Segmented Tunnel Charges with Shaped Liners
by Zhuo Li, Xiaojun Zhang, Zhenye Zhu, Yongbo Wu, Hongbing Yu, Wenxue Gao and Ben Lv
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162815 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
To precisely control the tunnel smooth blasting effect, this study conducts both model experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the impact of shaped charge jet initiation on emulsion explosives and surrounding rock damage fractal characteristics under different ratios of the main-to-secondary charge lengths [...] Read more.
To precisely control the tunnel smooth blasting effect, this study conducts both model experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the impact of shaped charge jet initiation on emulsion explosives and surrounding rock damage fractal characteristics under different ratios of the main-to-secondary charge lengths (L1/L2). The study also includes field validation. The results indicate the following: (1) The Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method can accurately reproduce the formation, motion, impact, initiation, and dynamic damage evolution of a shaped charge jet inside a blast hole, with a deviation of less than 6.4% compared to high-speed photography observations. (2) Under the working conditions in this study, when an axial aluminum energetic liner and two-stage air-segmented charge in the peripheral holes are used, the fractal dimension (Df) initially increases from 1.57 to 1.66 and then decreases to 1.41 as the L1/L2 ratio increases. (3) Field test results demonstrate that, when using a two-segment explosive charge with a 20 cm gap between segments and an L1/L2 ratio of 2, the average over- or under-excavation is controlled within 7 cm, with the maximum deviation not exceeding 12 cm. The corresponding average fragment size (d50) is minimized, resulting in an excellent smooth blasting effect and effectively controlling the fragmentation of the smooth blasting layer. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for the development of advanced shaped charge blasting techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Response of Civil Engineering Structures under Seismic Loads)
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18 pages, 2610 KiB  
Article
Shear Strength of RC T-Beams Without Shear Reinforcement Based on Crack Sliding Model
by Penggang Tian, Yufei Han, Kai Wang, Jiajia Wang, Zhiheng Tian and Ergang Xiong
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2814; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162814 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Considering the effect of the flange on the shear capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams without stirrups, a shear capacity calculation formula based on the crack sliding model is proposed for RC beams without stirrups in this paper. Test data of 444 rectangular [...] Read more.
Considering the effect of the flange on the shear capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams without stirrups, a shear capacity calculation formula based on the crack sliding model is proposed for RC beams without stirrups in this paper. Test data of 444 rectangular section beams and 172 T-beams were collected to verify this calculation theory, and the calculation results were compared with domestic and international design codes. The collected datasets were analyzed using five common machine learning models. The results show that the shear capacity calculation method proposed by the codes of each country is in good agreement with the test results. Compared to the calculation of the codes, the addressed calculation method in this study is more accurate and can effectively account for the contribution of the T-beam flange to the shear capacity. The machine learning models selected in this paper exhibit desirable accuracy on the test set, which demonstrates the applicability of the machine learning models in the calculation of shear capacity for reinforced concrete beams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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24 pages, 2719 KiB  
Article
Impact of Indoor Environmental Quality on Students’ Attention and Relaxation Levels During Lecture-Based Instruction
by Marjan Miri, Carlos Faubel, Ursula Demarquet Alban and Antonio Martinez-Molina
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2813; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162813 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Human cognitive performance is influenced by external factors, including indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Understanding how these factors affect stress, attention, and relaxation is essential in environments such as workplaces and educational institutions, where cognitive function directly impacts performance. This study examines the effects [...] Read more.
Human cognitive performance is influenced by external factors, including indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Understanding how these factors affect stress, attention, and relaxation is essential in environments such as workplaces and educational institutions, where cognitive function directly impacts performance. This study examines the effects of IEQ on students’ attention and relaxation levels during various lecture periods, focusing on design major students. Three key IEQ parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and natural lighting) were evaluated for their effects on cognitive states using electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements in a controlled setting. Participants wore non-invasive, portable EEG devices to monitor neurophysiological activity across two sessions, each involving four scenarios: (i) baseline, (ii) increased natural light exposure, (iii) elevated relative humidity, and (iv) increased air temperature. EEG-derived metrics of attention and relaxation were analyzed alongside environmental data, including temperature, humidity, lighting conditions, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and particulate matter (PM), to identify potential correlations. Results showed that natural light exposure improved relaxation but reduced attention, suggesting a restorative effect on stress that may also introduce distractions. Attention peaked under moderately warm, dry conditions (25–26 °C and 16–19% relative humidity), correlating positively with temperature (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.32) and negatively with humidity (r = −0.50). Conversely, relaxation was highest under cooler, more humid conditions (23–24 °C and 24–26% relative humidity). Attention was negatively correlated with CO2 (r = −0.47) and PM2.5 (r = −0.46), suggesting that poor air quality impairs alertness. Relaxation showed weaker but positive correlations with PM2.5 (r = 0.38), PM1.0 (r = 0.35), and CO2 (r = 0.32). Ultrafine particles (PM0.3, PM0.5) and TVOC had minimal association with cognitive states. Overall, this study underscores the importance of optimizing indoor environments in educational settings to enhance academic performance and supports the development of evidence-based design standards to foster healthy, effective learning environments. Full article
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24 pages, 4714 KiB  
Article
Shaping Built Environments for Health-Oriented Physical Activity: Evidence from Outdoor Exercise in Dongguan, China
by Chao Ge, Fan Yang, Hui Wang and Linxi Xu
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2812; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162812 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Physical activity plays a vital role in promoting public health. Among its various forms, outdoor exercise offers combined physical and mental health benefits. However, the spatial patterns and underlying drivers of outdoor exercise remain underexplored in rapidly urbanizing areas. Based on 15,880 app-tracked [...] Read more.
Physical activity plays a vital role in promoting public health. Among its various forms, outdoor exercise offers combined physical and mental health benefits. However, the spatial patterns and underlying drivers of outdoor exercise remain underexplored in rapidly urbanizing areas. Based on 15,880 app-tracked trajectories from 723 individuals, this study investigates running, walking, and cycling patterns across 130 communities in Southern Dongguan. Results reveal three key findings. First, different types of outdoor exercise show distinct spatial patterns: running is common in urban centers, walking is concentrated around natural landscapes, and cycling follows cross-regional networks. Second, natural and built environmental features shape outdoor exercise behavior. Waterfront continuity promotes participation, while residential areas support walking. In contrast, manufacturing zones inhibit participation due to environmental degradation. Socioeconomic factors also influence participation by enhancing the grassroots governance capacity. Third, spatial spillover effects significantly shape cycling patterns, and traditional models that ignore spatial dependence underestimate environmental impacts. These findings provide new insights into how the combined influence of artificial and natural environments shapes outdoor exercise in rapidly urbanizing cities. They also reveal the distinctive role of grassroots governance with state support in China, offering valuable lessons for other fast-growing urban regions worldwide. Full article
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18 pages, 1891 KiB  
Article
Does the Modular Construction Project Outperform the Traditional One? A Comparative Life Cycle Analysis Study in Hong Kong
by Ying Wang, Siu-Kei Lam, Zezhou Wu, Lulu Gong, Heng Li and Mingyang Jiang
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2811; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162811 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Hong Kong faces critical construction challenges, including workforce aging, land shortages, and near-capacity waste disposal. Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) offers a promising solution. As Hong Kong has just recently adopted the MiC, quantitative studies that explore the actual performance differences between MiC projects [...] Read more.
Hong Kong faces critical construction challenges, including workforce aging, land shortages, and near-capacity waste disposal. Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) offers a promising solution. As Hong Kong has just recently adopted the MiC, quantitative studies that explore the actual performance differences between MiC projects and conventional on-site construction projects in Hong Kong are lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, this study utilizes an extended life cycle assessment–Life Cycle Performance Assessment to conduct on-site investigations and case studies on a MiC pilot residential project and a conventional on-site construction residential project in Hong Kong from multiple dimensions: cost, time, safety, and environment. The assessment indicators include five types of greenhouse gas emissions, cost performance, schedule performance, and safety-level index. This study found that the greenhouse gas emissions of the MiC project during the entire construction period were reduced by approximately 21.60% compared to traditional on-site construction projects. The most significant part of the greenhouse gas emissions of the two methods was the embodied emissions of construction materials, accounting for 83.11% and 87.17%. Compared with the conventional construction project, the factors that actively promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the MiC project are the embodied greenhouse gas emissions of building materials, the transportation of construction waste, and the resource consumption of equipment. In addition, there is no significant difference in the safety performance index of the two construction methods, but MiC projects have more efficient schedule performance management. Surprisingly, the cost control of MiC projects is not as good as that of conventional construction projects, which differs from existing research results in other regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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27 pages, 11253 KiB  
Article
Failure Mechanism of Progressive Collapse Induced by Hanger Fracture in Through Tied-Arch Bridge: A Comparative Analysis
by Bing-Hui Fan, Qi Sun, Qiang Chen, Bin-Bin Zhou, Zhi-Jiang Wu and Jin-Qi Zou
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2810; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162810 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Although through tied-arch bridges exhibit strong structural robustness, collapse incidents triggered by the progressive failure of hangers still occasionally occur. Given that such bridges are unlikely to collapse due to the damage of a single or multiple hangers under the serviceability limit state, [...] Read more.
Although through tied-arch bridges exhibit strong structural robustness, collapse incidents triggered by the progressive failure of hangers still occasionally occur. Given that such bridges are unlikely to collapse due to the damage of a single or multiple hangers under the serviceability limit state, this study focuses on the failure safety limit state. Using the Nanfang’ao Bridge with inclined hangers and the Liujiang Bridge with vertical hangers as case studies, this paper investigates the dynamic response and failure modes of the residual structures when single or multiple hangers fail and initiate progressive collapse of all hangers. The results demonstrate that the configuration of hangers significantly influences the distribution of structural importance coefficients and the load transmission paths. Under identical failure scenarios, the Nanfang’ao Bridge with inclined hangers remains stable after the failure of four hangers without experiencing progressive collapse, whereas the Liujiang Bridge with vertical hangers undergoes progressive failure following the loss of only three hangers, which indicates that inclined hanger configurations offer superior resistance to progressive collapse. Based on the aforementioned analysis, the LS-DYNA Simple–Johnson–Cook damage model was employed to simulate the collapse process. The extent of damage and ultimate failure modes of the two bridges differ significantly. In the case of the Nanfang’ao Bridge, following the progressive failure of the hangers, the bridge deck system lost lateral support, leading to excessive downward deflection. The deck subsequently fractured at the mid-span (1/2 position) and collapsed in an inverted “V” shape. This failure then propagated to the tie bar, inducing outward compression at the arch feet and tensile stress in the arch ribs. Stress concentration at the connection between the arch columns and arch rings ultimately triggered global collapse. For the Liujiang Bridge, failure initiated with localized concrete cracking, which propagated to reinforcing bar yielding, resulting in localized damage within the bridge deck system. These observations indicate that progressive stay cable failure serves as the common initial triggering mechanism for both bridges. However, differences in the structural configuration of the bridge deck systems, the geometry of the arch ribs, and the constraint effects of the tie bar result in distinct failure progression patterns and ultimate collapse behaviors between the two structures. Thereby, design recommendations are proposed for through tied-arch bridges, from the aspects of the hanger, arch rib, bridge deck system, and tie bar, to enhance the resistance to progressive collapse. Full article
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21 pages, 2365 KiB  
Article
Development of an Optimization Algorithm for Designing Low-Carbon Concrete Materials Standardization with Blockchain Technology and Ensemble Machine Learning Methods
by Zilefac Ebenezer Nwetlawung and Yi-Hsin Lin
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162809 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study presents SmartMix Web3, a framework combining ensemble machine learning and blockchain technology to optimize low-carbon concrete design. It addresses two key challenges: (1) the limitations of conventional models in predicting concrete performance, and (2) ensuring data reliability and overcoming collaboration issues [...] Read more.
This study presents SmartMix Web3, a framework combining ensemble machine learning and blockchain technology to optimize low-carbon concrete design. It addresses two key challenges: (1) the limitations of conventional models in predicting concrete performance, and (2) ensuring data reliability and overcoming collaboration issues in AI-driven sustainable construction. Validated with 61 real-world experiments in Cameroon and 752 mix designs, the framework shows major improvements in predictive accuracy and decentralized trust. To address the first research question, a stacked ensemble model comprising Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)–Random Forest and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was developed, achieving a 22% reduction in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for compressive strength prediction and embodied carbon estimation compared to traditional methods. The 29% reduction in Mean Absolute Error (MAE) results confirms the superiority of Extreme Learning Machine (EML) in low-carbon concrete performance prediction. For the second research question, SmartMix Web3 employs blockchain to ensure tamper-proof traceability and promote collaboration. Deployed on Ethereum, it automates verification of tokenized Environmental Product Declarations via smart contracts, reducing disputes and preserving data integrity. Federated learning supports decentralized training across nine batching plants, with Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA)-256 checks ensuring privacy. Field implementation in Cameroon yielded annual cost savings of FCFA 24.3 million and a 99.87 kgCO2/m3 reduction per mix design. By uniting EML precision with blockchain transparency, SmartMix Web3 offers practical and scalable benefits for sustainable construction in developing economies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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24 pages, 2570 KiB  
Article
Economic Performance Analysis of Jointly Acting Renewable Self-Consumption: A Case Study on 109 Condominiums in an Italian Urban Area
by Christian Mari, Matilde Chierici, Simone Franzò and Francesco Causone
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162808 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Remote self-consumption supports the energy transition, especially through Jointly Acting Renewable Self-consumption (JARS) and Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). While RECs typically operate at the city/district level, JARS is focused on condominium buildings where apartment owners jointly invest in renewable energy systems, sharing both [...] Read more.
Remote self-consumption supports the energy transition, especially through Jointly Acting Renewable Self-consumption (JARS) and Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). While RECs typically operate at the city/district level, JARS is focused on condominium buildings where apartment owners jointly invest in renewable energy systems, sharing both costs and benefits. The energy produced is consumed on-site, reducing bills and benefiting from financial incentives, when available, as under the Italian law. This research aims to assess the economic feasibility of JARS in Italy and the average financial benefit for a family living in a condominium. It also evaluates the impact of integrating JARS into larger RECs. The study uses photovoltaic electricity production simulations via OpenSolar and building energy modeling through Rose Community Designer. Results are analyzed using energy, environmental, and financial indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Discounted Payback Time (DPBT) over a 20-year period. The findings show that JARS yields average incentive gains of EUR 94.34 per person per year, rising to EUR 340 when including tax bonuses, energy savings, and energy sales. The average investment payback time is 8.8 years. When integrated into RECs, JARS shows improved energy sharing (from 78% to 93%) and higher economic returns, highlighting its potential in accelerating the energy transition. Full article
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24 pages, 730 KiB  
Article
Ranking Public Infrastructure Project Success Using Multi-Criteria Analysis
by Fani Antoniou and Elissavet Tsavlidou
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162807 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Project success is a complex and debated concept in construction project management, even more so for public sector infrastructure projects. This study proposes a new, data-driven methodology to assess the success of public infrastructure projects using a multi-criteria decision-making framework. By utilizing empirical [...] Read more.
Project success is a complex and debated concept in construction project management, even more so for public sector infrastructure projects. This study proposes a new, data-driven methodology to assess the success of public infrastructure projects using a multi-criteria decision-making framework. By utilizing empirical data from 30 completed road infrastructure projects the study applies the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Situation (TOPSIS) method to evaluate performance across four key success criteria: cost, time, quality, and project management. An integrated Success Index (SI) was then calculated using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method under two different weighting scenarios. Results show that projects with shorter durations and simpler scopes consistently achieved higher SI scores, while larger, more complex projects were more prone to delays, cost overruns, and quality issues. This study contributes to scientific research by utilizing real, archival project data rather than relying on expert opinions to quantify project success from the client contracting authority’s perspective rather than that of the contractor. Hence, the proposed model serves as a practical, adaptable tool for public contracting authorities seeking to benchmark and improve project performance. Full article
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