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Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition

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A Special Issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417) belonging to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2026) | Viewed by 19335

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Prof. Dr. Bożena Hoła

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Department of Materials Engineering and Construction Processes, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: safety and health protection in construction processes; modeling of accidents; phenomenon analysis of the causes of accidents; accident assessment; risks and hazards; construction management; modeling deterministic and probabilistic construction processes; the use of artificial intelligence methods in solving decision problems in construction
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid economic development, which is also prominent in the construction industry, generates many new scientific problems that must be addressed, e.g., how to meet the requirements of the modern economy. These avenues of scientific research are not only aimed at the continuous improvement of the technology used to erect new facilities, increasing the level of occupational safety, and reducing construction time and costs, but also at increasing the durability of existing structures from different stylistic periods.

These goals can be achieved by various means, including the use of modern technologies in construction projects, the automation and robotization of construction processes, the use of modern information technologies, and the development of modern methods of planning, organizing, and managing construction processes. This Special Issue aims to present the latest developments in this area.

We welcome original manuscripts concerning, but not limited to, the following:

Modern solutions concerning devices that are used in the construction industry, including the automation and robotization of construction processes, with particular emphasis on the risks and hazards associated with them;
Modern technological and organizational solutions in the construction industry, including research methods and ways of securing structures and building objects from different stylistic periods;
The latest information technologies addressing the various problems that occur in the investment process;
Interdisciplinary research related to occupational safety, including accident modeling, occupational risk assessment, risk management, and occupational safety, as well as the impact of automation and robotization on occupational safety;
Applications of virtual reality (VR) technology for research and training purposes.

Methods used in forecasting processes, events, and phenomena that may occur in the future in the construction industry.

Prof. Dr. Bożena Hoła
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

construction industry
automation and robotization of construction processes
technological and organizational solutions
controlling executive processes
investment process
occupational safety
risks and hazards
safety management
sustainable development
management in construction
diagnostic of building structures
construction waste management

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 10714 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Effects of Deferred Maintenance on the Current Technical Condition of a Building: Case Study—A Former Fire Station in Nowy Raduszec

by Aleksandra Kurowska-Rajchel and Beata Nowogońska

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8516; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178516 - 27 Aug 2026

Viewed by 215

Abstract

The degradation of building elements progresses with the age of a building as a result of natural ageing processes. The lack of regular maintenance, repair, and renovation works during the operational phase accelerates degradation processes, leading to the deterioration of the building’s technical condition and a decline in its functional performance. One of the primary responsibilities of building owners and managers is to maintain buildings in an appropriate technical condition throughout their entire service life. Deferred maintenance results in consequences of varying severity, ranging from minor defects, such as deterioration of aesthetic appearance, to major technical failures affecting the continued usability of the building. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of deferred maintenance. The research analyses are illustrated by the example of the former fire station in Nowy Raduszec. The research was based on the assessment of the building’s technical condition and the prediction of changes in its functional performance. The obtained results confirmed that deferred maintenance constitutes a natural factor accelerating the building ageing process and adversely affecting the overall condition of the building. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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28 pages, 6920 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Renovation Risk in Existing Buildings Using Multilayer Perceptrons: Correlation-Based Feature Screening and Model Architecture Comparison

by Agnieszka Leśniak, Olga Skrzypczak, Dominik Ożóg, Bartosz Leśniak and Michał Pietrzak

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7150; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147150 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 357

Abstract

Renovation projects in existing university buildings involve considerable uncertainty due to incomplete documentation, aging building systems, phased execution, and the need to maintain ongoing educational activities during construction. This study investigates multilayer perceptron (MLP) architectures as an exploratory proof-of-concept for mapping an expert-based renovation risk index expressed as a continuous value between 0 and 1. The analysis was based on 122 real renovation cases described by 13 input variables representing quantitative factors and encoded qualitative characteristics related to technical and organizational project conditions. Data preprocessing included qualitative data encoding and min–max normalization. The models were trained and evaluated using an 80/10/10 hold-out split with validation-based early stopping. Two MLP architectures developed in MATLAB R2025b were compared to assess the effect of network depth on predictive performance. Model performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²) and mean squared error (MSE). The model with two hidden layers achieved R² ≈ 0.58 and MSE ≈ 0.065, whereas the model with four hidden layers achieved R² ≈ 0.86 and MSE ≈ 0.010. An ordinary multiple linear regression model, fitted to the full dataset as a reference linear analysis, showed weak explanatory power (R² = 0.151). The results suggest that, within this exploratory dataset and the adopted hold-out procedure, the deeper MLP architecture achieved a closer fit to the available data than the shallower architecture. The findings provide a feasibility-oriented contribution to risk-informed planning in public building renovation projects, while requiring confirmation through repeated resampling and external validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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26 pages, 4649 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Management of Wastewater Reuse by Applying Integrated Fuzzy Shannon Entropy and Fuzzy Additive Ratio Assessment

by Mohammad Fattahian Dehkordi, Seyed Morteza Hatefi, Mehdi Karami Dehkordi, Jolanta Tamošaitienė and Ulrike Quapp

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6810; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136810 - 7 Jul 2026

Viewed by 408

Abstract

The necessity of utilizing unconventional water resources and wastewater has emerged today as an unavoidable imperative, particularly in Iran. The limitations of water resources have directed researchers’ attention toward the rational use of unconventional waters, such as wastewater. The overall aim of the present study is the optimal utilization of wastewater in the cultivation of non-fruit-bearing trees, industry, and eco-park applications, leveraging sustainable development indicators. In the present study, to achieve the objectives and prioritize the use of wastewater (in tree cultivation, eco-park development, or industrial applications), the fuzzy Shannon entropy method was employed to determine the importance of evaluation criteria, and the Fuzzy Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method was used for assessing and prioritizing the options. Given the presence of uncertainty in experts’ opinions, fuzzy concepts and theory were utilized to reflect this uncertainty in the process of evaluating the options. An integrated fuzzy Shannon Entropy–ARAS framework is proposed to evaluate and prioritize wastewater reuse alternatives under sustainability criteria. In order to identify the evaluation criteria, relevant literature and previous studies were reviewed, and a questionnaire was designed and distributed among experts. To identify and prioritize the influential criteria, the snowball sampling technique was employed. During the implementation of this technique, 10 out of the initial 20 criteria were excluded, and ultimately, 10 key and impactful criteria were selected. The results of implementing the fuzzy Shannon entropy and fuzzy ARAS methods revealed that the optimal use of treated wastewater in the Shahrkord plain should initially focus on non-fruit-bearing trees. The second priority for utilizing treated wastewater in the Shahrkord plain is for the construction of eco-parks, while the third priority is its use in industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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26 pages, 2184 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment and Ranking of Criteria for Engineering Firm Performance Using RII, Entropy Weight Method, and TOPSIS

by Abdulkareem H. Alanazi, Khalid S. Al-Gahtani, Abdullah M. Alsugair, Abdulrahman A. Bin Mahmoud and Naif M. Alsanabani

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5556; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115556 - 2 Jun 2026

Viewed by 545

Abstract

Engineering consultants and design firms are central to the success of construction projects. However, the systematic evaluation of their performance in the Saudi Arabian context remains methodologically fragmented and empirically underdeveloped. Existing prequalification frameworks rely predominantly on administrative criteria and single-method ranking approaches that cannot adequately differentiate between high- and low-performing firms. To address this gap, the study proceeds in two distinct parts. Part I—Literature Review: A PRISMA-compliant systematic literature review across five major academic databases was conducted to map the existing evidence base, identify three substantive gaps in the Saudi and GCC engineering firm evaluation literature, and derive a consensus-based set of 29 performance criteria grouped into seven dimensions. This review constitutes an independent contribution: it establishes the gap that motivates the empirical work and provides the criterion framework on which that work is built. Part II—Practical Application: A structured questionnaire was administered to 288 construction professionals in Saudi Arabia (Cronbach’s α = 0.936), and the collected data were analyzed through a hybrid RII–Shannon Entropy Weighting (EWM)–TOPSIS pipeline that produced a Composite Priority Index (CPI) for each criterion, enabling a stable and discriminating ranking that integrates subjective expert consensus with objective distributional information. The main finding revealed that five criteria attained Very High Priority status (CPI > 0.70): Supervisory Experience (CPI = 0.740), Engineers’ Capability Index (CPI = 0.717), License Class (CPI = 0.709), Client Satisfaction Index (CPI = 0.708), and Average Delay Time (CPI = 0.705). These top-ranked criteria collectively center on technical leadership, regulatory standing, client-reported outcomes, and schedule reliability, indicating that procurement decisions should prioritize demonstrable competence over structural size or geographic footprint. The consistently lower importance of physical branch networks and headquarters location further suggests that remote management capabilities and digital coordination tools are reshaping performance expectations under Saudi Vision 2030. The Quality Indicators dimension achieved the highest mean CPI across all seven dimensions. The findings provide actionable evidence for procurement authorities, regulatory bodies, and engineering firms seeking to strengthen performance-evaluation practices in the Saudi construction sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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12 pages, 1114 KB

Open AccessArticle

Decision-Making Within Technical Due Diligence for Land Development Using Machine Learning Algorithms

by Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina, Marcin Waga and Bartłomiej Sroka

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5274; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115274 - 25 May 2026

Viewed by 388

Abstract

In the decision-making process related to the purchase of land properties intended for construction investments, the Technical Due Diligence (TDD) process plays a key role. In accordance with current market practice, this process precedes both land acquisition and the commencement of a construction investment. Within this process, the feasibility of the planned investment is evaluated. This article analyzes the impact of selected factors affecting the implementation of a future construction investment on the decision-making process regarding the purchase of land properties. To support the decision-making process, the most widely used machine learning algorithms were applied and compared, including Decision Trees, Random Forests, the k-Nearest Neighbors’ method, Support Vector Machines, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). The analysis demonstrated that the highest accuracy, precision, and recall (ACC, PPV, and REC indicators) in making correct purchase decisions were achieved using the ANNs algorithm. Additionally, it should be noted that decision trees are characterized by high interpretability of results, which distinguishes them from other methods. Machine learning methods may be used to develop a system supporting investment decisions related to the purchase of land properties for future construction projects; however, it should be remembered that the final decision will always be made by the investor based on their subjective assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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15 pages, 1659 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Digital Tools by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialists in the Polish Construction Sector

by Tomasz Nowobilski, Zuzanna Woźniak and Anna Hoła

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020888 - 15 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1162

Abstract

The study investigates repetitive and time-consuming professional activities performed by occupational health and safety (OHS) specialists in the construction sector in Poland and their attitudes toward the use of modern digital tools, including solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI). The research was conducted using a questionnaire survey, with a purposive sample and a snowball method. A total of 102 individuals participated in the study, of whom 94 valid responses were included in the analysis. The data were examined using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results showed that the most repetitive and time-consuming activities include documentation analysis, report preparation, inspections, and communication. Nearly 46% of respondents indicated that selected elements of their work could be automated or supported by digital tools, while 33% reported using AI-based solutions in everyday practice. Statistically significant relationships were identified between respondents’ age and both their level of concern about new technologies and their perception of technological support potential. No significant relationships were found for enterprise ownership or size. The findings indicate substantial potential for the implementation of digital and AI-supported tools in routine OHS activities. Future research should involve larger and more homogeneous samples, incorporate probabilistic sampling, and explore organisational and competence-related factors influencing technology adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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23 pages, 3175 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Reinforcement Bar Fabrication in Construction Projects via Multi-Dimensional Applications in Building Information Modeling

by Yu Luo, Yiminxuan Liu, Xiaofeng Liao, Changsaar Chai, Heap-Yih Chong, Yongtong Huang and Zhaoyin Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10807; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910807 - 8 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

Steel reinforcement is one of the most important materials used in the construction industry. This research optimizes reinforcement bar fabrication by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) with visual programming in Dynamo. On-site rebar cutting and bending generate significant material waste, increasing costs and environmental impact. To address this, an intelligent Dynamo script was developed to extract detailed 3D rebar and 4D scheduling data from BIM models. The script optimizes material usage by specifying cut-off lengths to improve reuse and minimize waste. Validation through two real-world case studies demonstrated the method’s significant potential. Effectiveness was assessed using benchmarks comparing the number of bars saved, waste reduced, and overall cost savings. The study confirms that optimized fabrication significantly cuts waste and cost. Its effectiveness, however, varies with rebar type and structural component, with the most significant gains observed in medium-length bars and pile caps. By offering a novel tool for sustainable construction, this research advances BIM-enabled reinforcement design and material optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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27 pages, 2557 KB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding and Quantifying the Impact of Adverse Weather on Construction Productivity

by Martina Šopić, Andro Vranković and Ivan Marović

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10759; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910759 - 6 Oct 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3850

Abstract

Adverse weather events have a negative impact on the productivity of construction site activities. Understanding these effects is essential for developing realistic construction schedules. The influence of weather is shaped by both environmental factors (climate, geography, topography) and construction-related aspects such as technologies, materials, equipment, and site exposure. This paper proposes a model to quantify the influence of adverse weather by estimating monthly intervals of expected days with reduced construction productivity, based on data regarding specific weather events, including precipitation, wind, extreme temperatures, snow cover, fog, and high humidity. Data analysis employs the inclusion–exclusion principle, a combinatorial technique, alongside confidence interval estimation, a standard statistical approach. The model was applied in three Croatian cities to demonstrate its practicality and accuracy. Contractors with extensive on-site experience reviewed the results, providing insights into weather-sensitive activities and organizational practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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28 pages, 3631 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Risk Assessment in Construction Contracts: Comparative Evaluation of Risk Matrix and Monte Carlo Simulation on a High-Rise Office Building Project

by Anna Starczyk-Kołbyk and Izabela Jędras

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9371; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179371 - 26 Aug 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6165

Abstract

This study investigates the application of two complementary risk analysis methods—risk matrix and Monte Carlo simulation—in the context of a large-scale office building construction project. The paper explores the theoretical and practical aspects of construction risk, focusing on how probabilistic and qualitative tools can support informed decision-making. Twelve key risks, including both threats and opportunities, were identified and quantified using expert judgment and historical data. The risk matrix provided an initial prioritization of risk severity and likelihood, while Monte Carlo simulations allowed for the modeling of uncertainty in cost outcomes across a probabilistic spectrum. The results indicate a high level of consistency between the methods, with both identifying value engineering as a dominant opportunity and network documentation errors as critical threats. Monte Carlo simulations further revealed that under proper risk management, the project is likely to avoid additional cost overruns with 60% certainty. This integrated approach provides practical insights for contractors and project managers seeking to enhance the robustness of risk assessment in complex construction environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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Review

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45 pages, 18332 KB

Open AccessReview

Road Noise Investigation in Concrete Pavements via OBSI Method Application—The Review

by Eryk Mączka

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(15), 7550; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16157550 - 29 Jul 2026

Viewed by 351

Abstract

Concrete pavement noise generated at tire–surface contact is a negative phenomenon that might be limited differently, especially by applying surface texture. To estimate the texture’s loudness, various tests are used to measure the road noise level. One of the increasingly used tests is On-board Sound Intensity (OBSI). Performing such tests enables to explore the road noise phenomenon more efficiently; however, it also enables to distinguish and compare the texture impact on the road noise level. Moreover, it might also contribute to quiet concrete pavement further development. The article presents an OBSI method application review to investigate road noise in concrete pavements considering known texturing methods. The focus is to answer how broadly the OBSI method was applied in concrete pavements regarding texture and what the main findings are. Additionally, the following review notices if complex tests considering other pavement parameters related to road noise level and safety were performed simultaneously with the OBSI measurement. Road noise on concrete pavements has been widely investigated using the OBSI method. However, this review identifies significant research gaps. The effects of customized surface texture configurations and acoustic durability remain underexplored. Furthermore, comprehensive studies are lacking. Specifically, skid resistance (measured by TWO or SRT-3 devices) should be evaluated simultaneously with OBSI levels. These measurements must be conducted under identical conditions, including the same test speed and continuous surveying. Further research in this area will fill existing knowledge gaps and clarify pavement noise generation mechanisms. Ultimately, this will enable the development of design and maintenance guidelines for low-noise concrete pavements, optimizing texturing methods, safety, and economic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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51 pages, 1801 KB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of Environmental Performance Indicators in the Construction Industry

by Iva Mrak, Kristina Galjanić, Tomaš Hanak and Ivan Marović

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12135; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212135 - 15 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2354

Abstract

This paper analyzes environmental performance indicators (PIs) in the construction and building industry using bibliometric and content analysis, particularly in the fields of architecture and civil engineering. The paper aims to present a framework for environmental performance in the construction industry, focusing on projects and their impacts. It addresses which research fields are most focused on this area, whether the topic is currently relevant, whether it shows a positive or negative trend, what related topics exist, and what general overlaps or gaps are present. It also examines which PIs are most frequently mentioned and whether the topics and indicators align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The results reveal a fragmented research area, with both complex PIs and very narrow PI applications, highlighting the need to bridge these gaps and address the challenge of insufficient data. The research uses QtoQ Target Mapping to map the PIs to the UN SDGs and provide an overview of coverage. The findings indicate that this topic is highly important and researched across various disciplines, and that the PIs and their analysis further contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Technological, Methodological, and Organizational Research Trends in the Construction Industry, Third Edition)

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