Search Results (495)

The construction sector is particularly prone to financial instability, with insolvencies occurring more frequently among micro- and small-scale firms. The current study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models for predicting insolvency within this sector. The research combined a structured literature review with empirical analysis of construction sector-level insolvency data spanning the recent decade. A critical review of studies highlighted a clear shift from traditional statistical methods to AI/ML-driven approaches, with ensemble learning, neural networks, and hybrid learning models demonstrating superior predictive accuracy and robustness. While current predictive models mostly rely on financial ratio-based inputs, this research complements this foundation by introducing additional sector-specific variables. Empirical analysis reveals persistent patterns of distress, with micro- and small-sized construction businesses accounting for approximately 92% to 96% of insolvency cases each year in the Australian construction sector. Key risk signals such as firm size, cash flow risks, governance breaches and capital adequacy issues were translated into practical features that may enhance the predictive sensitivity of the existing models. The study also emphasises the need for digital self-assessment tools to support micro- and small-scale contractors in evaluating their financial health. By transforming predictive insights into accessible, real-time evaluations, such tools can facilitate early interventions and reduce the risk of insolvency among vulnerable construction firms. The current study combines insights from the review of AI/ML insolvency prediction models with sector-specific feature derivation, potentially providing a foundation for future research and practical adaptation in the construction context. Full article

Products with complex structures are structurally intricate and involve multiple professional fields and engineering construction elements, making it difficult for a single contractor to independently develop and manufacture such complex structural products. Therefore, during the research, development, and production of complex products, collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers is essential to ensure the smooth completion of projects. In this process, a complex supply chain network is often formed to achieve collaborative cooperation among all project participants. Within such a complex supply chain network, issues such as delayed delivery, poor product quality, or low resource utilization by any participant may trigger the bullwhip effect. This, in turn, can negatively impact the delivery cycle, product cost, and quality of the entire complex product, causing it to lose favorable competitive positions such as quality advantages and delivery advantages in fierce market competition. Therefore, this paper firstly explores the mechanism of complex product manufacturing and the supply network of complex product manufacturing, in order to grasp the inherent structure of complex product manufacturing with a focus on identifying symmetrical properties among supply chain nodes. Secondly, a complex product supply chain network model is constructed with the Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT), incorporating symmetry constraints to reflect balanced resource allocation and mutual dependencies among symmetrical nodes. Then, from the perspective of supply chain, we focus on identifying the shortcomings of supply chain suppliers and optimizing the management cost of the whole supply chain in order to improve the quality of complex products, delivery level, and cost saving level. This study constructs a Restricted Grey GERT (RG-GERT) network model with constrained outputs, integrates moment-generating functions and Mason’s Formula to derive transfer functions, and employs a hybrid algorithm (genetic algorithm combined with non-linear programming) to solve the multi-objective optimization problem (MOOP) for joint optimization of delivery time, quality, and cost. Empirical analysis is conducted using simulated data from Y Company’s aerospace equipment supply chain, covering interval parameters such as delivery time [5–30 days], cost [40,000–640,000 CNY], and quality [0.85–1.0], validated with industry-specific constraints. Empirical analysis using Y Company’s aerospace supply chain data shows that the model achieves a maximum customer satisfaction of 0.96, with resource utilization efficiency of inefficient suppliers improved by 15–20% (p < 0.05) after secondary optimization. Key contributions include (1) integrating symmetry analysis to simplify network modeling; (2) extending GERT with grey parameters for non-probabilistic uncertainty; (3) developing a two-stage optimization framework linking customer satisfaction and resource efficiency. Full article

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development and environmental governance, research on contractors’ green behavior has received increasing attention. However, the research progress and knowledge structure within this field remain unclear. This study, therefore, reviews the literature published between 1985 and 2005 in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. It aims to reveal the current state of research, identify gaps, and propose future research directions. First, through bibliometric analysis, this study explores research trends, journal distribution, country distribution, author distribution, institutional distribution, and collaboration patterns. Second, social network analysis of keyword co-occurrence is conducted to identify emerging research hotspots and frontier topics. Third, content analysis complements the quantitative findings by synthesizing theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and influencing factors. Finally, potential future research directions are outlined regarding collaboration models, thematic integration, theoretical frameworks, research methods, factors, research boundaries, contextual applications, and behavioral outcome variables. By systematically reviewing the literature on contractors’ green behavior, this study offers valuable insights for future research as well as management practices. Full article

Contemporary construction faces the need to reduce its negative impact on the environment, prompting designers, investors, and contractors to seek more sustainable materials and technologies. One area of dynamic development is the use of natural fibers as an alternative to conventional, often synthetic, building components. Plant- and animal-based fibers, such as hemp, flax, jute, straw, bamboo, and sheep’s wool, are characterized by low energy consumption in production, renewability, and biodegradability. Their use is in line with the concept of a circular economy and reduces the carbon footprint of buildings. Natural fibers offer a number of beneficial physical and functional properties, including good thermal and acoustic insulation parameters, as well as hygroscopicity, which allows for the regulation of indoor humidity, improving air quality and comfort of use. In recent years, there has also been a renaissance of traditional building techniques, such as straw construction, often combined with modern engineering standards. Their potential is particularly recognized in green and energy-efficient construction. The article provides an overview of the types of natural fibers available for use in construction and analyzes their technical, environmental, and economic properties. It also draws attention to current regulations, standards, and certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) that promote the popularization of these solutions. In light of the analyzed data, the role of natural fibers as a viable alternative supporting the transformation of the construction sector towards sustainable development is considered. Full article

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

Processed sea sand has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional fine aggregates in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Despite its economic and environmental advantages, concerns over residual seashell content have limited its widespread adoption by local contractors. Residual seashell content, typically ranging from 1% to 3% after processing, has raised concerns about its impact on the performance of concrete. This study systematically investigates the influence of seashell fragments, with a content of up to 5%, on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of sea sand concrete and mortar. Experimental results indicate that workability remains stable, with minor variations across the tested range of shell content. Compressive strength remains relatively consistent from 0% to 5% seashells, indicating that seashell content does not significantly impact the strength within this range. Durability tests reveal minimal effects of shell content on concrete performance within the tested shell range, as indicated by results for water absorption, rapid chloride penetration, and acid exposure testing. Accelerated corrosion indicates that the typical shell content does not increase corrosion risk; however, high shell content (>3%) can compromise corrosion durability. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the mechanical and durability performance of sea sand concrete remains uncompromised at typical seashell content levels (1–3%), supporting the use of processed sea sand as a sustainable and viable alternative to traditional fine aggregates in Sri Lankan construction. Full article

The Norwegian construction sector has long struggled with conflict, particularly in large-scale and complex projects, where adversarial practices, rigid procurement systems, and insufficient early collaboration are common. This study explores how partnering contracts, which are collaborative delivery models designed to align stakeholder interests, affect conflict dynamics in real-world settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines semi-structured interviews with 21 experienced Norwegian construction professionals and a structured survey of 33 industry experts. The findings reveal that partnering can foster trust, improve communication, and reduce adversarial behavior through mechanisms such as early contractor involvement, joint goal setting, and open dialogue. However, participants also identified critical risks: superficial collaboration rituals, ambiguous roles, and unresolved structural inequalities that can exacerbate tensions. Importantly, the study emphasizes that partnering success depends less on the contract itself and more on cultural alignment, stakeholder competence, and long-term relational commitment. These insights contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how collaborative contracting influences conflict mitigation in the Norwegian construction sector. Full article

Construction delays are a repeated problem in government buildings projects in Kuwait, always leading to increased costs and schedule slippage. This pilot study investigates key delay factors and corresponding solutions strategies by analyzing the responses from 60 construction professionals representing project management consultants (PMCs), contractors, and consultants. Using a structured questionnaire and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the study identifies and validates critical delay constructs and explores useful solutions measures from stakeholders’ perspectives. The findings provide foundational data to refine the main study and enhance model validity for structural equation modeling (SEM). The top of the delay factors are poor contractor monitoring, weakness of consultant project management team, and design faults. Recommended solutions strategies include establishing a monitoring system to track subcontractor progress and addressing potential delays proactively, ensuring timely approval for the required workforce, and establishing clear delivery schedules. The results validate the questionnaire’s reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.920) and provide insights into urgency areas for delay mitigation in the Kuwaiti governmental building construction sector. Full article

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is plagued by persistent challenges such as low productivity, cost overruns, and frequent project delays. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) has emerged as a potential solution, offering collaborative approaches to improve project outcomes. This study proposes a two-tiered methodology for evaluating the disruptiveness of innovations in the AEC industry, with a particular focus on IPD as a disruptive innovation. In the first tier, a multidimensional framework is developed to systematically assess the disruptiveness of innovations in the AEC sector. This framework, informed by a thorough literature review and disruptive innovation theory, includes dimensions such as business models, processes, and anticipated outcomes. The second tier applies the framework by analyzing the disruptiveness of IPD. The assessment draws on data from three comprehensive studies, including ethnographic research, interviews, and focus groups, which examine IPD’s impact on different stakeholder groups such as clients, consultants, and contractors. Findings reveal that IPD has the potential to significantly disrupt traditional business models, processes, and project outcomes, particularly at the project level. Notable disruptive characteristics include shifts in collaboration dynamics, redefined project financing models, and improved efficiency. However, several barriers hinder IPD adoption, including resistance to change and misalignment with conventional contractual structures. Expert interviews support these results, indicating that IPD represents a fundamental shift in the AEC industry. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a structured framework for assessing the disruptiveness of AEC innovations and demonstrating its practical application. In this way, AEC organizations, projects, and practitioners can better strategize for the adoption of any new disruptive innovation and thus pursue a strategic advantage in the highly competitive industry market. Full article

Delays in road construction projects pose significant challenges in the Philippines, resulting in increased costs, project overruns, and unmet infrastructure goals. Common causes include poor financial management, inadequate subcontractor performance, deficient planning, and regulatory bottlenecks. This study aims to develop a comprehensive and data-driven framework to mitigate construction delays using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The methodology integrates literature review, expert surveys, and pairwise comparisons to identify and prioritize critical delay factors. Experts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), private contractors, and academia contributed to the AHP model. The results highlight seven major factor groups: client-related, contractor-related, consultant-related, materials, labor and equipment, contractual issues, and external influences. AHP analysis identified financial management, planning and scheduling, and regulatory coordination as the most impactful causes. Based on these findings, a strategic framework was developed and visualized using a Fishbone Diagram to present mitigation strategies tailored to each factor. While environmental engineering principles—such as material efficiency, energy use optimization, and impact assessments—are acknowledged, they serve as guiding themes rather than formal components of the framework. The study offers practical, stakeholder-validated recommendations for both pre- and post-construction phases, including real-time monitoring, risk anticipation, and improved multi-agency coordination. This framework provides a scalable tool for DPWH and related agencies to improve infrastructure delivery while supporting long-term sustainability goals. Full article

The risks arising from contractual claims in the civil engineering construction industry in South Africa are a concern. Currently, there are no risk mitigation models available for managers to help reduce such risks. A theoretical risk mitigation model was developed from the literature and validated through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), using primary questionnaire data obtained from 166 respondents drawn from a pool of South African construction industry professionals, including project directors, project managers, supervisors, consultants, and contractors. The descriptive results indicate significant patterns, trends, and distributions of the variables across the three constructs in the study. The PLS-SEM results indicate that factors causing contractual claims risk in civil infrastructure projects have a significant relation to the impact of risk occurrence on these projects, influencing the strategies to be implemented to mitigate such risks. The PLS-SEM results also indicate a significant direct relation between the factors causing contractual claims risk and the strategies to be implemented to mitigate risks, thus implying that the holistic adaptation of the PLS-SEM (risk mitigation model) by construction industry professionals in South Africa should reduce contractual claims risk in civil infrastructure projects. The findings serve as a valuable guide not only to construction industry professionals but also to government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Full article

Focusing on issues related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), this study aligns with the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study explores the barriers unique to the industry that obstruct the adoption of low-carbon emission solutions in Jordan’s multi-family residential buildings. Multi-family apartments constitute 73% of the total housing stock and account for over 80% of all residential structures. A total of eight main barriers that are preventing the implementation of low-carbon emission techniques were evaluated. The Fuzzy Delphi Method was utilized to gather insights from the Consultancy Council members of the Jordan Housing Investors Association. The results suggest that a major obstacle is the insufficient knowledge among end-users regarding environmental concerns, along with financial limitations, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for low-carbon multi-family apartments. Moreover, insufficient cooperation between consultants and contractors leads to subpar constructability, which is worsened by the prevailing conventional procurement method that prioritizes cost and schedule above environmental consequences. To further investigate, it is advisable to examine the utilization of contemporary procurement methods, such as Design–Build and Construction Management and modern family contracts such as NEC4 in the housing industry of Jordan. These alternative methods have the potential to solve the current difficulties by promoting more effective and environmentally friendly building practices. Full article

Sustainable building rating tools (SBRTs) are essential for assessing the environmental impact of buildings, continuously evolving to meet the needs of users. In Nigeria, the effectiveness of these tools depends on their ability to meet the country’s sustainable building standards and environmental goals. While adopting sustainable building rating tools is crucial for realizing the benefits of sustainable construction, little is known about their actual utilization in the Nigerian construction industry. This research aims to (1) assess the level of awareness and utilization of sustainable building rating tools among diverse stakeholders—including architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, developers, contractors, and suppliers—within Nigeria’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, and (2) explore drivers and barriers to their use. The study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, starting with a survey of 98 Nigerian building professionals, followed by qualitative analysis. Results show that while 72.4% were aware of SBRTs, only 39.8% had used them, highlighting a gap between awareness and application. Utilization was higher among professionals with greater experience, income, and education. Barriers included high certification costs, tool complexity, and socio-economic factors, while key drivers were government regulations and environmental benefits. The study calls for targeted education, tool simplification, and financial incentives to boost adoption and promote sustainable construction in Nigeria. Full article

As technologies such as Building Information Modeling, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing spread, digital transformation in construction is widely seen as a path to greater efficiency and sustainability. Yet multiple stakeholders and persistent information asymmetry often hamper genuine cooperation, undermining digitalization’s potential. This study constructs an evolutionary game model involving government, contractor, and service providers under incomplete information. A combined subsidies-and-penalties mechanism is introduced to derive replicator dynamics and identify conditions for an evolutionary stable strategy. Numerical simulations show that insufficient subsidies and weak penalties typically result in a “low-level equilibrium,” with superficial or absent cooperation. Strengthening government subsidies and imposing more stringent penalties triggers a threshold effect, significantly increasing contractors’ and service providers’ willingness to participate, thereby leading to a stable cooperative equilibrium. Service providers, in particular, influence success or failure through their cost–benefit structures, which affect contractors’ confidence in adopting digital solutions. This research extends evolutionary game theory to a three-party construction digitalization context, providing practical guidance for balanced subsidy–penalty strategies and incentive-compatible mechanisms. Overall, it underscores how coordinated policies and stakeholder alignment can overcome moral hazard and achieve sustainable digital transformation in the construction sector. Full article

Significant weather-induced delays often plague construction projects in India’s extremely cold regions, yet comprehensive studies addressing this issue remain scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying key delay factors and proposing mitigation strategies for the construction industry. Through an extensive literature review, 42 delay factors were identified and categorized into four groups. A survey of 83 experts from cold regions was conducted to evaluate these factors’ significance to contractors and subcontractors. Employing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and artificial neural networks (ANN), the study analyzed the relationships between these factors and ranked their impact. The findings reveal that snowfall, rainfall, and low temperatures are the most significant contributors to delays, with snowfall being the most influential (significance: 1.000), followed by rainfall (0.890) and low temperatures (0.790). This research establishes a risk hierarchy and develops a predictive model to facilitate the proactive scheduling of challenging tasks during favorable seasons. This study advances the understanding of weather-induced delays in India’s cold regions and offers valuable insights for project management in such climates. However, it underscores the importance of clearly articulating its novel contributions to differentiate it within the existing literature on weather-related construction delays. Full article