A mixed methods study on choice of media influence on construction industry communication

This study focuses on the use of different communication media for solving problems in the construction industry. The focus of this research is on design-problems containing spatial information and are informally reported between site supervision and design professionals. Due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry, miscommunication is a well-known and common problem. Yet, this fragmented nature is necessary in order to build a complex product involving many different types of professionals. To better understand the issue, this study uses previous literature, such as those published on media richness theory, problem-solving strategy, and construction specific communications, in a three-phased sequential mixed-methods approach. The phases included an online survey with industry professionals (phase 1), interviews with industry professionals (phase 2), and a quasi-experiment (phase 3). Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed depending on the phase. Results indicate that construction industry communication relies strongly on face-to-face interaction, and telephone and email communications. The need for a `paper trail\u27 is an important factor driving communication patterns. Finally, phase 3 suggested that communication media that allow for immediate feedback and visual cues are more helpful in solving design-problems containing spatial information. Based on these results, guidelines for effective use of different types of media in the construction industry were then developed as a final product of this study. These guidelines seek to improve awareness about the importance of effective communication in the construction industry

Introduction to Prefabrication and Automation in Construction

New developments and recent advances in construction methods have the potential to change the future of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Prefabrication, along with modular construction, provides a safe and controlled environment for the production of building construction elements and raises the need for improved collaboration and coordination from design to manufacturing and from transportation to final assembly. Prefabrication also provides relief from the skilled construction labor shortage while opening up new opportunities for mass customization within the building industry. Prefabrication and modular construction automation are emerging expansion routes for the construction industry. In addition, integral to developing the knowledge of the design and construction workforce is learning more about emerging construction techniques, in special prefabrication and modular construction and automation processes, through the engagement of lifelong learning

Exploring Generation Z’s Perceptions of Green Homes

In recent years, there has been an increase in environmental awareness in the United States, leading to steady growth in environmentally conscious consumerism. Looking specifically at green home marketing, understanding the consumer behavior of the next generation of homebuyers, Generation Z (GenZ), is important for environmental and business reasons. This study surveyed 116 university students to explore the influence of specific barriers and types of motivation (intrinsic, instrumental, and non-normative) on their perceptions of green homes. Our findings suggest certain barriers have more influence on GenZ consumers than others, with the perceived lack of choice in selecting Green Home Features (GHFs) as the top barrier, followed by a lack of information about GHFs, and then the perceived effort to analyze GHFs. Furthermore, for GenZ consumers, intrinsic and non-normative motivations seem to significantly affect their willingness to buy green homes, whereas instrumental motivation does not. Our findings expand on previous studies on green consumer behavior to provide a new benchmark for understanding GenZ’s consumer behavior, specifically towards green homes. Our results can be used by marketers and policymakers to study future home trends, attract more potential buyers to green homes, and help create a sustainable environment for future generations

Synthesis Study on Employing Snowplow Driving Simulators in Training

Departments of Transportation (DOTs) need to mobilize workers under harsh weather conditions for winter operations. Traditional snowplow driver training at INDOT is usually conducted annually before the snow season; therefore, it does not replicate the conditions which drivers will be exposed to during winter operations. To this point, some state DOTs have incorporated simulators in their snowplow driver training. Despite this raised interest, few studies have (1) surveyed other state DOTs about the use of this equipment in winter operations driver training, or (2) provided a systematic consideration of all factors involved in the decision to use driving simulators in snowplow driver training. To fill these gaps, the present study synthesizes information from previous literature, revises current information from INDOT, and surveys other state DOTs to identify the benefits and challenges of driving simulators for snowplow driver training. A mixed methods approach was utilized including a review of current INDOT practices, interviews with stakeholders, a survey of other state DOTs, and results from a pilot training. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that INDOT continues to explore the use of driving simulators for training purposes in addition to the yearly snowplow driver training, due the ability to reinforce learning in a safe environment. Moreover, the research team suggests the following areas for further research: evaluating optimal simulator “seat time,” peer learning in simulator training, and the impact of experience level and work assignment in the perception of driving simulator training effectiveness

Diretrizes para processo de projeto de fachadas com painéis pré-fabricados de concreto em ambiente BIM

Este artigo expõe as diretrizes para a criação de um processo de elaboração de projetos que utilizam painéis pré-fabricados de fachada, tendo como base o ambiente de Building Information Modeling (BIM). Os painéis pré-fabricados arquitetônicos de concreto (PPAC) foram utilizados como ponto de partida para a estruturação da proposta. A lógica de montagem justifica esta abordagem: assim como no sistema construtivo pré-fabricado, em que as peças são construídas fora do canteiro e chegam a este no momento da montagem, em BIM, os componentes da indústria da Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção (AEC) são modelados independentemente e inseridos no momento oportuno no modelo. Foram realizados estudos teóricos sobre as características dos PPACs, seguidos de consulta a profissionais experientes do setor, para confirmação da seleção de dados e procedimentos necessários para o projeto. Em seguida, elaboraram-se fluxogramas de orientação para o processo de projeto. Uma simulação do procedimento proposto foi feita com o programa Revit 2013, para validação. A proposta procura auxiliar o projetista a definir os passos de projeto, bem como os dados para a modelagem dos elementos. Ao auxiliar projetistas a conceber projetos utilizando elementos pré-fabricados, procura-se facilitar e estimular seu uso mais frequente no país

Synthesis Study on Employing Snowplow Driving Simulators in Training

SPR-4651Departments of Transportation (DOTs) need to mobilize workers under harsh weather conditions for winter operations. Traditional snowplow driver training at INDOT is usually conducted annually before the snow season; therefore, it does not replicate the conditions which drivers will be exposed to during winter operations. To this point, some state DOTs have incorporated simulators in their snowplow driver training. Despite this raised interest, few studies have (1) surveyed other state DOTs about the use of this equipment in winter operations driver training, or (2) provided a systematic consideration of all factors involved in the decision to use driving simulators in snowplow driver training. To fill these gaps, the present study synthesizes information from previous literature, revises current information from INDOT, and surveys other state DOTs to identify the benefits and challenges of driving simulators for snowplow driver training. A mixed methods approach was utilized including a review of current INDOT practices, interviews with stakeholders, a survey of other state DOTs, and results from a pilot training. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that INDOT continues to explore the use of driving simulators for training purposes in addition to the yearly snowplow driver training, due the ability to reinforce learning in a safe environment. Moreover, the research team suggests the following areas for further research: evaluating optimal simulator \u201cseat time,\u201d peer learning in simulator training, and the impact of experience level and work assignment in the perception of driving simulator training effectiveness

Are There Differences in the Anthropometric, Hemodynamic, Hematologic, and Biochemical Profiles between Late- and Early-Onset Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia (PE) is classified as early-onset PE (EOPE) and late-onset PE (LOPE) when present before or after 34 weeks of gestation, respectively. This transversal study aimed to investigate the differences and possible associations existing in the anthropometric, hemodynamic, hematologic, and biochemical profiles of late- and early-onset preeclampsia. The study included 65 volunteers admitted to a tertiary hospital in Brazil: 29 normotensive and 36 with preeclampsia (13 with EOPE and 23 with LOPE). Pregnant women with LOPE presented greater weight gain and borderline increase in body mass index at the end of gestation in relation to the other groups, which is compatible with the metabolic origin, associated with obesity, attributed to this form of the disease. Pregnant women with EOPE presented a borderline reduction in the number of erythrocytes and a significant decrease in the number of platelets, in addition to a significant increase in reticulocytes, serum iron, and ferritin when compared to normotensive pregnant women and pregnant women with LOPE. A significant increase in osmotic stability of erythrocytes was observed in the EOPE group in relation to other groups. Hemodynamic analysis by Doppler ultrasonography of the ophthalmic artery showed that both groups of pregnant women with PE presented alterations compatible with the occurrence of hyperflow in the orbital territory. These hemodynamic changes were associated with changes in hematimetric indices

Gathering and disseminating lessons learned in construction companies to support knowledge management

The importance of knowledge management (KM) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has risen with the improvement of information and communication technologies. However, the construction industry still struggles to capture and disseminate lessons learned. The present research explores this issue by using interviews and an online questionnaire, to provide updated information on lesson-learned procedures and their challenges in United States (US) construction companies. To do this, the authors have gathered industry professionals’ perceptions about lessons learned and methods used in their companies for harnessing and disseminating the knowledge generated by them. Our findings indicate that post-project evaluations are frequently conducted, utilize a two-step approach (review of materials followed by meetings), and are mainly organized by project managers. Most often, only key project team members are present in meetings to create a safe environment for discussion. Moreover, our findings echo previous research on the dissemination and reuse of lessons learned, indicating that these procedures are scattered and, most of the time, the information is not effectively reutilized. This suggests that US construction companies still need to revisit how information from lessons learned is currently being harnessed, stored, and especially shared (within and between companies) so that information can be effectively transformed into knowledge that can advance the AEC industry's productivity

A Review on the Factors Affecting the Use of Offsite Construction in Multifamily Housing in the United States

The increasing demand for multifamily housing in the United States requires alternatives for building more affordable and sustainable housing to improve the quality of life for millions of families. Offsite construction (OSC) strategies may be a viable alternative for tackling this problem. Although the use of OSC is significant in the multifamily housing market in the world and it is also very promising in the US, a scarce amount of literature has focused on this topic. The purpose of this study is to identify specific factors that affect decisions on the use of OSC in multifamily housing in the US. Focusing on the sustainability dimensions of construction—social, environmental, and economic—the authors reviewed literature that was published between 2000 and 2019 and identified factors that are related to OSC adoption in general construction, in housing construction, and, more specifically, in multifamily housing construction in the US. Subsequently, a discussion on some important factors affecting decisions on the use of OSC in the American multifamily market is provided. The discussion focused on factors that, although important, have been under explored in the literature that addresses the use of OSC in multifamily projects, especially in the US, which are: customer’s attitude, building performance, and building comfort and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). In addition, a brief discussion regarding the importance of design to the uptake of OSC in multifamily projects is provided. This is one of the first studies dedicated to exploring the social, environmental, and economic factors that affect the use of OSC in multifamily housing in the US. The study also identifies research gaps, which serve as a roadmap for future research