A comparative experimental investigation of high-temperature effect on fibre concrete and high strength concrete using UT and CM methods

In this paper, a 28-day compressive strength test has been performed on samples including normal fibre concrete and high-strength concrete. The ultrasonic test (UT) as a non-destructive and compression machine (CM) as a destructive test were applied, and the results were compared. To investigate the effect of temperature, the samples were subjected to 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 degrees Celsius and the exposure time was equal to 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Based on the results, it was observed that the minimum error observed between the UT and CM tests was 2.9 % and the maximum error between the two methods was 10.9 %, which shows the high accuracy of the ultrasonic testing method in determining the specimen’s strength. The average probable error of the method is determined to be around 6.8 %.Based on the results of the average decrease in compressive strength versus the heat exposure time, it is observed that the trend of changes and decrease in resistance over time for both types of tests is almost the same and has a negligible difference. At the end of 180 minutes of exposure, the resistance ratio for the ultrasonic test is 69.8 %, and 71.1 % for the compression machine. Furthermore, according to the average reduction in compressive strength due to heat exposure time, it has been observed that the results of the UT and UM tests have slight numerical differences, however, the trend of changes and reduction in resistance over time for both types of tests is almost the same. Finally, the accuracy of the UT in determining the compressive strength of specimens at high temperatures is fully confirmed

Integration of Cost andWork Breakdown Structures in the Management of Construction Projects

Scope management allows project managers to react when a project underperforms regarding schedule, budget, and/or quality at the execution stage. Scope management can also minimize project changes and budget omissions, as well as improve the accuracy of project cost estimates and risk responses. For scope management to be effective, though, it needs to rely on a robust work breakdown structure (WBS). A robust WBS hierarchically and faithfully reflects all project tasks and work packages so that projects are easier to manage. If done properly, the WBS also allows meeting the project objectives while delivering the project on time, on budget, and with the required quality. This paper analyzes whether the integration of a cost breakdown structure (CBS) can lead to the generation of more robust WBSs in construction projects. Over the last years, some international organizations have standardized and harmonized different cost classification systems (e.g., ISO 12006-2, ISO 81346-12, OmniClass, CoClass, UniClass). These cost databases have also been introduced into building information modeling (BIM) frameworks. We hypothesize that in BIM environments, if these CBSs are used to generate the project WBS, several advantages are gained such as sharper project definition. This enhanced project definition reduces project contradictions at both planning and execution stages, anticipates potential schedule and budget deviations, improves resource allocation, and overall it allows a better response to potential project risks. The hypothesis that the use of CBSs can generate more robust WBSs is tested by the response analysis of a questionnaire survey distributed among construction practitioners and project managers. By means of structural equation modeling (SEM), the correlation (agreement) and perception differences between two 250-respondent subsamples (technical project staff vs. project management staff) are also discussed. Results of this research support the use of CBSs by construction professionals as a basis to generate WBSs for enhanced project management (PM)

Analysis of Innovation in Construction from the Perspective of Modern Project Management

“Innovation management (IM) is a term and basis of a big debate, which is argued by some people who believe because of the term of innovation definition, it means that it is not manageable, whereas some other people powerfully believe in processes and building systems to create more innovation.”. In the context of construction management, this research used a qualitative systemic review method to collect data for this research. When compared to quantitative research techniques, qualitative research methods are effective along the lines of a descriptive or exploratory approach. As a result, this research, it showed that project managers' roles are changing and that they are being asked to take on more duties outside of traditional project management. According to the results, most people learn what they need to know to keep their abilities up to par and meet these constantly shifting demands via their own direct information. Thus explaining innovation in construction requires constant uplift over time, with effective project management