Issue 2

CONTENT

Editorial

1. Anil L. Agarwal, B. L. Rajput, Er. Satpute Mangesh A.:
Model Formulation to Estimate Manpower Demand for
the Real-Estate Construction Projects in India

2. Nataša Šuman, Martina Semič El-Masr:
The Integrated Approach for Introducing Innovation in construction Industry

3. Vivian Wong, Ka Wai Chan, Albert Kwok Hung Kwan:
Applying Theories of Particle Packing and Rheology to
Concrete for Sustainable Development

4. Martin Oloruntobi Dada:
Expected Success Factors for Public Sector Projects in Nigeria: A Stakeholder Analysis

5. Ibrahim Mahamid, Nabil Dmaidi:
Risks Leading to Cost Overrun in Building Construction from Consultants’ Perspective

6. Eva-Maria Heinendirk, Ivan Čadež:
Innovative Teaching In Civil Engineering With
Interdisciplinary Team Work

7. Iva Kovacic, Markus Summer, Christoph Achammer:
Life-cycle Oriented Renovation Strategies
for Social Housing Stock

8. Aleksander Srdić, Lucila M. S. Campos, Andrea C. Trierweiller, Jana Šelih:
Environmental Management In Project Oriented
Companies Within Construction Sector

1. Anil L. Agarwal, B. L. Rajput, Er. Satpute Mangesh A.
 

Model Formulation to Estimate Manpower Demand for the Real-Estate Construction Projects in India

Abstract:
Real Estate as well as Infrastructure constructions are a part of the development and indicators of the growth of the economy. At any point of time huge amount of construction is carried out across pan India, with natural cycle of ups and downs in the quantum of work executed per annum. Construction requires large number of manpower in the categories of un-skilled, skilled and technical for planning, monitoring and execution of these projects. Manpower demand estimation is an essential component to facilitate manpower deployment. The construction output and manpower constants are found to be the most significant and sensitive factors determining the demand of construction manpower. In this paper efforts are made to formulate the model to assist in predicting manpower demand for effective deployment of the construction manpower from the contractor perspective.

2. Nataša Šuman, Martina Semič El-Masr

The Integrated Approach for Introducing Innovation in Construction Industry

Abstract:
Nowadays, innovations in construction companies increase work productivity, hence, the effectiveness of company economy is improved. Basically, innovation is risky and the chance of success seems small, which usually discourages the construction companies to go for it. However, only the companies which will be dynamic and open enough, and thereby capable of responding to the challenges of globalisation, are going to survive. This article offers an overview of the state of the innovation activity in Slovenia, and discusses the impact and problems of introduction of innovation in the construction industry. The integrated approach for the implementation of innovations in construction industry is given within the basic factors for a successful implementation and relevant elements resulting from the internal and external environment. Regarding to the elements of research, possible forms of innovation, benefits of innovation and the inhibitors that limited its assertion are conducted. Further discussed are the factors and the participants which majorly influence the occurrence of innovation in construction industry. Among factors, we have considered participants who can aid at implementing innovation. Those are: the investors, the companies which produce construction products, engineers, architects, the providers of the technical support, and the main building contractors. In the last part of the article, a general overview of two non-technological approaches for expanding innovation is given, with the emphasis on partnership and supply chain management.

3. Vivian Wong, Ka Wai Chan, Albert Kwok Hung Kwan

Applying Theories of Particle Packing and Rheology to Concrete for Sustainable Development

Abstract:
Concrete is one of the most important construction materials. However, it is not so compatible with the demands of sustainable development because manufacturing of cement generates a large amount of carbon dioxide and therefore cement consumption produces a huge carbon footprint. Currently, the cement consumption is generally lowered by adding supplementary cementitious materials to replace part of the cement. Nonetheless, in order to maintain performance, there is a limit to such cement replacement by supplementary cementitious materials. To further reduce the cement consumption, the total cementitious materials content has to be reduced. This requires the packing density of the aggregate particles to be maximized so that the amount of voids in the bulk volume of aggregate to be filled with cement paste could be minimized and the surface area of the aggregate particles to be minimized so that the amount of cement paste needed to form paste films coating the surfaces of aggregate particle for rheological performance could be minimized. Such optimization is not straightforward and modern concrete science based on particuology is needed. Herein, a number of new theories regarding particle packing and rheology of concrete, which are transforming conventional concrete technology into modern concrete science, are presented. These theories would help to develop a more scientific and systematic concrete mix design method for the production of high-performance concrete with minimum cement consumption.

4. Martin Oloruntobi Dada

Expected Success Factors for Public Sector Projects in Nigeria: A Stakeholder Analysis

Abstract:
Analysing and managing stakeholders’ views have been recognized as necessary for the success of projects or programs. This research set out to investigate the expectations of client and contracting organizations in the Nigerian construction industry on their priorities for public project implementation. An opinion survey of client and contracting organizations in the Federal Capital Territory and some selected states of Nigeria was done. A set of 151 questionnaires was administered through the use of purposive and snowballing techniques on clients and contracting organizations. 67 completed questionnaires were returned. The data collected was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The results suggest that there are no significant differences, between client and contracting organizations, in their assessment of the six identified priorities in public sector project implementation. The study recommends that the homogeneity of perceptions by the two organizations can be a platform for intervention efforts for improvements in public sector project delivery.

5. Ibrahim Mahamid, Nabil Dmaidi
 

Risks Leading to Cost Overrun in Building Construction from Consultants’ Perspective

Abstract:
This study aims at identifying the risk map for factors affecting cost overrun in building construction projects in the West Bank in Palestine from the consultants’ perspective. The field survey included 26 consultants. 41 factors are identified
through literature review. The factors are divided into 5 groups. The analysis of the identified 41 factors indicates that 1 factor is located in the green zone, 14 factors are located in the yellow zone, and 26 factors are located in the red zone of the risk map. The results indicate that the top five affecting factors are: political situation, fluctuation of prices of materials, economic instability, currency exchange, and level of competitors. It is hoped that these findings will guide efforts to enhance the cost performance of construction industry.

6. Eva-Maria Heinendirk, Ivan Čadež

Innovative Teaching In Civil Engineering With Interdisciplinary Team Work

Abstract:
Regarding the requirements of today’s work life, students should learn – beside the technical knowledge – how to work in teams. Successful team work, especially by interdisciplinary teams within construction processes, requires a wide range of competences and skills. Integration of these opportunities into education of construction engineers is discussed in this paper. The “Shift from Teaching to Learning” (WILDT, J. 2003) provides a strengthened focus on education of competences
such as method-, social- and self-competences. Different types of courses and lectures have been analyzed regarding competence-oriented teaching. It can be seen that courses with focus on self-dependent learning like project work are appropriate for competence based teaching. A project work supported by tutors is shown as an example for interdisciplinary education of engineers. Focus was set on the project based development of competences and technical knowledge. The evaluation results show good impact on the development of the students’ skills.

7. Iva Kovacic, Markus Summer, Christoph Achammer
 

Life-cycle Oriented Renovation Strategies
for Social Housing Stock

Abstract:
Buildings cause 40% of total energy consumption, and 20% of CO2 emissions worldwide. In the European context, the main potential for the achievement of energy efficient built environment remains with the existing stock. This paper will present the life-cycle oriented renovation strategies for historic, especially large social housing stock, in order to meet the increased requirements in terms of energy efficiency simultaneously providing affordable housing and meeting the demands for monument conservation. Specific renovation-issues such as insufficient standard or size of housing units, demographic change (aging of society), thermal insufficiencies and partial obsolescence of building structure are bound to the age and typology of this specific stock. The developed strategies are based on the variations of façade-insulation technology and in further step on variation of building-hull refurbishment-level and energy system, applying the methodology of life cycle analysis (CO2-equivalent assessment) and calculation of amortization-periods for refurbishment-investment. The developed renovation strategies were evaluated in terms of cultural-historical, ecologic and economic criteria.
The findings demonstrate the importance of operation-phase in the building life-cycle, which is crucial for the economic and ecologic impact causing the largest energy consumption and related CO2 emissions. Due to the very long payback periods for refurbishment in the context of social housing, incentives for owners as well as support for the use of more sustainable heating systems for the tenants are necessary.

8. Aleksander Srdić, Lucila M. S. Campos,
Andrea C. Trierweiller, Jana Šelih

Environmental Management In Project Oriented Companies Within Construction Sector

Abstract:
Construction sector activities are predominantly project-oriented, and production processes are being executed on a temporary production (construction) site. Contemporary view of the sector includes, in addition to achievement of traditional goals, requirements related to environment, such as resource efficiency, emission control and preservation of biodiversity. For this purpose, the paper proposes an extended concept of quality and its comprehensive management in construction to the field of sustainability. Next, the existing body of knowledge is examined in order to identify specific measures to be used in the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) into the contracting organisation as well as into the construction project. Challenges associated with project oriented production are identified and discussed, and special emphasis is placed to the role of the organisational culture in this process. Environmental Management Project System (EMPS) is developed and proposed to be used within the construction project. For a given construction project, the EMPS can be supplemented by an Environmental Impact Assessment if required.