School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao

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https://hdl.handle.net/10292/13907

AUT is home to a number of renowned research institutes in architecture and creative technologies. The School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao strong industry partnerships and the unique combination of architecture and creative technologies within one school stimulates interdisciplinary research beyond traditional boundaries.

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Stage Building Inspection: A Possible Solution to Building Failures in Nigeria
(West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference, 2012) Rotimi, FE; Tookey, JE
Building quality failures have become rampant in Nigeria, with the worst cases resulting in collapse of buildings and loss of lives. Several studies have attributed quality failures to a myriad of factors some of which are traceable to insufficient/lack of quality inspection during construction. Stage inspections are a common feature of most developed countries, which ensure that building works comply with consent documents issued by approving authorities. The more the checks and inspection on building performance, the more probable the final build will meet the required quality standards. Thus the primary objective of this paper is to suggest stage inspection during construction by approving authorities, as a feasible solution to building failures in Nigeria. Literature review methodology is used to discuss building inspection regimes operable in different developed countries. This is with a view for the Nigerian building construction industry to consider stage inspection as a mandatory process during building production. It is hoped that the findings of this paper will benefit property owners, building occupants and the overall construction industry through improved quality achievement levels. Stage inspections may guarantee peace of mind and confidence that buildings will eventually attain desired levels of performance because the culture of building it right first time would have been imbibed.
Examining the Relationship between BIM and Green Star
(IJTech, 2018-11-14) Doan, D; Ghaffarian Hoseini, A; Naismith, N; Tookey, J; Ghaffarianhoseini, A
Neither Building Information Modelling (BIM) nor Green Star certification has yet to be widely adopted in the New Zealand construction industry. This paper, therefore, aims to encourage their development by examining the relationship between BIM adoption and Green Star certification. The qualitative approach using 21 semi-structured interviews with the construction professionals was conducted. The results indicate that despite the absence of a direct link, integrating BIM with Green Star has the potential to accelerate the Green Star uptake in New Zealand. However, BIM and Green Star uptake have two separated processes along with the lack of client demand for either BIM or Green Star projects were identified as the significant barriers to the integration. Among eight solutions recommended from the interviewees, providing education and training in both BIM and Green Star for clients and construction practitioners plays a key role. This research contributes to the current knowledge of BIM and Green Star in New Zealand by providing baseline information to the NZGBC, construction stakeholders, and the government that allows for the formulation of effective strategies to be used to develop both BIM and Green Star.
Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Cultural Heritage in Climate Action
(International Council on Monuments and Sites - ICOMOS, 2019-07-02) Brabec, EA; Burke, S; Cox, P; Vallis, S; ICOMOS Climate Change and Heritage Working Group
Cultural heritage offers immense and virtually untapped potential to drive climate action and support ethical and equitable transitions by communities towards low carbon, climate resilient development pathways. Realizing that potential, however, requires both better recognition of the cultural dimensions of climate change and adjusting the aims and methodologies of heritage practice. Achieving the Paris Agreement’s ambition of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels would require “rapid and far-reaching” transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said. Better addressing the ways in which cultural heritage is both impacted by climate change and a source of resilience for communities would increase the ambition for --- and effectiveness of --transformative change. The report highlights a number of ways in which the core considerations of cultural heritage intersect with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, including heightening ambition to address climate change, mitigating greenhouse gases, enhancing adaptive capacity, and planning for loss and damage. At the same time, climate change is already impacting communities and heritage globally, and these trends are rapidly worsening. The report provides a framework for systematically cataloguing the impacts of climate change drivers on six main categories of cultural heritage, in order to aid in evaluating and managing both climate risks to cultural heritage and the positive role it can play as a source of resilience. Given the nature and scale of climate impacts, the report concludes that how we conceive of heritage and how we manage it will require updating. New, multi-disciplinary approaches will be required in areas such as heritage documentation, disaster risk reduction, vulnerability assessment, conservation, education and training as well as in the ways heritage sites are presented to visitors.
Structural Health Monitoring of a Post-tensioned Concrete Bridge Using Wireless Sensor Network: Deployment and Evaluation
(SMAR (2019), 2019-08) Navabian, N; Beskhyroun, S
In this paper, a new developed wireless sensor unit is introduced and utilised to extract dynamic characteristics of a post-tensioned concrete bridge in New Zealand. The system includes 20 wireless senor nodes and one base station unit. The sensor nodes use wireless mesh network to transfer the measurements including temperature, humidity and 3-axis acceleration. The advantages of the sensor nodes are its high resolution and sensitivity, low cost and power consumption to record both ambient and earthquake-induced vibrations using two time-triggered and event- triggered modes. To assess the condition of the superstructure over time, the bridge dynamic characteristics obtained using the vibration recorded from the structure are compared with the counterparts measured several years ago using standalone MEMS accelerometers. The dynamic characteristics of the bridge show a constant performance of the full-scale structure over its lifetime. Also, the results indicate a reliable performance of the developed wireless sensor system for monitoring of large-scale structures.
International Construction Joint Ventures as a Resourcing Model
(Thomas Telford, 2021) Chao, Q; Rotimi, FE; Rotimi, JOB
Shortages in materials, skilled labour and equipment are well known within construction industries, and impede performance on ongoing and pipeline projects. This study explores international construction joint ventures (ICJVs) as a resourcing model that could relieve pressures within the New Zealand (NZ) construction industry. The study goes further to identify the risks and constraints associated with ICJVs. There is a dearth of literature on the role of ICJVs and their impact on the industry within the context of resource acquisition. The data for this study were collected by way of the administration of an online questionnaire survey to a representative sample of contractors, developers and consultants. A simple descriptive method of analysis was employed for ease of understanding. The study established that materials and labour were the most demanding resources that ICJVs could help address in NZ. Risks associated with compliance with local regulations and certification requirements and those related to lead times were the most critical constraints for international material acquisition. The study findings also indicate that language and communication barriers and differences in the practice of rules and regulations were the most significant constraints for utilising international skilled labour.
Designing for Construction Procurement: An Integrated Decision Support System for Building Information Modelling
(Emerald, 2021) Babaeian Jelodar, M; Wilkinson, S; Kalatehjari, R; Zou, Y
Purpose: Many applications of Building Information modelling (BIM) are already integrated into project management processes. However, the construction industry is suffering from poor decision-making, especially during procurement where fundamental decisions are made. To make the best decisions at earlier project stages, such as design, large amount of information needs to be processed and classified. Therefore, this study seeks to create a Decision Support System (DSS) for construction procurement through the application of existing informatics infrastructure and BIM applications. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review expert interviews and case studies with complex procurement considerations were used to identify and validate attributes and criterions for procurement decision-making. Accordingly, Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) methodology was used and mathematical models were driven as the foundation for a DSS. Findings: Five major criterions of time, cost, relationship quality, sustainability and quality of work performed was identified for complex construction procurement decision-making. Accordingly, a DSS structure and mathematical model was proposed. Based on this a model architecture was developed for the integration of the DSS into Autodesk Revit as a BIM platform, and assist in pre-contract decision-making. Practical implications: The results can be used in pre-contract selection processes via currently used BIM applications. The model architecture can integrate DSS outputs to nD models, cloud systems and potentially virtual reality facilities to facilitate better construction operations and smarter more automated processes. Originality/value: This study formulates and captures complex and unstructured information on construction procurement into a practical DSS model. The study provides a link to integrate solutions with already available platforms and technologies. The study also introduces the concept of designing for procurement; which can be expanded to other challenging decisions during construction.
Green Building Practice in the New Zealand Construction Industry: Drivers and Limitations
(Universitas Indonesia, 2021-12-09) Doan, D; Wall, H; Ghaffarian Hoseini, A; Ghaffarianhoseini, A; Naismith, N
Green Star NZ is New Zealand’s primary rating system that determines and assesses how environmentally friendly non-residential buildings are. New Zealand portrays itself as a clean and green nation; however, its uptake of the Green Star NZ assessment tool has been slow. This research examines the current strengths and limitations of the New Zealand green new construction industry using primary data collected and analyzed from semi-structured interviews. The results fundamentally demonstrate a limited understanding of best green building practices and Green Star NZ on behalf of New Zealand’s commercial construction industry. The research identified 12 key limitations mitigating green building in New Zealand’s new construction. Four of these limitations were new ideas presented in the interviews, including supply chain inefficiencies, tools not tailored to New Zealand, unproven commercial feasibility, and lack of short-term benefits. Current contractor drivers were identified as basic operation-based strengths, which include waste segregation/waste management processes, basic resource efficiencies, occupant comfort, and increasing awareness. As New Zealand’s green rating system uptake is still in its infancy, the country can learn from the teething issues of other countries that have progressed in sustainable built environment practices.
An Integrated Paradigm for Managing Efficient Knowledge Transfer: Towards a More Comprehensive Philosophy of Transferring Knowledge in the Construction Industry
(UTS ePRESS, 2022) Moshood, TD; Rotimi, FE; Rotimi, JOB
The efficient knowledge transfer among project group members can help those individuals do their jobs more successfully. However, there are challenges with effective and efficient knowledge transfer within the construction industry. Past research has assumed that all information can be articulated and codified, thus focusing on the transfer that generates the supply of knowledge. There seems not to be a comprehensive strategy for dealing with reverse, intra-firm information transfer that considers several elements and the interconnections between them. The current study developed a conceptual framework that comprehensively overviews knowledge transmission variables. A total of 128 papers from Scopus and Web of Science and publisher databases like Taylor & Francis, Elsevier, Emerald Insight, and Google Scholar were evaluated between 1990 and 2021. The data were evaluated using ATLAS.ti 9 software tool. The study contributed significantly to the impression of knowledge transfer by the construction industry. It also suggests that organisations should inspire and increase the involvement and evaluation of knowledge dissemination. In addition, a set of factors for efficient information transfer was identified and described in detail. Effective communication strategies should include establishing regular and efficient communication, creating a community of practice with common goals, creating a sense of urgency and connection to the challenge, and continuously transferring information amongst organisation members.
BIM Knowledge Transfer in Construction Industry: A Partial Least Square Analysis
(Emerald, 2022) Rotimi, EOO; Rotimi, FE; Silva, CWC; Aigwi, IE
Purpose There are several technologies positively impacting the management of construction projects. Building information modelling (BIM) is one such technology, slowly changing project delivery. However, enhancing knowledge transfer (KT) within the construction industry is crucial because of the characteristic slow uptake of innovation. Therefore, this study aims to establish the effectiveness of the KT mechanism for BIM implementation in construction organisations. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a quantitative research method where a structured questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals. A partial least square structural equation modeling path analysis was used to test the direct and indirect relationships of computer self-efficacy (CS), perceived ease of use (PEOU), KT and BIM usage. Findings This study found that CS could improve KT, which will, in turn, increase the implementation of BIM within construction organisations. However, in terms of KT, individuals’ confidence and ability to use BIM inspires them to share the knowledge of BIM they had received through training. Furthermore, this study found that the ease of interacting, learning and being skilful with BIM may not necessarily ensure the actual transfer of knowledge. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into KTs (BIM implementation) in the construction industry. It will enhance the use of BIM systems and related knowledge through effective training amongst construction practitioners. Other previous studies have focused on challenges and barriers to BIM implementation, this study goes deeper into establishing the effectiveness of the KT mechanism for BIM implementation in construction organisations.
Food for Advanced Computational Thinking: Critical and Creative Approaches to Technology at Te Kura Taurua Manurewa
(Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2022) Sosa, R; Gibbons, A; O'Riordan, E; Iorangi, K; Crowe, A; Gibson, L; Harris, S; Badenhorst, D; Vlachokyriakos, V; Yee, J; Grönvall, E; Noronha, R
This paper focuses on a participatory activity that is part of an ongoing partnership formed six years ago between teachers and academics to study creative technology approaches to youth participation. By focusing on a food-based activity in an after-school maker space, we reflect on the pedagogical and methodological innovations, and the ethical and aesthetic qualities of food-based activities for participatory design. The session brought together students and teachers to form a generative dialogue around computation and automation while preparing and sharing food. The results suggest opportunities to rethink current curricular, pedagogical, and education policy strategies. Recommendations for organizers to prepare generative activities where food is used as a design material close the paper.
Regenerative-Based Green Supply Chain Management Model for the Construction Industry
(IOP Publishing, 2022-01-01) Oyefusi, ON; Enegbuma, WI; Brown, A; Zari, MP
Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is considered to be the most effective management tool that aims to integrate environmental sustainability thinking into the built environment. This is in relation to its ability to substantially reduce greenhouse emissions, energy consumption, pollution, and other drivers of negative environmental change in the built environment. Despite the implementation of GSCM practices, climate change continues to occur with a steady rise in greenhouse gas emissions per year that are associated with the built environment. Hence, there is a need for a proactive regenerative approach that focuses not only on reducing negative environmental footprints but also aims to create net positive impacts on the environment. This study aims to address this issue by first identifying the dominant forms of construction GSCM practices and their performance limitations through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The result revealed that regenerative factors were lacking in current GSCM practices. To further explore the nature of expanding current GSCM practices, a regenerative-based GSCM model was developed that demonstrates the relationship between regenerative and GSCM practices. This research addresses the gaps in current GSCM practices which could serve as a strategic response to climate change in terms of both mitigation and adaptation responses.
The Perceptions of Digital Technology at a New Zealand Tertiary Institution
(Tuwhera, AUT University, 2022-01-26) Singh, Umang
The way educational institutions view certain technology has changed dramatically over the years, especially with the world lockdown in 2020. Understanding how digital technology is seen in an educational institution is the path to finding out how to improve and enhance the learning experience for students. A study by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) showed “digitalisation has been one of the main drivers of innovation in educational practices in the classroom in the past decade.” (Vlies, 2020) The study examined how different members of a New Zealand tertiary education institution perceive digital technology in their respective areas of study. It examined how technology is viewed by students from differing degrees and levels, as well as how these views differ within the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study. The perception of educators was also examined to see how different departments view the tools they use in their respective programmes and how it differs from both past and present students. The methodology behind the research was using a mixed-method research approach to gain both qualitative and quantitative data. This method would allow for the Sequential Explanatory Strategy (Terrell, 2012) to interpret the study. The strategy is done via the collection and analysis of quantitative data followed by the collection and analysis of qualitative data. The quantitative data collection used an online survey to collect a large, population of anonymous participants. The online survey was conducted using the Qualtrics software and was administered amongst the population of the university. A particular focus was put on the undergraduate population, being the largest group of students, given their reliance on distance learning as a result of the lockdowns in New Zealand in 2020/21. The survey featured a multitude of questions to collect a mix of quantitative and qualitative data. The findings from the initial survey highlighted departments at the institution that have a stronger positive outlook towards using a higher amount digital technology in their curriculum. There was a subgroup that still preferred a more practical, face-to-face approach. In response to a question regarding whether digital technology adoption may be lagging in certain programmes/disciplines, the majority of participants gave the unknown response with the second-highest group saying it was likely. The main reason participants gave for the lag of adoption of digital technology was the underfunding of programmes, with some participants further suggesting a possible correlation between underfunding, understaffing and inadequate training. The latter coheres with the OECD study, with training being one of two key aspects of education policies: “First, teachers need sufficient training to deploy and teach about digital technologies. Second, countries need a standard for digital skills and literacy for students.” (Vlies, 2020) Ongoing follow-up interviews are currently being conducted to supplement the data from the online survey results. This study will be of interest to curriculum developers, decision-makers, policymakers, future students, educators, technologists, and other educational institution staff.
Environment, Resources, and Surroundings Based Dynamic Project Schedule Model for the Road Construction Industry in New Zealand
(Emerald, 2022-04-01) Purushothaman, MB; Kumar, S
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids on-time project delivery by reducing the project delay for the road construction industry in New Zealand (NZ). Design/methodology/approach This study adopted narrative inquiry methodology that involved semi-structured interviews (SSI)/expert opinion and systematic literature review (SLR) data to determine the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids on-time project delivery by reducing the project delay for the road construction industry in NZ. The data were analysed by using descriptive analysis, Likert scale and thematic analysis techniques to understand the relationship of these factors to propose a system dynamic model. Findings This study concludes that weather, pandemic, material, geotechnical and disaster factors highly influence while other factors such as equipment shortage, breakdown, design error, labour and event had mixed impact on the dynamic scheduling (DS) that aids on-time project delivery. The proposed system dynamic model can enhance the understanding of factors affecting DS. Research limitations/implications SLR is limited to English literature. The limitations of an SSI and a small sample size are acknowledged. Practical implications The proposed model can reduce the uncertainty and scheduling errors during the planning phase and aid in the lesser scheduling modification during the execution phase. In practice, this study will be helpful for road contractors to understand environment, surroundings and resource in-control and out-of-control factors, overcome road construction delays, reduce cost, aid in stakeholder management and sustainable development. Social implications The inclusion of environment, resource and surroundings factors in force majeure clauses will bring an understanding between contracting parties and in turn reduce disputes and delays and help social causes such as on-time infrastructure delivery. Originality/value For the first time in a road construction, dynamic project scheduling model that collectively included and linked environment, resource, and surroundings factors to determine the in-control and out-of-control factors for an organisation is proposed. The novelty in the paper is provided by the inclusion of the events, disasters, and pandemics influence on DS in the NZ road construction industry for the first time.
Greening Construction Transport as a Sustainability Enabler for New Zealand: A Research Framework
(Frontiers, 2022-05-25) Dhawan, K; Tookey, JE; GhaffarianHoseini, A; GhaffarianHoseini, A
The construction industry’s inherent fragmentation fuels Construction Supply Chain (CSC) complexity. Logistics form an essential part of the CSC in terms of costs and project management. In turn, transportation accounts for more than half the logistics costs due to construction materials being low-cost/high-volume, and most other logistics processes being business processes and not physical ones. Construction transport is almost entirely road bound, one of the least sustainable modes with externalities far out of proportion to its numbers. Ergo, its optimisation presents substantial greening (de-carbonisation) opportunity, with potentially far-reaching sustainability impacts. The ASI (Avoid-Shift-Improve) concept considers activity, modal structure, and energy intensity/efficiency as transport carbon components, providing a fundamental optimisation framework. 93% of New Zealand’s freight (a third of it construction related) is road bound, with 99% fossil-fuel (diesel) dependence. Government adoption of ASI elements viz Supply Chain (SC) efficiency, transport optimisation, data/information sharing, and collaboration for transport decarbonisation aligns with Industry 5.0, but seeks further research for concrete implementation pathways. This paper aims to bridge the gap by proposing a research framework for greening of construction transport as a sustainability enabler for New Zealand.
What We Know and Do Not Know About New Zealand’s Urban Microclimate: A Critical Review
(Elsevier BV, 2022-08) Jalali, Z; Ghaffarianhoseini, A; Ghaffarianhoseini, A; Donn, M; Almhafdy, A; Walker, C; Berardi, U
Despite the remarkable contribution of urbanisation to socio-economic development, it has complicated negative impacts on the environment. The growth of urbanisation has noticeable adverse impacts on urban microclimate and parameters generating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. These impacts, exacerbated by the gradual influences of global warming over time, make urban microclimate changes more complex. The future urban development and climate change adaptation plans in New Zealand (NZ) show almost no evidence of considering the status of future urban microclimate, UHI and outdoor thermal comfort. An initial literature review showed a relatively small number of papers and grey literature on urban microclimate in NZ. This motivated the authors to explore the status of studies on the urban microclimate and the following impacts on UHI and outdoor thermal comfort in NZ. The results showed a relatively small body of knowledge on urban microclimate studies in research articles published and governmental reports in the context of NZ. Likewise, the inconsistency of research parameters and methods studied and the lack of validation in the available studies, plus the neglection of future urban development and urban morphology, limit the clarity of the scientific understanding of changes to the urban microclimate in NZ. The results of this study address the missing links and provide new insight for future studies. This study suggests providing models that consider the continuous changes to the urban microclimate considering the uncertainty of climate change impacts on weather factors such as temperature and airflow. Assessment of the impact of current and future urban morphology on UHI is necessary to develop optimised urban design guidance.
Investigation of Acoustic Waves Behavior of an Underground Tunnel in a Multilayer Soil
(Nature Publishing Group, 2022-08-04) Roohezamin, A; Kalatehjari, R; Hajihassani, M; Kharghani, M; Dias, D
Understanding the acoustic behavior of buried tunnels is valuable for locating them and monitoring their structure health. This research focuses on the acoustic behavior of buried tunnels in multilayer soil structures. The reflected and transmitted acoustic wave pressure variations are investigated exclusively for a multilayer soil buried tunnel. The tunnel system's 3D finite element model is presented,which contains the tunnel lining, surrounding soil, and the air inside the tunnel and at the ground surface. A free air explosion is used as the acoustic wave source. The reflected and transmitted waves' pressure values are measured to evaluate the effects of mechanical characteristics of soil layers, tunnel buried depths, and lining concrete types on the acoustic wave behavior of the tunnel. In addition, a utility line is introduced to the system in different positions related to the main tunnel to investigate its effect on the main tunnel’s acoustic wave behavior. The results indicate that in a multilayer soil structure, the relative position of the soil layers and the tunnel(whether the main tunnel or the utility line) significantly impacts the acoustic pressure value, particularly the transmitted wave pressure. When changing the tunnel buried depth and the lining concrete type, multiple pressure peaks are observed in reflected acoustic wave pressure–time history exclusive to a tunnel surrounded by a multilayer soil structure. The findings can be used to precisely interpret the recorded signals for structural health monitoring and locating underground structures, especially in a media with multilayer soil structures.
Generative Allegories of Oppression and Emancipation: Reflecting with Computational Social Models
(School of Design of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2022-09-01) Sosa Medina, R
This paper presents a computational approach to growing artificial societies (agent-based simulations) as an explicit, accessible, and systematic tool to visualize and generate insights and new questions about Paulo Freire’s concepts of oppression and emancipation. These models do not make claims of validity or prediction, instead, their value is to structure our thinking and support our understanding. Here, I use computational social simulations as generative allegories to reflect upon the role of designers in participatory, co-design, and social design contexts. The paper shows how Freirean ideas can help reframe design as a pedagogical craft based on dialogue and collective inquiry.
Monitoring Technologies for Animal Welfare: A Review of Aspirations and Deployments in Zoos
(Springer, 2022-10-14) Morrison, A; Novikova, A; Arai, K
Focusing on zoo environments, we conducted a literature review investigating the use of non-invasive technologies designed for monitoring the behaviour and welfare of animals. The research question asks: What technologies or monitoring methods have been able to capture information on behaviours and needs of animals in zoo, sanctuary, domestic or agricultural environments? From the initial literature review, we determined progressive zoos, research labs, institutions and companies and identified monitoring technologies developed to improve animal welfare. We then emailed out a concise survey to those zoos to gauge what monitoring technologies they were using and asked them to identify where systems and their deployment could be improved. We highlight advances and developments identified in the literature, to underline current and future monitoring needs of zoo environments. We contribute to the research field by mapping these sought-after changes against the most relevant identified monitoring technologies distinguished in the literature search.
A Critical Investigation on the Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability of EPB Machines: A Case Study
(MDPI AG, 2022-11-06) Kalatehjari, R; koohsari, A; Moosazadeh, S; Hajihassani, M; Van, B
Tunnelling is a vital geotechnical engineering feature of underground transportation systems that is potentially hazardous if not properly investigated, studied, planned, and executed. A reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) analysis is one of the main practical techniques in machinery-based projects to recognize the failure and repair rates of machines during or after their operations. RAM analysis of mechanized tunneling can help to manage the project safety and cost, and improve the availability and performance of the machine. There are several methods to obtain and predict the RAM of a system, including the Markov chain simulation and other statistical methods; however, the result of the analysis can be affected by the selected method. This paper presents the results of a critical investigation on the RAM of the Earth pressure balance machines (EPBMs) used in developing an urban metro project in Isfahan, Iran. The five kilometer length of the first line of the Isfahan metro project was excavated using EPBMs over four years. After overhauling the EPBMs and making some minor changes, excavation of the second line started, and to date, about 1.2 km has been excavated by the refurbished machines. In the present study, a RAM analysis has been applied to electrical, mechanical, and cutter head subsystems of the EPBMs in Lines 1 and 2 of the Isfahan metro project over an 18- and 7-month period of machine operation, respectively. The results show that the estimated availability, A(t), determined by the Markov method, is closer to reality but cannot be propagated to reliability R(t) and maintainability M(t) analysis. It was also revealed that by predicting the required maintenance and proper planning, the overall availability of the EPBM was improved from 45% in Line 1 to 61% in Line 2. The outcomes of this study can be used in the future planning of urban tunneling projects to estimate machine, staff, and logistic performance with the least possible error, and appropriately arrange the factors involved in the system.
Construction Procurement Selection Criteria: A Review and Research Agenda
(MDPI AG, 2022-11-17) Ying, F; Zhao, N; Tookey, J
This paper presents a comprehensive literature review that addresses procurement selection criteria associated with procurement system evaluation in the construction sector. The aim is to consolidate the knowledge of construction procurement selection criteria (PSC) and provide future research directions. A systematic literature review (SLR) of 37 peer-reviewed journal articles from 1998 to 2019 in the construction procurement system selection process is carried out to understand the extant theoretical and practical foundations of the field. Two hundred fifty-six PSC have been identified. Descriptive and material analysis reveals (1) PSC evolved to match the promotion of emerging procurement systems in the construction industry; (2) three emerging themes of PSC have been identified, namely procurement systems, decision aid tools, and PSC identification methods; (3) PSC could be classified into generic criteria and unique criteria; (4) geographic location may not have a significant impact on the choice of procurement systems. This work identifies and discusses potential research interests in improving PSC identification. The research path, current trends, and future research directions in construction procurement selection are revealed. The paper provides the foundation and impetus for further investigation into procurement system selection practices.

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