Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction

From Bricks to Bytes: Navigating Data Management in Construction Technology

2024-03-05T16:12:39+00:00

With the advent of technological tools, systems, and mechanisms, the operating system in the construction industry has changed enormously. While technological advancements cover a broad area of software and hardware, those involved in data flow have significant roles in data sustainability. The data flow presupposes various requirements, interactions, consequences, and resource utilization and therefore plays a crucial role in construction organizations’ success. The importance of the data flow subject and the scarcity of pertinent studies provoked the current research, which aimed at the exploration of the data flow in construction companies and the effects of technological advancements on different stages of this flow. The overarching research question was, “what factors or processes generate data that do not add value to the construction organization.” In this context, the added value was considered a tradeoff between all consumed resources, including cost, human resources, hardware and software, and associated challenges on one side and the advantages of data generated on the other side. An extensive literature review was performed to examine the main milestones in the data-generative events in the construction industry, with a special emphasis on recent technological advancements such as BIM, VR, AR, and drones. In addition, a group of construction professionals who were in charge of processes was surveyed to produce empirical data for supplementary analysis. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a clear analysis of the data flow in construction companies which helps decision-makers to design and implement consistent and coherent data generative systems.

Sea Surface Salinity Forecasting with a Comparison Studying Case of GMM-VSG and FB-Prophet Model

2024-03-05T16:29:30+00:00

With the evolution of artificial intelligence, the utilization of machine learning algorithms for predicting hydrological data has gained popularity in scientific research, especially for the development and operational patterns of marine-related objects in coastal regions. Salinity analysis plays a crucial role in evaluating the resilience and health of marine ecosystems. Traditional numerical models, although accurate, require significant computational resources. Therefore, this study assesses the effectiveness of GMM-VSG proposed by Shanghai University and FB-Prophet created by Meta (Facebook) as rapid alternatives for simulating the nonlinear relationships between salinity and various parameters, like tide-induced free surface elevation, river flows, and wind speed. The algorithms were tested using an eight-year dataset collected at the MAREL buoy at the entrance to bay of Brest. Results indicate that, despite the simplicity of the input data, both algorithms successfully reproduced seasonal and semi-diurnal fluctuations in salinity. This underscores their potential as complementary tools for the ecological monitoring in estuarine environments.

Mechanical and Durability Evaluation of Latex Modified Lightweight Concrete

2024-03-15T23:12:42+00:00

Modified polymer concretes are popular materials in the construction industry due to their relatively high performance, versatility and stability compared to ordinary cement concrete. In this research, by adding three different latexes, including styrene butadiene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate and acrylic latex, the mechanical and durability properties of Light weight concrete with Leca aggregates were measured. In this regard, 15 different mixtures are carried out in two laboratory programs. in the first stage, the effect of each latex with 5, 7.5 and 10% percentages with cement are investigated, and in the next stage, the simultaneous effect of latex with Microsilica. It was measured on the properties of lightweight concrete. The results showed that the addition of latex has a significant effect on increasing the durability factors of lightweight concrete several times. With the combination of 7.5% latex and 7% Microsilica, the best compressive strength has been recorded. By using latex, the flexural strength of concrete increased around 30%. Also, the passing charge of the lightweight concrete sample without latex is 4124 coulombs, while the sample containing 10% ethylene vinyl acetate passes 451 coulombs of charge.

Modified Bacteria Incorporated Geopolymer - A Qualitative Approach for an Eco-friendly, Energy-efficient and Self-healing Construction Material

2024-03-15T23:22:27+00:00

Cement production consumes huge energy and creates environmental pollution. Cracks present in the cement-based concretes, deteriorate the structural longevity and requires costly repair. An eco-friendly and energy-efficient geopolymeric material is developed by incorporating modified bacterium cells, assuming that the developed material will be a cement-alternatives in construction industries in near future. Transformed Bacillus subtilis cells is incorporated to the alkali-activated fly ash only (100%) for making the geo-polymeric material. The mortar samples prepared by geopolymeric material are cured under various conditions to achieve the best possible energy-efficient curing process. Simulated cracks on mortars are developed by applying 50% (half) of predetermined breaking load for studying the self-healing phenomenon. Artificial cracks on mortars are created by introducing steel bar for studying crack-repairing activity. Mechanical strengths (compressive, tensile and flexural), water permeability, sulfate and chloride resistant activities along with the crack-repairing and the self-healing efficacy of the samples are characterized. Higher mechanical strengths and better longevity in terms of decreased water and chloride ions permeability and increased sulfate resistant activity are noted in the bacterium amended mortars. Ambient temperature modified heat curing process reveals the best possible energy-efficient curing condition. Images and micro-structures analyses show that several new phases (e.g., silicate, mullite, albite and alite etc.) are developed within the bacteria-amended mortars. Eco-friendliness of the bacterium is confirmed by toxicity study against rats models and human cell lines. We hypothesize that the developed geo-polymeric material is a suitable cement alternative in construction industries as well as an eco-friendly and energy efficient material.