Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

LOVE, PETER E.D.; HOLT, GARY D.; LI, HENG

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021224

There has been considerable debate in the construction management CM literature as to which research methodology is the most appropriate to CM research problems. This paper contributes to that debate by suggesting that postmodernity and multilevel research can extend the scope of CM theory. It is argued that if CM researchers are to effectively solve the problems that the construction industry faces, then they need to adopt a robust methodological approach that takes account of both ontological and epistemological viewpoints. It is proffered that only then will we fully understand phenomena that influence organizational and project performance in construction.

UGWU, O.O.; TAH, J.H.M.

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021225

Resource selectionoptimization problems are often characterized by two related problems numerical function and combinatorial optimization. Although techniques ranging from classical mathematical programming to knowledgebased expert systems KBESs have been applied to solve the function optimization problem, there still exists the need for improved solution techniques in solving the combinatorial optimization. This paper reports an exploratory work that investigates the integration of genetic algorithms GAs with organizational databases to solve the combinatorial problem in resource optimization and management. The solution strategy involved using two levels of knowledge declarative and procedural to address the problems of numerical function, and combinatorial optimization of resources. The research shows that GAs can be effectively integrated into the evolving decision support systems DSSs for resource optimization and management, and that integrating a hybrid GA that incorporates resource economic and productivity factors, would facilitate the development of a more robust DSS. This helps to overcome the major limitations of current optimization techniques such as linear programming and monolithic techniques such as the KBES. The results also highlighted that GA exhibits the chaotic characteristics that are often observed in other complex nonlinear dynamic systems. The empirical results are discussed, and some recommendations given on how to achieve improved results in adapting GAs for decision support in the architecture, engineering and construction AEC sector.

PSILANDER, KURT

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021226

The developer would find a tool very useful that systematically and reliably analyses customer taste in terms of functional requirements FRs. Such a tool increases the reliability of the procedure the entrepreneur applies to chisel out a concrete project description based on a vision of the tastes of a specific group of customers. It also ensures that future agents do not distort the developer's specified FRs when design parameters are selected for the realization of the project. Axiomatic design is one method to support such a procedure. This tool was developed for the manufacturing industry but is applied here in the housing sector. Some hypothetical examples are presented.

MRAD, FUAD; ASEM ABDULMALAK, M.; SADEK, SALAH; KHUDR, ZIAD

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021227

Robotic industrial applications are very well established in the manufacturing industry, while they are relatively in their infancy phase in the construction sector. The need for automation in construction is clear especially in repetitive tasks. The excavation process, which is generally critical in most construction projects, is a prime example of such tasks. This paper addresses automation assistance in excavation. The work utilized the robotics approach towards the automation of a typical excavator model, whose structure closely resembled that of an industrial manipulator. A simulation package using Matlab was developed using several embedded design and analysis tools. Emulation was also carried out on the RHINO educational robot to confirm the simulation results. The constructed simulation package offered an integrated environment for trajectory design and analysis for an excavator while addressing the constraints related to the excavator structure, safety and stability, and mode of application.

POTTS, KEITH; WALL, MIKE

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021228

The commissioning of building services is very much the Cinderella activity in the construction cycle, many complaints are heard but few praises sung. This paper examines the current process of commissioning building services within the traditional procurement route. A literature review is presented followed by the results of a twostage structured survey from a broad spectrum of participants. A best practice flow chart for managing the commissioning process is presented, tested and confirmed, identifying an auditable chain of responsibilities in the commissioning process. Key conclusions include the need to recognize that the commissioning process requires planning and managing from the earliest possible stage the need to appoint a commissioning manager preferable someone inhouse, or a member of the design team the need for better enduser documentation and training the requirement for a more formalized approach and the requirement for clarification on the terms of engagement for the services designer.

WILD, ALAN

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021229

The article researches construction fragmentation from the assumption that construction projects are unmanageable Mintzberg, 1982 in conventional terms, in an attempt to give thematic unity to this problem. Sociotechnical analysis which underlay the Building Industry Communications Research Project BICRP Higgin & Jessop, 1963, 1965 TIHR, 1965 Chrichton, 1966 conducted by the Tavistock Institute for Human Relations TIHR from 1963 to 1965 is explored and developed, supplemented other relevant authors. The argument is conducted formally without reference to particular examples and develops the debate provoked by Connaughton 2000. Formal statement of the problem assists reinterpretation Boyd & Wild, 1999 Wild, 2001 a of existing material and new enquiry to clarify the conditions, if any, both necessary and sufficient, for the manageability of construction.

JEFFERIES, MARCUS; GAMESON, ROD; ROWLINSON, STEVE

2002 Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

doi: 10.1108/eb021230

Recent trends in the provision of infrastructure development indicate that the private sector is playing an increasingly important role in the procurement process. This trend has partly arisen out of a necessity for the development of infrastructure to be undertaken at a rate that maintains and allows growth. This has become a major challenge for many countries where it is evident that these provisions cannot be met by government alone. The emergence of BuildOwnOperateTransfer BOOT schemes as a response to this challenge provides a means for developing the infrastructure of a country without directly impacting upon the government's budgetary constraints. The concepts of BOOT are without doubt extremely complex arrangements, which bring to the construction sector risks not experienced previously. This paper examines perceptions of BOOT schemes in order to develop a framework of critical success factors. The developed framework is then tested against a case study of Stadium Australia, and the outcomes of the comparison are discussed.