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The advancement of digital technology has driven innovation across industries. Artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal digital technology, has the potential to stimulate innovative outcomes when converged with construction technologies. However, current research has yet to accurately discover promising technology opportunities between AI and construction. To fill this gap, this study uses patent data to develop a holistic approach for precisely discovering technology opportunities. It focuses on analyzing technology convergence from two distinct perspectives: the "degree" and "value" of convergence. The technology convergence degree is measured based on the semantic network and graph convolution network (GCN) method. The technology convergence value is calculated according to patent attribute metrics. Analysis of the spatial-temporal evolution of technology convergence reveals the irreversible convergence trend between AI and construction. This study further identifies key opportunities, such as the convergence of computer vision and construction equipment technology, which have the potential to advance the construction industry. Technology opportunities are also identified both at global and national levels, providing strategic insights that could guide industry regulatory authorities. [Display omitted] • A framework is proposed to identify the technology opportunities from a technology convergence perspective. • The spatio-temporal evolution trend of the convergence between AI and construction technology is revealed. • The key convergence fields of both global and national convergence of AI and construction technologies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tendency to identify and achieve identity in architecture is a significant trend in contemporary architecture. The trend of contemporary architectural projects occurred during the 1980s by the architects in Saudi Arabia. During that period, the Saudi institutes drove the transition from traditional to contemporary architecture to express their conservative view and the importance of the local cultural identities in architecture. This study aims to examine this experiment led by the Saudi government to understand how the architects could express their concept of regional identity in their work was expressed. The research examines five components shaping the architectural identity in two aspects. First is the concept of identity in the architects' work and how it was expressed. The second is how the public sees and understands the design product of the architects. According to the theoretical research framework, contemporary architectural works can be understood through five main areas: design concept, shape and form, construction technology, the materials used, and relationship with the surrounding. The case study approach was chosen as a viable tool for gathering the qualitative and quantitative data necessary for this study. Furthermore, the researcher chooses stadiums as a type of building because they challenge the designer to deliver cultural identities in architectural works. Therefore, King Fahd International Stadium (KFIS) in Riyadh and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (KASCS) in Jeddah were chosen as case studies for this research. These two projects are similar and separated by more than two decades and will be analyzed according to the main parameters. In addition, the degree of correlation between the two groups' opinions (the designer's opinion and the experts' perception of the design) will be elaborated. KFIS is found to be better in architectural identity based on these five different aspects. Various architects are successful in creating structures while integrating modern and local architecture. The traditional materials make it easy to adapt to the region's climatic conditions. In addition, the study recommends that emphasizing harmony with context and environment will increase their success in achieving identity-oriented and context-oriented work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology with a range of capabilities, which are beginning to become apparent in all industries nowadays. The increased popularity of AI in the construction industry, however, is rather limited in comparison to other industry sectors. Moreover, despite AI being a hot topic in built environment research, there are limited review studies that investigate the reasons for the low-level AI adoption in the construction industry. This study aims to reduce this gap by identifying the adoption challenges of AI, along with the opportunities offered, for the construction industry. To achieve the aim, the study adopts a systematic literature review approach using the PRISMA protocol. In addition, the systematic review of the literature focuses on the planning, design, and construction stages of the construction project lifecycle. The results of the review reveal that (a) AI is particularly beneficial in the planning stage as the success of construction projects depends on accurate events, risks, and cost forecasting; (b) the major opportunity in adopting AI is to reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks by using big data analytics and improving the work processes; and (c) the biggest challenge to incorporate AI on a construction site is the fragmented nature of the industry, which has resulted in issues of data acquisition and retention. The findings of the study inform a range of parties that operate in the construction industry concerning the opportunities and challenges of AI adaptability and help increase the market acceptance of AI practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregate interlocking concrete (AIC) is a kind of high-performance concrete with high aggregate content. Compared with normal concrete, AIC has the advantages of fast construction speed, low engineering cost, and a high material utilization rate. AIC is a novel construction technology. The principle of AIC is to form a dense skeleton in the concrete by presetting or post-filling the aggregate and then forming an interlocking structure between the aggregates inside the concrete, thus the compactness of the concrete is improved. The main performance index of AIC including mechanical properties and durability can be changed by the aggregate volume, particle size, and shape. AIC has been applied to numerous pavement and water conservation projects thus far, which offers excellent possibilities for use in engineering projects. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the technical and production properties of AIC, including the construction process, mechanical properties, durability, aggregate model, and engineering application. The deficiencies of AIC in research are further pointed out with the objective of providing a reference for realizing its high-value utilization in the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring and analysis of lateral displacement for metro tunnels are very important because the metro systems are the lifeline of metropolises. This paper presents a case study of a site in Nanjing, China, where the Benoto bored piles were constructed nearby the existing tunnel. The construction technology, a combination of the Benoto bored piles construction and the conventional construction technology of circulating slurry, is illustrated in detail. The lateral displacement at six test sections were measured and discussed to assess the impact of piles installation on the stability and integrity of the existing tunnel. The measured results showed that during the construction period using the Benoto method, relatively large lateral displacement occurred at the depth with soft soil (Mucky silty clay), with characteristics including a large void ratio, high plasticity, poor permeability, high water content, low shear strength, and low modulus of deformation. During the construction period of the conventional Circulating-Slurry method, negative lateral displacement occurred below the tip of the casing due to the soil arching effect, indicating an inward movement towards the Benoto bored piles. The maximum lateral displacement decreased as the distance between piles and inclinometers increased, with a maximum difference of 45% at the end of the measurements. It was also observed that the measured maximum lateral displacement was less than the cumulative trigger value of 20 mm, indicating an effectiveness of Benoto bored piles constructed adjacent to existing tunnel. This case study may provide the means for a qualitative assessment for engineering constructions where the situation bears similarities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A CR/polyurethane modified asphalt sealant was prepared by the in-situ polymerization method. • The high and low temperature rheological properties of sealant were all excellent. • The PU phase was uniformly dispersed in asphalt quantified by fluorescence images. • The sealant has achieved great effects in the treatment of pavement cracks on site. Under the long-term effect of loads and climate conditions, various diseases can appear on the surface of asphalt pavement, causing deterioration in its performance. To address the pavement surface cracks during service, the present study developed a crumb rubber/polyurethane (CR/PU) compound as the modified asphalt sealant with excellent properties. The optimal material proportion, ensuring the best asphalt compatibility was selected to meet the requirements of standard hot-poured sealants for pavement. Additionally, the fineness and content of CR were determined. The research investigated rheological properties, aging performance, microstructure, and modification mechanism of the CR/PU sealant was then applied in an engineering project to evaluate its effectiveness in treating pavement cracks, and suitable construction techniques were summarized. The results revealed that the in-situ polymerization method is an appropriate approach for preparing the CR/PU sealant, demonstrating good high-temperature deformation resistance and low-temperature crack resistance, indicating synergistic interactions between CR and PU. Among various compositions, the sealant with 30 %PU and 15 %CR content exhibited the best thermal oxygen and UV aging properties. Microscopic tests indicated that CR was physically blended with asphalt, while PU underwent chemical modification and formed a cross-linked network structure with asphalt, resulting in CR dispersion around it, enhancing the thermal stability of the system. Furthermore, the test section displayed an ideal crack treatment effect, demonstrating the sealant's excellent sealing, durability, and watertight capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of digital fabrication with concrete (DFC) has the potential to bring sustainability, productivity, and process innovation to the construction industry. However, DFC adoption towards market-ready construction systems is lagging due to a lack of understanding in matching its technology capabilities with the needs of potential adopters. This paper describes a DFC Evaluation Framework, analyzing current advancements in DFC through a Conceptual Framework Analysis. The framework is focused on the inputs, process parameters and outcomes of a given technology solution independently of the enabling technology type. It can be used to classify and compare DFC technologies along their systemic characteristics, which are both technical and non-technical in nature. The DFC Scoreboard, an interactive tool to match DFC technologies with the needs of prospective adopters, is developed and tested based on the framework. The paper discusses how the DFC Evaluation Framework and Scoreboard offer one of the first systemic overviews of DFC adoption, with the capability to match technology capabilities and user needs in the technology adoption process. • Digital fabrication with concrete lacks guidance matching technologies with adopter needs. • Conceptual framework of categories for industry adoption of digital fabrication with concrete. • Interactive tool to match technology potential and needs of adopters in the construction industry. • Implications of the interactive evaluation tool for adoption of digital construction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liziping Tunnel is located in the southwestern mountainous area of China. The majority of the support structures in the tunnel have failed shortly after construction completion. The goals of this study are to reveal the failure cause of the given support structure, and to develop a quantitative analysis method to optimize scheme of support design. According to the parallel model, the deformation-load relation function of combined support structure (CSS) of anchor bolt-spray are derived from the bearing arch mechanism. Through numerical simulations, the ground reaction curve (GRC) of country rock is obtained, along with the longitudinal deformation profile (LDP) reflecting influences of both installed supports structure and construction technology. The stability factors of the installed support structure under various envisaged construction schemes are estimated by using the convergence-confinement method (CCM). The results indicate that it is possible to avoid the failure of the given support structure if the construction technology is slightly adjusted during construction. Derived from the above research, the empirical method based on the rock mass classification is expanded to be a quantitative analysis approach and can consider more contributing factors than ever, through embedding the convergence-confinement algorithm into the empirical design method of support scheme and with the help of simulation computation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabrication is a sustainable construction method that improves productivity and reduces environmental footprints. Prefabricated panel is one typical type of components widely used in practice. When designing panel stacking plans for transportation, practitioners should consider numerous practical factors, e.g., panel stability and reshufflings. However, in current practice, stacking plans are made on the basis of planners' intuition and experience. A scientific method that can yield satisfactory panel stacking plans is thus required. Motivated by this real need, this paper aims to address a practical problem for practitioners: how to stack prefabricated panels transported by A-frame trailers with high stability and little reshuffling. This paper extends the literature by innovatively formulating a bi-objective mixed-integer programming model that incorporates all the aforementioned factors and objectives. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is designed to approximate the Pareto optimal solutions. We conduct extensive numerical experiments to validate the effectiveness, efficiency, and applicability of our proposed model and algorithm. The developed model and algorithm are capable of automatically performing calculations and effectively generating vertical stacking plans of high quality for planners in real-world settings within seconds. Future research may be devoted to the optimization of stacking plans for other types of prefabricated components or the horizontal stacking plans for components transported by flat-bed trailers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bench pile + large-diameter pipe roof + cable combined bearing-reinforcement system. • Index to evaluate the average torsional deformation of existing shield tunnel. • Deformation and mechanical space–time effect of existing shield tunnel. In recent years, with the rapid increase of urban subway lines, crossing engineering has become another complex problem of modern tunnel construction techniques, and especially ultra-short distance up-crossing engineering has attracted wide attention. Based on the project of the new large-span tunnel ultra-short distance up-crossing the existing shield tunnel with oblique angle, deformation and mechanical space–time effect of existing shield tunnel was carried out in the present work, and the micro deformation control techniques of the " bench pile + large-diameter pipe roof + cable" combined bearing-reinforcement system was proposed. Firstly, the key construction techniques in this project were introduced, and the vertical deformation law of the ground surface, the arch foot and the ballast bed of the existing tunnel was researched. Then, by comparing with the field measured results, the accuracy of the numerical model was verified, and the overall deformation, internal forces and torsion behavior of the existing tunnels induced by the construction of new tunnel were obtained. Finally, the effect of technical measures to control the deformation of the existing shield tunnel was analyzed in detail. The results showed that the micro deformation control techniques of " bench pile + large-diameter pipe roof + cable " proposed in this paper can effectively control the deformation of existing shield tunnel, which provides a new deformation control system for similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific association is an organization of students working in a higher education institution, whose purpose is the scientific and self-education of its members. Scientific circles can function as informal groups and as registered structures. The official condition of the existence of a circle at many universities is its enrollment in the special register of student organizations. Some circles gain a lot of independence by registering in court - but then they should be treated as non-governmental organizations. At the Poznan University of Technology there are currently 87 officially registered scientific circles, of which 7 are in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. One of the circles that focuses on innovative technologies in building management is the Construction Innovations academic association. The paper presents a brief description and main interests of the ConInno scientific group, including the most important from the perspective of construction technology and the management of undertaken activities aimed at broadening the knowledge of students enrolled in the circle. In addition, the article explores interest in participating in the research circle by analyzing historical data on the number of people enrolled in the scientific field, including students of the third degree studies, to draw conclusions about future interest in participating in the mentioned student organization. Association activity has a very positive impact on raising the awareness and knowledge of members of the organization in the field of construction technology and management not only related to Polish local technological and technical solutions, but also to the world because of the number of foreigners who are in the circle. What is more, there is a positive impact on the promotional work of students from the ConInno circle, which is a direct result of the close cooperation and a good atmosphere in the organization between students and tutors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bugholes are surface voids that result from the migration of entrapped air to the fresh concrete-formwork interface. The influencing factors, such as mix proportions and construction technology, on surface bugholes are quantitatively analyzed by image processing technology in this paper. The results show that the bughole area ratio of concrete and the maximum diameter of bugholes can be reduced by the methods of controlling the W/C ratio, superplasticizer content, sand ratio and fly ash content. Compared with saponifiable oil, the template paint can effectively reduce the maximum diameter and the area ratio of bugholes. Compared with wood formwork, the concrete surface using steel formwork and PVC formwork have higher amount of small bugholes and lower bughole area ratio, but the influence of formwork on the maximum diameter of bugholes on concrete surface is not significant. The concretes with different slump, mold release agents and formworks need different vibration time in order to decrease the bugholes on concrete surface, although long time vibration can reduce the surface bugholes, but the surface bugholes are difficult to be completely eliminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European climate strategy foresees measures to increase energy efficiency, competitiveness and the energy security of Europe by decreasing energy consumption. As buildings are responsible for 40% of the total energy consumption in the European Union, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets energy consumption reduction targets for the member states. The rapidly increasing market for energy efficient buildings favours External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) usage in Europe. From the consumers’ perspective the use of this façade system provides high thermal resistance and can be applied externally relatively fast with simple work methods. The façade system and each component of it need to meet specific technical performance criteria. The on-site construction process has the ability to modify technical performances with minor actions like mixing time, kneading water, insulation fixation, weather conditions, material moisture level and curing time. Minor deviations during construction can cause a variety of adverse consequences which lead to deterioration and reduced energy efficiency. The current paper proposes a methodology to rank the on-site degradation factors and provide a risk priority number. Based on the technical requirements set for building products, the significance of the collected degradation factors can be ranked by experts and the results ranked using a modified form of Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA). The methodology provides a significance assessment tool to identify degradation factors in the construction phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A newly developed installation technology of LDDB caissons is reported. • Twin LDDB caissons are installed in undrained ground with stiff clays using new technology. • Field performance of twin caissons is monitored in real-time. • Installation effects and interaction of twin caissons are comprehensively assessed. The development of installation technologies of open caissons has been lagging behind increasingly complex construction conditions. For such purpose, a new installation technology of large diameter deeply-buried (LDDB) open caissons has been developed and then used for construction of twin LDDB caissons into undrained ground with stiff soils in Zhenjiang, China. To assess the installation effects and filed performance, a monitoring program was presented to document the variations in total jacking forces provided by new shaft driven method, ground water level (GWL) around the caisson shaft, inclination angles of caisson shafts and radial displacements of surrounding soils as well as surface settlements of existing nearby facilities. It is observed that the monitoring data during the installation falls almost entirely within the design criteria, the reported new technology has limited impacts on the induced ground movements, depending on the variation in GWL, interaction between twin caissons and excavation-induced unloading effect. Moreover, the total jacking forces increase approximately in stepwise shape as the installation depth increases; the change law of surface settlements is highly similar to those of GWL, showing their close correlation; the larger inclination angles of caisson shafts are mainly encountered in the earlier installation phase, but well controllable. Further discussion on ground movements caused by various technologies confirms the feasibility of new installation technology. Both the observed and compared results give greater confidence on the use of such the technology in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Characterize research activity in the field of “Construction & Building Technology” in the last 15years. [•] Study focus on “Construction & Building Technology” category from 1997 to 2011 from the Web of Science. [•] Analyze all the articles and reviews through bibliometric analysis. [•] Establish a ranking of leading countries and research centers in this field. [•] Analyze the evolution of the most important research topics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Full-span Pre-cast Launching Method (FPLM) is an excellent bridge construction technology which has been implemented in many sections of Taiwan''s High-Speed Rail (THSR) Project. The study applied Dynamic Simulation (DS), and a DS software named “SIMPROCESS”, to create a dynamic model taking five sections of THSR Project which implemented FPLM as case studies. The study via SIMPROCESS differentiated the resources used and the performance of five cases which the FPLM was adopted. Also, the study identified the critical factors in the operating process of FPLM which influence the performance of the project execution by using cross-tabulate and sensitivity analysis, and presented better alternatives to improve those cases which could be useful for future applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Geotechnical investigations regarding of the biogenic gas-rich ground are summarized. • Biogenic gas is likely to penetrate into the tunnel from pressure cabin, shield tail, pipeline extension and segment joint. • Control and prevention technologies have been proposed to minimize the explosion and combustion. For biogenic gas-rich ground tunneling, control and prevention of gas explosion is an arduous task. Until now, there is still a lack of reliable technologies to eliminate security emergencies such as explosion and combustion. In the present study, geotechnical investigations associated with the biogenic gas-rich ground at Sutong GIL Yangtze River Crossing Cable Tunnel have been summarized. The potential pathways for biogenetic gas to penetrate into the shield TBM and the excavated tunnel have been analyzed. Then, the adverse effects of biogenic gas on slurry shield TBM and tunnel construction progress have been evaluated. Finally, solution schemes including bentonite slurry penetration, clay shock method, gas detector system, explosion proof design, gas extraction system and wireless communication system have been proposed to mitigate the risk of biogenetic gas leakage and explosion. The application of these technologies has enabled the safety construction of long distance cross-river tunnel in organic-rich marine sedimentary ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technological development of construction robots is underway globally. However, current development activities face significant uncertainties, particularly in terms of the definition and management of system requirements, which are primarily based on vague assumptions about the future. Thus, a new tool is required to grasp how construction robots—and their surrounding ecosystems—will be used. This research adopts an unprecedented scenario-based approach to develop and analyze future alternatives for construction robotics in a systematic manner. Hong Kong "toward 2035" is used as an initial test case, and four scenarios of the robot ecosystem, i.e., "Bottleneck," "Age of Iron Worker," "Dynamic Co-evolution of Robotization and Modularization," and "Rise of the Robots," are developed from evidence-based analysis. Scenarios highlight the crucial role of workers for construction robot utilization. Driving forces, opportunities, and challenges are identified for elaborating strategies under each scenario. The integrated scenario approach and findings lay an important foundation for systems engineering processes in construction robotics to develop a new tool for structuring system context and specifying system requirements. • An integrated scenario approach is proposed for the future of construction robotics. • The scenario approach envisions future efforts to structure contexts of robot development. • The Hong Kong construction industry is applied as an initial test case. • Four scenarios are developed to provide narratives of utilizing construction robots. • Scenarios highlight the crucial role of workers for construction robot utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid advancement of urbanization in China, a huge amount of construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are generated. Recycling CDW into subgrade materials is a promising way to process these wastes, with significant environmental and economic benefits. But very little work has been done in this field. Therefore, based on a CDW subgrade construction case in Beijing, the physical and chemical properties of the CDW materials were analyzed. Then the construction procedures of the CDW subgrade were presented, and a series of tests (compaction degree test, settlement observation, Portable Falling Weight Deflectometer test) were carried out. At the same time, the effects of different loose paving thicknesses, cycles of strong vibration on the subgrade performances were assayed. Subsequently, grading analysis of the CDW particles, plate load test and Beckman beam deflection test were performed to evaluate the construction quality. According to the test results, the construction technologies of the CDW subgrade, such as the optimum loose paving thicknesses and cycles of strong vibration, were determined. And then, the post-construction settlement monitor and radar survey were conducted for subgrades filled with CDW and soil to further analyze the applicability of CDW. The results show that recycled CDW aggregates with proper grading and strict construction technologies perform well. The subgrade filled with recycled CDW has a smaller deformation than that of the soil subgrade. Finally, the life cycle assessments (LCA) of two treating schemes of CDW were conducted to analyze the environmental benifits: recycling utilization as subgrade materials and directly landfilling. If the subgrade is filled with the recycled CDW aggregates, CDW will be consumed in large quantities and the environmental impactions of eutrophication and ecotoxicity can be reduced obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]