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For decades, among other industries, the construction sector has accounted for high energy consumption and emissions. As the energy crisis and climate change have become a growing concern, mitigating energy usage is a significant issue. The operational and end of life phases are all included in the building life cycle stages. Although the operation stage accounts for more energy consumption with higher carbon emissions, the embodied stage occurs in a time-intensive manner. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the existing methods, aiming to lower the consumption of energy and carbon emission in the construction buildings through optimizing the construction processes, especially with the lean construction approach. First, the energy consumption and emissions for primary construction materials and processes are introduced. It is followed by a review of the structural optimization and lean techniques that seek to improve the construction processes. Then, the influence of these methods on the reduction of energy consumption is discussed. Based on these methods, a general algorithm is proposed with the purpose of improving the construction processes’ performance. It includes structural optimization and lean and life cycle assessments, which are expected to influence the possible reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions during the execution of construction works.

Research related to the check of the use of improvement tools in small and medium-sized companies in construction sector are not so popular and not many researchers take up the topic. Article presents the survey results on group of 217 small medium-sized enterprises regarding Lean Management method use, knowledge and efficiency assessment. Presented results showed among others that there is a need for smaller companies to focus on gaining actual knowledge about new management methods that could improve their efficiency and workflow, and that there is still place for further examination of Lean Management introduction especially in construction sector.

Every year, structural flaws or breakdowns cause thousands of people to be harmed and cost billions of dollars owing to the limitations of design methods and materials to withstand extreme earthquakes. Since earthquakes have a significant effect on sustainability factors, there is a contradiction between these constraints and the growing need for more sustainable structures. There has been a significant attempt to circumvent these constraints by developing various techniques and materials. One of these viable possibilities is the application of smart structures and materials such as shape memory and piezoelectric materials. Many scholars have examined the use of these materials and their structural characteristics up to this point, but the relationship between sustainability considerations and the deployment of smart materials has received little attention. Therefore, through a review of previous experimental, numerical, and conceptual studies, this paper attempts to draw a more significant relationship between smart materials and structural sustainability. First, the significant impact of seismic events on structural sustainability and its major aspects are described. It is then followed by an overview of the fundamentals of smart material’s behaviour and properties. Finally, after a comprehensive review of the most recent applications of smart materials in structures, the influence of their deployment on sustainability issues is discussed. The findings of this study are intended to assist researchers in properly addressing sustainability considerations in any research and implementation of smart materials by establishing a more explicit relationship between these two concepts.

Health and safety is one of the most important issue when it comes to the construction industry. At all stages of construction workers are at risk of accidents and serious injury. There are many solutions that tries to address the problems of H&S on the construction sites with different level of their complexity. One of the technology that can be successfully used to improve this part is BLE beacons technology. This technology has been improved recently and provides variety of convenience services. Authors of this work decided to examine Bluetooth devices and performed range test on the devices received from one of the European Beacon producers. Beacons are based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which is a medium ranged transmission standard aiming for cheaper devices with longer lasting batteries. The main purpose of this article is to present the result of the tests performed in the open area for the purpose of future precise use at the construction site in improving general level of H&S and propose recommendations for further use of BLE devices in construction industry.

The paper presents the technological concepts of the execution of modern concrete with the characteristics of road surface which have been subjected to comparative tests. Modified compositions of concrete mixtures with polymers have been tested that affect the mechanical properties and durability of the topcoat. Changes in strength properties of modified road concrete, also occurring under the influence of cyclic variable loads were investigated. Obtained results can be used to indicate the direction of further research leading to the most effective use of the advantages of polymer admixtures for concrete, mainly to improve economic indicators and reduce the negative impact of investments on the environment.

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.

The aim of this article is to identify opportunities for using synergies obtained by incorporation of the two methods of management: Lean Management and Agile Management on the example of the process of column concreting. Despite the seemingly contradictory assumptions the two concepts complement each other in analysed example. The strategy is based on using the idea of “one piece flow” in accordance with the Lean Management which led to a reduction of costs due to increased turnover of formwork. At the same time the success of the project resulted in a significant dependence on the ability to provide a rapid response to changing conditions during in the maturation of concrete (depending on weather conditions, which can be expected on the basis of projections having different reliability). The simultaneous use of Lean and Agile Management allowed to achieve positive results for different scenarios of environment impact on the analysed process.

Accommodation tourist industry is characterized by high variability. For this category of services not only the location is crucial- that does not change, but also the standard, prices and seasonality of services. In the recent years, leisure centers performing functions only during the summer time have seen the possibility to extend their activities beyond the summer months. The reasons for this are the local investments requiring qualified staff which comes from different parts of the country, Europe and the world while creating demand for accommodations. To meet the possible demand needs and to adapt to cold season, performing thermo-modernization works is necessary. In order to find the best solution and answer those needs, analysis of the profitability of the investments in a chosen holiday resort was carried out. The article presents the results of the analysis based on the payback period, LCC analysis and assessment of the investments risk.

Term quality can be defined as the implementation of specific requirements, having its source in the expectations and needs of customers, users of products or services and their buyers. In constructions sector quality is crucial at each and every phase of the process beginning with design ending with the use of the building. There exist many different methods and tools related to quality, Lean Management, Agility, which can enhance construction process. One of such methods is SWOT analysis that can be helpful in determining the current condition of the company performing it. Article presents brief description of the quality concept and introduction to the SWOT method. It is illustrated with the example of analysis performed in company from the construction sector related to design and production of wooden trusses showing which strategy would be most appropriate for the company to execute taking into account its current condition.

The need for modernization of curricula is growing with the development of new technologies to support teaching, changes in business strategy of universities in Poland and European Union, and development of the society. In response to these changes, at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Poznan University of Technology, new English-language specialty master studies - Construction Technology Management was launched in March 2014. Studies are based on the cooperation between the student, the industry and the university, allowing students to get to know the specifics of the construction industry. In addition, Poznan University of Technology is involved in an MBAIC project MBA in construction aimed at common study for postgraduates. The synergy achieved through the implementation of these two projects enables the possibility to educate construction managers capable of communication in English, possessing knowledge regarding innovation in the construction industry, who are well prepared to enter the labour market and have the possibility of subsequent improvement of managerial competences.

Artykuł prezentuje możliwość zastosowania elastyczności w modernizacjach istniejących obiektów budowlanych na przykładzie instalacji oświetleniowej. Elastyczność jest rozumiana w tym przypadku jako umiejętne dostosowanie się do zmian w dynamicznie zmieniającym się środowisku. Istotą podejścia elastycznego jest podejmowanie odpowiednich decyzji w odpowiednim czasie opartych na monitoringu środowiska i procesu w toku. Prezentowane studium przypadku modernizacji instalacji elektrycznej w budownictwie wielorodzinnym w częściach wspólnych obiektu (korytarze, klatki schodowe, hala garażowa) opiera się na wymianie i modernizacji tylko tych punktów, które w danym momencie ulegają awarii. Prosta analiza oby typów modernizacji opiera się na porównaniu kosztów, natomiast trzeba zaznaczyć, że możliwe są także inne kryteria (środowiskowe, konfliktu społecznego, itp.), które będą przedmiotem kolejnych publikacji. Zastąpienie tradycyjnych żarówek rozwiązaniami opartymi na technologii LED z zastosowaniem czujników ruchu może prowadzić do znacznych oszczędności, ale może też oznaczać obniżenie komfortu dla użytkowników (np. dla osób starszych, którym jeden cykl działania oświetlenia nie jest wystarczający do pokonania całej drogi na korytarzu). Osiągnięcie kompromisu w tego typu konfliktach interesów może być rozwiązane za pomocą podejścia elastycznego i zwinnego.

Shrinkage is a natural phenomenon accompanying drying processes occurring in nature. Particularly acute it is on dirt roads in Africa and Asia, as in the dry season, at high ambient temperatures and low relative humidity, effects of drying are surface irregularities and even landslides. Fresh and hardened concrete mix is subjected to similar phenomena. The mechanism of action of shrinkage in concrete is more complicated than in the environment of cohesive soil, since in the initial phase of hardening chemical processes associated with cement hydration, and after hardening physical processes associated with the adsorption or loss of moisture from the environment during drying, lead to volume reduction. These influences can be precisely separated and indication of their significance for the quality of the concrete structure can be performed only by setting the deformation of concrete in the phase of the laying, caring and operation. The problem of continuous strain measurements in concrete is discussed in this publication, in which a review of existing methods for measuring shrinkage was performed in the period from the start of the modern concrete structures (USA, Europe after 1900 years) to modern times, in which the simple mechanical method of measuring shrinkage was replaced by modern electronic sets of measurement, enabling highly accurate measurements since the moment of production of concrete mix. The exact description of the process of the passing time — the deformation, enables making decisions to rectify or limit unfavourable shrinkage phenomena in the concrete (adding contraction admixtures, water care, covering with foil, use of the sealing and reflecting solar radiation surfaces). Proposed and tested by the authors of the article set-up for automatic control of shrinkage phenomena occurring in the concrete meets the above mentioned functions in both scientific discovery and relevant to practice application research.

The article presents agile management approach to manage the construction process, which is based on management of IT projects and ideas to improve quality. Initially focused on the application during the implementation of IT project, works were aimed to adjust to changing customer requirements. The main idea of agile in the presented approach to adapt to the changes instead of strict implementation of the plan. The idea of introducing agile management in the construction industry, exemplified with SME company electrical subcontractor, for which the most important problems and barriers of doing business were discussed, is presented in the paper. On the basis of the research, authors proposed solutions and methods in accordance with the agile idea.

Purchase of a large and expensive house becomes more distant vision for most people due to high initial cost, the size estimation difficulties, oversizing effects in higher mortgage and cost of maintenance. Recognizing those problems, a flexible multi-step construction of a house frame structure has been proposed, in order to reduce costs and adapt to the current needs of the end users. Proposed solutions are based on life cycle cost (LCC) analyses, monthly maintenance cost and flexible methodology. Paper presents comparative analysis of brick and timber structure frame house.

Article presents the results of the effect of humidity on early shrinkage of normal concrete with variable W/C ratio. As known for a long time, shrinkage is dependent of many factors. One of them is the W/C ratio and the quantity of water which is located in the concrete mix. In article there were discussed changes taking place in the concrete mix, the methods of research and the partial results obtained by the authors of the paper. Shrinkage is a phenomenon well known and studied by various research centers. The total amount of shrinkage may depend on various factors such as humidity, temperature, composition of the concrete mix, the W/C ratio, the size of the item. The study was conducted to determine the amount of shrinkage in its early stages. It is very important for concrete floors contractors, precast manufacturers to start at the right time finishing work and prevent the formation of shrinkage cracks.

The proper organization and planning of building processes plays an increasingly important role in building projects, and appropriate management is becoming a more frequent problem. Tools of quality management are very often used in other areas of business, such as automotive, aerospace and production, unfortunately, rarely in the field of construction. The main goal of this article is to show that individual quality management tools and Lean Construction tools can be used in construction, and their use brings significant and visible benefits. Authors present their work as an example of implementing these tools in building processes at the construction of Pixel office buildings in Poznań. Authors present the basic concepts related to quality management and the tools used in the field of Lean Construction as well as assumptions of Lean Management. This aims to introduce the reader to the main concept, assumptions and allows to learn the principles of lean management. The reader needs to be aware, that all company employees and suppliers must be involved in introducing Lean Management to the enterprise, starting with the owner and ending with the employee. It is not possible to implement a lean philosophy into a company, without understanding the basics and purpose for which they were introduced. Practical part of the article is devoted to a detailed analysis construction process using the well-known Six Sigma cycle DMAIC - an abbreviation of the words: Define - Measure - Analyze - Improve - Control. The analysis was carried out on the basis of own knowledge and interviews with the construction management and employees of subcontracting companies present at the construction site. Results are presented in the form of conclusions. It can be said that using quality management tools (mainly Lean Management principles) it is possible to visibly improve building processes and it is likely to achieve better financial and time results during execution of works.

The key benefits from Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) are good quality, lower Life cycle cost, the speed of work and friendliness of environment more than the site mixed concrete, but when the quality of RMC is below threat of several causes resulting poor quality or useless concrete. We will lose all advantages of RMC that we mention before. Therefore, this study investigate the using of Quality management to improve the process of company to produc (RMC) in batching plant and study the impacts of Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA) on the company by introduce them to the process in order to make improvements on current Quality system to make it continuous improvements. The idea of the work depends on finding the relationship between the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide and the quality management by combining them together in process to achieve the best results as soon as possible, higher productivity, less rework, increased customers satisfaction, increased profitability and sustainability by finding company’s problems and achieving it through guidelines and instructions of PMBOK Guide also the principles, the tools and the techniques of Quality Management. In order to achieve that, we have investigated three main points: the first one is gathering information to identify the current quality system, the second is identifying and analyzing of these problems and the third is finding solutions based on the principles of management. With a view to manage the process of production, the author used many techniques and tools for management such as Flow Chart for a process, Ishikawa diagrams to define seven main group of problems, Check Sheet to the number of problems occurrence, the FMEA Analysis for thirty-five problems, 5 Whys Analysis to find sources of the problems, Solution effect Analysis to propose the possible solutions. The most important results from this study are the main reasons for the absence of management methodology in the company which is a defect in the Quality system (structure of company, procedure, and resources), lack of management experience and communication and lack interest of Total Quality Management in management methodology. The researcher found lacks in the thoughtful scientific methodology for the management in process of production, therefore the developing of the system of production in the RMC plant is to build a methodology based on a guide of Project Management Body of Knowledge 5th edition because of the maturity level of the project management knowledge areas.

The foundations are important part of every building's structure. It can be distinguished square foundations and deep foundations. The process of creating foundations during building construction can be in some cases very complicated and, similar to other construction processes, very costly when errors and problems occurs. Lean construction is a management strategy to eliminate possible errors and wastes during execution of the processes, which is why it is nowadays more widely used for prevention, as well as in the situation of emergency, when solutions already prepared are executed according to the plan. One of the methods that can help in successful implementation of good practices in construction from the quality management perspective is DMAIC, which means Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control. Authors decided to use it for the purpose of this publication. Article presents the use of the DMAIC concept on the example of foundation preparation in the construction site in the city of Kolo. The paper presents methods of quality management in the construction process based on foundation works. The quality analysis was based on the DMAIC method, in which the following quality analysis methods were used: Ishikawa diagram, FMEA analysis, Pareto chart. The proposed methods and solutions can be implemented on other construction sites conducting similar processes. Attention is drawn to the need for further research to be carried out to confirm the estimated values of solving problems ratio in groundworks processes, which authors are planning to execute on similar construction site in Poznan.

Ground works are one of the first processes connected with erecting structures. Based on ground conditions like the type of soil or level of underground water different types and solutions for foundations are designed. Foundations are the base for the buildings, and their proper design and execution is the key for the long and faultless use of the whole construction and might influence on the future costs of the eventual repairs (especially when ground water level is high, and there is no proper water insulation made). Article presents the introduction of chosen Lean Management tools for quality improvement of the process of ground works based on the analysis made on the construction site of vehicle control station located in Poznan, Poland. Processes assessment is made from different perspectives taking into account that 3 main groups of workers were directly involved in the process: blue collar-workers, site manager and site engineers. What is more comparison is made on the 3 points of view to the problems that might occur during this type of works, with details analysis on the causes of such situation? Authors presents also the change of approach of workers directly involved in the mentioned processes regarding introduction of Lean Management methodology, which illustrates the problem of scepticism for new ideas of the people used to perform works and actions in traditional way. Using Lean Management philosophy in construction is a good idea to streamline processes in company, get rid of constantly recurring problems, and in this way improve the productivity and quality of executed activities. Performed analysis showed that different groups of people have very different idea and opinion on the problems connected with executing the same process – ground works and only having full picture of the situation (especially in construction processes) management can take proper problems-preventing actions that consequently can influence on the amount of waste generated on the construction cite which positively influence on the external environment.

The article presents a general idea of Industry 4.0 concept with the introduction presenting descriptions of the most important aspects in terms of production and construction industry development. The importance of the SME sector is stressed showing that this group of companies plays significant role in the European economy. The main objective of the article is to define and show possible research areas connected with the introduction of Industry 4.0 concept into SMEs with the main focus on the construction sector. For this purpose, an analysis was made, based on the most recent literature, to point out actual needs in the SMEs sector in terms of its evolution into 4.0 level. What is more, the analysis was performed based on the most popular articles published in journals available in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database regarding Industry 4.0 concept in the last decade showing the actual change of interest in this filed, taking into account possibility of usage of this concept in the construction and production sector. Authors tried to describe current knowledge regarding Industry 4.0 introduction for SMEs. Performed analysis showed that there is a wide spectrum of disciplines that are affected by the Industry 4.0 that needs to be examined considering introduction into SMEs. Study also showed that multidiscipline approach was not investigated so far to create special rules, procedures and methods and know-how designed for introduction of main principles of Industry 4.0 in the SME sector. Authors came to the conclusions that there should be more stress put into research in this field especially taking into account the huge potential which lies in SME sector in terms of global economic strength.

Formal and legal aspects of buying flats and their reception is very current topic and touches wide group of buyers. Annually in Poland great amount of flats is being sold and put to use. However, the case of housing purchase requires knowledge of both the construction and the legal aspects each buyer has to encounter. The paper faces the subject of formal and legal aspects, and analyses accompanying procedure of purchase and reception of housing in Poland. The article presents principles associated with the acquisition of a dwelling, process of works reception, removal of detected faults, fault-free reception, transfer of ownership, warranties, guarantees and possibilities of their enforcement. Contracting parties of the developer agreement were revealed. In addition, the entities present in the course of works such as general contractor were mentioned, due to the fact of his direct influence on the results of a contract terms between developer and buyer. Logical connection between three parties (buyer-developer-general contractor) were shown and direct and indirect dependencies were revealed. Existing laws and regulations that govern the relationship between the developer and the buyer of a dwelling were determined showing basic rights and responsibilities of each. The article also presents problems resulting from delaying the completion of works by developer's fault and indicates possible legal paths to follow in order claim their rights. Due to the fact, that many of discussed formal and legal aspects in this subject have their origin connected to construction works and design issues, author suggests increased quality control and efficient work organization in order to solve problems before appearance.

The article presents the general idea of Air-Coupled Impact-Echo (ACIE) method which is one of the non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques used in the construction industry. One of the main advantages of the general Impact Echo (IE) method is that it is sufficient to access from one side to that of the structure which greatly facilitate research in the road facilities or places which are difficult to access and diagnose. The main purpose of the article is to present state-of-the-art related to ACIE method based on the publications available at Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database (WOS) with the further analysis of the mentioned methods. Deeper analysis was also performed for the newest publications published within last 3 years related to ACIE for investigation on the subject of main focus of the researchers and scientists to try to define possible regions where additional examination and work is necessary. One of the main conclusions that comes from the performed analysis is that ACIE methods can be widely used for performing NDT of concrete structures and can be performed faster than standard IE method thanks to the Air-coupled sensors. What is more, 92.3% of the analysed recent research described in publications connected with ACIE was performed in laboratories, and only 23.1% in-situ on real structures. This indicates that method requires further research to prepare test stand ready to perform analysis on real objects outside laboratory conditions. Moreover, algorithms that are used for data processing and later presentation in ACIE method are still being developed and there is no universal solution available for all kinds of the existing and possible to find defects, which indicates possible research area for further works. Authors are of the opinion that emerging ACIE method could be good opportunity for ND testing especially for concrete structures. Development and refinement of test stands that will allow to perform in-situ tests could shorten the overall time of the research and with the connection of implementation of higher accuracy algorithms for data analysis better precision of defects localization can be achieved.

Construction sector is in general characterized by frequent deadlines delays, budget overruns and problems in maintaining proper quality. To prevent such problems, a common practice is to transfer the management methods used successfully in production industry. Article presents the idea of introducing Lean Management methodologies in chosen construction processes and the purpose of the study is to show how Lean Management can influence the total cost of selected process of managing storage area on the construction site. Article is based on the study conducted by authors on the construction of office building in Poznan (Poland) city center, where proposed new approach to management was introduced and tested. Authors performed deeper analysis on introducing proposed methodology into 3 processes: column concreting, storage area management and scaffolding ordering. In the article authors focused their attention on economic aspects of introduced changes into one of them: storage area management, showing how proposed different style of management can influence costs of analyzed processes. Lean methodologies are used to assess the risk problems and find suitable solution which will influence on reduction of the total time and cost of analyzed works. Proposed idea of Lean Management in this paper as construction management solution can be remedy for many different problems in the construction industry not limited to analyzed example.

Modern LED lightning technology has many advantages and many building administrators and owners are considering modernization of lightning system. Modernization can be done in many ways, also using flexible and agile methods. Article describes new approach of flexible management of electrical modernization with comparison to standard approach in economic aspects on the example of building complex modernization in Poland. Main differences and advantages of both solutions are discussed with focus on the waste management problem and initial investments costs, which are crucial from the point of view of investors considering similar modernizations.

The need for modernization of curriculum is growing with the development of new technologies and changing construction market all over the world. European Commission has put much effort and funds to European projects connected with education of future managers. Those funds enabled to alter competence of working managers to changing construction industry. Article presents how EU funds influence construction studies and managerial competence at Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at one of the biggest Universities in Poland – Poznan University of Technology. Results of two finished EU Programs are presented, first connected with launching Construction Technology Management, a new course on 2nd cycle studies, and second related to preparation of postgraduate MBA studies in construction, project focused on the joint creation of study and later its implementation within project consortium. In addition, two projects at the stage of application are described. Article reveals how accomplished projects influenced faculty, university, involved workers and graduates of new course conducted in foreign language After presented discussion authors came to the conclusions that programs implemented at Poznan University of Technology, funded by the European Union, helped university to increase offer for current and future students. In addition, these projects, aimed at strengthening cooperation with the industry and helped graduates finding jobs. This provided unique benefits for people who had opportunity to participate in those projects. As another benefit was expanding teaching offer with an MBA studies in the field of construction, in consequence the potential of the didactic units increased significantly. In addition, employees of the institute and the faculty involved in preparation and implementation of those projects, had the opportunity to make new contacts in Europe and worldwide, which positively affected potential of research and teaching, creating new opportunities for development and joint projects.

Every year in Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, thousands of flats and apartments are ready to move-in. Owners of properties are usually obliged by contract to perform a reception of an apartment from the developer. An execution of this acceptance is governed by contractual arrangements between a contractor and a user of the premises, so that the parties know the circumstances under which such a reception should be made. The article presents basic principles in reporting acceptance of flats, basing on existing legislation. Approach shown in the article is presented from a perspective of reception done with participation of external expert – construction professional, usually invited on behalf of the future owner. The authors for the purpose of this article analyzed selected acceptances of flats. An amount of faults reported in protocols of final acceptance and their actual level revealed during reception were taken into the account. Thanks to an access to the records of experts, after comparing protocols and disclosed defects, authors were able to determine that during the execution of acceptance, significantly more defects are detected than finally put into the official protocol. The authors analyzed those defects that most frequently were not entered in the protocols along with a brief summary of possible causes of the prevalence of such situations, using one of the methods of Lean Management connected with root cause analysis - 5 whys.