Studies have demonstrated that advanced technology,such as smart contract applications,can enhance both pre-and post-contract administration within the built environment sector.Smart contract technology,exemplifying b...Studies have demonstrated that advanced technology,such as smart contract applications,can enhance both pre-and post-contract administration within the built environment sector.Smart contract technology,exemplifying blockchain technologies,has the potential to improve transparency,trust,and the security of data transactions within this sector.However,there is a dearth of academic literature concerning smart contract applications within the construction industries of developing countries,with a specific focus on Nigeria.Consequently,this study seeks to explore the relevance of smart contract technology and address the challenges impeding its adoption,offering strategies to mitigate the obstacles faced by smart contract applications.To investigate the stakeholders,this research conducted 14 virtual interview sessions to achieve data saturation.The interviewees encompassed project management practitioners,senior management personnel from construction companies,experts in construction dispute resolution,professionals in construction software,and representatives from government construction agencies.The data obtained from these interviews underwent thorough analysis employing a thematic approach.The study duly recognizes the significance of smart contract applications within the sector.Among the 12 identified barriers,issues such as identity theft and data leakage,communication and synchronization challenges,high computational expenses,lack of driving impetus,excessive electricity consumption,intricate implementation processes,absence of a universally applicable legal framework,and the lack of a localized legal framework were recurrent impediments affecting the adoption of smart contract applications within the sector.The study also delves into comprehensive measures to mitigate these barriers.In conclusion,this study critically evaluates the relevance of smart contract applications within the built environment,with a specific focus on promoting their usage.It may serve as a pioneering effort,especially within the context of Nigeria.展开更多
This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the possible measures needed for the adoption of three-dimensional(3D)printing for sustainable low-income houses that can be beneficial to the urban poor.The study ...This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the possible measures needed for the adoption of three-dimensional(3D)printing for sustainable low-income houses that can be beneficial to the urban poor.The study adopted a quantitative approach and answers were sought from construction professionals actively involved in a construction project in the country.The study revealed through factor analy-sis that 3D printing for sustainable low-income housing delivery in South Africa could be encouraged through effective promotion and training,government support,improvement of 3D printing technology,and affordability of the technology.The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it reveals the possible measures for improving the adoption of 3D printing in housing delivery in South Africa—an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the fourth industrial revolution and housing delivery discourse in the country.展开更多
Indoor environmental quality(IEQ)is important to the health,comfort,and well-being of building occupants.Unsatisfactory IEQ is associated with a number of phenomena,most notably,sick building syndrome(SBS),building-re...Indoor environmental quality(IEQ)is important to the health,comfort,and well-being of building occupants.Unsatisfactory IEQ is associated with a number of phenomena,most notably,sick building syndrome(SBS),building-related illnesses(BRIs),and multiple chemical sensitivity(MCS),which have major negative effects on productivity.However,green building investors(owners)are not only concerned about reducing the negative impact of their buildings on the environment,but also about the potentially negative impact green buildings can have on their employees’productivity.This research sets out to address,through a questionnaire survey in South Africa,what constitutes the determinants of green building occupants’sat-isfaction with the IEQ elements of a green building and the health implications of a building’s IEQ on the building occupants.Data analysis(involving a one-sample t-test)reveals some interesting findings in regard to what constitutes the determi-nants of green building occupants’satisfaction with the IEQ elements and the health implications of the IEQ elements of a five-star green rated building in South Africa.Findings from the survey revealed that the occupants of the building were not satisfied with the green building’s IEQ,most especially the ineffectiveness of blocking natural and artificial lighting.Also,it was revealed that the IEQ with particular reference to the noise level and ventilation of the space has some serious health implications for the building occupants.The occupants’evaluation revealed that the major health issues from which they suffer include fatigue,headache,common cold,coughing,and influenza,and these affect their productivity and performance.Since building occupants are a rich source of information about IEQ assessment and its effect on productivity,the study can be used to assess the performance of green buildings,identify areas needing improvement,and provide useful feedback to designers and operators about specific aspects of green building design features and operating strat-egies that need improvement.This study adds to the body of knowledge on green buildings’IEQ performance.展开更多
基金funded by Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and Construction Industry Development Board(CIDB)Centre of Excellence,University of Johannesburg,South Africa(Grant No.05-35-061890).
文摘Studies have demonstrated that advanced technology,such as smart contract applications,can enhance both pre-and post-contract administration within the built environment sector.Smart contract technology,exemplifying blockchain technologies,has the potential to improve transparency,trust,and the security of data transactions within this sector.However,there is a dearth of academic literature concerning smart contract applications within the construction industries of developing countries,with a specific focus on Nigeria.Consequently,this study seeks to explore the relevance of smart contract technology and address the challenges impeding its adoption,offering strategies to mitigate the obstacles faced by smart contract applications.To investigate the stakeholders,this research conducted 14 virtual interview sessions to achieve data saturation.The interviewees encompassed project management practitioners,senior management personnel from construction companies,experts in construction dispute resolution,professionals in construction software,and representatives from government construction agencies.The data obtained from these interviews underwent thorough analysis employing a thematic approach.The study duly recognizes the significance of smart contract applications within the sector.Among the 12 identified barriers,issues such as identity theft and data leakage,communication and synchronization challenges,high computational expenses,lack of driving impetus,excessive electricity consumption,intricate implementation processes,absence of a universally applicable legal framework,and the lack of a localized legal framework were recurrent impediments affecting the adoption of smart contract applications within the sector.The study also delves into comprehensive measures to mitigate these barriers.In conclusion,this study critically evaluates the relevance of smart contract applications within the built environment,with a specific focus on promoting their usage.It may serve as a pioneering effort,especially within the context of Nigeria.
基金support from the Construction Industry Development Board(cidb)of South Africa.
文摘This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the possible measures needed for the adoption of three-dimensional(3D)printing for sustainable low-income houses that can be beneficial to the urban poor.The study adopted a quantitative approach and answers were sought from construction professionals actively involved in a construction project in the country.The study revealed through factor analy-sis that 3D printing for sustainable low-income housing delivery in South Africa could be encouraged through effective promotion and training,government support,improvement of 3D printing technology,and affordability of the technology.The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it reveals the possible measures for improving the adoption of 3D printing in housing delivery in South Africa—an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the fourth industrial revolution and housing delivery discourse in the country.
基金National Research Foundation(South Africa)University of Johannesburg Emerging Researchers’research funds.
文摘Indoor environmental quality(IEQ)is important to the health,comfort,and well-being of building occupants.Unsatisfactory IEQ is associated with a number of phenomena,most notably,sick building syndrome(SBS),building-related illnesses(BRIs),and multiple chemical sensitivity(MCS),which have major negative effects on productivity.However,green building investors(owners)are not only concerned about reducing the negative impact of their buildings on the environment,but also about the potentially negative impact green buildings can have on their employees’productivity.This research sets out to address,through a questionnaire survey in South Africa,what constitutes the determinants of green building occupants’sat-isfaction with the IEQ elements of a green building and the health implications of a building’s IEQ on the building occupants.Data analysis(involving a one-sample t-test)reveals some interesting findings in regard to what constitutes the determi-nants of green building occupants’satisfaction with the IEQ elements and the health implications of the IEQ elements of a five-star green rated building in South Africa.Findings from the survey revealed that the occupants of the building were not satisfied with the green building’s IEQ,most especially the ineffectiveness of blocking natural and artificial lighting.Also,it was revealed that the IEQ with particular reference to the noise level and ventilation of the space has some serious health implications for the building occupants.The occupants’evaluation revealed that the major health issues from which they suffer include fatigue,headache,common cold,coughing,and influenza,and these affect their productivity and performance.Since building occupants are a rich source of information about IEQ assessment and its effect on productivity,the study can be used to assess the performance of green buildings,identify areas needing improvement,and provide useful feedback to designers and operators about specific aspects of green building design features and operating strat-egies that need improvement.This study adds to the body of knowledge on green buildings’IEQ performance.
