Wireless sensor networks have become incredibly popular due to the Internet of Things' (IoT) rapid development. IoT routing is the basis for the efficient operation of the perception-layer network. As a popular type of machine learning, reinforcement learning techniques have gained significant attention due to their successful application in the field of network communication. In the traditional Routing Protocol for lowpower and Lossy Networks (RPL) protocol, to solve the fairness of control message transmission between IoT terminals, a fair broadcast suppression mechanism, or Drizzle algorithm, is usually used, but the Drizzle algorithm cannot allocate priority. Moreover, the Drizzle algorithm keeps changing its redundant constant k value but never converges to the optimal value of k. To address this problem, this paper uses a combination based on reinforcement learning (RL) and trickle timer. This paper proposes an RL Intelligent Adaptive Trickle-Timer Algorithm (RLATT) for routing optimization of the IoT awareness layer. RLATT has triple-optimized the trickle timer algorithm. To verify the algorithm's effectiveness, the simulation is carried out on Contiki operating system and compared with the standard trickling timer and Drizzle algorithm. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of packet delivery ratio (PDR), power consumption, network convergence time, and total control cost ratio.

Purpose -This paper aims to draw attention to the weakness inherent in the current theoretical model underpinning built asset maintenance and to propose a new performance based model that aligns maintenance/refurbishment expenditure to corporate performance. Design/methodology/approach -An action research approach was used in which participants from within a commercial organisation worked with the research team to develop a new theoretical approach to built asset maintenance. A series of meetings, workshops and interviews were used to: evaluate the organisation's approach to built asset maintenance; identify opportunities for improvement; and develop a new conceptual model of their built asset maintenance process. The logic underpinning the conceptual model was tested through a series of presentations to the organisation's middle and senior management. Findings -The current theoretical model underpinning built asset maintenance does not allow direct links to be drawn between expenditure and impact on business performance. The new approach forces facilities managers to consider the business implications of their actions before large maintenance programmes are developed and provides feedback mechanisms to monitor the impact of any actions against key business drivers. Research limitations/implications -At this stage the new performance model is still theoretical and requires implementation to test its robustness and resilience. Practical implications -The adoption of the model will force facilities managers to consider the implications of their maintenance/refurbishment actions at a strategic level, thus placing their considerations on a similar footing to their human resource and financial counterparts. Originality/value -This paper extends the performance based concept to built asset maintenance and provides a practical process model through which the concept can be implemented.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Offsite Manufacturing (OSM), and Offsite Production (OSP) are all umbrella terms cited as being possible panacea solutions for addressing time, quality and cost concerns often associated with 'traditional' construction. In this respect, these issues have been on the agenda for a while now, with no viable business process models or solutions [cf. traditional to manufacturing/installation] being proffered or promoted as a meaningful ways forward. In an attempt to address this, a focus group workshop was established with domain experts to explore industry uptake and multidisciplinary expectations and priorities within the AEC sector. This paper presents findings from this session, covering the relationships between people, process and technology -mapped against the three core silos of Design, Manufacturing and Construction. Research areas investigated embraced several integral issues, from information and process flows, through to production, risk, and market drivers and inhibitors. Research findings identified a high demand for technology adoption in the design and construction remits, and a need to change traditional thinking across the whole supply chain. Core findings and priorities are presented for industry reflection in order to shape the future research agenda in this area.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify areas of waste and inefficiency in the built asset maintenance process and to outline an alternative approach based around performance metrics, which seeks to minimise waste and produce a more sustainable, cost‐ effective approach to built asset maintenance.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical analysis of the built asset maintenance process identified potential areas within the process that could be subject to significant waste or inefficiencies. Structured interviews with 37 property managers and two in‐depth case studies of UK social landlords were used to provide greater insights into the causes of the waste/inefficiencies and to develop a performance‐based approach to identify built asset maintenance needs.FindingsThe current approach to built asset maintenance is prone to wide ranging inefficiencies. These inefficiencies are deep rooted and resulted from an intrinsic weakness in the theoretical model underpinning built asset maintenance management. The theory assumes condition is a suitable proxy for performance. Whilst this assumption may have been valid in the past, current drivers for a sustainable future, coupled with the need to reduce costs in light of current public sector spending, requires a wider range of issues to be considered when identifying and prioritising maintenance needs. Identifying needs, planning of work and post contract inspection were perceived to be the most inefficient activities in the current approach to built asset maintenance management. These could be reduced by adopting a new approach that links performance of the built asset to key business drivers.Research limitations/implicationsAt this stage, the new performance model is conceptual and requires further implementation to test its robustness and resilience.Practical implicationsThe adoption of the model will force maintenance managers to consider the implications of their maintenance actions at a strategic level that links priorities to critical success factors through targeted key performance indicators.Originality/valueThis paper extends the concept of performance‐based approaches used in other industries to built asset maintenance and provides a practical representation of a process model by which the theory can be implemented.

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PurposeThis paper purports that a holistic approach needs to be adopted in order to ensure that effective solutions can be found to enable the environment that we build is fit for purpose.Design/methodology/approachThis paper introduces complexity theory within the context of the built environment, and investigates several existing and assumed problems (e.g. socio‐technical‐economic) using this approach in order to develop new solutions and garner deeper understanding.FindingsMany of the problems that we readily identify with are simply put down to fragmentation or the “nature of the industry”; complexity theory, however, offers the possibility of “how” to change.Originality/valueThe real value of this paper is to provide readers with an alternative approach to conventional problems. This innovative approach aims to quantify why problems exist and how they can be addressed.