Construction customers want more complex facilities delivered faster and at a lower cost. Transaction costs account for a significant proportion of each new or refurbished facility (a 2017 report from the Infrastructure Client Group in the UK suggests as high as 50%), yet they contribute no value to the customer. Blockchain is being suggested as a way to reduce transaction costs by eliminating the need for intermediaries to build trust as a prerequisite for successfully executed agreements. This study first describes the thinking that underpins blockchain technology, outlining how it works, and the potential limitations of the technology. Second, using a case study, reviews the potential cost savings from the use of blockchain for a real estate company. The results reveal a potential cost savings from blockchain deployment at 8.3% of the total cost of residential construction, with a standard deviation of 1.26%. Third, we explore the implications, risks and applications of blockchain technology for improving flow in the end-to-end design and construction process and we identify opportunities for future research on blockchain applications in construction.
In this study, the potential for reuse of waste brick (WB) by alkaline activation in a new geopolymer brick was examined. The effect of the incorporation of ground granulate blast furnace slag (GGBFS), the molarity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio (Na 2 SiO 3 /NaOH) on the mechanical properties of the final product was investigated. The manufacturing of geopolymer bricks was carried out by mixing WBs, GGBFS, sand with a solution of hydroxide and sodium silicate. The samples were prepared according to different formulations. The optimal compressive strength obtained is 89.91 MPa, for a GGBFS/WB ratio of 80/20, an 8 M molarity of NaOH and a silicate/hydroxide ratio of 2/1. This study shows an effective feasibility for the recovery and recycling of industrial waste into a valuable product for the construction sector. This recycling method can bring environmental and economic benefits by using it as an alternative material to fired brick in construction. Given the results obtained, it will be interesting to study the environmental and economic impact as well as the durability properties of these geopolymer bricks. Graphical abstractKeywords Geopolymer · Recovery of waste bricks · GGBFS · Reuse · Alkaline activation · Compressive strength
This paper presents the design and development of a test protocol for accelerated aging by hydrolysis in basic and acidic media, as well as application of this protocol for testing two fabrics intended for use as facing materials for buildings. The durability indicators were selected in order to quantify and analyse the impact of accelerated aging on fabrics. The experimental results reveal that the two fabrics' behaviour depends on the medium's nature. The aging in an acidic medium was hardly noticeable. Conversely, aging in a basic medium resulted in a quick deterioration of the fabrics: after 35 days of aging, the tensile strength of both fabrics was close to zero. Furthermore, the two fabrics behave differently in the basic medium, which is mainly due to their separate structures: the first fabric resistance to nail tear increased during the first day of aging unlike the second fabric.
While materials count for a considerable amount of construction costs, the way materials are managed seems to be improvised rather than approached methodically. This study investigates the practice of novel techniques used to manage materials in the construction industry. Techniques that have already proven themselves to be efficient ways to manage the production pace within the industry include the pull system, Just-In-Time, Kitting and off-site fabrication. These are explained and assessed in the context of the French construction industry through an exploratory study, supported by a questionnaire completed by contractors. The results reveal that a clear plan to manage materials on-site is lacking among the respondents, creating common inventory problems. This research provides evidence to support the central role played by an efficient management of material flow on-site. It also highlights the obstacles that hinder the adoption of innovative techniques, such as sub-contractor coordination.
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