Construction plant and equipment management research: thematic review

Abstract

PurposeA literature review is presented in the subject of construction plant and equipment management (CPeM) to: delineate the subject; consider its development over recent years; and identify principal themes within it. The paper aims to close the gap in knowledge, by using these objectives as a mechanism to observe how research themes relate to primary CPeM functions, and to suggest future research direction.Design/methodology/approachA thematic review of CPeM academic literature (in the main, refereed journal papers published in English‐speaking countries over the last decade) is undertaken; the nature of identified themes is discussed, for instance, regarding why they might have evolved as they have; and based on the foregone, themes for future research in the field are proffered.FindingsCPeM is found well established within the broader subject of construction management. Eight principal themes are identified, namely plant maintenance; downtime and productivity; optimisation; robotics and automation; health and safety; operators and competence; machine control; and “miscellaneous”.Research limitations/implicationsIt is proffered that based on informational/technological advancements coupled with growing environmental/financial pressures, future CPeM research will strive to facilitate even greater plant reliability and safer modes of working. It is suggested that “optimum production methods” and “minimal resource consumption” will become inherent theme goals.Originality/valueThis is the first time that CPeM research has been consolidated and reviewed for publication in this manner.

Research note: Machinery, manumission, and economic machinations

“…Simultaneously, maintenance preserves a machine's working life and extends its residual value (Edwards et al, 2003;Edwards and Holt, 2009). On-board condition monitoring techniques have capitalized upon sensor technology to provide direct, on-line, big data streaming to record the health (or otherwise) of critical components, including most rotating and reciprocating parts (Heng, Zhang, Tan and Mathew, 2009).…”

Analysis of United Kingdom Off-Highway Construction Machinery Market and Its Consumers Using New-Sales Data

“…The term 'off-highway' refers to machinery that is able to operate on topography unsuitable for public highway vehicles and when combined with the term 'machinery' in this way, typically refers to selfpropelled vehicles designed to do work, such as an excavator or a dump truck (Edwards and Holt, 2009a). Any reference hereafter to machinery retains this specific connotation and does not include for instance, other forms such as stationary (e.g.…”

Evaluating Impacts of Construction Plants and Equipment’s Hiring on Project Time Delivery in Ondo State.

“…6(1), 449-454 450 floor polishers. On the other hand, usually the terms plant and equipment could be used interchangeably (Edwards and Holt, 2009). It is very essential to use better construction facilities and equipment in the construction sites (Halpin, 2010).…”

“…The selection of the appropriate type and size of construction equipment often affects the required amount of time and the productivity of a project. It is therefore important for site managers and construction planners to be familiar with the characteristics of the major types of equipment most commonly used in construction (Edwards and Holt, 2009). Plant includes any appliance, equipment (including scaffolding), machinery, implement or tool or any associated component, fitting or accessory that aid work execution.…”