Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications
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ItemLean and Green: How the Synergy Can Promote Sustainable Construction(Springer Nature, 2023-08-01)Lean construction aims to improve efficiency through the reduction of wasteful activities. These waste reduction activities also indirectly improve the sustainability approach used by organizations. Our paper examines the definition of lean construction (LC), LC activities, and green construction as understood by academics through a focused literature review. It then examines these practices considering how these activities contribute towards enhancing the sustainability of the built environment and the organization. Our findings suggest that not all waste reduction activities have the same degree of effect on sustainability improvements. Some lean tools such as standardization and just-in-time (JIT) for production scheduling can have a better effect, especially, if the key performance indicators (KPI) specifically target sustainability indicators. “Lean and Green” is not a myth and is very much achievable in the construction industry with the current efforts towards industry 4.0/5.0. Combining these two concepts remains a challenge. This paper aims to learn from what we already know and suggests ways on how “Lean and Green” can be achieved in the future. The paper includes a discussion on leveraging lean and green concepts to achieve the sustainable development goals promoted by the United Nations.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableChallenges in Transport Logistics for Modular Construction: A Case Study(Springer Nature, 2023-01-01)Construction logistics is one of the essential functions in the modular construction industry due to the high demand for on-time delivery of components. For modular component suppliers, there is minimal flexibility in delivery times as generally, the installation times of modular components are critical to the contractor’s construction programme. There are several studies conducted in recent years that articulate novel methodologies in construction logistics scheduling; however, the industry still faces challenges in streamlining the whole supply chain to better cater to potential uncertainties that impact construction logistics. This paper looks at a case study on a modular component supplier in Melbourne, with regarding to the challenges faced and how they have effectively overcome these challenges and provides a framework to mitigate construction logistics related discrepancies in the supply chain. The resilience of these methods in facing unforeseen events such as COVID-19 will also be discussed. The overarching objectives of this paper are to include: (1) bibliographic mapping of related publications; (2) identification of current methods, problems and technologies used in modular construction logistics; and (3) propose best practice guidelines that can be implemented to effectively cater to such uncertainties in construction logistics to minimise the impact on the supply chain. Further, incorporating lean principles for planning construction logistics and transport for the modular construction industry is also in discussion. Finally, the potential future research directions are highlighted to guide the researchers to pursue areas of much importance.
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ItemForeword(Open Book Publishers, 2019-11-01)
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ItemPotential Infrastructure Enhancements for Ports and Cities: Conclusions, Future Research and Policy Concepts(Open Book Publishers, 2019)The final chapter of this research monograph draws together key points from each of the chapters. It summarises key findings from the research and poses questions that would benefit from future/further research.
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ItemInitial Investigation into the Effectiveness of Australian Ports’ Governance and Management Structures(Open Book Publishers, 2019)The ninth chapter considers effectiveness of port governance and management structures in Australia. It briefly reviews Australian port reform, before considering private, local and international investment in Australia; the make-up of investors in major city ports in Australia; and the need to carefully assess foreign investment in critical infrastructure. Asset recycling in Australia is discussed. Factors identified from focus group discussions (in Australia) with key port stakeholders that help improve or act as obstacles to governance/policy, and that help improve or hinder management structures in ports, are also presented.
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ItemComparative Efficiency Analysis of Australian and Indonesian Ports(Open Book Publishers, 2019)A comparative analysis of Australian and Indonesian port efficiency is presented in the sixth chapter. The analysis utilises the Data Envelope Analysis model to quantify and measure the efficiency of ports, focusing on port and container cargoes. Ports included in the benchmarking included major Australian, Indonesian and Chinese international ports. International benchmarking of port facilities provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement.
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ItemVisual Tools for Analyzing and Organizing Engineering Data and Information(IGI Global, 2019)The chapter examines the use of visual tools in inquiry-based learning in post graduate engineering education. Engineering information has traditionally been communicated using engineering drawings and engineering graphics. With the advancement of technology, engineers are now empowered to work with data, information and to computer generated graphics. The ability to visualise data is fast becoming an important part of an engineer’s tool kit and skill sets. Just as engineering graphics have been used to aid product visualisation, knowledge of visual tools such as graphs, charts, fishbone diagrams, and one-pagers, posters etc are important as they have been successfully employed in the industry for decades as a basis for organisational learning and dissemination of information. However, many educational institutions still rely on text-based learning, which may rely on linguistic abilities to convey complex concepts. Visual learning tools such as a poster can overcome some of the disadvantages of language by showing complex relationships in diagrams or in a visual manner. In properly structured exercises, learners can also acquire knowledge and know-how by using visual tools to represent ideas in a similar manner. In this book chapter, we examine some of the visual tools that are commonly used in industry, we will attempt to explain the significance by using learning theories and showing examples of how they can be applied in a learning environment. In particular, we showcase how a poster can be used to combine a variety of visual tools to present information in a logical and consistent manner. We will also give a report on on-going education research work done use of one-pager or poster as a visual learning tool. Students reported benefits in poster exercise compared with a written assignment. This chapter also discusses the educational and managerial significance of using visual tools to greater effectiveness as the ability to communicate technical information is an important part of an engineer’s training and has significant implications on an engineer’s effectiveness.
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ItemUnderstanding the Green Building Industry in Thailand(Springer, 2020)Promoting green building has become a global trend to improve resource efficiency and well-being of societies. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the key aspects of the green building industry in Thailand (i.e., critical successful factors, key green technologies, and barriers) and to provide a sound basis for deeply understanding the drivers of the industry. Based on a survey of consultants, architects, and engineers, the results show that critical success factors of green building are mainly related to competence of project participants, integration of project team, technical and management innovation, external environment, and project characteristics. The analysis of green technical capabilities demonstrates that project participants should emphasize improving technical skills in green building, use of green materials, and familiarity with green building rating systems. Barriers to green building mainly arise from financial pressure, technical limitation, and inadequate promotion. The findings can help project participants to adopt appropriate strategies in boosting green building in emerging markets of developing countries. Future studies should focus on levering the demand of the market, integrated green technology innovation, and management measures at project, organizational, and industrial levels.