The digitalization of data has recently had an impact on the building industry. Building information modeling (BIM) is a highly developed technology that is used to predict the cost, lifespan, energy use, and efficiency of buildings. To enhance the BIM accuracy of cost and time estimation currently, it’s easier than before by Using evolutionary algorithms (EA), which include contemporary algorithms like evolutionary strategies (ES), evolutionary programming (EP), particle swarm optimization (PSO), differential evolution (DE), and genetic algorithms (GA), the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This study uses a code (plugin) created by GA and integrated into the BIM-5D model via Navisworks as a plugin to reduce the overall time and cost of construction projects. The plugin code, developed with Microsoft Visual Studio and the C# programming language, is an interface that enhances the accuracy of time and cost during construction stages with various five project time scenarios. The study’s findings indicate that the suggested plugin reduces project time by roughly 20% while also saving various amounts of money.

The rapid growth of technology worldwide in different ways drives the construction sector to take the same path. Smart cities, Digital Twins, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the trends in this way today. Also, integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has revolutionized how buildings are designed, constructed, maintained, and managed. On the other hand, the complexity, high cost, need for expertise, and other things make the maintenance process and facility management by human inspections, commercial software, and different tools not suitable for the growth of the technology. This paper presents a proposal for a workflow of integration between BIM, and an algorithm of Maintenance System with IoT and highlights its potential to enhance building performance and facility management. The paper explores this innovative system's underlying principles, benefits, challenges, and implementation strategies. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of BIM, and the proposed algorithm of Maintenance System with IoT integration on various stakeholders, including building owners, facility managers, and occupants by using a case study. The findings collected by a questionnaire for some experts emphasize the importance of adopting this integrated approach to optimize building operations, improve maintenance practices, and create sustainable and intelligent built environments. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-06-015 Full Text: PDF

The construction industry faces persistent challenges from disputes and claims, leading to delays, cost overruns, and strained stakeholder relationships. This study proposes a strategic framework that integrates building information modeling (BIM) as a proactive tool for dispute avoidance. Using a causal loop diagram (CLD), the research maps the relationships among systemic factors contributing to disputes, such as poor communication, ambiguous specifications, and ineffective stakeholder engagement. The study highlights BIM’s transformative potential in enhancing visualization, improving collaboration, and fostering proactive conflict resolution. Validated through expert insights, the framework provides actionable recommendations for integrating BIM (with ISO19650 specs) into construction workflows, addressing the root causes of disputes, and driving project efficiency. This research contributes a structured roadmap for advancing construction management practices, emphasizing early BIM adoption considered with ISO19650, stakeholder alignment, and balancing systemic dynamics. The findings underscore BIM’s pivotal role in reshaping conflict prevention strategies, paving the way for sustainable and dispute-free project delivery.

New technologies like modular construction are expected to increase the market share in developing countries with a high annual growth rate such as in Egypt. Modular construction solutions that have content depending on the process of off-site construction and on-site transportation gained prominence over recent years due to several benefits, especially their positive impact on the environment. Off-site manufacturing (OSM) and traditional technologies like on-site ones differ in many aspects of design, requirements, logistics, engineering, and others. Many researchers studied modular construction and they fall short of investigating modular construction processes comprehensively and completely. In this paper, the barriers and benefits of using off-site manufacturing (OSM) are collected from the previous studies (that focused on mega projects, high quality, and fast-track projects) to be analyzed using a social network analysis (SNA) to promote the implementation of this new technology mainly in high-annual-growth-rate countries. A survey was used to solicit the opinions of construction practitioners to identify the most significant barriers and obstacles, as well as the benefits of using OSM. Also, due to the capabilities of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage shared information and increase the cooperation among project parties, the integration of OSM and BIM is investigated as a promising approach to overcome OSM barriers and enhance its utilization. Analyzing the main barriers’ density and finding out the main solution are involved. Applying this case to a real project in Egypt to study the impact of using (OSM) on-site and exporting the data are also involved. With some results related to the other results and disadvantages that were deduced, the most important advantages and most disadvantages emerged, as well as finding ways to solve them and practical application on the ground.

The Middle East construction industry is fragmented, which makes project data inaccessible and underutilized. Building information modeling (BIM) provides innovative solutions to the AEC industry. Due to a lack of awareness of BIM’s successful processes, protocols, and workflows, some Middle Eastern organizations have tried to create their own systems but have not always chosen BIM. Some users did not comprehend BIM’s benefits, and the construction business was not ready for BIM technology. Furthermore, BIM’s benefits were not well known. This study intends to investigate construction practitioners’ awareness of the BIM field, the BIM adoption situation, and procedures in Middle Eastern design companies, by identifying and assessing construction professionals’ perceptions of impediments to BIM implementation in Middle Eastern construction. This research conducted a semi-structured interview to collect data and information from design teams currently adopting BIM at the project design stage. Thirteen of thirty-nine accepted to participate, with four invalid samples. Data collection reached a saturation point after the fifth interview. The descriptive and empirical analysis showed few BIM studies, lack of knowledge, insufficient government policies, high implementation costs, inadequate contractual coordination, lack of specified standards, cost of data and information sharing, technological availability issues, stakeholder reluctance, business and cultural changes, data and intellectual property issues, and interoperability issues. The factor analysis identified three main BIM implementation difficulties in Middle Eastern construction. These factors are training, cost, and economic constraints.

Bamboo plants can be found in both tropical and non-tropical locations of the world, it is thought of as a naturally occurring, quick-growing, and renewable resource. Bamboo is seen as a good alternative for construction due to the high energy requirements of current building materials and the limited availability of other naturally occurring materials like wood., bamboo is considered a good alternative for construction. To minimize carbon footprints in the environment, the research illustrates the flexural properties of Bamboo reinforced concrete to be able to use it as a successful replacement for steel bars. To study the flexural behavior, the total reinforcement constant and partially replaced steel with bamboo at 0%, 25%, 50%, 60%, 75% & 100%. Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of construction applications, and it can also be employed in a variety of housing applications, notably roofing, and flooring. Moreover, bamboo culms are often used directly as structural members such as beams, slabs, and columns without any alteration. Bamboo can also be used as reinforcement in concrete as a replacement for steel. The shear and flexural behavior of bamboo-reinforced concrete beams is significantly better than that of plain concrete beams. Furthermore, bamboo fiber-reinforced concrete is a good alternative to existing fiber-reinforced concrete, such as glass and steel fibers.