One of the most important tasks of managing the construction process is to achieve the highest possible productivity. The productivity that can be achieved on a construction site depends on a number of influencing factors and on the type of work that is executed. Concrete works are a crucial activity when constructing high-rise buildings built in the RC frame structural system. Therefore, it is very important to adequately manage the concreting process in order to meet the set deadlines and reduce costs. This paper presents an approach for predicting the productivity of the concreting process based on the conducted quantitative research, by recording the concreting process on construction sites of buildings in Niš, Serbia. The concreting of reinforced concrete columns and walls on seven construction sites was recorded for 20 months. The total amount of fresh concrete that is built into the elements is 848 m³ and the total duration is 114 h of work. Factors that can affect productivity have been identified and, by applying the multiple linear regression and simulation methods and techniques and using the discrete event method and the agent-based method, models have been developed to predict the productivity of the concreting of reinforced concrete columns and walls. An analysis of the developed models was performed, and a comparative presentation was provided.

Supply of Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) is a common process of concrete works on any structure. There is often a need to supply one or more construction sites simultaneously from multiple concrete plants. This paper presents a new simulation model of RM...

Determination of the Atterberg?s limits is necessary for the classification of fine-grained soil. That limits can be determined according to the valid standard SRPS EN ISO 17892-12. Two methods are prescribed by the standard for determining the liquid limit: the Casagrande cup and the Fall Cone test, and one method for determining the plasticity limit: the thread-rolling method. In this paper the Fall Cone method was also used as an alternative method to determine the plastic limit. Ten samples of various fine-grained materials, originating from the wider area of the city of Nis, were tested. The classification of all samples was performed based on the results obtained by the methods prescribed by the standard and alternative methods. Comparative analysis shows that the results obtained by applying standard and alternative methods are close, but also that the scattering of results obtained by the Fall Cone method is significantly less, whereas the reproducibility is higher.

This paper investigates the natural frequencies of square and rectangular cross-laminated timber–concrete composite plates using the approximate analytical Rayleigh method and finite element analysis in Abaqus/Standard. Determining the natural frequency, as dynamic characteristic, is important for verifying the serviceability limit state regarding the vibration criteria of such composite plates. The Rayleigh method, as an approximate method, allows for quick result acquisition, while modeling in Abaqus provides more detailed and accurate information about the plates dynamic characteristics. By comparing the results of both approaches, this paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of each method, offering guidelines for practical engineering applications. The conclusion of this study is that the Rayleigh method provides results for plates of characteristic dimensions that are in good agreement with those obtained using the Abaqus/Standard software package, which was used as a benchmark.

The construction of many buildings requires ready mixed concrete (RMC) delivery from concrete plants. It is common to supply multiple construction sites, simultaneously, from one or more concrete plants. In such cases, a crucial task is planning the appropriate delivery schedule to each construction site in order to minimize or avoid machinery idling. This paper presents the application of an original model developed in AnyLogic simulation software. The model is based on a hybrid approach, combining two simulation techniques: discrete event and agent-based simulation. This model addresses the supply chain problem, or transportation problem, and can solve the duration and cost of concrete delivery from up to three concrete plants to a maximum of three construction sites simultaneously. The model allows for cost optimization and several other analyses. The fleet of mixers included in the model can be adjusted before running the simulation through the OptionPlant excel file. This paper analyzes a case study based on real parameters obtained from a specific concrete plant and construction sites. Two construction sites and one concrete plant are considered. The costs of transportation, total costs, as well as pump and mixer penalty costs, are calculated. Different analyses and discussion based on conducted results are provided to improve the concrete delivery process.

The construction sector plays an important role in economic development but is highly sensitive to financial constraints during project implementation. While existing studies mainly focus on the sources of financing, less attention has been paid to the availability and timing of financial flows throughout the project lifecycle. Delays in financial disbursements and irregular payment schedules can disrupt construction activities, affect contractor liquidity, and lead to project delays and cost overruns. This paper provides a review of theoretical and empirical studies examining the connection between financing availability, payment timing, and construction project performance. By synthesizing insights from construction management, project finance, and public investment literature, the study highlights key mechanisms through which financing inefficiencies influence project delivery and identifies major gaps for future research.