Digital Twin Technology (DTT) has gained significant attention as a vital technology for the efficient management of smart cities. However, its successful implementation in developing countries is often hindered by several barriers. Despite limited research available on smart city development in Malaysia, there is a need to investigate the possible challenges that could affect the effective implementation of DTT in the country. This study employs a mixed methodology research design, comprising an interview, a pilot survey, and the main survey. Firstly, we identified barriers reported in the literature and excluded insignificant factors through interviews. Next, we conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on the pilot survey results to further refine the factors. Finally, we performed a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis on the main survey data to develop a model that identifies barriers to DTT implementation in smart city development in Malaysia. Our findings suggest the presence of 13 highly significant barriers, which are divided into four formative constructs. We found that personalization barriers are highly crucial, while operational barriers were less important for DTT implementation in smart city development in Malaysia.

The Internet of Things is a comprehensive system of connected computing devices and sensors that provide extensive data sharing capability for any specific purpose. For the construction industry, the applications of the Internet of Things have been increasing over the past few years, and it is because technology can provide full support to construction projects in attaining significant efficiency. The most critical part of construction products where the internet of things can be adopted is safety management because hundreds of accidents happen every year that result in significant injuries to construction workers and even death in some cases. For small construction projects, the situation is much worse, as there are never enough resources to adopt the latest technology, such as the Internet of Things. This study is structured with the aim of identifying the critical implementation barriers of the internet of things that affect small construction projects in Malaysia specifically. A mixed methodology study design is followed in which, after identifying the implementation barriers of the internet of things from existing literature, they are filtered with expert opinion. A pilot survey was conducted on which exploratory factor analysis was applied to further identify the significant barriers relating to the Internet of Things in small construction projects in Malaysia. A main survey was conducted afterwards, on which the structural equation modelling was done to develop the model involving the final 16 barriers divided into 5 formative constructs. The most critical barriers are found to be related to databases and technology, while the least impact is created by management barriers. Positive theoretical and managerial implications are indicated for future researchers and construction workers, respectively, by which they can improve the implementation of internet of things in small construction projects in Malaysia.

The objective of this study is to ascertain the essential elements that contribute to the successful implementation of cloud computing in small-scale construction projects, with the ultimate goal of promoting intelligent development in Malaysia. The construction sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and the integration of cloud computing technology can make a substantial contribution to the achievement of project objectives and the promotion of sustainable development. Nonetheless, there exists a dearth of comprehension regarding the function of cloud computing in minor construction undertakings within the Malaysian context. In order to bridge this gap, a mixed-methods approach was implemented, which encompassed a comprehensive review of the literature, interviews with experts, and a preliminary survey that involved 160 participants. Utilizing the findings of the pilot survey, the process of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was employed to discern and eliminate nonessential determinants of success. A survey utilizing primary questionnaires was conducted with a sample size of 230 participants. The subsequent analysis of 16 critical success factors was carried out through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that there are four fundamental constructs that play a crucial role in the effective execution of a project. These include cost, quality, and time management (β = 0.352); planning success (β = 0.360); organizational success (β = 0.351); and communication and coordination (β = 0.299). The research results have favorable ramifications for the construction sector in Malaysia. The integration of cloud computing technology in minor construction endeavors has the potential to augment project efficacy and foster sustainable development. This study offers a roadmap for stakeholders in the construction industry to effectively utilize cloud computing technology for smart development by identifying critical success factors.

As a top construction material worldwide, concrete has core weakness relating to low tensile resistance without reinforcement. It is the reason that a variety of innovative materials are being used on concrete to overcome its weaknesses and make it more reliable and sustainable. Further, the embodied carbon of concrete is high because of cement being used as the integral binder. Latest research trends indicate significant potential for carbon fiber as an innovative material for improving concrete mechanical strength. Although significant literature is available on the use of carbon fiber in concrete, a limited number of studies have focused on the utilization of carbon fiber for concrete mechanical strength improvement and the reduction of embodied carbon. Following the gap in research, this study aimed to investigate and optimize the use of carbon fiber for its mechanical characteristics and embodied carbon improvements. The use of carbon fiber in self-compacting concrete lowers sagging. The greatest quantity of carbon fiber is that it reduces the blockage ratio, forcing the concrete to solidify as clumps develop. With time, carbon fiber improves the durability of concrete. Self-compacting concrete with no carbon fiber has a poor tensile strength. Experiments were conducted by adding carbon fiber at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% by weight. Fresh concrete tests including slump test and L-box test, hardened concrete tests involving compressive strength and splitting tensile strength, and durability tests involving water absorption and acid attack test were conducted. Embodied carbon ratios were calculated for all of the mix ratios and decreasing impact, in the form of eco-strength efficiency, is observed with changes in the addition of carbon fiber in concrete. From the testing results, it is evident that 0.6% carbon fiber is the ideal proportion for increasing compressive strength and split tensile strength by 20.93% and 59%, respectively, over the control mix. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is then applied to develop a model based on results of extensive experimentation. Optimization of the model is performed and final modelled equations are provided in terms of calculating the impact of addition of carbon fiber in concrete. Positive implications are devised for the development of concrete in the future involving carbon fiber.

Concrete is a widely utilized construction material globally; however, it is characterized by a fundamental deficiency in its tensile strength when it is not reinforced. The incorporation of diverse novel materials into concrete is being pursued with the aim of mitigating its limitations while concurrently enhancing its reliability and sustainability. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that concrete embodies a significant quantity of carbon. The primary cause of this phenomenon can be attributed to the utilization of cement as the principal binding component in concrete. Recent advancements in research have indicated that jute fiber, commonly referred to as JF, exhibits considerable potential as a novel material for enhancing the mechanical robustness of concrete. Although there is a significant body of literature on the application of jute fiber in concrete, there has been a dearth of research on the capacity of jute fiber (JF) to improve the mechanical strength of concrete and mitigate its carbon emissions. This study aims to cover a gap in the existing literature by analyzing and enhancing the application of JF in relation to its mechanical properties and environmental impact. The study involved conducting experiments wherein JF was added at varying weight percentages, specifically at 0%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%. The investigation encompassed a number of examinations of both the fresh and hardened states of concrete, in addition to assessments of its durability. The fresh concrete tests included the slump test, while the hardened concrete tests involved measuring compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), and flexural strength (FS). Additionally, the durability tests focused on water absorption (WA). The study involved the computation of embodied carbon (EC) ratios for various mix combinations. The findings suggest that incorporating JF into concrete results in a decrease in environmental impact relative to alternative fiber types, as demonstrated by a rise in eco-strength efficiency (ESE). Based on the findings of the conducted tests, an optimal proportion of 0.10% JF has been determined to be conducive to enhancing the CS, STS, and FS by 6.77%, 6.91%, and 9.63%, respectively. The aforementioned deduction can be inferred from the results of the examinations. Using data obtained from extensive experimentation, the RSM (Response Surface Methodology) was used to construct a model. The model was optimized, resulting in the establishment of definitive equations that can be used to evaluate the effects of incorporating JF into concrete. Potential benefits have been identified for the advancement of concrete in the future through the utilization of JF.

Over the course of the last twenty years, building information modeling (BIM) has emerged as a firmly established construction methodology integrating fundamental principles. The implementation of BIM methodologies possesses the capability to augment the attainment of quality, cost, and schedule objectives in construction endeavors. Notwithstanding the widespread adoption of BIM in the construction sector, the execution of BIM-related tasks frequently suffers from the absence of established methodologies. The objective of this study was to create a BIM application model through an examination of the correlation between BIM integration and the achievement of overall project success (OPS) in construction endeavors. In order to develop the BIM application model, feedback was solicited from a cohort of fourteen industry experts who assessed a range of BIM activities in light of prior research. The data that were gathered underwent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in order to authenticate the results acquired from the expert interviews. Furthermore, construction professionals participated in structured surveys in order to evaluate the importance of said BIM practices. This study utilized partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to ascertain and authenticate the underlying framework and correlations between BIM implementation and OPS. The findings indicate a moderate correlation between the implementation of BIM and the success of a project wherein BIM is responsible for approximately 52% of the project’s overall success. To optimize project outcomes, it is recommended that construction companies prioritize the implementation of BIM practices. This study highlights the correlation between the utilization of BIM and favorable project results, emphasizing the necessity for the construction sector to adopt BIM as a revolutionary instrument to attain enhanced project achievements.