Lean construction (LC) has been used as the potential project management philosophy to overcome some productivity and waste issues and addressing challenges of the construction industry. Furthermore, to facilitate LC implementation, different lean tools have been developed for LC. Presently, the initial selection of lean tools is predominantly objective-based with little consideration to its conformity with the construction methodology. This research aims at bringing clarity within the mindset of constructors in selecting the most appropriate tool during the initial selection phase. An extensive literature review is carried out in identifying the objectives and functionalities of each LC tool. The results indicate that many tools have almost similar objectives but different functionalities thereby making the selection criteria sensitive to the functionalities of the lean tools. The functionalities of lean tools have to be consistent with the respective construction processes for the successful implementation of LC. Finally, a framework has been proposed for selecting the most appropriate lean tools. The major contribution of this study is to improve the decision making capability of the constructors in selecting the most appropriate tool that works in consistence with the construction.

Members of the construction project team (e.g., owner, designer, and contractor) have increasingly become more interested in and concerned about improving communications, coordination, and cooperation during the drawing and specification development process. The current use of black and white construction drawings is not the best tool to permit designers and contractors to communicate efficiently and accurately. This study examines methods to improve the quality of drawing clarity through the use of color drawings and other technologies. A survey was used to collect feedback from designers to better understand the current challenges faced and potential solutions. An analysis of the survey results revealed the best approaches in the construction industry to improve drawing readability, and includes: (1) Using colored drawings, (2) improving design details, (3) reviewing drawings and specifications for consistency, and (4) using more three-dimensional (3D) modeling techniques. An example is presented that c...

Geopolymer composite is an innovative and ecofriendly construction material and an alternative to portland cement. Geopolymer concrete is a multifunction material that can be used for different purposes. One of the applications that recently has attracted attention is in snowproof roadways. This paper studied the compressive strength and stiffness of fly ash–based geopolymer with different volume percentages of $0.5\text{-}\mathrm{in.}$ -long (12.7 mm) steel-fiber reinforcement at different curing conditions. The formed geopolymer concrete was analyzed through compression testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructural analysis, and measurement of electrical conductivity. The results showed that the fly ash–based geopolymer mortar can greatly improve the compressive strength and electrical conductivity by using a small amount of steel fibers. Curing at elevated temperatures for the first $24\mathrm{h}$ increased the geoploymer’s strength and stiffness. With improved mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, the developed geopolymer concrete could be used as a pavement material for snowproof roadways. Improved electrical conductivity can increase the heat generated in geopolymer through electricity and help to accelerate snow melting. Steel-fiber reinforcement enhances the geopolymer’s stiffness and strength and makes the geopolymer material satisfactory for the construction requirements for pavements.

Challenges exist across the three dimensions of construction sustainability (economic; social and environmental) due to low productivity, waste, safety, and environmental hazards attributed to existing construction management practices. Lean construction (LC) has been widely accepted as a robust philosophy to enable sustainable construction (SC) practices. However, the existing literature is more inclined toward defining the integration between LC and sustainability through LC practices and techniques. Little research tackles the challenges of achieving sustainable goals within the current practices. Therefore, this paper aims to present a strategy that can help the construction industry overcome the challenges of SC in the traditional construction management practice by using LC. The challenges of SC are identified through a systematic literature review approach with metadata analysis. Compared with LC principles, tools and techniques, the strategy focused on identifying (1) the power and potential of LC principles and (2) the best LC practices/techniques that help in overcoming these SC challenges. The study results showed 20 out of 32 challenges identified can be overcome by using LC integrated with SC. Finally, a Lean Approaching Sustainability Tools (LAST) matrix is developed to provide guidelines to the construction stakeholders for the selection of LC practices/tools/techniques in overcoming the top 15 most important challenges.

Windows, accounting for 45% of overall heat loss, significantly influence a building’s energy performance. Evaluating window energy performance in existing buildings is therefore essential. This study aimed to assess the energy performance of windows to determine whether replacement is necessary. The assessment considered factors such as window location, height, orientation, and weather conditions in a high-rise residential building. A thermal camera was utilized for measurements, and statistical analyses were conducted on the collected data. Results indicated significant performance variations across building sides and floors, with differences at the 0.05 significance level attributed to temperature, wind speed, and direction. Findings suggest that implementing more efficient windows on upper floors—particularly from the fourth floor upward—is advantageous. Additionally, accounting for dominant wind speed and direction is crucial for optimizing window design and configuration.