This study explores communication structures in construction design offices using social network analysis (SNA) to compare directed and undirected networks. The objective is to understand how these network types influence hierarchy, information flow, and collaboration within small design teams. Data were collected from nine construction design offices, constructing both directed and undirected networks based on survey responses. Various graph theory metrics, including clustering coefficient, network diameter, centrality, and connectivity, were analyzed to assess communication efficiency. The results show that directed networks emphasize hierarchical structures with limited reciprocal exchanges, while undirected networks confirm mutual interactions, fostering collaboration. Despite variations in size, most networks exhibit small-world properties, indicating that key individuals act as bridges, ensuring effective communication. These findings highlight that network structure, rather than size, plays a crucial role in team coordination. This study contributes to Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) research by providing insights into optimizing team dynamics, balancing hierarchical control with flexible collaboration, and improving project management strategies. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-03-02 Full Text: PDF

In the absence of seismic records, this study focuses on using microtremors as surrogates to analyze ground signals during earthquakes. Earthquake engineering uses response spectra to evaluate the structural reaction to vibrations, condensing the complex dynamics required for design. The central objective is to generate response spectra in underdamped systems using Newmark's β method, considering displacement, velocity and acceleration with operations research methodology. The sample consists of 171 points of the Riobamba seismic zonation study. Using environmental microtrepidation results, accelerogram matrices were obtained for each component. Maximum values of displacement, velocity and acceleration were extracted for a natural period of 3 seconds with a damping of 5% and plotted to obtain response spectra. This methodological approach provides a robust analysis of the underdamped response of the system, offering crucial insights for seismic design and engineering.