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.

Self-cured concrete is a type of cement-based material that has the unique ability to mitigate the loss rate of water and increase the capacity of concrete to retain water compared to conventional concrete. The technique allows a water-filled internal curing agent to be added to the concrete mixture and then slowly releases water during the hydration process. Many researchers have studied the composition of self-curing concrete using different materials such as artificial lightweight aggregate (LWA), porous superfine powders, superabsorbent polymers (SAP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), natural fibers, and artificial normal-weight aggregate (ANWA) as curing agents. Likewise, physical, mechanical, and microstructure properties, including the mechanisms of curing agents toward self-curing cement-based, were discussed. It was suggested that adopting self-curing agents in concrete has a beneficial effect on hydration, improving the mechanical properties, durability, cracking susceptibility behavior, and mitigating autogenous and drying shrinkage. The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the curing agent and the cement paste matrix also improved, and the permeability is reduced.

A large amount of industrial solid waste is generated from industrial activities worldwide. One such waste is marble waste, a waste generated from quarries which is generated in larger amount which needs attention. It is proved that this waste has a significant impact both on the people health and on the environment. Hence, research works are directed towards addressing usage of waste marble power, the aim of this experimental investigation is to study the usability of sand obtained by crushing marble waste (MWS) on the mixing of lightweight concrete based on expanded perlite aggregate (EPA). First, the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of marble waste sand and expanded perlite aggregate were determined after which different mixtures of concrete are prepared by varying the percentage of EPA (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%), in order to find the optimum mixture focussing on obtaining best hydraulic properties. Also, in this work, the thermal and acoustic properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity and sound reduction index at different frequencies) of the tested concrete samples were investigated. Results shows that it is possible to obtain thermal and acoustic insulation lightweight concrete by using sand obtained by crushing marble wastes. Also, addition of more than 20% of EPA aggregate in concrete, develops a thermal insulating lightweight concrete which possess capacity to store heat and produce better thermal performance. Concrete blend with a percentage of more than of 20% of EPA aggregate can be placed in the category of acoustic insulation lightweight concrete. In summary, cement based on MWs and EPA provides better workability and energy saving qualities, which are economical and environmentally beneficial and may result in decreased construction budget and improve a long-term raw materials sustainability.

Nowadays, the incorporation of natural fiber, such as coir fiber, to high-strength concrete has sparked a lot of attention in the construction materials industry. This is because coir fibers are significantly cheaper and more widely accessible than synthetic fibers. Natural fibers such as bamboo, flax, hemp, and coir have distinct microstructures and chemical compositions from cement-based materials. The physical and mechanical properties of natural fiber, such as coir fiber, are significantly correlated with fiber concentration and cellulose component. However, coir fiber has high stretching to failure, while bamboo, flax, and hemp fibers are very resistant to stress and increase stiffness. Based on these distinctive fiber qualities, it is anticipated that coir fiber would facilitate the development of cement-based materials for advanced concrete building applications. In this paper, coir fiber-reinforced cement-based concretes were evaluated in terms of workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and permeability. The relationship between strength and fiber content was analyzed to understand the impact of coir fiber on the properties of coir fiber-reinforced cement-based concrete. Based on the results obtained, it is determined that 2% coir fiber modification offers the highest compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. Moreover, the modulus of elasticity is increased, and the permeability is plummeted by the volume fractions of coir fiber 1%, 2%, and 3% because the blending of coir fiber has a bridging and dispersing mechanism of the force-carrying capacity in concrete. In conclusion, coir fiber might be a viable choice for improving the strength and durability of concrete. Therefore, the sparing use of coir fiber presented in this research can be implemented for the manufacturing of concrete in the future.