Science Exploration Press

This study investigates the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in construction projects to enhance efficiency, safety, and lifecycle monitoring. Despite the significant potential of BIM and IoT to facilitate the transformation of the construction industry, existing research lacks a comprehensive framework that addresses its interoperability challenges, data security concerns, and real-world implementation barriers. To address this gap, a multiple case study approach was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and real-world project evaluations. The results find that standardized protocols, data encryption, and modular IoT devices are essential for effective BIM-IoT adoption across different construction phases. The proposed framework offers a structured approach for construction teams to effectively utilize BIM and IoT, facilitating smarter and more sustainable project management. The contribution of this paper resides in the detailed analysis of the BIM-IoT applications, clearly demonstrating its advantages, such as improving building productivity and safety, and its potential to align with China's sustainable urban development goals. The study also provides a forward-looking prediction of the future development trend of BIM-IoT in China, offering valuable insights for construction project teams and decision makers. By demonstrating the structured framework and its practical application, this study provides guidance for the industry's transition to smarter and safer construction practices.

This paper explores two virtual child simulators, BabyX and the VR Baby Training Tool, which provide immersive, interactive platforms for child-focused research and training. These technologies address key ethical and practical constraints, enabling the systematic study of caregiver-infant interactions and the development of professional relational skills with young children. We examine their design, features, and applications, as well as their future trajectories, highlighting their potential to advance research and improve training methodologies.

The predominance of a linear economic model and the limited integration of circular strategies in the design and execution of building projects—particularly in the construction sectors of developing countries—have resulted in ongoing pressure on natural resources, high levels of waste generation, reduced productivity, and frequent time and cost overruns. Collectively, these issues contribute to unsustainable development, adversely impacting the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. This study explores the perceptions of design professionals regarding the benefits, awareness, and implementation of Design for Deconstruction (DfD) within the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed electronically to design experts in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone using a snowball sampling technique. With a 40.10% response rate and a reliability index above 0.800, the data were analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings reveal that awareness of DfD is moderate, but its adoption remains low. EFA identified five key categories of DfD benefits: (1) business benefits, (2) economic benefits, (3) environmental benefits, (4) green certification and technology integration, and (5) social benefits. PLS-SEM results show that all five categories have a positive and significant influence on the decision to adopt DfD within the NCI. This study contributes to the theoretical advancement and practical understanding of circular construction practices, particularly DfD, with implications for reducing construction waste, improving resource efficiency, and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 9, 11, 12, and 13.

Digital twin (DT) technology is revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry, driven by the advancements of Construction 4.0 (C4.0). Despite this, adopting DT in the AECO sector remains limited due to various barriers. This study, driven by four research questions (RQ), aims to advance DT adoption in the AECO industry under C4.0 using an integrated approach. The degrees of influence and importance ranking of barriers are assessed through the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). The hierarchy and causal relationships among barriers are revealed through interpretative structural modeling (ISM). Then, barriers are divided into four clusters employing the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) method. The paper reveals that "lack of government financial and policy support" is the most critical barrier, "lack of trust and long-term perspective in DT" is the most significant direct-influence barrier, and "immature 3D engine technology" is the most fundamental barrier. By exploring interrelationships and prioritizing barriers, the study provides insights to enhance adopting DT in the AECO industry in the context of C4.0.

Energy performance contracting (EPC) has been implemented as a turnkey solution to enhance the energy efficiency of building systems and fixtures. The two most common types of EPC-guaranteed savings contracts and shared savings contracts-are widely applied in the industry, with their selection primarily depending on stakeholders' risk tolerance and the availability of external financing. EPC involves multiple key participants, including the government, third-party financiers, building owners, and energy service companies (ESCOs). The relationships among these stakeholders vary based on the contract type: in a guaranteed savings contract, the owner has a direct financial relationship with the third-party financier, whereas in a shared savings contract, the ESCO assumes this role. This paper provides a critical review of previous studies on EPC, categorizing them into four key areas: (1) challenges in EPC adoption, (2) critical success factors, (3) diffusion strategies from different stakeholder perspectives, and (4) a stakeholder relationship framework linking key success factors and strategies. By analyzing these aspects, this review aims to inform potential investors and contractors about essential considerations for EPC implementation while examining the stakeholder dynamics within EPC projects.