Article
Environmental Sciences
Maaike Visser, Ilse Gosens, Delphine Bard, Pieter van Broekhuizen, Gemma Janer, Eileen Kuempel, Michael Riediker, Ulla Vogel, Susan Dekkers
Summary: This study aims to provide a framework for evaluating the feasibility of deriving advisory health-based occupational limit values for groups of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) based on scientific knowledge. An expert panel approach is used to identify six categories of health-based Nano Reference Values (HNRVs) for different types of ENMs and to propose methods for determining these values. For some categories, more toxicity data are needed to establish the corresponding limit values.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Fatheali A. Shilar, Sharanabasava V. Ganachari, Veerabhadragouda B. Patil
Summary: The utilization of nanomaterials in composite materials is a trending research area, with different types of nanomaterials having varying impacts on the properties and structures of composite materials.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sarah-Luise Abram, Paul Mrkwitschka, Andreas F. Thuenemann, Joerg Radnik, Ines Haeusler, Harald Bresch, Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba, Ute Resch-Genger
Summary: The rational design and increasing industrial use of nanomaterials require accurate characterization of their properties. Therefore, nanoscale reference materials (nanoRMs) are needed to validate characterization methods. This study developed a small iron oxide nanocube nanoRM to complement existing spherical nanoRMs. The nanoRM was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The certified size parameters, determined with high precision, can be used for quality control of nanomaterial sizing methods. The production of this new iron oxide nanocube RM is an important achievement for the nanomaterial community, manufacturers, and regulators.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Arpit Singh, Subhas C. Misra
Summary: This study proposes a framework to evaluate the safety performance of workers in the Indian construction industry, emphasizing the significant role of management and the importance of providing necessary safety training and promoting a friendly work environment. The findings can assist senior management and employees in the small-scale Indian construction industry to achieve better safety management.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Marcin Janczarek, Lukasz Klapiszewski, Patryk Jedrzejczak, Izabela Klapiszewska, Agnieszka Slosarczyk, Teofil Jesionowski
Summary: The intensive development of construction in recent years has led to increasing attention from construction scientists towards new material solutions based on nanotechnology, such as the use of titanium dioxide in building materials. This article focuses on the modification of nanotitania to enhance its photocatalytic properties and analyzes its effects on self-cleaning, air-depolluting, and antibacterial properties of building materials, particularly cement-based composites. It also examines the mechanical and durability properties of TiO2-modified building materials, considering dispersion methods, rheological and mechanical parameters, and resistance to external factors.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Altaf, Wesam Salah Alalaoul, Muhamamad Ali Musarat, Ali Hussain, Syed Saad, Muhammad Babar Ali Rabbani, Syed Ammad
Summary: This research investigates the awareness and implementation of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) in the Malaysian construction industry, and evaluates the factors that contribute to its implementation. A survey of 320 construction professionals in Malaysia was conducted, and the findings indicate that there is a lack of awareness among some newly hired employees, while the majority have average awareness and experience, and a small percentage have extensive experience and high awareness in the field of LCCA. This study provides valuable insights for promoting the implementation of LCCA in Malaysia and other developing nations.
AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahdi Madelatparvar, Mahdi Salami Hosseini, Chunwei Zhang
Summary: The application of micro-/nano-capsules in construction industries has been increasing, particularly using polyurea with tunable chemical and morphological structure. The structure of polyurea micro-/nano-capsules can be tailored via bulk emulsion or microfluidic method. Important factors for production of micro/nano-capsules include fabrication rate and control over size, dispersity, and wall thickness. Polyurea micro-/nano-capsules find applications in thermal energy saving, self-healing concrete, self-healing polymers, and fire retarding in construction industries.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Leif Berglund, Jan Johansson, Maria Johansson, Magnus Nygren, Bjorn Samuelson, Magnus Stenberg
Summary: The EU directive 92/57/EEC requires health and safety considerations in every stage of construction work and has been incorporated into the regulations of member countries. Sweden was assigned by the European Commission to clarify the implementation of the directive, including the management roles and responsibilities during planning and execution, which became part of national regulations in 2009. However, a study on accident trends in the construction industry following these changes showed that the new management roles did not have a noticeable impact on accident rates. The study suggests the need for broader analysis on nation-specific changes to health and safety management and policy, including the potential effects on occupational diseases.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kinga Wasilkiewicz Edwin, Marie Nilsen, Eirik Albrechtsen
Summary: The study reveals that the fatal accident frequency per year is significantly higher in Norway's construction industry than in the petroleum industry, although the safety level in construction has improved, the petroleum industry is still considered superior. Major accidents and regulations in the petroleum industry are highlighted as important for safety development, and safety in construction has benefited from developments in the petroleum industry. There is potential for cross-industry learning, particularly from petroleum to construction, involving standardization, barrier-thinking, and knowledge-sharing.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tewodros Yosef, Enawgaw Sineshaw, Nigusie Shifera
Summary: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with occupational injuries among Bure Industrial Park construction workers in Northwest Ethiopia. The findings showed that workplace injuries were associated with factors such as sex, marital status, the usage of personal protective equipment, training in occupational safety, and job satisfaction. To reduce the rate of occupational injuries, employers should prioritize safety training, encourage the use of personal protective equipment, conduct routine workplace inspections, and ensure job satisfaction by providing comfortable workspaces.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xiaoe Zhu, Rita Yi Man Li, M. James C. Crabbe, Khunanan Sukpascharoen
Summary: This article examines the role of chatbots in safety training in the construction industry. Through the development of four Telegram chatbots for an experiment, the results show that chatbot training can enhance hazard awareness, especially for participants with less experience and in less complex scenarios. The findings offer insights for construction safety managers in terms of safety knowledge sharing and training.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Borja Garcia de Soto, Ziga Turk, Abel Maciel, Bharadwaj Mantha, Alexandru Georgescu, Muammer Semih Sonkor
Summary: This paper analyzes the survey results on cybersecurity awareness in the AECO industry and presents statistical hypotheses. The industry must realize the security challenges brought by digitalization and strive to create new value, efficiency, and capabilities in the development of Construction 4.0.
JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Omid Hosseini, Martin Loosemore, Alireza Ahmadian Fard Fini
Summary: The Australian construction industry is facing a mental health crisis, with poor alignment between research and policy. A systematic review reveals significant misalignment between existing research and government regulation, particularly in areas such as workplace violence, financial concerns, and social support. Recommendations are made for new avenues of research to address these gaps and improve evidence-based decision-making.
Article
Ergonomics
Chia-Wen Liao, Tsung-Lung Chiang
Summary: Global changes in the labor force have led to an increase in non-standard employment (NSE) workers in the construction industry, who are at a higher risk of occupational injuries and negative health outcomes. This study examines the classification of NSE in the Taiwan construction industry and analyzes the differences in occupational injuries between NSE and standard employment (SE) using accident reports from 2000 to 2018. The results show that older workers, self-employed workers, and temporary agency workers engaged in non-technical work are more susceptible to occupational injuries. Safety management for NSE workers, especially self-employed workers, on construction sites is inadequate.
JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Guler Aksut, Tamer Eren
Summary: Construction industry workers face serious safety and health risks, and wearable sensors can be used to improve safety performance. This study aims to determine the priority order of physiological and kinematic sensors in preventing risks in the construction industry.
JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)