Contractor-Related Factors and Performance of Bridge Construction Projects Implemented by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Kenya

The performance of bridge projects in Kenya is poor in terms of completion by schedule, cost, and quality (scope). Yet, there is less evidence of empirical research on what factors contribute to this outcome. This study aimed to bridge this gap by examining the effects of contractor-related factors on the performance of bridge construction projects in Kenya through a case study of the Bridge projects Implemented by the Kenya National Highway Agency (KeNHA). The theory of constraints (TOC) was adopted as its theoretical framework. Descriptive research was used, and the target population was 18 bridge construction projects, which were the units of analysis from 2012 to 2022. In each of these projects, 18 respondents, namely clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, environment and social guards, project managers, stakeholders, subcontractors, technical advisors, and inspectors, were included in a target population of 144 respondents. A census was conducted and a structured questionnaire was administered from which a response rate of 68% was achieved. The information was analyzed using descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. The contractor-related factors considered in the study were staff and management factors. The findings indicated that staff and management factors had a positive and significant outcome on performance of bridge construction projects. The study recommends continuous training and a safe learning environment for staff to improve their skills and performance in future projects. The study also recommends that a special category for bridge contractors be created in Kenya’s National Construction Authority rankings to ensure that only qualified contractors implement the Bridge projects.

Multi-Criteria Wildfire Risk Hazard Assessment in GIS Environment: Projection for the Future and Impact on RES Projects Installation Planning

It is alarming for the fact that Wildfires number, severity and consequently impact have significantly increased during the last years, an aftermath of the Climate Change. One of the most affected areas worldwide is Mediterranean, due to the unique combination of its type of vegetation and demanding climatic conditions. This research is focused on the Region of Epirus in Greece, an area with significant natural vegetation and a range of geomorphological aspects. In order to estimate the Wildfire Risk Hazard, several factors have been used: geomorphological (slope, aspect, elevation, TWI, Hydrographic network), social (Settlements and landfils, roads, overhead lines and substations), environmental (land cover) and climatic (Fire Weather Index). Through a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in a GIS environment, the Wildfire Risk Hazard has been estimated not only for current conditions but also for future projections for the near future (2031-2060) and the far future (2071-2100). The selected case study includes the potential impact of the Wildfires to the installed (or targeted to be installed) RES projects in the studied region.

A Review on Determinants Affecting Commercialization of Academic Institution Final Year Projects

Final year project is an important training and assessment component incorporated in many courses of academic institution.The ability to translate ideas,research,and creativity into actual products,services,or businesses shows how successful and impactful people or institutions can be in the wider economy.However,in most of the cases,the outcomes of the final year project usually remain as academic discussion without maximizing their potential to be converted into a commercialized product or services.In this review,theory and applications are discussed to understand how entrepreneurial skills and networking abilities,components of individuals’human capital can impact the commercialisation of final year projects.Furthermore,determinants affecting commercialization of final year projects will also be explored namely:entrepreneurial skills,networking ability,access to resources,institutional support as well as creativity and innovation.

Financial Calculation Problems and Countermeasure Analysis of Large-Scale Engineering Construction Projects

The financial aspects of large-scale engineering construction projects profoundly influence their success.Strengthening cost control and establishing a scientific financial evaluation system can enhance the project’s economic benefits,minimize unnecessary costs,and provide decision-makers with a robust financial foundation.Additionally,implementing an effective cash flow control mechanism and conducting a comprehensive assessment of potential project risks can ensure financial stability and mitigate the risk of fund shortages.Developing a practical and feasible fundraising plan,along with stringent fund management practices,can prevent fund wastage and optimize fund utilization efficiency.These measures not only facilitate smooth project progression and improve project management efficiency but also enhance the project’s economic and social outcomes.

Trust beyond Technology Algorithms: A Theoretical Exploration of Consumer Trust and Behavior in Technological Consumption and AI Projects

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), establishing customer confidence is crucial for the integration and acceptance of AI technologies. This interdisciplinary study examines factors influencing customer trust in AI systems through a mixed-methods approach, blending quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to create a comprehensive conceptual framework. Quantitatively, the study analyzes responses from 1248 participants using structural equation modeling (SEM), exploring interactions between technological factors like perceived usefulness and transparency, psychological factors including perceived risk and domain expertise, and organizational factors such as leadership support and ethical accountability. The results confirm the model, showing significant impacts of these factors on consumer trust and AI adoption attitudes. Qualitatively, the study includes 35 semi-structured interviews and five case studies, providing deeper insight into the dynamics shaping trust. Key themes identified include the necessity of explainability, domain competence, corporate culture, and stakeholder engagement in fostering trust. The qualitative findings complement the quantitative data, highlighting the complex interplay between technology capabilities, human perceptions, and organizational practices in establishing trust in AI. By integrating these findings, the study proposes a novel conceptual model that elucidates how various elements collectively influence consumer trust in AI. This model not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical implications for businesses and policymakers. The research contributes to the discourse on trust creation and decision-making in technology, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary efforts to address societal challenges associated with technological advancements. It lays the groundwork for future research, including longitudinal, cross-cultural, and industry-specific studies, to further explore consumer trust in AI.

Research on Intelligent Cost Estimation of Engineering Foundation Projects Based on CSIs Theory

Against the backdrop of rapid development in China’s construction and infrastructure sectors,discrepancies between project budgets and actual costs have become pronounced,manifesting in project overruns and suspensions,posing significant challenges.To address inaccuracies in investment targets and operational complexities,this study focuses on a beam-bridge construction project in a district of Shijiazhuang city as a case study.Drawing upon historical analogs,the project employs a Work Breakdown Structure(WBS)to decompose the engineering works.Building on theories of Cost Significant(CS)and Whole Life Costing(WLC),the study constructs Cost Significant Items(CSIs)and develops a CNN-BiLSTM-Attention neural network for nonlinear prediction.By identifying significant cost drivers in engineering projects,this paper presents a streamlined cost estimation method that significantly reduces computational burdens,simplifies data collection processes,and optimizes data analysis and forecasting,thereby enhancing prediction accuracy.Finally,validation with real-world cost fluctuation data demonstrates minor errors,meeting predictive requirements across project execution phases.

Construction Safety Management of Mechanical and Electrical Installation Projects

Various industries today rely on the support of electromechanical equipment,expanding its scope of application and leading to an increase in electromechanical installation projects.However,due to the high level of expertise required and the potential risks involved,it is crucial to emphasize safety management during construction.This paper delves into the significance of construction safety management for electromechanical installation projects,identifies common problems encountered during construction,and proposes solutions.This analysis aims to provide relevant personnel with essential guidance and references for managing electromechanical installation projects safely.

基于联合体双方异质性特征的EPC项目控制权配置模型研究

为确保联合体双方各自利益不受损的同时,实现项目效益最大化,EPC(Engineering-Procurement-Construction)项目控制权的合理配置成为关键。在考虑联合体双方异质性特征的基础上,构建EPC项目特定控制权与剩余控制权的配置模型,并对模型进行理论推导与假设检验。研究发现:联合体牵头者的身份能够有效抑制自利性投入行为;较高的决策偏好度会诱发自利性投入行为;特定控制权与剩余控制权配置区间的增加均会激发联合体双方的项目性投入;提高风险承受度而降低风险偏好度有利于减少设计方的自利性投入。研究成果为具有异质性特征的联合体成员间控制权的合理配置提供对策。

高校EPC项目全过程多维化评价体系研究

EPC模式具有提高项目建设质量、分散风险等优势,已被广泛应用于高校等基础项目建设当中。利用专家咨询法建立包括合同履行、项目设计、项目采购、项目施工、项目后期服务五方面的全过程、多维度高校EPC项目评价体系,分析高校EPC项目的基本流程,即项目准备、项目实施、项目验收、项目结算等。在权重赋予上,项目采购和项目施工在评价体系中占比较高,因此应重点关注项目采购成本和施工的进度、质量、安全等各方面情况,持续加强高校EPC项目后期服务的有效管理。

基于委托代理模型的EPC项目多任务激励机制实践

EPC项目中总承包商与分包商之间存在长期合作的可能性,而并非一般委托代理的一次性合作关系,激励机制的设置可以促使双方成为利益共同体,共同致力于项目绩效的提升。结合工程项目特点通过委托代理理论建立多任务激励模型,从而得到最优激励系数,结果表明激励系数受风险规避程度、努力成本系数、外界不确定性系数影响,根据结果对激励机制如何在现实中实施提出建议;通过具体案例讨论不同激励系数下总承包商和分包商的收益情况,论证了激励机制的可行性。在最优激励强度下双方可达到共赢,并达成长久的稳定合作关系。

基于Proteus仿真的微机原理与应用研究性实验教学项目设计

实验教学是《微机原理与应用》课程教学的重要组成部分,针对实验内容单一、开放性与启发性不足等问题,开展了基于Proteus仿真的综合实验项目设计。该实验以电压报警系统的实现为目标,基于研究性教学思想设计了由电压采集、并行接口控制、电压值显示、声光报警以及紧急事件5个子实验项目构成的阶梯递进式实验内容,形成了以目标为引导的实验教学体系。实践证明,Proteus仿真软件能够充分发挥研究性教学思想,有效激发学生主动学习和自主实践的兴趣,提高运用理论知识解决综合工程问题的能力,对科学研究思维和创新实践精神的培养有着积极的促进作用。

基于高维PDE投影恢复的低剂量CT重建方法

目的提出一种基于高维偏微分方程(PDE)投影恢复的低剂量CT重建方法。方法先将原始的投影数据映射到高维空间中,构造投影数据的高维表示,通过移动高维空间中的点来对高维表示进行更新,再使用偏微分方程对投影数据进行滤波,最后将恢复后的数据使用FBP算法重建出最终CT图像。结果在Shepp-Logan体模实验中,与FBP,PWLS-QM和TGV-WLS方法相比,新方法在相对均方根误差指标上分别降低了68.87%、50.15%和27.36%,结构相似性上分别提高了23.50%,8.83%和1.62%,特征相似性上分别提高了17.30%、2.71%和2.82%。在腹部临床数据实验中,与FBP,PWLS-QM和TGV-WLS方法相比,新方法在相对均方根误差中分别降低了42.09%、31.04%和21.93%,结构相似性上分别提高了18.33%、13.45%和4.63%,特征相似性上分别提高了3.13%、1.46%和1.10%。结论本研究提出的新方法在有效去除低剂量CT图像中的条形伪影和噪声的同时,可以保持图像的空间分辨率。

EPC工程总承包模式下发包人管理对策研究

据有关资料统计,目前我国工程总承包产值约占建筑业产值的10%,在工程建设领域,EPC工程总承包模式逐渐成为工程项目管理的主流模式之一。但在发包人的具体应用管理过程中,EPC工程总承包模式存在应用不合理、缺乏与之相配套的计价模式、投资控制难等问题。文章通过对典型问题的梳理,分析业务关键节点,提出在政策性文件的指导下,优化EPC工程总承包应用前提及模式,采取项目需求清单式管理,优化合同计价模式,引入全过程工程咨询等合理化对策与措施,解决EPC工程总承包应用中出现的典型问题,以期为EPC工程总承包更好发展与规范化应用提供参考。

紫外吸收光谱结合SPA-ELM算法的水体磷酸根离子检测研究

在工业锅炉中随着水蒸气蒸发,大量的钙镁离子留在炉水中,如果不加处理,在水冷管中会形成水垢,造成爆管停炉。为了保障设备的安全运行,消除安全隐患,工业上通过维持水中一定含量的磷酸根离子来去除锅炉中的钙、镁水垢。传统的磷酸根离子检测技术主要有比色法、分光光度法、色谱法、电位法等,这些方法前期处理步骤较繁琐且耗时较长。光谱法是通过测定物质的吸收光谱并建立和浓度关系的数学模型,对物质浓度定量的一种分析方法。为了满足磷酸根离子快速、实时测量的要求,提出了一种基于紫外吸收光谱结合SPA-ELM算法快速测量磷酸根离子的方法。按照我国《工业锅炉水质GB/T 1576—2018》中所规定的进入热水锅炉前的水质参数要求,配置37份浓度范围在5~100 mg·L^(-1)磷酸根溶液,使用搭建的实验装置,采集紫外吸收光谱。使用SPXY将样品按照7∶3的比例随机划分训练集、测试集;使用Savitzky-Golay(S-G)滤波对数据预处理以提高光谱的信噪比;通过连续投影算法(SPA)压缩光谱数据,筛选出5个与磷酸根强相关的特征波长;使用极限学习机(ELM)将特征波长处的吸光度与样本浓度进行拟合,以决定系数R2和均方根误差RMSE作为模型评价指标,建立磷酸根离子的回归模型。采用所提出的建模方法所建立的模型训练集的R2与RMSE分别为0.9972和1.3015 mg·L^(-1),测试集的R^(2)与RMSE分别为0.9995和0.5174 mg·L^(-1)。为了验证所提出的SPA-ELM预测模型效果,另外建立了LASSO-ELM、PCA-ELM、SPA-PLS和SPA-SVR四种预测模型进行对比。实验结果表明,SPA-ELM建立的预测模型的R2和RMSE均优于其他四种预测模型,说明采用的特征选择方法和回归方法均为最优,能够对磷酸根浓度范围为5~100 mg·L^(-1)的水体进行准确预测,为水中磷酸根离子的检测提供了一种新的解决方法。

基于三维曲面Spline模型研究中国不同地区的磁场分布

利用地面台站以及子午工程测点,CHAMP卫星实测数据,建立了中国地区主磁场的三维曲面Spline(3DSS)模型。基于该模型进行了我国的高原地区(青藏高原28°N-38°N,78°E-102°E)、平原地区(长江中下游平原27°N-34°N,111°E-122°E)以及海洋地区(东海和南海部分区域16°N-30°N,123°E-136°E)的磁场模拟。分别基于高原及平原的实测数据建立了各自的3DSS模型。另外分别建立了对应的二维Taylor(2DTY)、三维Taylor多项式(3DTY)模型以比较验证。建模时考虑了所有测点的场源移除、地面及卫星数据间的数据真空、边界效应等问题。为了考察模型相对于实测值的模拟精度,对三个地区分别选取若干个测点不参与建模,将所建模型分别模拟这些测点,并计算残差、变化率及均方根偏差(RMSE)。结果显示无论是全国3DSS模型还是小区域3DSS模型,其变化率除了Y分量略大,其余分量都在1%以内,模拟精度均要好于2DTY和3DTY模型。小区域(高原及平原)3DSS模型能较好反映区域磁场分布。模型对高原的拟合最好,平原次之,海洋地区最差,说明3DSS模型不需要太多的测点即可完成建模,但建模精度依赖于测点的数量及分布。

基于PROMETHEE-Ⅱ的电网科技项目后评估评价方法研究

为满足双碳背景下电网精准投资的迫切需求,面对目前电网科技项目数量的急剧增加,迫切需要构建一个后评价指标体系,以低碳绿色发展、运营效率和经济效益为特点,以便评估电网发展规模和速度、结构和安全性以及效率和效益,进而带动科技项目成果转化率的提高,加快科研项目向市场的推广进程。从组织管理、技术水平、成果应用以及影响力4个方面构建电网科技项目后评估的评价指标体系,应用三角模糊数和变异系数法结合的组合赋权法确定各评价指标的权重,基于PROMETHEE-Ⅱ方法对电网科技项目进行后评估,确定最终的评价结果。以实际案例分析,验证该模型具有可行性。

EPC项目管理存在的问题分析及采取的应对措施

项目管理是施工企业管理的重要组成部分,其在管理施工企业过程中起到非常重要的作用。当前,实施EPC总承包模式已经成为大多数施工企业转型与创新发展的必由之路[1]。但目前常用的EPC总承包模式在实际运用过程中仍然存在不少问题。重点对EPC模式下施工企业在项目管理中存在的突出问题进行了分析并提出了应对措施。

基于3M-PBL-OBE的机械工程实验教学体系改革与实践

针对传统实验教学中存在以认知体验为主、缺乏连贯层次化设计和过度依赖实验报告等问题,以装备设计制造能力培养为导向,融合基于模型设计(MBD)、虚实结合的机电概念设计(MCD)、制造执行系统MES等理念方法,建立以项目式学习为驱动的层次递进式实验教学构架,改革现有专业课程实践知识体系,培养能够解决复杂工程问题的高质量机械工程人才。通过持续实践,取得了明显的成效。

EPC模式下水利工程监理的实践探索

EPC建设模式在水利工程建设领域的应用近年已呈上升势头,但尚未形成规模效应,模式也不够成熟。为了使监理工作与EPC模式相适应,分析EPC模式的优点和现阶段的局限,以宁波市海曙区风棚碶泵闸工程监理实践为例,通过强化内控、提高服务水平,转变工作重心,全方位服务等措施取得了很好的项目监理工作成效。结果表明,强化事前布控、突出组织协调功能,完善法规制度体系,调整监理取费标准,加快监理队伍综合素质建设等,可以完善与EPC模式相适应的监理工作。

基于多粒度语言标度DEMATEL的建筑废弃物资源化PPP项目风险因素研究

为提高建筑废弃物资源化PPP项目风险管理水平,对建筑废弃物资源化PPP项目风险因素进行研究。通过文献梳理和案例分析,识别出建筑废弃物资源化PPP项目的25个风险因素;提出了一种多粒度语言标度DEMATEL群组决策的新方法,并计算各风险因素的中心度和原因度辨析出关键风险因素,针对关键风险因素提出了具体的对策和建议。结果表明:运营成本超支、消费者认可度不足、政策不稳定这3个风险因素为建筑废弃物资源化PPP项目的关键风险因素,在项目进行过程中应予以重点关注,研究结论对建筑废弃物资源化PPP项目的风险防控和管理具有重要意义。