DSpace collection: 期刊論文

TRUST EVALUATION MODEL WITH REGARD TO THE ROLE OF ENGINEER IN PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN TAIWAN

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:03:08 GMT

title: TRUST EVALUATION MODEL WITH REGARD TO THE ROLE OF ENGINEER IN PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN TAIWAN abstract: In view of the client distrust in engineer, in the current context in Taiwan, it is uncommon to employ private engineers for public construction projects. In this study, which analyzed data of the period between 2003 and 2006, a questionnaire was administered to collate the viewpoints of clients, contractors, and architects/engineers (A/Es) involved in public construction projects that employed engineer. The opinions of participants regarding trust factors that influenced client evaluations of engineer were analyzed. Twenty-six trust factors were analyzed via interviews and a literature review. These factors were grouped using the principal component method and the varimax rotation approach. Analytical results indicate that the primary factors affecting the trust in engineer employed in public construction projects in Taiwan may be classified into three categories and eight factors. Variation among three trust relationships-calculative, relational, and institutional-with regard to trust in the handling of projects was assessed. Analytical results demonstrated the validity of the trust model proposed by Rousseau [18]. The influence of institutional trust exists throughout the length of a project, with any variation being minor. Interactive influences exist between calculative trust and relational trust. These types of trusts fluctuate as a project progresses. The results of this study serve as a reference for managing decision making with regard to ensuring client trust in engineer.

Mapping multi-spectral remote sensing images using rule extraction approach

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:03:06 GMT

title: Mapping multi-spectral remote sensing images using rule extraction approach abstract: To improve the accurate rate of mapping multi-spectral remote sensing images, in this paper we construct a class of HyperRectangular Composite Neural Networks (HRCNNs), integrating the paradigms of neural networks with the rule-based approach. The supervised decision-directed learning (SDDL) algorithm is also adopted to construct a two-layer network in a sequential manner by adding hidden nodes as needed. Thus, the classification knowledge embedded in the numerical weights of trained HRCNNs can be extracted and represented in the form of If-Then rules. The rules facilitate justification on the responses to increase accuracy of the classification. A sample of remote sensing image containing forest land, river, dam area, and built-up land is used to examine the proposed approach. The accurate recognition rate reaching over 99% demonstrates that the proposed approach is capable of dealing with image mapping. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Framework development for state-level appraisal indicators of sustainable construction

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:03:03 GMT

title: Framework development for state-level appraisal indicators of sustainable construction abstract: To keep pace with global trends in sustainable development, the construction industry worldwide also needs to examine their practices for sustainability. The purpose of this study is to establish a proper indexing system for assessing the performance of a nation in terms of sustainable construction. In this study, a framework for the assessment of state-level sustainable construction is established. The framework consists of five layers, from bottom to top: the indicator; the indicator category; the core cluster; the theme; and the overall performance. The max-min fuzzy Delphi method is employed to identify the proper items of each layer. In addition, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is applied to determine the weight of items in each layer. With the developed framework, Sustainable Construction Index of a nation can then be computed to assess its progress in sustainable construction. The result can help a nation to pinpoint areas needing improvement.

Computerizing ICBF Method for Schedule Delay Analysis

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:03:01 GMT

title: Computerizing ICBF Method for Schedule Delay Analysis abstract: Schedule delay is a common construction dispute. For analyzing schedule delays, a previous study had proposed an academic analysis method, the "isolated collapsed but-for" (ICBF) method. However, because many construction projects involve numerous complex activities, the procedure of using the ICBF method for schedule delay analysis is time-consuming. Therefore, this study used Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) language and spreadsheet techniques to develop an Excel-based program for rapid delay analysis rather than manual calculation. A case study confirmed that the program automatically produces analytical results with only common delay documents (as-planned and as-built schedules and identified delay events). Compared with previous studies, schedule analysts can obtain analysis results quickly and correctly. Research results provide not only a convenient tool for schedule delay analysis but also a guide to computerize various academic delay analysis methods in the future. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000338. (C) 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.