Journal of Civil Engineering, Science and Technology

EDITORIAL SCOPE: A PERSPECTIVE ON DATA LIMITATIONS AND MACHINE LEARNING APPLICATIONS IN CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Danial Jahed Armaghani, Haleh Rasekh — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Although data-driven machine learning (ML) techniques have been widely applied in civil and environmental engineering, their performance depends heavily on the availability of large, high-quality, and reliable datasets. In civil engineering, researchers often face significant challenges due to limited, incomplete, or inaccessible data. This editorial scope discusses the main reasons behind these challenges and explores potential solutions. It also emphasises the urgent need for standardised data collection practices and the development of new ML models with higher levels of reliability, accuracy, and generalisation.

SMART GRID ENABLER (SGE) FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL SECTOR TOWARDS ENERGY CONSERVATION STRATEGIES VIA FUZZY DELPHI METHOD

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The global implementation of smart grids has revolutionised the electricity grid, including in Malaysia, where Tenaga Nasional Berhad leads the initiative. This Smart Grid system is akin to the internet of electricity, serving as a pivotal element in the sustainable energy transition within the electricity sector. The residential sector, which heavily relies on electricity for daily activities, stands to benefit significantly from this development. Despite the numerous advantages offered by smart grids, the Malaysian residential sector has not yet fully optimised these benefits to incorporate fit-for-use components. Thus, this research aims to develop a Smart Grid Enabler (SGE) framework for the Malaysian residential sector that supports energy conservation strategies. Based on the Trias Energetica and Smart Grid Conceptual Model, the Fuzzy Delphi Method is utilised to synthesise expert consensus and establish critical components for the SGE framework and achieve the aim of this research. Subsequent future research anticipates a better refined SGE framework which explores pragmatic and practical real-world applications in the residential setting. This study contributes to ongoing efforts in sustainable energy development through smart grid system optimisation for the Malaysian residential sector.

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN WATER RETICULATION WORKS

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Since the emergence of sustainability, people have generally focused on issues related to the triple bottom line: social, economic, and environmental. This paper focuses on the integration of sustainability and supply chain management in the construction industry, particularly in water reticulation works. The peculiarities in documentation and technical issues encountered during the water reticulation works had prompted the need for this research. The challenges associated with the implementation of sustainable supply chain management in water reticulation works in Malaysia were identified, and improvements were suggested to overcome these challenges. A qualitative study was conducted by having a case study on six different packages of pipe replacement projects. An in-depth interview was carried out with semi-structured questions based on predetermined themes identified in the literature review. Based on the findings from four participants who were interviewed, they corroborated the costs, management, technical capabilities, complexities, mindset, and cultural changes. In conclusion, industry professionals can expand on numerous management facets to enhance future improvements.

REVIEW VALUATION METHOD FOR MARINE ECOSYSTEM SERVICE

Wan Nur Ayuni Wan Ab Rashid, Junainah Mohamad — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Increased human pressure on marine ecosystems in the coming decades is expected, leading to a decline in ecological functioning and loss of marine biodiversity. Restoration efforts are crucial to address habitat deterioration and support conservation measures. Ecosystem service valuation measures the flows of products and services from natural capital assets under the presumption that decision-makers and stakeholders can control them. By doing that, ecosystem service valuation guarantees that ecosystems' worth and the services they offer are more fully acknowledged during the policy-making process. Ecosystem service value, for instance, might assist decision-makers in comparing various management approaches. Estimating the cost for insurance policy setting and evaluating the cost of preventing climate disasters could also be made possible via valuation. Formulating a strong valuation approach that fits the local environment and can effectively communicate pertinent information to decision-makers is one of the main recommendations for valuation practitioners. A detailed assessment of the literature has been conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the body of knowledge addressing the valuation of marine ecosystem services. Based on previous research on present and upcoming practices as well as concerns related to coastal and marine ecosystem service values, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis could be conducted. Alternative methods acknowledged for ecosystem valuation are aimed at facilitating a more thorough identification and elicitation of various ecosystem values.

GEOSPATIAL EFFECTS OF LANDFILL LEACHATE ON GROUNDWATER PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AROUND OLUSOSUN DUMPSITE, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Improper waste disposal is a major environmental concern. Limited resources and technology often force areas like Lagos to rely on dumpsites. However, poorly managed dumpsites can significantly harm the environment and human health. This study investigates the impact of the Olusosun dumpsite on nearby groundwater physicochemical properties. Twenty-five water samples were collected from boreholes surrounding the dumpsite and analysed in the laboratory. GPS coordinates were recorded for each sample. The Inverse Distance Weighting interpolation technique was used for interpolation of results between sampled points, creating a more complete picture of physicochemical properties of water across the study area. Test results of physicochemical properties of samples collected were compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) standards. The findings showed that all the water samples had a high lead concentration. More than 50% of the water samples have zinc and copper concentrations higher than WHO and NSDWQ standards. Similarly, 52% of water samples have values outside of the normal range. Results also revealed a higher concentration of physicochemical properties in locations close to the landfill, and this reduces as the distance from Olusosun landfill increases. The study recommends an alternative source of water consumption for residents around the landfill or a proper treatment of groundwater before consumption.

ANALYSIS OF PAVEMENT DRAINAGE SYSTEM: A CASE STUDY ALONG BURE TO INJIBARA TOWN ROAD SECTION IN AMAHRA REGION

Hailu Terefe Bayou, Dumesa Gudissa Lemu, Asnakew Melku Fenta — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Moisture has significantly influenced the performance of flexible pavements. Effective drainage systems are essential for maintaining pavement integrity by rapidly removing moisture from the subgrade. This study investigates the drainage system of the Bure to Injibara road in Ethiopia's Amhara region, focusing on identifying the root causes of drainage issues and evaluating the quality of the pavement layers. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, including site visits and field studies. Descriptive and experimental research methodologies were employed to assess the current drainage conditions and understand the underlying issues. The descriptive analysis centered on the existing pavement drainage system and factors contributing to drainage inefficiencies. Laboratory tests were conducted on selected sections to evaluate the properties of pavement material layers. The Drainage Requirements in Pavement (DRIP) Software was used to assess drainage quality, and the direct runoff for specific rainfall events was estimated using the soil conservation service (SCS) curve number method. The key finding indicates that the cross-slope time-to-drain is rated as good, while the uniform slope time-to-drain is fair. Visual inspections, material sampling, and laboratory investigations identified critical issues, including climatic conditions, inadequate pavement material properties, the absence of inlets, improper disposal of solid waste into the drain, poor construction quality, environmental impacts, topographical challenges, and suboptimal drainage characteristics. Specific drainage problems included low drain capacity, soil accumulation, lack of inlets, improper waste disposal, and malfunctioning crossing culverts. The study recommends adherence to design manuals, regular maintenance schedules, cleaning, and systematic cleaning to enhance drainage performance. Additionally, the redesign and reconstruction of drainage facilities are proposed to mitigate issues related to poor workmanship. The results show that flexible pavements without drainage layers lead to fully saturated subgrades, compromising their performance. Incorporating drainage layers and edge drains significantly reduces subgrade moisture content, thereby enhancing pavement durability and performance.

EVALUATION OF LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY IN NEPAL

Om Prakash Giri, Anup Chhimal — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Labour productivity is the most important and multifaceted parameter in the construction sector, serving as a measure of the efficiency and effectiveness of labour resources in completing projects. Despite its significance, the construction industry lacks universally recognised and standardised indicators for assessing labour productivity. This research focuses on determining labour productivity in road construction projects within the Tanahun district of Nepal. In this study, labour productivity in construction activities such as stonework, gabion box filling, soling, PCC, and plum concrete was analysed across four projects using an activity-orientated model measured as output per work hour. Data was gathered over six consecutive days, totalling 24 measurements per activity, with Department of Road Nepal norms serving as benchmarks. Statistical tests, including one-way ANOVA and t-tests, were applied to assess productivity differences across groups. The obtained labour productivity values for skilled and unskilled labour across various construction activities are as follows: Masonry, PCC (M10), PCC (M15), plum concrete, and unskilled labour for soling were found to be 0.76 m3/man-day, 0.28 m3/man-day, 2.39 m3/man-day, 0.789 m3/man-day, 7.734 m3/man-day, 0.858 m3/man-day, 5.446 m3/man-day, 0.777 m3/man-day, 3.875 m3/man-day, 0.416 m3/man-day, and 0.518 m3/man-day respectively. The findings suggest that labour productivity in road construction projects can be improved through timely payment, efficient scheduling, provision of sufficient tools and equipment, effective inventory management, standardised construction techniques, sound financial planning, and provision of adequate breaks. It offers practical strategies to enhance labour productivity in road construction projects and meet productivity standards in the context of developing countries like Nepal.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN CONSTRUCTION: A SWOT AND PESTLE ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRY REVOLUTION 4.0 IN MALAYSIA

Yee Ling Lee, Siong Kang Lim, Ooi Kuan Tan, Siaw Yah Chong, Ming Han Lim — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping economic growth, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. It traditionally revolves around three critical dimensions: quality, timeliness, and cost. In the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), the sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation. However, the industry's readiness to adopt these innovations remains uneven. This study investigates the current state and future potential of IR4.0 adoption in the construction industry through a structured Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, complemented by a PESTLE framework to assess the external Opportunities and Threats. The findings are based on a scoping review of 144 peer-reviewed publications from the past five years, ensuring up-to-date insights. Results reveal that IR4.0 technologies have contributed to measurable productivity and efficiency gains globally, with countries such as Germany and China leading implementation efforts. The study emphasises that the effective integration of IR4.0 in the Malaysian construction sector requires coordinated efforts across government, academia, and industry to address systemic challenges and skill gaps. Ultimately, the paper highlights both the transformative potential and the strategic imperatives required to future-proof Malaysia's construction ecosystem in the digital age.

QUALITY-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING BY MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR THE MRT2 ELEVATED PROJECT

Nurulhayati Md Zin, Nurul Nadiah Zainol, Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This paper explores the factors that influence quality-driven decision-making by main contractors. The construction industry, especially in large-scale projects like the MRT2 Elevated Project, faces challenges in maintaining high quality standards while managing time and cost pressures. These scenarios often lead to delays, cost overruns, and quality issues which may affect the overall success of a project. Despite the importance of quality-driven decision-making, there is limited understanding of the key factors that influence these decisions among main contractors. Therefore, the objective is to identify the key factors that impact quality-related decisions in the MRT2 Elevated Project in Klang Valley. Effective decision-making in quality is crucial for balancing time, cost, and quality in construction projects, particularly in large-scale projects like the MRT2, where delays and quality issues are common. Existing research highlights several important factors that help ensure projects meet quality standards. Using a quantitative approach, this study identifies fifteen (15) critical factors influencing quality-driven decision-making. Data were collected and analyzed using the Relative Importance Indices (RII) to rank these factors. The results show that the most important factors for main contractors are decision-maker capability; balancing the time, cost, and quality; and safety and health compliance. The study highlights the need to strengthen decision-making to align with these factors. The findings are significant as they can lead to improved practices in quality assurance and quality control within the construction industry.

CHALLENGES IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFRASTRUCTURE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study identifies critical disaster preparedness and response capacity improvement areas. This study examines the challenges that emergency response infrastructure faces on the global level. The analysis of current trends, case studies, and expert opinions regarding emergency response infrastructure was conducted through a thorough literature review. The study reveals 15 significant challenges and is grouped into 7 categories: resource constraints and infrastructure issues; technological and information disparities; coordination and governance; social, cultural, and religious considerations; urbanisation and population dynamics; vulnerability and risk factors; and community engagement and participation. Moreover, disparities in resource access intensify vulnerabilities in marginalised communities, hindering equitable disaster response outcomes. Insights from this study can inform policymakers, emergency responders, and humanitarian organisations in prioritising investments, developing robust infrastructures, and fostering cross-border collaborations to mitigate disaster impacts effectively. Addressing the identified challenges can improve societal resilience, ensuring more equitable and efficient emergency response efforts that safeguard vulnerable populations and promote community well-being. This study contributes by synthesising diverse perspectives on global emergency response infrastructure challenges, offering a nuanced understanding of the interconnected issues.