Jerzy Pasławski

Flexibility in highway noise management

Abstract The problem of noise management was taken as a key element of our life comfort. An adequate noise mitigation plan must be elaborated and implemented for a number of potential noise sources. The general idea of FLENO‐MA2 (FLExibility NOise MAnagement for A2 POZNAN BY‐PASS) advisory system was based on flexibility options situated on different management levels. In the recent years, two significant noise sources have been established in Poznan agglomeration: POZNAN BY‐PASS A2 as a part of A2 highway (BERLIN‐MOSCOW) and the NATO aircraft base in Krzesiny. Both are situated in the urban area of Poznan city. Special emphasis will be placed on flexibility noise mitigation options as an example of operational decision‐aid. However, finding a compromise solution based on diffused (using the Internet) information about the noise map (will be present in the near future) is the second goal of this system.

Flexibility approach in construction process engineering

Abstract The issues of environmental impact on building processes constitute a permanent aspect of the building industry, irrespective of various preventive actions (prefabrication, robotics etc.). The proposed method was developed in the course of tracking problems that arise during performance of building processes exposed to weather impact (as an example of interruptions) on construction sites of airports, highways, logistic centres, or installation of tall building facades. The proposed approach is based on creating multiple variants for process realization options, thus enabling adaptation to current realization conditions at particular stages. The studies that have been carried out confirm the advantage of this method over the traditional planning based on a single realization variant.

Monitoring of construction processes in the variable environment

Abstract Interference problems of construction processes are especially disturbing due to their big scope of variability, uncertainty and complexity what significantly hinders planning and accomplishing the production processes on the building site. Monitoring of environment (which generates interference) and processes in progress enable to undertake activities aiming at introducing flexibility in managing of processes which may significantly increase the efficiency of systems ensuring quality in building. The described CONLI (CONcrete on‐LIne) system is an effective device of monitoring which enables the transfer of information in real time to different decision‐makers (e.g. site manager, supervision inspector, investor and the like) owing to wireless transmission and hybrid structure taking into account diverse scope of access depending on requirements of maintaining necessary data confidentiality.

Flexibility Approach in the Runway Pavement Using FLEMANCO Method

Abstract The pressing problems of managing construction processes reveal themselves in discrepancies between plan and execution which seems to result in considerable measure from dependence on the changing environment. High variability, dynamics and uncertainty of execution conditions generate disturbances which could be avoided by applying flexibility ‐ creating a range of executive options enabling adjustment to changing environmental conditions. The principal advantages of implementing the proposed FLEMANCO (FLExibility MANagement in the COnstruction industry) method include better consistency between planning and an actual course of execution, lower changes in costs and execution time by considering various scenarios of execution conditions, the possibility of loss prevention and taking advantage of opportunities connected with the changing environment etc. The presented example concerns concreting a runway, although similar problems occur in concreting roads, yards, bridges as well as erecting high b...

Hybrid flexible approach for Six Sigma implementation in constructional SME

AbstractPossibility of Six Sigma implementation in small/medium enterprise (SME) in construction industry is the goal of this paper. Robust conception of Six Sigma is taken as one option of flexible approach used in construction industry for risk management. High level of risk on the operations management is very important feature in comparison between construction industry and other economy branches. This problem is connected with very restricted level of automation and robotics, influenced environment, etc. Hierarchical culture with fragmentation of activity and low cost preferences as typical approach in construction industry seems to be important reasons of problems in Six Sigma implementation process. Presented conception is based on hybrid approach for flexibility implementation: robustness (Six Sigma), adaptation, simplification (Japan flexibility school) and modification of organizational culture. All four elements were fitted together for achievement of synergy effect.

Modernization of curriculum in construction management based on EU funds

The need for modernization of curricula is growing with the development of new technologies to support teaching, changes in business strategy of universities in Poland and European Union, and development of the society. In response to these changes, at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Poznan University of Technology, new English-language specialty master studies - Construction Technology Management was launched in March 2014. Studies are based on the cooperation between the student, the industry and the university, allowing students to get to know the specifics of the construction industry. In addition, Poznan University of Technology is involved in an MBAIC project MBA in construction aimed at common study for postgraduates. The synergy achieved through the implementation of these two projects enables the possibility to educate construction managers capable of communication in English, possessing knowledge regarding innovation in the construction industry, who are well prepared to enter the labour market and have the possibility of subsequent improvement of managerial competences.

Hybrid approach in learning from examples in construction process design

This paper presents options for implementing an advisory system to support production processes in the construction sector. With case-based reasoning methods (implementation of learning from examples) and simulation, an advisory system can be built on the foundation of a knowledge base, being a systematic collection of information aimed at the advancement of construction processes on site. Based on the evaluation of studied process results acquired in specified conditions (using the abductive approach), options are proposed for new case design engineering. The paper presents an example of application of case-based reasoning in delivering ready-mixed concrete to a large construction site from two batching plants.

Industry 4.0 Concept Introduction into Construction SMEs

The article presents a general idea of Industry 4.0 concept with the introduction presenting descriptions of the most important aspects in terms of production and construction industry development. The importance of the SME sector is stressed showing that this group of companies plays significant role in the European economy. The main objective of the article is to define and show possible research areas connected with the introduction of Industry 4.0 concept into SMEs with the main focus on the construction sector. For this purpose, an analysis was made, based on the most recent literature, to point out actual needs in the SMEs sector in terms of its evolution into 4.0 level. What is more, the analysis was performed based on the most popular articles published in journals available in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database regarding Industry 4.0 concept in the last decade showing the actual change of interest in this filed, taking into account possibility of usage of this concept in the construction and production sector. Authors tried to describe current knowledge regarding Industry 4.0 introduction for SMEs. Performed analysis showed that there is a wide spectrum of disciplines that are affected by the Industry 4.0 that needs to be examined considering introduction into SMEs. Study also showed that multidiscipline approach was not investigated so far to create special rules, procedures and methods and know-how designed for introduction of main principles of Industry 4.0 in the SME sector. Authors came to the conclusions that there should be more stress put into research in this field especially taking into account the huge potential which lies in SME sector in terms of global economic strength.

RTLS Systems as a Lean Management Tool for Productivity Improvement

There exists many types of different RTLS systems that can be used in the construction sector for tracking people and assets. Previous research showed that such system can be used with success especially during the construction stage of the object. Lean Management is a methodology based on waste reduction in production processes focused on productivity improvement. This methodology is widely used in different sectors, including construction, where it can be effective and results can be visible for all interested involved parties. A goal of this paper is to present RTLS systems used for tracking construction process and with the focus on Bluetooth technology for object tracking. Authors presents the idea of using locating systems for efficiency improvement as a part of Lean Management strategies implementation on the construction site. Discussion is made in the field of construction process showing where they can be used and at what stage in introduction LM strategies RTLS system is most useful. Authors illustrate this idea with the results of the research performed with Bluetooth RTLS system used for tracking objects in the building planned for renovation.

Risk management in technological DSS in construction industry

The characteristic features of construction industry as a specific type of business are shown and the resulting potential risk sources are indicated. The problem of risk in the construction industry is presented according to a variety of possible criteria of classification. Risk evaluation methods and risk strategies are then discussed. An advisory system that aids in technological decision making in concerning works at low temperatures as a practical example of actions intended to risk management is presented.