Piotr Nowotarski

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.

Impact Of Moisture Conditions On Early Shrinkage Of Ordinary Concrete With Changing W/C Ratio

Abstract Article presents the results of the effect of humidity on early shrinkage of normal concrete with variable W/C ratio. As known for a long time, shrinkage is dependent of many factors. One of them is the W/C ratio and the quantity of water which is located in the concrete mix. In article there were discussed changes taking place in the concrete mix, the methods of research and the partial results obtained by the authors of the paper. Shrinkage is a phenomenon well known and studied by various research centers. The total amount of shrinkage may depend on various factors such as humidity, temperature, composition of the concrete mix, the W/C ratio, the size of the item. The study was conducted to determine the amount of shrinkage in its early stages. It is very important for concrete floors contractors, precast manufacturers to start at the right time finishing work and prevent the formation of shrinkage cracks.

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.

Flexible adjustment of hotel facilities to market demand

Abstract Accommodation tourist industry is characterized by high variability. For this category of services not only the location is crucial- that does not change, but also the standard, prices and seasonality of services. In the recent years, leisure centers performing functions only during the summer time have seen the possibility to extend their activities beyond the summer months. The reasons for this are the local investments requiring qualified staff which comes from different parts of the country, Europe and the world while creating demand for accommodations. To meet the possible demand needs and to adapt to cold season, performing thermo-modernization works is necessary. In order to find the best solution and answer those needs, analysis of the profitability of the investments in a chosen holiday resort was carried out. The article presents the results of the analysis based on the payback period, LCC analysis and assessment of the investments risk.

Quality Improvement of Ground Works Process with the Use of Chosen Lean Management Tools – Case Study

Ground works are one of the first processes connected with erecting structures. Based on ground conditions like the type of soil or level of underground water different types and solutions for foundations are designed. Foundations are the base for the buildings, and their proper design and execution is the key for the long and faultless use of the whole construction and might influence on the future costs of the eventual repairs (especially when ground water level is high, and there is no proper water insulation made). Article presents the introduction of chosen Lean Management tools for quality improvement of the process of ground works based on the analysis made on the construction site of vehicle control station located in Poznan, Poland. Processes assessment is made from different perspectives taking into account that 3 main groups of workers were directly involved in the process: blue collar-workers, site manager and site engineers. What is more comparison is made on the 3 points of view to the problems that might occur during this type of works, with details analysis on the causes of such situation? Authors presents also the change of approach of workers directly involved in the mentioned processes regarding introduction of Lean Management methodology, which illustrates the problem of scepticism for new ideas of the people used to perform works and actions in traditional way. Using Lean Management philosophy in construction is a good idea to streamline processes in company, get rid of constantly recurring problems, and in this way improve the productivity and quality of executed activities. Performed analysis showed that different groups of people have very different idea and opinion on the problems connected with executing the same process – ground works and only having full picture of the situation (especially in construction processes) management can take proper problems-preventing actions that consequently can influence on the amount of waste generated on the construction cite which positively influence on the external environment.

Review of the Air-Coupled Impact-Echo Method for Non-DestructiveTesting

The article presents the general idea of Air-Coupled Impact-Echo (ACIE) method which is one of the non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques used in the construction industry. One of the main advantages of the general Impact Echo (IE) method is that it is sufficient to access from one side to that of the structure which greatly facilitate research in the road facilities or places which are difficult to access and diagnose. The main purpose of the article is to present state-of-the-art related to ACIE method based on the publications available at Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database (WOS) with the further analysis of the mentioned methods. Deeper analysis was also performed for the newest publications published within last 3 years related to ACIE for investigation on the subject of main focus of the researchers and scientists to try to define possible regions where additional examination and work is necessary. One of the main conclusions that comes from the performed analysis is that ACIE methods can be widely used for performing NDT of concrete structures and can be performed faster than standard IE method thanks to the Air-coupled sensors. What is more, 92.3% of the analysed recent research described in publications connected with ACIE was performed in laboratories, and only 23.1% in-situ on real structures. This indicates that method requires further research to prepare test stand ready to perform analysis on real objects outside laboratory conditions. Moreover, algorithms that are used for data processing and later presentation in ACIE method are still being developed and there is no universal solution available for all kinds of the existing and possible to find defects, which indicates possible research area for further works. Authors are of the opinion that emerging ACIE method could be good opportunity for ND testing especially for concrete structures. Development and refinement of test stands that will allow to perform in-situ tests could shorten the overall time of the research and with the connection of implementation of higher accuracy algorithms for data analysis better precision of defects localization can be achieved.

Formal and Legal Aspects of Buying and Commissioning Flats

Formal and legal aspects of buying flats and their reception is very current topic and touches wide group of buyers. Annually in Poland great amount of flats is being sold and put to use. However, the case of housing purchase requires knowledge of both the construction and the legal aspects each buyer has to encounter. The paper faces the subject of formal and legal aspects, and analyses accompanying procedure of purchase and reception of housing in Poland. The article presents principles associated with the acquisition of a dwelling, process of works reception, removal of detected faults, fault-free reception, transfer of ownership, warranties, guarantees and possibilities of their enforcement. Contracting parties of the developer agreement were revealed. In addition, the entities present in the course of works such as general contractor were mentioned, due to the fact of his direct influence on the results of a contract terms between developer and buyer. Logical connection between three parties (buyer-developer-general contractor) were shown and direct and indirect dependencies were revealed. Existing laws and regulations that govern the relationship between the developer and the buyer of a dwelling were determined showing basic rights and responsibilities of each. The article also presents problems resulting from delaying the completion of works by developers fault and indicates possible legal paths to follow in order claim their rights. Due to the fact, that many of discussed formal and legal aspects in this subject have their origin connected to construction works and design issues, author suggests increased quality control and efficient work organization in order to solve problems before appearance.

Flexibility in management of modernization in construction - electrical works

Abstract The article presents the general principles of flexible approach, illustrated with case study regarding flexibility in modernization. Flexibility is understood in the present case as a skilful adaptation to changes in the dynamically changing environment. The essence of flexibility approach is being staged to make decisions based on environmental and process monitoring in progress. Presented case study of upgrading the electrical system in the multi-family housing in the common area is based on step by step procedure responding to damage state of this system. Simple analysis is based on cost comparison but there are other criteria (environmental, social etc.) and conflict solving situations taken into account in presented paper. Streszczenie Artykuł prezentuje możliwość zastosowania elastyczności w modernizacjach istniejących obiektów budowlanych na przykładzie instalacji oświetleniowej. Elastyczność jest rozumiana w tym przypadku jako umiejętne dostosowanie się do zmian w dynamicznie zmieniającym się środowisku. Istotą podejścia elastycznego jest podejmowanie odpowiednich decyzji w odpowiednim czasie opartych na monitoringu środowiska i procesu w toku. Prezentowane studium przypadku modernizacji instalacji elektrycznej w budownictwie wielorodzinnym w częściach wspólnych obiektu (korytarze, klatki schodowe, hala garażowa) opiera się na wymianie i modernizacji tylko tych punktów, które w danym momencie ulegają awarii. Prosta analiza oby typów modernizacji opiera się na porównaniu kosztów, natomiast trzeba zaznaczyć, że możliwe są także inne kryteria (środowiskowe, konfliktu społecznego, itp.), które będą przedmiotem kolejnych publikacji. Zastąpienie tradycyjnych żarówek rozwiązaniami opartymi na technologii LED z zastosowaniem czujników ruchu może prowadzić do znacznych oszczędności, ale może też oznaczać obniżenie komfortu dla użytkowników (np. dla osób starszych, którym jeden cykl działania oświetlenia nie jest wystarczający do pokonania całej drogi na korytarzu). Osiągnięcie kompromisu w tego typu konfliktach interesów może być rozwiązane za pomocą podejścia elastycznego i zwinnego.

Multi-criteria certification of buildings in Poland

The certification of green buildings has become more and more popular as a tool used for comparison and evaluation of newly built structures. The authors of this article analyse various certification systems of green buildings in Poland with particular interest paid to newly built multiand one-family residential buildings. The reason there is such little interest in green building certification processes is also considered. Additionally, the major constraints behind introducing green building certificates for newly built structures is also presented. The Article also presents an analysis of benefits resulting from green building certification for investors, contractors and final users of a particular building.