The roles of conceptual modelling in improving construction simulation studies: A comprehensive review

The conceptual modelling phase of simulation studies has proven to be effective in enhancing the impact of simulation modelling in different domains. However, this simulation phase did not receive much attention in the construction simulation domain. The objective of this paper is to identify the roles that conceptual modelling can play in advancing the engagement, accuracy, and adoption (among other things) of discrete-event simulation studies in construction. In this paper, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is conducted, which involves a comprehensive search of databases and researchers’ profiles to identify journal papers, conference articles, books, and theses that have reported the benefits of conceptual modelling for discrete-event simulation studies. The review resulted in 82 documents that were published from 2000 to 2020. Results indicate that the benefits of conceptual modelling include facilitating communications between stakeholders, capturing sufficient information for the simulation model, improving the quality of simulation models, guiding other simulation modelling activities, and facilitating verification and validation of simulation models. By linking these benefits to the current research agenda in construction simulation, this paper shows the significance and potential of the conceptual modelling phase to enhance the impact of discrete-event simulation studies in construction.     

Systematic approach for recognizing limiting factors for growth of biomethane use in transportation sector – A case study in Finland

In this paper, limiting factors for increased use of biomethane as a transportation fuel are studied. The aim of this research is to recognize and estimate the limiting factors for biomethane utilization in the transportation sector. The limiting factors are studied by using calculation models from Life cycle perspective and literature reviews. According to the results, the main limiting factors can be classified into the following categories: production potential, technology, economy or policy. For biomethane utilization in Finland, the main limiting factors seem to be the lack of distribution infrastructure in northern parts of the country and the uncertain economical feasibility for agricultural biomass producers and for vehicle owners. From the political perspective, the external costs for petrol operated vehicles are higher than for biomethane operated vehicles. Reductions from the external costs could be used by political decisions as a base to support the growth of biomethane in the transportation sector which could lead to GHG emission reductions. A similar systematic approach can also be used to study limiting factors for other transportation energy systems.     

Assessing the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles in European countries using integrated modeling

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered alternatives to internal combustion engines due to their energy efficiency and contribution to CO₂ mitigation. The adoption of EVs depends on consumer preferences, including cost, social status and driving habits, although it is agreed that current and expected costs play a major role. We use a partial equilibrium model that minimizes total energy system costs to assess whether EVs can be a cost-effective option for the consumers of each EU27 member state up to 2050, focusing on the impact of different vehicle investment costs and CO₂ mitigation targets. We found that for an EU-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction cap of 40% and 70% by 2050 vis-à-vis 1990 emissions, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are cost-effective in the EU only by 2030 and only if their costs are 30% lower than currently expected. At the EU level, vehicle costs and the capability to deliver both short- and long-distance mobility are the main drivers of BEV deployment. Other drivers include each state’s national mobility patterns and the cost-effectiveness of alternative mitigation options, both in the transport sector, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or biofuels, and in other sectors, such as renewable electricity.     

Residual learning rates in lead-acid batteries: Effects on emerging technologies

The low price of lead-acid, the most popular battery, is often used in setting cost targets for emerging energy storage technologies. Future cost reductions in lead acid batteries could increase investment and time scales needed for emerging storage technologies to reach cost-parity. In this paper the first documented model of cost reductions for lead-acid batteries is developed. Regression to a standard experience curve using 1989–2012 data yield a poor fit, with R² values of 0.17 for small batteries and 0.05 for larger systems. To address this problem, battery costs are separated into material and residual costs, and experience curves developed for residual costs. Depending on the year, residual costs account for 41–86% of total battery cost. Using running-time averages to address volatility in material costs, a 4-year time average experience curve for residual costs yield much higher R², 0.78 for small and 0.74 for large lead-acid batteries. The learning rate for residual costs in lead-acid batteries is 20%, a discovery with policy implications. Neglecting to consider cost reductions in lead-acid batteries could result in failure of energy storage start-ups and public policy programs. Generalizing this result, learning in incumbent technologies must be understood to assess the potential of emerging ones.     

改性沥青新型磨耗层在高等级路面上的应用

从材料、适用范围、形成机理、经济分析、施工工艺五个方面，介绍了改性沥青新型磨耗层在高等级路面上的应用，并通过试验路的观察表明，改性沥青新型磨耗层具有快速排水、增加摩阻力、愈合原路面微裂缝和较强抗磨耗的功能，是处置高等级路面上常有的龟裂、网裂、脱皮、露骨、抗磨系数不足、渗水等病害较具推广价值的新型施工工艺。     

屋面防水浅议

简述了屋面产生渗漏的主要原因及注意事项；科学先进的防水设计、优质的防水材料和精心的施工是屋面防水质量的保证。     

台北101层国际金融中心之结构施工技术与其设计考量概述

本文旨在简要说明目前正在施工中之超高层大楼—台北国际金融中心之结构系统、钢结构工程、钢筋混凝土工程基础与深开挖工程等特殊施工技术,并佐以相关之设计考量与施工规划概要,以供工程界做参考。     

湿硫化氢环境下的球罐腐蚀状况分析

在湿硫化氢环境下 ,尤其储存介质中的硫化氢含量超标时 ,很容易对储存容器壳体 (含焊缝和母材 )造成硫化氢应力腐蚀或氢鼓包。作者较仔细分析了 1 0 0 0m3 丙烯球罐产生硫化氢应力腐蚀开裂和40 0m3 LPG球罐产生氢鼓包的原因。提出了此类设备在设计选材、设备制造、施工安装和使用维护等环节应注意的问题。     

开工生产装置改扩建施工防火安全管理手段和举措

系统地分析了开工生产装置改扩建施工的特点及其火灾危险性,在此基础上提出了改扩建施工现场的防火安全管理手段和应采取的防火安全措施。     

万家寨引黄工程南干线国际Ⅱ、Ⅲ标区段安全监测工程的施工

万家寨引黄工程安全监测工程随主体工程分布于全线,并与全线自动化控制工程连接,实现近地/远地控制式的运营管理,本文将国际Ⅱ、Ⅲ标段安全监测工程作为典型代表工程,主要介绍安全监测工程的施工方法以及监测项目和断面布置等。