Developing a BIM and Simulation-Based Hazard Assessment and Visualization Framework for CLT Construction Design
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 147, Issue 3
Abstract
One emerging trend in sustainable medium-density construction is the use of mass timber products such as cross laminated timber (CLT), which is a novel approach that involves numerous connectors. Researchers have not previously investigated the potential health impacts of different connectors. This paper proposes a framework to correlate the specification of CLT connectors to the potential risk of exposure to hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). We also propose an innovative adaptation of the Location-Based Management System flow line by adding a health risk dimension. The usefulness of the proposed framework is tested using a cutting-edge case study building, the tallest timber building in Scotland. The contribution of this research is a novel appreciation of the impact on installers’ Health & Safety based on the specified type of CLT connectors. With the methodology outlined in this paper, a HAVS variable can be added to design analysis to increase social sustainability in the built environment alongside other sustainability pillars. The findings are relevant to structural engineers, architects, key industry stakeholders, and researchers in the built environment.
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Data Availability Statement
All data generated or analyzed during the study are included in the published paper. Information about the Journal’s data-sharing policy can be found here: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001263.
Acknowledgments
This research was enabled by funding from the Built Environment Exchange (beX) program led by Professor Robert Hairstans. We are grateful to Fiona F. Bradley for her feedback during the onsite data collection. In this study, secondary data collected from a research project funded by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre was used for connections constructability analysis. We especially thank the anonymized interview participants from the onsite CLT installation team, the architecture and engineering practices, and the main contractor company for providing guidance, data, validation, and access to the case study site. This paper is an extended version of Duncheva et al. (2018).
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Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 147 • Issue 3 • March 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 20, 2020
Accepted: Sep 30, 2020
Published online: Jan 4, 2021
Published in print: Mar 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jun 4, 2021
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