Journal of Civil and Construction Engineering

Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Brick Chips for the Preparation of Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

Sachin Verma, Mahesh, Ankit Pal — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing demand for sustainable building materials and the management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste has prompted significant research into alternative coarse aggregates for concrete production. Brick chips, derived from demolished brick waste, have emerged as a promising substitute for conventional natural coarse aggregates. This review paper synthesizes current research on the use of brick chips as coarse aggregate replacement, examining mechanical properties, durability characteristics, physical properties, and practical applications. The study reveals that while brick aggregate concrete (BAC) exhibits comparable compressive strength to conventional stone aggregate concrete at moderate replacement levels (5–25%), higher replacement percentages result in strength reduction due to lower aggregate crushing values and higher water absorption capacity. Key findings indicate that concrete with brick chips demonstrates reduced density (5–13% lower), variable tensile strength (18–20% lower to 20% higher), and enhanced permeability characteristics. The durability performance varies with brick source and type, with engineering brick aggregates performing similarly to natural aggregates while construction bricks show reduced frost resistance. This paper concludes that brick chips can be effectively used as a sustainable alternative for specific applications, particularly in non-structural elements and pervious concrete systems, while ongoing research focuses on optimization of replacement percentages and protective treatments.

Bibliometric Analysis of Project Delay Research in Nepal (2014–2025)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Project delays and cost overruns are common in Nepal’s construction sector. This study maps how research on these issues has grown and what it mainly discusses. Papers were collected from Nepal Journals Online (NepJOL) and the IOE Graduate Conference Proceedings from 2014 to 2025. Of the 48 records, 33 papers were included after screening. VOSviewer was used to examine publication trends, key sources, author collaboration, and major topics using keyword links and bibliographic coupling. Results show a clear rise in delay-related studies in recent years, mostly published in local journals and conference proceedings. Many studies focus on hydropower and road projects and often use survey methods such as the relative importance Index (RII) and risk/performance frameworks. Author collaboration is limited and mainly involves a small group of researchers and institutions. This review summarizes the main themes and highlights gaps for future studies in Nepal.

Reusing Demolished Concrete Waste for the Production of Eco-friendly Concrete Blocks

S.M. Hedaetullah Bin Siddik, Mst. Nusrat Jahan Disha — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid expansion of construction and demolition activities has resulted in a substantial accumulation of concrete waste, posing both environmental and resource-management challenges. This study investigates the potential of using crushed demolished concrete waste as an alternative to natural coarse aggregates in the manufacture of eco-friendly concrete blocks. Recycled aggregates were processed from locally sourced demolition debris and incorporated into block mixes at replacement levels ranging from 0 to 100%. Concrete blocks were manufactured under controlled conditions and assessed through compressive strength and density testing at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. Compressive strength was observed to decline systematically with increasing demolished aggregates. However, blocks containing up to 50% recycled aggregates exhibited performance levels suitable for non-load-bearing masonry applications. Higher replacement ratios, while showing reduced strength, remained structurally stable for partition walls and secondary construction uses. The findings confirm that demolished concrete waste can be effectively repurposed into functional masonry units, offering measurable material cost savings and contributing to sustainable construction practices by reducing landfill disposal and natural aggregate consumption.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Electronic Building Permit System (EBPS) in Tulsipur Submetropolitan City Using TAM Model

Himalaya Sharma, Mukesh Kafle, Surendra Bahadur Shahi — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As society embraces digital transformation, building permit processes through electronic systems present a promising solution to streamline approvals. This study aims to assess the current status of the permit system and identify challenges in implementing an Electronic Building Permit System (EBPS). The research employs a mixed-method approach, beginning with surveys of municipal officers, engineers, and designers to evaluate the present state of the permit system. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used to analyse how users perceive the EBPS. Descriptive analysis is used to interpret these findings. To uncover specific challenges in EBPS, the study incorporates a questionnaire survey and Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis, drawing from primary data sources. Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City (TSMC) is advancing from Level 0 to Level 1 in automating its building permit process. Still, it faces significant hurdles, including inadequate training, a shortage of EBPS professionals, and resistance to change. To address these challenges, the study recommends raising awareness among proponents and in-house staff, implementing comprehensive training programs, gradually introducing EBPS with government support, and establishing legal frameworks and standardized tools. These measures and efforts to attract skilled professionals and explore funding options are crucial for successfully adopting an electronic-based building permit system.

Minimizing Construction Delays with Affordable Quality Solutions: A Lean Construction Approach

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Construction delays are a common problem in the industry and often result in increased costs, poor quality, and dissatisfaction among project stakeholders. Achieving timely project completion while maintaining affordable quality requires an efficient management approach. This study focuses on minimizing construction delays by applying lean construction principles combined with effective site management, human resource management, and team collaboration.

The methodology is based on a review of existing literature and construction management practices. Lean tools such as the Last Planner System, Just-in-Time material delivery, 5S methodology, and Value Stream Mapping are considered to improve planning, coordination, and workflow efficiency. The article also emphasised the role of skilled manpower, proper workforce allocation, and effective communication among project teams in reducing rework and delays.

The study concludes that integrating lean construction practices with quality management and collaborative teamwork helps reduce waste, control costs, improve productivity, and ensure the timely delivery of construction projects. This approach provides a practical and affordable solution for improving overall project performance and sustainability.