CONSTRUCTIONYEARBOOK 2013K 2013

1

For more informationEmail: Engineering@massey.ac.nzOr visit: www.massey.ac.nz.engineering

Construction at Massey University is going from strength to strength. Graduates and fi nal year students are fi nding work in all corners of the world. They are assisting with the Christchurch rebuild, helping construct major infrastructure projects in Europe and meeting the housing needs in Auckland. Today, Massey University offers a wide range of Construction courses at both undergraduate (B.Construction), and postgraduate (Diploma, Masters and PhD) level.

In 2013 we gained Accreditation from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to add to our existing professional Accreditations and this will enable B Construction graduates to work in even more countries around the world. The numbers of students being attracted to this program is growing year on year. We are also launching a new taught Master of Construction, that can be studied either part or full time, which will provide advanced learning for construction professionals.

While providing a strong grounding in the principles of business and technology we have recognized the need for graduates who are well rounded in their problem solving skills, communication, ability to work in teams and appreciation of the wider commercial, economic and social environment. Our courses are designed to develop these skills with a strong emphasis on activity-based learning.

Right from day one students are immersed in projects that challenge their problem solving ability in a range of different contexts - from learning about sustainable buildings, to developing computer analytical skills, to improving the living conditions for the people who need affordable housing.

The culmination of the undergraduate degree program is the fi nal year project where the students apply their knowledge to the solution of real life commercial problems. This booklet presents summaries of the Construction 3rd year projects from 2013.

A Massey University construction degree provides you with the high level of technical knowledge AND the professional skills to truly make a difference – today and into the future.

Welcome

3

4

The hub of a bee hive is the honeycomb which has been used as a model for the development of New York-based Panelite’s ClearShade insulating glass. The key to this product is its “tubular polycarbonate” core. Modeled after the hexagonal structure of a honeycomb, ClearShade’s core limits sunlight coming through glass thereby reducing heat gains as well as energy costs.

The BeehiveThe hub of a bee hive is the hdevelopment of New York-basto this product is its “tubular pstructure of a honeycomb, Clethereby reducing heat gains a

The Beehive

All fi nal year Bachelor of Construction students complete an in-depth examination of an issue topical to the construction sector. The research projects aim to create new, timely and relevant knowledge, as well as provide an opportunity for students to hone their problem solving and communication skills, and learn new software tools and analytical methods. Successful completion of the project requires the student to demonstrate many of the skills and attributes required of a Massey University Construction graduate, including being

• self-managed,

• adaptable,

• engaged with industry,

• innovative

• and ethical.

The students are graded on their ability to effectively communicate their work both in written format and orally at the Massey University Construction Degree Show as well as deliver a successful piece of research.

The following section of 2013 Year Book gives an abstract for each project. It shows the breadth and depth of topics undertaken ranging from contractual frameworks to affordable housing solutions, to the Christchurch rebuild to innovation and 5D BIM. Further details on these projects can be obtained by contacting the Massey staff member who supervised the project.

I trust you will be inspired by the students achievements and join with us to wish the Bachelors of Construction graduates of 2013 rewarding and productive careers.

CONSTRUCTION

Waste source evaluation in the NZ construction industry

Construction waste is an increasing issue globally; the levels of waste sent to landfi lls are unsustainable. With construction increasing worldwide and utilising more natural resources, reducing construction waste has become an important topic. The factors affecting waste minimisation are thus an important focus, so we can understand how the industry perceives construction waste and how it might best be reduced.

This study comprised of 30 questionnaires, completed by the contractors working within Auckland’s residential construction industry. This study indicates that the most prevalent causes of waste are: offcuts from cutting materials to length; damage caused by subsequent trades; and ordering errors. The most effective waste minimization strategies are: training and education of site staff and just in time material deliveries to the site.

Lack of space availability for onsite sorting of construction waste and its associated costs are identifi ed as the most signifi cant barriers to minimise construction waste. However, these barriers can be overcome by introducing fi nancial incentives to increase motivation among construction professionals.

Steven FieldingTakapuna Grammar School Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Niluka Domingo

6

7

Dylan KaramaenaPalmerston North Boys’ High School Major: Quantity Surveying Supervisor: Dr Niluka Domingo

5D building information modelling Building information Modelling (BIM) is a 3D building model represented by intelligent objects that refl ect different elements of a building, and data related to each of these objects. This data could be reused to simulate the construction of a building (4D BIM) or to provide quantities for cost estimating, frequently referred to as 5D BIM.

BIM is having a profound effect on the construction industry, with an ever increasing “Spot light” on the profession of Quantity Surveying. As the capabilities of BIM appear to mimic the perceptions of the Quantity Surveyors’ work, many have speculated that the up rise of BIM will be the downfall of Quantity Surveying.

This research paper gains a perspective on the present and future use of 5D Building Information Modelling in the profession of Quantity Surveying in NZ. It achieves this by identifying the norm in the NZ construction industry regarding the use of 5D BIM among Quantity Surveyors, understanding the use of 5D BIM within the Quantity Surveying profession and by identifying the barriers of 5D BIM use with recommendations to improve this use to gain advantages for NZ Quantity Surveyors.

7

8

Kirsten MillsLongbay CollegeMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Temitope Egbelakin

Rebuilding Canterbury: bottlenecks and actions with residential insuranceInsurance pay-out to policy holders of damaged property within the Canterbury region after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011 has been major issue in New Zealand. The objective of this study is to investigate the critical bottlenecks and actions surrounding insurance claims pay-outs for residential properties and provide strategies that may simplify the process. Using a survey, the research fi ndings identifi ed several bottlenecks that could impede the Christchurch rebuild.

The bottlenecks identifi ed include: policy holders having little to no knowledge about their entitlements and lack of concern for details when signing up to a policy. Also, poor communication among policy holders, EQC and private insurers led to a very confusing, complicated claim process with longer timeframes. The varying values for assessing the same individuals’ claim further complicated the process, which was attributed to the different estimation methods for risk estimation and property valuation. An in-depth understanding of these challenges is necessary in order to design effective strategies and mechanisms for improving the insurance claim pay-out process.

Richard MooreWestlake Boys High School Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Jasper Mbachu

Innovation within the NZ construction industry

This study aims to investigate the product and service innovations in the building and construction industries within comparable nations to New Zealand and the extent to which these innovations have been adopted in New Zealand, where the gaps are and how to narrow them.

9

Solutions to housing aff ordability in Auckland

Demand for housing in Auckland is incredibly high, yet the affordability is one of the lowest in the world. This research aims to narrow the existing knowledge gap by investigating the key factors behind the low affordability of housing and ways of addressing them, based on inputs from a range of the key stakeholders. The research methods adopted involve both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Solutions such as intensifi cations, qualifying characteristics for purchase, and land release regulations need to be implemented effectively in order to provide solutions to the affordability problem.

Daniel David Gardiner Fairfi eld College, Hamilton Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Jasper Mbachu

10

Benjamin Churches Westlake Boys Major: Quantity Surveying Supervisor: Ms Kate Henderson

Subcontracting agreements used throughout NZ construction industryA Study into the different contracts used for subcontracting work in the New Zealand construction industry. The research looks at the benefi ts and disadvantages of the current contractual relationship between the subcontractor and main contractor in the construction industry.

11

Nicole WhitleyLytton High School Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Jasper Mbachu

Security of payment for subcontractors

Subcontractors play a major role in the construction industry with responsibility for 80-90% of the project work. However they are facing major security of payment issues. The issues faced relate mainly to undue devaluation of payment claims, late and/or non-payment of claims and retention issues. These issues affect their cash fl ow, productivity and performance, and ultimately impact negatively on the productivity, performance and growth of the construction industry as a whole. These problems persist, in spite of the improvement expected from the NZ CCA 2002. Solutions to the security of payment and cash fl ow constraints are still lacking in the NZ construction industry.

This study contributes to fi lling the knowledge gap in this area by providing evidence-based propositions to the problem resolution. Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods involving pilot interviews and questionnaire surveys, industry stakeholders’ perceptions were collected and analysed. The fi ndings focus on the key underpinnings of the security of payment problems. The identifi ed mitigation measures are expected to contribute to improving cash fl ow, productivity and performance in the industry.

12

Tyler MenziesWestlake Boys High SchoolMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Ms Kate Henderson

Relationship between tender clarifi cations and a project’s fi nal accountMy research tests whether there is a relationship between the number of tender clarifi cations submitted by a head contractor, representing the quality of the tender documents being tested, versus the fi nal variation account which represents the performance of a project. This tested whether the quality of tender documents affects the projects economic performance later in the construction process.

13

14

Sherwin OgleFairvale High SchoolMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Niluka Domingo

Critical success factors in New Zealand construction projectsThis study aims to identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSF) in New Zealand construction projects. In order to achieve this, a questionnaire was sent out to 150 construction professionals including Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers. CSFs identifi ed from the study were broadly categorised into four project lifecycle stages: pre-design; deign; procurement and tendering; and construction. The fi ndings from the study help construction professionals to take right decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

Steven DaiWestlake Boys High School Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Temitope Egbelakin

Enhancing construction site manager performance

The research report is to fi nd innovative methods to enhance the performance of site managers and identify problems with current performance issues. A questionnaire and interview with the participants of the research was conducted as the data gathering method adopted to solve the problem. My fi ndings suggest there a certain areas site managers can improve on such as communication and information organization methods to improve their performance. The implication of this research fi nding for construction managers and the industry as whole would be an increase in productivity and reduce risks on and off construction sites.

15

16

Jason LaurichHauraki Plains College Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Ms Kate Henderson Perceptions of ADR processes

Perceptions of the Alternative Dispute Resolution processes and success of Adjudication in NZ Construction Industry.

From my research I have collated data from construction professionals who often use ADR processes. It was concluded that overall ADR processes are commonly used for construction disputes. Specifi cally, adjudication is drawn on in construction because of its speed and less delays on cash fl ows.

My research also revealed many participants thought adjudication has been successful in the NZ construction industry since its introduction under the CCA 2002. This aided the positive perception of ADR processes over court proceedings because the nature of the processes allowed for resolution on a variety of construction disputes.

16

Luke SuttonHamilton Boys’ High School Major: Quantity Surveying Supervisor: Mr Naseem Ameer Ali

Terms of construction contracts for subcontracting worksThe study sets out to fi nd if industry-wide use of standard terms of contracts for subcontracting works in construction could benefi t the construction industry in New Zealand and what the hurdles are to achieve this. Subcontracts are estimated to account for over 80% of the total value of a project. Given the signifi cant value of work being done by subcontractors, there are major benefi ts of using standard terms of contract for subcontracting works – specifi cally standard terms that are easily understood by the parties involved in the project. The study focuses on the interpretation of construction contracts terms and the consequences of misinterpreting them.

17

Andrew HeapsWhangarei Boys High School Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Niluka Domingo

Cash fl ow forecasting for construction projects

Construction projects are extremely reliant on cash fl ow to survive. The client who pays the contractor in monthly progress payments is the main source of cash fl ow. Funding for these progress payments come from a number of sources, these include bank loans, investments and other projects. Knowing the payment in advance is of advantage to the client, to ensure the right amount of funding is available. This is done through the creation of a cash fl ow forecast in the early stages of the project. Cash fl ow forecasts are complex to create accurately. This research is aimed at solving this problem, by creating a cash fl ow forecasting model suitable for use in the New Zealand construction industry.

18

Ran XuShanghai Technical College of Urban ManagementMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Temi Egbelakin

Social media in the wake of the quake As social media has successfully responds to 2010 Haiti earthquake, 2011 Töhoku earthquake, and 2011 Christchurch earthquake, and with every disaster the importance of social media and its potential power proves to grow, this research aiming to identify and understand how social media be used by both individuals and communities, even government, in New Zealand, would be signifi cantly valuable to place future victims in a better position. On the other hand, some potential policy issues and drawbacks associated with using social media for earthquakes are also carefully explored in this research for improving in the future days.

1919

20

Thomas OosterhofRosmini CollegeMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Ms Kate Henderson

Contract variationsMy proposal looks at the major infl uencing factors within the industry in regards to contract variations and why they occur. The idea is to propose and introduce methods of reducing these variations from occurring in the fi rst place rather than using current methods that look to minimize the effect of such variations. It also looks at what sectors of the industry are responsible for the majority of the variations and whether or not there are avenues for improvement in regards to how these specifi c professionals are operating.

Tao FengShenyang Normal University Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Niluka Domingo

A future appraisal of quantity surveyor

The quantity surveying profession is always seen as the center of construction projects, and it also is traded as at the edge of major opportunities. This study is to explore the current quantity surveying practice in New Zealand under the predicament of crisis, and provide future trend analysis of this profession. Base of the relative research, the result of this study identifi ed the key professional skills and competences that demanded by today’s construction market. The fi ndings of the research have considerable implications on the education and practice of quantity surveying service in New Zealand.

21

Autocracy of construction managersThis is an investigation into Construction Managers’ using autocracy as a method of making decisions onsite. This research was conducted from a subcontractor’s perspective.

The key objectives of this research are to identify:

- When and how often do construction mangers make autocratic decisions on site;

- What the reasons behind Construction Managers making autocratic decisions are;

- Whether the mode of a Construction Manager’s employment makes them more like to make autocratic decisions;

- What the possible consequences of Construction Managers making autocratic decisions are;

- Whether Construction Managers autocratic decisions have an effect on relationships between parties onsite.

Daniel VerrytListon College Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Ms Kate Henderson

22

Ahmad HadeedGlenfi eld CollegeMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Jasper Mbachu

Causes of time overruns in NZ construction projectsThe purpose of the research is to determine causes of time overruns or time delay in the construction sector of New Zealand. To determine the factors and reasons of time overruns in construction projects based on the knowledge and experience of individuals/groups who are engaged in the construction industry.

23

Youwei WangJiLin University, China Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Jasper Mbachu

Ideal organizational culture supporting high productivity and performance

Based on stakeholder qualitative and quantitative surveys, the paper investigates the key components of organizational culture that supports high productivity and performance. These were used to benchmark the extent to which construction fi rms posses the underlying attributes.

Results of the multi-attribute analysis of the survey responses reveal 6 components of an ideal culture that drives high productivity and performance: Enduring values and attitudes, enduring relationships, customer focus, innovation, resilience/ responsiveness, and forward looking. Through an Importance-Strength mapping of the ideal culture components and the fi rms’ strengths, organisations’ strengths and weaknesses were identifi ed along with suggestions of areas for improvement.

The fi ndings could help construction and consulting fi rms to redefi ne the DNA of their organizational culture and reposition their businesses for higher productivity and performance.

24

Lenny WapstraMassey High SchoolMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Jasper Mbachu

Auckland’s housing aff ordability crisis: causes and solution Affordable and quality housing is key to the socio-economic well-being of New Zealanders; it supports productivity and sustainable economic growth of the nation. However, housing has been increasingly unaffordable to majority of the New Zealanders, especially the low and middle-income households. Based on stakeholder surveys and some historical data on housing, this study aimed to investigate the key factors underlying the unaffordability of housing in the greater Auckland Region.

Content analysis and the descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data for the study. It was found that some key factors such as supply and demand, housing policy, mortgage interest rates and foreign investment impact signifi cantly on the affordability of quality housing in New Zealand. The full report identifi es the effective measures for addressing the problem of housing affordability in New Zealand.

The fi ndings of the study would be helpful to policy makers, fi rst-home buyers and property investors in making informed decisions and in taking proactive steps to solving the problem in the New Zealand residential market.

2525

26

Matthew SlowOtumoetai College Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Temitope Egbelakin

Building material price trends after Christchurch earthquakeChristchurch’s earthquake caused extensive damage to the Canterbury region. Rebuilding after a natural disaster requires enormous resource and it has been observed that building materials generally increase in price. This research studied the Canterbury regions price trends of key building materials after the Christchurch earthquakes.

Historical data on material price trends was analyzed for the 2008 – 2013 period, which showed no signifi cant increase to any of the key construction materials in the Canterbury region. A questionnaire was sent to construction professionals in the Canterbury region. The questionnaire identifi ed the methods currently used by quantity surveyors and project managers to reduce the risk of any material price fl uctuations, which include passing all costs and project risks to the client, infl ating the value of the work, fi xing suppliers rates throughout the project duration, or subcontracting out all of the work.

The results of the survey provide project managers and quantity surveyors strategies to reduce fi nancial risk associated with fl uctuating material prices along with an understanding of how material prices have been affected.

Joshua ChatterleyRosmini College Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Mr Naseem Ameer Ali

Variations: a necessary evil?A look into how variations affect the time, money, human and material resources involved with a construction project and whether or not variations affect the overall success of a construction project.

27

Contractor attributes that foster construction project success

The prevailing incidence of client dissatisfaction, poor quality of outputs, inability to complete project within time and budget and high incidence of site accidents mean that contractors, whose duty it is to manage the projects successfully lack the requisite attributes or ability to deliver. If these problems continue unabated, the risk profi le of the industry would increase, making it harder to obtain fi nance for development or obtain it at a higher cost and reduced profi t.

This research aims to investigate the contractors’ attributes that underpin project success and to use these as benchmarks to ascertain the extent to which contractors in the New Zealand construction industry possess the requisite attributes. The research data comprise the feedback from a survey of contractors and project managers on the research questions. Descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. Results showed the analysed gaps in the contractors’ attributes for project success; these could help contractors to know areas for improvement and up skilling with a view to improving project outcomes and client satisfaction in New Zealand.

Kiritome IrataMotufoua Secondary School Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Jasper Mbachu

2828

Morgan James LoughnanWestlake Boys High School Major: Quantity Surveying Supervisor: Ms Kate Henderson

Are green star buildings economically sustainable? The purpose of my research paper is to assess the economic sustainability of Green Star certifi ed buildings in Auckland; this is to be achieved through fi rst establishing the perception of the industry relating to the Green Star suite. Following analysis of these fi ndings I have established and discussed costs that are necessary to achieved a Green Star Rating outside of the design and construction of a. Finally the distinctive qualities of a Green Star rated building were analysed and assessed based on their ability to reduce monthly running costs. Through meeting these objectives it is possible to draw conclusions as to the Economic Sustainability of green Star rated buildings in Auckland.

29

Nicholas LambertLong Bay College Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Mr Naseem Ameer Ali

Plain language construction contracts: primary-user preference

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of plain language in construction contracts. Evidence from other industries suggests that plan language drafting is as effective as traditional legal language in conveying legal intent. This investigation aimed to identify if there is a user preference towards plain language contracts over the more traditional drafting style. The fi ndings of this research suggest users do prefer plain language over traditional style. The conclusions suggest plain language principles should be further considered for adoption in construction contracts.

30

Cameron Burnett Burnside High SchoolMajor: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Mr Naseem Ameer Ali

Adjudication under the CCA 2002Adjudication is temporarily binding but it is found that most adjudications are not taken further past the conclusion of the adjudicator’s determination. Part of my research is to investigate the potential benefi t of making the adjudication determination fi nal and binding.

31

of the vestigate nation fi nal

31

32

Shaun CampbellOrewa College Major: Quantity SurveyingSupervisor: Dr Temitope Egbelakin

Leadership styles of construction managers in NZAn investigation into the leadership styles of construction managers in New Zealand, in order to provide a set of key traits for the use of young project managers to maximise project success. With the use of a mixed method approach that includes interview and survey, the several leadership traits for increasing project performance wrere revealed. The traits include passion and motivation; hard work; communication; approachability fl exibility and the ability to listen to team members. With the use of these traits, construction managers will be able to improve project performance and maximise success, consequently improving the level of success of projects within the construction industry.

Supervisor Contact EmailDr. Temitope Egbelakin T.Egbelakin@massey.ac.nzMr. Ameer Ali Naseem N.A.N.AmeerAli@massey.ac.nzMs. Kate Henderson K.J.Henderson@massey.ac.nzDr. Jasper Mbachu J.I.Mbachu@massey.ac.nzDr. Niluka Domingo N.D.Domingo@massey.ac.nz

34

INDEXBy Student NameSurname First NameBurnett Cameron ...............................................................31Campbell Shaun ...................................................................32Chatterley Joshua ..................................................................27Churches Benjamin ..............................................................11Dai Steven ..................................................................15David Gardiner Daniel ...................................................................10Feng Tao ........................................................................21Fielding Steven ....................................................................6Hadeed Ahmad ..................................................................23Heaps Andrew .................................................................18Irata Kiritome ................................................................28Karamaena Dylan .......................................................................7Lambert Nicholas ...............................................................30Laurich Jason ....................................................................16Loughnan Morgan James ....................................................29Menzies Tyler ......................................................................13Mills Kirsten ....................................................................8Moore Richard ...................................................................9Ogle Sherwin ................................................................14Oosterhof Thomas .................................................................20Slow Matthew ...............................................................26Sutton Luke ......................................................................17Verryt Daniel ...................................................................22Wang Youwei ..................................................................24Wapstra Lenny ....................................................................25Whitley Nicole ...................................................................12Xu Ran ........................................................................19

36

For more informationEmail: Engineering@massey.ac.nzOr visit: www.massey.ac.nz.engineering