Massey Research Online - Browsing by Author "Domingo N"

Browsing by Author "Domingo N"

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C-DREEM: A framework for estimating the cost of earthquake-damaged buildings – A New Zealand study
(2025-09-01) Kahandawa Appuhamillage R; Domingo N; Chawynski G; Uma SR
Natural hazards created by earthquakes require an accurate post-earthquake cost estimation mechanism on the road to recovery. However, there are no identifiable accurate post-earthquake cost estimation mechanisms. This has led to major deviations between the initial and final construction costs. For example, the estimated cost of repair of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence changed from 41 billion NZD to $53 billion NZD (adjusted for inflation). Previous research identified eleven factors that specifically impact post-earthquake cost estimation. The recognisable literature was unable to identify a post-earthquake cost estimation model that considers these factors. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by developing and validating the cost of damage repair (including refurbishment) and the Earthquake Estimation Model (C-DREEM) framework. The C-DREEM framework was developed based on previous literature and inputs from a development team that included eleven industry professionals. The developed framework was then verified through a focus group interview consisting of nine professionals. The research developed and verified a framework for cost estimation for earthquake damage repair work, C-DREEM, that impacts earthquake damage repair work. C-DREEM incorporates the factors affecting post-earthquake cost estimation and improves the speed and accuracy of post-earthquake cost estimations for damage repair work.
Closing the Loop: A Comprehensive Review of Circular Repurposing Options for Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blade Materials
(Ubiquity Press, 2024-08-14) Vishnupriya V; Meldrum J; Kahandawa R; Domingo N; Shahzad W; Shen X
Growing global concern about how to dispose of wind turbine blades has sparked an investigation into more sustainable alternatives. This research delves into finding eco-friendly solutions for managing the waste generated by wind turbine blades, specifically by exploring options for repurposing them. To put this into action, this study has focused on a New Zealand wind farm with 196 wind turbine blades at the end of its life cycle. Through a thorough review of documents, 60 potential ways were identified to repurposing these blades. Options falling under the downcycling category were excluded, thus narrowing down to 45 promising solutions to repurpose. Futher 7 practically applied global solutions are identified. Implementing these repurposing solutions would divert 331 tonnes of waste material from landfills from the New Zealand Wind Farm. This study is significant because it highlights the potential for a circular and sustainable approach and provides an example of how wind turbine blade waste can be diverted from landfill. The findings of this study contribute to practical insights and support initiatives across New Zealand to encourage the adoption of wind turbine blade repurposing. This, in turn, will foster environmentally conscious waste management practices within the renewable energy sector and promote a more sustainable future.
Construction industry classification systems: Defining the construction sector in New Zealand
(IOP Publishing Ltd, 2022-01-01) Hoai Le AT; Domingo N; Sutrisna M
CanConstrucNZ is a partnership programme between New Zealand universities, government agencies, and professional bodies to develop a smart system that enables mapping future pipeline projects with the industry capacity and capability to advise the stakeholders whether the sector will be capable of delivering the proposed construction projects. Defining the scope of the construction sector itself is the first step of the programme that helps measure the construction sector capacity. This paper compares different definitions and approaches of the construction sector boundaries and discusses similarities and differences in the selected classification systems, usually used to define, collect, and generate data for measuring the construction sector. The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive classification to help generate the correct level of data for measuring the construction sector's true scope and size, resulting in better policy initiatives, and informing changes in the industry. The findings of this study recommend future research to develop a customised classification system to represent the value of the New Zealand construction sector in a holistic manner.
Decision making in reducing carbon emissions for building refurbishment: Case studies of university buildings in New Zealand
(Elsevier B.V., 2023-07-05) Bui PTP; Wilkinson S; MacGregor C; Domingo N
The refurbishment of existing buildings offers the greatest opportunity to maximise carbon reduction within the built environment. Although the conceptual framework of the refurbishment process incorporating various methods, tools, and systems to support decision making in reducing whole-of-life carbon emissions exists in the literature, empirical research reporting on how and why the decisions are made in current industry practice is lacking. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the decision-making process of building refurbishment considering whole-of-life carbon reduction using three real-life case studies that incorporate decarbonisation decisions. The important findings emerged from an interactive analysis between theoretical propositions and cross-case synthesis. The study sheds a new insight into (1) the effective adoption of building rating systems, (2) the required whole-of-life carbon reduction targets, (3) the importance of establishing a dedicated financial budget for carbon-reduction refurbishment solutions, (4) the need for adaptable refurbishment designs and long-term strategies, (5) holistic design reports, (6) the promotion of early contractor involvement (ECI) approach, (7) government funding and incentives, and (8) the availability of supply chains and data. The originality of the paper is providing a new understanding of the decision-making practices and challenges faced in the refurbishment process, in which lessons learnt for improving the implementation of building refurbishment towards zero carbon are recommended. The research expands theoretical knowledge and practical experience in whole-of-life carbon analysis and performance estimation for building refurbishment. The insights gained from this study offer practitioners and researchers a streamlined interdisciplinary guide to better deliver refurbishment projects towards zero carbon.
Developing a Framework for Construction Sector Capacity
(UTS ePRESS, 2022-11-28) Le ATH; Domingo N; Macgregor C; Potangaroa R
Understanding construction sector capacity allows stakeholders to assess the ability to deliver construction projects critically. However, the capacity concept in the construction sector is dynamic, and interrelationships of capacity at different levels have not been explored thoroughly. Accordingly, this paper reviewed studies on capacity at different levels: sector, organisational, and individual to (1) identify attributes of capacity at each level; (2) map relationships of the capacities in the construction sector; and (3) develop a conceptual framework of project capacity in the construction sector and propose future research directions. This study used an integrative literature review approach to synthesise literature from various domains to describe different levels of the construction sector’s capacity. The findings of the literature review conceptualised a construction sector capacity framework at four levels: sector, organisational, individual, and project. The detailed descriptions of the relevant attributes at each level advance our understanding of capacity within the construction sector and are fundamental to developing capacity assessment tools for the construction sector. The relationships formed in the proposed framework help explain how the capacity at each level affects the system. Findings also serve to identify areas for future research, including investigating interrelationships of attributes in the capacity framework.
Earthquake Damage Repair Loss Estimation in New Zealand: What Other Variables Are Essential Based on Experts’ Opinions
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-08-28) Kahandawa RKAV; Domingo N; Chawynski G; Uma SR; Yepes V
Major earthquakes can cause extensive damage to buildings and alter both the natural and built environments. Accurately estimating the financial impact from these events is complex, and the damage is not always visible to the naked eye. PACT, SLAT, and HAZUS are some of the computer-based tools designed to predict probable damage before an earthquake. However, there are no identifiable models built for post-earthquake use. This paper focuses on verifying the significance and usage of variables that specifically need to be considered for the post-earthquake cost estimation of earthquake damage repair work (CEEDRW). The research was conducted using a questionnaire survey involving 92 participants who have experience in cost estimating earthquake damage repair work in New Zealand. The Weighted Average, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Exploratory Factor Analysis were used to analyse the data. The research verified that eleven major variables that are significant to the CEEDRW and should be incorporated to cost estimation models. Verified variables can be used to develop a post-earthquake repair cost estimation tool and can be used to improve the pre-earthquake loss prediction tools.
Embodied Energy Consumption in the Residential Sector: A Case Study of Affordable Housing
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-04-22) Anderson N; Wedawatta G; Rathnayake I; Domingo N; Azizi Z; Muldoon-Smith K; Kumar B; Singh SP
Embodied energy has a significant effect on the total environmental impact of a project. However, emphasis is often placed primarily on operational energy, resulting in a knowledge gap about the current state of embodied energy use in affordable housing. To address this, the study investigates the level of embodied energy consumption in affordable housing, as well as the drivers, barriers, and techniques to reduce embodied energy. Based on a single embedded case study covering the period from cradle to end of construction, data were collected using embodied energy calculations of three affordable housing units in the project, semi-structured interviews with five design team members, and a cross-examination of findings with contract documents. The results were analysed using sensitivity analysis and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that all three house units fulfilled the baseline embodied carbon target of 800 kg CO2 /m2 and both detached properties fell within the LETI (2020) target of 500 kg CO2 /m2 . However, all three properties would fail to meet the RIBA or 2030 LETI target of 300 kg CO2 /m2 . This suggests that improvements are necessary to achieve future targets. The results show that financial capabilities and operational energy prioritisation act as the main enabler and barrier for reducing embodied energy. Local contractors/suppliers, minimising material use or intensity, and modular construction were highlighted as the key reduction techniques that can be used to help achieve future targets concerning embodied carbon in residential developments. The study contributes significantly to understanding the current state of embodied energy use in affordable housing and provides new insights on how to deal with embodied energy if we are to meet future energy targets.
Enhancing building material circularity: A systematic review on prerequisites, obstacles and the critical role of data traceability
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-10-29) Ranasinghe N; Domingo N; Kahandawa R
The construction industry significantly consumes natural resources and generates substantial waste due to linear supply chain practices. Circular economy strategies are essential for extending material lifespans and promoting regeneration. Material reclamation is a central strategy for implementing circularity, yet its practical application remains limited. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors hindering building material circularity and propose measures to overcome them. This paper aims to explore the prerequisites and obstacles to material reclamation in the construction industry to foster its transition into a circular economy. A systematic literature review of 74 papers was conducted using data from Scopus, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The review identified eight key themes related to achieving material circularity, with design, informational, and technological factors receiving top priority in researchers’ focus. Data availability emerged as a critical prerequisite, while the primary obstacle is the lack of data traceability throughout the building materials' lifecycle. This study concludes that digitalizing the material supply chain can address data unavailability and most of the identified obstacles. Ultimately, comprehensive material data will support the stakeholders in making solid circular decisions. This research provides guidance to construction industry stakeholders to overcome recognised obstacles and promote essential prerequisites of material circularity where no such information currently exists, to facilitate the transition to a circular construction industry.
Evaluating the impacts of earthquake disasters on the building construction sector: a SARIMA-based counterfactual analysis
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-09-01) Aquino DHM; Domingo N; Atapattu C
Disasters have a dual effect on the construction industry. While their initial impact disrupts construction activities, the resulting damage also stimulates construction demand. Existing scholarly literature predominantly adopts qualitative approaches in examining the impacts of disasters on the sector. This study introduces a quantitative methodology to assess the impacts of disasters on building construction activity. Utilizing counterfactual time series analysis, trajectories of the construction sector in the absence of disasters are simulated and subsequently compared with actual observed trajectories. Building consent datasets were obtained from Statistics New Zealand and time series analysis was employed to investigate the effect of the Canterbury and Kaikoura earthquakes on the building construction sector, examining impacts at both national and regional levels. The findings reveal that the Canterbury earthquake had a significant national impact, initially decreasing construction activity but subsequently leading to more rapid growth in the medium to long term than anticipated. In contrast, the Kaikoura earthquake's impact was largely confined to the Canterbury region, slowing the local building construction sector. This study highlighted the usefulness of counterfactual time series analysis in assessing the impacts of disasters on the construction sector, and its findings are useful for simulating the impacts of disasters and other shocks in forecasting future trajectories of the sector.
Factors Affecting the Selection of Sustainable Construction Materials: A Study in New Zealand
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2025-03-06) Bui T; Domingo N; Le A
The construction industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with the selection of sustainable construction materials (SCMs) playing a crucial role in achieving environmental and regulatory objectives. However, New Zealand’s construction codes and sustainability standards lack cohesive, region-specific guidance, posing challenges for industry professionals in selecting appropriate materials. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing SCM selection within the New Zealand construction sector. An online questionnaire was distributed to 115 industry professionals, and data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling (SEM) with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the relationships among social, economic, environmental, and technical factors. The finding was that technical factors are vital in achieving sustainable construction. Additionally, the social, economic, environmental, and technical factors were strongly correlated, affecting the selection of SCMs. Based on this research, construction consultants should advise customers on materials and the long-term economic benefits of investing in sustainable materials, which will cut operating expenses and environmental effects.
Generalised Linear Modelling for Construction Waste Estimation in Residential Projects: Case Study in New Zealand
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-02-27) Domingo N; Edirisinghe HM; Kahandawa R; Wedawatta G; Zhang T
Construction waste is a global problem, including in New Zealand where it makes up 40–50% of landfill waste. Accurately measuring construction waste is crucial to reduce its impact on New Zealand’s landfills and meet carbon targets. Waste can be effectively managed if predicted correctly from the start of a project. Waste generation depends on factors such as geography, society, technology, and construction methods. This study focuses on developing a model specific to New Zealand to predict waste generation in residential buildings. By analysing data from 213 residential projects, the study identifies the design features that have the greatest influence on construction waste generation. A generalized linear model is constructed to correlate these design features with waste generation. The findings are valuable for construction stakeholders seeking to implement waste reduction strategies based on predicted waste quantities. This research serves as a starting point, and further investigation in this area is necessary.
Policy Mapping for Net-Zero-Carbon Buildings: Insights from Leading Countries
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-11-01) Le A; Rodrigo N; Domingo N; Senaratne S
The construction industry is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with buildings alone accounting for 39% of the global energy-related carbon emissions. Global carbon emissions from building operations increased by 5% in 2021 compared to 2020. However, the United Nations signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 with global leaders, setting a limit to temperature increases below 2.0 °C or 1.5 °C. To achieve this goal, countries have established net-zero targets to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century. However, while some countries are making significant progress, others lag behind. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating the actions taken by countries toward carbon neutrality, and on developing a policy roadmap for the construction industry to meet the net-zero-carbon commitments. This research adopted a systematic document review, including document analysis. The evaluation of countries’ practices towards achieving net-zero targets reveals both similarities and differences. The policy maps developed can be customised for decarbonising a country’s overall construction industry and building sector. This study provides insights for research, practice, and society, emphasising the importance of achieving net-zero targets through the implementation of policies, roadmaps, plans, and strategies.
Pre-Contract Measures to Avoid Potential Disputes in the New Zealand Construction Industry
(UTS ePRESS, 2025-07-10) Silva PM; Domingo N; Ali NANA
The New Zealand (NZ) construction industry suffers from negative implications of disputes in construction projects, similar to other countries. Hence, the importance of avoiding disputes has become a vital topic to discuss and research. Avoiding disputes in construction projects has always been challenging, with limited research on this topic. Notably, no studies have explored potential pre-contract measures to prevent disputes in the New Zealand construction industry. To address this research gap, this study was designed, and it is limited only to construction projects in NZ that followed the traditional procurement path. Fourteen professionals in the NZ construction industry with significant experience and knowledge in construction disputes were interviewed, and the gathered data were analyzed qualitatively. A total of 84 pre-contract measures to avoid potential construction-related disputes were identified under five themes (themes of causes of disputes). The most responsible party/parties and most applicable pre-contract stage/s for each dispute avoidance step are also presented. The clarity of communication, risk management, proper documentation and standardization, review and continuous improvements, and collaboration are the main underlying characteristics of the identified avoidance measures. Among the identified dispute avoidance measures, respondents emphasized clear scope documentation and expectation management meetings as the most significant. The proposed measures could help principals, tenderers, and consultants in New Zealand to minimize potential disputes. Additionally, this study opens avenues for further research into dispute avoidance strategies for other procurement methods (other than the traditional procurement path) and practical approaches to clearly document the construction scope.
Statistical cost modelling for preliminary stage cost estimation of infrastructure projects
(IOP Publishing, 2022-12-15) Atapattu C; Domingo N; Sutrisna M
Zero Carbon Building Practices in Aotearoa New Zealand
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-08-01) Bui TTP; Wilkinson S; Domingo N; MacGregor C
In the light of climate change, the drive for zero carbon buildings is known as one response to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Within New Zealand, research on climate change mitigation and environmental impacts of buildings has received renewed attention. However, there has been no detailed investigation of zero carbon building practices. This paper undertakes an exploratory study through the use of semi-structured interviews with government representatives and construction industry experts to examine how the New Zealand construction industry plans and implements zero carbon buildings. The results show that New Zealand’s construction industry is in the early stage of transiting to a net-zero carbon built environment. Key actions to date are focused on devising a way for the industry to develop and deliver zero carbon building projects. Central and local governments play a leading role in driving zero carbon initiatives. Leading construction firms intend to maximise the carbon reduction in building projects by developing a roadmap to achieve the carbon target by 2050 and rethinking the way of designing and constructing buildings. The research results provide an insight into the initial practices and policy implications for the uptake of zero carbon buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Zero carbon refurbishment for existing buildings: A literature review
(IOP Publishing Ltd, 2022-01-01) Bui TTP; Domingo N; Macgregor C; Wilkinson S
The need to mitigate climate change calls for the construction industry to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for new and existing buildings by 2050. Zero carbon refurbishment (ZCR) for existing buildings is a significant area of interest, as many existing buildings will still be there in 2050. This paper investigates the global development, knowledge structure and gaps in the research field by conducting a systematic literature review. The final selection of 147 up-to-date journal articles was analysed using mixed-method data analysis, including quantitative (science mapping) and qualitative (thematic) analysis. Quantitative results reveal evolving research topics including energy performance and efficiency, life cycle environmental impacts, energy resources and policy, and decision-making with multi-objective optimisation. Research in ZCR is well-established in European countries and there is much interest and activity around the world. ZCR research on residential and office buildings provokes much consideration compared to other building types. The qualitative findings discuss the mainstream research areas (e.g. decision-making with multi-objective optimisation), determines research gaps (e.g. carbon impact), and recommends the future research agenda. The study offers academics a comprehensive understanding of ZCR research to link current research areas into future trends. It also provides construction professionals with current practices and an interdisciplinary guide to better deliver ZCR projects.

Browsing by Author "Domingo N"

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