An essential factor adversely affecting the performance of construction projects is the improper handling of materials during site activities. Materials management is made problematic by materials shortages, delays in supply, price fluctuations, damage and wastage, and lack of storages pace. In addition, paper-based reports are mostly used to record and exchange information related to the materials component within a supply chain which is problematic, error-prone, and inefficient. Generally, modem technologies are not being adequately used to overcome human error and are not well integrated with project management systems to make the tracking and management of materials easier and faster. Thus, this research focuses on the development of a mechanism to improve materials management on construction projects through the integration of materials tracking and resource modelling systems. A multi-facetted research approach was adopted. Initially, a literature review on materials management process in the construction project was conducted. This was followed by case studies involving six construction projects in order to investigate current practice in materials management to establish key problem areas and elements of good practice. The case studies also explored the requirements for integrating materials management and resource modelling in project management systems. The case study findings underpinned by literature results were used to develop a real-time framework for integrating RFID-based materials tracking and resource modelling. The framework was encapsulated in a computer-based prototype system based on Microsoft Visual Basic. NET. The prototype system was developed by amalgamation of all the software and hardware chosen such as MS Access (database system), MS Project (resource modelling) and RFID (automated materials tracking) to provide the mechanisms for integrating materials management and resource modelling in the construction industry. Evaluation of the prototype system was carried out by a series of interviews with industry practitioners to assess its appropriateness and functionality. It also established the skills and other requirements for the effective use of the real-time materials tracking system. The evaluation established that the prototype system demonstrated many benefits and is suitable for use in materials tracking and inventory management processes. It is concluded that the prototype system developed can improve materials management on construction projects, particularly with regard to materials tracking and integrating materials utilisation with the resource modelling subsystem in project management applications. Adoption of the approaches suggested in the thesis will enable the construction industry to improve the real-time management of materials on sites, and hence improve project performance.

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This thesis investigates the barriers and opportunities in adopting Digital Tracking Technologies (DTT) for concrete circularity in Sweden, utilising a multi-level perspective (MLP) framework often used to analyse Socio-Technical Transitions (STT). The construction industry, especially the concrete sector, is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to environmental degradation and waste. Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy (CE) is crucial for sustainable resource management, particularly through DTT adoption. However, the construction industry's slow adoption of Digital Technologies (DT) presents significant challenges. Therefore, this study uses a mixed-method approach, incorporating bibliometric analysis, text mining of academic literature and social media posts, and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, supported by PESTLE and SWOT analyses to understand the dynamics at the regime level comprehensively. The findings identify 22 critical drivers, 24 barriers, and 15 opportunities affecting DTT adoption in the Swedish prefab concrete sector. Key barriers include high implementation costs, regulatory complexities, resistance to change, knowledge and awareness gaps, and integration issues. Conversely, opportunities include government incentives, enhanced material traceability, improved resource efficiency, potential industry collaborations, transparency for reuse, and alignment with sustainable development goals. The study provides strategic recommendations to overcome these barriers and leverage opportunities, thereby supporting the transition to a CE in the concrete sector. This research enhances the understanding of socio-technical transitions and offers practical insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics. / Demand Trust for Circular Building Materials [FA] (3C)

The door manufacturing industry still heavily relies on manual technology for its production and quality assurance systems, which poses certain challenges. However, in recent years, the industry has witnessed a growing demand for personalized products, leading to a need for more adaptable production methods and shorter product life cycles. Unfortunately, this reliance on manual technologies has resulted in increased errors and inaccuracies. Moreover, manual technology requires significant time and effort investment, which reduces production efficiency and product quality. To address these issues, the purpose of this thesis is to address the issue of inefficiency at a door manufacturing company by examining its existing production systems and quality assurance system. The thesis aims to provide recommendations for improvement by exploring the integration of automated tracing and tracking technology. Furthermore, it would result in recommendations for feasible methods that may be used in Swedish production systems, as well as further study fields.