Staff Profiles

Research projects

• BIM-enabled Collaborative Platform for Innovative Low Impact School Procurement; Co-Investigator Technology Strategy Board; in collaboration with Willmott Dixon and Scape System Build Ltd. Total grant value £270k, April 13 – Feb. 16.
• Integrated Carbon, Waste, Time and Cost Modelling for the Design of Low Impact Buildings; Principal Investigator, Technology Strategy Board/Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; in collaboration with Best Foot Forward Ltd., zedfactory Ltd, ItSoWorks Ltd. and Design Builder Software Ltd. Total grant value £375k, Feb. 10 – Feb. 12.
  https://www.youtube.com/user/tsbLIB
  https://sites.google.com/site/lowimpactbuildingsproject/
• Green Jobs Creation Through Sustainable Refurbishment in Developing Countries (Co-investigator, International Labour Office funded); Total grant value £10k, Nov 07 – Mar 08.
• Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (IMRC) - Salford Centre for Innovation and Research (SCRI) Renewal (Co-Investigator - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value ≈ £5M. Jan. 06 – May. 07.
• Review of the Use of RFID in Construction (Co-Investigator, ERA–BUILD funded), Total grant value £ 10k, April. 04 – May. 07.
• Virtual Environmental Planning System (VEPS) (Co-Investigator, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded); Total grant value £480K, April. 04 – May. 07.
• SURegen - Integrated Decision Support System for Sustainable Urban Regeneration (Co-investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value £2.3M. Mar. 08 – Mar. 12.
• Research into Global Healthcare Tools (RIGHT) (Co-Investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded with Universities of Brunel, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cranfield, Southampton, Ulster); Total grant value £1.1M, April. 07 – Nov. 09.
• Black and Ethnic Minority in Construction. (Co-Investigator, European Social Fund (ESF) funded); Total grant value £128k, April 06 – June 06.
• Re-engineering of business and operational processes (Lead Academic, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Pochin's Plc.); £93k, Oct. 05 – July 07.
• Development of a Risk Database for Post-project Appraisal (Co-Investigator, British Council Turkey – Science Partnership Programme with the Middle Eastern Technical University Ankara); June 05 – July 07.
• Designing fit-for-purpose schools: enabling student participation in the design. (Co-Investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value £69k, Jan. 05 - Jun. 06.
• Towards global harmonisation of construction research (Co-Investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value £12k, April. Mar. 05 - Nov. 05.
• Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (IMRC) - Salford Centre for Innovation and Research (SCRI) (Co-Investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value ≈ £3.5M. Oct. 04 – Dec. 05.
• Virtual Planning: nD-Modelling of Urban Environments (Co-Investigator, European Commission EC FP6 Integrated Project - Intelcities Project); Total grant value £59k, (total project funding 11.5M Euro.), Jan. 04 - July. 05.
• The provision of affordable housing in Chongqing utilising adapted industrialised housing systems. (Co-investigator, British Council/DFID China, with the University of Chongqing); Total grant value £11k, April 01 – July 02.
• Building the capability of consultancy practices to take up and utilize IT to improve business performance (Co-investigator, DTI PII funded with the Construction Industry Council); Total grant value £374k, June 00 – July 01.
• A framework for case-based construction project planning (Principal Investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value £73k. Feb. 95 - April 97.
• Object-oriented knowledge-based decision support for project planning and control systems (Principal Investigator, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded); Total grant value £101k, Jan. 94 - Aug. 97.

Books

• Keivani R, Tah J, Kurul E, Abanda H, Green jobs creation through sustainable refurbishment in developing countries, International labour organization (2010)
  ISBN: 978922123610-8
  
• Lee A, Wu S, Marshall-Ponting A, Aouad G, Cooper R, Tah J, Abbott C, Barrett P, nD modeling roadmap: A vision of the future of construction, (2005)
  Website 

Journal articles

• Saeed ZO, Almukhtar A, Abanda H, Tah J, 'BIM Applications in Post-Conflict Contexts: The Reconstruction of Mosul City'
  Buildings 11 (8) (2021)
  ISSN: 2075-5309 eISSN: 2075-5309
  Abstract

  Post-conflict reconstruction has been one of the most challenging themes for the AEC industry, urban designers and planners, and related decision-makers, especially in complex urban contexts with severe destruction in terms of infrastructure. The city of Mosul in Iraq is a case where there is an urgent need for reconstruction, in particular the housing sector after the enormous destruction caused by the ISIS war of 2014–2017. Today, advanced technologies in construction present opportunities to address post-conflict reconstruction challenges. BIM has been used in recent years since it is an integrated and effective process for planning, monitoring and managing contemporary construction projects. Nevertheless, BIM has not been investigated properly in planning and managing post-conflict reconstruction, especially in developing countries. This paper discusses the potential of adopting BIM in post-conflict reconstruction through investigating the validity of the BIM process in planning and assessing possible housing solutions for the reconstruction of Mosul city, using BIM applications. The main findings suggest that BIM applications present significant potential in the process of planning, assessing and managing the reconstruction of post-conflict contexts in developing countries, where conventional methods are limited, dysfunctional and inefficient.
  

  Website 
• Almukhtar A, Saeed ZO, Abanda H, Tah JHM, 'Reality Capture of Buildings Using 3D Laser Scanners'
  CivilEng 2 (1) (2021) pp.214-235
  ISSN: 2673-4109 eISSN: 2673-4109
  Abstract

  The urgent need to improve performance in the construction industry has led to the adoption of many innovative technologies. 3D laser scanners are amongst the leading technologies being used to capture and process assets or construction project data for use in various applications. Due to its nascent nature, many questions are still unanswered about 3D laser scanning, which in turn contribute to the slow adaptation of the technology. Some of these include the role of 3D laser scanners in capturing and processing raw construction project data. How accurate are the 3D laser scanner or point cloud data? How does laser scanning fit with other wider emerging technologies such as building information modeling (BIM)? This study adopts a proof-of-concept approach, which in addition to answering the aforementioned questions, illustrates the application of the technology in practice. The study finds that the quality of the data, commonly referred to as point cloud data, is still a major issue as it depends on the distance between the target object and 3D laser scanner’s station. Additionally, the quality of the data is still very dependent on data file sizes and the computational power of the processing machine. Lastly, the connection between laser scanning and BIM approaches is still weak as what can be done with a point cloud data model in a BIM environment is still very limited. The aforementioned findings reinforce existing views on the use of 3D laser scanners in capturing and processing construction project data
  

  Website 
• Perez H, Joseph JHM, 'Deep learning Smartphone Application for Real-Time Detection of Defects in Buildings'
  Structural Control and Health Monitoring x (x) (2021)
  ISSN: 1545-2255 eISSN: 1545-2263
  Abstract

  Condition assessment and health monitoring (CAHM) of built assets, requires effective and continuous monitoring of any changes to the material and/or geometric properties of the assets in order to detect any early signs of defects or damage and act on time. Most of the traditional CAHM techniques, however, depend on manual labour despite that, in some cases, the inspection environment can be unsafe and could lead to low efficiency or miss-judgement of the severity of the defect. In recent years, computer vision techniques have been proposed as an automated alternative to the traditional CAHM techniques as methods for extracting and analysing feature-related information from asset images and videos. Such methods have proven to be robust and effective solutions, complementary to current time-consuming and unreliable manual observational practices. This work is concerned with the development of a deep learning-based smartphone App which allows real-time detection of four types of defects in buildings namely; cracks, mould, stain, and paint deterioration. Since smartphones are widely available and equipped with high-resolution cameras, this application can offer a practical, low-cost solution for condition assessment procedures of built assets. The obtained results are promising and support the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach to identify and classify various types of building defects.

  Website 
• Saeed ZO, Almukhtar A, Abanda FH, Tah JHM, 'Mosul City: Housing Reconstruction after the ISIS War.'
  Cities x (2021)
  ISSN: 0264-2751 eISSN: 1873-6084
  Abstract

  Post-conflict reconstruction has been one of the most challenging themes for the AEC industry, urban designers and planners, and related decision makers, especially in complex urban contexts with sever destruction of existing infrastructure. The city of Mosul in Iraq is a case where there is an urgent need for reconstruction, in particular the housing sector after the massive destruction caused by the ISIS war 2014-2017. The war left the city with massive destruction in the infrastructure and with around 1M displaced seeking shelters in the neighbouring cities, most of them under the poverty line. The governmental efforts along with the NGOs are continuing to plan the return of the displaced. However, these plans are limited by economic drivers and lack an active participation of the displaced in planning the post-war housing sector of Mosul city. This paper is part of a comprehensive research that discusses a methodological framework for the reconstruction of Mosul city, specifically the housing sector.  This study highlights the involvement of the displaced families in developing possible post-war housing paradigms based on their needs, requirements and desires. The main contributions include identifying the essential housing requirements, based on a sample from the displaced, as end-users. Most importantly, the study concludes with three developed housing paradigms.
  

• Perez H, Joseph JHM, 'Improving the Accuracy of Convolutional Neural Networks by Identifying and Removing Outlier Images in Datasets Using t-SNE'
  Mathematics 8 (5) (2020)
  ISSN: 2227-7390
  Abstract

  In the field of supervised machine learning, the quality of a classifier model is directly correlated with the quality of the data that is used to train the model. The presence of unwanted outliers in the data could significantly reduce the accuracy of a model or even worse, result in a biased model leading to an inaccurate classification. Identifying the presence of outliers and eliminating them is, therefore, crucial for building good quality training datasets. Pre-processing procedures for dealing with missing and outlier data, commonly known as feature engineering, are standard practice in machine learning problems. They help to make better assumptions about the data and also prepare datasets in a way that best expose the underlying problem to the machine learning algorithms. In this work, we propose a multistage method for detecting and removing outliers in high-dimensional data. Our proposed method is based on utilising a technique called t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE) to reduce high-dimensional map of features into a lower, 2-dimensional, probability density distribution and then use a simple descriptive statistical method called interquartile range (IQR) to identifying any outlier values from the density distribution of the features. t-SNE It is a machine learning algorithm and a nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique well-suited for embedding high-dimensional data for visualisation in a low-dimensional space of two or three dimensions. We applied this method on a dataset containing images for training a convolutional neural network model (ConvNet) for an image classification problem. The dataset contains four different classes of images: three classes contains defects in construction (mould, stain, and paint deterioration) and a no-defect class (normal). We used the transfer learning technique to modify a pre-trained VGG-16 model. We used this model as a feature extractor and as a benchmark to evaluate our method. We have shown that when using this method, we can identify and remove the outlier images in the dataset.  After removing the outlier images from the dataset and re-training the VGG-16 model, the results have also shown that the accuracy of the classification has significantly improved and the number of misclassified cases has also dropped. While many feature engineering techniques for handling missing and outlier data are common in predictive machine learning problems involving numerical or categorical data, there is little work on developing techniques for handling outliers in high-dimensional data which can be used to improve the quality of machine learning problems involving images such as ConvNet models for image classification and object detection problems.
  

  Website 
• Husein Perez, Joseph H. M. Tah, Amir Mosavi, 'Deep Learning for Detecting Building Defects Using Convolutional Neural Networks'
  Sensors 19 (16) (2019)
  ISSN: 1424-8220
  Abstract

  Clients are increasingly looking for fast and effective means to quickly and frequently survey and communicate the condition of their buildings so that essential repairs and maintenance work can be done in a proactive and timely manner before it becomes too dangerous and expensive. Traditional methods for this type of work commonly comprise of engaging building surveyors to undertake a condition assessment which involves a lengthy site inspection to produce a systematic recording of the physical condition of the building elements, including cost estimates of immediate and projected long-term costs of renewal, repair and maintenance of the building. Current asset condition assessment procedures are extensively time consuming, laborious, and expensive and pose health and safety threats to surveyors, particularly at height and roof levels which are difficult to access. This paper aims at evaluating the application of convolutional neural networks (CNN) towards an automated detection and localisation of key building defects, e.g., mould, deterioration, and stain, from images. The proposed model is based on pre-trained CNN classifier of VGG-16 (later compaired with ResNet-50, and Inception models), with class activation mapping (CAM) for object localisation. The challenges and limitations of the model in real-life applications have been identified. The proposed model has proven to be robust and able to accurately detect and localise building defects. The approach is being developed with the potential to scale-up and further advance to support automated detection of defects and deterioration of buildings in real-time using mobile devices and drones.
  

  Website 
• Mohammadzadeh D, Kazemi S, Mosavi A, Nasseralshariati E, Tah J, 'Prediction of Compression Index of Fine-Grained Soils Using a Gene Expression Programming Model'
  Infrastructures 4 (2) (2019)
  ISSN: 2412-3811 eISSN: 2412-3811
  Abstract

  In construction projects, estimation of the settlement of fine-grained soils is of critical importance, and yet is a challenging task. The coefficient of consolidation for the compression index (Cc) is a key parameter in modeling the settlement of fine-grained soil layers. However, the estimation of this parameter is costly, time-consuming, and requires skilled technicians. To overcome these drawbacks, we aimed to predict Cc through other soil parameters, i.e., the liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), and initial void ratio (e0). Using these parameters is more convenient and requires substantially less time and cost compared to the conventional tests to estimate Cc. This study presents a novel prediction model for the Cc of fine-grained soils using gene expression programming (GEP). A database consisting of 108 different data points was used to develop the model. A closed-form equation solution was derived to estimate Cc based on LL, PL, and e0. The performance of the developed GEP-based model was evaluated through the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean squared error (RMSE), and the mean average error (MAE). The proposed model performed better in terms of R2, RMSE, and MAE compared to the other models.
  

  Website 
• Mosavi A, Shamshirband S, Salwana E, Chau KW, Tah JH, 'Prediction of multi-inputs bubble column reactor using a novel hybrid model of computational fluid dynamics and machine learning'
  Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics 13 (1) (2019) pp.482-492
  ISSN: 1994-2060 eISSN: 1997-003X
  Abstract

  The combination of machine learning and numerical methods has recently become popular in the prediction of macroscopic and microscopic hydrodynamics parameters of bubble column reactors. Such numerical combination can develop a smart multiphase bubble column reactor with the ability of low-cost computational time when considering the big data. However, the accuracy of such models should be improved by optimizing the data parameters. This paper uses an adaptivenetwork-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to train four big data inputs with a novel integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of gas. The results show that the increasing number of input variables improves the intelligence of the ANFIS method up to R = 0.99, and the number of rules during the learning process has a significant effect on the accuracy of this type of modeling. Furthermore, the proper selection of model’s parameters results in higher accuracy in the prediction of the flow characteristics in the column structure.

  Website 
• Oti AH, Tah JHM, Abanda FH, 'The integration of lessons learned knowledge in Building Information Modelling (BIM)'
  Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 144 (9) (2018)
  ISSN: 0733-9364 eISSN: 1943-7862
  Abstract Lessons learned systems are vital means for integrating construction knowledge into the various phases of the construction project life cycle. Many such systems are tailored towards the owner organisation’s specific needs and workflows to overcome challenges with information collection, documentation and retrieval. Previous works have relied on the development of conventional local and network/cloud-based database management systems to store and retrieve lessons gathered on projects. These lessons learned systems operate independently and have not been developed to take full advantage of the benefits of integration with emerging building information modelling (BIM) technology. As such construction professionals are faced with the shortcomings of the lack in efficient and speedy retrieval of context-focused information on lessons learned for appropriate utilization in projects. To tackle this challenge, we propose the integration of lesson learned knowledge management in BIM in addition to existing 2D-8D modelling of project information. The integration was implemented through the embedding of non –structured query system, NoSQL (MongoDB), in a BIM enabled environment to host lessons learned information linked to model items and 4D modelling project tasks of the digitised model. This is beyond existing conventional text-based queries and is novel. The system is implemented in .NET Frameworks and interfaced with a project management BIM tool, Navisworks Manage. The demonstration with a test case of a federated model from a pre-design school project suggests that lessons learned systems can become an integral part of BIM environments and contribute to enhancing knowledge reuse in projects.Website 
• Abanda FH, Musa AM, Clermont P, Tah JHM, Oti AH, 'A BIM-based framework for construction project scheduling risk management'
  International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology 12 (2) (2017) pp.182-218
  ISSN: 1757-2657 eISSN: 1757-2665
  Abstract The management of risks has been at the heart of most construction projects. Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides opportunities to manage risks in construction projects. However, studies about the use of BIM in risk management are sketchy with a lack of a systematic approach in using BIM for managing risk in construction projects. Based on existing risk models, this study investigated and developed a BIM-based framework for the management of construction project scheduling risk. Although, the frameworks were developed by mining risk management processes from Synchro and Vico, both being amongst leading 4D/5D BIM software systems, they can inform risk management in BIM projects that are supported by 4D/5D BIM software systems that contain risk management modules. The frameworks were validated for their syntactic and semantic correctness. Website 
• Tah JHM, Oti AH, Abanda FH, 'A state-of-the-art review of built environment information modelling (BeIM)'
  Organization, Technology and Management in Construction: an International Journal 9 (1) (2017) pp.1638-1654
  ISSN: 1847-5450 eISSN: 1847-6228
  Abstract Elements that constitute the built environment are vast and so are the independent systems
  developed to model its various aspects. Many of these systems have been developed under
  various assumptions and approaches to execute functions that are distinct, complementary or
  sometimes similar. Also, these systems are ever increasing in number and often assume similar
  nomenclatures and acronyms thereby exacerbating the challenges of understanding their
  peculiar functions, definitions and differences. The current societal demand to improve
  sustainability performance through collaboration, whole-systems and through-life thinking, is
  driving the need to integrate independent systems associated with different aspects and scales
  of the built environment to deliver smart solutions and services that improve the wellbeing of
  citizens. The contemporary object-oriented digitization of real world elements appears to
  provide a leeway for amalgamating modelling systems of various domains in the built
  environment which we termed as built environment information modelling (BeIM). These
  domains included Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Urban Planning and Design.
  Applications such as Building Information Modelling, Geographic Information Systems and 3D
  City Modelling systems are now being integrated for city modelling purposes. The various
  works directed at integrating these systems are examined revealing that current research
  efforts on integration fall into three categories: (1) data/file conversion systems, (2) semantic
  mapping systems and (3) the hybrid of both. The review outcome suggests that a good
  knowledge of these domains and how their respective systems operate is vital to pursuing
  holistic systems integration in the built environment.Website 
• Abanda FH, Tah JHM, Cheung FKT, 'BIM in Off-site Manufacturing for Buildings'
  Journal of Building Engineering 14 (Nov. 2017) (2017) pp.89-102
  ISSN: 2352-7102
  Abstract The need to overcome challenges faced by construction industry has been at the core of many
  government reports. Most of the reports suggest the adoption of innovations including off-site
  manufacture and emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) to overcome the challenges facing the industry. Current research has largely focused on the impacts of off-site manufacture and BIM independently applied on traditional construction methods. Due to the factory-based nature of off-site manufacture, the benefits of BIM on off-site manufacture have been widely argued to be far greater than those of traditional construction. However, studies about impacts of BIM on off-site manufacture are scarce with far too many on traditional construction. This study investigates the implications of BIM systems on off-site manufacture and traditional construction methods, with emphasis on the technological potential of BIM for off-site manufacture. The specific objectives of the study are threefold. Firstly, it examines how BIM can support off-site manufacture. Secondly, the paper discusses the benefits of BIM and explains how BIM can overcome barriers hindering the uptake of off-site manufacturing. Thirdly, due to the importance to measure the benefits to support wider adoption, an examination of the published quantitative benefits of BIM on off-site manufacture and traditional construction is undertaken. A critical appraisal of the literature was undertaken to achieve the aim of this study. The main findings are the identification of qualitative and quantitative benefits of: BIM on off-site manufacture, off-site manufacture and BIM on traditional construction. The findings reinforce the argument that BIM adoption on off-site manufacturing projects is a rapid, efficient and one of the best ways to improve on the long standing challenges that have plagued the construction industry for generations.Website 
• Abanda FH, Oti AH, Tah JHM, 'Integrating BIM and New Rules of Measurement for Embodied energy and CO2 assessment'
  Journal of Building Engineering 12 (2017) pp.288-305
  ISSN: 2352-7102
  Abstract Embodied energy/CO2 computational models can help decision-makers choose appropriate technologies, building materials, systems and processes that minimize impacts on the environment. While existing models have been great in the assessment process, they often suffer from two main weaknesses. Firstly, models exist in silos and only fit for computing individual material type at any one time. Secondly, computational results obtained from most models are not aligned to standard measurement methods used in practice. In this study, a system that can automate the computation of embodied energy/CO2 of buildings and aligns the results to the UK New Rules of Measurement (NRM) has been proposed. The developed system was tested using case study houses with known dimensions. It allows the simultaneous determination of embodied energy/CO2 and cost and aligns the results to the UK NRM concepts. This is useful for simultaneously determining the environmental impact of building components and their corresponding costs.
   
  Website 
• Schröpfer V, Tah J, Kurul E, 'Mapping the knowledge flow in sustainable construction project teams using social network analysis'
  Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 24 (2) (2017) pp.229-259
  ISSN: 0969-9988
  Abstract

  Purpose of this paper	Knowledge transfer (KT) practices in five construction projects delivering sustainable office buildings in Germany and the UK are examined using Social Network Analysis (SNA).
  Design/methodology/approach	Case studies were adopted as research strategy, with one construction project representing one case study. A combination of quantitative data, social network data and some qualitative data on perceptions of the sustainable construction process and its KT were collected through questionnaires. The data was analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, cross tabulations, content analysis and SNA. This resulted in a KT map of each sustainable construction project.
  Findings	The findings resulted in a better understanding of how knowledge on sustainable construction is transferred and adopted. They show that large amounts of tacit knowledge were transferred through strong ties in sparse networks.
  Research limitations/implications	The findings could offer a solution to secure a certain standard of sustainable building quality through improved KT. The findings indicate a need for further research and discussion on network density, tie strength and tacit KT.
  What is original/value of paper	This paper contributes to the literature on KT from a social network perspective. It combines the concepts of network structure and relatedness in tie contents regarding specialised knowledge, i.e. sustainable construction knowledge. Thereby it provides a robust approach to mapping knowledge flows in office building projects that aim to achieve high levels of sustainability standards.

  ---

  
  

   

  Purpose

   

  Knowledge transfer (KT) practices in five construction projects delivering sustainable office buildings in Germany and the UK are examined using Social Network Analysis (SNA).

   

  Anchor

  Design/methodology/approach

   

  Case studies were adopted as research strategy, with one construction project representing one case study. A combination of quantitative data, social network data and some qualitative data on perceptions of the sustainable construction process and its KT were collected through questionnaires. The data was analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, cross tabulations, content analysis and SNA. This resulted in a KT map of each sustainable construction project.

   

  Anchor

  Findings

   

  The findings resulted in a better understanding of how knowledge on sustainable construction is transferred and adopted. They show that large amounts of tacit knowledge were transferred through strong ties in sparse networks.

   

  Anchor

  Research limitations/implications

   

  The findings could offer a solution to secure a certain standard of sustainable building quality through improved KT. The findings indicate a need for further research and discussion on network density, tie strength and tacit KT.

   

  Anchor

  Originality/value

   

  This paper contributes to the literature on KT from a social network perspective. It provides a novel approach through combining concepts of network structure and relatedness in tie contents regarding specialised knowledge, i.e. sustainable construction knowledge. Thereby it provides a robust approach to mapping knowledge flows in office building projects that aim to achieve high levels of sustainability standards.

   
  
  Website 
• Abanda FH, Kamsu-Foguem B, Tah JHM, 'BIM : new rules of measurement ontology for construction cost estimation'
  Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal 20 (2) (2017) pp.443-459
  ISSN: 2215-0986
  Abstract For generations, the process of cost estimation has been manual, time-consuming and errorprone. Emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) can exploit standard measurement methods to automate cost estimation process and improve inaccuracies. Structuring standard measurement methods in an ontologically and machine readable format for a BIM software can greatly facilitate the process of improving inaccuracies in cost estimation. This study explores the development of an ontology based on New Rules of Measurement (NRM) for cost estimation during the tendering stages. The methodology adopted is Methontology, one of the most widely used ontology engineering methodologies. To ensure the ontology is fit for purpose, cost estimation experts are employed to check the semantics, descriptive logicbased reasoners are used to syntactically check the ontology and a leading 4D BIM modelling software is used on a case study building to test/validate the proposed ontology.
   
  Website 
• Oti AH, Kurul E, Cheung F, Tah JHM, 'A framework for the utilization of Building Management System data in building information models for building design and operation'
  Automation in Construction 72 (2) (2016) pp.195-210
  ISSN: 0926-5805
  Abstract Research on digitizing the various aspects of a typical building project has been on the increase since the advent of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Most efforts build on information technology capabilities already achieved in the various professional domains associated with different stages of the building life cycle. It is predicted that BIM will help to drastically reduce errors, fast-track project delivery time and save implementation costs. As such BIM is now being utilized in the various professional domains and project stages. However, research suggests that the building operation and management stage is being left behind despite the abundance of data collected using building management systems (BMS) of varying degrees of sophistication. It is therefore important to consider exploring BIM applications that encompasses the building operation phase. This will enhance the evaluation of building performance in use and provide feedback to the design stage which could help eliminate design-related performance issues. A framework for utilizing feedback loops from building energy consumption to inform and improve design and facility management in a BIM environment is therefore proposed. A prototype illustrating the framework is implemented in. NET framework interfaced with a BIM-enabled tool and tested in the refinement of a pre-designed school using data from the operations phase of another school delivered previously. We conclude that the framework developed in this research can contribute to bridging existing gaps between the design, construction and operation phases of a building's life-cycle.Website 
• Abanda FH, Manjia MB, Enongene KE, Tah JHM, Pettang C, 'A feasibility study of a residential photovoltaic system in Cameroon'
  Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 17 (2016) pp.38-49
  ISSN: 2213-1388
  Abstract This paper presents a feasibility study of stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the electrification of three residential case study buildings (T4, T5 and T6) in the capital city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. The system was sized taking into account the load of the buildings and the available energy from the sun. The power, area of PV modules and daily energy generated by the PV for T4, T5 and T6 were respectively determined as: 2103 W, 14 m² and 9.8 kW h/day; 3779 W, 25.2 m² and 17.6 kW h/day; and 2766 W, 18.4 m² and 12.9 kW h/day. The battery bank capacity, size of inverter and controller were respectively obtained as: 40,323 W h, 635 W and 93 A for T4; 72,433 W h, 795 W and 156 A for T5; and 53,017 W h, 826 W and 114 A for T6. The life cycle cost and annualized life cycle cost (ALCC) of the systems were respectively found to be: €15,714 and €1039 for T4; €27,227and €1800 for T5; and €20,006 and €1322 for T6. The average unit electricity cost for T4, T5 and T6 was respectively determined to be €0.52 kW h⁻¹, €0.50 kW h⁻¹ and €0.51 kW h⁻¹, higher than the unit cost of residential grid electricity in Cameroon.Website 
• Oti AH, Tizani W, Abanda FH, Jaly-Zada A and Tah JHM, 'Structural sustainability appraisal in BIM'
  Automation in Construction 69 (September 2016) (2016) pp.44-58
  ISSN: 0926-5805
  Abstract The provision of Application Programming Interface (API) in BIM-enable tools can contribute to facilitating BIM-related research. APIs are useful links for running plug-ins and external programmes but they are yet to be fully exploited in expanding the BIM scope. The modelling of n-Dimensional (nD) building performance measures can potentially benefit from BIM extension through API implementations. Sustainability is one such measure associated with buildings. For the structural engineer, recent design  criteria have put great emphasis on the sustainability credentials as part of the traditional criteria of structural integrity, constructability and cost. This paper examines the utilization of API in BIM extension and presents a demonstration of an API application to embed sustainability issues into the appraisal process of structural conceptual design options in BIM. It concludes that API implementations are useful in expanding the BIM scope. Also, the approach including process modelling, algorithms and object-based instantiations demonstrated in the API implementation can be applicable to other nD building performance measures as may be relevant to the various professional platforms in the construction domain.Website 
• Abanda FH, Kamsu-Foguem B, Tah JHM, 'Towards an intelligent ontology construction cost estimation system: using BIM and new rules of measurement techniques'
  International Journal of Computer, Electrical, Automation, Control and Information Engineering 9 (1) (2015) pp.294-299
  Abstract
  Construction cost estimation is one of the most important aspects of construction project design. For generations, the process of cost estimating has been manual, time-consuming and error-prone. This has partly led to most cost estimates to be unclear
  and riddled with inaccuracies that at times lead to over- or underestimation
  of construction cost. The development of standard set of measurement rules that are understandable by all those involved in a construction project, have not totally solved the challenges. Emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies can exploit standard measurement methods to automate cost estimation process and improve accuracies. This requires standard measurement methods to be structured in ontological and machine readable format; so that BIM software packages can easily read them. Most standard measurement methods are still text-based in textbooks and require manual editing into tables or Spreadsheet during cost estimation. The aim of this study is to explore the development of an ontology based on New Rules of Measurement (NRM) commonly used in the UK for cost estimation. The methodology adopted is Methontology, one of the most widely used ontology engineering methodologies. The challenges in this exploratory study are also reported and recommendations for future studies proposed. 
  Website 
• Abdul-Aziz AR, Tah JHM, Lim JX, Loh CL, 'Government initiatives to attract retired migrants: An analysis of Malaysia's My Second Home (MM2H) programme.'
  Tourism Management Perspectives 16 (October 2015) (2015) pp.58-66
  ISSN: 2211-9736
  Abstract International residential retirement programmes as a policy tool to attract mobile retirees have thus far been under-studied. Malaysia's programme that is nearly three decades old was investigated. Drawing data from interviews and secondary data, it charts the evolutionary changes that the programme underwent. The latest iteration signifies an attempt to target wealthier retirees, no longer the mass market. Using the Rowles Watkins Model as the theoretical lense, it points out that Malaysia's current policy direction, whether by design or otherwise, is sensible as it ensures that Malaysia avoids reaching the saturation stage whereby the disbenefits outweigh the benefits. The paper concludes by recommending certain changes, some of which can be implemented without having to wait for the next iteration. Other destination countries can draw lessons from Malaysia's foreign residential retirement initiative, in particular the initial effort to gain popularity and subsequent use in moderation to stimulate economic growth.Website 
• Abanda FH, Vidalakis C, Oti AH, Tah JHM, 'A critical analysis of Building Information Modelling systems used in construction projects'
  Advances in Engineering Software 90 (December 2015) (2015) pp.183-201
  ISSN: 0965-9978
  Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) is now a global digital technology which is widely believed to have the potential to revolutionise the construction industry. This has been mainly a result of worldwide government initiatives promoting BIM uptake to improve efficiency and quality in delivering construction projects. This push has been accompanied by the release of a tremendous amount of BIM software systems which are now available in the market. Although this can be seen as a positive development, one cannot ignore how it has overwhelmed many professionals who cannot easily distinguish between the uses of these software systems. Previous studies about different BIM systems have generally been limited in scope focusing predominantly on operational issues. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive and critical appraisal of a wide range of BIM software systems currently being used in managing construction project information. To achieve this, five main methods are adopted. These include a systematic review of the literature, a structured questionnaire survey, action learning, focus group discussions and email surveys. It has to be noted that, although it is impossible to examine the totality of BIM systems, the study adopts a holistic approach looking at most of the major BIM system categories and 122 application examples which are common in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.Website 
• Abanda FH, Elambo NG, Tah J, Fabrice O, Blanche MM, 'Embodied energy and CO2 analyses of mud-brick and cement-block houses'
  AIMS Energy 2 (1) (2014) pp.18-40
  ISSN: 2333-8326 eISSN: 2333-8334
  Abstract In building projects, the extraction of vast quantities of materials is too common. The extraction of materials and the erection of buildings consume embodied energy and emit carbon dioxide (CO2) that impact negatively on the environment. Therefore it is necessary to consider embodied energy and CO2 amongst other factors in selecting building materials for use in building projects. In most developing countries, building environmental performance analysis has yet to gain interest from the construction community. However, with recent increase in sustainability awareness, both developed and developing nations have engaged in efforts to tackle this challenge. Embodied energy and CO2 are among the leading parameters in assessing environmental building performance. In Cameroon, studies about the assessment of embodied energy and CO2 of building projects are scarce. Hence, professionals find it difficult to make alternative choices for building materials to use in their different building projects. This study uses a detailed process analysis approach supported by two popular housing types in Cameroon (mud-brick and cement-block houses) to assess the embodied energy and CO2 impacts from building materials. The emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool was used to validate the computational results of the process analysis method. The findings revealed the embodied energy and CO2 for the mud-brick houses are 137934.91 MJ (2007.8 MJ/m2) and 15665.56 Kg CO2 (228.03 Kg CO2/m2); the cement-block houses are 292326.81 MJ (3065.51 MJ/m2) and 37829.19 Kg CO2 (396.7 Kg CO2/m2) respectively. Thus, the cement-block house expends at least 1.5 times more embodied energy and emits at least 1.7 times more embodied CO2 than mud-brick house. Although these findings cannot be generalized, they nonetheless indicate the importance of considering embodied energy and CO2 in making alternative choices for use in different building projects.Website 
• Abanda FH, Manjia MB, Pettang C, Tah JHM, Nkeng GE, 'Building Information Modelling in Cameroon: Overcoming Existing Challenges'
  International Journal of 3-D Information Modeling 3 (4) (2014)
  ISSN: 2156-1710 eISSN: 2156-1702
  Abstract

  BIM has recently gained ground in developed countries. However, the use of BIM in developing countries including Cameroon is not well-known. In this study, BIM implementation in Cameroon is explored. The research methods used are a pilot study, electronic email surveys and in-depth phone interviews. Altogether, 179 professionals having at least a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the National Advanced School of Engineering Yaoundé I - Cameroon, a leading engineering institution in Francophone Africa, were sampled. Forty six provided feedback yielding a response rate of 25.7%. It emerged that some BIM software are already being used in Cameroon. However, major barriers hindering BIM uptake are high license fee and lack of huge projects that can pay off the cost of investment in BIM. Perhaps, partly because the respondents were highly skilled, it emerged that the lack of expertise was/is not a major problem to use BIM in projects. Although this study is limited to Cameroon, many recommendations could be relevant to other African countries.

  Website 
• Abanda F, Tah J, Cheung F, 'Mathematical modelling of embodied energy, greenhouse gases, waste, time–cost parameters of building projects: a review'
  Building and Environment 59 (January) (2013) pp.23-37
  ISSN: 0360-1323
  Abstract

  The construction industry including its support industries is one of the highest consumers of natural resources. In the act of consumption of natural resources during construction processes, embodied energy and greenhouse gases are emitted which have adverse effects on the natural environment. Thus, recent studies have revealed a significant interest in the quantification of embodied energy and greenhouse gases in construction processes. Unfortunately, current interpretations and quantification procedures of embodied energy and greenhouse gases are quite unclear. More also, while greenhouse gas and embodied energy quantification models are so disaggregated, studies reveal their existence in isolation without any links to other important environmental/construction management variables such as waste, time and cost. The objectives of this study are to identify the gaps in the current computation models, to reveal the relationships between the identified models and to propose a framework towards developing an integrated model for measuring embodied energy, greenhouse gases, construction waste, time and cost. The contributions of this study are three-fold. Firstly, the identification of the different models and variables, such that they can be used in computations, that can lead to consistent and comparable results. Secondly, investigate the relationships amongst embodied energy, greenhouse gases, construction waste, cost and time variables, that can facilitate the quantification process and hence potentially facilitate the engagement into low carbon building design by construction professionals. Lastly, lay the foundation for further research especially with regards to the integration of the different models and variables so that they can be measured simultaneously.

  Website 
• Abanda FH, Tah JHM, Keivani R, 'Trends in built environment semantic web applications: Where are we today?'
  Expert Systems with Applications 40 (14) (2013) pp.5563-5577
  ISSN: 0957-4174
  Abstract

  The built environment sector impacts significantly on communities. At the same time, it is the sector with the highest cost and environmental saving potentials provided effective strategies are implemented. The emerging Semantic Web promises new opportunities for efficient management of information and knowledge about various domains. While other domains, particularly bioinformatics have fully embraced the Semantic Web, knowledge about how the same has been applied to the built environment is sketchy. This study investigates the development and trend of Semantic Web applications in the built environment Understanding the different applications of the Semantic Web is essential for evaluation, improvement and opening of new research. A review of over 120 refereed articles on built environment Semantic Web applications has been conducted. A classification of the different Semantic Web applications in relation to their year of application is presented to highlight the trend. Two major findings have emerged. Firstly, despite limited research about easy-to-use applications, progress is being made from often too-common ontological concepts to more innovative concepts such as Linked Data. Secondly, a shift from traditional construction applications to Semantic Web sustainable construction applications is gradually emerging. To conclude, research challenges, potential future development and research directions have been discussed.

  Website 
• Abanda F, Tah J, Duce D, 'PV-TONS: a photovoltaic technology ontology system for the design of PV-systems'
  Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence 26 (4) (2013) pp.1399-1412
  ISSN: 0952-1976
  Abstract The impacts of climate change, the increasing demand for energy and the diminishing fossil fuel resources have resulted in the development and use of a large number of renewable energy technologies in building development. These technologies are generating a huge amount of information which often overwhelms interested users and thus makes it difficult for them to make informed choices about their applications. The emergence of Semantic Web technologies, the next generation of Web technologies, promises to considerably improve representation, sharing and re-use of information to support decision-making. This article investigates how the emerging Semantic Web enabling technologies can be used to both represent information and knowledge about renewable energy technologies, and facilitate system decision-making in recommending appropriate choices for use in different situations. Based on a review of literature, a prototype Semantic Web system known as the photovoltaic technology ontology system (PV-TONS) for managing knowledge about PV-systems is developed to demonstrate some Semantic Web capabilities. PV-TONS includes Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) that provides a reasoning mechanism to facilitate system decision support. To validate PV-TONS, a green building that uses PV-systems to generate its energy was employed as a case study.Website 
• Dikmen I, Birgonul MT, Tah JH, Ozer AH, 'A web-based risk assessment tool using integrated duration-cost influence network model'
  Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 1 (2012) pp.410-
  ISSN: 0733-9364
  
• Kurul E, Tah JH, Cheung F, 'Does the UK built environment sector have the institutional capacity to deliver sustainable development?'
  Architectural Engineering and Design Management 8 (1) (2012) pp.42-54
  ISSN: 1745-2007
  Abstract Globally, the construction sector has to reduce its environmental impact. Institutional innovation is necessary to achieve reductions at the required levels. Robust and rigorous evaluations of the industry's capacity to bring about such innovation are absent, although there is a plethora of policy incentives, and more frequently obligations, for the industry to take action. This paper evaluates the UK construction industry's institutional capacity to innovate to become more sustainable. The industry's current impact on the environment is first illustrated. The second section argues the case for institutional innovation to meet the UK Government's targets, and reviews the policy implementation and institutional innovation literature. A framework that is later used to evaluate the UK construction industry's institutional capacity to deliver sustainability concludes this section. The main body of the paper focuses on this evaluation by using secondary data published by key government departments and industry bodies.. The conclusions identify the policy framework as the strongest aspect of the industry, whilst demonstrating that in other areas, i.e. content, capacity, commitment, and clients and collaborations, there is much room to develop institutional capacity. The fragmented industry structure and the current state of the economy are identified to be the main barriers to development.Website 
• Abanda F, Ng’ombe A, Keivani R, Tah J, 'The link between renewable energy production and gross domestic product in Africa: A comparative study between 1980 and 2008'
  Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 16 (4) (2012) pp.2147-2153
  ISSN: 1364-0321
  Abstract Renewable energy (RE) projects are arguably one of the most important strategies that can be used in the mitigation of climate change impacts. At the same time, RE technologies can generate clean energy and potentially boost the economy of the African continent. It is thus not surprising that recent studies have investigated the relationship between RE and economic growth in some African countries. However, the limitation of these reductionist analytical frameworks is that they can conceal the true regional picture in terms of the link between investments in RE technologies and gross domestic product (GDP). This holistic analysis is important in order to inform regional policies on climate change. The article uses statistical analytic techniques to examine the correlation between RE production and economic growth across different blocks of the African continent between 1980 and 2008. The analysis is between geographical blocks (e.g. Southern Africa, Western Africa, etc.) and between oil and non-oil producing blocks. Generally speaking, while there exists a similar pattern in all the studied blocks in terms of mean, standard deviation and correlation between RE and GDP, a few exceptions can be found. For instance, the rise in RE–GDP correlation from 1992/1993 onwards was conspicuously higher in North Africa and oil-producing countries compared to all the other blocks. Similarly, Southern Africa was the only block where the correlation between RE and GDP was negative throughout the period under review, except 1988, 1989 and 1997 when it was positive.Website 
• Dikmen I, Birgonul M, Tah J, Ozer A, 'Web-based risk assessment tool using integrated duration–cost influence network model'
  Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 138 (9) (2012) pp.1023-1034
  ISSN: 0733-9364
  Abstract The major challenges of project risk assessment may be attributed to the knowledge requirements for determining the level of uncertainty and the development of complex models to predict project outcomes. The duration-cost influence network is an adequate model that can be used for activity-based risk modeling. In this study, a scenario analysis feature is added to this model and a Web-based tool is developed that can be used to calculate risk-adjusted duration and cost, considering the risks affecting cost and duration of individual activities. Monte Carlo simulation is used to create scenarios, and the output of these scenarios is calculated by using the cost-duration influence system that simulates the vulnerability of the project to the identified risk factors. The Web-based tool can be used by decision makers during the preplanning stage of construction projects to estimate the cost and duration implications of various risk occurrence scenarios, determine contingencies, and prepare risk-management plans.Website 
• Cheung FKT, Rihan J, Tah J, Duce D, Kurul E, 'Early stage multi-level cost estimation for schematic BIM models'
  Automation in Construction 27 (2012) pp.67-77
  ISSN: 0926-5805
  Abstract Previous studies reveal the need for a tool to evaluate various aspects of building design in early design stages. This paper proposes a multi-attribute based tool to address this need. The tool allows users to evaluate the functionality, economics and performance of buildings concurrently with building design. To illustrate the mechanics of the tool, the paper details the cost estimation module that enables quick and intuitive exploration of early stage design in a popular 3D modelling environment. Measurements are automatically extracted from 3D models and profile driven estimates are revised in real-time. The data model uses a flexible unit rate system that can easily be extended to other estimate dimensions such as carbon estimates and waste estimation. The approach illustrated in this paper is applicable to 3D modelling environments that support free form geometry for massing purposes other than the one chosen for this study.
   
  Website 
• Ren Z, Anumba C, Tah J, 'RFID facilitated construction materials management (RFID-CMM): A case study of water supply project'
  Advanced Engineering Informatics 25 (2) (2011) pp.198-207
  ISSN: 1474-0346
  Abstract Due to the complex and dynamic nature of the construction industry, construction materials management faces many unique challenges from material planning, ordering, receiving and storing, handling and distribution, site usage and monitoring. Poor materials management has been identified as a major source of low construction productivity, cost overrun and delays. Lack of active, accurate and integrated information flow from material planning, inventory, site use to monitoring and control is a major contributor to such problems. However, it is difficult to obtain such accurate information actively due to the nature of the industry, particularly for large or material intensive projects such as oil or water pipe-laying projects. This paper presents a Radio Frequency Identification system (RFID) facilitated construction material management system which is developed to tackle this problem. This latest technology helps project teams to collect material storage and usage information in an active and accurate way. Additionally, it facilitates the flow of information through the construction materials management process focusing on dynamic material planning, ordering and monitoring. The developed system is being implemented in a water-supply project.Website 
• Abanda H, Ng'ombe A, Tah J, Keivani R, 'An ontology-driven decision support system for land delivery in Zambia'
  Expert Systems with Applications 38 (9) (2011) pp.10896-10905
  ISSN: 0957-4174
  Abstract Land is increasingly becoming important as the global economic crisis and climate change impacts continue to grow. This is mirrored in Zambia where the management of land has become very critical, prompting urgent government intervention/regulatory measures in the form of land reform. However, lack of efficient communication mechanisms inhibits the success of these efforts as officials are unable to make efficient land delivery decisions. This paper investigates the extent to which Semantic Web technology, an emerging communication technology, can be used in developing decision support systems that can facilitate the Zambian land delivery process.Website 
• Tah J, Abanda F, 'Sustainable building technology knowledge representation: using semantic web techniques'
  Advanced Engineering Informatics 25 (3) (2011) pp.547-558
  ISSN: 1474-0346
  Abstract The global quest for sustainability in the exploitation of resources and the need for carbon foot-print reduction has resulted in the development of a large number of innovations and a huge amount of knowledge on sustainable building technologies. Unfortunately, users are being overwhelmed with information overload in this area such that it is difficult for them to make informed choices. The emergence of Semantic Web technologies, the next generation of Web technologies, promises to considerably improve representation, sharing and re-use of information to support decision-making. This paper explores the extent to which emerging Semantic Web technologies can be exploited to both represent information and knowledge about sustainable building technologies, and facilitate system decision-making in recommending appropriate choices for use in different situations. This is done by undertaking a literature review of emerging Semantic Web technologies and emerging innovations in sustainable building technologies. To demonstrate what can already be gained from the Semantic Web, a conceptual model for representing information about photovoltaic system, a major type of sustainable building technologies has been developed. The model is used to develop and test a prototypical ontology in Web ontology language representing knowledge in the photovoltaic system domain. The ontology has been extended to include Description Logics that provide a reasoning mechanism to facilitate system decision support.Website 
• Abanda F, Tah J, Pettang C, Manjia M, 'An ontology-driven building construction labour cost estimation in Cameroon'
  Journal of Information Technology in Construction 16 (2011) pp.617-634
  ISSN: 1874-4753
  Abstract Building construction is a very important development activity of any country. In addition to its basic role of providing shelter, the sub-sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of both developing and developed countries, and plays an equally important role in the creation of employment. Unfortunately, the way building projects are managed in developing countries has often led to the under- or non-exploitation of the potential of these projects. Many factors, including inaccurate estimation techniques, poor and the challenge in predicting building construction labour cost, contribute to the poor management of building construction projects. Thus labour costing has become a key parameter for use in building construction projects. This article aims to investigate the use of an ontology-based technology in modelling information about labour costs in order to facilitate decision-making among building developers. This is achieved by pursuing two objectives. Firstly, a domain ontology that captures knowledge about labour costing practices in developing countries in general and Cameroon in particular is developed. Secondly, an ontology rule-based application is developed to facilitate decision-making and computation of labour cost in building construction projects. Three exemplary case scenarios are presented to illustrate how a construction decision-maker can intuitively query the labour cost ontology and navigate the results.Website 
• Dikmen I, Birgonul M T, Anac C, Tah J H M , Aouad G, 'Learning from risks: A tool for post-project risk assessment'
  Automation in Construction 18 (1) (2008) pp.42-50
  ISSN: 0926-5805
  Abstract Risk management (RM) comprises of risk identification, risk analysis, response planning, monitoring and action planning tasks that are carried out throughout the life cycle of a project in order to ensure that project objectives are met. Although the methodological aspects of RM are well-defined, the philosophical background is rather vague. In this paper, a learning-based approach is proposed. In order to implement this approach in practice, a tool has been developed to facilitate construction of a lessons learned database that contains risk-related information and risk assessment throughout the life cycle of a project. The tool is tested on a real construction project. The case study findings demonstrate that it can be used for storing as well as updating risk-related information and finally, carrying out a post-project appraisal. The major weaknesses of the tool are identified as, subjectivity of the risk rating process and unwillingness of people to enter information about reasons of failure.Website 
• Wang H, Hamilton A, Counsell J, Tah J, 'A web-based framework for urban data sharing and dynamic integration'
  ACE: Arquitectura, Ciudad y Entorno, núm. 4, Junio 2007 2 (4) (2007)
  eISSN: 1886-4805
  Abstract ENGLISH: In urban planning and management, data sharing and integration are always problematic because urban datasets are heterogeneous and scattered in different domains and organisations. This paper introduces the research work being carried within the Virtual Environment Planning (VEPS) project. Based on a loosely-coupled mediator system and Open Geospatial Consortium’s Web Services (OWS) architecture, a Web-based information service framework is designed to support the sharing and integration of geo-spatial information, building information and other related information. In this framework, a Building Feature Service (BFS) is defined to implement the retrieval of building information model on the Web according to the OWS principles. The BFS can act as a Web-based building information server for urban planning and construction stakeholders. As proof of concept, an initial prototype is developed to demonstrate the data sharing and integration based on this web-based information service framework.
  
  SPANISH: En la planificación y la gestión urbana, el intercambio de datos y la integración son siempre problemáticos porque los conjuntos de datos urbanos son heterogéneos y dispersos en distintos ámbitos y organizaciones. En este trabajo se presenta el trabajo de investigación realizado dentro del proyecto de Planificación Virtual Ambiental (VEPS). Sobre la base de un sistema mediador de acoplamiento flexible y servicios web basados en la arquitectura fijada por el Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), se ha diseñado un marco de servicio de información basado en la web para apoyar el intercambio y la integración de la información geoespacial, la construcción de la información y otra información relacionada. En este marco, un Servicio de Construcción de Entidades (BFS) se define para poner en práctica la recuperación de la construcción del modelo de información en la web de acuerdo con los principios de OGC. Los BFS pueden actuar como un servidor de información de edificios basada en web para la planificación urbana y las partes interesadas de la construcción. Como prueba de concepto, un primer prototipo ha sido desarrollado para demostrar el intercambio de datos y la integración sobre la base de este marco de servicios de información en línea.
  
  CATALAN: En la planificació i la gestió urbana, l'intercanvi de dades i la integració són sempre problemàtics perquè els conjunts de dades urbanes són heterogènies i disperses en diferents àmbits i organitzacions. En aquest treball es presenta la recerca realitzada dins del projecte de Planificació Virtual Ambiental (VEPS). Sobre la base d'un sistema mediador d'acoblament flexible i serveis web basats en l'arquitectura fixada per l'Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), s'ha dissenyat un marc de servei d'informació basat en web per donar suport l'intercanvi i la integració de la informació geoespacial, la construcció de la informació i altra relacionada. En aquest marc, un Servei de Construcció d'Entitats (BFS) es defineix per posar en pràctica la recuperació de la construcció del model d'informació a la web d'acord amb els principis d'OGC. Els BFS poden actuar com un servidor d'informació d'edificis basada en web per a la planificació urbana i les parts interessades de la construcció. Com a prova de concepte, un primer prototip ha estat desenvolupat per demostrar l'intercanvi de dades i la integració sobre la base d'aquest marc de serveis d'informació en línia.Website 
• Fu C, Tah J, Aouad G, Kagioglou M, Zeisel J, 'Space-centred information management approach to improve CAD-based healthcare building design'
  Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITCon) 12 (2007) pp.61-71
  ISSN: 1874-4753
  
• Wu S, Lee A, Tah J, Aouad G, 'The use of a multi-attribute tool for evaluating accessibility in buildings: the AHP approach'
  Facilities 25 (9/10) (2007) pp.375-389
  ISSN: 0263-2772
  
• Poh Y, Tah J, 'Integrated duration-cost influence network for modelling risk impacts on construction tasks'
  Construction Management and Economics 24 (8) (2006) pp.861-868
  ISSN: 0144-6193 eISSN: 1466-433X
  
• Tah JH, 'Towards an agent-based construction supply network modelling and simulation platform'
  Automation in Construction 14 (3) (2005) pp.353-359
  ISSN: 0926-5805
  
• Tah J, Ugwu O, 'Agents and multi-agent systems in construction'
  INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IT IN ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION (2003) pp.7-8
  ISSN: 1911-110X eISSN: 1911-1118
  
• Udeaja C, Tah J, Ndumu D, 'Construction material supply chain integration using multi-agent systems technology: A conceptual framework'
  INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IT IN ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION (2003) pp.67-84
  ISSN: 1911-110X eISSN: 1911-1118
  
• Tah J, Ndumu D, 'Using software agents for preplanning and tendering'
  Proceedings of the ICE - Civil Engineering 150 (6) (2002) pp.51-55
  ISSN: 0965-089X eISSN: 1751-7672
  Abstract Computer-based techniques for pre-planning and tendering design and construction work would enable construction professionals to assess the real impact of decisions they make at the early stages of a project. This paper presents work being undertaken to explore the potential of using software agents to replicate individuals involved in pre-planning and tendering. The emerging approach could be the basis for collaborative problem-solving and decision-support systems for the multi-disciplinary supply networks involved in construction.Website 
• Kaluarachchi Y, Tah J, Howes R, 'The historical development of standardised building systems associated with social housing in UK'
  International Journal for Housing and Its Applications 26 (1) (2002) pp.15-26
  ISSN: 0146-6518
  
• Carr V, Tah J, 'A fuzzy approach to construction project risk assessment and analysis: construction project risk management system'
  Advances in Engineering software 32 (10/11) (2001) pp.847-857
  ISSN: 0965-9978
  Abstract The construction industry is plagued by risk, and poor performance has often been the result. Although risk management techniques have been applied, the lack of a formalised approach has produced inconsistent results. In this paper, a hierarchical risk breakdown structure is described to represent a formal model for qualitative risk assessment. The relationships between risk factors, risks, and their consequences are represented on case and effect diagrams. Risk descriptions and their consequences can be defined using descriptive linguistic variables. Using fuzzy approximation and composition, the relationships between risk sources and the consequences on project performance measures can be identified and quantified consistently.
• Tah J, Carr V, 'Knowledge-based approach to construction project risk management'
  Journal of computing in civil engineering 15 (2001) pp.170-
  ISSN: 0887-3801
  
• Tah J, Carr V, 'Towards a framework for project risk knowledge management in the construction supply chain'
  Advances in Engineering Software 32 (10) (2001) pp.835-846
  ISSN: 0965-9978
  
• Tah J, Thorpe A, McCaffer R, 'A survey of indirect cost estimating in practice'
  Construction Management and Economics 12 (1) (1994) pp.31-36
  ISSN: 0144-6193
  
• Tah J, Thorpe A, McCaffer R, 'Contractor project risks contingency allocation using linguistic approximation'
  Computing systems in engineering 4 (2-3) (1993) pp.281-293
  

Book chapters

• Abanda FH, Oti AH, Tah JHM, 'Digitizing the Assessment of Embodied Energy and Carbon Footprint of Buildings Using Emerging Building Information Modeling' in Muthu SS (ed.), Digitizing the Assessment of Embodied Energy and Carbon Footprint of Buildings Using Emerging Building Information Modeling, CRC Press (2015)
  ISBN: 978-1-4822-6222-3 eISBN: 978-1-4822-6223-0
  Abstract Chapter 14Website 
• Tah JH, 'Virtual planning and knowledge-based decision support' in Virtual Planning and Knowledge-based Decision Support, (2012)
  ISBN: 9781405156486 eISBN: 9781118280324
  
• Tah J, 'Future agent-driven virtual photocopying environments in construction' in Virtual futures for design, construction & procurement, Blackwell publishing (2008)
  ISBN: 9781405170246
  Website 

Conference papers

• Oti AH, Kurul E, Cheung F, Tah J, 'The Utilisation of BMS Data in BIM for Facilities Management'
  1 (2016) pp.224-235
  ISBN: 9789521537400
  Abstract
  Website 
• Abanda FH, Tah JHM, 'Free and Open source Building Information Modelling for developing countries'
  (2014)
  ISBN: 978995627030
  Abstract

  Today in most countries, Building Information Modelling has been hailed as a major solution for long standing challenges facing the construction industry. While Building Information Modelling is already quite popular in developed countries, its uptake in developing countries has been hampered by a number of challenges. Chief amongst these is cost of Building Information Modelling software and training. This study investigates the availability and potential of open source Building Information Modelling software as an affordable alternative for developing countries. This is achieved through an extensive in-depth analysis of secondary sources including Building Information Modelling vendors’ websites. Although the present analysis focuses on selected open sourced Building Information Modelling software applicable to different areas of construction (e.g. energy analysis and cost estimation), their potential to exchange data with other software has been examined. The main findings are that, there are already so many open source Building Information Modelling software that can be used by developing countries or any organisation with limited resources especially Africa. The main contribution of this paper is the provision of an up-to-date free and open source Building Information Modelling and related software with their respective Web links that can be used in managing construction information.

• Kurul E, Abanda H, Tah JH, Cheung F, 'Rethinking the build process for BIM adoption'
  CIB World Building Congress Construction and Society. Australia (2013) pp.1-13
  ISBN: 978-0-9875542-1-5
  Abstract Collaborative working and integrated project delivery (IPD) are considered to be pivotal for the UK Built Environment Sector to rise up to the important challenges, such as reducing carbon emissions and cost, whilst delivering better value to the client. Considerable work remains to be done after nearly 1.5 decades since Egan listed them among the five key drivers of change. Innovating through integration and advocating change remain amongst the Government’s top priorities for the sector to respond to the five-low carbon challenges, and thus to reduce costs by between 10% and 30%. 
   
  Building Information Modelling (BIM) is currently hailed as a solution that will eventually make collaborative working a reality. There is a strong push in the UK for the industry to adopt BIM but very limited appreciation of the issues that need to be resolved, e.g. cultural, procedural, contractual and process-related. Technological solutions to this problem exist but they need to be creatively combined to facilitate true collaboration between disparate project stakeholders who are often reluctant to share innovative solutions due to contractual relationships and Intellectual Property.
   
  This paper focuses on improving the processes to design and deliver standardised schools in the UK by developing a novel approach to IPD through collaborative working and learning from project experience (collaborative BIM- cBIM). This is achieved by utilising the power of BIM, and emerging techniques and technologies. First a review of the current processes is undertaken to identify how IPD of standardised designs should be lead, planned and implemented. Second, emerging tools and technologies that can support this novel approach to procurement, design, and delivery are identified. The paper concludes with suggestions to develop an initial framework for cBIM which details the processes and protocols that should be embedded in project teams to make IPD a reality. 
   
• Tah, J H, 'Measuring the embodied energy, waste, CO2 emissions, time and cost for building design and construction'
  (2010)
  
• Tah JH, Zhou W, Abanda F, Cheung F, 'Towards a holistic modeling framework for embodied carbon and waste in the building lifecycle'
  (2010) pp.163-168
  ISBN: 9781907284601
  Website 

Other publications

• Keivani R, Tah JH, Kurul E, Abanda H, 'Green Jobs Creation Through Sustainable Refurbishment in the Developing Countries'
  (2010) ISBN: 978-92-2-123610-8
  Abstract This paper provides a review of literature on energy-efficient sustainable refurbishment in developing countries and concentrates on case studies within Brazil, South Africa and the Netherlands to examine the social, economic and environmental effects of adopting sustainable refurbishment.Website 
• Lee A, Wu S, Aouad G, Cooper R, Tah J, 'A roadmap for nD-enabled construction'
  RICS Research paper series (2) (2006) ISSN: 1354-506X ISBN: 978184219285X
  Abstract Accumulates the results of 5 workshops to produce a roadmap of how nD modelling can help the design and construction industries to improve their performance. Updates the 2005 RICS research paper "nD modelling: a driver or enabler for construction improvement?" (ISBN 1842192000). Shows that the concentration of effort should be placed on the education and training activities to heighten the level of industry's awareness of nD modelling, with the technology itself being of a lower importance.

Refereed conference papers

Abanda H. and Tah J.H.M. (2012) Linked Data in renewable energy domain. In: 6th International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software (iEMSs), 1–5 July 2012, Leipzig, Germany.

Veronika S, Kurul E and Tah JHM. “Knowledge transfer in construction project teams delivering sustainable buildings”. Sixth International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century Construction Challenges in the New DecadeKuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- July 5-7, 2011.

Abanda H., Tah J.H.M., Cheung F. and Zhou W. (2010) Measuring the Embodied Energy, Waste and CO2 Emissions from Construction Activity: An Overview. In: The Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering 2010, June 30-July 2, The University of Nottingham, UK, pp. 361-366.

Tah J.H.M., Zhou W., Abanda F.H. and Cheung F.K.T (2010) Towards a holistic modelling framework for embodied carbon and waste in the building lifecycle. In: The Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering 2010, June 30-July 2, The University of Nottingham, UK, pp. 82-87.

Abanda H., Tah J.H.M., Pettang C., Manjia M.B. and Sambo K. (2010) An ontology-driven approach to labour cost estimation: The case of house-building projects in Cameroon. In: The Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering 2010, June 30-July 2, The University of Nottingham, UK, pp. 225-231.

E. Kurul, J.H.M. Tah, and F. Cheung. (2010). Does the UK built environment sector have the capacity to deliver sustainable development? The 6th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), June 9-11, Pennsylvania, Penn State University. (Conference Best paper Award for Innovations in Sustainability).

Tah, J.H.M., Zhou, W. and Cheung, F.K.T., 2010. Towards a holistic modelling framework for embodied carbon and waste in the building lifecycle. In Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, Proceedings of the International Conference, W. TIZANI (Editor), 30 June-2 July, Nottingham, UK, Nottingham University Press, Paper 82, p. 163, ISBN 978-1-907284-60-1

Abanda F.H., Tah J.H.M., Kurul E. and Duce D. (2009) Exploring the use of protégé in representing knowledge on sustainable building technologies. In: Ahmed, V. et al. (Ed) Procs 9th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC), 29-30th 2009, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, UK, pp. 449-460.

Tah J.H.M. and Abanda F.H. (2009) Exploring the use of Semantic Web techniques for representing knowledge about sustainable building technologies. In: The Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC-V) “Collaboration and Integration in Engineering, Management and Technology” May 20-22, 2009, Istanbul, Turkey.

Taylor-Lewis, D., Tah, J. and Kurul, E. (2009). Positioning of Black and Asian construction businesses in the UK : A literature review. In: Proceedings of the 9th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC) Salford Quays, Manchester.

Bhargav Dave, Lauri Koskela, Mike Kagioglou, Robert Owen and Joseph Tah. Towards business process improvement: a construction case study. Innovations for Building and Construction Towards a better, stronger and sustainable future using advanced ICT, 12th EuropIA International Conference, 18-20 March 2009, Université Paris 8, Saint-Denis Cedex, Paris, France.

Tah, J.H.M. and Poh, Y.P. “Towards the development of an integrated duration-cost risk simulation system”, 12th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering & 2008 International Conference on Information Technology in Construction, 16-18 October, 2008.

Ren, Z. Xue, X.L., Hassan, T.M. and Tah, J. (2008). Multi-Agent Systems facilitated e-Business – A Case Study of the Single Electronic European Market. In the Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering and 8th International Conference on Information Technology in Construction, Reference No. 195. Beijing, China.

Abanda F.H. and Tah J.H.M. (2008) Sustainable building technology ontology. In: Dainty, A (Ed) Procs 24th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2008, Cardiff, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, pp. 677-686.

Y. Arayici, J. Tah. 'Towards Building Information Modeling for existing structures', the 11th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing, 18-21 September 2007, St Julian's, Malta, (paper 76), ISBN 978-1-905088-16-4, 2007

Adigun, O. and Tah, J.H.M. 'A review of literature on construction supply chain management'. International Postgraduate Research Conference, March 28th - 29th, Salford Quays, 2007.

Abanda, F.H. and Tah, J.H.M. 'Towards the development of a knowledge-repository of emerging innovations for sustainable housing development'. International Postgraduate Research Conference, March 28th - 29th, Salford Quays, 2007, pp345-353.

Biscaya, S. and Tah, J.H.M. 'A literature review on information coordination in construction'. International Postgraduate Research Conference, March 28th - 29th, Salford Quays, 2007.

Tah, J.H.M. and Poh, Y.P. 'A knowledge-based fuzzy risk aggregation technique for duration and cost risks'. Proceedings of the World IT Conference for Design and Construction, INCITE/ITCSED, New Delhi, India, Nov. 15-17, 2006, Vol. I, pp 391-403. ISBN 81-89809-01-6

Tah, J.H.M. and Dave, B. 'Towards business process management in a medium-sized construction company'. Proceedings of the World IT Conference for Design and Construction, INCITE/ITCSED, New Delhi, India, Nov. 15-17, 2006, Vol. II, pp141-151. ISBN 81-89809-02-4

Fu, C., Tah, J., Ruffle, S. (2006) Implementation of Web-based Virtual Reality Technology in Public Participation, The 2nD CIB International Conference of Mega Cities, Guangzhou, 30th Nov. - 2nd Dec. 2006, China.

Fu, C., Tah, J., Aouad, G., Cooper, R., (2006) Developing an Integrated Database for Urban Sustainability Analysis, in the proceeding of 3rd International SCRI Research Symposium, 3rd-7th April 2006, Delft, Netherlands.

Tanyer, A. M., Tah, J. H. M., Aouad, G. (2005) 'An Integrated Database to Support Collaborative Urban Planning: The N-Dimensional Modelling Approach', Proceedings of the ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering, 12-15 July, 2005, Cancun, Mexico. ISBN 0-7844-0794-0

Tanyer, A. M., Tah, J. H. M., Aouad, G. (2005) 'Towards n-Dimensional Modelling in Urban Planning', Innovation in Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC), Edited by Sariyildiz, S and Tunçer, B., 15-17 June, Rotterdam, pp.503-512.

Angela Lee,Ghassan Aouad,Koh.W.I,Song Wu,Tah.J.H.M, (2004),Computer-Aided Support for Accessible Building Layouts., In Proceedings of the 1st International SCRI symposium, Salford, UK, March 30th – 31st.

Tah, J. H. M., Aouad, G., Lee, A. and Wu, S. (2004). 'Towards Risk Analysis and Management in an nD Modelling Environment'. Salford Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI) International Symposium, Salford, UK, March 30th – 31st.

Poh, Y. P. and Tah, J. H. M. (2004). 'A Conceptual Framework for an Integrated Duration-Cost Influence Network for Risk Propagation and Quantification', 4th International Postgraduate Research Conference in the Built and Human Environment, April 1st – 2nd.

Tah, J. H. M. (2004) Towards an Agent-Based Project Supply Network Modelling and Simulation Environment, International Conference on Construction Information Technology (INCITE) 2004, Langkawi, Malaysia, February 18th – 21st.

Tah, J.H.M. and Carr V. 'The use of the IFC process extensions for project model-based data exchange'. Proceedings of the European Conference on Information and Communication Technology Advances and Innovation in the Knowledge Society, eSM@ART and CISEMIC 2002, University of Salford, 18-21 November 2002, pp. 235-244. ISBN 0902896415.

Aziz, Z., Tah, J.H.M., and Carr, V. Wireless sensor network applications for the construction site Proceedings of the European Conference on Information and Communication Technology Advances and Innovation in the Knowledge Society, eSM@ART and CISEMIC 2002, University of Salford, 18-21 November 2002, pp. 24-34. ISBN 0902896415

Udeaja, C.E. and Tah, J.H.M. 'Collaborative material procurement within the construction supply chain: a multi-agent systems approach'. Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on decision making in urban and civil engineering, London, 6-8 November 2002.

Aziz, Z. and Tah, J.H.M. 'Bluetooth wireless technology and its potential applications for construction site processes'. Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on decision making in urban and civil engineering, London, 6-8 November 2002.

Shayo, H., Udeaja, C. E., and Tah, J.H.M. 'Towards sustainable construction procurement: the timber supply chain in Tanzania'. The 1st International Conference of CIB W107 on Creating a Sustainable Construction Industry in Developing Countries, 11th-13th November 2002, Spier, South Africa.

Tah, J. H. M and Udeaja, C. E. 'Integrated Intelligent Planning and Scheduling in Construction Material Supply Chain Environments'. 10th International Symposium Construction Innovation and Global Competitiveness W65, 9th – 13th September 2002, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Udeaja C. E. and Tah, J.H.M. 'Intelligent virtual construction material supply chain environment'. The First International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (CITC2002) - Challenges and Opportunities in Management and Technology” 25-26 April, 2002. Miami, Florida, USA.

Udeaja, C. E and Tah, J. H. M 'Construction Material Supply Chain Management: Towards an Agent-Based Technology'. 17th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2001, University of Salford, UK.

Udeaja, C. E and Tah, J. H. M 'Agent-Based Material Supply Chain Integration'. Perspectives on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Innovative Architecture, Engineering and Construction Engineering (AEC), 18-20 July 2001, Loughborough University, Edited by C.J. Anumba, C. Egbu and A. Thorpe, pp377-388.

Kaluarachchi, Y.D. and Tah, J.H.M. 'An innovative social housing design concept using a timber semi-volumetric construction system'. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction , 18-20 July 2001, Loughborough University, pp162-171. ISBN 1 897911 23 8.

Udeaja, C. E; Tah, J. H. M and Ndumu, D. T 'Multi-Agent System Application in Construction Material Supply Chain Environment'. Proceedings of the Third EPRSC International Postgraduate Research Conference in Electronics, Photonics, Communications and Software, 9-11 April 2001, University of Keele, UK, pp103-104.

Tah, J.H.M., Carr, V. 'How do Small and Medium-Sized Consultancy Practices Perceive Information Technology in the New Economy?' Proceedings of the CIB-W78 International Conference – IT in Construction in Africa, 29 May – 1 June 2001, Mpumalanga, South Africa, pp40-1 - 40-11. ISBN: 0-7988-5531-2.

Carr, V. and Tah J.H.M. 'A fuzzy logic model for natural language-based risk assessment'. Problems in Applied Mathematics and Computational Intelligence, World Scientific and Engineering Society Press, 2001, pp131-136, ISBN: 960-8052-30-0

Udeaja, C. E and Tah, J. H. M 'Towards a Multi-Agent Architecture for Material Supply Chain Environment'. Proceedings of the First International Postgraduate Research in the Built and Human Environment, 15-16 March 2001, University of Salford, UK, pp684-695.

Tah, J.H.M. and Carr, V. 'Developing a construction project risk knowledge management software environment'. The fifth Int. Conf. on The Application of Artificial Intelligence to Civil and Structural Engineering, CIVIL-COMP99, Oxford, 153-15 September, 1999.

Tah, J.H.M. and Carr, V. 'Towards a framework for project risk knowledge management in the construction supply chain'. The Seventh Int. Conf. on Civil and Structural Engineering Computing, CIVIL-COMP99, Oxford, 153-15 September, 1999.

Kaluarachchi, Y., Tah, J., and Howes, R. Affordable Intelligent Houses Through Standardisation and Modularisation, Proceedings of EIBG Conference; Intelligent Buildings: Realising the Benefits, BRE, October 1998.

Tah, J.H.M. and Carr, V. 'Towards a common language for risk knowledge sharing. Product and Process Modelling in the Building Industry', Amor (ed), Building Research Establishment Ltd., Watford UK, 1998, pp505-514. ISBN 1 86081 249 X.

Ugwu O. O. and Tah J.H.M. 'Towards a turnkey client-server decision support architecture for project management'. In Proceedings of the first International Conference on New Information Technologies to Decision Making in Civil Engineering, Edmond T. Miresco (edt.), Montreal, Canada, October 11-13, Vol. 1, 1998, pp169-180. ISBN 2-921145-14-6

Ugwu O. O., Tah J.H.M., Howes, R. 'Optimising construction method selection strategies in an integrated decision support environment: results of application to earthworks operations'. ARCOM Proc. Fourteenth Annual Conference, Will Hughes (edt.), University of Reading, 1998, pp. 146-154. ISBN 0 9534161 0 0

Ndumu, D.T. and Tah, J.H.M. 'Agents in computer-assisted collaborative design' in AI in Structural Engineering, Smith, I (edt.), Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence No. 1454, Springer, 1998, pp 249-270.

Tah, J.H.M. 'Towards a qualitative risk assessment framework for construction projects'. Managing Risks in Projects, Kahkonen, k. and Artto, K.A. (edts.). E & FN SPON, London, 1997, pp. 265-274. ISBN 0 419 22990 6

Tah, J.H.M., Howes, R., Carr, V. 'Towards a case-based reasoning framework for construction project planning and control', in Technology Support for Construction Process Re-Engineering, CIB Proceedings, Publication 208, Robin Drogemuller (edt.), James Cook University of North Queensland, 1997, pp 365-374. ISBN 086-443-636X.

Thompson, E. T., Tah, J.H.M., and Howes, R. 'A rational approach to integrated intelligent design-management'. ASCE Forth Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering, Philadephia, USA, pp106-113.

Tah, J.H.M., Howes, R., Wong, H. W. 'Towards a concurrent engineering environment for integration of design and construction (CEE-IDAC)'. First International Conference on Concurrent Engineering in Construction, Edited by C.J. Anumba and N.F.O. Evbuomwan, The Institution of Structural Engineers London, pp.206-215, 1997. ISBN 1 874266 35 2

Tah, J.H.M., Howes, R., Wang, L. G. 'Towards decision support for construction project planning and control using multiple agents'. Intl. Conf. on The Practical Application of Intelligent Agents and Multiple-Agent Technology, London ,1997. ISBN 0 9525554 6 8.

Carr, V., Tah, J.H.M., Howes, R. A framework for case-based construction project planning using highway bridges. Proceedings of the First Intl. Conf. on the Practical Application of Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining – PAAD97, London ,1997, pp97-107, ISBN 0 9525554 7 6

Tah, J. H. M. 'Towards large integrated intelligent project systems'. Knowledge-based systems in Structural Engineering - Current developments and future trends, C. J. Anumba (Editor), Institution of Structural Engineers, pp 52-62, 1996.

Tah, J.H.M., Carr, V., Wang L. G., Howes, R. 'Towards construction project management foundation classes and software components'. The Organisation and Management of Construction: Shaping Theory and Practice, edited by D.A. Langford and A. Retik, Vol. 3, 1996, pp325-333. ISBN 0419222502.

Wirba, E.N., Tah J.H.M., and Howes, R. 'Intelligent risk management for construction project control'. The Organisation and Management of Construction: Shaping Theory and Practice, edited by D.A. Langford and A. Retik, Vol. 3, 1996, pp189-198. ISBN 0419222502

Tah J. H. M. 'Towards object models for integrated intelligent project management'. CIB Workshop: Construction on the information highway, Bled, Slovenia, June 10-12, 1996, pp479-491.

Thompson, E. T., Tah J. H. M., and Howes, R. A hybrid approach to intelligent integration in Construction. ASCE third Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering, Anaheim, June 17-19,1996, pp417-423.

Wirba E. N., Tah J. H. M., and Howes, R. Construction project management through risk control. ASCE third Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering, Anaheim, June 17-19, 1996, pp28-34.

Iosifidis, P., Tah, J.H.M., and Howes, R. 'An advanced object-oriented architecture for information exchange through shared objects'. Modeling of Buildings Through Their Life-Cycle, CIB Proceedings of W78 Workshop, Publication 180, 22-23 August 1995, pp102-110.

Tah, J. H. M., Howes, R. 'The application of object-oriented database techniques in project planning and control'. ASCE second Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering, Atlanta, June 1995.

Wirba E. N., Tah J. H. M., and Howes, R. Towards an object-oriented blackboard model approach to project monitoring and control. ASCE second Congress on Computing in Civil Engineering, Atlanta, June 1995.

Tah, J. H. M., Howes, R., and Iosifidis P. 'Capturing Semantic Data in CAD for Construction Project Planning'. Product and Process Modelling in the Building Industry, Scherer (ed.),Balkema, Rotterdam,1995, pp287-293. ISBN 90 5410 5848

Wang, Li-Guo and Tah, J. H. M. 'OODB-based CASE: Meta-system, concepts, method, and application in construction management'. In B.H.V. Topping (Edt.), Developments in Computational Techniques for Civil Engineering, CIVIL-COMP press, Edinburgh, pp59-66, 1995. ISBN 0-948749-34-2

Tah, J. H. M., Howes, R., and Iosifidis P. 'Semantic data enhancement of CAD data'. ARCOM Tenth Annual Conference on Advances in Construction Management Research, 14-16 September, 1994, Loughborough University of Technology, UK, pp496-506.

Haidar, A., Naoum, S., Howes, R., and Tah, J. 'Optimising the selection of equipment in the excavation and haulage operations in opencast mining'. ARCOM Tenth Annual Conference on Advances in Construction Management Research, 14-16 September, 1994, Loughborough University of Technology, UK, pp294-302.

Iosifidis P., Tah, J.H.M. and Howes, R. 'Utilizing product models for information sharing in an integrated CAD environment'. CIB W78 Workshop on Computer Integrated Construction, Helsinki, Finland, August 22 -24, 1994.

Iosifidis P., Tah, J.H.M. and Howes, R. 'An object - oriented knowledge-based method for integrating CAD and project planning'. EXPERSYS-93: 5th Int. Conf. of Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems Applications, Paris, 1 - 2 Dec. 1993, pp. 45-50.

Tah, J.H.M. and Price, A. D. F. 'The development of a decision support system for formwork design and estimating'. CIB - 93, World Building Congress, Trinidad, 1993, pp. 279-287.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'Towards the development of a decision support system for indirect cost estimating'. CIB - 93, World Building Congress, Trinidad, 1993, pp. 161-170.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'The role of knowledge-based systems in Construction cost estimating'. CIB - 93, World Building Congress, Trinidad, 1993, pp. 139-147.

Tah, J.H.M., Howes, R., and Little, W. 'Towards a knowledge-based decision support system for project control. EXPERSYS-92: 4th Int. Conf. of Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems Applications, Paris, 21-22 Oct. 1992, pp317-322.

McCaffer, R., Thorpe, A., and Tah, J.H.M. 'Decision making in large computer -based construction management systems'. CIB - 92, World Building Congress, Montreal, Canada, 18 - 22 May, 1992.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'An expert system for drainage cost estimating'. Expert Systems World Congress Proceedings, Vol. 3, Ed. J. Liebowitz. Proceedings of the World Congress on Expert Systems, Orlando, Florida, 16th -19th December 1991, pp 2129-2137.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'Knowledge-based decision support in construction cost estimating'. The Second International Conference on the Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Civil and Structural Engineering, CIVIL-COMP 91, Oxford, England, 3rd - 5th September 1991, pp 29 - 35.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'A knowledge-based approach to estimating'. NORDNET'91, The Practice and Science of Project Management Congress, Trondheim, Norway, June 3 - 5, 1991, pp 427 - 437.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'Towards knowledge-based estimating'. Proceedings of the Forth Annual Technical Conference of the APETT, University of West Indies, Trinidad, November 1990.

Tah, J.H.M. and Price, A.D.F. 'Interactive computer-aided formwork design'. Proceedings of the fourth International Conference on Civil and Structural Engineering Computing, Civil-Comp Press, London, 1989, pp 95 - 103.

Edited journals

Tah J. H. M and Ugwu O. O., 2003 (eds.): International Journal of IT in the AEC (IT-AEC). Special Issue on: Intelligent Agents and Multi-Agent Systems in Construction, Millpress, January 2003

Research reports

Angela Lee,Song Wu,Amanda Marshall-Ponting,Ghassan Aouad,Carl Abbott,Rachel Cooper, Joseph H M Tah (2005). nD Modelling Roadmap: A Vision of the Future of Construction. , Construct IT Report, Salford

Tah, J.H.M. Carr V., and Zeeshan. 'A survey of wireless sensor network applications for construction site processes'. June 2002.

Tah, J.H.M., Carr V., Zeeshan. 'A state-of-the-art review of Bluetooth Wireless Technology, and potential application areas for the construction industry'. March, 2002.

Kaluarachchi, Y.D. and Tah, J.H.M. 'An assessment of the suitability of timber and steel standardised systems for the residential sector'. School of Construction, South Bank University, December, 2001.

Tah, J.H.M. and Carr, V. 'Building the capacity of consultancy practices to take up and utilise IT to improve business performance: The planning, delivery, and evaluation of five pilot workshops'. Report to the Construction Industry Council, London, December 2000.

Kaluarachchi, Y., Tah, J., and Howes, R 'An Analytical Review of Current Standardised Construction Systems and Components'. School of Construction, South Bank University, June, 2000.

Kaluarachchi, Y., Tah, J., and Howes, R. 'The Historical Development of Standardised Building Systems Associated with Social Housing in the United Kingdom'. School of Construction, South Bank University, December, 1999.

Tah J.H.M. 'A specification for a feasibility study for agent-oriented collaborative design and supply chain simulation'. Report for BT Labs Intelligent Systems Research Group, School of Construction, South Bank University, March 1998.

Tah, J.H.M. and Wong, H. W. 'Integrated building construction project'. Report No 3., School of Construction, South Bank University, January 1997.

Tah J.H.M., Howes, R., Carr V. 'A framework for case-based construction project planning'. EPSRC Grant Ref: GR/K26516 Final Report, June 1997.

Tah, J.H.M., Carr, V., and Howes, R. 'A Framework for Case-Based Construction Planning using highway bridges'. EPSCR Report No. GR/K26516/C, School of Construction, South Bank University, London, April 1997.

Tah, J.H.M., Carr, V., and Howes, R. 'A Trial Model of Case Storage and Retrieval Using Highway Bridge Information'. EPSRC Report No. GR/K26516/B, School of Construction, South Bank University, London, August 1996.

Tah, J.H.M., Carr, V., and Howes, R. 'An Overview of Case-Based Reasoning'. EPSRC Report No. GR/K26516/A, School of Construction, South Bank University, London, June 1995.

Tah, J.H.M., Howes, R., Wang, L. G. 'Object-Oriented Knowledge-Based Decision Support for Project Planning and Control Systems'. EPSRC Grant Ref: GR/J42175 Final Report, November 1997.

Tah, J.H.M. and Wang, L. G. 'A Data-Driven Design Structure for Integration of Database and Rule-Based Systems'. EPSRC Report No. GR/J42175/D. School of Construction, South Bank University, July 1997.

Tah, J.H.M. 'Object-oriented knowledge-based decision support system for project planning and Control: Part 2 – A requirement specification for risk management'. EPSRC Report No. GR/J42175/C. School of Construction, South Bank University, April 1996

Tah, J.H.M. 'Object-oriented knowledge-based decision support system for project planning and Control: Part 1 – A requirement specification for construction programme formulation'. EPSRC Report No. GR/J42175/B. School of Construction, South Bank University, June 1995.

Tah, J.H.M. 'A review of knowledge-based systems application to construction planning'. EPSRC Report No. GR/J42175/A. School of Construction, South Bank University, July 1994.

Iosifidis, P., Tah, J. H. M., and Howes, R. 'An advanced object-oriented architecture for information exchange through shared objects'. Engineering Computing Newsletter (ECN), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), CLRC, Issue 59, November 1995.

Iosifidis, P., Tah, J. H. M., and Howes, R. 'An evaluation of CAD systems for integrating design and construction processes'. Research Report No. 2, School of Construction Economics and Management, South Bank University, February, 1993.

Iosifidis, P., Tah, J. H. M., and Howes, R. 'A literature survey on the integration of design and construction process'. Research Report No. 1, School of Construction Economics and Management, South Bank University, December, 1992.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'Intelligent integrated planning and cost estimating: a conceptual framework'. SERC Report No. GR/E76957/E, Dept. of Civil Eng., Loughborough University of Technology, February 1991.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'A fuzzy risk assessment model for contingency allocation in estimating and tendering'. SERC Report No. GR/E76957/D, Dept. of Civil Eng., Loughborough University of Technology, December 1991.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'The quantification and distribution of general overheads in a tender'. SERC Report No. GR/E76957/C, Dept. of Civil Eng., Loughborough University of Technology, June 1991.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'A Knowledge-based approach to decision support in estimating'. SERC Report No. GR/E76957/B, Dept. of Civil Eng., Loughborough University of Technology, December 1990.

Tah, J.H.M., Thorpe, A., and McCaffer, R. 'A state-of-the-art review of expert systems in civil engineering and construction'. SERC Report No. GR/E76957/A, Dept. of Civil Eng., Loughborough University of Technology, December 1989.