EH
E.J. Houwing
info
Please Note
<p>This page displays the records of the person named above and is not linked to a unique person identifier. This record may need to be merged to a profile.</p>
42 records found
1
Rethinking Risk Budgeting in Real Estate Redevelopment
A component-level analysis of cost deviations, uncertainty types and the limits of probabilistic buffering
Real estate redevelopment projects are developed under conditions of partial information. Existing buildings may contain hidden technical conditions, incomplete documentation and complex interfaces between old and new systems, while tenant requirements, design decisions and execution constraints may continue to evolve during project development. At the same time, redevelopment projects are investment-driven, meaning that cost estimates, risk buffers and contractual commitments strongly influence whether a project proceeds and how financial exposure is accepted. In current practice, redevelopment costs are often estimated in considerable component-level detail, while uncertainty is frequently treated through aggregated project-level contingencies. This creates a mismatch between detailed cost estimating and comparatively general risk budgeting.
This thesis examines whether risk budgeting in real estate redevelopment can be improved through component-level differentiation of cost deviations and an explicit distinction between uncertainty reducibility and probabilistic representability. The research connects component-level cost analysis with uncertainty theory. The epistemic–aleatory distinction is used to assess whether uncertainty is knowledge-related and potentially reducible, or whether it reflects inherent or externally driven variability. Knight’s distinction between measurable risk and fundamental uncertainty is used to assess whether an uncertainty mechanism is sufficiently recurrent, comparable and stable to support probabilistic treatment. Reference Class Forecasting is used as a theoretical benchmark for evaluating the conditions under which historical cost deviations can support probabilistic buffering.
A multiple case study was conducted within the CBRE / Turner & Townsend redevelopment context. Six completed real estate redevelopment projects were analysed using a mixed-method design. The quantitative analysis compared the contractually fixed Aannemingsovereenkomst (AOK) baseline with approved post-contract additional and reduced works. Cost data were decomposed using an Element-Based Breakdown Structure for building-related components and an additional Category Z for non-elemental project-process costs. This analysis identified where realised cost deviations concentrated and selected dominant deviations for qualitative follow-up. Semi-structured interviews and project documentation were then used to reconstruct the underlying mechanisms and classify twenty-one dominant component-level deviations according to causal origin, reducibility and probabilistic representability.
The findings show that redevelopment cost deviations were strongly concentrated rather than evenly distributed across project budgets. Across the six cases, four of the twenty Level 2 component categories, D50 Electrical, B20 Exterior Enclosure, D40 Fire Protection and D30 HVAC, accounted for 52.32% of the total absolute cost deviation. However, component recurrence alone did not imply causal comparability. Similar component categories reflected different uncertainty mechanisms depending on project context, baseline maturity, stakeholder conditions and technical interfaces. The qualitative classification showed that epistemic uncertainty was prevalent: ten deviations were classified as Epistemic Knightian and six as Epistemic Risk, together representing 76.2% of the analysed dominant deviations. These deviations were commonly linked to incomplete technical elaboration, insufficient verification, unresolved existing-building information, coordination issues, evolving stakeholder requirements and deliberately postponed scope decisions.
The study concludes that redevelopment risk budgeting can be improved meaningfully, but conditionally. The improvement does not primarily lie in calculating a more accurate aggregated contingency percentage. Instead, risk budgeting should move from aggregated financial buffering towards component-level uncertainty diagnosis and differentiated risk treatment. Potentially reducible uncertainty should first be addressed through investigation, technical verification, coordination or scope clarification. Probabilistic buffering and Reference Class Forecasting are more defensible where remaining uncertainty is recurrent, comparable and stable. Where comparability is weak, explicit assumptions, scenario reasoning and managerial judgement remain necessary. The contribution of this research is therefore diagnostic rather than predictive: it reframes redevelopment cost deviations as indicators of underlying uncertainty and provides a basis for deciding which uncertainties should be reduced, which should be buffered and which require project-specific judgement.
...
This thesis examines whether risk budgeting in real estate redevelopment can be improved through component-level differentiation of cost deviations and an explicit distinction between uncertainty reducibility and probabilistic representability. The research connects component-level cost analysis with uncertainty theory. The epistemic–aleatory distinction is used to assess whether uncertainty is knowledge-related and potentially reducible, or whether it reflects inherent or externally driven variability. Knight’s distinction between measurable risk and fundamental uncertainty is used to assess whether an uncertainty mechanism is sufficiently recurrent, comparable and stable to support probabilistic treatment. Reference Class Forecasting is used as a theoretical benchmark for evaluating the conditions under which historical cost deviations can support probabilistic buffering.
A multiple case study was conducted within the CBRE / Turner & Townsend redevelopment context. Six completed real estate redevelopment projects were analysed using a mixed-method design. The quantitative analysis compared the contractually fixed Aannemingsovereenkomst (AOK) baseline with approved post-contract additional and reduced works. Cost data were decomposed using an Element-Based Breakdown Structure for building-related components and an additional Category Z for non-elemental project-process costs. This analysis identified where realised cost deviations concentrated and selected dominant deviations for qualitative follow-up. Semi-structured interviews and project documentation were then used to reconstruct the underlying mechanisms and classify twenty-one dominant component-level deviations according to causal origin, reducibility and probabilistic representability.
The findings show that redevelopment cost deviations were strongly concentrated rather than evenly distributed across project budgets. Across the six cases, four of the twenty Level 2 component categories, D50 Electrical, B20 Exterior Enclosure, D40 Fire Protection and D30 HVAC, accounted for 52.32% of the total absolute cost deviation. However, component recurrence alone did not imply causal comparability. Similar component categories reflected different uncertainty mechanisms depending on project context, baseline maturity, stakeholder conditions and technical interfaces. The qualitative classification showed that epistemic uncertainty was prevalent: ten deviations were classified as Epistemic Knightian and six as Epistemic Risk, together representing 76.2% of the analysed dominant deviations. These deviations were commonly linked to incomplete technical elaboration, insufficient verification, unresolved existing-building information, coordination issues, evolving stakeholder requirements and deliberately postponed scope decisions.
The study concludes that redevelopment risk budgeting can be improved meaningfully, but conditionally. The improvement does not primarily lie in calculating a more accurate aggregated contingency percentage. Instead, risk budgeting should move from aggregated financial buffering towards component-level uncertainty diagnosis and differentiated risk treatment. Potentially reducible uncertainty should first be addressed through investigation, technical verification, coordination or scope clarification. Probabilistic buffering and Reference Class Forecasting are more defensible where remaining uncertainty is recurrent, comparable and stable. Where comparability is weak, explicit assumptions, scenario reasoning and managerial judgement remain necessary. The contribution of this research is therefore diagnostic rather than predictive: it reframes redevelopment cost deviations as indicators of underlying uncertainty and provides a basis for deciding which uncertainties should be reduced, which should be buffered and which require project-specific judgement.
...
Real estate redevelopment projects are developed under conditions of partial information. Existing buildings may contain hidden technical conditions, incomplete documentation and complex interfaces between old and new systems, while tenant requirements, design decisions and execution constraints may continue to evolve during project development. At the same time, redevelopment projects are investment-driven, meaning that cost estimates, risk buffers and contractual commitments strongly influence whether a project proceeds and how financial exposure is accepted. In current practice, redevelopment costs are often estimated in considerable component-level detail, while uncertainty is frequently treated through aggregated project-level contingencies. This creates a mismatch between detailed cost estimating and comparatively general risk budgeting.
This thesis examines whether risk budgeting in real estate redevelopment can be improved through component-level differentiation of cost deviations and an explicit distinction between uncertainty reducibility and probabilistic representability. The research connects component-level cost analysis with uncertainty theory. The epistemic–aleatory distinction is used to assess whether uncertainty is knowledge-related and potentially reducible, or whether it reflects inherent or externally driven variability. Knight’s distinction between measurable risk and fundamental uncertainty is used to assess whether an uncertainty mechanism is sufficiently recurrent, comparable and stable to support probabilistic treatment. Reference Class Forecasting is used as a theoretical benchmark for evaluating the conditions under which historical cost deviations can support probabilistic buffering.
A multiple case study was conducted within the CBRE / Turner & Townsend redevelopment context. Six completed real estate redevelopment projects were analysed using a mixed-method design. The quantitative analysis compared the contractually fixed Aannemingsovereenkomst (AOK) baseline with approved post-contract additional and reduced works. Cost data were decomposed using an Element-Based Breakdown Structure for building-related components and an additional Category Z for non-elemental project-process costs. This analysis identified where realised cost deviations concentrated and selected dominant deviations for qualitative follow-up. Semi-structured interviews and project documentation were then used to reconstruct the underlying mechanisms and classify twenty-one dominant component-level deviations according to causal origin, reducibility and probabilistic representability.
The findings show that redevelopment cost deviations were strongly concentrated rather than evenly distributed across project budgets. Across the six cases, four of the twenty Level 2 component categories, D50 Electrical, B20 Exterior Enclosure, D40 Fire Protection and D30 HVAC, accounted for 52.32% of the total absolute cost deviation. However, component recurrence alone did not imply causal comparability. Similar component categories reflected different uncertainty mechanisms depending on project context, baseline maturity, stakeholder conditions and technical interfaces. The qualitative classification showed that epistemic uncertainty was prevalent: ten deviations were classified as Epistemic Knightian and six as Epistemic Risk, together representing 76.2% of the analysed dominant deviations. These deviations were commonly linked to incomplete technical elaboration, insufficient verification, unresolved existing-building information, coordination issues, evolving stakeholder requirements and deliberately postponed scope decisions.
The study concludes that redevelopment risk budgeting can be improved meaningfully, but conditionally. The improvement does not primarily lie in calculating a more accurate aggregated contingency percentage. Instead, risk budgeting should move from aggregated financial buffering towards component-level uncertainty diagnosis and differentiated risk treatment. Potentially reducible uncertainty should first be addressed through investigation, technical verification, coordination or scope clarification. Probabilistic buffering and Reference Class Forecasting are more defensible where remaining uncertainty is recurrent, comparable and stable. Where comparability is weak, explicit assumptions, scenario reasoning and managerial judgement remain necessary. The contribution of this research is therefore diagnostic rather than predictive: it reframes redevelopment cost deviations as indicators of underlying uncertainty and provides a basis for deciding which uncertainties should be reduced, which should be buffered and which require project-specific judgement.
This thesis examines whether risk budgeting in real estate redevelopment can be improved through component-level differentiation of cost deviations and an explicit distinction between uncertainty reducibility and probabilistic representability. The research connects component-level cost analysis with uncertainty theory. The epistemic–aleatory distinction is used to assess whether uncertainty is knowledge-related and potentially reducible, or whether it reflects inherent or externally driven variability. Knight’s distinction between measurable risk and fundamental uncertainty is used to assess whether an uncertainty mechanism is sufficiently recurrent, comparable and stable to support probabilistic treatment. Reference Class Forecasting is used as a theoretical benchmark for evaluating the conditions under which historical cost deviations can support probabilistic buffering.
A multiple case study was conducted within the CBRE / Turner & Townsend redevelopment context. Six completed real estate redevelopment projects were analysed using a mixed-method design. The quantitative analysis compared the contractually fixed Aannemingsovereenkomst (AOK) baseline with approved post-contract additional and reduced works. Cost data were decomposed using an Element-Based Breakdown Structure for building-related components and an additional Category Z for non-elemental project-process costs. This analysis identified where realised cost deviations concentrated and selected dominant deviations for qualitative follow-up. Semi-structured interviews and project documentation were then used to reconstruct the underlying mechanisms and classify twenty-one dominant component-level deviations according to causal origin, reducibility and probabilistic representability.
The findings show that redevelopment cost deviations were strongly concentrated rather than evenly distributed across project budgets. Across the six cases, four of the twenty Level 2 component categories, D50 Electrical, B20 Exterior Enclosure, D40 Fire Protection and D30 HVAC, accounted for 52.32% of the total absolute cost deviation. However, component recurrence alone did not imply causal comparability. Similar component categories reflected different uncertainty mechanisms depending on project context, baseline maturity, stakeholder conditions and technical interfaces. The qualitative classification showed that epistemic uncertainty was prevalent: ten deviations were classified as Epistemic Knightian and six as Epistemic Risk, together representing 76.2% of the analysed dominant deviations. These deviations were commonly linked to incomplete technical elaboration, insufficient verification, unresolved existing-building information, coordination issues, evolving stakeholder requirements and deliberately postponed scope decisions.
The study concludes that redevelopment risk budgeting can be improved meaningfully, but conditionally. The improvement does not primarily lie in calculating a more accurate aggregated contingency percentage. Instead, risk budgeting should move from aggregated financial buffering towards component-level uncertainty diagnosis and differentiated risk treatment. Potentially reducible uncertainty should first be addressed through investigation, technical verification, coordination or scope clarification. Probabilistic buffering and Reference Class Forecasting are more defensible where remaining uncertainty is recurrent, comparable and stable. Where comparability is weak, explicit assumptions, scenario reasoning and managerial judgement remain necessary. The contribution of this research is therefore diagnostic rather than predictive: it reframes redevelopment cost deviations as indicators of underlying uncertainty and provides a basis for deciding which uncertainties should be reduced, which should be buffered and which require project-specific judgement.
The construction sector suffers from low productivity and innovation. This is often attributed to the ‘project-to-project’ mentality of construction companies. This thesis researches how cross-project learning can increase the productivity of construction contractors by leveraging knowledge from past projects to improve future performance.
Construction contractors struggle with the implementation of cross-project learning in practice. This thesis conducted ten semi-structured interviews in collaboration with Dura Vermeer, to gain insights into the reasons for this. Examples include individual/organizational resistance, a lack of learning infrastructure, the nature of projects, and poor information technology.
This study reveals that construction contractors predominantly operate within a ‘T-shaped’ learning landscape, which means that formal learning processes exist but are frequently neglected or not used to their full potential. This results in limited knowledge dissemination and codification, as learning and knowledge transfer mainly rely on informal, personal interactions.
To help construction contractors navigate the abovementioned issues, this study proposes a six-pillar strategy that contractors can implement in order to stimulate cross-project learning within their organizations. The six pillars include: dealing with human nature, incentivizing cross-project learning, evaluation methods, information technology systems, creating structure, and shifting the focus from product to process.
...
Construction contractors struggle with the implementation of cross-project learning in practice. This thesis conducted ten semi-structured interviews in collaboration with Dura Vermeer, to gain insights into the reasons for this. Examples include individual/organizational resistance, a lack of learning infrastructure, the nature of projects, and poor information technology.
This study reveals that construction contractors predominantly operate within a ‘T-shaped’ learning landscape, which means that formal learning processes exist but are frequently neglected or not used to their full potential. This results in limited knowledge dissemination and codification, as learning and knowledge transfer mainly rely on informal, personal interactions.
To help construction contractors navigate the abovementioned issues, this study proposes a six-pillar strategy that contractors can implement in order to stimulate cross-project learning within their organizations. The six pillars include: dealing with human nature, incentivizing cross-project learning, evaluation methods, information technology systems, creating structure, and shifting the focus from product to process.
...
The construction sector suffers from low productivity and innovation. This is often attributed to the ‘project-to-project’ mentality of construction companies. This thesis researches how cross-project learning can increase the productivity of construction contractors by leveraging knowledge from past projects to improve future performance.
Construction contractors struggle with the implementation of cross-project learning in practice. This thesis conducted ten semi-structured interviews in collaboration with Dura Vermeer, to gain insights into the reasons for this. Examples include individual/organizational resistance, a lack of learning infrastructure, the nature of projects, and poor information technology.
This study reveals that construction contractors predominantly operate within a ‘T-shaped’ learning landscape, which means that formal learning processes exist but are frequently neglected or not used to their full potential. This results in limited knowledge dissemination and codification, as learning and knowledge transfer mainly rely on informal, personal interactions.
To help construction contractors navigate the abovementioned issues, this study proposes a six-pillar strategy that contractors can implement in order to stimulate cross-project learning within their organizations. The six pillars include: dealing with human nature, incentivizing cross-project learning, evaluation methods, information technology systems, creating structure, and shifting the focus from product to process.
Construction contractors struggle with the implementation of cross-project learning in practice. This thesis conducted ten semi-structured interviews in collaboration with Dura Vermeer, to gain insights into the reasons for this. Examples include individual/organizational resistance, a lack of learning infrastructure, the nature of projects, and poor information technology.
This study reveals that construction contractors predominantly operate within a ‘T-shaped’ learning landscape, which means that formal learning processes exist but are frequently neglected or not used to their full potential. This results in limited knowledge dissemination and codification, as learning and knowledge transfer mainly rely on informal, personal interactions.
To help construction contractors navigate the abovementioned issues, this study proposes a six-pillar strategy that contractors can implement in order to stimulate cross-project learning within their organizations. The six pillars include: dealing with human nature, incentivizing cross-project learning, evaluation methods, information technology systems, creating structure, and shifting the focus from product to process.
Improving Cost Predictability in Dutch Construction Projects
The Role of Cost Structuring, Traceability, and Project Learning
Cost overruns and cost deviations remain a persistent challenge in Dutch construction and infrastructure projects. While such deviations are usually visible in financial reporting once they occur during execution, their underlying causes are often not systematically traceable. This limits the ability of project organisations to learn from cost deviations and to improve the cost predictability of future projects. This thesis addresses this problem through the main research question: "How can cost predictability be improved in Dutch construction projects?"
The research starts from the premise that cost predictability depends not only on more accurate estimating or forecasting, but also on how cost information is structured, transferred, and used throughout the project. As cost information is repeatedly restructured between tendering, work budgeting, execution, reporting, and evaluation, the original assumptions behind it can become difficult to recognise or lost altogether; leaving deviations financially visible but no longer causally traceable.
The study was conducted in three phases. First, a literature review examined the relationship between cost structuring, cost traceability, project learning, and cost predictability, establishing that cost traceability is a necessary condition for double-loop learning: organisations can only learn structurally from deviations if they understand not just that a deviation occurred, but why. Five structuring approaches, Work Breakdown Structure, Critical Path Method, Earned Value Management, Last Planner System, and Advanced Work Packaging, were analysed for their respective contributions to structuring scope, time, cost, progress, and execution readiness.
Second, the research empirically investigated current practice within Dura Vermeer through organisational interviews and three project cases: Highway A16 De Groene Boog Rotterdam, Dike Reinforcement Tiel-Waardenburg, and Substation Vierverlaten. The cross-case analysis found that the limitation is not a lack of cost information but a lack of structural continuity between them. Cost structures change as projects move through phases, weakening the link between original assumptions, execution conditions, and final outcomes. Indirect costs proved especially difficult to trace, and cost and physical progress were often insufficiently integrated.
Based on these findings, a Construction Project Cost Traceability Framework was developed, using the Construction Work Package as a stable linking unit connecting tender assumptions, work budgets, physical progress, deviations, change mechanisms, indirect cost drivers, and learning outputs. Rather than prescribing full implementation of any single method, the framework combines selected principles: Advanced Work Packaging provides the lifecycle-oriented package structure, Last Planner System supports execution readiness and feedback, and Earned Value Management supports cost-progress measurement at package level.
The framework was validated through expert interviews with experienced Dura Vermeer practitioners, who confirmed the problem diagnosis and considered the framework feasible under conditions such as disciplined cost-data input, aligned systems across phases, clear ownership of cross-project learning, and incremental, change-management-supported introduction.
The main conclusion is that cost predictability in Dutch infrastructure projects can be improved by strengthening causal cost traceability across project phases, keeping cost information connected to the assumptions, scope elements, and decisions from which deviations originate, enabling both better in-project explanation and more systematic organisational learning. ...
The research starts from the premise that cost predictability depends not only on more accurate estimating or forecasting, but also on how cost information is structured, transferred, and used throughout the project. As cost information is repeatedly restructured between tendering, work budgeting, execution, reporting, and evaluation, the original assumptions behind it can become difficult to recognise or lost altogether; leaving deviations financially visible but no longer causally traceable.
The study was conducted in three phases. First, a literature review examined the relationship between cost structuring, cost traceability, project learning, and cost predictability, establishing that cost traceability is a necessary condition for double-loop learning: organisations can only learn structurally from deviations if they understand not just that a deviation occurred, but why. Five structuring approaches, Work Breakdown Structure, Critical Path Method, Earned Value Management, Last Planner System, and Advanced Work Packaging, were analysed for their respective contributions to structuring scope, time, cost, progress, and execution readiness.
Second, the research empirically investigated current practice within Dura Vermeer through organisational interviews and three project cases: Highway A16 De Groene Boog Rotterdam, Dike Reinforcement Tiel-Waardenburg, and Substation Vierverlaten. The cross-case analysis found that the limitation is not a lack of cost information but a lack of structural continuity between them. Cost structures change as projects move through phases, weakening the link between original assumptions, execution conditions, and final outcomes. Indirect costs proved especially difficult to trace, and cost and physical progress were often insufficiently integrated.
Based on these findings, a Construction Project Cost Traceability Framework was developed, using the Construction Work Package as a stable linking unit connecting tender assumptions, work budgets, physical progress, deviations, change mechanisms, indirect cost drivers, and learning outputs. Rather than prescribing full implementation of any single method, the framework combines selected principles: Advanced Work Packaging provides the lifecycle-oriented package structure, Last Planner System supports execution readiness and feedback, and Earned Value Management supports cost-progress measurement at package level.
The framework was validated through expert interviews with experienced Dura Vermeer practitioners, who confirmed the problem diagnosis and considered the framework feasible under conditions such as disciplined cost-data input, aligned systems across phases, clear ownership of cross-project learning, and incremental, change-management-supported introduction.
The main conclusion is that cost predictability in Dutch infrastructure projects can be improved by strengthening causal cost traceability across project phases, keeping cost information connected to the assumptions, scope elements, and decisions from which deviations originate, enabling both better in-project explanation and more systematic organisational learning. ...
Cost overruns and cost deviations remain a persistent challenge in Dutch construction and infrastructure projects. While such deviations are usually visible in financial reporting once they occur during execution, their underlying causes are often not systematically traceable. This limits the ability of project organisations to learn from cost deviations and to improve the cost predictability of future projects. This thesis addresses this problem through the main research question: "How can cost predictability be improved in Dutch construction projects?"
The research starts from the premise that cost predictability depends not only on more accurate estimating or forecasting, but also on how cost information is structured, transferred, and used throughout the project. As cost information is repeatedly restructured between tendering, work budgeting, execution, reporting, and evaluation, the original assumptions behind it can become difficult to recognise or lost altogether; leaving deviations financially visible but no longer causally traceable.
The study was conducted in three phases. First, a literature review examined the relationship between cost structuring, cost traceability, project learning, and cost predictability, establishing that cost traceability is a necessary condition for double-loop learning: organisations can only learn structurally from deviations if they understand not just that a deviation occurred, but why. Five structuring approaches, Work Breakdown Structure, Critical Path Method, Earned Value Management, Last Planner System, and Advanced Work Packaging, were analysed for their respective contributions to structuring scope, time, cost, progress, and execution readiness.
Second, the research empirically investigated current practice within Dura Vermeer through organisational interviews and three project cases: Highway A16 De Groene Boog Rotterdam, Dike Reinforcement Tiel-Waardenburg, and Substation Vierverlaten. The cross-case analysis found that the limitation is not a lack of cost information but a lack of structural continuity between them. Cost structures change as projects move through phases, weakening the link between original assumptions, execution conditions, and final outcomes. Indirect costs proved especially difficult to trace, and cost and physical progress were often insufficiently integrated.
Based on these findings, a Construction Project Cost Traceability Framework was developed, using the Construction Work Package as a stable linking unit connecting tender assumptions, work budgets, physical progress, deviations, change mechanisms, indirect cost drivers, and learning outputs. Rather than prescribing full implementation of any single method, the framework combines selected principles: Advanced Work Packaging provides the lifecycle-oriented package structure, Last Planner System supports execution readiness and feedback, and Earned Value Management supports cost-progress measurement at package level.
The framework was validated through expert interviews with experienced Dura Vermeer practitioners, who confirmed the problem diagnosis and considered the framework feasible under conditions such as disciplined cost-data input, aligned systems across phases, clear ownership of cross-project learning, and incremental, change-management-supported introduction.
The main conclusion is that cost predictability in Dutch infrastructure projects can be improved by strengthening causal cost traceability across project phases, keeping cost information connected to the assumptions, scope elements, and decisions from which deviations originate, enabling both better in-project explanation and more systematic organisational learning.
The research starts from the premise that cost predictability depends not only on more accurate estimating or forecasting, but also on how cost information is structured, transferred, and used throughout the project. As cost information is repeatedly restructured between tendering, work budgeting, execution, reporting, and evaluation, the original assumptions behind it can become difficult to recognise or lost altogether; leaving deviations financially visible but no longer causally traceable.
The study was conducted in three phases. First, a literature review examined the relationship between cost structuring, cost traceability, project learning, and cost predictability, establishing that cost traceability is a necessary condition for double-loop learning: organisations can only learn structurally from deviations if they understand not just that a deviation occurred, but why. Five structuring approaches, Work Breakdown Structure, Critical Path Method, Earned Value Management, Last Planner System, and Advanced Work Packaging, were analysed for their respective contributions to structuring scope, time, cost, progress, and execution readiness.
Second, the research empirically investigated current practice within Dura Vermeer through organisational interviews and three project cases: Highway A16 De Groene Boog Rotterdam, Dike Reinforcement Tiel-Waardenburg, and Substation Vierverlaten. The cross-case analysis found that the limitation is not a lack of cost information but a lack of structural continuity between them. Cost structures change as projects move through phases, weakening the link between original assumptions, execution conditions, and final outcomes. Indirect costs proved especially difficult to trace, and cost and physical progress were often insufficiently integrated.
Based on these findings, a Construction Project Cost Traceability Framework was developed, using the Construction Work Package as a stable linking unit connecting tender assumptions, work budgets, physical progress, deviations, change mechanisms, indirect cost drivers, and learning outputs. Rather than prescribing full implementation of any single method, the framework combines selected principles: Advanced Work Packaging provides the lifecycle-oriented package structure, Last Planner System supports execution readiness and feedback, and Earned Value Management supports cost-progress measurement at package level.
The framework was validated through expert interviews with experienced Dura Vermeer practitioners, who confirmed the problem diagnosis and considered the framework feasible under conditions such as disciplined cost-data input, aligned systems across phases, clear ownership of cross-project learning, and incremental, change-management-supported introduction.
The main conclusion is that cost predictability in Dutch infrastructure projects can be improved by strengthening causal cost traceability across project phases, keeping cost information connected to the assumptions, scope elements, and decisions from which deviations originate, enabling both better in-project explanation and more systematic organisational learning.
Wind energy deployment is expanding rapidly, but the industrialization of larger wind turbines has become increasingly difficult. Wind turbine blades are especially critical because they are large composite structures, require manufacturing work that depends heavily on manual execution, have strict quality requirements and are often produced through production networks spread across different countries. As OEMs rely on external manufacturing partners, reliable scale-up depends not only on technical design, materials or logistics, but also on how effectively design and manufacturing knowledge is coordinated across firm boundaries. Yet the design–manufacturing interface (DMI) in wind turbine blade manufacturing remains underexplored as a non-technical contributor to industrialization performance.
This thesis examines how inter-firm coordination at the DMI in wind turbine blade manufacturing can be strengthened to support reliable turbine scale-up under deployment pressure. Coordination mechanisms from mature industries are used as the analytical starting point to investigate how these mechanisms appear, differ or remain underdeveloped in the wind blade context. The study follows qualitative research design. Literature on design–manufacturing integration, coordination theory and inter-firm coordination mechanisms was reviewed to construct a reference framework. This framework guided semi-structured expert interviews with participants from OEM, manufacturing and hybrid roles. The interview material was analysed through directed qualitative content analysis and synthesized into Framework C, a refined framework for strengthening inter-firm DMI coordination in the wind blade context.
The findings show that several mechanisms used in mature industries are already visible in wind blade industrialization, especially in design finalization, launch and problem-solving stages. However, the coordination base is uneven. Upstream coordination remains weaker, with limited early manufacturing involvement, fragmented cross-enterprise coordination baselines and underdeveloped supplier development. Prototype and validation learning are also pressured by the need to commercialize larger turbines quickly. Shop-floor capability emerged as a strengthening direction specific to wind blade manufacturing because blade manufacturing depends strongly on manual skill, process discipline and factory stability.
The thesis contributes by showing that coordination practices from mature industries are useful for understanding wind blade industrialization, but cannot be transferred directly. Framework C identifies which mechanisms should be retained, strengthened or added to better fit the wind turbine blade context. Practically, the study suggests that more reliable turbine scale-up requires earlier OEM–supplier coordination, stronger shared coordination structures, active supplier capability development and stronger protection of prototype learning before commercialization. ...
This thesis examines how inter-firm coordination at the DMI in wind turbine blade manufacturing can be strengthened to support reliable turbine scale-up under deployment pressure. Coordination mechanisms from mature industries are used as the analytical starting point to investigate how these mechanisms appear, differ or remain underdeveloped in the wind blade context. The study follows qualitative research design. Literature on design–manufacturing integration, coordination theory and inter-firm coordination mechanisms was reviewed to construct a reference framework. This framework guided semi-structured expert interviews with participants from OEM, manufacturing and hybrid roles. The interview material was analysed through directed qualitative content analysis and synthesized into Framework C, a refined framework for strengthening inter-firm DMI coordination in the wind blade context.
The findings show that several mechanisms used in mature industries are already visible in wind blade industrialization, especially in design finalization, launch and problem-solving stages. However, the coordination base is uneven. Upstream coordination remains weaker, with limited early manufacturing involvement, fragmented cross-enterprise coordination baselines and underdeveloped supplier development. Prototype and validation learning are also pressured by the need to commercialize larger turbines quickly. Shop-floor capability emerged as a strengthening direction specific to wind blade manufacturing because blade manufacturing depends strongly on manual skill, process discipline and factory stability.
The thesis contributes by showing that coordination practices from mature industries are useful for understanding wind blade industrialization, but cannot be transferred directly. Framework C identifies which mechanisms should be retained, strengthened or added to better fit the wind turbine blade context. Practically, the study suggests that more reliable turbine scale-up requires earlier OEM–supplier coordination, stronger shared coordination structures, active supplier capability development and stronger protection of prototype learning before commercialization. ...
Wind energy deployment is expanding rapidly, but the industrialization of larger wind turbines has become increasingly difficult. Wind turbine blades are especially critical because they are large composite structures, require manufacturing work that depends heavily on manual execution, have strict quality requirements and are often produced through production networks spread across different countries. As OEMs rely on external manufacturing partners, reliable scale-up depends not only on technical design, materials or logistics, but also on how effectively design and manufacturing knowledge is coordinated across firm boundaries. Yet the design–manufacturing interface (DMI) in wind turbine blade manufacturing remains underexplored as a non-technical contributor to industrialization performance.
This thesis examines how inter-firm coordination at the DMI in wind turbine blade manufacturing can be strengthened to support reliable turbine scale-up under deployment pressure. Coordination mechanisms from mature industries are used as the analytical starting point to investigate how these mechanisms appear, differ or remain underdeveloped in the wind blade context. The study follows qualitative research design. Literature on design–manufacturing integration, coordination theory and inter-firm coordination mechanisms was reviewed to construct a reference framework. This framework guided semi-structured expert interviews with participants from OEM, manufacturing and hybrid roles. The interview material was analysed through directed qualitative content analysis and synthesized into Framework C, a refined framework for strengthening inter-firm DMI coordination in the wind blade context.
The findings show that several mechanisms used in mature industries are already visible in wind blade industrialization, especially in design finalization, launch and problem-solving stages. However, the coordination base is uneven. Upstream coordination remains weaker, with limited early manufacturing involvement, fragmented cross-enterprise coordination baselines and underdeveloped supplier development. Prototype and validation learning are also pressured by the need to commercialize larger turbines quickly. Shop-floor capability emerged as a strengthening direction specific to wind blade manufacturing because blade manufacturing depends strongly on manual skill, process discipline and factory stability.
The thesis contributes by showing that coordination practices from mature industries are useful for understanding wind blade industrialization, but cannot be transferred directly. Framework C identifies which mechanisms should be retained, strengthened or added to better fit the wind turbine blade context. Practically, the study suggests that more reliable turbine scale-up requires earlier OEM–supplier coordination, stronger shared coordination structures, active supplier capability development and stronger protection of prototype learning before commercialization.
This thesis examines how inter-firm coordination at the DMI in wind turbine blade manufacturing can be strengthened to support reliable turbine scale-up under deployment pressure. Coordination mechanisms from mature industries are used as the analytical starting point to investigate how these mechanisms appear, differ or remain underdeveloped in the wind blade context. The study follows qualitative research design. Literature on design–manufacturing integration, coordination theory and inter-firm coordination mechanisms was reviewed to construct a reference framework. This framework guided semi-structured expert interviews with participants from OEM, manufacturing and hybrid roles. The interview material was analysed through directed qualitative content analysis and synthesized into Framework C, a refined framework for strengthening inter-firm DMI coordination in the wind blade context.
The findings show that several mechanisms used in mature industries are already visible in wind blade industrialization, especially in design finalization, launch and problem-solving stages. However, the coordination base is uneven. Upstream coordination remains weaker, with limited early manufacturing involvement, fragmented cross-enterprise coordination baselines and underdeveloped supplier development. Prototype and validation learning are also pressured by the need to commercialize larger turbines quickly. Shop-floor capability emerged as a strengthening direction specific to wind blade manufacturing because blade manufacturing depends strongly on manual skill, process discipline and factory stability.
The thesis contributes by showing that coordination practices from mature industries are useful for understanding wind blade industrialization, but cannot be transferred directly. Framework C identifies which mechanisms should be retained, strengthened or added to better fit the wind turbine blade context. Practically, the study suggests that more reliable turbine scale-up requires earlier OEM–supplier coordination, stronger shared coordination structures, active supplier capability development and stronger protection of prototype learning before commercialization.
Considering Coastal Defense Measures
Towards evidence-based ex-ante assessment of CDMs for protecting the sandy coastlines of Ghana
Master thesis
(2026)
-
J.J.A. Kamp, M.A. de Schipper, E.J. Houwing, H.S.I. Vreugdenhil, Daniel Ouddeken, Kris van den Berg
The coast of West Africa, and Ghana specifically, is facing high coastal erosion rates, leading to high coastal vulnerability. Although worldwide coastal protection practices are shifting towards long-term coastal resilience by integrating system-oriented approaches, Ghana remains locked into reactive "hold-the-line" strategies using hard ad-hoc solutions such as groynes and revetments, which can have adverse impacts on the coastal context.
Exploratory interviews show this is due to a lack of early-stage consideration of Coastal Defense Measures (CDMs), evidenced by weak motivation for specific solutions in pre-feasibility studies. This thesis validates this premise by exploring the "Business as Usual" (BaU) reactive cycle in Ghanaian coastal decision-making, which led to the development of CLEAR (Coastal Leveled Evaluation of Alternative Responses) — an indicator-based Decision-Support Tool (DST) designed to provide a transparent overview of trade-offs across a wide range of possible CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, ultimately leading to more informed consideration of alternatives.
A literature review revealed early-stage challenges and critiques of existing frameworks, establishing a preliminary list of 84 indicators. Semi-structured interviews with seven Ghanaian stakeholders identified issues in project initiation, a "clash of logics" between hard and Nature-based solutions, and a persistent focus on immediate mitigation over long-term benefits. This input led to the consolidation of 8 context-specific indicators.
These indicators were operationalized through five expert-based group sessions, resulting in the CLEAR tool which provides system analysis and objective insights into the indicators relevant for considering CDMs. Evaluation with four potential end-users showed that CLEAR successfully expanded the decision space, allowed for leveled comparison between hard and nature-based solutions, and functioned as a neutral intermediary for discussion between both a technical and non-technical audience.
In sum, CLEAR enables leveled and informed consideration of a wide variety of CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, thereby preventing an early lock-in of familiar but suboptimal solutions. By providing objective and transparent trade-off information, the tool allows stakeholders to select measures that support the coast’s essential functions and promote long-term resilience. Still, challenges exist associated with the uptake of CLEAR, data scarcity, and Ghanaian coastal management processes and politics. ...
Exploratory interviews show this is due to a lack of early-stage consideration of Coastal Defense Measures (CDMs), evidenced by weak motivation for specific solutions in pre-feasibility studies. This thesis validates this premise by exploring the "Business as Usual" (BaU) reactive cycle in Ghanaian coastal decision-making, which led to the development of CLEAR (Coastal Leveled Evaluation of Alternative Responses) — an indicator-based Decision-Support Tool (DST) designed to provide a transparent overview of trade-offs across a wide range of possible CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, ultimately leading to more informed consideration of alternatives.
A literature review revealed early-stage challenges and critiques of existing frameworks, establishing a preliminary list of 84 indicators. Semi-structured interviews with seven Ghanaian stakeholders identified issues in project initiation, a "clash of logics" between hard and Nature-based solutions, and a persistent focus on immediate mitigation over long-term benefits. This input led to the consolidation of 8 context-specific indicators.
These indicators were operationalized through five expert-based group sessions, resulting in the CLEAR tool which provides system analysis and objective insights into the indicators relevant for considering CDMs. Evaluation with four potential end-users showed that CLEAR successfully expanded the decision space, allowed for leveled comparison between hard and nature-based solutions, and functioned as a neutral intermediary for discussion between both a technical and non-technical audience.
In sum, CLEAR enables leveled and informed consideration of a wide variety of CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, thereby preventing an early lock-in of familiar but suboptimal solutions. By providing objective and transparent trade-off information, the tool allows stakeholders to select measures that support the coast’s essential functions and promote long-term resilience. Still, challenges exist associated with the uptake of CLEAR, data scarcity, and Ghanaian coastal management processes and politics. ...
The coast of West Africa, and Ghana specifically, is facing high coastal erosion rates, leading to high coastal vulnerability. Although worldwide coastal protection practices are shifting towards long-term coastal resilience by integrating system-oriented approaches, Ghana remains locked into reactive "hold-the-line" strategies using hard ad-hoc solutions such as groynes and revetments, which can have adverse impacts on the coastal context.
Exploratory interviews show this is due to a lack of early-stage consideration of Coastal Defense Measures (CDMs), evidenced by weak motivation for specific solutions in pre-feasibility studies. This thesis validates this premise by exploring the "Business as Usual" (BaU) reactive cycle in Ghanaian coastal decision-making, which led to the development of CLEAR (Coastal Leveled Evaluation of Alternative Responses) — an indicator-based Decision-Support Tool (DST) designed to provide a transparent overview of trade-offs across a wide range of possible CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, ultimately leading to more informed consideration of alternatives.
A literature review revealed early-stage challenges and critiques of existing frameworks, establishing a preliminary list of 84 indicators. Semi-structured interviews with seven Ghanaian stakeholders identified issues in project initiation, a "clash of logics" between hard and Nature-based solutions, and a persistent focus on immediate mitigation over long-term benefits. This input led to the consolidation of 8 context-specific indicators.
These indicators were operationalized through five expert-based group sessions, resulting in the CLEAR tool which provides system analysis and objective insights into the indicators relevant for considering CDMs. Evaluation with four potential end-users showed that CLEAR successfully expanded the decision space, allowed for leveled comparison between hard and nature-based solutions, and functioned as a neutral intermediary for discussion between both a technical and non-technical audience.
In sum, CLEAR enables leveled and informed consideration of a wide variety of CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, thereby preventing an early lock-in of familiar but suboptimal solutions. By providing objective and transparent trade-off information, the tool allows stakeholders to select measures that support the coast’s essential functions and promote long-term resilience. Still, challenges exist associated with the uptake of CLEAR, data scarcity, and Ghanaian coastal management processes and politics.
Exploratory interviews show this is due to a lack of early-stage consideration of Coastal Defense Measures (CDMs), evidenced by weak motivation for specific solutions in pre-feasibility studies. This thesis validates this premise by exploring the "Business as Usual" (BaU) reactive cycle in Ghanaian coastal decision-making, which led to the development of CLEAR (Coastal Leveled Evaluation of Alternative Responses) — an indicator-based Decision-Support Tool (DST) designed to provide a transparent overview of trade-offs across a wide range of possible CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, ultimately leading to more informed consideration of alternatives.
A literature review revealed early-stage challenges and critiques of existing frameworks, establishing a preliminary list of 84 indicators. Semi-structured interviews with seven Ghanaian stakeholders identified issues in project initiation, a "clash of logics" between hard and Nature-based solutions, and a persistent focus on immediate mitigation over long-term benefits. This input led to the consolidation of 8 context-specific indicators.
These indicators were operationalized through five expert-based group sessions, resulting in the CLEAR tool which provides system analysis and objective insights into the indicators relevant for considering CDMs. Evaluation with four potential end-users showed that CLEAR successfully expanded the decision space, allowed for leveled comparison between hard and nature-based solutions, and functioned as a neutral intermediary for discussion between both a technical and non-technical audience.
In sum, CLEAR enables leveled and informed consideration of a wide variety of CDMs before the pre-feasibility phase, thereby preventing an early lock-in of familiar but suboptimal solutions. By providing objective and transparent trade-off information, the tool allows stakeholders to select measures that support the coast’s essential functions and promote long-term resilience. Still, challenges exist associated with the uptake of CLEAR, data scarcity, and Ghanaian coastal management processes and politics.
Branching out: Timber adoption in multi-storey construction through the Diffusion of Innovations framework
A qualitative study of adoption dynamics, barriers, and enablers for multi-storey timber in the Netherlands through a Diffusion of Innovations lens
The Dutch construction sector is under increasing pressure to deliver high-density housing while reducing its environmental footprint. Conventional reliance on concrete and steel drives substantial embodied carbon emissions, putting climate commitments at risk. Engineered timber (CLT/GLT) offers significant advantages in terms of carbon reduction, prefabrication efficiency, and biophilic value. Yet despite its technical feasibility and growing policy support, timber adoption in multi-storey construction remains limited in the Netherlands. This gap is addressed in this research by examining how adoption decisions are shaped at the project level, and how barriers can be overcome through stakeholder motivation and alignment.
The research applies the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) framework, adapted to the realities of project-based construction. A qualitative research design was adopted, starting with an extensive literature review to identify current barriers and enablers, and to establish the theoretical foundation. This was followed by a case study analysis that examined a full timber project and a hybrid timber project in the Dutch context. In total, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders on both projects, providing perspectives on both strategic considerations and practical experiences.
Findings reveal that while timber's innovation attributes are important, they do not determine adoption on their own. Adoption was often slowed by perceived cost disadvantages, industry fragmentation, and a preference for familiar practices, even as enablers such as environmental performance, market distinctiveness, and prefabrication strengthen its appeal. Project dynamics proved decisive, with early specialist integration, integral design processes, and blurred stakeholder roles reducing uncertainty and making adoption more feasible, while their absence led to weakened ambitions and reversion to conventional materials. Motivated champions played a critical role in sustaining ambition against cost and risk pressures. Crucially, this research highlights the role of inter-project knowledge transfer as a condition for scaling adoption, since lessons often remain locked within projects. Building on these insights, the research adapts the Diffusion of Innovations framework to the fragmented, project-based construction sector by embedding motivation, project dynamics, iteration, and knowledge transfer into the adoption process. Practically, it offers recommendations to foster early collaboration, secure and maintain shared ambitions, position timber as both a sustainability and market advantage, and enable systemic learning across projects to accelerate diffusion.
...
The research applies the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) framework, adapted to the realities of project-based construction. A qualitative research design was adopted, starting with an extensive literature review to identify current barriers and enablers, and to establish the theoretical foundation. This was followed by a case study analysis that examined a full timber project and a hybrid timber project in the Dutch context. In total, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders on both projects, providing perspectives on both strategic considerations and practical experiences.
Findings reveal that while timber's innovation attributes are important, they do not determine adoption on their own. Adoption was often slowed by perceived cost disadvantages, industry fragmentation, and a preference for familiar practices, even as enablers such as environmental performance, market distinctiveness, and prefabrication strengthen its appeal. Project dynamics proved decisive, with early specialist integration, integral design processes, and blurred stakeholder roles reducing uncertainty and making adoption more feasible, while their absence led to weakened ambitions and reversion to conventional materials. Motivated champions played a critical role in sustaining ambition against cost and risk pressures. Crucially, this research highlights the role of inter-project knowledge transfer as a condition for scaling adoption, since lessons often remain locked within projects. Building on these insights, the research adapts the Diffusion of Innovations framework to the fragmented, project-based construction sector by embedding motivation, project dynamics, iteration, and knowledge transfer into the adoption process. Practically, it offers recommendations to foster early collaboration, secure and maintain shared ambitions, position timber as both a sustainability and market advantage, and enable systemic learning across projects to accelerate diffusion.
...
The Dutch construction sector is under increasing pressure to deliver high-density housing while reducing its environmental footprint. Conventional reliance on concrete and steel drives substantial embodied carbon emissions, putting climate commitments at risk. Engineered timber (CLT/GLT) offers significant advantages in terms of carbon reduction, prefabrication efficiency, and biophilic value. Yet despite its technical feasibility and growing policy support, timber adoption in multi-storey construction remains limited in the Netherlands. This gap is addressed in this research by examining how adoption decisions are shaped at the project level, and how barriers can be overcome through stakeholder motivation and alignment.
The research applies the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) framework, adapted to the realities of project-based construction. A qualitative research design was adopted, starting with an extensive literature review to identify current barriers and enablers, and to establish the theoretical foundation. This was followed by a case study analysis that examined a full timber project and a hybrid timber project in the Dutch context. In total, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders on both projects, providing perspectives on both strategic considerations and practical experiences.
Findings reveal that while timber's innovation attributes are important, they do not determine adoption on their own. Adoption was often slowed by perceived cost disadvantages, industry fragmentation, and a preference for familiar practices, even as enablers such as environmental performance, market distinctiveness, and prefabrication strengthen its appeal. Project dynamics proved decisive, with early specialist integration, integral design processes, and blurred stakeholder roles reducing uncertainty and making adoption more feasible, while their absence led to weakened ambitions and reversion to conventional materials. Motivated champions played a critical role in sustaining ambition against cost and risk pressures. Crucially, this research highlights the role of inter-project knowledge transfer as a condition for scaling adoption, since lessons often remain locked within projects. Building on these insights, the research adapts the Diffusion of Innovations framework to the fragmented, project-based construction sector by embedding motivation, project dynamics, iteration, and knowledge transfer into the adoption process. Practically, it offers recommendations to foster early collaboration, secure and maintain shared ambitions, position timber as both a sustainability and market advantage, and enable systemic learning across projects to accelerate diffusion.
The research applies the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) framework, adapted to the realities of project-based construction. A qualitative research design was adopted, starting with an extensive literature review to identify current barriers and enablers, and to establish the theoretical foundation. This was followed by a case study analysis that examined a full timber project and a hybrid timber project in the Dutch context. In total, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders on both projects, providing perspectives on both strategic considerations and practical experiences.
Findings reveal that while timber's innovation attributes are important, they do not determine adoption on their own. Adoption was often slowed by perceived cost disadvantages, industry fragmentation, and a preference for familiar practices, even as enablers such as environmental performance, market distinctiveness, and prefabrication strengthen its appeal. Project dynamics proved decisive, with early specialist integration, integral design processes, and blurred stakeholder roles reducing uncertainty and making adoption more feasible, while their absence led to weakened ambitions and reversion to conventional materials. Motivated champions played a critical role in sustaining ambition against cost and risk pressures. Crucially, this research highlights the role of inter-project knowledge transfer as a condition for scaling adoption, since lessons often remain locked within projects. Building on these insights, the research adapts the Diffusion of Innovations framework to the fragmented, project-based construction sector by embedding motivation, project dynamics, iteration, and knowledge transfer into the adoption process. Practically, it offers recommendations to foster early collaboration, secure and maintain shared ambitions, position timber as both a sustainability and market advantage, and enable systemic learning across projects to accelerate diffusion.
Improving Risk-Based Decision-Making Using Bayesian-Enhanced EVM
A framework for integrating Root Cause Analysis with Bayesian Networks to strengthen proactive project control in complex infrastructure projects
This thesis addresses a central challenge in infrastructure project management: despite sophisticated monitoring tools like Earned Value Management (EVM), teams struggle to proactively identify and address root causes of performance deviations. The research investigates why EVM-based systems often fail to deliver actionable insights and explores whether integrating Root Cause Analysis (RCA) with Bayesian-enhanced EVM can bridge this gap. Anchored in a large infrastructure project at Schiphol Airport, the study combines literature review, interviews, Bayesian modelling in GeNIe, and validation with industry stakeholders. The findings present a dual-layer framework: (1) a Bayesian Network linking performance indicators (SPI, CPI) to risk drivers, enabling backward reasoning from deviations to causes, and (2) integration of RCA to reveal systemic factors behind disruptions. Validation confirmed the tool’s conceptual usefulness but highlighted adoption challenges, including dashboard integration, model complexity, and cultural readiness. The research concludes that embedding RCA into Bayesian-enhanced EVM shifts it from a reactive tool to a forward-looking enabler of organizational learning. However, technical robustness must be complemented by openness, accountability, and a culture of learning. Recommendations include piloting in mid-complexity projects, calibration with real data, and building scenario libraries from historical RCA cases. Overall, the work reframes risk management as a dynamic, learning-oriented process, emphasizing that better project outcomes rely not only on better data, but also on diagnosis, culture, and collaborative decision-making
...
This thesis addresses a central challenge in infrastructure project management: despite sophisticated monitoring tools like Earned Value Management (EVM), teams struggle to proactively identify and address root causes of performance deviations. The research investigates why EVM-based systems often fail to deliver actionable insights and explores whether integrating Root Cause Analysis (RCA) with Bayesian-enhanced EVM can bridge this gap. Anchored in a large infrastructure project at Schiphol Airport, the study combines literature review, interviews, Bayesian modelling in GeNIe, and validation with industry stakeholders. The findings present a dual-layer framework: (1) a Bayesian Network linking performance indicators (SPI, CPI) to risk drivers, enabling backward reasoning from deviations to causes, and (2) integration of RCA to reveal systemic factors behind disruptions. Validation confirmed the tool’s conceptual usefulness but highlighted adoption challenges, including dashboard integration, model complexity, and cultural readiness. The research concludes that embedding RCA into Bayesian-enhanced EVM shifts it from a reactive tool to a forward-looking enabler of organizational learning. However, technical robustness must be complemented by openness, accountability, and a culture of learning. Recommendations include piloting in mid-complexity projects, calibration with real data, and building scenario libraries from historical RCA cases. Overall, the work reframes risk management as a dynamic, learning-oriented process, emphasizing that better project outcomes rely not only on better data, but also on diagnosis, culture, and collaborative decision-making
Ambition to Impact
Housing Associations and the Circular Economy
This thesis examines how Dutch housing associations can integrate circular economy aims while delivering homes quickly and affordably. It identifies a Capacity–Circularity Gap: the distance between what associations want on circular construction and what they can deliver within current rules, tools, and routines. Two imperatives sit side by side in daily practice. There is pressure for speed, cost control, and volume, and there is the ambition to build for long-term value with lower resource use. The analysis shows that throughput usually weighs heavier, which keeps circular options at the margins of mainstream delivery.
The research combines a context study, a literature review, and a qualitative empirical phase with five semi-structured interviews with practitioners in housing associations and municipalities. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and the findings were validated in an interview with the program manager for Onderhoud en Verbetering and interim sustainability lead at Aedes. The expert validation helped to locate where circular options fall out and which steps are most useful in practice.
Three mechanisms explain how the gap is produced. First, an early financial filter, described by the expert as the horizon gap, keeps longer-term and component-level effects outside selection and funding at the moment of choice. Circular options can then drop out before they build a track record. Second, circular know-how is not yet embedded in routine tools and workflows. Lessons stay in pilots, and perceived risk remains high. Third, procurement settings and the way risk and liability are handled pull decisions back to familiar solutions under delivery pressure, especially when evidence for reused and bio-based parts is not standardized.
From these results, the thesis proposes three connected pathways. Developing Circular Expertise focuses on short learning cycles, shared checklists, and peer exchange so lessons move from pilots into routine work. Redesigning Business Model brings longer-term effects into go or no-go and award decisions through a concise circular section with a small, stable set of performance criteria and expected evidence. Building Market Supply aligns criteria and demand across clients and fits risk allocation and documentation to reused and biobased components, which lowers supplier uncertainty and supports reliable delivery at volume. The expert validation confirmed the logic and the order: capability before criteria, criteria before wider market moves.
Sector initiatives can host these steps. Netwerk Conceptueel Bouwen supports learning and specification. De Woonstandaard offers comparable baselines that can carry clear circular criteria. De Bouwstroom aggregates demand and timelines so suppliers can plan and invest. Used together, these initiatives help turn ambition into normal practice without slowing delivery.
The contribution of this work is to translate a broad tension into operational guidance for Dutch housing associations. It names and locates the horizon gap, shows the decision points where circular value is filtered out, and sets out practical steps that fit current mandates. If applied now, these steps can narrow the distance between want and can and help the sector keep a credible path to the national goal of a fully circular economy by 2050, while continuing to build the homes the Netherlands urgently needs. ...
The research combines a context study, a literature review, and a qualitative empirical phase with five semi-structured interviews with practitioners in housing associations and municipalities. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and the findings were validated in an interview with the program manager for Onderhoud en Verbetering and interim sustainability lead at Aedes. The expert validation helped to locate where circular options fall out and which steps are most useful in practice.
Three mechanisms explain how the gap is produced. First, an early financial filter, described by the expert as the horizon gap, keeps longer-term and component-level effects outside selection and funding at the moment of choice. Circular options can then drop out before they build a track record. Second, circular know-how is not yet embedded in routine tools and workflows. Lessons stay in pilots, and perceived risk remains high. Third, procurement settings and the way risk and liability are handled pull decisions back to familiar solutions under delivery pressure, especially when evidence for reused and bio-based parts is not standardized.
From these results, the thesis proposes three connected pathways. Developing Circular Expertise focuses on short learning cycles, shared checklists, and peer exchange so lessons move from pilots into routine work. Redesigning Business Model brings longer-term effects into go or no-go and award decisions through a concise circular section with a small, stable set of performance criteria and expected evidence. Building Market Supply aligns criteria and demand across clients and fits risk allocation and documentation to reused and biobased components, which lowers supplier uncertainty and supports reliable delivery at volume. The expert validation confirmed the logic and the order: capability before criteria, criteria before wider market moves.
Sector initiatives can host these steps. Netwerk Conceptueel Bouwen supports learning and specification. De Woonstandaard offers comparable baselines that can carry clear circular criteria. De Bouwstroom aggregates demand and timelines so suppliers can plan and invest. Used together, these initiatives help turn ambition into normal practice without slowing delivery.
The contribution of this work is to translate a broad tension into operational guidance for Dutch housing associations. It names and locates the horizon gap, shows the decision points where circular value is filtered out, and sets out practical steps that fit current mandates. If applied now, these steps can narrow the distance between want and can and help the sector keep a credible path to the national goal of a fully circular economy by 2050, while continuing to build the homes the Netherlands urgently needs. ...
This thesis examines how Dutch housing associations can integrate circular economy aims while delivering homes quickly and affordably. It identifies a Capacity–Circularity Gap: the distance between what associations want on circular construction and what they can deliver within current rules, tools, and routines. Two imperatives sit side by side in daily practice. There is pressure for speed, cost control, and volume, and there is the ambition to build for long-term value with lower resource use. The analysis shows that throughput usually weighs heavier, which keeps circular options at the margins of mainstream delivery.
The research combines a context study, a literature review, and a qualitative empirical phase with five semi-structured interviews with practitioners in housing associations and municipalities. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and the findings were validated in an interview with the program manager for Onderhoud en Verbetering and interim sustainability lead at Aedes. The expert validation helped to locate where circular options fall out and which steps are most useful in practice.
Three mechanisms explain how the gap is produced. First, an early financial filter, described by the expert as the horizon gap, keeps longer-term and component-level effects outside selection and funding at the moment of choice. Circular options can then drop out before they build a track record. Second, circular know-how is not yet embedded in routine tools and workflows. Lessons stay in pilots, and perceived risk remains high. Third, procurement settings and the way risk and liability are handled pull decisions back to familiar solutions under delivery pressure, especially when evidence for reused and bio-based parts is not standardized.
From these results, the thesis proposes three connected pathways. Developing Circular Expertise focuses on short learning cycles, shared checklists, and peer exchange so lessons move from pilots into routine work. Redesigning Business Model brings longer-term effects into go or no-go and award decisions through a concise circular section with a small, stable set of performance criteria and expected evidence. Building Market Supply aligns criteria and demand across clients and fits risk allocation and documentation to reused and biobased components, which lowers supplier uncertainty and supports reliable delivery at volume. The expert validation confirmed the logic and the order: capability before criteria, criteria before wider market moves.
Sector initiatives can host these steps. Netwerk Conceptueel Bouwen supports learning and specification. De Woonstandaard offers comparable baselines that can carry clear circular criteria. De Bouwstroom aggregates demand and timelines so suppliers can plan and invest. Used together, these initiatives help turn ambition into normal practice without slowing delivery.
The contribution of this work is to translate a broad tension into operational guidance for Dutch housing associations. It names and locates the horizon gap, shows the decision points where circular value is filtered out, and sets out practical steps that fit current mandates. If applied now, these steps can narrow the distance between want and can and help the sector keep a credible path to the national goal of a fully circular economy by 2050, while continuing to build the homes the Netherlands urgently needs.
The research combines a context study, a literature review, and a qualitative empirical phase with five semi-structured interviews with practitioners in housing associations and municipalities. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and the findings were validated in an interview with the program manager for Onderhoud en Verbetering and interim sustainability lead at Aedes. The expert validation helped to locate where circular options fall out and which steps are most useful in practice.
Three mechanisms explain how the gap is produced. First, an early financial filter, described by the expert as the horizon gap, keeps longer-term and component-level effects outside selection and funding at the moment of choice. Circular options can then drop out before they build a track record. Second, circular know-how is not yet embedded in routine tools and workflows. Lessons stay in pilots, and perceived risk remains high. Third, procurement settings and the way risk and liability are handled pull decisions back to familiar solutions under delivery pressure, especially when evidence for reused and bio-based parts is not standardized.
From these results, the thesis proposes three connected pathways. Developing Circular Expertise focuses on short learning cycles, shared checklists, and peer exchange so lessons move from pilots into routine work. Redesigning Business Model brings longer-term effects into go or no-go and award decisions through a concise circular section with a small, stable set of performance criteria and expected evidence. Building Market Supply aligns criteria and demand across clients and fits risk allocation and documentation to reused and biobased components, which lowers supplier uncertainty and supports reliable delivery at volume. The expert validation confirmed the logic and the order: capability before criteria, criteria before wider market moves.
Sector initiatives can host these steps. Netwerk Conceptueel Bouwen supports learning and specification. De Woonstandaard offers comparable baselines that can carry clear circular criteria. De Bouwstroom aggregates demand and timelines so suppliers can plan and invest. Used together, these initiatives help turn ambition into normal practice without slowing delivery.
The contribution of this work is to translate a broad tension into operational guidance for Dutch housing associations. It names and locates the horizon gap, shows the decision points where circular value is filtered out, and sets out practical steps that fit current mandates. If applied now, these steps can narrow the distance between want and can and help the sector keep a credible path to the national goal of a fully circular economy by 2050, while continuing to build the homes the Netherlands urgently needs.
Navigating Delays in Green Water Projects
Identifying Sustainability-Related Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Master thesis
(2025)
-
A.R. Lotliker, J.W.F. Wamelink, J.P.G. Ramler, E.J. Houwing, Wouter Gerwen Van
The integration of sustainability into water infrastructure projects is no longer optional it is essential for delivering long-term environmental, social, and economic value. However, the implementation of sustainability in green water projects introduces a unique set of complexities that can contribute to significant delays and operational inefficiencies. These challenges include regulatory complexity, innovation adoption barriers, financial limitations, and institutional inertia. Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in infrastructure, the specific impact of these factors on project timelines remains underexplored in existing literature.
This thesis investigates how sustainability-related complexities affect the timely execution of green water projects and identifies targeted planning strategies to mitigate those impacts. The central research question driving this study is: What planning strategies can help in the successful implementation of Sustainability in Water Projects?
To answer this, the following sub-questions are explored:
1. What are Green Water Projects?
2. How do they differ from traditional projects?
3. What differentiating green factors could result in delays in Green Water Projects?
4. How can these delays be mitigated?
A qualitative multi-phase research approach was adopted to answer these questions, consisting of four key stages: exploratory interviews, literature review, semi-structured expert interviews, and expert feedback workshop with industry stakeholders at Bilfinger Engineering and Consultancy. The exploratory interviews scoped the landscape and helped define "green water projects" in practical terms. The literature review established the conceptual framework, while the semi-structured interviews provided in-depth insights into sustainability-related project delays. The final expert validation tested the practical applicability of the proposed strategies.
The research draws on real-world experiences, including cases involving hydrogen infrastructure, algae-based protein production, and sustainable fuel development, to contextualize the analysis.
The study identifies four core planning solutions tied to the delay drivers:
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Mitigated through early stakeholder alignment and adaptive frameworks like Front-End Loading (FEL) and the Transition Management Framework.
• Technological Novelty: Addressed via iterative testing and feedback using tools such as the Innovation Chasm Strategy and Adaptive Management.
• Financial Feasibility: Enhanced by reducing risk perception through Risk Scoring Matrices, Process Thinking, and Outcome-Based Financing approaches.
• Institutional Capacity: Strengthened through Organizational Learning, Bow Tie Risk Models, and Multilevel Transition Management, which foster resilience and governance alignment.
Building on these findings the study introduces a comprehensive roadmap structured around four interlinked pillars consisting of early stakeholder engagement, bridging the innovation adoption gap, adaptive project management, and institutional alignment with long-term sustainability goals. These pillars are operationalized through a layered approach across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, reflecting the complex, dynamic, and socio-technical nature of sustainability implementation. This multi-level structure enables flexible and adaptive planning that accommodates evolving regulatory, technological, and financial conditions, thereby supporting resilience in project delivery.
A key insight of this research is the redefinition of the traditional Iron Triangle of project management. By incorporating sustainability as a core dimension alongside cost, time, quality, and scope, the study proposes a new paradigm for project planning that aligns with contemporary environmental and social requirements. This reconceptualization allows project teams to evaluate trade-offs more holistically and design solutions that do not sacrifice long-term goals for short-term efficiency. Although the strategies have been tailored to green water projects, they are designed for adaptability and can be applied more broadly to green projects.
Ultimately, the findings serve as a practical guide for project managers and policy stakeholders seeking to overcome sustainability-induced delays. The research contributes to both academic understanding and industry practice by offering an actionable, multi-level planning framework that supports the successful implementation of sustainable infrastructure. By embedding adaptive and transition management principles alongside enhanced governance synchronization, the proposed strategies enable proactive management of uncertainty and institutional alignment, which are essential for scaling sustainable innovations in complex infrastructure projects. ...
This thesis investigates how sustainability-related complexities affect the timely execution of green water projects and identifies targeted planning strategies to mitigate those impacts. The central research question driving this study is: What planning strategies can help in the successful implementation of Sustainability in Water Projects?
To answer this, the following sub-questions are explored:
1. What are Green Water Projects?
2. How do they differ from traditional projects?
3. What differentiating green factors could result in delays in Green Water Projects?
4. How can these delays be mitigated?
A qualitative multi-phase research approach was adopted to answer these questions, consisting of four key stages: exploratory interviews, literature review, semi-structured expert interviews, and expert feedback workshop with industry stakeholders at Bilfinger Engineering and Consultancy. The exploratory interviews scoped the landscape and helped define "green water projects" in practical terms. The literature review established the conceptual framework, while the semi-structured interviews provided in-depth insights into sustainability-related project delays. The final expert validation tested the practical applicability of the proposed strategies.
The research draws on real-world experiences, including cases involving hydrogen infrastructure, algae-based protein production, and sustainable fuel development, to contextualize the analysis.
The study identifies four core planning solutions tied to the delay drivers:
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Mitigated through early stakeholder alignment and adaptive frameworks like Front-End Loading (FEL) and the Transition Management Framework.
• Technological Novelty: Addressed via iterative testing and feedback using tools such as the Innovation Chasm Strategy and Adaptive Management.
• Financial Feasibility: Enhanced by reducing risk perception through Risk Scoring Matrices, Process Thinking, and Outcome-Based Financing approaches.
• Institutional Capacity: Strengthened through Organizational Learning, Bow Tie Risk Models, and Multilevel Transition Management, which foster resilience and governance alignment.
Building on these findings the study introduces a comprehensive roadmap structured around four interlinked pillars consisting of early stakeholder engagement, bridging the innovation adoption gap, adaptive project management, and institutional alignment with long-term sustainability goals. These pillars are operationalized through a layered approach across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, reflecting the complex, dynamic, and socio-technical nature of sustainability implementation. This multi-level structure enables flexible and adaptive planning that accommodates evolving regulatory, technological, and financial conditions, thereby supporting resilience in project delivery.
A key insight of this research is the redefinition of the traditional Iron Triangle of project management. By incorporating sustainability as a core dimension alongside cost, time, quality, and scope, the study proposes a new paradigm for project planning that aligns with contemporary environmental and social requirements. This reconceptualization allows project teams to evaluate trade-offs more holistically and design solutions that do not sacrifice long-term goals for short-term efficiency. Although the strategies have been tailored to green water projects, they are designed for adaptability and can be applied more broadly to green projects.
Ultimately, the findings serve as a practical guide for project managers and policy stakeholders seeking to overcome sustainability-induced delays. The research contributes to both academic understanding and industry practice by offering an actionable, multi-level planning framework that supports the successful implementation of sustainable infrastructure. By embedding adaptive and transition management principles alongside enhanced governance synchronization, the proposed strategies enable proactive management of uncertainty and institutional alignment, which are essential for scaling sustainable innovations in complex infrastructure projects. ...
The integration of sustainability into water infrastructure projects is no longer optional it is essential for delivering long-term environmental, social, and economic value. However, the implementation of sustainability in green water projects introduces a unique set of complexities that can contribute to significant delays and operational inefficiencies. These challenges include regulatory complexity, innovation adoption barriers, financial limitations, and institutional inertia. Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in infrastructure, the specific impact of these factors on project timelines remains underexplored in existing literature.
This thesis investigates how sustainability-related complexities affect the timely execution of green water projects and identifies targeted planning strategies to mitigate those impacts. The central research question driving this study is: What planning strategies can help in the successful implementation of Sustainability in Water Projects?
To answer this, the following sub-questions are explored:
1. What are Green Water Projects?
2. How do they differ from traditional projects?
3. What differentiating green factors could result in delays in Green Water Projects?
4. How can these delays be mitigated?
A qualitative multi-phase research approach was adopted to answer these questions, consisting of four key stages: exploratory interviews, literature review, semi-structured expert interviews, and expert feedback workshop with industry stakeholders at Bilfinger Engineering and Consultancy. The exploratory interviews scoped the landscape and helped define "green water projects" in practical terms. The literature review established the conceptual framework, while the semi-structured interviews provided in-depth insights into sustainability-related project delays. The final expert validation tested the practical applicability of the proposed strategies.
The research draws on real-world experiences, including cases involving hydrogen infrastructure, algae-based protein production, and sustainable fuel development, to contextualize the analysis.
The study identifies four core planning solutions tied to the delay drivers:
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Mitigated through early stakeholder alignment and adaptive frameworks like Front-End Loading (FEL) and the Transition Management Framework.
• Technological Novelty: Addressed via iterative testing and feedback using tools such as the Innovation Chasm Strategy and Adaptive Management.
• Financial Feasibility: Enhanced by reducing risk perception through Risk Scoring Matrices, Process Thinking, and Outcome-Based Financing approaches.
• Institutional Capacity: Strengthened through Organizational Learning, Bow Tie Risk Models, and Multilevel Transition Management, which foster resilience and governance alignment.
Building on these findings the study introduces a comprehensive roadmap structured around four interlinked pillars consisting of early stakeholder engagement, bridging the innovation adoption gap, adaptive project management, and institutional alignment with long-term sustainability goals. These pillars are operationalized through a layered approach across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, reflecting the complex, dynamic, and socio-technical nature of sustainability implementation. This multi-level structure enables flexible and adaptive planning that accommodates evolving regulatory, technological, and financial conditions, thereby supporting resilience in project delivery.
A key insight of this research is the redefinition of the traditional Iron Triangle of project management. By incorporating sustainability as a core dimension alongside cost, time, quality, and scope, the study proposes a new paradigm for project planning that aligns with contemporary environmental and social requirements. This reconceptualization allows project teams to evaluate trade-offs more holistically and design solutions that do not sacrifice long-term goals for short-term efficiency. Although the strategies have been tailored to green water projects, they are designed for adaptability and can be applied more broadly to green projects.
Ultimately, the findings serve as a practical guide for project managers and policy stakeholders seeking to overcome sustainability-induced delays. The research contributes to both academic understanding and industry practice by offering an actionable, multi-level planning framework that supports the successful implementation of sustainable infrastructure. By embedding adaptive and transition management principles alongside enhanced governance synchronization, the proposed strategies enable proactive management of uncertainty and institutional alignment, which are essential for scaling sustainable innovations in complex infrastructure projects.
This thesis investigates how sustainability-related complexities affect the timely execution of green water projects and identifies targeted planning strategies to mitigate those impacts. The central research question driving this study is: What planning strategies can help in the successful implementation of Sustainability in Water Projects?
To answer this, the following sub-questions are explored:
1. What are Green Water Projects?
2. How do they differ from traditional projects?
3. What differentiating green factors could result in delays in Green Water Projects?
4. How can these delays be mitigated?
A qualitative multi-phase research approach was adopted to answer these questions, consisting of four key stages: exploratory interviews, literature review, semi-structured expert interviews, and expert feedback workshop with industry stakeholders at Bilfinger Engineering and Consultancy. The exploratory interviews scoped the landscape and helped define "green water projects" in practical terms. The literature review established the conceptual framework, while the semi-structured interviews provided in-depth insights into sustainability-related project delays. The final expert validation tested the practical applicability of the proposed strategies.
The research draws on real-world experiences, including cases involving hydrogen infrastructure, algae-based protein production, and sustainable fuel development, to contextualize the analysis.
The study identifies four core planning solutions tied to the delay drivers:
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Mitigated through early stakeholder alignment and adaptive frameworks like Front-End Loading (FEL) and the Transition Management Framework.
• Technological Novelty: Addressed via iterative testing and feedback using tools such as the Innovation Chasm Strategy and Adaptive Management.
• Financial Feasibility: Enhanced by reducing risk perception through Risk Scoring Matrices, Process Thinking, and Outcome-Based Financing approaches.
• Institutional Capacity: Strengthened through Organizational Learning, Bow Tie Risk Models, and Multilevel Transition Management, which foster resilience and governance alignment.
Building on these findings the study introduces a comprehensive roadmap structured around four interlinked pillars consisting of early stakeholder engagement, bridging the innovation adoption gap, adaptive project management, and institutional alignment with long-term sustainability goals. These pillars are operationalized through a layered approach across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, reflecting the complex, dynamic, and socio-technical nature of sustainability implementation. This multi-level structure enables flexible and adaptive planning that accommodates evolving regulatory, technological, and financial conditions, thereby supporting resilience in project delivery.
A key insight of this research is the redefinition of the traditional Iron Triangle of project management. By incorporating sustainability as a core dimension alongside cost, time, quality, and scope, the study proposes a new paradigm for project planning that aligns with contemporary environmental and social requirements. This reconceptualization allows project teams to evaluate trade-offs more holistically and design solutions that do not sacrifice long-term goals for short-term efficiency. Although the strategies have been tailored to green water projects, they are designed for adaptability and can be applied more broadly to green projects.
Ultimately, the findings serve as a practical guide for project managers and policy stakeholders seeking to overcome sustainability-induced delays. The research contributes to both academic understanding and industry practice by offering an actionable, multi-level planning framework that supports the successful implementation of sustainable infrastructure. By embedding adaptive and transition management principles alongside enhanced governance synchronization, the proposed strategies enable proactive management of uncertainty and institutional alignment, which are essential for scaling sustainable innovations in complex infrastructure projects.
Bridge to Collaboration
Aligning asset owners for their infrastructure renewal challenges
The Netherlands faces a significant task of renovating and replacing a lot of the infrastructure in the following decades. A large number of infrastructure assets was constructed after the second world war and is now reaching their end of life. At the same time, there are fewer people and resources to work on this renew task because a lot of people are leaving organisations due to ageing, there are fewer civil engineers coming back and there are other tasks that are given more priority. This alsocauses a loss of knowledge on how to handle such a task. A solution for this that was proposed is collaboration. It would be useful for the asset owners of the infrastructure (municipalities, provinces and Rijkswaterstaat) to work together on renovating and replacing their infrastructure to share resources, maintain accessibility and align goals and interests. This thesis is looking into how such a collaboration can be initiated and developed with different asset owners in large-scale infrastructure renovation and replacement projects. A collaboration with different asset owners that have different
interests and goals can bring challenges, which are important to overcome.
This research was executed by using a literature research, looking into a case study and conducting interviews within this case. The case is an initiative in the province of Noord Holland that has started to develop a collaboration between the different asset owners. The findings show that there are many different challenges and success factors for collaboration. The main challenges that were identified are the lack of a relationship and trust between the organisations, limited time, fear of losing autonomy and that there are different levels in the asset owner organisations. Some success factors are trust, transparency, clear communication, early involvement of stakeholders, having shared goals and having an approachable collaboration.
The collaboration in the case was described as a voluntary collaboration, where the asset owners could decide for themselves whether they want to participate in the collaboration network. A voluntary collaboration is developed when organisations see a shared challenge for which they recognise opportunities to work together. This collaboration is based on trust and having a shared goal. These components are especially important to develop in a collaboration. To answer the research question, a process description on how to initiate and develop a collaboration is designed. This model consists of five steps, which goes from defining the problem, to having informal meetings and working on building trust, to exploring the opportunities for actions that can come from the collaboration, to eventually executing these actions. Also, some important strategies and recommendations have been formulated here for the development of collaboration, which are to start small and work progressively on expanding the collaboration, it is important to define the reason for collaboration clearly, there should be goals within the collaboration, it is crucial to work on building a relationship and trust, and there has to be transparency about roles, responsibilities and
expectations.
This model can be useful for other organisations that want to initiate a collaboration for the renewal task in another region. For this, it is crucial that the interests and goals of those asset owner organisations are clear and there is a shared reason for the collaboration. ...
interests and goals can bring challenges, which are important to overcome.
This research was executed by using a literature research, looking into a case study and conducting interviews within this case. The case is an initiative in the province of Noord Holland that has started to develop a collaboration between the different asset owners. The findings show that there are many different challenges and success factors for collaboration. The main challenges that were identified are the lack of a relationship and trust between the organisations, limited time, fear of losing autonomy and that there are different levels in the asset owner organisations. Some success factors are trust, transparency, clear communication, early involvement of stakeholders, having shared goals and having an approachable collaboration.
The collaboration in the case was described as a voluntary collaboration, where the asset owners could decide for themselves whether they want to participate in the collaboration network. A voluntary collaboration is developed when organisations see a shared challenge for which they recognise opportunities to work together. This collaboration is based on trust and having a shared goal. These components are especially important to develop in a collaboration. To answer the research question, a process description on how to initiate and develop a collaboration is designed. This model consists of five steps, which goes from defining the problem, to having informal meetings and working on building trust, to exploring the opportunities for actions that can come from the collaboration, to eventually executing these actions. Also, some important strategies and recommendations have been formulated here for the development of collaboration, which are to start small and work progressively on expanding the collaboration, it is important to define the reason for collaboration clearly, there should be goals within the collaboration, it is crucial to work on building a relationship and trust, and there has to be transparency about roles, responsibilities and
expectations.
This model can be useful for other organisations that want to initiate a collaboration for the renewal task in another region. For this, it is crucial that the interests and goals of those asset owner organisations are clear and there is a shared reason for the collaboration. ...
The Netherlands faces a significant task of renovating and replacing a lot of the infrastructure in the following decades. A large number of infrastructure assets was constructed after the second world war and is now reaching their end of life. At the same time, there are fewer people and resources to work on this renew task because a lot of people are leaving organisations due to ageing, there are fewer civil engineers coming back and there are other tasks that are given more priority. This alsocauses a loss of knowledge on how to handle such a task. A solution for this that was proposed is collaboration. It would be useful for the asset owners of the infrastructure (municipalities, provinces and Rijkswaterstaat) to work together on renovating and replacing their infrastructure to share resources, maintain accessibility and align goals and interests. This thesis is looking into how such a collaboration can be initiated and developed with different asset owners in large-scale infrastructure renovation and replacement projects. A collaboration with different asset owners that have different
interests and goals can bring challenges, which are important to overcome.
This research was executed by using a literature research, looking into a case study and conducting interviews within this case. The case is an initiative in the province of Noord Holland that has started to develop a collaboration between the different asset owners. The findings show that there are many different challenges and success factors for collaboration. The main challenges that were identified are the lack of a relationship and trust between the organisations, limited time, fear of losing autonomy and that there are different levels in the asset owner organisations. Some success factors are trust, transparency, clear communication, early involvement of stakeholders, having shared goals and having an approachable collaboration.
The collaboration in the case was described as a voluntary collaboration, where the asset owners could decide for themselves whether they want to participate in the collaboration network. A voluntary collaboration is developed when organisations see a shared challenge for which they recognise opportunities to work together. This collaboration is based on trust and having a shared goal. These components are especially important to develop in a collaboration. To answer the research question, a process description on how to initiate and develop a collaboration is designed. This model consists of five steps, which goes from defining the problem, to having informal meetings and working on building trust, to exploring the opportunities for actions that can come from the collaboration, to eventually executing these actions. Also, some important strategies and recommendations have been formulated here for the development of collaboration, which are to start small and work progressively on expanding the collaboration, it is important to define the reason for collaboration clearly, there should be goals within the collaboration, it is crucial to work on building a relationship and trust, and there has to be transparency about roles, responsibilities and
expectations.
This model can be useful for other organisations that want to initiate a collaboration for the renewal task in another region. For this, it is crucial that the interests and goals of those asset owner organisations are clear and there is a shared reason for the collaboration.
interests and goals can bring challenges, which are important to overcome.
This research was executed by using a literature research, looking into a case study and conducting interviews within this case. The case is an initiative in the province of Noord Holland that has started to develop a collaboration between the different asset owners. The findings show that there are many different challenges and success factors for collaboration. The main challenges that were identified are the lack of a relationship and trust between the organisations, limited time, fear of losing autonomy and that there are different levels in the asset owner organisations. Some success factors are trust, transparency, clear communication, early involvement of stakeholders, having shared goals and having an approachable collaboration.
The collaboration in the case was described as a voluntary collaboration, where the asset owners could decide for themselves whether they want to participate in the collaboration network. A voluntary collaboration is developed when organisations see a shared challenge for which they recognise opportunities to work together. This collaboration is based on trust and having a shared goal. These components are especially important to develop in a collaboration. To answer the research question, a process description on how to initiate and develop a collaboration is designed. This model consists of five steps, which goes from defining the problem, to having informal meetings and working on building trust, to exploring the opportunities for actions that can come from the collaboration, to eventually executing these actions. Also, some important strategies and recommendations have been formulated here for the development of collaboration, which are to start small and work progressively on expanding the collaboration, it is important to define the reason for collaboration clearly, there should be goals within the collaboration, it is crucial to work on building a relationship and trust, and there has to be transparency about roles, responsibilities and
expectations.
This model can be useful for other organisations that want to initiate a collaboration for the renewal task in another region. For this, it is crucial that the interests and goals of those asset owner organisations are clear and there is a shared reason for the collaboration.
The increasing frequency of urgent projects, driven by both natural disasters and aging infrastructure, demands a global shift towards enhanced preparedness to build resilience to align with principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the context of post-disaster housing in Indonesia, this requires a paradigm shift from a reactive, crisis-driven approach to a proactive one. This transition is supported by converging trends in disaster management, construction, and public procurement, which all show a move towards greater flexibility, collaboration, and proactive planning.
This research addresses the challenge of project delivery delays by developing and evaluating a procurement strategy to accelerate reconstruction. The study employs a three-phase Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, combining literature synthesis, a comparative analysis of three case studies, and stakeholder interviews. In the first phase, Analysis & Exploration, a novel preparedness framework was developed from literature, identifying seven aspects: Community Involvement, Knowledge, Industrial Resources, Land Planning, Regulations, Funding, and Projects & Programmes. Analysis of current practices revealed a missed opportunity in project governance, where operational capacity is not fully translated into efficient and timely project outcomes, slowing down the overall recovery process. This issue is then addressed in the second phase, Design & Construction, by designing a new procurement strategy. This strategy is centered on a pre-disaster Framework Agreement that integrates design-build delivery with the pre-stocking of modular components (RISHA). In the third phase, Evaluation & Reflection, this strategy was validated and refined through stakeholder interviews.
Utilizing the framework as the assessment tool, the study concludes that a collaborative, customized framework-based procurement strategy provides a tangible mechanism to improve preparedness by shifting institutions from a reactive to a proactive stance. This research contributes to the scientific discourse by providing a practical bridge between high-level international frameworks and the realities of project delivery. For future work, it is recommended to pursue integrated governance reform, particularly establishing national land banks and ex-ante disaster financing, and to pilot the proposed strategy in diverse contexts to further refine its application. ...
This research addresses the challenge of project delivery delays by developing and evaluating a procurement strategy to accelerate reconstruction. The study employs a three-phase Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, combining literature synthesis, a comparative analysis of three case studies, and stakeholder interviews. In the first phase, Analysis & Exploration, a novel preparedness framework was developed from literature, identifying seven aspects: Community Involvement, Knowledge, Industrial Resources, Land Planning, Regulations, Funding, and Projects & Programmes. Analysis of current practices revealed a missed opportunity in project governance, where operational capacity is not fully translated into efficient and timely project outcomes, slowing down the overall recovery process. This issue is then addressed in the second phase, Design & Construction, by designing a new procurement strategy. This strategy is centered on a pre-disaster Framework Agreement that integrates design-build delivery with the pre-stocking of modular components (RISHA). In the third phase, Evaluation & Reflection, this strategy was validated and refined through stakeholder interviews.
Utilizing the framework as the assessment tool, the study concludes that a collaborative, customized framework-based procurement strategy provides a tangible mechanism to improve preparedness by shifting institutions from a reactive to a proactive stance. This research contributes to the scientific discourse by providing a practical bridge between high-level international frameworks and the realities of project delivery. For future work, it is recommended to pursue integrated governance reform, particularly establishing national land banks and ex-ante disaster financing, and to pilot the proposed strategy in diverse contexts to further refine its application. ...
The increasing frequency of urgent projects, driven by both natural disasters and aging infrastructure, demands a global shift towards enhanced preparedness to build resilience to align with principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the context of post-disaster housing in Indonesia, this requires a paradigm shift from a reactive, crisis-driven approach to a proactive one. This transition is supported by converging trends in disaster management, construction, and public procurement, which all show a move towards greater flexibility, collaboration, and proactive planning.
This research addresses the challenge of project delivery delays by developing and evaluating a procurement strategy to accelerate reconstruction. The study employs a three-phase Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, combining literature synthesis, a comparative analysis of three case studies, and stakeholder interviews. In the first phase, Analysis & Exploration, a novel preparedness framework was developed from literature, identifying seven aspects: Community Involvement, Knowledge, Industrial Resources, Land Planning, Regulations, Funding, and Projects & Programmes. Analysis of current practices revealed a missed opportunity in project governance, where operational capacity is not fully translated into efficient and timely project outcomes, slowing down the overall recovery process. This issue is then addressed in the second phase, Design & Construction, by designing a new procurement strategy. This strategy is centered on a pre-disaster Framework Agreement that integrates design-build delivery with the pre-stocking of modular components (RISHA). In the third phase, Evaluation & Reflection, this strategy was validated and refined through stakeholder interviews.
Utilizing the framework as the assessment tool, the study concludes that a collaborative, customized framework-based procurement strategy provides a tangible mechanism to improve preparedness by shifting institutions from a reactive to a proactive stance. This research contributes to the scientific discourse by providing a practical bridge between high-level international frameworks and the realities of project delivery. For future work, it is recommended to pursue integrated governance reform, particularly establishing national land banks and ex-ante disaster financing, and to pilot the proposed strategy in diverse contexts to further refine its application.
This research addresses the challenge of project delivery delays by developing and evaluating a procurement strategy to accelerate reconstruction. The study employs a three-phase Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, combining literature synthesis, a comparative analysis of three case studies, and stakeholder interviews. In the first phase, Analysis & Exploration, a novel preparedness framework was developed from literature, identifying seven aspects: Community Involvement, Knowledge, Industrial Resources, Land Planning, Regulations, Funding, and Projects & Programmes. Analysis of current practices revealed a missed opportunity in project governance, where operational capacity is not fully translated into efficient and timely project outcomes, slowing down the overall recovery process. This issue is then addressed in the second phase, Design & Construction, by designing a new procurement strategy. This strategy is centered on a pre-disaster Framework Agreement that integrates design-build delivery with the pre-stocking of modular components (RISHA). In the third phase, Evaluation & Reflection, this strategy was validated and refined through stakeholder interviews.
Utilizing the framework as the assessment tool, the study concludes that a collaborative, customized framework-based procurement strategy provides a tangible mechanism to improve preparedness by shifting institutions from a reactive to a proactive stance. This research contributes to the scientific discourse by providing a practical bridge between high-level international frameworks and the realities of project delivery. For future work, it is recommended to pursue integrated governance reform, particularly establishing national land banks and ex-ante disaster financing, and to pilot the proposed strategy in diverse contexts to further refine its application.
Forging the path to reuse
A study on what is technically and societally needed to stimulate the adoption of reused steel bridge components by stakeholders in the construction industry
Master thesis
(2025)
-
M.A. Schuurmans, M.G.C. Bosch-Rekveldt, E.J. Houwing, L.J. Sluijs, Dr. Florentia Kavoura, Nick Montenij
Many Dutch bridges were constructed in the decades following World War II and are now reaching the end of their service life. While their overall functionality may be declining, individual components still retain significant structural value. In light of increasing circularity ambitions, reusing these components presents an opportunity to reduce emissions and maximize this residual value. However, steel bridge component reuse remains uncommon in the Netherlands. This thesis investigates why that is the case and what is needed to stimulate broader adoption. The main research question is: “What is needed to stimulate the adoption of steel bridge component reuse among stakeholders in the Dutch construction industry?”
A mixed-method approach was applied, combining literature research, a technical case study, and sixteen interviews with actors from across the construction supply chain. The literature review identified five key obstacles to reuse, difficulty in sourcing of the steel, lack of design guidelines, missing EU regulations, cost uncertainty, and behavioral resistance.
To address the technical gap, a design guideline was developed based on the case study of the Freebrug in Oude Pekela. The focus was placed on Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs), where fatigue, corrosion, and their combination were modeled as key damage mechanisms. A finite element model incorporating past loading scenarios and critical weld zones showed that technical reuse is possible, even when damage is present. The resulting design guideline consists of three structured steps: (1) documenting initial data, (2) assessing condition during service life, (3) choosing feasible reuse applications.
Besides to that, interview results revealed nineteen obstacles, of which fourteen were not found in literature, suggesting that practice is evolving beyond academic literature. Two obstacles stood out as most frequent: ‘Availability of steel’ and ‘Negative attitudes’, both acting as ‘pillars’ rooted in deeper systemic issues. Some theoretical concerns, such as missing EU regulation or cost uncertainty, were viewed with more nuance or even downplayed by stakeholders.
Fifteen distinct strategies aiming to address these reuse obstacles were identified in interviews, the most common being: making reuse a requirement in tenders, creating supply storage locations, and training the supply chain through partnerships. To interpret the interrelations between these strategies, they were clustered into three systemic themes: (1) Rules and regulations, (2) Collective learning and shared responsibility, and (3) Practical and physical logistics. This interpretive lens revealed a misalignment between ambition and action, willingness and structure, and innovation and conventional routines.
The thesis concludes that stimulating reuse adoption requires both technical verification and systemic realignment. From a Structural Engineering perspective, the design guideline provides a replicable method to assess reuse potential for steel bridge components. From a Construction Management perspective, adoption is hindered by systemic misalignments. These two dimensions are inseparable: technical confidence alone is insufficient without systemic readiness. Reuse must be understood not as an isolated effort, but as a broader system transition requiring coordination, and adaptive capacity across the entire construction chain.
...
A mixed-method approach was applied, combining literature research, a technical case study, and sixteen interviews with actors from across the construction supply chain. The literature review identified five key obstacles to reuse, difficulty in sourcing of the steel, lack of design guidelines, missing EU regulations, cost uncertainty, and behavioral resistance.
To address the technical gap, a design guideline was developed based on the case study of the Freebrug in Oude Pekela. The focus was placed on Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs), where fatigue, corrosion, and their combination were modeled as key damage mechanisms. A finite element model incorporating past loading scenarios and critical weld zones showed that technical reuse is possible, even when damage is present. The resulting design guideline consists of three structured steps: (1) documenting initial data, (2) assessing condition during service life, (3) choosing feasible reuse applications.
Besides to that, interview results revealed nineteen obstacles, of which fourteen were not found in literature, suggesting that practice is evolving beyond academic literature. Two obstacles stood out as most frequent: ‘Availability of steel’ and ‘Negative attitudes’, both acting as ‘pillars’ rooted in deeper systemic issues. Some theoretical concerns, such as missing EU regulation or cost uncertainty, were viewed with more nuance or even downplayed by stakeholders.
Fifteen distinct strategies aiming to address these reuse obstacles were identified in interviews, the most common being: making reuse a requirement in tenders, creating supply storage locations, and training the supply chain through partnerships. To interpret the interrelations between these strategies, they were clustered into three systemic themes: (1) Rules and regulations, (2) Collective learning and shared responsibility, and (3) Practical and physical logistics. This interpretive lens revealed a misalignment between ambition and action, willingness and structure, and innovation and conventional routines.
The thesis concludes that stimulating reuse adoption requires both technical verification and systemic realignment. From a Structural Engineering perspective, the design guideline provides a replicable method to assess reuse potential for steel bridge components. From a Construction Management perspective, adoption is hindered by systemic misalignments. These two dimensions are inseparable: technical confidence alone is insufficient without systemic readiness. Reuse must be understood not as an isolated effort, but as a broader system transition requiring coordination, and adaptive capacity across the entire construction chain.
...
Many Dutch bridges were constructed in the decades following World War II and are now reaching the end of their service life. While their overall functionality may be declining, individual components still retain significant structural value. In light of increasing circularity ambitions, reusing these components presents an opportunity to reduce emissions and maximize this residual value. However, steel bridge component reuse remains uncommon in the Netherlands. This thesis investigates why that is the case and what is needed to stimulate broader adoption. The main research question is: “What is needed to stimulate the adoption of steel bridge component reuse among stakeholders in the Dutch construction industry?”
A mixed-method approach was applied, combining literature research, a technical case study, and sixteen interviews with actors from across the construction supply chain. The literature review identified five key obstacles to reuse, difficulty in sourcing of the steel, lack of design guidelines, missing EU regulations, cost uncertainty, and behavioral resistance.
To address the technical gap, a design guideline was developed based on the case study of the Freebrug in Oude Pekela. The focus was placed on Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs), where fatigue, corrosion, and their combination were modeled as key damage mechanisms. A finite element model incorporating past loading scenarios and critical weld zones showed that technical reuse is possible, even when damage is present. The resulting design guideline consists of three structured steps: (1) documenting initial data, (2) assessing condition during service life, (3) choosing feasible reuse applications.
Besides to that, interview results revealed nineteen obstacles, of which fourteen were not found in literature, suggesting that practice is evolving beyond academic literature. Two obstacles stood out as most frequent: ‘Availability of steel’ and ‘Negative attitudes’, both acting as ‘pillars’ rooted in deeper systemic issues. Some theoretical concerns, such as missing EU regulation or cost uncertainty, were viewed with more nuance or even downplayed by stakeholders.
Fifteen distinct strategies aiming to address these reuse obstacles were identified in interviews, the most common being: making reuse a requirement in tenders, creating supply storage locations, and training the supply chain through partnerships. To interpret the interrelations between these strategies, they were clustered into three systemic themes: (1) Rules and regulations, (2) Collective learning and shared responsibility, and (3) Practical and physical logistics. This interpretive lens revealed a misalignment between ambition and action, willingness and structure, and innovation and conventional routines.
The thesis concludes that stimulating reuse adoption requires both technical verification and systemic realignment. From a Structural Engineering perspective, the design guideline provides a replicable method to assess reuse potential for steel bridge components. From a Construction Management perspective, adoption is hindered by systemic misalignments. These two dimensions are inseparable: technical confidence alone is insufficient without systemic readiness. Reuse must be understood not as an isolated effort, but as a broader system transition requiring coordination, and adaptive capacity across the entire construction chain.
A mixed-method approach was applied, combining literature research, a technical case study, and sixteen interviews with actors from across the construction supply chain. The literature review identified five key obstacles to reuse, difficulty in sourcing of the steel, lack of design guidelines, missing EU regulations, cost uncertainty, and behavioral resistance.
To address the technical gap, a design guideline was developed based on the case study of the Freebrug in Oude Pekela. The focus was placed on Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs), where fatigue, corrosion, and their combination were modeled as key damage mechanisms. A finite element model incorporating past loading scenarios and critical weld zones showed that technical reuse is possible, even when damage is present. The resulting design guideline consists of three structured steps: (1) documenting initial data, (2) assessing condition during service life, (3) choosing feasible reuse applications.
Besides to that, interview results revealed nineteen obstacles, of which fourteen were not found in literature, suggesting that practice is evolving beyond academic literature. Two obstacles stood out as most frequent: ‘Availability of steel’ and ‘Negative attitudes’, both acting as ‘pillars’ rooted in deeper systemic issues. Some theoretical concerns, such as missing EU regulation or cost uncertainty, were viewed with more nuance or even downplayed by stakeholders.
Fifteen distinct strategies aiming to address these reuse obstacles were identified in interviews, the most common being: making reuse a requirement in tenders, creating supply storage locations, and training the supply chain through partnerships. To interpret the interrelations between these strategies, they were clustered into three systemic themes: (1) Rules and regulations, (2) Collective learning and shared responsibility, and (3) Practical and physical logistics. This interpretive lens revealed a misalignment between ambition and action, willingness and structure, and innovation and conventional routines.
The thesis concludes that stimulating reuse adoption requires both technical verification and systemic realignment. From a Structural Engineering perspective, the design guideline provides a replicable method to assess reuse potential for steel bridge components. From a Construction Management perspective, adoption is hindered by systemic misalignments. These two dimensions are inseparable: technical confidence alone is insufficient without systemic readiness. Reuse must be understood not as an isolated effort, but as a broader system transition requiring coordination, and adaptive capacity across the entire construction chain.
This research investigates the persistent problem of payment delays in the construction industry by focusing on the behavioral and relational dynamics that underlie financial disputes. While traditional solutions have largely emphasized procedural or contractual fixes, this study adopts a grounded, qualitative approach to understand the root causes of payment unreliability. Through interviews with industry professionals and a rigorous coding process, the study identifies key triggering and influencing factors contributing to payment breakdowns. The result is a behavioral framework comprising six practical interventions designed to enhance trust, balance power, foster empathy, and ultimately improve payment reliability. The framework is adaptable across diverse project contexts and aims to shift the focus from isolated remedies to a more integrated, human-centered approach to managing construction payments.
...
This research investigates the persistent problem of payment delays in the construction industry by focusing on the behavioral and relational dynamics that underlie financial disputes. While traditional solutions have largely emphasized procedural or contractual fixes, this study adopts a grounded, qualitative approach to understand the root causes of payment unreliability. Through interviews with industry professionals and a rigorous coding process, the study identifies key triggering and influencing factors contributing to payment breakdowns. The result is a behavioral framework comprising six practical interventions designed to enhance trust, balance power, foster empathy, and ultimately improve payment reliability. The framework is adaptable across diverse project contexts and aims to shift the focus from isolated remedies to a more integrated, human-centered approach to managing construction payments.
Actualizing Sustainability Opportunities
Enhancing Management of Sustainability Opportunities during Front-End Development in Infrastructure Projects
Master thesis
(2025)
-
K.Y. Wong, M.J.C.M. Hertogh, M. Leijten, E.J. Houwing, Colin Reit, Mehmet Uzun, Erik Jan Moll
This is a thesis about enhancing the management of sustainability opportunities during front-end development in infrastructure projects from the perspective of engineering consultancy firms. This thesis provides insights and guidance for project stakeholders to manage sustainability-related ambitions and ideas. Through empirical research within the Dutch infrastructure sector, this thesis has successfully identified the current landscape, key enablers and barriers to sustainability opportunity actualization. Combining these findings with theoretical analysis, the research develops the Sustainability Human-Centered Implementation Framework for Transition (SHIFT), a structured approach to improve the management and actualization of sustainability opportunities. The framework includes operational guidelines, validated through focus groups with highly experienced industry experts in the Netherlands. The implications of this research are to work towards a more sustainable construction environment and enhance the successful actualization of sustainability opportunities.
...
This is a thesis about enhancing the management of sustainability opportunities during front-end development in infrastructure projects from the perspective of engineering consultancy firms. This thesis provides insights and guidance for project stakeholders to manage sustainability-related ambitions and ideas. Through empirical research within the Dutch infrastructure sector, this thesis has successfully identified the current landscape, key enablers and barriers to sustainability opportunity actualization. Combining these findings with theoretical analysis, the research develops the Sustainability Human-Centered Implementation Framework for Transition (SHIFT), a structured approach to improve the management and actualization of sustainability opportunities. The framework includes operational guidelines, validated through focus groups with highly experienced industry experts in the Netherlands. The implications of this research are to work towards a more sustainable construction environment and enhance the successful actualization of sustainability opportunities.
Implementing the Principles of Circular Economy in the Construction Industry
A framework for the construction industry practitioners to accelerate the systematic transition into circular mode of operation: Meta Narrative Review
This master thesis attempts to address the polluting nature of construction industry that faces significant demands due to the trends of population growth and urbanization. The observation is made that the current take-make-dispose way of operation is outdated, unsustainable and needs to be replaced with alternative practices that minimize waste and focus on resource efficiency. To this end, this thesis advocates for the use of Circular Economy (CE) principles in the construction sector exploring the current practice, the barriers in the way of its implementation, and the enablers that can be used to accelerate their implementation.
The paper has focused on first defining the context of the scenario where the problems need to be resolved. Here the research found that the current definition of CE in the sector is extremely ambiguous and diluted with other principles, such as sustainability, reducing the effectiveness of this tool. To combat this, the thesis has developed a construction industry specific definition of CE. Moreover, the paper explored the past applications of this concept identifying previously successful sectors and factors that has led to CE thriving there.
Besides CE, the thesis contextualized the construction industry defining its inherent characteristics and comparing them to the previously defined sectors. Moreover, the research gave information about the lifecycle of construction projects, the ways in which CE principles are used, and the way in which CE affects the sector.
Following contextualization, the paper defines the problem through exploring the barriers. Here the research gave a list of 10 most critical hurdles that need to be overcome arranged in a sequence of importance. Moreover, the thesis gives a comprehensive list of 47 enablers that provide opportunities for overcoming the challenges.
Based on the available information, the study devised a general approach to barrier resolution. Here the research categorized the previously defined variables and connected them with one-another to find unique pathways to solutions. The general approach was used to create 10 targeted preliminary strategies.
The results demonstrate the complexity of achieving a systematic transition of the construction industry in a circular mode of operation. This study provides a solid academic foundation for achieving the final task. The developed 10 preliminary strategies can be used as a starting point for more in-depth solutions. For future research, paper suggests validating the general findings through real-life applications and learning from more industries about implementation and use of CE
...
The paper has focused on first defining the context of the scenario where the problems need to be resolved. Here the research found that the current definition of CE in the sector is extremely ambiguous and diluted with other principles, such as sustainability, reducing the effectiveness of this tool. To combat this, the thesis has developed a construction industry specific definition of CE. Moreover, the paper explored the past applications of this concept identifying previously successful sectors and factors that has led to CE thriving there.
Besides CE, the thesis contextualized the construction industry defining its inherent characteristics and comparing them to the previously defined sectors. Moreover, the research gave information about the lifecycle of construction projects, the ways in which CE principles are used, and the way in which CE affects the sector.
Following contextualization, the paper defines the problem through exploring the barriers. Here the research gave a list of 10 most critical hurdles that need to be overcome arranged in a sequence of importance. Moreover, the thesis gives a comprehensive list of 47 enablers that provide opportunities for overcoming the challenges.
Based on the available information, the study devised a general approach to barrier resolution. Here the research categorized the previously defined variables and connected them with one-another to find unique pathways to solutions. The general approach was used to create 10 targeted preliminary strategies.
The results demonstrate the complexity of achieving a systematic transition of the construction industry in a circular mode of operation. This study provides a solid academic foundation for achieving the final task. The developed 10 preliminary strategies can be used as a starting point for more in-depth solutions. For future research, paper suggests validating the general findings through real-life applications and learning from more industries about implementation and use of CE
...
This master thesis attempts to address the polluting nature of construction industry that faces significant demands due to the trends of population growth and urbanization. The observation is made that the current take-make-dispose way of operation is outdated, unsustainable and needs to be replaced with alternative practices that minimize waste and focus on resource efficiency. To this end, this thesis advocates for the use of Circular Economy (CE) principles in the construction sector exploring the current practice, the barriers in the way of its implementation, and the enablers that can be used to accelerate their implementation.
The paper has focused on first defining the context of the scenario where the problems need to be resolved. Here the research found that the current definition of CE in the sector is extremely ambiguous and diluted with other principles, such as sustainability, reducing the effectiveness of this tool. To combat this, the thesis has developed a construction industry specific definition of CE. Moreover, the paper explored the past applications of this concept identifying previously successful sectors and factors that has led to CE thriving there.
Besides CE, the thesis contextualized the construction industry defining its inherent characteristics and comparing them to the previously defined sectors. Moreover, the research gave information about the lifecycle of construction projects, the ways in which CE principles are used, and the way in which CE affects the sector.
Following contextualization, the paper defines the problem through exploring the barriers. Here the research gave a list of 10 most critical hurdles that need to be overcome arranged in a sequence of importance. Moreover, the thesis gives a comprehensive list of 47 enablers that provide opportunities for overcoming the challenges.
Based on the available information, the study devised a general approach to barrier resolution. Here the research categorized the previously defined variables and connected them with one-another to find unique pathways to solutions. The general approach was used to create 10 targeted preliminary strategies.
The results demonstrate the complexity of achieving a systematic transition of the construction industry in a circular mode of operation. This study provides a solid academic foundation for achieving the final task. The developed 10 preliminary strategies can be used as a starting point for more in-depth solutions. For future research, paper suggests validating the general findings through real-life applications and learning from more industries about implementation and use of CE
The paper has focused on first defining the context of the scenario where the problems need to be resolved. Here the research found that the current definition of CE in the sector is extremely ambiguous and diluted with other principles, such as sustainability, reducing the effectiveness of this tool. To combat this, the thesis has developed a construction industry specific definition of CE. Moreover, the paper explored the past applications of this concept identifying previously successful sectors and factors that has led to CE thriving there.
Besides CE, the thesis contextualized the construction industry defining its inherent characteristics and comparing them to the previously defined sectors. Moreover, the research gave information about the lifecycle of construction projects, the ways in which CE principles are used, and the way in which CE affects the sector.
Following contextualization, the paper defines the problem through exploring the barriers. Here the research gave a list of 10 most critical hurdles that need to be overcome arranged in a sequence of importance. Moreover, the thesis gives a comprehensive list of 47 enablers that provide opportunities for overcoming the challenges.
Based on the available information, the study devised a general approach to barrier resolution. Here the research categorized the previously defined variables and connected them with one-another to find unique pathways to solutions. The general approach was used to create 10 targeted preliminary strategies.
The results demonstrate the complexity of achieving a systematic transition of the construction industry in a circular mode of operation. This study provides a solid academic foundation for achieving the final task. The developed 10 preliminary strategies can be used as a starting point for more in-depth solutions. For future research, paper suggests validating the general findings through real-life applications and learning from more industries about implementation and use of CE
Improving Digitalisation Through Client-Contractor Partnerships in Infrastructure Asset Management
The Case of BAM and Schiphol
Infrastructure asset management is increasingly shifting towards data-driven decision-making, yet many organisations struggle to translate digital tools into improvements in decision-making. This challenge is especially visible in multi-actor environments such as the partnership between Royal Schiphol Group and Royal BAM Group, where digitalisation ambitions remain high but progress is fragmented. This thesis examines how digitalisation can be improved within client-contractor partnerships in infrastructure asset management.
Drawing on literature on digitalisation, absorptive capacity, and strategic interdependence, the research adopts a qualitative single-case study of the Schiphol-BAM partnership. A Design Science Research Method was used to structure the study, and the empirical data consisted of 16 semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and inductive coding using the Gioia Methodology. The resulting propositions were validated and refined in a focus group with practitioners from both organisations.
The findings show that digitalisation develops through the interaction of absorptive capacity, strategic interdependence, and five mechanisms: institutional context, financial alignment, organisational capabilities, relational dynamics, and strategic alignment. Together, these mechanisms form a grounded model that explains how digitalisation develops in infrastructure asset management (IAM) partnerships.
The research results in twelve recommendations: Schiphol should clarify digital expectations, align data requirements and long-term valuation, strengthen governance and expertise, and provide clearer leadership. BAM should scale digital solutions and increase transparency on progress. Jointly, Schiphol and BAM should improve knowledge retention, resolve system and data integration issues, and develop a shared digitalisation roadmap. The research extends existing theory by demonstrating how digitalisation unfolds in practice in IAM partnerships.
...
Drawing on literature on digitalisation, absorptive capacity, and strategic interdependence, the research adopts a qualitative single-case study of the Schiphol-BAM partnership. A Design Science Research Method was used to structure the study, and the empirical data consisted of 16 semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and inductive coding using the Gioia Methodology. The resulting propositions were validated and refined in a focus group with practitioners from both organisations.
The findings show that digitalisation develops through the interaction of absorptive capacity, strategic interdependence, and five mechanisms: institutional context, financial alignment, organisational capabilities, relational dynamics, and strategic alignment. Together, these mechanisms form a grounded model that explains how digitalisation develops in infrastructure asset management (IAM) partnerships.
The research results in twelve recommendations: Schiphol should clarify digital expectations, align data requirements and long-term valuation, strengthen governance and expertise, and provide clearer leadership. BAM should scale digital solutions and increase transparency on progress. Jointly, Schiphol and BAM should improve knowledge retention, resolve system and data integration issues, and develop a shared digitalisation roadmap. The research extends existing theory by demonstrating how digitalisation unfolds in practice in IAM partnerships.
...
Infrastructure asset management is increasingly shifting towards data-driven decision-making, yet many organisations struggle to translate digital tools into improvements in decision-making. This challenge is especially visible in multi-actor environments such as the partnership between Royal Schiphol Group and Royal BAM Group, where digitalisation ambitions remain high but progress is fragmented. This thesis examines how digitalisation can be improved within client-contractor partnerships in infrastructure asset management.
Drawing on literature on digitalisation, absorptive capacity, and strategic interdependence, the research adopts a qualitative single-case study of the Schiphol-BAM partnership. A Design Science Research Method was used to structure the study, and the empirical data consisted of 16 semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and inductive coding using the Gioia Methodology. The resulting propositions were validated and refined in a focus group with practitioners from both organisations.
The findings show that digitalisation develops through the interaction of absorptive capacity, strategic interdependence, and five mechanisms: institutional context, financial alignment, organisational capabilities, relational dynamics, and strategic alignment. Together, these mechanisms form a grounded model that explains how digitalisation develops in infrastructure asset management (IAM) partnerships.
The research results in twelve recommendations: Schiphol should clarify digital expectations, align data requirements and long-term valuation, strengthen governance and expertise, and provide clearer leadership. BAM should scale digital solutions and increase transparency on progress. Jointly, Schiphol and BAM should improve knowledge retention, resolve system and data integration issues, and develop a shared digitalisation roadmap. The research extends existing theory by demonstrating how digitalisation unfolds in practice in IAM partnerships.
Drawing on literature on digitalisation, absorptive capacity, and strategic interdependence, the research adopts a qualitative single-case study of the Schiphol-BAM partnership. A Design Science Research Method was used to structure the study, and the empirical data consisted of 16 semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and inductive coding using the Gioia Methodology. The resulting propositions were validated and refined in a focus group with practitioners from both organisations.
The findings show that digitalisation develops through the interaction of absorptive capacity, strategic interdependence, and five mechanisms: institutional context, financial alignment, organisational capabilities, relational dynamics, and strategic alignment. Together, these mechanisms form a grounded model that explains how digitalisation develops in infrastructure asset management (IAM) partnerships.
The research results in twelve recommendations: Schiphol should clarify digital expectations, align data requirements and long-term valuation, strengthen governance and expertise, and provide clearer leadership. BAM should scale digital solutions and increase transparency on progress. Jointly, Schiphol and BAM should improve knowledge retention, resolve system and data integration issues, and develop a shared digitalisation roadmap. The research extends existing theory by demonstrating how digitalisation unfolds in practice in IAM partnerships.
Citizens for Climate Adaptation
Mitigating Key Barriers for Improved Facilitation of Green Citizen Initiatives
Changes in weather patterns due to climate change, such as increased precipitation intensity and hotter and dryer summers, are already occurring despite efforts to reduce emissions. Climate adaptation (CA) is a crucial method to deal with these effects of climate change. An example of an endorsed CA measure is in increasing and improving urban green space (UGS). The Dutch government aims to promote participation and stimulate citizen action, but municipalities have not adopted this outlook on citizen action yet. An example of such actions are Green Citizen Initiatives (GCIs), which are valued by municipalities because of the creation of public value in non-state and non-market ways, contributing to CA by creating and improving UGS. Municipalities can facilitate these initiatives by maintaining ownership of the initiative and UGS with the initiators, whilst steering and supporting the process and providing resources. Recent literature has identified barriers that affect the process of realising GCIs. It showed that there is no clear, common or singular approach employed by municipalities to facilitate GCIs. Therefore, this thesis aims to provide insights into the process of realising GCIs and the barriers municipalities and initiators face to improve facilitation of GCIs. This is achieved by answering the following main research question: How can Dutch municipalities facilitate green citizen initiatives to contribute to local climate adaptation?
The process of facilitating GCIs was defined from the perspective of GCI initiators based on literature, including the following five phases; Gathering Support, Gathering Resources, Design, Execution and Maintenance. After each phase a moment of evaluation should take place to decide if returning to an earlier phase is needed. Semi-structured interviews and a card-sort were used to gather practical data on this process. Thematic analysis of this data revealed eight key barriers. Recommendations to mitigate these barriers were identified, with which the Citizen Empowerment for Climate Adaptation (CEfCA) framework was developed. Municipalities can apply this framework to reduce the negative effects of the barriers and increase the number of successful GCIs for CA. This framework was validated by an expert discussion with a participant from front running municipality Arnhem, that currently already actively facilitates GCIs.
This thesis attempts to fill the gap in scientific literature on how GCIs are facilitated and how to improve this in practice. The CEfCA-framework provides recommendations to improve the process of realising GCIs, but a change in attitude towards CA with instead of for citizens may be needed to effectively implement the proposed framework. Further research is recommended on how this systemic change in outlook can be achieved.
...
The process of facilitating GCIs was defined from the perspective of GCI initiators based on literature, including the following five phases; Gathering Support, Gathering Resources, Design, Execution and Maintenance. After each phase a moment of evaluation should take place to decide if returning to an earlier phase is needed. Semi-structured interviews and a card-sort were used to gather practical data on this process. Thematic analysis of this data revealed eight key barriers. Recommendations to mitigate these barriers were identified, with which the Citizen Empowerment for Climate Adaptation (CEfCA) framework was developed. Municipalities can apply this framework to reduce the negative effects of the barriers and increase the number of successful GCIs for CA. This framework was validated by an expert discussion with a participant from front running municipality Arnhem, that currently already actively facilitates GCIs.
This thesis attempts to fill the gap in scientific literature on how GCIs are facilitated and how to improve this in practice. The CEfCA-framework provides recommendations to improve the process of realising GCIs, but a change in attitude towards CA with instead of for citizens may be needed to effectively implement the proposed framework. Further research is recommended on how this systemic change in outlook can be achieved.
...
Changes in weather patterns due to climate change, such as increased precipitation intensity and hotter and dryer summers, are already occurring despite efforts to reduce emissions. Climate adaptation (CA) is a crucial method to deal with these effects of climate change. An example of an endorsed CA measure is in increasing and improving urban green space (UGS). The Dutch government aims to promote participation and stimulate citizen action, but municipalities have not adopted this outlook on citizen action yet. An example of such actions are Green Citizen Initiatives (GCIs), which are valued by municipalities because of the creation of public value in non-state and non-market ways, contributing to CA by creating and improving UGS. Municipalities can facilitate these initiatives by maintaining ownership of the initiative and UGS with the initiators, whilst steering and supporting the process and providing resources. Recent literature has identified barriers that affect the process of realising GCIs. It showed that there is no clear, common or singular approach employed by municipalities to facilitate GCIs. Therefore, this thesis aims to provide insights into the process of realising GCIs and the barriers municipalities and initiators face to improve facilitation of GCIs. This is achieved by answering the following main research question: How can Dutch municipalities facilitate green citizen initiatives to contribute to local climate adaptation?
The process of facilitating GCIs was defined from the perspective of GCI initiators based on literature, including the following five phases; Gathering Support, Gathering Resources, Design, Execution and Maintenance. After each phase a moment of evaluation should take place to decide if returning to an earlier phase is needed. Semi-structured interviews and a card-sort were used to gather practical data on this process. Thematic analysis of this data revealed eight key barriers. Recommendations to mitigate these barriers were identified, with which the Citizen Empowerment for Climate Adaptation (CEfCA) framework was developed. Municipalities can apply this framework to reduce the negative effects of the barriers and increase the number of successful GCIs for CA. This framework was validated by an expert discussion with a participant from front running municipality Arnhem, that currently already actively facilitates GCIs.
This thesis attempts to fill the gap in scientific literature on how GCIs are facilitated and how to improve this in practice. The CEfCA-framework provides recommendations to improve the process of realising GCIs, but a change in attitude towards CA with instead of for citizens may be needed to effectively implement the proposed framework. Further research is recommended on how this systemic change in outlook can be achieved.
The process of facilitating GCIs was defined from the perspective of GCI initiators based on literature, including the following five phases; Gathering Support, Gathering Resources, Design, Execution and Maintenance. After each phase a moment of evaluation should take place to decide if returning to an earlier phase is needed. Semi-structured interviews and a card-sort were used to gather practical data on this process. Thematic analysis of this data revealed eight key barriers. Recommendations to mitigate these barriers were identified, with which the Citizen Empowerment for Climate Adaptation (CEfCA) framework was developed. Municipalities can apply this framework to reduce the negative effects of the barriers and increase the number of successful GCIs for CA. This framework was validated by an expert discussion with a participant from front running municipality Arnhem, that currently already actively facilitates GCIs.
This thesis attempts to fill the gap in scientific literature on how GCIs are facilitated and how to improve this in practice. The CEfCA-framework provides recommendations to improve the process of realising GCIs, but a change in attitude towards CA with instead of for citizens may be needed to effectively implement the proposed framework. Further research is recommended on how this systemic change in outlook can be achieved.
Urbanization has led to environmental challenges such as the Urban Heat Island effect and the reduction of green spaces, resulting in lower carbon dioxide absorption, increased air pollution, and higher noise levels. Incorporating vegetation into buildings through vertical or horizontal greening systems can address these issues. However, these systems face challenges like high irrigation costs, artificial substrates, low integration, and short lifespans compared to building infrastructure. Bioreceptive materials offer a promising alternative by allowing greenery to grow directly on the material, bypassing these limitations. This research focuses on enhancing the bioreceptivity of concrete while evaluating its sustainability performance and structural integrity in terms of compressive strength (CS), and freeze-thaw resistance (FT).
The type of concrete being evaluated is porous concrete, designed to include a growing substrate for hosting plants. A multi-criteria analysis is used to determine the optimal concrete mix, considering three design criteria: bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (including compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance). Three mix designs are developed: a reference mix with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and limestone aggregates, and two mixes using a low-carbon Calcined Clay (C$^3$) binder—one with lava stone (Mix 1) and the other with recycled concrete aggregates (Mix 2). An iterative process is employed to adjust the binder and water content, evaluating workability, compressive strength after 5 days, and interconnected porosity. Once suitable proportions are achieved, the concrete samples are tested for their mechanical, bioreceptive, and sustainable properties. The incorporation of the substrate has also been tested, addressing a gap in the existing literature.
The compressive strength after 28 days was comparatively low for all tested mix designs due to high porosity, with achieved values as follows: Mix 1 (2.5 MPa), Mix 2 (3 MPa), and the reference mix (10 MPa). A decrease in compressive strength was observed when incorporating the growing substrate and after drying. Despite low compressive strength, all samples demonstrated resilience in freeze-thaw resistance, withstanding 28 FT cycles with low mass loss. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 showed loosening of aggregates when pressed by hand after the standard testing process, indicating a need for further testing of CS after different FT cycles.
Various methods of substrate incorporation were evaluated, showing that the substrate did not penetrate the concrete pores but remained on the surface of the cubes. This did not negatively affect the bioreceptivity for plant growth. The volume of substrate incorporated per sample and mix design varied due to manual application and the surface connectivity of the aggregates for each concrete product. This variability in substrate volume affected the water absorption and retention results, suggesting that these outcomes do not consistently characterize the mix design but rather are variable. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 exhibited high water absorption rates when considering the concrete product itself (Mix 1 = 164.4 g/L, Mix 2 = 134.1 g/L, Ref mix = 82.4 g/L). Lastly, leaching of elements from the concrete layer occurred, leading to an increase in the pH of the incorporated growing substrate. All samples showed germination after one month of testing, with Mix 1 displaying the highest average germination rate and dry biomass. However, Mix 2 and the reference mix exhibited high variance in plant growth results, likely due to varying outdoor conditions such as moisture and temperature. Further testing is recommended to better isolate the impact of these outdoor conditions, which could have contributed to the high variance in plant growth outcomes.
Finally, in terms of sustainability performance, Mix 1 and Mix 2 positively impact the environmental burden of the concrete product by reducing the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions by an average of 50\% per 1m$^3$ of concrete, considering LCA stages A1-A3. At the same time, the use of C$^3$ binder reduces the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions from the binder material extraction stage by 60\% compared to OPC binder, further demonstrating that this binder is a low-carbon alternative.
This research demonstrates that the tested mix designs, evaluated for bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (in terms of compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance), have great potential for use in vertical greening systems with Mix 1 identified as the most optimal concrete mix design. This finding is significant for urban environments, especially as urbanization is expected to increase in the coming years. Bioreceptive vertical greening systems made with sustainable materials can address environmental challenges in cities and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. ...
The type of concrete being evaluated is porous concrete, designed to include a growing substrate for hosting plants. A multi-criteria analysis is used to determine the optimal concrete mix, considering three design criteria: bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (including compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance). Three mix designs are developed: a reference mix with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and limestone aggregates, and two mixes using a low-carbon Calcined Clay (C$^3$) binder—one with lava stone (Mix 1) and the other with recycled concrete aggregates (Mix 2). An iterative process is employed to adjust the binder and water content, evaluating workability, compressive strength after 5 days, and interconnected porosity. Once suitable proportions are achieved, the concrete samples are tested for their mechanical, bioreceptive, and sustainable properties. The incorporation of the substrate has also been tested, addressing a gap in the existing literature.
The compressive strength after 28 days was comparatively low for all tested mix designs due to high porosity, with achieved values as follows: Mix 1 (2.5 MPa), Mix 2 (3 MPa), and the reference mix (10 MPa). A decrease in compressive strength was observed when incorporating the growing substrate and after drying. Despite low compressive strength, all samples demonstrated resilience in freeze-thaw resistance, withstanding 28 FT cycles with low mass loss. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 showed loosening of aggregates when pressed by hand after the standard testing process, indicating a need for further testing of CS after different FT cycles.
Various methods of substrate incorporation were evaluated, showing that the substrate did not penetrate the concrete pores but remained on the surface of the cubes. This did not negatively affect the bioreceptivity for plant growth. The volume of substrate incorporated per sample and mix design varied due to manual application and the surface connectivity of the aggregates for each concrete product. This variability in substrate volume affected the water absorption and retention results, suggesting that these outcomes do not consistently characterize the mix design but rather are variable. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 exhibited high water absorption rates when considering the concrete product itself (Mix 1 = 164.4 g/L, Mix 2 = 134.1 g/L, Ref mix = 82.4 g/L). Lastly, leaching of elements from the concrete layer occurred, leading to an increase in the pH of the incorporated growing substrate. All samples showed germination after one month of testing, with Mix 1 displaying the highest average germination rate and dry biomass. However, Mix 2 and the reference mix exhibited high variance in plant growth results, likely due to varying outdoor conditions such as moisture and temperature. Further testing is recommended to better isolate the impact of these outdoor conditions, which could have contributed to the high variance in plant growth outcomes.
Finally, in terms of sustainability performance, Mix 1 and Mix 2 positively impact the environmental burden of the concrete product by reducing the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions by an average of 50\% per 1m$^3$ of concrete, considering LCA stages A1-A3. At the same time, the use of C$^3$ binder reduces the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions from the binder material extraction stage by 60\% compared to OPC binder, further demonstrating that this binder is a low-carbon alternative.
This research demonstrates that the tested mix designs, evaluated for bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (in terms of compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance), have great potential for use in vertical greening systems with Mix 1 identified as the most optimal concrete mix design. This finding is significant for urban environments, especially as urbanization is expected to increase in the coming years. Bioreceptive vertical greening systems made with sustainable materials can address environmental challenges in cities and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. ...
Urbanization has led to environmental challenges such as the Urban Heat Island effect and the reduction of green spaces, resulting in lower carbon dioxide absorption, increased air pollution, and higher noise levels. Incorporating vegetation into buildings through vertical or horizontal greening systems can address these issues. However, these systems face challenges like high irrigation costs, artificial substrates, low integration, and short lifespans compared to building infrastructure. Bioreceptive materials offer a promising alternative by allowing greenery to grow directly on the material, bypassing these limitations. This research focuses on enhancing the bioreceptivity of concrete while evaluating its sustainability performance and structural integrity in terms of compressive strength (CS), and freeze-thaw resistance (FT).
The type of concrete being evaluated is porous concrete, designed to include a growing substrate for hosting plants. A multi-criteria analysis is used to determine the optimal concrete mix, considering three design criteria: bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (including compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance). Three mix designs are developed: a reference mix with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and limestone aggregates, and two mixes using a low-carbon Calcined Clay (C$^3$) binder—one with lava stone (Mix 1) and the other with recycled concrete aggregates (Mix 2). An iterative process is employed to adjust the binder and water content, evaluating workability, compressive strength after 5 days, and interconnected porosity. Once suitable proportions are achieved, the concrete samples are tested for their mechanical, bioreceptive, and sustainable properties. The incorporation of the substrate has also been tested, addressing a gap in the existing literature.
The compressive strength after 28 days was comparatively low for all tested mix designs due to high porosity, with achieved values as follows: Mix 1 (2.5 MPa), Mix 2 (3 MPa), and the reference mix (10 MPa). A decrease in compressive strength was observed when incorporating the growing substrate and after drying. Despite low compressive strength, all samples demonstrated resilience in freeze-thaw resistance, withstanding 28 FT cycles with low mass loss. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 showed loosening of aggregates when pressed by hand after the standard testing process, indicating a need for further testing of CS after different FT cycles.
Various methods of substrate incorporation were evaluated, showing that the substrate did not penetrate the concrete pores but remained on the surface of the cubes. This did not negatively affect the bioreceptivity for plant growth. The volume of substrate incorporated per sample and mix design varied due to manual application and the surface connectivity of the aggregates for each concrete product. This variability in substrate volume affected the water absorption and retention results, suggesting that these outcomes do not consistently characterize the mix design but rather are variable. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 exhibited high water absorption rates when considering the concrete product itself (Mix 1 = 164.4 g/L, Mix 2 = 134.1 g/L, Ref mix = 82.4 g/L). Lastly, leaching of elements from the concrete layer occurred, leading to an increase in the pH of the incorporated growing substrate. All samples showed germination after one month of testing, with Mix 1 displaying the highest average germination rate and dry biomass. However, Mix 2 and the reference mix exhibited high variance in plant growth results, likely due to varying outdoor conditions such as moisture and temperature. Further testing is recommended to better isolate the impact of these outdoor conditions, which could have contributed to the high variance in plant growth outcomes.
Finally, in terms of sustainability performance, Mix 1 and Mix 2 positively impact the environmental burden of the concrete product by reducing the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions by an average of 50\% per 1m$^3$ of concrete, considering LCA stages A1-A3. At the same time, the use of C$^3$ binder reduces the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions from the binder material extraction stage by 60\% compared to OPC binder, further demonstrating that this binder is a low-carbon alternative.
This research demonstrates that the tested mix designs, evaluated for bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (in terms of compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance), have great potential for use in vertical greening systems with Mix 1 identified as the most optimal concrete mix design. This finding is significant for urban environments, especially as urbanization is expected to increase in the coming years. Bioreceptive vertical greening systems made with sustainable materials can address environmental challenges in cities and align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The type of concrete being evaluated is porous concrete, designed to include a growing substrate for hosting plants. A multi-criteria analysis is used to determine the optimal concrete mix, considering three design criteria: bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (including compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance). Three mix designs are developed: a reference mix with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and limestone aggregates, and two mixes using a low-carbon Calcined Clay (C$^3$) binder—one with lava stone (Mix 1) and the other with recycled concrete aggregates (Mix 2). An iterative process is employed to adjust the binder and water content, evaluating workability, compressive strength after 5 days, and interconnected porosity. Once suitable proportions are achieved, the concrete samples are tested for their mechanical, bioreceptive, and sustainable properties. The incorporation of the substrate has also been tested, addressing a gap in the existing literature.
The compressive strength after 28 days was comparatively low for all tested mix designs due to high porosity, with achieved values as follows: Mix 1 (2.5 MPa), Mix 2 (3 MPa), and the reference mix (10 MPa). A decrease in compressive strength was observed when incorporating the growing substrate and after drying. Despite low compressive strength, all samples demonstrated resilience in freeze-thaw resistance, withstanding 28 FT cycles with low mass loss. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 showed loosening of aggregates when pressed by hand after the standard testing process, indicating a need for further testing of CS after different FT cycles.
Various methods of substrate incorporation were evaluated, showing that the substrate did not penetrate the concrete pores but remained on the surface of the cubes. This did not negatively affect the bioreceptivity for plant growth. The volume of substrate incorporated per sample and mix design varied due to manual application and the surface connectivity of the aggregates for each concrete product. This variability in substrate volume affected the water absorption and retention results, suggesting that these outcomes do not consistently characterize the mix design but rather are variable. However, Mix 1 and Mix 2 exhibited high water absorption rates when considering the concrete product itself (Mix 1 = 164.4 g/L, Mix 2 = 134.1 g/L, Ref mix = 82.4 g/L). Lastly, leaching of elements from the concrete layer occurred, leading to an increase in the pH of the incorporated growing substrate. All samples showed germination after one month of testing, with Mix 1 displaying the highest average germination rate and dry biomass. However, Mix 2 and the reference mix exhibited high variance in plant growth results, likely due to varying outdoor conditions such as moisture and temperature. Further testing is recommended to better isolate the impact of these outdoor conditions, which could have contributed to the high variance in plant growth outcomes.
Finally, in terms of sustainability performance, Mix 1 and Mix 2 positively impact the environmental burden of the concrete product by reducing the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions by an average of 50\% per 1m$^3$ of concrete, considering LCA stages A1-A3. At the same time, the use of C$^3$ binder reduces the ECI and CO$_2$ emissions from the binder material extraction stage by 60\% compared to OPC binder, further demonstrating that this binder is a low-carbon alternative.
This research demonstrates that the tested mix designs, evaluated for bioreceptivity, sustainability, and structural integrity (in terms of compressive strength and freeze-thaw resistance), have great potential for use in vertical greening systems with Mix 1 identified as the most optimal concrete mix design. This finding is significant for urban environments, especially as urbanization is expected to increase in the coming years. Bioreceptive vertical greening systems made with sustainable materials can address environmental challenges in cities and align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In addressing the transition towards Net Zero by 2050, it is imperative to acknowledge the construction industry's pivotal shift in perspective: sustainability must transition from being a 'maybe' to a 'must' (Hu, 2019). This research delves into the Dutch construction sector's journey in making this critical transition. The Netherlands, committed to becoming fully circular and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, faces a significant challenge in the widespread adoption of Low Impact Materials (LIMs). Despite various government initiatives and pilot projects aimed at fostering sustainable construction, the industry remains hesitant to fully embrace LIMs due to concerns over durability, commercial viability, and established practices...
...
In addressing the transition towards Net Zero by 2050, it is imperative to acknowledge the construction industry's pivotal shift in perspective: sustainability must transition from being a 'maybe' to a 'must' (Hu, 2019). This research delves into the Dutch construction sector's journey in making this critical transition. The Netherlands, committed to becoming fully circular and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, faces a significant challenge in the widespread adoption of Low Impact Materials (LIMs). Despite various government initiatives and pilot projects aimed at fostering sustainable construction, the industry remains hesitant to fully embrace LIMs due to concerns over durability, commercial viability, and established practices...
Improving the Replacement and Renovation Process of Hydraulic Structures
Creating a decision method for the implementation and assessment of standardisation
This study develops a decision method for the implementation and assessment of standardisation in order to improve the Replacement & Renovation process of hydraulic structures. Possible improvements in the Replacement & Renovation process and the implementation of standardisation were identified by conducting semi-structured interviews. A general decision method results from combining the identified improvement points and the basic design principle. This general decision method is further developed by describing the required steps, decisions, input, and generated output. This decision method is a starting point for asset management organisations that want to start with implementing standardisation into the Replacement & Renovation process. A potential benefit of using the decision method is increased efficiency of the design process, as a learning curve is expected, saving time and money. Furthermore, the results can be used for an in-depth discussion about the feasibility of standardisation in the considered management area.
...
This study develops a decision method for the implementation and assessment of standardisation in order to improve the Replacement & Renovation process of hydraulic structures. Possible improvements in the Replacement & Renovation process and the implementation of standardisation were identified by conducting semi-structured interviews. A general decision method results from combining the identified improvement points and the basic design principle. This general decision method is further developed by describing the required steps, decisions, input, and generated output. This decision method is a starting point for asset management organisations that want to start with implementing standardisation into the Replacement & Renovation process. A potential benefit of using the decision method is increased efficiency of the design process, as a learning curve is expected, saving time and money. Furthermore, the results can be used for an in-depth discussion about the feasibility of standardisation in the considered management area.