Purpose Faced with rising environmental uncertainties, this study investigates how construction enterprises as typical project-based organizations build organizational resilience to overcome the inherent limitations of traditional risk management strategies. Design/methodology/approach An empirical analysis was conducted using 217 valid survey responses collected from professionals in the Chinese construction industry. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to test the theoretical model and hypotheses. Findings The results demonstrate that financial slack, organic structures and social capital significantly contribute to enhancing organizational resilience. Furthermore, environmental uncertainty negatively moderates the relationship between organizational resilience and business performance, highlighting the dynamic and context-dependent nature of organizational resilience. Originality/value Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory, this study clarifies that organizational resilience is a situational manifestation of dynamic capabilities in uncertain environments. The study uncovers the influencing mechanism of organizational resilience in construction enterprises, reveals the interaction effect of organizational resilience and environmental uncertainty on business performance, offering theoretical advancements and practical insights for construction enterprises building organizational resilience.

Purpose This study aims to provide a detailed spatiotemporal analysis of indoor thermal comfort by introducing a novel approach for reconstructing air temperature and air velocity fields. Design/methodology/approach Strategic deep neural networks and refined computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were employed to reconstruct the air temperature and air velocity fields across five cases with varying window configurations and air diffusers. The predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) metrics, calculated based on the simulated air temperature and air velocity, were used to assess thermal sensation. Findings The refined CFD simulation approach could reveal a nonuniform distribution of air temperature, while the proposed deep neural networks enable precise and rapid reconstruction of the global temperature and air velocity distribution using only limited measurement data as input and eliminating the need for case-specific model fine-tuning. The spatiotemporal analysis of thermal comfort profiles reveals a nonuniform distribution of thermal comfort within the case office rooms, with cooler areas observed in the central middle of the space. This nonuniform thermal comfort profile may be influenced by design features such as window configurations and air diffusers, with a higher temperature observed near the window facades and the top ceiling. Research limitations/implications The proposed reconstruction methods are scalable to real-world empirical cases with various configurations, enabling accurate and efficient indoor environment modeling, which can further facilitate the design and optimization of real-time heating, ventilation and air conditioning control systems. The simulated spatiotemporal thermal comfort profile can serve as a valuable reference for building managers in climate regulation and space allocation, promoting a comprehensive approach to enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining thermal comfort. Originality/value This research presents a novel approach for reconstructing air temperature fields using deep neural networks, which require minimal data volume and are independent of boundary conditions, coupled with a refined CFD method that reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of air temperature and air velocity rather than relying on statistical mean estimations. Together, these techniques enable more detailed, dynamic and accurate analyses of thermal comfort.

Purpose The promotion of “Zero-Waste Construction Sites” (ZWCS) is caught in a dilemma between insufficient effectiveness of unilateral government governance and a lack of initiative from enterprises to participate. Accordingly, this study aims to explore how to enhance construction enterprises' enthusiasm for building ZWCS through government incentive strategies and the involvement of industry associations, as well as how to effectively integrate the government's guiding role with the coordinating role of industry associations. Design/methodology/approach This study constructs an evolutionary game model and conducts simulation experiments to systematically analyze the strategic interactions among multiple stakeholders in the construction of ZWCS. It specifically examines the decision-making behaviors and evolutionary dynamics of the three core interest entities: the government, industry associations, and construction enterprises. Findings The study shows that the government plays a leading role in the incubation stage of ZWCS, and appropriate subsidies and penalties can dynamically adapt to the development of ZWCS at each stage, while high incremental costs inhibit the motivation of construction enterprises to build ZWCS. The participation of industry associations can transfer the regulatory functions of the government, save the cost of ZWCS, and help to stimulate the participation of all parties. Originality/value This study develops an effective governance framework for ZWCS, centered on government guidance, association coordination, and enterprise participation, by deciphering the underlying collaborative mechanisms among these three stakeholders. This approach offers a promising pathway to support the “Zero Waste City” initiative and contribute to high-quality development within the construction industry.

Purpose This study explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) to enhance construction safety training by eliciting critical emotional responses, particularly in novices lacking firsthand experience with hazardous scenarios. By targeting emotions like fear and distress, VR aims to improve hazard recognition and foster risk-averse behaviors, addressing gaps in traditional training methods. Design/methodology/approach The study involved 55 construction management students using a VR simulation integrated with haptic feedback to replicate accident scenarios. Emotional responses were measured through galvanic skin response (GSR) metrics, pre- and post-experience self-reported questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Participants navigated a virtual construction site, identified hazards and experienced a simulated accident to assess emotional and behavioral impacts. Findings The VR simulation significantly increased emotional arousal, with GSR data showing a strong effect size and significant increases in distress, guilt, fear and shame. Participants reported heightened empathy, guilt and responsibility during post-VR interviews. These findings suggest that VR effectively engages users emotionally, bridging the experiential gap in traditional training by replicating hazardous scenarios with high realism and impact. Practical implications The study highlights VR's potential as a scalable, immersive training tool for eliciting emotional and physiological precursors associated with risk-averse decision-making in the construction industry. By evoking anticipatory emotions theorized to influence risk perception, VR may help prepare novices to engage more cautiously with hazardous scenarios, though the link between these precursors and actual safety behavior requires field validation. Originality/value This research provides empirical evidence of VR's capability to elicit emotional responses that influence decision-making in hazardous environments. It offers valuable insights for developing innovative, emotionally engaging safety training programs for the construction sector.

Purpose This study examines how social practices within Communities of Practice (CoP) in the Australian construction industry sustain gender biases. It investigates how masculinity is performed and learned on worksites and how these norms shape women's participation and identity. The purpose is to identify the social practices that reinforce exclusion, assess whether these practices are changing and identify opportunities to accelerate progress toward more gender-inclusive worksites. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was employed, using interviews with men in the Australian construction industry to explore their perceptions of women and gender roles. Findings were considered using a social practice lens to understand how masculinities are learned, performed and reinforced within CoPs. Findings The findings reveal that women often adopt masculine traits to gain acceptance, yet full participation in CoP remains elusive for those who do not conform. While gender quotas and training programs have prompted some change, progress is inconsistent. Innovations in work design and evolving attitudes suggest movement toward inclusion, but entrenched biases remain. Practical implications The research identifies that efforts to improve gender inclusion in construction must address informal workplace practices. Lasting cultural transformation requires attention to how masculinities and femininities are negotiated within everyday practices. Practical interventions should focus on transforming how masculinities are enacted and valued in daily interactions. Originality/value By using a CoP lens, this study offers a different perspective on the maintenance of gender bias and identifies where interventions can be most effective in shifting workplace norms and supporting women in construction.

Purpose With accelerating advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, the construction domain is rapidly adopting large language models (LLMs) to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. However, a comprehensive understanding of their applications, adaptation strategies and evaluation practices in this domain remains limited. This paper provides a systematic landscape of LLM research and applications in construction, clarifying their roles, integration pathways and associated challenges. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, combining bibliometric and content analysis of publications from 2020 to 2025. The review examines the evolution, implementation strategies and performance characteristics of LLMs in construction domains. Findings LLMs have been increasingly implemented across diverse construction tasks. Most studies utilize pretrained models, adapted through fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation or prompt engineering. While LLMs demonstrate strong reasoning and semantic understanding capabilities, challenges persist in domain adaptation, hallucination control, data privacy and lifecycle integration. Practical implications The results provide insights for researchers and practitioners on how LLMs can be effectively implemented throughout the construction domain. The paper highlights the need for developing domain-specific evaluation standards, establishing governance frameworks and aligning LLM applications with existing digital ecosystems such as building information modeling and digital twins. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive systematic review focused on LLM applications in construction. By mapping the technological landscape and summarizing key implementation strategies, it establishes a theoretical and practical foundation for advancing intelligent, data-driven and human-centered construction in the era of generative AI.

Purpose Rapid construction growth is increasing construction and demolition waste and associated environmental burdens. Construction waste management involves structured practices aimed at reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Despite its recognised benefits, implementing sustainable strategies remains challenging. This research aims to examine the challenges and potential solutions for managing construction waste in New Zealand, focusing on stakeholder perspectives and sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of Scopus and Google Scholar identified 43 eligible studies. Ten semi-structured interviews with New Zealand subject-matter experts complemented the review. Thematic synthesis was used to derive challenge domains, map barriers to coordinated strategy packages and develop an integrated conceptual framework. Findings Six challenge domains were identified: governance and compliance; infrastructure and resource capacity; financial constraints; waste management planning; culture and education and market availability and demand. Strategies addressing these challenges emphasise stakeholder collaboration, financial incentives, education, logistics and infrastructure planning and technological innovation. Public–private partnerships, certification schemes and procurement requirements were identified as enabling mechanisms that reinforce consistent waste-minimising decisions and accountability across supply chains. Practical implications The framework guides policymakers and practitioners in aligning regulation, incentives, collaboration and technology adoption to improve diversion and material value retention. It supports Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, 12 and 13 through innovation, responsible consumption and production and reduced waste-related emissions. Originality/value Integrating systematic review evidence with expert interviews, the study offers a New Zealand-focused challenge–strategy framework that explains how interacting institutional, organisational, and market conditions shape waste minimisation outcomes across design, construction and end-of-life stages.

Purpose The paper presents the major barriers to Offsite Construction (OSC) adoption in Jordan from a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) sustainability framework. It also recommends steps to enhance OSC implementation in the Jordanian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was used to generalise findings and draw conclusions. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was applied to establish relationships between variables and group them into the proposed components based on 208 valid responses from construction professionals in Jordan. EFA and descriptive statistics using SPSS developed a hierarchy of barriers to OSC adoption. Findings The lack of regulations, standards, and incentives, the lack of adequate labourers, and long lead times and time certainty issues were identified as the three most important variables. At the same time, the uncertainty of energy performance was considered the least important variable affecting the Jordanian OSC sector. Research limitations/implications Given that the research focused on OSC adoption in the Jordanian construction industry, and the data was collected from Jordan only, the findings are applicable to the Jordanian context only. This exploratory study highlights implications for further investigations into the barriers to OSC adoption in Jordan. Practical implications The anticipated outcome is to help practitioners understand the challenges associated with the low adoption of OSC in Jordan. The identified variables and recommendations can guide strategic decisions, including assessments and benchmarking, fostering OSC development in Jordan. Originality/value This research identifies barriers to OSC adoption in Jordan and offers unique insights into the variables that hinder OSC uptake from a sustainability perspective.

Purpose This study explores the adoption of construction robotics by modeling the strategic interactions among government bodies, construction firms and technology suppliers. It aims to identify how dynamic incentives, market forces and innovation collectively shape adoption behavior and system evolution. Design/methodology/approach An evolutionary game-theoretic model is developed to capture the bounded rationality and feedback mechanisms among the three stakeholders. A dynamic incentive mechanism is introduced to simulate strategy adjustments across different development stages. Findings Simulation results reveal that government subsidies are critical in the early phase but gradually lose effectiveness. As market maturity increases, contractor adoption and supplier innovation become dominant drivers. Excessive incentives may lead to instability, highlighting the need for balanced policy design. Originality/value This research contributes a stage-responsive framework that integrates policy tools, enterprise behavior and innovation dynamics. It provides practical guidance for formulating adaptive incentive strategies to support the sustainable diffusion of robotics in construction.