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Dat Tien, D, GhaffarianHoseini, A, Naismith, N, Ghaffarianhoseini, A, Zhang, T and Tookey, J (2021) Examining critical perspectives on Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in New Zealand. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 594-615.

Ghosh, S, Krishna, S R, Billton, J V, Srikanth, S A, Mohandas, S, Ashwin Ganesh, M and Shiv Kulin, C (2021) Countering tropical cyclonic storm impacts on low-rise houses. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 631-52.

Jallow, H, Renukappa, S and Subashini, S (2021) The impact of COVID-19 outbreak on United Kingdom infrastructure sector. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 581-93.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: covid-19; infrastructure sector; social distancing; pandemics; disease control; infrastructure; telecommuting; decision making; economic growth; coronaviruses; United Kingdom; England
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-05-2020-0068
  • Abstract:
    In December 2019, news broke out from the World Health Organisation (WHO), with the first outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China. On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to officially be a pandemic. The UK was put under lockdown on the 23 March 2020 by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the lockdown introduced strict measures put into place including the restriction for unnecessary working from offices, and only leaving houses if it is deemed essential. Therefore, this paper focusses on the changes that the infrastructure sector has had to undertake in order to adhere to the COVID-19 lockdown rules while being productive. Given the new and unexplored nature of the research problem, a qualitative research methodology was adopted. In total, five semi-structured interviews from three infrastructure sector organisations were conducted to collect data, which was then analysed using thematic analysis for inference and conclusion. The results indicate that the lockdown is proving to be difficult to manage projects as staff members are working from home. This leads to delays on a project activities as many staff members cannot physically go on site and conduct works. The managers are finding difficult to manage their teams. However, technological tools such as video chat and meetings via online platforms have proven to be most effective in communications with project teams. The Building Information Modelling Design has been useful as the 3D design models helps to visualise the project within team meetings in order to comply with the COVID-19 rules and follow social distancing guidelines while still carrying on works. However, induction to any new starter is proving to be difficult to manage with the pandemic and lockdown as it involves a drugs and alcohol test prior to commencing work of that project. This paper provides a rich insight into the understanding and awareness of the impact of COVID-19 and the changes that the infrastructure sector has had to undertake in order to adhere to the lockdown rules while being productive. This study contributes towards informing policymakers on some lessons learnt from the management of the COVID-19 from an infrastructure sector perspective. Furthermore, 12 key implications are drawn for decision-makers within the infrastructure sector business to rethink and act to deal with the pandemic crisis.

Maurya, K K and Biswas, A (2021) Performance assessment of governance in Indian smart city development. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 653-80.

Michael Gbolagade, O, Inimbom Walter, I and Emuze, F (2021) Towards sustainability practices deployment in building construction projects in Nigeria. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 759-80.

Olugboyega, O, Edwards, D J, Windapo, A O, Omopariola, E D and Martek, I (2021) Development of a conceptual model for evaluating the success of BIM-based construction projects. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 681-701.

Weiss, T (2021) Energy flexibility and shiftable heating power of building components and technologies. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 740-58.

Yakovlev, G I, Gordina, A, Drochytka, R, Buryanov, A F and Smirnova, O (2021) Structure and properties of modified gypsum binder. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 702-10.