Conference Agenda

Abstract– This study examines the importance of timely implementation of risk management in construction and infrastructure projects. The research identifies the planning and design phase, specifically during the preparation of the technical file, as the optimal time to initiate risk management. It demonstrates that this early implementation facilitates preventive actions, optimizes design, and establishes anticipatory response strategies, reducing costs and execution timeframes. The analysis reveals that the cost of implementing risk management ranges between 2.71% and 8.67% of the total project budget. A case study showed that, although it increased the initial budget by 7.91%, it avoided final cost overruns of up to 229.16%. Four main risk factors were identified in public works: construction, operational, market and financial, and political. To address these, an integrated risk management model and specific public policies are proposed. The study also analyzes 11 types of risks in the bidding phase, offering corresponding corrective actions. These contributions have the potential to substantially improve the performance of construction projects, minimizing cost overruns and delays.

The objective of this article was to determine the optimal percentage of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as a partial replacement for cement in order to improve the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. The research used the deductive scientific method, applied orientation, quantitative approach, retrospective data collection instrument, descriptive, explanatory and correlational type, with experimental, longitudinal, prospective and cohort study design (cause-effect). The aim was to improve the workability, axial compressive strength, tensile strength, density and water absorption of concrete. The workability of concrete with different POFA replacements proposes the use of superplasticizers at percentages greater than 1.14% of the weight of the specific weight of cement for mixtures with a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.35, maintaining a workable consistency with replacements in intervals of 8% and 12%. The optimal replacement percentage of 20% of POFA, the compressive strength increased by 8.32% and the maximum tensile strength with a replacement of 10%, increased by 16.02%, with respect to the master concrete. The density of the hardened concrete decreased by 3.18% with the incorporation of 30% of POFA, the water absorption with the incorporation of 30% increased by 17.82% and the slump decreased up to 52.63% with respect to the pattern concrete, going from a fluid consistency to plastic or dry.

The construction of sports centres in urban areas represents a key strategy to improve the quality of life of the population, encouraging the practice of sports and promoting socio-economic development. This study analyses the feasibility and impact of the implementation of a sports centre in San Vicente, canton La Libertad, Ecuador. Through a methodology structured in three phases: preliminary research, environmental assessment and urban impact analysis, local needs, existing demand and development opportunities were identified. The results indicate that 78% of respondents practice some sport, with a high preference for football, volleyball and basketball. However, access to adequate sports infrastructure is limited, highlighting the importance of new facilities. In addition, the market study reveals a significant deficit between the supply and demand of sports facilities, highlighting the feasibility of the project. From an economic, social and environmental perspective, the construction of a sports centre would contribute to the revitalisation of local commerce, the generation of employment and the reduction of sedentary lifestyles. However, the study also considers the associated challenges, such as maintenance costs, sustainability and adverse effects on the surrounding community.

This study presents the implementation of an experimental model for teaching the design of prestressed concrete structures, using Lab-Based Learning (LBL) method. The research aimed to develop an accessible, cost-effective practice for basic civil engineering laboratories, enabling students to observe the effects of prestress cables on concrete beams. The practical activity involved constructing a tabletop experiment with low-density polystyrene beams, where students analyzed and compared a non-prestressed specimen with a prestressed counterpart. Key performance metrics such as maximum strength, stiffness, and ductility were measured. The methodology’s effectiveness was assessed using pre- and post-activity student surveys, which demonstrated increased interest in the subject matter, improved identification of critical variables, and enhanced technical comprehension of the structural behavior of prestressed beams. Findings indicated a significant positive impact on student learning, as evidenced by their more accurate use of technical terminology and improved structural design capabilities. The practice was well-received, affirming the value of experimental teaching models, though areas for refinement were identified, including measurement precision and time allocated for result analysis. This study underscores the efficacy of LBL as a pedagogical tool for teaching prefabricated concrete systems, laying the groundwork for future adaptations and broader implementation in structural engineering education.

The work carried out was to implement the methodology called “Value Engineering” to objectively evaluate a set of three alternatives or solutions that can be considered for the construction of interior walls in buildings, from the point of view of their materials and construction procedures, such as be: plasterboard, rustic brick and concrete block, this specifically for the construction of civil works intended for the use of single-family homes in the municipality of the Central District (M.D.C), department of Francisco Morazán. The work was developed through a mixed methodology of research, evaluation, comparison, analysis, and preparation of a technical profile for the three construction processes considered, and corrective measures were applied to increase their quality and promote a reduction in typical costs. of construction project. During the assessment process, each alternative has been carefully analyzed until the ideal result is obtained to maximize resources and mainly generate a reduction in costs and execution time. To achieve an adequate application of “Value Engineering” in the selection of the type of interior walls, a study has been prepared that incorporates a quantitative evaluation of some variables related to performance, maintenance, quality and reliability, without dismissing a of the most important restrictions of any project, which essentially consists of customer satisfaction, which together represent the basis of knowledge to provide a duly founded technical recommendation.