This paper develops a finite-element-compatible frequency-domain procedure for constructing spectral super-elements for the dynamic analysis of framed structures composed of linear reciprocal members subjected to arbitrary external loading. The formulation starts from the frequency-dependent analytical shape functions obtained from the homogeneous governing equations, from which the corresponding dynamic stiffness-matrix coefficients are derived. In standard Dynamic Stiffness Method (DSM) and Spectral Element Method (SEM) formulations, distributed and non-nodal concentrated loads can be incorporated through equivalent nodal or fixed-end load vectors; however, reconstruction based exclusively on the homogeneous shape functions does not generally recover the analytical strong-form intra-element displacement and internal-force fields of the loaded member. The proposed approach provides an analytical completion of the conventional spectral element by decomposing the response into homogeneous and fixed, or particular, components. The homogeneous response is described by the analytical shape functions, whereas the fixed response is recovered through Green’s Functions (GFs) constructed directly from the same homogeneous solution and its associated boundary stiffness relations. Consequently, neither an independent derivation of the GFs nor a load-specific particular solution is required for each new element formulation. The resulting spectral super-elements preserve the standard finite-element degrees of freedom, connectivity, and assembly structure while providing analytical frequency-domain displacement and internal-force fields under arbitrary intra-element loading. Numerical examples involving a non-uniform rod, a uniform Euler–Bernoulli beam, a Timoshenko frame, and a uniform Euler–Bernoulli beam on a Winkler foundation demonstrate excellent agreement with independent analytical, SEM, and FEM reference solutions, while substantially reducing the number of elements required to represent the structural members.
The digitalization of the AEC sector, while steadily progressing, has been largely driven by technological adoption rather than by a transformation of its organizational structures. Within construction 5.0, the AEC organizations have not been investigated in depth. For this reason, exploratory research is currently underway to examine the mutual impact between digital transformation and organizational structures, but it has not yet been fully developed. For this reason, this research examined a joint conceptual model between digital transformation and organizational structures. Based on a previous conceptual model, a panel of industry and academic experts will conduct an assessment. This assessment was conducted using the Delphi method, bringing together 40 academic experts and industry-leading professionals to provide a holistic view of digital transformation, both theoretical and practical. The experts' responses were analyzed using statistical methods, including Kendall's concordance, level of importance, consensus, and Mann-Whitney analysis. The main findings from this study show a consensus among the experts in the conceptual model, having as the most relevant variables Transformational Leadership, Data Integration and Analytics, Knowledge Management, and Integrated Organizational Innovation (IOI) are critical in a joint digital-organizational implementation, this conceptual model provides a vision to construction companies to improve their productivity and achieve their goals through digital transformation and organizational redesign in the context of construction 5.0.
Purpose The goal of this study is to determine how key factors like transformational leadership, corporate social responsibility (CSR), autonomy, work-life balance and supervisor support are associated with the motivation and intention to stay of Generation Z workers in the Chilean mining industry. Design/methodology/approach The data is collected through a survey administered to 256 Generation Z workers in mining companies and suppliers to the mining industry in Antofagasta, Chile. We analyze the data using PLS-SEM, conducting both direct and mediation analyses. Findings The results indicate that autonomy is significantly associated with both intrinsic motivation and intention to stay. CSR is significantly associated with intention to stay, but its association with intrinsic motivation is not statistically supported. In contrast to the reviewed literature, the hypotheses linking transformational leadership and work-life balance to intention to stay were unsupported. Originality/value This research is relevant because it studies Generation Z in a mining context, where working conditions are very different from a standard job. Additionally, it examines whether intrinsic motivation statistically mediates (indirect effects) the associations between organizational factors and intention to stay, consistent with SDT. These insights provide practical guidance for talent retention strategies tailored to younger workers in heavy industries.
The Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) is employed for the simulations of boundary value problems involving large deformations with evolving boundaries and contact interactions. Its accuracy, however, can be compromised by remeshing-induced errors and volumetric locking due to materially incompressibility. This study evaluates the use of quadratically interpolated displacement-based elements in PFEM simulations, comparing them to linearly interpolated stabilised mixed elements, with focus on state variable mapping during remeshing. Several mapping strategies are systematically assessed. Benchmark results show that quadratically interpolated elements suppress volumetric locking without stabilisation and minimal mapping-induced errors, even for coarse meshes and frequent remeshing. Especially for linearly interpolated elements, advanced mapping methods such as the use of Radial Basis Functions (RBF) minimise mapping-induced errors. Robustness of the implementations are demonstrated by application to geotechnical problems, including the penetration of a rigid strip footing and cone penetration tests. The findings demonstrate that quadratically interpolated displacement-based elements provide a reliable, accurate, and computationally efficient choice for PFEM simulations in geotechnical engineering.
In single businesses, managerial knowledge plays a crucial role in delineating strategies and making competitive decisions. However, in multi-business firms (MBFs), managerial knowledge assumes an even greater significance as it not only guides competition but also shapes the management of a diverse business portfolio to realize synergies. This research aims to investigate how managerial knowledge is shared while managing a multi-business firm? Employing an in-depth qualitative case study from the complexity perspective, the study focuses on the top management team (TMT) of a multi-business insurance firm. Drawing on non-participant observations, interviews, and document analysis, this qualitative inquiry proposes a conceptualization of managerial knowledge within MBFs as a complex adaptive system (CAS). By doing so, the study contributes novel insights into the understanding of managerial knowledge as a CAS, thereby enriching our comprehension of how MBFs realize synergies through knowledge sharing and facilitate decentralized decision-making. This study offers significant implications for practitioners and scholars alike by deepening the understanding of the intricate dynamics inherent in managing multi-business firms and underscores the importance of knowledge sharing in realizing synergies.
