A multiplex network based analytical framework for safety management standardization in construction engineering

Effective safety management significantly influences the success of construction projects. Comprehensive standards are developed to ensure a fundamental safety level. However, improving the standard system requires an effective evaluation method to assess its coverage of construction risks. This challenge arises due to the intricate relationships between risks and standards. Addressing this issue, this paper introduces a dual-layer network analytical framework for evaluating standard systems in construction safety management. By utilizing various property metrics and four dedicated node metrics, the framework allows quantifying the extent to which a standard system addresses project-specific risk factors. The efficacy of the analytical framework is validated through a case study, revealing that the management mechanism of a standard system primarily manifests in the overall management of specific risks and associated risks with triggering relationships. It is observed that key standards often encompass a wider array of risks. Based on the findings, this paper offers suggestions for revising construction standards.