Abstracts – Browse Results

Search or browse again.

Click on the titles below to expand the information about each abstract.
Viewing 7 results ...

Bendi, D, Rana, M Q, Arif, M, Goulding, J S and Kaushik, A K (2021) Understanding off-site readiness in Indian construction organisations. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 105–22.

Bendi, D, Rana, M Q, Arif, M, Goulding, J S and Sawhney, A (2021) An off-site construction readiness maturity model for the Indian construction sector. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 123–42.

Grenzfurtner, W and Gronalt, M (2021) Continuous improvement of the industrialised housebuilding order fulfilment process. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 22–39.

Killingsworth, J, Mehany, M H and Ladhari, H (2021) General contractors’ experience using off-site structural framing systems. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 40–63.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: construction method; construction site; logistics; off-site; project cost; safety; standards; builder; construction worker; contractor; case study
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1471-4175
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-05-2019-0038
  • Abstract:

    This paper aims to examine general contractors’ experiences of using off-site manufactured structural framing systems. This engaged a single-case study using a qualitative methodology to identify expected benefits, actual benefits and challenges of such systems. A single-case study approach evaluated general contractors’ experience of using a manufactured structural framing system. Qualitative data were collated and analyzed from industry domain experts to determine commonalities and thematic thinking. The study revealed that the reasons behind considering off-site building systems were: accelerating the project schedule, overcoming site constraints and having a better end-product. The top expected benefits were: saving time (schedule), saving cost and improving quality. The top actual observed benefits were: saving erection time, reducing waste generation, reducing project costs, reducing safety risks and improving construction site logistics. The main challenges encountered were: unfamiliarity of different project parties with the off-site framing system, difficulty with reducing the overall project schedule, heavy site logistics and complicated off-site system design and standards requirements. The findings include solutions to overcome the challenges associated with using a manufactured structural system. This paper was a case study and therefore inherently limited in its generalizability. The study was conducted with general contractors in the mountain-west region of the USA. However, the implications of the study may have a broad application, as contractors across the globe seek to find similar solutions to using off-site or manufactured construction methods. Construction labor shortages around the world are forcing the construction industry to find creative solutions to meet the demand for their services. Manufactured or off-site construction methods provide a possible solution to that labor shortage. However, builders need to be aware of the immediate challenges and actual benefits of using a manufactured structural framing system. Manufactured structural framing systems have the potential to impact lean and sustainable practices in construction. Reduced waste, reduced on-site man-power requirements, reduced construction schedules and reduced injuries each improve the lives of construction workers and the communities around these buildings. An extensive literature review was performed to guide the design of this case study. Much has been written about off-site construction practices, but there is a significant research gap on the topic of structural framing systems. This study contributes to expanding the knowledge of off-site construction and specifically helps researchers and practitioners understand the challenges and benefits of this systematic approach to construction.

Stehn, L, Engström, S, Uusitalo, P and Lavikka, R (2021) Understanding industrialised house building as a company’s dynamic capabilities. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 5–21.

Vestin, A, Säfsten, K and Löfving, M (2021) Smart factories for single-family wooden houses – a practitioner’s perspective. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 64–84.

Yang, Y and Pan, W (2021) Automated guided vehicles in modular integrated construction: potentials and future directions. Construction Innovation, 21(01), 85–104.