Comparative Analysis of Multi-Trade Prefabrication Construction Methods

Abstract

This paper proposes a construction method for efficient application of multi-trade prefabrication (MTP). The currently most advanced prefabrication method, MTP was recently introduced in North America and Europe. However, there have been few reports and studies of MTP in Asia. This paper discusses MTP construction method application in a workshop and presents solutions to identified problems. MTP pilot test 1 was performed using combinations of conventional chain block and scissor lift. Productivity analysis indicated that on-site MTP construction increased an extra labor input which was 19.6% compared to the total labor input of the conventional method. Pilot test 2 used manual material lifts for on-site MTP construction. Labor input per MTP module was reduced to 75.8% of that required for pilot test 1, but the manual lifts extended overall construction time. Pilot test 3 used a proposed optimized stacker based lifting device. Labor input for on-site MTP construction was reduced to 47.0% of that for pilot test 1. These results will be the basis for development of best practices for future MTP construction and provide better understanding as well as directions for improving MTP construction.