Developing a Knowledge-based Decision Support System for Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction

Abstract

Prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) has a lot of advantages, including environmental protection, saving money, reducing on-site manpower and so on. Many countries advocate the development of PPVC, the decision making of PPVC construction becomes critical important. This study aims to developing a scoring approach based on Knowledge-Based Decision Support System (KBDSS) for PPVC implementation. To achieve this goal, 19 key decision-making factors (DMFs) were identified from literature reviews first, subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 41 construction organizations in Singapore and using a five-point rating scale. Then create a PPVC scoring approach by using the data from the questionnaire, this scoring approach will developing a program named KBDSS-PPVC, by using the Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Finally, four industry experts will be invited to validate the feasibility of KBDSS-PPVC and scoring their current construction projects, this program can also give corresponding recommendations according the score. The results of validation showed the developed system really could provide some available suggestions for industry practitioners on the decision-making for PPVC implementation, this study complements the current knowledge system on PPVC decision-making and provides the basis for further research.