INDUSTRIALIZED TIMBER CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ASPECTS AND INFLUENCES IN MODULAR TIMBER BUILDING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Advancements of recently developed timber products and their application within the prefabrication process in construction industry demand more standardization and unification of construction management processes. Within the timber industry the prefabrication of modular building units with an optimised prefabrication grade experienced an ascending development over the last decade. Today’s methodology is based on a formal concept of realized projects that provides the methods of the production whereas the basic components behind do not change. Especially modern timber construction is mostly suitable for prefabrication, caused by the material specific properties, possibilities in prefabrication and quick assembly time under dry construction circumstances. According to an expert survey undertaken within a research project, the integration of a consistent data workflow in the production process allows a significant shortened construction period and cost reduction. Following these expert interviews timber construction systems with a high percentage of prefabrication are considered to be less expensive than on-site building methods. High productivity combined with excellent quality in short installation periods delivers arguments for best practice examples in construction management of modular timber building systems.