The hindrances of using modular constructions in Sichuan Province of China: A comprehensive literature review

Abstract

In global construction markets, environmental sustainability plays a significant role in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) presented by the United Nations. To improve building sustainability, an increasing number of investigations have indicated the effectiveness of replacing the cast-in-place building method with modular constructions. However, the practical promotion of modular constructions has been facing various obstacles, especially for those developing countries. This article aims to explore the main hindrances of using modular constructions in the Sichuan Province of China, where the construction conditions are more complicated than other Chinese regions. Through a comprehensive literature review, dozens of previous studies on the barriers of promoting modular constructions outline the critical hindrances in Sichuan’s construction industries. The top five interdependent factors are related to the higher initial costs, insufficient working experiences, high degree of dependency on cast-in-place methods, complexity of stakeholder management, and defective policy support. The research findings can assist in promoting the local modular constructions more smoothly, which can efficiently improve the environmental sustainability of Sichuan under SDGs. To consolidate the research findings and supplement other potential barriers, a formal questionnaire on cultural resistance of ethnic minority groups in Sichuan is required for further investigation.