Off-site Construction Research Articles

Integrated BIM and DfMA parametric and algorithmic design based collaboration for supporting client engagement within offsite construction

As a proactive reaction to current ineffective collaboration strategies, this study sought to combine the capabilities of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) method with mass customisation into a framework that enables customers to participate in the offsite construction configuration process. This approach engenders greater customer satisfaction whilst increasing production and construction efficiency. A model capable of facilitating the use of construction information in the proposed framework was developed to implement the proposed framework into practice. Combining the BIM model within the framework provides all project stakeholders with prerequisite information needed for a building's configuration. This collaborative process utilises an algorithmic composition in which the current assembly information in both the BIM model and framework is used as a controlling factor in the configuration process. The parametric environment of Revit and the algorithmic environment of the Dynamo plugin were used to realise the proposed framework (as a proof of concept).

Dissemination and Cultural Change as an Alternative Business Value Proposition in the Construction Industry: Manni Group Case Study

There is a gap of knowledge between practitioners about the off-site construction. For this reason, the Manni Group case study presented in this article highlights the positive role of dissemination as business value proposition support in the context of off-site construction industry. The Manni Group involved opinion leaders, professionals, universities and industrial partners in a network of dissemination that, going beyond the concept of advertising, it generated a multiple effect of value creation between the direct and indirect involved stakeholders. Dissemination emerges as a model of action that creates impacts on cultural change. It is scalable and applicable in many areas where actors have the right competences to manage the dissemination. Wherever there is a knowledge gap or friction towards new techniques and methodologies, the model is able to create value for companies and stakeholders involved in the emerging network.

Stackelberg game analysis of government subsidy on sustainable off-site construction and low-carbon logistics

This paper considers promoting off-site construction using government subsidy. A three-stage Stackelberg game model is formulated for the optimal subsidy design for the government, accounting for the decisions of government, suppliers (owners of off-site construction yards), and customers (entities that buy precast concrete from the suppliers). The government has two objectives: one is to maximize the use of precast concrete produced by regional yards and the other is to reduce green-house gas emissions from the transport of precast concrete. A number of properties of the three-stage Stackelberg game framework have been analyzed. We find that an inappropriately designed subsidy scheme may decrease the use of precast concrete produced by regional yards and increase green-house gas emissions from the transport of precast concrete, compared with a no-subsidy benchmark.

A qualitative conceptual framework to tackle skill shortages in offsite construction industry: a scientometric approach

PurposeThis study assessed the key construction technology trends and tracked the impact of these developments on labor influencing factors in an effort to alleviate the limitations posed by skilled labor scarcity in offsite construction (OSC).Design/methodology/approachThe study followed systematic literature review to acquisition initial data sets. The data retrieved form identified databases was then subjected to scientometric analysis. In next stage, disruptive factors were identified to produce a conceptual framework followed by its practical application for an OSC firm.FindingsThis study identified seven construction technologies with a potential to disrupt OSC in future. The study also developed a conceptual framework as a benchmark to help establish further frameworks for policy interns in OSC.Research limitations/implicationsThe review conducted only takes into account the literature from 2009 to March 2021. Any prior to the date and unpublished studies were not included in study.Practical implicationsA proper utilization of conceptual framework can contribute to technological adoption significantly lowering the need of labor in OSC industry. Moreover, the established discussion on understanding the purpose of deploying latest technology may reduce additional costs, management, time and allocation of labor resources.Social implicationsThis study provides a mechanism to intern OSC policymakers to impartially incorporate the latest technology in OSC.Originality/valueThis study fulfilled an identified need to study latest technological trends in OSC by utilizing bibliometric tools with SLR. The disruptive categories and factors highlighted by the study were not identified in a systematic manner in previous studies, which could further enhance the implementation of latest construction technology in OSC.

A-State-Of-The-Art review on modular building connections

Modular Building System (MBS) is an emerging offsite construction technique, which uses prefabricated units, transported, and assembled onsite. In MBS construction process, designing stage is considered as the most significant stage. One of the critical concerns in designing MBSs is to maintain and to ensure the structural integrity of the assembly against critical loading conditions. Connections in the MBSs as a crucial part of the off-site construction, plays a prominent role in providing the essential performance and integrity for the assembled MBS. Hence, it is indispensable to analyse the existing connections used in industry and to investigate the benefits and limitations of their application in MBS construction. A thorough study on connection types will evaluate their capabilities in addressing functional requirements and will exhibit their potential to serve as a benchmark for a range of future modular construction techniques. Thus, this paper presents a review on various forms of inter-modular connection systems used in the contemporary construction industry. It covers the role of connections in the automation of assembly and disassembly of modular units; architectural, structural, and constructional challenges faced by the industry in using them; and their performance under different loading conditions. In addition, numerical studies performed on a selected intermodular connection model is also presented, investigating, and validating the mechanical behaviour of connection and justifying the applicability of such models in predicting connection behaviour. Finally, based on the review, suggestions to address modern construction obstacles by adding new information to the literature and then to overcome challenges in the wide adoption of the MBS in construction industry are presented. The outcome of this study assists in overcoming obstacles and encourages potential growth of MBS and/or off-site construction techniques in building construction industry.

PLM support for design platforms in industrialized house-building

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to support the customization ability for industrial house building companies striving to offer individualized products but with a strategy which includes a production facility. This is accomplished by analyzing the as-is state in terms of existing engineering assets and by proposing a to-be state using the design platform and product lifecycle management (PLM) support.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on design research methodology and collected data are in-depth interviews, document reviews and workshops and method development. The theoretical baseline is product platforms and the design platform.FindingsThe analysis showed that despite use of a platform, inherent assets are disorganized. Still, the identified object-based engineering assets were possible to include in a conceptual proposal for better management, both in the process and product view, using an asset relationship matrix and a PLM system.Practical implicationsThe results should be applicable for industrial house building and off-site construction companies and offers an approach to identify and manage their assets and platforms which are crucial to stay competitive.Originality/valuePrevious research on design platforms has focused on engineer-to-order companies within the mechanical industry. The contribution of this paper lies in the application and support of the design platform for industrial house building and the introduction of PLM system support.

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) enablers for offsite interior design and construction

ABSTRACT Interior design and construction (IDC) is a sophisticated and often prolonged process that delivers a building to occupation. Traditional practice is rather unproductive, involving the work of several different trades crowded in situ and delivered sequentially one after another. To enhance productivity in IDC, offsite practice is receiving increasing attention as a process innovation along with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), an emerging concept in the industry. This paper aims to investigate offsite IDC practice and develop a set of DfMA enablers for better achieving this building process. It undertakes a literature review, case study, and 18 semi-structured interviews. To support the offsite IDC and its production line, standardized procedure, automated machinery, and supply chain, 10 DfMA enablers are adopted, such as early collaboration, design standardization and simplification, and light material selection. These findings indicate a paradigm shift not only in interior design methodology but also in IDC professional practice process. This research enriches the literature on DfMA and IDC, in particular their synergy, and offers a new model for interior designers and offsite IDC practitioners.

Identification and Prioritization of Critical Success Factors for Off-Site Construction Using ISM and MICMAC Analysis

Many studies have been conducted to define the critical success factors (CSFs) for off-site construction (OSC) activation, but there has been a lack of identification of the relationship with the identified CSFs. However, it is necessary to clearly identify the hierarchy and relationships with the success factors in order to develop specific strategies for OSC activation. This work presents a study that was conducted to identify the CSFs for OSCs and establish the relationships of the identified CSFs for OSC. First, 20 CSFs for OSCs were identified through prior study reviews related to CSFs for OSC. Next, the interpretive structural modeling (ISM), which has advantages in developing an understanding of complex relationships, was leveraged in order to analyze the relationships between 20 CSFs for OSC to derive a hierarchical model consisting of seven levels. The CSFs for OSC were classified into four groups using MICMAC analysis, which is useful for classifying factors by the strength of the relationship with factors based on driving power and dependence power. This proposed model can be used as a basis for developing management measures for OSC project success.

Overview of the Characteristics of the Modular Industry and Barriers to its Increased Market Share

Modular and offsite construction approaches reduce project duration and cost by synchronizing offsite and onsite work. Project activities are undertaken in a controlled offsite facility to minimize the effects of inclement weather and site disruptions, while meeting safety and quality requirements. To study the characteristics of modular and offsite construction, questionnaires have been conducted during the last decade by many organizations, including the Modular Building Institute (MBI), the Buildoffsite campaigning organization in the United Kingdom, the Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute, the National Institute of Building Sciences, McGraw-Hill Construction, and the Fails Management Institute. This paper introduces comprehensive analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey carried out in collaboration between members of the Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering at Concordia University, the Modular Building Institute, NRB Inc., and the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. The questionnaire focuses on two issues: (1) the characteristics of the modular and offsite construction industry, and (2) the barriers against increased market share in this industry. For the latter, an effort was made to address a set of five factors identified in a workshop on the topic of challenges and opportunities for modular construction in Canada held in Montréal in 2015 to analyze barriers to growth of modular construction in the Canadian context. Key findings of this survey include requests for use of a separate building code for modular construction design, innovative financing and insurance solutions, standards that consider procurement regulations, and for financial institutions to create lending programs suited for modular construction.

Maturity-based mapping of technology and method innovation in off-site construction: conceptual frameworks

The construction industry has been associated with inefficiencies. In contrast, Off-Site Construction (OSC) is a modern method of construction that has demonstrated significant improvements over conventional on-site methods. Despite that, OSC represents a tiny portion of the construction industry with a limited rate of diffusion and acceptance. One reason for that is associated with the lack or immaturity of OSC-related research and innovation benchmarking. This benchmarking helps in expanding OSC implementation as a component in driving and directing OSC research as well as roadmapping and measuring the innovation advancements. Hence, this study was intended to contribute to the OSC benchmarking by mapping innovation that paves the road towards building a strategic research and innovation roadmap in OSC. Among different innovation types, this study is limited to two types: technology-oriented and OSC method-oriented innovation. Unlike the traditional roadmaps in the literature, the envisioned roadmap design for OSC innovation in this study is based on maturity modelling. This design includes four components: framework, maturity scales, benchmarks, and targets. However, the focus of the current stage is on the developing the mapping components (framework and maturity scales). Consequently, two sets of frameworks and maturity models were developed to realize the two identified innovation types in OSC. The applicability of these frameworks and scales was demonstrated through hypothetical examples and a case study that is limited to technology-oriented research in the Canadian context. Accordingly, the subsequent case study scope embraces the last three research community meetings (2015-2019) relevant to our study in the indicated context. Based on this case study, the framework was found easy to understand, simple to implement, scalable, applicable across different contexts, and facilitates capturing benchmarks and targets. This confirms promising benefits of the developed frameworks and their effectiveness in roadmapping OSC innovation.

Assessing off-site readiness in construction organisations: cases from India

PurposeThis paper aims to present factors affecting the Indian construction organisations in adopting off-site construction (OSC) methods.Design/methodology/approachAn existing readiness maturity model has been used to assess three large organisations in different parts of India. A case study methodology has been adopted in this paper to highlight critical issues in OSC adoption in India.FindingsThis paper presents three case studies and concludes the Indian construction sectors readiness to adopt the OSC methods. Through the case studies, different issues related to the adoption of OSC have been identified and highlighted for the Indian construction sector. Although the three companies are large, there are several small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) operating in India's construction sector, and future research shall be needed to review these SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis research study is broadly focused on developing and assessing an OSC readiness framework for Indian construction organisations. The research scope and the population for data collection are limited to large construction organisations in India only.Practical implicationsThe proposed OSC readiness maturity model guides construction practitioners in India through a structured process to assess their OSC readiness in the market. This assessment enables them to evaluate and benchmark their processes through the strategic and operational phases. This research will add to the existing knowledge of OSC in India by mapping issues relevant to India's construction industry. The research has provided background on the status of OSC, the drivers and barriers affecting the implementation of OSC techniques in the Indian construction industry.Originality/valueThrough the three case studies, several factors related to the implementation of OSC methods have been identified and highlighted within the Indian construction sector. Although the model has been applied to the Indian construction sector, it can easily be modified to fit into other areas and similar dynamics and business conditions.

Logic representation and reasoning for automated BIM analysis to support automation in offsite construction

• First-order and second-order logic were used to analyze IFC-based BIM models. • The implementation of the developed logic ruleset achieved a recall of 90.3% and higher. • Logic representation and reasoning were demonstrated to be effective for automated BIM analysis in the AEC domain. • The analysis time of a three-story wood building was around one minute. • Construction information were derived from BIM that can support analysis of offsite construction automation.

Critical considerations on tower crane layout planning for high-rise modular integrated construction

PurposeModular integrated construction (MiC) is the most advanced off-site construction technology. However, the application of MiC for high-rise buildings is still limited and challenging. One critical issue is tower crane layout planning (TCLP) to guarantee safe and efficient multiple crane-lifts for module installation, which, however, has been insufficiently explored. For filling this knowledge gap, this paper aims to systematically explore the critical considerations on TCLP for high-rise MiC to support contractors in determining the optimal crane layout plan.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a multimethod strategy. First, previous studies on TCLP and critical features of MiC were reviewed to develop a conceptual model of TCLP considerations. Second, expert interviews with 15 construction planners were conducted to identify the critical TCLP considerations for high-rise MiC. Third, a multicase study with three high-rise MiC projects was undertaken to demonstrate and verify the identified considerations.FindingsThe paper characterises critical considerations on TCLP as performance criteria and influencing factors and identifies 7 critical performance criteria and 25 influencing factors for high-rise MiC. Specifically, the features of MiC (e.g. various modularised layout design, heavyweight and large size of modules) were found to significantly affect the crane layout performance (i.e. technical feasibility, safety and economic efficiency).Originality/valueThe paper is the first-of-its-kind study on crane layout planning for high-rise modular buildings, which contributes a two-stage multicriteria decision-making framework integrated with systematic TCLP considerations. The findings should help contractors determine safe and efficient tower crane layout plans for high-rise MiC projects.

Integrated LCA-LCC Assessment Model of Offsite, Onsite, and Conventional Construction Systems

ABSTRACT Greenhouse gases associated with energy extraction, production, and consumption are considered a major source of environmental pollution that has led to global warming and climate change. In Saudi Arabia, the building sector represents the largest domain of total energy consumption (roughly 80%) followed by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, residential buildings consume about 50% of the electrical energy in the Saudi Arabia, whereby air conditioning usage represent 70% of electrical energy consumption according to Saudi’s energy efficiency centre. To reduce overall energy consumption from residential buildings in Saudi Arabia, efforts have been made in applying sustainable principles to the construction of buildings, resulting in minimizing the consumption of energy, building materials, and water compared to the conventional construction. In order to determine areas of improvement for the development of sustainable energy buildings in Saudi Arabia, this study seeks to assess the environmental impacts and economic viability of various construction systems including prefabricated and conventional ones using models for life cycle cost (LCC) and life cycle assessment (LCA).Various concrete construction systems were investigated using the developed LCA-LCC model including Siporex, insulated concrete form (ICF), clay block, concrete block, and precast concrete systems (base case scenario). Additionally, the LCA used in this study was assigned monetary values according to the market price of CO2 and then combined with the LCC. The developed LCA-LCC therefore provides information regarding the sustainability of the construction method and may assist decision makers in public sector on the selection of the best possible construction system to minimize energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission, and environmental impact while simultaneously reducing overall life cycle costs. The highest LCC was associated with construction costs, which represented approximately 55% to 58% of the whole LCC. The operation and maintenance costs of the project over a 50-year lifespan ranged between 25% and 27% of the overall LCC, while the environmental impact cost was found to represent approximately 17.0% to 18% of the total LCC. Offsite construction system was found in this study to generate the lowest embodied carbon emission; however, it was measured to have the highest energy consumption and greatest overall environmental impact.

Offsite construction supply chain strategies for matching affordable rental housing demand: A system dynamics approach

Australian housing affordability is influenced by both housing supply and demand factors. These factors include lengthy construction and planning process. The affordability crisis affects the housing rental sector, which accommodates more than 20 % of Australian household. This research developed a system dynamics model to simulate demography-linked affordable rental housing demand and supply in South East Queensland (SEQ). A Prefabricated Offsite Construction (OSC) housing supply strategy is compared with a traditional building approach (BAU) to investigate the effectiveness of OSC techniques to reduce informational asymmetries during development planning stages to deliver better affordable rental housing is linked to housing needs in SEQ. The model focuses on demographic groups housing demand of one, two- and three-bedroom apartment units and examines how reductions in the development process, through OSC methods, influence the efficiency of Government supported affordable rental housing supply schemes. Overall, the study finds that reduced planning and construction timeframes through OSC methods may improve demography-linked rental housing supply by approximately 6.6 % overall compared to BAU in SEQ. For 1,2- and 3-bedroom apartment demand, OSC strategies are expected to improve supply efficiency by 8.7 %, 8.4 % and 9.2 %, respectively. Optimal OSC strategies were assessed and found that flexibility in development sizes have an outsized positive effect. The study has implications for Government supported affordable rental housing strategies, including the build to rent sector.

A BIM-lean framework for digitalisation of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction

PurposeThe research introduces means for improving premanufacturing processes (design, procurement and bidding) by leveraging digitalisation in offsite construction. Specifically, this paper proposes a framework that provides measures for the planning and implementation of digitalisation in offsite construction by positioning building information modelling (BIM) as the key technology and lean principles to add value and reduce waste.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows the design science research approach to develop the proposed framework and attain the aforementioned objective. The developed framework includes data collection, value-stream mapping and simulation to assess current processes, develop and propose improvements. An empirical implementation is employed to demonstrate the applicability of both the framework and the measures used to evaluate the outcomes.FindingsThe application of the proposed three-stage framework resulted in 9.45%–23.33%-time reduction per year for the various improvement categories in premanufacturing phases. Employing simulation and applying the developed measures provide incentive for upper management to adopt the suggested improvements. Additionally, while the empirical implementation was tested on a modular construction company, the methods used indicate that the framework, with its generic guidelines, could be applied and customized to any offsite company.Originality/valueWhile several studies propose that BIM-Lean integration offers an advantage in the context of production systems, this paper focuses on the initial design and planning phases, which are mostly overlooked in the literature. Moreover, the present study provides quantitative evidence of the benefits of data integration through BIM technology.

Framework for Long-Term Public Housing Supply Plan Focusing on Small-Scale Offsite Construction in Seoul

The public housing demand in Seoul has been continuously increasing, but the available land for housing is insufficient. To meet the demand, the Seoul government is planning to develop small-scale housing in urban areas through various methods. Construction activities for increasing housing capacity cause negative environmental impacts, and this inevitably leads to an increase in the number of civil complaints. The complaints can be mitigated by using offsite construction (OSC) for fabricating components. However, OSC remains underdeveloped in Korea owing to concerns over high project costs. To promote OSC, the government must develop a long-term plan to secure demand for OSC. For such a plan, the number and feasibility of applicable sites in Seoul must be estimated. This study suggests a two-stage research framework: (1) estimate the number of applicable sites in Seoul using GIS and (2) conduct feasibility analyses of these sites through architectural planning. The estimated number of sites was equal to the expected supply of small-scale housing units in Seoul for 8 years, and the selected case sites were identified to be feasible. Therefore, the use of OSC for developing small-scale housing units in Seoul is reasonable. This research differs from previous studies in that the previous use of qualitative studies to promote modular construction was replaced with a quantitative analysis that included the entire Seoul area. Using the research framework, the Seoul government can develop a specific long-term plan based on the quantitative research analysis. Furthermore, manufacturers can develop plans based on the government plan and deliver returns on the higher initial costs. The contractors can reduce the higher project cost and doing so is expected to mitigate the negative perception and to promote modular construction in Korea.

A decision-support framework for planning construction waste recycling: A case study of Shenzhen, China

Construction waste recycling is to turn construction waste materials into new resources for use. It is often considered in waste management plans, in which a central dilemma is to ponder the on-site and off-site options. Both recycling options have their respective strengths and weaknesses in dealing with internal and external factors related to site, time, cost, market, and government. However, no previous study has consciously considered the two options by putting them together with the factors in a structured model to support managers in devising their waste management plans. This study aims to develop a decision-support framework to help plan on-site and off-site construction waste recycling. It does so by adopting the qualitative research methods of case study, site visits and semi-structured interviews in Shenzhen, China. Two generic factors, namely (a) project characteristics (e.g., site constraints, time allowed, and project scale), and (b) industrial and governmental supports (e.g., transportation, recycling technology, the material market, regulations, and government subsidies), are found to determine the technical and economic viability of a particular recycling option. The two factors interact with each other and evolve over time and context to effect. This paper further articulated and organized their dynamics in a construction waste recycling decision-support framework. The research can help maximize the practicality of waste management plans. It is also of value to enhance construction waste management in the long run.

Effects of policy on developer's implementation of off-site construction: The mediating role of the market environment

Off-site construction as an industrialized construction method has become a hot topic in addressing climate change. Government policies have been formulated to promote the development of off-site construction in China. Previous studies have found policy benefits for the development of off-site construction, but few studies have explored its effects on decision-making developers' adoption of off-site construction. This study aims to quantitatively verify the effect of policy on developer's implementation of off-site construction and to explore practical paths for encouraging developers to implement off-site construction using partial least-squares path analysis. The results show that environmental policies have significant direct effects on developer's implementation of off-site construction. In contrast, demand-side and supply-side policies only indirectly affect developer's implementation of off-site construction through their effects on the market environment. Moreover, the market environment's mediating role was verified, suggesting that the market environment should be fostered to improve developer to adopt off-site construction method and then promote off-site construction development. Furthermore, this study explored ways to stimulate developer's implementation of off-site construction through environmental policy instruments by unpacking the market environment's mediating effect.

A review on offsite construction plant design in Auckland

The main objective of this paper was to review the design considerations and challenges for offsite construction plant in Auckland. The goal is to provide the reasons for selecting the design criteria. For this the production plants Willmot Dixon in UK, CRC in Australia and Fletcher in New Zealand were considered. This plant can be used for products in residential buildings, hospitals, educational buildings and commercial buildings using Lightweight steel and timber framing, Factory assembled bathrooms (FABs) or pods, Cross-laminated timber and Prefabricated and precast concrete. The four design communication alternatives for an offsite production plant based on the requirements for adaptability, efficiency in assembly and production economy are explained according to the needs. The main urban challenges which were faced by Auckland for offsite production plant like speed of construction, cost, waste materials, machines and workers are reviewed using the method of engineering called Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) by which the production costs and the time for products to reach the market are reviewed.
 Keywords: Offsite, Design, Materials, DFMA