Zhang, Z; Pan, W and Pan, M (2022) Critical considerations on tower crane layout planning for high-rise modular integrated construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(7), pp. 2615-2634. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Modular 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/approach: This 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. Findings: The 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/value: The 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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction planning; high-rise modular building; modular integrated construction; multicriteria decision-making; tower crane layout planning |
| Index terms: | methodology, decision-making, construction planner, high-rise building, interview, performance criteria, guarantee, strategy, module, off-site construction, construction planning, critical issue, influencing factor, modular building, efficiency, tower crane |
| Subjects: | contract structure, performance measurement, management, architectural elements, performance management, maintenance engineering, research methods, decision analysis, building construction, practitioner, risk assessment, construction type, data collection methods, construction planning |
| Topics: | Site Management, Quality Management, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Procurement, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here