Cribbs, J (2016) Workflow management using building information modeling (BIM) for prefabrication in a construction retrofit environment. PhD thesis, Arizona State University, USA.
Abstract
The semiconductor manufacturing business model provides unique challenges for the design and construction of supporting fabrication facilities. To accommodate the latest semiconductor processes and technologies, manufacturing facilities are constantly re-tooled and upgraded. Common to this sector of construction is the retrofit project environment. This type of construction project introduces a multitude of existing conditions constraints and functions entirely differently than traditional new-build projects. This facility conversion process is further constrained by owner needs for continuous manufacturing operations and a compressed design/construction schedule to meet first-to-market milestones. To better control the variables within this project environment, Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows are being explored and introduced into this project typology. The construction supply-chain has also increased their focus on offsite construction techniques to prefabricate components in a controlled environment. The goal is to overlap construction timelines and improve the productivity of workers to meet the increasingly demanding schedules and to reduce on-site congestion. Limited studies exist with regards to the manufacturing retrofit construction environment, particularly when focusing on the effectiveness of BIM and prefabrication workflows. This study fills the gap by studying labor time utilization rates for Building Information Modeling workflows for prefabrication of MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) and process piping equipment in a retrofit construction environment. A semiconductor manufacturing facility serves as a case-study for this research in which the current state process for utilizing BIM for prefabrication is mapped and analyzed. Labor time utilization is studied through direct observation in relation to the current state modeling process. Qualitative analysis of workflows and quantitative analysis of labor time utilization rates provide workflow interventions which are implemented and compared against the current state modeling process. This research utilizes a mixed-method approach to explore the hypothesis that reliable/trusted geometry is the most important component for successful implementation of a BIM for prefabrication workflow in a retrofit environment. The end product of this research is the development of a prefaBIM framework for the introduction of a dynamic modeling process for retrofit prefabrication which forms the basis for a model-based delivery system for retrofit prefabrication.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Chasey, A |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction project; building information modeling; business model; fabrication; manufacturing; offsite construction; prefabrication; retrofit; owner; productivity; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; workflow; direct observation |
| Index terms: | workflow, productivity, modelling, direct observation, plumbing, fabrication, semiconductor, qualitative analysis, implementation, effectiveness, geometry, business model, site congestion, quantitative analysis, construction project, building information modelling, prefabrication, owner, dynamic modelling, conversion, design and construction |
| Subjects: | production management, performance management, data collection methods, sociology, management, site logistics, mechanical systems, information systems, mathematical modelling, contractual arrangements, manufacturing engineering, building construction, modelling and simulation, data analysis and analytics, research design and methodology, electrical systems, analytical methods, business |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Construction Technology, Site Management, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Stakeholder Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Procurement, Project Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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