Ping, T; Pan, W and Zhang, Z (2025) Developing a systematic performance measurement framework for benchmarking steel modular building construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(3), pp. 1837-1856. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Modular construction is an innovative method that enhances the performance of building construction projects. However, the performance of steel modular construction has not been systematically understood, and the existing measurement methods exhibit limitations in effectively addressing the features of steel modular building construction. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new performance measurement framework for systematically examining the performance of steel modular construction in building projects. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted through a mixed-method research design that combines a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art practices of construction performance measurement and a case study with a 17-story steel modular apartment building project in Hong Kong. The case project was measured with data collected from the project teams and other reliable channels, and the measurement practices and findings were referenced to establish a systematic performance measurement framework for steel modular construction. Findings: Considering steel modular construction as a complex socio-technical system, a systematic performance measurement framework was developed, which considers the features of steel modular construction, focuses on the construction stage, incorporates the views of various stakeholders, integrates generic and specific key performance indicators and provides a benchmarking process. Multifaceted benefits of adopting steel modular construction were demonstrated with case study, including improved economic efficiency (e.g. nearly 10% cost savings), improved environmental friendliness (e.g. approximately 90% waste reduction) and enhanced social welfare (e.g. over 60% delivery trips reduction). Originality/value: This paper extends the existing performance measurement methods with a new framework proposed and offers experience for future steel modular construction. The measured performance of the case project also contributes in-depth understanding on steel modular construction with benefits demonstrated. The study is expected to accelerate an effective uptake of steel modular construction in building projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building project; construction industry; key performance indicator; performance measurement; steel modular construction |
| Index terms: | project team, cost saving, construction industry, case study, key performance indicator, performance measurement, modular building, Hong Kong, efficiency, research design, construction performance, state of the art, socio-technical system, methodology, modular construction, benchmarking, measurement method, waste reduction, building construction, apartment building |
| Subjects: | construction type, research dissemination and communication, Geography, sustainability assessment, theoretical framing, research methods, building construction, data collection methods, research design and methodology, performance assessment, project delivery, financial and cost management, performance measurement, performance management, economics, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Geographical Context, Project Management, Quality Management, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Cost Management, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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