Wang, L; Huang, R and Li, X (2025) Research on technical suitability analysis and scheme selection of prefabricated buildings in China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(8), pp. 4969-4990. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – China is a large country with different regions due to regional differences and project characteristics, and the selection of prefabricated building technology according to local conditions is the key to its sustainable development in China. The purpose of this paper is to develop the suitability evaluation system of prefabricated building technology from the perspective of the suitability concept and to analyze the selection path of prefabricated building technology and to provide a reference for selecting and developing prefabricated building technology schemes that meet regional endowments. Design/methodology/approach – Based on relevant literature, technical specifications, and standards, this paper constructs an index system for analyzing the technical suitability of prefabricated buildings. It includes 23 indicators, 7 dimensions, and 3 aspects through the semantic clustering method. Following this, the comprehensive weight of each index is determined using the order relation method (G1) and the continuous ordered weighted averaging (COWA). The selection of technical schemes is comprehensively evaluated using Visekriterjumska Optimizacija Ikompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method. Findings – (1) The technical suitability of prefabricated buildings is influenced by 7 core factors, such as adaptability of resources and environment, project planning and design level, and economic benefit; (2) When selecting the appropriate technology for prefabricated buildings, economic suitability should be considered first, followed by regional suitability, and then technical characteristic; (3) The prefabricated building technology suitability evaluation model constructed in this paper has high feasibility in the technical suitability selection of the example project. Research limitations/implications – The comprehensive evaluation model of prefabricated building technology suitability constructed in this paper provides technical selection support for the promotion and development of prefabricated buildings in different regions. In addition, the model can also be widely used in areas related to prefabricated building consulting and decision-making, and provides theoretical support for subsequent research. Practical implications – This study provides a new decision support tool for prefabricated building technology suitability selection, which helps decision makers to make more rational technology choices. Social implications – This study has a positive impact on the advancement of prefabricated building technology, the improvement of construction industry standards, and the promotion of sustainable development. Originality/value – The contribution of this study is twofold: (1) Theoretically, this paper provides technical evaluation indicators and guidelines for provincial and regional governments to cultivate model cities, plan industrial bases, etc. (2) In practice, it offers project-level appropriate technology system solutions for the technology application of assemblers in various regions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | G1-cowa-vikor model; prefabricated buildings; scheme selection; technical suitability |
| Index terms: | specification, decision support, sustainable development, methodology, decision-making, adaptability, China, suitability, project planning, appropriate technology, promotion, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, construction industry, clustering, prefabricated building, dimension |
| Subjects: | research methods, health safety and environment, Geography, building construction, decision-making and optimization, user focus, technological development, management, contractual condition, decision analysis, design criteria, industry analysis, control systems, health monitoring assessment and metrics, data science |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Sustainability, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Project Management, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Contract Administration, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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