Amarasinghe, Sam (2025) Performance optimizing for precast concrete construction. PhD thesis, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
Abstract
This study explored how to improve the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the precast manufacturing process (PMP), a key phase in precast concrete construction (PCC). Simulation models were developed and tested using real-world data from Australian factories to identify major bottlenecks such as reinforcement and formwork tasks and evaluate practical strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and increase profitability of the process. The findings provide valuable insights and tools for the construction industry, particularly in Australia, to adopt precast methods more effectively, improve resource utilization, and meet growing housing demands through better planning, workforce management, and lower overall costs.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Dawes, Leslie; Warne, David and Agdas, Duzgun |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | precast concrete construction; precast manufacturing process; productivity; profitability; bottlenecks; simulation models; performance; Australia |
| Index terms: | reinforcement, profitability, precast concrete, construction industry, efficiency, resource utilization, productivity, formwork, manufacturing process, Australia, housing, cost-effectivenes, strategy |
| Subjects: | building construction, manufacturing engineering, Geography, economic analysis, site logistics, construction type, industry analysis, management, performance management, economics, building materials |
| Topics: | Site Management, Construction Technology, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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