Atanasov, V; Greenwood, D J; Madebwe, T M and Cox, R (2023) Building time, cost and quality performance of modern methods of construction in a live research project. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 39th Annual ARCOM Conference, 4-6 September 2023, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
The use of modern methods of construction (MMC) has been embraced by the construction sector of many countries, largely due to assertions that some MMC processes can be economically effective and efficient. MMC have been received as opportunities by governments to stimulate economies and support demands for new homes, and contractors to improve their profit margins. Although many studies have commented on the implications of using specific MMC, no evidence has been presented of the relative building time, cost, and quality performance of multiple MMC in one live house construction experiment. This paper presents an analysis of the value of turning to MMC including steel-based and timber-frame modular construction, light-gauge and panelised light-gauge steel frame construction and aerated concrete panelised construction methods. The findings presented here are likely to facilitate decision-making processes relating to these performance aspects of the aforementioned MMC which were largely inferior to the traditional construction method discussed here and identify areas of improvement. Further advancements are required to improve the performance and desirability of these MMC.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | live research project; modern methods of construction; performance; residential buildings. |
| Index terms: | modular construction, quality performance, evidence, construction sector, house construction, steel frame, residential building, modern methods of construction, traditional construction, decision-making process, experiment, construction method, profit |
| Subjects: | heritage and conservation, industry analysis, building construction, decision analysis, structural engineering, project delivery, economic analysis, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods, construction type |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Site Management, Design Practice, Quality Management |
| 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