Ofori-Kuragu, J K and Osei-Kyei, R (2021) Mainstreaming pre-manufactured offsite processes in construction: are we nearly there? Construction Innovation, 21(4), pp. 743-760. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore the current state of popular modern methods of construction (MMC) and pre-manufactured construction in the construction industry and propose a framework for future implications for practice and future research. This technical paper is based on a narrative review of the extant literature on the subject. First, the Scopus search engine was used to retrieve relevant papers on MMC, offsite and pre-manufactured construction. Second, institutional literature such as reports by industry professional and trade bodies, literature from leading technology firms and contractors with experience of MMC were extracted. These two strands of literature were synthesised and a comprehensive discussion on the topic was provided. Results show that journal publications on MMC and pre-manufactured construction have increased in the past decade. The paper found significant advances in the development of premanufactured and offsite construction approaches with many benefits. Offsite and pre-manufactured construction are viable and sustainable systems currently suitable for wider adoption as the mainstream construction method. This technical paper based on an integrative review of relevant literature could have benefitted from interviews of professionals with experience of offsite and pre-manufacture techniques and from wider availability of current academic publications on the subject. Validation of the framework has not been undertaken. Not much-published work has been undertaken on the current state of development globally and the viability of these construction approaches. This paper evaluates evidence from academic and industry sources to address this gap. A framework has been developed which can help the industry's industrialisation drive.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | design for manufacture and assembly; modern methods of construction; modular construction; offsite construction; pre-fabrication; premanufactured construction |
| Index terms: | design for manufacture and assembly, modern methods of construction, premanufactured construction, construction industry, fabrication, interview, industrialization, mainstreaming, construction method, journal, modular construction, narrative, evidence, validation, publication |
| Subjects: | business, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, research dissemination and communication, building construction, industry analysis, manufacturing engineering, economic development, professional development, qualitative and interpretive research |
| Topics: | Site Management, Construction Technology, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information 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