Interactions between building information modelling and off-site manufacturing for productivity improvement

Abstract

Purpose New methods have been introduced as revolutionary approaches in the construction industry, such as off-site manufacturing (OSM) and building information modelling (BIM). Although these approaches can provide many benefits, there are still barriers to meeting the expectations of improved construction productivity via their implementation. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to critically review the capabilities of OSM and BIM techniques, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement. Design/methodology/approach A scoping review approach was adopted, where 100 peer-reviewed journal articles were collected to analyse the capabilities of OSM and BIM, as well as their potential interactions, in productivity improvement as assessed by key productivity indicators (KPrIs). Findings The results reveal seven BIM-based capabilities and six OSM-based capabilities, as well as 12 potential OSM–BIM interactions that have significant potential for satisfying KPrIs. Originality/value An integrated framework has also been developed to clarify and conceptualise the roles of OSM–BIM interactions in their designated KPrIs. The research has developed insightful and practical references for strategic planning and management in OSM–BIM-based projects.

An Analysis on Promoting Prefabrication Implementation in Construction Industry towards Sustainability

“…A large proportion of researchers have claimed that prefabrication could effectively improve productivity, as shown in Table 2; the main reason was the support of information technology [62,77,78]. BIM technology has been frequently integrated adopted with other information technology, such as RFID [79], sensor technology [80], and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) [81], for it could simplify the procurement process of prefabricated components, improve information flow and the productivity of workflow between the designers and contractors [82][83][84]. Since prefabricated components were manufactured in the off-site environment, the work teams could solve the resource planning problems by cross-training to form multi-skilled resources, including workforce variation and shortage of skilled resources, which improved productivity and decreased fragmentation in prefabricated construction [85].…”

“…Besides, technological problems could be solved through production engineering innovation. For example, Sabet and Chong [84] proposed an integrated framework that conceptualized and clarified the possibility and functions of BIM and prefabricated construction interaction that could improve productivity based on scoping review. The higher quality prefabricated components could be obtained in a controlled factory environment, which were the prerequisites for productivity and efficiency improvement [64,[86][87][88].…”

“…Improve productivity Information Technology [62,77,78,84] Production engineering innovation [87] Multi-skilling [85] Design standardization, modularization and recycling [87] Better quality achieved at the factory production [88] Increase resources [87] Table 2. Cont.…”

Efficacy of Prefabrications on Constructions' Waste Cost and its Eco-Efficiency

“…The construction industry can support prefabrication technology in many ways to improving productivity and performance [42], and there are numerous suggestions for improving productivity and the industry performs with the aid of the advantages of prefabrication technology over the conventional construction system [43]. Various researchers defined productivity as the measurement of availability of resources for the attainment of a predetermined goal [44][45][46]. In addition, cost and time are known as the factors influencing the training of human forces in the prefabrication industry [47][48], and economic advantage is one of the major reasons mentioned by the stakeholders involved in the construction process, so it is expected to considerably increase the delivery of prefabricated buildings.…”

Practical Analysis of BIM Tasks for Modular Construction Projects in South Korea

“…Modular construction and building information modeling (BIM) are recognized as important technologies to overcome the current crisis in the construction industry [1,2]. BIM and modular technologies are highly interrelated and can be applied together to maximize profits for the construction industry [2,3]. Therefore, it is recommended that BIM and a modular method be used jointly to improve the performance of the construction industry [4].…”