Building time, cost and quality performance of modern methods of construction in a live research project.

Atanasov, Vasil; Greenwood, David John; Madebwe, Tinashe Masvimbo; Cox, Rebecca

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 by 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 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.

Citation

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 the 39th Association of Researchers in Construction Management annual conference (ARCOM 2023), 4-6 September 2023, Leeds, UK. London: ARCOM [online], pages 457-466. Available from: https://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/archive/2023-Indexed-Papers.pdf

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 39th Association of Researchers in Construction Management annual conference (ARCOM 2023)
• Start Date: Sep 4, 2023
• End Date: Sep 6, 2023
• Acceptance Date: May 22, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 31, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 22, 2024
• Publisher: ARCOM Association of Researchers in Construction Management
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 457-466
• ISBN: 9780995546370
• Keywords: Construction industry; Construction projects; Domestic construction; Domestic buildings; Houses
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2279452
• Publisher URL: https://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/archive/2023-Indexed-Papers.pdf
• Additional Information: This paper was awarded a "Best Paper" prize at the conference.