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Modular and offsite construction reduces project duration and cost by synchronizing offsite and onsite work. Project activities are constructed in a controlled offsite facility to minimize effects of inclement weather and site disruptions, while meeting safety and quality requirements. In recent years, many organizations have conducted questionnair...
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Modular and offsite construction approaches reduce project duration and cost by synchronizing offsite and onsite work. Project activities are undertaken in a controlled offsite facility to minimize the effects of inclement weather and site disruptions, while meeting safety and quality requirements. To study the characteristics of modular and offsit...
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... Reference (up to four) Designations Prefabricated [5][6][7] Offsite [8][9][10][11] Modern Methods of Construction [12][13][14] Modular [15][16][17] Pre-assembly [18,19] Precast [20][21][22] Prefabricated [1,6,23] Type By elements or components [6,24,25] By panels [26][27][28] By modules [5,29,30] Prefabrication level Whole buildings [31][32][33] Building parts (e.g., rooms, classroom, labs) [5,34,35] Building components (e.g., walls, windows, stairs) [15,24,36] Structural materials Wood [37][38][39] Steel [25,40,41] Concrete [27,42,43] Light Steel Framed [41,44,45] Plastic [46][47][48] Container [31][32][33] Uses Residential [49][50][51] Educational [6,52,53] Commercial [54,55] Industrial [56,57] to the production of prefabricated components, such as the reduction of labour and time, were reported during the colonisation of South Africa in 1820 in the assembly of simple and shed-like systems in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and the Eastern Cape Province, compared to on-site construction methods [3]. ...
The concepts of "modularity" and "prefabrication" require a deeper understanding being crucial to investigate their relation with the circular economy. Prefab-rication involves pre-manufacturing building elements off-site and their transport to the construction site and assembly. Prefabrication can be divided into different categories: Component, Non-volumetric, Volumetric, Modular construction, Hybrid structures, or Whole building prefabrication; and can be based on linear (e.g., columns or pillars), bidimensional (e.g., walls or floor panels), or tri-dimensional elements (e.g., modules or whole prefabricated houses). The most commonly used materials are steel, wood, and concrete, although plastic, composite, and nature-based materials are increasingly being explored. While comparing the prefabricated materials, steel has high embodied impacts but recycle and reuse potential, timber has biogenic content and high reuse potential, and concrete poses transport and assembly challenges. The refurbishment of prefabricated buildings and the use of prefabricated elements in refurbishment are also discussed. The main benefits of adopting prefab- rication are impact, cost, material, waste, and time reduction, with quality increase; and the challenges are cultural, technical, and market aspects with some invest- ment required. Abibliometric analysis explores the relationship between modularity, prefabrication, and circular construction and concludes that the link between the three concepts seems fragile and unclear.
... Modular construction is a building system where two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) or volumetric elements (Seidu et al., 2021) are produced, optimized, and certified in a factory, renowned for its costeffectiveness, quality, safety, and added value (Salama et al., 2018), as well as its constructive and sustainable advantages (Lawson et al., 2014). In the case of reinforced concrete modular units, are composed of reinforced concrete with steel rods, although modules of wood and metal structures also exist. ...
This study explores the weaknesses and threats of the modular construction industry as an alternative to informal self-construction in Peru, characterized by a lack of technical design and professional supervision. Through a SWOT analysis and the application of the GUT prioritization matrix (Gravity, Urgency, and Tendency), the weaknesses and threats of the modular construction industry in the Peruvian context were evaluated, highlighting challenges related to transportation and resistance to change as the main obstacles. The research reveals that, despite these challenges, modular construction offers significant advantages in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability. It is concluded that, with appropriate strategies, modular construction could be a viable solution to reduce informality in housing construction in Peru. There is a suggested need for infrastructure and regulatory reforms, as well as the promotion of education and acceptance of this technology.
... These include cross-border logistics, insufficient modes of transporting larger modules, load restrictions, and damages incurred during transportation, significantly hindering the PH process (Jiang et al., 2020). Adequate storage of modules, whether onsite or offsite, can also be challenging if schedules are not meticulously managed and synchronised (Salama et al., 2018). The frequent need for mobile cranes to hoist modules and components further complicates operations, especially in underdeveloped areas. ...
Unlike most continents, Africa still grapples with urban informality, where housing shortages affect most people living in substandard conditions. Prefabricated housing (PH) presents an alternative option that provides a quicker and cheaper housing supply, although it currently lags behind demand. This paper examines whether 1) informal settlements can be upgraded using prefabricated/modular houses, 2) these housing types are desirable to occupants, and 3) alternative houses should receive as much emphasis and policy support as possible, particularly considering the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a comprehensive literature survey utilising a scoping review methodology, the paper indicates that stakeholders such as developers, financiers, and occupants of prefabricated housing increasingly embrace PH despite its challenges. The literature unanimously agrees that substantial efforts are required to catalyse more investment in PH regarding further research, education, supply chain improvements, and enhanced communication and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Additionally, numerous research gaps need addressing, including in-depth examinations of PH's contextual feasibility and performance across different geographical areas. The paper recommends that South African governments adopt PH as an alternative housing solution, as it is faster and cheaper, thereby aiding in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 11.
... While multiple geographical contexts were investigated per study (Figure 4), Australia had the highest frequency of seven publications followed by the UK (6), and New Zealand (5). This coincides with industry reports on the global prefabricated building market share which indicated a mid to high-level growth in Australia and the UK, and an increase in prefabricated building manufacturers (Freedonia Group, 2021;Mordor Intelligence, 2023;Salama et al., 2018). Also, the recent housing initiative by the UK government to develop 300,000 prefabricated housing units by the year 2025 (Almughrab et al., 2021). ...
Despite the research-proven benefits of Prefabricated Construction (PC), studies indicate a problem of low adoption in developing countries as Nigeria; due to inadequate skill and awareness of roles for PC among construction stakeholders. The skills problem/gap is attributable to complex operations involved in the Life Cycle Stages (LCS) of PC. These operations place new skill demands on construction stakeholders. Unfortunately, there is a deficiency of studies on PC skills and job roles. This study therefore employs the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology to identify, evaluate, and synthesize findings from relevant studies on PC skills. The findings revealed the deficit of studies on PC skills, as only 18 studies were identified that dealt directly with PC skills classification. The prevalent research themes are required skills, skills classification, skills deficiency, emerging skills, skills training, and impact of PC on construction worker skills. There are no unified criteria for the classification of PC skills. Furthermore, a significant number of the literature reviewed was published between 2021 and 2022; attributable to the impact of the 2020 Global pandemic on the demand for prefabricated buildings, which possibly sparked interest among researchers. Also, skill shortages for PC are in the area of digital design and machine operations for the manufacture of prefabricated building components. A collaborative PC training is recommended (involving government, industry and academia) for construction stakeholders. Future research can assess the skill level of Nigerian professionals towards the provision of prefabricated housing.
... Another factor that makes organizations hesitate to invest in modular construction is the transportation cost. Prefabrication factories are usually located in remote areas for cheaper costs [50], resulting in an increase in transportation costs [49] since the average cost per module square footage is related to the distances [34]. ...
Modular construction as an innovative method aids the construction industry in transforming to off-site construction production with high efficiency and environmental friendliness. Despite the obvious advantages, the uptake of modular construction is not booming as expected. However, previous studies have investigated and summarized the barriers to the adoption of modular construction. In this research, a Large-Scale Group Decision Making (LSGDM)-based analysis is first made of the severity of barriers to modular construction adoption from the perspective of construction stakeholders. In addition, the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework is utilized to identify the barriers based on three contexts (technology, organization, and environment). The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and LSGDM models are both implemented for the first time to analyze the severity of the barriers to modular adoption based on questionnaire results from internal and external stakeholders in an organization. Finally, in this research, in-depth insights into the severity of barriers are gained, providing a reference for construction organizations to manage modular adoption.
... The questionnaire employed in this study was investigated [1], and interview with construction engineers and construction management companies who have worked in conventional construction as well as modern method construction. There is a wealth of information about new technologies in modular construction that responsible and private companies could provide to improve knowledge society, but they did not; there is a lack of evidence and feedback of successful implementation of modular technologies in high-rise applications; and there is a lack of public awareness about volumetric construction [2,3]. Modular enterprises are able to generate new chances that provide advantages that traditional building cannot provide for its customers [2]. ...
... There is a wealth of information about new technologies in modular construction that responsible and private companies could provide to improve knowledge society, but they did not; there is a lack of evidence and feedback of successful implementation of modular technologies in high-rise applications; and there is a lack of public awareness about volumetric construction [2,3]. Modular enterprises are able to generate new chances that provide advantages that traditional building cannot provide for its customers [2]. In comparison to conventional building, one of the most significant advantages of modular construction is its predictability in terms of cost and schedule [4,5]. ...
... [21,22]. The biggest advantage is from indirect cost savings and noncost value-adding items like repairs and reworks, reduce consumption energy during construction [23,24].According to Salama research, volumetric construction is more popular than the other off-site construction [2]. ...
Technology advances improve lifestyles and bring new ideas to make life easier. In this segment, construction industries are crucial, and changing approaches to produce critical structures is challenging. Furthermore, the building business is influenced by a number of factors that could be improved. The construction sector needs improvement after many years. It is one of the most significant economic sectors. First and foremost, this essay explores different modular construction and traditional constriction in high rises and tries to establish ideas that encouraging individuals to build more productively can change the mentality of the building industry, as well as clients, homeowners, and decision-makers. The effectiveness of modular construction in high-rise structures was investigated in this study utilizing real-world case studies in various places in order to identify the most important aspects that influence productivity and construction time, as well as restrictions and challenges.
... As the largest contributing factor of this component, financial policy changes occupy the highest factor loading, which also has the greatest mean value within this construct. Financing MiC is challenging because banks are not familiar with the characteristics of this modern industry, which focuses on risk and return (Salama et al., 2018). Common beneficial financial policies related to MiC generally include notifying banks (lenders) of accredited MiC enterprises (borrowers), loosening the covenants/conditions of loans for borrowers, offering special subsidies to approved MiC projects and enterprises, and rewarding MiC enterprises (Jiang et al., 2018). ...
Given the increased importance of identifying the critical Policy Driving Forces (PDFs) to uptake Modular integrated Construction (MiC) practices in Hong Kong (HK), this study aims to identify and examine the critical PDFs associated with MiC projects in HK from the perspective of industry experts. After drawing on the plentiful relevant literature and conducting a pilot study, an expert opinion survey was conducted to gather the necessary data for this study. The collected data were analysed using relevant significance analysis and factor analysis to identify critical PDFs and appropriate groupings. The results revealed 23 critical PDFs under seven critical components in three stages of the MiC process. Regulative PDFs show the highest criticality for up-taking the MiC in the initiation and planning and design phases, while Greater Bay Area development PDFs are critical in the construction phase. The PDF related to the COVID-19 pandemic is the only critical PDF that appeared in all three stages. As the first study that explores PDFs for MiC uptake throughout all project phases, this study contributes substantially to theory and practice while better informing policymakers on how to initiate MiC-related policies to boost MiC practice in HK, where MiC is achieving greater prominence in application.
... Even more, the adoption of OSC promises to increase the quality, health and safety, and performance of the construction industry (Young et al., 2020). This approach to construction projects has resurged in the past years and has been successfully adopted in many countries such as Japan, Sweden, Australia and UK (Salama, Moselhi and Al-Hussein, 2018;Manley and Widén, 2020). ...
The Irish construction sector has been seeking a way to increase its productivity, meet market demand and achieve the commitments set on the National Development Plan. Since the release of “Economic analysis of productivity in the Irish construction sector”, the Construction Sector Group has taken actions on innovation and digital adoption, including establishing Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) working group to guide the development of off-site construction and other MMC in the country.
Off-site construction (OSC) is an umbrella term used to refer to many different construction systems produced in a manufacturing facility and then transported to the site and assembled to complete a building. This construction method has many reported benefits, including a healthier and safer work environment, enhanced quality, environmental sustainability, cost and time certainty of projects that all leads to the industry productivity enhancement. However, some barriers constrain OSC adoption.
This research aimed to investigate off-site construction in Ireland and identify which barrier most constrain OSC adoption in the country.
This investigation and identification were made through a review of other OSC studies, stakeholder surveys, and interviews with industry experts to assess their perception of OSC benefits, drivers, barriers and facilitators. The multi-attribute technique was used to prioritise the identified barriers for OSC uptake.
Findings revealed that current construction education and training need to be updated and include courses on OSC since the main barrier that restrains OSC in Ireland is construction education and training being focused on traditional construction methods. Moreover, industry professionals know the advantages of OSC, but these advantages are not recognised in the wider market. Furthermore, industry professionals use modern tools and systems that can facilitate OSC adoption, and their potential to aid OSC is mostly recognised.
... All told, these studies did not investigate some of current practices in modular construction such as project financing, standards and regulations, type of project delivery system, type of contracts, type of procurement method, synchronization of onsite and offsite schedules, BIM applications and software, scheduling software, and barriers to increased market share. Thus, this paper studies these practices and presents comprehensive analysis for the conducted questionnaire that was briefly introduced earlier since no thorough analysis was presented earlier for all the studied practices [30][31][32]. This paper also presents current efforts around the world dedicated to overcome the barriers and challenges facing modular and offsite construction and it investigates current practices and industry characteristics of modular construction in the context of the aforementioned gaps in the body of knowledge. ...
... First hypothesis: Negative stigma is a barrier to increased market share As shown in Figure 5, more than half of respondents agreed that there is negative stigma associated with modular construction, which can be attributed to the misconception that modular is intended primarily for temporary, single-storey applications. The percentage of respondents who agreed that the significant advantages of modular construction are not effectively communicated with owners is 70%, while 80% of respondents agreed that there is a lack of well-designed marketing campaigns conducted by modular institutions and manufacturers, and 90% of respondents agreed that owners are not familiar with the various products offered by the modular industry [30]. While 81.5% of respondents agreed that the modular industry lacks large-scale partnerships and corresponding market share due to the focus of modular manufacturers on local markets, there is also consensus that a lack of academic research highlighting the advantages of modular construction is a factor (83.6% of respondents, as shown in Figure 6). ...
... Most respondents agreed, as shown in Figure 7, that there is lack of promotional material that depicts the successes and advantages of modular construction. The respondents also agreed that there is a lack of documentation of lessons learned around the world and a gap in knowledge among owners regarding the compatibility of modular construction with different structure types and materials [30]. Moreover, there was agreement that governmentsponsored case studies and academic research that highlight obstacles and opportunities for modular construction are also lacking, and that there is a shortage of data that is readily available to manufacturers and owners to support decision making with a high level of confidence (as shown in Figure 8). ...
Modular and offsite construction approaches reduce project duration and cost by synchronizing offsite and onsite work. Project activities are undertaken in a controlled offsite facility to minimize the effects of inclement weather and site disruptions, while meeting safety and quality requirements. To study the characteristics of modular and offsite construction, questionnaires have been conducted during the last decade by many organizations, including the Modular Building Institute (MBI), the Buildoffsite campaigning organization in the United Kingdom, the Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute, the National Institute of Building Sciences, McGraw-Hill Construction, and the Fails Management Institute. This paper introduces comprehensive analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey carried out in collaboration between members of the Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering at Concordia University, the Modular Building Institute, NRB Inc., and the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. The questionnaire focuses on two issues: (1) the characteristics of the modular and offsite construction industry, and (2) the barriers against increased market share in this industry. For the latter, an effort was made to address a set of five factors identified in a workshop on the topic of challenges and opportunities for modular construction in Canada held in Montréal in 2015 to analyze barriers to growth of modular construction in the Canadian context. Key findings of this survey include requests for use of a separate building code for modular construction design, innovative financing and insurance solutions, standards that consider procurement regulations, and for financial institutions to create lending programs suited for modular construction.
... The Canadian construction innovations report [5] highlighted, cash flow challenges for modular and offsite construction when using the traditional cash flow system and outlined the need to restructure project financing for publicly funded projects to enable the application of modular construction. Salama et al. [6]- [8] emphasized the need to generate financial models to fit the characteristics of modular construction and to hold conferences or symposiums for lenders to discuss the different nature of financing modular and offsite construction. The same studies also suggested to create special lending banks and changing policies for financing modular builders as well as convincing insurance companies to lower insurance rates for modular buildings. ...
The advantages of using modular and offsite construction compared with the traditional construction methods are numerous due to its efficiency in delivering shorter schedules, lower cost, higher quality, and better safety. However, one of the biggest challenges facing the prefabrication industry today is the inherent difference between financing traditional construction and the upfront capital requirements for modular and offsite construction. Any solution for this problem should introduce better coordination among developers, banks, financial partners, lending institutions, manufacturers, and general contractors. Financing modular construction is challenging as banks are not familiar with the characteristics of this modern industry, and it is all about risk and return. Financing also helps in reducing risk for developers and allows them to undertake projects without having the upfront capital. However, few studies in literature focused on the financial modeling for modular and offsite construction. This paper is presenting a state-of-the art literature review for current practices concerning financial modeling for modular and offsite construction. This review discusses current challenges for financing this industry, as well as the introduced initiatives by governments to facilitate financing of modular and offsite construction. Conclusions are presented regarding the current practices for funding the prefabrication industry. Furthermore, recommendations are drawn for encouraging the development of prefabricated housing, and its ability in solving the current shortage of housing in different parts of the world.
