The implementation of constructability concepts for design‐bid‐build construction projects
Date
2023-11
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The construction industry continually seeks innovative approaches to improve project outcomes and maximize operational efficiency. This study addresses the need for improved constructability considerations during the design phase of design-bid-build projects by introducing an intuitive constructability tool and by advocating intentional collaboration. Traditional procurement methods, such as design-bid-build, retain prominence in the construction industry, particularly for public projects. However, such methods often lack early collaboration between designers and contractors, resulting in missed opportunities for constructability improvements. Concentrating on design-bid-build projects, this study proposes a mobile application as a constructability aid for design engineers to augment their construction considerations during the design phase. It also identified a need to bridge the gap between design engineers and construction specialists through constructability-focused collaboration during mobilization. Despite the significance of constructability considerations in improving construction project outcomes, limited research is available on its implementation in design-bid-build projects. The prevailing literature predominantly focuses on design-build processes, leaving a gap in addressing the unique challenges of early collaboration and knowledge exchange in design-bid-build projects. In this study, construction expert knowledge, obtained through interviews, is utilized in the mobile application and it shows how construction knowledge can be shared with design engineers to support them in creating constructible designs. Additionally, a constructability-centred collaboration plan is presented that project managers can utilize in design-bid-build projects to improve the identification of constructability problems. From the interviewee feedback, 201 advice phrases are derived, which are categorized into 12 groups, shedding light on important aspects of successful project delivery. Distinct clusters of advice were linked to different roles within the construction industry, with practicality, collaboration, and safety as dominant themes. New constructability concepts emerged from these advice phrases, emphasizing mentorship, communication, continuous learning and practical design decisions, unveiling previously unaddressed dimensions. A novel approach, inspired by Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) principles, is presented and validated through interviews with industry participants. Notably, the mobilization phase encompasses activities extending beyond mere site preparation, including project setup, safety planning, project scheduling, contract coordination and stakeholder engagement, which are collaborative activities. Despite the mobilization phase's potential for collaboration, interview feedback reveals a general lack of effective implementation. Challenges identified through the validation interviews relate to biases, resistance to change and difficulties in incorporating diverse perspectives. Six considerations to elevate collaboration, including incorporating positive incentives, tool implementation and fostering a culture of collaboration are presented. The validation interviews confirm the feasibility of this approach, emphasizing the significance of addressing challenges and clarifying participants' responsibilities to drive constructability-centred collaboration. The proposed constructability tool, supported by constructability-focused collaboration during mobilization, holds promise for amplifying project outcomes and instilling a culture of design mindful of construction constraints.
Description
Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2023.