Key constraints and mitigation strategies for prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction

Prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) is an innovative and cleaner approach that has restructured the production of the construction industry. It can improve the workflow continuity, increase the efficiencies in the use of resources, minimize construction wastes, and reduce the number of on-site contractors as well as construction durations. While the benefits of PPVC have been widely recognized over past two decades, the constraints on using PPVC remains unexplored. As a result, the aims of this study are to investigate the significant constraints demotivating the adoption of PPVC and to propose a group of feasible mitigation strategies to tackle these constraints. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive literature review was conducted first, followed by a structured questionnaire survey administered to 41 Singapore-based construction organizations. Lastly, an in-depth case study was conducted to verify the empirical findings. The analysis results showed that the top five significant constraints were “extensive coordination required prior to and during construction”, “need for additional project planning and design efforts”, “increased transportation and logistics considerations”, “requirement for early commitment”, and “higher initial cost than conventional construction method.” It also revealed the top three most effective mitigation strategies: “encouraging close collaborations between project stakeholders during the early phase of the project”, “use of BIM to improve coordination and facilitate communication among project stakeholders”, and “offering training courses for project team and workers to enhance their knowledge and skills”. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the constraints and mitigation strategies for the adoption of PPVC. Also, the findings from this study are informative to the industry practitioners to have a better understanding and implementation of PPVC.