Prefabrication in Construction: A Systemic Approach to Impact and Implementation

dc.contributorAalto-yliopistofi
dc.contributorAalto Universityen
dc.contributor.advisorSeppänen, Olli, Prof., Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, Finland Lavikka, Rita, Dr., VTT, Finland
dc.contributor.authorChauhan, Krishna
dc.contributor.departmentRakennustekniikan laitosfi
dc.contributor.departmentDepartment of Civil Engineeringen
dc.contributor.labConstruction Managementen
dc.contributor.schoolInsinööritieteiden korkeakoulufi
dc.contributor.schoolSchool of Engineeringen
dc.contributor.supervisorPeltokorpi, Antti, Prof., Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, Finland
dc.date.accessioned2024-08-01T09:00:14Z
dc.date.available2024-08-01T09:00:14Z
dc.date.defence2024-08-16
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractCompared to other industries, the construction industry is widely recognised as complex, fragmented and non-innovative. To address this issue, prefabrication, as a potential solution offering disruptive innovations, can drive the construction industry towards greater industrialisation. Numerous studies have extensively examined the impact of prefabrication and presented its advantages over traditional methods. However, the implementation of prefabricated solutions remains limited in construction projects. One of the primary causes of this issue is the lack of consensus about the benefits of prefabrication among all parties involved. Previous research has overlooked systemic viewpoint to analyse the impacts of prefabrication implementation in construction projects. The objective of this study is to enhance the understanding of prefabrication adoption through a systemic approach, enabling a comprehensive analysis of its impacts and implementation. This study employs mixed methods consisting of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative data are collected through the analysis of multiple case studies, interviews, workshops, and documents. Quantitative data is gathered through a questionnaire survey. To achieve the desired objectives, the research is conducted in two parts: first on impact analysis and second on implementation approaches. The impact analysis includes the development of a comprehensive method which adopts a systemic, multi-stakeholder perspective for evaluating the direct and indirect monetary and nonmonetary impacts of prefabrication. Using this method, the impacts of four prefabrication products are examined. The subsequent analysis of this research focuses on identifying benefits of prefabrication for each stakeholder without compromising the interests of the other parties involved. The study is carried out in both new building and renovation projects. The research findings indicate a direct relationship between the extent of product modularity and monetary and non-monetary benefits. Despite the possibility of higher direct expenses for prefabricated products, the cost may be less than traditional construction due to indirect benefits. The study further highlights the key benefits and challenges of implementing prefabricated products. The benefits include shorter project schedules, enhanced quality, and improved workflow, while the challenges include the immutability of heritage buildings, old building tolerances and limited construction spaces. This study makes significant contribution in two key areas. First, it proposes a method for evaluating the impact of prefabrication considering systemic perspective and analyses both monetary and non-monetary effects which holds potential in decision-making processes for the choice between prefabrication and onsite construction. Second, it provides empirical evidence of the advantages that each project party can gain from implementing prefabrication.en
dc.format.extent82 + app. 90
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.isbn978-952-64-1957-2 (electronic)
dc.identifier.isbn978-952-64-1956-5 (printed)
dc.identifier.issn1799-4942 (electronic)
dc.identifier.issn1799-4934 (printed)
dc.identifier.issn1799-4934 (ISSN-L)
dc.identifier.urihttps://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/129579
dc.identifier.urnURN:ISBN:978-952-64-1957-2
dc.language.isoenen
dc.opnHaapasalo, Harri, Prof., University of Oulu, Finland
dc.publisherAalto Universityen
dc.publisherAalto-yliopistofi
dc.relation.haspart[Publication 1]: Lavikka, Rita; Chauhan, Krishna; Peltokorpi, Antti; Seppänen, Olli. 2021. Value creation and capture in systemic innovation implementation: case of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing prefabrication in the Finnish construction sector. Emerald insight. Construction Innovation, 21, 4, 837-856. 1471-4175. Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202111049990. DOI: 10.1108/CI-05-2020-0070
dc.relation.haspart[Publication 2]: Chauhan, Krishna; Peltokorpi, Antti; Lavikka, Rita; Seppänen, Olli. 2022. To prefabricate or not? A method for evaluating the impact of prefabrication in building construction. Emerald insight. Construction Innovation, 24, 7, 65-82. 1471-4175. Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202401312194. DOI: 10.1108/CI-11-2021-0205
dc.relation.haspart[Publication 3]: Chauhan, Krishna; Peltokorpi, Antti; Lavikka, Rita; Seppänen, Olli. 2022. The Monetary and Non-Monetary Impacts of Prefabrication on Construction: The Effects of Product Modularity. MDPI. Buildings, 12, 4, 459. Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202205103033. DOI: 10.3390/buildings12040459
dc.relation.haspart[Publication 4]: Chauhan, Krishna; Peltokorpi, Antti; Lavikka, Rita; Seppänen, Olli. 2024. Exploring the barriers and enablers of industrial solutions in renovation projects: A mixed method study in the Finnish AEC industry. Frontiers. Frontiers in Built Environment. Accepted for publication.
dc.relation.ispartofseriesAalto University publication series DOCTORAL THESESen
dc.relation.ispartofseries160/2024
dc.revHvam, Lars, Prof., Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Denmark
dc.revBlismas, Nick, Prof., RMIT University, Australia
dc.subject.keywordconstructionen
dc.subject.keywordprefabrication impactsen
dc.subject.keywordsystemic approachen
dc.subject.keywordchallenges and benefitsen
dc.subject.otherCivil engineeringen
dc.titlePrefabrication in Construction: A Systemic Approach to Impact and Implementationen
dc.typeG5 Artikkeliväitöskirjafi
dc.type.dcmitypetexten
dc.type.ontasotDoctoral dissertation (article-based)en
dc.type.ontasotVäitöskirja (artikkeli)fi
local.aalto.acrisexportstatuschecked 2024-08-19_1236
local.aalto.archiveyes
local.aalto.formfolder2024_08_01_klo_10_15
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