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Rener, A T (2022) Innovative methodologies to enhance productivity, supply chain, and sustainability in industrialized construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Lawrence Technological University.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: population; sustainability; workforce; forecasting; learning; supply chain management; productivity; weather; case study; machine learning; economic cycle; estimator; professional; stakeholder
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2794534583
- Abstract:
Globally, the construction industry is one of the largest economic ecosystems and is expected to exceed $10.5 trillion (USD) annually by 2023. In the US, construction accounts for 4.3% of GDP or $1.36 trillion (USD). In 2019 industrialized construction contributed $237 billion to the construction industry, globally, and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.9%. Industrialized Construction addresses project uncertainties relative to human capital, quality, weather delays, rework, and sustainability. Even through changing economic cycles, demand for construction is high with the need to build 13,000 buildings each day, globally, between now and 2050 to support the expected population growth. Due to the size and ubiquitous nature, the construction industry provides challenges that, when improved, can create impactful positive change on a large scale. The main goals of this research are to develop innovative methodologies to enhance aspects of productivity, supply chain, and sustainability in the construction industry through the application of industrialized construction. To accomplish these goals, the research objectives of this study are: (1) Evaluation of Industrialized Construction Challenges in Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Construction Schedules; (2) Innovative Design and Execution Model for Improving Productivity of Interior Prefabricated Wall Assemblies; (3) Innovative Model for Forecasting Trailer Usage for Prefabricated Exterior Wall Panels; (4) Multifaceted Sustainable Impacts of Construction Waste Through the Application of Industrialized Construction. To evaluate challenges in industrialized construction relative to supply chain, sustainability, and construction schedules, subject specific hypotheses were developed that were then tested through two targeted industry surveys and the results analyzed. An innovative design and execution model for utilizing prefabricated interior wall panels to improve worker onsite productivity was developed. This model was tested, via a case study, on a unique project containing four identical buildings. The result of the model utilization reduced the number of onsite manhours by approximately 16% (207 manhours) compared to the average of the two conventionally constructed buildings. A trailer usage forecasting model was developed with supervised machine learning algorithms. The models were then tested against responses received from professional estimators, relative to their predictions for test projects. The most accurate model was then utilized to develop a beta version of a forecasting tool that can be utilized by practitioners. The model has an R2 value of ~79% and was 53% more accurate, as a function of cost, in predicting the required trailer counts than professional estimators making similar predictions as part of their regular work responsibilities. To evaluate industrialized construction impact on sustainability in the construction industry, seven forms of unique construction waste (Transactional, Contractual, Transportation, Design, Supply Chain, Rework, Productivity) were identified to measure the effects of industrialized construction on reducing, minimizing, or eliminating each waste in the context of each of the three pillars of sustainability (social, environmental, and economic). The results indicate that Supply Chain, Rework, and Productivity have received the highest significant affirmative responses from the industry professionals participating in the survey. The innovative methodologies developed through this research are rooted in the enhancing the evolving landscape of industrialized construction. Addressing specific challenges in the construction industry through the development of innovative methodologies in the areas of workforce productivity, supply chain management, and sustainability provide practical solutions to contemporary problems. Industrialized Construction is an evolving and growing aspect of the global construction industry, and this research provides actionable solutions and inspiration for further exploration across a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the AEC industry.