Source: McGraw-Hill Construction, New York City
A McGraw-Hill Construction survey of architecture, engineering and contracting professionals indicates the traction prefabricated building superstructures, exterior walls, floors, roofing and other components enjoy against site-cast or assembled alternatives. Of 800-plus respondents to a survey detailed in the latest SmartMarket Report, “Prefabrication and Modularization: Increasing Productivity in the Construction Industry,” two thirds link prefabricated systems and components to improved project schedules and economy, while 77 percent credit such methods with reduced construction site waste—a key component in the rising adoption of green building.
“Prefabrication and modular construction processes have been used for years, but today, with the emergence of new technologies and construction practices, we have the ability to utilize these strategies to create innovative and quality buildings, while also improving construction productivity,” says McGraw-Hill Construction V.P. of Industry Insights and Alliances Harvey Bernstein.
Increased Building Information Modeling adoption is also fueling the re-emergence of prefabrication and modularization, SmartMarket report authors contend, as both concepts spur site productivity gains and overall project ROI. The release of “Prefabrication and Modularization” is timed with the American Institute of Architects Convention in New Orleans; the report can be downloaded from http://construction.com/market_research.