Preliminary Research on Prefabrication, Pre-assembly, Modularization, and Off-site Fabrication in Co

Recent advances in design and information technologies, combined with increasing emphasis within the industry to address cost, schedule and labor issues, have proven the use of prefabrication, preassembly and modularization to be more viable than ever. Key factors influencing the decision-making on use of prework, including new technologies and a changing construction environment, have also expanded and changed. Successful implementation of prework requires a systematic analysis and decision-making process to evaluate the potential benefits and barriers to using these methods on projects.

The research team extended prior CII research efforts, identified state-of-the art practices of prework, and developed a decision framework to assist project teams in considering possible use of prework on their projects. In developing the decision framework, the research team focused on identifying the requirements for effective use of prework on industrial projects. The preliminary research presented in this report has been continued to further structure the famework and develop it into a computerized tool.

Prework is not for every project, but it can bring major performance improvements for the right ones. Using the framework described in this report, the construction industry can apply the experience of many seasoned prework users to its projects and if the project fits, the industry can realize the benefits from use of prework.