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Transforming Modular Construction for the Competitive Advantage through the Adaptation of Shipbuildi

Publication No
RS255-1
Type
Research & Development Product
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2011
Pages
42
Research Team
RT-255
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DOCUMENT DETAILS
Abstract
Key Findings
Filters & Tags
Abstract
Building on the work of CII Research Team 232 on the potential for adapting shipbuilding techniques to construction, Research Team 255 focused on evaluating the potential of the shipbuilding industry’s  Interim Product Database  process
Key Findings

This has been identified as the number one benefit for adopting IPD modular construction techniques. Modular construction is occurring based on the IPD shipbuilding model with execution driven mostly by owners’ needs for faster project delivery. Case studies (listed in Table 1 in RS255-1) have shown that significant schedule compression is being achieved. The IPD methodology currently generates a substantial reduction in the engineering design time for ships – up to 80 percent. This savings on design is largely realized from the adaptive reuse of a standing database library of qualified and scalable designs, with very limited new design.

  • Five case studies identified schedule improvements between 15 - 50% over original baseline schedules due to the modular approach that allows for paralleling activities, construction out of season. 
  • Cost savings were marginal or non-existent.

Case studies have shown various implementation barriers exist to successfully execute a project based on the IPD model.  RT-255 identified 22 barriers grouped into the following six categories. (Reference RS255-1 Appendix, page 35 for a detailed construction methodology barrier analysis.)

  1. Execution considerations (4)  
    1. Integration for reusable modular construction
    2. Customization
    3. Ability to scale and repeatability
    4. Plant capability
  2. Design considerations (4)  
    1. Natural phenomena
    2. Site constraints
    3. Codes and standards
    4. Inspection and tests
  3. Transportation considerations (5)  
    1. Travel distance and cost
    2. Road restrictions
    3. Handling capabilities
    4. Shipping and packaging
    5. Transportation risks
  4. Module interface considerations (2)  
    1. Interface tolerances
    2. Ability to handle field changes
  5. Labor considerations (3) 
    1. Labor at construction site
    2. Labor at fabrication area
    3. Labor agreement
  6. Long-term methodology considerations (4) 
    1. Market size
    2. Initial funding
    3. Long term funding
    4. Regulations and codes
Filters & Tags
Knowledge Area
Business and Project Processes, Modularization, Project Planning
Project Phase
Feasibility, Concept, Detailed Scope, Detailed Design (Engineering), Construction
Project Function
Project Management, Architects & Engineering, Construction, Health, Safety & Environmental, Risk Management, Quality Management
Industry Group
Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, Buildings, Infrastructure
Research Topic
Adaptation of Shipbuilding Production Systems to Construction
Keywords
Modularization Implementation Barriers, IPD Process Cost Savings, Interim Product Database, Modularization Cost Savings, Modularization, Construction and Shipbuilding Differences, Shipbuilding vs. Construction Industry, Construction Cost Savings, Pre-Des

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