PREFAB/ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH

The construction industry has long been challenged to match developments of manufacturing industries like auto and aerospace industries. Prefab construction introduces manufacturing concept into architecture and construction industry that will bring a paradigm shift toward the future of construction. Prefab construction is gaining more and more promises as a better, faster, cheaper, and greener solution to tackle the major challenges our society faces. The city of prefabrication research project began with these promises for the future of construction and is being executed in two phases: prefab now and prefab future. As the first phase, prefab now uncovered and demystified present prefab construction. The construction industry has long been challenged to match developments of other industries like auto and aerospace. Prefab construction will bring a paradigm shift toward the future of construction. Prefab construction is gaining more and more promise as a better, faster, cheaper, and greener solution to tackle the major challenges our society faces. The city of prefabrication research project began with these promises for the future of construction and is being executed in two phases: prefab now and prefab future. As the first phase, prefab now uncovered and demystified present prefab construction.

Prefab Construction vs On-site Construction

• Prefab Construction compressed construction schedule - 30-50% shorter than on-site construction

• Fast track in factory while site/foundation work continues on-site

• Reduced downtime at factory versus constant moving of trades to each installation at on-site construction

• Financial advantages- Lower hard costs & faster return on investments

• Higher and controlled craft & quality

• Minimizing site disturbance, noise, traffic, staging

• Freedom from site restrictions and natural conditions like weather, topography

• Safe working environment

• Pre-Inspection at factory reduces inspection time

Prefab Life Cycle Analysis

• On average, Prefab/modular construction was about 30% lower than on-site construction’s environmental impacts.

• Construction waste was less than half of on-site construction. 5% for Prefab/modular construction and 10-15 % for on-site construction

• Noise and site disruption was reduced by 30 to 50%

• 57% of  less toxic air emissions and 51% of less hazardous waste generated from Prefab/modular construction with environmental impacts from material transportation, construction equipment, waste production, and water consumption

• About 4 tons of Co2e (Carbon dioxide equivalents) higher for on-site construction than Prefab construction.