Adaptable Industrial Building System: Construction Industry Perspective

Abstract

Industrial building systems (IBS) are considered a modern method of construction (MMC). Although numerous studies have explored the implications of IBS implementation, they have focused primarily on the hardware elements. This study investigated the adaptability of IBS components and suggested improvements for the construction industry. The main objective was to capture the Malaysian construction industry’s perception of IBS by using a quantitative approach. A survey was conducted to collect the viewpoints of professional architects, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors who worked as IBS consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and expert academics. The results of the survey indicate that the respondents agreed that the most critical issues in IBS construction were design conflicts and skill shortages. These responses were consistent across the professions. Furthermore, the respondents believed in the importance of preparing detailed information about the components and connections, applying standard connections, and encouraging innovative designs to resolve the existing issues. The results of this study have implications for designers, engineers, and consultants because they lay the groundwork for a theoretical framework for producing and using adaptable IBS components in the construction industry.