Just-in-Time Management of Precast Concrete Components

TLDR

JIT can reduce storage space needs and traffic congestion on construction sites by streamlining the movement of precast concrete components. The study aims to determine whether contractors are ready to adopt JIT for receiving and installing precast concrete components on site. This assessment is conducted through surveys and interviews with contractors and precast suppliers. Results indicate contractors prioritize price over total cost and show limited interest in JIT, while precasters are prepared to support JIT deliveries, and cost‑sharing or reimbursement incentives could motivate their commitment.

Abstract

The just-in-time (JIT) philosophy has tremendous potential for managing the movement of precast concrete components from the prefabrication yard to, and within, the construction site. The space constraints for storage and the traffic congestion at the worksite can then be alleviated. By means of a survey and interviews, this paper helps a precast concrete supplier examine if contractors are ready to adopt the JIT philosophy for receiving and installing precast concrete components on-site. Lessons are drawn from the empirical findings to determine how contractors can prepare for JIT management of precast concrete components. The findings suggest that the contractors are, by and large, obscured by price and have generally overlooked the bigger picture of total costs. Only a minority of the respondents show an interest in JIT deliveries as a cost-saving management system. Conversely, the precasters are better prepared to provide logistical support for JIT deliveries. In this context, reimbursement of costs or sharing of the savings can help to motivate the precasters to commit to JIT deliveries.