Major characteristics of constructed products and resulting limitations of construction technology

Abstract

The products of construction differ in many important ways from those of manufacturing. This paper describes five major characteristics of constructed products: immobility, complexity, durability, costliness, and high degree of social responsibility. These characteristics result in many limitations for construction technology: this paper analyses two of these limitations: the consequences of site operations and specialization. These characteristics suggest both insights regarding directions in developing construction technology and practical applications.