Deciding Between Prefabrication and On-Site Construction: A Choosing-by-Advantage Approach

Abstract

Several academic and industrial studies have documented the benefits of prefabrication compared to on-site construction. However, key construction project actors find it difficult to analyse whether prefabrication would be beneficial for their project with specific circumstances and targets. This research aims to develop a process to evaluate the impact of prefabrication in projects. First, based on the literature review and focus group discussion, we define the impact factors of prefabrication. Second, we apply Choosing by Advantage (CBA) approach together with Cost-Benefit-analysis to define a process for prefabrication impact measurement which considers various impact factors and their importance in the project. Finally, we validate the process with the industry experts. The paper contributes to knowledge on robust decision-making processes about production methods in situations in which all impact factors are not easily comparable but require a subjective valuation.