Understanding Industrialized Design and Construction
Industrialized Design & Construction (ID&C) is a method of improving productivity within the construction industry which utilises Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) processes and leverages Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) systems and products. This typically involves the manufacturing of building components in a controlled factory environment together with process improvements on site. A holistic approach to improving the processes of the entire value chain includes:
- Logistics
- Design
- Procurement
- Manufacture
- MMC Kits of Parts
- Real Estate Products
- Assembly
This approach provides benefits in cost, efficiency, productivity, and quality in the construction process.
Relating Industrialized Construction to Modern Methods of Construction
Modern Methods of Construction encompass a range of innovative construction techniques and technologies that deviate from traditional on-site construction methods. Industrialized construction is a set of overarching processes and systems to facilitate successful delivery of MMC systems. Part of the ID&C pre-construction process includes Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) methodologies which ensures simplicity in design, facilitating quick and easy assembly (whether on-site or off-site).
By adopting industrialized construction methods, construction projects can benefit from improved precision, reduced construction time, and enhanced quality control. The use of an ID&C methodology allows for greater standardisation and automation, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. The process also ensures your organisation is ready for the use of an ID&C process.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is a key aspect of industrialized construction. It involves designing buildings and their components with the intention of optimising the manufacturing and assembly processes.
Through DfMA, designers consider factors such as component standardisation, ease of assembly, and efficient logistics. This approach enables the seamless integration of prefabricated elements, reducing on-site construction time and minimising waste.
By incorporating DfMA principles, construction projects can achieve improved sustainability, reduced labour requirements, and enhanced quality control. The use of standardised components, in different configurations, also facilitates easier maintenance and future modifications.
Benefits of Industrialized Construction
Industrialized construction offers numerous benefits compared to traditional construction methods:
- Increased Efficiency: The controlled factory environment allows for simultaneous production and assembly of building components, reducing construction time.
- Enhanced Quality Control: Factory production enables rigorous quality checks, resulting in higher-quality components and reduced defects.
- Cost Savings: Industrialized construction can lead to cost savings through improved productivity, reduced labour requirements, and minimized material waste.
- Improved Sustainability: MMC systems promote sustainable practices by minimising waste, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing embodied and operational carbon. Higher performance specification is easily achieved and due to improved quality control processes, air tightness performance (for example) will be achieved for extended time during operation. This will reduce the operational carbon.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The use of standardized components with interoperable connection and interface detailing allows for greater flexibility in design. This has the added benefit of enabling easier modifications and future expansion.
In conclusion MMC systems in partnership with DfMA processes and an ID&C methodology facilitates higher quality and enhanced sustainability in the construction process. ID&C projects can benefit from improved quality, reduced construction time and enhanced cost savings.
