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16th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Manchester, UK - 2008

Modular Assembly in Healthcare Construction – A Mechanical and Electrical Case Study

Peter Court¹, Christine Pasquire² & Alistair Gibb³

¹Research Engineer, Dept of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, UK.
²Dept of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, UK.
³Dept of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, UK.

Abstract

This paper presents findings as part of a research project to develop and implement a lean and agile construction system on a case study project. The objective of the research project for the sponsor company is to improve its projects site operations, making them safer for the worker, and improving efficiency and productivity. A principle output of the research is the development and use of an innovative method for assembling offsite, transporting and installing mechanical and electrical distribution modules. In total 196 modules were installed in 17 construction zones on the case study project and the results show that zero accidents occurred either onsite or offsite associated with this work; an 8.62% cost saving is achieved over an estimation of traditional methods (with an estimated productivity loss of 25% for traditional method site labour); a higher quality is achieved with less site rework; 93% less hours are required onsite for the S&P method (much fewer operatives onsite at risk of injury); and a shorter overall cycle-time is required to complete the work when compared to traditional methods. This paper reports on the findings using IMMPREST software as a tool for assessing the benefits derived from the use of modular offsite assembly against what would otherwise have been traditional installation methods for this case study.

Keywords

construction system, IMMPREST, health, safety, productivity

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