Integrating design and construction to improve constructability through an effective usage of IT

Underwood, J

Abstract

It is now widely recognised that bridging the gap between design and
construction is essential for improving product quality, cost, lead time, and
materials waste. The design of buildings has been separated from its production
since at least the mid 19th century with professions growing up reinforcing this
division. The result has not only led to the decay of integration but also to a
growing misunderstanding of the role of each profession. This study proposed
an information approach to improve the constructability of the design along
with an object oriented analysis technique to model the design information. The
model has been mapped into an object oriented development environment,
leading to the development of a design tool for designers to use. The developed
system aims to improve the constructability of the design without effecting the
flexibility and creativity of the current design methods. Such an approach has
enabled a closer link between design and construction through a better usage of
IT, and the automation of 'Design to Construct' principles which do not
diminish designers' creativity.
Common design-related site problems have been established. Information
related to these main problems have in turn been examined and traced all the
way back to a top level process, i.e. the design stage. Information was analysed,
using various techniques, with the aim of: a) identifying the degree of
integration among the various design parties involved b) tracing back
construction related problems to their relevant design processes, c) examining
the impact of early design decisions on construction, and d) re-engineering the
design function to incorporate a solution which acknowledges the identified
site problems within the design function.
This study attempted to break down the project's vast information into groups
of related information which could easily be modelled, thus significantly
narrowing down the amount of information involved and increasing the
likelihood of producing a better information model leading to practical results.
Such grouping was based on construction problem areas, as highlighted by
previous research in this field, i.e. superstructure, substructure, finishing, etc.
where each problem area could then be traced back to its design stage.
Solutions produced for these groups could be incorporated into the design
practice which could improve the constructability of the final product.
Following this approach through a case study for one particular problem area,
i.e. the superstructure of concrete frame office, a detail analysis was carried out.
The main construction problems on site were identified, related sources of
information were determined, and the relevant level of design, within which
such problems could be eliminated or minimised were highlighted. A focused
and well defined process analysis was then carried out to determine the
relevant design processes along with their involved information and
information flows.
Shifting away from traditional structured methods of analysis, an object
oriented technique was adopted to produce a data model for those design
processes that have the greatest influence on construction problems. This
technique proved to be very effective in producing a well structured data
model with the consequence of being easily mapped into an object oriented
development environment.
An integrated object oriented system has been developed with the potential to
improve the construction related problems. The system attempts to integrate
essential information at an early stage in the design process such as; grid layout dimension, minimum floor to ceiling height, cladding type, maximum
percentage clear glazed factor, beam and column construction types, and use it
to produce information to generate the final building plan such as; beam,
column and slab depths, window length and depth, revised grid layout
dimension, revised floor to ceiling height, cladding arrangement. Both
subjective and objective design information is translated into the final design
outline. This system therefore, brings together the necessary information
originating from various members within the design process and ensures this
information is made available as and when required.

Citation

Underwood, J. Integrating design and construction to improve constructability through an effective usage of IT. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 23, 2021
• Additional Information: Funders : Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Award Date: May 1, 1995