article · Journal of Engineering Design and Technology
Modular construction offers significant advantages for the building sector, including accelerated project delivery, enhanced quality control, lower material waste, and improved sustainability. However, its uptake remains limited in developing markets. Survey data gathered from construction professionals in Egypt revealed the five most prominent obstacles to adopting modular construction in residential developments. These are design inflexibility once planning is complete, higher initial bidding prices from contractors, client resistance to novel practices, transportation restrictions, and the absence of a universal design tool. In addition, statistical dispersion analysis identified that the primary stationary barrier is the persistent concern that architectural creativity will be compromised by modular techniques. Addressing these specific concerns through tailored planning strategies can help industry leaders mitigate project risks and promote wider modular adoption.
Modular building methods can deliver faster, less wasteful, and more sustainable housing. Identifying the specific cultural, financial, and logistical barriers that impede its adoption allows developers, planners, and policymakers in developing countries to address valid client hesitations, manage investment risks, and modernise traditional building practices.
This work informs project planning and risk management for residential developers, contractors, and policymakers in developing markets considering modular building programmes. As the research focuses on barrier identification and conceptual mitigation strategies rather than a physical product or software solution, it sits at an early advisory stage to support strategic decision-making and project scoping.
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Purpose This study aims to identify the most significant barriers and the stationary barrier to modular construction (MC) implementation and promote MC widespread use. By doing so, the construction industry can leverage the benefits of MC, such as faster construction times, improved quality control, reduced waste and increased sustainability. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a Gini’s mean analysis approach to identify the stationary barriers hindering the MC adoption in residential projects. The research focuses on the Egyptian context and uses a questionnaire survey to gather data from professionals in the construction industry. Findings According to the survey findings, the top five significant MC barriers are inability to modify the design; contractors asking for high bidding prices (higher initial cost); scepticism, conservation and resistance of clients to innovation and change; transportation restrictions; and lack of a one-size-fits-all tool for the design. In addition, Gini’s mean of dispersion demonstrated that the stationary barrier that faces MC adoption is the apprehension that architectural creativity will suffer because of MC. Practical implications The identified obstacles could be useful for decision makers in countries that have not yet adopted MC and may aid in the planning process to manage the risks associated with MC projects. The paper stresses the significance of devising techniques to overcome these barriers and proposes several methods to tackle these challenges. Originality/value This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying the stationary barrier and emphasising the potential risks associated with MC barriers. Furthermore, it suggests several strategies for overcoming and reducing these barriers in developing countries residential projects.
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DOI: 10.1108/jedt-03-2023-0099
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