Buildability in construction
Buildability is a pre-construction exercise that assesses designs from the perspective of those that will manufacture, install components and carry out the construction works. It should not be confused with value engineering (which is used to solve problems and identify and eliminate unwanted costs) though some processes are common to both activities.
In very broad terms, buildability should assess elements of the design in relation to:
- Achieving the desired final quality;
- Meeting the programme requirements;
- De-risking perceived problems, and
- Achieving optimum value for money.
Buildability involves careful study and consideration of:
- The sequence of activities that will take place on- and off-site, taking into account the state of the building and its weatherproof environment at any time;
- Dimensional criteria, setting out and space allowances;
- Use of plant and equipment to save labour and time and prevent possible damage;
- Practicality, flexibility and tolerances;
- Standardisation of components and processes;
- Reduction in complexity to shorten learning curves;
- Identification of appropriate suppliers;
- Prefabrication opportunities;
- Packaging the works and allocation of scope in relation to trade and specialist contracts;
- Ease and order of interface connections and abutments;
- Installation and maintenance access arrangements including long-term replacement;
- Health and safety;
- Temporary works such as propping, facade retention, retaining facilities and trench support, crane supports, formwork, falsework and scaffolding, including gantries;
- Susceptibility to damage and protective procedures in-transit and in-situ;
- Weight and lifting requirements;
- Unloading operations;
- Spare parts, and
- Storage and waste management.
Advances in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) as well as the introduction of building information modelling (BIM) are immensely helpful in visualising many aspects of buildability. However, the availability of technology does not remove the need for engaging practitioners who have hard-won experience and awareness of on-site practicalities and potential pitfalls.
The contractor is often best placed to advise on issues of buildability. And some procurement methods, such as construction management, management contracting and design and build allow early appointment of the contractor to offer advice and feedback on design proposals as they develop.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- CDM.
- CDM planning period.
- Construction manager.
- Construction phase plan.
- Construction strategy.
- Design and build.
- Management contractor.
- Method statements.
- Modular building.
- Offsite manufacturing.
- Packaging.
- Pre-construction information.
- Prefabrication.
- Samples and mock-ups.
- Site layout plan.
- Site Waste Management Plan.
- Structural systems for offices.
- Temporary works.
- Tolerances.
- Value management.
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.
ECA shares advice for those who may be exposed to risks.
How to revolutionise UK housing with MMC
CIC and Supply Chain Sustainability School unveil a plan.
From the UKs largest manufacturer and supplier of lime.
From mud bricks to smart concrete
A brief history from 7000BC to a future on the moon.
Regulator of Social Housing publishes latest fire safety report
Covering remediation of 11 metre plus social housing sector buildings.
Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024
Approved for priority drafting by Government of Ireland.
The long list with in the frame of key historical events.
Competence frameworks for sustainability in the built environment
Code of practice, core criteria consultation draft for comment.
New Floods Resilience Taskforce
With a wet met office autumn prediction.
Comments
To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.