Search Results (4)

The supply chain for prefabricated buildings (PB) is vulnerable to the operation failure of node enterprises, with frequent damage occurring. Therefore, it is vital to establish an evaluation model of supply chain resilience (SCRE) to improve the ability to resist unanticipated risks. However, existing research falls short of explaining the hierarchy of the influential components. To fill this gap, this paper established an element-based system of PBSCRE affecting factors. The DEMATEL-ISM method, which combines Pythagorean fuzzy sets, was utilized to analyze the factors. The effectiveness of this framework was then verified via a case study. The results showed the following: the top six elements in terms of centrality were risk management level, inventory management, emergency response plan, visibility, environmental risk, and information technology level; all factors were divided into six levels: (1) factors in level 1 are surface direct influence factors, (2) factors in levels 2 to 5 are intermediate transfer factors, and (3) factors in level 6 are deep root factors. There are 4 root factors, namely, supplier level, environmental risk, information technology level, and visibility. The results indicate that the proposed model will assist managers in identifying critical aspects and achieving sustainable management. Full article

Prefabricated building is an efficient building mode. Compared with the traditional building mode, the prefabricated building has advantages of less pollution, high construction efficiency, being more labor-saving, and economy, which is in line with China’s sustainable development strategy. This paper proposes a supplier selection evaluation model based on the mechanism equation model (SEM) and intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IFAHP). Based on a detailed literature review, 300 structured questionnaires were distributed to the relevant enterprises, and an evaluation index system of prefabricated building element suppliers was built. With the fitting and modification process using a structural equation model, and assist of a path factor, an evaluation index system for evaluating the prefabricated building element suppliers was finally obtained. Finally, the intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was used to establish a selection model of prefabricated element suppliers, and the prefabricated element suppliers of Shuangyashan prefabricated construction projects were analyzed as a case study. The results show that the following factors have the most significant impact on supplier selection (from high to low): quality, economy, long-term cooperation, after-sales, and transportation. This study had a comprehensive consideration of the influencing factors existing in the whole selection process and should provide a valuable reference for the sustainable development of prefabricated construction engineering. Full article

As a kind of sustainable technology, prefabricated construction has increasingly gained momentum internationally due to its numerous benefits that include, but are not limited to, safe construction, waste minimization, quality improvement, and productivity enhancement. However, productivity in this domain is reliant on the efficiency of both on-site and off-site operations. On this basis, focusing on collaborative scheduling mechanisms, the current paper develops a static scheduling model and a dynamic scheduling model in prefabricated construction, and uses a simulated annealing algorithm (SA) to settle the optimization of operation planning considering delays by risks. The developed models are validated using data from a construction project with multiple suppliers of prefabricated elements. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in prefabricated construction management by streamlining collaborative scheduling in prefabrication. The established models provide construction managers with decision support systems with the aims of minimizing delays and related cost overruns. Full article

Timber structures in construction have become more popular in recent years. Nevertheless, besides the complexity of designing, contracting and building these structures, a barrier to their market growth is the complexity of their supply chain relationships encompassing architects, engineers, builders and suppliers. The objective of this study is therefore to identify and characterize the supply chain relationships shared by these stakeholders within a massive timber construction project. Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews with architects, structural engineers, builders and timber element suppliers from nine countries, participant observations and secondary data were used to study the various relationship levels involved in timber construction projects. Triangulation and qualitative data analysis were also conducted. Three levels of relationships were then identified: “Contractual,” “Massive timber construction project” and “Massive timber construction industry development.” Results showed that timber structures involve value-added stakeholder relationships rather than linear relationships. These relationships appeared closer and more frequent and involved knowledge and information sharing. Furthermore, prefabricated systems allow for smoother relationships by limiting the number of stakeholders while promoting innovative thinking. Full article