Factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in building construction industry

Abstract

Purpose Buildability assessment is an important tool used in improving buildability of building designs. Its practice has positive impact on construction project such as cost-saving, material waste reduction, labour-saving technologies, increase in efficiency, saving wasteful efforts and quality improvement as well as cost-effective methods of site construction and future maintenance. However, there are several factors hindering building construction industry to implement buildability assessment. In addition, there are few studies that described the factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. This study aims to determine the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian building construction industry Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research method was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were administered to purposively selected group of architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors. A total of 368 questionnaires were distributed among the sampled participants, out of which a total of 219 representing 60% were sufficiently filled and returned. Data elicited were analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Findings The results revealed that “poor co-ordination amongst different design disciplines”, “lack of buildability assessment awareness”, “design review pattern where construction personnel (builders) are invited to assess the building production information”, “unwillingness to invest extra money and effort during the early stage of project” and “designers value aesthetics and functionalities more than buildability in their designs” are the topmost five factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry. Originality/value This study highlights factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. An understanding of these factors can help stakeholders in the construction industry facilitate the development of strategies required to mitigate the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the sector.