Construction stakeholders’ perceived benefits and barriers for environment-friendly modular construction in a hospitality centric environment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29173/ijic252Keywords:
Modular construction, off-site construction, sustainable construction, lean constructionAbstract
Modular construction techniques can not only significantly contribute to improved project cost, schedule, and quality performance, but also sustainability by reducing site disruption and waste generated, creating better relocatability and reusability. However, there are still difficulties in developing and implementing modularization in a hospitality centric environment. Thus, the primary goal of this research is to identify the opportunities and challenges of implementing sustainable modular construction techniques in a hospitality-centric environment. In this study, the approach includes the formulation of a survey, which was distributed to 600 industry professionals in Las Vegas and completed by 63 industry professionals, followed by three personal interviews. The results showed that: 1) 85% percent of survey participants expected an improvement in schedule, and 65% of that elected to use a form of modularization actually experienced an improved schedule; 2) 62% of the participants claimed that they would keep using modular methods in the next 12 months, whereas 44% of the participants claimed they would increase their use of modularization in the next five years; 3) two of the top five expected benefits achieved included less site disruption (noise/traffic and dust) and reduced waste, which contribute towards sustainable construction; 4) transportation/logistics was selected by industry professionals as a key barrier in the implementation of modular construction; 5) to implement more sustainable construction, practitioners require additional research to improve and overcome the key barrier of transportation/logistics; 6) if construction professionals gain more modular project experience, their perceived benefits and barriers could increase and decrease, respectively. The results from this research provide valuable insights for implementing sustainable modular methods in hospitality-centric environments.
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Bureau of Economic Analysis. Available online: https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/iTable.cfm?ReqID=51&step=1 (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Azhar, S., Maulik Y., A., Lukkad, M. Y., Ahmad, I. (2013). An investigation of critical factors and constraints for selecting modular construction over conventional stick-built technique. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 9(3), 203–225. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2012.723115
Bernstein, H. M., Gudgel, J. E., Laquidara-Carr, D. (2011). Prefabrication and modularization. Smart market report. McGraw-Hill Construction http://www.nist.gov/el/economics/upload/Prefabrication-Modularization-in-the-Construction-Industry-SMR-2011R.pdf (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Kamali, M., Hewage, K. (2017). Development of performance criteria for sustainability evaluation of modular versus conventional construction methods. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 3592–3606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.108
Lawson, R. M., Ogden, R. G., Bergin, R. (2012). Application of modular construction in high-rise buildings. Journal of Architectural Engineering, 18(2), 148–154. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000057
Choi, J. O., Bhatla, A., Stoppel, C. M., Shane, J. S. (2015). LEED credit review system and optimization model for pursuing LEED certification. Sustainability, 7(10), 13351–13377. https://doi.org/10.3390/su71013351
Tilford, K. R., Jaselskis, E. J., Smith, G. R. (2000). Impact of environmental contamination on construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(1), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2000)126:1(45)
Tatum, C., Vanegas, J., Williams, J. (1987). Constructability improvement using prefabrication, preassembly, and modularization. Construction Industry Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, US.
Song, J., Fagerlund, W. R., Haas, C. T., Tatum, C. B., Vanegas, J. A. (2005). Considering prework on industrial projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 131(6), 723–733. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:6(723)
Choi, J., and Song, H. (2014). Evaluation of the modular method for industrial plant construction projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 14(3), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2014.922728
O’Connor, J., O’Brien, W., Choi, J. (2015). Standardization strategy for modular industrial plants. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 141(9), 04015026. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001001
Choi, J. O., O’Connor, J. T., Kim, T. W. (2016). Recipes for cost and schedule successes in industrial modular projects: Qualitative comparative analysis. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(10), 04016055. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001171
O’Connor, J. T., O’Brien, W. J., Choi, J. O. (2016). Industrial project execution planning: Modularization versus stick-built. Practice periodical on structural design and construction, 21(1), 04015014. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)SC.1943-5576.0000270
Kamali, M., Hewage, K., Sadiq, R. (2019). Conventional versus modular construction methods: A comparative cradle-to-gate LCA for residential buildings. Energy and Buildings, 204, 109479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109479
Wuni, I. Y., Shen, G. Q., and Mahmud, A. T. (2019). Critical risk factors in the application of modular integrated construction: a systematic review. International Journal of Construction Management, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1613212
Ghannad, P., Lee, Y. C., and Choi, J. O. (2020). Feasibility and implications of the modular construction approach for rapid post-disaster recovery. International Journal of Industrialized Construction, 1(1), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.29173/ijic220
Rausch, C., Edwards, C., and Haas, C. (2020). Benchmarking and improving dimensional quality on modular construction projects–A case study. International Journal of Industrialized Construction, 1(1), 2-21. https://doi.org/10.29173/ijic212
Ghimire, R., Lee, S., Choi, J. O., Lee, J. Y., and Lee, Y. C. (2021). Combined Application of 4D BIM Schedule and an Immersive Virtual Reality on a Modular Project: UNLV Solar Decathlon Case. International Journal of Industrialized Construction, 2(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.29173/ijic236
Liew, J. Y. , Chua, Y. S., Dai, Z. (2019). Steel concrete composite systems for modular construction of high-rise buildings. Structures, 21, 135–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2019.02.010
Marriott-International. (2017). Marriott International expands modular construction initiative. https://news.marriott.com/2017/05/marriott-international-expands-modular-construction-initiative/ (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Albawaba Business. (2017). Dubai makes it to world’s top 10 cities with most hotel rooms. https://www.albawaba.com/business/dubai-makes-it-worlds-top-10-cities-most-hotel-rooms-955290 (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Statista. (2018). Number of lodging rooms in Las Vegas in the United States from 2000 to 2017. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/221045/room-inventory-in-las-vegas/ (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Oh, H., and Parks, S. C. (1996). Customer satisfaction and service quality: A critical review of the literature and research implications for the hospitality industry. Hospitality Research Journal, 20(3), 35-64. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F109634809602000303
Janes, P. L., and Wisnom, M. S. (2003). The use of importance performance analysis in the hospitality industry: a comparison of practices. Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism, 4(1-2), 23-45. https://doi.org/10.1300/J162v04n01_02
Li, L., Sui, S. (2015). Comprehensive benefits evaluation of sandwich exterior wall panel. Sustainable Buildings and Structures: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Buildings and Structures, Suzhou, PR China, October 29-November 1, pp. 167.
Guerdon-Modular-Buildings. (2018). Canyons Lodge, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. http://www.guerdonmodularbuildings.com/our-work/canyon-lodge/ (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Deluxe-Built. (2004). Construction simplified. https://www.deluxemodular.com/portfolio/hampton-inn-and-suites (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Anderson, M. (2016). Here’s how a new Folsom hotel topped out in just four days. https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2016/05/03/heres-how-a-folsom-hotel-topped-out-in-just-days.html (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Guerdon-Modular-Buildings. (2016). Folsom Fairfield Inn and Suites. http://www.guerdonmodularbuildings.com/our-work/folsom-fairfield-inn-suites/ (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Prefabmarket. (2016). How this builder saved 40% by choosing modular container construction. http://www.prefabmarket.com/builder-chooses-modular-container-construction/ (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Mtech Consult Group. (2012). Waste reduction potential of offsite manufactured pods, 1–10. http://www.wrap.org.uk
O’Connor, J. T., O’Brien, W. J., Choi, J. O. (2014). Critical success factors and enablers for optimum and maximum industrial modularization. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 140(6), 04014012. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000842
Choi, J. O., Chen, X. B., Kim, T. W. (2017). Opportunities and challenges of modular methods in dense urban environment. International Journal of Construction Management, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2017.1382093
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). 2018. 2018 Offsite Construction Industry Survey. NIBS, Washington, DC.
HEC Global Learning. http://www.globalfootprints.org (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
U.S. Green Building Council. (2019). Benefits of green building. https://new.usgbc.org/press/benefits-of-green-building (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Bribián, I. Z., Capilla, A. V., Usón, A. A. (2011). Life cycle assessment of building materials: Comparative analysis of energy and environmental impacts and evaluation of the eco-efficiency improvement potential. Building and Environment, 46(5), 1133–1140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2010.12.002
Scheuer, C., Keoleian, G. A., Reppe, P. (2003). Life cycle energy and environmental performance of a new university building: Modeling challenges and design implications. Energy and Buildings, 35(10), 1049–1064. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(03)00066-5
Gustavsson, L., Joelsson, A. (2010). Life cycle primary energy analysis of residential buildings. Energy and Buildings, 42(2), 210–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2009.08.017
Zhai, X., Reed, R., and Mills, A. (2014). Embracing off-site innovation in construction in China to enhance a sustainable built environment in urban housing. International Journal of Construction Management, 14(3), 123–133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2014.922727
Boafo, F. E., Kim, J. H., Kim, J. T. (2016). Performance of modular prefabricated architecture: case study-based review and future pathways. Sustainability, 8(6), 558. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8060558
Jiang, Y., Zhao, D., Wang, D., Xing, Y. (2019). Sustainable Performance of Buildings through Modular Prefabrication in the Construction Phase: A Comparative Study. Sustainability, 11(20), 5658. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205658
Cameron, P. J., Di Carlo, N. G. (2007). Piecing together modular: understanding the benefits and limitations of modular construction methods for multifamily development (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Chen, Y., Okudan, G. E., Riley, D. R. (2010). Sustainable performance criteria for construction method selection in concrete buildings. Automation in Construction, 19(2), 235–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2009.10.004
NRB. (2014). 7 sustainable building benefits of off-site construction. 17–19. Retrieved from https://www.nrb-inc.com/modular-construction-blog/7-sustainable-building-benefits-site-construction/ (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
Lee, J. H., Kim, J. S., Lee, H. J., Lee, Y. M., Kim, H. G. (2019). Small-scale public rental housing development using modular construction-Lessons learned from case studies in Seoul, Korea. Sustainability (Switzerland), 11(4), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041120
Velamati, S. (2012). Feasibility, benefits and challenges of modular construction in high rise development in the United States: a developer's perspective (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Ellingwood, B. R., Rosowsky, D. V., Li, Y., Kim, J. H. (2004). Fragility assessment of light-frame wood construction subjected to wind and earthquake hazards. Journal of Structural Engineering, 130(12), 1921–1930. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2004)130:12(1921)
Kamali, M., Hewage, K. (2016). Life cycle performance of modular buildings: A critical review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 62, 1171–1183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.05.031
Tam, C. M., Tam, V. W., Chan, J. K., and Ng, W. C. (2005). Use of prefabrication to minimize construction waste-A case study approach. International Journal of Construction Management, 5(1), 91–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2005.10773069
Tam, V. W. and Hao, J. J. (2014). Prefabrication as a mean of minimizing construction waste on site. International Journal of Construction Management, 14(2), 113–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2014.899129
Smith, R. E., Grosskopf, K., Elliott, J. (2015). Off-site construction education. https://www.nibs.org/page/oscc_resources (Accessed on 12 Feb 2019).
La, L., Goger, W. L. (2008). Designers' and general contractors' perceptions of offsite construction techniques in the United State construction industry. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 4(3), 177-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578770802494565
Azhar, S., Lukkad, M. Y., Ahmad, I., Lukkad, M. Y., Ahmad, I. (2012). Modular v. stick-built construction: Identification of critical decision-making factors. 48th Annual Conference of Associated Schools of Construction, Birmingham, UK.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 Shreyansh Paliwal , Jin Ouk Choi , James Bristow , Hyun Kyung Chatfield , Seungtaek Lee
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Articles in the International Journal of Industrialized Construction are distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND) license that allows others to download these articles and share them with others with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. The journal articles may not be changed in any way or used commercially.
