Constructability : capabilities, implementation, and barriers

Constructability means finding ways to construct effectively. It minimises disputes, cost overrun, and schedule delays. However, constructability program adoption in construction projects differs from one corporation to another, and the level of implementation (measured in two levels: corporate and project level) extends from highly sophisticated to none at all. Despite its benefits, many construction companies are reluctant to fully implement it due to many barriers (e.g. complacency with status quo and lack of expertise for design firms). In order to improve the effectiveness of constructability programs in construction projects, identification and mitigation of constructability program barriers using gap analysis techniques should be done. This paper illustrates research done with a partner company to measure degree of implementation of constructability in the company. We used CII constructability evaluation matrix to evaluate the degree of implementation of constructability program in both corporate and project levels. ASCE survey and two case studies of existing projects were also used to provide a clear picture of current practices of constructability in the company. The analysis showed that the company constructability program ranged from informal to formal and the percentages of implementation of the program in planning and execution phases were 63% and 67%, respectively. We introduced recommendations for the six missing concepts in the partner company practice.