Two-dimensional cooperation network for system precast construction

Due to the structural change and the globalization of the construction markets [Russig et al. 1996] in reaction to the tense earnings situation of the construction industry, at both German-speaking and international level, both construction engineering practice and research are striving to industrialize construction production processes ([Girmscheid 2005a], [Barthel 2002]). In the field of building construction, these efforts at industrialization are causing a renaissance of precast reinforced concrete elements, modules and composite systems [Zurcher Hochschule Winterthur (Hrsg.) 2002], based, above all, on improved materials technology ([Jachmich 2001]) and efficient production processes ([Girmscheid 2000], [Ballard et al. 2003]). Although the method of construction with precast elements is used to focus primarily on the low-cost and rapid "serial production" of affordable housing ([Bongers 1998]), the potential for manufacturing individual buildings with individual shapes and functions and made from individual materials but using precast elements, modules and composite systems has meanwhile been recognized ([SwissBeton (Hrsg.) 2004]). Because of the lack of established and suitable market instruments, the industrialization potential of prefabrication has so far not been sufficiently exploited in practice.