Tony Sidwell

Bio: Tony Sidwell is an academic researcher from University of South Australia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Constructability & Procurement. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 6 publications receiving 75 citations.

Strategies for Constructability

Abstract: Chapter 1 considered the interrelationship between design and construction, which is paramount to the successful consideration of constructability in modern construction projects. This was emphasised in a review of the background and evolutionary development of constructability concepts, which focused both on practice and on various research reports, some well known and some less so, that have been conducted over many years. These studies highlight some of the perceived shortcomings in the construction process and emphasise the need for greater attention to the implementation of constructability. This chapter first identifies the need for consideration of constructability and introduces the main factors of influence upon constructability which are considered in subsequent chapters. This chapter next considers the necessity for all contributors to the construction process to participate actively in the search for better constructability, that is, constructability is considered as a strategy for action throughout the total construction process.

Constructability Concepts and Principles

Abstract: Better value for money, improved quality of service and quite significant savings in both project cost and time are clearly possible through the detailed analysis not only of the individual phases of the total construction process but also of the interaction between those phases. In any building or engineering project, seeking improvement through the careful consideration of procurement, design, construction techniques and management approach should make implementation easier, quicker and cheaper. ‘Constructability’, in the broadest sense, embodies a conscious attempt to recognise in each constituent phase of a construction project that those facets can promote improvement both to that phase and also to the total construction process. Constructability identifies the opportunities for maximising the route of procurement, design input, design-construction collaboration and use and upkeep of the finished product. However, it must be emphasised that constructability is not a concept that should be invoked as an imposition; rather, it must become an implicit and accepted characteristic of the construction process, to which all the various construction professionals contribute. Furthermore, the use of constructability to reduce costs and simplify construction implies neither lower quality nor compromise in design.

Constructability in the Construction Phase

Abstract: Unlike manufacturing industry, where an organisation is likely to design, resource and construct its product in one place, or in a small number of neighbouring locations, the construction industry is faced with a completely different logistical problem, because, as we know, each construction project and each production site is set up in a new place each time to construct a one-off product. Virtually every building or engineering project is in itself a prototype, and it is well recognised and accepted that this presents many diverse implications and problems resulting from, perhaps, the remoteness of the site, the availability of the resources and even the climatic conditions, all of which are exacerbated by the various contractual relationships and the high degree of operational mobility and turnover of staff that is prevalent within the industry generally. A wide range of issues evolving from these characteristics presents particular problems to the practical implementation of constructability within modern construction projects. This chapter identifies the criteria that must be considered when constructability is being implemented prior to and during the construction phase. As before, the concepts explored in this chapter are amplified through illustrative examples.

Constructability in Design

Abstract: This chapter considers the potential contribution of the consideration of design to improving constructability, illustrating the concepts involved through practical case studies. Emphasis is placed upon the consideration of design elements and the empathy between design and construction, with a view to producing building and engineering details that not only have greater simplicity in themselves but in so doing are made more easy to construct on site. It should be emphasised, however, that the role of design is primarily to provide design solutions that meet the technical and financial needs of clients. The traditional design process is not focused on the production of the contractor. It is perhaps the responsibility of the contractor to better match the construction process to design needs. Where non-traditional procurement is adopted there is increased opportunity for a beneficial relationship between design and construction. Constructability at the detailed design stage is, obviously, the prerogative of the design team. Consideration of constructability at this stage demands that the following principles are incorporated into the formulation of the technical design solution and its elements: construction methodology; specification; accessibility; team skills.

Investigating the integration of design and construction from a “lean” perspective

Abstract: Purpose – Better integration of project processes has often been identified as the key issue regarding construction performance improvement. In some countries lean construction has become well‐established, although there appears to be considerable diversity in the interpretation of the concept. Lean construction initially focused on production aspects, but gradually design issues have started to receive more attention and integrating construction design and production processes from a lean perspective are beginning to be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the practical challenges underlying the implementation of approaches promoted as “lean” and compare this with published research/theory.Design/methodology/approach – Following an extensive review of the literature, a multiple case‐strategy approach was used to explore the practical application of lean approaches to design and construction integration in an organisational setting. Summaries of the case studies, one from the USA an...