The Productivity Rate of Prefabricated Pre-Finished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)

Prefabricated Pre-finished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is the new, advanced modular construction technology introduced by Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to promote construction industries towards higher productivity. This paper aims to study the installation procedure of this leading edge construction technology in the construction site. The hindrance and problems encountered throughout the erection of PPVC and the mitigation measures taken to minimize the impact are investigated. Lastly, the study also establishes the productivity of PPVC during the installation process, and also the delivery and unloading process of PPVC modules at the construction site as a reference for future project implementation. Introduction In the early ages, buildings and structures were constructed using perishable materials, such as leaves and branches. Later, natural materials such as clay, stone and timbers were utilized. Homes and shelters were all built using bare hands and human muscle power. The birth of modern science on the seventeenth century had made a major breakthrough in the construction industry as the rule of thumb and the use of scale modeling were applied in structures. Stronger building materials and new innovative construction technologies were slowly developed to allow higher precision in designs and ensure the quality and efficiency during the execution process in construction stage. Today, a huge leap in technology had leaded the Building and Construction industries around the globe embarking towards sustainability and higher productivity. In consonance with this, the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) had been encouraging the local corporates to adopt and implement a leading-edge construction technology to promote off-site manufacturing for on-site assembly, namely Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). PPVC technology also known as Modular Construction technology had been well-applicable in constructing commercial buildings around the world for decades. Modular technology significantly speeds up construction, improves productivity in terms of manpower and time savings. In a nutshell, lower costs and shorter construction period with better quality are the core values implemented in every construction projects. Problem Statement Conventional construction methods whereby the structural members are casted on site using wet concrete are still till the preferable method among the contractors as labor is abundance and the cost is still cheap. There is still lack of references on PPVC in Malaysia construction industry due to challenges and other external factors faced in adopting new construction technology. Contractors are required to allocate additional expenses in hiring experts and high skilled workers, providing training classes, purchasing new software and facilities. High invest in capital and high risks made builders become reluctant to implement new leading edge construction technology. Aim and Objectives The aim of this study is to establish the productivity rate of execution of PPVC system. The objective of study is to: