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Factors Affecting the Capital Cost of Prefabrication—A Case Study of China

Author

Listed:
  • Hong Xue

    (School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Shoujian Zhang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Yikun Su

    (School of Civil Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Zezhou Wu

    (Department of Construction Management and Real Estate, College of Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

Abstract

As a sustainable construction method, prefabrication has become popular in many nations. However, there are many challenges for prefabrication, especially in terms of cost. Previous studies have revealed that higher capital cost was the most important barrier to the implementation of prefabrication. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore and evaluate the critical factors affecting the capital cost of prefabrication and examine how cost management may be affected by the “experience”, “corporate responsibility”, and “participant function” as a fix independent factors. To achieve the research objective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 experts for the development of the questionnaire. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the significance of 49 factors related to prefabrication capital cost. The survey results revealed that “Specification and standards for prefabricated building design”, “Related experience of manager”, and “Rationality of precast component split” were the most critical factors. In addition, “experience”, “corporate responsibility”, and “participant function” had significant impact on the evaluation of capital cost factors. The findings can facilitate developing a benchmark framework for exploring the factors affecting the capital cost of prefabrication in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong Xue & Shoujian Zhang & Yikun Su & Zezhou Wu, 2017. "Factors Affecting the Capital Cost of Prefabrication—A Case Study of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:9:p:1512-:d:109674
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    Cited by:

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    3. Zezhou Wu & Changhong Chen & Yuzhu Cai & Chen Lu & Hao Wang & Tao Yu, 2019. "BIM-Based Visualization Research in the Construction Industry: A Network Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-13, September.
    4. Hong Xue & Shoujian Zhang & Yikun Su & Zezhou Wu, 2018. "Capital Cost Optimization for Prefabrication: A Factor Analysis Evaluation Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-22, January.
    5. Pei Dang & Zhanwen Niu & Shang Gao & Lei Hou & Guomin Zhang, 2020. "Critical Factors Influencing the Sustainable Construction Capability in Prefabrication of Chinese Construction Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-21, October.
    6. Seoyoung Jung & Seulki Lee & Jungho Yu, 2021. "Identification and Prioritization of Critical Success Factors for Off-Site Construction Using ISM and MICMAC Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-21, August.
    7. Qianqian Shi & Jianbo Zhu & Marcel Hertogh & Zhaohan Sheng, 2018. "Incentive Mechanism of Prefabrication in Mega Projects with Reputational Concerns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, April.
    8. Zezhou Wu & Lirong Luo & Heng Li & Ying Wang & Guoqiang Bi & Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari, 2021. "An Analysis on Promoting Prefabrication Implementation in Construction Industry towards Sustainability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-21, October.
    9. Jingyuan Shi & Jiaqing Sun, 2023. "Prefabrication Implementation Potential Evaluation in Rural Housing Based on Entropy Weighted TOPSIS Model: A Case Study of Counties in Chongqing, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
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    12. Ke Zhang & Jiin-Song Tsai, 2021. "Identification of Critical Factors Influencing Prefabricated Construction Quality and Their Mutual Relationship," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-21, October.
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    14. Ravijanya Chippagiri & Ana Bras & Deepak Sharma & Rahul V. Ralegaonkar, 2022. "Technological and Sustainable Perception on the Advancements of Prefabrication in Construction Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-19, October.
    15. Kangning Liu & Yikun Su & Shoujian Zhang, 2018. "Evaluating Supplier Management Maturity in Prefabricated Construction Project-Survey Analysis in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-21, August.
    16. Yikun Su & Hong Xue & Huakang Liang, 2019. "An Evaluation Model for Urban Comprehensive Carrying Capacity: An Empirical Case from Harbin City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-25, January.

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