Buildability in construction

Buildability is a pre-construction exercise that looks at a design from the perspective of those that will manufacture, install components and carry out the construction works. This should not be confused with value engineering though some processes are common to both activities.

In very broad terms, assessing buildability should assess elements of the design in relation to:

• Achieving the desired final quality.
• Meeting the programme requirements.
• De-risking perceived problems.
• Achieving optimum value for money.

It involves careful study and consideration of:

• The sequence of activities that will take place on and off site, taking into account the state of the building and its weatherproof environment at any given time.
• Dimensional criteria, setting out and space allowances.
• Use of plant and equipment to save labour and time and prevent possible damage.
• Practicality, flexibility and required tolerances.
• Standardisation of components and processes.
• Reduction in complexity to shorten learning curves.
• Identification of appropriate suppliers.
• Prefabrication opportunities.
• Ease and order of interface connections and abutments.
• Packaging of the works and allocation of scope in relation to trade and specialist contracts.
• Installation and maintenance access arrangements including long-term replacement.
• Health and safety.
• Temporary works such as propping, facade retention, retaining facilities and trench support, crane supports, formwork, falsework and scaffolding including gantries.
• Susceptibility to damage and protective procedures in-transit and in-situ.
• Weight and lifting requirements.
• Unloading operations.
• Spare parts.
• Storage and waste management.

Advances in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computed Aided Manufacturing (CAM) as will as the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) are immensely helpful in visualising many aspects of buildability. However, the availability of technology does not remove the need for engaging practitioners who have hard-won experience and awareness of on-site practicalities and potential pitfalls.

The contractor is often best placed to advise on issues of buildability, and some procurement methods, such as construction management, management contracting and design and build allow early appointment of the contractor to offer advice and feedback on design proposals as they develop.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• CDM.
• CDM planning period.
• Construction manager.
• Construction phase plan.
• Design and build.
• Management contractor.
• Method statements.
• Modular building.
• Offsite manufacturing.
• Packaging.
• Pre-construction information.
• Prefabrication.
• Samples and mock-ups.
• Site layout plan.
• Site Waste Management Plan.
• Structural systems for offices.
• Temporary works.
• Tolerances.
• Value management.

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