Barrières à l’utilisation de la préfabrication modulaire volumétrique de bois au Québec : étude de cas du passage d’un système préfabriqué unifamilial au multifamilial

Abstract

Off-site construction is regarded as a solution to overcome the declining productivity in the construction industry. In the literature, many authors have highlighted the benefits of applying manufacturing based methods to produce parts of buildings prior to their installation on site. These benefits included reduced construction period, higher quality finished product, and better working conditions, to name a few. In Quebec, manufacturers have developed light wood frame prefabricated products and systems that have been mostly used in single and low-density multi-family units. These products can also be used for buildings up to six storeys. The purpose of this study is to propose an overview of factors inhibiting the adoption of prefabricated light wood frame systems in higher multi-dwelling residential construction in Quebec. The case study method from an unsuccessful project designed with light wood frame prefabricated components help to expose the barriers faced by manufacturers in deploying their prefabricated systems in multi-unit residential construction from four to six storeys. The case study methodology allows the researcher to gather better information and to develop theories about complex phenomena. Findings indicated poor communication between project stakeholders and errors in the project cost estimation as barriers in the project. Other difficulties included the lack of proper information management and the lack of experience of the stakeholders with this type of projects. From these results, professionals undertaking similar projects can have a better understanding of the use of multi-unit light wood frame prefabrication and would be able to identify and avoid the risks of failure in their projects. This report also proposes series of required actions and needed information at each stage of the design of prefabricated light timber frame projects to overcome the identified barriers.

Date	14 Dec 2021
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Ivanka Iordanova (Supervisor) & Carlo Carbone (Co-supervisor)