Design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) and challenges of its application in on-site construction (OnSC)

Abstract

The construction industry has long had to deal with low productivity, prompting a search for innovative solutions. Off-site construction (OSC) has emerged as a promising option to enhance productivity, and the integration of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) principles has gained considerable attention in recent years. While DfMA is expected to find widespread adoption in OSC, it holds potential benefits for both on-site and OSC activities. However, there is a notable lack of research comparing DfMA practices in on-site construction. The present article-based thesis delves into the misconception that DfMA exclusively serves OSC projects. Using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, we recognize that various construction projects, including on-site components of OSC projects, can still benefit from DfMA principles. As DfMA's systematic adoption proliferates across the construction sector, it is essential to identify and address challenges associated with its implementation at diverse construction stages. The literature review initially assessed the current state of DfMA adoption in construction, spanning OSC and on-site contexts, with a bibliometric analysis to explore their relationship. The findings from this literature review offer valuable insights, including an in-depth discussion of DfMA in OSC and on-site construction, identification of research gaps, and recommendations for future developments in this field. After that we focused on the on-site aspects of construction, examining and analyzing 42 validated DfMA challenges grouped into nine main categories. These findings inform the development of a DfMA-related challenges framework. By comprehensively identifying and understanding these challenges across OSC and on-site construction, this study contributes to the construction management field and provides valuable insights for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Ultimately, it offers guidance for organizations aiming to implement DfMA strategies effectively. This will enhance construction productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in the built environment.

Date	27 Mar 2024
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Ivanka Iordanova (Supervisor) & Sara Rankohi (Co-supervisor)