Buildability factors influencing formwork labour productivity of isolated foundations

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects and relative influence of: grid patterns; variability of foundation sizes; total surface area; and average surface area, on formwork labour productivity of isolated foundations.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, a sufficiently large volume of productivity data were collected and analyzed at both levels; macro, and micro, using the linear regression method. As a result, the effects and relative influence of the investigated factors on formwork labour productivity are determined and quantified.

Findings

The findings show significant impacts of the buildability factors investigated on formwork labour productivity, and substantiate the importance of applying the rationalization and standardization concepts to the design stage of construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into the effects of buildability factors on formwork, and other related trades of in situ reinforced concrete material, i.e. rebar fixing/installation and concreting, labour productivity, which are common to other structural elements and activities such as, grade/ground beams, columns, walls, beams, and slabs, is recommended, so that the related findings can ultimately be used to develop an automated “Buildability Design Support System” to formalize the buildability knowledge of reinforced concrete construction projects.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research provide designers with feedback on how well their designs consider the requirements of buildability principles, and the tangible consequences of their decisions on labour productivity. In addition, practical recommendations deduced from the findings are presented, which upon implementation, can improve the buildability level of this activity, hence translate into higher labour efficiency and lower labour costs. On the other hand, the depicted patterns may provide guidance to construction managers for effective activity planning and efficient labour utilization.

Originality/value

The findings fill a gap in buildability knowledge and its influence on formwork labour productivity of an important, labour intensive, activity within the in situ reinforced concrete construction projects.

Citation

Jarkas, A.M. (2010), "Buildability factors influencing formwork labour productivity of isolated foundations", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 274-295. https://doi.org/10.1108/17260531011086162