Critical considerations on tower crane layout planning for high-rise modular integrated construction
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 18 June 2021
Issue publication date: 3 August 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Modular integrated construction (MiC) is the most advanced off-site construction technology. However, the application of MiC for high-rise buildings is still limited and challenging. One critical issue is tower crane layout planning (TCLP) to guarantee safe and efficient multiple crane-lifts for module installation, which, however, has been insufficiently explored. For filling this knowledge gap, this paper aims to systematically explore the critical considerations on TCLP for high-rise MiC to support contractors in determining the optimal crane layout plan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a multimethod strategy. First, previous studies on TCLP and critical features of MiC were reviewed to develop a conceptual model of TCLP considerations. Second, expert interviews with 15 construction planners were conducted to identify the critical TCLP considerations for high-rise MiC. Third, a multicase study with three high-rise MiC projects was undertaken to demonstrate and verify the identified considerations.
Findings
The paper characterises critical considerations on TCLP as performance criteria and influencing factors and identifies 7 critical performance criteria and 25 influencing factors for high-rise MiC. Specifically, the features of MiC (e.g. various modularised layout design, heavyweight and large size of modules) were found to significantly affect the crane layout performance (i.e. technical feasibility, safety and economic efficiency).
Originality/value
The paper is the first-of-its-kind study on crane layout planning for high-rise modular buildings, which contributes a two-stage multicriteria decision-making framework integrated with systematic TCLP considerations. The findings should help contractors determine safe and efficient tower crane layout plans for high-rise MiC projects.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge that this work was supported by a grant from the Research Impact Fund of the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (Project No.: R7027-18) and a study funded by the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government (Project No.: 200008901). Also acknowledged are the Estates Office of The University of Hong Kong, Architectural Services Department of HKSAR Government and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, who provided access to information, and the participants in the interviews and case studies.
Citation
Zhang, Z., Pan, W. and Pan, M. (2022), "Critical considerations on tower crane layout planning for high-rise modular integrated construction", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 29 No. 7, pp. 2615-2634. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2021-0192
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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