Developing a weighted synergy network–based model for selecting prefabricated construction services
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 4 January 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model considering synergy effect for prefabricated construction service combination selection.
Design/methodology/approach
This research defines prefabricated construction service as a service-led construction method that meets the specific requirements of clients. Based on network theory, the multi-dimensional collaborative relationships of the prefabricated construction inter-services are formulated. The synergy effect is quantitatively calculated through the linear weighting of the strengths of collaborative relationships. Further, a weighted synergy network (WSN) is developed, from which a service composition selection model considering the synergy effect is established. Then, a genetic algorithm is employed to implement the model.
Findings
The results showed that (1) when the number of prefabricated construction services is increased, the synergy effect of combination options is enhanced; (2) The finer-grained prefabricated construction services, the stronger the synergy effect of service combination; (3) Clients have heterogeneous preferences for collaborative relationships, and there are differences in the synergy effect of service combination.
Originality/value
The contribution of this research includes proposed a method to quantify the synergy effect from the perspective of collaborative relationships, explored the specific procedure for the prefabricated construction service combination selection under the service-led construction, and provided a reference for promoting the development in construction. Besides, the model proposed could be applied to prefabricated construction service composition selection with diverse research boundaries or client preferences by executing the same procedure.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: The study is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under the grant number 72171025, the Social Science Foundation of Shaanxi province under the grant number 2020R008, the Foundation for Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities under the grant number 21JP010, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under the grant numbers 300102231640 and 300102231301 and the Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities.
Citation
Qi, X., Du, Q., Zou, P.X.W. and Huang, N. (2023), "Developing a weighted synergy network–based model for selecting prefabricated construction services", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0334
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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