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Exploring stationary and major modular construction challenges in developing countries: a case study of Egypt

Ali Hassan Ali (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El Sherouk City, Egypt)
Ahmed Farouk Kineber (Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia and Department of Civil Engineering, Canadian Higher Engineering Institute, Canadian International College, 6th October City, Egypt)
Ahmed Elyamany (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt)
Ahmed Hussein Ibrahim (Department of Construction Engineering and Utilities, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt)
Ahmed Osama Daoud (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt)

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

ISSN: 1726-0531

Article publication date: 29 August 2023

235

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the most significant barriers and the stationary barrier to modular construction (MC) implementation and promote MC widespread use. By doing so, the construction industry can leverage the benefits of MC, such as faster construction times, improved quality control, reduced waste and increased sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a Gini’s mean analysis approach to identify the stationary barriers hindering the MC adoption in residential projects. The research focuses on the Egyptian context and uses a questionnaire survey to gather data from professionals in the construction industry.

Findings

According to the survey findings, the top five significant MC barriers are inability to modify the design; contractors asking for high bidding prices (higher initial cost); scepticism, conservation and resistance of clients to innovation and change; transportation restrictions; and lack of a one-size-fits-all tool for the design. In addition, Gini’s mean of dispersion demonstrated that the stationary barrier that faces MC adoption is the apprehension that architectural creativity will suffer because of MC.

Practical implications

The identified obstacles could be useful for decision makers in countries that have not yet adopted MC and may aid in the planning process to manage the risks associated with MC projects. The paper stresses the significance of devising techniques to overcome these barriers and proposes several methods to tackle these challenges.

Originality/value

This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying the stationary barrier and emphasising the potential risks associated with MC barriers. Furthermore, it suggests several strategies for overcoming and reducing these barriers in developing countries residential projects.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The first author would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Nadin Ashraf for her invaluable support throughout this research endeavor.

Funding: This research was conducted without any external funding or financial support.

Citation

Ali, A.H., Kineber, A.F., Elyamany, A., Hussein Ibrahim, A. and Daoud, A.O. (2023), "Exploring stationary and major modular construction challenges in developing countries: a case study of Egypt", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-03-2023-0099

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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