Prefabricated and Prefinished Volumetric Construction: Assessing Implementation Status, Perceived Benefits, and Critical Risk Factors in the Singapore Built Environment Sector

Abstract

Prefinished prefabricated volumetric construction (PPVC) represents an innovative approach within the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) framework aimed at enhancing efficiency in the built environment sector. Despite its promising potential, research on PPVC adoption and its associated benefits remains scarce. This study evaluated the existing level of PPVC adoption in Singapore’s built environment industry; investigated perceived benefits at industry, organizational, and project levels; and examined project performance indicators and critical risk factors related to PPVC. A comprehensive literature review yielded 28 performance risk factors, which informed a survey questionnaire targeting major disciplines within the industry. Analysis of survey data, coupled with postsurvey interviews, revealed that 57.45% of respondents had not yet participated in PPVC projects, and 55.32% of companies anticipated involvement in at least one PPVC project within the next 3 years. Respondents acknowledged the advantages of PPVC and its positive impact on cost, schedule, and quality performance. The top three risks associated with PPVC projects were found to be Volatile Economic and Social Conditions (C5), Poor Jointing (B3), and Delay in Module Delivery and Transportation (A1). These findings contribute to the scholarly discourse on strategies to increase PPVC adoption and inform policy-making, promoting a more efficient built environment sector.