Analysis of Quality-Influencing Factors of Adopting Prefabricated Steel Structure Housings: Based on the ISM-MICMAC Model

Abstract

Quality issues have become an important reason to hinder the further promotion of prefabricated steel structure housings (PSSH) in China. The purpose of this paper is to identify the quality influencing factors of PSSH and analyze the interrelationships between them. By combining field research, literature review, and expert interviews, 37 key factors were identified across the six stages of the PSSH project process. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method was applied to categorize these factors into nine hierarchical levels. Low levels of design informatization, unprofessional designers, poor design coordination, insufficient design detailing, and improper design scheme are fundamental factors. Irregular operation of connection workers, improper operation of painting works, and improper application of connection inspection tools are direct factors at the highest level. Additionally, the matrice d’Impacts Croisés multiplication Appliquée à un classement (MICMAC) tool was used to classify the factors’ attributes, resulting in 5 driving factors, 4 dependent factors, and 28 autonomous factors. A three-level quality control strategy has been proposed to eliminate quality defects by enhancing information exchange, increasing personnel incentives, improving material inspections and record checking. This study provides a foothold for quality improvement of PSSH and serve as a reference for formulating construction quality management policies.