Constructability: Outline of Past, Present, and Future Research

Abstract

Constructability has been researched for the last five decades, along with relevant connotations such as buildability and constructability programs. Definitions and concepts, assessment, computation and implementation methodologies, and techniques and tools have been qualitatively and quantitatively defined for constructability. A systematic and thorough review and standardization of key construction management concepts, such as constructability, could be the foundation for confronting issues primarily regarding: (1) the increasing complexity of construction projects, (2) the vast information and big data disseminated and accessed by engineers of different disciplines, and (3) the rapid development and increasing impact of tools such as building information modeling (BIM) and collective project management software. This paper presents a thorough literature review of the conceptualization and use of constructability and outlines the relative past and ongoing research trends and implementation tools, in order to contribute to its reevaluation in contemporary construction management. Constructability’s value is discussed specifically in connection with risk analysis, and their integration toward the establishment of an inclusive methodology for the holistic management of technical projects.