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Barima, O K B (2007) An examination of the critical variables in the use of the virtual concept in construction value delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

Li, W (2008) An agent-based negotiation model for the sourcing of construction suppliers, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

Rahman, M M (2003) Revitalising construction project procurement through joint risk management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

Wang, S (2019) An exact architectural practice: Strategies for post-digital architectural design in China’s construction context, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

Yip, B L P (2007) Job burnout among construction professionals in Hong Kong: A moderator model with coping strategies, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

Zhai, Y (2022) Evaluation for optimisation: Design for assembly in panel construction , Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: complexity; uncertainty; design decision; variations; architects; case study
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2686185077
  • Abstract:
    Construction industrialisation with the aim of improving efficiency has been progressing for two centuries. The Design for Assembly (DFA) method, which incorporates both lean and prefabricated construction concepts, is emerging as a new approach to the industrialisation of construction. In recent years, many countries have formulated guidance documents for the development of DFA methods to improve assembly efficiency and quality. This is because there is still much room for improvement in the assembly efficiency of prefabricated buildings, and a lack of effective evaluation of assembly efficiency, especially in the early design stages. Panel construction, as an industrialised construction system with high flexibility, has great potential for improvement if assembly efficiency can be effectively evaluated. Therefore, this thesis develops a DFA evaluation method applicable to panel construction based on the product DFA approach. The DFA evaluation method developed in this thesis consists of two parts: assembly efficiency evaluation and assembly design evaluation. Assembly efficiency evaluation measures the efficiency level of a construction system and the space for improvement. Assembly design evaluation finds factors affecting assembly, so as to improve and upgrade the process. By analysing existing efficiency indexes and assembly factors, the thesis ultimately uses the ratio of building volume to number of parts as an indicator of assembly efficiency. Through literature analysis, this study selects 14 factors related to assembly as the evaluation criteria for assembly design. These criteria are classified into three categories: whole design, parts design, and connections design. The Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) are used to set weights for the 14 criteria. After verifying the validity of the assembly efficiency index (AEI) and assembly design index (ADI), the thesis uses the established evaluation method to study three cases, focusing on the whole, parts, and connections design respectively. The Packaged House system is a panel construction system invented by Wachsmann and Gropius in the 1940s. The DFA evaluation of the Packaged House system found that standardised design was the main factor in assembly speed, while the complex joint design caused by the universal design hindered assembly. The Checkered Playroom is a panel construction project designed by UNITINNO Studio in 2015, forming the basis for more than 150 buildings. The assembly evaluation of the Checkered Playroom’s three generations found continuous improvement of assembly efficiency coming from increases in the size of modules in the building, as well as module form improvement. The New Lawuga School, also designed by UNITINNO Studio in 2015, is located in a plateau area. The main building structure was assembled in only eight days. The assembly evaluation found the efficient assembly of the school originated in an integrated design and parts reduction, but the non-standardised design was a factor hindering assembly. According to the assembly evaluation, the thesis further establishes an assembly optimisation design method. Based on the 14 design criteria in the assembly design evaluation, the principle of optimisation design can be established, with a crucial goal of reducing the number of components. Assembly evaluation and optimisation design is an iterative process until a feasible optimal solution is found. Based on the established optimisation method, the thesis evaluates and optimises the Lignotrend panel construction system. Through the improvement of system standardisation and joint design, the DFA evaluation results for the new system are greatly improved. The DFA evaluation method and optimisation method developed in this thesis provide designers with a tool for assembly evaluation and design. The case studies on panel construction not only validate the feasibility of the DFA method, but also find factors affecting the assembly of these cases, which provides a reference for other researchers.

Zhao, Y (2021) Modernizing log construction system: A study on technology advancement and design strategy, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong).