Views from construction professionals on hospital project construction management using modular prefabricated materials and building information modeling support

Abstract

This study explains the opportunities of prefabricated modular construction, which includes using building information modeling technology. The findings of this research can help managers and stakeholders understand the opportunities and risks of using modular materials and Building Information Modeling technology. This research also encourages them to use this technology to improve construction management and the quality of hospital construction projects, prepare for plan changes increase, and deal with epidemics. This study investigates the effect of increasing the prefabrication level in hospital projects. Initially, 21 essential criteria in evaluating prefabricated construction were identified by studying related articles and sources and interviewing experts. Then, using the weighted average and the Likert method, 7 top criteria were identified by distributing a questionnaire to experts in this field. The weighting of the criteria was then performed using the questionnaire data and the Shannon entropy method. Next, the best opinions were identified using the VIKOR technique and Excel software based on experts' opinions and selected criteria. The findings revealed that increasing the level of prefabrication reduced the amount of time, the prevalence of infection, the cost of completing the project, and, in some cases, the cost of changing the plan. Moreover increasing the level of prefabrication also improves environmental sustainability, quality, durability, ease of operation, and safety. There are restrictions, particularly in accessing projects built with various prefabrication levels.