Identifying challenges for extended design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) in all phases of a construction project

Abstract

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly is recognized for its potential to improve productivity in the construction industry, particularly in off-site construction. However, a misconception persists that design for manufacturing and assembly is only applicable to off-site construction, while not all projects are suitable for full off-site construction adoption; they can still benefit from this methodology. In this context, "on-site construction" refers to work completed on-site in off-site construction projects or on-site projects using specific construction methods. As the adoption of design for manufacturing and assembly increases, it is crucial to identify challenges associated with its implementation in various construction phases. This article aims to identify, verify, and analyze the challenges to the adoption of design for manufacturing and assembly with a focus on the on-site parts of the construction. A mixed-method approach, including a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews, was used. Data was analyzed using NVivo 14 Pro and prioritized using the mean score analysis and weighting function. The study validated 42 challenges, categorized into 9 key areas, with the top three being economic and financial, technological, and legal-contractual challenges. They formed the basis for developing a conceptual framework representing design for manufacturing and assembly-related challenges. By exploring the barriers to the adoption of this methodology in both off-site and on-site construction, this article aims to contribute to construction management knowledge and provide insights for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers on how to overcome these challenges and enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in construction projects.