Abstract
Productivity studies in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry have gained significant attention in the past decade. However, the impact of actual industry applications has not kept up. Rework is a primary contributing factor to poor productivity in construction projects, and there has been longstanding interest in analysing the sources of rework and its consequences on project performance in construction. Studies have mainly emphasised the negative impacts of rework on construction activities. However, far less is known about rework in the Building Design (BD) process, e.g. engineering productivity.
This thesis aims to develop a design tool to support practitioners in managing their BD rework processes. Doing so first requires a fundamental understanding of BD rework and engineering productivity. We performed a systematic literature review on engineering productivity in the AEC industry, focusing on design research method applications. This review formed the basis for our investigation into the causes and responses to rework in BD. We collected qualitative data from industry experts through surveys and interviews while concurrently applying design process models to (1) understand the BD rework process and (2) develop design support. To select the most appropriate process models for our specific aim, we established a set of criteria. We ultimately chose a Multi-Domain Matrix (MDM) to identify and analyse rework loops caused by building regulations. By analysing official documents, plans of work, email archives, and anecdotal evidence as a case study, we demonstrated that the MDM can effectively identify rework loops. This information is the foundation for building designers to improve their current BD processes, which we have developed into the BD MDM.
Furthermore, we incorporated the most significant BD productivity factors consolidated from our qualitative study into the BD MDM to develop a design support tool, RePrAM. This tool allows practitioners to manage rework and streamline their BD process, ultimately improving overall construction project performance.
This PhD fills knowledge gaps by studying rework and productivity in the BD stage. By offering RePrAM, our research makes a valuable contribution to the construction industry, as it enhances engineer productivity, streamlines the BD process, and highlights issues of rework and productivity that can inform policy decisions.