How to Bring More
Predictability to
Prefabrication
Prefabricated construction has brought greater efficiency to the
construction industry, helped address the labor shortage, and
even increased the safety of workers in the field.
But while prefab provides many advantages, there's very little
room for error. When elements like exterior walls and floors are
constructed off site, they must be built to exact specifications
to accommodate the design and be successfully installed in
the field. If they're not, the elements may not fit within the
brace frame or other supporting structure, leading to wasted
materials, expensive rework, and schedule overruns.
Since last-minute design changes pose significant challenges
for prefabrication, virtual design and construction (VDC) can be
used to address structural problems before building starts, both
in the factory and in the field. VDC involves the use of integrated
technologies to help teams strategize on a construction project,
and can include BIM, CAD, and other digital solutions.
Through better building models and data at the start of a
construction project, you can ensure structural work is built
accurately so that prefab elements can be built and installed
with precision as well.
When done correctly, off-site construction
can benefit a project's schedule, budget,
and skilled labor requirements.
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