Assessment on the optimization of resources with precast walling technology in building construction

Abstract

Having a dream dwelling is one of the lifetime goals of the majority in our society. In most urban settings, dwellings are in apartment complexes due to space restrictions. Construction of such apartments at a reasonable price, acceptable quality & within an expected time has become challenging due to the scarcity of resources, especially skilled/ unskilled workers & materials. This challenge is particularly seen in Sri Lankan due to the lower rate of adoption of new technologies such as precast construction, which can reduce cost, increase efficiency and quality. Offsite manufacturing and pre-casting of building elements are becoming popular all over the world in the modern context Compared to other countries it seems that managers and other decision-makers in Sri Lanka are reluctant to adopt precast construction due to the lack of clear evidence on their optimization of resources. This research carried out a comparison on cost, quality, and time optimization that can be achieved with precast walling construction in apartment buildings. The scope of this study has been limited to a study of non-load-bearing walls in the structure of apartment buildings. Relevant data has been collected from experts in the field both partition walls manufacture and the installers in construction sites. The research is handled as a comparative study between traditional walling systems (cement sand blocks) and precast panel systems (hollow core concrete precast panels). The findings of this research would provide evidence on the optimization of resources of precast construction and encourage their use to build apartment complexes.