The Benefits of Prefabrication in a COVID-19 World By Jamie Hodges
The construction industry is no stranger to prefabrication – it’s been used for decades as an efficient way to build components of a structure offsite and then transport and assemble them at the jobsite for less cost and less labor without compromising on quality. While this type of construction has been used by many in the industry, it’s popularity is growing given the many additional benefits it brings in a world domi- nated by COVID-19-related safety concerns, which include minimiz- ing worker interactions and increasing social distancing. The following benefits have always been inherent to prefabrication but are even more One of the top benefits of prefabrication is the ability to design and construct a high-quality product in a controlled environment. Unlike at a jobsite where there are different aspects of a project happening si- multaneously, a prefabrication shop allows for a portion of the project to be built offsite in a quiet, weather-resistant, controlled environment. This provides for less distractions and less unknowns, helping to keep projects on track. so in the world of COVID-19. Better quality and control Prefabrication is also typically planned in advance so you have a better sense of what needs to be created and can utilize a crew who has the skill set to construct the materials according to set standards, which are quality checked throughout the process. Put together, this helps contribute to better craftsmanship and better quality as well. Faster and more efficient Prefabrication helps accelerate your work since you’re not out in the field subject to weather delays or other distractions like trucks and traffic that can naturally slow a project down. You also usually have the same skilled workers assigned to the project who can hone in and complete it with less interruptions since they know what to expect, taking a lot of the guesswork out of day-to-day operations. Having the same crew work together can also give them a bit of insula- tion because they’re separated from other workers at the jobsite and thus at less risk of exposure. When the pandemic hit in March, many prefabrication shops didn’t skip a beat because they were able to social distance quickly and easily, ensuring proper safety precautions were taken immediately. Prefabrication also usually takes less people to produce and install, in addition to being done more quickly due to upfront planning and fewer subcontractor delays.
ICM worked in partnership with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to develop prefabricated structural pad, which was developed after three design changes to ensure precision tolerances.
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csengineermag.com
october 2020
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