PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology

From the PATH Press

Integrating Panels into the Production Homebuilding Process

What factors come into play when builders contemplate moving into panelized construction? And why would builders who are inclined to try a new technology not try panelized construction? A new PATH study, "Integrating Panels into the Production Homebuilding Process," answers these and other questions to help understand why builders choose panelized systems.

Builders who have not used panels cited higher first costs and an inadequate understanding of panelization as the most common reasons they did not pursue this technology. Some code officials also do not understand how panel systems work. However, the builders interviewed for this study report that most code officials accept the technology when they learn about it.

Among builders who do use panels, competition with other builders was not a major factor in their decision. Instead, long-term cost savings, shorter construction time, and better overall quality are the major deciding factors. Some builders who have carved out niche markets in energy-efficient homes claim that the energy efficiency of structural insulated panel construction helped them serve this market. Builders willing to try this advanced technology were most often rewarded for their efforts through lower material costs, lower labor costs, and fewer callbacks. Some of the important factors builders mentioned for the successful use of panels are trained crews experienced with the technology, and good communication between the builder and panel supplier.

Industrializing the Residential Construction Site Phase IV

How can we automate home construction to improve construction workflows and coordinate construction sites? This is the subject of HUD's fourth report in a series of five on methods for industrializing the residential construction site. This report features the results of computerized simulation models of panelized framing. The report also describes the panel erection process in a clear, step-by-step manner, and provides estimates of required labor time.

Virginia Tech researchers developed simulation models after studying the field processes of three builders who use on-site assembly and erection of premanufactured wall panels. The researchers also developed a simulation model of the component manufacturing plant for a fourth builder, who uses off-site, modular construction techniques. The models duplicate levels of detail that proved helpful in understanding the effects of production bottlenecks, errors in design, errors in execution, and construction system design.

A fifth report, "Virtual Manufacturing," is underway. For this project, researchers will develop a simulation model of a construction management sequence for a production house.

Content updated on 1/4/2006

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