The need for and benefits of buildability analysis: Nigeria as a case study

Abstract

Purpose Buildability analysis has a potential of improving the outcomes of construction projects. However, the usage of buildability analysis is not well pronounced within the construction sector. This study aims to provide understanding of the concept of buildability analysis with the view to predicting the future stance for buildability analysis. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey research method. Questionnaires were administered to purposively selected group of construction professionals working in Nigeria. A total of 82 questionnaires were administered among the sampled respondents, out of which a total of 51 (62.2%) were adequately filled and returned. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The results revealed inability of the designers and constructors to have a common upstanding of the entire construction process, fragmented nature of the construction industry and poor correlation between design and construction as the most essential needs for buildability analysis. On the benefits of buildability analysis, the results showed increase inefficiency, save wasteful efforts and quality improvement as the most significant ones. In addition, the results from the study revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in some of the needs for and benefits of buildability analysis among the survey participants. Originality/value The study identified three future stances for buildability analysis to include building unity, efficient and effective construction and high competition. Framework for buildability analysis was developed aimed at providing guidance to professionals in achieving enhanced project production information. The findings provide in-depth insight of the needs for and benefits of buildability analysis that can inform professionals in the construction industry to adopt buildability analysis programme as a lasting solution to most design challenges and buildability problems confronting the sector.

Buildability attributes for improving the practice of construction management in Nigeria

“…Kruskal-Wallis test can be employed to determine if there is any difference in the median values of three and above independent samples (Ali and Bhaskar, 2016). It has been used in past studies such as Osuizugbo (2020a) and Osuizugbo et al. (2022c).…”

“…Thus, many definitions and interpretations of buildability have been given in literature. A glean from literature shows that the definition given by CIRIA is the widely accepted and most often publicized one (Osuizugbo, 2020a). The present study defined buildability as the degree to which a building design eases construction and thereby facilitates efficiently and economically building.…”

“…, 2004; Osuizugbo, 2020a; Osuizugbo and Ojelabi, 2020; Afolabi and Oyeyipo, 2017; Aina, 2015). Studies have shown that embedding buildability in construction management practice could improve outcomes of construction projects (Osuizugbo, 2020a; Afolabi and Oyeyipo, 2017; Mydin et al. , 2011; Wong et al.…”

“…The existing literature on buildability is extensive (Osuizugbo et al. , 2022a, b, c; Samarasinghe and Piri, 2021; Osuizugbo, 2020a; Shim et al. , 2019; Li et al.…”

“…, 2011). Similarly, the level of awareness relating to buildability among stakeholders in the Nigerian construction sector is low (Osuizugbo, 2020a). Despite its obvious benefits, the practice of buildability in the construction is poor.…”