Evaluating the Construction Time Performance of Modern Methods of Construction in a House Building Experiment †

The potential of Modern Methods of Construction (MMCs) to tackle housing shortages while stimulating economies is often considered an effective means to contribute to the resolution of those two issues. This is reflected in house-building policies, largely due to assertions by scholars and regulators that MMCs can be economically effective and efficient, while improving the health and safety conditions of work. Though commentary on the theoretical advantages of MMCs exists, arguing the degree of their superior overall time performance, the literature lacks empirical substantiation of the construction time efficiencies of multiple MMCs in a live house construction experiment, administered by one construction company on a project site with equivalent specifications. This research gap is fulfilled to a degree by presenting an analysis of the construction time efficiency of four MMCs, including steel- and timber-based modular systems, and steel- and concrete-based panelized MMCs. The methodological framework includes analyses of project programs and designs, and staff interviews. The MMCs generated greater construction time inefficiencies than the traditionally built houses. The planned construction time performance of panelized construction was inferior to that of the modular methods. Inadequate site logistics and design issues were the main barriers to achieving the planned time efficiencies.