Causal Relationship Between Enablers of Prefabricated Construction in Pakistan Housing Sector Using Fuzzy Dematel

Abstract

Prefabrication is considered a leading sustainable construction approach in the global construction industry due to its inherent methodology benefits. These benefits relative to traditional approach towards construction acts as enablers towards sustainable construction methods. The present research work critically evaluates the interrelationship among key enablers of prefabrication methods in the context of housing industry of Pakistan. A literature review is conducted that explores the prefabrication construction key enablers and their need towards solution of possible associated problems of traditional construction approach. Based on relevant research and expert feedback, this study identifies 13 key prefabrication construction enablers. To analyze the relationship among enablers, Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is combined with Fuzzy Set Theory. The fuzzy approach helps in taking the ambiguity involved in the process of evaluating the enablers. The study suggests that ‘Improves Quality Control’ (E4), ‘Better Supervision of Workmanship’ (E5) and ‘Shortened Project Completion Time’ (E1) significantly influences other factors and acts as substantial causes of consideration of prefabrication as a potential alternative methodology. The factors ‘Promotes Industry Upgrade’ (E8) and “Greater Reliability & Predictability” (E7)were found to be the most influenced due to inherent advantages of prefabrication. The outcome of this research explicitly considers prefabrication as an industrial upgrade and will help policy makers to formulate strategies to encourage prefabrication development in housing industry of Pakistan.