Buildability and Constructability Handbook: A Review and Guide

This Buildability and Constructability Handbook addresses the critical need for improved efficiency and risk management in construction projects. It begins by reviewing existing principles and proposes a revised model to minimize risks and maximize profits, emphasizing effective communication, integration, design expertise, and risk management. The handbook is divided into sections that cover the history, variations, and need for change in buildability concepts, the project life cycle with the roles of construction professionals, and recommendations for implementation. It is designed for HSL consultants and other construction managers, providing detailed information on sustainable practices, cost management, and project planning. The handbook aims to integrate modern principles and techniques to enhance the efficiency and management of projects, with the goal of creating a competitive advantage for the BPRC by providing efficient guidelines for managers.

Building and Constructability Handbook1
BUILDABILITY AND CONSTRUCTABILITY HANDBOOK
Name of student
Institution
Date

Building and Constructability Handbook2
Abstract
There are several injuries which occur at construction sites and this puts
the life of the workers at risk. Research has shown that these injuries are as a
result of human error or at times they come from fatalities from the equipment’s
used in construction. The overall impact is that the productivity of the construction
project goes down. Majorly, this handbook aims to incorporate a revised
constructability and buildability model into the new existing method, in order to
minimize the risks and attain maximum profit in the construction field. Several
activities are involved with Buildability and constructability. Some of these include
project planning, execution of the plans, management and completion of work.
There are procedures followed when carrying out these building projects. Due to
the ever-improving technological advancements, new methods of carrying out
construction works are being improved. The information in this transcript,
therefore, seeks to address the concepts and principles of constructability, and the
roles played by cost managers and professionalism in construction to achieve
constructability performance.
The first phase of the handbook reviews the existing principles of
buildability and constructability, by looking at the various existing concepts by the
BPRC. A matrix model is then developed which focuses on improving seven major
areas within the construction field. These areas primarily include effective
communication, integration, design expertise, proper listening and comprehension,
innovation, risk management, as well as reviews and recommendations. Effective
implementation of these proposed strategies is essential towards ensuring that
competitive advantage is created within the construction industry through a
generation of handbook manual that offers efficient guild lines for managers at the
Building Performance Research Centre (BPRC).

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Why this handbook is important
Why another book for constructability and buildability? There are numerous
excellent texts on the subject, with a long-established knowledge base, therefore
why another book? It is clear that the basis for buildability and constructability is
well established, but there is superficial evidence n the implementation of the
various principles to each and every project phase of a product life cycle. This
handbook thus is important as it provides its details on the application of the
buildability principles in each project phase. It equips the mangers of an
organization with a detailed overview of the principles which are specific to the
organization alongside other primary guidelines, procedures and benefits. In a
nutshell, the handbook sets clear the expectations from the various construction
managers while undertaking construction projects. Additionally, the handbook is
insightful to the newly hired managers who will be able to comprehend the mission
and values of the organization. The reasons below clearly summarize the benefits
of this buildability and constructability handbook.
1. Introduce new managers to the organizational culture and values
This is the most important aspect of the handbook, as the hiring of new
managers is a continuous process. The handbook aid in fostering pride and
belonging amongst the managers so that they can achieve competitive quality
within the construction area.
2. Informs the managers on what is anticipated of them
A clearly written handbook offers the managers with a great deal of what is
expected of them by defining their roles within the spectra. This handbook has
detailed each and every role of the particular managers, and how they can
contribute to the implementation of the proposed buildability and constructability
principles.
3. Educates the managers on what they can expect from the best management
practice
The handbook offers a crucial insight o the management of various
activities, ranging from finance, schedules to the field operations. It outlines the
product life cycle in relation to the constructability and buildability principles. This
clearly communicants and eliminates the inconsistency which might exist within
the organizational framework.
4. Portrays the organizational character
An organization is best defined by what it does and what it values. This
constructability and buildability handbook has explicitly defined a feasible
roadmap for the execution of the construction projects. It sets a print on how the

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organization is managed and how it discharges various duties, which provides a
suitable reflection of the organization in the greater picture.
How to use this handbook
The constructability and buildability handbook provides detailed information
on the proposed principles that need to be adopted by the organization in order to
remain competitively advantaged. The handbook covers the overall content,
structure the principles, the role of professional construction as well as the general
information. It has been divided into three major sections. The first section
provides looks at buildability and constructability principles within the context. It
provides the history, variations as well as the need to review and build on the
various buildability principles. The overall cycle of the existing information is
considered, and then the first section is concluded by looking at the need for
change in the existing buildability concepts.
The second section looks at the life cycle of a project, which entails four
phases. This information is tied with the role played by construction professional in
ensuring that the projects are executed in the right manner. This section is quite
significant to the HSL consultants as their roles are intricately defined, and setting
the background for practical application of the handbook. Finally, the last section
details a review and recommendation of the buildability principles. This forms an
integral part of the handbook, as it elaborates stepwise each and every
recommendation, as well as its relation to the project life cycle and role played by
the construction experts.
Finding information
To find information on the handbook, one will look for the aimed topic
through the table of contents and then press control+ follow; to locate the page in
which the information is located. Also, one can decide to search for the primary
word, by pressing control + F; it will bring a navigation page upon which one types
the word of choice and then looks it up.
Also, when one is interested in utilizing a certain section of the handbook,
he/she will have to make a citation so that the reproduced work does not create a
similarity from this work, as it has been patented.
Applying the handbook in practice
The constructability and Buildability handbook details the measures and
principles which should be followed while undertaking any construction project
within the organization. It should apply at all projects, after which reviews are
provided to countercheck the productivity a of the handbook, as per the last
section of the recommended principles. The handbook is intended to be used by
HSL consultants. To effectively apply this handbook in practice, the various

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managers ranging from the cost managers, construction managers, quantity
surveyors, construction consultants, as well as the project managers have to go
through it keenly so as to get the basic information. After this, one will have to
critically analyze the recommended principles of constructability and buildability
to have a good foundation on the same. The handbook concentrates majorly on
sustainable practices, and its implementation in practice begins at the planning
stage. As it expands; on various effective models and approaches within the
recommended principles; it touches on emerging issues and connects practice and
policy, which generates a clear strategy and vision for the global community and
coming decades.
The cost managers and project managers will play an influential role in
ensuring that all the procedures and schedules are implemented as per the
stipulated guidelines and measures. Additionally, the recommended principles
are based on a critical review and have not been implemented on any real project,
so any review while being tested in the preliminary projects is recommended for
further refining and coherency of the handbook. The handbook will have a long
term application for the HSL consultants and will offer the practitioners with new
grounding for planning, organization and empowerment

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Table of Contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction............................................................................................................. 5
Aims....................................................................................................................... 5
Objectives.............................................................................................................. 5
Buildability and Constructability.........................................................................6
Definition of constructability.............................................................................6
Origins and Overview....................................................................................... 6
Tenets of constructability............................................................................... 7
Constructability and Social/Environmental Responsibility........................7
Benefits of Constructability Beyond Cost Savings......................................7
Integrating constructability in practice........................................................7
Definition of Buildability.................................................................................... 8
Overview and origins........................................................................................ 8
Historical background of buildability and constructability..........................9
Goals.................................................................................................................... 11
Current BPRC buildability and constructability principles.......................11
Variations in CII and CIRIA concepts.............................................................12
Evolution of concepts and the need for change............................................13
Significance of the concepts to the influence of cost and change................13
Principles of constructability applied to the different life cycle stages of a
building project.................................................................................................. 14
Concept planning phase................................................................................ 14
Design and procurement phases..................................................................15
Field operations.............................................................................................. 15
Role of project and cost managers in the buildability and constructability
of a building........................................................................................................ 16
Proposed principles towards buildability and constructability.....................17
Effective communication.................................................................................. 20
Summary.......................................................................................................... 20
Integration.......................................................................................................... 22
Summary.......................................................................................................... 23
Design expertise................................................................................................. 24

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Summary.......................................................................................................... 24
Proper listening and comprehension.............................................................26
Summary.......................................................................................................... 26
Innovation........................................................................................................... 28
Summary.......................................................................................................... 28
Risk management.............................................................................................. 30
Summary.......................................................................................................... 30
Reviews and recommendations.......................................................................32
Summary.......................................................................................................... 33
Policies for implementing building and constructability plans.................33
Integration of proposed buildability and constructability principles.......34
Project Team Roles and Responsibilities..........................................................34
Conclusion and recommendations.....................................................................35
Recommendations............................................................................................. 36
References............................................................................................................. 38

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Introduction
Over the past times, HSL consultants have adopted the use of building and
constructability concepts in the implementation of most of its projects. However,
there have been technological advancements over time, and this calls for a need to
review the concepts. With regards, it is the intention of the board of directors to
review the existing concepts to enable the company to fit within the competitive
edge.
Aims
 To explore the buildability and constructability concepts to the BPRC
members and provide them with an opportunity to incorporate the
techniques into their roles.
 To implement the principles of buildability and constructability onto the
various stages of construction, among the various construction projects
 To design a buildability and constructability handbook which strategically
offers efficiency in all the construction stages.
 To review the existing buildability and constructability concepts and
improve on the areas where necessary.
 To incorporate efficiency during the implementation of the projects by
integrating modern principles as well as techniques
Objectives
The primary objective of this handbook would thus be to enhance the efficiency as
well as the management principles across the projects so as not only to maximize
the output but as well as incorporate efficiency. To achieve the objective, the board
will;
 Critically review the existing buildability and constructability concepts to
ensure that the success of projects in relation to the management strategies
is enhanced at the BPRC
 Create a competitive advantage within the construction industry through a
generation of handbook manual that offers efficientguild lines for managers
at the BPRC
 Enhance the efficiency of the BPRC projects through minimization of the
time schedules, procurementsprocess as well as the project life cycle stages.
 To educate the BPRC memberscontinually on the significance of effective
communication within the construction phases, projects and plans.

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Buildability and Constructability
Definition of constructability
As per the CII Australia, constructability refers to asystem, which aims in attaining
optimum integration of the construction knowledge in the process of building while
creating a balance on the associated environmental constraints as well as other
constraints in general to achieve maximum performance of the project goals
(Akpan et al., 2014). It is a project management technique which reviews the
process of construction from the veryfirst stage to the last one during the pre-
construction phase. It actually aids in identifying the underlying obstacles before
commencing the construction process and thus minimizing the potential
implications such as project delays, errors, as well as cost overruns. In a simpler
approach, it defines the efficiency and ease with which the structures can be built
(Allen and Iano, 2019). Often, the more constructible a structure is, the more it
becomes economical. In part, it offers a reflection of the quality of the design
documentation which when proves difficult to interprets, then the project becomes
sophisticated to execute. It is significant in the project life cycle, I,e conceptual
planning, design phase, field operations, and the constructions phase till all the
deliverable of the project are achieved in the most timely, cost-effective and
accurate manner. The below section will offer more insight into the origins as well
as other aspects of the constructability concept.
Origins and Overview
One of the greatest human endeavors since the beginning of time is construction.
This is viewed in the sense that every man-made particle in the earth’s surface was
first designed, and thereafter built, what is regarded to be construction. Primarily,
the 1950s saw the introduction of the modern concept of project management
being introduced in construction as a means of achieving the engineering feats
through the utilization of systematic approaches, in order to attain efficient
completion and timely execution of projects (Boton, 2018). This was later reviewed
twenty years later when there was a need to efficiently achieve the construction
goals, and tackle the engineering problems. This led to the introduction of
constructability. Within the project management, constructability aims at gauging
and determining the experience and knowledge between the project contractors,
consultants, designers, clients as well as architects with the sole purpose of

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maximizing the efficiency, timely completion of projects as well as minimization f
waste materials. Taking project management as a road map, constructability is all
about planning for the road, while elaborating each aspect in detail.
Tenets of constructability
There are three tenets of constructability; integration, design, as well as
assessment. These tenets are the ones determining the implementation of the
various practices. The greatest level of ease with which a building’s design will
allow for construction while still meeting construction codes, Team integration of
construction knowledge during the design phase to determine the most efficient
means to construct while still achieving design goals (Chang et al., 2017). Team
integration of construction knowledge during building to ensure that the lowest
level of environmental impact occurs during construction.
Constructability and Social/Environmental Responsibility
One of the leading contributors to environmental waste as well as the depletion of
energy is the construction industry. Thisis because most of the equipment which is
utilized is run by diesel power, which emits carbon and foul emissions into the
atmosphere. Currently, the statistics within the construction sector in regards to
the influence on resources are that: 40% of the global energy consumption, 50%
comes from nature's resources while 50% from the global waste.
Benefits of Constructability Beyond Cost Savings
Proper implementation of constructability results into benefits, which are both
conceptual as well as physical. These executed projects ensure that every person is
rewarded in terms of the pay, and builds the reputation of the individual; parties
within the project. One immediate reputation is the ability to complete the projects
in time, as well as saving the costs which are incurred in projects. Through the use
of the most Spartan materials and equipment, the teams demonstrate to the
prospective clients that they can be in a position to attain the design and
construction goals which are cost-effective, through the use of constructability in
the planning, design, as well as construction of structures.
Integrating constructability in practice
Constructability is viewed as a significant tool in the design of projects, more so in
the planning, building and completion of projects. Whenever one is implementing a
constructability approach in the construction projects, it is essential to strictly
adhere to the constructability checklist. The checklist is a way of ensuring that the
instructions are strictly followed, thus aiding in cost-saving, waste management as
well as energy efficiency while meeting the design goals (Ding et al., 2019).
Definition of Buildability
Buildability – on the other hand, buildability is the approach to architectural design
that defines the designer’s knowledge to the construction method adopted in a
particular building (Aziz and Hafez, 2013). “It assesses designs from the

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perspective of those that will manufacture, install components and carry out the
construction works. It should not be confused with value engineering (which is
used to solve problems and identify and eliminate unwanted costs) though some
processes are common to both activities”. Broadly speaking, buildability
concentrates on attaining the desired design quality, de-risking of the perceived
problems, attaining the program requirements as well as achieving the optimum
value of money. The various advances in the computer-aided manufacturing CAM
and computer-aided design CAD, as well as the introduction of building
information modelling, has significantly promoted the visualization of aspects of
buildability as will be seen in the later sections (Fadoul et al., 2017).
Overview and origins
The term was first introduced in the literary archives in 1983, after a series of
complains from contractors on the designs which were being generated by the
architectural designers. The construction industry research and information
association attribute the word to the lack of buildability framework which resulted
in the numerous complaints. Majorly, the complaint was that the building
designers were responsible for the high costs of the new buildings, thus denying
the clients the opportunity to obtain a value for their budget in the scale of
efficiency (Fadoul et al., 2018). The refusal to accept that the cost of the building
might be very high was led to the subsequent blaming of the designs. On the other
hand, the architectural designers assert to the clients that there is aneffect in the
industry as it does not have the capacity to meet the client needs at an affordable
cost. The conflict thus led to the modelling of approaches for enhancing the term.
The study group thus established the group Construction Industry Research and
Information Association (CIRIA 1983) which provided the defined constructability
as (Fulk and Connie, 2017)
“Buildability is the extent to which the design of a building facilitates ease of
construction, subject to the overall requirements for the completed
building”
In this study, a survey was conducted which involved the quantity surveyors,
contractors as well as site engineers with the aim of establishing the general
principles. Rom the interview, the general feeling was that good constructability is
that which involves both the constructors as well as the designers who work in
total collaboration. However, there was no point in which the study made
reflection to the views of the architectural designers as well as other designers
who are involved in the construction field. In another study led by Adam and his
colleagues, they asserted that a good constructabilityresults into significant
benefits to the builders, designers, and also the clients as it reduces the associated
costs, and risk which is encountered in the administration of the work (Gao et al.,
2017).

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However, a group of architectural designers refuted their inferences as they noted
that they have always played an essential role in the concept and design sketches.
The argument of the architects, further, was that before the work is undertaken,
they had to undertake quite a lot of time perambulating on the concept as well as
other design aspects of the building. The major issue thus, is that neither the
CIRIA did specify the various measurement aspects of buildability hence mots o
the forms of improvement are on the basis of mere logical reasoning and
goodpractice through the application of Delphic research methods.
Historical background of buildability and constructability
The background of buildability and constructability can be traced in
reference to a variety of technical reports written by bodies including CII, CIRIA,
CIIA, and BPRG. CII and Construction Industry Research Institute (CARI) initially
developed the concepts and principles of buildability in the United Kingdom and
the USA in the 1980s. The Construction Industry Institute CII, in particular,
proposed the concepts of Building and Constructability. The concepts of Building
and Constructability were initially promoted by the Construction Industry Institute
(CII).CII defines ‘constructability’ as maximum use of acquired knowledge and
skills in engineering, fieldwork, planning and procurement to attain several
objectives of a project. Constructability, therefore, uses project management in a
construction plan and its advantages can be seen especially when they are applied
at the start of the building project (Akpan et al, 2014). The main difference
between building and constructability is that building mainly aims at designing
while constructability focuses on both the design and management of issues.
Various studies have been done in Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong to
increase the standards and cost efficiency in civil engineering through the
concepts of building and constructability (Haziz & Hafez, 2013). The Construction
Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) have indicated that both
design and construction leads to a successful building project. It is important to
identify issues that can affect cost in the process of carrying out a project as
priorities may change as shown in the diagram below. The quantitative
measurements taken when comparing design is usually time derived from the
design and costs. These measurements on cost and duration are usually important
when making project plans on construction work. This, therefore, helps in
determining whether a plan is expensive, realistic or economic to use ( Badri et al,
2012).
When the quality of constructability is improved by project stakeholders,
cost and time wastage is minimized. According to CII in Australia, there are up to
12 principles that govern constructability projects. Examples of these principles
include knowledge, integration, teamwork skills and many others which will be
discussed in this transcript. Furthermore, a research carried out in Singapore
recommends that one wisely applies his knowledge in civil engineering in