Standardization of brickwork construction: Identification and measurement of standard processes

This paper addresses a research project (funded by EPSRC and DETR through MCNS) that is concerned with the "re-engineering" of the business process of brickwork construction. The prime objective of the research work is to develop suitable strategies for the incorporation of standardized procedures and design features, both for on-site construction and for prefabrication of brickwork. The research project addresses the scope for improving the efficiency of construction involving brickwork by harnessing the synergy between technological developments in the areas of design, fabrication and site construction techniques, and business process developments in supply chain and materials management. This paper covers the review undertaken to assess the current state-of-the-art in masonry off-site prefabrication (P-F) and on-site standardization and proposals for re-engineering business processes. This review has been carried out through meetings, interviews and site visits combined with a review of research and practice publications. A number of key performance indicators have been developed to bench mark proposed processes and have been discussed in this paper.